THE HUNGER GAMES FANFICTION
--END--
We step out of the train and finally reach the platform of District 12. The people, the cameras, everyone and everything are focused on us. I still grasp her hand firmly never wanting to let go. Even if I know inside after this act, we'll be living separate lives. Away from people's eyes we're nothing but neighbors at the victor's village, pretending as if the games never happened. As if the star-crossed lovers of district 12 in the arena is all but a dream. Even if the truth that I had been so foolish thinking that the only girl I laid my eyes on did not really felt the same way made me feel so small, I still admire her. I adore the way she acted just to survive and save the both of us from iminent death. It has been as though everything was so, it had even deprived the thought of rebellion over the stunt with the berries. It has been as though noting held us, just love. The bravery she showed can't be compared to any other victor's in the Hunger Games history. And now, all of this combined brought me one thing: the odds has still been giving me enough reason to keep loving Katniss Everdeen.
"Peeta, I'm sorry for-" Her voice catches me from my reverie and I give her hand a reassuring squeeze.
And then lights started flashing, questions and earsplitting cheers buzzing from everywhere.
" No, I am sorry. I shoud've not reacted that way." I whisper in her ear pulling her for a short kiss.
That's enough for the cameras for now, I think. I wave a hand to the people to give us way. We're too tired for the same questions and so we left Haymitch and Effie to answer them as we slip away from the crowd. We walk through the end of the platform, wordless and silent. I see Katniss shut her eyes on the ground feeling sheepish. This is what hurts me for I don't want her feeling bad for herself.
"Don't feel bad," I say.
"I can't help it. I'm really sorry,"she stammers. I try to counter her but as we reach one of the compartment, her expression suddenly lightens up.
In one of the compartments by the stations, our families await our return. Mrs. Everdeen who has been crying tears of joy, together with Prim, steps forward patting Katniss's shoulder. She clings her arms around her daughter's neck whispering words beyond sobs. They must truly miss each other so much. Prim embraces her sister next giving a peck on her cheek. Katniss and I haven't gotten rid of our entwined fingers yet when comes ahead Gale Hawthorne. She abruptly pulls away from my hold and embraces her best friend. That's it. And it's that fast. Gale. It took just Gale to finally relinquish that tight hold.
"That was a tough fight Catnip" he says. Catnip. Is that supposed to be her nickname for her? By the way they hold each others' embrace I can say they've built a strong relationship throughout the years they spent together in the woods. She mentioned this to me one time during our trip back home, even before I knew about the drama in the games.
Yes, the two of us have been together fighting life and death in the arena but that was a small thing compared to Gale and her. "Thanks, Peeta, thanks for taking care of her." Gale says swinging his arms around her shoulders. I catch her eyes trying to look sheepish once more and I avoid them.
"No, thanks to her," I answer half-heartedly.
I can't stand seeing how they look. How Gale and Katniss look perfect for each other. It makes me want to run away and forget the fact that only impossibility awaits my love for her. And at that momen the only thing I could do is to make an excuse to see my family to stop the ache that I feel deep down.
"Peeta," someone calls, almost incomprehensible. I turn to my right and catch a glimpse of them. To my shock, it was my mother who called me. I know because she repeats to call my name with the same harsh voice. She's crying. And not just crying. She weeps so hard I can barely recognize the eyes which are usually flooded with anger. Instead, on them flows tears that seem endless.
She gathers me into a tight embrace I never once received from her but now. "Good to see you Peeta I thought you . . you won't . . ." she stammers.
"Mom, I'm back. I made it." I say brushing her back. Over her shoulders, I see my father smiling though with watery eyes and my older brothers clapping they're hands in applause.
At the very second, I witness what unexpected and I can't deny a positive matter the Hunger Games have brought to happen. It has given me the family I dreamed of having. My brothers are shaking my hands in delight and I heari them say how proud they are of me. My father is even more full of kindness and soothing words. And most importantly my mother. Mom, who I yearned to hug me this tight, holds me like she never wanted her son away again.
I glance back at Katniss and realize it's not the time to talk to her, now. Even if to clear things out. We need time to think. We need space to sort out all the things that happened before and during the games.
She catches my gaze just like those times I stare at her in school when all of a sudden . . . when in that split second . . . faster than a snap of a finger, a gun fires. The sound echos in the small building that for a while held us, our families, a few important broadcasters and peacekeepers. And as soon as it happened the crowd from across the platform draws in. The place where her family stood was then surrounded by people and cameras. It was so fast I am not even able to register what had just occurred! And when I'm able to get back to my senses just as I feel my brothers' grip around my wrists. I shake them away and prepare to run. Run. That's the only thing I thought of doing. I run with my heart thumping fast. My hands grab every shoulders to give way for me. And as they move, I try hard to evade the thought of anything negative, bursting in the poor possibility that it could not be her until finally, I come to a halt. And it was.
I slumped my knees on the floor, unable to speak, unable to cry but to think of only one thing. The Capitol-President Snow. They'll pay for this.
This is my first ever fanfiction! I know it's not that nice but I'm still hoping you like it! Please leave your comment or you can e-mail me at cinnamon_blancmange@gmail.com
Thanks for stopping by! :)
--myMockingjay
