Peeta Mellark x OC
It was cold in the victors village, a steady flow of breezy wind gusting through the gated community. The rebellion had ended, Katniss Everdeen disappearing with it as if she hadn’t saved the world with one arrow. There were rumors she fled with her friend Gale leaving without a trace, the pair hadn’t been seen in six months. It was a shame Katniss would never get to see the new world she had helped create.
Panem was quiet now, a brand new government being built amongst the rubble of the capitol,The Hunger Games nothing more than a nightmare used to scare children. People still spoke of it, of course they did, but no one lived in fear anymore. The money used to uphold the capitols lavish lifestyle was repurposed to help the districts grow and thrive.
That didn’t mean us victors weren’t still idolized, I’d won my games nearly five years ago and still I couldn’t even go to the market without being mobbed. Several of us had moved to district 12 to live in the Victors village, it was quietest here, safest. Johanna lived a few houses away and Finnick, after losing Annie to a sudden illness, came to live right across the way. He couldn’t bare to be by the ocean anymore and I’d agreed that it was best to be near friends. He had been attacked by Morphlings during the rebellion and could no longer use the left side of his body. It was a miracle he had survived and while his gorgeous face was marred with scars and marks he was still Finnick.
And then of course there was Peeta, heartbroken and shut down, he stayed locked in his own home day in and day out. I couldn’t blame him, he’d lost the love of his life in the cruelest way. I often left him food, home cooked meals to ensure he had something considering I’d never once seen him make his way to the market. Haymitch was in and out so I had to assume that was how he was getting essentials but still, the poor soul must feel so absolutely alone. It warmed my heart when the cooking dish was returned to my front porch the very next morning, every time.
Winter was coming, I could smell it in the air. I rocked gently in my rocking chair staring at the stars above my porch. I should be sleeping, it was nearly midnight but on quiet nights when there was no chaos or noise outside to distract me, I found my brain wandering to my games. The source of everyone of my nightmares.
I was only 15 when I was reaped, fully unprepared and absolutely terrified. I’d planned on dying the second I walked in to the training center, I was too small, too weak and I certainly wasn’t smart enough to rely on knowledge. I’d earned the daunting nickname “Panems Sweetheart.” Which followed me throughout my entire games. If I closed my eyes I could almost see the careers taunting me from below the tree I’d climbed up. “Sweetheart, come on down. Show us how sweet you really are.”
I killed three people. One with a knife, one by drowning and one I kicked off a very tall cliff. I was a murderer.
But I was alive.
“Shouldn’t you be inside? It’s freezing out.”
My head snapped towards the voice, standing at the bottom of my porch stairs, shadowed by the dark, was Peeta Mellark. He was wearing a very confused expression and his hands were shoved so deep in his pockets I was surprised they weren’t scraping the floor. He had never spoken a word to me before and it took me a second to shake the shock off before I answered.
“It’s not so bad, I like a good chill.” I smiled brightly.
Peeta leaned forward, squinting. “You have no shoes on.”
I glanced down at my bare feet, he was right, I looked ridiculous.
“We’ll I didn’t expect company, otherwise I wouldn’t have such naked toes.” I teased.
He raised a brow at me and shifted his weight from side to side. “It’s only gonna get colder. You oughta get inside.”
It was interesting, he seemed truly concerned, this boy who didn’t know me at all actually seemed to care if I got too cold.
“ I could say the same to you, it’s nearly midnight sir and I’ve been told it’s very cold out here.” I mock scolded him and maybe it was the moon playing tricks but I thought I saw the corner of his mouth lift into a half smile for less than a second.
Peeta cleared his throat and took a step forward,
“I want to Thankyou for all the meals. You don’t have to do that. I’m not saying they’re not delicious because they really are, you’re an incredible cook. But you don’t have to give me anything. I know I haven’t been the best neighbor.” His soft brown eyes refused to meet mine and judging by the bags under them he needed more than a homecooked meal.
“Oh your doin just fine.”
“You guys hang out a lot huh?” He nodded towards Finnick and Johanna’s homes.
“Oh nearly every day. Some days we don’t do anything at all but sit by the garden and count how many pieces of grass Finnick can eat before he gets sick.”
This time he did smile, a gorgeous smile that made him look so much younger. He really was stunning, blonde curls that matched my own and chocolate brown eyes that were so warm you could practically melt into them.
“I heard you all today throwing rocks at haymitchs window.”
I snorted, god was we mad at us. They were only pebbles but if looks could kill.
It made me sad to think of Peeta watching us through the window while we fooled around like assholes.
“You’ll have to join us next time. Johanna wants to teepee his front yard.”
He chewed his lip and I could see the nerves evident in his face. He’d been betrayed and was scared to form and friendships or relationships. I know Finnick misses him, he talks about him nonstop.
“Maybe. I mean it though you oughta get inside. It really is cold and your feet are turning blue.” He said pointedly looking down at my chilly feet.
“You got it captain.” I bundled up my blanket and headed for the front door.
“Hey.”
I turned at his voice and raised a brow.
“I’ve never tasted anything as good as your lasagna.” He smiled shyly.
I beamed.
“Heard!” I grinned before slipping through the front door.
That broken boy was gonna get put back together if it was the last thing I do.