Katniss
He has flour just above his left eyebrow.
It's distracting.
Even though he stands no taller than me his shoulders are broad, his muscles stretching nicely under his dark blue shirt. His blonde hair is short along the sides, the longer pieces on top are slightly pushed back like he has run his hand through it too many times. I feel my hands twitching to see if it is as soft as it looks. But if it wasn't the small streak of flour on his head distracting me, it would be his eyes.
I have never seen anything so blue.
They are filled with a softness and warmth so inviting, it is hard to look away. His watches me expectantly, waiting for me to continue. A small smile creeps onto his face, highlighting his strong jawline. I blush as I realise I have been checking him out.
"I hear you are the man to see about bread." I inwardly sigh, of course he is, Katniss. He is the baker. He laughs and I find myself smiling at the relaxed sound.
"I guess I am." He replies rubbing the back of his neck.
"I would like to begin a daily delivery with you. Would that be suitable?" I say trying to keep things professional. He places his hands in his jeans pockets and shrugs. I frown at his lack of caring, am I not good enough for his business?
"What would you be needing?" Peeta replies, his gaze never leaving mine. I blink quickly, trying to ignore the tightening in my gut from those piercing sapphire eyes.
"I would like three different kinds of loaves, one obviously being white, however I may need your help in what else may be popular to offer. If possibly I would like them preferably sliced for sandwiches." Peeta nods before crossing his arms, I only slightly glance at the ways it makes his biceps bulge. His forearms aren't lacking either.
It's unnerving.
I clear my throat in an attempt to focus my attention again. "I would also like to purchase a variety of sweet slices and some muffins."
"What are planning on using them for?" He asks.
"Well the loaves would be for take away sandwiches, which people will be able to fill with our selection on meat and cheeses with the option of including a salad. The deli will also feature a coffee machine and I would like to offer a selection of small cakes to enjoy at our sit down tables."
"I see…would you be willing to place a 'Mellark Bakery' sign in your store? So that people are aware of your supplier."
"I assume everyone already knows who you are."
"You didn't answer the question." He says smirking. A flash of straight white teeth creep through his smile.
"Well I guess I could find something suitable."
"That would be agreeable, thank you." He pauses, watching me. "Anything further?"
"No, that will be all, thank you. Obviously I will need to change the order depending on how things go."
"Obviously." He replies smiling. I scowl trying to gauge if he is mocking me. "When would you like this order by?"
"We open tomorrow" I say bluntly, crossing my arms. He laughs suddenly and my insides squirm.
"You don't want a quote or anything?"
"Bring the loaves tomorrow and we can discuss it then."
"Right and what time would that be?"
"Say seven am?" I say shrugging.
He walks behind the counter and grabs a book that appears to be underneath the till. My eyes flick to the man leaning casually against the back bench. He is watching us intently. I had forgotten he was there. He has the same build as Peeta but leaner and his hair is closer to brown. I glance away and tug at my braid, nervous at his scrutiny. Peeta returns with the book, flicking through the pages.
"Yes that should be fine. Do you have a business card or a contact number I may have?"
"You want my number?" I stagger.
"Um…yes. Just in case I need to contact you about a delivery or anything like that." He replies smiling. I laugh nervously. Of course it was for business, don't be an idiot.
"I don't have a business card but I can write down my mobile. It's the best way to contact me."
He passes me the book with a pen. I see his neat handwriting scrawled at the top.
'Everdeen Deli' TBC
Three loaves
Variety of slices and muffins
7am delivery
Katniss Everdeen: Contact:
I jot my number next to my name and return the book. I straighten my shoulders.
"Well I will see you tomorrow."
"Yes, I expect you will. Thank you Miss Everdeen." Peeta puts his hand forward.
"No, thank you Mr Mellark." I say shaking his hand quickly.
"Peeta." He says, smiling. My eyes flicker to the flour again and then lower to catch his eyes.
"Thank you again, Peeta." I say quietly before turning around hastily should he notice my cheeks pinking again.
What is wrong with me today?
I glance quickly at the man behind the counter again. He smirks and gives me a quick wave goodbye. I feel heat rising up the back of my back. I exit the store as fast as possible.
