Katniss
"More wine baby?" Peeta holds up the bottle of red.
"Please," I nod gratefully with a smile.
He pours some into my glass swiftly and carefully.
"Oh my god," I moan. "This is sooooo good Peeta."
"Thank Kenneth," he grins. "He cooked it."
"Thank you Kenneth!" I call over to the galley. He pops his head out and smiles.
"You're welcome Mrs. Mellark."
"Please Kenneth, call me Katniss. If you call me Mrs. Mellark one more time you're fired," I joke.
"Yes Mrs.-," he stops himself. I chuckle. "Yes Katniss."
"Kenneth what do we have for dessert?" Peeta inquires.
"Coffee and assorted pastries," he answers as he pours us each a cup of the steaming drink.
"Perfect, Kenneth," Peeta praises. "Thank you very much."
Kenneth just nods as he retrieves the platter of pastries, which, of course, are scrumptious.
"Are we flying over the Atlantic or Pacific?" I ask Peeta.
"Atlantic. We're stopping in Lisbon to refuel."
"Okay. I've never been to Portugal."
"Me either. One day we'll take a trip there, okay?"
"Sounds great," I smile. "Are we landing in Portland?"
"Yeah," he nods. "I thought we could surprise Prim. I called the hospital and checked her schedule. She should be at work when we arrive. I spoke to her boss and she's going to give her some time off."
"Peeta," I mildly scold, but I don't really mean it. "You didn't have to do all that."
"Sure I didn't, but I wanted to. You haven't seen your sister in a while. I wanted you to be able to spend some quality time together. You're close with her, you both deserve it."
"First, she's our sister now honey. Second, thank you. You're right I haven't seen her in a long time. I can't wait to show you off. She's going to be jealous."
"Does she have a boyfriend or anything?"
"I don't really know," I shrug. "She's dated a few guys but nothing serious. She doesn't have a lot of free time as an ER doctor, you know?"
"I can imagine," he nods. "Well if she's even half as beautiful and smart as her sister, she's quite the catch."
I roll my eyes.
"You're so corny sometimes," I tease.
"Worked on you didn't it?" He teases back.
I shrug again.
"Maybe," I tilt my head side-to-side. "Or maybe it was the altitude affecting my judgment, like Finnick said."
"Or maybe I just have impeccable seduction skills."
"I don't see how that's possible considering I own your virginity," I smirk.
"You mean you think you own my virginity," he smirks back.
"Peeta," I warn, "don't even joke with me about that. Please."
"Sorry," he says sincerely. "You know you're my first, my only, and my last Kat."
"I know," I nod, giving him a small smile. "Trust me, you're definitely my first. The first time we made love I thought I was going to burst at the seams you were so huge."
"Oh trust me I've never doubted that," he grins widely. "Considering how tight you still are."
I glance around to make sure Kenneth hasn't reappeared, considering our conversation is turning decidedly dirty.
"I just hope you still find me sexy after I have your kids," I lament quietly.
"Honey trust me, when you are pregnant with our children, there's going to be nothing in this world more beautiful than you. Don't get me wrong, you are already the most beautiful thing in the world, but you carrying my children will just amplify that."
"Yeah until I give birth," I huff. "Maybe I'll just get C-Sections."
"What? Why?"
"So I don't ruin my vagina for you," I whisper painfully. "I want you to still find me attractive."
He rolls his eyes and smiles.
"Kat I never thought I'd have to say this, but I will find you attractive no matter what. You could shave your head and not bathe for six months and I'd still want to have sex with you twenty four hours a day."
"We'll see," I answer. "Can we talk about something else?" I beg.
"Sure honey," he smiles.
Peeta
Once we finish dinner, we're both exhausted. All the energy we spent climbing has drained our bodies. I'm forced to carry Katniss back to the bedroom. The combination of her fatigue and the wine we drank has caught up to her. She mumbles that she loves me and thanks me for carrying her. I chuckle at the adorable sleepy look on her face.
"Let's get you into some PJs," I say as I lay her on the bed.
