The disappearance of Peeta's heat and desire leaves me slightly empty, and all I can do is stand there, the bite on my neck still dripping blood. My heart still pounds faster than it probably should - and I couldn't decide whether it was because of nerves or because he drank too much from me. It has never really dawned on me that vampires have fangs, and have a thirsting for blood rather than food. Even if Clove and the others had attacked me - they'd only gotten so far as pinning me down before Peeta found me.

Right. Castle full of vampires.

I quickly find a washcloth and drench it with cold water, swiping it over my neck and face a few times to try and relieve myself of his touch.

I throw the cloth into the sink, flopping down on my bed with a heavy sigh afterwards. Did Peeta just kiss me? And I let him?

I smile to myself a little.

A few days later.....

No matter what I tried to do, Peeta consistently avoided me at all costs. Even walking around the halls to waste some time, I'd only catch flashes of wings or a person turning a corner; but even then, I wasn't sure it was him. To be honest, I am a little disappointed.

My arrival to the castle had slowly allowed my feelings for Peeta to grow. With every smile, careful touch, and kind actions, Peeta has wormed his way to my heart. And the kiss - sometimes I dreamt about it, whether it be during the day at the boredest hours or at night in my deepest slumber. Peeta was there, even if he wasn't really. Still...

I kind of miss him.

Johanna's P.O.V.

I can tell something is going on between Peeta and Katniss. So I have a plan.

"Finnick," I call, walking into his large bedroom.

He eyes me as if he can already see the gears churning in my head. "Hey Johanna," he says, still giving me that curious look.

"Have you noticed anything weird with Peeta and Katniss?" I ask him, crossing my arms over my chest. He sits on his bed, frowning as he considers my question.

"Not really," he replies slowly. His eyes flicker up to mine. "Why?"

I smile deviously. "Well, I kinda think something happened between them because they're not talking anymore." I pause. "I think we should make them a nice dinner and they can share a dance in the ballroom," I say. His eyes light up, and instantly he nods.

"Yes, yes that's good. We have to make it wonderful," he says, a smile on his face.

I return it, nodding as well. "I know just where to start."

Peeta's P.O.V.

Staying away from Katniss has proven the hardest thing I've ever done. But every day away from her, I feel myself fall back into who I used to be - a cold-blooded vampire. Not once did I leave my quarters in Westing Manor, and any time a situation required my presence, I made it quick and short. At night, Katniss plagues my dreams. Her scent, her taste, the way she moaned and breathed and leaned into me -

The sleep medication would've killed me if I were a human. Every night, without fail, I take a handful of them and hope they sweep me away before my mind takes me to where it truly wants to lie. So I sleep and I watch those petals slowly unfurl into red ones, counting each day and minute and second that I was there.

God, how did I let myself get so out of hand? I scold myself. I am a monster. This rose should turn red already... I don't deserve to live the rest of immortality.

The hours of staring at a rose threatened to make my eyes bleed - so I planned on going into the garden at least once a week. Even if it takes me into the daytime, where the sun poses more of a problem than I had originally suspected.

I stick close to the shadows - sometimes even crossing through beds of flowers just to stay within the shade of a weeping willow tree. Most of the time - like today - I gather a few art supplies and head to my favorite tree, climbing into the canopy and gazing down at the beautiful pond. Little fish laze about beneath the lily pads, providing a scene I usually favor to draw. The way the light reflects, how their bodies curve and their fins tangle together...

I let out the emotions on the pad of paper with a pencil. The images flow and turn into a masterpiece. Only of late, they have been of Katniss... her soft olive skin, ebony curls, silver eyes... Every line and detail come together beautifully on the paper. I just... don't know why it is always of her.

Have I fallen for a human..? That's absurd. She's my prisoner, and soon will be of no use to me - I'll leave her for the Careers when I become mortal and die. They can have at her as they please.

"Mind if I join you?"

I scratch a line through the sketch at the voice. I look down and tense.

Katniss gazes up at me, a hand shading over her brilliant gray eyes. I swallow. There is no way for me to avoid her now.

"Um... sure. If you can get up here, that is. Wouldn't want to ruin your pettiskirt," I say to her, and try to erase my mistake.

Somehow, even with her poofy skirt, she manages to climb the tree lithely. I purposely keep my eyes trained on my sketchbook before starting on a new drawing.

"What are you drawing?" she asks, joining me on my branch.

I scribble on the paper determinedly. "Oh, the usual. Nature. Animals. People."

