The two occupants of the elevator leading to the training room were observing a tense silence reluctantly; but both with different reasons. Peeta because he was regretting in revealing to Haymitch about Katniss's special skill when he himself played quite low there. Katniss on the other hand was silence as, although she was angry at Peeta for up-playing her skills, she was angrier at his witch of a mother after learning through Peeta's outburst that the witch said to her son bluntly that he will die and she herself will win, just after Peeta volunteered for taking the place of her supposedly 'favorite' son. She always believed her mother was the most careless of mothers, but Peeta's mother took that to a whole new level. She outright hates her youngest.

Finally after not being able to take the silence any longer Peeta said, "Alright Katniss I'm sorry for flushing out your 'secret' to Haymitch without asking you about it first although I will once again say that I did it in good faith, but still I think I was in the wrong. So can you please find it in yourself to forgive me?"

Katniss was a little surprised that Peeta would try apologizing and amend for his mistakes. What she couldn't understand was why was he being so good to her when she could be one of his potential murderers in a few days? How was he so unaffected with all the developments that took place in the last few days? Why was he even trying to make amends to her? And finally what was his ulterior motive? So she articulated all her questions into a single audible, "Why?" When Peeta looked slightly taken aback she elaborated, "Why are you doing all this and still not affected by the fate that you are put into?" Realization dawned in him but his answer was the last thing she expected.

"I am doing all this to retain myself. I'm forced by the Capitol and my emotions to enter this Game, but if in the process I lose myself then it's like the Capitol's victory already. As for why I'm being good with you, well in case if you are forgetting that's part of who I'm and at the same time you are the nearest thing I've left of home that I want to cherish as much as I can in the limited time we have until our fate runs out," said Peeta honestly.

Out of all the years Katniss had observed Peeta, she knew that when he wanted to relay to someone that he was being honest and truthful he very rarely revealed his honesty through his eyes, and at the moment he was doing that. Try as she might, Katniss couldn't counter his logic and shove him away, so she relented at last with a small smile, "Alright I forgive you. But don't go repeating it again. And I'm sorry too for snapping at you today morning." If she still had any doubts that got washed away with the infectious genuine smile, which he reserved only for special occasions, spread across his face.

"Agreed. But I'm sorry that I've to ask you a favor soon," said Peeta.

Sighing dramatically Katniss asked, "And what might that be Mellark?"

Grinning Peeta said, "Stay with me throughout the regime? Your mere presence will do wonders in keeping the girls at bay."

Though inwardly pleased at the suggestion outwardly Katniss said, "The scarlet looked pretty you know?"

Snorting Peeta replied, "Oh please. Its nothing natural. Not everyone in District 1 is natural like Portia. She had more than 32 teeth for heaven's sake!" Katniss grimaced at the description. "And you are far more beautiful naturally than she can ever dream to be." That brought a deep blush in her face though in inside she was flattered. What's wrong with her? She is blushing more in the presence of Peeta than she had in her entire life. "You even look adorable with that awesome blush," a kick to the shin was his prize for the taunt and she took pleasure in his painful yelps.

"You still owe me a very good reason for helping you out," she said haughtily.

Nursing his foot Peseta said, "Well how about I return the favor by doing the same for you? Keeping the boys at bay that is. Don't deny it but I saw quite a few yesterday with lustful yes while the girls were drooling unashamedly at my awake."

Though Katniss didn't like the fact that Peeta noticed something she was uncomfortable with, she was relieved that she didn't have to deal with that kind of attention anymore. So she grunted an agreement to his proposal quite unladylikely.

