Peeta-
I'm sitting next to Katniss at the dining room table, trying to steady my heart beat. I still can't believe I spent the night with her. She's sipping orange juice looking beautiful, but nervous.
Maybe I should've taken her home last night. I won't be able to let her go now. Spending last night with her just makes me feel more justified in thoughts I've had about her since I was 14. I don't know if she thinks we are moving too fast. But all of the things I loved about her before I'd even spoken to her... all the things about her I fell in love with at camp... are still there.
Not to mention so many new things. Like her perfect mouth with those soft, gorgeous lips. And her sarcastic side. The way her hair smells... like lavender and mint, maybe? Or, how her body, fit perfectly with mine when we spooned. How, in heels she's not too tall for me, and I can just reach her lips without having to bend down awkwardly. But without the added height she's deliciously tiny.
Dammit! I need to get a hold of myself before I embarrass-
"Are you okay? You look flushed." Katniss whispers to me.
"Uh… Yeah. Just hungry. You?" I respond.
She nods her head and takes my hand under the table.
Everyone would think I'm crazy. Crazy, because we're so young, but I know I'd marry her... tomorrow, if I could. There are so many more things we should find out about each other before thinking about anything that serious. And we're so young. But I've lost most of my family... and so much time. Time I could've had with her. Since the crash, I've started taking on the Carpe Diem frame of mind. And I... love her. I'm still in love with Katniss Everdeen. I almost told her right after our first kiss. I've loved her since before I knew what that really meant. I want to be with her always, and make babies with her, and grow old with her...
"Peeta. Katniss, sweetie. I'm so glad you made it for breakfast, dears." Effie's says breaking me out of my racing thoughts.
"Thanks. If you're making food, Effie. I'm always in." I say.
"Yeah, thank you, Auntie." Katniss says.
How am I gonna do this, the right way? Slowly, like normal teenagers would, when I'm bursting with all these feelings for her. And she's just barely had her first kiss. What... a... kiss, too. It was... friggin' magical. Like fairy tale status. And every one since that.
Does she feel like this? Did she think it was as mind blowing, as I did?
She did agree to be my girlfriend. Man, I wish I could read minds.
"Thank you for having all of us Effie. Aren't you ready to go on your honeymoon?" Portia says to Effie.
"Not at all, it's no problem. I love a full house. We have a travel agent who says traveling to France, which is where I've wanted to go since I was a little girl, would be better next month. But this was a better month to actually get married. Because of the time off most people have and..." Effie starts.
"The boy is just getting settled in and school is on a break. I hope you'll be responsible with school and... Uh other things, while we're gone for three weeks." Haymitch chimes in.
He looks between me and Katniss, causing me to choke on my water, and her to blush profusely, then shoot daggers at me with her silver eyes. She lets go of my hand.
Did he have to bring this up while everyone is here?
"Of course. You two have a great time. Don't worry about anything." I say hopefully reassuringly.
After breakfast. I'm pulled into the study with Haymitch, Finnick, Cinna and some of the other guys. While Katniss is invited by Effie to check out the garden with the ladies. As she's being escorted away, I give her a silent apology. She gives me an uneasy look. I smile, hoping she'll see I'm not scared and she doesn't need to be. But I honestly don't know what to expect.
"So boy, did you snow cap the mountain, prior to the avalanche? Did you shadow the groundhog, before springing the rain? Did you rubber the hose, while you were watering the lily?" Haymitch asks while pouring himself dark brown liquor.
"What!?" I say trying to grasp that he really just asked me that.
"Did you use protection? You know, whilst you were bumping uglies with my little cousin?" Finnick accuses.
"Oh my god! Did you really just say...? No we didn't use anything." I say pinching the bridge of my nose.
There's a collective groan among the men standing around me.
"Peeta, there are things as a gentleman, you should always think of when a woman is concerned. What if she gets pregnant? Are you ready to get married? At 17?" Cinna says.
To Katniss? Yes, no question.
"But we-" I start.
"She say she was on the pill? Cause that doesn't mean you can't still catch something." One of the groomsmen says.
"Hey shut your mouth. Katniss is a good girl-" Finnick snaps back.
"No I-" I try again.
"Oh boy. You should know better. Now, I want to be able to take Effie to Paris, but I can't leave you here when you can't even be responsible enough to wrap up your Jimmy." Haymitch says.
"We didn't have sex!" I yell.
I'm immediately embarrassed.
"Oh. Oh, my bad kid. I thought you, uh, ok." Haymitch says while the rest of the fellas chuckle at his mistake.
"Look, I've liked Katniss for a long, long time. I just got back and we've both been through a lot. I wouldn't take advantage of the situation, nor do I think for a second she'd let me. She needed a ride home. I thought I'd show her the new place beforehand. We got to talking, I gave her... her first kiss and we fell asleep. In the morning, I asked her to be my girlfriend. All very innocent." I admit.
