Author's note: This one is much longer than the previous ones. I hope you enjoy the big news! I'd love to hear what you think.
You can find me on Tumblr at booksrockmyface.
Happy reading!
Chapter Seven
Peeta sat his phone on the desk after sending the video to Katniss and headed out the door. He smiled at Finnick. "Hi." He tried to scoot around his roommate, but Finnick didn't move.
"What are you doing?" Finnick demanded.
"Making a silly video." Peeta said.
Finnick poked his stomach playfully. "For that hot Kat chick?"
"Katniss." Peeta moved his hand away. "And maybe." He walked around Finnick and headed toward the kitchen to finish breaking down the camera equipment and clean up.
Annie was already scrubbing down the pans when he came in. The camera was packed away and the chip that held the recording lay on top of the case. She turned and smiled. "Hey."
"Hey." Peeta picked up a rag and the spray they used to clean off counters. "You didn't have to clean."
"Of course I did. I usually end up doing it anyway. You cook, Finnick eats, I clean." She grinned and moved on to rinse off the last pan. "So what was all that commotion in your room?"
Finnick leaned against the doorway. "Peeta was sending a video to Katniss. But not even a sexy one. He was singing The Lion King."
Peeta twirled the rag he was holding and snapped it at Finnick's leg. "I Just Can't Wait to be King is the best song from that movie."
Annie giggled. "I used to always sing the Nala part."
Finnick looked between the two and shook his head. "You two are ridiculous."
Peeta shrugged and snapped the towel at Finnick again.
Finnick hurried across the room and got his own towel to snap back at Peeta.
Annie helplessly tried to get them to stop it and failed. So she took out a towel and joined in on the fun, snapping the towel at Finnick.
"Hey, no fair." Her boyfriend protested. "Two against one?"
Peeta smiled evilly and grabbed Annie, pinning her arms at her side. "Get her, Finnick!"
Finnick got Annie a few times with the towel as she squirmed against Peeta. Her stepbrother was strong, but she remembered many days of wrestling and she knew a few moves. She managed to slide her arm back and pinched Peeta's thigh hard. He squeaked and released her. Annie took up her towel again and she and Finnick attacked Peeta.
After running after each other through the entire house, they finally collapsed in the living room. They laughed, breathless. It was great for them to live together. Some evenings were like a slumber party, even as they grew older. Peeta wasn't sure he'd like it when they decided Annie and Finnick didn't want him around anymore.
Annie smiled up at Finnick. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to her lips. "I love you." He mumbled.
She grinned and whispered her response. They kissed again. It made Peeta jealous.
Finnick looked over. "So what was all that business with the singing in your room?"
Peeta looked down at his hands a moment and then stood. "I'll be right back." He went to his room and got his phone. He wedged himself between Finnick and Annie and showed them the video Katniss sent him.
"That makes her ten times hotter." Annie said when the video was over.
Peeta nudged her side with his elbow.
"Hey, you need to watch where you put that elbow." Annie snapped playfully.
"Why?" Peeta felt Finnick and Annie join heads behind his head.
Annie grinned. "You're going to be an uncle."
"Oh." Peeta didn't know how he felt about that. He looked between Annie and Finnick and then back down at his phone. "That's great." He hugged them both. This was good for them. But it also meant that they would part soon. There were really only two bedrooms in the house. "I'll start looking for a new place." He stood.
Finnick grabbed his arm. "Hey, man. You okay?"
Peeta nodded. "Sure. I'm happy for you."
Annie said, "You don't have to move out. Not right away. I'm only about nine weeks. That's quite a ways to go. And then the baby will stay in our room for at least the first year."
Finnick grinned. "And maybe by then you'll be banging Katniss so you won't have to worry about it."
Peeta blushed and waved them off. "Katniss is just a friend."
"That video says otherwise." Finnick waggled his eyebrows. "'I can't help falling in love with you.' That's what she said."
"It's just a song." Peeta smiled.
"Right." Finnick grinned and made a rude gesture with his hands.
