A/N: Thanks to everyone keeping up with this fic. My holiday break has ended and alas, time is no longer a luxury. I will try to update often nonetheless. Comments are appreciated; happy reading!

Two weeks later, all of District 12 was abuzz with news of a visit from President Alma Coin. In her 24 years in office, she'd never set foot in District 12 – and, she'd never had a serious challenger to her presidency.

But the coming year would bring another election. Salima Paylor, a revered commander from District 8, had recently declared her intentions to seek the presidency – and she was already gaining widespread support in several districts. Paylor was young and engaging with a proven leadership track record and a reputation for placing the needs of the people first. President Coin had to start galvanizing support of her own.

District 12 was to be her first stop in what would likely be an arduous campaign. Overnight, it seemed, the district was blanketed in propaganda heralding the presidential visit. Most common were the oversized posters featuring a profile shot of a pensive-looking Coin. At the bottom of the posters were the words "24 Years of Peace. 24 Years of Experience. Support President Coin."

Even though she'd never visited District 12, Coin had made modest improvements within the district. She continued the availability of tesserae within the poorest districts of Panem, including District 12, up to six times a year for residents who qualified. She sanctioned a school improvement project in District 12 that provided free text books, a wealth of learning resources, and capital improvements to buildings and facilities every seven years. And after the fatal mine explosion in District 12, Coin sent a team of inspectors who improved safety measures to "avoid another tragedy of this magnitude," she'd said in a remote broadcast.

Coin's visit was planned for early May. Three days after graduation and the end of the school year. Two days before Peeta left for Boggs Academy for two weeks. Four days before Katniss's 17th birthday. Members of President Coin's staff said she wanted "an authentic experience with the good people of District 12," in her day-and-a-half visit, before she headed to nearby districts 10 and 6.

Everyone had a role to play. The mayor's office was planning an elaborate banquet dinner with a "Taste of District 12" theme. Mellark Bakery, the produce market in the Merchant Square, and Rooba the butcher from the Seam were contributing to the meal, and Mayor Claude Undersee announced that he wanted a kettle of "those delicious stews from The Hob" as an appetizer because the stews were "essential to an authentic District 12 experience."

Aside from the meal, a local Merchant seamstress was making draperies and table coverings in the Capitol's signature cobalt and gray colors, a handful of unemployed Seam women were hired to keep the streets clean and litter free, and the Peacekeepers were on 24-hour duty in the days leading up to the visit. It was even rumored that Head Peacekeeper Cray was planning to swear off prostitutes the night before the presidential visit.

Children from the primary school were selected to serve as 'delegates' to welcome President Coin when she arrived at the banquet, and middle school students were to perform a skit of the history of District 12. Secondary school students would be responsible for opening the banquet dinner with a rendition of The Valley Song.

That's when Mrs. Englund, Katniss and Peeta's kindergarten teacher, sought out Katniss at the secondary school.

Katniss had been nervous when she was pulled from her second period geography class – the only class she had with Peeta – and told to report to the main office. Immediately, she wondered if someone had found out about their janitor's closet visits in the mornings. She and Peeta kept those visits fairly brief, just long enough to talk for a few minutes and exchange a few kisses. But if anyone would get in trouble for their rendezvous, it would be the Seam girl, not the popular Merchant boy.

Katniss and Peeta avoided eye contact in public. But when she was summoned to the main office, Katniss's eyes automatically darted to Peeta's equally apprehensive stare. She was surprised to find Mrs. Englund waiting on her with an embrace for her former pupil and a request for Katniss to perform The Valley Song as a solo at the presidential banquet dinner.

"Me?" Katniss asked incredulously. "Why me?"

"You sang in front of the entire school when you were just a little girl, and even then, I noticed your talent. Since there's no student choir here at the secondary school, you were the first person I thought of."

"I don't know." Katniss hesitated. "I don't sing in front of people anymore."

"Well you should." Mrs. Englund smiled warmly. "I know you still have the talent."