"Well, damn kid. Guess you are responsible. Good talk." Haymitch says as if taking credit for my good judgment.
"So, she was saving her first kiss for you?" Finnick asks teasingly rubbing my hair.
"How sweet." Cinna says genuinely.
"Well, I don't know. Maybe I'm just lucky." I say shrugging.
"So did she say yes? To the girlfriend thing." Haymitch says.
"Yeah, she did, but if the women are drilling her, like you just did me, she may regret it." I say.
Katniss-
Why?
Why did I spend the night?
Why? Am I sitting here in Aunt Effie's garden getting stared at like I'm a nun who betrayed her vows?
"So, young lady. Does Iris know you're here?" Effie starts.
"Umm, not exactly. But she is at work until noon and Prim is at her friends. So, I would've just been home alone." I say quietly.
While some of the other women are busy in their own conversations, Effie, Portia and Annie are sitting with me, near the rose bushes. I never really cared for roses but the white ones are very pretty.
"So, are you two, dating, now?" Effie asks.
"Well, he did ask me to be his girlfriend this morning." I admit not able to stop the grin from popping up.
"Yeah, about this morning, are you prepared? I mean, are you on birth control?" Annie says quietly putting a hand on mine like a big sister.
"No, God no! I've never even-" I start.
"Gotten your period?" Effie gasps.
"Auntie!" I say shocked.
"Well, have you?" Aunt Effie persists.
"Yes." I hiss back bright red.
"Ok, because I was gonna say that would be crazy. You're almost 18." Annie states.
"You've never... been with a boy before last night?" Portia tries.
"No, not-" I say.
Then we hear...
"We didn't have sex!" Being yelled by Peeta coming from the house.
The other ladies giggle at this outburst. But I'm beyond mortified. I'm sure my face shows it.
"Oh, guess there's that answer. Hopefully, the guys are telling Peeta how it looks and shouldn't have my niece, alone in his apartment all night. It's just... manners." Effie says clearly both relived and flustered.
"We didn't mean for me to spend the night. We used to be... close but had a... misunderstanding before he left. It's finally cleared up. We fell asleep and Haymitch came to get us for breakfast and sort of caught us kissing. But nothing else happened." I explain.
"Well, I think you're cute together. So, he asked you to be his girlfriend?" Portia asks thankfully, changing the subject.
"Yeah, it was sweet." I answer.
"I'm happy for you, both. I'm pretty sure Peeta has had feelings for you for a long time." Annie says.
"I know, only I just found out. I thought he left without saying good bye. So, I guess I have you to thank, Effie. For putting us together in the wedding." I say.
"Katniss? You uh, want me to drive you home now?" Peeta asks arriving out of nowhere.
They all look at him like they just saw the cutest puppy in the world. He looks as embarrassed as I am.
"Oh, yeah. I better get home. Thanks again Auntie." I say, hugging all three women and waving to the rest, before going over to Peeta.
He leads me out of the house before saying anything.
"I'm so sorry." He says.
"No it's fine. I... they... I think we were being asked the same questions." I confess.
"Oh my God! How embarrassing. I'm sorry. I didn't think about how it would look to everyone. I was just so happy to finally..." He starts.
"Hey, look at me. I know you didn't. I'm not mad. It was humiliating. And they shouldn't have assumed, but, they were concerned for us. It felt like family. It was nice. My mom is always so busy... Sorry anyway, it's fine." I catch myself before I get too deep into my mommy issues.
"So you're not having second thoughts about being my girlfriend?" He asks taking my hand in his as we walk.
"Nope, not yet. You regret asking me?" I ask hopefully.
I can't figure out why Peeta Mellark likes me so much but I sure as hell don't want it to stop anytime soon.
"Never." He answers, opening the car door for me.
That earns him a quick kiss before I slide into the car.
"Yup, best decision I ever made." He says grinning as he shuts my door.
As we are driving to my house I call to check on Prim and to text Gale to let him know that I'm ok.
"I got a text at breakfast from Gale asking where I was. He must've come by to see if I felt like hunting this morning. Thankfully, my mom hasn't tried to get a hold of me. So, no one has told her about our little impromptu sleepover yet." I tell Peeta just as he pulls up to my house.
"So... what does your boyfriend have to do to get your cell number?" Peeta asks.
"Oh yeah. Let me see your phone. I'll text myself and then I'll have yours too." I offer.
Peeta pulls out a blue iPhone I have only seen in commercials. I'm a little jealous it looks so shiny and new.
"What? Haymitch bought it for me... I would've gotten orange but they didn't have any. What? I happen to like color. What is it?" He chuckles somehow sounding defensively ashamed.
