One Night-Chapter 9
I don't' even stop my packing as Prim continues. "The Capitol?"
"He needs me, little duck." I say through my flurried activity. "I have to go get some answers. Help him. I can't do that here."
Prim stares at me for a moment and then sighs. "How can I help?"
I smile. "Why don't you gather a few things for Willow? I'm taking her with me. I've got to call Gale and ask him to take us." Prim gets to work on packing the small bag I had picked out. I get on the phone then and beg my best friend that it was important to come and take me to the station right now.
"Does it have to be now?" his sleepy voice asks.
"Yes, now. Okay? Can you come?" I plead.
"Alright. Just give me a few minutes to get dressed and over there."
"Thanks, Gale." I say before turning off my phone. When we finally have everything together, I head to my daughter's room. I rub her back and whisper out her name. It takes a moment or two, but my little girl finally opens her eyes.
"Mommy?" she croaks in a sleepy voice.
"Hey sweetie." I tell her while I brush back her hair. "I know you're tired, but I need you to get up so we can get on a train."
She still looks confused. "Choo choo train?" she asks.
"That's right. Choo choo train." I grin. "We are going to go and see Daddy."
This gets Willow's attention and she fully wakes up. She gets out of bed then and I help her get dressed. We grab one big and one little bag as we head down the stairs to say goodbye to my mother, who got up once she heard we were leaving, and Prim. I see Gale's car already parked outside waiting for us.
'When will you be back?" Mother asks.
I shrug. "I'm not sure yet. All I know it that I need to be there and help him. I don't know how long it will take." I give her a hug. "We'll be back as soon as we can."
"Just let us know if you need us." Prim calls out as I begin to usher Willow out the door.
I blow a kiss. "Love you both." I say just before the door closes behind us. Willow and I quietly get in the car and Gale starts is up.
"So, what is going on Catnip?" he asks. I spend most of the drive updating him on what has been going on, and that we were heading to be with Peeta. Gale is not a man of many words, so he listens more than talk, which at this point is fine by me.
It doesn't take long at this time of day to arrive, so we get to the train area quickly. Gale parks at the curb.
"Take care of yourself," he tells me. "Go get em." I smile back at the friend who has always encouraged me to go for whatever my dreams are. I nod and I grab my sleepy girl and our bags into the station. It's really late, so it's pretty vacant. I find where to purchase tickets, where there is a sole person working. I ask for two tickets and am told that the last train of the night would be leaving shortly. We find the platform and climb on board. Again, there are only a few scattered people, so we have our pick of seats.
Once I have Willow settled, it's really only moments before the train departs. My sweet girl falls asleep again quickly once it gets rolling. I take the peaceful moment to breathe out deeply and relax into the seat. I need to make sure that things at the bakery are taken care of. It's past the time I would usually call anyone, but this is an emergency, and I have a feeling Effie will be up.
She picks up after the first ring and I begin. "Effie, I'm sorry to call so late, but I need your help."
"No worries, dear. I wasn't in bed yet. Haymitch is still here." She replies.
I smile at the vision, but continue. "Look, I'm heading to the Capitol to be with Peeta. I need you to take charge of the bakery for a few days. Get Rory to help you. Just keep working on the training schedule, the vendors, and the celebration party for the opening. Finalize the guest list, too."
"Of course. Don't you worry about it, Katniss. We'll get things done here. You just do what you need to for that dear boy. I'll talk to Haymitch about pitching in, as well. Wouldn't hurt him to put in a few days work." In the background I hear some moaned words.
I am washed over with relief that at least work will be taken care of. "That sounds fine. Thank you, Effie." I tell her. "I'll call you later." With that we both click off. From that point, I try to get at least some sleep. I do think about calling Peeta and letting him know that I am coming, but decide that I really want it to be a surprise. Of course, I honestly have no idea of what I will say to him once I see him. I go through various scenarios in my head, until I finally doze off.
