Peeta was barely conscious, eyes not yet open, hadn't even moved his body an inch in his plush king sized bed, and he knew it would be a difficult task to function today. He felt like every part of his body throbbed and ached, protesting what it had been through last night. He shifted his hips and groaned as he pried his eyes open. Not surprising his groin was the epicenter of pain. He looked over and saw a mass of thick dark hair, soft olive skin and pink lips that smacked unconsciously. God, Katniss was his embodiment of perfection. Who could believe that sleeping beauty was the source of the current radiating soreness he was experiencing.
Although he shouldn't complain because it was coupled with the most wild sex he had experienced to date. An angry Katniss was a beast in bed, and she had been furious with him last night. It was also all worth it because it meant he was the lucky man who got to wake up next to her every morning.
For being A-list celebrities most days were pretty ordinary. They had been together for almost two years and spent their days not working on a movie raising a rambunctious seven year-old Prim, cooking dinners and trying to lead a simple life outside of the spotlight. Every day he felt closer to the gorgeous grey-eyed woman as she steadily revealed inner depths that he was only privileged to see. Every day he couldn't believe that he was lucky enough to have Prim and her in his life. But that didn't mean their life was anywhere close to perfect, especially when Katniss' fiery temper reared it's ugly head just like last night.
He knew something was bothering Katniss. She had been particularly surly on and off for several months, giving him silent scowling glares, especially when she visited him on set where everyone could see her unhappiness. But she had always been particularly affectionate at night, especially after one of her moods, so he would write it off. Not that anyone else saw this soft side of her since surly always seemed to be her public face. This inevitably caused the tabloids to be a twitter with their impending separation.
Now he feels foolish for ignoring her moods and the gossip, assuming it would pass. That was an obvious mistake because by the time his movie premiere came around she was barely talking to him. It made for a very awkward red carpet walk since he was sure the cameras would catch every cold gesture she directed towards him, and he was left wondering if the whispered combustion of their relationship would become reality, complete with accompanying pictures in the tabloids.
Clarity of the situation and his apparent density came at the afterparty. He was chatting with Haymitch about possibly a new collaboration with him, Katniss nestled at his side when his co-star Madge came and insinuated herself under his other arm and rubbed his back.
"Hey partner! I haven't had a chance to talk with you since the movie wrapped. And sitting next to you at a press junket does not count," she said with the same sweet smile that never wavered, except years ago when he had broken up with her.
"Hey Madge, it's good to see you," he said with a side hug before backing up so she wouldn't get too touchy.
"It looks like our movie is going to be a success, so far I've only heard good things. And it's so nice to finally star in a movie with you that I'm not getting my head cut off. Gah!" He laughed heartily at that, remembering the look of horror on her face when she first read that scene. But that movie had started her career so she couldn't complain too much.
Madge gave a small laugh at her silly statement, before continuing, "But really Peeta it has been great reconnecting with you."
"It has been nice," he said smiling at his old girlfriend. It was nice knowing life can move on and they could both move past the pain to have an amicable relationship.
But Katniss seemed to disagree with that as his muscles almost spasmed at the feel of her stiffening next to him. Before he was able to even turn to her she had slipped so abruptly from his hold, she knocked over two of the cocktails from the tall table they were standing at. Then with a mumbled "excuse me" she weaved through the crowds making her way to an exit.
"Is she okay?" Madge asked concerned while Haymitch let out a huge bark of a laugh.
"It looks like sweetheart is jealous of the old lover," he said before stumbling away to flag a waiter to get another drink.
Peeta's vision narrowed on his retreating girlfriend, how could he have been so completely dense? It took the drunken director and unexpected friend to point out the obvious. All this time she was jealous of Madge? Why didn't she say something? His mind racked for all the signs, but being reminded of her damn obtuse nature flipped his guilt into irrational anger. All this time, all these months of having to figure her mercurial moods and she could have just talked to him about what was going on inside her head.
Without even looking at Madge he stomped in the direction his girlfriend had taken, causing a ripple of murmurs in his wake since both had identical irate faces as they cut through the dense crowd.
Katniss was fast, but her red dress was a beacon in the sea of people. She went through the kitchen, through an empty hallway and he was just catching up when she turned into a woman's bathroom. It didn't matter, this time she wasn't going to avoid him.
"Katniss," his voice sounding loud even in his ears as he banged the door open. She turned around startled, her eyes red and he felt another twinge of guilt at the expression on her face. It also didn't help he scared the waitress washing her hands at the sink.
