I know it’s been a tough year for us all, so let’s take a moment and enjoy some fluff.
Many thanks to @archersandsunsets for the above banner and sticking with me to beta this thing and also just being an awesome human!
I also want to give a massive shout-out to all the lovely people who interact with this story. Specifically all the lovelies who liked and reblogged my preview. And especially to @laceface6090 for sending the ask that pushed this thing just a little more to this publication.
There will be five more chapters and an epilogue. I have some really good stuff coming in those five chapters. Prepare yourselves for some awesomeness and the conclusion of the slow burn.
Do you see through my walls? Eek do I see through your walls?! How are those walls.... any sneak peaks at them????
I know I said I’d get a new chapter up last week, but I got busy and failed at that. Apologies. Here is an extended preview of the Chapter Seventeen of See Right Through My Walls:
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“Are you nervous?” Peeta asked as they walked into the stadium.
“Extremely.” Katniss looked toward the registration table. “I have to leave you both here. But first,” She dropped down and opened up her bag. She pulled out some papers and stood with them held out.
Peeta took them. “What’s this?”
“Some basic rules. If you have any questions you can ask Prim or my mom. But this will help you with a bit of it.”
“Thank you.”
She smiled and pressed herself up on her toes to kiss his cheek. “Enjoy yourselves.” She handed over her phone. “Will you hold on to that?”
“Sure.” He took it and their fingers brushed. “Do I say good luck or break a leg or what?”
“‘Aim true’ is what my dad used to always say.”
He gave the papers to Riley and stuck Katniss’s phone in his pocket. He took hold of her face and leaned close. “Then aim true.” He kissed her forehead and then stepped back. “I’ll see you when you win.”
Katniss laughed. “I might not.”
Peeta squeezed her hand. “You’ll do great.”
A few minutes later Peeta and Riley were on their way to finding Prim and Iris. Prim spotted them first and waved enthusiastically. She pointed to a pair of seats in front of them and moved their things out of them.
“Hi, Prim!” Riley exclaimed.
“Hey there, kiddo!” Prim ruffled his hair. “How’s Hammy?”
“Fine. He didn’t like the snow.”
Iris laughed. “I didn’t like the snow either.”
Peeta asked, “Have to drive in it still?”
Iris nodded. “Some of you folks are lucky. I still have a job even when it snows a million inches.”
Peeta caught sight of a young woman about Prim’s age sitting close and looking expectantly at Prim. “You must be Rue.” He held out his hand.
“I am.” Rue smiled and shook his hand. “You must be Peeta.”
“That’s me.” Peeta indicated Riley. “This is my son.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” Rue smiled. It was bright and warm.
Above banner created by my lovely beta @aihodineverlark! Thanks a million!
Thanks also to my forever prereader and bestie @thesaltywinteradult
Peeta watched Riley's face as he looked out the window. He scrutinized every car that drove by. He had told Riley they were waiting on someone and then were going to go with them to the park for a while. He didn't say who and he was surprised that Glimmer hadn't said anything to him on their daily calls.
When Glimmer asked for the visit, Peeta hesitated saying yes right away. He knew they both needed it, but he wasn't sure if he could handle it. He didn't let anyone around Riley that he didn't trust. But Glimmer promised she was trying. So he told himself that he should try too.
When his grandmother's SUV pulled into the driveway, Riley's eyes lit up. "Grandma and Grandpa!"
Peeta picked up his keys from beside the door as Riley ran outside.
It's going to be okay, Peeta told himself. Riley needs this.
Riley let out a squeal when he saw it was Glimmer. He jumped up into her arms. It occurred to Peeta that this was the most Glimmer had ever been around Riley since he was a baby. But it was the right thing for their son.
