The sun peeks through the windows in our bedroom and hits my closed eyelids. I yawn and slowly open my eyes. I'm on my side, and I can feel Peeta flush against my back, his warm breath on the nape of my neck. I wish I could spend all day right here.

I hear Peeta mumble 'Mmm Katniss' in his sleep and I grin. I guess he's dreaming about me. I have been making him have sex non-stop lately, so it doesn't surprise me he'd be dreaming about it. He did actually bring up a good point the other day. I'm going to have to go on birth control after the twins come. Sure, we probably want more children, but not so soon, and I don't want to be pregnant during the Rebellion. I spoke to my mother and she's getting pills sent from the Capitol, since both Peeta and I flat out refuse to use condoms. We understand no birth control is a hundred percent effective, but we're okay with that.

Peeta shifts slightly behind me, and the hand that was across my belly reaches up to cup my breast lightly, then slowly begins to massage it. I just let it happen, surprising myself. It goes on for longer than I thought it would before he finally wakes up.

When he does, he freaks, and immediately pulls his hand of my boob and holds it above me.

"Oh my god, Katniss, I'm so sorry. I can't believe I was doing that. I'm so sorry. That's so rude. I was basically molesting you. Oh my god-"

"Peeta!" I cut off his rambling and turn over so I can look at him. "Shut up."

He theatrically closes his mouth tight and looks to me.

"What are you so sorry about anyways?" I ask.

"I was molesting you Kat! You were awake and I was just feeling you up." He says guiltily.

"So? Do you see me complaining? I'm actually rather angry that you stopped," I shrug.

"Huh?" He's confused now. Poor Peeta.

"Peeta, really? I'm over eight months pregnant. My hormones are driving me wild. Haven't you noticed that we're having sex more than we ever had? Why would you think having my husband touch me sensually would piss me off?" I smirk.

"I don't know," he says glumly. "I just feel bad. It was so rude."

"You were dreaming about me weren't you," I accuse.

He nods.

"You moaned 'Mmm Katniss' right before you grabbed my boob," I inform him with a smile. "I was just wondering how far you were going to take it before you woke up. I was kind of hoping you'd get brave and go all the way," I laugh.

"Katniss Mellark! You have a dirty mind," he tells me with a grin.

"So? Is that a bad thing?" I ask sweetly.

"Not necessarily," he smiles wide.

"Good to know."

"Okay, Mrs. Mellark, time for our shower," he says while picking me up.

"Well then it's a good thing we're already naked, isn't it?" I tease.

He just shakes his head at me.

"You are incorrigible, you know that?" He tells me.

I shrug. "You love it."

"No, I love you. Big difference," he says seriously gazing into my eyes.

"I love you too, Peeta. Now was my hair," I demand, handing him my shampoo as he laughs.

After we ritually wash each other, he sits down on the end of the tub so I can clean his stub just like every other day.

"You know, it means a lot to me that you do this ever day Kat," he says down to me.

"It's nothing, Peeta," I shrug it off. It really is no big deal.

"No, it is. I know how gross it must be. It's ugly, I know that. But every single morning and night you wash and massage it for me, no matter what. Thank you."

"Peeta, it's not gross or ugly. It's part of you. It doesn't bother me, it never has. The only thing that bothers me about it is that I know it's my fault," I say sadly.

"What? No it's not," he exclaims.

"Yes it is. You fought Cato to let me go, then I let you almost die in the cave. If I'd taken better care of you, maybe you would have kept your leg. I'm sorry, Peeta."

"Stop it, Katniss. We could rewind the Games and flesh out a hundred different scenarios. Personally I think the one we're living where we're married and having children is pretty perfect, don't you?"

"Well, when you're right, you're right," I admit as I finish my cleaning. Then I notice something. "Peeta?" I say standing up. He looks up at me from his sitting position. I haven't put his leg back on yet so he's stuck there.

"Hmm?"

"Can we try, maybe, having you sit there and I sit on your lap?" I ask shyly.

"Why do you want to sit on my lap?" He asks, completely clueless.

"Oh, I don't know Peeta, because it looks comfortable. Why do you think? We're naked, I'm horny, and you're right in front of me," I deadpan. His eyes widen in understanding and he smiles wide.

