Hello everybody! Happy Friday, ya'll. :)

I hate to sound like a broken record, but thank you to everyone who has followed my story and reviewed. You don't really have to review (as I'm often guilty of not reviewing ^^;;) but it means a whole lot to me nevertheless.

I'm so sorry to have left you with a cliffhanger on this past chapter, though. I suppose I hadn't thought of it that way because I knew what was happening next. XD

Anyway, thank you so much for your patience and support.

Do enjoy! ^_^


"What do you mean, you 'didn't enter the contest'? You are Katniss Everdeen, are you not?" he asked perplexedly, crossing his arms.

"I am. It is me. But… my little sister and a friend entered me without my knowledge. They figured the odds wouldn't be in my favor and therefore no harm would be done. But I did win and I didn't want Prim to get in trouble and so here I am. That's why I was so flustered when I saw Caesar Flickerman on my front lawn; I had no idea what was going on," she rushed, wringing her hands together anxiously.

Peeta blinked, his expression blank. She gulped noisily, hesitating for a moment before plunging right in.

"They entered me because they thought I deserved a break from all the work I do. And I suppose I do because I just want the best for Prim, my little sister. She has nobody but me and I can't let her down," she sniffled, unable to control herself.

Peeta's azure eyes widened with sympathy and stretched his hands out, placing them firmly on Katniss' shoulders as she struggled to hold her tears back.

"Katniss. Katniss. It's okay. Calm down," he spoke softly, hoping to soothe her.

She nodded jerkily but let out a few soft sobs.

"I'm sorry, Peeta. I honestly didn't mean to lie to you. You deserve much better. Please don't be angry," she implored, her lower lashes brimming with unshed tears.

Peeta felt something tug at his heart and he sighed softly.

"I'm not angry, Katniss. Thank you for telling me, I appreciate it. I… I'm sorry too."

She gaped at him, taken aback.

"Why are you sorry?"

"Nobody deserves the struggles you've been through. I can see that you obviously adore your little sister. Prim, is it?"

She nodded, her liquid silver eyes stormy, causing Peeta's heart to ache.

"So I take it you're not one of my fans?" he asked wryly.

Her face turned red and shook her head slowly.

He laughed quietly but smiled at her nonetheless.

"That explains why you didn't know that my father owns a bakery. Don't worry, I'm not holding it against you," he said, releasing her shoulders reluctantly. "Have you even seen any of my movies?"

"Prim's dragged me to a few… but I must admit I fell asleep," she admitted, her face burning bright. "But not because you were boring or bad! I was just tired. I work a lot."

Peeta laughed, crossing his arms again. He watched Katniss, dabbing lightly under her eyes with the pads of her fingers and immediately took out his clean handkerchief, handing it wordlessly to her. She paused for a moment and then took it quietly from him, daubing at her eyes. She could smell the scent of him on it, causing yet another wave of emotion to sweep through her.

"Thank you," she murmured, unsure of what to do with it.

Once again, as if reading her mind, he smiled and said, "Keep it. Plenty where that came from."

She nodded, grateful for his kindness.

"Katniss, I have a proposition for you," he said seriously.

"What is it?" she asked cautiously, looking up at him curiously despite herself.

"Won't you stay a few more days?" he asked softly, his blue eyes burning into her.

"I… can't. I have to go back home. Prim's waiting for me. Besides, I have to work tomorrow…"

"Those things are easily taken care of. I can bring Prim to you and get you excused from your job, with pay," he told her enticingly, his eyes bright and pleading.

Katniss felt her mouth drop open slightly as she stared at him.

Just how much power does he have?

"I know Prim would like it here," he said, appealing to Katniss' weakness.

She glared at him to which he responded with a cherubic smile.

"You play dirty."

"I was honest when I said I enjoyed spending time with you... and I'd like to do more of it," he shrugged.

"But then it's going to be difficult to adjust to real life once we go back…" she said hesitantly.

"Don't think about that. Think of the happiness that you'll give Prim," he spoke softly.

"Yes."

"Yes what?" he asked, confused.

"I'll spend more days here with Prim."

Peeta's face split into a breathtaking smile as he shifted from foot to foot with enthusiasm, causing a little spasm in Katniss' heart.

"Great! I'll make reservations tonight so Prim can get here tomorrow at noon. We can go pick her up together, if you don't mind," he added, suddenly shy.