Katniss's head tilts, curiosity lighting her eyes. That look sent my stomach fluttering, and I looked away as soon as possible. Somehow, for some reason, Katniss scooted closer, peering over my shoulder.

"Who do you draw? I'd love to see," she says, her breath tickling my ear. My heart jumps pitifully, and I instantly become guarded.

"Oh, I'd rather not," I say roughly, still not looking her way. "An artist is never keen on sharing their work unless they approve of it, as you may know," I explain.

"Oh... of course. Sorry." I can sense her disappointment, her voice doing something to me.

Silence stretches between us, filled only by the sound of birds and the trees rustling. I try not to look at her and draw something other than her, my pencil sketching out the fish that dart away from a fallen leaf.

"Are you avoiding me?" she asks suddenly. My head whips toward her, and too late - my sketchbook jostles from my lap, landing with a thump on the ground below.

"Oh, I'm sorry! Here! I'll get it!" Katniss says, instantly leaping down from our branch. Her skirt flaps up a little, and I look away before I see anything, cheeks burning. However, when I hear nothing for a few moments, I look back down.

Her hair covers her face, but I know her eyes were wide with surprise as she looks at one of my favorite drawings of her.

"Peeta..." she gasps, eyes flickering up to mine. The grey in them are startled, her cheeks tinged a pretty pink.

"I know, I should have asked," I begin. "You are just so picturesque I couldn-"

"I love it."

My heart practically stops, and I stare down at her. "Wait, you what?" I ask, confused.

She climbs back up and sits where she was. She hands me the book with a smile. "I said I love it. I've never been drawn before. Never knew I looked that nice."

"Oh, well... you do..." I say hesitantly, everything in my mind going silent except for the sound of my heartbeat.

She gives me a confused look and I instantly regret my words. "I mean, you are easy to draw. And um... Yeah. Elegant and easy..." I stammer and try not to show my embarrassment.

"Well, thank you," she says, tucking her dark hair behind an ear. "No one has really said anything like that to me before. I would love to help you do more if you'd like. Now that the secret is out." She smiles again, a little huff of laughter escaping her.

"Oh, um... Sure. If you'd like. I know that being here isn't um..." All words leave me as I look up at her, right into her molten gaze.

But she looks away - looks at the castle hidden beneath layers of vines. "No, but it is nice. In its own ways, I suppose. Nothing like home, for sure. Not with Prim or Gale or my mother but... here is nice too." She watches her feet as she kicks back and forth.

"Well...if there is anything I can do...don't hesitate..."

"Will you stop avoiding me?" she asks with a knowing smirk.

I blink. "Oh um.. I never was! I just.. Um.."

She laughs a little. "I'm teasing. Avoid me as long as you want. You know where I am, and you'll find me if you need me," she says.

"Right...Vampire," I say. Nervously, I close my sketchbook, sticking my pencil within to make it easier to climb down. Before I manage to hop off our branch, Katniss starts talking.

"You said you'd show me around sometime. I'm still waiting," she says, and I pause.

"Oh, right, I guess I forgot. Um, how about this evening? The places are much prettier in the moonlight. And I don't have to be burned, either," I say.

"It's a date," Katniss says and offers me her hand to shake, a small smile on her face.

My heart throbs. "It's a date..." I say and hesitantly shake it.

~

(That night)

My nerves jitter nervously as I pace around my room, the only thing on my mind being Katniss. I was excited to show her around, to see what would happen under a full moon and a walk in the garden. I would reprimand myself for that dangerous thought were it not for the charge in my blood.

"Hi," I practice saying, waving to my imaginary Katniss. I shake my head, mentally pressing the 'restart' button. "Hello!" Too much enthusiasm...

"Hey." I roll my eyes and flop onto my bed. "Ughhhhh!" I sigh, scrubbing at my face nervously. A soft knock echoes through the room, and without thinking, I jump up and walk over.

"Hey Kat- oh Finnick," I say, unable to hide the audible drop of excitement in my voice. Finnick raises a brow, but I ask, "What are you doing here?" He smiles despite my reaction to him, stepping into my room without my permission. He only nods his head in a small bow, as if it would make up for it.

"Johanna and I have a little something planned so I'm here to help you get ready," he says, motioning towards my wardrobe.

I frown. "What about Katniss? We had something planned."

Finnick only smiles again, occupying himself with searching through my closet. "Don't worry, she will be there too. Johanna is helping her," he says.

As he speaks, he pulls out a white button-up shirt and a suit. "Here put this on," he says, throwing the clothing at me.