"Can you please leave us alone," he said more quietly, and the stunned girl nodded before hurrying out the door. He didn't make a mistake by leaving it unlocked, as they already had enough witnesses to their spat.
"Peeta, just leave me alone," she sounded like an angry teenager as she leaned against the bathroom counter, rubbing her eyes.
"No," he said with such force she looked up alarmed. She was frozen into place as he strode up to her and placed his hands on either side of the counter, trapping her. Gone was the sweet patient man she was used to, and she crossed her arms as her only barrier of defense against this new Peeta.
"Fuck off. Go back to that perky little blonde and continue 'reconnecting' with her."
"No," he answered even more forcefully and he could see her anger settling on her shoulders like an old friend. "That's bullshit Katniss. I'm sick of the roller-coaster you've put me on these past months. You need to talk to me instead of taking it out on me." But she remained stubbornly silent. He let out a deep sigh, knowing it would never be easy with her. "Talk to me Katniss," he more ordered than asked.
"I just, you just..." she sighed as he stood firm, not letting her get away. "You two are just so damn perfect with each other. And you were perfect with Delly. I'm not some bubbly blonde woman with a perpetual cheery smile on my face. I will never be like them. I will never be that perfect match to you like they were." She looked down, unable to take his unwavering stare anymore, but he held her chin in his large hand so she was forced to stop avoiding him.
"I don't want them. Yes they are sweet and kind and everything nice people say they are. You on the other hand are stubborn, temperamental and more a pain in my ass than they ever were." She tried to break away at his honesty but he pressed his pelvis into her and gripped her hip with his other hand so she was further trapped. Not that she struggled once she felt his arousal pressing on her upper thigh. "Katniss Everdeen, I wouldn't trade a moment of my life with you to be back with them. You are loyal, fierce, and the most god damn beautiful creature on this planet. Bullshit about them being 'perfect' for me. I'm yours, always. I love you a million times more than I've ever cared for them. So you have to stop being so fucking jealous."
He kissed her hard after his declaration, his hand squeezing her face more than he intended and she pushed his chest in protest. But he wasn't going to give Katniss any more chances to lash back, so he continued kissing her, flicking his tongue into her mouth, squeezing her firm ass until he could feel her give in. She moaned, opening her mouth for his insistent tongue and it was like a damn broke. Or rather a wild creature was created.
She fucked him right there in the bathroom, not the other way around. She pushed him until he fell to the ground. He didn't even have a chance to catch his knocked out breath when she was straddling him, almost ripping the zipper off of his pants. She had a look of evil triumph as she pulled his pants and briefs down to reveal him hard and ready for her. She spit in her hand then stroked him hard and fast until he was ready to burst.
"Katniss..." he groaned out as his body arched up, wanting more of her. She pulled her thong to the side and plunged down on him causing both of them to cry out loudly. What they did wouldn't be called making love. It was too full of pent up anger and frustration for that. They needed this hurried fierce coupling as an outlet for the feelings they couldn't express in words. She bounced on him hard, and he yanked her dress down so he could pinch and pull her nipples making them pink and raw. She came first, clenching around him as his name came out in a strangled moan before he spilled into her, not even able to say any coherent words. They were a quivering heap on the bathroom floor when he pushed her hair aside, looking at those feral silver eyes and he knew his night was far from over.
There were no goodbyes made to their friends, acquaintances and obligations. They snuck out the back, their driver Thresh already parked in the alley, prepared to take them home. And he was right, Katniss Everdeen was not done with him by a long shot. She was determined to claim him as hers in every way possible. Every time he was ready to throw up the white flag of surrender, too spent for words from his last orgasm, she was able to coax out more from him. All it took was that determined look in her eyes and her small hands skillful ministrations to coax an encore performance. She had her way with him all night and into the early morning, leaving him the broken mess that he is now.
With a few more lip smacks of her swollen lips, Katniss eyes opened and she smiled sleepily at Peeta.
"Morning love," she said snuggling deeper into the pillows, obviously not ready to get up.
"Marry me Katniss," he burst out. He didn't know those words were going to come out of his mouth, but he didn't regret it. He wanted to make her his in every way. "Please Katniss let me prove to you how much I love you."
Her cloudy eyes cleared and he could only see fear form in them as her mouth flopped open. As her silence stretched, he felt like the biggest idiot on the planet. So he pushed himself out of bed before she could move and made his way to his dresser. He wasn't going to have this conversation, or more likely fight, naked.
