AN: This would be my first THG fanfiction, so bear with me. I didn't have this on beta.

DISCLAIMER: As much I would love Peeta for myself, I can't. Sadly, Suzanne Collins owns him.


Delicious.

It was the first word that came into her mind as she passed by the bakery down on 12th street. She stopped to look at the display in front of the bakery. The sight of beautifully crafted cakes in various shapes and sizes decorated the display like an art gallery. As a customer came out of the bakery, wondrous scents filled her nose and made her mouth water.

She wanted to go in and look or maybe even buy something, but her eyes glanced on her watch that says 7:10AM. She rolled her eyes. "Great, I'm running late for the bus", she muttered to herself. She spared one glance at the sign hanging above the bakery. Mellark's - Since 1932.

She is definitely going back here later.


Katniss arrived at the laboratory at 8:00AM. She went to her station and plopped her bag on the table.

"Wow brainless, you're late. Did you get lost or something?" Johanna quipped as she settled beside Katniss, steaming coffee mug in one hand.

"Just woke up late. The new apartment that I got was two blocks away from the bus station, and I forgot that buses here run far in between the schedules." Katniss sighed.

Katniss Everdeen started working in Panem Research Institute two months ago as a forestry scientist. She moved out of Capitol City to the nature-diverse Panem one month prior the official start of her job to study and familiarize herself with the forest terrain bordering Panem. She lived with Johanna, who is one of the few close friends she made in college, but because they were sharing what was supposed to be a one-person studio apartment she had to look for her own place. The apartment was perfect for her, as she needed to be alone. After all the events that happened... What that bastard Gale did to her... She has had enough. Too much actually. This is the only way she could go.

"Maybe you just need to adjust a bit so you wouldn't be late again. Oh by the way, are you going to Annie's birthday on Saturday? She's planning to go to that swanky new bar on 5th avenue." Johanna smirked.

"I was about to say yes, but since you said there is a bar, and bars have alcohol, I decline. We know very well you and alcohol don't mix well, Johanna. I don't want to get in trouble." Katniss shook her head.

"Aw c'mon brainless, you've been here in Panem for three months now and we haven't been on a girl's night out ever since that Welcome party I held for you. You need to loosen up missy, plus you need to get laid-"

"Shut up Johanna. I don't need to get laid. I just want to be alone."

"Brainless, you need to get out and meet people. Who knows you might be able to meet someone better than Gale-"

"What birthday present do you think I could buy for Annie? I'm planning to buy something to give to her on Friday." Katniss said, evading Johanna's eyes.

"You are not seriously cutting me off just because I said his name-". Johanna protested mid-air.

"Do you think she likes cakes?" Katniss cut Johanna off again.

"Whatever brainless. Whatever."


Katniss got off the bus and started her walk home, thinking about what Johanna said about Gale. Who knows, you might be able to meet someone better that Gale.

Katniss felt that hollow feeling in her chest again. She gritted her teeth in frustration as she thought about that...night.

I shouldn't be thinking about this. I'm over this. I'm over it. She chanted to herself.

Dark thoughts suddenly permeated her mind in a frenzy. She chewed on her braid as the thoughts rush in her head like a crashing wave. She walked faster, as if trying to escape her demons. It was then that she looked up and found herself in front of Mellark's Bakery. I seriously need something sweet. Maybe they have a chocolate cake or something.

Katniss entered the bakery silently. The delicious, savory smells of bread assaulted her nostrils as she looked around. Nobody was at the register. She took a look at the shelves. Different breads and pastries tempted her eyes. She looked around once more. Seeing an open door near the corner behind the display shelves, she walked towards it, hearing shuffling footsteps.

What she wasn't prepared for was the gorgeous sight that stepped out of the door.

A handsome man brought out what seems to be a heavy sack, his strong arms and shoulders flexing. Katniss first noticed the unruly mess of golden waves crowning his head. A portion of it was sticking on his forehead with a bit of sweat. One bead dropped from his hair, only to land on a beautifully straight nose, down to a pair of sexy lips. His cheeks flushed, maybe from the effort in carrying the heavy sack. She held in her breath as he placed down the sack, muscles rippling beneath the white shirt which seems to snuggle and fit perfectly on his toned body. I want to look at his jeans-

"Oh I'm sorry I didn't notice you there. Welcome to Mellark's, how may I help you?" The handsome man said in a husky masculine voice. She looked up to him, cheeks flared up in embarrassment from blatantly staring at him.

His eyes were bright, a pair of deep, enchanting ocean blue staring at her directly. They were framed by long, thick golden eyelashes that seem to be so soft.

Her heart beat so loudly in her chest.

He smiled.

That smile should be illegal. Katniss mentally squirmed as a warm feeling enveloped her chest.


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