PEETA

I sighed as I picked through the ash, the rubble, there was hardly anything left. The fire was put out an hour ago, after 3 hours of it burning, they said we were lucky it didn't spread to the other buildings. They were still trying to find the cause of the fire, it seemed like there was no evidence of anything, it just caught fire. I turned around, I looked at the empty space, the bakery collapsed so anything from the actual bakery was buried deep in the ground, the only thing I could see that showed it was my childhood home that had burnt was the large pile of half melted metal, where the ovens used to be.

"Peeta," Katniss said. I went up to her, she was looking through the rubble as well. It seemed whatever was bugging her had been forgotten. I'd thought too soon. "Peeta, I need a break, I need to go somewhere else. I need to be away from here- from the memories." She cried. She clutched something close to her chest, I couldn't tell what it was.

"Katniss- Kat I know this is hard but I need you please don't leave me." I begged her. She shook her head fiercely, the thing clutched in her hand slipping, it looked to be a baby onesie, when had she gotten that?

"No, Peeta, you don't understand. I need to go. Please, please." She said, again with this not understanding her, She never gives me the chance to understand her. I thought, frustrated. When I didn't reply to her Katniss ran, the onesie clutched to her chest she ran, ran away from me, away from what was left of our home.

I felt my eyes well up with tears, how well did she think I was taking this. Doesn't she realize I want to run away too? But because she runs away from our problems I'm the only one left to solve them.

I stumbled out of the ashes, tears blurring my vision. I sat where the sidewalk of the bakery used to be, now it was just a curb with the rest of the town, specific to no business or home. I put my head in my hands and pushed my fingers into my hair. Someone who cared would eventually find me.

I don't know how long I sat there but eventually I felt an arm on my shoulder, it wasn't Katniss, I assume she will be gone for a while, my mother wouldn't care and neither of my brothers would be able to come and see it. It could only be Haymitch. My suspicions were proved true when he spoke.

"I'm sorry boy, I know this must be hard. Come on, let's get away from here, it'll just make you feel worse. You and the girl can come stay with me, Eff, and Mia." He told me, hearing him talk about Katniss hurt.

"She won't come. Katniss left." I said, my voice sounding just as broken as I felt.

"Okay then, we can talk about that later. Let's just get you away from here." Haymitch said gently. I nodded and he led me to his house. When he opened the door, Effie was there to quickly rush me to the guest room.

"You need rest. I will make sure Mia doesn't bother you." She said, she pushed me into the room and closed the door behind me. I sighed, I have nothing left. Katniss is gone and the bakery is gone, there is nothing left for me here.

With these depressing thoughts I fell into a restless sleep. I fell into a helpless dream, destined to only make me more upset.

~

Katniss sat in a Meadow, I stood inside a small cottage, I was kneading bread watching Katniss dance with two little girls. They danced to the songs they sang and the mockingjays melodic echoed version of their voices. I could only see Katniss and that she was with two little girls, I couldn't make out the features of the girls but they were beautiful. I put the bread in the oven and I went to a door, I called their names, I can't remember what they were though. Katniss sent the two of them to me and they ran up to me and hugged me, I pulled them both into my arms and I hugged them together. I felt bigger but still small arms wrap around my chest. I looked down and saw Katniss, only then did I see her protruding belly, she was once again pregnant.

~

I woke up to a movement in the mattress I was laying on. I heard a little giggle, Mia, she jumped on my back and wiggled her way to be in front of my chest, she wiggled herself into my arms.

"Peetah!" She said, she grabbed my face and scrunched it up. I opened my eyes, then I gasped dramatically.

"Miss Mia! Is that you? I must be dreaming, the Mia I knew was still little!" I said to her in a high pitched playful voice. She giggled.

"It's me, papa says I'm growing supa fast." She said, her little toddler speech so much more than it was just a few months ago when I saw her.

"Oh really? Your papa is a smart man, you are growing very fast." I told her, "Was there a reason you came to wake me up?" I asked, knowing one of her parents probably needed me so they sent her.

"Uhh, yuh huh. Papa said to tell you that kitty's mama called to say she was safe." She said, I nodded. She was talking about Katniss.

"Was that it Miss Mia?" I asked her. She smiled her toothy grin, she bobbed her head in a nod. "Oh really? When did you get so smart?" I asked her with a smile. It was adorable, the confused look on her face as if she didn't know that she was so smart.