"No. You don't have to explain to me, Mellark. Prim has been begging me to upgrade for like 16 months. But I'm good with our ancient phone. I don't want us to become spoiled." I say teasingly.
"Well, as my girlfriend, you should intend on being thoroughly spoiled. And I'll be really extravagant, and public with it if you don't except my gifts happily." He says winking at me.
"No way. I'm not gonna be accused of being a gold digger. Like it or not. Your girlfriend is middle class. Well, maybe less then middle class." I say trying the keep my jovial tone while actually feeling a little embarrassed.
"You know, I like you just the way you are. So please, don't ever misinterpret a gift from me as anything more than me... showing my gratitude. For forgiving me for not fessing up to my crush on you before I left. For missing years of time I could've been giving you presents. And for just, finally having the privilege, of calling you my girl." He says.
I'm blushing and in complete awe of the words his beautiful mouth concocts. I don't know how to respond. So I chastely kiss him again.
"You're sweet. But, I still don't want you going too far out of your way for-" I start.
"Plus, I've always thought, you can't take money with you when you go, so why not spend it on people you lov... Um, uh... love spending money on. Wouldn't you buy Prim any phone she wanted if you could?" Peeta asks.
"Yeah, I guess. I mean everybody wants nice things. But I don't want her to care so much about superficial things like having the coolest, newest clothes or things. Or phone. I want her to care more about getting good grades, finding her inner beauty, and knowing how to be a good friend. I hope that she can look at things and see their worth, not just their value." I counter.
"You are so... so..." He starts but just shakes his head smiling.
"What Mellark? What am I?" I playfully demand.
"You're so stinkin' cute, smart and selfless. You're just still amazing. Can I take you on a date?" He asks.
"Peeta, you don't have to ask me out. We're already together. Like, symbolically and literally." I jest.
"I know, but I don't even want to let you get out of the car. Didn't Madge say something about doing something at a lake today?" He recalls.
"Yeah but, we don't have to go to that. We can hang out here." I mutter looking out the window.
"Katniss Everdeen. Are you ashamed of your new beau?" He accuses.
"Should I expect you to bust out into this early 1900's southern gentleman every so often?" I tease.
"Is somebody avoiding the question?" He counters smirking.
"I'm not ashamed. I just like spending time, the two of us. I just got you back. I kind of don't want to share you, yet." I confess.
"Kat, I get that. I don't really want to share you either. But, we've already missed valuable time. I would like to go on dates with you. You know, like normal couples do? The lake, with your friends, is as good a place to start as anywhere." He argues.
I decide we can go to Madge's dad's lake house. Peeta leaves me at home to shower and get ready. He says he wants to come back and pick me up like a proper date does.
Mom comes home. She asks how the rest of the wedding was and gushes about how pretty I looked. After telling her I'm going to hang out with friends at the lake house, I go back and forth about whether to tell her I spent the night at Peeta's. Part of me feels like I'm the parent and she and Prim are the children, so it's none of her business what I do. And another part of me really wants to tell my mom about my first kiss and my first real boyfriend.
"I'm home!" Prim calls from the living room.
"In here Little Duck. How was Rue's?" I ask her from the bathroom where I'm trying to apply some eyeliner.
"Great. We watched movies and ate popcorn. You know slumber party stuff." Prim says.
"Hi baby." Mom greets Prim in the hallway.
"You're awake. Hi." Prim says giving her a big hug.
"Yeah, your sister is going out tonight and so it's just you and me. I was thinking we could maybe-"
"Mom can I talk to you? For just a... just a minute. Sorry Prim. I need to talk about big people stuff, k?" I blurt out.
Prim chuckles, then goes to our room and shuts the door.
"What is it honey?" Mom asks after I've been standing there for a minute not sure how to begin.
I figure I'll start at the beginning. I tell her about camp and how I met Peeta. About how I thought he left things and then seeing him again yesterday was so crazy. I told her how Gale did what he did and Peeta explained everything and that he really liked me. She listened patiently. I reminded her how I needed a ride last night and then confessed to our, or rather my, first kiss. She was really happy for me. Then came the hard part about the sleeping arrangements. I told her how it wasn't on purpose and that nothing more than kissing happened but that he asked me out. Then finally, the embarrassing debacle of Haymitch and Aunt Effie. She wasn't as excited about that information. But all and all I was glad I did it. It made me feel like I had a mom again.
"Thank you for confiding in me Kit Kat." Mom says tears threatening.
I just nod and shrug. Trying to swallow the lump in my throat. No ones called me that since dad died.
"Honestly it means so much, but truthfully Effie called me at work hours ago." She admitted.
"What? Really? Why didn't you yell at me when you first came in?" I ask flabbergasted.
