Aftermath

Alone

I wake up alone, and cold. The cold air sailing through the open window of my room, my eyes stinging, cheeks still wet from the tears I cried and my throat red raw.

I roll over to find the space next to me empty, the space where Peeta is supposed to be. Tears fill my eyes.

Peeta's gone.

I haul myself out of bed and wander around the house, searching for him, which is stupid since I know he's gone, but I can't help myself. I need to find him.

I find myself sitting alone at the kitchen table, a hollow feeling in my heart. I allow myself to cry once more, hoping I'll eventually lose the energy to stay awake. When a fire ignites in my heart. I can't just stay here and weep, Peeta would try and find me, so thyat's what I should do.

I skid upstairs, pulling on my clothes and braiding my hair, still putting my boots on when I stumble out of the house. The air is crisp, but the sun is now melting away the remains of sludge lining the pavements. My mind begins to race, where would he have gone?

My best bet so far is probably Haymich's place, then Delly's new place then...then I don't really know where he's go.

I stroll to Haymich's house, hesitating at the door. 

What am I going to say?

I slowly shove the door open, the smell of liquor making my nose twitch and eyes water uncontrollably. I choke on the thick air, stumbling into the living room. Where I find a surprisingly sober Haymich.

He looks up at me, nonrecognition in his eyes. "He's not here."

"Gale forced himself on me!" I say sternly, feeling defensive. "You have to understand...I didn't know..." I begin to cry. Haymich rises from his seat and walks towards me, wrapping his arms around me.

"I know. I tried to tell him." He says gently.

"He was here?" I choke, wiping my eyes.

"Yeah, he barged in late yesterday...drank all the liquor I had, he was...upset..." Haymich admits sadly.

"Where do you think he went?" I ask, desperation lingering in my voice.

"I'd say...maybe Delly? I don't know...most of his friends died when twelve was..."he trails off.

I nod. "I'll try her."

Haymich smiles sadly. "Do you want me to come with you."

I pause. It would be nice to have some company.

"No...I think it would be best if I spoke to him alone." I say slowly, shaking my head.

Haymich nods, and I venture back out into the cold.

It's about a decent 10 minute walk to Delly's house, a few yards away form the Meadow. It's beautiful really, flowers lining the the windows, the grass cut to perfection, even the paint itself radiates life.

I slowly approach the door, knocking lightly on the shining red door.

Delly opens the door.

"Katniss!" she beams. "How are you? How's Peeta?"

I shake my head. "You haven't seen him then?"

She stares at me in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"We...we had an incident last night and he never came home..." I say, once more tears filling my eyes.

Delly squeals and gives me a hug, practically squeezing the life out of me. "I'm sure you'll find him!"

I nod thankfully. "Do you know where he might be?"

Delly shakes her head. "There's no one else here he could turn to, apart from Haymich, but I assume you've already visited him. Um...let me see...maybe...try his old home in Victor's Village, but I know that place scares him. " She pauses, biting her lip. "Have...have...have you tried the woods?"

My heart refuses to beat. "I'll go there next."

Of course, I think, of course!

I head off towards the fence, crawling under the gap between the metal railing.

I follow the track towards the lake. 

The lake where Peeta and I were happy.