Warning: LOTS of smut up ahead! yes this is the chapter you've been wanting ;) read on!
Peeta knew immediately he was alone when he opened the door. He sighed, tossing the key onto the table and flipping the light on, before he closed the door behind him. He decided to change into something more comfortable, tugging his shirt off as he went into the bedroom. He quickly shed his fancy blue pants and pulled on a worn pair of jeans that he was fond of. He pulled out a plain white shirt and his head jerked up when he heard a soft knock. He pulled the shirt on before opening the door.
Katniss stood in the doorway, one foot hiked up behind the other, her hands folded in front of her. Her eyes drifted up to meet his, almost shyly.
"Hi."
"Hey." He held the door open and allowed her to enter the suite. He didn't miss the way her eyes traveled over him, lingering on his exposed arms and the way the shirt pulled tight around his abs. He walked over to the fridge to grab a glass of water.
"Did you have fun on your hike?"
"I wish you would have been there," she said softly. "It was really beautiful and the views were just incredible! It was so cold but Cinna was nice enough to bring an extra jacket. He says hello, by the way."
"Does he now?" She didn't miss the way his mouth twisted. She hadn't believed before that he could possibly be jealous but she reminded herself that Peeta didn't know about Cinna. As far as he was concerned, she had left the city with two strange men. It didn't look good and she knew she would have thrown a fit if their roles had been reversed.
She stood in front of him and draped her arms around his neck. His brow quirked in surprise as she leaned up to kiss him.
"I'm sorry about this morning," she said against his lips. "I should have realized why you were so upset and should have stayed to talk about it. Instead, I left like a child and probably made things worse." Peeta leaned over to set the glass down, then rested his hands on her hips. She removed one of his hands from her waist and wrapped her fingers around his.
"Want to come sit down with me?" He followed her curiously, sitting beside her on the window ledge. She turned to face him and her knees tapped against his, their hands still entwined.
"There's something you should know about Cinna." Peeta tried to hide his grimace. Why was she talking about another man?
"He has a boyfriend, Peeta." Peeta's brow furrowed even further, convinced he had heard her wrong.
"Wait. What?"
"I met him. He's really nice, and they're both so sweet to each other. It made me miss you even more. It made me realize how lucky I am that I'm able to express my affection toward you, when so many can't. They're not allowed to be who they are, because their families won't accept them. But I can kiss you in front of my sister and not have to worry about it. I can hold your hand in public. If they came to the districts, they would be chased off for that. It's insane." She took his hand and kissed his knuckles.
"But we don't have to hide. Even though you're Merchant and I'm Seam, we don't have to hide it. We might have had problems if you weren't a Peacekeeper, which is, I'm sure, another reason you chose not to say anything when we were young."
"I wouldn't have cared about what anyone else had to say," he said softly, pushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. "All I cared about was being with you. Still do."
"You know it wouldn't have been easy," she protested. "People already stare at us. I can just imagine how much worse it would be if you weren't in a position of power."
"I really couldn't care less how people feel about our relationship," he shrugged. "I hope you know that by now. Especially seeing how my own mother reacted."
"I was so surprised at how you stood up to her like that, for me. No one has ever done that before. Not even Gale. I think it's because he figured I wanted to fight my own battles but I remember, right after we first met, some Merchant guys were teasing me behind the flag pole and calling me names. A crowd gathered to watch and no one said anything. I hid behind the building and cried before I went to walk Prim home. Everyone assumed I was so tough, I guess, and I didn't want to show them it hurt." Peeta's mouth thinned.
"I must have been in class. Because I wouldn't have stood by. In fact," his lips curved upwards and he gave her a sly smile. "My first fight in school was because a guy in my class was talking about you, calling you names. I punched him in the face."
"You did what?" He shrugged and laughed at her incredulous look.
"I won't stand by and listen to lies about you. I knew what they were saying wasn't true and I was going to defend your honor, whether you wanted me to or not. I'm sure you would have hit me for getting involved, had you known."
"Or kissed you for defending my honor," she smiled, leaning up to do exactly that. His eyes fluttered closed as their lips met, his mind racing with images of a fourteen year old Katniss clutching her schoolbooks and whispering thank you in his ear before leaning in to kiss him. One arm wrapped around her waist while his other hand found its way to her hair. He quickly pulled her braid loose so he could wrap his fingers around her dark locks. He gently took her lip between his teeth and tugged lightly, causing her to moan deeply into his mouth. He swallowed her moans eagerly, his growing erection reminding him that there had been too many interruptions already. She unconsciously rubbed against him and he released a deep groan from the back of his throat. When she broke the kiss, he let out a needy little moan that he normally would have slapped himself for. At this point, however, he was desperate for her and didn't care.
