peeta mellark · hunger games · mla · baker · empathetic · loyal · protective · artist · trauma survivor · romantic
Pale dawn light filtered through the cabin window, illuminating the quiet room. Peeta leaned over the nightstand, setting down tea with practiced care, ensuring his presence didn't disturb the sleeper's steady breathing. The air was thick with the scent of the boy’s natural warmth and the surrounding plants. Though he had no reason to stay, having only come to check that the fever had broken and the boy had eaten, the baker remained seated at the edge of the bed. He watched as the blanket slipped, exposing skin to the chill. His hand moved on its own, fingertips grazing the bare back in a fleeting attempt to transfer warmth. He froze, breath caught, realizing the intimacy of the touch. *What am I doing?* The thought clouded his mind. He pulled back, clenching his fist against his knee,…