I'm flustered, my heart racing as I make my way across the street. Who does that guy…Peeta…think he is smiling so disconcertingly at me? Maybe I am being silly. He could just be friendly guy, with no knowledge of his charms. He could be trying to establish a relaxed business arrangement…yes of course that would be it. And why am I acting so peculiar it's not like an attractive man hasn't smiled at me before. Sure none have turned my legs to jelly but that's not the point, I'm not some virginal teen who has never kissed a boy. I shake my head in frustration. Stop acting so damn ridiculous Katniss, you have no time for men!
I slide my key into the lock of my side door and make my way up the stairs to my apartment, the wood creaking. I had to make a few sacrifices to my living conditions to allow for the seating area downstairs to fit. A large part of the storage for the store is now housed on the second level. I can hardly boast about my quaint one bedroom apartment but it is home.
Like the store we completely renovate the upstairs as well. The kitchen is a beautiful dark wood, I have no room for a dining room table so I had a breakfast bench installed instead with plush dark green stools. A modest oven, stove and range hood sit against the opposite back wall with cupboards and cabinetry on either side. My trusty microwave sits next my slim line fridge.
It is small but that's fine. I have little to no cooking abilities, other than reheat or defrost. The living room off to the right, holds a large black leather sofa, a coffee table and a TV set. Nothing fancy. My favourite part of the apartment apart from the apex ceiling that shows the large wooden beams, is the ceiling to floor window acting as the exterior wall of the living room. It faces the forest and I can see trees for miles. I sometimes can imagine the smell of pine and soft touch of leaves if I close my eyes long enough.
I chuck my keys on the bench, slip off my heels and pull my phone from my back pocket. Plopping onto the couch backwards, I flip my legs over the armrest and begin to check my e-mails. My phone starts to ring and I jump in surprise, dropping the phone onto my face. I clutch my nose and curse.
"Herro?" I groan into the phone.
'Katniss are you alright?" I hear my sister Prim ask, concern resonating in her voice.
"I just dropped my phone on my face." I say sighing. I hear her giggle. "What's up Prim?" I sit up on the couch, rubbing my nose to dull the slight sting.
"Did the meat order come in?"
"Yes and so did your cheeses before you ask."
After finishing my business degree Prim had suggested opening a deli. Prim has a real passion for cheeses and I for hunting and fine meats, we considered it a good investment. Meadow Glen wasn't large town but there wasn't another deli close and a lot of the locals I knew were keen meat eaters, having met a few when hunting with my dad.
We decided early we would also supply other items like olives and marinated vegetables etc. When we found the store and saw how much space was available we immediately knew that we had to offer a sit down café style area as well.
While I would run the store and live above it, Prim and I equally owned it. It was bought from the money we had saved from our parent's life insurance. The last five years haven't been easy but there isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss them both. The shock car accident that took their lives will always haunt me.
Yet, Prim and I made it work, both working crappy waitressing jobs to scrounge together a few extra dollars. Even though we had enough money to pay for both of our college tuitions and live in our family home rent free, it meant we didn't have to touch the money that brought us this shop. No matter how many times I had guys touch my ass or kids throw up on me, it was definitely worth it. So while Prim finishes her last year of her nursing degree, she will only being working part time in the store.
"Oh great, I'll swing by later tonight to help arrange the cabinet." Prim says cheerily. "Did you speak to the baker?"
"Yes, he was quite…um…pleasant." I finally mumble.
"Did something happen?" She enquires.
"No…why do you say that?" I try to keep the quiver out of my voice.
"You hesitated…"
"I only hesitated because he was so happy and it was unnerving." I huff.
"You think he is hot!" Prim exclaims, giggling on the other side of the phone.
"I do not Prim!"
"Why are you getting so defensive then? I can see that blush from here." I scowl at her presumptions even if she is right.
"If you don't stop I'm telling Rory and you'll be in trouble."
"I might like that…" She jokes.
"Ugh way too much info little sis." I make a fake gagging noise.