The two weeks of training session was soon over with Peeta and Katniss sticking together as they made the deal, staying clear of archery and weights (well in this part it was more like Peeta downplaying all his skills and getting intentionally embarrassed regularly) respectively. So they spent almost all of their time in bustling around all the non weaponry stations to learn things like survival study, agility enhancer, tracking enhancer, snare-building among many other things. These all were already mastered by Peeta so he had been only polishing his knowledge and skills, helping Katniss wherever he can in the process. The Careers lost all interest in him and so did the other 3 allies that were getting formed. Katniss and Peeta stayed clear of all these ally-formations but the Career alliance seemed the largest of both this Games and in the history of the Games, with 14 members to boot. The alliance was formed by all tributes of Districts 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Soon it was the day where they will be showing their skills to the Gamekeepers. In his nighttime strategy formation with Rye, Peeta had finally decided to go low with combat skills and stick to weights until he enters the arena. And that is what he did exactly in his turn of skill display.

So it was him waiting for Katniss outside the elevator on twelfth floor when surprisingly as soon as the doors opened Katniss fled out of it, completely ignoring everyone else's presence, and dashed for her room. Having possibly sighted hints of tears, Peeta followed her with neck breaking speed which would have made the huntress suspicious had she been not already flooded with emotions. Though she entered the room and slammed the door first, she forgot to lock it in her haste of reaching the bed, burying her head in her pillow and breaking down into hysterical sobs thus allowing Peeta to enter and lock the door at ease. Soon Effie, Haymitch and the others were pounding at the door asking Katniss to open up and tell them what's the matter. They must have missed Peeta entering the room too in all the sudden confusion. Fifteen minutes later they all left.

Peeta then slowly approaches the still sobbing heap and tentatively placed a hand on her shoulders. Katniss quickly shrugged it off and Peeta heard her muffled voice saying, "Go away!" Though her tone seemed quite vulnerable.

Sighing, Peeta finally sat down on the bed and raised a struggling Katniss effortlessly, placing her in his lap. Encompassing his arms around her he rocked her gently in silence. Soon she gave up struggling and buried her face in his chest still crying hysterically. He gently brushed his hand through her hair with one hand and rubbed her back with the other. It took about half an hour before she could control herself enough to tell him about what she did in her display of skills. Even if Peeta found it quite humorous, he schooled his features to not show it. Katniss's dams broke yet again when she started telling him of her fears that her actions may result in some harm or danger directed to her family to which he gently brushed off saying that it would make the Gamekeepers look like fools and they wouldn't take any actions if they couldn't justify their reasons properly. As for her getting arrested, Peeta mentioned that it is as good as impossible at this stage of the game. Peeta's reasoning and the warmth of his comfort and closer did wonders for Katniss and soon she fell asleep in his arms.

It was about 5 hours later did Katniss wake up. She slept the best in these hours than from when she was reaped. And the first thing she realized was that her pillow was moving in its own accord and had heart-beat like sound of its own. The next thing her groggy mind registered was that she wasn't even sleeping position, something between leaning forward and lying down. Finally she opened her eyes and the first thing she came face-to-face was a pair of sapphire blue eyes. A bit more investigation later her suspicions were confirmed as the memories flushed in her head. She had indeed fell asleep in the arms of Peeta Mellark. The very same who was now smiling down at her. The very same who causes strange feelings to arise in her which, despite her very best efforts, she couldn't suppress. The very same Peeta Mellark to whom she was owing something almost daily without a chance of repaying him back or even thanking him. And the very same who is going to enter the arena with her in 3 days to fight for the ultimate chance of survival.

She wasn't allowed to ponder in her thoughts any more when Peeta said softly, "Slept well?"

It was then that her position was registered in her mind and a blush, no matter how hard she tried to suppress, crept up her face. However to her surprise, despite her very best efforts, she couldn't bring herself to get up from this comfortable spot that she was in Peeta's lap. She passed it off as her desperate need of human contact though inside she knew that it wasn't the case. It was then that she realized that Peeta asked her a question and was possibly waiting for an answer. "Yeah I did. And the best I had in a while. How about you though? Are you still here from when I dozed off?"

"I guess my muscles are as good as unresponsive by now, but then the opportunity to watch your face was too good to pass up. You look very beautiful when you don't scowl, why not try it very often," asked Peeta while grinning.

