The next day, Peeta's internal clock woke him early again and he sighed as he glanced over at his sleeping wife. He would love to just sleep in with her, maybe even please her when she woke up, if she was alright with that. But his body told him it was time to get up, so he made his way to the bathroom before going into the kitchen to start on breakfast.

He was interrupted by a soft knock and he was surprised to see several peacekeepers on his porch.

"Yes," he asked, keeping his voice low.

"We just wanted to let you know we are here, Lieutenant, so that you're not surprised. We are going to get this cleaned up for you." The boy gestured toward the words on the wall and Peeta nodded.

"Thank you. I'll bring you all some water while you work." He returned to the kitchen and took a tray of water outside. He watched as they scrubbed the paint away and Purnia glanced sideways at him.

"We will find whoever did this, sir."

"I know. My wife isn't as upset as I am about this but I need to make an example of them. This sort of transgression can't go unpunished."

"To be honest, sir, Commander Cray says they can be shot on sight." Peeta froze and felt sick.

"No. It's vandalism, not murder. Why would Commander Cray give those orders?"

"Permission to speak freely, Lieutenant?" He glanced at the boys beside her and nodded.

"I believe the Capitol wants to crack down on the outlying districts. 10, 11, and 12. I've heard tell that the Minister of Security believes Commander Cray to be too lenient. He might be replaced soon."

"Replaced? By whom?"

"No one is certain but it's possible that Commander Romulus Thread will be coming here." Peeta's eyes widened and he paled quickly. He had met Thread only once but heard stories about the man's cruelty. He made Cray look like a sweet old man.

"Let us hope that's not the case," Peeta whispered. The boy beside Purnia shuddered.

"We will all be shot if that is the case."

"Straighten up, soldier," Peeta said sternly. "We are here to keep order in the districts and to serve President Snow. If Commander Cray is replaced, we will adapt. Do not ask questions, do not refuse orders."

"Yes Lieutenant Mellark," the boy said quickly, scrubbing harder. Purnia shook her head.

"Apologies for the intrusion, Lieutenant. Once we have this mess cleaned, we will be off and continue our search for the culprit." Peeta nodded once and returned to his kitchen. He braced his hands on the counter and breathed deeply, before gathering the ingredients he would need. Baking and cooking had always made him feel better and he wanted to make something delicious for Katniss. So he pushed the wall from his mind and set to work.


Katniss entered the room just as he was flipping the pancakes, sleepily rubbing at her eyes.

"Good morning," he said cheerfully. "Sleep alright?"

"I did," she looked around and Peeta raised a brow, knowing she was looking for something to do.

"I was about to make some tea for us."

"I'll do it," she said immediately and he smiled. She glanced at the pan as she set the kettle down beside it.

"What are you making?"

"Pancakes. Ever tasted them?" She shook her head and Peeta's eyes widened. He shouldn't be surprised but pancakes were his favorite breakfast. His father had made them on special occasions, such as his son's birthday.

"I like to put a fruit on top of them. Would you prefer strawberries or blueberries?"

"Oh, strawberries please."

"Good choice." She stood beside him, pouring the tea into two mugs, while he moved around her to cut up the fruit. They worked well in the kitchen and they hadn't done this but a few times. Peeta set a plate in front of her and kissed her hair quickly before turning back to the stove.

"Do you have to go back to work today?"

"Tomorrow," he glanced up at her as he scooped more pancakes into the plate. "I thought we could invite our families over for dinner tonight."

"That sounds nice. Maybe another picnic in the meadow today?"

"If that's what you want, then that's what we will do." She lifted her fork to her lips and gasped.

"Peeta! This is so good!"

"I'm glad you like them. The flour is a little hard to come by but peacekeepers are kept well supplied. I was planning to give most of it to Dad for the bakery. He uses it for everything."

"What do you think we should make for dinner?" He knew he needed to visit the market for more groceries. He loved cooking for Katniss but he was used to providing for one person, not two.

"I might be able to buy some beef from the butcher." Katniss hadn't seen Rooba, the butcher, in quite some time. It had been awhile since her last hunt in the woods. She was about to speak but a loud thunk made her jump.

"What was-"

"It's ok. Purnia brought some peacekeepers over to clean up the wall."