It's the call of the train loudspeaker that jolts me awake. The voice states that we would soon be arriving at the Capitol. I look outside the window to the bright sunlight of the morning.
I nudge my daughter. "Wake up, honey. We're here," I urge. Willow takes her time, but with moans opens her eyes to wake up. I hand her some snacks that I had placed in my bag. She has to be famished. I know I am. We both eat a little before picking up our bags and unloading from the train.
I somehow amazingly track down a cab and we get in with a driver with blue streaked hair, obviously in a hurry.
"Where to?" he grouches. I actually have to think about this. Where would Peeta be right now? I look at the clock in the taxi for the time. 8:37 AM. By the time we could arrive anywhere I imagine that Peeta wouldn't be at his apartment here. He is probably already in meeting with the Board. So I go with my gut.
"Mellark's Bakery Corporate Headquarters, please." I finally direct.
The driver must know the city pretty well, because even without an address he nods and says "no problem." We take off then, and I feel Willow pulling on my shirt.
"Mommy," she whispers. "Blue hair!"
I should have realized with this being the first time for Willow in the Capitol that she would be fascinated by how different everyone looks here. Of course, I need to make sure she keeps her comments kind.
"Yes, I see that." I tell her quietly. "Fun color, don't you think?" She nods and then looks back out the window at the wonder that activity, buildings, and people of the Capitol hold. It keeps her occupied the twenty minutes that pass until we pull up next to a six story building. It's beautiful with large glass windows completely adorning the outside.
"We're here," the driver says. I pay him what I see charged on his screen and get out. The man actually gets our bags for us and we take them from him as he gives a little salute and drives off. I look back at the building ahead. It's pretty daunting, but I take a deep breath, grab Willow's hand and we begin to walk in.
We go through a revolving door (something my daughter thinks is just too much fun), and make our way towards the lobby receptionist. The young woman with headset on glimpses us on approach and perks up.
"Oh my god, you're her!" she squeaks. "Katniss Everdeen!" Her eyes flit to Willow. "And this must be…but of course it is…"
I decide to stop her right there before she explodes. "We'd like to see Peeta Mellark, please."
"Of course! Of course!" the perky girl states before tapping on her headset. "Let me just call up." She waits for a moment and then begins speaking to someone. She tells whoever is on the other side that there were some "special guests" wanting to see Mr. Mellark. I listen as she says things like "It's her." (Emphasis on her), and "he's going to want to see this one, I promise." The other person must finally get it because all of the sudden there is a bunch of "Yes! Yes! Yes!" from the excitable receptionist before finally tapping her headset off.
She smiles brightly at both of us. "Go right on up! 5th floor."
"Thank you," I tell her as we take our bags once again to find the elevators. It isn't too hard and I help Willow press the 5 button so that we can go up.
The elevator doors open and standing there is a beautiful dark skinned young woman dressed in a well tailored lime green suit.
"Hello, Ms. Everdeen," she greets me. "I'm Rue, personal assistant to Mr. Mellark up here. Let me take your bags from you." Before I can protest, she grabs the travel bags and places them in a small closet behind the big desk in the main area on the floor. She quickly returns to us.
"Mr. Mellark is still in the meeting right now, but let me notify him that you are here," she says.
I wave my hand to try and stop her. "You don't have to do that. Don't interrupt him. We can wait until they break."
"Oh no. I can't do that." Rue states. "Mr. Mellark specifically told me that if you were to call or anything to let him know immediately. He will want to know that you are here."
I nod. "OK," and with that the girl quickly click away. I watch as she opens one of two large oak doors and disappears behind it. Willow begins to get antsy then, so I try to distract her by pointing out various landmarks and buildings we see out through the large windows.
Suddenly a familiar voice calls out, "Katniss!" Both our heads turn to see Peeta, determinedly walking in our direction.
