Katniss and Peeta:

I do not own HG.

Thanks again for reading. I took the suggestions of some of my reader(s) that I should clarify which pov's is it on the story. So here is it. I appreciate everyone reading this and putting this on their story alerts. A little feedback is all I'm asking...thanks!

Chapter Ten:

Katniss (pov's):

I feel much better and worse at the same time after I had my conversation with Gale. I hope I didn't lose him completely and that he will still be my best friend. I've hurt him I know but, I don't want him to wait for me or to have his hopes up that someday I will choose him instead of Peeta.

I walk the short distance to Peeta's house and I smile at the thought of seeing him even though I just left his house this morning while he sleeps. It felt like a long time; maybe that's how someone feels when one is in love. I smile at the thought.

I was near Peeta's door when someone calls my name. I suck a deep breath and brace myself for I knew who the voice belongs to. I turn around and see Haymitch walking towards the same path I was going.

"Hello, sweetheart," he says. I inhale the foul smell of alcohol when he reaches my side. "It's great to see you again. It's been a long time. Tell me, was that Gale Hawthorne I saw you with really early this morning at your house?" he says and grins uncharacteristically as if he was telling a great joke with a hint of malice. I care about Haymitch drunkard and all; after all he was the one who helped us when we were at the games. But right now rage and irritation bubbles inside of me at his nosiness.

"What do you want, Haymitch?" I ask trying not to show my irritation on my tone. But, with Haymitch I sometimes can't help it.

He smiles. "Oh don't be a sour puss! I didn't want to pry sweetheart. I just saw you two at your house and I'm curious, is all." he says.

"Tell me though, is there something going on between the two of you?" Haymitch although sober seems to be drunker this morning but, I get the feeling that he knows more than what he's telling me.

"What are you trying to say?" I ask facing him, an uneasy feeling settling in the pit of my stomach. Did he somehow know that Gale asked me to marry him and to come away with him?

"Oh, just worried about Peeta. How he will take the news."

I look at him sharply.

"What is that supposed to mean?" I ask my face flush from anger.

"What I'm trying to say is, before you accept his proposal—yes—yes, I know he's going to propose to you," says Haymitch, and then he added as if an afterthought, "Of course I didn't think he would do it right away... the point is, please think about Peeta. Don't you think he's been through enough already? You two are living together like an old married couple. And you would-" I cut him off before he could finish.

"How did you know he will ask me to marry him? Did he tell you that?" I ask frantically. How could Gale do this to me? And why tell Haymitch? Does anyone else know about it too? I asked myself, I can feel the heat rises up my neck into my face. I feel betrayed once again by him.

"Oh please, the boy was very cocky when he was telling Greasy and her son about his plans for the both of you. I rather thought that being made one of the high ranking Peace Keeper for the Capitol made his noggins big," he laughs as if it's a joke.

"So did he ask you?" he asks again. His tone actually softened and tries to be emphatic, when he saw how distressed I look.

"Yes, he did. And before you give me your God-awful lecture or speech or whatever… I said no. I don't understand why Gale would do that." His eyebrows shot up and look me over as if seeing me for the first time. I stare at him and wait for an answer, but he's not looking at me anymore. He's looking behind me, smiling drunkenly….

I turn around and saw Peeta standing at the door.

"What's going on out here?" Peeta asks his brows furrows.

"Hi," I said trying to compose myself.

"Well…I'll be off then. I'm sure you two have lots of things to do…and to talk about. See you later, Peeta." He winks at me and walk unsteadily back to his house.

"Hey, let's get you inside its cold out here." I followed him. Inside I absentmindedly rub my hand from the cold. I somehow forgot that it's freezing outside, standing there for a long time turned my fingers blue. Peeta handed me a hot cup of tea and I wrap my hands around it. I took a sip and avoided Peeta's eyes.

"How's your walk with Gale?" he asks. He looks worried and curious. I exhales and look into his deep blue eyes. Ever since Gale came back, all I see is hurt and sadness in his eyes and I feel awful because somehow it's my actions that are making him feel this way.

"Peeta," I said. I have no idea where and how to start.

"It's all right. You don't have to tell me," he said his brows furrows. I stand up and plant myself in front of him. He looks surprise but, did not say anything. I took his hand and look him in the eyes.

