So sorry for the long wait, the Spring Fling challenge caused some delays, but here is the smut!

Thank you to all of you who favorite-ed and followed this story. But the biggest appreciation goes to those of you who give me a minute or two of your time to leave a review, you guys make it all worth it!

Also I must give credit where credit is due, thank you to the best betas in the world, kismet4891 and katnissinme. You guys are absolutely wonderful.

In Name Only

Chapter 11

The bedroom door shut with a muffled thud as Peeta ever so gently helped Katniss to her feet. Immediately he turned around and locked the door behind them – the last thing either one of them wanted was any interruptions.

Peeta took both of her hands, "Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?"

Katniss rolled her eyes and grinned. "You mentioned it once or twice. You look very handsome yourself."

"Well, thank you," Peeta replied as he kissed her chastely on the lips, pulling away to ask with a boyish grin, "Were you ever allowed to open any presents on Christmas Eve?"

"No," she answered with a bit of surprise. She hadn't expected a whole lot of conversation at this point. "If we were good we got to look in our stockings before chores, but we always had to wait to open presents until after breakfast and we all had our clothes changed."

"My, you must have had a lot of patience," Peeta marveled.

"I suppose I did," she admitted, "although nothing that compares to you."

"Good things come to those who wait," he teased.

"I think you've waited long enough," Katniss quipped and started to unbutton his vest.

"I can wait just a few moments more. I wouldn't feel right proceeding until I've given you this," Peeta informedher, and pulled something out of his pants pocket. It was a small, black velvet box. Katniss knew in an instant what it was - a ring, her wedding ring. Peeta opened the box and gave it to Katniss, who pulled it out and examined it. The ring was platinum like her other ring, but it was much simpler. The band was medium width, with scalloped edges. It didn't have any stones but it did have an etched design upon further inspection she realized that the designs were heads of wheat. It seemed fitting for a farmer's daughter married to a baker. While she admired the ring she was only slightly aware of Peeta slipping the old ring off her left hand. "How do you like it?" he whispered.

"Peeta," she sighed and then looked up at him in pure adoration. "I love it!"

"I think that the wedding band goes on first, it's supposed to be closest to your heart." Peeta took it from her and slid it on her left hand, replacing the diamond and emerald ring. Then he moved it so that the diamond rested where the band's edge dipped. "There, they fit together. I was afraid that since they were so different they'd clash, but it looks like they fit perfectly."

"Like us," Katniss said without thinking about it. Then she stood on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his, the kiss quickly escalating. Peeta loosened her hair from its braid and ran his fingers through the silky length.

Soon they were working on each other's buttons and pulling at clothes. When Peeta removed her dress Katniss finally understood the reason why Portia had insisted that all her undergarments be so pretty – it was for moments like this. She stood before him in her cream satin and lace structured chemise. Katniss smiled shyly at seeing Peeta shirtless for the first time since that first night she came to his bed. Suddenly she was bashful, even though she realized that it was silly – they had already seen and touched each other's most personal places, but the prospect of being totally naked in front of him was daunting. She pleaded softly, "Peeta, can we… please, turn off the lights?"

"Oh, of course," he agreed with an understanding smile, "but let's get some of the more complicated things off first." Katniss nodded in agreement as he sat her down at the edge of the bed and kneeled in front of her, untying and removing her then detached her stockings from the garters of her chemise and rolled them down slowly, his fingertips on her naked leg sending goose bumps down her spine. He kissed her knee and then trailed kisses down to her toes. She was amazed how aroused she already felt herself getting from his simplest touches. "There, now we can turn off the lights," he smiled. "Why don't you pull down the covers and I'll get the lamp?"

"Alright," she whispered and pulled the blankets back, settling in between the sheets. She heard Peeta pulling at his pants, and then the clang of his belt hitting the floor. His weight settled beside her and he covered them with the blankets, pulling her close. He kissed her slowly and deeply, while they both lay on their sides. Peeta brought her leg around his hip and then shifted onto his back, pulling her atop of him easily. Through his underwear, Katniss could feel that he was already hard. They continued to kiss and explore each other, Katniss's hands roaming his wide shoulders and firm chest as she ran her fingers through the coarse hairs there. His hands inched up her chemise, quickly warming the bare skin of her stomach.

"May I take this off of you?" he requested respectfully.

