The bakery was still open and she prayed there were no customers inside. Taking a few deep breaths, she yanked the door open and flinched at the sound of the bell. Thankfully the only person around was Bran Mellark. He looked up and a smile crossed his face.

"Well there she is. Come in, Katniss, come in!"

"I'm sorry, Peeta told me to meet him here-"

"He's in the back. Come on in. We'll be eating upstairs. Hey Peeta! There's a Miss Everdeen here to see you!" Peeta poked his head out, his face splitting into a grin.

"Hey you." He hurried from behind the counter to kiss her cheek. "You look beautiful," he muttered in her ear before turning back to his father. Katniss noticed that he was being overly affectionate today. That was probably just because they were in front of his family, she reasoned. At home, he seemed almost indifferent.

"I guess introductions are unnecessary but Dad, Miss Katniss Everdeen. Katniss, Bran Mellark."

"A pleasure, Miss Everdeen. Or should I say, Mrs. Mellark," he shot his son a wink. He looked far happier than Katniss had seen him in ages.

"Ah, not until the toasting," Peeta stammered in reply.

"Legally, it is though," Katniss said softly. "Mellark, that is."

For some reason, Peeta's face was bright pink.

"I'd better get upstairs and finish setting the table. Peeta, I'll let you finish cleaning down here and you can meet us in a few minutes?" He nodded, still rather red, and his father disappeared into the kitchen. Peeta cleared his throat and took one of her hands.

"How is Prim feeling?"

"She's so much better. I can't thank you enough, Peeta, I really can't."

"You don't need to. I'm just happy she's ok. I hope you all enjoyed the sandwiches I sent."

"They were delicious. Prim ate hers in two bites I think." He laughed softly as he made his way back behind the counter to wipe it down. She took notice he was wearing a white apron tied around his middle and his hair fell in waves across his forehead rather than being styled. She liked this look much better. More like the innocent boy she knew years ago. Much younger and more carefree.

"I'm glad you liked them. I'd love to have her over for dinner one night. Your mother too."

"Well, how about tomorrow night? For a toasting?" His hand froze over the cloth he was using to clean with and his head snapped up.

"Really?"

"Well you said we would do it this weekend. Why not tomorrow?"

"Katniss, I…you've made me the happiest man in the world." She smiled and rested her hand on top of his. He jumped and snapped his fingers.

"I almost forgot. I have something for you." He held up his finger for her to wait as he hurried back into the kitchen.

When he returned, he held a small plate with both hands. He smiled shyly as he set it in front of her. It was a small cake with green frosting. In yellow letters it read, "Happy Birthday Katniss" . Underneath the letters was a single dandelion.

She stared at the cake for the longest time; it was one of the most beautiful things she'd ever seen. She finally looked up at him and saw him watching her.

"My birthday was several weeks ago," she said softly.

"I know. I'm a little late but I'm pretty sure you've never had a cake of your own." She shook her head and he went to fetch a fork.

"I'm afraid I don't have any candles. So just pretend. Make a wish." Katniss squeezed back tears as she leaned over the counter. Peeta was startled to see her eyes glistening and he yanked the counter up so he could move closer.

"Katniss what's wrong?"

"I already made a wish," she whispered. "I wished that you were safe. For you to come home. And you did. I couldn't wish for anything else."

He gaped at her until she threw herself at him. Her lips claimed his and for a moment, he didn't know how to react. But she wasn't going to let this kiss be like their last one. She wound her arms round his neck and leaned into him. He responded immediately, one arm wrapping around her waist while his other hand rested on her cheek. His tongue raked along her lip but didn't force his way in, as Cray had. Katniss parted her lips with a sigh and he slid his tongue into her mouth. After a few gentle prods, her tongue danced alongside his and he groaned as he felt her respond. At the moment he could care less if it was just a contract and that he should probably be shielding his heart; she was kissing him and she felt incredible. He tilted his head so he could deepen their kiss and her hands fingered his blonde locks. His erection nudged her belly but neither of them cared. He was on the verge of leaning her against the counter, the rest of the world be damned.

"Peeta Mellark!" They jumped apart, both blushing furiously. Katniss hastily wiped her mouth and looked up at the glowering woman before them.