"I married a nymphomaniac," he mutters happily.

"Are you complaining about it?" I ask.

He takes my face in his hands and replies seriously.

"Never."

My little plan actually somewhat works, and for the first time in weeks, we make love face to face. It's great, and from the look on Peeta's face, I know he enjoyed it as much as I did. My back hurts though because I had to lean considerably far back for it to work.

Peeta gets ready to go to the bakery, throwing on jeans and a white tee. I just put on his sweats and another one of his double XL tees and my wool socks. I meet him in the kitchen where he already has a mountain of eggs, pancakes, cheese buns, cereal, and orange juice waiting for me.

"You really are a good husband," I tell him with my mouth full. He laughs.

"Don't speak while you're chewing," he scolds.

"I'll do whatever I want," I say indignantly.

Before he leaves, he helps me lie down on the couch and gives me the book I'm in the middle of. He kisses me, and tells me he'll be home to make me lunch, and to call Prim if I need anything. Sooner than I'd like, he's out the door and I'm alone.

I read for about an hour then fall asleep for another hour. When I wake up, I realize it's still a few hours before Peeta will be home to make me lunch, and all I want right now is to see him. So, I decide to walk to the bakery. I only do it now about twice a week, because Peeta doesn't like me walking alone. He takes me on walks every day when he gets home, though.

I change into a pair of stretchy pants and a maternity blouse that Cinna designed for me, and put on my comfy sneakers. I braid my hair back the way he likes it, and make sure I look presentable. I really don't care about all the other people that might be at the bakery, just Peeta.

It's a beautiful day in 12, with a cool breeze. It's not too warm or too cold, it's just right. I walk at a good pace, my yearning to see my husband driving me on. Soon, I'm only a couple turns away from the bakery and I'm getting excited. I love the way he lights up when I surprise him. He always tells me it brightens his day and makes it worthwhile. He's been saying it's been harder and harder to leave me every morning, and I can sense the longing in his goodbye kisses and the way he always looks back at me right before he walks out the front door.

I walk down the side of the bakery and prepare to turn left to enter from the front. I'm almost at the corner when I hear voices. And I would know these voices anywhere.

It's the four girls that have teased me since I was a kid. They were in my grade, and they are the daughters of merchants. For some reason, I was always their main target, even if I never responded or did anything to them. They called me 'Catpiss' and other stupid names. When my father died, they made fun of me for being an orphan. When the rumor of my mother going catatonic spread around school, they had fodder for weeks. I haven't really seen them except from a distance since I won the Games.

There's Scarlet Johnston, who is the self-appointed leader. There's Lillian Voxx, who's more of a follower than anything. Scarlet's best friend is Rose Undersee, who's Madge's cousin. Madge hates her more than I do. Finally, there's Caty Toole, who I used to actually think was nice before she started hanging out with the other girls.

I back up against the wall as tightly as I can considering my frame and listen intently. My enhanced hearing in my left ear from my injury in the Games allows me to pick up their whole conversation as they stand outside the bakery.

"I mean, can you believe Peeta really married her?" Scarlet snivels.

"He says he loves her!" Rose adds, and they all laugh sardonically.

"Well when he sees what you look like today, Scarlet, he'll definitely take you up on your offer," Lillian gushes.

"Yeah," Caty agrees. "There's no way he won't want to hook up with you. I mean, you're so much prettier than her!"

"I know," Scarlet says egotistically. "Little miss Katniss is losing her precious little figure with the pregnancy. All men have needs." Is that true? No, not Peeta. I mean, we had sex this morning. In the shower. And he was very vocal about how great it was.

"Have you seen her around? She's so fat!" Rose says. They all laugh again.

"Well she is pregnant with twins," Caty tries.

"Shut up," Scarlet scolds her. "That girl Sarah from the banquet was right. She probably got pregnant to keep him around because she knows he'd leave her for me. It's probably Gale's baby anyways. Everyone knows she was fucking him in the woods. Peeta will get a big surprise when his kids come out looking like they're from the Seam!"

Really? Is that what everyone thinks? Are they aware that I testified at his trial? And that he's now on death row because of what I said?

"I just can't believe he actually went and married her," Rose continues. "I mean, I get that their little love act in the Games helped them survive, but did he really need to bring it home? Doesn't he know he could any girl he wants?"

