When Katniss awoke, the sun was streaming through the window. She heard the bathroom door open and turned to glance over her shoulder. Peeta entered the room with a towel around his waist, his blonde curls dripping. The sun caught the droplets in his hair and cast rainbows all around the room. He was quiet as he made his way to the closet and she sat up and threw the blanket off. He froze, looking like he had just been caught.

"Well good morning."

"Morning. You didn't wait for me to take a shower?" He looked surprised but grinned.

"I wasn't sure how long you would sleep. But I can make breakfast while you take one."

"Ok." She was stunned at how quickly she'd adapted to intimacy with him. She loved the shower they had shared last night and was looking forward to joining him for another one again soon.

"Did you sleep well?"

"I did. You?"

"Like a log. Out all night." He bent down to kiss her as he pulled his shirt on. "Dad called me from the bakery this morning and asked for me to help him with Rye's toasting cake. I'm going to head over there soon if you would like to join me."

"Ok, sure. Let me just shower quickly and get ready."

"Take your time. Would you like pancakes or crepes for breakfast?"

"What's a crepe?"

"Oh well that just answered my question. If you have never had a crepe, you're in for a treat."

"Seems like I'm in for a lifetime of treats," she said with a smile. He swallowed deeply but quickly returned the smile. A lifetime. She had said a lifetime'; it was everything Peeta wanted and yet, he was sure she would leave when the contract ended in 5 years.

Still, he had moments when he felt they were a real married couple. Her eagerness to take a shower with him, to experiment with intimacy, to be near him, it all told him that she was enjoying the married life and maybe, just maybe, she could learn to love him in time. It had only been a week since their toasting but Peeta felt like they had been married for years. And she had asked him for some time, which of course he would give.

"I'll get started on breakfast. Enjoy your shower."

"I would enjoy it a lot more if I weren't alone." His brows shot up and he released a little choked gasp of surprise. She gave him a sly smile as she quickly undressed and closed the bathroom door behind her. Peeta looked down at the rising bulge in his pants and he frowned.

"Don't you dare." But as soon as the water started all he could think of was his naked wife pressed against the wall as he pleasured her on his knees.

"Damn it," he muttered, shaking his head and hurrying into the kitchen. She wanted time and yet here she was, acting like a seductive little vixen. It didn't make him want to slow down. No, in fact he wished he could make love to her right there in the shower.

"Would you stop it," he chastised himself. "She's not ready. She might not even want that with you! Mom would beat us for these lustful thoughts." His pep-talk didn't help at all. He was still hard for her, no matter how much he tried to cast the thoughts away. He tried to focus on the baking, on the intricacy of the crepes but he just kept coming back to how her breasts bounced as she rode him last night, how her tiny whimpers and moans filled the room, the way her lips wrapped around his cock. Slamming the rolling pin down, he stomped into the bedroom and wondered if it was too late to join her in the shower. But his outstretched hand froze on the door knob and his eyes locked on the closed door.

She was singing. It was soft and mesmerizing and Peeta closed his eyes, wanting to savor every precious note. Her sweet melody drifted under the door and straight to his heart. He had no idea what the song was about but all that mattered is that she didn't stop.

It made his want for her so much worse. Groaning, he leaned against the wall and unbuttoned his slacks. He sighed with relief when his erection was released and he licked his palm before wrapping his hand around his shaft. She kept singing for him, his strokes soft and gentle, as hers had been. But it was too much and he couldn't take the teasing right now. He gripped himself harder and leaned his head back against the wall.

You are my flower

That's blooming in the mountain so high

You are my flower

That's blooming there for me

His eyes were squeezed shut as his strokes became more insistent. He reached down to play with his sac, remembering her curious explorations and gentle touches.

When summertime is gone and snow begins to fall

You can sing this song and say to one and all

You are my flower

That's blooming in the mountain so high

"Katniss! Gah," he grunted as his hand became slicker with his release. He panted, leaning his head back and closing his eyes. He pulled his hand away and held it in front of his face. His eyes went from hazy to hardened and he frowned.

"You're disgusting," he said aloud. "Lusting over her like this. You're no worse than Cray." He wiped his hands in disgust, buttoned up his pants, and went to the kitchen to finish breakfast.


He said nothing about her song when she entered the kitchen and he gave her a small smile as he handed her a plate.

"Crepes are beautiful," she said in awe. He chuckled as he turned back to the stove.

"I put strawberries on them because that's what you liked on the pancakes. I hope it's alright."

