Melting | an Everlark smut

Part 2

Hours pass and lights are still on at both the other houses in Victor's Village. I am viciously snapping twigs and poking them one by one into the fire, watching them burn to ash. This place is suffocating, especially since Prim hasn't come back yet.

"I'm worried something may be wrong," my mother finally says, glancing at the window for the millionth time. "Even with the weather Prim should be back by now."

I clench my fists, knowing what she means. Gale dead or dying, not able to withstand the trip from Victor's Village back to the Seam. Prim, struggling to keep him alive all on her own.

"You should go." I don't get up, don't look up from the last stick I've placed in the fire. "You'll be more help to Prim than I would be."

"I don't want to leave you alone."

I snort, turning towards her. "I'll survive."

My mother's face barely twitches. Within minutes she is packing supplies into a pouch. "I'll ask Haymitch to come over when I leave," she says briskly, not looking at me. "I'll be more comfortable if you have someone to stay with you while we're out."

I roll my eyes at this, but we are interrupted by a knock. I scramble up.

"Peeta!" My mother says in surprise. "I didn't think you were coming."

"Are you leaving?" he asks in confusion, taking in her heavy coat and bag.

"Yes, I'm going to the Hawthornes' to check on Prim. We may need to stay there if the snow gets any worse. I knew they shouldn't have moved him." the last she mutters mostly to herself as she gathers the rest of her things.

At the door she suddenly stops, turning as if taking us in for the first time. "Peeta, the spare room downstairs is all made up. I'll let Haymitch know you're both here," she says over-brightly as she leaves.

My cheeks stain red. Of all the times for her to remember to be my parent.