"Um…Mom, we were just about to come up-"

"After you fornicated on the counter? You will scrub that counter down after dinner, you understand me? Now wash your hands…and your face! Your father finished setting the table ten minutes ago, and Ryen's sweet fiancé helped me finish dinner. So hurry up." She cast Katniss a disgusted look before she turned and stormed into the kitchen. Peeta gave a weak chuckle and Katniss turned to look at him with wide eyes.

"Katniss, I'm sure you remember my mother?"


Peeta's hand on her back steadied her as he lead her up the stairs to the apartment over the bakery.

"Hey everyone," he announced their arrival.

"About time, we're starving in here," Ryen called from the kitchen. Peeta rolled his eyes but took Katniss's hand and lead her to the table. Madge shot her a warm smile and a wave from across the room and Katniss wondered how she was feeling now that she knew who her husband was. She certainly looked considerably happier.

"Everyone, this is Katniss Everdeen," Peeta pulled a chair out for her.

"I thought you two were already married," the elder Mellark brother said, his brow shooting up.

"Ok legally we are but our toasting is tomorrow. So she's Everdeen for one more night. Katniss, this is Bing and his wife, April. You already know Ryen and Madge, Dad…and I'm not sure you've ever met my mother."

"We've met," Mrs. Mellark sniffed. "Peeta, make yourself useful and get everyone something to drink." Peeta gritted his teeth but did as he was told. Katniss jumped to her feet and ran to his side.

"Let me help."

"Katniss, you're our guest. Please, sit."

"Let her help," Mrs. Mellark said as she set the pot on the table. "Everyone else has helped with dinner tonight." Katniss lowered her head and started passing out drinks. Ryen shot her a wink and Madge made a face at Mrs. Mellark's back, which instantly made her feel better. Mr. Mellark cleared his throat and offered everyone stew and bread.

"What kind of stew is this," Katniss asked as Peeta spooned some onto her plate.

"Why does it matter," Mrs. Mellark spat.

"Oh, I was just curious.

"Mom," Peeta muttered.

"It's lamb stew with dried plumbs," Mr. Mellark said cheerfully. "I take it you've never had it?"

"No but it looks and smells delicious."

"Have some bread with it." Mr. Mellark tore off a piece for his wife before he passed it to his youngest son. Peeta glanced at Katniss out of the corner of his eye and swallowed thickly as he passed her a slice. The bread was rich with nuts and raisins and brought back a whirl of memories. Katniss took a huge bite and couldn't help but release a pleased moan.

"So Madge, darling," Mrs. Mellark's tone changed completely as she turned to the Merchant girl. "When does your father want to have the toasting?"

"Oh, he wants to plan for it this week. And he said he would more than happy to have it at our house. Everyone is welcome, of course," she smiled around the table.

"Oh but my dear, Merchant toastings are supposed to be family members only," Mrs. Mellark said sweetly.

"Who here isn't my family," Madge said, meeting her gaze. Ryen snorted into his stew and his mother cast him a scandalized look.

"Well…I suppose when…a non Merchant marries into a Merchant family, he or she does become a Merchant…" she cast Katniss a sickened glance and Katniss determinedly avoided looking at her.

"Mother, as I've expressed before, I'll thank you to keep your opinions to yourself. Especially ones that involve my fiancé." Katniss was shocked that Peeta was talking like this to his mother, for her. She squirmed in her seat and relaxed instantly when he found her hand under the table. He placed their joined hands on his knee but did not remove them. She felt a certain sense of comfort and safety radiating from him.

I will protect you. Even from my own mother, he seemed to be saying. She squeezed his hand and he shot her a smile. Even in this cramped space filled with tension, his smile made him beautiful.

"So Peet, you excited to have a huge wedding with the whole district attending?"

"I'd prefer it to be just family and friends, but I know it's customary to have a ceremony in that barn near the barracks. I heard that's where Darius had his. But I'd like the actual toasting to be…semi-private. You're all invited, of course."

"I'll start on a toasting cake first thing in the morning, son," his father shot him a wink.

"Thanks Dad. Whatever kind of cake Katniss wants."