Too nervous so say anything at his nonchalance towards me, I go into my bathroom and change into the suit. I walk out of the bathroom, earning a nod of approval from Finnick. "Great, now you need to give something to Katniss. A gift," he explains. As my frown deepens, worry worming into me, Finnick says, "I know that you have lots of jewelry left over from your mother, you should pick something out for her. She will love it."

I nod at the sense it makes, going over to my bed and pulling out a small box of jewelry - the only thing of my mother's that I kept, the rest staying in her old room. I rifle through all the colorful gems, searching for the first one that had come to mind.

"Okay," I say, picking up one of the simpler necklaces. "Now what?"

"Now, you go give Katniss the time of her life," he says, pushing me towards the door.

Katniss's P.O.V.

I pause at the door of my room, hand stilling on the handle as I take a deep breath. I'm about to open it and head to Peeta's own room when the door swings open. Johanna steps in, walking past me and straight to my bed.

"Oh, hey," I say, following her in with a frown.

"Hey," she says and puts a beautiful red dress on my bed.

"Uh, what's this?" I ask her, touching the smooth fabric of the dress.

"What does it look like?" she asks, looking at the clothing as well. "It's a dress for you to wear tonight. Finnick and I have a little something for you and Peeta planned." She carefully picks up the red silk and places it in my arms.

"Now go get changed and I will help with everything else," Johanna says. I nod slowly before retreating into the bathroom. After a few moments of struggle, I slip into the soft silk and slip my arms through the sleeves.

Slowly, dress trailing behind me slightly, I go back out into my room, heart jumping nervously. I almost feel self-conscious, but Johanna clasps her hands together with a small smile.

"Perfect," she says, "now go sit on your bed so I can do a bit of your makeup." I sigh. I'm not a big makeup person.

"Not too much, please. Something natural is fine," I beg, sitting on the bed.

~

Johanna dabs the last bit of makeup on my eyelids, stepping away to admire her work. She frowns at my hair before taking out my braid and teasing it into softer curls, once again standing back for a better view. Once she nods, I stand and walk over to the standing mirror, looking at myself.

"Ready?" Johanna asks as a smile forms on my face. I nod my head.

She opens the door and ushers me to walk out. I take a breath and pick up my dress to make sure I didn't trip or accidentally break a heel on the shoes Johanna had slipped onto my feet.

Every swish of my dress takes me closer to the grand staircase at the front of the castle, my heart still giving pitiful jumps of excitement. I stop at the top of the stairs, staring down at Peeta who waits at the bottom in a dashing white suit. As he turns to me, my face burns with embarrassment, but he only smiles and reaches out a hand to me.

I walk down to him slowly, trying for an elegant and smooth gait as we smile at each other. I try not to blush.

"You look nice..." I say quietly, trying to not look too long at his sandy hair and bright blue eyes.

"T-Thank you." He clears his throat, cheeks turning red as he says, "You look beautiful..."

My heart bounces with glee, and I blush, murmuring my thanks. I take hold of Peeta's warm hand, our fingers fitting together smoothly.

"Right this way, My Lord. Miss." Finnick says, stepping up from behind Peeta.

He leads us to the dining hall, taking us through the halls until we enter a brightly lit room. The candlelights flicker off the gold encrusted finery, and all I can do is gasp at the beautifully decorated hall.

A big meal is laid out for the two of us. My eyes flicker over the elaborate set up of foods and sides, my stomach hollowing out with nervousness. Peeta releases my hand only for a second as he pulls out a chair for me. As I sit, he pushes in the chair smoothly and walks over to the opposite end of the table.

I don't know why I feel so anxious. I don't even... It's only a meal. Maybe a dance. But that's it. What is wrong with me?

Dinner is silent but flies by fast, both of us either too nervous to speak or too busy eating the delicious food. Finnick and Johanna get us up before we even finish dessert, quickly herding us to the adjacent ballroom where classical music plays. They push us to the center of the room, quickly retreating back to the dining hall to give us privacy.

I feel as if my whole body is shaking with nerves, but I only offer an arm for Peeta to take. With a small, similarly nervous smile, he grabs hold and drags me closer to him. I gasp slightly, but as he smiles down at me, I melt into his arms.

As he leads me into the dance, he almost instantly steps on my foot. A few turns later, he almost ripped my dress by stepping on it. I slow to a stop with a laugh,

"Been a million years, has it?" I tease.

"Not even. Ten thousand at most." I only have a moment to blink before he quickly sweeps us into a dance again, this time with me murmuring little commands to him.

