Chapter 1: I Love You

Katniss was scared. Scared to be his. Scared to accept that there wasn't another option... unless she wanted to sign everyone she cares about over to death. And Peeta knew it. So he was careful around her. Careful not to bring up the arranged engagement. Careful not to get in bed with her unless he was properly invited. Careful not to accidentally walk out of the shower without his towel, as he was learning currently.

"Katniss you can look now..." Peeta mumbled hastily as he threw on his clothes. How was he supposed to know that she was already awake. It was only five in the morning. He should know better though. Night terrors were common between the two. Katniss was bright red, humiliated that things like this got to her. She was certainly not Prim or her mother. Still she kept her head down and stayed silent. There usually wasn't something to say. Not since what she said to Peeta on the train. Not since they learned that they were to be engaged and moved to District Four. President Snow had delivered the information himself. It wasn't an option, it was an order.

District Four, Katniss thought, of all places... why there? Then she realized. She would be cut off from her family. Cut off from District Twelve where her rebellious best friend resided. She and Peeta would be in a career district where they could be easily monitored. The district that came in second for the position of the capitol lap dogs.

Peeta wasn't affected by her silence. She only talked to him when necessary. It bothered him that it was partly his fault. He hadn't told her yet, he didn't have the courage to apologize for making her feel bad. I just care so much. I love her. And she didn't know what to feel. So he felt bad for putting her in the position. Both were feeling guilty, neither had the guts or the courage to say something and fix the problem. Ironic since they had won the hunger games, but a teenage relationship could completely render them useless.

"I-I've got to go." She scrambled to get out of the unease that seemed to float around them. Even Haymitch would be easier to be around at these times. The victory tour was coming to a close and the train was headed for the capitol. Headed for the end of both their single status'. When Katniss ran, Peeta didn't know whether to be relived or to sit on the bed and cry. He was trying. Trying so hard to hide his feelings so she wouldn't feel so uncomfortable. In his mind he thinks silence is what Katniss wants. In her mind she just wants to go home and have things be the way they were. Two upset souls that are being forced together. I always wanted Katniss. But never this way. Peeta was miserable. If only he ate those berries she could be with Gale. That's all he wanted for her, just be happy Katniss.

"You don't deserve that boy," Haymitch slurred to her from across the tiny table in the trains main lounge, "He only cares about your needs. Did you ever even think to ask him how he feels?" She thinks this through. No I haven't, have I? He must hate me. Katniss rubs her temples and Haymitch nods knowing he's right. He feels bad for the kids. Haymitch may be drunk but he's smart, he can sense this will be a hard road. One he luckily got to avoid. But was he lucky? Haymitch pondered this through. No wife of his own. Not having someone to come to after a long day. He frowned at the benefits. But the disadvantages? No little monsters running around calling me dad, he grinned triumphantly. Who needs a partner that will lead to those little shits? Definitely lucky.

Katniss watched Haymitch carefully, judging his expressions. He seemed in a daze pondering something important before he bust into a devilish grin and turned his attention back towards her.

"What should I do?" She whispered. Katniss needed any advice she could get. She was going to be engaged and one day married. Terrifying. He looked back at her considering his answers. Finally he answered truthfully, "Sex. Lots and lots of sex kiddo. Might as well get on making those little gremlins." She stared in horror. Her face becoming so red Haymitch chocked on his alcohol in laughter. He didn't give her any hint that he was joking, enjoying to see her struggle in discomfort. He can't be serious.

Haymitch slid a bottle of vodka across the table when she started hyperventilating. She started at it suspiciously before realizing she didn't have much more to lose. Downing the whole bottle in the matter of an hour. I'm going to regret this, she burped than giggled gleefully, yep this is not good.

Peeta sat straight up in bed, pulled out of his napping by a giant crash. He panicked and looked over to the other side of the bed to check on Katniss when he realized she wasn't there. Not good. Taking deep breathes he pulled on some sweatpants and rushed to the source of the sound. Katniss laid sprawled out on the floor like she tripped and went down hard.

"God Katniss are you okay!?" He knelt down and lightly helped her sit up when she turned and smirked sloppily at him. Wait... is she..-

"Peeta," she giggled happily, "I fall dowwwwwwwwwwwn. Oh noooooz." Katniss prolonged the word while Peeta began to shake with anger. Haymitch had definitely made a mistake messing with her and thinking it wasn't going to also mess with him. Her head lolled to the side like it was to heavy for her to hold up and her eyelashes fluttered up at him. She looked so innocent for a minute he wanted to kiss her but held himself back.

"I know Katniss. Come on, lets get you to bed." Peeta knew her hangover tomorrow was going to be a whole new level of torture. One he was not excited to witness. They tried four times before he knew there was no way she was going to be able to walk or even stand for that matter.

"Up you go." He lifted her up and held her like a child. Katniss wrapped her hands around his neck and secured her legs around his waist. He's so strong, she thought to herself. Happily in her own oblivion. She rested her head against his chest and sighed affectionately. Peeta smiled down at her before bringing her back to the room and tucking her into bed.

He looked down at her already sleeping form and brushed strands of hair back behind her ears. Peeta never saw her so... so... relaxed. Even in her usual sleep she kept her scowl. It made his heart break even more. He remembered back when he was five. He would watch her and at that age she still looked like this, she hadn't lost so much at that point. Now she had, it hurt him to know this. Peeta also felt like he had a big part in Katniss' depression.

Knowing he would have to be awake and alert tomorrow to help Katniss with her hangover he sighed and crawled in next to her. At first he laid on his side and watched her sleep, not caring if it was creepy. Before Peeta could second guess himself he crossed the space between them and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her even closer to him. Closing his eyes and allowing himself to be pulled under the last thought that crossed his mind? I love you, please just be happy.

So there you go! What do you think? This might just be a one shot if I don't get reviews xD so REVIEW. Really it can be one word. I just want some feedback. Check out my profile and my other stories on my other accounts as well. Send me you stories too. I might be looking for a Beta so if your interested in helping it won't be that hard. I'll just send you my chapter every once in a while and you can edit it and give me your opinion on what works and what doesn't. Thanks!

-Evie :]