"Peeta, I used to eat mint leaves when I was hungry. Anything you make for me is going to taste amazing." His eyes widened and his lips thinned. He'd known she had been hungry but hearing her say it was something else altogether.

"This is so good," she closed her eyes as she shoveled several more bites into her mouth.

"Slow down or you'll get a stomach ache," he said softly. She laughed and her eyes locked on his as he reached over the table and used his thumb to wipe away a bit of strawberry from her lip. She swallowed and his hand fell to his lap.

"So what kind of cake are you making for Ryen and Madge?"

"They're requested a strawberry chiffon cake."

"Sounds fancy."

"It's not too difficult, just time consuming. Dad started it already but he asked me to do the piping and decorations. I think his hands just aren't too steady anymore and it's easier to let someone else do it."

"Do you think you would like to work there more often?" He chewed slowly, his eyes on the table.

"I would but I don't really have the time. Peacekeeper duties are a full time thing and Dad needs someone there all the time. I wish he would hire someone but...well, baking and decorating cakes isn't really something a lot of people in 12 know."

"I guess not. Your family's bakery is the only one that I know of."

"In the Capitol there can be five bakeries on one street. It's insane."

"I'm intrigued to see it but I'm really nervous. What if I say something wrong? Or they just don't like the way I look?"

"I'll be right by your side, Katniss. You don't need to worry." They finished their breakfast and set the plates in the sink. Peeta offered his arm as usual and they set off for the bakery.


Both of his parents were behind the counter when they entered the bakery. There were several customers studying the display case and Bran sent them a little wave before turning his attention back to his customer.

"Margaret, is that your new daughter-in-law?" Katniss stiffened as the woman in the corner sniffed and turned to Mrs. Mellark.

"Yes," the baker's wife said in a low voice. "That's Katniss Everdeen."

"Mellark, mother. Her name is Mellark now," Peeta said warningly. "I hope you're well, Mrs. Lorney."

"Peeta, you remember Carlita Lorney, don't you," Mrs. Mellark said sweetly. "You escorted her to a dance when you were thirteen."

"I do remember, Carlita. I hope she's well?"

"She's doing wonderfully, Peeta, thank you for asking. She just became an apprentice to the Seamstress. She will be making dresses in the Capitol before you know it!"

"That's wonderful. Tell her I send her my congratulations. Katniss, love, can I get you anything to eat?" Katniss noticed Mrs. Mellark and Mrs. Lorney glaring at her and she shook her head.

"No thank you, Peeta. I'm still full from the delicious breakfast you made for me."

"What did he make for you," Bran asked jovially as he finished with his customer and joined them.

"Crepes. They were so good."

"Course they were! That's his great-great grandfather's recipe. Glad to see you're still using it, son."

"Of course, Dad. And Katniss has already agreed to sample anything I bake."

"He twisted my arm," she said with a heavy sigh and both Mellark men laughed identical, loud laughs.

"I can't believe your son married a… a girl from the Seam," Mrs. Lorney said, loud enough for everyone to hear. Katniss's cheeks went pink and Margaret's lips tightened. Peeta wrapped his arm around Katniss and pulled her into his side.

"I know, Mrs. Lorney, I couldn't really believe my luck either. But I must have done something right because this amazing woman did marry me!" Bran's lips curved upwards while Mrs. Lorney lost all color in her face. She slammed her money down on the counter, grabbed the bag of pastries, and hurried out of the store. Peeta chuckled as he kissed Katniss's temple before he lifted the bar and slid behind the counter.

"Peeta, you can't patronize the customers," Margaret said angrily.

"I'll patronize anyone who thinks they will insult my wife. You hear that, Mother? Katniss is my wife and you'd do well to start accepting that." Margaret looked sour and gave her son and daughter-in-law a deadly glare.

"Come on back into the kitchen with me, Katniss," Peeta gestured for her to follow him and Bran lifted the counter again. Katniss hesitated but Bran nodded, so she followed him to the back. Peeta went straight to the cake on the table and pulled a chair over.

"Here, have a seat. You sure you don't want anything while you wait?"