"You mean doesn't he know he could get me," Scarlet says angrily. They all mumble agreements. She really is a Grade-A bitch.

"Anyways, after today, Katniss' perfect little life won't be so perfect anymore when I take her precious Peeta from here. Come on girls, let's go inside," Scarlet sneers.

I hear the ding of the bell and they're inside the bakery. I briefly contemplate just going home, but I know that would be letting them win. And since when do I let other people win? Plus I came here to see Peeta. Maybe if they see the way he acts when I walk in there, they'll get a clue. Maybe.

I take a deep breath and walk around the corner. I waited a few seconds so it's not obvious I was so close by. I look through the glass and I see them in line. Peeta is off to the side frosting some cookies while Nan is on the register and Rye is helping fill orders.

I walk in and none of the boys see me, so I stand off to the side a bit. The girls make it to the counter.

"Hi Peeta!" Scarlet gushes, batting her eyelashes. I can't believe she actually braided her blonde hair like mine. And is her skirt short enough?

Peeta doesn't even look up from his work, just mumbles a polite 'hello'.

Scarlet doesn't get discouraged though.

"Oh, Peeta, those cookies look great! Maybe you could make one special, just for me?" She asks seductively.

Peeta glances up to see who it is and frowns. Then he looks around the bakery until his eyes fall on me standing quietly by the door.

"Kat!" He yells, dropping the frosting gun. He darts around the counter and is by my side in an instant. "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to come see you, obviously."

"Do you want to sit down?" He asks concerned.

"Sure," I smile.

As he leads me to my usual seat, which he's gradually been making more comfortable with pillows, I see the girls staring at me with jealousy. Peeta has one hand on my lower back and his other hand is firmly grasped in mine. He gently helps lower me into the chair. He squats down so we're at eye level. They're still watching every move.

"Better?" He asks. The bakery is so small I know they can hear every word we're saying. Good.

"Much," I grin.

"How is my family, anyways," he smiles, rubbing my belly in small circles.

I put my left hand on top of his, and our wedding rings make a small noise when they come into contact.

"We're great. They've been kicking all day," I report.

"They're definitely your kids," he grins.

"Not when they're treating me like a punching bag. Then they're your kids," I tell him with a smile.

"Okay, okay, fair enough," he relents. "I need to get back to work though, honey. I'll take you home for lunch in a little while, okay?"

"Okay."

Peeta learned his lesson a long time ago that even if he's just going to the other side of the bakery or upstairs to the bedroom, he's never to leave me without a kiss. Knowing this, I glance over his shoulder and make sure all four girls are still watching, which they are.

He leans forward and captures my lips, both our mouths instantly opening to allow access. His hands cup my face gently while I wrap my hands around his neck and twirl his hair around my fingers. He tries to pull away after a few seconds, but I tighten my grip on him and force him to keep kissing me. He doesn't seem to mind and stops trying to get away. After we've traumatized any children present, I let him breathe.

"Wow, Mrs. Mellark, you really are lively today," he smirks, reminding me of the shower this morning. He gently takes my left hand and brings it up to his lips, kissing my wedding ring. When he releases it, I grab his left hand and repeat the action.

He's about to turn and go back behind the counter, but first I beckon him back to me with a single finger. He nods and leans over. I lean up and kiss him again, but only for a couple seconds. When I lean back, he has a dazed look on his face.

"I love you, Mr. Mellark," I tell him happily.

"Oh, I love you so much, Mrs. Mellark," he says dreamily.

"Okay, you can go back to work now," I tease. He whimpers, but rejoins his brothers.

I glance over at the four girls, who are seething mad at me, their expressions mixed with barely contained envy and jealousy. I resist the urge to smirk at them, knowing I've gotten under their skins. It feels good after all the years of bullying they put me through.

I sit back and watch Peeta work. I love how his brow furrows slightly when he's frosting, and how hard he pounds dough when he's baking loaves. I could sit here and watch him all day, but he wouldn't let me.

Scarlet walks back up to the counter and tries again. Peeta is frosting a cake, and she stands directly opposite him across the counter.

"So, Peeta, how are you?" She asks sweetly.

"Good," he says without looking up. She looks frustrated, but buries it.

