How to Tell You Love Him.

CHAPTER SIX

 After that, I offered affection more freely. Curling up in his lap in the evenings before we went to bed, grabbing his hand when I'm feeling anxious, making sure every part of my body is touching him when we lay down at night. And finally, I kiss him when I want to. I kiss him goodnight and good morning, and when I'm alone with him in our quarters and we have a sweet moment of quiet together.

We don't get those sweet moments as often anymore. After we had time to recover, Coin called us into meetings and conferences about the next steps. We make new propos almost every day. Some were with the star-crossed lovers, some just Peeta, and some with me and Gale.

One morning, we woke up and had a meeting right away. When we enter the meeting room, Coin sits at the head of a large table. Peeta and I take open seats in between Haymitch and Finnick.

"Welcome," she says, "some decisions have been made on what lies next for the rebellion. First, Mellark and Everdeen will join the star squad or the propo squad. As a squad, you will be sent to District Two to stir up the loyalists and the rebels. You will be fully protected the entire time." I share a glance with Peeta. He looks just as worried as I feel.

"When do we leave?" Peeta asks. I reach for his hand, and he twines our fingers together.

"First thing tomorrow morning," she states, "you will need to be at the hangar at 0600."

With that the meeting ends. We are set free for breakfast. Peeta begins to lead us towards the dining hall. But I catch his eye and shake my head, then I begin to pull him towards our quarters. The second we are inside the door I pull him to me. I lay my head on his chest, right where his heart beats. Peeta buries his face in my hair, running his hands up and down my arms and back.

"It's okay," he whispers, "everything is gonna be okay."

"Aren't you scared?" I whisper back.

"Of course I am, but what else can we do?" He's right. There is nothing else we can do. Because Coin pulled us out of that arena, we are indebted to her and must do what she says. But still, I can't help how afraid I am that something will tear Peeta and I apart again.

He pulls his upper body away, making me look him in the face. "Why don't you spend the day with your mom and Prim? I'll be there with you in district two," he states, now cupping my face with his hands, "so go be with them."

"What about you?" I ask.

"I'll check in with Finnick today since he isn't going with us. Maybe even spend some time with Haymitch." He says with a chuckle. At that he kisses my forehead lightly. "Hey...Katniss, maybe there's something else you should do too."

"What is it?" I hear the hesitancy in his voice. He doesn't know whether to proceed with the question or stop himself.

"Maybe... you should make up with Gale," he pauses, "just... before we are all stuck together in two." I shake my head no. "Okay, just think about it." At that I nod.

I will think about it. But how can I make up with Gale when the first thing he will expect of me is to stop seeing Peeta. And I can't do that right now. I will talk to Gale again, eventually. Just not right now.

Peeta leans down and gives me a feather light kiss.

I do spend the rest of the day with my mom and Prim. Peeta spends the time with Finnick and Haymitch just as he said he would. I don't see him again until after I have already showered for the night. When I exit the bathroom, he is there in bed, waiting for me. I kiss him goodnight, and curl up again. We sleep, and when we're awoken, we go to the hangar. Ready for the next step, and what this will throw at us.