Begin Again [Wattys 2013 Finalist]

Chapter 32

Peeta's POV

I feel her hand slip out of mine and immediately crave her touch again. At first I'm startled and hurt that she left me here. But then again, I'm glad she ran. She shouldn't have to deal with this. I turn my attention to the reporters, trying to stay calm. I try to answer their questions and look happy while I'm doing it. At least they won't be chasing after Katniss. The crowd of camera crews and news anchors starts to die down, and I feel warm hands pulling on my arm as I step away from the crowds and turn to see Delly. 

"Come on," she mouths.

And I run after her into her house, away from the craziness outside.

"What's going on?" She asks.

"I don't know! They just showed up when we got home from the Capitol!"

"Oh yeah, I saw you and Katniss on TV, I'm guessing things are... better?"

"You could say that," I say and my lips form into a smile. 

She laughs, taking the hint.

"Thanks for practically saving my life," I joke.

"I mean, you're welcome," she says back laughing.

"Wanna stay for lunch?"

I nod and she pulls out sandwiches. In between bites, she says,

"Oh! So where's Katniss? I swear I saw her with you when I walked by."

"She can't stand the paparazzi. She just kind of, ran. God knows where she went."

Delly shakes her head.

"It was smart. She can't handle it and she shouldn't have to. It was fine."

"You must really love her," Delly comments.

"Wow, you must be a super genius to figure that out, Dell. It's not like I've been telling her and the whole world consistently for the past three years."

"Almost consistently."

"Right, almost."

"Lets see if they've got you on TV yet."

Delly flips on the TV and sure enough, the footage is there. I put my head in my hands. I want to scream. At least it doesn't show on TV. Delly sees and shuts it off.

"I'm sorry Peeta."

"It's not your fault. I should go, though, look for Katniss. See you around?"

She nods and smiles, sitting back down on her small couch and flipping the TV back on. When I walk out, the paparazzi is gone. I walk home and when I get in, I notice I have a message on the machine. I press the flashing red button.

"Peeta! It's President Paylor! I saw you and Katniss all over the news. I made sure to get the paparazzi out of your hair. Sorry about them. I do have one favor to ask you though. Call me."

I decide I'll call back when I get Katniss. My first thought is to see if Haymitch knows where she is. I walk over, knock, and he surprises me by opening the door. 

"Hi, superstar."

He's been watching TV. I roll my eyes.

"About that, have you seen Katniss?"

He shakes his head, taking a drink from his bottle. He's useless. I throw my hands up in the air and walk over to Katniss' house, letting myself in. 

"Katniss!?"

Nothing.

I look all over the first floor an upstairs. I'm about to go down to the basement when Haymitch throws open the door. I stare at him but he pushes right by me, walking to a small coat closet. He turns the knob, pulls the door open, and leaves without even turning his head to look inside. But Katniss is there, asleep under a pile of coats, cheeks streaked with tears.