Thank you for your amazing support for this fic! Y'all are amazing!
The characters of The Hunger Games Trilogy do not belong to me.
Thank you to Chelzie, my beta, for her endless support and tolerance—I bug her a lot.
One
Part Six: Twenty Weeks
Peeta took a deep breath before continuing, "So will you marry me?"
"There's no diamond in this ring."
He stood up from where he knelt and glared at Cato.
"I know that. I can't afford one—not yet at least," he informed the man standing before him. "It took me three paychecks just to get this. I still have four months to save for the actual diamond."
"Unless she goes into labor early," Thresh said from his spot on their couch, watching the two of them. "Also, seriously, dude—you need to work on that proposal."
"What's wrong with it?" Peeta asked worriedly.
"It's not exactly romantic," his friend pointed out as he stood up and joined them. "You can't just ask right off." Thresh took the box from Peeta. "It has to be romantic. Here—watch."
Kneeling before Cato, he took the man's hand.
"From the moment I met you, I knew there was something special about you and I was right. You're beautiful, smart and you're the strongest woman I know. I'm lucky just to be holding your hand. I hope that you'll give me the honor of spending the rest of my life with you—will you marry me?"
Thresh held the box out for Cato.
"MY NUBIAN KING!" Cato mock swooned before tackling Thresh to the ground. "You are more handsome than Denzel Washington and Will Smith put together!"
"Are we interrupting?"
They all looked up to see Annie and Finnick at the living room entryway holding bags of groceries, both with dark sunglasses on. They had come stumbling into the apartment around four in the morning and then disappeared again by seven.
"I might still be a little buzzed because I think I just saw Thresh propose to Cato," Finnick said with a lazy smile.
"Bro, it isn't what you think," Thresh replied from where he laid on the ground, then noticed that Cato was still on top of him. "Dude—GET OFF ME!"
"Hey, equality man," Finnick responded as he sat in the recliner, placing his bag next to him. "I dig that."
"I was just trying out my proposal to Katniss," Peeta told him. "Then that happened."
"You're going to propose to Katniss?" Annie said as she sat on Finnick's lap. "That's really sweet."
"I mean, she doesn't have to say yes," Peeta said. "I just want her to know that regardless of whether she says yes or no—I'm going to be there." He took the box back from Thresh who was still trying to push Cato off of him. "Her birthday is coming up and I want it to be special."
Peeta couldn't really be honest with them. He knew that if she said no, it would break his heart.
"Practice on Annie," Finnick suddenly said. "It might be easier since she's a girl and all." He looked up at Annie with his sunglasses still on. "You don't mind, do you?"
Annie whipped off her sunglasses to reveal wide, slightly blood-shot eyes. "This is going to be fun." She stood up. "Move aside, boys." Kicking the other two boys off the carpet, she went to Peeta. "Come on—make me say yes."
"He doesn't even have a diamond on that thing," Cato grumbled as he sat on the couch.
"That shouldn't matter—if his proposal is more than adequate," Annie argued and then turned to Peeta with encouraging eyes. "Go ahead. Just remember to speak from the heart."
Peeta took a deep breath, trying to imagine that Katniss was in front of him.
"The first time I met you, I knew you would break my heart."
"What?" Annie said. He held his palm up in front of him to stop her from inquiring.
"And you did in a way. Every time you walked away, I was scared that I would never see you again and the thought broke me. I was afraid that I would never see your smile or hear your laugh, so I took a chance and went after you." Peeta thought of Katniss' smile as he continued. "Thank God for lucky chances because everything since that night has been a crazy, beautiful ride. I don't regret a single moment and I hope you don't either. Will you marry me?"
Peeta opened the box for Annie.
"Oh, shiny!" She plucked the ring from the box and walked away.
He turned to Finnick, who quickly sniffled. "Are you crying?"
"No! I was just hastily snorting crack!"
Peeta rolled his eyes and looked over at Cato and Thresh. "How about you guys? Any good?"
"Our little boy is all grown up and getting married!" Cato said to Thresh.
"For real, though, it was good," Thresh assured him. "I'd hate to lose you now that you've become all responsible and shit, but if it's for the greater good and you're in love and stuff…"
"Thanks."
Peeta grinned at him and suddenly realized something.
"Oh shit—where the hell did Annie go?"
Katniss couldn't see her feet.
