.

Peeta tried to make the tea but Katniss insisted, making him sit down at the table. He muttered his thanks when she set the mug in front of him and sat across from him. For the next several hours, he told her in a quiet voice, all that had happened three years ago.

Peacekeepers had come to the bakery in the middle of the night and told his father that they were taking Ryen and Peeta away. His father tried to intervene but the peacekeepers burst into the apartment. The older brother had tried to fight them off but they beat him and found Peeta hiding. They covered the boys' eyes and pushed them into the back of a truck that rumbled out of 12 in the dead of night.

Peeta and Ryen were the best wrestlers in the district and apparently had been noticed by the officials. It was decided the two District 12 boys would make fine peacekeepers and they were taken to 2 to train.

Training was intense and it took awhile for the rest of the men to warm up to them. After all, no one could imagine why boys from an outlying district like 12 were there in the first place.

Peeta's first fight, however, showed them exactly why they were there. Peeta had always been the calm one of the family; he hated violence and he was more of a mediator between his older brothers. He was gentle and kind and always smiled.

But when one of the men he shared a bunk with stole his sketchpad and taunted him about his "trash girlfriend", he snapped. He'd dragged the man outside and had taken swings. The others had run outside and Ryen had leaped in to help his brother. Peeta didn't need help, however. The others cowered away from the two and the man immediately apologized.

Peeta laughed as he told Katniss that the man, Carl, were now very good friends. Carl had stayed behind in 2, however, because he was getting married. And as a native of 2, he had the choice of staying there or going elsewhere.

After the fight, Peeta and Ryen both devoted themselves to training. They became the fine soldiers they were predicted to be and they quickly climbed up the ranks. Their names were changed to Ryland and Peter because their old names "sounded too District 12", he told her with a grumble.

He never forgot about his life in 12 nor the girl he had left behind. He had heard someone mention the higher the rank you were, the more they were likely to let you choose where to be stationed. It was his chance to go back and watch over her. He confided to Ryen that he needed to be stationed in 12 and Ryen immediately knew why. They agreed to move back together and not long after, the commander had called them both into his barracks.

Peeta bowed his head and told his commander he wished to return to his home district and Ryen said he would like to join his brother. The commander was actually slightly sorry to see the District 12 boys go; they were some of his best soldiers and knew he needed the best to defend the Capitol against whatever rebellious activity was brewing. But, he was a man of his word and he had told the men they could choose where they wanted to be stationed. Many of them chose to return to their home districts. Most of them were already from 2 and chose to stay there. A group of Peeta's and Ryen's friends chose to move to 12. Before they shipped out, a friend revealed a new trending ploy in District 12; women were entering marriage contracts with peacekeepers for a bit of stability and wealth. Ryen had clapped Peeta's shoulder and laughed.

"You can walk right up to Katniss Everdeen and ask her to marry you now. You're a peacekeeper, baby bro, she knows you can keep her safe."

And that's what Peeta had planned to do. His first day back in the district, he had gone to the Justice Building to find out what he needed to do to marry. He wanted to go talk to Katniss first but as a peacekeeper, he did have to follow certain protocol. He'd been outraged as they explained to him that he would first purchase the bride, and would sign a contract agreeing to pay her a stipend. He was disgusted that it had come to that and he hoped against hope that he could convince Katniss that he didn't think of her as property. He obtained the correct documents and was then asked if he had a woman in mind. He blushed and shook his head and the official told him to go to the auction block to see if he fancied any of them. Revolted, Peeta had made his way home, only to find the very woman he intended to ask, waiting in his kitchen.

. Ryen had told him that he had to barter with Cray to get Katniss away from him; at first Ryen was afraid the old peacekeeper wouldn't give in but Ryen raised his price more than Cray expected. A Peacekeeper from 2, after all, was considerably more wealthy than a peacekeeper in 12. It didn't matter the rank; Ryen's wealth still outshone Cray's. Cray had caved when he saw the bag of money and told Ryen to take her away. Ryen was sure Katniss had not recognized him but he knew her mother had. He'd wanted to tell her about Peeta, but Katniss had recognized him immediately.