"Oh." Those words had kept her awake all night. She hoped it hadn't been someone she knew. Even if it was some stupid joke, it hurt and absolutely wasn't true. Of course, she could imagine what was being said about her. Going from Cray's house to Peeta's… being seen with three different Peacekeepers. She suddenly wasn't so hungry and simply pushed the strawberries around her plate.

"Let's get dressed and we can go to the butcher. Maybe we can get something for our picnic in town too." She nodded and hurriedly dressed.

When they opened the door, however, it was pouring rain and the wind nearly blew the door closed on them.

"Well," Peeta sighed. "I suppose the picnic is out."

"This could last all day. Maybe we had better postpone dinner. That thunder sounds close and it's not safe to walk through the district." Peeta nodded in agreement and they slipped back inside.


Even though they couldn't go outside, they were both content with how the day went. Peeta taught Katniss a couple of card games before he made them a hearty stew for lunch. Katniss hungrily tore into the thick bread he had baked and dipped it into her stew. They quietly talked for hours as they ate and cleaned up.

Peeta opened the front door so they could listen to the rain, and they both slid down into the floor across from each other. They fell into a comfortable silence as they watched the storm clouds drift by.

By nightfall, the rain had still not stopped and Katniss pushed the windows open so they could continue to listen to the storm. Peeta was about to suggest dinner when the room was plunged into darkness.

"Peeta?"

"I'm here. Damn, a power outage." Katniss, who had grown up in the Seam where there was no power after dark anyway, quickly found her way to the counter and fumbled around for a candle and a match. Her hunter skills heightened, she blinked in the darkness and made her way over to him.

"Holy shit," he exclaimed when she touched his arm.

"Relax," she giggled. "It's just me."

"You're even more intimidating in the dark," he chuckled.

"Do you have more candles?" The match struck and her face appeared in the soft glow.

"Yeah. I think there's some in the bathroom. Not all of my boxes are unpacked but there should be another one in my room."

"Ok I'll get them. You stay here."

"But- wait- ow!"

"Stay here and don't kill yourself," she laughed, carrying the candle with her.

"Katniss?"

"I'll be right back," she called from the bathroom. She grabbed a smaller candle and ran into the bedroom.

"Katniss. Please hurry." She was startled to hear how panic-stricken he sounded. She grabbed the two candles and made her way back to him. He let out a sigh of relief when he saw her coming back.

"I'm here," she said soothingly. "I'm right here."

"You must think I'm a huge coward," he said miserably as she lit the other candles.

"No I don't. Why would I?"

"Because what kind of peacekeeper is afraid of the dark?"

"The kind that- wait. You're afraid of the dark?" She held the candle to his face and he winced.

"More like being alone in the dark. It was… one of our tests. During training." She didn't say anything and he sighed.

"They wanted to determine strengths and weaknesses. They put four of us in a house and shut off the power. Then they isolated us so we couldn't help each other through the house. I was locked in a small room by myself for 2 days. I couldn't see but I heard the rats scurrying in the dark and I could hear the screams from my cohorts. When they let us out, two of them had gone insane. I don't really...like to be in complete darkness anymore, after that."

"The bedroom is a bit more lit, by the moon. Come on." She wrapped her fingers around his and he followed her down the hall, clutching his candle with sweaty hands. The moonlight streamed in through the window so Peeta could actually see a path. Katniss set the candle down beside the bed and took Peeta's to do the same. She pulled him into her arms and held him close, her head resting over his heart. His strong arms closed around her, sighing as he felt her bury her face in his chest.

"I'll try to keep you safe," she whispered, "and I won't let anything happen to you."

"That's my job," he replied just as quietly. She looked up at him, her eyes as silver as the moon.

"We protect each other." Peeta's hand moved to cup her cheek while he leaned down to kiss her. Her hand moved to his hair to hold him in place as her tongue moved against his. Peeta groaned softly, pushing her backwards toward the bed; he fell over her, trapping her in his embrace. With shaking hands, she pulled at his shirt and he quickly pulled it over his head and tossed it aside. He drew a sharp breath as her palms covered his bare shoulders and made their way down his chest. He kissed her again, his hand cupping her breast over her shirt. Impatiently, she pulled his hand under her shirt and over her covered globe. Peeta chuckled softly against her lips, loving that she was commanding and ready to take charge.

