Chapter 9

December

The bakery is packed with demanding customers all wanting the New Year cupcakes that have become a sort of speciality at Mellark's bakeries. I've been told they were designed by Peeta when he was a teenager and are a perfect mix of intricate design and sparkly holiday cheer. The numbers of the year are carefully piped on in fancy calligraphy and the frosting has a smattering of edible glitter. But what makes them really special is the small star shaped sparkler stuck in on top. Any New Year's party can be brightened up by a tray of these sparkling delights.

I had hoped that now Christmas had passed things would slow down at the bakery. However I was completely unprepared for the rampage for these tiny cakes. The display of them was emptied an hour ago and the pre-ordered cakes are stacked in every available space in both Peeta's office and the staff room. There seem to be a frustratingly large number of people that expect to just come in and pick up a whole caseload of these special cakes and I am becoming exasperated by their irate rants over the fact I am not able to provide them on the spot.

I desperately need to get back to the kitchen to see if Peeta and Castor have anymore to spare. However with the long line of impatient customers this is proving to be difficult.

I eventually manage to slip out unnoticed when a small child start bawling his eyes out for no apparent reason distracting everyone else in the shop. I slip into the quiet hallway and savour the momentary peace as I make my way downstairs to the kitchen, dodging the piles of pre-ordered cakes on my way.

I push into the cosy kitchen to be met with the sweet smells of chocolate and cinnamon. Both Castor and Peeta work at a frantic pace at their work stations. Pollox came down with the flu a couple of days ago which has meant that Peeta has had to roll up his sleeves and get elbow deep in bread dough and cake mix. Castor has a look of steely concentration as he cracks eggs and mixes flour in rapid succession.

I smile as I turn to Peeta who is looking equally intense. His eyebrows are knotted and his tongue sticks out slightly as he carefully pipes on the year number. His sweaty curls are plastered to his forehead and I can see every defined muscle in his arms working as grips onto the piping bag with expert control. I stop and marvel for a second at just how adorable he looks right now.

And I get to kiss him.

After he had expressed his feelings for me on Christmas Eve we had spent the next 20 minutes acquainting ourselves with every inch of each other's mouths. I have never taken the time to explore a person like that before. It had always been rushed with Thom, both of us desperate for the final climax. But while I was with Peeta I realised the pleasures of taking your time and savouring the moment. I immersed myself in Peeta's steady warmth and got lost in his gentle touches and caresses. Everything about it had felt electric.

Peeta had stayed until midnight both of us just laughing and talking and just being together until he decided he couldn't ignore his mother's calls any longer. He left after kissing Sage goodnight and then leaving me breathless on my doorstep. He promised to call me about our date and I was left with the most ridiculous big grin on my face.

We haven't spent much alone time together since, not with the bakery rush and his various family commitments. We have been limited to stolen moments at the bakery and I am craving for a replay of that kiss on my doorstep. Our date is tomorrow evening and my stomach is full of excited butterflies at the thought of finally getting him to myself again.

Peeta looks up and catches my eye as I enter and he gives me a sweet smile. Castor barely lifts his head to see who it is before he looks back down to continue making the cake mix.

I walk over to Peeta and lean against his work station as he carries on with his work.

"Any chance you've got some cakes spare to sell out front? I swear someone is about to commit murder to get one," I say.

Peeta smiles in response and quickly finishes another tray of cakes and places down the piping nozzle before wiping a sweaty forearm across his forehead.

"You can have these," he states his cheeks rosy from the heat of the ovens. "I'll stay late tonight to get the cakes done for the orders."

I smile at him gratefully and begin helping him place the cakes in boxes so they are ready to sell. We work in tandem as we quickly fill the boxes and begin stacking them to take upstairs. Peeta wipes his hands on an old scrap of cloth and I stop and smirk at him as he does so.

"What?" he asks quizzically.

I smile again before taking a step towards him and reaching out to wipe off a bit of gold frosting that has been smeared across his cheek.

"You've got something on you," I say with a grin before sticking my finger in my mouth and sucking off the sweet frosting. I hold Peeta's gaze the entire time and his eyes blacken a little as his gaze fixes on my lips. His tongue darts out to wet his bottom lip.

Out of the corner of my eye I see Castor look up and shake his head at us before going back to work. I ignore him and slowly retract my finger from my mouth, giving Peeta a sultry smile and then turning to pick up the stack of boxes and sauntering out the room. I can feel Peeta's eyes on me as I leave.