When he finished, they both sat in silence for what seemed like years. To have something to do, Peeta took a sip of his tea and winced when the cold touched his lips.

"You…you wanted to marry me," she asked in a timid voice. She didn't ask about his sketch pad…and who his "girlfriend" was, though she had an idea. He set the mug down and fidgeted with his hands.

"Ever since I was a little boy."

"But you didn't know me then…or know me now."

"Katniss I loved you the moment I heard you sing." Her brow furrowed.

"I don't sing in public."

"You don't remember? In music assembly, the teacher asked who knew the Valley Song and your hand shot right up in the air. She put you up on a stool and had you sing it for us. I was mesmerized. I told my Dad that afternoon when he picked me up, I said, I met the prettiest girl and I was going to marry her one day."

Katniss stared at her hands splayed on the table.

"We were five. You had a plaid dress and your hair…it was in two braids instead of one," he mumbled more to the table than to her.

"Katniss." She looked up to see him reaching into his pocket and withdrawing several pieces of paper. He unfolded one and set it on the table.

"I have loved you for years. It was thoughts of you that got me through training. When the days got tough, I just thought of your silver eyes or your long dark hair and I would be ok. Yes, I want to marry you. I want to care for you and provide for you and bake for you. I want to see you smile and not have so many worries. I want to meet your mother and Prim. And I want you to think of me as a friend. Not someone who…who signed a contract with you. But someone who genuinely cares for you. Who will always protect you." He took a pen out of his pocket and his hand hovered over the paper.

Katniss's eyes were trained on the line with her signature.

"I want you to understand, though, I don't want you to feel obligated to stay with me. I told you everything because you deserve the truth. I don't expect you to love me back. And I don't expect you to marry me, if you don't want to. The contract is active for five years, with or without a marriage. You'll get more benefits as my wife, rather than my mistress but I'm providing you money to help your family and in turn, you'll be my friend. That's all. I will never, ever, ask for anything other than friendship. Your body belongs to no one but you, alright?" She nodded, reaching back to bring her braid around so she could play with it.

"I have a little bit of money I can give to you…and you can just go home. I can tear this up and you won't ever have to see me again, if you don't want. But if we do this…I can help you feed your family everyday. You won't have to worry about putting food on the table. I'll provide for all of you." If it had been anyone else saying these things, she would have stalked off, she would have stalked off, angry. She didn't take kindly to charity or someone telling her they could provide for her. But Peeta had been saving her since they were kids. She knew all he wanted was to help. He never asked for anything in return. And Prim had grown much too skinny.

"So, shall I sign it?" Her eyes flickered between the paper and his soft eyes softer even with the light of the sun streaming into the kitchen. Slowly she nodded and he put the pen to paper. He quickly scrawled his signature next to hers and set the pen down.

"That was just the contract though, right?"

"Yes but I have some more papers." He unfolded another and laid it on top of the contract. Katniss's eyes widened.

Marriage Contract.

Peeta was watching her intently and she gripped her braid.

"We don't have to do this," he said softly. "We don't have to actually marry if-" he stopped as she picked up a pen and scribbled her signature next to the line that said WIFE.

"Are you sure?" She looked to his eyes boring into hers. Was she sure that Peeta Mellark was the only man she would ever consider marrying? After everything he had said, she knew it was her boy with the bread. He was still just as gentle and kind…

She nodded and handed him the pen. He blinked, his long lashes resting on his cheek, before he filled in the line of HUSBAND.

"We need to take these to the Justice Building," he said, as he folded the papers back up.

"They'll want to witness us signing another copy. And then we can go get Prim's medicine and take it to her." She nodded and stood up as he did.