She took his face in her hands to make sure he was listening. His eyes shot open and he looked surprised to see her completely serious face only inches from his.
"Peeta, why didn't you tell me about the party?" His brow furrowed in confusion. He seemed incapable of speech at the moment.
"Aurelia Snow's birthday party," she continued. "And her… birthday request." His eyes widened in realization. How had she found out? More importantly, why hadn't he told her? He tried to rack his brain for all they had talked about the night before. No, he definitely had not brought that up.
He swallowed several times before he could find his voice.
"I, uh… I don't know." He groaned and rolled his eyes. Smooth.
"You didn't think I had a right to know?"
"No! It's not that, I mean, I just… I don't know, Katniss, it wasn't something I really wanted to think about. I wanted to forget it and I think that's why I was so...eager when we got back to the room. Because I kept thinking… what if. What if I had been...forced to go through with it. What if my first time had to be with a little girl, who expected me to be this… I don't know, this experienced, strong presence…and not the woman I..." he trailed off, looking uncomfortable. "I didn't want to tell you because I didn't want to see this horrified expression on your face. I didn't want you to know how close… I didn't want to hurt you." She took his face in her hands again.
"We have to start talking to each other," she said softly. "We have to tell each other things. If we don't, it's like we're keeping secrets from each other and I can't stand that from you. I get it from everyone else but not from you. Don't be afraid that something will upset. Talk to me, ok?"
"Ok."
"So, I don't understand. Why did Snow change his mind?" Peeta squeezed his eyes shut, remembering the awkward conversation.
"He discovered that I'm a virgin and decided I wasn't fit for his granddaughter." She wrinkled her nose in disgust and he rubbed the back of his neck.
"It was awkward, believe me. But he said his son informed him of it too late, and he had to tell Aurelia that I wasn't… a suitable choice. She had to choose someone else." He felt a rush of sympathy towards Finnick.
"Finnick and I talked about it afterwards. What he's forced to do."
"I talked to Cinna and Chase about it today too. How Snow enslaves the Victors. It's so wrong, Peeta!"
"All of this is wrong! The Games, the Victors, the Capitol's twisted traditions. All of it. And I felt horrible for what I did to Finnick. I basically forced him into a little girl's bed."
"Finnick? She didn't choose Finnick." Peeta looked bemused.
"What?"
"Cinna said she chose the new Victor, Caspian something or the other. He was seen escorting her from the room." He sighed with relief. He hoped Finnick had been able to return to Annie then. He moved closer and stroked her cheek with the back of his hand.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you about the birthday party."
"And I'm sorry I brought up the contract last night." He visibly winced and her hand rested on his cheek. His hand covered hers and he sighed, leaning forward so their foreheads were pressed together.
"I'm sorry about this morning. I acted like an insensitive jerk and I'd like to say I was just being protective but... I was jealous. I shouldn't have behaved like that toward you."
"Peeta, I hope you know how I feel about you by now. I am terrible at this...saying the right thing or doing the right thing. But I want to be with you, for as long as you'll allow me to. I don't need a piece of paper telling me that I belong to you. My heart is yours. Whether for five years… or for longer. It stopped being about a contract, for me anyway, after we toasted. This marriage is real. My feelings for you… they're real."
"Who says you aren't good at saying the right thing," he said, his eyes sparkling. Their lips met in a passionate frenzy, their hands everywhere. His hands buried in her hair while hers dove under his shirt and pushed it up over his head. Her nails raked across his bare back and he tore his lips away from hers to claim her slender throat. She pulled him backwards into the bedroom until he realized they were hovering over the bed.
"And tonight, I want to give you the rest of me," she said so quietly, he had to lean closer. "My body, my thoughts, my soul… they're yours." He surged forward to kiss her, his tongue wrapping around hers. He kissed every part of her mouth, leaving no part untouched.
He followed her down to the bed, his knee between her legs and his hands trapped under her back. She reached out to tenderly run her fingers over his bruised ribs. He bit his lip but allowed her to heal him with her caresses. Needing to touch her soft skin, he lifted her up slightly so he could rid her of her shirt. She tingled all over as he bent his head to kiss the skin where her neck met her shoulders, and the bumps on her skin intensified as his tongue trailed down the path between her breasts. The bra she wore was new and had to have belonged to Madge, because it was a light shade of pink. He trailed his palms over the satin cup and gently pulled one of them down to expose her breast. She shivered as the cold air made her nipple stand at attention, until his warm mouth closed around her entire breast. She grabbed at his hair, holding him still, refusing to let him move away. He pulled the other cup down so he could palm her left breast, his fingers tweaking her nipple gently.
