Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Chapter Ten
When I wake up Peeta is nowhere to be found but he's left a plate of pastries from the complimentary breakfast bar on the nightstand along with a spare room key. He must have gotten up early. I quickly take a shower and dress in a button up shirt and sweats. Jo, Annie and I are meeting in the lobby before heading to the salon to have our hair and makeup done.
As always Jo is the last one to arrive. "You look like shit." I offer.
"Thanks. Can we stop somewhere and get coffee?" She asks Annie as she covers her eyes with her over sized sunglasses.
"Rough night?" Annie giggles leading us to her car.
"Finn's cousin is into some kinky shit." Wow, this is the first time I've ever heard Jo complain about sex. I'm intrigued. What kind of shit could he be into that scares Johanna Mason?
"Does this mean I can sleep in your room tonight?" I ask hopefully once we're seated in the car and well on our way to the parlor.
"No. I'm still planning on sleeping with him again tonight. There's no way I'm not having wedding sex." Right, I should have known. "What the hell is wrong with you anyway? Why don't you want to share a room with Peeta?"
"Things have just been weird between us lately." I mumble while staring out the window. "But anyway, I don't want to talk about me and Peeta on Annie's wedding day. Today is all about the future Mrs. O'Dair." Annie squeals at my last comment.
"Sorry." She apologizes. "It just seems real now, you know? I'm going to be Mrs. Finnick O'Diar in like five hours!" I can't help but smile at her excitement. I couldn't be happier for Finn and Annie although I'm slightly worried she's no longer paying attention to the road.
Luckily, we make it to the beauty parlor in one piece. A man with striking dark features introduces himself as Cinna. He owns the salon and has been doing Annie's mother's hair for ages. He has a comforting presence about him. He will be fixing mine and Annie's hair while Jo will have a beautician named Portia. We'll take turns with Flavius and Octavia, the makeup artists and an odd looking woman named Venia who will do our nails. I'm not used to being pampered but I find I quite like it. After they're finished, I look in the mirror but can hardly recognize myself. Cinna has curled my hair into a sideways bun, my smoky eye shadow brings out the color of my irises and my usually bitten down nails look amazing. I've never felt so beautiful in my life which is funny considering I'm nearly seven months pregnant.
We arrive back at the hotel a few hours later where we are supposed to hide out in Annie's mother room until it's time to head to the church. She is providing a small lunch with champagne to ease everyone's nerves before we get dressed. The photographer will be there to take pictures as well. Jo and I separate from Annie to stop by our rooms to retrieve our dresses, jewelry and shoes. Peeta must be back because I hear the shower running as soon as I walk through the door.
I'm singing 'Chapel of Love' to myself, lost in my own world as I gather my things unaware the water has been turned off until I catch sight of Peeta. He has a small towel wrapped around his waist and his chiseled chest is dripping with remnants from his shower. He looks sexy as hell. "Sorry. I didn't realize you were back." He explains as he uses another towel to dry his blonde waves. Realizing I'm staring at him he continues. "I wasn't trying to seduce you or anything but if it's working..." Peeta trails off waggling his eyebrows.
I giggle at his comment and turn my attention to the floor, not wanting to be caught staring again. "I, uh, I was just getting my dress and stuff for later."
"Oh, right." He clears his throat.
"Where were you this morning by the way?" I question while meeting his eyes trying my best to ignore his half naked body.
"Oh, I was checking on the cake. I had Darius drive it down in the bakery van this morning to put it in the hotel refrigerator." Darius is Peeta's second in command at the Philadelphia bakery. He would be the only person Peeta would trust with that much responsibility. I know Peeta has been working extra hard on the O'Dair cake this past week.
"Right, well, I'm just going to go." I jerk my head towards the door as I swiftly grab my things. I'm about to turn the handle when Peeta stops me by speaking again.
"You look good by the way. I like the hair and makeup although I think you look beautiful, always." I'm tempted to drop everything and run into his arms when he says crap like that but I was supposed to be in the Cresta's room five minutes ago. Besides, it's unfair of me to string Peeta along when I'm not completely sure I'm ready to take that next step with him.
"Thanks. I'll see you later." After slamming the door, I lean against it reminding myself how to breathe. When I'm eventually composed, I head down the hall in search of the girls.
Mrs. Cresta has apparently just come to the realization that her only daughter is getting married today because she keeps saying it over and over again. Annie's aunt has had to fix her mother's makeup at least a dozen times since I've been here. It's getting a bit ridiculous. Thanks mostly to Jo the girls are now on their third bottle of champagne. I'm not entirely confident she'll be sober walking down the aisle. The photographer takes all sorts of pictures including one of all the dresses, shoes and bouquets. He captures a heartfelt moment between Annie and her mother when Mrs. Cresta helps her put on a pearl necklace which happens to be Annie's something borrowed. Her dress is her something old, her shoes are her something new and her silky garter is her something blue although the bouquet of flowers are shades of blue hydrangeas. Photos are snapped of everyone helping Annie into the lacy, v-neck, fit and flair wedding gown that her mother once wore.