"Peeta," she reached out to take his hand and he stopped. "I…thank you." He gave her a small smile and hurried into his bedroom. When he came out, he was dressed in his formal jacket again. He looked uncomfortable as he was buttoning up the stiff collar.

"Would you mind changing into a dress? Just for appearances. We can get back into our comfortable clothes when we get home."

"I don't really have any nice dresses," she said softly.

"As long as it's not the one you were wearing yesterday, it will be fine."

"I burned it," she said quickly and his eyes softened.

"Good. Just put one on and we will stop by the Market first."

"You don't have to wear that big white uniform all the Peacekeepers wear?"

"Only when I'm on duty. And I've been given a few days to get my affairs in order."

Katniss went to her bag and pulled out her nicest dress. It was a faded blue but it accentuated her curves well. She pulled it on and groaned when she saw how short it had become. It was her Reaping dress, after all. Thinking she had better change, she rifled through her bag for something else to wear when Peeta poked his head in.

"You look beautiful." She looked down at herself and frowned.

"Really? In this thing?"

"The color suits you. You ready to go?" She shrugged and tossed her bag aside.

"I should…probably do something with my hair."

"Why? I like it like this," he reached out to stroke her braid and she shivered.

"Um. Ok." She took his arm and he lead her from the house.


The stop at the Market was awkward at best. Katniss was a frequent visitor of the Hob but that was the black market. She didn't feel comfortable with these hoity-toity Merchants, who were treating her like a queen even though several days ago they were spitting at her from their windows.

"I need a dress for my betrothed," Peeta said unsmilingly. "Something nice but not too fancy."

"Oh sir, I have just the thing," one of the ladies simpered. Katniss wrinkled her nose when a hideous yellow and green dress was brought out. The next two were equally as horrible. Katniss knew she shouldn't be picky but she didn't want anything fancy.

"Perhaps if you tell me what your betrothed is looking for," the woman said irritably. Peeta could see how uneasy Katniss was and asked for a moment alone.

"Hey," he squeezed her hand. "You ok?"

"I just…never come here."

"Where do you shop?"

"The Hob." Peeta shook his head.

"I'm a high-ranking official, Katniss. I can't be seen at a black market on my first day in town. You understand, right?"

"Of course." Stupid. She hadn't thought of that and Peeta looked apologetic.

"If you really hate everything here, I can order something from the Capitol."

"No," she said quickly. She wouldn't wear anything from the Capitol. "No, it's fine. I'm sorry, I'm being picky. Just tell her to bring out something plain. These are too..." Capitol, she wanted to say but she trailed off. Peeta seemed to understand anyway.

He asked, charmingly, if they had anything "less formal" and a simple red dress was brought out. It came past her knees, the waist was tapered and the sleeves were a little worn but other than that, it looked very nice. Katniss excused herself to try it on and she had to admit she liked how the fabric felt. Peeta was pacing and stopped when she opened the tent; his eyes widened as they raked over her form.

"Do you like this one?"

"Yes."

"Good. So do I. We will take this one, Madame." They allowed her to wear it out and Peeta kept her blue one folded it over his arm. She clutched his other arm as he lead her to the Justice Building and she started when several people bowed low to them. She hadn't really understood the rank of a Peacekeeper except that they were pretty important. But she felt like she was traveling with a Hunger Games Victor.

"Good afternoon, Lieutenant Mellark." Katniss froze; Lieutenant?! Peeta was no mere Peacekeeper. He had said he was high-ranking but didn't say just how high-ranking he was!

He glanced sideways at her and nodded to the woman at the desk.

"Good afternoon. My fiancé and I are here for a marriage license."

"Have you the proper forms?" Peeta handed over the papers they had already signed and she nodded.

"This is the woman you bought?"

"I asked her to marry me," he said through gritted teeth. "She isn't a piece of property."

The woman looked surprised and she nodded.

