I loved you first

Part Twelve

He had a son.

Peeta stared down at the newborn in his arms. Luke was beautiful with soft blonde hair and Katniss' smoky eyes. Something welled up inside thinking that this little boy would be looking to him for guidance on how to be a good person…a good man…eventually a good father—

That was a tall order.

"You look like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders." His eyes went to Katniss on the hospital bed. She gave him a tired smile as she shifted up. "Anything you want to share?"

"I was just thinking about how Luke is going to be relying on me for all things of the manly nature," he told her.

Katniss raised a brow. "Manly nature? Like he's going to ask you how to wrestle a bear or something?"

"No, but he'll ask me how to shave, how to talk to girls, how to be a good father—"

"And you feel like you aren't," Katniss finished for him. "Listen—I know that we've had some problems, but I never doubted that you were a good father." She smiled. "Plus, if Luke is going to ask anyone about how to wrestle a bear, it would be me. My wilderness skills surpass yours."

Peeta chuckled. "That is true." He went to the bed, placing Luke in his mother's arms. "You're much stronger than I am. You've given birth twice…you've got mad archery skills…and apparently can wrestle a bear."

"I'm no Ellie May Clampett, but I can hold my own." Katniss looked down at their son, a contented sigh escaping her lips. "Plus, I know that you should never attempt to wrestle a bear. It's just common sense."

"And I guess I'm decent on the talking to girls." Lowering the rail of the hospital bed, Peeta perched at her side. "I mean, I got the prettiest girl…during Kindergarten."

Katniss scoffed. "You're just lucky I offered to play house with you."

He looked at his wife, beautiful and strong, then at Luke who he had no doubt would do great things. He thought of Addie, currently with Prim, and thought about how their little girl would be a wonderful big sister.

Peeta pressed a tender kiss to his wife's lips.

"Yes," he agreed. "I'm very lucky."

"Please, let us explain."

Madge stood from her seat, eyes on Aaron who was currently frozen in the doorway.

"Yes, by all means, explain what happened during this conference." Peeta could see the pain in his brother's eyes. "Though I can probably guess."

"Why don't you sit down, and we can tell you what happened?" he suggested. Aaron scowled but entered the conference room before taking the seat farthest from Madge. Peeta didn't fail to see the woman falter at her brother's chilly attitude.

"Well…" Aaron looked between them. "…go on."

"I met Madge during a conference last year," Peeta began. "I was drinking well before meeting her and when she approached me, we got to talking—"

"I'll admit that I asked him to come upstairs," Madge continued. "And yes, we slept with one another, but I could see that his heart wasn't in it. It was obvious that he was still in love with Katniss." She blushed at her last words. "I mean, saying someone else's name during—"

Aaron held up his hand, his eyes closing, and expression strained. "Does Katniss know?"

"I told her after we interviewed Madge—who I had no idea was part of the interview roster," he said. "Delly also knows because I had to disclose it after we interviewed Madge. She's not here because of what happened but because she's well-qualified and a strong candidate."

"I'm aware of that, Peeta," Aaron told him. "I've been partnered with Madge for weeks. I just wished that you had at least told me beforehand—well, it doesn't matter now. What matters is that we find the right person for Mellark Bakery."

Peeta peered at him. Aaron had never been one to be so closed off.

He was the passionate brother…the loud brother…the wear-his-heart-on-his-sleeve brother…

"Madge, can you give us a minute?" he suddenly asked.

"Sure." Madge stood up, stare on Aaron. "In fact, I think that I'm going to take off." Gathering her things, she gave them both a nod. "Goodnight, Peeta…" Her blue eyes wavered at Aaron. "Goodnight, Aaron."

Taking a sharp breath, Madge turned stiffly and walked out of the conference room.

"I'm sorry," Peeta apologized immediately. "Katniss warned me that she saw something between you two."

"It's not your fault," Aaron replied, his mouth in a grim line. He shook his head, a wry chuckle escaping him. "All these years, I've been holding myself off from the women I'm dating. Sometimes, I'd hurt them in the process. It seemed about time one of them would hurt me." He met Peeta's worried gaze. "I just didn't think you would be involved."