"Oh, I um…I don't really know," she stammered, lowering her head.

"These bakers have to make everything complicated," Madge laughed across from her. "Go for vanilla, Katniss. It's a classic."

"And boring. Chocolate is better," Ryen shot her a wink.

"Well, we may just have to have a cake tasting in the morning to figure out your favorite," Mr. Mellark said kindly, giving her a warm smile. Peeta squeezed her hand as she blushed.

"So, April dear, how much longer until I meet my granddaughter," Mrs. Mellark turned the conversation away from Katniss.

"Mom, we already told you it could be a boy," Bing said patiently.

"We have another month and a half to go," April said with a smile. Katniss saw her stroking her large belly and her blue eyes sparkled. Bing smiled and draped his arm around his wife's shoulder and she leaned into him.

"As long it is a healthy baby, we don't mind what the sex will be," Mr. Mellark said with a kind smile.

"Yes but how I would love to see a little girl. This family has far too many boys as it is. And I was meant to have…well, it would be nice to add another girl to our family, is all." For some reason, Peeta's face had gone red and he was glaring at the table. Katniss kept a wary eye on him, their fingers still intertwined.

"And how about you, Madge? Any plans for children?" Both Madge and Ryen started to choke on their food.

"Mom," Ryen's eyes were watering. "Can you at least let us get married before you start asking for grandchildren?"

"You don't want to wait for long! Women need to have babies while they're still young, you know. And Ryen will make such a wonderful father." Katniss stared at her plate, bracing herself for the question.

Except it didn't come.

She angrily looked up at Mrs. Mellark and saw her sipping at her water as if she hadn't a care in the world.

"And what about me," she said before she could stop herself. Mrs. Mellark's brow raised.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Do you not expect grandchildren from your youngest son? Or is it that you can't stand the thought of a grandchild that's half Seam, half Merchant?" Peeta's hand squeezed hers tightly in warning but she glared at the woman at the head of the table.

"You don't think Peeta will be a good father? Because he will be. He'll be the most wonderful, loving, patient father there ever was. And he won't EVER hit his children." There was silence around the table; jaws were wide open and Mrs. Mellark looked like she could breathe fire.

"I KNEW you were Seam trash!"

"Margaret," Mr. Mellark bellowed.

"You heard her, Bran! She comes into OUR house and eats OUR food and insults me at my own dinner table? You're nothing but a gold-digging little whore, after our hard-earned money-"

"That's enough!"

Katniss's jaw dropped; it hadn't come from Mr. Mellark but from Peeta. His breathing was heavy and his usually kind eyes flashed with fury.

"Enough," he said again. "You will never again speak like that to or about my wife, do you understand me?"

"Like mother, like daughter," she continued to sneer. Peeta jumped to his feet and looked like he was about to flip the table over.

"And you, you ungrateful little filth, worthless as ever-"

"Mom," Ryen jumped up and stood next to Peeta. "Peeta is Lieutenant of District 12. My commanding officer. And yours. I think you should watch what you say to him."

"Margaret, show our son the respect he deserves," Mr. Mellark growled.

"Respect," she sniffed. "No one will show him respect once they find out he's married this trash."

"We're leaving," Peeta grabbed Katniss's hand and made for the door.

"Peeta, wait!" His father hurried after him and Peeta gave him a pained look.

"Let him run. He's always been worthless. Never able to do anything right. Now look at him. In bed with a Seam slut."

"Thank you for dinner, Dad. Bing, April, Madge…it was great to see you again. As for you, Mother, Katniss will be wife to a peacekeeper. Which is higher rank than a Baker's wife. I suggest you show us both some respect if you expect protection in this district." And with that, he yanked Katniss out of the apartment and down the stairs.


She trembled as she followed him home.

He didn't try to hold her hand and his hair was a complete mess from his fingers. She chewed on her lip as she tried to think of something to say.

It was her fault. She shouldn't have gone off on his mother. He had just come home and now his relationship with his family was ruined. And it was all because of her.

He pushed their door open and slammed it shut. He stalked into the bedroom and ripped at the buttons of his shirt. Katniss lowered herself onto the couch, still shaking.