Annie put her hands on top of his to stop him. "Finnick, that's enough."
Peeta gave her a grateful smile. "I really am happy for you. Have you told your mom yet? Gage and Toby? The school?"
Annie grinned. "Just the people in this room."
Peeta pulled her to her feet. The shock finally wore off and he was starting to get giddy. "You know what?"
"What?" Annie asked, rubbing his back and staying pressed against his chest.
"I'm going to move into that other little room and I'm going to help you guys fix up the other room for the baby. I'll paint a mural on the wall and everything."
Annie smiled. "That would be great."
Peeta lifted her off her feet and kissed her cheek. "I love you, Annie."
"I love you, too." She stepped away.
Finnick stood and wrapped Peeta in a bear hug. "And I love you, my little bread maker."
"I make more than bread." Peeta gasped.
Finnick let him go. "Your name is a kind of bread."
Peeta gave him a bored look. "We've talked about this before. My name is not the bread."
Finnick laughed and pushed his shoulder. "Whatever, man."
Peeta shook his head. He yawned and stretched. "I'm heading off to bed." He made sure his phone was in his pocket and went to his room. He sat down and opened up his messages. He was sure Katniss was probably already asleep, but he had to talk to someone about this revelation. My sister is pregnant. He sent it and changed for bed.
His phone went off a little while later. Is this a good thing or a bad thing?
He sighed and typed. A little of both. I'm happy for her and Finnick. But I don't know what's next for me. We all live together. When my dad married her mom, I wasn't the baby anymore. And I don't really have friends around here. I don't actually have friends off the internet.
I'm your friend. She responded.
Peeta smiled at that response. Well, thank you. But you aren't here. He deleted the second sentence and fixed it. I'm sorry, I bet you're ready to sleep.
Katniss's reply took a bit, but she said, I don't mind. If you want to actually talk, you can call.
He was really tempted to take her up on that offer, but decided against it. He liked texting. And it was pretty late. No, but thank you. So what would you do if Prim was pregnant?
I'd probably kill Gale for knocking her up when she still has so much school to get through. Lol. But then I'd be happy for her and I'd spoil that baby as only and aunt could.
Peeta looked at the screen for quite a while before he was able to send his own. She was right, it was his duty to spoil the baby rotten. And even though he was about to be completely displaced, it was for a really awesome reason. Prim is so lucky to have you for a sister.
He was sure she was asleep when she didn't text back right away. He listened to Finnick and Annie and the house settling and growing quiet. He started to doze off when his phone went off. And Annie is really lucky to have you. You're so special, Peeta. Don't worry about anything. And I am here if you want to call. I think we're only a few hours apart.
Peeta grinned. Spying on me, Katniss?
No. But I did check where your area code came from. That's as far as I got.
He realized he should have done the same thing, but never followed through. He did a quick search and nodded appreciatively. I think that's about five hours away at the farthest. Want to meet?
Her reply was very quick this time. Not a chance. And please don't try to track my number.
It hurt Peeta that she would be so concerned by that, but he tried not to let it bother him. Promise. We'll just keep on texting. I look forward to all our conversations. Thanks for the boost to my ego by calling me special, btw. So are you.
He made a face as soon as he hit the send. "So are you?" He said to himself with a sigh. "Lame."
He dozed off listening for Katniss's response, but it didn't come before he was fully asleep.
Peeta woke up to the sound of banging in the kitchen. Since Annie was usually a little kinder at breakfast, Peeta figured it was most likely Finnick. He grumbled and rolled out of bed. He headed for the shower but stopped short when he heard someone getting sick.
He tapped on the door. "Annie? You okay?"
"Just morning sickness." She called back. "I'll be out in a bit."
Peeta sat his things on the table beside the bathroom. "I'll just get some breakfast. Take your time."
She opened the bathroom door. "I'm done."
He made a face. "Did you brush your teeth?"
"Fuck you." Annie said with a laugh as she walked past him. She turned. "Oh, I want to invite Mom and everyone over for supper. Is tonight okay or should we wait?"
