Dandelions in the Spring

Prologue

I wake up, and the other side of my bed is cold. I wrap myself tighter in blankets, and lift up my head to check the time. Eight o'clock am. Peeta is already at work, and he would have dropped Willow off at school, and Rye at the childcare centre. Today is Tuesday, which means I have a day off from work. Normally, I would rejoice in the freedom this provides me with; a day alone at home, a chance to escape to the woods, visit the town. However, as of late, I have been hating my off days. I prefer going to work, having somewhere to be, something to do. Being alone makes me feel vulnerable to the terrible memories that coming flooding back to haunt me. Cold nights alone in the arena, tense moments with Peeta by my side, when he was hijacked and he wasn't truly with me, and moments alone with Gale, when our relationship was so rocky that I felt isolated. Suddenly, the sunlight outside disappears, and the house grows cold and foreboding, as if the ghost of President Snow is lurking amongst the shadows. I gasp involuntarily, and wish Peeta were here with me. I need to be strong, I tell myself. For both of us. I know Peeta has his share of nightmares, however, he always seems to be the one comforting me. It makes me feel awful, I know I need to support him too, but how can I help others when I can't help myself? As miserable thoughts dredge themselves up, I make myself stand. I want to go out to the woods today, just for some peaceful time with nature.

As I pad softly down the stairs, I see an orange figure dart across the floor below. My breath catches as irrational fears fill my mind. Then, a faint purring sound chimes out, and I relax. Buttercup. Despite my reservations about him, he still makes to smile or feel sad sometimes. Its sorrowful watching him wait around, as if he expects Prim to reappear at any second. I reach the bottom of the stairs, and give him a pat. He doesn't recoil, but simply lies down at my feet. Walking into the kitchen, I can't help but smile as I see the magnificent display that is the dining table. Peeta knows I hate Tuesdays, and he does his best to make his presence felt, despite not being here in person. Daisies are blossoming in a beautiful green, glass vase, and there is a note written in lovely cursive, on orange paper. It reads:

Dear Katniss,

I love you. I can never put my feelings into words, but you are my dreams, and I am so happy you have made my dreams a reality. I hope you enjoy the breakfast I have made you! Have an amazing day, and I'll see you before you know it.

Love, your dearest Peeta xxx

Tears threaten to burst at the seams, and for once, I let them out. I am grateful, I am lucky, and I have Peeta. Of course, we also have Willow, Rye, Haymitch and many others. I shouldn't be complaining, because my fate has turned out to be so much more fortunate than some other peoples.' And I know, there are much worse games to play.  

Author's Note:

Hey everyone! Thanks for reading the start of my story, I hope you like it, and hopefully you will read on as I update with chapters! Feel free to comment with any thoughts you have, and vote if you enjoyed! May the odds be ever in your favour!

Love, Veronica.