"This is what happens when I eat too many Pop-Tarts," she said to herself. Lifting her head, she could barely see the tips of her toes; her belly button was at the point of popping out, too.
"Katniss?" Looking over at the doorway, she saw Peeta watching her with an amused smile. "You okay? Breakfast is ready."
Walking over, he sat by her belly and leaned down to give her a kiss.
She noticed the bags under his eyes and grimaced. "I was snoring again, wasn't I?"
"You weren't that loud," he assured her. "Effie said it was normal, so don't sweat it."
"Could I get any more gross?"
"You're beautiful." Peeta leaned down to kiss her again. "And if you want, I can show you just how beautiful you are."
His hands went to the buttons of the nightshirt she wore as he slowly began to undo them, trailing kisses down the line of exposed, bare skin. Katniss groaned softly and her hands caressed his hair as he worshipped her body.
She didn't know how he managed to do it—make her feel beautiful and desirable just by his touch.
Peeta stopped at her belly and placed a gentle kiss on it. "Good morning, baby." His hand went to her bare legs and she arched as he reached her inner thigh. "I hope you don't mind, but your mom is looking incredibly sexy this morning and I just—need her. One day, you'll understand; unless you're a girl because I won't allow any boy to touch you."
He looked up at her with a teasing smile, his blue eyes blazing, and she felt herself grow wet.
"Come here," she beckoned, her voice tight and he crawled onto the bed as she pushed herself up to meet him in the middle. Katniss' hand went to the side of his neck and her thumb stroked his earlobe. His eyes closed at her touch and a small moan escaped from his mouth. "How do you do it, Peeta?"
Peeta opened his eyes slowly as he pulled her closer. "Do what?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.
"How do you manage to make me feel strong and weak at the same time?"
That was exactly how Peeta made her feel. All she needed from him was his hand to hold or some words of encouragement and she felt like she could do anything. Yet his smile, his touch, and his kisses made her knees grow weak and she could feel herself quake when he looked at her a certain way.
"I don't know," he replied and brushed his lips against hers. "How do you do it?"
Katniss gently laid him back and he looked up at her as she slowly pushed the shirt she wore off, exposing her beautiful nude form. He loved the way she looked; her full breasts, her rich skin and the growing belly that held their child.
Peeta appreciated the female body; it went through a lot, bringing pleasure and growing life.
"I guess when you love someone," Katniss began as she hurriedly pulled off his pajama bottoms. He yanked at the hem of his shirt, pulling it over his head and tossing it to the ground. "They can do that to you."
Her eyes met his as she straddled him; his hands found her hips to guide her over his aching cock.
"Then just love me," he hissed as she sank down slowly, savoring every inch of him. "And I will be happy for the rest of my life."
Her back arched as she felt that spike of pleasure vibrate through her and her eyes closed in bliss.
"I love you," she whispered into the heated air. They began to move languorously and she angled her body towards him, the friction of her clit rubbing against his pelvis causing that coil of pleasure inside her to tighten.
"You are so beautiful," he told her through clenched teeth. He loved to see her in control yet so easily undone at the same time. Peeta licked his thumbs and his hands went to her breasts, his moistened fingers gliding over her hardened nipples. "Everything about you."
"I want this forever," Katniss moaned, rising off of him before impaling herself on his shaft, kissing him as a growl escaped his mouth. She looked into his eyes as she pulled away and saw something desperately vulnerable in them. She knew that they reflected the own look in her eyes. "Not just this—everything else that comes along with it."
He arched in ecstasy at her words and she unexpectedly cried out as he hit that spot that made her fall. "PEETA!"
The sound of her cry and the tightening of her insides around his hard length was enough. Suddenly, Peeta was spilling inside of her, saying her name over and over like a prayer.
Still trembling from the aftershock of her orgasm, Katniss slowly moved off him and laid on her side with her back to his chest. She felt him wrap his arms around her and she smiled, resting against him.
His hand reached to move her hair, exposing her neck and he pressed his lips against her sweaty skin. It comforted her to be this open with Peeta, to feel so safe and sound. She could feel her eyes begin to droop as she relaxed in his strong arms.
Before Katniss fell into slumber, she felt his mouth close to her ear, smelling peppermint.
"Did you mean it?" he whispered into her ear. "Did you?"
Katniss didn't need to ask what he meant. She already knew.