"I could see how much you liked her. Madge seems to like you, too. It's why I thought we should tell you—give you two a fighting chance and all."

Aaron looked sad…defeated. "Well, that was shot to shit."

"Did I tell you how sorry I am?"

"I'm not mad at you, Peeta," his brother assured him. "We're brothers. Bros over ho—you know what I'm saying. Anyway, no woman is going to change our relationship." He looked at Peeta. "But I really thought I could love her."

The questions escaped his mouth without thought.

"What set Madge apart from the others?"

"I loved making her smile," Aaron told him. "I never gave a shit whether any of the others were happy. It's karma, I guess."

"I don't believe in karma," Peeta retorted. "I believe in fighting for who you love—if you think it's worth it."

"She could've been—" Aaron's cellphone buzzed on the table and looked at the screen. "It's Prim." He picked it up. "Hey, sissy—WHAT?! We'll be right there."

Hanging up, Aaron looked at him.

"It's Katniss. She's in the hospital."

Even though Peeta was sure that his brother was driving like a maniac to get to the hospital, it felt like a lifetime.

This was the first time that Katniss had been in the hospital besides having to deliver their children. He didn't want to think that maybe this time around she would be leaving without the baby.

"We're here." Aaron slowed at the hospital entrance. "Prim said they're in Labor and Delivery. I'm going to park then call Mom and Dad then Otis."

Peeta jumped out of the car. "Thanks, bro."

"Peeta!" Aaron gave him an assuring smile. "It's going to be okay."

He nodded before closing the door and rushing to the elevators. One opened immediately and Peeta jumped inside punching the number to bring him up to the Labor and Delivery unit.

When the door opened, he walked up to the nursing station. "I'm here to see Katniss Mellark."

"Oh yes," the lone nurse responded and looked up from her seat. "And you are?"

"I'm her…" He searched for a response.

Her husband…her ex-husband…the father of her children—

"Peeta!" Turning, he found Prim and Luke walking over to him. "Effie is giving her an exam. We haven't heard anything yet."

"Alright, then we'll just have to wait." Peeta looked to Luke. "Son—"

"Where the fuck were you?" Luke burst out. "I called and called! Mom passed out, and there was blood! So, I called, and you didn't answer!"

"I'm sorry, Luke," he said. "My phone died—"

"That is not an excuse!" His son called out. "You call Mom with the office phone and tell her that your phone died. You borrow someone else's phone. You cannot just not answer. You can't let her down anymore. I won't allow it! You weren't there for us a lot of the time and I may not remember but she does. When she hurts, the baby hurts…and even though you're in our home, I'm still the man of the house. I'm not going to let you hurt them…hurt me."

"Jesus, Luke…I can't imagine how scary it must have been," Peeta told his son. "You're right. I should've called your mother at the office and told her that my phone died. Nothing I said is a valid excuse for not being there. I never meant to hurt any of you."

"You always never mean to, Dad," Luke muttered. "Yet somehow you do."

"Luke Mellark," Prim interrupted. "You will not talk to your father that way. I understand that you're upset, but your mom wouldn't tolerate such disrespect from you."

They were interrupted by Effie approaching them.

At this point, the whole floor had gone silent. The nurse at the station stared at Peeta like he was Enemy Number One.

Honestly today, he felt like he was.

Peeta was in front of the doctor immediately. "Effie! Is she okay?"

"Yes, Katniss is alright," she told them and there was a collective exhale. "She has a UTI. It can happen during pregnancy without notice or be chalked up to stretching pain. Sometimes hormones can cause it to happen or because the uterus is growing and making it harder to fully urinate."

"But there was blood," Luke said, his eyes wide and fearful.

"I checked into that," Effie informed him. "It can happen during pregnancy. I can assure you that your little sister is quite healthy and moving along steadily. I would like to keep Katniss overnight for observation. We'll start her on antibiotics to help with the UTI."

