Dangerous Bridges

Chapter 4: The Escape

I slip my black leather jacket onto my back after placing boots on.

It's been 3 days since the day I danced with Peeta Mellark and I can't get my mind off of him.

I walk out of my room and head downstairs towards the front door.

"Mum! I'm going for a walk outside." I alert my mother who must be a room away, yet she shouts back a reply.

"You know what will happen if you're out too long for my liking." I gulp, knowing the consequence.
"I know." I murmur and exit the house. I start my journey to the destination I choose to head to.

There is a swing just beside a small lake just beyond our home. It has been my escape since I started school but I've been going there since I was born. My father showed it to me, telling me it was my own place. I take those words for granted. This is the only way I can escape my mother who I despise but still love.

I know she didn't want me. She didn't plan my existence and ever since I started school, she became a person I never thought she could be. She wanted a son yet she loves Prim. Prim her favourite over her first born child.

Just thinking about how unwanted I am to her brings tear to my eyes yet I quickly wipe them with the leather jacket sleeve. Dad wanted me though and he loves me. He loves both me and Prim equally which I wish my mother would do.

I keep walking using the usual path I take, the afternoon sun beaming down onto the world and a wind hitting my body. It doesn't take me long to reach the mini lake.

I sit down on the wooden swing that hangs by two ropes on a sturdy tree on the edge of the tree line. I look onto the clearing and admire the natural beauty.

The silence stays for a while. I smile at the fact that I am at peace and the troubles that await at home are away for now.

Suddenly I hear a twig snap from behind me and my head shoots to see who has invaded my space.

I see the person I didn't expect to see.

"Well, I was trying to be quiet but that didn't seem to work out." He jokes and laughs. Peeta Mellark. I stand up from the swing and face him, half bewildered that he could find me here.

"I never thought we'd be meeting again." I state and brush loose hair behind my ears, glancing to the dirt ground.

"Neither did I but we are now." He replies and I look up to him.

"How did you know I was here? I've never shown anyone this place."

"Can I just say I might have followed you?" He murmurs, looking towards the ground and swinging his foot.

I sigh mentally, slightly annoyed. "I'm sorry about a few nights ago." I state, changing the subject, and walk slowly closer him.

"No, it's alright. At least you experienced a dance." He says and fixes his view back up at me.

"Yeah and it was a nice one." I smile. He moves his hand up and gently grabs mine. I see it again. The love in his eyes.

"That's good." He comments. We stand there in silence for a while, just looking at each other. It seems to grow a little awkward.

"I should probably go." Peeta says.

"Will we see each other again?" I ask him, hoping it is a yes.

"Possibly." he answers and comes close to me. He rests his hand against the side of my head and presses his lips to my forehead. I gasp and freeze in my place.

"I might actually love you." He whispers into my ear and walks off, back the way I came. I stand there shocked, unable to move.