"Wait while I ask the Mayor if he needs anything else." Peeta's fingers tapped against his side as they waited. He sighed as he glanced sideways at her.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to lose my temper. I just...I really hate the way this has worked out. Women aren't to be bought and sold. It's disgusting."

"It is," she agreed. "Darius was the one who encouraged me to sign. He said that most of the men were just looking for love. I'd like to kick him in the shins."

"Well, that's true. I know the men from 2, and they're good guys. Still, I think there are other ways to confess your love. Or propose, that don't involve signing a contract and paying for a wife. I suppose I can't talk though. I feel as despicable as the Capitol."

"Peeta," she turned to him immediately, placing her hand over his. "You saved me from Cray. You're nothing like that. You don't look at me like your property, nor have you forced me into anything. So don't you dare feel guilty, ok?" He squeezed her hand and smiled but it didn't reach his

"Wait a moment. She called you Lieutenant. Lieutenant?!" He turned toward her and shrugged. It was just starting to hit her. "You didn't tell me you were Lieutenant!"

"You didn't ask," he said delicately.

"Peeta-"

"Katniss my rank doesn't change anything. I just have more luxuries and a bit more freedom. That's it. I'm still just Peeta. Ok?" She nodded faintly, her head still spinning. The woman returned with a fresh form.

"The Mayor just asks that you sign them right here and I'll sign as a witness." Peeta nodded and quickly signed before handing the pen to Katniss. She faltered a few times but finally scrawled out her name. The woman clapped her hands together before she signed and whisked the paper away.

"Excellent. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Mellark! You're all set." Katniss felt like she would keel over at any minute.

Mrs. Mellark.

She was Katniss Mellark now.

Peeta slipped his hand into hers and squeezed. It was meant to be a comforting gesture but it just reminded her that her life was tied to his now. And no matter what he said about not expecting anything from her, she still owed him for the bread. For saving her life.

"Thank you, Madame," he said cheerfully as he turned them away and headed out of the building.

"Right, that's taken care of. Now let's head to the train station to get Prim's medicine."

She tucked her arm under his and grasped his bicep as they walked through town. Many people nodded to Peeta in acknowledgement. Others just stared. He had, after all, been presumed dead for over three years.

Seeing him alive and healthy would probably be jarring for many people.

"Peeta," she said softly, her face lowered. "Have you seen your parents since you've returned?"

"Ryen sent word that we would be home soon but we haven't actually seen them yet. I was planning to go to the bakery after my meeting tonight. Perhaps I can bring you something sweet to enjoy later?"

"Oh you don't have to do that."

"I know I don't have to," he said, cupping her chin. "But I want to."

"Ok. Stuff me with cakes and cookies. I won't complain." Peeta chuckled and turned her to face him. He didn't care that they were stopping in the middle of town and everyone's eyes were locked on them. His fingers caressed her cheek and his eyes positively sparkled. Katniss felt weak as her eyes met his and his lips curved into a smile.

But just as suddenly as the smile had appeared, it fell away and he cleared his throat. He laid his other hand over hers and briskly pulled her off. Her head was spinning; why the abruptness and the cold look on his face?

People were whispering as they approached the train station and Peeta shot them irritated glares. He nodded to the man at the station and quietly introduced himself.

"Train just came in. Your parcel is being held up the street there." Peeta paled as he saw what the man was pointing at.

"Wait. At the bakery?"

"It did say Mellark," the man said slowly. "We didn't have a first name. And we didn't know that you were alive."

"Alright, alright," Peeta snapped, so unlike himself. "I'll fetch it from the bakery. But I want any future parcels for Lieutenant P. Mellark to be sent over to the peacekeeper row, right near Victor's Village. Understand?"

"Yes sir," the man said, his demeanor changing immediately. Peeta merely rolled his eyes and grabbed Katniss's hand.

"Come on, Katniss." She hurried to keep up with him and glanced up to see his handsome face was screwed up in anger.

"Peeta, can we slow down? You're…you're kind of hurting me." He was gripping her hand tightly and he immediately released her, his expression turning into one of horror.