"No," she mutters, shaking her head. "Just get my shirt and pants off."
She raises her arms and I help slide her shirt off. She unzips and unbuttons her jeans and I pull them off her legs. I pull back the covers and help her slip into bed. I quickly strip down to my boxers and hop in bed.
As soon as I lay down, she turns and melts into me. She throws a leg over mine and an arm over my stomach, pillowing her head on my bare chest. She lightly kisses my skin.
"Goodnight baby," she whispers. "I love you."
"Goodnight gorgeous. Love you too."
We wake up a few hours later when we're on final approach to Lisbon. We dress and take our seats for the landing. We're only on the ground for less than a half hour, just enough time to refuel, before we take off again and west out over the ocean, to America.
"What time will it be when we get there?" Katniss asks, looking out the window.
"Around eight in the morning locally," I tell her. "God knows what time our bodies think it'll be."
We both laugh at that and she leans her head on my shoulder, both of us still in our seats.
"I want to sleep for a week straight," she declares.
"Sounds good to me," I agree.
"Tell me more about our house on Flagstaff."
"Okay," I nod, kissing the top of her head. "It's right on the water, facing east so we can see the sunrise over the lake. Our bedroom is on the second floor and we have a huge balcony looking out. Our room has floor-to-ceiling doors and windows. The master bath has heated tiles so the floor is nice and warm when you get out of the shower or bath. There's a whole huge walk-in closet just for you. We have a fireplace in our room too, and there are two more downstairs. The main living room has cathedral ceilings with huge leather couches and chairs. The interior is decorated with dark wood, and the house always smells fresh, like cedar. I have two ovens to bake you cheese buns in."
"Mmmm," she rubs her belly comically. "Is there a pool or anything?"
"No pool," I shake my head. "But there is a hot tub on the deck."
"We're definitely spending some late nights out there," she whispers seductively, kissing my cheek. I shudder a bit and she giggles. "What else?"
"We have a ski boat," I explain. "Do you know how to wakeboard or waterski?"
"No."
"I'll teach you. We also have a fifteen-foot sailboat."
"You'll teach me how to sail too?"
"Of course."
She looks pleased, and I'm already looking forward to sailing and boating on the lake with her. While our home is near where we grew up, it's still far enough away to be private. My family actually doesn't even know where it is. My brothers and dad know that I have a home nearby, but that's it. They've never seen it, at least not yet.
"Come on," she tugs on my hand as she stands up, "let's hit the sack."
Katniss
We fall asleep quickly, and I feel safer than ever wrapped up in my husband's arms. Every minute that passes as we get closer and closer to Maine, my anxiety levels rises.
I'm not anxious because I'm embarrassed or anything like that. I'm anxious because I haven't been home in a long time. I'm planning on seeing my mother, and I have no idea how that encounter is going to go. At least Peeta will be with me. I'm also planning on meeting Peeta's family. I haven't seen his father since we were kids, and I hardly ever knew his brothers.
It's meeting his mother, however, that has me anxious. Peeta has told me stories about her abuse, and I've witnessed firsthand his nightmares about her. I've seen how affected his psyche is, how much damage she really did to this poor innocent boy. I'm worried that I'm going to lose it when I see her, that I'll let my anger get the best of me. I know that's not what he would want, but I'm scared I won't be able to help it. My love for Peeta is unlike anything I've ever felt. My urge to protect him, physically and emotionally, easily overtakes all other emotions I feel. I have no idea how I'd react if I witnessed her attempt to hurt him in any way. That doesn't just include physical abuse either.
"Mr. and Mrs. Mellark, we're an hour out of Portland," Andrew says over the speakers. Peeta rustles next to me and yawns adorably.
"Hey sweetie," I kiss his chin. "We're almost there. Maybe we should get dressed," I suggest with a grin.
"I kind of like what you're wearing right now," he mumbles, staring at my scantily clothed body with sleepy eyes.
I giggle and playfully hit his chest.
"This view is reserved for my husband," I state defiantly.
"It better be," he smiles. "Your lingerie isn't exactly covering all that much up."
