*Katniss's POV*

I lay my pearl down in the drawer beside my bedside. My lovely pearl. It sits in my drawer beside my bed for easy access. When I'm unable to fall asleep at all, rolling the pearl in my fingers helps pass the time tremendously. I couldn't sleep last night, and I felt guilty waking Peeta. My pearl helps me through the night when nobody else can.

I begin my walk downstairs, dressed and ready for whatever this day may bring. I step down the stairs carefully and I hear Rye and Willow in the living room. I feel content, knowing of their close relationship. I met with Flynn last week and I was delighted to find that he still wanted to talk to me. He was much more understanding then Willow, but I cannot blame her for the actions she committed—frankly, I think that maybe I would've felt the same way. I quietly creep into the kitchen to find Peeta washing dishes. I walk towards him and stand beside him. His head turns towards me and he gives me a look.

"Are you going to tell me what that was about?" He asks calmly. I shrug my shoulders while looking down at my ring that sits on my finger. I rarely take it off.
"It was nothing." I remark quietly.
"Katniss."
I can't tell him. If it was anything more than an unnecessary thought, then I'd consider. It's only a high chanced estimation of what could happen—what will happen. I've already ruined Willow, who's to say that I'd be unable to ruin everything else?

"I'll tell you later, it really isn't important right now." I say while looking into his eyes. "The only thing that's important," I begin while fixing the collar of his shirt, "is you." I lean in and gently kiss him, pulling away to meet him eyes again. "We should get going." I slimly avoided that conversation, for now at least. I know he won't let it go—based off the look he's giving me currently.

I laugh slightly and pull his hand towards the door. I call for Willow and Rye and they come towards us. Willow grabs her school bag and I watch as Rye grabs one of his toys to bring along. I smile at him and place my hand on his back, pushing him along.

I've decided to leave him at Johanna's because I know today will be a such a tedious day and I don't need him to be exhausted. I'm so thankful for her and Birch to take him today, he always has fun when he spends time with them. Willow was hesitant to walk into the school building, but Peeta managed to talk her into it. As we walked away, we could hear all of her friends start to surround her. I'm glad she went back, it's good for her after being away for so long.

His head turns towards me and I watch as he gives me a look. "Are you okay, darling?"
I nod my head reassuringly and smile while entwining my hand around his. "I'm fine." His eyes follow my voice, reflecting a worried look as he faces forward.

I regret walking into that room crying. If I had just calmed myself in the hallway, he'd be able to focus on himself and not worry excessively over me. The guilt took over, and I couldn't see anything besides it. But now I'm fine—at least for right now.

_

We walk into the bakery through the back door and I realize I haven't seen the place in a long time. The kitchen is gorgeously remade. In fact, all of it is incredible. The main foyer is stunning, and all of the walls have intricate murals painted on them. On the wall behind the counter, there's a painting of the meadow filling the wall. I brush my fingers along the flowers until I come across Willow, Rye, and myself painted daintily in between the rows of the fields.

"This is wonderful," I whisper while my fingers hover over Willow.
"I just wanted to be reminded of everyone." He says grabbing my hand. "Come here."

I follow him as he walks towards the room with the windows that overlooks the meadow. He brings me to a wall and points at an area. I move closer to get a better look when I spot it. It's a portrait, of her. She's smiling brightly with Buttercup in her arms. It's amazing how he's recreated her so identically, even the light on her eyes reflects her character so well.

"Peeta," I choke out quietly. "She would've loved this." I lean into his arms while staring at the painting, tears lining my eyes. I pull back after a moment. He quickly looks down to his watch and sighs.
"I'm sorry, I have to open soon." I nod my head as he begins to turn away, but I call for him.
"Wait," I start. "Can I stay in the back?" I ask while looking at him.
"Do whatever makes you feel comfortable." He smiles and then leaves the room. I take a final look at Prim, and leave the room as well.

Some part of knowing that she's simply painted on the wall here gives me comfort. It's almost as if she's actually here, and believing that makes me want to live for her. For my sister, who didn't get the chance.

Something catches my eye as I leave the room.

The windows.

Outside of the window, there's lines of people. I watch as many people wave towards me and I smile back at them before quickly walking to the kitchen.