"Peeta!" I cry and smile as he draws close. All of the sudden I feel his warm hands take me by the cheeks as he kisses me deeply. In it I let him know how much I have missed him and how good this feels. I don't even care who may see us, although no one seems to be around at this particular moment.
Willow is practically jumping with joy. "Daddy! Daddy!" We break long enough for Peeta to pick her up. He kisses her on the check as she wraps her arms around him.
One of his arms wraps around my waist as he brings me closer and places his forehead to mine. "You're here. I can't believe you are here."
"We had to," I tell him. "I saw what all of this was doing to you. You needed the boost, I think."
"Thank you," he whispers. "Having you here helps so much. I've felt so alone in there."
"You're not alone," I caress his tired face. "You have me."
"Me too!" Willow chimes in. Peeta gives a laugh and hugs his daughter again.
As he turns back to me he gets serious. "I wasn't so sure after the news last night." My smile disappears at the mention of his supposed date. "I'm so sorry you had to see that," he continues. "I promise it wasn't what the media made it seem."
I steady myself before answering. "I decided to hear what you had to say first."
"Let's go into my office," he says. When I nod he leads us down a small hallway and then heads into the door on the right. It's a corner space and beautifully furnished. Willow heads back to the window for the view and we can talk.
Peeta takes a deep breath. "Clove is someone I know through business. She runs District 2 Properties. We met a few times about some ventures, and we had drinks and dinner here or there. Mother thought she was fabulous, of course, although nothing ever went further. We were friends, though."
"Ok, go on." I say and let him continue.
"Clove let me know that she would like to be more right before I left for Twelve. It's my fault for not telling her where things stood right away. When I came back, she immediately called. She had read the article about you and I and wanted to know exactly where she stood with me."
"So, you had dinner," I conclude.
"Yeah," he admits. "I wanted to make it clear, and I did, that I was sorry if I led her on in any way, but that I was completely in love with and planning to spend my life with you. It's my fault for not thinking that the photographers would be outside and take pictures of us coming out. I almost wonder if my mother told them I was there with her….Doesn't matter, but that's what happened."
"Is Clove okay with everything?" I ask.
Peeta nods. "She was upset for about one minute, then realized that she had blown up what our relationship really was. A girl with wishful thinking, I guess. Once she realized where things really were she was very understanding, and we parted on good terms, even with all the photographers. You can call her if you want. She'll back up the story. I haven't called or talked to her since that night.". Peeta then takes my hands in his. "It's you. Always you. I swear."
"I don't need to call her," I tell him. "I believe you." His face brightens with hope at my faith in him. "But let me know the next time you decide to have dinner with a beautiful woman."
"Well," he seductively says, "from now on you'll definitely know because the beautiful woman with me at dinner will be you."
I smile and playfully nudge him. "Better be."
"Always," he promises and kisses me again.
When we break again I flit my eyes in the direction of the conference room. "So, how's it going in there?"
Peeta runs his hands through his hair. Not a good sign. "Awful," he says. "They're not going to change their minds."
"Peeta," I place my hand on his chest. "If this doesn't happen, it's okay. I thought about this. We can move here to the Capitol if that is what it will take. We can make it work. As long as we're together."
Those blue eyes look at me lovingly and he kisses my forehead. "You have no idea how much it means to me that you are willing to do that for us," he says. "But I don't want you to have to if we can possibly manage it. So, I am going to go back in there and give it one more shot before we give up. Moving here is a last resort, okay?"
"Okay. Last resort stuff." I agree and Peeta smiles then. He looks over to see that Willow is still distracted and now playing with her doll on a couch not too far away. He takes the opportunity to place his lips back on mine. I am just relaxing into this amazing kiss where there is a small cough behind us.
We both turn to see Peeta's mother in the doorway. "So, you're here. I should have known you would be behind all of this nonsense my son has been dreaming up."
We break apart, and Peeta's eyes change from his normal loving look to little slits. "Katniss only just arrived here, mother. She hasn't done anything."