"Can we see her?" Prim asked.

"Yes, but one at a time. She needs some rest."

"Luke should go first," Peeta told them immediately.

His son turned to him. "You sure?"

He nodded, carefully giving Luke's shoulder a gentle squeeze. "You're their hero."

"I'll show you to your mother's room," Effie said with a kind smile.

The two walked off with Luke not bothering to look back.

"Well, you're on his shit list." Peeta turned to his sister-in-law who smiled at him. She weaved her arm through his. "Come on, Peeta. Let's go sit in the waiting room. Everyone's on their way"

"I can't wait," he replied as they reached the empty room and sat down on one of the sofas. "Maybe Aaron will bring a firing squad."

"You're being a little melodramatic," Prim chided. "I think you and Luke were overdue for a good father-son fight. Better now than when he's 25 and still living at home."

"It's not that." Peeta rested back on the couch. "I know Katniss told you about Madge—"

Prim shot up from her seat. "Do I have to cut a bitch?"

"No! We had a talk and squashed it," he explained. His sister-in-law shrugged and sat back down. "The thing is that Aaron liked…likes her. I think Madge likes him, too. So, I told her that we should tell him about that one night last year—except he overheard us talking about it."

"Oh shit!" Prim's eyes went big. "Then what?"

"We told him everything—and broke him in the meantime. He says he's not mad, but I can't help that it's changed our relationship. I'm not sure that it's for the better. I know he's hurting over Madge. He thought that they had potential."

"What kind of potential?"

"Peeta-and-Katniss-kind-of-love potential, according to him."

"Wow, that's deep," Prim said. "You two are like lifers, even when you weren't together."

"You think he'll forgive me?"

"Depends on what happens with Madge. I don't think he's mad at you. I think he's just…heartbroken. Aaron's never really fallen in love."

"True. And Luke?"

"Better start saving for a Porsche."

Peeta stepped quietly into the room to find Katniss asleep.

It was almost an hour before Luke came out, looking relieved but still giving him the cold shoulder. His son only managed to say that Katniss was looking for him before walking off to use the restroom. Peeta's heart sank watching Luke head down the hallway. Though he wanted to rush over to beg for his son's forgiveness, one shake of Prim's head told him that it was not the right time.

Now, Peeta was purely focused on the woman in the hospital bed.

Leaning over, he brushed his lips to her forehead before sitting down in the chair adjacent to her.

"You really got yourself in trouble, didn't you?" Peeta's eyes went to Katniss; she gave him a faint smile. "I can see the pain in your eyes."

Peeta laughed gruffly, reaching to take her hand.

"Sweetheart, Luke being upset at me is not even half of the drama that has been going on," he said. "The big thing was you landing here. How are you feeling?"

"Better. Just tired," Katniss replied. "Also, a little embarrassed that I didn't notice a UTI creeping up on me."

"Don't be." Peeta lifted her hand to his lips. "There were a lot of unforeseen things in this pregnancy—including the pregnancy."

"I have to disagree. Anytime you don't practice safe sex, there's always that possibility."

He grinned. "True that."

"Tell me what else happened," Katniss urged.

"Aaron found out about the whole thing with Madge," Peeta explained.

She straightened. "Oh…and how did that go?"

"Aaron is hurt. He's not mad, but he blames himself," he told her. "He thinks that it's karma for all the women that he hurt. Do you think he's right?"

Katniss shook her head.

"No. I think Aaron is just processing his first-ever heartbreak." She went quiet in contemplation for a moment. "He's always been a wanderer. Then this woman comes along and makes him want to…stay. That's a lot to take in."

Peeta sighed tiredly. "All this and Thanksgiving coming up."

"Oh yes and don't forget Adeline is coming home." Katniss squeezed his hand. "It's going to be okay, Peeta. With Luke and with Aaron. You're not the enemy."

"Convince me that I'm not."

"I could, but I'd like to not be hooked up to an IV."

Katniss was out of the hospital two days later with instructions to rest and antibiotics.