Katniss raised her brows silently but shook her head.

"I know this is already too much for you… but would you consider one more thing?"

"What would that be?" she asked, suddenly tired.

"Would you and Prim stay at my house? I have plenty of extra bedrooms. You wouldn't need anything and you'd be just as comfortable as you would be in a hotel."

"Peeta, I… you've been too kind already. I…"

"Please say yes, Katniss. Nothing would please me more than to have guests at my house," he asked, his eyes intense as they looked into hers.

Katniss felt her heart constrict with sadness for him, so she sighed and fixed him with an icy stare.

"Fine."

He perked up and beamed, "Thank you. It's truly an honor."

She looked at him strangely yet knew that he was completely serious.

"You're too good, Peeta," she observed.

"I just… I want you to be happy too," he said timidly, dropping his gaze to the floor.

Katniss stood stunned, staring at him.

"Thank you," she whispered.

"I should go now… get everything ready," he smiled briefly, looking up at her once more.

She nodded slowly.

"May I… may I kiss you goodnight?" he asked, his cheeks flaming red.

Upon the word 'kiss', Katniss was taken back to her last encounter with Gale and felt guilt course coldly through her veins.

"Not on the lips!" he said nervously, sensing her hesitation. "On your cheek, I mean."

Katniss let out a little laugh of relief and nodded again, noting how much he resembled a little boy with his hands in his pockets, his hair tousled and his expression bashful.

Is this the same man who's a famous actor? Famous for dating models and actresses alike? He's so vulnerable and there's something about him that just makes me want to take care of him, as ridiculous as it may sound. Like Peeta Mellark needs any protection from me!

Peeta looked into her eyes, his own shining with happiness. She felt the corners of her mouth lift up involuntarily, her expression softening. Slowly, he inched closer to her and she could smell his delicious scent. She breathed in deeply but subtly, feeling the nervous flutter in her gut once more. He finally pressed his lips on her cheek, soft and warm, causing Katniss to blush furiously at the intimacy of it all. He pulled away slowly again, his eyes finding hers.

"Goodnight, Katniss. I'll come by the morning to pick you and your things up, alright?" he asked, his voice husky.

She swallowed thickly and nodded, unsure of what to say. He gave her a sweet and timid smile and was about to turn away when Katniss felt a wave of something crash through her.

"Peeta, wait!"

He turned around, his expression curious.

"I… just… goodnight," she muttered, taking a slow step with each word toward him.

He froze as he watched her wet her lips with the tip of her tongue. She leaned forward into him, pressing her hand on his chest as she pressed a kiss on his cheek.

His skin is so warm, he practically radiates it… and he smells so good.

She pulled back quickly, blushing furiously and saw that he was too.

"Goodnight," she whispered again, walking backwards to her door and all but running inside.

She pressed her back against it and closed her eyes, feeling a little guilty of closing the door on him but glad the moment was over.

What was that?!

xox

Peeta shuffled to the elevator, his heart and mind racing.

She kissed me. Sure, it may not have been entirely romantic but she didn't have to. Could she have possibly felt something for me? She was a little awkward and blunt throughout dinner but it made sense after she told me she didn't enter. That certainly surprised me. But of course I couldn't hold it against her. She really loves her little sister and anybody who shows that much devotion to a loved one couldn't possibly be a bad person.

He stepped out of the elevator and the camera flashes caught him off-guard for a moment, causing him to freeze like a deer in headlights. He finally unfroze and smiled, lifting a hand to wave.

"Peeta, how did your date go?"

"It was marvelous," he admitted.

"What did you think of your date?"

"She's every bit wonderful as I thought she would be," he answered honestly.

"Do you think you'll see her again?"

"That is entirely up to her," he said, always the gentleman.

"She'd be out of her mind not to want to!" somebody joked to his left.

Peeta laughed and waved his hand.

"Thanks. Goodnight!" and walked to the car waiting for him.

Once arriving home he looked around his vast house, smiling at the thought of having Katniss and her sister Prim over. Suddenly, he felt giddiness build up in him and he dialed Effie.

"Effie! Good evening. Yes, everything went magnificently. But I need your help. Could you please get a ticket for Katniss' sister Prim? She agreed to stay here longer as long as her little sister could be here too… isn't that great? So I need you to arrange for Prim's arrival. Preferably at noon. Yes. Thank you so much, Effie. You're the best. Goodnight and see you tomorrow," he said.