"Peeta, don't," he heard her plead, but he didn't bother to turn around and see the pity on her face as he threw on a t-shirt and jammed his legs into boxers. "You have to understand I've been married twice before. Names on a paper doesn't mean forever for me, not like what I have with you."
"Just forget about it okay? It was stupid of me to ask. I know better." He hated sounding like a wounded child and just wanted to go downstairs and get coffee. To his relief he heard a familiar small knock on his door that meant Katniss couldn't say anything else. "Here put this on before I let her in," he said throwing Katniss her nightgown and she bit her lip like she was trying not to cry.
He turned quickly away and gave Katniss a moment to cover her nakedness before opening the door to his living sunshine - Primrose Everdeen. She greeted him with a "morning daddy", words he would never get tired of hearing her say, as he hugged her close and wished her a good morning. They went through the normal motions the rest of the morning, both now avoiding each other. Making coffee and breakfast, hearing from Prim how her night was with Johanna. They let Prim's cheery voice ring through the house and fill in their own strained silence.
Prim ran out of the kitchen to get her dollies, leaving them sitting at the table when his cell phone rang.
"Shit," he muttered as he picked it up, putting it on speaker. It was a call he could not avoid and hell if he was going to let Katniss get away from this too.
"What the hell is wrong with you two," an irate Effie's voice screeched out of the speakers, not even waiting for him to greet her. "Your job was easy last night. Look beautiful, look in love, SMILE. But no, you had to look like the most miserable couple on the planet. Now blogs everywhere are lightening up with your damn demise." Peeta and Katniss exchanged guilty glances, and he could feel them mentally taking a step back to each other.
"I'm sorry Effie. It was all a misunderstanding. You know they look for any excuse to write something about us. This will blow over."
"Well I'm not letting it just 'blow over.' You two better be ready in one hour because you are going to do damage control. You need to show a united front that you are still in love."
"That's a great idea Effie." Peeta looked at Katniss surprised at her actual excitement. He thought for sure she would be dragging her heels, but he could clearly see the cogwheels turning in her head and it made him start to fear what she was planning. "There is an orphanage Thresh has mentioned to me called the Starlight Home. I think it's a great opportunity to shed a light on this place in need of funds while we have all eyes on us."
"Being in LOVE while doing some good. Excellent idea Katniss. I'm glad you aren't fighting me for once on this. I'll call the place and make the arrangements. Be ready to leave at 10 a.m. sharp." Without as much as a goodbye she clicked off the phone.
"Well I better get Prim ready!" Katniss said lifting off her chair, almost Delly worthy in her cheeriness. It wasn't until he was in the shower letting the power jets beat on his back when the shock wore off and he realized he was supposed to still be mad at Katniss. He tried to tap into the hurt and frustration but it wasn't there, only curiosity as to what she was planning. He sighed as he put the jets on cold, resigned that it was fated he would always forgive her.
Exactly one hour and twenty minutes later they were pulling up the crumbling facade of the old orphanage. Paparazzi were already there clicking their camera as the black SUV pulled up.
Prim looked out the window and bounced in excitement. "Mommy are we going to see Rue?"
"Yes baby," Katniss said smoothing down the blonde plaits of her hair. "But there will be a lot of photographers out there. Just ignore them and hold onto my hand until we get inside."
It seemed like today was going to be filled with surprises for Peeta Mellark. "You've been here before?" he asked as the car came to a stop at the front. Katniss just gave him a casual shrug.
"I've been coming here for over 10 years now. More often now since you've been so busy filming. It cheers me up and because... well that's for later. Anyway, I didn't want Effie to think this was a regular thing or it would ruin future visits. Now come on, I see Effie bouncing on her Jimmy Choo clad toes. She's already mad at us, let's not keep her waiting."
They left the vehicle as a family unit. Each holding tightly to one of Prim's hands, a fake smile plastered on their faces as they waved to the cameras. The kids were lined up on the top of the stairs, looking excited at all the fanfare, but waiting patiently too. He was introduced to the head director Sae who hugged Katniss warmly. Katniss in return gave her a smile that she only awarded to people she truly cared about. Prim was craning her neck looking for her friend Rue, and when she found her, broke away from them and went for a dead run to hug her friend. He couldn't help but laugh at how adorable they were. Although completely opposite in looks, Rue with her mocha skin and crazy curly hair, there was something so similar in the way they acted and moved. And then he realized that maybe he hadn't been paying attention to his family like he should have when he finally recalled Prim going on and on about her friend Rue who she never saw nearly enough of.
"Peeta are you ready to make a statement to the press?" Effie said, calling his attention to a podium he didn't notice before.
