A few months later, we had the Victory Tour come through to District 12. We were all required to stand in the square again, while the winner of this years Hunger Games stood in front of us, reading a speech, telling us how they were sorry our tributes had died. There was no family left to represent Saffron and Mead, so a couple of Mrs Holt's close friends, along with Saffron and Mead's best friends stood in their place. As usual, it was one of the Career tributes, from District 1 who had won. Her name was Electra and she was every inch the winner, albeit horrendously arrogant. At least she had the decency to mention Mrs Holt aswell. I'm not sure if she did that himself, or her mentor required her to say something. Either way, it was very much appreciated by Twelve. I stood in the crowd, holding Peeta's hand, trying not to cry. The Peacekeepers all around us, in case something happened, were wiping away a tear or two when Mrs Holt was mentioned.
Later that week, Peep and I were walking past the Hob, our local black market, where everything and anything is sold. Peeta froze a little and just stared into the Hob doorway.
"What's up, Peep?"
"Oh, er, nothing." I rolled my eyes and gave him my sternest look. "Okay, okay, I've just seen Katniss in there. She doesn't even know I exist," he sighed. "I wish I could tell her I love her. You're my best friend, Solly, you know that right?" I nodded.
"I know, Peep, and you're my best friend. Look, if you like her that much, just tell her." He stared at me like I had just grown 3 heads or something.
"Tell her? I couldn't do that, she looks right through me. It tears me apart when she does that. I don't think she means to, but I just wish things were different."
"Come on," I said bracingly, "let's go into the Hob and have a look around. It might take your mind off things." I hauled him up and we went to have a look around. We picked up some goat's cheese and strawberries, then went to have a look at the wool. I was learning to knit, so I wanted to see if there was anything new I could use to add to the blanket I was making. I say blanket, it was a large, very wonky patch of knitting, but if it kept me warm, then I loved it! I picked up a couple of new balls of wool, all goat hair of course, and turned to make my way out, when I bumped into Gale. Literally. I mean I turned around and walked face first into his torso, falling backwards and landing on top of Peeta! The whole of the Hob rang with laughter, and it was a good job I was able to laugh at myself, because I was laughing too Ok, I may have been a little embarrassed, but it was nothing compared to Peeta, who had gone bright red and couldn't stop staring at the floor.
"Um, here are your balls," grinned Gale, handing me my wool. I put it in my bag with the strawberries and goat's cheese - which thankfully had survived the fall.
"Thanks," I grinned back. I turned to say something to Peeta, but was surprised at the foul look on his face. He grabbed my arm and pulled me out. "What the hell was that?" I demanded, turning to him as soon as we got out into the sunlight.
"I don't like him," Peeta snapped.
"Well he is my brother's friend, so if I want to talk to him I can."
"Urgh, I thought you were different. You're just the same as all the girls at school. I hear the way they talk about him. No-one talks about me that way. And have you seen how he is with Katniss?"
"Oh I get it, this is jealousy. Well when you come to your senses, you know where to find me." And with that I stormed off, leaving Peeta stood alone. People were staring, but I didn't care. He has spent years telling me how close we are, then ignoring me as soon as Katniss comes into view. How dare he tell me I can't talk to someone else. I slammed the front door and stomped upstairs.
"Sorrel, what happened?" asked mum. I put the bag down on the table, sighed and flopped down into a chair, and told her everything. When I had finished, she smiled and pulled out a fresh loaf of bread she had bought that morning, and spread some of the goats cheese on a few slices for us.
"It may seem like the end of the world," she said gently, "but everything will be fine. Leave Peeta to himself for a few days and I'm sure things will work out." Thankfully mum was right. A couple of days later, a very sheepish Peeta came knocking on the door, wanting to apologise for snapping at me like that. Gradually, things got back to normal. Peep and I meeting up most days, joking about, hanging around at school. Something was different now though. Nothing obvious, but there had been a subtle change in our friendship. I knew he liked Katniss, but this had set it in stone.
