Our Love is Real

Chapter 1

Chapter One

Two Years after the Rebellion

"Peeta," I mumble against his chest. We fell asleep on his bed a long time ago. His golden eyelashes flutter and they open. He looks down at me and smiles. "Hey," he says hoarsely. "How'd you sleep?" I ask. He replies, "Good. No nightmares. How about you?" I nod my head. "Same. I haven't slept through the night in...a while." My gaze casts down. Peeta kisses in between my eyebrows and says, "That's good." He gets up from the bed and goes into the bathroom. "Let me just take a shower and then I'll make you pancakes, okay?" I smile weakly and nod. "Okay."
He shuts the door quietly and, on hunter's feet, I sneak through the hallways of his house. I manage to get to the bathroom and take a shower. The water rushes down my back as I'm lathering myself with soap that smells like peppermint and raspberries. I get out, dry myself off, and brush my teeth. The knots in my hair aren't too bad. When I get to the kitchen, Peeta's pancakes smell wonderful. I hug him from behind and peer over his shoulder. "Which ones are you making this time?" I ask him. He answers, "Blackberry." My mouth waters. Yum. I take a seat at the table. "Greasy Sae's daughter came by while you were in the shower," he starts. My stomach starts to drop. "She passed away yesterday evening. She said she died peacefully in her sleep. Just from natural causes." I look down. Oh. "Okay. I guess...I guess I'll pay a visit to them later on." Peeta nods. "You do that. I have to go to the bakery anyway later on and check on Ryland and how he's doing, so I won't be home." I nod. "Okay."
Peeta slips a pancake onto my plate and I take a bite of it. The blackberries are nice and juicy, and the pancake batter is fluffy. "God, Peeta. These are great." He beams. "Only the best for you." He kisses me on the lips and holds it there. I reach up to his shoulder and our foreheads lean against each other for support. "Peeta," I whisper, "Have I told you I love you today?" I can feel his smile on my lips. "No, you haven't." "Well, I love you." He kisses me again and gives me a warm hug. He whispers in my ear, "I love you more."