"Peeta," she whined and he exhaled against her skin, feeling himself harden at her breathy moan. He reached under her and found the clasp of her bra, impatiently pulling it down her arms and flinging it aside. He lifted his head for a moment to take her all in. She was still wearing her black pants but he quickly rid her of those as well. Now she lay under him in nothing but a pair of silky panties, her thighs rubbing together to ease the ache. He captured her ankles in his hands and spread her wide, giving her inner thigh teasing kisses until her legs started to shake. He moved to his stomach, pulling her toward the edge of the bed so he could ravage her properly. She leaned up on her shaking elbows, her hair a wild mess from his hands. His eyes locked on hers, he bent to trail his tongue over her sodden underwear, smiling slyly when she cried out and her head dropped backwards. His stomach chose that exact moment to growl loudly, reminding him he hadn't eaten since breakfast. She raised her head, her brow quirked.
"Was that your stomach?"
"Um. Maybe."
"Do you want to stop and-?"
"I absolutely do not want to stop," he said, pressing the tip of his tongue to her center again. She tugged her lip between her teeth and groaned.
"But you're… you need to eat."
"Ok. I'll eat." He pulled her panties to the side and swiped his tongue between her folds.
"GAH! Peeta, that's not… what I meant… oh my god."
"Be quiet and let me enjoy my meal," he muttered, thrusting his tongue inside her. She fell back on her arms and covered her face.
"Fuck I love the way you taste," he growled, spreading her wider and licking his lips like she was the most delicious thing in the world. Katniss buried her face in her hands, muffling her screams while Peeta kept bringing closer to the edge before he would move his lips back to her thighs. She felt ready to pass out, finally resorting to begging him to finish her off.
"Peeta, please!"
"Hmm? Please what?"
"Please! Make me... oh!"
"Make you what, Katniss?" She groaned in frustration. He was tormenting her, and he was loving every second of it.
"I need to… please, Peeta! Please!" She tried to push his head back down to her dripping core but he just laughed gently and pulled away. She fell back on the bed, gritting her teeth.
"Peeta!" He leaned over her, grinning, his chin shiny with her arousal.
"Do you want to cum, Katniss?"
"Yes," she said weakly.
"Say it. I want to hear you say it." She groaned but jumped as she felt his thumb press directly to her clit.
"Say it," he said again, pressing harder. She stifled a scream and jerked her hips.
"I need to cum, Peeta," she whispered. "Please."
"I'm afraid I can't hear you, love," he said with a cocky grin.
"MAKE ME CUM, PEETA! PLEASE! PUT YOUR TONGUE INSIDE ME!" He was fairly certain that Haymitch and anyone else within a fifty mile radius had heard her impassioned plea but at the moment, he really didn't care. He did exactly as she asked and buried his tongue inside her, stiffening it so he could pretend it was his dick that was thrusting so deep. His two fingers sank into her, thrusting in and out as far as they could possibly go, while his tongue flicked rapidly at her clit. One hand buried in his hair while her other gripped the sheets, her fists clenched so tightly they were bound to be sore later on.
"PEETAPEETAPEETAPEETAPEETA-" she trailed off with a wail as he felt her soak his face and fingers. He gently brought her down from her high, finally pulling his fingers out of her and his lips left tender kisses on her stomach.
"You are so beautiful." She had a hard time catching her breath, as her shaking arm covered her eyes. He could tell that had been a big one and she would need a moment to recover.
Peeta stood and shoved his jeans and briefs down his legs, leaning over to dig into his bag. When he found one of Rye's gifts, he tore at the package with his teeth and knelt next to her.
"Katniss." His voice was gentle, hesitant even, and she opened her eyes to find him gazing at her with the most loving smile. His eyes were soft, hazy, beautiful. She noticed him fitting the condom over himself, fumbling slightly, and she tugged him over her so she could kiss him. He rose up on his hands, caging her in his embrace and pushed her sweaty hair from her face.
"If you've changed your mind-"
"I haven't," she stopped him, gripping his bicep. "I want this. I want you."
"Tell me if you need me to stop. I don't want to hurt you."