"Well, Effie was all panicky and said that you'd spent the night there at Peeta's and although I was a little shocked. I thanked her for telling me and said that I wasn't worried. I didn't know about the other stuff till you told me." She says.
"Not worried? But I'm a teenager." I pointed out.
"Yes, but Katniss you are the most, mature, level headed, responsible, determined young woman I know. And even if you were to act like a teenager for a while. You deserve to. You deserve to find out the boy you always liked likes you back. And have a first kiss and do teenagers stuff for a change. I'm sure you'll make good decisions. And if you make a few not so good ones. I'm sure you'll recover fast and with a lesson learned." Mom tells me.
"Thanks, Mom." I say and hug her for longer than I have in a while.
"So he's going to pick you up?" She asks.
"Uh huh." I answer.
"This is your first official date? Ever?" She asks.
"Uh huh."
"And you really like him a lot?" She states more than asks.
"Yes mom..." I practically whine.
"Do you need help getting ready?" She offers.
Mom helps fix my smudged liner and my hair. After she helps me pick out a bathing suit, I decide to put Peeta's basketball shorts back on with a tank top over it. Prim, mom and I are one the couch when there's a knock at the door.
"Kit Kat don't bite your nails, sweetie." Mom scolds as she walks to the door.
I didn't realize I was nervous. But I guess that's normal. Prim smiles at me and I relax significantly.
"Oh, it's just you." Mom says.
"Dern, Mrs. E. It's just me? What'd I do? Hey Catnip, what'd I do?" Gale questions her then me.
My phone lights up and it's a text from Peeta.
Peeta: Hey stopped 2 get gas & drinks & stuff. B there in 2 shakes.
K: 2 shakes? Lol
Peeta: Yeah. Of a lambs tail. ;)
K: Oh duh? K
"Catnip? Hello. Earth to Katniss? Are you going to Madge's? Do you want a ride?" Gale interrupts my inner chuckle at Peeta using such an old expression.
"Huh? Oh no thanks. I'll see you there." I say.
"Katniss has a date." Prim sighs romantically.
"Mind your beeswax." Mom shoos her out.
"With who?" Gale inquires.
"Umm... My boyfriend actually. He's coming to get me in a minute." I declare.
"Hahaha so funny. You don't have a boyfriend." Gale quips.
There's another knock at the door.
"I wouldn't be so sure about that." Mom mutters while getting the door a second time.
"Hi, Peeta. It's so good to see you again." Mom greets him.
I stand up and grab my bag.
"Bye." I tersely say to Gale and walk around him with his mouth agape.
"Hi Katniss. These are for you." Peeta says handing me a beautiful bouquet of Stargazer Lilies.
I can't take my eyes off him. He is in an O'Neil tank top and board shirts. And even though I saw him shirtless earlier today he looks so delicious in his beach clothes. He seems to be pleased that I went with his shorts again.
"Oh those are gorgeous. I'll just put them in some water. Prim! Prim could you put these in some water?" Mom gushes.
"Hi again. I'm Primrose."
"Hi again." Peeta greets both Prim and Gale.
"He's hot." Prim whispers so loudly to me, all of us hear it.
Prim takes the flowers. Peeta blushes. Mom shakes her head and chuckles. And Gale's jaw is on the floor, but he doesn't respond to Peeta.
"Thank you. For the flowers." I tell him.
We say bye to my mom, who winks at me, then goes to her room.
"Shall we head out? I Google mapped the address and it should only take like 15 to 20 minutes." Peeta says as I walk over and take his offered arm.
Ever my sweet southern gent. We are walking to the car, when Gale finally speaks.
"What is this Catnip?" Gale says through his teeth and grabs my free elbow, jerking me in the opposite direction of Peeta's car.
"Ow." I yip irritated.
"Are you okay-"
"Are you serious-?"
They both ask me at the same time. Peeta of course felt me get yanked and heard me complain so he doesn't look happy.
"Dude, I'm trying to talk to my... Best Friend. Could you give us a minute?" Gale huffs at Peeta.
"First off, don't grab her like that again. Especially, since you say she's your best friend. Secondly, I'll give you as many minutes as you need, if, and only if, Katniss wants to give you a minute. And last, I can't even begin to tell you how much I'm NOT, your Dude." Peeta bites.
Crap, that escalated quickly. How did I not notice that Peeta is standing almost nose to chin with Gale, who is taller but leaner than Peeta, while I'm being maneuvered behind Peeta?
"Ok, baker boy?" Gale quips smirking.
"Hey? Guys?" I try to address them.
"You know, I thought I would try and be nice to you. Even though you're not really that good of a friend." Peeta snarks.
"Ok, let's stay calm." I try again.
They move closer. Both their eyebrows scrunched in hatred. Why can't they get along?
"I don't need any new friends, thanks. What would you know about our friendship, anyway? You were supposed to be her friend and you just, poof, left. Guess you aren't as good a friend as you think you are." Gale remarks back.