"A podium Effie? You expect me to do a speech? Isn't this kind of overkill?" He murmured to her. She let out a huff which almost turned to a cough when they both saw Katniss determinedly make her way to the podium.
"What is she doing? You're the one with the gilded tongue, not her..." she said looking horrified.
But he knew that look on her face. She was not one to speak publicly, but when she did, you better damn well listen. So he ignored Effie's protestations and put all his attention on her.
"Thank you for coming here today on such short notice. This place is near and dear to my heart. I grew up in an orphanage very much like this until my father and mother adopted me. Up until the day my father died, we would visit orphanages to remind me how lucky I am, and not forget that every life is valuable. Every child deserves the chance to succeed, no matter what their circumstances are. We can be caught up in our own problems and forget how important it is to care for others and how rewarding it is. These children are the most wonderful people you will ever meet. I hope that people will see this and consider making a donation. If you can't afford to donate with money, please consider donating your time. Thank you."
Katniss smiled and waved, refusing to take any questions before she turned around and bent down to give a tiny boy and girl who looked very similar to Rue a hug. They clung to her legs as she took them into the building and he just stood there, looking rather silly with a goofy grin on his face. He was never more in love with her than at that moment.
"Well, she has been holding back on us hasn't she?" was Effie's response, looking perplexed herself. He automatically nodded but came to himself, waved at the photographers one more time, before following his girlfriend into the building. A few of the journalist were allowed in as they spent the rest of the afternoon meeting the children and it was one of the best days of his life. He felt like a big kid himself running around with them, finger painting, and reading stories.
Katniss was more comfortable than he had ever seen her, even with the cameras clicking at her every movement. The kids obviously adored her and it was apparent why, considering the individual attention she gave each of them. They each wanted to tell her something, and she listened to every one of them with a genuine smile on her face. She was like the pied piper when she sang old children songs, the kids stared transfixed as her voice soared, and tears filled his eyes remembering the first time he heard her beautiful voice.
Prim never looked happier either. She was locked arm in arm with Rue as they whispered silly secrets to each other, skipping through the building, and he realized she must be lonely in their sprawling home with no one to play with besides her nanny. The two little ones who looked like Rue where indeed her sister and brother. Mari and Oren were 5 and 4 respectively, and they clung to Katniss wherever she went like she was a lifeline. And she didn't seem to mind at all, smiling sweetly as she carried one or both of them wherever she went.
The last golden rays of the sun were streaming through the windows when Peeta thought it was time to head home and started to look for the girls. After winding through the large building, evading running children and the last of the reporters, he found Katniss first. The scene he found her in was mundane, she was washing dishes with Sae, but the act itself felt like a private moment not meant for other eyes. He was just stepping through the doorway when he noticed Katniss eyes were shining with tears as they whispered to each other. Sae took the younger woman's cheeks in her wet hands and said something he couldn't quite catch, except for "not like the others," then proceeded to kiss her on her forehead. He coughed uncomfortably, loud enough to call their attention, not wanting to look like he was spying.
"Ah there you are sweet boy," Sae said with a smile breaking the lines of her face. "You've been letting your sweetheart wait for you. Well I better go get the staff together to finish dinner prep. Now I don't want you kids leaving until you've eaten, no arguments." She wiped her hand briskly on her apron, patted his cheek, and swept out of the room. He chuckled and shook his head at her departing figure.
"What's funny?" Katniss said, discreetly trying to wipe her eyes. He stepped up and gathered her in his arms. His own need to kiss her forehead strongly tugged at his belly so he decided it was best to act on it.
"What was that for?" she asked into the crook of his neck.
"Oh, it's just that I haven't been called a 'sweet boy' since I was like twelve. That woman is not impressed by fame is she?"
Katniss chuckled in that low way that he always found so sexy. "No she definitely is not. I always had to convince her that I was going to stick this acting thing out, even when I did hit it big." She stretched her lean limbs, and when a couple of the staff came in, looking at them shyly she indicated with her head for Peeta to follow her out the back door. It lead to a large porch that overlooked the gardens where some of the children were playing, including Rue and Prim who were swinging Rue's siblings around. Katniss plopped down hard on a stool next to the worn wood railing, rolling her stiff neck, not even realizing that she had unconsciously answered a question that had been bouncing around in Peeta's head.
He walked behind her, and started massaging her neck, hitting all the tension points he had become familiar with, and he was rewarded with a groan of relief.