"It'll be worth it," she assured him, her hand moving to his shoulder. He held himself in his hand as he rubbed himself back and forth against her. She was slick from her orgasm, her muscles relaxed and her face still wearing a dazed look. He slowly pushed forward, pausing every time he felt her clench. He withdrew a little, then continued to push into her. She told herself to take deep breaths, as his lips met every part of her body. He breathed his adoration into her skin with his kisses, slowly marking her as his. She leaned up and latched her lips to the base of his throat. He swallowed, growing even harder as he realized she was sucking on his skin and leaving a mark. She gently tongued the bruise and moved her palm to his cheek. His glassy eyes found hers as he felt himself unable to go any further.
"This is it," she whispered. He nodded, reaching up to cover her hand with his.
"Last chance. If you want to stop-"
"That is the last thing I want. Now make me yours." His arms shook as he struggled to maintain control. She felt amazing around him and he wasn't even completely inside her.
"I'm so thankful it's you," he whispered against her lips as he surged forward, breaking through the final barrier. She hissed in pain and squeezed her eyes shut, blinking back tears. Peeta's heart ached at seeing her hurt and he tenderly wiped her tears with his thumb.
"I'm so sorry. God Katniss, you feel so amazing."
"I wish I could say the same thing but it hurts so much, Peeta." He bit his lip and glanced down at where they were joined.
"Do you want me… um, do I need to pull out?"
"Just stay still. Give me a minute."
"Take all the time you need," he kissed her temple. He clenched his jaw, willing himself to hold on. He was throbbing and he was certain he wouldn't last very long. He had ignored his brother's advice, deciding the amount of time didn't matter. They could do this again and again, when she felt up to it. He just needed to know what it felt like, to be joined with her. And now that he knew, he wasn't sure he would ever be able to tear himself away.
"Maybe if I…." he trailed off, moving his hand down between them. He quickly licked his thumb before bringing it to her clit, rubbing in soft circles. He felt her contract around him and he bit back a moan.
"Is that helping?"
"A little. Try… try moving. Slowly." He withdrew slightly, keeping his movements as slow as he could, before pushing back in again. He repeated the motions several times until he felt her walls relax. His thumb returned to that little nub of pleasure, drawing faster circles now. Her nails dug into his shoulder and she arched her back.
"Does it feel good," he grunted.
"It's...it's different. You… you're… god Peeta, just don't stop!" He was thrusting faster now, his fingers frantically rubbing as he felt himself getting closer and closer.
"I can't… shit, Katniss, you feel too incredible. I don't know how much longer I can… oh my god, this feels unreal." She could tell he was close and knew she wasn't going to get there. It was still too new, too different. But she wanted to see his expression. She wanted to see him lose control above her. He squeezed his eyes shut, his face straining as he struggled to hold on. She smiled as she pushed his damp hair out of his eyes.
"You're mine, Peeta," she whispered before she sucked at his jawline. He released a strangled cry, his thrusts erratic now. The sounds of skin slapping against skin and the two of them being joined over and over filled the air, making her blush.
"Let go," she crooned. "Cum for me." At her words, he cried out her name and managed a few weak thrusts before he collapsed on top of her. She found it difficult to breathe but didn't want to tell him to move; she loved the feeling of their sweaty skin pressed together and the way his heart raced against hers. She reached up and gently stroked his hair, waiting for him to catch his breath.
When he finally found strength to move, his arms and legs shook as he flung himself to her side. He removed the condom, tied the end, and tossed it into the trash bin. He collapsed on his stomach, his groans muffled by the blanket.
"Holy shit," he said as he sat up, his face flushed. She smiled and draped an arm behind her head.
"Feeling alright there, Mellark?"
"Well Mrs. Mellark, since you have rendered me incapable of speech or movement, I'd say I'm pretty damn content." He fell face first into the blanket before shooting right back up.
"Oh my god Katniss! You didn't finish!"
"It's ok, Peeta-"
"No it's not," he struggled to his hands and knees. "That means it wasn't good for you! Let me-"
"Peeta," she took his hand and pulled it to her lips. "It was great. I mean...well, it really wasn't. It was painful and awkward and a little messy… but that's how it's supposed to go. It was great because it was with you. I can't imagine… I would never want this with anyone else. I let myself be vulnerable and gave you everything I had. I took everything you gave me. I'm yours and you're mine. Anything else is unthinkable at this point." He propped himself on his elbow and stroked her cheek.
"I love you so much. You don't have to say it," he added, seeing her wariness. "I know how you feel. But I just have to say it. You've just given me something that I… I never imagined… you're incredible, Katniss. I hope the next time we do that I can make you feel as amazing as you just did for me. Because that was unlike anything I have ever experienced." It was true. Nothing she had ever done for him nor anything he had ever done for himself came close to actually being inside her. She was exquisite, in every way. She moved closer, burying her face in his chest and falling asleep instantly. His hand made soothing patterns on her back as his mind replayed what had just happened.