He moved his lips down her throat and paused to push her shirt up to her chin. She sat up and raised her hands in the air; smiling, Peeta slipped the shirt over her head and leaned in to kiss her shoulder. His hands moved to cup her breasts and he gently nipped at her neck.

"Peeta," she breathed and he lowered his head to suck at her nipple through the cotton. Glancing up at her for a moment, he gripped both sides of her bra and tugged upward, waiting to see of she would stop him. When she didn't, he pulled it off and flung it across the room, his lips reacquainting themselves with her hardened nipple. She threw her head back and moaned his name, her fingers curling around his hair. While he twisted and tweaked her nipple with one hand, his other moved to the waistband of her worn pants.

His kisses trailed down her stomach and he tugged her pants down her legs. He looked to her again for any signs of discomfort but found none. He used his elbows to spread her legs wider and she let out a strangled gasp as he trailed his tongue across her panties.

"You're already so wet," he said in a husky voice that made her shiver.

"I'm-what?"

"This," he moved his fingers past her panties and across her folds. He moaned as if he was in pain. "This means you like what I'm doing. That you want me. And that you want more." He withdrew his fingers and popped them into his mouth. Katniss bit her lip and shifted on the bed.

"Peeta, please." She didn't know how to ask him but she wanted him to do what he had done the other night. She had never known such pleasure in her life!

Luckily Peeta knew what she was asking.

He tugged her to the edge of the bed and knelt before her. He draped her legs over his shoulders and she sat up on her elbows. He was bathed in moonlight and his blonde curls looked to be streaked with silver. His toned arms and chest seemed to glow and she bit her lip. He caught the action and paused.

"You still ok?"

"Mmhm." He sat up to kiss her before kneeling back down.

"Eyes on me, Katniss," he said in a low tone. His gaze locked on hers, he flattened his tongue and swiped up to her clit.

"Oh my god," she moaned, reaching down to grip his hair in her fist. It was difficult to watch him but she did her best to keep her eyes open. When he hit that spot, her hips jerked and he brought a hand to her lower stomach.

"Ohhhhh! Peeta!"

"God you're beautiful, Katniss. Let go. Let go for me." He closed his lips around her clit and sucked and she flew apart with a scream. He kissed his way up her stomach, her breasts, across her cheeks, her nose, and finally her lips.

"You are very good at that," she panted.

"I shared a room with my brother, and would have to hide in the closet whenever they brought girls home," he said with a smile and a wink as he held himself up over her. "Tried to remember everything. That just makes me sound creepy, doesn't it?" He jumped as her hand gripped him through his pants and she gave him a shy smile.

"A little," she nodded. "But I'm glad you're well-learned."

"Self taught," he winked. "Just don't call me a voyeur."

"I won't, since I don't know what that means."

His laughter died in his throat and his arms became very shaky as she went to work on the button and zipper. Her tongue ran across her lips and he sucked in a breath.

"Oh shit," he muttered as he struggled to hold himself up.

"Why don't you get more comfortable?" She sat up and pushed him down in her place, her hands tugging at his pants.

"K-Katniss… you know you don't have to-"

"Would you believe for once that I'm doing this because I want to," she snapped. He gulped at her fierce expression. "Now sit up."

He lifted his hips and allowed her to slide his pants and underwear down to his ankles. He kicked them off and shivered at her intense stare. He nearly swallowed his tongue as she licked his shaft and gripped him in her small hand.

"Oh fuck," he groaned, his toes curling into the sheets. He wanted to hold on for as long as he could but her mouth, inexperienced as it was, was pure bliss. He had to tell her to cover her teeth once and repositioned her hand so she wouldn't choke but for the most part it was the most incredible thing he had experienced.

"Fuck! Katniss, you have to move. I'm going to- ah! Shit!" He tugged at her braid until she lifted her head and his hips jerked as he let go all over his stomach.

"Sweet mother of Panem," he grunted, throwing his arm over his eyes.

"Why did you stop me?" He lowered his arm and looked sheepish.

"Uh, I thought I had better warn you…I mean, girls...seem to get upset when there's no warning."

"Oh." Her face burned, almost as much as his did. He cleared his throat as he reached for some tissues to clean up with. He tossed them aside and pulled her into his arms.

"Thank you for that." She wanted to tell him she wanted more, that she wanted to go all the way, but she could barely keep her eyes open. Instead, she nodded and nuzzled into his chest, listening to his soft snores and joining him in sleep quickly.


