Author Notes: Darlings it's been way too long, I know! Last time I wrote the final chapter it was a few months before my wedding in Aug 2011. So here I am married and ready to continue this story with our lovely characters. I happened to get a favorite story alert to my email which made me remember why I wrote this little fic in the first place – so here I am ready to get Katniss' voice out of my head again. As ever, Adele continues to be my muse. Suzanne Collins owns all.

Here we go…

It's like a game. Repetitive. Even a little tedious after so many years. But we all know there are worse games to play.

"Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am free again
Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am clean again" – Adele, Lovesong

Dawns ethereal glow filters through the window and with it comes the promise of a new day. Nights have become more difficult to sleep through as my burgeoning stomach cannot find a lasting comfortable position. I try my best not to wake Peeta as I toss and turn as quietly as I can but he is so attuned to me now. It's as almost if he can feel my movements before my brain actually registers the signal for my limbs to move.

But today is different; I know how exhausted he is. So through all the rustling he continues to sleep which I'm thankful for. He looks so peaceful while in deep sleep, almost as if nothing could hurt him there. Because nothing can hurt him there. He's tucked safely away in our quiet lives and the love I have for him makes me feel as if heart could implode.

My pregnancy has been a difficult one though it has gotten progressively better. When we first found out we were expecting there were so many questions. I was stricken with the worst fear imaginable…but Peeta wanted children so badly. There was no way I could deny him this joy after years of begging.

Most simple questions have been awkwardly answered by Haymitch or Sae. Apparently they had assisted with their share of labors. We have a family physician Dr. Kay who oversees my prenatal care. She is around sixty and has beautiful salt and pepper colored hair that falls to her shoulders. Her hands are gentle and soothing especially when I almost had a syncopal episode as our baby appeared on the monitor for the first time.

"It's standard for first time mothers to feel frightened and excited Katniss. Remember that your Post Traumatic Stress Disorder makes your reactions feel more vivid and potent." She said reassuringly as she patted my hand.

Vivid and potent were an understatement. It felt like every nerve ending in my body was alive and the sensory input was just too much. A thousand things rushed through my head. The most prevalent one being the overwhelming desire to protect and care for our baby. Perhaps I'm not as mobile as I was before but I knew deep within me that if anyone ever even contemplated hurting our child…let's just say things would not end well for them.

And here I go again. These are the feelings that Dr. Aurelius urges me to push from my thoughts. The nagging sensation that everything is too good, too perfect and it will just get shattered? He says it's my PTSD projecting my insecurities – I just think he wants me to fully overcome my issues. But I can't, not because I don't want to get better but if I fully recover I can never remember that what I have endured is a testament to my inner strength. The memories of those we've lost along the way remind me that I need to live my life fully, never forgetting their sacrifices and struggles in the process. I need to know that I was broken and then was put together by the most deft and kind hands. The hands of the baker's son – my love, my life – my Peeta is what keeps me together.

After that incident, I promise myself that I have to be much more careful with how I express my rapidly changing emotions. Peeta was doing remarkable, yes, but I have to remember that my reactions more than anyone's affect him. He pushes, I pull. The ying to my yang.

...

Our baby was doing well but I had such bad morning sickness that Peeta was beside himself with worry. He was impotent to do anything else except hold my hair as I wretched or rub my back in soothing circles. I couldn't keep anything down for longer than an hour at a time which led to dehydration and more of Peeta losing his mind. Thankfully Haymitch remembered an old remedy with herbal leaves and such that helped ease my discomfort exponentially. But by the time the morning sickness had passed I was in my second trimester and had lost, not gained, 10 pounds.

Add to the fact that I can't even walk three steps in front of me without the three of them making a fuss about it. I went from being completely autonomous to completely co-dependent much to my dismay. It's frustrating to know that I had survived 2 tours in the arena along with the fall of the capitol and District 12 and yet I couldn't even go to the bathroom without everyone fussing!

So while I lay in bed and think of these things, my biggest hope is that my children will grow to be happy. That we can help them understand. Peeta is our greatest cheerleader; I know he will make an excellent father. He will love them and nurture them and they will be the permanent tether that keeps him connected to us all.

But he is worrying himself into exhaustion which in turn worries me.

I'm pulled out of my reverie with Peeta's soft voice. "No comfortable position for you or the little one tonight?" he asks whispering.

"No" I murmur softly, disappointed that I have woken him.

Peeta doesn't mind at all. He turns on his side completely to move his hand over my stomach. He stares at his hand on my belly for a while and then looks up at me with an unreadable expression.

"You have no idea how magnificent you look to me. To see you so radiant and full of life, carrying our child…" he stops as if to ponder his next words. "Sometimes it feels so perfect I can't help but wonder if it's real or not. But I know its real Katniss, everything is so real and vibrant with you - there is no doubt in my mind about this".