"I'm so sorry. Katniss, I didn't even realize-"

"It's fine," she said quickly.

"I'm ok."

"Listen," he breathed, running a hand through his coiffed hair. "I think it would be better if I go to the bakery alone. I'll meet you at your mother's house, if that's alright?" Katniss looked startled but he took her hands and pulled them to his lips.

"It's nothing against you," he said hastily. "I just haven't seen them in several years and I don't want the first thing we talk about is that I'm married. Although that will certainly come up and they will undoubtedly want to meet you. It's just…I don't know if you remember but my mom can be a little…unreasonable when it comes to people from the Seam." Katniss nearly snorted; unreasonable was an understatement. Everyone in the Seam knew her as the Witch. And for some reason, she particularly hated Katniss and her family. She nodded and Peeta looked apologetic.

"I can't wait for them to meet you. And I'll proudly introduce you as my wife. But I feel like I should see them first, so we can-"

"Peeta, you don't have to explain," she cut him off. "I get it. Really." He bit his lip and she attempted to give him a smile.

"I'll meet you at my house…I mean, my mother's house. You know how to get there?"

"Who do you think left you cookies on your front porch when we were kids," he said with a grin. She shook her head.

"Saint Peeta. I can't believe you risked beatings for me like that."

"We can talk about the level of my adoration for you another time. Go on, I'll meet you there." He squeezed her hand before turning toward the bakery and Katniss inhaled sharply as she watched him walk away, his shoulders slumped and his entire demeanor slouching and nervous.


Mrs. Everdeen looked up as the door opened and she jumped to her feet.

"Katniss!" She embraced her daughter and Katniss ran to the sofa.

"Has she gotten worse?"

"Not really but she hasn't gotten any better either."

"Peeta is coming with the medicine."

"Peeta?!" Katniss bit her lip. Oh how was she going to explain this?

"I'm sort of…married. To Peeta Mellark." Her mother looked stunned and gestured for her to sit down.

"You're going to have to fill me in."

Just as she was getting to the part about Peeta and Katniss going to the Justice Building, there was a knock and Katniss ran to the door. Peeta bowed low to her mother, a package tucked under his arm.

"Good afternoon, ladies."

"Peeta Mellark," Mrs. Everdeen said in awe. "You look so much like your father."

"Um, thank you Mrs. Everdeen," Peeta said, a bit awkwardly.

"Please. Call me Violet. I'm your mother-in-law now!"

"Ah, I see Katniss has told you our news then?"

"Can we cut the chitchat and get Prim the medicine," Katniss said sharply. Peeta looked abashed and thrust the package at Mrs. Everdeen. Katniss hovered over the couch while her mother administered the medicine and her heart sank when Prim didn't stir.

"How long will it take to work?"

"It should start working immediately. Hopefully she will be better in the morning." She reached out to stroke her sister's blonde braids and sighed.

"I miss you so much, little duck."

"Can you two stay for dinner, Peeta?" Katniss frowned; they didn't have enough food to cook dinner for anyone else. But Mrs. Everdeen was behaving as if they had full cabinets. Peeta bowed his head.

"Sadly, I'm due at a peacekeeper meeting soon. But it would be splendid if Katniss stays for dinner, so she is not in that house all alone. I can come and collect you when my meeting is finished." This irked Katniss for some reason; she was used to being alone and did not really mind it. And she often walked around the district by herself at night, before curfew of course. She didn't need someone to "collect" her.

"I can walk home by myself," she said irritably.

"I have no doubts you can," Peeta said, unsmiling. "But this house isn't far from the barracks and I would be glad of the company on my walk home."

"Fine," she huffed. Her mother shot her a what are you doing look.

"Katniss, your husband is kind enough to walk you home."

"Oh, we're married only in name," Peeta stammered. "We haven't had a toasting or anything like that. And let's be honest. No one in 12 feels married until after the toasting."

