No Games Left to Play

22: A Rough Romantic Getaway (Part 2)

When Peeta and I step off the train, a flood of guilt and fear overwhelm me. I'm worried I'm going to be reminded of Finnick everyday while sitting on the beach. That every time I see a wave crash against the sand, I'll see a reflection of his sea-green eyes. The point of this getaway is to take my mind off the loss we've just suffered, but I'm afraid that I'll only be thinking about every single person that's ever tragically exited from my life. Then again, it could just be the humidity that's making me feel worried and achy.

"Mom," I sigh of relief when I spot her, happy to be met with a familiar face and glad to finally be off that train. I had no idea my mother would be meeting us at the train station until Peeta told me after the conductor made the announcement we were about to make our stop in Four.

"Hey," she smiles greatly.

I stop rolling my suitcase behind me and go to wrap her in a hug, also leaving Peeta in my dust.

"You don't know how happy I am to see you," I say, still holding tightly on to her.

"If I'm being honest I was a little surprised to hear you two would be visiting," she says after we pull away from each other. "Hello, Peeta."

"Hi, Mrs. Everdeen," Peeta says, taking my suitcase in his other hand and meeting us.

"How've you been?" my mother asks, looking towards me.

"I'm getting there," I force a smile.

"And Peeta?" she leans in and whispers when Peeta seems busy with something.

"He knows," I say.

She raises her eyebrows, urging me to continue.

"He was upset, but that's understandable," I say, realizing we've never talked about how he feels. "Honestly, I'm not sure how he is at all really."

"Well, you have all week to talk to him about it," she smiles, rubbing my arm.

"Mrs. Everdeen, would you like to join us for dinner tonight?" Peeta asks.

"I'd love to but unfortunately I have to work the night shift tonight."

I frown.

"I know Annie was really looking forward to possibly seeing you."

I turn to Peeta, "You told Annie too?"

"No—"

"He didn't. I did," my mom is quick to say, my head switching between the pair of them.

"I thought this was supposed to be a secret getaway?" I ask Peeta.

"It is," Peeta begins but my mom jumps in again.

"I'm sorry," my mother apologizes. "I didn't know."

"No need to apologize," Peeta tells her.

"If it's any consolation she said Killian really wants to see you both."

"I-I don't think it's a good idea," I say.

"Why?" she asks.

"Because I just don't," I say.

"Katniss," Peeta warns.

I ignore him, and turn around to leave the train station. I didn't snap, and if I did I didn't mean to. I just don't think I can watch my dead friend's wife play with their child. Hearing their laughter and seeing them smile, it'll be a reminder of the child I lost and the friend I killed. However, turning around to leave doesn't stop the two of them from following me.

"Can you take a look at her?" I hear Peeta ask my mother from behind me. "Make sure everything's ok?"

"I'm alright," I huff.