I look down at him in shock and awe. I know the real struggle he continues to have with his implanted memories and yet he is learning to cope, to understand that this, our life together, is as real as it gets. This man is the reason for my existence; his love has become the life force that has kept me going through all of the hardships we've faced.

"I love you so much Peeta, though I've never felt larger" I respond wryly and quickly add "Feeling this life growing inside me is the greatest blessing."

I close my eyes contentedly. "Sleep love, it's too early to be awake. Don't worry about me or the baby we're fine I promise" I say hoping he won't push.

I peak open through one eye to catch a glimpse of him as he considers my request.

"Please", I plead with him.

He sighs loudly in defeat, his discontent evident in the early morning. "Fine, but if you feel even the slightest inkling of being ill or in pain all bets are off."

I turn to kiss his pout though I can't contain my smile. My Peeta so protective of me and our child. This is all so new to me I still have to pinch myself.

"Thank you, I love you. I promise I'll let you know if I feel odd or anything. I'm going to go downstairs and watch the sunrise." And with that I untangle myself from the covers and leave my beautiful albeit overprotecting husband to his slumber.

As I sit with my tea and watch the sunrise I can't help but feel like I'm living someone else's life in a whole other dimension. There was a time where survival was my only future, my sole contemplation. It's been a struggle having to rework my brain to think differently. To accept that things have changed for the better and that we are forging our own future without any external forces to intervene. The notion is quite heavy even for me.

I catch myself rubbing my stomach idly. I look down at my little fighter growing within, surviving against all odds. "I love you" I say out loud, to myself and to the world too, because it's true. Nothing has ever been truer. In that moment the full glory of the sun washes through the living room, engulfing me in its glow. I close my eyes and let the suns early rays wash over me. It almost feels as if they are healing me, mending those deep wounds that even my conscious self can't remember. How exquisite it feels to be a part of the sun again, basking in its fiery blaze. The girl on fire, that's what they called me. But I am something more now and I hope as an extension, my child has inherited my fiery spirit. All it takes is a spark to ignite a revolution. The irony is not lost upon me. Peeta ignited a revolution within my heart and soul – his love for me a match to light the heavens even if he didn't know it. And I know without a doubt that he is the source of my power, he is that spark that brings me to my emblazoned splendor. With his quiet yet constant love he recharges my spirit. Apart we are powerful; together we are invincible.

...

"So you're saying Johanna actually stripped her costume in the elevator while you died of shock?" says Peeta between guffaws. We're lounging on the hammock while he rubs my swollen feet. The sun is setting.

I huff, remembering her perfect physique and comparing it to my now very apparent size.

"Yes, yes that's EXACTLY what I'm saying. You would think you'd remember that one? I'm sure it was a view" I say dejectedly while pouting and pretending to look at something interesting on my hand.

"Katniss."

Silence.

"KAT-niss."

Silence.

"KAT-"

"Alright okay, what?" I say grumpily. All of a sudden I'm not in the mood to play our game anymore.

He stops rubbing my feet and sits up to hold my face all the while looking into my eyes.

"Please don't be upset Katniss, I'm sorry. You are beautiful no matter what."

My traitor tears start stinging my eyes. "Even if I'm fat, have random self-esteem issues and cry on command now?" I cannot believe the timing of these stupid hormones.

He laughs and his smile reaches his eyes and crinkles them so beautifully. His carefree laugh is infectious and that in turn makes me laugh too.

"I'm not used to these hormonal changes…" I trail off. And really I'm not. Crying to purge feelings is one thing but crying hysterically because you can't find your favorite shirt is another matter entirely.

"It's okay, everyone says it's normal. You'll be fine" he says while getting up and helping me in the process.

Normal. I let that word float around in my head for a second. Normal I decide is apt indeed.

Peeta holds my hand as we walk in the house.

"Now in other news wife, I believe we have some unfinished business to attend to. Hmm?" he raises a brow cheekily at me.

"Business?" My brain is so slow lately. Oh yes, that's right – business.

"I do believe you are correct husband. Though I must admit there is quite a lot of ground to cover." I reply matching his playful, nonchalant tone as we walk up the stairs towards our room.

He goes behind me and whispers in my ear. "Nothing would give me more pleasure than to devour you inch by inch." He enunciates every syllable.

I shudder closing my eyes involuntarily.

"Shall I start with your full breasts? So round and soft for me" he growls in his quiet sensual voice. He takes advantage of my dazed state and starts to unbutton my shirt, the swell of my growing breasts evident.

"Mmmm, I could never tire of you Katniss. Come now there is much to discuss."And with that he leads me to our bed. I position myself in the middle of the bed excited for what's to come next. By the time my brain can refocus again Peeta has already removed his shirt.

No longer a boy, he is a man. His chiseled abs and defined arms serve as evidence. His eyes give away what his body won't, at least not yet anyway. He is beyond excited and very near to losing control I can sense it.