Katniss chewed on her bottom lip as she considered the offer. Her eyes trailed to the worn dress she was wearing, something that once belonged to her mother.

"I don't have anything to wear, Mrs. Englund. I won't represent the district well."

"That's all taken care of, Katniss. The president's delegation will be here on next week for a site visit, and someone from that team will fit you for a dress and shoes. They'll even do your hair and makeup on the day of the event. All you have to do is agree to sing."

Katniss wanted to say 'no,' but she knew her family would want her to say 'yes.' Especially her father. He would brag for years that his hummingbird was chosen to sing in front of the president of Panem.

"Okay," she nodded. "I'll do it."

At his locker just before the last class of the day, Peeta sensed her presence before his mind processed that someone was standing there, watching him. He turned to find her wearing her classic lip biting smile, one finger twirling in her golden hair.

"Lilla," he said, surprised.

"Hi Peeta," she said sweetly. "I can't seem to catch up with you these days. How've you been?"

He shot her an annoyed glance as he shoved a textbook into his locker. "I'd be doing much better if you'd stop telling people about the sex we had two years ago."

Lilla chuckled dismissively, tucking a lock of hair behind one ear. "Well can you blame a girl? No one has come close to you ever since."

Peeta pressed the heels of his hands to his eyes in exasperation. "Lilla. We've talked about this."

"We're both single, Peeta, and we owe it to ourselves to try again." She took a step closer, her voice seductive and barely louder than a whisper. "I know I made you feel good. And I can make you feel good again. Let's just start with what works for us and build our relationship from there."

"You obviously haven't been listening to me. You and I are over. We are finished. Done."

"You don't mean that," she said. "Just let me remind you. Let me show you how good it can be."

And before he could react, Lilla reached for Peeta's face with both hands and tiptoed, pulling her lips to his. It only lasted a moment before he jerked away, stunned. But it was already too late. The hall was crowded and everyone saw.

"Looks like Peeta and Lilla are getting back together," said Aaron Pasloe, a wrestling teammate who slapped Peeta on the back and howled, igniting catcalls and random applause. And like a moth to a flame, Peeta's eyes were drawn to a fiery version of silver as Katniss walked past, navigating the hall with rapid steps.

"Shit!" Peeta swore under his breath as he watched Katniss disappear around the corner. Lilla followed his gaze to… Katniss Everdeen? A Seam girl? But she had no time to process her thoughts, because now Peeta's brand of blue fire was directed at his ex-girlfriend. The smolder in his eyes was so intense that it melted what remained of the self-satisfied smirk on Lilla's lips.

"I'm going to say this for the last damn time," Peeta gritted, his voice dangerously low. "You and I are never getting back together. I don't want to be with you, in or out of bed, and nothing will change that. And if you ever pull a stunt like that again, I promise you, I will publicly humiliate you."

Only Lilla heard Peeta's words, but everyone on the hall heard when the easy-going Peeta Mellark furiously slammed his locker door shut and stormed down the hall, leaving his startled ex-girlfriend in his wake.

Katniss absently swiped through the pages of a business commerce book she'd already read. After school, she'd headed straight for the library instead of meeting Peeta at the alcove. She knew he'd be waiting, eager to explain why Lilla Newsome's lips were stuck to his face earlier that afternoon.

But Katniss was angry and disappointed and she didn't want to hear it. It didn't help that some student's announcement that Peeta and Lilla were getting back together was looping in her mind, squashing the joy right out of Mrs. Englund's offer earlier that day for Katniss to sing The Valley Song for President Coin.

Her eyes shot to the clock on the wall after every few pages. If she timed it right, Peeta will have already left the alcove for wrestling practice, and she could walk to the middle school without running into him. That meant another 15 minutes in the library; then, five minutes before the middle school dismissal bell, she would head to the middle school to wait on Prim.

Katniss was so deep in thought that she didn't notice the girl approaching until she'd plopped down in the chair facing Katniss. Her familiar, plump face was curtained by yellow hair that fell past her shoulders.