"Peeta," she tried to speak but it just came out all garbled. She could hear him stomping around the bedroom and she winced when she heard him move to the kitchen. Dishes started to crash and she jumped off the couch. She hurried into the bedroom, quickly packed her things together, and slipped out the door. She wasn't far from the house when she heard her name being called. She froze as she heard his footsteps catching up to her.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?"

"Peeta, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to cause trouble between you and your mother. I understand if you don't want to see me ever again. I'm just going back to my mother's and I-"

"You signed a contract, Katniss. Do you not understand what that means?" She swallowed and looked up into his darkened eyes.

"It means you're bound to me for five years. So this running off back to Mommy's house needs to stop right now. You're to be my wife, living in my home. Do you understand?"

She had never heard him speak this way. Least of all to her.

"I'm nothing but trouble for you."

"You let me worry about that." He yanked her bag out of her hand and she brought her arms around, hugging herself.

"Peeta, your family hates me. How can you be with someone that your family hates?"

"My family doesn't hate you. My mother…she's just a cold Merchant woman with no heart. She's always been that way. You didn't do anything wrong, Katniss. In fact, no one has ever defended me the way you did." She froze and her head jerked up to look at him. His eyes had softened and he looked pained.

"What you said back there…no one's ever stood up to her like that. And I would have done it if I weren't such a damn coward."

"Peeta, you're no coward." She stepped closer and rested her hand on his cheek. He closed his eyes for a moment, opening them again to meet her gaze.

"She's called me worthless…all my life. And I believed her. I took her crap and never said a word. She had me convinced that no one could ever love me or want me…I was too weak, too…useless. There were times she even…god, she dug into my manhood. There was one time I was sketching…um, something rather naughty, and she caught me. I was terrified that she would beat me but she tore it up in front of me, saying I'd never be able to please a woman or make anyone happy. That I wasn't... capable. She screamed at me to be a man. I was stupid to think being a peacekeeper would change anything. In her eyes, I'm still the useless little baker who can't do anything right." He hung his head and Katniss noticed his hand was bleeding.

"Come on," she said softly, tugging him back toward the house. She pulled her bag from his grasp and set it on the couch, then led him into the kitchen.

Sitting him down, she wet a cloth and started to clean his hands. His eyes were locked on her face.

"I didn't mean to speak to you like that. I was just scared. It's nearly past curfew and I was afraid you were leaving me and…I just worry about you, Katniss." She didn't say anything but examined his hand.

"Do you have a first aid kit?"

"It's just a scratch." But he winced when she ran the cloth over it and Katniss noticed a slice of glass embedded in his flesh.

"I need tweezers. And ointment for the cut."

"In my bathroom," he croaked. She rested a hand on his shoulder for a brief moment before going to get the first aid kit. When she came back, he was hiding his face in his uninjured hand.

"This might sting a bit." He flinched but didn't pull away. She didn't know how she was so calm around blood because it usually made her sick but she concentrated on her task and removed the shard of glass. She quickly spread ointment across the cut and bandaged it up. When she finished, he glanced at his hand before looking up at her.

"Thank you, Doctor Everdeen."

"Not hardly," she snorted. "Prim and Mom are the healers. I hate being around the sick and the wounded."

"Well you took good care of me. Thank you."

"You're welcome. Are you alright?"

"I'm alright, as long as I didn't scare you away."

"You didn't. I didn't want to leave. I just felt guilty about-"

"Don't," he said, cupping her chin. "You don't know what it means to me." She closed the kit and washed her hands in the sink.

"Do you really think I'd make a good father? Or were you just trying to bait my mother?"

She turned slowly and saw him trailing a finger along a design in his table.

"Peeta, you'll make a wonderful father." He smiled sadly.

"I love kids. I mean, I always wanted them one day…but I don't know."

"Why not? You're a high-ranking official, you'd be able to actually care for them and you won't have to watch them be Reaped or starve to death."

"Yeah. I mean…I dunno." Her brow furrowed as she watched him. He cleared his throat and stood up to stretch.

"It's getting late. Should we head to bed?"

"Yeah. If you don't mind sleeping beside me again."

"I placed an order for a bed, but it will be a few days." Her heart dropped and she nodded. They hadn't spoken about their kiss in the bakery but Katniss hoped it meant something. Clearly, though, he still wanted space.

