A/N- Thank you to everyone who reviewed, and followed my story, I am horrible at responding. So sorry about that I promise they mean so much to me!

The morning of the wedding was nothing if not crazy. We walked to the church early, as to bet the men there, Delly didn't want John to see her before. I had heard that was a thing. Bad luck. I don't actually understand it, but whatever she wanted. They were hidden away in the back of the church, away from everything else happening, the dinner and cake were being delivered, the flowers and bows were being set up. Back here where we are though, there is only girl talk, some wine, and hair rollers. I wish I could just be me, braid my hair and wear my boots. These rollers make my head feel tight and the heels hurt my feet. I remind myself this is not my day, this is Delly's day.

Delly's father comes into our room to tell us the men have arrived and everything is ready. Time to put the finishing touches on ourselves and head down the isle. Peeta will be there, he will be standing next to Finnick, who will be standing next to John. I don't know how I feel about seeing him, walking to him, maybe it will just be like practice for our own wedding. Delly

Delly's mom unwraps my hair and piles it loosely on top of my head. Madge and Delly do their own, effortlessly, they have obviously had a lot of practice.

"Katniss have you picked a date for your wedding yet?" Madge asks me

"No, but my mother and I were talking about that this morning, I am waiting on Gale to return. He will be getting married tomorrow in D7."

"I heard he matched there. That's great they are getting married and will be back for your wedding. I hope to meet his wife soon."

"Me too, all I know is that her name is Johanna and she lives in D7."

"Katniss, are you and Peeta going to be married in the church?" Delly ask

"No, I have an idea of what I want. I want to talk with Peeta first, but I know not in the church, and I know I want Madge's Father to marry us."

"That's great you know what you want. I imagine the Mayor at the justice building is cheaper than the church."

I scowl at her oh of course that's why I would choose to get married outside of the church. Money.

"Actually, I want to get married in the meadow."

As soon as those words are out of my mouth, there is another knock at the door, It's the pastor and he wants to know if we are ready. Delly tells him to give us 5 minutes and then send her dad back to get us. I think she may question my choice of getting married outside, but she looks at us and says "Shoes." none of us have on shoes, we slip them on, give Delly a hug and its time to go.

The wedding was Beautiful. The vows were perfect for the two of them. When I walked into the room, Peeta was there standing by Finnick, just like I knew he would be. He looked at me for a moment and then put his head down. I thought I saw a slight blush, but I couldn't be sure, it was a beautiful day outside, although you couldn't tell by how dark it was inside. Dinner was lovely, some kind of chicken or goose maybe with orange sauce, another first for me. Then it was time for dancing. I danced with Prim mostly, Peeta sat with his family as he should have, I did talk to him for a moment, we decided he would come to the pharmacy tomorrow and we would talk about what I wanted our wedding to look like. He was much more interested in what I was saying than my mother said men are. I wanted to dance with him, I think it was the alcohol though, I have decided I shouldn't drink much.

Delly and John are sounded by all of their friends and family, there is a wedding most everyday here, and I am thinking some of these people attend everyone of them. Church is canceled tomorrow to fit in another one. I look at them, they look happy and in love. Mr. Mellark hands John a bag that is clearly marked with the Mellark Bakery symbol. I guess it is ok that they make the toasting bread for their own. As soon as he hands it to John, John grabs Delly's hand and rushes them to the stage.

"Attention everyone, I would like to say thank you to everyone who has come out to celebrate with us today, I would also like to say goodbye. Delly and I are going to our new home to toast there. Everyone is welcome to stay and eat, drink until it's gone. Goodnight."

That was John's we are leaving speech. I didn't stay much after that. I had no idea where Peeta had gone, so I grabbed Haymitch a few apples and headed home.

I hope one day I can sleep until the sun is up, today is not that day. I go to the woods to gather. I like it out here I could live there if it was safe enough. There are too many unknowns out here though. That's why we have the fence. It's suppose to be electric, but we haven't had the resources to actually turn it on in years. Gale and I did get stuck out here for a day once. Scared our mothers half to death. Gale, My thoughts turn to him. He will be getting married today. Heading back to D12 this week. I wonder what his wedding will look like. No doubt it will be his wife who decided, Johanna. I wonder about her too, if we will get along. If Peeta and Gale will learn to get along. I want them all in my life. I hope it's possible.

I head back to the house after sunrise, but before anyone should be awake. However Haymitch is up when I come through the door.

"Sweetheart, thanks for the apples."

"You're welcome. Why are you up so early?"

"Lets take a walk."

"I just."

"Walk out back with me sweetheart."