"I was wondering, would you like to take a walk with me later?" She bats her eyes again. This time Peeta does look up.

"No. I'm married Scarlet, and you know that." He holds up his left hand and wiggles his ring finger.

"So?" She says. I can't believe her audacity.

"Really Scarlet?" Nan butts in. "Not only is he obviously not interested, but his wife, my sister, is sitting ten feet away. Get some decency, seriously." I love you, Nan.

"Shut up, Nan!" She yells angrily. "Peeta, don't be an idiot. I'm not from the Seam and my parents have money. You know the baby's probably not even yours, right?"

Peeta is angry. Very, very angry. I don't think I've seen him this angry since Sarah called me a whore.

"What did you just say?" He angrily whispers, obviously trying to reign in his anger.

She just shrugs causally.

"Everyone knows it, Peeta. It's probably her boyfriend Gale's. What do you think they did out in the woods every day? Don't tell me you believe her when she tells you they were just friends," she says sarcastically.

"Look, Scarlet," Peeta seethes. "I have never liked you, even as a friend. I've been polite to you because that's how I was raised. But if you continue to stand here and insult my wife to my face, while she's sitting behind you, I'm not going to be able to control myself much longer."

"Well that's what I want," Scarlet smirks. "For you to lose control, with me," she says seductively.

"Just leave, Scarl-"

He stops when he sees the slight grimace on my face. His facial expression goes from uncontrollable rage to blinding concern in a split second, and he's by my side before I can blink.

"What's wrong, Kat?" He asks me worriedly.

Scarlet crosses her arms over her chest, in disbelief that he just walked away from her. Ha.

"It's just the twins. They like to dance on my bladder," I tell him with a smile.

"I'm sorry, baby. What can I do to help?" He asks sincerely. He really does look guilty too.

"Nothing, really," I honestly tell him. "Maybe….kiss me?"

"Kiss you? Why?"

I roll my eyes.

"If you have to ask, then forget it," I grin.

"No, no no," he backtracks. "I'll kiss you. It was in our wedding vows, wasn't it?"

"Ah, so you do remember?" I tease.

"Kat, I could never forget our vows," he says seriously.

I roll my eyes again.

"I know that Peeta. I was teasing you. Now are you going to kiss me or let me sit here in pain?"

Without another word he crashes his lips into mine and I'm finding it hard to restrain myself. Suddenly I wish we weren't at the damn bakery but back in the privacy of our own home. I feel him running his hand down my braid and through my hair, which is his tell that he's losing his ability to be appropriate. Finally, I relent, and release my grip on him.

"Better," I breathe. "Kay, you can go now," I smile. "Thanks for your help."

"Anytime," he grins, still in a daze. "No, really, anytime." I actually can't help blushing the way he's looking at me.

I've almost forgotten about the evil quartet during our kiss, and I can see them all except Scarlet with defeated looks on their faces. I decide it's time to finally get the monkey off my back and address her directly. Besides, I have three Mellark men in close proximity to protect me, so why not?

"What's your problem, Scarlet?" I ask evenly.

"You, Everdeen," she spits.

"My name is Mellark. Would you like to see my ID?" I ask sweetly.

"You're so proud of yourself for tricking him into marrying you, aren't you?" She sneers.

I roll my eyes.

"Really? That's the best you got?"

"Oh I can keep going," she assures me. "Don't come crying to me when your precious husband leaves you for me, because he will. No Seam slut can compare to this," she motions to her body.

I just burst out laughing, as do the three boys.

"Thanks Scarlet," I chuckle. "I needed a good laugh this morning."

"What's so funny?" She snarls.

"The fact you think Peeta would ever leave Katniss," Rye supplies. "It's just….well, that just wouldn't happen. Are you blind? Did you not see how vomit-inducing their sweet little interactions are?"

"Hey!" Peeta and I yell, but smile at him for defending us nonetheless.

Scarlet scoffs.

"There's no way anybody would chose her," she points to me in disgust, "over me," she says confidently.

"Really?" Nan says sarcastically. "Because honestly I'd rather date the pig out back than you, Scarlet."

We laugh again, and her face is getting redder by the second. I find it funny none of her minions have come to her aid. They all took terrified.