Effie did one more ultrasound before leaving and found nothing worrisome. The baby was thankfully undisturbed by her UTI and was sitting comfortably in her uterus.

She, however, felt very uncomfortable.

At almost thirty weeks, Katniss felt the weight on about every part of her body. It had taken a lot longer during her last pregnancies for her to feel this so unbalanced. She also waddled which must be hugely attractive to Peeta.

"How are you feeling?"

She looked up to see Luke at the doorway of her and Peeta's bedroom and smiled.

"I'm fine." Katniss patted the bed. "Come sit with me."

Peeta had gone out for groceries for the week. Adeline would be arriving tomorrow. The rest of the family would be invading on Thanksgiving and would be sleeping over after dinner was over.

"It's going to get crazy tomorrow," Luke said as he sat on the mattress. "Are you going to be okay?"

"Yes, I love when the family is around," she assured him. "And Adeline will be back so that's of course exciting." Katniss looked at her son. "Don't you think that you should make up with your father? I told you that I understood why he wasn't there right away. I know that you were scared, but you did exactly what you were supposed to do—you got help."

"I'm not so mad at him anymore," he told her quietly. "It's just that it brought me back to a bad time. I know I was young, but I still remember a lot. Your divorce was painful on all of us and for a moment, I was afraid that Dad forgot about that."

"I would never forget."

They both turned to find Peeta in the doorway.

"I don't want to forget." He walked over and sat on his side of the bed. His eyes went to Luke. "The evening that your mother and I split up…" He shook his head, stare pained. "I checked into a hotel and just sat in my room thinking that when you and Addie woke up, your whole life would be changed. My whole life had changed. I wouldn't be always there when you got home from school…or when you had dinner…or even to read a bedtime story. That moment…that feeling of complete and utter loneliness…that's ingrained in me."

Luke swallowed thickly. "I had no idea."

Peeta gave him a wet smile. "It's okay." He took Luke's hand and then Katniss'. "I'm sorry if I made you feel like I forgot. Know that this family is the most important thing in my life. I might make mistakes, but never doubt that, when all is said and done, you are my number one."

"I'm sorry too, Dad." Luke squeezed their hands. "I was out of line. Aunt Prim tore me a new one when you were with Mom at the hospital." He hung his head. "I deserved it."

Peeta hissed. "A reprimand from Primrose Everdeen is never fun. Got one of those once."

"When?"

"While your mom was having Addie, Prim declared that it was all my fault she was in pain," he said. "Which was true." Peeta gave Luke a small smile. "Are we okay?"

"Of course," their son replied. "I should finish my homework before tomorrow." He stood up, leaning over to kiss the top of Katniss' head. "Goodnight."

"Sweet dreams, darling," Katniss replied.

"Night, Luke," Peeta said.

When he got to the door, Luke turned to them.

"Dad…maybe later we could read something together? Like old times?"

Tears filled Katniss' eyes seeing the way Peeta's face lit up.

"I'd love that," he replied gruffly.

Luke stepped out of the room leaving them alone for the night.

Peeta turned to her. "Everything okay?"

"Yes, I just feel like we haven't had a lot of time alone together," she replied.

"Maybe that's a good thing because we're not allowed to do what we usually do when we're alone for a few days."

Katniss chuckled, elbowing him lightly. Peeta sat back against his pillows and put an arm around her. It felt good to have him by her side. Those two days in the hospital and sleeping without him felt like torture. She wondered how she had survived years without waking up next to him.

"Peeta, can I say something?"

He nodded. "Of course. Always."

"Me…you…the children…it was meant to happen. But sometimes I wonder what would've happened if we had done things in the proper order—dating, marriage then the kids. We barely have time to just date."

Peeta sighed. "I get it. You deserve romance and not feeling like we're repeating the past." He kissed her gently and she closed her eyes, savoring the sweet taste of Peeta. "I was supposed to take you to dinner the night you went to the hospital—"

Katniss snapped her fingers. "I have impeccable timing."

"I'm going to fix this—" He hopped off the bed. "Stay right there!"

She gestured at her belly. "Where am I going?"