"Um, uhh. Peetah! I don't know when I got sooo smart, maybe we should ask mama." She said, desperately trying to figure it out. I nodded thoughtfully.

"Maybe so." I told her, I pulled her into my arms and got out of the bed. "Miss Mia where is your mama?" I asked her. She looked at me, her eyes shining.

"She is in the kitchen, she make dinner for you but shh! It's a surprise!" she said with a giggle. I nodded, she didn't realize she ruined the surprise.

I walked into the Kitchen, Haymitch sat on the couch reading the paper, Effie did stand at the stove, she rushed around, she made cooking look so chaotic.

"Mama! Papa! When did I get so smart?" Mia asked, she wiggled herself out of my arms and down onto the floor. She ran up to Haymitch, he pulled her into his lap.

"Well, I taught you everything, I made you so smart so when did I become your papa?" He asked her. She looked at him, wonder evident in her eyes.

"Umm well, you have been my papa since soo long ago. I guess I have been smart always, right Peetah?" She said, her adorable baby accent, making the a at the end of my name longer than it was.

"I guess so Miss Mia." I said. I looked at Mia, she laid her head on her papa's shoulder, she was such a precious gem. I hadn't thought Haymitch would have been all that great of a father, I was confused as to how he caught Effie and got her to stay, but those girls sobered him up nice and clean. He's a great dad, if Katniss gives me the chance, I hope to be a great daddy to my precious bugs.

~

It had been 2 days since the bakery burned down. Other than the call on the first day I haven't heard from Katniss. I assume she needs this break looking back at the scene in Four. I should have seen the signs. She was sort of hesitant at the beach. I could tell she was...lost.. Yet, I did nothing to pursue it. I am supposed to look after her. Make sure everything with us is on the same ground. That she is okay.. What kind of a husband am I? I think and hide my face in my hands with a heavy sigh. No wonder she left me.

"Peeta, honey?" Effie interrupts my heart.

I look up and see her in the living room's doorway. I wipe my face quickly and hide the feelings.

"Need something, Effie?" I ask with a heavy sigh.

She gives me a pitiful smile and comes to sit on the couch. "I don't. But you do. Tell me what's the matter, honey? The Bakery can be rebuilt. By next spring, everything will be back to normal," She explains and puts her hand on mine and gives a quick squeeze.

"No. I mean I know. It can be.." I say.

"So what's bugging you, honey?"

"...I should have...seen it," I say with a deep exhale.

"Seen what, Peeta?"

"Katniss.... I should have seen her. That something was off. That something was wrong. Now she doesn't want to be married to me.. She'll probably leave someplace with our daughters and forget me. I should have seen her pain. That's what we are supposed to do. I love her, but... it seems like I don't even care for her," I get out. By the end of it, I let my emotions free. Not hide them. It feels wrong to cry. Even though I know Effie would never judge me, it feels... weak.

"Honey, look at me," Effie says.

I do and inhale a shaky breath. She smiles at me gently. Her eyes shine with tears. She rests her hand on my cheek. She wipes the tears that fall gently.

"Oh, Peeta. Things will get better," She starts. "You must realize that every couple struggles. You shouldn't beat yourself up if there is a hiccup in the road. Just think of this as a period to breathe. You are a new couple. A young couple, I might add. She's still young. She's only realizing things about herself and now she has a husband, and babies on the way and has to grow up so fast. But she loves you. That's why she married you. All you both need is time to realize that marriage isn't a piece of cake. Believe me, in the beginning with Haymitch things were VERY rocky. But now look at us. All the two of you need now is time. No matter how long it will take. She'll come back. Just give the girl time to breathe. Her life is a lot at such a young age. And no more beating yourself up. You are a wonderful young man. And you'll make a wonderful father as well. Both of you have some things to work on, but you'll bring each other back. Just with time is all, dear. Okay?"

I nod and smile weakly. "Thank you, Effie. I don't know what I'd do without you and Haymitch,"

"You're welcome, Honey. Don't hesitate to talk to us. And don't forget what I said about beating yourself up. New couples always go through this. Katniss will come back, just give the poor girl time to get her head straight," She says, and takes me into her arms.

"I won't, Effie. I won't.."

"Me and Haymitch both love you two. Always keep that in your heart," She says. "Now come on, I have some tea on. Mia and Haymitch will be back soon from the Hob,"

The things Effie said to me sink in deeper. I just have to wait. And I am willing to wait for Katniss. Since I love her. She is my everything, and I will wait for her. Whenever she is ready.