"I'm fine, really." Truthfully she was craving another one of those sugar flowers he had created, or anything sweet really; what was he doing to her? She had never tasted a sweet concoction in her life and now she couldn't get enough. But she didn't want his mother to say anything nasty and she undoubtedly would if she saw Peeta giving any of their baked goods to her. She leaned on her elbows and watched him turn the cake as he decorated the edges. She loved watching him decorate, she decided. He looked like an entirely different person. She liked him better with a piping bag in his hand rather than a gun. It suited him better. He already had icing smeared on his cheek and he mumbled to himself as he turned the cake this way and that. She couldn't help but smile at the sight of him being a real baker. How different would life be, if he were allowed to be a baker instead of a peacekeeper? She pictured a humble little home, and her bringing home the meat she hunted that day for their dinner. He would bring home bread and cheesebuns after a long day in the bakery, and they would enjoy dinner by candlelight because the electricity would go out after the sun set. He would sneak a sweet treat to their little girl…

She gasped, clapping her hand to her mouth. It wasn't the first time she had imagined having a child with him but she was no less embarrassed. His brow furrowed in concern.

"Are you alright?"

"Fine. Sorry, I, uh...I bit my tongue." He nodded and went back to his work but glanced over at her more than once.

Her mother's words echoed in her head, reminding her that having a child with Peeta would mean she wouldn't have to worry about a Reaping. But what would happen if something happened to him? Would she still be able to keep her child safe? Would she disappear completely as her mother did when she lost her father, and leave their child to fend for themself?

"Katniss?"

"Huh?" She shook her head, noticing him watching her. "I'm sorry. Did you say something?"

"You sure you're alright?"

"Lost in thought, I think. Wow. You're finished already?"

"Nearly. We've been sitting here for over an hour. Did you want to go to Madge's while I go to work?"

"I think Prim would like to. She and Madge have gotten close over this wedding business."

"Prim needs more fun things to do," Peeta said with a smile. "I'll escort you to your mother's house and then both of you ladies to the Mayor's, if you like."

"Alright. Um, do you think...could I buy something sweet to take to Prim?" Peeta raised his brow and pushed his stool back. When he returned, he held a small bag that looked to be full of cookies.

"For you ladies to share." She tugged on his hand, pulling him closer until she could lean in and give him a sweet kiss. She cupped his cheek for a moment and gave him a smile. The smile he returned lit up the room.

"Dad, I'm walking with Katniss to her mother's and then to Mayor Undersee's," he called as they exited the kitchen. "The toasting cake is finished, it just needs to set. I can add some flowers to it tomorrow morning."

"Perfect, thanks for your help, Peet. See if you can't convince your stubborn brother to take the day off tomorrow. It's his wedding day for goodness sake."

"I'll try, Pops," Peeta laughed. "Did Mom go take a nap?"

"I think she's taking care of the books up there. Here, I made some lunch for you to take with you." He slipped two wrapped sandwiches into a bag and handed it to Katniss.

"Thank you so much, Bran."

"I know my boy doesn't eat when he's working," he shot Peeta a wink. "I'll trust you to make sure he has food with him."

"Oh I'll make sure he eats," she turned to give her husband a defiant glare. Peeta scoffed.

"Like I have a choice when my family is ganging up on me."

"It's just because we love you," Bran said fondly. Peeta swallowed, his eyes moving from his father to Katniss, and he nodded.

"OK, we should be going. I'll see you tomorrow, Pops."

"Have a good night, you two." Katniss smiled at him as Peeta's hand rested on her lower back and steered her out of the bakery.

"I haven't seen your dad smiling like that in so long." He glanced sideways at her, his brow furrowed.

"He missed you, Peeta. He always looked miserable, it was really sad to see. Since we didn't know about the kidnapping, we all thought it was because you were…" she trailed off and Peeta's arm wound around her waist.

"Pops begged for them to leave me behind. He kept saying that I was just a kid and he would do anything. I was terrified they would hurt him for that. And really, I had no idea if the rest of them were ok until we finished our initial training in 2. Our superior allowed us to call our families and I know Pops was thinking we were dead. Mom even sounded like she was crying when we talked to them. And Pops and I were the closest. Mom preferred Bing and Rye, but I liked to be with Pops in the bakery and we would stay out of Mom's way. So I'm glad to see him smiling again too." She wrapped her arm around him and leaned into his side.

"Don't go away again," she said so softly he wasn't sure he was meant to hear it.

"I'm not going anywhere," he promised with a kiss on her hair.

"Morning Lieutenant Mellark! Mrs. Mellark." Darius greeted them with a nod.

"How is Rosie doing, Darius?"

"She's well, thank you for asking Mrs. Mellark." Katniss tried not to grimace at his formal tone.