He's right. This is certainly one of my more suggestive sets. It's black and quite lacy. I was a little nervous when I picked them out, but the look on Peeta's face when he saw me in them for the first time was certainly worth it.
"Yeah? You like it?" I tease, rubbing my breasts gently.
"We don't have time for that honey," he whines. "Please don't torture me."
"Fine, fine," I relent and give him a quick peck on the lips.
"I want the next time we have sex to be in our bed at our home," he tells me sincerely.
"I think that's a wonderful idea," I respond equally as sincere.
"Besides, we're seeing Prim soon. I don't think the first time you see her you want to look like you just got fucked sideways," he jokes.
"Oh I see. Someone thinks pretty highly of themselves," I tease.
"Are you telling me I'm not telling the truth?" He grins.
"Okay I'll give you that one," I nod. "Yes, Peeta. You consistently rock my world."
"Good to know."
We go about getting dressed, both of us wearing comfy jeans and tees. It's early summer in Maine so it shouldn't be too hot or too cold, just right.
Once we're ready we pack up our stuff and head back to the main cabin, taking seats next to each other and buckling in as we start our final descent into Portland.
"Hey Peeta?"
"Hmm?"
"What do you think happened to Gale?" I ask nervously.
"I don't know honey," he answers quietly.
I've been wondering this for a couple days. After he left the Col when we left for the summit bid, we didn't hear from him. We asked when we got back to ABC, but nobody remembered seeing him all that much. There were a couple sightings in Base Camp but that's all we could find. He definitely didn't go back onto the mountain, so we have no idea what happened to him, where he went, or where he is now. I'm not necessarily worried, he can take care of himself after all. It would be nice, however, to know if we have to fret about him popping up randomly in our lives.
"Do you want to invite him to the wedding?" Peeta asks, trying and failing to mask the slight hurt in his voice.
I turn to look at him and he's not even looking at me, rather his gaze is on the floor.
"Does it matter?" I sigh. "He's not a part of my life anymore."
"I know, but he used to be your best friend," Peeta argues. "It's okay if you want him there, really Kat."
I can tell it's hurting him to even think about it. I realize he's putting aside his own feelings to try and make me as comfortable as possible. I don't want him to ignore how he's feeling, not ever.
"He was never my best friend," I protest. "A best friend doesn't treat their best friend the way he treated me. If he were, I would've missed him after we parted ways. I never did, not for a single minute."
He just nods sadly.
"I don't want him there," I say firmly.
"But you wanted him at our wedding at ABC," he replies softly.
"Maybe that day I did," I admit. "But he was already there. He was the only person in ABC who didn't show up. And I'll be completely honest. At that point I still thought there was a sliver of a chance that I hadn't lost him completely."
As soon as I say the last sentence I cringe, realizing how it sounds.
"Oh. I see." The tone in his voice breaks my heart, shatters it.
"Peeta that's not what I meant," I try to explain.
I sigh and run my hand through my hair. I realize what it sounds like to him, that on our wedding day I wanted Gale there. He probably thinks that I was hoping he'd object and I'd run away with him, or I'd stand at the altar and see Gale and realize I was making a mistake. It sounds to him like I ended up with him by default, that the only reason I went through with marrying him was because Gale didn't show up.
I don't blame him for feeling that way. I'm well aware of his insecurities, especially when it comes to the women in his life. I have to continually prove to him that I'm in this for the long run, and I don't mind doing it one bit. I know he doesn't feel this way to try and make me feel guilty or anything, it's just the way it is. I know he loves me. That is never in doubt. Stepping into his shoes, however, I can see how he can come to some of the conclusions he does. We really only dated for a little over a week before we got married. To him, I fell in love with him in a matter of hours, so he's still getting used to that idea and he fears that I'll someday realize I made a mistake or fall out of love. I can't tell him why, but I just know that's never going to happen. If I had even the slightest inclination it might, I would've never said yes to marrying him. I would never do that to anybody, especially Peeta.
"Baby look at me," I beg. He doesn't move or acknowledge me in any way. "Please Peeta. Let me explain."