"I'll just brush my teeth…" she hurried off and Peeta watched her scurry away. Sighing deeply, he rifled through his drawers until he found a fresh pair of underwear and pants. Since Katniss was still in the bathroom, Peeta peeled his boxer briefs and his slacks down his legs. He kicked them aside and bent down to step into the clean pair.

Katniss's eyes widened; she had come out of the bathroom to find an unsuspecting Peeta undressing. And no matter how much she knew she should, she couldn't look away. Everything about him, from his muscular back to that shapely behind made her quake. She shook herself and scowled, pushing the door against the wall so it made a noise. Peeta jumped and hurriedly pulled his pajama pants up.

"God you are silent when you walk."

"It's the huntress in me."

"Ok well do me a favor and don't sneak up on me when I have a gun." She scoffed as she lay down on her side.

"I don't go near people when they have guns."

"Do you still go into the woods?" She bit her lip but nodded.

"It's how I get food."

"You don't have to worry about that anymore," he said softly.

"It's my refuge. Just being out there makes me feel…calm. It's an exhilarating feeling."

"Katniss, you know it's dangerous. And as the wife of a peacekeeper…you'll be watched more closely. I just want you to be careful."

"I will," she assured him. He turned to stroke her cheek and she was lost in his gaze.

"I would die if anything happened to you."

"I'll stay safe, Peeta. I've taken care of myself for 8 years. I'll be fine."

"I know." He reached out to turn off the light and settled into the pillows. She tried to maintain her distance and left a space between them. She flipped onto her side and felt like she would fall off the edge of the bed but it gave him the distance that he so clearly wanted.


Katniss first registered frantic movement behind her and then she heard the muttering.

"No…no." He was moaning in his sleep and his face was screwed up in pain. She hovered over him, unsure if she should wake him or not. He tossed his head and chewed on his lip.

"Please," he whined. "Please don't."

"Peeta?"

"No," he said louder, starting to thrash around. She narrowly avoided being kicked in the shin and she gently shook him by the shoulders.

"Peeta wake up!" He shook his head but she placed her hand on his cheek and gently stroked his hair back.

"Peeta," she said soothingly. "Wake up. It's just a bad dream. You're safe." His eyes fluttered open and he looked confused. She leaned over him, her lips inches from his, and her hand still on his face.

"K…Katniss?"

"You were having a nightmare," she said softly. He groaned and covered his face with his hands.

"I'm sorry I woke you."

"It's alright. Peeta…why won't you look at me?" But he turned away from her, ashamed. What kind of grown man thrashed around because of his nightmares? Had he called out in his sleep? What did she think of him now?

"I think I'll ,uh, go sleep on the couch," he said, his face red with embarrassment.

"You won't either. There's nothing to be ashamed of, Peeta. I get nightmares too. You saw it yourself the other night." He nodded but didn't move toward her. She reached out to stroke his hair and he felt himself start to relax.

"Do you want to talk about it?" He shook his head and sank back onto the pillow. Sighing, Katniss settled back down too and stared up at the ceiling.

"My mom likes to remind me that I was a mistake," his voice was soft and nearly broken. Katniss blinked in the dark and he stirred beside her.

"I wasn't planned. She and Dad wanted to stop at two and then found out she was pregnant. But then she was so sure it would be a girl. She told everyone, I mean, the entire district, that she would finally have a daughter. And then when I was born…she refused to hold me. Dad had to hire a wet nurse to feed me because my mother refused to do it. She was angry at me for being born. For being a boy. And she never forgave me for it. On top of that, the birth was complicated and she had some problems. The doctor told her she couldn't have any more children. So not only was I a failure, I took away her chance at ever having a daughter." Katniss sat up and moved closer to him. He didn't move away so she took her chances and covered his hand with hers.

"You are not a mistake," she said quietly. "I can't imagine how someone so cruel produced someone so good. But she's wrong about you, Peeta. I wish you could see how wonderful you are. How I see you." He turned to look at her and shifted so he was lying on his side. His fingers wrapped around hers.

"How do you see me, Katniss?"

