Complete

Chapter 18

Katniss P.O.V.

"You said that you didn't want to talk with the kids present, so let's talk now," Peeta says as soon as he walks through the front door.

I give him a look. "Where's Rye? I thought he went with you."

"I took him over to Haymitch's."

I roll my eyes. "He's going to get tired of taking care of our kids."

"Don't change the subject."

"Don't get hateful with me."

"It seems to be the only thing that's working, Katniss," Peeta says as he throws his arms up in the air. "Look, I'm just trying to help you."

"I don't need help," I say as I sit down on the couch. "I want you to leave me alone."

"Well, we don't always get what we want," Peeta says as he sits down beside of me.

"You keep telling me to grieve, but I promised Mom that I would be there for the kids," I say. "I'm afraid that if I let an inch of the pain in, that it won't go away."

"That doesn't explain why you've been shutting me out," Peeta tells me. "It's great that you're staying strong for the kids, but don't push me away. Please, Katniss."

"I'm not doing it on purpose, Peeta, but you're driving me crazy. You keep telling me what will help, but what is making me feel better for the time being is ignoring the fact that I just lost my Mom and trying to push that thought out of my mind. When I'm ready to be sad about it, then I'll be sad. But I'm not ready for it right now."

"Okay," Peeta says. "If that's what's working for you, then fine. But I don't think it's working as well as you think it is. I can tell that you're ready to break, Katniss. And when you do, it's going to be worse than ever."

I sniff and wipe at the tear that fell without permission. "Can you just let me deal with this the way that I want to?"

"Yeah," Peeta says as he lays an arm across my shoulders. He pulls me in close and kisses the top of my head. "I love you. You know that, right?"

"Yeah," I reply as I nod my head. "I love you too."

"And I'm sorry, Katniss. It's just... I'm worried about you."

"I know you are. But please don't worry. I know how I feel, and this is what's best for me. Trust me."

"Alright," Peeta tells me sincerely. "I trust you."

"Look, I know that it happened, and I am sad about it, but I don't want to dwell on it."

"I understand," Peeta says softly. "But when you're ready to grieve, I'm right here for you."

"I know," I tell him,

"So," Peeta says. "You want me to go get Rye now?"

I shake my head. "Just hold me for a few minutes."

Peeta raises an eyebrow at mw. "You want me to JUST hold you?"

"Shut up," I laugh as I rest my forehead over on his shoulder.

"You didn't answer my question."

"Yes. I just want you to hold me."

"Then why don't I believe you?" Peeta asks me as he kisses my lips.

"Don't you have to go to work?" I ask Peeta.

He shrugs his shoulders. "I think my wife needs me right now."

I roll my eyes. "I'll be alright. I think I can manage without you for a while," I tease.

"Okay. Fine," Peeta sighs. "Let me rephrase that. I need my wife. Is that better?"