You promised me

Chapter eight

The feeling of being trapped in an enclosed space is more evident than ever. I've spent the last few weeks in the earth, only seeing the sun once. But now farther down into the earth, I feel like I could run out of oxygen at any moment. I push the oxygen tube as far as I can get it up my nose, but it didn't make a difference. 

The days here are awful. I'm not allowed out of my bed unless to use the bathroom. I get feed my meals and they are constantly asking me if I'm okay. Honestly my head is feeling much better. On the fourth day the bombs are still dropping. I'm sitting with Prim and her mom on her bed, as Prim thought it would be a good idea to let me out of the hospital, finally. Children are crying as the bombs fall, harder than before.

I look at Prim, she looks like she's so scared. I'm not any better. My leg is bouncing, my hands sweaty. 

"Prim.." I start. '"Talk about something please.. anything.." I swallow trying to wash back my emotions. 

"They.. they are training me to become a doctor." She says turning to me. "I forgot to tell you."

"That's... that's great Prim, I couldn't think of anyone better for the job," I say looking at her. A smile found its way to my face. Prim smiles in response but our smiles disappear as soon as another bomb hits. 

My body is trembling. It is like my body is freezing cold the way it's shaking. Mrs. Everdeen wraps her arms around us. 

I've become like the son Mrs. Everdeen never had, she cares about me so much and I want to thank her for it. I just don't know how. 

Another bomb drops, shaking the bunks.

I feel the tears building up, I am scared for Katniss and what could be happening to her right now. But I keep to myself. Prim looks at me, but I look away, hating to see her concerned for me. 

"I want you to remember one thing Peeta," Prim says, but I don't turn in her direction. "Whatever happens to my sister." I can hear her start to cry. "It's most certainly not your fault."

I turn my head as an expression of disbelief fills my face. Tears are rolling down Prim's face now, more by the second.

"Don't look at me like that," She tells me shaking her head. "Because if I lose my sister for love of God I don't want to lose you too." She cries. I turn my head away again as another tear rolls down my face. 

I don't respond.

I'm gently pushed awake by Prim, I take in her figure for a second. She stands blocking my view from the door, in her nurse's outfit, someone else stands behind her, I wipe my eyes. Boggs stands with her looking tired.

"Peeta, Coin has requested to talk to you," Boggs says stepping forward.

I sit up in my hospital bed, rubbing my eyes. Prim takes my IV out of my arm and has me take some pills. She helps me out of bed.

I follow Boggs up to command where I see a very tired Coin and Plutarch. She yawns and takes me in.

"Well Peeta we took our best shot didn't we?"

"Yes, Ma'am," I respond.

"I need you to do something for me." She says standing up from her leaning position. "I need you to make a promo telling everyone that we survived a bomb attack by the capitol without any causalities."