"Here, right-left, right-right-left. Twirl me here," I say, and he smiles, doing as I tell him. My dress flares wide before he pulls me back against his chest. Both of us are slightly breathless, and when I look up into his eyes, they are bright with mirth, my reflection in them similarly exhilarated.

He follows my directions and gets the hang of it. After a few moments, it seems as if we are dancing on air. Not a care in the world. Just the two of us. A Beauty and a Beast it seems...

The music slows to a stop, and our dance with it. We come to a standstill in the middle of the ballroom again, staring at each other without parting. Peeta blinks once, the only sign of what's about to happen as he pulls away.

He reaches into a pocket of his jack, pulling out a beautiful silver locket. He grabs my hand and gently places it in my palm.

"I got you this," he says. "It was my mother's, but now I want you to have it."

"Thank you, are you sure you want to give me this?" I ask him, admiring the warm locket in my hand.

Peeta nods. My heart warms instantly, but he only opens the locket to reveal three little dark spaces. "You can put pictures in the three slots," he says pointing to them. I look up at him and pull him into a hug.

"Thank you," I whisper. Peeta nods and we pull away.

"Katniss....I...I think you should go," he says, suddenly not meeting my eyes.

"Go? Go where," I ask, frowning. I try to grab his arm and make him look at me, but he pulls away once more. He refuses to meet my eyes.

"Home, leave here. You deserve better," he says and starts to walk away.

"Peeta, I...I don't want to go. I want to stay here with.....with you," I say, voice cracking. Peeta stops, turning to look at me, his blue eyes rimmed with silver.

"No Katniss, it's not safe for you here." He massages his forehead with a finger and a thumb, a silent tear going down his cheek. "I don't want you to get hurt. And you will if you stay here."

My heart cracks, and I almost worry that he will hear it. "Why are you doing this? Don't say it's to protect me," I say, seeing the look on his face. "I know that's not the only reason."

"I'm doing because I care about you," Peeta says. Suddenly, he glares at me, eyes flashing angrily. "Now go! Leave!" he cries.

"Peeta..."

My heart drops as he leaves the ballroom without looking back, Finnick and Johanna quickly stepping up to him and arguing. But he ignores them and storms away.

I turn around, running out the door with hot tears running down my face. No one stops me as I push through the front doors, dress restricting my legs until I'm half-stumbling through the courtyard. Darkness surrounds me, interrupted by the rare torch of light set up at the gates. The fresh air does nothing to soothe me - I don't know why I thought it would. Air can't hold together a broken heart.

I don't stop as I push past the gates of the castle, leaving behind Westing Manor without a backward glance just like Peeta did to me. Trees and brush surround me, but I push through it desperately. The locket is still clutched in my hand, but I almost feel the urge to throw it into the thicket as I run past. Before I can do so, a large branch manages to rip into my dress.

I shout as I collapse to the forest floor, already feeling blood leak from the cut in my leg. My feet ache from my heels, but over that, my heart aches. Tears escape from my eyes, but I only tear my dress at my thighs to make it easier to run, kicking off my shoes as well.

A branch snaps behind me, and instantly I freeze, the world too dark around me. Without thinking, I launch to my feet, rushing into the brush without really looking where I was going. A Career stops me with a blow to the chest, and I fall to the ground with a heavy oomph. My breath whooshes out of me, making it difficult to get another one in.

"Ah! Let me go!" I scream, struggling against the hands that suddenly gripped onto me. Without preamble, somebody comes at my neck from behind, their fangs grazing the delicate skin there. In front, Cato and Clove watch, licking their own fangs as they watch their companion get ready to drink my blood.

I scream weakly, feeling utterly helpless as I am held down and my skin is pierced by someone else's teeth. Peeta... where are you, Peeta! I cry inside of my head, my throat too tight to push sound through it. Unable to scream and unable to move, tears drench my face, glowing red eyes surrounding me.

Pain radiates from my neck as the vampire's fangs are brutally yanked away, the other Careers quickly backing away. I do nothing as they outright dash into the trees, disappearing into the night. A growl rips from someone behind me, and then I am staring into blue eyes glazed with worry.

"Peeta," I whisper, reaching a weak hand for his face. He leans his cheek into my cold palm, eyes closing. When he opens them again, worry and regret mingle together. He opens his mouth to say something, but not before he is ripped from hands.

My voice cracks terribly as I scream his name, quickly lunging up into a sitting position with a hand on my neck to stop the dripping blood. The Careers are back. They're gonna kill Peeta and then eat me -

Peeta shouts as a muzzle clamps around his forearm, dragging him away from me. No! No, don't leave me again! I almost shout the words, beg the world and the earth and the beast taking Peeta away from me. I try to crawl towards him, body still weak from adrenaline and shock.