Despite the jab directed at her Katniss couldn't find it in herself to get irritated and thus took sweet revenge by not leaving her comfort-place at all - giving him no comfort in the process at all with his unresponsive limbs. However it wasn't meant to last long as soon enough Effie was pounding on the door asking them to accompany her to the living room for the results of the day's events.

So you are still sticking out on the former plan bro? (Rye)

As of yet now yes. But I'll have to ensure its natural enough for me to convince the crowd. (Peeta)

If you are not expecting sponsors from districts than I'll say don't worry. The Capitol citizens lack a certain muscle inside their skull. So I say lay it as thick as you can. It'll only help in gaining you or Katniss more sponsors. (Rye)

I don't think it will be the same case with the President though Rye. From the small time I judged his first impression he is as sly and cunning as a snake waiting for prey. (Peeta)

Peet lets have our best option be laid down here as of now. The President isn't sponsoring you or having any influence over the sponsors. So you go about impressing the jokers, and if still there is anything necessary, our emergency stash is all ready to be used at your disposal. You only need to ask or instruct and I'll handle the rest. Speaking of which when do I send the mandatory backpack? (Rye)

At the very beginning as it will be the cheapest sending it then and I have utmost confidence to reign myself in the cornucopia. Moreover we made it ragged in appearance only so that it may not gain unnecessary attention. Now enough about me. You bought what we were planning all along? (Peeta)

Oh hell yeah! You should just look at it brother. The house is as good as one in Victor's Vill. Mum set a feat but then I'm already of age so she has no influence over me and with dad supporting my decision, she could do very little but scream. Should you return, which I know you will if your idea works, then you will be of age too for every Victor is declared emancipated no question asked. I don't know about you, but I'm surely going to enjoy taunting and tormenting dear mother at the same time until she kicks the proverbial bucket. (Rye)

*sigh* Sometimes I have difficulty in figuring out who is the older one of us. Anyway how are the Everdeens holding up? (Peeta)

The mother is quite withdrawn in her shell while I am finding the company of the younger quite well. She now spends almost all of her time at my new home watching you guys through the new digi-com I bought which is also the latest to be released by District 3. Took me a week to get it after it was observed. The school is going out after tomorrow, and I guess her stay is going to be a lot time more so I offered the Everdeens resident during the entirety of the games, and after a few days of stubbornness I finally convinced them. Or rather I spoiled Prim first and then blackmailed her to get her mother crave in. and being a former merchant she was easy to convince too. It's a lot easier to look after them while they are under my watchful gaze and near vicinity. Can't say the same about the Hawthorne kid though. Caused quite a scandal out in the slagheap with a merchant girl last week. Its still hot in the week throughout the district but still second to you guys though. (Rye)

Thanks brother for all the help. (Peeta)

What are older brothers for? And an air of caution. The President might be as sly snake but we are the vicious spawns of devil. He mustn't be very hard to deal or in your case – manipulate. (Rye)

Thanks for that encouragement brother… I need to go. Someone is pounding on the door. (Peeta)

At this late hour? Well well well. Someone I must know? No wait there. Its someone I already know. But really Peet? A Hunger Games was all you needed to grab the girl? (Rye)

*groan* I will talk with you later Rye. (Peeta)

Whats the hurry? Take protections and don't do anything I won't do. *snicker* (Rye)

Groaning audibly at his brother's lack of tact again, Peeta cut off the mental connection before walking over to the door opening it to reveal a disheveled Katniss. She wasn't meeting his gaze though and was looking very nervous.

"Let me guess. You couldn't sleep alone and is my arms are more appealing than your regular pillows so you came here to ask if you could sleep with me in the very literal, practical and innocent sense. My answer is yes so march along and no I won't tell anyone of this sudden development. And I'll take the blame on my part should we get caught in the act… of sleeping that is," said Peeta.

