Peeta POV

I try and talk to her through the bathroom door but she's not responding. I hear the water running. She is literally trying to drown me out. I plead a bit more before I resign myself to her bedroom. I sit on her bed with a sigh, head in hands. I feel twinges of anger welling up inside and I sink my nails into my palms to keep from outwardly losing it.

I can't help but think her selfish. We are both hurting. We are both lost. What gives her the right to be so hard on me?

After a few more minutes, I am able to unclench my hands. I look at my palms that are now marked with red semi circles from where my nails dug in. I turn my hands back over and see more scars. Scars. Everywhere, it seems. The worst being on the inside.

Maybe we need more time apart. Maybe last night wasn't such a good idea. Honestly, I am not sure how much more I can stand. But then I remember that kiss in the underground of the Capitol. The one that brought me back. She begged me to stay with her so I did. It's what we do. We keep coming back. Life preservers even when we don't want to be saved. Oh, I know she cursed me when I foiled her nightlock attempt. I wonder how often she wishes for that purple pill. Would she take it now?

I glance at the bathroom door. Still closed, the never ending sound of water running. I decide it's time to leave.

I do take a few moments to straighten the room a bit. Stalling, because I really don't want to go. Without Katniss, there is no one left.

With nothing left to do, I make my way down the hall to the stairs. Before I can reach them, I hear a low meow. The source seems to be a room who's door is just slightly open. I push the door lightly and a cat comes into view. Buttercup? He is perched on his haunches on the bed. Prim's bed. I push the door open wider and Buttercup emits a low growl.

"Hey there, cat." I say.

He glares at me. He looks battered and angry. Just like us. I am stunned to see him here in District 12. I assumed he was still in District 13 or with Mrs. Everdeen. Maybe Mrs. Everdeen sent him back to keep Katniss company. I am about to take a step inside the room when she finds me. Ever the hunter, I never hear her coming. I'm startled and flatten myself against the door. Buttercup sits up still glaring at me.

"What are you doing in here?" asks Katniss.

I feel as though I am standing on sacred ground. I stammer for a moment.

"Buttercup? Did your mom send him?"

She glances over at the sullen cat.

"No. He just… found his way home somehow."

We both stand in silence for a moment. I watch as she plays with the ends of her damp hair.

"Like us." I say softly.

"Just like us." she echoes just as softly.

Right now she looks as innocent and vulnerable as her beloved Prim. I just want to protect her, I can't help it. I reach for her and she doesn't turn away. So, we stand in Prim's doorway holding each other up.