"You saved my life, Peeta. You're good and you're kind and strong and smart. Your mother doesn't know how lucky she is to have a son like you."

He stared at her in the darkness for the longest time. She started when he raised his hand and it hovered over her. He hesitated but then brought it to her cheek, as he started to stroke her hair back, just as she had done with him.

"You were pleading with someone," she said softly and he tensed. "Was she hitting you?"

"She always hit me. At first it started out as little smacks on the hands, if I stole a cookie. One day I dropped a bag of flour and she slapped me across the face. It started progressing from there, if she was angry, she would give me a quick slap. The bruises didn't come until much later, when I was older. I just started telling people I got into a fight with the rolling pin and lost," he smiled weakly but she looked horrified. "After I started to wrestle, I used that as my excuse. Lots of rough housing but Mom would still hit me when she got irritated. She hit my brothers too but she always seemed to hate me when I was growing up and I never knew why. It wasn't until Bing told me about my birth that I understood."

"There is no excuse for hitting your child," she said through gritted teeth. "None. If I could have, I would have reported her to the authorities."

"Well, since I AM the authorities, we'll just let it go," he chuckled. But he sobered immediately and his palm returned to her cheek.

"You'll make an amazing mother one day, Katniss."

"No I won't."

"Why not? You love fiercely and I know you would give your life for Prim. That sort of devotion should be shown to a child. I can just imagine how you would protect them." For a brief moment, Katniss's mind was invaded by two children: one with dark hair and bright blue eyes, the other with blonde curls and grey eyes. They were beautiful and Katniss knew without a doubt who their parents were. She shook her head, determined to rid herself of those images and Peeta's brow furrowed.

"I'm sorry for keeping you awake. Go back to sleep, Katniss."

"Peeta." He waited but she didn't say anything and he couldn't see her properly in the dark.

But when he moved to flip onto his back, he felt her hair tickling his arm as she buried her face in his chest. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close and his heart beat frantically in his chest.


Peeta awoke, feeling his heart lighter than it had felt in years. What was so special about today?

Then his eyes fell upon the creature sleeping next to him and his eyes widened.

I'm toasting with Katniss Everdeen tonight. Even in his head, it didn't sound real. She released a little moan and turned her head, away from him. He smiled at the way she slept with her hand tucked up under her chin, forming a little fist. He wanted to get to the bakery early to start on the cakes for her to sample. He imagined his father would be upset with his behavior last night, running out like that. He started to get out of bed and glanced back over his shoulder. Just to watch her sleep a little while longer. He showered and dressed and was surprised to see her still asleep. He knew she was a huntress and had early mornings. He moved a strand of hair out of her face and gently stroked her cheek with the back of his knuckle.

"Hey," he said softly, leaning close.

"Hm?" She stretched her arms over her head and her eyes fluttered open.

Peeta's smile was the first thing she saw and to be honest, she could live with that. It lit up the whole room this morning.

"Morning. I thought we could head over to the bakery to figure out what kind of cake you want."

"We don't have to do that," she said sleepily. "I don't want anyone to go to any trouble-"

"It's no trouble at all," he cut her off. "This is your toasting cake. I want you to love it."

"This is OUR toasting cake. What is your favorite flavor?"

"I'm partial to strawberry, myself. Lemon is good too. But Ryen is right, you can never go wrong with chocolate. I will never say no to chocolate."

"You're making my head spin." He chuckled and kissed her forehead.

"Well, get dressed and we will figure it out together." She nodded and yawned as she stood. Her eyes fell on the clock beside the bed and she gasped.

"Is that really the time?" Peeta nodded as he adjusted the bandage around his hand.

"Yeah, you were sleeping so well, I didn't want to bother you."

"My gosh, I haven't slept that late…ever, I think."

"Well maybe it was a good thing then. Catch up on some well deserved sleep."

"I'll dress really quickly," she grabbed her bag and carried it into the bathroom.

"Take your time. And Katniss, feel free to unpack your things. This is your home now." He gave her a smile and pulled the bathroom door closed. She stared into the mirror, frowning at her puffy eyes and messy braid. She was getting married tonight. Actually toasting with Peeta Mellark. So why wasn't she more afraid?