Peeta x Reader

Chapter 3: The Train

Song: "Ketchum, ID" by boygenius

Warning: basically every chapter will have a Phoebe song. Sorry x lol

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Y/N POV

     We sit at a table on a speeding train on the way to the Capitol. Me, Peeta, Effie, and Will all sit in silence until Effie finally speaks.

     "It really is a lovely day," she's trying really hard to get everyone to speak. "I'm so excited to eat, I'm famished!"

     We all stare blankly at her. She isn't famished. She's from the Capitol, she will never understand what it's like to actually be starving. When Will and I lived in the Seam with our parents, we would have to ration our food to incredibly small portions which still wouldn't be enough. But Effie has never been denied food in her whole life.

     A group of people brings out plates of steaming food. Cooked chicken, fresh bread, potatoes, vegetables, more food than I've ever seen at once. Effie spends time pouring water from a tall glass pitcher into her tiny cup, folds her napkin nicely on her lap and sorts through her utensils. She looks up at us who have already devoured about one fourth of our food before she has even touched hers.

     "Tributes!" she looks shocked. "Where are your manners?" We all stare at her, say nothing, and continue eating the way we were. She looks disgusted but doesn't add any more snarky comments. She probably noticed how hungry we were before we even got here.

     I accidently knock one of my forks on the floor and get out of my seat to bend down and pick it up. Effie gasps and my hand touches someone else. I look up to see a girl, who looks as good as dead. She has auburn hair and such a straight face it looks like a statue.

     "Oh, it's okay. I got it. Thank you though." I say but the girl keeps her hand on the fork and her eyes glued on mine.

     "Y/N!" William whispers. "Let her get it."

     I slowly sit back down and the girl gently places my fork back on the table. She scuffles back to the corner of the room by the door and stands motionless as I stare at her.

     We all eat in silence after that, Peeta and I shooting confused glances at each other. When we finish eating our meal, they bring out a fine dessert of pudding, various fruits, and coffee. Will hands me cream and sugar for the coffee.

     "Makes it less bitter." He smiles.

     There is still minimal conversation, Effie is trying to keep everyone in good spirits but can't hide her distaste to our eating habits. After we are finished eating, Effie brings the three of us to our bedrooms. They are luxury, even better than my room in the Victor's Village, which I always thought was the best I could get. There is a large bed, a big window, and a shower! An actual shower! Back in District 12, we would bathe when necessary in a large bucket full of cold water. Peeta and I would usually bathe in the small lake in the meadow. But this shower had panels with countless settings, temperatures, features. Is this how people in the Capitol live every day?

     The four of us are all in separate rooms but after the sun sets, I slide out of bed, freshly showered, and knock on Peetas door. He gives a grunt which I take as an invitation into his room. He is lying on his bed, half asleep, but I have to wake him to talk. He rolls over to face me standing in the doorway. His hair is wet and messy and his face is smushed from lying awkwardly on his bed. He sees me and sits up, pressing his back against the headboard. He pats the sheets next to him and I climb in.

     We both sit in silence for a while, just being content with each other's company. This won't last long. I break the silence.

     "We're going to have to kill each other, you know." My voice is shaking. I haven't said this out loud before and the thought kills me.

     "I know." Peeta looks at me, his eyes start to fill with tears. I hug him and we sob together, and in that moment I make it my resolution to keep Peeta safe. He pulls away from me and has trouble meeting my eyes. This is hard for him, me being here. I recognize this and silently get up. I'm about to open to door and walk back to my room but he springs up and kisses me, pressing his lips passionately against mine. 

     "Good night Y/N," he whispers, "and may the odds be ever in your favor."

     He opens the door and walks me back to my room, turning off the light and watching me climb into bed. He shuts the door and I am alone again. I am alone and confused, trying to process my feelings. Why would he kiss me now? Right before we are thrown into the arena? Right before we are pitted against each other for the entertainment of the Capitol? It seems crazy to me, how long has he felt this way? Why has it taken so long for him to act on it? I think he's being unfair, springing this on me right before the Games. But a small part of me is glad he did. Maybe I liked it. 

     I spend what feels like hours trying to fall asleep and when Effie calls my name in the morning, before the sun is even up, I feel like I haven't slept in days.