But my whole world freezes as gray eyes peer at me over Peeta's shoulders, quickly releasing him so that it could gallop over to me.

"Gale," I say with disbelief, staring at the wolf before me. He makes to nudge me into a standing position with his bloody muzzle - Peeta's blood - but I shy away from him. An impatient snarl leaves his lupine lips until I push his large, furry head away.

He nips at my hand gently, trying to tug me along. Urgency is in his eyes, and they keep flickering towards Peeta, who still hugged his arm to his chest and was groaning quietly. Peeta...

I yank my hand away, falling backwards in my haste. I don't say anything as I slowly crawl over to Peeta's panting form, but Gale growls behind me. He leaps forward, making it to Peeta before I can. My heart breaks as Peeta shouts, Gale ripping into him with his claws and teeth.

"Gale!" I scream, throat raw. "Gale, stop!" The wolf turns to me, and anger lights his eyes. The distraction costs him as Peeta pulls a leg between them and manages to kick Gale with inhuman strength. My eyes widen as he practically flies across the small clearing I'd fallen in, his body crashing to the forest floor with more than a few cracks.

His pain-filled gray eyes meet mine briefly, but I only continue towards Peeta, a hand slipping around the back of his neck to hold his head up. He mumbles a warning as rustling sounds behind me, but when I turn, I only find that Gale has left, as well as all of the Careers.

I look back to Peeta, but his eyes are closed, face tight with a grimace. I brush the hair from his face, desperately searching his body for the worst injuries. But there is too much blood and gore and torn skin.

"Peeta, why would you do that?" I ask quietly, mouth tight as I try to hold back tears. Peeta's blue eyes slowly peel open, but they are far-away with pain. Still, he offers me a small smile.

"We save each other, that's what we do," he mumbles. I laugh through my sudden sobs, and he only cups my cheek as I did him, wiping away the tears. He briefly points in a random direction, stumbling over some nonsensical directions.

Before I know it, Peeta passes out.

~

After about fifteen minutes we get to a little cabin. The dark night makes it hard to see it, and I just about run into it with Peeta dragging behind me. I search the walls, patting it frequently to check for a door or handle. A few moments later, I'm dragging Peeta's limp body through the threshold and into the damp cabin. I'm panting heavily as I close the door and set Peeta against the wall, squinting into the darkness as I search for a source of light.

Quiet fills the tiny home as I fill a fireplace with wood, later finding matches in a kitchen drawer that I light it with. Slowly, a fire crackles to life, setting the house in warm yellows. But at least I can see.

Peeta groans in pain, the only sign that he has come to again. I rush over to him, falling to my knees as I scan his pale face.

"Do you know if there is anything here to help you?" I ask him quickly.

He nods tightly, mouth a thin line. "In the bathroom."

I nod before going to what I think is the bathroom. My hands fumble through the creaky drawers until I find what I need, and I rush back over to him.

I examine his chest wounds, pulling out what supplies I would need. Somehow, within the minutes of our walk, some of his wounds had already started stitching close. Right. Vampire.

"You look like you know what you're doing," he says with a small, painful smile. I return it easily, trying to cover up the shaking of my hands. I am still weak after my blood being sucked, but I try to push through it.

"My mother is a doctor, she helps people in town. I've seen her treat people so I kinda know what I'm doing," I say. He nods, nose sniffing quietly. When I look back into his eyes, I could've sworn his pupils had dilated.

"Katniss... the blood on your neck," he says tightly, looking away.

I blink. My hand instantly goes to my neck, where my blood had dried and crusted along my collarbone. I pause what I am doing, staring at him for a second as an idea pops into my head.

"You lost a lot of blood," I say, looking at his torn abdomen that still leaked blood. I wasn't sure how he was even alive right now, but he only nods, his gaze still carefully averted.

"I'll be fine," he replies, groaning softly as he pushes himself higher against the wall. More blood slips forth.

"Would it help you heal faster if you drank my blood?" I ask, and his eyes dart to mine. The blue in them seems to pulse as he sniffs the scent of my blood again.

"Blood would help, but I still need my guts to be put back where they belong," he says. I try for a small laugh but only end up with a weak smile. "I really don't think you should let me drink your blood though, Katniss," he warns.

I only shake my head and maneuver him around so I can take his shirt off. He grunts as I do, but ultimately stays quiet afterwards and doesn't look my way. He must be in a lot of pain, I think quietly. He didn't even try to push the matter of him drinking my blood. He sighs as he settles back into the wall, eyes almost rolling into his head.

