After The Always - Sequel to The 1 and Only Real

Chapter 6

Katniss' POV

I look at the white tiled floor and listen to the steady beeping heart monitor as I sit in a room where all is quiet. Peeta's hand in mine.

You must wonder where I am.

Well, it was just an ordinary quiet day, Peeta went off the work and I went for a walk exploring the district area surrounding the bakery.
I was just coming back to the bakery after a nice stroll when one of Peeta's main employees, Jason, bursts open the door and spots me.

"Katniss! Come quickly!" he calls to me and disappears back inside. I pick up my pace and head inside the bakery.

"Jason. What's happened?" I ask as I enter the main kitchen and discover my Peeta lying on the ground. I rush too his side, fear tearing me apart.

"Peeta? Peeta?" I ask placing my hands to his cheeks. I get no response. I called Jason to help me and we bring Peeta to this place. I looked at Peeta and his eyes were closed and they have ever since.

This place is too familiar for my liking.

Yes, we are at the district hospital. Peeta fighting for his life and me, trying my best to hope he's okay.

I wait and wait and wait. For any signs of consciousness.

The door quietly opens and I look up. His doctor appears in between the gap.

"Just letting you know he'll probably wake soon. If he is tired when he does, let him sleep. It'll be better for him." The doctor suggests and I nod in reply. He smiles at me before closing the door, leaving Peeta with me again.

I gaze towards Peeta. He looks so peaceful even when he's asleep. I stroke over one of his cut scars from our first hunger games with my finger. After the gesture becomes comforting enough I entwine our fingers to the best of my ability.

I decide to stand up. Still watching him, I brush away stray hairs hanging over his forehead and kiss his nose. I sadly bend back up and are met by his blue eyes.

"Hey. It's alright. You've just been out a few hours now." I coo. He just looks at me with his tired eyes and a small smile which I have longed to see.

"What happened?" he croaks.

"You fell at the bakery. Jason and I bought you here. You went into surgery because of a back injury which is slowly going to heal." I answer, summing up the day into a sentence. Peeta nods and I sadly smile at him.

"You look so tired and weak." I murmur, brushing my fingers against his forehead.

"I want to sleep." Peeta whispers, his eyes half open.

"It's okay. You can. I'll be right here when you open your eyes again." Peeta flashes me a small smile.

"Okay." He replies and closes his eyes. Looking peaceful once more. His head soon dips to the side as he enters back into a world where he can't see me.