Life After Mockingjay

Chapter Two; Life Begins

I'm woken by the soft touch of Peeta's lips. I open my eyes and smile at the sight of him leaning over me.

"Good morning." I whisper as I place my hand on his face. "How did you sleep?"

"Perfect." He whispers in reply as he inches towards my face. He presses his lips to mine and kisses me slowly.

"Get ready." He breathes. "I'm taking you out today." He says as I wrap my arms around his neck. He gently lifts me and places me on his lap.

"I haven't been out in ages." I say as I lean into him. "Where are we going?"

"I can't tell you." He whispers into my ear. "It's a surprise."

"Would you like to shower with me?" I whisper as I stand up and grab his hand.

"Of course," he murmurs into my ear as he wraps his arms around me.

He picks me up bridal style, and I can't help but laugh. "Am I too tall?" I whisper with a slight grin.

"Not at all." He replies as he puts the water on to my liking.

I take my clothing off and stare in the mirror for a moment. I run my fingers along by scars, and the thought occurs to me.

"Peeta?" I whisper, grabbing his attention. He turns to me and places his arm on my shoulder. "Do my scars bother you?"

"What?" He asks in disbelief. "No.. No. Why would they bother me?" He says as he places his hand on mine. "You're beautiful just the way you are."

"Thank you." I whisper as I step in the shower, and for once, I believe him when he says it.

I pick out my favorite soap, the lavender scented. Lavender had always been Prim's favorite scent, and it makes me feel closer to her.

"May I?" Peeta asks as he steps in, and I accept. He pours some soap on his hands and begins to wash my frail, damaged body gently. When he does this, I feel as if he is reconstructing me into the person that I once was.

I rinse off, and I begin to wash Peeta's body. I can't help but stare at him, the love of my life. I don't know what I would do without him. I love him so much.

"I love you, Peeta." I whisper as he begins to rub my back.

"I love you more," he whispers back.

"Impossible," I say.

___

I dress in a black shirt and blue jeans, trying to make an effort. I put my hair in one braid down the side, and put on slight makeup. I pair my black flats with my outfit, and Peeta and I leave the house around 10:00.

"Now can I know where we're going?" I ask with a grin.

"Okay." Peeta says as he holds my hand gently. "Only because I can't say no to you, but you can't know all of it." He says as he reaches for my hand. "We're going to a new restaurant in the square, and then we're going somewhere else.. But that's the surprise."

"Okay," I say as I kiss Peeta on the cheek. "But you know I hate surprises."

Peeta and I walk together together, until we reach a familiar place. The place where Peeta gave me the bread.