"Yes."
"You want to marry him!" Johanna teased as they walked down the street. "You want to marry him and have his baby—whoops, too late!"
"Stop!" Katniss tried to stop the heat from invading her cheeks. "We were just finishing so we were caught up in the moment."
"HEY!"
They turned to see Prim tittering toward them from across the street in stiletto ankle boots and a short, white shift dress. Several cars stopped to stare at the tall, gorgeous blonde holding shopping bags in both of her hands.
When she got to the pair, Prim kissed each of their cheeks. "What are you bitches talking about?"
"Apparently, your sister wants Peeta to put a ring on it," Johanna informed her.
"I DO NOT!" Katniss protested. "You can't be held accountable for what you say when you have the gloriousness that is Peeta Mellark's penis inside of you—"
"Hey, Katniss." She froze in place.
It couldn't be.
She looked up and met a pair of laughing blue eyes.
Oh, but it was.
Will was standing in front of her and Cal was beside him, trying very hard not to laugh.
She smiled weakly at Peeta's brothers. "Hey, guys."
Will reached forward and pulled her into his arms. "How are you, gorgeous?" He kissed her cheek as he pulled away.
"You are glowing," Cal remarked and then went to hug her. "So Peeta has been giving it good, huh?"
"Please just shoot me now."
"Who are they?" Will asked, looking behind her.
She looked over at Prim, whose eyes were wide while Johanna stared at the men before her, mouth slightly agape.
Prim quickly stepped forward, clearly in awe of the handsome men. "Hi, I'm single—I mean Prim!" She turned crimson. "Oh, crap…"
Johanna approached them eagerly.
"I'm Johanna and I'm single—" Prim elbowed her in the ribs. "Kind of."
"She's married and she has a kid," Prim informed the men.
Katniss watched Will and Cal trying not to smile; it seemed they knew the effect they had on women.
Johanna glared at Prim. "Why did you have to say it like that?"
"Uh, because it's the truth?"
"Hot mom, huh?" Cal winked at Johanna. "I like that."
"So what are you guys doing here?" Katniss asked them.
"We came to see you and Peeta, of course!" Cal put an arm around her as they began to walk. "Mom and Dad are on their way to visit Peeta right now. Will and I just wanted to do some shopping before joining them."
She turned to him suddenly panicked, her thick braid whipping around to slap Cal in the face.
"Did you say your parents are going to see Peeta?"
"THAT HURT!" Cal rubbed his cheek as he stared at her. "What the hell was that about?"
"Where's my phone?" Katniss dug through her tote bag, looking for her cell. Damn her pregnancy brain. "Where the FUCK is my phone?"
She tried to remember if Peeta was at work or at his house.
It would be worse if he was at home—for obvious reasons. On the other hand, she didn't want them to bombard him at work.
Her protective instincts had taken over. Peeta was happy, they were happy and she didn't want anyone ruining it.
"Calm down," Will told her. "Here—use my phone." Katniss snatched it out of his hand and quickly began dialing. He turned to Johanna and Prim. "What's wrong with her?"
"Welcome to the world of twenty-week pregnant Katniss Everdeen," Johanna replied with a grin. "The hormones are strong in this one."
Cal guffawed.
Katniss glared at him as she listened to the ringing. "Damnit Peeta! PICK UP YOUR PHONE!"
Peeta reached into his apron pocket when he felt his phone vibrate.
Five missed calls from Will—what the hell? He put the phone back into his pocket.
Peeta still had to roll out some dough, plus some company was picking up a box of cookies for a party in about an hour.
Looking up at the clock in front of him and going to the far end of the kitchen, Peeta went to the wooden counter against the wall and checked each loaf. He pulled out a small notebook from his pocket writing down his findings for each one. He had been experimenting with the potency for each brand of yeast that they were using.
Peeta figured that if he was able to find the best in-between brand, it would save Sae a shitload of money in food expenses.
"Peeta!" He looked over to see Sae walking over. "How's it going?
"Everything's looking good," Peeta informed her. "I'll bake the best six loaves and then we can look over them tomorrow. I'm hoping to save you at least a cool thousand each month."
She gave him a kiss on the cheek. "You're such a good boy—helping an old woman with her retirement fund," Sae said affectionately. "There are some people outside looking for you, say they're your parents or something like that."
Fuck.
