What if?- A Mockingjay Story

Chapter 8

KATNISS POV

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What if?

What if Peeta finds out about Sophie? What if Haymitch tells him? What if Haymitch tells him what I said to him about not caring for him? Why do I care? But....What if Haymitch is right? What if I do love Peeta? But Peeta doesn't love me anymore.....But What if he does? What if there is a possibility of a future with me and Peeta? But what about Sophie? What if this isn't something Peeta would want?

What if? What if? What if...........

The next few days pass by slowly and are spend minding Sophie as outside is covered in a thick layer of white snow. She isn't much hassle which is good. I am still struggling to accept the reality of the situation I'm in. It all feels like a never ending dream yet a nightmare. I have now ran out of food for myself so I decide to call Haymitch to watch Sophie because I don't want anyone else to know. He arrives only minutes later and I am then free to emerge from my house for the first time in days. As soon as I walk outside I am hit by a cold breeze. I am anxiously awaiting the beginning of spring. The cold and snowy weather isn't my favourite as it guarantees nearly a full season indoors. I trudge through the snow on the ground and glad of my boots knowing my feet would be soaking if it wasn't for them. The snow would be guaranteed to seep into any other shoes of mine considering they all have holes. Eventually I reach the shop and I am greeted by warmth the minute I walk in the door. I grab a basket and get all I need. I am about to walk over to the counter when someone walks into my causing me drop the basket making the contents scatter over the floor. I immediately apologise but before I can go to clean it up the stranger is already on their knees placing everything back in the basket. They then speak finally saying

"Don't be, Its my fault"

Its a male's voice. I feel as if I recognise it. He then stands up and hands me the basket. I look up to thank him but then find myself looking right into the eyes of

Peeta Mellark.................

I find myself in shock for a minute absolutely speechless as I stare into his sea blue eyes. I finally manage to choke out

"Peeta?"

He flashes a small smile in greeting and then says

"Katniss"

I stand there still highly shocked. This is my worst nightmare. Only a week ago was he banging on my door pleading to see me and now he's here. Out of all the people I could have met it had to be him. He says to me softly

"I just need to by some flour but after that do you wanna... grab a coffee or something?"

I nod and say

"Yeah....Yeah that would be great"

Then he smiles and replies calmly

"Great!"

I give him a fake smile just as he walks away and then let out a long breath. Oh my god..... I can't do this. I have to make up some diversion, something to change the plans. I can't.... I can't do this..... I walk quickly to the counter and pay for my items before grabbing my bag and walking speedily out the door. Just as I am about to turn for home I realise I can't do this either. I can't just tell him that I'll do something with him and walk away. After all I have done to him I can't. So I force myself to sit on the bench outside the shop and wait for him. He comes out a few minutes later with a sack of flour in one hand which immediately makes me recall his strength that he used during the training for the first games. He greets me with a small smile and then sits beside me. There's a moment of silence before I decide to start a conversation

"What's with the huge sack of flour?"

He glances at it before saying

"Oh its....for the bakery"

The Bakery? He rebuilt the bakery....... I ask him

"You rebuilt the bakery"

He nods and replies

"Yeah, a couple of months back actually. I was going to bring you to see last week but you were obviously busy"

I feel bad when he says that. Even he knows its a lie. But in a way I feel worse now knowing that it wasn't Haymitch who send Peeta that day, he came because he wanted to show me the bakery. I am suddenly pulled out of my thoughts when Peeta says

"You could come now you know. There's no problem...."

I begin

"No no. I really don't think..."

But Peeta insists

"Come on it will be fun"

He stands up and holds out his hand. I hesitate before taking it yet at the same time I dread the moment I will have to let go............