"I'm fine with tonight. Want me to cook something? Baked ziti?"
Annie grinned and grabbed his arms. "You know that's my favorite."
"Then baked ziti it is. We can run by the grocery store after school."
She wrinkled her nose. "Your breath smells like ass." She pushed him to the bathroom.
Peeta chuckled and went about his morning routine quickly, just in case Annie needed to the bathroom again. He finished up and found Annie and Finnick in the kitchen. Annie nibbled toast and Finnick stuffed forkfuls of egg in his mouth.
"Ugh." Annie groaned. "Slow down, babe. You're making me sicker just looking at you."
"Sorry, Annie-cakes." Finnick said. "I'm late for work." He picked up his plate and ate the rest over the sink.
Peeta poured himself a bowl of corn flakes and took his time cutting up a banana to put in it. He grinned when Finnick downed the last of his coffee and let out a loud belch as his dishes clattered into the sink.
"See you tonight." Finnick said, leaning in to kiss Annie.
She put up her hand. "If your mouth comes anywhere near mine, you're a dead man."
Finnick chuckled and kissed the top of her head instead. "Love you." He grabbed his things by the front door.
"Call if you're going to be late, babe." Annie said.
"Sure thing." Finnick closed the door behind himself.
Peeta sat across from Annie and munched his cereal while she continued to nibble toast. He realized she'd been doing that a lot lately. "So this morning sickness thing has been happening a while?"
"Just a few days." She brushed crumbs off her hands and picked up her tea. "Toast for breakfast helps."
He nodded and ate a few more bites. "Bananas are good."
"For?"
"Upset stomach."
Annie nodded. "I may pack a few in my bag." She groaned. "It feels worse today. Like now that people know, the baby wants to make its presence known."
Peeta chuckled. "You timed it all pretty well. It's October. So that means the baby's due when? May? June? You won't have to take any time off from teaching."
"And I have a good excuse not to attend most of the summer in service meetings." She grinned. "You really okay with it?"
He nodded. "I had a moment of 'Oh, shit, where do I stand?' But I'm fine. I talked to Katniss a little last night and she helped me see the light."
She reached across the table and rested her hand on top of his. "She's a good friend. I'm really glad you aren't dealing with this on your own. It's going to be a big change for all of us. And whenever you're ready to leave is up to you. You can stay forever if you want."
He turned his hand over and squeezed her fingers. "Thank you."
They went through their day as usual. Peeta hopped over to Annie's class a couple times between his classes to check on her. She looked right as rain.
After work Peeta drove to the grocery store. Annie, who started to look a little green on the drive, opted to stay in the car.
Peeta hurried through the aisles picking out everything he needed for the baked ziti and a salad. He stopped in the middle of the store to check his phone for possible morning sickness cures and saw a text from Katniss.
Sorry I passed out last night and then had to work my butt off to get work done. There's rain predicted all next week. Anyway, how is Annie doing? More importantly, how are you?
Peeta smiled and typed a quick response. She's fine. Finnick is over the moon. I'm okay. They're telling everyone else tonight and I'm making baked ziti, one of Annie's faves. What are you up to?
He picked up a box of saltines and some lemon drop candies for Annie and made his way to the checkout. His phone started going off as he swiped his card. He waited until he had all his groceries in hand and headed out the door before he checked it.
Afternoon break at the moment. I'm finally almost done with weeding.
Peeta pulled the crackers and candies out of the bag before he stashed everything in the back seat. "These are supposed to help. Keep a sleeve of the crackers night stand." He pulled out his phone and said, Some weeds like dandelions can be put in a salad. He dropped his phone in the center cup holder.
"Katniss?" Annie asked as she popped one of the lemon drops into her mouth.
Peeta nodded and put the car in drive. He heard his phone go off and looked over to see Annie eyeing it in the cup holder.
She asked, "So are you two dating or are you friends or what?"
"Just friends." He said. But he hoped it was more eventually. "Are you feeling okay?"