He eventually turns his head and the look in his eyes makes me want to cry. He's hurt, sure, but the overriding emotion he's radiating is fear.
"The reason I wanted Gale there that day was because of you. Since we got together Gale had been terrible to both of us, but especially you. I wanted him to come so he could see what you and I have, that I truly am in love with you, and I was marrying you because I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I had hoped that if he had the chance to see how in love we are that he'd realize I'm yours forever and maybe, just maybe, we'd all be able to be at least friendly with each other. If he were a real friend he'd want me to be happy no matter what. But he decided to be spiteful, jealous, and an all-around asshole. That day showed me how lucky I truly am to have you, Peeta Mellark."
"You really mean that?" He whispers after a few moments of silence.
I nod, a tear rolling down my cheek. He sweetly kisses it away.
"It's you, Peeta. It's always been you and it's always going to be you. I'll tell you as many times as you want. I'm yours, forever. I'm not going anywhere, got it?"
It's his turn to just nod and I smile.
"I know what it looks like," I go on, deciding to just lay it all out on the proverbial table. "It looks like I fell in love with you in about two days then we got married. You're scared that one day I'll leave you when I decide I made a mistake, right?"
He doesn't reply, but averts his eyes guiltily. I gently cup his cheek and turn his face back to me, giving him a soft, reassuring smile.
"It's okay sweetie," I assure him gently. "I'm not mad. Not even a little. I don't blame you. I know this all happened fast, and I especially know about why you have trust issues. I'll do whatever it takes, anything, to prove that I'm in it for the long run."
"Kat, you don't have to-"
I silence him with a finger to his lips. He nods for me to continue.
"Peeta you always do so much for me," I smile. "And the beautiful thing is most of the time you don't even realize it, you just do it. That's the kind of man you are. Sometimes I have to remind myself to repay your perpetual kindness, but I'm working on it. I know that a lot of that, on my end, means sexual stuff. I promise I'll try harder."
"Trust me, I love your way of repayment," he smirks a bit. I giggle and kiss him.
"I do too baby. But there's something I want you to understand. I didn't fall in love with you in those couple days. It took me a while to realize, but I've loved you for a long time Peeta. Not as long as you've loved me, granted, but definitely years. When you gave me that bread, even though I never saw who it was, I knew it was you in my heart. I didn't realize it then, but you had already stolen my heart. Why do you think I never even had a boyfriend? You can blame it on climbing or being busy but the truth is I was always waiting to see you again."
He looks completely stunned, speechless. His jaw drops slightly.
"Look, this is all I'm trying to say. I don't care that we dated for a week before we got married. I don't care if people laugh at us, saying we rushed into this. I don't care what anybody thinks except you. All I care about is you, Peeta Mellark. I love you. I'm always going to love you. Even saying that seems way too inadequate. I wish there was some other way for me to express just how deeply my love runs for you. I would do absolutely anything for you. Anything you want, it's yours. If you want me to dye my hair blonde, just ask. If you want to give all our money to charity and live on the street, I suggest we bring a coat. If you want a blowjob every morning, I promise to always swallow. If you want to have sex, no matter where we are or what we're doing, just go for it."
"Um, uh," he stumbles, shocked. The look on his face is adorable.
"The only request I have, if I may, is that you never ask me to involve anyone else in our sex lives. That's off-limits. Forever. Your cock is mine. My pussy and tits are yours. Got it buster?"
"Katniss I would never ask that of you," he says honestly, almost pleadingly. "I hope you'd know I would never, ever, ever even contemplate cheating or even looking at another woman the way I look at you."
"I know," I nod. "I just wanted to make it perfectly clear so both of us understand. You don't have to worry about me either, sweetie. Just like I always tell you, my body is yours."
"Mmm and how I love it," he grins, raking his eyes over my body, licking his lips suggestively. It sends a shiver down my spine.
"Do we really have to wait until we get home?" I whine.
"We'll be landing in five minutes," Andrew says just then over the speakers.
"Fuuuuck," I lament. He laughs and kisses me.