Now he understood all the phone calls.
"Thanks, Sae," he replied and nervously wiped his hands on his apron. "I'm just going to say hello and then I'll get back to work."
Haymitch had said that he would wait as long as he could to tell his parents about his new job, but he couldn't guarantee that they wouldn't eventually find out.
It had been a good month.
"Take your time," Sae replied with a smile. "We're almost finished for the day anyway and I'm thinking about taking off early. Go ahead and lock up for me after the pick-up, won't you? I'll leave the keys here."
"Sure." He was meeting Katniss after her shopping trip with Prim and Johanna anyway.
Stepping out into the front of the bakery, Peeta found his parents sitting at the table next to the window. His father was sipping coffee while his mother looked around at her surroundings.
The bakery was located in the more bohemian part of their town where artists and students enjoyed sitting outside smoking grass while drinking their lattes. Sae even featured some of the local artists' artwork in her bakery for purchase.
It wasn't exactly a place that his parents would hang out in.
"Hey, Mom; hey, Dad," he greeted as he went around the counter. "What are you two doing here?"
His father stood and pulled him into a quick hug. "We were getting worried when we hadn't heard from you. So your mother twisted Haymitch's arm and got him to tell her where you were working. This is a great place."
"Thanks, Dad." Peeta gave him an appreciative smile before he turned to his mother.
She hugged him tightly. "You weren't cashing the checks we've been sending and I've been worried." His mother did another onceover around the bakery. "And I think I have a little bit of reason to be. This neighborhood is safe at night, isn't it?"
Peeta groaned inwardly. "Yes, Mom."
"I just got a text from Cal. He and Will ran into Katniss and her girlfriends but they're dragging her over here so we can all go to dinner tonight," his father informed him cheerily.
He now knew that the calls were from Katniss. She had forgotten her phone at home as she was rushing out the door.
"How is Katniss?" his mother suddenly asked. "You've both disappeared since the last time we saw each other. Haymitch told us that he got to go to one of your appointments and says he even knows the sex of the baby." He could see the annoyance in his mother's eyes. "It's not really fair to shut us out, you know."
It wasn't that Peeta didn't want his family around. It was their constant need to control him that was overwhelming at times. He was going to be a father and needed to learn how to stand his ground.
If Peeta couldn't handle them, how would he handle the baby when he or she was finally here? The two of them would be spending a lot of time together when Katniss was in school.
"We've been busy," Peeta explained as they all sat down. "I've been working and Katniss has been volunteering and taking care of Jenna—"
"Who's Jenna?" his mother asked.
"Gale and Johanna—friends of ours—she's their daughter," he said before continuing. "Then Katniss passed out and ended up in the hospital—"
His father put his hand up. "Wait, Katniss was in the hospital?"
"Just for a day. She was dehydrated and a little stressed out, so Effie wanted to observe her, just to be safe."
His mother shook her head. "That's something you call us about, Peeta! And she's still moving about—shouldn't Katniss be on bed rest? I'm not sure I trust this doctor of yours—"
"Effie is perfectly capable," Peeta argued. "Katniss is comfortable with her and Haymitch thinks she's great." He didn't mention that it was because Haymitch was enamored with their sassy doctor. "Effie is a good obstetrician and she's been with us since the beginning. So please, trust us, okay?"
"Of course we do, son," his father chimed in. "Here are your brothers with Katniss!"
He looked out the window to see Katniss approaching, sandwiched between his brothers like a prisoner. Their eyes met and he could see that her cheeks were bright red.
What did they do to her?
The bell on the door jingled as the trio entered and she ran straight into his arms.
"I called you," she whispered into his ear.
"I didn't know it was you. Are you okay?"
Katniss pulled away and placed a quick kiss on his lips.
"I'll explain later, but let's just say that your brothers know a little more about your cock than I'd want them to."
She rushed over to greet his parents.
Wait—what did she say?
"We heard you have a glorious cock."
Peeta almost choked on his wine. He looked over at Will.
"What the hell are you talking about?" he asked his brother.
Looking over, Peeta saw Katniss sitting next to his mother as they looked over the latest sonogram photos. His father had pulled out his glasses trying to uncover the sex of the baby in the picture he held.
His family had taken them to a quiet bistro in the nicer part of town because Katniss was suddenly craving a chicken pot pie.
