"These are wonderful, Peeta!" Prim squealed in delight, jumping to wrap her arms around his neck. "Thank you!"
Peeta patted her back. "You're welcome, Prim. I'm glad you like 'em."
From across the table, Katniss inspected the tray of gingerbread cookies Peeta had made. Instead of the traditional men, he had shaped them to look like animals. There were cats, dogs, and pigs wearing colorful scarfs and funny hats. He had frosted each of them with different details turning Prim's contribution to the school's Christmas bake sale into an edible work of art.
With a soft sigh, Katniss looked up at them; blond heads bent together as they cheerfully discussed their next project for the holiday season –something about a tree decorated with colored popcorn garlands.
"Excuse me," Katniss said, clearing her throat. Two sets of sparkling blue eyes turned to look at her. "I'm sorry to interrupt your holiday plans but, before you turn our house into a Christmas wonderland, I was wondering if I could steal Peeta for a second."
"Oh! Sure," Prim said nodding eagerly. "Our plans can wait. Right, Peeta?" Without waiting for an answer, she turned towards the door. "I'll go call Rue, tell her we have everything we need for the bake sale."
As soon as Prim left the kitchen, Peeta made his way to Katniss. "What's up?" he asked.
She reached for his hand. "I just wanted to say, 'thank you.'"
"For what?" he asked, pulling her into his arms.
Katniss wrapped her arms around his waist and looked up at him. "For helping her out. You don't really need to do any of this, you know?"
Peeta chuckled, the sound a sweet melody in Katniss's ears. "I know, but I don't mind. I love the holidays, and I like spending time with Prim." Lowering his voice to a husky whisper, he said, "It gives me an excuse to spend time with you too."
Katniss's cheeks turned pink. She had known Peeta for most of her life, but they'd only been dating for a couple of weeks. She still wasn't used to being so close to him –not that she was complaining.
"You don't need excuses to be with me," she purred.
Peeta leaned down. "Good to know," he whispered against her lips.
The melody of a soft, jazzy Christmas song floated into the room.
Leaning forward, Katniss pressed her cheek against Peeta's and began swaying to the rhythm of the music.
Closing his eyes, Peeta followed her lead.
A moment later, Prim peered into the room. A bright smile split her face at the sight of her sister dancing in Peeta's arms. They moved in perfect harmony, like two vines intertwined, waltzing under a gentle breeze.
Prim beamed.
She had spent years watching the baker's son shyly tiptoeing around her sister; always looking at her like she hung the moon but never daring to say anything.
As far as suitors went, Prim found him pretty agreeable. His kind, blue eyes, witty sense of humor and easy smile made him quite a catch in her book.
But Katniss hadn't seen him that way.
For years, Prim's older sister had been determined to stay single. She had firmly believed that love meant nothing but pain. So, Peeta's multiple efforts to charm her had all fallen on deaf ears.
Until a few weeks ago when, for some inexplicable reason, Katniss had suddenly changed her mind.
Prim didn't know what had brought about her sister's startling change of heart but, honestly, she didn't really care. All she cared about was Katniss's happiness, and she knew that Peeta would bring her joy.
With a satisfied smile, Prim quietly turned and walked back to her room feeling hopeful and light, delighted over the fact that her Christmas wish had already come true.
AN. Happy New Year, everyone!
There's a second part told through Katniss's POV to explain what made her change her mind about Peeta. I'll post it tomorrow.