"Guys." I whine.
"Well, what I think is, you're kind of a jerk. But I know, you're a devious fraud, who lays claim to letters that don't belong to you." Peeta says.
"Oh yeah. About that. Gale you really should've told me you didn't write that letter in ninth grade. But Peeta, hey it's water under the bridge. Right?" I say hoping to stop the can of worms being opened.
At least Gale has the decency to look contrite. But Gale also has both his fists balled up. Also, Peeta wasn't letting me passed him, so I've settled for being angled to the side of them, but there's no way I can break in between them.
"So you wrote the letter. Then what? Took off cause you were too scared to admit it?" Gale jabs.
"I had to move. I didn't have a choice. But I saw you, pretending that you wrote my words. That didn't end up working out so well for you, did it? I'm pretty sure you're just jealous Katniss is not only my friend, but my girlfriend. You and I both know it's gonna last longer than two days." Peeta proclaims.
"Is that right, asshole?" Gale seethes and shoves Peeta.
"That's right, douche." Peeta counters shoving back maybe a little harder.
"Come on, this isn't necessary." I fuss trying to squeeze between them again.
"You come outta know where and think you know us. Think you're gonna sweep her off her feet? Katniss and I have history you can't even comprehend." Gale insinuates.
"Yeah, you've got history, as in past tense. It's really sad that you got with Madge at camp, then tried to push yourself onto Katniss. And here we are, you still don't have either of them. Maybe it was your, awful kissing. I think that's how Kat described it." Peeta taunts.
"Catnip, you need to check your baker boy here before he really pisses me the fuck off." Gale insists.
"Yeah let's see you get mad, Gale. You gonna snatch Kat around some more? Didn't your mom ever teach you not to hit girls?" Peeta snaps as I do my best to hold them apart.
"He didn't actually hit me. It just hurt a little. I'm fine, see. Arm still works." I say hoping to distract them.
I put my hand in Peeta's and he finally looks down at me with his sea colored eyes and seems to relax slightly. I smile at him. I can feel Gale watching our exchange from behind me.
"Well, too bad your mom isn't around so she can teach me how to whoop your a-"
"That's enough! Shut the fuck up, Gale!" I yell finally fed up with this.
Peeta's whole body tenses. He's literally shaking with anger and he turns three different shades of red. I'm afraid he is gonna really deck Gale for that last comment so I shove Gale myself. I back him up about 2 feet then look over my shoulder at Peeta to let him know I'm ok to talk to Gale.
"You're being ridiculous right now. You need to accept that I'm with Peeta and you should apologized." I scold.
"I'm sorry Catnip, but you can't really like this guy-"
"Not to me. To Peeta, for acting like you wrote that note, but in particularly for what you just said." I correct.
"Nah. That's ok, Kat. I won't except shit from him anyway. Not after today." Peeta explains from the spot where I left him.
"Peeta-" I start.
"Fuck that dickhead! Man, Catnip, really? This is who you really want?" Gale shouts.
"Gale! Stop it! Peeta is right. If were my friend, then you wouldn't talk to my boyfriend like this." I say and start walking back towards Peeta.
Gale makes the mistake of grabbing my arm again to try and stop me from going. Before I can even register what's happening. Peeta comes out of nowhere and tackles Gale. He hits Gale hard once in the face causing his lip to bleed.
"I told you not to grab her again." Peeta barks.
Gale attempts to grab Peeta back towards the ground, which Peeta halts with a swift kick to his thigh. Gale grunts in pain, but let's well enough alone.
"That's for talking about my dead mom. Jackass." Peeta grumbles as we walk away.
"Are you okay?" I question when we are in the car.
"Yeah. I'm sorry. I didn't intend for that to turn into a fight-"
"Shh shh. Don't even worry about it. You had a right to be upset at what he already had done. And the things he said... Ugh. I don't know what got into him." I ponder out loud.
"He's jealous. Either of you being with me because he wants you. Or considering his interaction with Madge, he's more likely, jealous that we finally get to be together and happy." Peeta deduces.
"Yeah, I agree. I really think he does like Madge. But I can't understand why he doesn't just ask her father permission to date her." I muse.
"Maybe he already has." Peeta concludes.
We arrive at the lake house in the late afternoon. I had already texted Madge, on the car ride there. I told her about the guys fighting. She agreed that Gale was in the wrong. She texted Gale and told him if he couldn't behave, she would disinvite him.
"Hey I'm so glad you two made it. And I hear congratulations are in order." Madge says when we get inside.
"Thanks." Peeta answers her.
All I can do is blush because even though I told her we are dating, I didn't think she'd bring it up as soon as we arrived.
"I knew you two would make a cute couple. Your welcome, by the way, for not giving her a ride home." Madge brags.