I glance shortly to his muscled body before I am picking up gauzes and alcohol to tend to his wounds. He practically growls as I pour it over his chest and wash the blood away with a cloth, gently wrapping his stomach back together.

I finish quickly and silently, slipping the last of the wrap over his shoulder to the small wounds there. He'd watched me work the whole time, only murmuring to say whether the binding was too tight or too loose. Now, he sits and looks at me, as if waiting for my response to something.

I gulp. "Did you... want to drink some of my blood?" I ask again. If he notices my slightly-trembling body and shaking breaths, he doesn't say anything. His hand lightly grabs my arm, and my eyes widen as he pulls me over his bare chest. I try to be careful as I situate myself around him and his wounds, but he only hugs me to his chest.

He kisses my neck on the faint wounds of the other vampire's bite, and I shiver as his tongue licks up the blood trail. But he only sits there and holds me, his chest radiating pleasant heat against me. Within moments, his breathing evened out into slumber, and for some reason, there in his arms in the middle of a random cabin after a bloody attack, I slowly fell asleep against him too.

~

I don't know how long I slept against Peeta, but it was probably the most peaceful sleep I have ever gotten.

I slowly wake, peeling my head from his chest and blinking wearily at my unfamiliar surroundings. My cheeks heat as I notice how I am laid across him, our legs tangled and arms half-wrapped against each other.

Gently, I pry myself away and stand, instantly going to the fire to stoke it. After a moment of thought, I find the bedroom and search for something other than a ball gown to wear. I found a simple shirt and pants before grabbing something for Peeta to wear too.

When I go back to check on Peeta, his eyes are open and soft. I apologize for waking him, but he only shakes his head, watching me again.

"I'm going to go make you something to eat," I say, trying to get out of this awkward situation. But Peeta grabs my hand.

"No, stay. Please..?" he asks me, something utterly weak in his gaze. I melt under his blue eyes and instantly nod, setting myself up next to him instead of on top.

Peeta puts his arms around my shoulder and we watch the fire flicker through the room with soft pops.

"I'm sorry this had to happen... You could have died.." I say quietly into the gloom, even if my nerves were jittery at how close we were.

"That may be so... but at least you'd be the last face I would see," he says. I blush furiously, heart pounding.

"I won't let you die. Not yet anyways." I turn in his arms so that I face him, our faces incredibly close as we share breaths. My heart jumps into my throat.

"So," he said in an even voice, smiling at me when I look into his eyes. "Let's make the most of the moments we have now."

I only offer a mewl of concern for his wounds before my mouth is captured by his. The newly found familiarity of our brushing lips was comforting in ways I couldn't quite explain. I push the thoughts of Gale and the Careers out of my mind, winding my fingers into his soft hair and opening my mouth to let him in. I don't hesitate to push my tongue into his mouth and he responded instinctually, his lips falling in sync with my slow, explorative, yet caressing kiss.

This was exactly what I needed. All of the unpleasantness that had bubbled to the surface of my swimming thoughts suddenly began to sink below the surface again. His touch was calming and soothing while igniting a spark in my lower abdomen that I had only felt a few times before. I felt our tender kiss turn to a burning need as I nibble his lower lip and rest my hands on either side of his chiseled face.

He pulls me closer to him and guides me into his lap, my thighs bracing against the outside of his. I was hesitant at first, feeling a twinge of caution at being so... near him in this passionate way. This was different from the first night we'd shared together, and this time, I could only hope neither of us pushed the other away.

Peeta feels my hesitation at our position immediately, and lets me take the pause I need to assess the new territory we were treading upon. My heart melts for the care that he still holds for me, even while my core pounded for more.

Our chests bump together as we share breaths, our eyes appreciating the other with a few scathing glances. Peeta's hands move to my thighs, and he looks into my eyes, waiting for a sign of what I needed from him next. I gulp once before I sink into his lap, making myself comfortable astride his thick, muscular thighs.

Peeta wraps his arms around me in answer, flattening his palms against my back so I arch into him. He pulls me closer to him, pressing my small, firm breasts into his chest so our bodies fit together like puzzle pieces. His breath warms my neck before he starts licking and nipping at the sensitive skin there - a surprisingly airy, girly moan slipping past my lips at the first graze of his fangs.

He pulls away, gazing at me with blue lust-filled eyes. Instantly, my core pounds at that look, and I return his gaze - the mortification at the sound I'd made floating away on a phantom breeze. I wrap my arms around his neck and tilt my head away from him, indicating for him to put his mouth against my skin once more.