Prim had recently gotten engaged to Rory Hawthorne. It was pretty much inevitable after their six year courtship. I know after Mum and Dad's death Rory was a real big part in Prim coping with their death. What could have led to a downfall only cemented their relationship. Rory and Prim had met in high school and over the years I had become quite close to the whole Hawthorne family. We have spent the last several holiday occasions with them, it is like having a second family. They live together in next town over, Capitol, where Rory works for a mining company as an engineer. It is where Prim and I grew up, our family home is there as well. I know I'll need to sell it now neither of us live in it but I haven't had the heart.
I sigh as I hear Prim laugh again.
"Got to go Prim."
"What are you having for dinner? Did you want to come here?"
"I can't be bothered driving the 20 minutes there. I'll be fine."
"Microwaved frozen pizza doesn't count for a meal Katniss. Have you even shopped for vegetables?" She asks.
"Maybe…" I say, trying to lead her off the scent.
"You are hopeless." She says but know it is pointless to push it. "I'll see you around eight tonight then?"
"Yep, sure. See you then." I reply.
"Hey Katniss, maybe you can ask the baker boy to cook you something…I bet he's good with his hands." She breaks into a fit of laughter.
"Bye Prim." I say hanging up the phone but I don't think she has heard me over her snorts.
She is frustratingly right though, I have no real food in my apartment. I glance at the fridge as I picture the pizza lying in wait in my freezer.
Feeling slightly guilt-tripped I drive over to the local grocery, I'm surprised to see that it is open past five pm. The place is small, offering a trivial selection of produce and dry items. I guess if I want to do a large shop I will have to head over to Capitol. I grab a small red basket and start wandering the shelves, searching for some sort of meal idea. I grab a few staples; low fat milk, box of cereal, some bananas and apples. I'm in the vegetable section picking out a few carrots, celery, couple of potatoes; I figure I can make a make a shepherd's pie easy enough. I just needed mince and I was done.
I spin around to head to the meat section and I walk straight into a solid body. I cry out and stumble backwards. A hand reaches out to steady me.
"Oh my god. I'm so sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going and I just turned straight around." I fumble nervously with my ingredients in my basket. I look up to see blue eyes staring at me intently. I step back further and realise I have just run into Peeta Mellark.
And he is holding my arm.
I glance down at his hand and I begin to feel the warmth of his touch resonating onto my skin. His hand quickly disappears.
"No problem, I didn't realise you were going to turn around so quickly. I was actually coming over to say hi." He reaches to rub the back of his neck again. I smile at him and he returns the gesture. I feel my insides flutter, this man has a really nice smile.
"Oh…well that's nice of you. I didn't mean to practically assault you." I laugh trying to ease the tension. "Doing a last minute shop?" I glance at his basket, toothpaste, milk, tomatoes. He looks down as well and shrugs.
"I don't have a lot of time to shop. Long hours at the bakery make it a bit hard sometimes. I'm already past my bed time just to pick up these things" He says grinning. I glance at my watch it has just gone 7:30.
"Doesn't your girlfriend do the shopping?" I blurt. My eyes widen in horror. How could I be so tactless?
"Um…ha-ha…no. Bachelor life for me." Peeta replies disjointedly, running his hand through his hair.
"Well, that's good to know." I say flippantly.
I watch Peeta's eyebrows rise in surprise.
Oh my god. Did I just say that out loud? Where is that hole to swallow me up? I need to leave. Now. Quick! Run! Run while you can you fool.
"Well don't let my rudeness keep you." I say quickly, side stepping out of his way.
"I don't mind." He replies quietly. I feel my face warm and I struggle to find words in response.
"I…um… I guess…I'll be off then. Have a good night Mr Mellark."
His faces looks slightly dejected but it is gone within seconds, making me doubt I ever saw it.
"You too Katniss" Peeta replies before walking away. My insides tingle at the sound of my name from his lips.
I pay for my purchases and leave. I'm halfway home before I realise I forgot the mince.
Second chapter up, let me hear your thoughts. I'm always happy to hear plot suggestions or a little scene you would love to see played out in this story.
I'm looking for a beta so if anyone knows someone reliable let me know through PM.
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