"Katniss? Is this the orphanage you came from?" She stiffened for a moment, before totally giving into his strong hands, and nodded her head in acknowledgement. He let her memories ping around in her head for a couple minutes, always patient that she would open up to him eventually.
"I was five when they adopted me. I remember crying the entire time because I didn't want to leave Sae. My mother looked annoyed, like she regretted her decision, maybe she never wanted me in the first place. But then in the limo ride home, my father put me on his lap and started to sing to me. It was an old folk song called "The Hanging Tree." Completely inappropriate for kids..." she broke for a moment shaking her head silently with a wry grin on her face. "...but I still fell in love with him instantly. He didn't even have to say anything, I knew I would be safe and loved with him. I never wanted to be apart from him after that, I followed him everywhere. When he died..." she stopped then, her voice cracking at the lingering pain. He walked in front of her and pulled up a stool, squeezing both of her hands in his own, in a silent message that he was there for her.
She smiled brokenly and continued, "When he died I felt so lost, I was just floating through life. I never felt wanted by my mother, like I did with him, and I just had no purpose. Sae grounded me some, but I alway felt like I was barely tethered here. It wasn't until Prim was given to me that I felt grounded again. And it wasn't until... it wasn't until you that I felt safe again."
She then started to cry in earnest from a mix of emotions he knew she bottled up for a long time. So he gathered her in his arms and took her to a corner of the porch that was lined with lush bushes where they would be hidden from prying eyes. He held her on his lap, letting her clutch his shirt as she let it all out, so reminiscent of the first time he kissed her.
She finally stopped and hiccuped as she looked up at him. "I love you so much Peeta. I'm sorry I have been moody and pushing you away recently. Please never think I don't love you. Please stay with me always," she said, staring deeply into his eyes, promising him something that he always hoped to see.
"Always. I don't think it's possible for me to leave you." Her smile was a little easier with his earnest words and she wiped her tears away.
"Peeta can I ask you something? And you don't have to answer me now." Her voice was shaky with fear, like she was going to ask for the world. He didn't like that she would ever be scared of asking him anything so he kissed her head reassuringly, murmuring into her forehead "Of course."
She pulled away just far enough so she could make eye contact again and took a big breath. "Peeta what do you think about Rue, Mari and Oren?"
"I think they are amazing, and they obviously adore you. Why do you ask?"
"Peeta, I would like us to adopt them," she said in a rush of words. "Prim obviously adores Rue, and I've gotten to know them for the past year and they are the most amazing kids you will ever meet. I just love them so much already and you will too. Their mom is a drug addict and has lost custody of them permanently and they just need a stable family..."
"Katniss stop," he said gently, cupping her face. "Did you just say 'us'?" Her face looked perplexed so he tried to explain. "You said 'I want US to adopt them,' not 'I want to adopt them.'"
She breathed out slowly and touched her forehead to his. "Of course. We are a team aren't we? I'm not raising Prim alone, and she already calls you dad. I know you hate that I don't want to get married, but I was being truthful that I just don't believe in it as an institution anymore. I was passionate about the two men I married, but what I built with them was on a foundation of sand. What we have is so much stronger, more real than I ever shared with them. You are it for me Peeta. I am yours body and soul and I can't imagine a better person to raise a family with than you. So will you adopt with me?"
Peeta was completely and utterly overwhelmed. He had never got so much out of Katniss before and to hear just how much she loved and respected him left him speechless for once in his life. Now was his turn for tears to stream down his face. She kissed them away gently, knowing he needed a moment to process what she said. But his answer was ready before she even asked it, was ready the moment he saw Katniss with those children.
"Yes Katniss. It would be my honor to adopt with you." The kiss they shared was a gentle touch on each others lips, but it was deeper and more loving than any they ever had before. It was one filled with promises that would be kept and Peeta wanted to stay in that moment forever. That kiss was caught on camera by a lingering photographer, and rumors of their breakup was quickly squelched to Effie's great satisfaction.
3 years later
"Daddy..." It couldn't be time to get up already, could it? He had just closed his eyes a minute ago. That was the moon shining through the window, not the first rays of the sun. "Daddy..." This time the sound disturbing his very short sleep was coupled with a push from a tiny but strong hand, so Peeta rolled the opposite way and buried himself deeper in the covers. "Daaaaaaaddddddyyyyy..." There was no denying it, he was being summoned so Peeta rolled over and before he could open his eyes, he felt a little hand doing prying them open for him. As he blinked to clear his vision two large brown eyes came into focus, staring intensely at him, attached to a brown mop-headed little boy.