He had just made love to Katniss. Even more amazing, she had told him everything was real. He almost wanted to tear the contract up when he returned to 12. It was real for him too. He wanted to burn the piece of paper that said they were bound together for only five years. As far as he was concerned, they were bound for eternity now.
His exhaustion took over and he melted against the warmth in his arms.
When she woke up, she heard him whispering in the next room. She glanced to her side and grabbed the first thing she saw- one of his formal shirts. She buttoned two buttons and left the rest, before gathering her hair and piling it on top of her head. She padded into the living room and saw him closing the door, pulling a tray of food further into the room. She grinned when she saw he was only wearing a pair of soft flannel pants and blushed when she saw red marks all over his back and shoulders. Perhaps she had gotten a little carried away…
"Hey," his deep voice jerked her away from her thoughts. He grinned as he leaned against the food tray. "I ordered us some dinner. I thought you might have worked up an appetite."
"It was your stomach I heard growling the whole time," she shrugged as she crossed the room to inspect the tray. His eyes traveled up and down her frame and darkened instantly.
"You look perfect in my clothes."
"You look pretty good with no clothes."
"Oh, so you're planning to steal all of my clothes?"
"I might. Turn around." His brow quirked but he turned in a slow circle and held out his hands in question.
"I should put something on your back. I'm sure it stings."
"What are you talking about?" She pulled him to the mirror and turned him around so he could see what she had done to him. His eyes widened.
"Wow. Got a little carried away, did you?"
"You didn't say anything!"
"Katniss, I honestly don't feel it. And I'll gladly wear your marks. I'll trade them for any scars I've had, if it means getting to do that with you again." He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close, his other hand resting on her cheek. He stared at her lips for a moment before moving forward, fitting his mouth over hers.
"Ok, you need to wear my shirts more often. They suit you."
"You said that about the flames."
"Changed my mind. This is much better." She smiled and shook her head before leaning in to kiss him again. His hands reached down to grip her bare ass and she squealed against his lips.
"You need to eat," she told him in a stern voice. He held up his hands in surrender and when he turned, she inspected his side.
"That bruise doesn't look great."
"I've had much worse than this, love, trust me. I feel fine. How are you feeling?"
"A little sore but… really good." She couldn't hide her smile from him.
"Yeah?" She nodded and his smile grew as he pulled her over toward the food.
"Hungry?" They loaded up their plates and went to sit on the window ledge, where Katniss could look out over the city. Peeta leaned against the wall, watching her out of the corner of his eye. He already wanted her again. How long would it take for her to recover? Cut it out, Mellark, she's sore and you need to give her time. He silently told his dick to behave and focused his thoughts elsewhere. Well, tried to.
Like an idiot, he had ordered her strawberries and the way she was sucking on the fruit was making it impossible for his dick to behave.
He cleared his throat and locked his eyes on his plate. He studied the fig in his hand and nearly groaned as he realized what it reminded him of. He bit into it, pushing away the memory of how sweet she tasted and how soft and warm she felt around him.
Damn it, he tossed the fruit aside and picked up a piece of cheese instead.
"You have to try this," she said, oblivious to his discomfort. Before he could say anything, she stuck her finger into the bowl she was holding then held it to his lips. He took her finger into his mouth, his taste buds exploding from the sweet and tangy fruit concoction. He detected honey and maybe nutmeg. As a baker, he had experimented with all kinds of sweets and spices. Her smile quivered as he sucked on her finger, her silver eyes now a smoky shade of lust. He swirled his tongue around her digit, the way he did when he was lavishing her nipples, and released it with a pop.
"Delicious," he said in a low voice. She swallowed and returned to her fruit.
"So, um… did you find anything out about Darius and Rosalie?"
"Not yet," he sighed. "Duartyr said he would make some calls, and that he would contact me tonight. It's not too late so he might still call. I just… I have a bad feeling now. And I can't help but feel guilty."
"Why would you feel guilty?"
"I'm his commanding officer, Katniss. It's my job to protect the citizens of 12. Darius and Rosalie are under my protection and yet I let them out of my sight!"
"Peeta… did you even see them when we boarded the train?" He swallowed his food and frowned.
"What do you mean?"
"You said the Peacekeepers helped them onto the train before we even boarded. And when you asked about them, Thread said they were asleep. You never even saw them before we left 12."
"What are you getting at, Katniss?"
"I don't know, something feels… off. Who told you they were loaded onto the train?"