Katniss's lips pursed in annoyance. The girl's smile didn't waver.

"Hi, Katniss. I thought I might find you here."

Katniss flipped the pages with greater speed. "Did Peeta send you, Delly? Cause I really don't want to see him right now."

"No," Delly said. "He went to get ready for wrestling practice. I decided to come on my own."

Katniss shut the book. "Well then. I might as well head to the middle school if –"

"Katniss." There was a sincerity in Delly's tone. Their eyes met and lingered before Delly lowered her eyes to the table to gather her thoughts.

"Katniss, did Peeta ever tell you about what happened to him when he was five years old after you sang The Valley Song for the school and he realized he was in love with you?"

Katniss looked confused. "No. He didn't say anything happened to him. He only said he developed a crush on me after he heard me sing."

"Something happened." Delly leaned closer. "He ran home that afternoon and told his father that he loved, Katniss Everdeen, the girl who could out sing the birds. And his mother overheard him, and she slapped him so hard he fell to the floor. "He wore a welt on his face for several days after that for saying that he loved a girl from the Seam."

Katniss sucked in a breath, her chest rising and slowly falling at the revelation. Show and Tell Day. The bruise on his face. It was because his mother overheard him saying he loved me? Oh no. I had no idea.

"I'm not telling you this to upset you," Delly said as a result of the pained look on Katniss's face. "I'm telling you this because Peeta is like a brother to me. He always has been. And even at an early age, he knew that he wanted to love you. Not Lilla. Not anyone else. You. So when you weren't waiting on him this afternoon… I don't think I've ever seen him look so crushed."

Katniss exhaled a long, remorseful breath. What am I doing? I know Peeta doesn't want Lilla. Why did I let this upset me so much and not even hear his side of the story?

"So," Delly continued pointedly, "I'm here to ask you a question: What are your intentions with my best friend? If you don't care about him, and if you don't trust him, then leave him alone. If the first challenge will make you want to walk away, then keep your distance from now on. Because if a five-year-old boy can refuse to stop loving you in the face of abuse, then you can get past a fake kiss from a grandstanding bitch like Lilla."

Katniss was so stunned that she sat there with her mouth hanging open. Not only did she not expect Delly's boldness, she didn't expect to feel so condemned by her own actions – actions that she felt were justified not even five minutes ago.

"Oh, look at the time," Delly said in her usual, chipper tone. "I'd better get back to the middle school to wait on my brother."

And she left. Delly left Katniss sitting there flabbergasted and rebuked and completely determined to show Peeta that she too was willing to fight for their relationship. Even if the odds didn't seem to be in their favor.

The next morning, Katniss tapped on the janitor's closet door, silently praying that Peeta was inside. She breathed a sigh of relief when the door knob twisted and he held the door open for her to slip inside. Even in the dimness, there was just enough light for them to see the anxiety in each other's eyes. Peeta started first.

"Babe, I'm so sorry. I should have seen that com–"

But Katniss reached for his face, pulling him to her for a long, ardent kiss.

Peeta looked floored. "Does that mean you forgive me?"

Katniss grinned. "Yes. And I hope you can forgive me for acting so childish. I trust you, Peeta, and I know Lilla's agenda. I never should have let what happened upset me that way."

"That will never happen again, Katniss. I promise you. I put Lilla in her place." He stared into her eyes, slowly shaking his head. "I was so afraid I'd lost you, that I'd ruined what we have."

"You didn't. I'm fighting with you. For us."

"Thank you," he whispered as they held one another, her head resting on his chest.

"I have good news," she said after a few silent moments. He pulled away just enough to look at her. "Mrs. Englund asked me to sing The Valley Song for President Coin's banquet dinner. That's why I was called to the main office yesterday."

Peeta's eyes and mouth widened with excitement. "Please tell me you said 'yes.'"

She nodded excitedly. "I said yes."