"Good morning little man. What can I do for you?" He asked yawning, before pushing himself up. Oren crawled onto the bed and promptly put himself in his dad's lap.
"I'm hungry. And mommy told me that you should feed me because she's too busy and you've slept in long enough. So can you please feed me?" Oren whined, putting his head on Peeta's shoulder. He couldn't help but chuckle at the small boy. He was very much like Peeta was as a child - cheery, inquisitive, helpful, with a voracious appetite at all times.
"And you can't make yourself cereal?" He answered poking the boys belly.
He giggled but didn't bother to move out of his dad's arms. "Yes, but you promised chocolate chip pancakes today."
"Okay, okay little man let's get you some breakfast." He lifted himself off of the bed, with Oren still on his left arm. He was seven, so he was getting too big for this, but he was going to enjoy this closeness as long as possible.
"Where are your sisters?" He asked as he walked down the hallway, making his way to the grand staircase.
"Mari's helping mommy, and Rue and Prim are playing with THOSE dolls." He squinched up his face in a way only a little brother could do, disgusted with all things American Girl.
When they reached the kitchen, Peeta promptly plopped down Oren on a stool at the kitchen island. He grabbed all the ingredients for the pancakes and put his son to work measuring out all the dry ingredients. The little boy made a mess everywhere, but he always liked to help, just like Mari liked to help Katniss so Peeta didn't mind the extra cleanup. He quietly slipped his phone out of his pocket and took a picture of Oren, tongue sticking out from the corner of his mouth as he scooped more flour. He sent the text over to Katniss with a "morning sweetheart."
His phone binged as he was ladling the mixture onto the hot griddle and when he took a peek her found a picture of her pointing to her belly. "Feed me Seymour!" He let out a big laugh, knowing she would rather have him make breakfast than help her out.
The pancakes were ready in no time, along with some bacon and eggs he cooked up. He told Oren to get some plates while he took the stairs two at a time to collect the girls. First he went to Prim's room where, sure enough, the girls were playing with their American Girl dolls who looked to be in the midst of an elaborate spa treatment.
"Morning dad!" they rang out in unison when he called out their names.
"Breakfast is ready girls. Go help your brother set the table and put out the food." There was nothing like that magical word "breakfast" to make them abandon their dolls without a second look, scrambling out the room in a rush to get to the food.
He popped over to find Katniss next, and when he opened the door he wished he hadn't left his phone on the kitchen counter. He had taken many pictures in the last few months, but this would have been his favorite. So he would just have to draw it later. Katniss was in her big rocking chair, Mari squished at her side. His tiny daughter was carefully holding one of the two new additions to the family, while Katniss was holding the other. Peeta Mellark was now a dad six times over.
Six months ago Katniss gave birth to their son Ethan and daughter Rosie, making him more filled with happiness than he could ever imagine. If somebody told his 16 year old self that life gets better - that he could find the love of a woman and six children, he would have laughed in their face. At that time he thought life could only be filled with abuse, neglect and pain. He knows Katniss' younger self would definitely have not believed it either. In fact the adult version had a very hard time even accepting the fact she was pregnant, even though it had been planned.
When she found out that she was having twins, she nearly had a panic attack which Peeta patiently held her hand through until she was calm again. He couldn't understand why she was so worried since she obviously already demonstrated she was an amazing parent over and over again. But late at night in bed, naked physically and emotionally, she confessed that she loved her four children so much she didn't want them to ever think she didn't love them just as much as the children that were biologically hers. He wrapped himself around her, leg over her leg, arm tucked under her breast in the way that he knew made her feel the most secure and whispered in the quiet of night what a wonderful mother she was. That she had so much love to give that it would be more than enough for all their children even if they had twenty. She laughed at that last part, and tucked herself as tight as she could into him, only saying "thank you" before falling asleep.
The media had a frenzy when they found out she was pregnant, and she practically became a shut in because of it. If it wasn't for the kids' excitement over her round belly he was afraid she wouldn't have emotionally survived the pregnancy. But they've made it, with two beautiful children to complete their family. Their boy had curly blonde hair like his, but with silver eyes like his mother, and a daughter with chocolate hair and eyes that shined blue like his own.
"Hi daddy! I've mean helping mommy with the babies!" Mari smiled up at him with her gapped tooth smile.
"And she's been doing a great job too. She even changed a diaper even though it was yucky," Katniss smiled down at Mari who blushed pink with pride.