Peeta
We're finally in the States. We touch down and quickly taxi to the private area of the Jetport. We pull into the hanger that I own and Kenneth opens the door, lowering the air stairs.
"Could you please grab our bags Kenneth?" I ask as I lead Katniss to the door.
"Of course," he nods.
"Thank you for everything," Katniss politely says. She repeats the sentiment to Andrew and Justine as they open the cockpit door.
We stretch for a minute when we reach the ground. There's a customs official waiting. I requested they meet us here so we didn't have to go through the Jetport. Somehow they agreed. I'm sure it's not protocol.
We're quickly welcomed back to the United States and handed back our Passports.
"Welcome home," I smile and give her a huge bear hug. She giggles against my chest. We part and our lips meet in our first kiss in America.
I lead her around the plane to where I know her new car is waiting.
She gasps as soon as she sees it.
"Oh my god!" She yells, literally jumping up and down with excitement. "Is that mine?"
"Yup," I nod happily. "Go ahead. The keys are in the cupholder."
She almost sprints to it, first walking around it just admiring, running her hands over the lines. Her eyes are wide with wonder and she looks like a kid on Christmas morning.
"It's so beautiful," she mumbles, a smile plastered on her face.
She opens all the doors one by one, checking out the interior.
"It has GPS! And look at this beautiful red leather! The tailgate opens automatically!"
Even though I already know all the features, considering I'm the one who ordered it from Land Rover, I dutifully listen as she fawns over every tiny, minute detail. She even tells me about how the seat belt can be adjusted for height, something that's been standard on every car for decades.
"Okay, give me the keys. I'm driving," I tease as I walk to her with my palm up.
"What!?" She freaks out.
"Kidding!" I quickly backtrack. "It's yours, darling. Of course you're driving."
"Wait! What about my license? I don't even have a valid one in Maine anymore," she realizes sadly.
"Check the glove compartment," I grin.
She looks at me funny then climbs back into the driver's seat, reaching over and opening the glove.
"No way," she mutters, holding up her brand new Maine license, complete with her brand new legal name.
"I had them use your old license photo. I hope you don't mind. You can go to the DMV and get a new one if you want."
"How did you? What did you? Huh?"
"It wasn't that hard," I shrug. "Friends in the right places, I guess."
"You're amazing," she smiles and kisses me sweetly as I climb into the passenger seat.
"Did you happen to check out the license plate?" I ask, grinning again.
"No….," she answers as she quickly hops out and runs to the back. "PEETA! This is too much."
"It's never too much when it comes to my wife," I state simply and seriously.
I got her a vanity plate. It reads 'KLM 21', her initials and her lucky number.
"Well I love it," she kisses my cheek when she returns to her seat. "Thank you Peeta. Thank you so much."
Kenneth loads up the trunk and we say goodbye to the flight crew. Katniss starts up the car and smiles when the engine roars to life.
"Maybe we should drive around the parking lot a bit," I suggest carefully. "Neither of us have driven in a while, right?"
"Good idea," she agrees, and I let out a relieved breath.
After about fifteen minutes, she gets fed up, and I give her permission to leave the Jetport. She pulls out and heads toward Maine Medical in downtown Portland, where Prim works.
I grab my iPod, which I took out of my bag, and hook it up to the stereo. I turn it to DMB and hit shuffle.
"It's weird being back in Maine," Katniss breaks the silence on the highway.
"Yeah," I agree. "I haven't been back in almost three months."
"It's been longer for me. Almost a year and a half," she reveals. "And last time I came I didn't even go back to Panem. I just stayed with Prim in Portland."
"I went back up there but I didn't see my family," I tell her. "I just spent some time at our house on Flagstaff, decompressing."
"They're going to be pretty surprised when you show up with a wife, huh?" She jokes.
"That's putting it mildly. I know my brothers and my dad are going to be really happy. They were getting worried about me I think."
I can see she wants to ask, but she struggles not to, so I help her out.
"My mom won't be happy."
"Why not?" She quietly asks.
"Because she's never happy with me," I shrug.