"Burns and Pickens were assigned to help Darius, while Purnia escorted Rosalie. I trust my soldiers."
"Ok. But then Thread was there when we boarded and we never saw either Darius or Rosalie. You don't think Thread did something to them before we left 12?" Peeta's brow furrowed even further. His eyes flashed angrily and his fists clenched. Katniss hated to see that look on his face. She reached for his hand and gently massaged his fist open.
"I didn't mean to upset you. I'm just saying, something might have kept them from making it to the Capitol. You don't think they could still be in 12?"
"I suppose it's possible," he said slowly. "But I think it's more likely if Thread were going to take action against Darius, he would do it here in the Capitol where he has Capitol soldiers to assist him. Oh god, I hope they're alright." His mind raced with horrendous images of what they could be doing to both of them. Rosalie was pregnant. Surely the Capitol would spare a pregnant woman.
"If I don't hear from Duartyr tonight, I will ask Snow about it personally at breakfast."
"Wait what?" Peeta's eyes widened and he groaned.
"I forgot you had left already. Haymitch came to tell us that we are invited to dine with the President and the Victors tomorrow morning."
"Invited. You mean we are being forced to go."
"It would be in our best interests not to decline," he said delicately. She sighed and leaned against the wall.
"And then we can go home?"
"Haymitch arranged passage home the day after tomorrow. We will be back in 12 soon enough, love."
"For how long though? Snow might make us leave 12."
"It might not be so terrible," he said gently, setting his plate down and scooting closer to her. "Prim and your mother can come with us and I can ensure Prim has an education. She could even study to be a Doctor. This might be a great thing for us, Katniss."
"I just don't understand why they want us to leave so badly."
"I wish I knew. I talked to General Duartyr about it today." He quietly told her what the General had told him about Snow's orders. Katniss turned pale and set her plate down.
"Do you think he knows? About me going into the woods?"
"I don't think so. If he did, he would probably just have you arrested. No, there's something else going on. Duartyr says he thinks it has something to do with your parentage."
"My parents? My dad died when I was little."
"I know. So he doesn't think that's it. And I don't think it's your mother," he shook his head and rubbed his temples. "I don't know, Katniss. And it's driving me insane because I just want to keep you safe. All of you. If the President wants you away from 12, there has to be a good reason for it."
"Does there? Because all I can keep coming up with is that he wants me away from 12 is because he views me as a threat. And that's ridiculous because, well, look at me!" He gave her a weak smile and stroked her cheek.
"Don't underestimate yourself. What was it Cinna called you? The girl on fire. Maybe that scares Snow."
"Cinna and Chase said I have a fire inside me that could be the spark that's needed. Whatever that means." Peeta swallowed, looking anxious.
"You weren't around any… enclosed spaces, were you? Anywhere that could have been bugged?"
"No, we were outside, Peeta. Why? You think Snow is having me followed?"
"I have no idea. I'm just not taking any chances. After breakfast tomorrow, I'll escort you wherever you'd like to go. I just ask that you allow me to stay with you. I can't bear the thought of letting you out of my sight right now." He squeezed her hand and in spite of herself, she couldn't help but to smile.
"Just so you know, I'm usually very against someone being so protective of me."
"Just so you know, you are the only one I have ever felt this protective towards." She reached up and gently touched his face, her fingers running over the spots that once bore painful bruises. Bruises that had been inflicted for being protective towards her. No matter what happened, she could never forget the sight of his blackened face, his blue eyes watching her through swollen lids, as she picked a dandelion in the school yard. She moved her hand to the back of his head and pulled him down to her, her lips closing over his. He slipped his hand around to her back and pulled her into his lap. With only his thin pants between them, she felt him hard right against her core. She rose up and sank back down, rotating her hips in a way that made them both groan. She wrapped her fingers in his hair and deepened their kiss.
"I'll never be able to find the words to say thank you, Peeta," she whispered against his throat, her tongue trailing up along his jawline. He groaned but his hands gripped her hips, stilling her immediately.
"Please don't do this as a thank you," he said seriously, his gaze locking hers. "Don't do it because you think you owe me something. Don't initiate intimacy with me because it's what I want. I need it to be what you want. If it's not… it doesn't mean anything."
"I thought I already explained that I want you." He sighed and leaned forward, so their foreheads were pressed together.
"You did. But then you apologize or you thank me, and I'm back to thinking that you're only doing it to appease me. You said earlier that this is real to you, Katniss. Was that the truth, or was it spur of the moment?"
"What? Of course it was the truth," she scowled.