Katniss stood there with opened jaws staring at Peeta with wide eyes and it took her about five minutes to get her bearings straight. "If I didn't know better I'd say you can read minds. You even predicted correct earlier and now I got 11 points for targeting the gamekeepers," she said in awe finally. "How did you get all that? No wait, forget it. I don't care." And with that shaking her head and muttering about smart-ass boys (much to Peeta's amusement) Katniss went off towards the bed. Shaking his head mockingly and muttering about stubborn and uptight girls, Peeta followed, only to get a pillow thrown at him from an enraged Katniss.

The day after the skill-display was also the day of the interview, and by some unsaid customs it was Katniss on whom Haymitch and Effie spent most of the day in grooming up. Though she grumbled at the unfairness of it all, she knew better than to ask Peeta to get in a grooming session with either of them. Out-talking Peeta in itself is a feat that is unachievable. Haymitch frequently says that Peeta's tongue and brains are where the creator spent most concentration upon but Effie believes his appearance is also outdone – one of the few things in which Effie and Katniss are in agreement.

Cinna outdid himself is designing Katniss's 'flaming dress'. Not to be outdone, Portia teamed up with Peeta and made a very dashing suit that looked more than great on Peeta's worked out body. However the effect of him suddenly burning alight in flames and then emerging in white suit left the audience crazy and Cinna eyeing Portia enviously.

However that wasn't all that happened. While Cinna's dress did cover up for Katniss's lack of skill at stage skills, it only helped in perking up Peeta's fervor though. And after the interview, Katniss wasn't that happy. One thing lead to another and it ended up with Peeta having a bloodied hand from a cut which he received when Katniss shoved him on an urn.

So now one Katniss Everdeen was tossing on her bed after I going to it 3 hours early and since an hour passed, and she was yet restless. However she knew what she needed to sleep only that she wasn't sure if she was allowed. Finally deciding that she would need all the rest in the arena, she decided to try her luck. That and the fact that after anger had all but faded, she was curious.

As soon as Katniss opened the door she was met with the form of Peeta camping beside the doorway to her bedroom. A gasp escaped her when she realized that he still hadn't given up on talking to her and that his hand wasn't treated. A sense of guilt bubbled in her and the next moment she dashed inside her room and fetched the first aid kid. Returning to Peeta's form she realized that he was now wide awake, however she paid him no heed and began tending on the wounds. Fifteen minutes later, she was satisfied with her handiwork. Packing the kit again, she directly looked at Peeta's eyes. Taking hold of his hands, she gave him a tug urging him to follow her to her room and he obeyed to her wishes.

Reaching her bed Katniss climbed on it and made herself comfortable. Soon the weight on the bed shifted and Katniss felt Peeta's arms engulfing her frame and his body spooning her. Snuggling even close to her source of comfort and heat, she started playing with his fingers.

"Why did you do it all?" Katniss asked finally.

"Would you believe me if I was all true?" asked Peeta.

"No. Not even if I wanted to," whispered Katniss.

After a terse silence Peeta said, "I guess I understand. So you better learn the Haymitch version - an act to get us more sponsors, and leave it at that."

Another terse silence followed in which Katniss thought about all these in this new perspective, and sure enough she realized Peeta just managed to her the both of them a wide berth of sponsors. To distract her from all these she asked a new question, "So are you gonna kill tomorrow?"

"I never knew I had another choice other than dying in a game of kill or be killed," was the reply she received and a jab at his stomach was Katniss's response to the sarcasm. Sighing Peeta said, "Yeah I'll kill because in all essence if practicality, I'll have to aim at survival. And that survival can't be ensured unless 38 other tributes are dead."

"38?"said Katniss startled turning about. If it had been anyone else she would have dismissed it without much care, but it was Peeta, and she would be damned if she let him do what he was implying, for protecting her.

Another sigh and, "Go to sleep Katniss. Tomorrow you will need all the rest you can muster." And with that Peeta promptly dozed off ignoring all if Katniss's measured to get from him an elaborate answer. Katniss too knew enough about Peeta by now to realize getting answers from an unwilling Peeta is a waste of time, so after 5 minutes she huffed loudly and buried her head deep in his chest, falling asleep while taking comfort from his cinnamon scent.