"Okay, enough about that. Peeta, let me show you around." I say.
Madge invited Thresh and his girlfriend Atala. Also, Jackson and Bristol, Evan and Cressida, and Joanna brought her boyfriend Blight. It seems to be all couples. When we see Mitchell and Homes who are both guys in our grade, I think maybe it's not pairs only. Until I spot the Leeg sisters, Misty and Kim.
I introduce or reintroduce some of the people here to Peeta. He fits right in with our group of friends. I am actually okay with him holding my hand and taking liberties with telling everyone we are together. I find myself proud to call him my boyfriend.
Blight makes a joke about Jo being bossy and she pushes him into the pool with his shirt and shoes on, making everyone erupt in laughter.
Mitchell comes over to me while Peeta is talking to Thresh.
"So, it took Mellark to come back, before You'd finally start dating. Why not give any of us other poor suckers a chance with Kat woman?" Mitchell jokes.
"I just wasn't interested in dating till now." I tell him, but I know I would've dated Peeta earlier if he would've been here to ask.
No use in bursting Mitchell's bubble.
"Yeah, but so does that mean he's game for a little competition in wooing you? Because if you're ready to date now, a ton of dudes will gladly line up to take you-" Mitchell starts.
"Hey, babe. Got you a water. They're all out of Sprite. Oh, Hi uh... Mitchell is it? I'm Peeta. Katniss's boyfriend." Peeta introduces himself after handing me a bottle of water and wrapping a possessive arm around my waist.
"Whoa hey. You two are exclusive?" Mitchell challenges.
"Yeah, I... Yes." I say trying to sound as happy as Peeta looks when telling people we are together.
"Well, that's great. Really... uh... cool. I'm gonna go, but it was nice seeing you again Peeta." Mitchell bows out gracefully.
I think it's sweet that Peeta wants to claim our relationship. But it's a bit overwhelming to answer such personal questions about myself.
"Sup Peety, how's it hanging?" Jo saunters over to us and asks.
"Good Jo." He replies.
She raises an eyebrow at him and crosses her arms over her chest. He lets out a deep breath.
"Low and to the left." He amends quietly, causing me to almost choke on my water.
Peeta shoots me an apologetic look. But I can't contain my laugh. If it was anyone but Jo, I would be offended. Knowing her, I'm sure that's the least embarrassing, literal inquiry she's ever pulled out of him.
"That's my boy. Glad to see you took my advice and snatched this one up." She says sounding a little tipsy and pointing a thumb at me.
"Hey, who's to say I didn't snatch him up? You told me to run interference." I provide.
"That I did. Hmm, ballsy Kat. Me likey." Jo teases.
"Interference from what?"
Peeta asks.
"Oh nothing. Don't be a stranger you two." Jo says and joins Blight.
"What-" Peeta starts.
"Come on let show you around." I cut him off.
"I've always loved coming here. When I was younger, my dad brought me to this lake to swim. Finding out Madge's dad had a house here was an added bonus." I tell Peeta when I'm giving him a tour inside the house.
"Yeah, you seem at ease here. Like it holds happy memories." He points out.
"The thought of you being here with me, to make more happy memories, is having an effect on me." I tell him.
"Oh yeah?" He smirks.
"Mmm hmm." I answer pulling him towards the den.
"So, I have an effect on you." He states more than asks wrapping his hand around my waist from behind.
"Yes. Don't I effect you?" I question.
"Miss Everdeen, you have no idea the effect you have on me." He hums in my ear making goose bumps break out on the entire side of my body.
"R-really?" I stutter.
"Mmm hmm. I can't stop thinking about you. When we are together, all I think about is how much I don't want to let you out if my sight. You make my heart beat, so fast. To say you have an effect on me is kind of an understatement." He tells me while running a hand up my arm stopping and my shoulder and turning me to face him.
He's about to lean in and kiss me, when we hear the sliding glass door open.
"Madge, I'm not jealous of that guy. I don't like Katniss like that anymore. I just don't think he's good for her. What should I do if a friend is making a terrible mistake? Sit by and watch?" Gale says the Madge.
They aren't aware we are in the den. I look at Peeta who has the same look I do. Curiosity. We don't say anything and let them continue.
"Gale, you've had a problem with him for longer than yesterday. At camp you hated that she spent time with him. You said that you heard rumors that he drew sketches of her in class, and that you thought he was the reason why she was getting so thin. Which you were wrong about." Madge reveals.
I look at Peeta gauging his reaction to the accusations about drawing me. He looks embarrassed. I touch his hand, hopefully showing him I'm not bothered by the artwork of me. His eyes tell me he would've eventually told me that himself.
"Yeah, but it was more than that. He has you all fooled." Gale starts.