"How am I supposed to know for certain when we are just learning to open up to each other," he said gently. "You said we need to start talking to each other. No more keeping secrets from each other. I agree completely so I am just trying to get the whole truth from you. That was real, Katniss? How you feel about me? That you actually do want this...and you're not just doing it because… you're being forced to?"
"No one can force me to do anything," she said quietly. He gulped and bit his lip when he saw how her eyes had hardened. "I choose my own path. I chose to enter a marriage contract, to save my sister's life. When you saved me, you offered me an out. I could have walked away and I know you would continue to care for me and for my family. That's just the kind of person you are. But I stayed, not out of duty or because I felt obligated to, but because I WANTED to. Despite what I told myself… and others. I didn't have to marry you because the contract doesn't demand it but I chose to toast with you. Because I wanted to. And I certainly did not have to give you my virginity tonight. But I wanted to. I wanted you. So will you stop asking me if it's real? Even if I can't say the words… you know what's in my heart." She moved his hand to her chest, pressing his palm over her heart. His own heart started to hammer, recognizing the faster than normal rhythm, so close to his own patter. If he listened hard enough, he could even hear it. *thump thump thump. I love you. Thump thump thump*
His eyes drifted back to hers and she caught her reflection in the tossing oceans of blue. She leaned forward and used her thumb to wipe a tear from the corner of his eye before she pressed her lips to his forehead.
"Do you feel that?" She asked softly, and he nodded, inhaling shakily. "Good. Real, Peeta." He tilted his face, his hand moving to cup her chin, and captured her lips in a searing kiss. She was sore from earlier, but she wanted him again. She needed to have him inside her. She needed to feel that incredible feeling of being joined together, like they were made for one another. It had hurt at first, a lot actually, but after awhile, she had started to appreciate how he fit so well against her. How her hips had cradled his and he had been so careful with her, holding her as if she were made of glass. He was big, and she was such a tiny thing but it didn't stop her from taking him completely inside of her, thus binding them together.
She tilted her pelvis forward and released a breathy moan. He squeezed his eyes shut at the sound of it and unconsciously thrust his hips forward. She gripped his shoulders and rose up, before lowering down again. He wrapped his arms around her and stood, leaning up to kiss her as he carried her to the bedroom. The bed was a mess, with the blankets strewn all over the place and the evidence of what they had done earlier, like a flashing sign. The room still smelled of sex, another reminder that they were no longer untouched youths from a poor district. In this room, they both felt richer than a Capitolite.
Peeta spun around and lowered to the bed, keeping her legs locked around his waist. His hand moved from her back to grip her ass, squeezing so hard he knew there would be a mark. She squealed into his mouth, her nails raking across his back. He could feel the sting now and he hissed, though he didn't ask her to stop. She could mark him however much she wanted. He would wear them proudly. His hands moved to the buttons of his shirt that hung off her small frame, and he very nearly ripped them off. When the shirt fell open, he lowered his mouth to her breast, sucking hard while his other palm cradled her sensitive flesh. Her hand gripped his hair tightly, her head tilted as she leaned backwards, presenting her chest to him like a special gift. It was a gift he would gladly accept and cherish. He moved his lips from one breast to another, feasting on her flesh, his eyes watching her closely. He moved his hand down to cup her and he groaned into her skin.
"You're so wet for me." She whimpered at his filthy words, feeling herself just getting wetter. He flopped onto his back and gripped her hips, pulling her up to his head. She cast him a confused glance, until she saw where he was heading.
"Peeta-"
"You look like a fucking goddess right now, Katniss," he growled, gripping her thighs. "Come up here. I need my tongue so deep inside you."
"But what do I…?"
"Just ride my face, love," he said huskily, tugging her hips toward him. "Do whatever feels good to you." She was about to speak, to protest perhaps, but his tongue on her made her forget all words and her hands went straight to his hair. He groaned as she tugged sharply and the vibrations made her scream, making her pull his curls even harder. One of his hands drifted from her hips to his own arousal, gripping himself through his pants. As she started to move her hips over his mouth, he felt himself grow even harder and his hand dove into his underwear and pulled himself free. He kept his strokes lazy and teasing, determined not to let this end too quickly. Katniss quickly found a rhythm that was just enough to keep her on the edge, and Peeta's sturdy hands helped guide her movements.