Peeta had to be at an early peacekeeper meeting but he still had a hard time getting out of bed. Especially since his beautiful wife had fallen asleep naked and she was sleeping on her back with the blanket strewn over one breast, while the other was left exposed. Not being able to help himself, he leaned down to swirl his tongue around her nipple before kissing his way up to her mouth. He could stay here and wake her up in the most delicious way possible. To hell with the meeting.

Sighing, he made himself get up and dress. He made himself some breakfast and set some aside for when Katniss woke.

When he couldn't delay leaving any longer he returned to her side and gently shook her awake.

"Hm, Peeta? You leaving?"

"Yeah, I have to get going," he whispered, stroking her cheek. "I'll be home before dinner. You going to be at your mother's house?"

"Probably," she yawned. "But Madge mentioned when you go back to work that I should go to her house and help her plan her toasting and ceremony."

"Good. Go be gossiping girls and have fun," he kissed her forehead and smiled. "I made some breakfast for you. It's a covered plate on the counter. I'll see you after work."

"Have a good day," she pulled the blanket up to her chin and closed her eyes again. Chuckling softly, he gave her one last sweet kiss before he gathered his things and stepped out onto the porch.

The peacekeepers had done a good job with cleaning the wall. All traces of those hateful words were gone. He was still irritated that they hadn't found whoever was responsible but he was glad the words were gone. He shouldered his bag and headed to Rye's house first. He was keeping his uniform there but knew he would have to bring it home soon.

His brother greeted him cheerfully and they chatted while Peeta changed. They walked to the meeting together, catching each other up on their lives.

"The toasting is set for three days from now. Heaven forbid we don't have finger sandwiches and we can't get the ingredients until Thursday." Rye made a face and threw up his hands, making Peeta snort loudly.

"Why does Madge need finger sandwiches?"

"Oh no. Madge's mother demands the sandwiches. And Dad says it's better so he will have time to make the cake. We want a strawberry chiffon cake and you know how long those take."

"Strawberry chiffon? Really?"

"Hey, I would be fine with plain old chocolate. Madge is used to fancier things. So I'll give my girl what she wants."

"You really are whipped," Peeta winked.

"Oh like you can talk. Bet you've been waiting on Katniss hand and foot since you got married." Peeta shrugged.

"She's had a tough life so the least I can do is make sure she's taken care of now."

"And how are you guys doing," Rye dropped his voice.

"We're good. We're taking your advice and starting slow. Getting to know each other. We had a picnic in the meadow and last night I showed her my sketch book."

"Oh you showed her every drawing you've done of her since you were five," he chortled.

"Asshole. I have multiple sketch books you know. We talked a little… about my nightmares." All traces of mirth vanished from Ryen's face.

"Yeah? Good for you. I still can't really talk about it."

"Madge deserves to know, Rye. It's why I told Katniss. I mean, she doesn't know everything but we're different people than before we left 12. They deserve to know why."

"More power to you, baby bro, but I'll keep my demons buried for as long as I can." Peeta knew better than to argue with his brother and besides, it wasn't his business. Everyone deals with pain in different ways. Rye chose to hide his.

"So did the Mayor talk you into having the toasting at his house?"

"Mom sure wasn't offering the bakery for it. We are going to do it in the evening though because Bing can't close the shop until 5. Dad said he would close the bakery early but I know he needs the business. Bing mentioned this past winter was pretty hard on all of them." They reached the barn where peacekeepers meetings were held and Rye yanked the door open.

"Lieutenant Mellark," someone called and Peeta nodded in acknowledgement.

"Good morning."

"Sir, we have some news." Peeta raised a brow as he waited for the boy to continue. He couldn't be much younger than Peeta but he looked like a scared child at the Reaping.

"Go on."

"Ah, Lieutenant Mellark," someone said lazily. Peeta stiffened and Rye stood straight-backed at his side.

"Commander," he inclined his head.

"We were fortunate enough to catch the party responsible for the vandalism on your property." Rye frowned and glanced sideways at him; Peeta hadn't had a chance to tell him about it. He assumed he would know, from the other peacekeepers but clearly he was wrong.

"You have them in custody?" Cray smiled and stretched out his hand, gesturing to someone beside him. Peeta turned and his eyes widened.

Standing between two burly peacekeepers, was a handcuffed Gale Hawthorne.