Our limousine is waiting outside the hotel once we get confirmation that Finnick is nowhere near the lobby. The couple was adamant they did not want to see each other before the ceremony. Annie actually stayed with her parents last night. Once we're dropped off at the church and taken to a room for last minute preparations, the limo will return to the hotel to pick up the boys.
"What time is it?" Annie asks anxiously wringing her hands. She looks absolutely stunning. Even though the dress once belonged to her mother, it fits as if it was made for her. Her auburn hair is curled with half of it pulled back and covered with a medium length veil that matches her dress. Her makeup is subtle but she doesn't need much thanks to her radiant smile. I can't wait for Finn to see her walk down the aisle.
"It's about time for the grandparents and parents to be seated." Mr. Cresta answers as he enters the room. "You should probably get out there, honey." He tells his wife. Annie's cousin who happens to be the mother of the flower girl leaves with Mrs. Cresta after checking on her daughter. The young girl wearing an adorable white dress similar to mine in style is extremely confident and not at all afraid.
"Are you sure you want to marry him, Annie? I can always sneak you out the back door." Her dad suggests with a smirk on his face.
"Dad, I've never been more certain of anything in my life. I love him." I admire Annie's conviction.
"Good, we love him too." Mr. Cresta gives his daughter a kiss on the cheek. "Jo, Kat, I think you're up next."
We wander into the lobby with the flower girl where a woman that works in the church is standing at the large, double oak doors. She's the same woman that helped us prepare last night at the rehearsal. Smiling politely she cracks the closed doors open to listen to the music nodding when it's our cue to walk down the aisle. The woman moves out of the way to allow two young boys to open each door giving us a full view of the cathedral. I can hear the classical song "Cannon in D" by Pachebel that Annie chose for the bridesmaid's procession.
Jo enters first and when she is halfway down the aisle it's my turn to follow. I hate being the center of attention which I realize I'm not but it feels like I am right now. I meet Peeta's gaze and focus on his striking blue eyes full of desire causing all the other guests to disappear. It's like it's just the two of us in this church and that's all that matters, all that's ever mattered. The blue in his tie and vest that match my short, taffeta dress really brings out the color of his irises. Once I reach the alter I focus my attention on the little girl halfway up the aisle although I can still feel Peeta watching me.
The ornate double doors are closed again when the music changes to the wedding march. They're swung open one more time to reveal the beautiful bride and her father. I glance at Finnick to my left catching him wipe away his tears. Peeta puts a hand on his shoulder obviously giving Annie a compliment as the groom nods his head with a smile. By the time Mr. Cresta gives Finn his daughter's hand the couple are both in tears.
It's a short ceremony. The officiate gets right to the point. He describes the love between Annie and Finnick, they recite the traditional vows and then he asks for the rings. Peeta gently positions the white gold symbols on the preacher's outstretched bible where the bride and groom will retrieve them. After the exchanging of the rings he pronounces them husband and wife telling Finnick he may now kiss his bride. Finn wraps both of his arms around Annie's waist before giving her a passionate kiss as he dips her back towards the ground. The entire church breaks into applause with some guests even hooting and hollering. Once the noise has died and the kiss has finished the preacher speaks again. "Let me be the first to introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Finnick O'Dair." Suddenly the James Brown song "I feel good" blares from the loud speakers.
Finnick and Annie clasp hands while they walk down the aisle and out of the church. Peeta bows offering me his palm as I take it smiling without hesitation. We follow the flower girl and ring bearer while Jo and Annie's brother take up the rear. Outside the guests are able to greet the bridal party which means I'm forced to accept congratulations from a lot of people I've never met. However, I recognize some family members and friends like Thresh and Rue.
The guests are directed to the hotel for cocktail hour while the bridal party stays behind for pictures. I'm not able to have a lengthy conversation with anyone because there are so many people around and we're being pushed and pulled in a million different directions for photos. We suffer for about an hour until it's time to load up the limo and head towards the party.
We're announced in pairs by the band as we enter the reception ending with Mr. and Mrs. O'Dair. The bridal party is seated at the front of the ballroom except Peeta who stands on the stage to the left of our table. The couple is directed to the middle of the dance floor where the cake and two champagne flutes are located on a wheeled cart. The applause falters after Peeta clears his throat into the microphone to gain the attention of the room. He combs his hand through his blonde curls before beginning his speech.
"For those of you don't know me, my name is Peeta Mellark. I'm Finn's best man. I was fortunate enough to meet Finnick my freshman year of college when divine powers brought us together as roommates. If you would have told me back then that I would be standing here at his wedding giving a speech I probably would have called you crazy. Not only because I had no intention of remaining friends with him but also because Finnick O'Dair was not likely to take a wife." He pauses allowing the crowd to chuckle. "However, three years ago that all changed. Finn and I were living together in an apartment off campus. On a side note, I was obviously wrong about our friendship not lasting past freshman year. Anyway, he came home from swim practice in a complete daze. To be honest, I'm not even sure how he made it back to the apartment in one piece. So I asked him what was up and he says to me, he says 'I'm in love. Peeta, I just met the woman I'm going to marry' with a goofy ass grin on his face. Now, you can imagine my surprise at his confession. It sounded like something I would say..." Peeta glances in my direction before returning his attention to the audience. "...but not Finn. No, Annie definitely did a number on him. I'll be the first to admit though I have never been happier to be more wrong about any two things in my entire life. Not only is Finn the best friend anyone could have but boy, does he look good in love. Annie, Finnick, you are a beautiful couple and here's to the rest of your lives." Peeta raises his champagne glass in the air while the crowd follows drinking to the newlyweds before applauding.