~

"Peeta, honey!" Effie calls from the kitchen.

I get up from my spot on the couch. I see her standing over the stove.

"Need something, Effie?" I ask.

"Yes, actually. Would you be a dear and run to the Hob? I'm missing a few things for a cake for someone's special day coming up!" She exclaims.

I can't help but smile. I had almost forgotten that my 29th birthday was coming up. I've been so caught up with the loss of the Bakery and Katniss to even realize it. I'd be 29. That means that I can get the Bakery. Well, I could have gotten the Bakery. If it wasn't lost. Maybe I could always rebuild? My father did leave me money in his will. I'll be the full owner of it now. Maybe Katniss.. would rebuild it.. Our little girls could grow up baking with me. I can take them to work. If Katniss comes back. Just in time. Time..

"Peeta? Earth to Peeta Mellark?" Effie says. She brings me out of my thoughts.

"Yeah, sorry. What do you need?" I ask.

"Just some icing and baking powder," She says.

"For sure. Anything else? Does Haymitch need anymore booze or Mia needs something?" I ask.

"Yes, to Haymitch, sadly. For Mia, only if you feel like it. That girl has enough things in life already," She explains.

"For sure. I'll head out now," I say with a small chuckle.

"Thank you, love!" Effie calls from behind her shoulder.

I grab my coat off the rack and put it on. I open the door and head to the Hob. The brisk November air nips at me. I pull the collar up to my neck. I ponder the world and look around as I make the small trek to the Hob. The merchant area is busy, as usual. There is commotion at some stores with the lack of product. I feel bad that 12 will have to wait so long for the Bakery's bread. They can always purchase the bread at the Hob, but that is hardly as good as the Bakery bread. I want to start as soon as possible. But, winter is coming soon. I fear for the weather to make things hard to work.

As I am in my thoughts, I don't realize where I am going. I bump into someone.

"Oh!" The exclaim.

"Oof!"

"Oh my god, I'm sorry! I wasn't looking where I was going."

"Hey, it's quite alright..."

We both stop when we see one another.

"Katniss.."

"Peeta.."

We stand in silence. I look her over and she looks me over as well. The bump has grown in size. It is noticeable now. She seems overall the same. Her long curled ebony hair is beautiful as always. Her grey eyes shine with the sparkle I fell in love with.

"H-How are you?" I stumble.

"Good...and yourself?" She asks quietly.

"I'm doing good. Just on my way to the Hob." I say.

"I was too.." She says.

"How are you feeling? How are the girls?" I ask.

"I'm fine. They are too, Mother says." She says.

"Good...good. Uhm, may I?" I ask.

She nods. I tentatively reach my hand out and place it on her bump. I rub my hand gently on it. I feel the firmness and the slight movement of our little girls protected inside of her.

"I.. miss you, Katniss," I mutter softly.

I meet her eyes. Hers shines with tears. "I know... I'm sorry,"

"Come back to me. Please? I miss you. I need you. I miss our Little Bugs.. Please let me in. Please come back to me," I beg.

She takes my hand off her stomach. "Peeta..I can't yet. I'm not ready.." She says, her voice breaking.

"But why? I told you I loved you! I will always love you! Don't give a damn what others think! Okay? I love you! I'll shout it from the top of the word! I ring it from the fucking rooftops!" I exclaim.

"Peeta, stop it. You're making a scene," She hisses through her teeth.

I stop and realize that people are looking at us. I couldn't care less.

"I don't care, Katniss! I love you! You're my wife! The mother to my little girls! Just come back! Don't give in to what the world thinks of us, okay! All I care about it is you. That's why I married you! That's why we are having two beautiful little girls," I burst.

"Stop it, Peeta. Let me have this! I need time! I told you, okay!?" Katniss yells. "Just let me do this! I know what you think! But my heart can't, okay!? Give me time!"

We both have tears falling. The onlookers have gone back to their business, yet whispers still linger.

"I love you, Peeta.. I just.. I need space. I'm sorry," She says quietly, her voice wavering with tears.

She raises her hand and pulls off her diamond ring. She takes my hand and opens it. She places it in and closes my fist.

"I'll be back.. I'll wear it again. I promise. I just.. Need more time. Please?" She says.

All I can do is nod.

"I have to go.." She says softly.

She plants a soft kiss on my cheek, then she is gone. My heart follows and breaks again.