He practically lifted her off the ground. "Oh babe, you're going to do an amazing job! I'm so proud of you for agreeing to do this."

She couldn't contain her smile. "I know it would make my family really happy. They were my motivation."

"The only problem is that I'll have much competition once you begin to sing."

"You don't have much competition anywhere," she said. He held her close for another long kiss.

Peeta smiled. "So what did your family say when you told them?"

"I hadn't told them yet." She shrugged with a bashful grin. "I wanted you to be the first to know."

He was floored. And they both got so lost in that kiss that they almost didn't hear the bell ring.

Her name was Effie Trinket. And her hair was… fuchsia.

She tottered around a large meeting room in the Justice Building, giving orders to a team of vibrant-haired – sometimes colorful skinned – overly-adorned individuals who moved with haste at her command.

Effie and her team of stylists were part of the Capitol delegation that descended on District 12 in preparation for President Coin's visit. A security crew was walking the district with Head Peacekeeper Cray and his second in command, Darius. A cadre of event planners were in the banquet room of the Justice Building, determining the layout and the amount of space that should be cordoned off for media. And Effie's team was in charge of attire – making sure every banquet participant was "camera ready and properly styled."

Katniss sat on an ottoman near the back of the room, wishing she'd said 'no' to the offer to sing. She didn't like to draw attention to herself in District 12, much less on a national scale. She was fidgeting with the tail end of her braid when Madge sat down beside her.

"I'll still be your friend even if they turn your hair blue and make a spectacle out of you," she whispered. Katniss muffled her laughter, feeling a sense of relief at Madge's presence. "So, have I missed anything?"

"Not at all," Katniss said. "The main spectacle in charge was setting up stations a moment ago for individual consultations. Then she said she'll call us by age, starting with the primary school children."

"Well we could be here all night," Madge retorted. "Hopefully this goes by fast."

Katniss turned concerned eyes to her friend. "Is it your mother?"

Madge nodded, clearly burdened. Maryenne Undersee's declining health had deeply affected Madge. Most days, Maryenne was confined to her bedroom by pain or depression or both. Frequently, Katniss's mother had visited the Undersee home, and the best she could do was administer sleep syrup to help Maryenne rest.

"She's having another bout. They seem to be getting worse instead of better. But we just have to let this bout run its course."

"So do you need to get back home," Katniss asked. "I'm sure they'll take you first if you tell them you have a family emergency."

"No." Madge heaved a sigh. "My dad hired a caretaker to stay with my mom. Evidently, he's too busy to care himself, so paying someone to do it is the next best thing."

Katniss sat quietly, unsure if she should respond. While Katniss knew that Madge and her father didn't have the best relationship, Madge's comments over the past few weeks hinted at a much larger rift. Still, Madge was there to be fitted for a dress, as she would be accompanying her father to the banquet dinner in her mother's stead.

Effie Trinket's affected Capitol accent drew their attention.

"Children. Come children." The woman beckoned and the small cluster of primary school children approached timidly, knocking into each other's shoulders as they inched forward because their eyes were fixed on her.

Aside from the fuchsia hair, Effie was adorned in baubles and bracelets that clattered and chimed with every flick of her wrist. Her canary yellow dress stopped above her knees, but was buoyed by a healthy stack of fuchsia tulle. He legs sparkled with something that looked like gold dust, and on her feet were some lofty contraption meant to be shoes.

Katniss and Madge watched as members of the team photographed each child with his or her arms extended, front side and back side. Then a woman with a stern, angular face made quick work of measuring limbs and shoulder widths and waistlines and getting shoe sizes while a plump woman with pale green skin asked each child's name and age, and jotted down the measurements.

As the primary children were led out of the meeting room, the same process ensued with the middle schoolers.

"It looks like we're next," Katniss said when the last of the middle schoolers were leaving. The room had largely cleared out and grown quieter. Effie called over two stylists who had long strips of fabric draped over their arms.

"Cinna will design the dresses for the older students," Katniss and Madge overheard her say. "But we can help expedite by deciding the best colors for the skin tone of the raven-haired one."

