A/N: I think I'll make a sequel... What should the name of it be? Something simple, like 'Quarter Quell'? Or something inspiring?

Chapter 13:

"I love you, Nikki Swift."

That rang through Nikki's thoughts as she completed her seventh daily run throughout District 12. Starting a new exercise routine wasn't easy, but if she wanted to be a good mentor for the next Hunger Games, she wanted to be fit enough that she was able to help her tribute. She wouldn't let them down. She had to be faster, stronger, better. She could already feel a little slimmer, and she could run faster.

Every day, Nikki went for a run, helped her family around the house, and spent the evenings with Peeta to let their love grow naturally. Peeta took her on dates into the square for dinner, and into the field in Victor's Village for picnics and relaxing talks. Nikki couldn't help but feel like Peeta was going to ask her a certain question, as they continued getting to know each other as a couple, but he never did. The morning of the Victory Tour arrived quickly, leaving Nikki spinning in whiplash as she tried to get accustomed to a new routine.

"Good morning!" Effie greeted Nikki as she and the styling crew arrived at Nikki's house.

"Good morning," Nikki said warily as she sipped at the cup of coffee in her hand. She raised an eyebrow at all of the dresses and designs that they had brought with them.

"Don't worry, we'll find the right outfit for you. You won't have to wear all of them," Cinna reassured her.

Nikki sighed in relief. "That's reassuring." She laughed slightly. Quicker than she thought possible, Nikki was walking out of the house towards Peeta as he left his house. They met in the middle of the road, with a small kiss on the lips.

The cameras were on both of them, and Caesar's voice came booming through the village. "Nikki Swift and Peeta Mellark! How is life in District 12?"

Peeta and Nikki smiled at each other at the question. Then Peeta turned to the camera. "Life has been great in District 12."

"And how is your relationship going?"

Nikki blushed. "Our relationship is going very well. Peeta's been taking me on dates every week."

They spoke for a little bit longer, before they were allowed to leave and get ready for the tour. Effie was her usual bubbly self as she loaded everyone onto the train, telling everyone what the plan was. "We will spend a day at each district, giving short eulogies for the fallen tribute, and then we'll travel to the next district until we get to the Capitol."

Seeing the sad people of District 11, and the grieving families, choked Nikki up. She was unable to follow Effie's notecards, and she just allowed Peeta to speak for them. She couldn't take her eyes off of Rue's siblings, thinking back to the little girl that liked to climb and nick knives from the other tributes. Nikki never really bothered getting to know Rue, knowing that Rue would have to die for her to live, and now she was regretting that decision. They made their way back onto the train, Peeta guiding Nikki when she stopped responding to her surroundings.

That night, Nikki woke up with a scream, the nightmare of seeing Rue and Thresh getting skewered replaying in her mind. Wide blue eyes turned to the door as it opened to show Peeta. "Peeta," she whispered.

Peeta stepped into the room and walked around to the other side of the bed. Getting in, he said, "It's okay, Nikki, I get nightmares too. I'll stay with you until you fall back asleep."

Nikki lay back down, resting her head on his broad chest, and wrapping an arm around his waist. "Okay." She was glad that he was with her now. She didn't think that she'd fall asleep unless he was there.

A/N: What? A second chapter two hours after the last one? :D Sorry that this is a little shorter, but it's the end of my writing block (writing like Brandon Sanderson) at 1:54 am. Lol. See you next time!