Peeta had to admit that he found his family's willingness to indulge her cravings really nice.
Will leaned over. "We ran into Katniss as she was telling her sister and friend about your 'glorious cock', or something to that effect." He looked over at him. "You're really in love with her, aren't you?"
"What?"
"It's practically radiating off of you," his brother responded, his eyes serious. "And off of her—something's changed. This isn't just about a partnership in parenting anymore, is it?"
It was at the tip of his tongue to tell Will about the ring—
"So you both don't want to know the sex?"
He looked over at his Dad, who was staring at him.
Peeta shook his head and met Katniss' eyes. "As long as he or she is healthy, we're happy."
"How will we tell people what colors to bring for the baby shower gifts?" his mother asked.
"Baby shower?" he repeated.
"The one we're going to throw, of course!" His mother pulled out her phone. "I have it penciled in for two months from now at our house."
"What if we don't want a baby shower?" Peeta countered.
"Of course, you want one," his mother responded.
"Anna, we want to be able to pick the baby's things out together," Katniss told his mother through her tight lips.
Peeta saw that Katniss was on the brink. God save them if she exploded.
"Are you both going to be able to afford all the baby's things?" she asked the two.
"Oh man, here she goes," Cal muttered.
"It's best that you get all these things because you're going to need to save for other things like hospital bills," Anna informed them. "The bill for the hospital after Katniss delivers will be about ten grand, even after insurance coverage."
"We will figure it out," Peeta insisted and he felt his anger rise.
"This isn't about figuring it out—"
Katniss jumped up from her seat.
"NO." She looked over at Anna. "I know what you're thinking, that we're not capable of doing this. That he's not capable of doing this."
She looked over at Peeta. "You don't see what I see. You don't see the man who takes care of me and who makes sure that I keep all my appointments. The man who researched the best place to take a parenting class and the one who literally ran all the way from his house when he found out I was in the hospital. He was the one who called my mother to tell her how I was doing and reunited us."
"Sweetheart…" he called out, trying to calm her down.
"No," Katniss said again firmly. "They should hear this. I've had a hard enough time not speaking to my Dad because of what he said to Peeta, so I won't tolerate anything else being said about him or us." She looked over at him. "Peeta, let's go."
Katniss walked off in a huff, leaving a blaze of anger radiating from her. They watched her rip open the door to the restaurant as she exited and Peeta heard Cal let out a low whistle in astonishment.
If there was ever a moment that solidified his reason for wanting to marry her, it was this one.
That fire in her got him every time.
He looked around at his family, stopping to look into his mother's eyes.
"You can't make my decisions for me anymore because it's not just me—it's us. This is about my family now," he told them. "This is about the baby and her—if she'll have me." He looked at Will briefly and his brother nodded in understanding.
Peeta left the restaurant and followed her trail, where she was waiting for him with open arms.
"I'm proud of you every day, Peeta," she said as they held one another.
"I choose us every day, Katniss."
A week later, they found themselves sitting in a classroom at the local elementary school.
Peeta looked next to where Katniss was setting them up. She had her notebook, pencils and a sharpener placed neatly in front of her. Smiling, Peeta watched as she took out a recorder.
"Oh, my God," he chuckled. "You're a total nerd."
"Shut up," she responded with a glare. "I just want to be well-informed, okay?"
"Are you going to give the teacher an apple, too?"
Katniss turned to him with fire in her eyes. "You're going to get it if you're not careful."
"Promise?"
"Aren't you two adorable?"
They looked over to an adjacent table where another couple about their age sat. Both were blond and blue-eyed; the wavy-haired woman was sporting a very large belly through the green maxi dress she wore. The man was in a pair of ripped jeans and a red flannel button down.
"Is this your first baby?" the woman asked.
Katniss looked over at her and nodded shyly.
"I'm Glimmer, by the way, and this handsome piece of man sitting next to me is my husband, Marvel."
Peeta gave them a smile. "Well, I'm Peeta and this is Katniss."
"Your wife?" Marvel asked with a friendly grin.
They both shook their heads.
"Is this your first?" Katniss asked.
"No, no honey—this is our third," Glimmer said, placing a hand on her belly and then moved it again. "And this is our fourth."
"Holy shit!" she exclaimed. "You look so young."