"Yes," I agree. "I just got to the Capitol now. Only to support Peeta is what he wants to do." My defenses start to rise. "And it is not nonsense, Mrs. Mellark. It's a good plan."
The woman begins to walk a couple of steps toward us. "Of course it is….for you. You'd finally be getting what you probably have always wanted. A piece of Mellark's Bakery.'
"I'd be getting Peeta!" I yell. "Believe it or not, that's all I want."
Peeta's mother scoffs. "You're telling me that a poor girl in your position has no interest in the family's money?"
"If I was, I would have asked for it the moment I found out I was pregnant!" My fists curl into little balls through my anger.
"Oh yes," the woman spits out. "That's another thing. You kept that little fact to yourself for over three years! You kept Peeta's daughter away from him and his family."
"Stop it, Mother!" Peeta suddenly shouts.
She turns and points her finger at him. "She lied to you about it!"
"That's between Katniss and me," Peeta states. "I listened to her story and chose to forgive her. It's not your business."
"This family is my business!" Mrs. Mellark growls. "And I will not allow this plan to happen."
Peeta inches closer to her, and stands his ground. "Then I'll leave and start my own business."
His mother's eyes widen in horror. "You wouldn't dare compete with your own family!"
"I don't want to," Peeta tells her, "but you're leaving me with no choice."
"You're just going to give up everything we've built for this girl that you think you are in love with?" she asks tersely.
Peeta places his hands gently on Mrs. Mellark's shoulders and she looks up at him. "Not just think, Mother. I know I love Katniss. And I plan to marry her."
I am in awe watching his boldness in declaring his intentions. But then again, he has no problem telling the world what he feels about me. His mother gives a little gasp. "Marry?"
He shakes his head. "Yes. I plan to marry someone I love who loves me in return. Someone who I can share my life and love with, and who I want to make her dreams come true." He looks over at me. "Someone who supports the dreams and goals that I have. Katniss is that person for me." He looks back at his mother. "Did you know that she was actually the first person that I told about the bakery expansion plan? Whereas with you and Board it took me months to convince you, she simply told me to 'go for it' from the start."
"And then she went and hid your child, my grandchild, from us," she continues to argue.
At that moment, a little voice from behind me calls out. "Me?"
All three of us are distracted from the argument and look at Willow. She had been so quiet that I hadn't even noticed that she had moved from the couch where she was sitting and was now standing behind me, her head peeking out from behind my legs.
Although our mouths are open in a little bit of shock, especially Mrs. Mellark, my little girl is not fazed one bit. "Hello," she calls out to the older woman and gives a little wave.
The tension in the air has immediately calmed through this moment and I am now able to speak more normally. "Mrs. Mellark," I try to smile as I bring Willow around in front of me. "I'd like you to meet Willow."
Peeta's mother swallows thickly and can't seem to move. "Hello, Willow," she finally says .
Peeta speaks up. "Sweetie, this," he puts his hand out towards the older woman, "is my mother. Your grandmother."
I'm not sure what to expect. I see that Mrs. Mellark has put her hand out to shake, but I am even more amazed as I watch our little girl simply walk over and place her arms out wide for a hug.
Peeta's mother looks up at us. "Is this okay?"
"Of course it is," I tell her. "She needs to know her grandparents. All of them." The woman gives a small smile and only then wraps up Willow in her arms and squeezes her tight. The child squeezes right back and they hug for so long, and I feel that in watching them, I can actually see Mrs. Mellark's cold heart melting as tears begin forming in her eyes.
"I always wanted a girl," she whispers and begins to stroke Willow's dark hair. She lets go of the little girl only enough to really look her over. Peeta and I stand there in awe as these events unfold. Neither of are sure what to say.
Mrs. Mellark looks up at her son. "Her eyes are just like yours," she remarks.
Peeta smiles at her, "I know."
Mrs. Mellark puts Willow down then, but continues to hold her hand. "I only ever wanted what I thought was best for you."