She replied, "Yes," with a smile. Peeta sat himself up and leaned back against the headboard before deftly pulling the undergarment up and over her head. The moon outside offered just enough light for Katniss to see the awestruck expression on Peeta's face. He ran his hands up her body, starting at her thighs and slowly trailing up to her breasts. He kneaded them gently before taking one in his mouth and suckling. Katniss moaned, her body feeling as if it were on fire. She settled herself on his hard member and moved her hips, finding some relief in the friction the motion caused…but it wasn't enough. She needed more contact and attention at her center, yet she didn't know how to ask. Finally, she whispered, "Peeta, please."

Peeta flipped them over, hovering over her on his hands and knees. He gathered her hair in his hand and spread it over the pillow above her head. He sighed and said reverently, "I dreamed of this for so long." She replied with a kiss, and spread her legs wide to invite him closer. Peeta parted from her mouth and started to kiss a trail down her body, stopping briefly at each breast before lowering to her navel. When he reached the waistline of her panties, he looked her in the eye, silently asking for permission one last time. She nodded and breathed, "Yours too."

Peeta slid off his own undershorts before dragging her panties down her legs, off her feet, and dropping them to the floor, along with the rest of their clothes. He huskily asked, "Can I taste you again?"

"Yes!" she said a bit more loudly and quickly than she had meant to, and was immediately embarrassed. Peeta laughed and she started to giggle a little.

"I'm glad we both liked it so much," Peeta chuckled before dipping his head down between her thighs. Katniss moaned loudly at the first pass of his tongue, remembering the pleasure that it had brought her just days before. He took his time kissing and caressing her, paying special attention to the exquisite little button that had brought her such ecstasy before. Encouraged by her moans, gasps, and swaying of her hips, he became emboldened and used his fingers to stroke and explore her further. After many intense minutes she called his name in a strangled voice, trying to keep her release quiet as her body tightened around his fingers, before limply falling back in quivering contentment.

Through the darkness and dim moonlight she could see Peeta wiping his mouth with the back of his hand before crawling back over her. He flashed her a blissful smile; he was nearly as satisfied as she was. Katniss reached for him, placing her hands on either side of his face, and pulled him to her, pouring her emotions into an impassioned kiss. She sucked on his tongue and savored the taste of herself on his broke the kiss and whispered in her ear, "Let me know when you're ready." She could feel his erect member pressed against her thigh. Katniss groaned in frustration, her body ached for him. Peeta shifted slightly, placing his length against her sighed at the contact and settled some of his weight on her, pinning her in place, and taking control of the embrace. Katniss hugged him tightly, wanting to feel him closer.

"Peeta, I'm ready," Katniss pleaded softly. Peeta raised himself to look her in the eye. His own eyes were dark with lust, but there was something troubled in his expression."What is it?" Katniss asked in confusion. Did I say or do something wrong?

"I love you so much." Peeta pushed some stray hairs out of her face and confessed, "I've never been anyone's first before – I don't want to hurt you."

"I love you, too," she whispered and took his hand and squeezed it. "It's alright," she soothed, "I've been told it only hurts once. I want you to make me yours."

"Alright," he agreed and placed himself at her entrance, resettling his weight on her, and gently pushed his way in until he met a barrier. Katniss was trying to acclimate to the foreign feeling. This isn't so terrible, she thought. "I'm sorry," Peeta murmured against her skin a fraction of a second before he fully thrust inside her. They both groaned, Peeta in pleasure, Katniss in mild pain. Peeta stilled and looked at her in concern as he wiped a single tear from the corner of her eye with his thumb. He asked in a consoling tone, "Are you okay? Do you want to stop?"

Katniss opened her eyes and shook her head, as she encouraged him, "I'll be alright, keep going."

Peeta kissed her sweetly and started to move above her, slowly at first. Katniss could feel her body stretch to accommodate him. Little-by-little the pinched, uncomfortable feeling melted into pleasure. Peeta's lips found their way back to her breasts, giving her something else to focus on. She gripped his hair in her fists. Her body relaxed and she spread her legs to let him in further. He propelled himself in deeper and slightly faster. "You feel so good," Peeta exhaled with a shaky breath, and nestled his head on her shoulder. "I can't go much longer."

Katniss wrapped her arms around him. She could feel him tensing up and his erratic, warm breaths on her neck. "I'm yours, Peeta," she murmured in his ear. His pace quickened at her words.

"I'm coming," he told her, as his body quaked and thrust deeply a few final times before stilling above her. Helet his full weight rest on her, catching his breath; she felt so contented and at peace. Peeta kissed her lazily before pulling out of her and settling at her side, pulling up the covers, hugging her tightlyas he asked, "Did I hurt you?"