"Anything of importance this morning, Darius?" Darius glanced over his shoulder and Peeta frowned.

"Jacobson requested a meeting with Commander Thread this morning, Lieutenant." Peeta's lips tightened.

"And?"

"I haven't heard anything further. But there is something else."

"Yes?"

"Commander Thread received word of another radio interference, picking up signals beyond the fence."

"That's four this week. Has anyone been assigned to this?"

"Not yet, sir. They are trying to determine the exact coordinates to see how far beyond 12 the signals are happening." Katniss frowned.

"There isn't anything beyond 12 except for the Wilds. Do you think someone is actually living in the Wilds?" Peeta and Darius exchanged looks and Katniss missed her husband subtly shaking his head.

"We don't know yet. It seems unlikely."

"More like impossible. The Wilds are supposed to be far worse than our woods on the border. Who could live there?"

"Commander Thread is calling a meeting this afternoon, Lieutenant. It is possible he will assign someone to investigate."

"Keep me informed, Darius," Peeta said in a low voice. "Katniss and I will be traveling to the Capitol sometime after the toasting." Darius's eyes widened and he looked eager about something.

"For how long...sir?"

"It is Aurelia Snow's birthday celebration so I expect we will stay for a few days at most."

"I hear tell of this restaurant, sir, you simply must try." Something flashed in Peeta's eyes and before Katniss could puzzle what it was, he cleared his throat.

"Katniss, love, why don't you step into the sweet shop and buy something for Prim? Here's a few coins. Get something for yourself as well."

"We don't need-"

"Nonsense, Katniss," Darius said with a chuckle. "Both of you Everdeen girls deserve something nice after all. Ah, sorry, a Mellark and an Everdeen." Peeta laughed but she could tell it was forced. Peeta's eyes swept the scene and he nodded to several other Peacekeepers who were patrolling the area. He pressed a couple of coins into her hand and held the door open for her.

"I'll be along in a moment." She tried not to huff as she passed by him; she knew she was behaving like an impudent child but she knew something was going on and she did not like being left in the dark. She wandered up and down the aisles, ignoring the looks from the shopkeepers, and selected a few different candies that she thought Prim would like. She grabbed a small bag of mints for herself and forced a smile as she spread it out on the counter. She handed over the coins, slipped the candy into her bag, and peered out the window. Darius and Peeta had their heads lowered and Darius was explaining something with his hands. She pushed the door open a crack, pressing herself against the wall.

"-meeting soon?"

"I agreed to go but only to keep her safe. I still don't like this, Darius. I don't like any of it."

"Who does, Peeta? Who actually likes the way things are in this country? That's why we need to do something. Panem needs change."

"I told him I won't do anything that will put her at risk. And he agreed to come with us to the Capitol."

"Good. He's a good one to have by your side when you're there. He knows it well enough."

"He knows more than he's letting on, though. That bothers me."

"Thread said the reports came from north of here. But our guy just left the district last week. I don't think he could have made it all the way to-"

"Katniss!" Peeta's head snapped up and Darius fell silent. "Did you find something tasty?"

"Yeah," she opened her bag. "And I got you some mints."

"My favorite," he accepted the candy and popped it into his mouth. "Well Darius, we should be going. Keep me informed, won't you?"

"Of course, Lieutenant. Have a good day, Katniss." Katniss nodded and Peeta tugged on her hand.

"Peeta, what is-"

"Don't, Katniss," he said quickly. "Not here."

"Where then? I'm not a child, I know something is going on."

"We can talk later."

"When?"

"Damn it Katniss," he gritted his teeth. "Will you please drop it until we get home? Please," his voice softened and Katniss huffed.

"Fine. We're almost to my mom's house, you can go on to work."

"I said I would escort both of you to Madge's house. Son of a-" he straightened up, a shadow cast over his face. "Good afternoon, Commander Thread."

"Lieutenant Mellark," Thread said in an eerily cheerful voice. "And Mrs. Mellark. Good afternoon to you both. Is it bring your wife to work day?" Peeta let out a bark of

laughter.

"No sir, of course not. I'm just escorting my wife to the Mayor's house before I see to my duties. She is assisting Miss Undersee with her final preparations for her wedding."

"Ah that's right. The wedding is tomorrow?"

"That's correct, sir."

"Well I just gave him the message but I will tell you too. I have called a meeting at seventeen hundred hours. I expect you will be there. It is imperative everyone is present."

"Of course, Commander."

