I don't think I've ever been so nervous in my life. My hands are so sweaty that I can barely hold onto the tiny band without it slipping out of my grasp.
I take a deep breath and push open the door to the newly-built bakery in the middle of town. It was built in the same spot that my family's had been in and even looks similar to it, though it's a bit better built. In other words, it doesn't look like it's going to cave in on itself at any minute.
The store is empty as usual around this time. It's nearly closing time. She's the only one in sight and is busy cleaning some shelves, whistling to herself. The tune is familiar but I can't place it.
"Katniss?" my voice comes out cracked and very quiet so I clear my throat and try again. "Katniss? Can I talk to you?"
She tilts her head and sets down the rag she'd been cleaning with, turning towards the door. A small, barely noticeable smile appears on her lips. It's the best I can get out of her these days.
"Hi, Peeta," she says quietly, brushing her hands off on her pants and walking towards me. I offer a weak, nervous smile towards her in return and meet her halfway. "Where have you been all day? It was busy in here," she questions, tilting her head.
"I had some shopping to do. Sorry for not being around," I lean forward a little, letting my lips brush against hers. She holds her lips to mine for a moment before pulling out of the kiss.
"Shopping for what?" she asks, appearing a little skeptical. I chuckle to myself, hoping that she doesn't notice the sweat on my forehead or the light tremble to my hands. All the while, I'm taking in her appearance.
Right now she's a little rough around the edges with her hair in its usual braid but little strands sticking out randomly and small spots of dust and flour all over her. I smile a little wider and gaze into her beautiful gray eyes, my heart pounding in my chest so heavily that I'm afraid she'll be able to hear the thumping of it.
"I love you more than life itself, Katniss. I hope you know that," I choke out, reaching out with my free hand and taking her left hand in mine. She stares at me with a puzzled expression, one eyebrow slightly raised and her head tilted to the side.
"Peeta, I -,"
"Will you be my wife?" I blurt out before she can say anymore, tears in my eyes and my hand trembling uncontrollably. I'm sure I look like a complete fool and I can't bear to look in her eyes. Instead, I stare down at her slender hand in my own and wait for a response, breathing heavily.
Silence. It's completely agonizing. I'm wondering why she won't just say no. I'm wondering why she's dragging it out and making me suffer. The tears in my eyes spill down my cheeks and I lift my head up to gaze at her.
"Katniss! Just -," I cut off suddenly, surprise hitting me so hard that it takes the breath out of me. She's...crying. I haven't seen her cry in a long, long time; but, her face isn't saddened. In fact, she's smiling. Not just a small smile but a huge, wide grin of pure happiness.
"I would love nothing more," she whispers, turning her head as a blush begins to color her cheeks. I gape at her, elated and surprised and relieved all at the same time.
"Oh, I love you!" I shout out, slipping the gold band onto her ring finger and releasing her hand only to plant both hands on either side of her face, pressing kiss after kiss to her soft lips.
And then I pull her close and hold onto her like it's the first time I've ever been able to embrace her. And I make a promise to myself. One that I will never break.
I will never, ever set this mockingjay free.