"Isn't it time to let me decide for myself what's best? For me and for the bakeries? That means letting me move forward with the move, and with Katniss."
She remains silent. "Please, Mother. Trust me," his eyes plead with her. "You know that I would never intentionally do anything to hurt the bakeries."
"I know," she replies quietly. "And if you fail?"
"Then I learn the lessons I need to from my mistakes," he says, "and then pick up the pieces to start again. As long as I have Katniss and Willow with me, I know it will all be okay. I realize now that I don't need your blessing, but I would still like to have it all the same. Because I want to run this business. "
The older woman does not say anything, but looks down with a smile once more at Willow and gives her hand one last squeeze before letting go and walking toward the door. She turns around one last time. "I don't want to watch everything that we built go down in flames."
"Just give me a chance." Peeta says, and then I watch as she turns and walks out.
It's silent for a moment as we are both a little shell shocked from the encounter. "What do you think she is going to do?" I finally ask.
Peeta shakes his head. "I have no idea." He picks up a file from the desk. "Look, I better get back in there. They are going to vote soon."
"Ok." I begin to pick up Willow and find a spot on the couch, but Peeta stops me.
"Come with me and sit in?" he asks. "I could use the moral support."
"Sure," I smile and carry Willow with me as we walk out of the office and towards the large conference room doors. When we enter, I see a large rectangular oak desk with eight chairs around it. Seven of them are filled with two women and four men seated on each side. Peeta's mother is seated in the chair on the far end. I notice in the far corner Peeta's father is also in the room, sitting in a chair. His eyes perk as they notice myself and Willow with his son. Peeta makes a small motion towards a chair by one of the windows.
"Good luck," I whisper as I take a seat and place Willow on my lap. I tell her in her ear that she will have to be especially quiet and still during the meeting and she nods her head. Peeta then takes his seat in the empty chair at the long table.
One of the male Board members stands up. "Members of the Board," he begins. "We have heard Mr. Mellark's plan and are ready to vote on whether or not to approve relocation of our headquarter facilities." He looks around the room. "All those in favor, please raise your hand."
Peeta, along with three of the men and the two women raise their arms. A long moment passes, and then I watch as Mrs. Mellark slowly raises her hand.
I am totally astonished at what I am seeing. What happens next is pretty quick. The gentleman declares the plan passed by a majority, and then takes a second vote on keeping Peeta as head of Mellark's Bakeries. This one passes unanimously.
"We are adjourned, then," the Board member calls and everyone begins to get up from their seats and walk out of the conference room. Each one shakes Peeta's hand as they leave.
Finally, his Mother passes by. As she does, she places her hand gently on his shoulder. She opens her mouth to say something, but then closes it again, unable to speak. Instead, she pats his shoulder before turning away.
"Thank you, Mother." Peeta calls out to her in a low voice. Mrs. Mellark doesn't look back, but nods before walking away.
"I hope you realize how hard that was for her," Peeta's father suddenly says as we find him in front of us.
Peeta sighs. "I do, Dad. Please tell her that I appreciate her trust, and that I will do everything to not disappoint her."
"I know you will, son," the older man replies as he pats Peeta's back. He then turns to Willow and I.
"That you for being there for him when I wasn't." he says to me. He then touches Willow's check which makes her giggle, and then with a smile walks out. I stare out in space thinking on the events of the past few minutes. I think that it might not be much of a great relationship with the Mellarks, but at least it's a start, and you have to start somewhere. I wish that with time they can find a way to be more of a part in Willow's life. I'm sure it will take a lot on both our part and theirs, but I'm hopeful now.
I come out of my reverie to turn my attention back to Peeta whom I find staring directly at me. The weight of the last couple of week's burden is now off of him, and I am rewarded by the complete joy on his face.