I'm just smirking up at her, and she's glaring at me with hate. Then, she actually starts moving towards me. I see her raising her right hand, and I assume she's going to slap me. There's not much I can do to defend myself, because by the time I got to my feet, she'd already be here. But before I can even think of a way to protect the twins and myself, she suddenly stops.

Peeta has grabbed her raised wrist with one hand and is gripping her shoulder hard with his other.

"Step away from my wife," he growls, "now."

She squirms and tries to get at me, but Peeta is just too strong.

"Guys, can you escort her friends out, please?" Peeta asks his brothers. They don't need to. The three of them scurry out without even a glance.

"Sit down," Peeta snaps, shoving her downwards into a chair. He paces back and forth in front of her, angry as can be. I can tell he's trying to calm himself and think rationally. When he nears me, I gently grab his wrist. He stops and looks down at me, and I give him a soft, loving gaze. He nods his thanks, and I can see his eyes lighten.

"You can't do this to me, Peeta," Scarlet snivels. "I'll tell my father."

"Tell whoever you want," Peeta says. "Do you really think anybody's going to mess with two married Victors?"

She just blanches.

"Yeah, thought so," Peeta adds.

She opens her mouth to throw some snide remark our way, but Peeta beats her to it.

"Listen, if you ever, and I mean ever come near my wife, my children, or me again….just don't. If I see you raise a hand against my wife again, my reaction will not be so peaceful. You can be guaranteed of that. And you do not want me giving Katniss permission to take out her anger on you, trust me. I'm the calmer one in our marriage."

"He's right," Nan tells her. "You do not want Katniss Mellark after you, trust us."

She just snorts like she doesn't care.

"Believe whatever you want," Peeta says, getting fed up. "Just don't whine to me when she kicks your ass."

I realize I've stayed silent throughout this entire exchange, so I want to get the last word in. Peeta senses this and looks to me expectantly.

"You can go now, Scarlet," I dismiss her with a wave. "Thanks for stopping by," I say sarcastically.

She huffs and glares at me once more before she slams the door on her way out. All four of us burst into laughter as soon as she leaves, delighted with how that went. Well, except for the part where she almost hit me.

"Thanks for grabbing her, Peeta," I tell him when we calm down.

"Of course," he smiles. "Like I'd let her touch my wife." I beam up at him. He gives me a gentle peck on the lips, his finger softly lifting my chin up.

"Thanks for your help too, boys," I look to Rye and Nan.

"No problem, sis. She's always been a bitch," Rye says. Nan nods his agreement.

"Besides, we're family," Nan adds. "And you don't just get away with saying things like that to our family."

Peeta and I smile at them softly. Ever since I got pregnant, they've been more and more protective of me. They can't wait to be Uncles.

"Ready to go home and eat some lunch?" Peeta quietly asks me.

"Yup. All this back and forth has got me starving," I rub my stomach for effect.

"That's my girl, always thinking about the next meal," Peeta teases.

"When you're eating for three, you can't afford not to," I point out as we step outside and start the walk home.

"Fair enough," he grins. "What do you want for lunch, anyways?"

"Cookies."

"Kat…"

"Okay, fine. Cookies and cake."

"Katniss…"

"What? I'm pregnant! I can be as irrational as I want!"

He just nods and wisely shuts his mouth.

As we pass the square, I glance over, and my eyes spot the four girls that made our morning entertaining. Scarlet looks like she's actually crying, and the other three are trying to console her. I guess her plan didn't work out, considering I'm walking past her holding hands with Peeta. They whisper to her and she turns to look at us.

I turn my head and smile wide at her, then kiss my husband on the cheek and walk home for lunch.

A/N: I don't really know where that came from, I just got the idea in my head and ran with it. Super fluffy, I know, but people seem to like that. Pregnant Katniss is a lot of fun to write, I've got to admit. I also like seeing Peeta get protective of her, since it's obvious he would jump in front of a bullet for her without a second thought.

Also, the scene at the beginning was much, much, much more explicit, but I toned it down considerably. Let's just say that when Peeta woke up, it wasn't his hands that he had to worry about...

Thanks for all the reviews, and I'm glad people are still enjoying my ridiculous story.

Keep reviewing and reading. Until tomorrow.