AN: I wrote this for Everlark Birthday Drabbles on Tumblr to celebrate the-golden-sunflower's birthday.

With a huge thank you to Burkygirl, for pre-reading, making suggestions, and holding my hand. This piece would have been a mess without her help.

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Katniss stretched out her legs, rested her back against a tree trunk, and let out a tired sigh.

Lazily, she glanced around.

It was a beautiful spring day. The sun peeked through delicate clouds warming the damp earth beneath her fingertips, and a cool breeze caressed her cheeks.

A knot in the wood pressed against her shoulder blade, sending sharp pain shooting down her spine. She squirmed, trying to find a better position against the tree trunk, but the dull ache in her muscles made her wince.

It's no use, everything hurts, she thought before finally laying still.

Apparently, the weeks of inactivity had done a number on her body. Not that she was surprised.

She had spent endless days wasting away by the fire. It stood to reason that she wouldn't be strong enough to immediately snap back into action. But still, the notion that only one day of activity had left her so sore annoyed her.

She had dragged herself out of bed that morning, intrigued by the hushed conversation taking place in her kitchen, and lured by the scent of freshly baked bread.

As soon as she'd walked into the kitchen, she'd seen it. A perfect round loaf of rustic bread sitting on the kitchen table. It's crispy golden crust made her mouth water.

Her eyes turned to Peeta who was sitting at the head of the table with a steaming mug of tea in his hands.

"You made this?" Katniss asked, unable to keep the awe from her voice.

"Yeah. It's just a basic roll," Peeta said with a shrug. "Doesn't have anything special in it."

Dumbfounded by his explanation, Katniss nodded. "Thank you," she mumbled.

Peeta's cheeks turned a darker hue under her gaze, "You're welcome."

Breakfast was a quiet affair after that.

Peeta and Sae kept their conversation to a minimum, chuckling quietly to themselves as they pretended not to notice the way Katniss's bacon kept disappearing from her plate.

With breakfast out of the way, Peeta and Sae excused themselves. There was something about a supply train leaving the station that Katniss didn't quite catch.

Restless and alert, Katniss had stubbornly refused to stay home. As soon as the front door closed behind her visitors' backs, she had begun moving. If they were ready to get on with her day, so was she.

Remembering the hunting fiasco of the previous day, she had lowered her expectations for the day's activities. I'm not strong enough to hunt yet, she'd admitted to herself, but I can definitely go out for a walk in the woods.

So she had changed into her old hunting clothes, packed a few slices of leftover bread, an apple, and a water bottle, and she'd headed for the door.

Determined to use her energy wisely, she had reached the woods through the back of Victors' Village. It was a section she'd never visited before, and she was surprised by the thick vegetation that greeted her.

Small berry bushes and thick maple trees surrounded her. Their strong branches, covered with a thousand fresh buds of bright green leaves, made her smile.

She walked for a while, getting lost in the sounds and the smells of the forest.

The soft crunch of fresh leaves under her feet, the distant song of a young bird, and the buzz of insects' kept her company.

The world around her was waking from its deep winter slumber and life greeted her wherever she looked.

After a couple of hours, her stomach rumbled. Tired and thirsty, she decided to take a break.

So there she was, her back against an uncomfortable tree and too tired to move.

Slowly, she rummaged through her hunting bag. The water bottle came out first. Carefully, she unscrewed the cap and eagerly drank her fill.

The bread came out next. It wasn't warm anymore, but it was still soft, and its thick crust was as crunchy as ever. Katniss brought it up to her face and inhaled deeply.

Her eyes watered as the yeasty smell enveloped her. Feeling suddenly ravenous, she bit into a slice and forced herself to chew slowly to savor it.

Silent tears stained her cheeks as she realized that Peeta's modest offering was the first thing in months that hadn't tasted like ash in her mouth.

A warm sunbeam caressed her cheeks. It made her whole body hum, lighting a flicker of hope in her chest. She closed her eyes, allowing its unexpected warmth to course through her, and smiled.

Peeta's back, she thought. The old Peeta's back.

The notion was like a gust of wind enveloping her frail body and blowing the fog of her sorrow away.

She opened her eyes, taking in the world around her like it was the very first time. The lush colors and textures which greeted her mended her battered heart.

Eager to start feeling again, she breathed deeply and beamed, delighted to feel the tingle of fresh air filling her lungs once more.