"We did it!" he almost cries. He picks up his daughter and twirls her around. Then, I give a gasp as he puts the three year old down and then picks me up to do the same. I laugh giddily at the sensation of going around in circles while in the air. Finally, he does place me down and kisses me deeply.
"You did it," I eventually reply. "Now what?"
"Now," he says. "Let's go home."
We spend the rest of the weekend in the Capitol just spending time as a family and doing a little sightseeing before heading home together. Four weeks pass quickly, and before I know it, I find myself looking at myself in front of a mirror. Light blue dress on, strappy heeled sandals, a little makeup, and some modest jewelry stare back at me. I feel slightly nauseated and tell my mind to control my stomach and not have to run to the toilet. I turn around and wonder if this really is the right look for the event of the day.
I hear a few steps behind me, followed by strong arms enveloping me in their embrace. Peeta places a kiss on my neck. "You look fantastic," he moans while he continues to give little nibbles on my ear.
I blush with pleasure. "Thanks," I smile. "I want to make a good impression for you today."
"You will, don't worry," he comforts me. "You've done a good job preparing for this. It's going to go smoothly. Just enjoy yourself."
I once more have that nauseating feeling in me, but with Peeta's calming arms I feel better quickly. I know that I still have some work to do on controlling that insecure voice that tries to talk to me sometimes. But it is definitely better now with Peeta beside me. After the Capitol, I know that we can tackle anything together.
"Ready?" he finally asks.
I take one last look. "Yeah, I'm ready." I say and together we walk hand in hand down the stairs. Prim and Mother give their approval of how I look, and tell us that they will find us after the ceremony at the Grand Opening party. I give them both a quick hug and then we take Willow and Peeta drives us to the District 12 Bakery.
As we draw close, I see that it looks like quite the circus out there. People are everywhere in front of the building. I notice the cameras and news crew truck parked up and down the street. At this moment I can see them vying for positions around the perimeter of the crowd. Balloons and streamers decorate the storefront and the small stage and podium that had been set up. This is what Peeta leads us to after we get out of the car.
We go up a couple of steps up to the main platform and I sit with Willow in the seats marked with our names. To our huge surprise, Peeta's parents actually agreed to come to the Opening . When they arrive, they each give Willow a hug, and Mrs. Mellark gives a slight nod in my direction. Well, at least she is acknowledging my presence. Not much, but it's only been a few weeks. And I am definitely in no rush.
I look out into the audience to see a flurry of familiar faces. Many of the District people have come for this day. But it is the people I love and care about that mean the most. I find Prim, who is holding hands with Rory, all smiles. My mother stands nearby. Effie is completely decked out and even has Haymitch wearing a suit, although I notice him sneak a flask out of the pocket and raise it in my direction before taking a quick sip. Greasy Sae is smiling warmly. Gale, Madge, and Delly are all there. It's a comforting feeling.
The time comes to begin, and Effie gives a little motion out in the crowd to start the ceremony. Peeta stands and walks toward the microphone. As he does, I think about how only a few years ago, I was watching a different bakery opening while a young woman stood at Peeta's side. Funny thing is, now I am that young woman by his side. I smile and take a deep breath as he begins his speech.
"Thank you all for being here today," he says. "Mellark's Bakery is coming home." The crowd cheers loudly.
Peeta continues when it quiets. "Although we take pleasure in every Opening, this one has a special place in our hearts. Our family started the bakery here, and it is only right that we have come back to the people who were our first customers. "
He turns towards those of us seated on the platform. "I am personally proud today to share this with my family. First, my parents, who, in the beginning, built this business from the ground up. I want to continue their legacy." The crowd claps appropriately and Mr. and Mrs. Mellark wave.
"And I am happy to now be able to share that legacy with my daughter, Willow." Peeta turns and motions to our girl. "Come here, Sweet Pea," he calls out.
Willow jumps off my lap and runs right into his arms as he picks here up and they wave together to the group. I sit smiling with joy as Peeta turns and stares directly at me as he speaks. "And finally, and best of all, is getting to share this moment with my love, Katniss. Without her none of this would have happened, and who I hope will someday soon become my wife."