"He does not have deep blue eyes or perfect eyebrows, or curly blond hair." I caress his perfect jaw line and felt the stubble that's beginning to grow. "In short, the biggest problem with Gale is, he's not you Peeta."

His gaze was almost unreadable, but after a moment he began to smile and he took me in his arms and kisses me passionately. We kiss for a long time until we break apart to catch our breath. He leans back and rakes his hands through his blond hair. A glimmer of happiness appears on his face. I'm waiting for him to say something. Then he kisses me again. "I love you, Katniss. I will always love you. I will do my best to make you happy, I will make sure you have everything you want and need."

I know I have to say 'I love you' too but, for some reason I could not voice it out, yet. So, I said what I know will satisfy him, for now, "I don't need nor want anything, Peeta. As long as we're together I'm happy." He smiles but it didn't quiet reach his eyes and my heart sunk. He pulls me into his arms and I buried my head in his chest.

The fast few weeks were a blur. We became like Haymitch said; an old married couple. Peeta accepts the offer to open up a new bakery and I can tell how happy he was. He makes all the planning, the layout and all the decors that will eventually be put in the store. He always ask for my opinions whether it's important or not. But, since the weather is still cold for the construction of the bakery we both decide we will begin when spring comes.

About an hour later I find myself in my old hunting clothes, my bow and arrows slung over my shoulder. I headed into the woods and Peeta stayed home to bake. I stayed in the meadows for most of the morning and I bagged two rabbits.

I felt more alive than the past few weeks. Even the nightmares, I noticed are not as frequent as it was and Peeta's flashbacks are not as bad as it used to. I walk back home wondering what Peeta was doing. As I step into the kitchen I saw him hard at work. He's covered in flour and beads of sweat are visible on his forehead. My mouth starts to water and my stomach starts to rumble just thinking about the cheese buns that was baking in the oven.

The front of his apron is covered in flour and food coloring. The sight of him so wrapped up in his work makes me smile and I dropped my game bag on the floor and cross the room to wrap my arms around his waist.

He stops what he was doing and turns around to wrap his arms around me and I felt a little flutter on my stomach. Peeta took my face into his hands and presses his lips into mine. I felt the stickiness on my cheeks and laughs. "Did you know you really look good in apron?" I told him returning his kiss.

"And you are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid my eyes on?"

I could really use to this change in our relationship.

Peeta glanced over my bag and smiles. "What's in the bag?"

"Two fat rabbit," I reply picking up my bag and taking the rabbits out from it.

"Maybe we should invite Haymitch for dinner tonight." He says looking at me warily. I shrug and told him that it was fine. My thoughts start to wonder…to my mother…Gale…Peeta's father…Finnick…Prim. Oh, Prim. Prim my little sister who will always be twelve, how I've missed her. My eyes suddenly waters at the thought.

He took the rabbits and put them in the sink. "What were you thinking?" Peeta asks pulling me to his arms again. "You…everyone," I smile. I let the thought go away. I kiss his neck just below his ear which I know will make him moan in pleasure, and sure enough the moan came and I giggle.

"If you keep on doing that, I might not be able to make our dinner and we will both starve," he says huskily, then gently grabbing my derriere which makes me squeal. "All right," I said laughing.

We pull apart from each other and he starts to prepare dinner.

"I'll go up and take a shower." He nods and turns back to the sink. I stared at his back. I thought about the past years and the time he was hijacked and all the sufferings and flash backs and the way I had treated him after his rescue. I felt horrible at the thought because even after everything he still loves. He was too good for me. I ran upstairs.

After my shower, I towel dry my hair I put them in a single braid, put on a pair of clean pants and shirt.

Peeta was almost done with cooking when I came back down. I set the table up and we ate in good company. We talk about our day and what we still need for the bakery. Haymitch did not join us because he was too drunk to come over, so Peeta saves him food to take to him tomorrow morning.

After dinner we went in the living room and we play games with a deck of cards. I won all the games but I knew Peeta lets me win. When we both got tired we decided to go to bed.

Peeta kiss me goodnight, holds me in my sleep and nothing more. But tonight is something more different. Because, I knew now that I love him. When he kisses me one more time I felt the same feeling I have felt when we were in the cave and again on the beach. I fell asleep with a smile on my lips.

Christmas and New Year had gone by fast; and at last spring is here. The construction of the bakery has begun and Peeta is in town almost every day to oversee everything that's been going on.