I do because well, he never ask me to do anything and honestly I'm a little frightened of him.

"Katniss, I need you to listen to me, you need to get married before the week ends."

"Why."

I was going to talk to Peeta about possibly the last day, I don't know if I am ready yet.

"They don't like it when you wait."

"Who? Haymitch you are not making any since."

"Oh, sweetheart, listen to me. I was married on the last day, I know it's hard, but you must believe me, you need to wake up, open your eyes child."

I think of all he has said and I try to remember who else got married the last day. No one recently, not one I can think of.

"Is that why we are all rushed."

"The faster and more in love you are Katniss the safer you will be."

"Katniss, Haymitch what are you doing out here." I hear my mom call.

"Talking to Katniss about that goose pen."

I look at him like he has grown a second head. Why does he lie to my mother. Does she not know the dangers of waiting? Who is the threat?

"Ok, well Peeta will be here soon"

"ok mom." I call back to her.

"Katniss, be careful. Be in love. Be quick."

That's all I get before he turns and walks back into the house. I am confused, but also understanding. The more I think of it the more I understand. The capitol wants everyone to think everyone who is matched is matched perfectly with their soul mate, If they have couples waiting to get married, or not acting in love, that will compromise the whole matching process. I thought I was the only one who didn't instantly love their match. Maybe I am just one of the few dumb enough not to see the control of the capitol at hand here.

I walk back into the house in a daze.

"Katniss are you ok" My mother ask me.

"What? No, yes, I am fine. I just need a shower before Peeta gets here."

"Ok, well hurry along."

When I am out, dressed and have my hair braded I hear mom, Prim and Peeta downstairs.

"Hi," I say as I walk into the kitchen.

"Where is Haymitch?"

"Bed, dear." My mom answers.

"Peeta, will you walk with me into the family room, I want to speak with you."

Everyone looks at me strangely, but Peeta gets up from where he is sitting and follows me out of the room into the family room.

"I know the man normally has little to do with the wedding part of this, but I wanted to tell you what I was thinking and see if it was a bad idea. I am not good at these things."

Peeta sits down on the couch and motions for me to sit as well.

"Ok, go a head, I'm listening Katniss."

He really is too, I can tell he is looking right at me not fidgeting, just waiting for me to begin.

"Well, first I need to tell you that I have 500$."

Peeta's mouth drops.

"Haymitch and my dad, um long story."

I'm a little embarrassed that I led with that. I hope he was shocked at the money and not that I said it.

"I was thinking we could have the wedding Friday."

"This Friday?"

Peeta's head shot up and he looked a little panicked.

"Um.. Yes this Friday. We only have a coupe of weeks left and I.. I.. I want to marry you, I don't want to wait anymore. I just need time to get things in place."

I hear Haymitch in my head. Be in love. Be in love.

"Ok, Katniss, lets get married on Friday."

I look at him and he is smiling and definitely blushing. I can't tell if I am or not, I am frozen in place.

"Is there anything else you wanted to run by me?" Peeta ask and it draws me back to him

"Oh, yeah. Outside, in the meadow, um.. day time, barefoot, sandals maybe, I don't know. Oh and the mayor will marry us not the pastor."

He looks at me and smiles. I could get use to that smile for sure.

"Ok, Katniss that sound like a plan, but one think can I have one thing?"

"Sure."

"I want us to write our own vowels."

I consider this for a moment, I'm not good at saying things. But he is giving me everything else so I agree.

"Ok Peeta. we will write our own vowels."

Gale Comes back on Tuesday morning, I don't see him that day him and Johanna are setting up their new place. Gale works in the factory, but his brother tells us that Johanna came with a large amount of stuff and he thinks she has money, because they didn't get a temporary home. The next day I am so busy planning my wedding that I don't have time to even think of going to see him. Delly and Annie are going to stand by me while, Peeta's brothers will be by him of course. There is a lot of talk about my wedding that will not be in a church or the justice building. People can't remember the last time that happened here. Thursday morning I hear loudness when I get out of the shower. Pose Gale's sister is giggling, Gale must be here and the loudness I can't place must be Johanna. I hurry to dress and throw my hair in a braid. As walk into the room all eyes are on me.

"Gale. hi."

"Hi." He says back neither of us moving.

"Oh for shit sakes please hug her before you both brake." Johanna I like her.

With her permission Gale crosses the room and hugs me.

"I heard enough about this girl for a week, I feel like I missed you more than he did."

Johanna is hugging me next, I'm surprised, but hug her back.

"I'm Johanna, Nice to meet you finally. I will tell you I thought Gale having a girl for a best friend was strange at first, and I saw you as a threat. But, I have decided you are not a threat at all, you have your own husband and we will become fast friends, we all will."

