Simply Everlark (After Mockingjay)

Chapter 4

I stare at the boy with pure bliss who has not noticed my presence because of his lagging suitcase. I cant even grasp that he is so close to me and what I am seeing is real, Peeta is really standing feet away from me. I feel a victory, like I can get on with my life seeing Peeta so healthy and well. He looks as if he has made a full recovery from what the Capitol had turned him into.

This is real.

His gaze shifts, now off of the suitcase that slings over his shoulder in place with a strap crossed over her chest. He has not looked up at all yet. His eyes remain focused on his feet while pushing through the train's doorframe. Peeta lifts his head up slightly, locking a glance with the train's main attendant who planted himself on the left side of the train's exit, assisting people off. Peeta smiles and says a quiet 'thank you' to the man who gladly tips the front of his hat in return.

That's when Peeta looks up.

At first, his eyes don't meet mine, searching around for something in the crowd as his eyes squint from the brightness that is present. The crowds scream out of excitement for one of their victors returning back to their district, but I know that none of them are happier than I am right now. Every one here may as well be absent because right now, it's just Peeta and I.

Finally, he turns his head so his eyes come into contact with mine. His mouth drops slightly then changes into the smile that I have missed so much. My insides immediately turn warm from the sight of his huge smile that it causes myself to let one tug at the ends of my lips. From the time I have spent in district twelve after the war, I never allowed myself to feel so happy that I smiled, proving the affect Peeta has on me.

This is real.

His suitcase that was strung across his chest is now being removed hurriedly as his big hands fumble with the tattered strap. He then places it on the platform, still standing at the train's doorframe. What is he doing?

He stands there for a few seconds. Not moving a muscle, just observing with the wide smile displaying everyone of his pearly teeth to me. Our gazes are locked with neither one of us willing to break it for not seeing one for so long.

He looks well. His hair is a slightly darker shade of blond and it has grown a little from the last time I had seen him. He looks much more stronger, muscles more prominent in in tight black shirt matching with camo pants and a black pair of boots double knotted, probably provided by the Capitol.

He bites his lip trying to contain excitement which causes me to smile wider. Finally after what feels like forever staring at each other, Peeta takes long strides, almost a runs pace in my direction, excitement now stronger than ever as he gets closer. The feeling grows in my stomach as he takes ever single step, the feeling that I can't seem to turn off.

This is real.

He's now running, rather awkwardly from what I am guessing is caused by his artificial leg. His eagerness is adorable. Peeta looks so happy, I notice it over and over as I continue to watch his unstable frame and his smile so wide it looks like it hurts. He's happy, I'm happy and it seems like the broken pieces are slowly getting back into place.

Not being able to take another second with Peeta's absence, I sprint. I run so fast my mind doesn't feel like it is controlling my legs. They have a mind of their own, ignoring what I have to say and following their own path, right in Peeta's direction.

This is it. The people in our district probably think we are crazy right now, looking like fools who are sprinting full on to be in each others grasp once again. But I don't care what they think, let them call us crazy or say our whole love story is fake by only putting on a show for the capitol's enjoyment.

But I know the truth, that this surly is not fake. No, this feeling I have that only Peeta is capable of giving me is completely real.

We don't even say a simple hi to each other when we meet. One second I am running to Peeta as fast as I can and the next, my body is being connected with his. I hold on tight, tight like my life depended on it and he does the same. Peeta's chin is resting on my shoulder and my face is pushed up against his chest while our arms are snaked on each others bodies. Words cannot describe how amazing this feeling is, holding Peeta after we had gone against all odds. I close my eyes, listening to the rhythm of his heart while breathing in the smell of cinnamon still lingers on his clothing from being away from the bakery for so long.

"Katniss," he speaks sweetly and softly muffled into my hair, "You have no idea how much I have missed you."

I laugh. I actually laugh, letting out all of the happiness that was building up inside of me free. "Peeta I- I still can't believe you're here." I pull away from his chest while still holding onto his large frame and making contact to the beautiful blues in his eyes.

Peeta is laughing now, too. His hair falls just to his eye brows and a light pink is visible on his cheeks. "So," he starts with the smile looking like it is never going to leave his features, "How have things been?"

I pause for a while taking my mind off of the present and looking back to the past. I was miserable, wondering what every day's new horror would bring. So lonely and lost without someone telling me that it will be fine, that everything will be okay. I didn't have that reassurance but now, I think i do.

"Oh," I quickly try to from the words, "Things have been fine."

He glances at me cautiously, not believing the words that I am saying. Peeta is smart, knowing me for so long one would think he knows when I am lying.

"How have you been, Peeta?" I nervously ask attempting to change the conversation to another topic before he says anything.

He lets go of my body and it turns cold from the loss of touch. Disappointment and worry fills me wondering if he did not want to talk about his past. Being under the rule of the capitol wouldn't want to be something I would enjoy having a conversation about.

"I have been terrible, really." He shakes his head while laughing and adverting his eyes away from my gaze and I feel horrible that I asked. "But hey," he starts while taking my hand into his, "But Im okay now, right?"

I smile while catching Peeta's sweet smile in the process. Things are going so well. Before coming to the station, I had so many negative thoughts about the many things that could possibly go wrong. Being here and seeing him I realize how wrong I was. Peeta is the same sweet guy that I have been through everything with. And if things couldn't have been any better, it seems as if our relationship is stronger than ever.

"Excuse me." someone clears their throat behind my back and I let go of Peeta's hand quickly. "Are you two done yet?"

I turn around offering my best grimace to Haymitch. He is holding Peeta's bag with one hand, stretching it out for Peeta to take a hold of. Peeta gladly takes it, looking a bit embarassed before making it up with a hello.

"Nice to see you, Haymitch." He smiles while shaking hands with our mentor. At first Haymitch eyes his hand up sending Peeta a glare, but it is soon replaced with a smile while he pulls Peeta in for a side hug. Even Haymitch is in a better mood from Peeta's presence.

This is real.

And I love every second of it.