I did not expect all of these people this early. What if I mess something up? Or what if I do something wrong? Maybe this is a good sign. As long as I just stay hidden I should be fine. It'll be fine.

_

The door opens. The rooms become full of laughter and voices. I sigh of relief while pacing around as I hear more and more people flood in. I peek out the kitchen door to see Peeta smiling while greeting everyone. As I turn back around to sit down near the island, I pause to think.

I'm glad he's found something that brings him joy. He seems to be happy for once, and it brings me peace knowing that he feels so content. It almost seems as if the boy with the bread is fully back.

The backdoor opens roughly. I whip around to find him walking towards me. I stumble out of my seat and back up until I hit the corner of the room. My eyes search for something to defend myself with.

I don't know where anything is in this room.

I open the drawers one by one until I come across the knife drawer. I grab one quickly and point it at him.

"Get the hell away from me." I begin as he comes close to me. He raises his arms and takes a step back, still too close for comfort.

"Look, I just want to talk to you." He laughs like I'm acting insane. Like I have nothing to be upset about. I readjust my grip on the knife and keep the small distance that I possess.
"You have no right to be here, Gale." I begin. "You have no right to walk into this place."
"I understand your frustration," he mocks me, "but I can change that. It's time you came with me. It's time that you're mine."
"Leave me alone."

"Katniss, I didn't want to have to do this," he starts while reaching for my neck.
"Touch her and you'll burn." Peeta walks into the room and Gale drops his hands.
"We were just talking—" He starts but Peeta clearly isn't in the mood to argue.

He gestures towards his hand, which contains a small blowtorch. He simply clicks the button, and a blue fire begins to emit from the nozzle. I remain where I'm standing, still pointing the knife at him.

"You better leave, now." He starts with a small temper. Gale gives me a final look before leaving through the door. He yells at me as he turns away.
"You can never defend yourself, Katniss. You're weak."

As soon as he leaves, I let a tear slip while setting the knife down, my hand shaking as it lays the knife across the counter.

"It's okay, darling. You're alright, you're safe." I walk towards him and bury my face in his chest.
"How did you know? Was I too loud?" I ask quietly, letting the past moments sink it.
"No, you did nothing wrong. I came back to check on you and saw him reach for you."

He holds my head gently and I can feel my heart racing faster as I think about how close I was to him. How close I was to being assaulted again.

"Deep breaths, Katniss." My chest fumbles for air, breathing in slowly then releasing. I take one more breath before pulling away.
"You have to go, I'll be fine—" I start but he shakes his head.
"She'll understand." He remarks while walking towards the back door. He slides it closed and clicks the lock into place. I give him a confused look as he pulls my hand towards the front entrance. "Stay out here with me, everyone would love to see you."

I hesitate before following him behind the counter. I avoid eye contact with everyone, and I search the room for something to focus on—something to distract my mind. I can hear everyone around me talking, laughing, and having a good time. I could be that, I could be happy. I was until these past few moments.

I've realized how much I rely on Peeta. How much I trust him. Am I really capable of doing anything myself anymore? It seems as if I can't do simple tasks right; like staying in the backroom peacefully. Maybe Gale was right.

I feel my hand touched gently. I look up to see Delly smiling at me.

"Katniss," her delicate voice rings. "I'm so happy to see you."
"Delly." I remark as I look over her face. The sweet smile her face possesses and her flowing blonde hair. I'm brought back from my thoughts by Peeta brushing my hip as he walks by me, giving me privacy to talk. "It's been a while."

"How are you?" She asks while briefly looking down. I lean over slightly to see a small child standing next to her.
"I'm doing okay." I reply while looking around for Peeta. I find that he's gone towards a different room, speaking to people I've never met. "And you?"
"I'm well. Ever since I had Aloe, my life has changed for the better." She says while gesturing towards the child. She picks her up and I watch as the yellow-gold hair flows from her head while her light brown eyes glisten in the light.

"She's beautiful, Delly." I smile as I wave gently at Aloe.

She nods her head and asks me if I have any children. I tell her about Willow and Rye briefly while trying to have a positive attitude towards the conversation. I'm not annoyed whatsoever with her company, it's just that I feel as if I'm a bother to Delly. Like I am wasting her time.