"Peeta!" He hummed against her clit, causing her to scream and smack her palm against the wall. He thrust two fingers inside her just as her fleshy walls started to spasm, and he groaned at the intense feeling. He gently trailed his tongue back and forth until she stopped shaking, her hand releasing its death grip on his hair. He tugged her down to the bed, leaning over her quivering frame to kiss her deeply. She shuddered as she felt his tongue explore her mouth exactly as it had just explored other parts of her. Some side of her told she should be revulsed but she found that she loved it, that Peeta could draw out such a different side of her. She felt his hardened length against her thigh and noticed his pants were slung low on his hips. She moved to her knees and tugged his pants and underwear down to his ankles. She teased him with nips and kisses, grinning to herself as he started to writhe underneath her. She moved up to kiss him and he gasped as she tugged at his bottom lip with her teeth.
"Where are the condoms," she whispered, her eyes glittering.
"My bag," he croaked, his eyes widening as she moved up his body to reach across the bed for his bag. Her breasts were just inches from his face so he sat up and took one into his mouth, making her jump.
"You're distracting me," she complained, rummaging through his bag.
"I'm teaching you to stay focused," he said with a cocky grin.
"Gah! You try staying focused when someone's tongue is...Peeta! Stop distracting me!"
"Alright, fine," he chuckled, holding her hips so she could stay balanced and focused her attention on the bag. She let out a triumphant cry as she withdrew a condom and waved it in the air. Peeta grinned under her, but his smile faded rather quickly.
"Are you sure? We don't have to-"
"Peeta! I thought I told you to cut that out!"
"That's not what I… I just meant, are you sore? I want you to enjoy it and you're not going to if it still hurts."
"I'm fine," she said impatiently, moving to his side. He sat up on his elbows and nearly swallowed his tongue as she took him into her mouth.
"Oh fuck Katniss, you can't do that if-"
"Just making sure you're still ready," she said with a sassy grin. His eyes narrowed and he leaned up to kiss her.
"Looks like I've created a monster," he muttered. She smiled and tore the package open, studying the condom closely. Peeta watched her, her calculating stare making him smile.
"Do you want me to-?"
"I've got it," she said quickly, yanking the condom out of his reach. He nodded and settled back against the headboard. She bit her lip but managed to pull the condom on with little difficulty.
"How's that feel?"
"It's fine. Come here." He tugged her forward as she straddled his lap. Her legs wrapped around his waist and she held him in her hand, uncertain how to proceed. Peeta licked his fingers and brought them to her clit, rubbing softly. His hand covered hers and he rubbed his head against her dripping folds, making sure the condom was well lubricated before he gently started to pull her down on top of him. He watched her face closely, biting his lip when he saw her wince.
"Just start slow," she told him, wrapping her arms around his neck and sinking down. Their eyes slammed shut as her warmth enveloped him and he wished more than anything he could feel her without the condom. He could imagine how much more amazing she would feel.
His trembling hands rested on her hips and he squeezed when he felt her move.
"Tell me what to do, Katniss," he moaned. "I'm hurting you, aren't I?"
"It doesn't really hurt… it just feels… different."
"How do I make it good for you? Tell me."
"Touch me." He licked his fingers again, finding her clit with ease and rubbing in small circles the way he knew she liked. She squeezed his shoulders and moved up and down, every now and again stopping to grind against him. While his hand increased in pace, his other moved up to her hair and he pulled her in for a rough kiss.
"I want us to cum together," his voice was deep and husky. "Katniss, you feel so incredible. So wet and tight and fuck, this must be paradise." Katniss started to bounce faster, feeling her climax approaching.
"Keep… keep doing that," she panted, wrapping her arm around his neck. He lowered his head to take her breast into his mouth while his fingers moved faster between her thighs. All of the sensations combined made Katniss see stars, and she threw her head back with a shrill cry as he felt her clamp down around him.
"Shitsitshitshitshitshit," Peeta chanted into her shoulder as he felt himself empty into the condom, her tight walls milking him completely. When they were both spent, he wrapped his arms around her and held her to his chest for a moment, neither of them moving. Peeta had to admit the sex was incredible but this… this was what he had dreamed about all his life. It wasn't necessarily the physical act itself, but the way she clung to him afterward, their skin sticking together and her damp cheek pressed to his sweaty hair. His fingertips made gentle patterns down her spine as he pressed soft kisses to her shoulder.
"I can't move," she whined. He kissed her temple and gently lifted her off of him. She immediately felt empty and hollow without him filling her. He disposed of the condom before settling down beside her. He spread out on his back, his head resting on her breast and his eyes fluttered shut as he felt her fingers stroking his curls.
That was how they fell asleep, naked and free with broad smiles on their flushed faces.
I know quite a few people have been waiting impatiently for this chapter ;) hope you enjoyed! And don't worry, we will finally hear something about Darius in the next chapter.
Have a great weekend! XOXO