"I fought an 80-year-old woman for this," Peeta said as he presented her with the heated dish. "But I know how much you love them."

"Well, I'm sure that canned pumpkin was in high demand," she replied. "Hopefully, there was apple pie left. Did you bring—"

Peeta held out the jar of marshmallow fluff. "I would never forget."

"And this setup is beautiful, I've never had a picnic in bed."

A red checkered blanket was spread over their comforter with an array of Thanksgiving side dishes—that they would have to replace—were laid in front of her. A baguette and butter along with jams and a basket of fruits rested on Peeta's side.

"One of the many things that we should've done at some point in our relationship," Peeta said with a smile. "Let's not forget the romantic lighting."

He reached for his phone and dimmed the lights of their room.

A month into living at the house, Peeta had installed a dimmer that they could control via a mobile app. Katniss had never really used it but seeing the romantic glow of the room made her think that it was something that she should use more.

"Now I'll put these here—" He placed two flameless tealights in the middle of the blanket. "—and we have a picnic."

"I'm overwhelmed by how sweet this is," Katniss told him.

Peeta buttered a piece of baguette and handed it to her. She stared at the bread; he always did this for her. Even when they were apart, and it suddenly seemed so apparent that Peeta clearly cared for her as something more than just the mother of his children.

"Peeta?"

He was busy creating a platter. "Yes?"

"I do want to marry you." His motions stilled and Peeta turned to her. "I know that it seemed like I was afraid. I just don't want to get married because I'm pregnant…again."

"And I don't want to marry you because you're pregnant again," he replied, taking her hand. "I want to marry you because I'm mad for you, Katniss Mellark. What we have isn't just about the baby or Addie and Luke. It's about you and me. Before we were Mom and Dad, we were Katniss and Peeta. So, we're going to make those vows as Katniss and Peeta—forget everything else."

Katniss smiled. "How do you know everything I'm thinking?"

"Because I know you." Peeta took her hand. "You're Katniss Everdeen Mellark. You were on the archery team in high school, and you excelled in World History. You like your fries with sweet and sour sauce. You low-key sing when you're happy or excited. You like to hide in the corner of your closet when you need to think about something. Once upon a time, you dreamed of traveling the world…until some handsome man up and got you pregnant."

"I have new dreams now," she said. "I've grown up and had my successes. The kids are my biggest. My dreams consist of seeing the world and growing old…with you."

"Glad we agree." Peeta brushed his lips against hers. "When it feels right, we're going to get married."

Katniss fed him the piece of bread in her finger before landing another kiss. Her arms wrapped around his neck, and she shifted slowly to straddle him.

Peeta groaned softly. "What are you doing? You know we can't—"

"I know." Her lips brushed along his neck and his hands went to her hips, grounding her along his lap. Katniss sighed in pleasure. "However, we've never made out during a picnic—"

She was quickly silenced as Peeta's mouth covered hers.

"Mom!" Adeline hugged Katniss tightly before drawing away to look at her mother. "You look beautiful, all glowy and stuff!"

Their daughter arrived just moments ago, energetic and excited, and not at all like she hadn't spent a day driving home.

"You look all grown-up," Katniss replied, her eyes watering. "We've missed you!"

"Oh, Mom…" Adeline's blue eyes watered. "I've missed you, too." She placed her hands on Katniss' belly. "Hello in there! It's your big sister!"

"What about me?" Peeta called out. Adeline straightened before rushing into her dad's arms. "I don't think I want you to go back, Addie. We missed you too much."

"Luke kept me posted on everything going on." She eyed him. "Heard you guys were on the outs for a bit."

"And it nearly killed me," Peeta told her. "We're good now, but don't get jealous if he gets a few more presents this year."

"Never." Adeline looked around. "Speaking of Luke, where—"

"AJ!"

Luke took the stairs two at the time and was hugging his sister in a nanosecond.

"Oh my God!" Adeline drew away from her brother to look him over. "You got taller!"

"You got shorter!" Luke retorted, messing with his sister's long locks.

