Fluid Heart, Firey Soul (Peeta Mellark x Reader)

Chapter 32 - Reunited

I stuff a leather bag with provisions, making sure to include enough food and a flask of water for both myself and Peeta. I set the bag outside the edge of the forest that borders my backyard hidden from view by the tall trees. This is what we will take when we run away after the Harvest Festival. This is our escape. Earlier, under cover of darkness, I had left a letter on Peeta's doorstep. In it, an explanation of how he could find me at the lake, where we would finally have a chance to talk in private. To finally tell him the truth of our situation— that we can no longer stay in District 12 because it has become too dangerous. I can't help but wonder if Peeta will actually show up. Would he be willing to leave everything behind and run away? He has to, right?

Once I was fully aware of what I was seeing on Mayor Undersee's television, I scrambled for the door and started down the hallway. Just in time, too, because Mayor Undersee appeared at the top of the steps only moments later. I gave him a wave and thanked him for allowing us to get ready in his home.

"Are you looking for the others?" His voice was warm and friendly.

"Yes, I finished up early," I replied, trying to match his tone.

"Well, they'll be in the living room with my daughter, Madge." Another round of obnoxious beeping sounded from his study. His expression hardened instantly. "Excuse me," he said curtly before disappearing into his study and shutting the door behind him. I waited in the hallway, trying to compose myself as best as I could. I took a deep breath and reminded myself that I had to act natural— as though I hadn't witnessed what I just did. After a few moments, I made my way to the living room where Madge and the others were seated. Peeta caught sight of me and gave me a friendly wave, patting the cushion next to him in invitation.

"Look at you. You're incredible," he said, his arm draped comfortably around my shoulder as we sat together. I felt a warmth spread through me at his words, but my mind was too preoccupied to properly respond. Instead, I offered him a small grateful smile and tried to clear my mind.

As I trudge through the snow, my boots sinking deeply into the soft powder, I notice the mockingjays flitting about on the branches. Their dark feathers stand out against the white landscape. They hop and chirp, mimicking the songs of other birds before transforming them into something new. As always, they remind me of Peeta. How he always managed to create something beautiful out of chaos.

The trail to the lake is long and winding, with steep inclines and rocky terrain. As I trek forward, I begin to worry about Peeta's stamina. If he decides to follow me at all, he'll surely be exhausted by the time he reaches me. After a couple of hours, I arrive at the old cabin near the edge of the lake— my safe haven, a place where I can escape from the harsh realities of our world. I start a small fire, hoping that the mist rising from the lake will mask any signs of smoke. While the flames slowly grow, I use a nearby broom to sweep away the snow that has accumulated under the empty windows. Then I sit on the ground, huddled close to the fire as it begins to warm my frozen body, and wait for Peeta.

Surprisingly, it doesn't take long for him to arrive. He stands in the doorway, hesitating as if unsure whether or not to enter. My gaze meets his and I see the confusion swirling around in his eyes. Gesturing towards the ground next to me, I wordlessly invite him to sit down. Without hesitation, he joins me on the ground. I know this won't be easy to explain to him. We can no longer stay in District 12, but what if he disagrees? What if I lose him? I could spend hours trying to find the right words and still have him turn away from me. So instead, I choose to speak from my heart instead of trying to reason with him.

"President Snow wants us dead," I say. "I don't care what happens to me, but—"

Peeta's hand tightens around mine, offering silent support. "I'm sure the engagement was enough to win him over."