"No," Katniss stretched the truth slightly. "It was unpleasant for a minute or two, but then it got better. In fact, it felt…nice toward the end," she added with a smile.

"It will be better next time," Peeta promised. "Like I said, we can do this again and again, as often as you like."

"I think I'd like that," Katniss giggled, kissing him on the lips and then resting her head on his chest before starting to drift off to sleep.

Peeta shook her a little and whispered, "We should get cleaned up."He got them out of bed and found their robes. When Katniss got out of the bed she felt tenderness at her core and noticed a smear of blood on the sheets, realizing that she was now truly a married woman. Hand-in-hand they walked down the hall as quietly as they could, but Peeta's gait caused him to walk loudly. Katniss cringed slightly, the thought of Prim skipping down the stairs for a drink of water right at this moment, catching them in nothing but their robes, not at all appealing.

When they reached the bathroom Peeta flipped on the light. She saw that his hair was tousled and his eyes were shining with what Katniss guessed to be bliss – because that was what she was feeling. Peeta sat her on the edge of the claw foot tub, got a warm wash rag, and then opened her robe to wipe away the blood and remnants of their love making. Suddenly his face became serious. Katniss wondered aloud, "Peeta, what's wrong?"

"I'm sorry, Katniss.I meant to ask, but then I forgot as it just felt so good, and had been so long," Peeta declared, his regret was obvious.

"Peeta, ask me what?"Katniss questioned confused.

"I should have asked you where you wanted me to spill it," Peeta said in a concerned tone. "I want the choice to be yours."

Once she realized that Peeta was referring to his seed she got a little red-faced – she hadn't thought about it either. Do I want to have a baby so soon? Just being happy with Peeta for a little while would be nice. She soothed him, "It's alright, Peeta, if I get pregnant from one time then it was meant to be. But from now on, pull out or get some of those condom things you told me about. Only for a little while," Katniss added. "I want to have a baby with you, but not yet."

Peeta smiled at her and kissed her cheek. "That's fine, I feel the same way. I want to be selfish with you for a little while."

"Good, that's settled," Katniss smiled. Then she held her hand out to take the rag from Peeta. "I can clean you up."

"No, you better let me do it," Peeta gave her naughty grin, "or you'll get me excited again."

As much as the idea appealed to her she was sore and exhausted, and she knew that Prim would be up bright and early, banging on their bedroom returned to their room where Peeta slipped on his pajama pants and Katniss pulled on a soft orange, eyeleted cotton night gown. Peeta smiled when he saw it on her. "That's my favorite color."

"I know. I had Portia make it," Katniss told him as she crawled into bed.

Peeta gave her a curious look. "When?"

"A couple of weeks after we got married," she replied with a grin.

"Really?!" He gave her a pleasantly surprised look.

"Yes," she said softly. "I just knew that I wanted this to happen, and I wanted to be ready when it did."

Peeta smiled widely. "I never thought that I could be this happy, Katniss."

"Neither did I," she sighed and kissed him.

Finally after a few more loving but exhausted kisses, theywrapped up with each other and drifted off to sleep. Cradling her in the crook of his arm, Peeta whispered, "You love me, real or not?"

Katniss ran her hand over his scarred cheek and said truthfully, "Real, Peeta."

Katniss woke up from the most restful sleep that she could remember having in years to the sun rising. When she opened her eyes, she found herself staring into Peeta's brilliant blues. He smiled and whispered, "Merry Christmas, my beautiful wife."

"Merry Christmas, handsome," she replied. "Been awake long?"

"Just a little while, out of habit," he admitted. "I thought I'd watch you sleep for a bit. Just to make sure that this wasn't a dream."

"And are you sure?" Katniss posed with a tone of playfulness. "Maybe you should kiss me to find out."

"Good idea." Peeta leaned in and pressed his lips to hers as he pulled the covers over them. He moved over her, and soon his hardened member was pressing against her.

Katniss purred, "I think we've proven it's real." They both chuckled and continued to kiss, but then they heard the tell-tale jingle of Prim's bells, followed by the pitter patter of her feet above their room. Katniss groaned. Seconds later there was a loud knock on their door and Prim sang happily, "Katniss! Peeta! It's Christmas!"

"It's alright, this will just give me all day to think about what I'll do to you tonight," Peeta teased softly, kissing her forehead before he called to the door, "Merry Christmas Prim! We'll be out in a few minutes!"