Wow, Johanna is a lot to take in. but she is right I am not a threat, nor was I ever.

"You are right. Johanna, I can't wait to get to know you better."

There is a knock on the door, it's Annie and Delly with the dresses. We decide to head up to my room to hang them. At the last minute I decide to do something I hope will only help thing along.

"Johanna, would you like to come upstairs and see the dresses."

She beams at Gale.

"Yes," She says to me

Then elbows Gale in the side.

"and you thought, I should go slow. Shows how much you know."

Gale just smiles at me and mouths a thank you. I nod at him and head upstairs.

Looks like I am making friends all over the place these days.

"The dresses fit perfectly Katniss." Annie says

"Well, the dress maker had our sizes just right from Delly's wedding."

"How is the married life Delly any tips?" I ask her

Delly looks down and shakes her head no.

"Delly is John treating you ok?" Annie ask.

"Oh, yes it's just that I miss my parents already, and I don't like to cook or clean everyday and now I have to do those things."

Johanna laughs

"You didn't have to clean at your parents house?"

"No, I didn't." Delly says in a defensive tone.

"Well, you wouldn't make it a day in my parent's home. We had a maid and I still have to clean my room, wash dishes and clean bathrooms."

"What did the maid do?"

"Cooked and cleaned everything else." Johanna answered like that should have been obvious.

"If you had a maid, does that mean you are rich?" Delly is defiantly becoming bolder.

"If we were in D7 no I was not rich, if we go by what is in D12 then yes I guess so."

"It must be hard coming from another district to here." Delly says

"I have a hard time sometimes still." Annie speaks up

"Finnick helps a lot, I don't know if I would have made it here without him."

"I feel that way about Gale. I have always depended on myself, but I like leaning on him. I can tell he likes taking care of things. So I let him think he is taking care of me."

Johanna is a strange yet likable person.

Annie is sweet and easily taken advantage of, I feel like I will need to protect her from Delly. I can see Delly getting Annie over to clean their house now, and she is still not feeling great.

We put the dresses away and head back downstairs, everyone except Gale is gone.

"Hey, there you are."

"Well, we don't escape out the window." Oh, Johanna I like her

"Katnip, where is this almost husband of yours, I wanted to talk with him." For some reason I don't think that is a good idea.

"I don't know, home, the bakery I guess."

"Bakery?" Johanna asked

"He's the baker's son." Gale explained

"Can we go on the way home?" She asks

"I'll walk with you." I offer, not really wanting Gale and Peeta alone

"Great." Johanna seems very excited about the bakery.

The walk there is quite. There is so much I want to say to Gale, but I don't know how, Or want to say them in front of Johanna. I want to ask him about what Haymitch said too.

"How was your wedding Gale?" I ask

"Good, I was glad my family could come. If we hadn't matched the same year I would have made them let you come."

"You could be cousins." Johanna says

She's not wrong we look a lot a like.

"We got married in the forest of D7, Outside my parents house actually, I couldn't imagine getting married inside."

I look at her for a long minute.

"What?"

"Nothing, I just, I feel the same way. I am getting married in the meadow, because I can't imagine going inside."

"We are a lot a like Everdeen."

I agree with her, we are a lot a like. I wonder if she is a distant cousin that was sent to 7 after the war.

We arrive at the bakery after the lunch rush. Finnick is behind the counter.

"Katniss, hey, I don't think Peeta knew you were coming today."

"No, he didn't, It wasn't planned. I um. Need to talk to your father about something and this is my friend Gale and his wife Johanna. They wanted to meet Peeta before tomorrow."

"Ok, well I'll get Peeta and why don't you come on back and can talk to dad. Gale, do me a favor and tell anyone who may come up that I will be right back."

"Sure no problem." Gale answers

We head to the back of the bakery, its warm back here. Really warm. I see Bran at the sink, cleaning pans.

"Dad, Katniss wants to talk to you. Where is Peeta?"

"In the store room, getting flour. Come on back Katniss."

As I walk back to where Bran is I can feel the fans and start to cool off a little. Bran looks tired, I can only imagine doing this everyday, I guess I won't have to actually this is about to be my life. Bran motions for me to sit at a small table, by the back stairs.

"Please sit down Katniss."

"Thank you, I wanted to ask you for something." I start, but then I see Peeta come out of the store room with a sack of flour.

"How much does that thing weigh?" I ask

"150 pounds."

Wow, I think.

"Huh," Is what comes out of my mouth

I shake my head, look back at bran and see him smiling at me.

"I need a favor."

