(no subject)

[inciting]

The fight or flight instinct still hadn't slipped out of Katniss's damaged mind.

She knew, factually they were in District 13. Even though they didn't even know it exsisted up until a few days ago.

Well, some of them.

Her family was here. Peeta was here. Gale was here. Katniss? She was pretty sure half the time she was actually still back in the arena. She had nightmares, she'd always had nightmares, but none has seemed to follow her into reality quite the same way.

Today was one of those days. She was completely still, breathing heavy, staring at the door, certain that what was going to come through wasn't going to be some District 13 medic. Sure the empty room was about to fill up with Capitol peacekeepers, or...worse. There was always worse.

Comments

[bakersson]

He pushed himself up a bit this time too until he was leaning on his elbow, meeting her halfway. "I'd never say no to that." Peeta grinned, before leaning into her this time and stealing the next kiss first.

[inciting]

"I didn't think you would."

This time she sank back, pulling Peeta half on top of her as she went. Let him be in control for a bit.

[bakersson]

He rolled onto his side with the movement, one arm propped on the bed to hold himself up a bit, though their bodies still touched when he leaned over her to place his lips onto hers again, starting the kiss sweetly like he would have in the arenas, though this time... it was twice as genuine.

[inciting]

It was nice, these slow, soft kisses. She tried to think back on all the ways they had kissed before, but those felt surreal, like they belonged to other people. Not them.

She laid small on his lips, his cheeks, along the strong line of his jaw, letting herself enjoy it. Exploring.

[bakersson]

He had no idea what this meant, where exactly the kisses put them, or if anything had changed, but those were difficult questions he felt would take longer to answer. For now, this was what they both wanted and needed and Peeta was more than happy to share it with Katniss.

And the kissing was really nice.

He couldn't stop smiling as she explored to other parts of his face, leaning in to gently place one by her throat in return, leaving an affectionate nuzzle there right after. "I could get used to this."

[inciting]

"That sounds so familiar!" She said with a smile. Remembering when she found him in the cave. And how happy a moment that had been.

Her hand found his and twined their fingers together.

sob I've been tagging angst all day... /sits here in the cute

[bakersson]

He laughed lightly at that, glad she remembered something so simple. "I definitely meant it then too."

And he'd continue to feel lucky forever if this continued, if they could get through this rebellion together and still be alive someday. It was a nice thought. Maybe they could rebuild 12, start anew...

He rested against her neck for some time with the comfort of her hand and body beneath him. He gave her fingers a squeeze before eventually looking up to her again, smiling softly (though that seemed to be his default expression tonight). "I'm glad we have this room." This little world. If every night could be like this, even the worst of days would be liveable.

come to me.

[inciting]

Her mother had been less than thrilled, and Katniss had promised she would speak to them about it.

It wouldn't the the first time she had lied to her mother.

"I am too." Her hand stroked over the back of his neck, curling into his hair, holding him to her.

/crawls into arms

[bakersson]

His eyes threatened to shut from how relaxed he felt but he forced them not to, knowing that would bring him an earlier sleep than he wanted.

"Thanks for... doing this," he murmured quietly after a long moment, kissing under her jaw soft but his tone serious. "Keeping my mind off of... things, even if you hadn't meant to."

[inciting]

It hadn't been her intent, but she was glad for it anyway.

"I'm glad. I'm...you know I'm here for you."

[bakersson]

"I know... and it means a lot to me." She was pretty much all he had at this point. "You'll always have my back and I'll have yours. I promise."

[inciting]

She leaned up, pressing their mouths together again.

"...there's a lot coming at us, you know." She didn't think he didn't. But she wanted to be sure they were on the same page.

[bakersson]

His eyes closed momentarily at the kiss, only looking down to her again at her words. "I know..." This was only the beginning. "The calm before the storm, right?"

[inciting]

That was a terrifying thought. That there was more, worse than before. Worse than being put into two Hunger Games. Worse than living in District 12 their whole lives.

But she knew he was right.

"We'll make it." They had thus far.

[bakersson]

"Together, right?" He smirked slightly, though his tone was serious.

[inciting]

"It's what we always do."

It was a heavy thing to say. Tying them together. But it wasn't as if not saying it made it un true. No one would ever understand what they had been through. Even Haymitch's nightmare was only his own.

If she doubted that, she need only try to explain it to Gale. Again.

[bakersson]

"Then we'll make it through whatever they throw at us. Even if the entire Capitol is after us... we're not alone."

They had people who supported him and even if they were suppressed, their fire was stronger than Snow's.

[inciting]

But those people were what worried Katniss the most. Still, she didn't want to say that to Peeta. He had lost his people, his family and friends.

And somehow, if she didn't speak it, she hoped no one would hear.

Instead, she simply repeated, "Together."

And kissed him again.

[bakersson]

It came as reassurance to him now, knowing that Katniss wouldn't abandon him and he believed her. They had made it this far together and they'd keep going. He'd go until this was all over or he died, but as long as he was with her...

Nothing else mattered.

He returned the kiss softly, hand finding its way through her hair again and he was happy in this moment. Safe with her and happy and hopeful.

[inciting]

Despite her previous thought she wouldn't sleep much tonight, Peeta's hand in her hair, his weight resting against her, comforting. Pressing her lips mindlessly against his skin, she pressed deeper into his warmth, starting to feel sleep crowding around the edges.

[bakersson]

He could feel her slipping into that comfortable state and he smiled against her lips until he couldn't keep up with the kisses anymore, nosing at her cheek. "Maybe it's time to give in."

[inciting]

She chuckled, nodding against his shoulder.

"Yeah, I think I'm done for."

No matter what that meant for tomorrow.

[bakersson]

"It is pretty late," he agreed. They'd held off as long as they could but a good rest was important right now. At least they had the chance to get one, even if they didn't feel completely safe down here.

Peeta slid off of her but remained close by her side, laying his head down again as he relaxed with a sigh. One arm slipped naturally around her waist, watching her. "No nightmares tonight."

[inciting]

She snorted. "I'll do my best."

Tucking herself into his side, her hand found his, lacing their finger together again. He was warm, and solid. This was the only place she had felt safe in a long time.

Maybe ever.

[bakersson]

Fingers brushed against the ends of her hair again with he hand not holding onto hers. His own eyes were feeling heavy with much needed sleep now, no longer trying to stay up anymore. This had been an amazing night compared to where they started in the morning.

"Good night, Katniss," he murmured quietly.