I gasp. Not out of surprise, because Peeta has made his intentions known before now. No, I am shocked because looking into his eyes, I know that this was not just a statement Peeta was making. It was a proposal.
He waves at me then to come forward and even though my heart is racing, I somehow make my legs work to walk to him. He takes my hand as I draw close and mouths, "I love you,"
I squeeze his hand. "I love you, too." I whisper before he smiles brilliantly and turns back to the crowd.
"So with that," he continues, "I am more than pleased to declare Mellark's Bakery of District 12 open!" Music begins to play from somewhere in the background. Peeta leads Willow and I inside the Bakery. In moments, a flood of people enter and Peeta is soon bombarded with well wishes and handshakes. His attention is directed away from me, so I take the moment to walk out and head to the back rooms and into my office.
When I am finally alone there, I place my hands on my desk and simply try to breathe. It takes a moment, but I do get myself together. Of course, I am soon found out.
There is a knock and he is there. "Should have known you'd hide here," Peeta chuckles. "You're missing a good party. One you helped set up."
"I know," I replay. "I wanted to take a minute. I just couldn't breathe."
Peeta is concerned. "Are you okay, really?"
I look down at the floor. "You were proposing to me."
"Yeah, I was," he confirms. "Look, I know I probably should have done it in private, but I just couldn't help it." He takes my hands. "I love you, Katniss. I don't care if the world knows."
"Well, they sure know now!" I joke, and we both laugh which relieves the tension.
Peeta draws closer to me. "You haven't answered my proposal yet, though," he says with those blues staring deep into my grey. "Will you marry me Katniss? I know it hasn't really been long, but with everything we've been though, I know there is no one else for me. Please say yes."
I look down again, every fiber in my being nervous and shaking, but at the same time I feel sure somewhere deep inside me that this is right. He is right. As he stands there in front of me with his pleading, waiting eyes, I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss his mercilessly.
"Yes! Yes! Yes! I'll marry you." I tell him. His joy is certain in his return of my affection and the radiant look in his smile as we celebrate our engagement.
"So, future Mrs. Mellark," Peeta says with a final kiss. "When would you like to tie the knot? We can wait as long as you want."
"Actually, now that I think about it…" I smile mischievously, "I would probably recommend getting married sooner rather than later."
Peeta is excited, if a little surprised by my statement, to say the least. To clarify my reasoning, I take his hand and place it on my lower stomach. His eyes widen like saucers as he immediately realizes what I am trying to tell him."
"Oh my god," he says. "Katniss, you're….are you really?" He looks up at me with every hope that what he thinks is true.
"Yeah, I am," I confirm and see his excitement as he rubs his hand lovingly over my abdomen where our baby is growing.
"When do you think it happened?" Peeta asks. "We've been fairly careful. At least since we came back from the Capitol."
"Well, this happened before the Capitol," I tell him. "I'm about six weeks along."
"But wait…" he says with his brain racking through his memories. "Before you came to the Capitol there was only…"
"One night," Katniss finishes. "At your hotel. I know."
"One night….again?" Peeta shakes his head. "What are the odds?"
I give a little laugh. "Obviously for us, in our favor. But let me tell you that after this baby is born we are going to have some serious birth control!"
Peeta laughs with me and continues to stroke my belly. "And to think that I'll get to be here for all of it this time."
"You're the first to know,' I assure him. "I haven't told anyone else. I wasn't making that mistake again."
"Thank you," he tells me with a kiss.
"So, what do you say?" I take his hand. "Ready to face the masses out there?"
"Absolutely." Peeta places his forehead on mine. "We have some news to share."
Only the Epilogue to go! I am now on Tumblr at bookgirl318 . tumblr .com. Thank you all who have read the story or made it a favorite. It means a lot. Please review! I would love to hear from you all.