"Anything, what will it be?"

"Bread with the raisins."

"With Raisins? I thought your favorite was the cheese buns."

"You remembered, they are, but well, there was this one day, at school Peeta he um.. I well. I didn't and Peeta he.

"Katniss, Is that the bread you want for your toasting?"

"Yes." I answer.

"Then that's the bread you will have."

"Thank you Mr. Mellark."

"You are welcome Katniss. And you can call me Bran, or dad if your comfortable."

I nod. I haven't called anyone dad since mine died. I am not sure if I ever will again.

"I should go, big day tomorrow and all."

"Yes, big day tomorrow. see you there."

"Bye."

I get up and walk back to the front of the bakery, I hear laughing and I peek out the window, Peeta is laughing with Johanna, Gale is as red as a beet.

"What's going on out here?" I say when I walk into the room.

"Katniss, save me please. These two are the worst."

"I don't doubt it." I say.

Peeta looks a me and smiles, The real smile, the one I could look at for days.

"You talk to dad?" Peeta asked

"Yes, we are all set."

"Great."

Silence. wow, I really can kill a party.

"We need to go Katniss, I was telling Peeta we have only christened two rooms in the house."

Gale is red again and I can feel my cheeks heat up

"Oh, look at you the pure one." Johanna says

"JOHANNA! Lets go." Gale says but its more like an order, it is a little frightening.

"Yes, sir." Johanna says.

I think she likes him ordering her that way. My thoughts go to anything but pure and I know I am deep red by the time Gale and Johanna leave the bakery.

"What are you thinking, Katniss?"

I look at him, his eyes are darker somehow.

"I.. I .. nothing, I have to go. See you tomorrow."

"I'll be there" He says and smiles.

I start to walk out of the door and then a thought hits me. When we are married tomorrow, the mayor will call for us to seal our union with a kiss, I've never kisses anyone before. Do I want my first kiss to be in from of everyone? No, I think I don't.

"Peeta?"

"Yeah?"

"Would you um.. Walk me home?" I ask him

"Yes, sure let me tell dad."

He smiles again, it seems they are coming easier for him.

He walks to the back and I am left with Finnick.

"You have your vows ready?" He asks

"I'm not good with words, I have them on cards."

"I've heard Peeta's, just know everything is real."

I start to ask him what he means, but Peeta picks that moment to walk back in.

"Ready?"

"Yeah, lets go."

We get about half way home when I begin to panic. I don't know how to ask him to kiss me, or how to kiss him either.

I can see the pharmacy, and I know it's now or never.

"Want to come in?" I ask him

"Well, I need to do some stuff at the house."

"Just for a moment."

He looks at me and I hope he can see that I need him to say yes.

"Ok." He says

I lead him to the back yard and through the back door, up the stairs to my room.

"Katniss, I'm not sure I should be in here, I mean we are getting married tomorrow, but."

"Peeta," interrupt him

He stops and looks at me, I move and sit on the bed, he is standing by the door.

"Have you ever, I mean I've never really, and tomorrow."

I Feel the bed dip beside me. I look over and Peeta takes my hand. My heart is beating wildly

"Katniss, I'm not expecting anything tomorrow."

"I know, but at the wedding, we will have to kiss."

There I said it.

"You have never been kissed?" He asks

"Well, I have, but then I punched Gale in the face, I was only 13."

I stop there. I don't tell him how, Gale told me it would be him and how we would end up together.

"Oh, Well, you're right, we will have to kiss tomorrow."

"I was hoping that maybe, we could share our first kiss here, now. I don't want to have my first kiss in front of everyone. Have you ever kissed anyone before?"

Peeta, puts his head down and I immediately know the answer is yes. I think about asking who it was, then I think better of it. I don't want to know.

"Peeta, Kiss me, Please."

I can feel Peeta's hands shake. I think for a moment he is going to tell me no. He doesn't. Peeta is holding my left hand in his right, he takes his right hand, cups my face and brings me to him. He presses his lips softly to mine, I barely have time to taste the sugar on his lips, before its over.

My eyes are closed and I feel light headed. I feel like I may throw up, but not because I didn't like it. Its more of a burn in the pit of my stomach. I'm not sure what that feeling is. Maybe I need to ask someone. Maybe I should have paid more attention to this part of class.

I open my eyes and Peeta's are still closed, he looks like he is concentrating really hard.

"Peeta? Are you ok?"

"Yup, I um.. I am fine. I need to go though."

Peeta opens his eyes and looks at me again. I smile at him and he smiles back.

"I'll see you in the meadow Katniss."

"Goodnight Peeta."

"Goodnight Katniss."