Chapter 16: Peeta and Katniss

Katniss has taken to sleeping in Peeta's house at night as she does not want to sleep in the big house all alone. She is becoming more comfortable with him and knows she can rely on him in a way she has never relied on anyone before. This is new for Katniss. She decided long ago not to depend on anyone except herself. And then she had been thrown into the Games. The Games changed everything.

Tonight she can't sleep and decides to see if Peeta has been able to fall asleep yet. She finds him lying on his bed, not moving and fast asleep. She puts her lamp down on the table beside the bed and curls up beside him. This wakes Peeta up and he brings his arms around her to hold her close.

"You love me. Real or not real?" he says.

"Real" Katniss replies.

Peeta turns and takes her face in his hands. "I love you Katniss" he says bringing her close and kissing her deeply. Katniss responds to his kiss with a longing she has only ever felt with Peeta. Responding to his embrace Katniss knows Peeta is the only one who can make everything right again. She does not stop him as the two of them finally become one in an embrace Katniss hopes will last forever.

Authors note: Follow on to this is "Pieces and Passion" - rating M. Find it under "Hunger Games" on FanFiction or look me up - Mockingjay59.