A short while later Katniss and Peeta were dressed and ready for the day. They found Prim waiting for them in the parlor, sitting in front of the Christmas tree, taking in the sight of the presents underneath. Prim was allowed to raid her stocking of her candy and marbles while Katniss made tea and Peeta divvied out breakfast pastries. Finally, after breakfast, Prim was allowed to open her gifts. She loved her books and clothes, and nearly cried over her porcelain doll. Katniss and Prim gave Peeta his gifts, monogrammed handkerchiefs, drawing pencils, and a box of cigars – which Finnick had informed Katniss was an occasional indulgence for Peeta. He seemed thrilled with his gifts, but Katniss still felt badly because it was nothing compared to everything that Peeta had given and shared with them. Prim and Peeta had gotten Katniss a rhinestone and sterling silver comb, to wear in her hair. Peeta claimed that it was all Prim's doing.

A while later, Peeta sat in a chair smoking a cigar as Katniss sat at his feet with her head on his kneeas she watched Prim play. Her mind wandered, and she reminisced about last Christmas. She could not afford to give Prim anything more than a few peppermint sticks then, along with some ill-fitting, second-hand clothes. They didn't get a tree because it was too much trouble and it seemed wrong to celebrate Christmas without Papa there and while Mama lay dumbly in bed. Their Christmas feast consisted of the old, tough rooster that Katniss had strangled to death after finally getting tired of it pecking her when she collected eggs. Even though they'd boiled him all day it was still tough and the meat made for a just barely edible version of chicken and dumplings. Katniss looked around this warm, lovely house, the amazing Christmas tree, thought about the pumpkin pie and cheese buns waiting for them in the kitchen, not to mention the loving man sitting above her. She said a silent prayer of thanks.

Prim looked up from her doll she had been playing with at Peeta and said, "Peeta, where is Katniss's other gift?"

"Oh, here it is Prim," Katniss held out her hand for her sister to see her new wedding band. "Do you like it? Look it has tiny wheat heads engraved on it."

"Awww, it's so pretty," Prim said and took her sister's hand to inspect the ring more closely. But then she gave Peeta a confused expression and asked, "But Peeta, I thought you said that you were going to get Katniss the p…" Prim stopped when she caught Peeta's eye.

Katniss gave the two of them a measured look. "What is going on here?"

"Nothing," Peeta said dismissively, although Katniss could tell by Prim's guilty face that something was going on; her sister never could keep a secret.

"Alright little duck, what is it?" Katniss prompted her sister. Prim was just about to say something when there was a knock at the door.

Peeta put on a huge boyish grin and said, "Come with me and you'll find out." He grabbed Katniss's hand and pulled her off the floor, quickly walking to the door. When he opened the door she saw Peeta's employee Thom and a couple of other teenage boys, who Katniss assumed to be his brothers or cousins. "Merry Christmas!" Peeta greeted them. "Perfect timing! Thom, back the truck as close to the porch as you can get, and I'll help you unload it."

Prim clapped her hands and jumped up and down. Katniss looked out to the driveway and saw something large covered in a tarp and tied down with ropes. Her breath caught in her throat; it looked suspiciously like a piano. No, it can't be, it would be far too much, even for Peeta.Katniss was silent and Peeta held her hand. When the truck backed up to the porch, one of Thom's brothers untied the ropes and pulled off the tarp. "Merry Christmas, Katniss," Peeta whispered in her ear.

"It's Papa's piano, Katniss!" Prim squealed and hugged her sister before she went to inspect the instrument.

Katniss was finally able to rip her eyes from the piano and turn to Peeta. She couldn't stop the happy tears that were falling. She hugged her husband tightly and pressed her lips to his, she didn't care who was watching or what would be said, she just had to thank him and she never was very good with words.

"I take it that you like it," Peeta beamed at her.

"Yes," she said blissfully. "How did you get it back?" Katniss had sold the piano last winter, for the equivalent of one month's rent and a half a cord of wood. It was nothing special, it was probably older that Peeta and Katniss combined and it was well used, yet it still broke Katniss' heart to part with it.

"Prim told me that you sold it to Mr. Blight," Peeta explained, "so I approached him. I guess it turned out the Blights' children were not as musically gifted as their parents had thought, and they were willing to sell the piano to me."

Peeta, Thom, and his brothers moved the piano into the house. When it was in place, Peeta thanked them and handed them a crisp five dollar bill for their trouble. After they left and Prim went outside to take care of Lady, Katniss sat on the bench and sighed, "Peeta I love it, but it is too much."

"No, it isn't," he said and sat next to her.

"A box of cigars and a few pencils are nothing compared to this," Katniss admonished.