The two walked down the hallway towards the kitchen as they caught up on the last two months.

Katniss watched the siblings. "It's good to have her home."

Peeta put an arm around her, pulling her close and kissing the top of her head.

"Best Thanksgiving ever."

The rest of the day was spent prepping for the next day's festivities. Everyone would be arriving mid-morning to hang out, watch football and have dinner. Prim would be bringing the turkey—she had a hookup—so all that was left was sides and of course, dessert.

Adeline and Luke cleaned the house from top to bottom before both disappeared to the Odairs as Evan had returned from his university as well.

As Katniss and Peeta got ready for bed, a knock sounded at their door.

The door opened and Adeline peeked inside. "May I come in?"

Katniss beckoned her in immediately. "Of course, sweetheart. You need something?"

"I just wanted to talk to you before all the craziness tomorrow," she replied, closing the door behind her.

Peeta patted the space before him on the bed. "What's up?"

Adeline helped Katniss sit on the mattress before joining them. She looked nervous as she picked at the invisible lint of their pristine comforter.

They waited in silence, and Katniss looked to Peeta.

She mouthed, 'Pregnant?'

Peeta turned beet red, his brow furrowing at the thought of someone impregna—

"I'm not pregnant," Adeline suddenly said and smiled. "You think I didn't see you two?"

"Addie, you come into our room to talk to us about something and look deathly grey," her dad started. "You would never be nervous about talking to us unless you thought it was something that could potentially disappoint us."

Katniss took her hand, squeezing it.

"And if you happened to be pregnant, we wouldn't be disappointed. Worried? Yes. Disappointed in you? Never."

Adeline blew out a breath.

"I have been keeping something from you." She looked at them, her eyes filling with tears. "It's not because I thought that you'd be angry, but because I was dealing with it for some time and trying to grasp my feelings about it."

"Adeline, whatever you have to tell us, I think you'll feel a lot better once you just say it," Katniss urged kindly. "Your dad and I love you and we just want you to be happy."

Adeline bobbed her head nervously. "I know." She exhaled. "There's a reason that Evan and I never really worked out. For a while, I thought that it was because I couldn't get past the friend factor. Then recently, I met someone at school, and it made things kind of clearer."

"So, you're dating someone new," Peeta said. "People do it all the time. You and Evan will always be friends. What's his name?"

"Bridget." Adeline looked at them. "I like girls."

She took each of their hands.

"I've known for a long time, but I wasn't ready to tell anyone. Being in college and meeting people who were like me made me think that I should tell the people who I love the most—my family."

Her mouth trembled.

"Are you mad?"

Peeta and Katniss turned to one another, communicating silently, before turning back to their daughter.

"Thank God!" Peeta burst out. "We thought it was something worst! Like you were into hard drugs or something!"

Adeline blinked. "You're not mad?"

"Why would we be mad?" Katniss said. "The only time we would be upset is if you were trying to keep who you are a secret in fear of disappointing us. In the end, all any parent wants is for their child to be happy and to be happy with who they are."

"That doesn't mean that we're not going to bust the chops of anyone you bring home," Peeta added. "Or that your grandparents would grill the hell out of whoever. Or that your uncles and Aunt Prim won't threaten them with bodily hurt should they hurt you."

"I get it!" Adeline said, relief in her eyes. "Did you have any questions?"

"Are we going to meet Bridget at some point?" Katniss asked.

"We just connected. With classes and everything, dating anyone seems kind of hard. If there is any news on that front, I'm still going to call you, Mom. We're going to discuss outfits for my date, as always." Adeline wiped her eyes. "I'm just glad that you understand and accept me."

"If we ever made you feel like we wouldn't, we're sorry," Peeta told her. "We love you, Addie. You're our firstborn, and you carved your own little space in our hearts."

"With any relationship, we want you to be safe and protected." Katniss took her hand. "We want you to find your perfect half, like your father and I did."

Adeline snorted. "Well, no couple can be as perfect as Katniss and Peeta Mellark."

Her dad chuckled. "Damn straight."