She nodded. "Yeah. I think these lemon things are helping. What gave you that idea?"
"Internet research." He grinned. "Thank God for smartphones."
Peeta's phone went off with the reminder he had a text and Annie snatched it up. "'Good to know. Maybe I'll save a few dandelions from my composting and try it. Any good recipes?'" She scoffed. "You really just exchange recipes and food tips with this girl?" She pointed the phone at his crotch. "Dick pic!"
He laughed and grabbed the phone from Annie. "No dick pics or sexting of any kind. We're being classy." He stuffed the phone under his thigh.
"How's your leg today?" She asked, changing the subject.
"Well, the pressure is changing." He grinned. "But Katniss said there was supposed to be rain, so that's not a knee pain prediction. I did notice after she said it, that I was a little more achy than usual."
"She lives near here?"
He nodded. "About five hours east at the farthest range of her area code."
Annie sighed. "Oh, Katniss. I burn, I pine, I perish."
Peeta laughed. "Have you been watching Ten Things I Hate About You again?"
She laughed. "Maybe a little. But you know how much I love Joseph Gordon-Levitt."
"What I wouldn't do to Julia Stiles…" He sighed. He patted Annie's leg. "I'm glad you're feeling better."
"Well, tell your nibling to stop torturing me and maybe it'll stay that way." She pouted and leaned against the window.
"Nibling?" Peeta asked as he pulled into the driveway.
"A better way to say 'niece or nephew' without actually having to say 'niece or nephew' every time."
"Nibling." He nodded. "I like it." He got out and gathered the groceries.
Annie got both their school bags and went to the front door.
"I'll get supper on." Peeta said. "You relax." He leaned against the counter and wrote Katniss. Just toss the greens with a light vinaigrette and you're good to go. He pulled out a card that had a recipe on it and took a picture and sent it along. It may be a little late for them to be tasty, unfortunately. You can still find them in the grocery store, I'm sure.
Peeta worked silently on supper, making very little clatter with his pans as he went. Finnick came home just before dark and stretched out over Annie on the couch. The murmur of their conversation drifted to his ears.
"You need a shower." Annie finally said.
"Want to join me?" Finnick asked as he stood.
"Hell yeah, I do." She followed him to the back of the house.
Peeta shook his head. He called, "Mom will be here soon."
"We've perfected quickies." Finnick called back, followed by, "Ow!"
"You make him uncomfortable, babe." Annie admonished just before the bathroom door closed.
Peeta stuck the casserole in the oven and lay on the couch to text with Katniss. He read her message. I'll look into that. I eat a lot of takeout these days. Hard to cook when you're the only one eating the meal.
He responded, Yeah, I was lucky to live with Annie all through college and then she and Finnick asked me to move with them when Annie and I somehow managed to get jobs in the same school. It's nice to have other people to cook for. Whenever they go out, I get take-out for myself or cook something frozen.
Peeta tried to ignore the giggles and heavy breathing that managed to leak out the bathroom door over the sound of the shower. Annie stepped out of the bathroom just as someone knocked on the front door.
Annie ran to the door and threw it open. "Mama!" She threw her arms around the older woman's neck. Devin Mellark looked just like her daughter. Lots of people sometimes confused them for sisters when they were together. Both women took it as a compliment.
"Hi, Annie! Oh, I miss seeing you every day." She hugged back for several long moments before Peeta finally made his presence known.
"Hi, Mom." Peeta said timidly as Devin walked around Annie to hug him. He lifted his stepmother up on her toes and then let her down. "You look good."
Devin waved her hand. "Whatever you say." She laughed and wrapped her arms around her children as they made their way into the living room. "It smells good in here."
"Baked ziti for Annie." Peeta said.
Finnick stepped out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist. "Mama Dev!" He exclaimed and ran in. He lifted the woman up and spun her around. As he sat her down, his towel started to fall. He grabbed it quickly. "I'll be back for sugar later." He winked and hurried into the bedroom he shared with Annie to dress.