Suddenly, the dark, angry voice which had kept her company over the last few months whispered in her ear, He's here today, but how do you know he's here to stay?

Terrified, Katniss froze. She hated to admit it, but the voice was right. She knew why she was back in this barren wasteland. She had no choice. But Peeta hadn't killed a president. He was free to go where he pleased. Why would he choose to stay in a place that held nothing but pain?

Unsettled, Katniss packed up the remains of her food and headed straight for the Victors' Village.

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By the time Katniss reached Peeta's house, the sun had begun to set. Warm golden rays bathed the Village, making the windows on every house gleam.

She was worn and winded. Her cheeks were flushed, and a light sheen of sweat covered her brow, but she didn't stop. With the last of her strength, she reached Peeta's door and knocked.

Exhausted, she pressed her hand against the wood and leaned her body on it for support.

A moment later, the door gave way under her palm making her lose her balance and propelling her forward, straight into Peeta's arms.

Surprised, Peeta reached for her shoulders and steadied her. "Katniss?"

Flustered, she tensed under his touch. "I'm ok," she wheezed.

Peeta let go and took a small step back. "Wanna come in?" he suggested.

Desperate for fresh air, Katniss shook her head and pointed to the porch swing. "Sit with me?"

"Sure." Peeta closed the door behind him and followed her to the swing.

Katniss sat down. Peeta followed suit, thoughtfully leaving as much space between them as he could.

He waited.

Slowly, Katniss regained her breath. The crisp afternoon breeze caressed her clammy skin, cooling down her body and making her shiver.

"Would you like some tea?" Peeta offered.

Grateful for the offer, Katniss nodded.

A few minutes later, she was gripping a steaming mug between her cold hands. Shakily, she brought the cup to her lips and took a sip.

The warm drink filled her mouth. Surprised by how strong and tart it was she wrinkled her nose as she swallowed, "Bitter," she mumbled into the cup.

Peeta's cheeks reddened. "Sorry!" he quickly apologized, "That's mine. Here's yours," he said, gently exchanging the mug in her hand with the one he was holding.

"It's ok," she said bringing the new cup back to her lips.

As soon as the sweet beverage hit her tongue, she smiled. It was perfect.

Eagerly, she took a few more sips. The delicate balance of sugar, tea, and milk invaded her senses. And, as the warm liquid traveled down her throat hitting all the right spots, she wondered how an insignificant piece of information such as her tea preference had remained untouched by the Capitol's ugly hand.

Gradually, Katniss began to relax. She leaned against the backrest, letting her feet dangle limply under her seat, and took in the sight in front of her.

Over the last few minutes, the sky had turned violet and pink. A few golden brushstrokes completed the sunset's palette, making the clouds glow.

A sudden sense of contentment enveloped her and, for the first time since she'd sat down, she turned to look at Peeta.

He was sitting on the far side of the swing, facing the street and enjoying the view as he absentmindedly blew on his tea.

The deep-rooted memory of a sunset over the Capitol skyline tugged at her heart, reminding her of a time before the Quarter Quell, the hijacking, and the war.

They had been so close then, so determined to risk everything just to keep each other safe.

So much had happened since. They had lost so much along the way, and still, there they were, sharing a simple cup of tea while they watched the sun paint the sky.

The niggling voice inside of her spoke again, breaking her peace and souring her mood. Don't get too attached. He's leaving soon.

Exasperated, Katniss huffed. She was tired of the questions and doubts which ate away at her during the night. Determined to put an end to her inner turmoil she asked, "When are you leaving?"

Startled, Peeta turned to face her. "I'm not."

Katniss's eyes narrowed as she struggled to make sense of his words. He had said so little, and still…

"You… you're staying?" she asked.

With a confidence Katniss hadn't seen in months, Peeta answered, "I am."

"Why?"

"Because it's home."

Peeta's words, candid and soft, wrapped around her chest reminding her of her grief. Dispirited and broken, she said, "But there's nothing left!"

A few stubborn tears streamed down her cheeks as she added, "They're all gone."

From his side of the swing, Peeta sighed. His eyes glistened with unshed tears as he answered, "They are. But someone has to be here, Katniss. To remember. To make it right."

Using the back of her hand to wipe away her tears, she grumbled, "Nothing will ever be right."

"Maybe not," Peeta quietly conceded, "But I still have to try."