"Too true," Mrs. Everdeen said, giving her daughter a pointed look. Katniss shot her a glare. Why was she so interested all of a sudden? Peeta cleared his throat, most likely sensing the tension.

"I'll be off. Enjoy dinner, ladies. I hope Miss Primrose is feeling better soon."

"Thanks to you, she will."

Katniss scowled; yes it was Peeta's money but Katniss was the one who entered the contract to get that money. Was her mother going to forget that too?

"I'll walk you out," she said stiffly, following Peeta to the porch. She closed the door behind her and crossed her arms.

"Ah, Katniss," he shifted on his feet and looked nervous. Her irritation with him drifted away.

"Peeta what's wrong?"

"That woman at the Justice Building...asking me if I bought you. It just made me think..." She watched him with a frown. He glanced up at her and cleared his throat.

"I didn't actually ask you to marry me. I just gave you the contract and, well... I feel like a scumbag for that."

"I don't expect a ring or anything fancy," she shrugged, at loss as to why he was feeling guilty. They didn't really do rings in 12 and this was a business contract anyway.

"Will you marry me, Katniss?" She could see how important it was to him. She took his hand and smiled.

"Yes Peeta. I'll marry you."

"And I was wondering if…well, I meant what I said about not feeling married without a toasting. Would you…want to… toast with me?" Her eyes widened.

She agreed that the toasting was the crucial part of a District 12 marriage. It was their special tradition, something 12 strongly believed in. So what would happen if she toasted bread with Peeta? They would really be married. And he'd already told her he loved her.

Would she fall in love with him? Would she become like her mother, dependent on her mate and completely lost if anything happened to him? She'd sworn never to marry. Never to have children. But she couldn't deny the flutters in her stomach when she looked at Peeta. He had always been so kind to her, and hearing that he's always loved her made her heart skip a beat. She'd never imagined this happening but then again, isn't that how life works? Not really sure of where you're headed next, but just that you are going somewhere. Would it continue to be just business or would they actually act like a married couple?

"Forget I asked," he stammered, mistaking her silence for disgust. "Stupid of me. You were forced into this marriage anyway and-" she wanted to shut him up and could think of only one way to do it. She stood on her tiptoes and slammed her lips onto his. He gasped against her mouth but didn't pull away immediately. When his lips didn't respond, though, she pulled back. She had never been kissed before…well, she wasn't going to count her first kiss. It was taken by force, like so many other things. She would try to forget about it.

But this wasn't how it was supposed to go either, she assumed. Peeta was staring at her in shock.

"Katniss?" He was gripping her hands and his eyes were searching her face. She looked back up at him and her face softened.

Yes, she did feel something for him. She didn't know if it was love, for she didn't really know him, but then, did she know what love was? She knew these five years wouldn't be difficult, if they stayed together. He really was exceptionally kind and he wanted to help her. And what would happen after that? He had given her the option of extending the contract. Would she take the money and run, or would she stay with him? His hands started to tremble in hers and she squeezed.

"Peeta, I would like to have a toasting with you." His eyes widened and he looked as if he hadn't heard her correctly.

"Really?"

"You're right. A marriage isn't really a marriage without a toasting. So, yes. Let's do it." He picked her up right off the ground and spun her around, releasing a happy cry. He hastily set her down and took a step back, clearing his throat.

"Sorry. I'm…I'm rather ecstatic right now." She smiled and closed the distance between them; her hand rested on his cheek and he closed his eyes for a moment.

"You're allowed to be happy."

"You'll allow it?" he asked with a smile.

"I'll allow it. Now go to your meeting. Stay safe."

"I'll be back in a little while." He pressed a kiss to her forehead before he could stop himself and smiled when she didn't flinch or pull away. He leaped off the porch and practically danced away; Katniss laughed softly and returned to her mother's house, where the woman questioned her relentlessly until Katniss snapped that she was starving and what were they having for dinner.