"Oh Peeta," she whispers. "Baby I'm sorry." She keeps one hand on the wheel and cradles my cheek with the other, comforting me instantly.
"It's okay. I'm used to it."
"You shouldn't have to be okay with a mother who treats you like this," she says firmly, with conviction. "I mean, I have mother issues too, but, but-"
"Your mother never hit you," I finish. She nods sadly. "Katniss I don't want to sound mean, but your mother didn't treat you all that well either in the end. We both have issues, sure, but at least we'll face them head-on together, right?"
"Right," she confirms. "And you're spot-on about my mom. Trust me, I know. But no matter how horrible the things my mother did are, I always knew she loved me."
She looks like she regrets the words the second they leave her mouth, but she's really actually right.
"I'm sorry Peeta," she quickly amends. "I didn't mean that."
"No, it's okay," I reply. "I've told you about what she used to say to me, do to me. I've known for a long time that my mother never loved me. Maybe, once, but no longer. I've accepted it for what it is and what it isn't."
"Baby I really want to talk about this more, but we're here." She points out the windshield and I notice we've arrived at Maine Medical.
"Thanks. It's helping me talk about it."
"It helps me too honey," she nods as she pulls into an empty spot. "Come on, let's go surprise Prim."
I glance at the column nearby to memorize where we parked so we don't get lost leaving, then take Katniss' hand as we stroll happily to the entrance to the ER.
"Welcome to Maine Medical. How may I assist you today?" The receptionist, an older, kind-looking woman, asks when we step up to the desk.
"Hi, we're here to see my sister, Dr. Everdeen?" Katniss answers.
"Sure. Please have a seat and I'll page the doctor." She motions to some chairs nearby.
We sit and Katniss leans her head on my shoulder, sighing happily. She looks relaxed except for her leg, which is bouncing up and down frantically. I know it's her tell that she's nervous, anxious.
"Nervous?" I tease quietly.
"Shut up," she grins. "You know me too well sometimes."
"Well I am your husband."
"Oh, so that's why I continually find you on top of me?"
"You've finally figured it out. Bravo, bravo."
"Keep teasing and you'll find the other side of the bed cold tonight," she warns jokingly.
"I thought we already established this back on Everest. You can't resist me, not even for ten minutes."
"Oh, so we're just going to forget that it was actually me that seduced you that day?" She grins.
"You're one devious woman, Katniss Mellark."
"I got you to marry me, didn't I?" She smirks and gives me a kiss.
"KATNISS!" I hear a loud female voice yell from across the waiting room. Both our heads snap towards the sound.
I see a thin, blonde, good-looking young woman in a white doctor's coat striding purposefully towards us. It takes me a moment to realize that it's Prim. I haven't seen her since she was a kid.
"Prim!" Katniss replies just as loud, hopping out of her seat and running to her sister, enveloping her in a hug.
I just sit there and watch them reunite, happy to see Katniss so happy.
"Prim, I want you to meet my husband. Well, re-meet him I guess," Katniss leads her to me. I stand up to greet her.
I stick my hand out but she ignores it, instead plowing into me and almost knocking me over, wrapping her arms around me tightly.
"Hi, Prim," I eke out, her arms sucking the breath out of my lungs.
"Peeta! It's so good to see you!" She excitedly exclaims.
"Come on, let's go get something to eat. I want to hear everything."
A/N: So there you have it. The first chapter of the sequel to 'Top Of The World'. I hope you enjoyed it. There's obviously much more to come.
Look forward to, in no particular order, their wedding, meeting the families (including both mothers), reuniting with their friends, finding out what happened to Gale and what he's up to, meeting Jon Krakauer and the article about them, designing their dream home, their honeymoon, and much, much more.
If you have any thoughts, ideas, or suggestions for this story please don't hesitate to let me know! I read every review and respond to every PM. Or try to, at least.
In case you were wondering, the title of this story, 'Not All Who Wander Are Lost', is a quote from one of my favorite books, 'The Hobbit', by J.R.R. Tolkein. It's a pretty common saying among outdoors people as well.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I hope this story is as well received as it's prequel!