Peeta gathered their daughter into her arms, taking Katniss' free hand so she could join them.

Their eyes met and they smiled.

They raised a great woman.

With all the craziness of the past week and Thanksgiving, they were both relieved for Monday to come.

Thanksgiving had gone off without a hitch. Dinner was delicious and everyone passed out stuffed to the brim.

Sure, Aaron drank a little more than usual while muttering about certain blondes who liked to 'keep it in the family' but at the same time 'had a laugh that sounded like a bell'. Then, surprisingly, Otis arrived with Delly. She was welcomed but was embarrassed by the obvious hints about her and Otis finally settling down.

Johanna had come with Prim, both hungover because they had decided to check out some nearby lounges the night before.

They had presented the turkey to Alice before rushing into the master bathroom to vomit into the toilet and bathtub.

Adeline was in good spirits during the weekend. She told everyone all about her classes and her teachers but kept what she did in-between to herself.

Before leaving, Adeline took Luke aside to talk in her room. Katniss found the two an hour later in an embrace with Luke soothingly talking to his sister.

"Did that last week actually happen?" Peeta asked her as they headed towards the conference room. "It seems like some sort of insane dream."

"You mean the week where I was in the hospital, your brother found out that you had a one-night stand with his crush, our son cussed you out, and our daughter came out?" Katniss sniggered, her fingers entwining with his. "It did and I'm unbelievably relieved it's over."

They reached the door to the conference room and Peeta opened it, letting her walk in first.

Everyone was already in the room, setting up to work on their projects, each group chatting amongst themselves.

Except for Madge and Aaron.

The two avoided eye contact while Jo sat between her son and his former crush awkwardly.

"Morning, everyone!" Peeta called, bringing everyone to silence. Katniss sat down in the chair closest to the front, smiling at the groups. "We're a few days to presentations and I'd like to speak with each group to see where you're at—"

Madge suddenly stood. "Excuse me." She took a breath, steeling herself. "I'd like to say something."

Peeta nodded. "Of course. You have the floor."

He sat down next to Katniss, who looked at him in confusion.

Madge went to the front of the room, an envelope in her hands.

"First off, I would like to say that Mellark Bakery is one of the greatest businesses that I've had the honor to have seen up close. What you—Jo and Grant—have created is truly a family first business and it shows." She turned to Peeta. "And Peeta, you brought it to an international level at such a young age with your innovative marketing while all the while keeping a family atmosphere here at HQ."

Katniss could see the slight tremble when she turned back to the groups, her eyes flitting over to Aaron.

"However, over the recent weeks, I've come to realize that while I enjoy being successful and have always strived for it—it came with sacrifices. Sacrifices that took a toll on my family, on my relationships, and my personal goals. And I've seen the toll it's taken on your family—"

Madge walked to Peeta, handing him the envelope before returning to the front of the room.

"I don't want to sacrifice myself anymore." Her eyes went straight to Aaron. "Therefore, I am withdrawing my application for CEO of Mellark Bakery. It has been an honor to have met and worked with all of you. Thank you, I-I'll never forget this experience." She wavered just slightly before gathering herself. "Thresh, Finch—good luck to you both."

With that, Madge walked out of the conference room.

This was a bear of a chapter.

I'm exhausted but enthralled to get through it.

We get to see a whole side of Luke which I love. He reminds me a lot of my dad. Super chill but when they're angry you don't want to mess with them. Peeta got the brunt of it, and it made him see that the divorce did affect Luke more than he let on.

Speaking of the kids, the idea of Adeline's sexual preference was on my mind early in the story. The only thing I wrestled with was whether she told them separately or together. Initially, I thought of her just telling Peeta before going to Katniss. However, I think that it seemed better for them to let her know of their support as a united front.

Madge! Before you ask, she's not gone yet.

Thank you for your patience while I worked on this and "Photograph" at the same time.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this chapter because I know it was a lot!

If you're going out for Halloween, keep safe and have fun!

Next: More on the Madge situation and a baby shower.

Until then,

JLaLa