"Oh young lady." Effie motioned for Katniss from across the room. After holding out her arms for her photos and measurements, Katniss was told to keep her arms elevated while the stylists draped several colors of swatches against her skin. Meanwhile, Effie and the green-skinned woman, Octavia, scrutinized Katniss's frame.

"Decent figure and form. Slightly on the thin side. In need of a good grooming, especially since we don't know if Cinna will put her in a gown or a short dress."

Katniss shot an annoyed glance to Madge, who smiled sympathetically from the ottoman. The sooner I get this over with, the better.

The stylists pulled the swatches from her arm.

"Okay, dear. You'll arrive the morning of the event by 8 a.m., so we can give you a full body treatment."

In one swift move, Effie tugged the ponytail holder from Katniss's braid and began to unravel her hair. Effie frowned. "Do you normally wear your hair like this, dear?"

Katniss was losing patience. "Yes," she said curtly. "Is there something wrong with it?"

"Oh nothing dear," Effie said dismissively. "Octavia, add a full hair treatment to the list for this one."

She gingerly held Katniss's ponytail holder between her thumb and forefinger and dropped the elastic band in Katniss's palm.

"You can go back to waiting with your friend, dear. We need a moment to consult on the perfect shade for you before we call her back."

Katniss plopped down on the ottoman. Madge whispered in Effie's affected Capitol accent. "Oh you're going to look fabulous when we're done, dear. Just fabulous!"

"According to them, I'm an absolute mess in need of the full treatment. Whatever that means." And in that moment, Katniss wondered what Peeta saw in her.

"I just think they like to pluck and prod and…" Madge stopped in mid-sentence. "Who is that?"

Katniss followed Madge's gaze to the entrance doors midway the room. Gale Hawthorne had just entered. His face and hands were scrubbed free of the coal dust and soot from the mines, but he was dressed in his sullied miner's uniform. He looked as out of place as Katniss felt.

"That's Gale." Katniss beckoned to him. "Gale."

He grinned when he saw her. They met midway the ottoman and the entrance. "I was hoping I'd run into you here, Catnip."

"Yeah. They've got me singing The Valley Song at the banquet."

"Your dad told me. In fact, he told everyone." They chuckled. "He's one proud papa."

"What are you doing here, Gale?"

"I'm getting fitted for a suit. They supposedly wanted a young face associated with the mines as a career possibility. Your dad recommended me to prepare a few words about the importance of the mines to the sustainability of Panem." He rolled his eyes.

Katniss smirked. "He asked the wrong person. My dad thinks you're perfect, but he doesn't know that you're a rebel in disguise."

Gale ran a hand through his hair. "I guess I am. But, I'm getting pay and a half to 'mingle' and 'converse with' the president of Panem, so I guess I'll behave. Plus, this fitting gets me out of work for an extra hour of daylight today."

Madge approached with silent steps, clearing her throat as she neared. Gale's eyes shifted to the willowy blonde. And they never left.

"Oh," Katniss turned around and beckoned for Madge to come closer. "Gale, this is my friend, Madge Undersee. Madge, this is my friend Gale Hawthorne."

Their eyes searched each other's, smiles ghosting their lips. It was as if they instantly knew something that only they could understand. Katniss's eyes darted between them, and she tempered the grin forming on her lips. By the entranced looks on their faces, neither Madge nor Gale would notice if spectacle Effie suddenly started turning cartwheels the length of the meeting room.

But they did avert their gazes, as the irritating click of Effie's shoes grew louder.

"Ms. Everdeen, we've decided on ember. The shade of red will be lovely against your skin." She paused, turning her eyes to Gale. "Young man, you must be Gale Hawthorne."

"Yes ma'am," he nodded politely.

"Well you're a handsome one, dear. We'll take you next; I was notified that you need to return to work soon." Effie led Gale across the room to the stylists.

Madge was practically coming undone. "Katniss," she whispered intensely. "He's your friend Gale?"