"We got started young," Marvel told them. "High school sweethearts, you see. Glimmer was pregnant with our daughter, Ada, when we graduated." He reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet to show them a picture of a little blonde girl with Marvel's smile. "Two years later, MJ, or Marvel Junior came along." He flipped the picture flap to show them the toddler with Glimmer's eyes.
"Then Marvel and I graduated from college and celebrated with too many Kahlua drinks," Glimmer continued for him. "So now we're having Ellie and Francis, another boy and girl, in about two months."
"Enough about us," Marvel said. "How did you two meet?"
"I'm a bartender and one night Katniss came into the club I was working at," Peeta recounted. "And she changed my life."
"He taught me how to drink a Lemon Drop," Katniss added as she began to sharpen her pencils. "We enjoyed them a little too much and this little one happened." She looked up at them as she blew on the sharpened lead. "So why are you taking this class? You should be well-versed in all this."
"We just need a refresher," Glimmer said easily. "Plus, we've been thinking of another delivery option."
Peeta looked bewildered. "Wait—there's a third option? What is it? Like through the ass?"
"You must be the new kids."
They looked up to see a dark-skinned woman in pink scrubs smiling at them. "My name is Portia and I'll be your teacher." She turned to Glimmer and Marvel. "Back again?"
"Can't keep her off of me," Marvel replied and his wife elbowed him.
"Take care of these two," Portia eyed Katniss and Peeta. "I think they're going to need it."
"So many options," Katniss said as she began organizing her pamphlets after class.
"A bit of a Type-A, huh?" Glimmer remarked from her seat.
"I got into Johns Hopkins and we're literally moving right after the baby is born," she replied and sighed. "Organization is key."
"Don't stress out, babe," Peeta said as he looked through his own set of pamphlets. "So what were you thinking of doing in terms of delivery?" he asked the other couple.
"We were thinking of having an at-home delivery with a midwife," Marvel said as he sat on the edge of their table. "We can keep an eye on Ada and MJ that way and I work from home, so it works out."
"What do you do?" Peeta asked.
"My degree is in Applied Mathematics, but I mostly work with engineering folks to construct the proper curves for things like roads or building structures and sometimes cool stuff like roller coasters. For the most part, I Skype with them."
"His office is in our house," Glimmer said. "I, on the other hand, have to go to an office every day. I'm in advertising for a social media website."
"I'm surprised that you aren't living in the Bay Area," Peeta said.
"We both went to UC Berkeley but our families are here, so we were lucky to find jobs in the area. It takes a lot of work, but it's worth it." Marvel kissed the top of his wife's head. "You two just have to find your rhythm."
"I'll give you our number," Glimmer said and took a business card out of her purse along with a pen. "If you have any questions, give us a call. Maybe you can come over to our place for dinner. Ada and MJ are tired of looking at us, too." She handed the card to Katniss and then looked up at Marvel. "I think it's time to head out. I could really go for a burger right now."
"At your service." Marvel helped his wife stand. "We'll see you two next time."
Glimmer stood and gave them a cheery smile. "Ta-ta!"
When they were finally alone, Katniss turned to Peeta. "Four kids, I don't know how they can do it. We have enough issues with the one."
"If they can do it, we can do it," Peeta assured her and leaned forward, brushing his lips against hers. "So, you said something about me getting it before class?"
Katniss saw his eyes darken and felt that heat grow between her legs. She took a deep breath to calm the ache inside her.
"First things first, can we just agree on one thing?"
"Of course," Peeta replied.
"Definitely not a water birth."
The class had gone over birthing options and had ended with a graphic video showing a water delivery.
"That image—"
Katniss nodded in agreement. "It was like she was blowing a bubble from her vagina! Do you think it'll look like that when I give birth?"
"It's going to be beautiful," he told her. "Scary, but beautiful."
Katniss folded the last of the onesies that Johanna had given her. They were hand-me-downs of Jenna's, but all unisex in color. She looked at the simple white one and held it out. It was so small. Soon, there would be a baby that small in her arms.
The thought both scared and excited her.
There wasn't much room left in her own drawers, so she opened the one that she had given to Peeta. He only left a few things like his razor, underwear, and some pajama pants at her place. She could probably fit a few, so she began to stack the folded ones next to his stuff.
It was when she reached the back that she felt it—a small, velvet box. Her stomach dropped as she realized what it could be.
Pulling it out, she closed the drawer and went to her bed.