"Good. I shall see you later then. Have a pleasant day, Mrs. Mellark." He nodded and went on his way. Peeta exhaled and squeezed Katniss's hand.

"Let's try to get to Prim before anything else interrupts us."


Prim excitedly pawed through the bag of candy and Katniss shook her head.

"I swear she's better behaved than this."

"What," Prim said, her mouth full of sweets. Violet practically hid her face in her hands behind them.

"Primrose," she sighed.

"Leave her alone," Peeta said, playfully tugging on Prim's braid. "She's allowed to enjoy the sweet things in life."

"I'm convinced I'm somehow related to you," Prim giggled. Behind them, Violet let out a gasp that she hastily turned into a cough.

"Mom, you ok?"

"This cough just won't go away," she gently beat her chest. "I'll be fine though. So you girls will be at Madge's house tonight?"

"I'll escort Prim home before curfew, Violet. I know Madge is grateful for Katniss's and Prim's help."

"I'll be at the Hawthornes tonight then. Hazelle has a terrible cough that just won't go away."

"Tell her I hope she feels better," Katniss said, worrying her lip between her teeth.

"I will. You girls have fun. Thank you, Peeta."

"No need to thank me. Have a pleasant evening, Violet." Peeta offered Katniss his arm and then with a smile, offered Prim his other one. She giggled and tossed her hair flirtatiously as she wound her arm around his.

"I can't believe how lucky I am! Two beautiful ladies on my arm."

"You're funny," Prim laughed, hitting his chest. Katniss raised a brow and found that she didn't particularly love seeing another female touching her husband...even if it was her own sister.

"Did Rory come by last night?" Prim's cheeks went pink.

"No but he asked me to go for a walk with him in the meadow on Sunday. I mean, I think he wants to get a head start on his school reading and-"

"Oh Prim, knock it off. He likes you and you like him. There's nothing wrong with that." Prim leaned around Peeta to glare at her sister suspiciously.

"You're not mad?"

"Why would I be mad?"

"Because you always say Rory is too headstrong and too impulsive and a bunch of other things that aren't too nice." Peeta gave Katniss an exasperated look and she scowled.

"I'm not ready for my baby sister to date. There I said it. Happy?"

"I'm fifteen, Katniss! There are several girls in my class who just got married!"

"Doesn't mean I'm ready for you to do it!"

"Hey," Peeta said softly, squeezing both of their hands. "Katniss is just being a good big sister and looking out for you."

"Oh please, you have to side with her because she's your wife," Prim scowled and Peeta decided all of the Everdeen women had perfected it.

"I don't have to-"

"Yes you do," Katniss cut him off. "It's in your best interest to agree with me."

"Is that a new rule of marriage? No one told me about it."

"Well I'm telling you now. Especially when I'm in an argument with my sister."

"Who is also my sister-in-law. Don't I have some kind of family obligation to take her side?"

"Your wife is more vital, in this case."

"Right. Sorry Prim." The younger girl rolled her eyes.

"Like I said, you have to side with her. Katniss, look, I'm not saying I'm ready to marry Rory. But I do like him. Can you just...stop teasing him so he will ask me out?"

"He has asked you out! He asked you to take a walk with him."

"I mean on a real date. He's afraid of you."

"Rory Hawthorne is NOT afraid of me!"

"Yes he is. He thinks you'll shoot him through the eye." Peeta snorted and hastily turned it into a cough.

"Fine. Tell him I won't shoot him, as long as he treats you right." Prim rolled her eyes again.

"And stop rolling your eyes at me."

"Where do you think I got it from?"

"Wow I am seriously regretting being in the middle right now," Peeta said under his breath.

"How you can stand being married to her," Prim whispered in his ear.

"I heard that!"

"Oh look, there's the Mayor's house! I'm sure Madge is anxious to start on her toasting details."

"And I'm sure you're anxious to get to work," Prim laughed.

"Don't know what you're talking about. Have a lovely evening, both of you." He squeezed Prim's hand and tried to kiss Katniss's but she yanked it away.

"No kisses for you since you keep taking her side."

"I was very clearly taking your side!" She crossed her arms while Prim snickered behind them.

"Very well. I still love you, even though you are denying me kisses." He swooped down and kissed her cheek, letting out a triumphant 'ha'. Katniss scowled but her lips curled upwards as soon as he had turned and made his way back down the path.

"I seriously don't know how he puts up with you."

"I seriously don't know how I put up with you. Come on. Madge is expecting us."