"Yep."

"He's gorgeous! Oh my goodness! How have our paths never crossed before?"

Katniss grinned. "Madge… you're turning red." And according to my sister, that is a telltale sign. "I don't think I've ever seen you react to a guy like this before."

"I have to talk to him again. Is he seeing anyone?"

"As far as I know, he's single."

Madge shot her a cautious look. "And you're not interested in dating him?"

"Nope," Katniss said, a smile playing on her lips. "I'm not interested at all."

President Coin's visit was only five days away.

While most of the district was still excited about her visit, Madge was excited about Gale Hawthorne. In the two weeks since they'd met, they'd spent every possible moment together – in secret, of course. Madge told Gale that her father, although the mayor for all of the citizens of District 12, had a secret aversion to Seam residents and was most concerned with maintaining his own image.

"He's nothing like my mother. She's gentle and kind and compassionate," Madge said. "I'll never know what she saw in my dad."

"Well, I'm glad that you take after your mom," Gale told her. "I haven't wanted to take my eyes off of you since I first met you. It would be terrible for me if you held the same ideology as your father."

"I like you for who you are Gale Hawthorne, an amazingly handsome, smart, hardworking guy with excellent taste in women."

They'd laughed and kissed that day, and finalized the exclusivity of their dating relationship. Gale knew Madge's father would never allow a courtship, so they decided to conduct their relationship on their own terms.

And as Madge's trusted friend, Katniss had been privy to every detail.

"And he's the best kisser in the world, Katniss. I mean, it feels like the bottom falls out of the earth when he kisses me."

"I know," Katniss said wistfully, her mind flashing to her moments with Peeta. She didn't realize how her response sounded to Madge.

"You've kissed Gale before?" Madge looked crestfallen.

"No. No, not Gale…"

"Someone else?" Madge inched closer in anticipation. "Katniss Everdeen, who have you been kissing?"

The blush stained Katniss's cheeks. "It's a secret."

"What?! I've been telling you all about my escapades with Gale, and you know I trust you because I have to keep our relationship a secret. You can trust me to keep your secret. Now who is he? I can't even guess. You're never with anyone."

"We're like you and Gale. We have to keep our relationship secret."

Madge leaned closer. "And his name is…"

Katniss glanced over both shoulders. "You can't tell anyone. Not a single soul, Madge."

"Of course I won't," Madge said emphatically. "I promise."

Katniss cupped her hand to Madge's ear and whispered. "Peeta."

And Katniss was glad that the bell rang at that moment, ending lunch and drowning out Madge's elated squeal.

Once the school year ended, Peeta and Katniss continued to meet at the alcove for brief stints. Peeta was working full time at the bakery until he left for Boggs Academy in the coming days. With having to spend two weeks apart, every moment together was precious.

Peeta laughed when Katniss told him about Madge's reaction to the news of them dating.

"I'm glad you felt like you could tell her, babe. You needed someone to know besides Prim."

"I did," she agreed. "Now she and I can talk about our boyfriends during lunch." Katniss shook her head. "I never thought in a million years that I'd be that girl."

"And I never thought you'd be my girl," Peeta said quietly. "I guess, miracles happen."

"So I'm your miracle, huh?"

"Yep." He gazed into her eyes. "My beautiful, talented, smart, intelligent, miracle of a girlfriend."

Their lips met. And lately every kiss they shared ignited a passionate exchange that they could barely contain. But, though hidden from view in the alcove, they were never truly alone with one another. They always ran the risk of being discovered. But it was a risk they had to take.

"I'd better get back to the bakery," he whispered. "I made up an excuse about having left something I need for Boggs in the locker room at school. We're working like maniacs to get food ready for tonight's event, and it'll be more of the same on tomorrow night."

Local business owners decided to have their quarterly commerce association event on the eve of President Coin's visit. Mellark Bakery was also providing bread and desserts for this event.