"Is he back to normal?" She asks. I look over slightly to see him smiling within the company of everyone around him.
"No," I pause, "but sometimes when I look into his eyes, I feel as if I can see him—the boy I once knew. He's in there." She looks over at him before sighing and looking down.
"I have to go run some errands but before I go, I'd like to thank you." She smiles before leaving. I don't have enough to time to ask about what she's thanking me for, and I watch puzzled as she walks away.

I feel Peeta's hands around my waist behind me and I smile at his company. "Are you ready to go home?" He asks quietly.
"Yeah," I remark while watching through the windows, "whenever you're ready." He kisses me on the cheek before walking towards a table that needs cleaned.

I can't help but ponder about what she's thanking me for. I don't think I did anything, I merely held a small conversation. I find it weird to believe that after I was somewhat jealous of Peeta and Delly's relationship, I actually would like to be closer with her.

_

"How was your first day back?" Peeta asks Willow as we walk back home. Rye is asleep in my arms due to his long day at Johanna's. They apparently went to the forest and explored.
"It was fine." She remarks while kicking a rock along the path.

Of course my first reaction is thankful, but the tone she used for the sentence was alarming. I glance over at Peeta and his face shows a look—like he's caught the difference as well.

"I'm glad." I say while looking down at her.

I wish I could see her into her mind. I wish I could see her thoughts, and what truly happened. I know I'm not hearing the full story just by the way she said the sentence. I just don't know what could be bothering her so much that would push her to lose sight of the happiness that surrounds her.

I open the door and she quickly retreats upstairs towards her room. As I hear her close the door to her bedroom, I turn to Peeta.

"Something's not right." I begin quietly, still holding Rye. "Maybe I shouldn't of pushed her to go today, maybe something happened."
"I'm sure it's fine," he reassures me, "but if it makes you feel better, I'll go talk to her." I nod my head and I watch as he starts up the stairs.

I sigh as I go set Rye down on the couch, laying a blanket over top of him. He seems so peaceful. There is no real reason to awake him. I really do hope Peeta is right. I hope this isn't my fault. What if she was somehow bullied for something? I just feel as if I'm the cause for all of her problems.

I hear them fumble down the stairs and I watch as the laugh while walking off the last step. I smile softly at the sight and head towards them.

"Dad told me all about the bakery." She says while sitting down at the table. "You met a new friend?" She asks inquisitively.

She's in a whole different mood then when we first arrived home. Peeta must've said something to change that; he's always been good with words.

"She's a very old friend, darling." I say while setting the table. "Although, I haven't seen her in a very long time, so it is almost like meeting her again."
"You're lucky to have such wonderful friends, Mom." She remarks while picking through whatever's on her plate. I feel my body become tense after her comment, but I begin to feel Peeta's hand on my thigh, calming me.

I think my guilt is causing me to be hyper-aware to her sentences. I just want her to be okay, yet she seems to put on an act every time I'm around her.

I notice she doesn't take more than three bites as well tonight. I know what she's doing, I experience it all the time. But I believe our intentions may be different. I don't eat because I sometimes can't find a reason to. But her's seems different.

_

"Are you going to tell me what the outburst was about this morning?" He asks while lying down next to me in bed.
"I don't want to talk about that," I huff for the millionth time today. I know he's trying to be helpful but some things need to be kept private—like reasons for nervous breakdowns. "Willow isn't well. You know it and so do I."

"Katniss, shouldn't you be the first person to understand?" He asks gently, ignoring the fact that I've changed the subject. "You deal with this all of the time."
"I don't think it's the same kind, Peeta." I say while beginning to lie on his chest. "It doesn't seem based off of herself. Almost as if she's being influenced."
"If it continues on, we'll need to figure out the reason behind it. She'll need to trust us in order to confide in us." He runs his hand through my hair and I close my eyes.

This is all my fault.
This is all my fault.
This is all my fault.

If I hadn't of pushed her back to school, maybe she'd start eating again. If I hadn't of done so many things, this all could've been different. If I could've just controlled myself, she wouldn't of had to grow up so fast—she'd have innocence.