"I'll let you in on a little secret," Peeta put his arms around her waist and whispered softly in her ear. "This is really for me, too. I want to hear you sing as often as possible. I love your voice, even when you were a kid, and long before I loved you I liked to hear you sing. Then, when I realized how I felt about you, I would sometimes go to church simply to listen to you."

Katniss blushed and didn't know what to say, she was so touched. After a while she offered, "I'll sing to you later, if you like."

"I'd like that," Peeta returned.

Prim came back inside. They ate leftovers from the night before and munched on cookies and pie that Peeta had brought from the bakery. After lunch Prim insisted that Katniss and Peeta go play outside with her, which they did, all agreeing that no snow balls be thrown. Peeta took them to the hill where he, his brothers, and Finnick used to sled as children. In the evening they sat around the old piano and sang Christmas carols. Eventually Prim tired out, wished them good night, and drug her toys and books up to her room.

Peeta and Katniss took turns taking showers. As Katniss waited for Peeta to get out of the shower she sat at the piano and just looked at it. It brought back so many wonderful memories from her childhood. Peeta came out of the bathroom in his flannel pants and thin white undershirt. His hair was damp, and she could feel the heat building low in her belly already just from looking at him. Her love and desire for him was almost overwhelming. She now understood what Peeta had meant when he told her that sometimes he wanted her so badly that it hurt.

"So, did you have a good Christmas?" Peeta inquired and leaned on the piano.

"The best, thank you, Peeta," Katniss smiled at him and then added half-seriously,"but it was too much."

"No, you and Prim deserved every bit of it and then some," Peeta said in earnest. "Besides, it's nothing compared to what you have given me. You've brought me so much joy and contentment, I can never pay you back for that."

"Yes, you can," she whispered and gave him a naughty grin.

"Is that so?" Peeta eyes became dark and his voice husky. "And how is that?"

"Make love to me," she whispered and stood before him. No more words were needed. Peeta caught her in a kiss and instantly plunged his tongue in her mouth as his hand found her breast and tweaked the tip with his thumb and forefinger. Somehow they managed to make their way to the bedroom, and in seconds they were both nude, Peeta hovering over her.

"Oh God, you're already so wet," Peeta breathed when he reached between her legs to test her readiness.

"I want you now," she moaned.

Peeta could not deny her and slowly sheathed himself in her. This time when they both groaned it was in pleasure. Katniss opened her legs wider and Peeta wrapped them around his waist; this time she moved with him and they found a rhythm. His movements were more fluid and bolder than the previous night. Peeta reached his hand down to where they joined and stroked her, causing her to mewl in ecstasy. Soon she was moaning his name and tightened around him. After she'd stilled, Peeta pulled out. Katniss looked at him and saw that he was stroking himself.

She sat up slightly to get a better vantage. She was entranced by the sight of him kneeling before her with his hand on his hard member, but the thought of how unfair it was that he had to finish himself struck her. "Please let me," she whispered, kneeling before him and wrapping her hand around him.

He let out a guttural moan at the contact. "Like this," he implored, and covered her hand with his and then with the other hand he took her free one and placed them on an undiscovered part of his manhood. She cupped his sack in her hand and marveled at how very different his anatomy was from her own. Peeta placed his hands on her hips and pulled her as close as he could."Please don't stop," he whispered in a thick voice. Soon he was bucking in her hand and his breathing was shallow. Peeta watched her hands as they worked. He grunted and Katniss felt him throb in her hand as a warm, thick liquid spurted on her stomach. Peeta rested his forehead on hers and caught his breath. "That was amazing." Then he surveyed the mess they'd made, and reached over to the nightstand and pulled several tissues from the box and started to clean her off. "Sorry." Katniss could not help but notice the satisfied smile that covered his face.

"You don't look it," she teased.

"What can I say?" He grinned and laid down and pulled her next to him. "I love watching your tiny hands wrapped around me. But I'll get us some condoms this week so you won't have to do that."

"It was alright," she admitted. "I like doing that for you. We can still do it like that sometimes."Peeta gave her a surprised look and a wide smile, causing her to blush. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Because every time that I think that I couldn't love and desire you any more if I tried, you do or say something like that and I fall a little deeper," Peeta truthfully told her, then he moved over her again and started to place open mouth kisses down her face to her neck. "And I'm going to make sure that you know how much I adore you."

"How do you plan on doing that?" Katniss asked in feigned ignorance as his head moved further and further down her body.

Peeta kissed her naval and looked her in the eye, "By making love to you all night, Mrs. Mellark."

Katniss closed her eyes and thought, I love the sound of that!

Thanks for reading!