PEETA

It has been a week since my cheese bun tutorial and they are all anyone is talking about. People can't wait for the bakery to open up in three days.

Today I'm getting all the last minute details ready. It's hard to focus all the time, knowing Katniss is four shops over. I admit I have developed a crush on her. I know it hasn't been long, but I remember her as a kid. I talked about her nonstop.

I'm stacking 50-pound bags of flour in the back of my storage room when I hear the bells of the front door.

"Come on back," I shout as I heave another bag onto my shoulder.

"Wow, Rue wasn't kidding," Katniss says in a breathy tone.

Katniss. What is she doing here? "Rue wasn't kidding about what?" I ask. I turn around and sit on a stack of flour. Katniss is leaning against the door frame.

She tries to hide her blush, but I see it.

She clears her throat. "So, what's the big deal about these cheese buns of yours."

"I've been waiting for you to come in," I admit.

"You've been waiting for me?" Katniss genuinely looks puzzled.

"Yeah, I've noticed you haven't been around much."

"Oh," Katniss says. She looks away from me.

I stand up and brush past her, making sure to linger a little. "I'm about to close up and head out for the day. Would you like a cheese bun to go? I was going to take them home anyway."

"Uh yeah. That's what I came for...and I need a ride back to my place." She sits at one of the tables by the front of the shop.

I wrap up a cheese bun that is still warm. "I'd be happy to give you a ride."

Katniss smiles. I don't think I've seen her smile much. "You know, you should smile more often."

Her smile turns into a blush. She sits quietly waiting for me to finish cleaning.

KATNISS

So is this what flirting is like? Oh I wish Madge was in town. She and Gale went on vacation.

I text her anyway.

Me: Madge. Why did you have to leave me for a whole week?

Madge: You know I need my time to relax. What's wrong with that.

Me: Nothing. You know without a car, you left me with Peeta for the week.

Madge: Good, maybe you'll say more than 5 words to him this time.

Me: Not funny. I think he's trying to flirt with me.

Madge: You better be flirting with him.

Me: You know I'm not good at that. It's the reason I'm not dating anyone.

Madge: Maybe Peeta will change your mind. Give him a chance to before you run away.

Me: I gotta go, we're leaving now.

Madge: Have fun flirting!

It starts to rain as we walk out the door. I stash my phone in my pocket and follow Peeta to his car.

I get in, but don't say anything as the rain picks up, hammering against the windows.

"So Katniss, how's your opening going?" Peeta asks. He turns on the radio.

I rest my arm on the center console. "I'm so behind. I want to open next week, but I could use some help."

"Well I'm pretty much done with the bakery. I can come by and help. If you want." Peeta says. He rests his arm next to mine.

I smile, even though he can't see me.

The music we are listening to crackles and the weather station comes on.

'This is a weather alert. There is a flood warning and anybody in district 12 near the seam needs to pull over if you are driving or find shelter. Rain is expected to increase by the hour.please stay safe.'

Peeta pulls over. "What do you think we should do?"

I don't speak, because I can't. I hate storms like this.

Peeta rests his hand on my arm. It sends chills through me. Well it's him or me.

Rain bounces off the windows now. I take a deep breath.

"Katniss?"

I take a deep breath. "I think there's a bed and breakfast up the road." I say looking around.

I'm good at navigating, well at least around here.

When we do approach the bed-and-breakfast it is full and we are directed to a set of townhomes instead.

Peeta pulls into the parking lot, turns off the car. We both sit in an awkward silence.

He breaks the silence."Together homesteads. Oh um. I can see if I can find somewhere else for us to stay."

"No. I just want to get out of the rain." My voice is panicky.

"Ok." He says, getting out and running to my side of the car before I can stop him.

Peeta takes my hand once we get inside the main office. He leans in close to me. "Just go along with it."

The owner, Greasy Sae, gestures for us to come forward. "Aren't you two a little young to be married?" She asks.

"We aren't married, yet." Peeta says. He wraps an arm around my waist.

Normally I hate when people touch me, but this feels different. I don't know how this is happening so fast.

Greasy Sae smiles. "I think I have one more house available. Would you like it?"

"Yes, please," Peeta says.

A loud clap of thunder rattles through the office. I can't help but tense up with Peeta's arm around me.

"You okay?" Peeta whispers against my ear. The lingering scent of cinnamon envelopes me as Peeta pulls me closer to him.

This tingling feeling is new to me and I'll admit it's comforting.

"You two are in house 7. Hopefully you'll find it comforting," Greasy Sae says. She hands the keys to Peeta.

What will the night look like for Peeta and Katniss? Will the rain stop? Why is Katniss scared of storms. Will Katniss give in to these new feelings?