"Well than I think someone deserves chocolate pancakes!" Peeta had to suppress his laugh at the excitement that spread over his daughters face followed by conflict as she realized she was pinned down by her new sibling. So he stepped up and took his bright eyed baby girl from Mari's arms. His girl gave him a gummy smile as he bobbed her up and down which he answered back with an extremely goofy face.
"Alright Mari, go wash your hands before you go to the kitchen," Katniss yelled out as Mari pulled herself out of the chair and bounded towards the door. Peeta helped Katniss up since their son was dead weight on her chest, and they smiled at each other, relaxed and happy. He marveled at the simple moment because he never knew he would be in this position in his life, or how happy he could be.
"Are you ready for today?" he asked giving her a sweet kiss on her lips. She smiled and gave back a return peck back.
"Yes, if Effie doesn't drive me crazy first. She's always been intense, but I think this has sent her over the edge." Peeta chuckled as they turned to head out of the nursery, assuring her that it would be over soon. But first there was chocolate chip pancakes to eat with their kids.
Peeta sighed as he adjusted the tie of his neatly pressed suit while his stylist Portia brushed off invisible lint. It had only been eight hours since he had seen his family, but he missed them already. Effie and Katniss' prep team had whisked her away only an hour after they started breakfast to spend hours getting ready to her great frustration. The kids were all in the playroom with Johanna. He was grateful everyday that they had hired her. He was amazed that she handled taking care of one kid, then four and remained nonplussed to adding twin babies to the mix. Sure she called them little runts, and had a scowl that rivaled Katniss', but they adored her. The joy on the kids face when she walked in during breakfast was all the proof he needed that the feeling was mutual.
There was a knock on the door and he yelled a "Come in." He smiled as Haymitch sauntered in, looking less rumbled than he'd ever seen him, and surprisingly not smelling like an old distillery.
"Hey old man, did they power wash you?" he asked as they clasped hands.
Haymitch grunted, but he had a small smile playing on his lips. "That witch of yours Effie had me scrubbed down, SPRAYED and then gave me plenty of threats that would make a sailor blush that I had to stay clean. She can be scary when determined."
Peeta couldn't help but let a large laugh at that, knowing the petite overly made-up woman was not one to contend with when she was determined.
"Yeah she is. But she means well and it's hard to find people like her that you can trust implicitly in what we do."
"Yeah yeah. And she has a tight ass too," Haymitch replied with a sly wink making Peeta roll his eyes "So are you ready to make the big leap with Sweetheart?"
Peeta chuckled at his friend and Portia shook her head with a smile on her face too, before quietly slipping out the door.
"After six kids? I think 'big leap' happened years ago."
"How did you get her to walk down the aisle anyway?" Haymitch asked trying to slowly slip his hand into the inside jacket pocket. Peeta just shook his head in disapproval and he stopped.
"I blame it on her baby hormones. I've been so scared to ask her because of her feelings on it. Our biggest fights have been because she wouldn't marry me. But when the babies were born, we were both crying from so much out of joy, it just came out again. And too my surprise she said yes. And she hasn't taken it back. She actually called Effie to help her with the plans." He was honestly not expecting her to go through with it after the charged emotions had faded, so it felt like the best present in the world when she wanted to still keep going. Although she didn't believe in the institution of marriage, she knew it meant so much to him and she wanted to do what would make him most happy.
Haymitch shook his head as he patted Peeta's shoulder but he had a soft smile playing on his face. "I've known that kid since she was a little runt. I never would have thought that she would commit to anyone. You've been good for her Peeta. You've been good for each other. I'm happy for you both."
Tears sprung out of Peeta's eyes at the unexpected heartfelt words, and he just nodded his head. "Come on, let's go before Effie hunts us down and we are both in trouble."
They walked down the large staircase and could hear the murmurs of guests milling in their expansive back yard. He was feeling nostalgic as he looked around his house, looking at all the pictures of his growing family; seeing how this had truly become his home because of the people in it. He smiled largest at his favorite picture on the wall, one that all of America had seen. It was taken three weeks after the babies were born. A reporter and cameraman had come for a photo spread in People magazine - a necessary evil so that the paparazzi wouldn't get paid a ridiculous amount of money to harass them for the first shots of the babies.
They had spent half the day being prepped to be perfect, and way too long being posed in their never-lived-in fancy front parlor to look like the perfect family. Katniss quickly got to the end of her patience and the reporter and cameramen finished just in time for their own safety. When they were gone, everybody immediately got in their comfortable clothes and came together into their well lived in family room. Katniss started to breastfeed a fussy Rosie while Ethan was content his in father's arms as they sat close to each other, Katniss' head on his shoulder. Rue and Prim squished on either side watching the proceedings while Oren and Mari colored in front of them, whispering and giggling in their own little world. Katniss was singing softly to the babies when they heard the click of a camera. Looking up, the assistant cameraman Pollux was standing there smiling shyly. He apologized but he had forgotten some equipment and couldn't help but take the shot in front of him when he passed by the door.
