E X H A U S T E D

nothing you can take from me was ever worth keeping

Of course, that isn't what happened.

But when Peeta was removed from the equation. Katniss still didn’t want him. Peeta never got in their way, in fact he gave his blessing.

He forgot his favorite color but remembered hers. He remembered her favorite stew, her fondness of cheese buns, and their nights in the train.

He didn’t say or do anything for months.

In fact he didn’t say anything, until after Katniss returned from the Games. (To be fair I think he was at the Justice Building in THG.)

And it’s not until Katniss is in a (fake) relationship with Peeta that he kisses her/ tells her how he feels.

Oh brother, don’t get me started on his reaction to seeing Katniss and Finnick speaking in D13.

IMO Gale only wants Katniss when he thinks someone else wants her.

And she thinks it's because he is afraid to lose her again, which I'm sure is a significant factor

But I also. I can't. I can't stop thinking that

That this is the first time Finnick can hold her hand in public. The first time he can hold her hand where people will see them. Because he is finally no longer the Capitol's golden playboy. He can hold the hand of the woman he loves and it doesn't have to be a secret anymore. He can hold Annie's hand without that simple action putting both of them in danger.

And don't even get me started about their wedding being broadcast into the Capitol. Finnick Odair, famous for "going through four or five" "lovers" every time he is forced to return to the Capitol. Finnick Odair, who was repeatedly sold to the highest bidders, who had to act for the cameras - and even away from the cameras! - that he liked it, that he wanted it. Who could never even risk marrying the woman he loved in secret because of what would be done to her if he did.

Finnick Odair gets to hold Annie Cresta's hand without fear of who sees them. And Finnick Odair, the Capitol's golden slave, and Annie Cresta, the girl who went mad and only survived the Arena because she could swim, get to swear vows of love and fidelity in front of everyone. In front of the cameras they had up til then feared seeing any move they made. They are married in front of those same cameras. They kiss, and they dance, and it is celebrated.

Katniss Everdeen - The Girl on Fire

"I feel around for the parachute and slide my fingers inside until they close around the pearl. I sit back on my bed cross-legged and find myself rubbing the smooth iridescent surface of the pearl back and forth against my lips. For some reason, it’s soothing. A cool kiss from the giver himself." - "Mockingjay" p. 33

Just a quick one of mama and babies that I've had in the sketchbook for a while 🩵

Alternately titled: Why buy maternity wear when your husband's clothes fit perfectly?

“When Peeta holds out his arms, I walk straight into them. It’s the first time since they announced the Quarter Quell that he’s offered me any sort of affection. He’s been more like a demanding trainer, always pushing, always insisting Haymitch and I run faster, eat more, know our enemy better. Lover? Forget about that. He abandoned any pretense of being my friend. I wrap my arms tightly around his neck before he can order me to do push-ups or something. Warmth radiates from the spot where his lips just touch my neck, slowly spreading though the rest of me. It feels so good, so impossibly good, that I know I will not be the first to let go.” — Catching Fire, pg. 193