Devin shook her head. "You are one lucky woman, Annie." She laughed when she looked at Peeta. He felt his face flushing and he knew his face was screwed up in disgust.
"Gross. When are Gage and Toby getting here with their brood?" Peeta took his chiming phone out of his pocket. He smiled at Katniss's message.
Gale and Prim get spoiled when they're with me. Sometimes I'm lucky enough to get invited to Gale's mom's for supper. She's like my second mom. Always makes sure I eat a good meal every once in a while.
"Is that a text from a girlfriend?" Devin asked.
"Not a girlfriend." Annie and Peeta said at the same time. Annie's voice was exasperated. Peeta's was bored.
Peeta said, My stepmom's here. Brothers will be here soon. My nephews, too. Might be a bit between texts. He put his phone back in his pocket and walked into the kitchen to check on the ziti and start working on the garlic bread.
Annie and Devin followed, catching up as Annie handed her mother a glass of water and sat with her at the kitchen table. Finnick came in and stole a kiss from Annie. He then kissed Devin's cheek and walked around to Peeta and placed a wet kiss on the other man's cheek.
Peeta made a face and wiped his cheek. "Aw, come on, man." His phone chimed and he pulled it out.
"Didn't want you to feel left out." Finnick said with a sly grin.
Katniss's message said, I've heard you talk about your brothers. You always get a little sentimental gleam in your eye. You never mentioned nephews.
He let out a chortle and typed, That's a nice observation. If I didn't know better, I'd say you had a little crush on me. He put his phone away again and put the bread in the oven.
The doorbell rang and Annie ran to answer again. She was getting progressively giddier as the others arrived. Toby and his girlfriend Glimmer came in. Hugs were passed around. Toby was just a little over a year older than Peeta and Annie.
Gage arrived just a few minutes later. He was the oldest, three years Toby's senior. His wife Ingrid was pregnant with baby number three, so kids weren't anything new. Their two boys, Conrad and Jacob, attacked Peeta around the legs as soon as they came in. They'd bypassed Annie, Finnick, and Devin to do so.
"Hey, you two. God, you're getting big!" Peeta ruffled their blonde curly hair. "Who wants to jump on Uncle Peeta's bed?"
"Neither of them." Gage said. "We're trying to get them to stop that. Uncle Peeta is a bad influence." He still smiled as he said it, pulling Peeta into a tight hug. "You look great."
"I feel great." Peeta said as he returned his brother's hug. He barely heard the sound of his phone going off and discretely pulled it out of his pocket.
If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were the one with the crush. :) Peeta knew he was grinning like fool as he read it. But he didn't care.
He responded, Maybe. We'll never know. My nephews are here now. It gets a little crazy. I almost didn't hear my phone. And I know I never mentioned them, but I respect my brothers' privacy. My oldest brother Gage is married with two boys and another on the way. He's been married about five years. She's in for some craziness. Mellark boys are a handful.
He was still looking at his phone when her next message popped up. And your other brother? He married?
Girlfriend. Glimmer. It's a stage name. She wants to be a model and refuses to ever marry or have kids. Gage and Toby still run Dad's bakery. My stepmom Devin helps.
"Hey, who are you texting?" Toby asked.
"His girlfriend." Finnick said.
"Not my girlfriend." Peeta protested feebly as the rest of the group started asking questions. He waved his hands. "Hey, why don't you guys just let Finnick and Annie tell you something even better than my non-girlfriend?"
Peeta smiled to himself as all the eyes turned to Finnick and Annie. They had all been hinting for ages that the pair should marry since they had been together so long.
Annie slipped her arm around Finnick's waist and Finnick returned the embrace.
Annie said, "We're having a baby."
The room erupted again.
Peeta went about getting dinner ready as the rest of the group talked happily about the new addition. He sent a text to Katniss. I didn't expect to feel so left out when they told everyone. He didn't hear the sound of his phone, but he checked it anyway.
Need to call me? Katniss asked.
Maybe later. Thanks. He responded. He plugged his phone in on the counter and lost himself in his family.
