Enjoy,
-PinkSteam
Disclaimer: See first chapter: The New Bet
I'm in my car driving Katniss to work. I can see how uncomfortable she is, it's just so amusing.
Just to make her a little more fazed, I take of my jacket and unbutton the first 3 buttons of my shirt. Her eyes are traveling to my every move. When I pretend to catch her staring she looks away blushing crimson. Just so fun.
I pull into the parking lot of Mellark's Bakery. Unfortunately, my amusement was over.
Parking the car, I walk out and head to Katniss's door. Before she can open it herself, I grab her hand and help her down. There's that blush again.
I push the front door open and the bell rings it's chime. My older brother Rye steps out with his baking apron and hands covered in flour.
I can see his annoying smirk when he sees Katniss behind me. Katniss just looks out of place.
"It's about time Peet, I was starting to get worried," he winks as he strides toward Katniss. Taking her hand he briefly kisses the flesh on her knuckles. I can see how Katniss avoids his eye obviously embarrassed.
"Stop scaring the girl, now I want to to meet Katniss. I hired her," the tell him gesturing to Katniss who is now hiding behind me. I bring her out infront of me. Her gaze is locked on the floor.
This isn't the fiery Katniss I know and had a crush on. Holding the small of her back I guide her around the bakery.
"Over there are the ovens, that there is the door to the backyard..." I give her a tour trying not to leave out any detail. Although I see her getting bored so I show her the room she'll be living in.
"This is your room, feel free to decorate it anyway you want." I retrieve the key from it's hiding spot and carefully open the door. When you first open the door, you can smell her. The previous owner. I look away pushing back the memories.
Katniss's reaction is a mix between confusion and excitment.
"Is this really mine," Her statement makes me chuckle.
"Is he okay with this? I don't want any mad boyfriends going after me," I ask her. I'm hoping she doesn't so the bet can be easier. That's all.
"No your fine, I don't have one." she blushes.
"Great," I smile. Oh Finnick, you're going to have to do better than this.
We walk down the stairwell and stop at the sink. I wash my hands along with Katniss and walk to the ovens.
Going to the counter and dust some flour on the surface. Cutting the dough my brothers made this morning I turn back to make sure she's paying attention. I work the dough with my hands expertly. Shaping the dough into a loaf shape I set it on a baking pan and load it into the oven.
On the clear area beside me I brush some flour on the surface and cut a piece of bread dough for Katniss.
Stepping aside I watch her as she tries perfect her loaf. So far considering the loaf is a shape of a lotion bottle, I'd say it's not going very well.
I walk behind her and place my hands on top of hers. I hear her breath hitch as I do so. So I have an effect on you interesting...
I put my mouth up to her ear so she can feel my breath but not close enough to physically touch her.
"Do it like this," I whisper.
Guiding her hands with mine I reshape the dough. I compare the size between our hands. Her hands are almost 3/4 of mine. So small, so thin, so fragile, so delicate.
"Don't worry, you're not bad. I've been baking for 12 years." I have to tell her this in order to keep her self esteem up. Don't want any heart broken girls on my case. Then why are you doing this bet?
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At the end of the day, she's finally frosted a cake with no help. Our left overs are a couple of sugar cookies and some cheese buns. I hand her the portion we divided up and she picks the cheese bun to eat first.
"This is so good, if you keep baking like this I might have to marry you." she moans. I don't think she realizes what she just said.
Although when she does I see her blush. I turn away and start to walk upstairs. I don't need to turn around to know she's following behind me.
"I'll be in the room across the hall if you need me," I watch as she nods and walks to her room. I hear the click of the lock and walk to my own room.
I remove my shirt and pants. Looking in the mirror I see a damaged boy. The one who loved to quickly. The one who didn't choose the right answer. The boy with the rotten childhood.
I walk to my bed and slip into the covers. My head rests on the pillow as my mind goes on overdrive. I drift into a restless sleep.
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An agonizing scream wakes me up. I hear thrashing around the house. Alarmed I grab a pair of scissors and get ready to find the noise. It's coming from Katniss's room. Opening the door slowly I prepare to find the intruder. Only I find a tired Katniss up from bed.
"I'm okay it was just a nightmare," she tells me. I nod turning back to the door.
"Wait, stay with me?" Katniss asks. Jolting back I reply. "Always,"