What if.....

Dedicated to Ashley282 for being there for me when I got stuck betweena rock and a hard place. Thanks love!

Katniss POV

“ It’s time to choose our boy tribute!” Effie zips back to the podium, and I don’t even have time to wish for Gale’s safety when she’s reading the name.

“ Peeta Mellark!”

Peeta Mellark!

Oh, no! I think. Please not him! I catch sight of his blond hair as he makes his way to the stage. My mind panics as I remember that day four years ago.

It was during the worst time. My father had been killed in the mine accident three months earlier in the bitterest January anyone could remember. The numbness of his loss had passed, but the pain would hit me out of nowhere, doubling me over, racking my body with sobs. Where are you? I would cry out in my mind. Where have you gone? Of course, there was never any answer. Slowly the money ran out and we were starving to death. On the afternoon of my encounter with Peeta Mellark, the rain was falling in relentless icy sheets. I had been in town, trying to trade some threadbare old baby clothes of Prim’s in the public market, but there were no takers. Although I had been to the Hob on several occasions with my father, I was too frightened to venture into that rough, gritty place alone. The rain had soaked through my father’s hunting jacket, leaving me chilled to the bone. When I passed the baker’s, the smell of bread was so overwhelming that I felt dizzy. I lifted the lid to the baker’s trash bin and found it spotlessly, heartlessly bare. There was a clatter in the bakery and I heard a woman screaming and the sound of a blow, and I vaguely wondered what was going on. Then a boy with blonde curly hair sloshed toward me through the mud. He never glanced my way but I watched him with intense curiosity. Because of the red welt that had started to form on his cheek and the bread. He threw me one of the loaves of bread he held in his hand and the second quickly followed. He then walked back to the bakery, tightly closing the door behind him. The next day, I passed the boy in school, his cheek had swelled up and his eye had blackened. As I collected Prim at the end of the day, our eyes met. He turned away quickly and I dropped my gaze, flushed. Prim noticed and asked me what was wrong. My gaze fell on a dandelion, and I knew all was not lost. I also knew that I had fallen in love with The Boy with the Bread.

Peeta walks up and we shake hands. He has the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen. We are then escorted to the Justice building and given an hour to say good-byes to family and friends. My mother and Prim come in and Prim climbs into my lap as our mother hold both of us. “ You have to come back Katniss.”

“ I will Prim, I promise.”

They are taken away and Gale comes in. We hug and he says, “I love you Catnip.” I step quickly out of his arms, alarmed.

“ Gale, we’re best friends.”

“ I understand that your not thinking straight right now but you’ll see that you love me too.” And with that he walks out. I stand for minute, stunned and then am escorted out to the train where Peeta and Effie join me in the dining car. Peeta’s nose is red and I smile to myself, thinking him so adorable like that. We sit together around the table and Effie explains what every dish is and what it contains. I ask Peeta to pass the rolls and his fingers brush mine. I blush as his gaze intensifies on the table, as if he was shy. I smile to myself, pleased that I could make him feel this way. I shake my head. Now is not the time Katniss! I scold myself. But I can’t help and steal another glance at his profile. That jawline, those strong shoulders…. Oh damn, he caught me looking…. I turn away as Haymitch stumbles in, providing a welcome distraction.

--------------------------------------------Time skip---------------------------------------------------------

   “ Why ever not?” says Caesar, mystified.

Peeta blushes beet red and stammers out. “ Because … because… she came here with me.”

For a moment, the cameras hold on Peeta’s downcast eyes as what he says sinks in. Then I can see my face, mouth half open in a mix of surprise and pure love. Me! He means me! I allow my eyes to flicker up to the screen long enough to see the blush on my cheeks is unmistakable. As I ride the elevator up to our floor, my eyes fill with tears. Me! He loves me! The doors open and I rush out and crash into Peeta, our eyes meeting. I blush again, wiping at my tears.

“ Oh, no. Katniss please don’t cry. I never meant to make you cry!” He says wiping at my cheeks.

“ Did you mean it?” I choke out. He pulls back an inch, searching my tearstained face.

“ With all my heart.”

I give a soft wail and throw myself into his arms, losing myself in his strong embrace. I don’t even notice Effie and Haymitch come up behind us, Effie giving a soft “Oh.” I stay in Peeta’s arms and breath in his scent. Haymitch tells us that we have a rough day coming up and we should go to sleep. I’m reluctant to let go of this wonderful man so Peeta picks me up, bridal style and carries me to my room. I still won’t release him and he eventually climbs into my bed with me, shedding his suit. I curl my tiny body around his large frame and fall into a deep sleep.

When I wake, Peeta’s side of the bed is cold and I stretch out my arm to find him. My eyes open and search the room. At that moment Peeta walks out of the bathroom and comes to the bed to wrap my in a hug. I cling to him until Cinna comes into the room to get us ready.

“ I’ll see you soon.” Peeta whispers in my ear before leaving. I only nod my assent.

AN

okay so first fanfic. no flames. no ghost readers. My internet is patchy so I will update when I can...

All charater belong to Suzzanne Collins Plot is original

Thanks!

Vote!

Add!

Lots of Love!

~ maria