I decided that if I want to get domestic, I should learn at least how to cook simple meal using a real kitchen with pots and pans and big wooden spoons. Sure, I can make a meal out of a game or rabbits or even squirrel but, those times I did it were when I'm outdoors with no pots and pans required, only a fire pit and a stick or two and the meal is ready.

No. I have to show Peeta that I'm capable of cooking a decent meal. Biting my bottom lip between my teeth and pinching my nose, I give a sigh of defeat. "Maybe that's why he doesn't let me cook. I ruin even a simple pot roast. How pathetic," I said to no one in particular.

I hurriedly scrape off the burnt part of the meat and also took out the vegetables that were ruined. I arrange it neatly on a platter so that the part that I cut out is not visible. I step back and admired my work. I smile and look at the clock above the stove. Peeta will be home any minute now. I covered the meat and I hurriedly ran upstairs to wash up and change into clean shirt.

I heard the door open and Peeta's voice inquiring if I was home.

I ran downstairs and saw the confusion and amused look on his face. I watch him from the door and couldn't help noticing how healthy he looks now, the weight he lost from the Hunger games and then some when he was hijacked is coming back slowly. I stare at his luscious lips and fit body. Peeta is one gorgeous man and his…mine.

I gasp at the thought feeling a little embarrass. I'd be kidding myself if I said I didn't see the other girls from town and the girls from Seam look at him; and I'd be kidding if, I also said I'm not jealous because I am. Peeta turns around when he heard me.

"What is all of this?" he asks smiling. Putting the loaf of bread on the table, he cross the room and kisses me.

"Well…I tried to make dinner but it didn't turn out good, obviously. I don't think the oven likes me," I said with a little shrug feeling embarrass at my lack of cooking skills. He took the foil off from the plate and grins.

"This looks good," he said kindly. I sigh and sat down. I know he just said it to make me feel good. I took the loaf of bread and slice them. I was surprise at myself because despite that it's a little burnt the meal was good and hearty.

Peeta helps me with the dishes. I was washing them when he came up behind me. I turn and he pins me against the counter with his soft luscious lips. He tasted sweet. I shivered in delight with his actions; Peeta's eyes take a look I've come to recognize; emotions, lust and his love for me. With a soft sound of desire, I deepened my kiss and I slide my arms around his neck. He encircles my waist into his strong arms.

"Thank you for making dinner tonight, it was good. And I wanted to tell you that your effort is greatly appreciated," he mumbles against my mouth.

"I love you, Peeta," there I said it at last, and if feels good. Peeta pulls away from me and when I look at his bright blue eyes there is shock and apprehension in them. My heart skips a beat when he stares at me and not saying anything. I feel the panic rises up to my chest, when Peeta holds his free hand to my cheek, his thumb skimming across my skin. I lean into his touch. "I love you, too. Always." He leans in and kisses me softly.

I fall back into his arms, a hunger growing in me. I want him, these needs I've had these feelings before but never this extreme. My hands search through Peeta as we kiss. Without thinking, I blindly undo the buttons of his shirt. Once it was done, I start where I left off, feeling the smooth skin of his chest, his shoulders, then along his midriff. My hands travel down the front of his pants and Peeta shudders at the contact.

"Katniss…" he breathes heavily. "I don't think this is such a good idea. I don't want you to regret anything if you're not ready."

"I'm not going to regret anything," I tell him honestly. "I want you and I'm ready."

A flush of uncertainty flashes in Peeta's eyes. I know how difficult it must be for him to believe me now but, after a moment he was kissing me again. We kissed in urgency, his arms braced on the counter then he stops. I look at him in confusion. He grins at me and scoop me up and we headed upstairs to our bedroom.

Peeta put me down gently and kisses my lips, then my neck and finally he pulls my shirt off, then I help him take his pants and my pants off. Slowly he positions himself above me, holding himself up with his forearms. "Are you sure?"

"I trust you." Then I cling tightly into his shoulders, knowing that it will hurt me at first. Peeta angles himself towards me and gently pushes his way inside of me. I gasp at the pain and Peeta stops and look me in the eye. He looks worried and asks, "Are you ok? I'm so-" I pull him back down before he can finish his sentence. After our love making, Peeta holds me tight my head rest on his chest and we both fell asleep peacefully.