"Do me a favor," Peeta asked. "Can you take some more pictures of us just like this? I want people to see my real family." And that is what people got in their magazines a few week later. Something real, pushing past all the B.S. tales of their ever "impending breakup" for people to see the love they shared.
Peeta touched the photograph lovingly before he moved on, and weaved past wait staff all buzzing efficiently through his house. He opened doors to his back yard to see friends and family standing around chatting cheerfully. It was not a big group, only about a hundred, but they were everyone who meant something in his life. There was Thresh who had had become one of his closest friends and had been promoted to Katniss' bodyguard. He could see Finnick and Annie running around after their kids. His brothers, who he'd recently reconnected with thanks to a helpful and supportive Katniss and Effie was ordering his assistant Bristel and the wedding planner around, while simultaneously trying to corral everyone into their chairs.
When he spied Portia talking to Cinna, Katniss' dress designer, he knew it was time to go up front, and he could feel his heart almost beat out of his chest. He just wanted to be at the "I do" part already, nothing else mattered. The quartet started playing and everybody took their seats while Peeta went up front with his best man, Haymitch.
When Rue and Prim came out of the house and downstairs, he felt like a kid waiting to see Santa Claus at the start of a Christmas Parade. He realized he might fall apart right there when he saw that they were each carrying each of the twins who were peacefully sucking on their pacifiers. Then came out Oren and Mari, the ring bearer and flower girl. They walked proudly down the aisle, taking their jobs seriously, only looking at him as they walked down. Johanna, the maid of honor was next. She had a rare sweet smile on her face, which focused mainly on Thresh who was up front. They had become much closer living under the same roof.
Finally the wedding march started and Peeta tried his best not to fall apart, but that was a useless cause. The moment he saw the woman he loved with his whole being, he was a puddle of mush from the inside out. Tears streamed down his face at the sight of her walking down with shaking hands, but clear loving eyes. She could be wearing her ratty sweats and he'd still think she was the most beautiful woman in the world. But here she walked towards him in in a 30's style cream silk dress, that flowed like liquid behind her and he was a complete goner. The closer she got the more he was able to see in every detail how their story was being told. Her hair piled in loose curls and woven with dandelions reminding him of the day she first said I love you. Her blue crystal earrings were a gift from Oren for her birthday. He used all his allowance money to get them for her because it reminded him of daddy's eyes and he knew she would like them. On her wrist was her "something old," a fake pearl bracelet that Mari had made her. The "something new" was the paper mache flowers Prim and Rue had been working on all week. And when she stood in front of him, he could see clearly the "something borrowed" was the little pinball game hanging on it's delicate chain he had given her so many years before. He always teased her he wanted it back, but they both know he'd never would.
Up close he found that Katniss also had tears in her eyes too, both ready to say their vows. But she wiped his tears with her thumb whispering I love you and he mouthed it back. The judge gently cleared his throat to get their attention and everyone softly laughed. The ceremony proceeded, short and simple. Their personal vows were already spoken the night before, only for each other to hear as they curled up in front of the bedroom fireplace, toasting bread and feeding it to each other. Before they could say I do, making it official, both of the babies started to fuss, so they each took one of them and calmed them instantly. It felt only right to have their first kiss as husband and wife with their babies in their arms and their other children standing next to them.
After a long evening of celebration under the strung lights in their garden, they snuck back to their room, too impatient to be with each other before all their guests had left. They could hear the music, chatting and laughter seeping through the windows as Peeta made love to his wife. Their sex was more tender and gentle than they've ever had before. Peeta clasped Katniss' slender hands in his own over her head as he slid in and out of her slowly, enjoying how she enveloped him. They repeated their private vows with panting breaths, never breaking eye contact, until he shuddered and came, bringing her along with him. Peeta curled her small frame with his large ones, and they were both soon carried off to sleep. He knew that it could never stay this perfect, there would be rough days ahead with bickering children, misunderstandings, arguments and gossip by others. But he knew they would always find their way back to each other no matter what because all the rough parts would just make them grow stronger together.
Well that is it! I hope you enjoyed this short story. follow me at dianaflynn22 on tumblr for story updates. :)