It could be anything—a pair of earrings or a pendant.
Katniss knew she would be disappointed if it wasn't a ring.
She never thought she wanted to get married, but it had become more than that-she wanted to be Peeta's wife.
It didn't matter whether they had a full blowout wedding or just a civil ceremony. It was the thought she would be his and he would be hers – always.
This baby had turned her into a sentimental fool.
"Just open it," she told herself.
Lifting the lid, Katniss found a simple gold band with an empty four prong golden setting. Her eyes filled with tears knowing that he must have saved a shitload just to get the band.
Carefully, she pulled it out and placed it on her left ring finger. It fit perfectly.
"Katniss?" She heard the front door close and then Johanna was at her doorway staring at her admiring her left hand. "What the hell is that?"
"I found it in Peeta's drawer," she replied nervously.
"There's no diamond in it," Johanna remarked and Katniss glared at her, feeling suddenly defensive.
"He must have saved a lot just to get the band," Katniss responded softly, her eyes still gazing at the ring on her finger.
"I think it's perfect." Johanna put a hand over hers. "And he really loves you, sweetie. So…are you going to say yes?"
Katniss could only grin.
"Peeta."
He looked up from the counter and found his mother in front of him.
It had been three weeks since they'd seen her.
Since the dinner where Katniss basically let his mother have it, there had been no contact. The next day, his Dad had called and even talked to Katniss to make sure she was okay.
His brothers had come over right after the infamous dinner with a potpie for Katniss, which she gratefully accepted before bursting into tears and hugging them tightly.
His mother had been silent.
"Can we talk?"
He didn't reply, but went around the counter so they could sit at the table by the window. It was ten minutes to closing anyway.
"What do you want to talk about?" he asked finally.
"I know you're angry," his mother said. "And you should be. I was disrespectful to both you and Katniss. I apologize." She looked out the window. "It's not easy to let go of your children, especially your youngest. I sometimes forget that you're not eight and running to me with a scraped knee."
"Mom…"
She turned and put her hand up so she could continue.
"I won't lie and tell you that I'm not scared for you though," she continued. "You're taking on a lot and there will be a chance that you could fall."
"Maybe I have to," he replied.
"I know, and you won't understand until the baby comes, but it's a hard thing to watch." She turned and Peeta saw the fear in her eyes. His mother wasn't the easiest person to deal with, but when she loved someone, she loved them fiercely.
It reminded him a lot of Katniss.
"I understand that." Peeta gave her a smile. "But it has to happen, because it will make Katniss and me stronger."
His mother was silent before finally turning and nodding at him.
"You're right," she agreed carefully. "Your brother tells me that you're going to propose to her." Reaching into her jacket pocket, she pulled out a small box and placed it on the table between them. "This was your grandmother's."
Reaching forward, Peeta opened it to reveal a platinum band with a large square-cut diamond.
"For whenever you decide to give it to Katniss. She's a good girl, Peeta, and she knows what she wants—and that's you."
He placed his hand over hers. "Thank you."
Katniss sat up in bed, suddenly wide awake.
It couldn't be, could it? Her hand went to her stomach; she had read that it could happen at this time but maybe it was indigestion.
"Peeta." She shook the sleeping man next to her. "Wake up."
His eyes opened slowly as he adjusted to the early morning light streaming through their room.
Peeta looked up at her and his hand went to her cheek. "Are you okay?"
"I felt something," she told him and placed his hand on her abdomen. "Like bubbles or something."
Peeta sat up, leaning back against her headboard. "I don't think I'll feel it, but it's a nice present for you though." Peeta kissed her quickly on the lips. "Happy Birthday."
"Thanks." They sat back with his hand on her belly as he hummed the birthday song into her ear. She closed her eyes, placing her head on his shoulder contentedly.
She felt another movement, stronger this time.
Peeta suddenly stiffened and looked over at her. "What the hell was that?" He looked at her belly. "The books say that I won't feel anything until later!"
"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but books can sometimes be wrong," she informed him with an amused smile. "I felt it too, you know."
He took her face in his hands and planted a kiss on her lips, grinning as they slowly pulled away.
"That was amazing. Everything since I've met you has been amazing," he breathed, their lips brushing once more.
Something changed in his eyes and Katniss felt her breathing go shallow.
"Peeta, are you okay?"
"I'm perfect," he whispered. "Because it's just us together—always."