He obliges my invitation and begins feasting greedily on my skin. His licking and kissing sends thrills through my blood, each dangerous touch of his teeth setting fire burning across my vision. He shifts my slight frame on his lap until he can feel the heat between my legs, the thin material of my borrowed pants doing nothing to hide my pleasure. His mouth drags up in a knowing smile before it trails down my neck to the dip in my collarbone.

My breath hitches in my throat as he slides his hands up to my breasts, gently cupping them. My back arches into him, my braless chest instantly reacting to his warm touch. He groans against my skin as he squeezes gently, his fangs pricking into my neck. He laps up the blood that spills forth before focusing his attention on my breasts, nimble fingers twisting my nipples in ways I'd never felt before.

The spark in my lower abdomen becomes a blazing flame, searing my insides until a smoky fog begins to cloud my mind. My core pounds in time with his fingers until I struggle to hold onto reality.

His onslaught on my neck and chest pauses as I pull the hem of my shirt over my head, my light muscles flickering as I do so. Peeta's eyes trace their movement before circling like a predator around my breasts, the moonlight dancing across my gleaming skin. Feeling a pang of insecurity, I start to cross my arms over my chest.

He catches my hands in his swiftly before pulling them to my sides so he can look at me. His large, warm hands move from my wrists and up my arms, exploring my body until my eyes flutter close so I can focus on his touch sliding across me. My skin pebbles under his sweet fingers, his hands gentle as they rove over the bruises I'd earned from the Careers. When I open my eyes again, his eyes are angry, a promise lit within them. I only shake my head and lean into him, looking down at him from my elevated position in his lap.

Peeta lets out a long breath, as if physically releasing the anger so he can focus his passion into a long, slow kiss. His hands roam back to my breasts and I shiver as his fingers find my bare nipples. He brushes his thumbs over them and I break our kiss, letting my head roll backward and arching my back, bringing my breasts inches from his lips.

Immediately, he takes my left nipple into his mouth, rolling the right between his thumb and forefinger. I roll my hips forward with a breathy moan, arms circling his neck as his tongue swirls over the tip. I soon find myself grinding my body into his as he moans into my breast, pushing his hips upward into mine. My pants dampen, my desire to feel his skin on mine overwhelming.

I wrap my arms around Peeta and slide my hands over his muscular shoulders down to his lower back. I grab a fistful of his shirt and pull it over his head, somewhat clumsily and gentle because of his wounds. I brush his hair from his forehead and he presses his soft lips back onto my breast.

I pant and lower my nose to the top of his head, taking in a deep breath of his clean, calming scent. His teeth tug at my nipple, nibbling my puckered skin as I scrape my nails down his back. A deep, guttural groan rumbles from his chest and his hips thrusts upward, grinding himself into me again. He tears his lips away from my chest and tilts his face toward mine, planting a hungry kiss on my lips.

Too fast - this was going too fast - but it feels so good. I let myself go in Peeta's arms, melting into him and letting myself fall. I know he will catch me - no matter what happens.

Peeta's hands explore my body, leaving trails of flaming sensations in the wake of his touch. His hands mirror one another, tracing long ovals from my knees to my inner thighs. He feels the lean muscles in my legs tense as he climbs higher up my thigh with each stroke. I let out a small sigh each time he circles his fingers back down toward my knees, strategically avoiding the spot he wants to be exploring most.

His hands move swiftly to my backside and he pulls me even closer to him. His eyes never leave mine as he slides the length of the bulging erection over the hot damp spot between my legs, our clothes grinding together.

An explosion of pleasure shoots up my spine and I bite my lip to keep another girlish moan from slipping out as I rock back against him. He leaves one hand with a firm grasp on my plump ass cheek and brings his other hand to my face to brush the hair from my eyes. I wrap my fingers around his wrist and guide his hand back to my thigh.

When he only leaves his palm against the soft cotton of my pants, I grow impatient and tug it deeper between my legs. There is a pressure building inside me that feels simultaneously like the sting of white liquor and the first, cooling inhales after a spring rain in the woods. I want release, and I want it with Peeta.

Peeta skims his fingertips over the fabric clinging to my core, turning his hand over to look at his glistening, moistened fingers. An inexplicable pang of embarrassment as I register in my mind that I soaked through my pants. He looks up at me even as my own move to his fingertips, my cheeks reddening slightly. I watch in utter amazement as he lifts his fingers to his lips and tastes me with the tip of his tongue. My mouth drops open in surprise.

