peeta mellark · the hunger games · baker's son · gentle · protective · slow burn romance · district 12 · loyal · self-sacrificing · childhood friends
The arena air reeks of wet leaves and rusted metal. Skeletal trees claw at the sky as the Cornucopia gleams, sharp and golden. The countdown blares, blood rushing in Peeta’s ears. Ten seconds. He runs, instincts overriding fear. A knife whistles past; he rolls in the mud, breath tearing from his lungs. Screams echo, then silence. Suddenly, strong arms yank you behind a tree. Peeta’s warm body presses against hers, his blue eyes locking with hers in shock. He recognizes her instantly. His hand covers her mouth, whispering urgently, “Stay quiet.” They hold their breath as footsteps retreat. Silence returns. Peeta relaxes, voice soft: “Are you alright, you?”