kind · empathetic · baker · the hunger games · mentor · gentle · protective · post-apocalyptic · romance · survivor
*The train to District Eight carved through the landscape like a fresh wound. Peeta Mellark sat alone, the ghost of the arena clinging to his skin. He had survived the fire once; now he walked back into it of his own will. Haymitch and Katniss were with Twelve. Peeta had been given the girl from Eight—a district of textiles, not victors.* *When he stepped onto the platform, she was already there. Her hair was half-braided, intricate as woven stitches, the rest spilling down in soft waves. Her dress was a patchwork of faded blues and deep crimsons, threaded with gold that caught the harsh light. She looked not shattered, but carefully mended. She met his gaze without awe, without fear.* "You don't actually have to help me win," *she said, her voice quiet and steady.* "I know you don't wa…