"No, Gale. You can't see Kat with anyone. No one is good enough. But what about her happiness?" Madge argues.
"Ugh. He's trying to turn you both against me. He outed me in front of her, saying I got with you at camp and then got with Katniss. Did you tell him about us hooking up at camp?" Gale both accuses and unknowingly admits.
I gasp quietly. This is news to me. Although, Peeta doesn't look as shocked. I had forgotten he said that during their fight earlier. And it's true.
"I haven't told anyone, least of all Peeta. You begged me not to. I thought you were being a concerned friend, but after both your fathers... died... and you two grew close over the shared grief. I knew you started to think of her... that way. Why did you make me feel like there was a chance we could be together? Then go and write that letter? I had to hear about it all day. It hurt Gale." Madge sniffs and wipes her eyes.
Peeta's fist ball up and I can tell he's upset for my friend's pain. Unfortunately, I am to blame for it as well. I rub his back hoping to relax him.
"I'm sorry Madge. I should probably tell you something else, before one of them does, though it may hurt you more. I... didn't write that letter, that asshole did." He admits.
"WHAT!" Madge yells.
"I knew it was probably him, but I just couldn't let Katniss be with that creepy stalker. So... I acted like it was from me and then... I thought, because of her reaction, that she... had cared about me more than I knew. I'm so sorry I lied to you Madge, and that you were hurt in the process." Gale confesses.
"How could you do that to her? She really liked Peeta. She would have probably tried to keep in touch with him if you wouldn't have interfered. You say you thought Katniss cared about you more than you knew. But what you really mean is, you hoped. Isn't it? So what was I? Just something to play with until the girl you really liked came to her senses? When I told you it nearly ruined our friendship? That Katniss told me she had to break up with you because she knew I liked you... that gave you hope didn't it? That maybe she really did like you, but that she was being a good friend to me, so she had to dump you? All this time I thought you didn't start things back up with me because of my father or because you were scared. But you... you've been waiting for her. You love Katniss? Don't you?" Madge is hysterical now.
"Madge, you aren't a play thing, but I... I need to look out for her. Mr. Everdeen would've wanted me to." Gale says.
"Stop. Just stop. I am tired of hearing that this has been for some noble cause. You aren't going to stop Katniss from being happy with Peeta. And you're not stopping me from being happy anymore, because I'm through waiting for you to wake up and see what you have in front of you." Madge says and storms out.
"Madge? Madge, wait!" Gale calls after her.
"Are you okay?" Peeta quietly asks me while we are sitting on the back patio watching most of the guest barbecue; toss a Frisbee, or enjoying the hot tub.
"I guess. It's a lot to process. How did you know about them at camp?" I ask.
"I saw them, more than once. Holding hands, kissing, the looks they gave each other. Honestly, I was jealous. I wanted to do those things with you. But I thought you knew. I'm sorry you found out because of something I said." Peeta apologizes.
"No, please don't feel bad about telling the truth. I needed to know. Gale kind of deserves whatever happens after spinning his web of deceit. Even if he thinks it's his job to protect me. I just feel awful for Madge. I did tell her I felt guilty about Gale and had to break it off with him. But I think she knew before I did, that my true motivation was that I wanted it to be you. I've never felt for Gale, things I feel for you." I profess.
"I'm so happy to hear you say that. Because when she asked Gale if he loved you and he didn't answer, I think it's because, he does love you. And that made me worry that you might have doubts. About... us." Peeta says.
"I'm sorry he said those things. If he made you feel bad about liking me when we were younger, you shouldn't. I would love to see any drawings you've done of me. You were kind of my hero back then. I mean, besides my dad. But I don't want to think about the past anymore." I tell him.
"Okay. So do you want to stay, or are you ready to go?" He asks.
"Let's get out of here. We'll be seeing most of these guys at school, soon enough." I supply.
After we drive back to my house, I suddenly feel bad. Like our first official date was ruined by melodrama.
"I'm sorry-"
"I'm sorry-"
We both say at the same time, which causes us to laugh.
"You don't have anything to be sorry about." Peeta proceeds.
"Yes I do. You deserved a better date. Less crazy ex-best friends fighting with you and talking crap about you. It's... I'm just, sorry." I tell him.
"I'd rather fight a hundred ex-whatever's and have the whole world talk about me, than to not be with you. I want to get to know everything about you. I want to experience being boyfriend and girlfriend at school together. I want to show you all of my drawings. I want to stay up all night talking to you on the phone. I want everything you'll let me have with you Katniss. That's why I wanted to take you on a real date. "
Wow, I didn't realize it, but I want all that too.
"Okay." Is all I manage to reply.
"Good. As long as you had some fun, then I won't feel like a complete failure." He says.
"I did. I don't think I've ever had a bad time with you. Even when I passed out and embarrassed myself." I offer.
