We finally reach the grassy, flower-sprinkled meadow and I lead us to the middle of the field. We sit down on the bed of tall grass and lay back, watching the clouds above us as they move gracefully through the air. I catch myself smiling and I turn my head, finding Peeta is smiling as well. He looks back at me and we stay that way for a moment, just watching each other. I look at his features, his blonde hair, his soft skin, the grin I've loved since day one, his deep, blue eyes. What does he see when he looks at me, I wonder. Does he get lost in my eyes? Does he smile at the thought of me? Does he love my features? What exactly is there to love about me? I'm stubborn, difficult, and I'm really not too friendly.
His hand slides across the grass to find mine, lacing his fingers with mine. His thumb brushes across my hand and I get a warm feeling in the pit of my stomach. Its amazing what his small gestures can do. So small, yet meaning so much. He knows what gets to me.
He sits up and so do I, slightly curious why we aren't laying down anymore. He doesn't stop there. He stands up, gentfully pulling me up with him. My curiosity grows even more when he turns to me, his free hand grabbing mine so he hold both of my hands in his. He takes a deep breath and looks me in the eyes, his smile has faded but theres still a sense of happiness in his voice, "You love me. Real or not real?"
Without a moment of hesitation, I nod, "Real. One hundred percent real, Peeta. I will always love you."
"Always?" he asks, the smile coming back to his face.
"Forever," I say, confirming, smiling as well.
"Forever," he repeats. He gets down on one knee on his prosthetic leg. He does it with a little difficulty, but he does it quickly. "Katniss Everdeen," he says as he reaches into his pocket, "will you be mine forever? Will you be my wife?" He asks this as he holds out his hand. In the palm of it lays a shiny, diamond ring.
I take in a sharp breath at it all. His words, the ring, everything. He knows how I feel about marriage, children, a family. He knows I will always remain in fear about the Games, even though they have been terminated. They are apart of me and they will never leave my mind. I think about it for a few seconds before nodding my head a little, a soft grin washing over my lips, "Yes, Peeta."
Tears fill his eyes as he slides the ring on my finger, standing up quickly before he wraps his arms around me. I love seeing him so happy. My smile widens as I bite my lower lip. I feel his breath against my neck, its shaky so I can tell he is crying. I feel my own eyes becoming brimmed with tears as I bury my face in his neck, my eyelids falling as I close my eyes. I hear a faint whisper hitting my neck through his breaths. "Thank you," he says. He repeats it over and over, holding me tighty.