The best man's speech is followed by the traditional cutting of the wedding cake. Of course Peeta did an amazing job shaping it into a realistic sandcastle. In fact if I didn't know better I would question whether or not it's edible. He even shaped blue icing around the bottom to look like waves bringing in the color scheme. Finnick plays nice by delicately feeding Annie a bite but she does the complete opposite smashing a piece into his face. Once Finn is cleaned and the cake is wheeled away, it's my turn to take center stage next to the band.
I hate public speaking and I'm terrified of crowds. I don't know how Annie talked me into doing this. I clear my throat into the microphone willing my hand to not reach for my nonexistent braid. "Hi. I'm Katniss Everdeen and I'm Annie's maid of honor. Unlike Peeta, I'm not very good with words so instead of a giving a speech, the couple has asked me to sing a song for their first dance so Mr. & Mrs. O'Dair, this is for you." Thankfully the lights are turned low except for the spotlight on Finnick and Annie in the middle of the dance floor which eases my nerves. However I find I can't breathe once the piano starts to play. I eagerly search the crowd for Peeta's comforting eyes to give me strength. I find him near the bridal party table watching me intently.
Heart beats fast
Colors and promises
How to be brave
How can I love when I'm afraid
To fall
But watching you stand alone
All of my doubt
Suddenly goes away somehow
All of a sudden I begin to understand the meaning behind the lyrics of this song as I sing to Peeta in this roomful of people like we're the only two here and that's all that matters. I'm scared shitless but I've never wanted anything more in my entire life.
One step closer
I have died everyday
waiting for you
Darlin' don't be afraid
I have loved you for a
Thousand years
I'll love you for a
Thousand more
Time stands still
beauty in all she is
I will be brave
I will not let anything
Take away
What's standing in front of me
Every breath,
Every hour has come to this
I'm such a fucking idiot. I'm the only one holding myself back from true happiness. I trust Peeta explicitly with all of my heart; I need to have the courage to trust myself. I know deep down there will never be anyone else. I don't want there to be anyone else.
One step closer
Peeta moves nearer to the stage navigating the crowd along the wall to my left but never taking his smoking eyes off mine.
I have died everyday
Waiting for you
Darlin' don't be afraid
I have loved you for a
Thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more
And all along I believed
I would find you
Time has brought
Your heart to me
I have loved you for a
Thousand years
I'll love you for a
Thousand more
How much time have I wasted dating losers and scumbags and fighting my true feelings? How much time have we wasted? This should be us, this should be our wedding. Why would I ever doubt myself? Why would I ever doubt us?
One step closer
One step closer
I'm ready to sprint into Peeta's arms. I want this song to be over with already. I'm tired of listening to my head instead of my heart.
I have died everyday
Waiting for you
Darlin' don't be afraid
I have loved you for a
Thousand years
I'll love you for a
Thousand more
And all along I believed
I would find you
Time has brought
Your heart to me
I have loved you for a
Thousand years
I'll love you for a
Thousand more
After the last verse, I rush off the stage before the applause dies down. I can vaguely hear the band leader announce the next dance which is either the father-daughter dance or mother-son dance. It's not important though because the only thing that is in this moment is finding Peeta. Everyone seems to be gathered around the dance floor and it's impossible to see him now that I'm off the stage. I push through the other guests towards his general direction until the crowd parts enough to reveal him standing a couple of feet away. His dark blue eyes are full of lust, desire, and passion probably mirroring my own.
There's no longer any doubt in my mind because I know with every fiber of my being that we belong together. Peeta and I meet in the middle staring as if challenging the other to back away. I gently place a hand on each side of his face lowering his lips to mine for a tender embrace. Peeta is hesitant at first but eventually responds coaxing my mouth open with his tongue. This kiss is full of love, of heat, of fire. Both of us are fully aware of what this means for our relationship. There's no turning back now.
I reluctantly pull away to whisper against his lips. "It's you; it's always been you, Peeta." He grins as I comb my fingers through his golden locks and pull him closer for another kiss.
A/N: Yay, Katniss is finally on board too! I know everyone has been waiting for this moment so I truly hope you all like it! On another note, this story will probably be wrapping up in the next couple of chapters. I'm debating on writing an epilogue versus a sequel although I don't have many idea for a sequel just yet. Also, I'm strong considering writing outtakes for this story in Peeta's point of view. I think it would be interesting to explore his relationships with Glimmer and Delly and what happened at the bachelor party. Any thoughts? Preferences? Let me know! I enjoy your feedback!