Katniss frowned. "And I'll be at the Justice Building all day tomorrow being poked and prodded to stand in front of a microphone for two minutes and sing The Valley Song. I'd much rather be somewhere with you."

Peeta's brow furrowed with concentration. "Maybe that's possible. Tonight, my parents will leave for the event, and after they're gone with all the food they need, my brothers will cut out and do their own thing. Can you come by tonight?"

Katniss's eyes narrowed as she thought. "I could tell my mom that I'm going to practice for tomorrow night's event. Around what time?"

"The event starts at 7. They should be gone until 9."

Katniss chewed thoughtfully on her bottom lip. "My dad has been getting home around 8:45 or later. We could spend at least an hour together, then I'll head home before my dad gets there."

"My parents will be out the door by 6:30, guaranteed. My dad hates to be late for anything. You can come by at 6:45. If I flash the outside light, something has gone wrong and you should wait a while before you knock. Otherwise, the door should be open and you can come on in."

They gazed at each other, feeling the same rush of anticipation. This would be the first time Katniss and Peeta would truly be alone – for that length of time. And although neither one of them mentioned it, they both knew what would likely come of their evening alone.

"I'll be there," she said, her heart beat quickening in her chest.

Katniss was grateful that her mother believed her story. And that she didn't ask why Katniss had bathed before leaving home. If Maura had asked, Katniss planned to tell her that she was nervous and the bath would relax her and get her ready to sing for the entire district and President Coin.

Her family had been elated when she told them about the offer to sing for President Coin. "I'm proud of you for agreeing to do it, honey," Maura said. "I know this is out of your comfort zone, but it's a huge honor to be asked."

"Thanks, mom."

"She gets it from her ole dad," James had beamed. "I'm real proud of you, hummingbird. Real proud. I've told everyone in the mines that my daughter will be singing for the president of Panem. Out of all of those Merchant children, they couldn't deny the talent of my Seam hummingbird."

Katniss's heart sank a little at her father's words. He would never accept Peeta. Which is why she felt justified in her ruse to spend time with Peeta on the eve of the presidential visit.

She arrived in front of Mellark Bakery right at 6:45 p.m. Peeta was waiting at the window. He motioned her inside.

The bell hadn't finished chiming before he pulled her to a corner, the far end of the display case, where they kept the breads, and kissed her gently, deeply.

"Ahem."

Katniss startled, her eyes landing on an amused Rye Mellark.

Peeta grinned sheepishly. "Katniss, meet my brother Rye. Rye, this is my girlfriend, Katniss."

Rye's smile was a mischievous variation of Peeta's. They exchanged 'nice to meet you' greetings and Katniss congratulated him on his recent graduation.

"I'm going out for a few, Rye said. "I'll be back around 10."

"Set the alarm when you leave," Peeta said.

"Will do." Rye was at the door when he shot Katniss a sly grin. "You've been his dream girl for as long as I can remember. Let me know if he cries after."

Katniss's eyes darted in surprise to Peeta, who instantly turned beet red. She covered her hand with her palm to hide her snickering.

"Good night, Rye," Peeta said tightly.

"Night!"

They heard the beeping of the security console as Rye set the alarm. And they were alone.

"Sorry about that," Peeta said, trying to overcome his embarrassment. "I plan to murder him."

She laughed generously. And all the awkwardness was dispelled.

"No worries," Katniss reassured. "I'm just happy to be here with you. Alone."

The intensity of their gaze communicated the same longing.

"Yeah?" Peeta whispered.

"Yeah."

Peeta pulled her hands to his lips. Then he kissed her forehead. Then their lips met with a passion fueled by an urgency that had nothing to do with the ticking clock. Their bodies melded as they embraced, hungry and pleading for more.

"Do you still want to?" Peeta asked breathlessly.

She was nodding before the words left her lips. "Yes, baby. I want to."

Peeta planted another quick kiss on Katniss's lips and reached for the switch to turn off the lights in the bakery. Then, taking her hand in his, he led her upstairs to his bedroom.