"Always," Katniss repeated firmly and he suddenly placed a familiar velvet box in her hand. She looked down at it and then at him. "Where did you get this?"
"I had it inside my pillowcase the whole night." He gave her a nervous smile. "Open it."
She knew what she would find, but it didn't stop the thrill of excitement from running though her.
Quickly, Katniss lifted the lid and her mouth dropped.
Inside was a platinum band with a large square-cut diamond.
"What's wrong?" Peeta asked her. He saw her excitement at seeing the box but the light had immediately left her eyes once she saw the ring.
"It's nothing," she replied hurriedly.
It was something.
"You're lying," he replied and Katniss could tell that she had ruined the moment.
"This ring is beautiful," she told him. "But this isn't my ring."
"I know. It was my grandmother's, but we can sell it and get you another one if you want," Peeta responded. "You should have the best because you deserve the best."
Her eyes met his. "This isn't what I want." Moving slowly off the bed, she went to his drawer and reached into the far corner where she knew her velvet box was hidden. "This is what I want."
Peeta stood before her. "You saw this?" he asked and she could see the shame on his face, though there was no reason for it.
"I want the ring that you worked so hard to get," Katniss said, meeting his eyes. "I want the one that made you feel good when you picked it out. This is the ring I will proudly wear."
He lifted the lid and turned it for her to see.
Peeta looked into her eyes, ready to say everything he had practiced, but suddenly the words didn't seem right at all.
Then again, since she had come into his life, when had they done anything right or by the book?
"Katniss, you changed my life and I wouldn't have it any other way. Like I said, everything that's happened since we've met has been amazing—and crazy. And yes, I know we've done a lot of things off the cuff, but at the end of the day, it just comes down to this—I love you. I'll always love you."
Peeta wrapped his free arm around her waist to pull her close.
Pressing his mouth against her ear, he whispered, "Be my wife, Katniss Everdeen."
A joyful sob erupted from her mouth and she shook her head in affirmation, her forehead falling against his shoulder.
Peeta took the ring and as his lips found hers, he slipped it onto her finger. She wrapped her arms around his neck, leaving open-mouthed kisses on his jawline.
"So we're doing this?"
He grinned down at her. "Yup, I'm all in."
The knock on her door brought them both out of their bubble.
"It must be Johanna wishing me happy birthday. Let's go tell her together."
Walking to the front door, Katniss opened it quickly and was surprised to find not just Johanna, but Gale also standing at her doorstep.
They were both sporting frowns on their face.
Katniss stepped forward, looking at each of them. "What's wrong?"
"It's your Dad," Gale told her. "He's had a heart attack."
Yeah, I'm a mean person. A horrible person, actually.
This chapter starts at twenty weeks and ends at twenty-three weeks.
A lot is definitely is happening in this chapter and there is this progression that I like about the proposal just being an assurance that he'll be there to an actual commitment that they want to spend their lives together as a couple—not just because of the baby.
So I love the Mellark brothers, they are just really adorable and I just love the image of Prim and Johanna being speechless at the sight of them.
On the opposite end, this version of Mrs. Mellark is still a difficult person for me to write.
Dependent on hospital, amount of stay, etc.—I'm ballparking around ten grand for the hospital birth, but I've had a friend who spent twice as much. She was out of the hospital pretty quickly, but this was in the Bay Area. It might vary from state to state and country to country.
Don't you just love Marvel and Glimmer? They're kind of that mentor couple that Katniss and Peeta will need in their lives. We will eventually meet Ada and MJ. In a few chapters, we'll meet Francis and Ellie. Anyone want to guess where I got from Francis from? Ellie is because I'm currently obsessed with Ellie Goulding's song "Burn".
So around this time, pregnant women will usually feel the baby's movement or "quickening", though it varies. I've read that a lot of first time pregnancies won't feel anything until much later.
I've been doing a lot of reading on pregnancy forum boards, however, and many first timers are actually feeling strong fetal movements at around the same time as women who've had multiple pregnancies.
So I gave Katniss some baby movement for her birthday—and even one for Peeta, but it could've been indigestion he was feeling.
Next: Twenty-Three Weeks—a pick-up from this chapter and that's all I'll say.
Hellos, reviews, and feedback are always welcome on FF, AO3 and Tumblr.
Until Part Seven, JLaLa