Katniss let out an annoyed huff. She was convinced that she would never understand the puzzle that was Peeta Mellark. After everything he'd been through, all the suffering and the pain, he still wanted to make things right. In what world did that make sense?

She was about to ask him just that when he spoke again.

"Listen, Katniss. I came back because I needed to. There may be nothing left here. But I don't have anything anywhere else either. At the end of the day, this is where I belong."

With a heavy sigh, he turned towards the street once more. His eyes locked on something in the far off distance Katniss couldn't see.

When he spoke again, his words were sad and hollow. "I know things will never be the same, not after everything we've been through. So, if you want me to leave, I'll understand.

"I won't leave the district, but I don't have to stay in Victors' Village. I can ask for a new house as soon as other options become available, and...

"Stop!" Automatically, her hand reached for his knee. With a gentle squeeze, she asked him to turn around.

"You don't have to go. I..." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Words had never been her thing, but she needed to make sure he understood. She still wanted him, still needed him.

She opened her eyes and found him waiting for her to continue. Trying for her best smile, she said, "I want you to stay."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah."

A shy smile brightened his features. "Ok, then. I'll stay," he promised.

Relieved, Katniss went back to her tea. Her heart felt whole and light. Peeta wasn't going anywhere. He wanted to stay!

Refusing to be ignored, the treacherous voice inside of her spoke once more. He hasn't said it yet.

Katniss scowled. She hated admitting it, but she needed more, and only one word would give her the peace she craved.

Determined to settle the matter, she gathered all of her strength, squared her shoulders, and asked, "Always?"

The same sweet voice which haunted her dreams, echoed back, "Always."

It was like being enveloped by light. Warm sunbeams bounced on every surface, reaching into her soul, making her feel weightless and free.

Enjoying her newfound peace, Katniss drained the last of her tea. When she bent down to leave the empty mug on the floor her stomach pressed against her hunting bag, and she remembered something.

She opened the satchel and rifled through it for a moment, pushing the empty water bottle and the leftovers from lunch out of the way. Finally, her hand wrapped around the thick dandelion stems she had collected on her walk through the forest.

Triumphantly, she declared, "Here, these are for you."

Peeta looked at the offering and raised a questioning eyebrow. "Weeds?"

"Dandelions," she corrected him. "You can eat them."

"You can?"

"Yeah, just boil them for a bit and use them in a

salad."

"Ok, thanks," he said, reaching out and taking the greens from Katniss's hand.

Carefully, Peeta laid the stems on his lap and began to sort them out, grouping them by length. "Did you eat a lot of these growing up?" he asked.

"Mm-hmm. I started picking them the day after you gave me the bread."

Peeta let out a tired sigh.

Startled, Katniss asked, "You ok?"

He nodded, keeping his eyes trained on the weeds in his hands, he asked, "Do you think we could call it even now? About the bread?"

It was a simple request, one he'd made many times before and which she had never granted. Stubbornly refusing to let go of the guilt she felt for failing to repay him for his selflessness and generosity. She would never forget Peeta's gift. But, after sharing two arenas and a war with him, it seemed pointless to keep track of who had done what for whom.

Peeta wanted a clean slate, and she was ready to give it to him.

Softly, she whispered, "Yeah, we can."

An easy silence fell over them as they turned their eyes back to the sky. The soft colors of dusk gave way to the darker hues of night and early stars pierced the sky. The day was over, it was time to go home.

Suddenly, Peeta's phone rang. The shrill sound broke the silence making Katniss jump.

Amused by her reaction, Peeta placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and chuckled. "That's probably Doctor Aurelius," he explained, "I'm sorry, I have to take it."

"It's ok," she said, picking up her mug and handing it back to him, "it's time I went home anyway. Wanna come over for dinner later?"

"Sure. I'll bring salad," he said, standing up and waving the bunch of stems in his hand.

Katniss smiled, her eyes followed him as he walked along the porch.

Peeta reached his front door and pushed it open, he was already stepping into his house when Katniss called out.

"Hey, Peeta?"

"Yeah?"

"Welcome home."

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AN: I love reviews as much as Prim loves mint drops. You always make my day when you share them with me. Thanks!

You can also find me on Tumblr. I'm javistg over there, come and say hi!

The Hunger Games Trilogy is property of Suzanne Collins. No money was made off of the creation of this fanwork.