While I lose myself in his gorgeous form he is busy stalking towards me like a predator would. When he reaches me I am panting with want and need.

"Ssh" he murmurs and puts a finger to my lips. His hands slowly release one breast and he brings me into his mouth fully. Then he alternates to the other breast while I tug on his hair and moan into the dusk. The orange and purple hues bathe our bedroom in vivid colors – matching our fiery desire for one another.

"You taste so sweet" he mumbles against my breasts. I close my eyes once more as I feel the ever present coil within me start to wind. Slowly he eases me down onto the bed and begins taking off my pants and panties painfully slow. It's as if he is teasing himself just as he is teasing me.

"Peeta, please" I moan not caring that my voice is full of need and is hardly recognizable.

"Yes love I know, but you did say I had a lot of ground to cover. And I am a man of my word am I not?"

I nod in delirious assent. Once he's undressed me fully he begins kissing me in earnest. No warm up kisses necessary. This is Peeta full of need and hunger just like my own. I feel myself growing more slicker with arousal as our tongues twine together.

Time ceases to matter as he kisses my neck and sucks on his favorite spot just above my right collarbone. I feel him hard and ready for me. But I know better than to try to touch – he won't let me and will just restart to the beginning. He can win the battle but I will triumph in the war.

He kisses my breasts once more and doesn't forget the space between them. I'm convinced the whole Victor's Village can hear me by now, but I could give a damn.

"So beautiful. So soft and warm…" he goes on and on as he whispers the unintelligible against my skin, so softly I think I've imagined it. He's reaching my belly now and takes extra care to ensure every single part of my abdomen has been thoroughly kissed and loved. Once he's satisfied his done his job he travels lower to the place I need him most.

"So wet for me my beautiful Katniss" he blows against my most intimate parts and I nearly combust. "You are like a delicate flower, opening yourself to me one petal at a time and my how exquisite." He kisses the inside of my thigh with his torturous pace.

"Peeta..please..I..need" I can't even form a coherent thought when he's touching me like this. He opens my legs slowly as much as they'll go and begins his languorous assault on my sex with his tongue at first and then adds a finger as my moans become louder.

"Don't stop..PLEASE..so..good" I feel the coil winding faster than ever before and before I know it I feel that building sensation.

"I'm..I'm…COMI-"

And with that I shatter into a million pieces. The lights behind my eyes a kaleidoscope of colors.

"Yes, Peeta yes…more…PLEASE MORE".

He groans in response and doubles his efforts to elongate my pleasure. Once I come down from my high all I see is Peeta looking at me with those piercing blue eyes. My body is willing me to succumb to sleep but I cannot. I will not. Not until I feel him inside me.

"You coming undone before me is the greatest sight I will ever witness." he says matter-of- factly.

I smile and beckon him to me with my finger. My voice is hoarse, nearly gone. "I need you inside me please". My eyes beg him with the words my lips cannot.

In one swift movement he is buried deep within me and our souls collide. I can feel him pouring all the love he has in to me. He does his best to be gentle but that overwhelming need for us to unite proves most difficult and he loses his tender rhythm briefly but regains it once more.

"So, so good Katniss. I love. You. So. MUCH." He pulls me to him and crushes my lips to his as he fills me with his release.

We run through this cycle many times through the evening and the late night. Each time a new sensation coming to the surface but always brought forth with love and patience.

When were both sated and the moons glow lights our room, I rest my head on his chest while he plays with my hair. The days events replaying through my head.

"Katniss?"

"Hmm?"

"Thank you for letting me love you. I will never grow tired of being inside you and seeing you full with our child makes me even hungrier for you. I'm sorry if I was too rou-" I still his lips with a kiss.

"No need to thank me, you loved me the way we both needed. Desires change just as we do. You did nothing wrong in fact I enjoyed every single minute and will try to commit as much as I can to memory but I know it can never do it justice…." I yawn quietly as the days activities start to drain me.

"I love you Peeta. Real or not real?"

His quiet snores answered for him.

Real.

End Notes: And there we have it! Wow that was 2,974 words of amazingness which I hope will make up for the 2 year epic fail :D I have no beta so this is as raw as it gets. Please excuse any grammatical issues.

Adele – Lovesong. TRUST ME. You have to listen to her very lightly in the background while you get into this story. Let's talk more about character development, tweet me at Mina_CLLN

Please review, it's been a while since I've written these two so I'm hoping it makes sense. I think I'll write at least 2 more chapters with the birth scene (!) and maybe some more Peeta overprotectedness? Oh and who thinks we should ask Haymitch what an episiotomy is ? HAHAHAHA. Can't wait to see his eyes bug out on that one.

Oh and in my story Katniss and Peeta are around 32 years old. If you do the math Suzanne Collins has them in their late thirties early forties having kids which was a little too old for my taste.

Reviews get you more prenatal sexy times. You know you love it!

xo,

Mina