"You sure, cause it seemed like you were a little... uncomfortable a few times." He guesses.
"Well, as you know I've never had a boyfriend... so just having you tell people, was a little... I was a little..."
"Tense?" Peeta provides.
"Yeah. Not because I didn't want to, uh, share our new status. But I did notice you and Mitchell, getting rather macho with one another." I admit.
"Well, in my defense he was trying to horn in on my girl." He says sarcastically.
"No way. He's just a clown. He doesn't really like me." I say laughing.
"I don't think you realize the way guys look at you, Katniss. But I am sorry for getting overly possessive. Between Gale not thinking I'm good enough for you, and Mitchell blatantly attempting to flirt, I was feeling, territorial." He explains.
"Territorial, huh? It's ok." I say.
"It is?" He asks incredulously.
"Yeah, well. I was kinda jealous when I heard about the other girls you kissed. And of... Delly Cartwright, because I don't have any experience in dating or just boys in general. I'm not saying I'm okay with you fighting every guy who talks to me. But I get feeling, worried." I admit biting my lower lip.
"You shouldn't feel worried because... cause well there is too many reasons to count." Peeta says chuckling.
"You could just tell me one." I needle.
"I could but, I really want you to keep telling me about how jealous you were." He teases.
"Come on, Mellark. Just tell me one thing. One thing about me you really like-"
"Your lips." Peeta blurts out, interrupting me to say.
"My lips? My lips. But they're just plain old lips nothing fancy about them." I say pouting and puckering in an attempt to look at them myself.
"Katniss, your lips are kinda my favorite things on earth right now." Peeta confesses blushing.
"Really? On earth?" I laugh dumbfounded.
"Yup. But you know it's more than just your lips. It's how brave and selfless and capable you are. Your hair, your captivating eyes. Everything about you is why you don't have any reason to be worried or jealous. Sometimes I'm gonna want to show you and your lips off though, cause I'm proud to be with you. I want all the other guys to be jealous." He says.
"Even you southern gentlemen need your egos stroked sometimes. Huh?" I laugh.
"Mmm Hmm. I have a big ego because, out of all the guys, you chose me. To be your first kiss. To be your boyfriend. To take you on dates." He states smiling.
"So my lips huh? I guess they are pretty good for kissing. But you might get tired of kissing them eventually." I faux sigh.
"I could kiss you all day everyday till I... till you tell me to stop." He says.
"That's a lot of kissin'." I snicker.
His eyes go dark and he replaces all the jokiness for a serious, come hither look.
"I always want to kiss you." He declares inching closer and closer to me.
"Always?" I question feeling the temperature in the car rise each second.
"Always..." He whispers.
My heart starts beating rapidly in my chest. I'm not sure who leans in first, him or me. But our lips touch.
It's soft at first. Then becomes more urgent. When my tongue meets his, we both moan and he tilts his head so he can better stroke my tongue with his.
One of his hands finds a home at the nape of my neck, gingerly tugging my hair. I reciprocate with some hair pulling on his golden locks.
I eventually let him up for air and he whoops and makes a big gesture of turning on the air conditioner. Like our kisses just made him too hot, which makes me chuckle.
Parked in front of my house, nosey neighbors be damned, I finagle my way into straddling his lap somehow. He reclines his seat back and down, to give us more room without unlatching our lips.
I lean my elbows onto the chair on either side of his head, pushing the top half of my body flush with his. We fit together like puzzle pieces.
He slowly glides his hands down the sides of my body, ever so gently brushing the outside edges of my breasts. His movement stops at my butt.
A wave of warmth spreads from my chest to my lower abdomen. I tenderly bite his lower lip. I feel him shudder beneath me. His finger tips dip under the waistband of the shorts he lent me and slightly caresses the skin there.
It tickles and I involuntarily roll my hips into his groin. The friction lights a fire somewhere deep within me. I make an embarrassing sound, causing him to do it again.
He smiles against my lips and I decide he is a little too pleased with himself. I grind my hips harder, purposefully this time. He lets out a low growl. Now the score is even.
"Careful there, Everdeen. I can't be a proper southern gentleman if you keep trying to one up me." He warns me.
"Why, whatever do you mean?" I feign innocence.
"You know what you're doing." He scolds.
I pout like I'm sorry and kiss on his neck before defiantly grinding onto him again. He taps my ass cheek.
"Peeta!" I squeak shocked at his boldness.
I'm about to retaliate when he grabs both my wrists as I'm sitting upright. I struggle to break free. I can feel him growing hard underneath me and seeing as my hands are bound, I have no choice but to roll my hips in a circle. His already half lidded eyes close completely. I feel his grip loosen and take the opportunity to liberate myself and tickle attack his sides.
"Okay, okay... I concede. Don't hurt me." He surrenders.