I have barely made it out the door when the door swings open and Peeta has taken the boxes off me and pinned me against the wall. His solid frame encases my small body and I can't deny the thrill that runs up my spine at the feeling of having him so close up against me.

"You can't expect me to just let you walk out after that little display," Peeta says in a husky tone.

My heart quickens at his words.

"So what are you going to do about it," I challenge.

Peeta just smirks at me before lowering his lips to mine and engaging me in a searing kiss.

I sigh at the feeling of having his lips on mine again. I love the way he tastes of mint and chocolate and the way he feels in my arms. My whole body hums as he presses his body closer to mine. I don't think I will ever get tired of his kisses.

We are interrupted by Castor pushing the kitchen door open and him catching sight of us. He narrows his eyes before mumbling an apology and storming back inside.

I scrunch up my eyebrows in confusion at his reaction. He has acted strangely whenever he has seen Peeta and I together since Christmas. Peeta loosens his embrace on me slightly and I lean back against the wall. Suddenly I am hit with a memory of a comment made on Christmas Eve. In his ramble to let me know exactly what he was feeling he had mentioned that a few people had expressed concerns about him pursuing me. Castor had been one if those people. Suddenly I become desperate to know what Castor had said.

"Castor doesn't like that we are seeing each other," I state.

Peeta sighs and presses his forehead against mine before answering.

"He thinks I'm taking on too much responsibility, with the bakery, with you," he sighs. "He thinks I should enjoy being 22 and not get myself tied down with someone that has a kid."

As I let his words sink in my mood drops. I can't even deny the truth in Castor's comment. I have thought similar things myself over the past couple of months. I still don't quite know what Peeta sees in a single mom with no prospects.

Peeta tips my chin up so that I am looking into his bright blue eyes.

"But he doesn't understand. I am only happy when I am with you and Sage. I've done enjoying myself at college. Being with you is what I want now," Peeta states firmly.

As I look up into his cerulean eyes I only see the honesty in his statement. He genuinely doesn't see Sage and I as a burden. I lean up to nuzzle my nose against his.

"I don't think I deserve you," I state.

Peeta smiles as he leans into my touch.

"You don't know the effect you have," he replies softly. "And I can't wait for our date."

It is my turn to smile and I give him a light kiss on the top of his nose before leaning back and picking up the boxes of cakes.

"I look forward to it," I say with a smile as I finally make my way up the stairs.

The next day I frantically rush about my bedroom trying to find something suitable for my date with Peeta. Sage sits in her bouncing chair, chewing on the tail of the stuffed giraffe Peeta gave her for Christmas. She watches on, confused about what has got her Mommy in such a tizzy.

I tip out the contents of one of my drawers and shift through to find a warm, yet attractive sweater to wear. Peeta hasn't told me where he is taking me but has stated that I should dress warmly. Nothing in my wardrobe seems to fit that criteria. I huff in exasperation as I come up empty handed yet again. I need to find something soon. He will be here in 20 minutes.

I hadn't expected to be so nervous for our date tonight. Up until this morning I had only been excited at the thought of spending time with him but as the date draws nearer the nerves just continue to grow.

I shouldn't be nervous. I mean this is Peeta. I've spent countless hours with just him. It should be no different from any of the other times we hung out. It's just the word date that scares me. I am vastly inexperienced in this area. I never went on dates with Thom. He just took me to the next party. What if I behave wrong? What if Peeta realises that all this is just one big mistake?

After listening to my exasperated screams for long enough, my mom comes through to help calm me down. She picks up a tight fitting, red knitted sweater and hands it to me.

"Wear this," she says in a soothing tone.

I inspect the garment for a moment before deciding that it will have to do and pull it on over my bra. Mom picks up Sage and sits with her on her lap on my bed. I rush to the mirror to try and tame the bird's nest that is my hair. Mom jiggles Sage on her knee as Sage continues to chew on her giraffe.

"Relax honey," Mom says. "Everything is going to be fine."

I roll my eyes at her as I twine my hair into a neat side braid.

"I really like him," I admit a little sheepishly.

Mom just smiles knowingly, kissing the top of Sage's head and replies, "I know."

I turn to face her and my daughter now.

"You don't think I'm being a irresponsible mother by leaving her to go on a date?" I ask a little nervously. I play with the ends of my sweater as I wait for her response.

This thought has been plaguing me for a few days now. I have spent a lot of time thinking about Peeta and I feel guilty for not always thinking about Sage. She is my priority. