Simply Everlark (After Mockingjay)

Chapter 11

A week in the hospital passes rather slowly. The bland tasting food much like the meals in district thirteen are getting more than old. The raw tasting foods now causes my insides to churn having the tray in the same room as myself. Thankfully though, seeing my strong disliking for the mush, Peeta offers his homemade baked goods as a replacement meal.

Peeta hasn't left the hospital yet since I had first checked in. I had been constantly telling him to at least go home for a couple of hours as the week slowly progressed, but every time he denied. I was partially grateful though that he was willing to stay by my side while cooped up in this white room and provide some sort of entertainment.

Through the passing days, we caught up on a lot of things that had been going on through the lost year. He told me more about the time he spent in the Capitol which included catching up on familiar faces. I was happy to hear that Annie and Finn had visited for a couple of days. Peeta was truly happy talking about the little boy who he had seemed to have bonded strongly with. The childish grin on his face was a priceless expression explaining all of the so called 'adventures' Finn had taken him on.

But through all of this time spent with Peeta and the numerous stories being told, the stronger my feelings were coming through. And frankly, the whole situation alarms me.

The feeling is growing the longer amount of time that I spend with him. I find myself craving his touch or the heartwarming smile. I haven't confessed my feelings for the man yet I guess being afraid of the possible outcome. He had told me the day of the accident that he had loved me, but will his feelings change when I am willing to confess it?

The hospital room is empty, well besides the sleeping Haymitch who is dosed off in the corner of the room. The beeping machine is still on, causing myself to grow exhausted from the familiar sound.

My head is making a full recovery, lessening the pain the longer my stay in the hospital. But with the bandages off and only a slight throbbing coming from the back of my skull, I would say my stay in the Capitol should be coming to an end. I sill need some assistance, but starting yesterday I was finally well enough to walk around and clean myself up. Peeta had kept a firm grip on my ribcage as he steadied by figure while I took uneasy steps around the room. He had insisted to help with my walking rather than the doctor.

Peeta was called outside by the doctor a few minutes ago to discuss my condition. He has been the one who is mainly watching over me which I couldn't be more grateful for. Haymitch is snoozing most of the day and Gale left to go back to twelve two days ago, having Peeta in charge by default.

The door opens slightly causing Haymitch to stir in the uncomfortable chair and myself to straiten up. Soon, Peeta's muscular figure edges his way into the room. He glances over at our mentor whom was apparently sleeping once again, unaffected by his entrance.

His eyes then find mine and I watch his features turn into a smile. Curious, he walks over to the side of the bed, sitting in the same chair that has held his weight all this week.

He takes my hand and squeezes it gently between his two large palms. "Ready to go home?"

A smile plays on my face as I take on a deep breath and lean my head back. Finally hearing the news of getting out of his room is relieving. I open one of my eyes to glance at Peeta with one of his heartwarming smiles plastered on his face as he holds my hand.

"Yeah," I lazily reply.

After hearing these words, Peeta's hands find there way into my waist and he slowly pulls my body upward. Now sitting on the edge of the bed feeling a little out of sorts, Peeta notices how weak I still am.