He slipped his phone back into his jacket pocket and headed for the stairs, skipping two at a time until he finally arrived at the top. He stood staring at the doors of the empty bedrooms, pondering which one to give to Katniss and her sister.

Or would they rather share? I'm sure Katniss would feel more comfortable sharing but I'll give them the option of having separate ones. Besides, each bedroom has its own bathroom. Why I chose such a big house when I hardly have any guests is beyond me… but I'm definitely glad for my decision at this moment.

Peeta was tempted to put Katniss in the bedroom next to his but he didn't want her to feel uncomfortable. He knew he wouldn't be able to sleep as it was but knowing she was so close would overwhelm him. So he'd put a bedroom between them. Maybe her sister Prim could take it. It didn't really matter since all of his spare bedrooms were decorated alike, thanks to Lavinia, one of his personal shoppers.

How I wish I could fast forward the hours ahead of me until I see her again! I know sleeping will be futile tonight but I might as well try… I want to spend as much time with them as possible without having anything get in the way.

So he went to his bedroom and took his leather jacket off, hanging it neatly in his closet. He undid his vest and tossed it into his dirty clothes hamper, loosening his tie with his other hand. He unbuttoned his shirt and tossed it into the hamper, wriggling his pants down his legs and carefully kicking his shoes off, laces be damned. He finally kicked his pants off and tossed them in the hamper as well and staring thoughtfully at his bed, clad in his underwear and socks. He finally climbed into bed, not bothering to put a shirt on.

Peeta felt himself start to drift off into sleep when his phone rang. He opened his eyes slowly and reached for it, pressing it to his ear.

"Hello?" he answered sleepily.

"Hey kid. Was just wondering how your thing went," Haymitch said.

"My thing? You mean my date. The one you so lovingly arranged," Peeta laughed.

"You understood me, right? So… how was it?"

"It was very good, Haymitch. The food was delicious. Conversation was a little awkward at first but we got the hang of it."

Well, sort of.

"That's great. I'm relieved for you, boy."

"Relieved for me? Can't you be happy for me, Haymitch?" Peeta joked.

"I'll be happy for you when she declares her love for you on television. Until then, I'll hold back on the happiness."

Peeta rolled his eyes.

"She would never do that, Haymitch. Not unless her little sister's life depended on it…"

"Little sister, eh?"

"I suppose I better tell you myself before you hear it from someone else. She's going to stay a few more days here. But her sister is coming too. I called Effie when I arrived so she could make proper arrangements. So I'm going to have two guests in my house," he said brightly.

"Why are you flying the little sister over, though?"

"Because Katniss is all she has. Katniss didn't want to leave her alone and I thought that Prim might enjoy all this. She's a fan," Peeta explained patiently.

"So she's only staying because her sister will like it? Not herself?" Haymitch asked, barking out a laugh.

Peeta sighed, torn whether to tell Haymitch about Katniss' earlier predicament.

"To be honest with you, Haymitch… Katniss didn't enter the contest. Her sister and friend did it for her," Peeta told him honestly. "But Katniss didn't say anything until our date was over, she looked so guilty."

To his everlasting surprise, Haymitch laughed.

"No offense kid, but like I care. An entry is an entry, regardless of who entered it."

Peeta sighed, relieved.

"Thanks, Haymitch."

"So you're going to pick her up tomorrow so you can pick the sister up together?"

"That's right. Then we're coming back home. To my house, that is," Peeta corrected himself, blushing.

Haymitch laughed again, wheezing at the end.

"You've got it bad, huh? She that good, boy?"

"She's… amazing, Haymitch," Peeta sighed.

"Well, I'll let you off now so you can dream of your girl, lover boy," he told him.

Peeta blushed again.

"She's not my girl… but thanks. I expect you to go with me to pick her up, alright? Goodnight, Haymitch."

"Fine. See you," he barked and hung up.

Peeta was tempted to call Finnick but held back. He had a big day ahead of him tomorrow and didn't want to miss any part of it no thanks to lack of sleep. With a last thought of Katniss and her kiss, he was swept away into the comforting lull of sleep.


Thank you for reading! I hope everybody has a great weekend and see ya next Friday. ^_^