I can not believe what I just saw. His smoldering eyes stay locked with mine, his steady gaze burning through me. My sweet, loving, and doting Peeta has turned into a fierce, sexual creature that was waiting for my slightest nod of approval to devour me like a hefty meal after a long hunt. I shift my weight back onto my ankles and begin fumbling with the drawstring of my pants.

In a graceful, yet forceful shift from beneath me, I find myself pushed completely backward, laying flat on the fur rug. Peeta rests on his knees and elbows, his body between my legs but not holding me down with his weight. He searches my eyes to be sure I wasn't about to slide from beneath him and run off.

To quiet the doubts I could see etching his face, now softer than before, I hook one of my legs around his and run my hands over his chest and stomach to unbutton his pants. I pull down his zipper and his member falls into my hands.

I wrap one hand around him and a small bead of hot liquid forms at the tip of his smooth cock as I lightly squeeze and test him out in my palm. I use the index finger of my free hand to spread the sticky substance over the head of his erection, a small, impatient push into my hands from him making me laugh slightly.

A deliciously naughty idea lights up in my mind, and I trail the back of my wet finger up his stomach, tracing a slow circle around his belly button and up to his chest. I loop the same slow circles around each of his nipples and then lower the still moist tip of my finger to my lips just as he had done.

I seductively lock eyes with him and touch my finger to my tongue. I'm pleasantly surprised to find that he tastes saltier than I had expected. He takes a long, hissing intake of air through his teeth and returns my lustful stare.

Peeta rests back on his haunches, cock exposed and standing freely from his open fly. He tugs with both hands at the waist of my pants, happily finding me without undergarments. I lift my butt and wriggle out of them, laying back with my feet resting on the floor and my legs slightly spread. He takes in the beauty of me lying there, vulnerable as never before, and waiting for him to come to me. Before the unfamiliar, needy hunger leaves my eyes, he stands up and pulls off his pants and underwear.

To my surprise, he lays down next to me, rather than on top of me. Propped up on one elbow, he leans over and kisses me. As he does, he trails his fingers over both of my breasts, down past my navel, and finds the heat radiating between my legs. He uses his middle finger to spread the thick, glistening fluid from my arousal around my silky lips and I suppress a moan into his mouth as he grazes my clit. My hips involuntarily buck into his hand.

He rolls over on top of me and begins kissing a slow trail from my lips to my stomach. I wriggle nervously when he positions himself between my thighs, his mouth inches away from my now pulsating clit. He plants a feathery kiss right above the small bundle of nerves and I relax my hips and thighs. My head is sent spinning and my body nearly paralyzed as soon as his hot, soft tongue is pressing against my most sensitive places. He licks me up and down agonizingly slow, lapping up my sweet juices and taking great pleasure in the waves of moans escaping my parted lips. I was growing louder and louder with each flick of his tongue over my clit.

Peeta uses his index finger to trace a small circle around the hot opening of my cunt. I rock my hips in response, and he slowly begins to push his fingertip inside of me. I have never experienced anything inside me, so this felt like a foreign intrusion, though not wholly unwelcome. He takes great care to only go as far as I seemed comfortable. Each time he inches his finger slightly inside me, he waits for my inner muscles to contract at the pressure and then relax, adjusting to his presence.

His finger sliding inside me feels so strange at first. Then, as I relax, I find myself panting and longing for his hand to fall into rhythm with his mouth. As if reading my thoughts, Peeta begins rocking his hand back and forth, slipping his finger in and out of me. His lips wrap around my clit and he sucks lightly. I moan louder than before and my back arches off the floor, thrusting my breasts into the air. Answering my silent call for his touch, Peeta uses his free hand to reach up and pinch my nipple.

I roar another moan and my thighs lock into place on his shoulders. A slow beat is building inside me, drumming against his hand, and he matches the pace with his tongue, circling furiously around my clit. With a final, involuntary jerk of my hips, my mind closes in on itself and my body bursts into orgasm.

I writhe and twist in pleasure, my skin feverishly hot and glistening with sweat. My chest rises and falls violently as I gasp for air between moans. Peeta keeps his rhythm until my legs are going limp and my contracting insides slow around his finger, then - and only then - does he vacate me slowly and rolls me gently onto my side. He crawls up beside me on the rug and keeps me secured close to him, an arm wrapping around me. I'm still catching my breath, my palm splaying over his flat stomach, his hard member still between us.

With the crackling fire and warmth from Peeta, however, my eyes slowly drag shut, the ecstasy of our tangling pulling me into a sleep deeper than before.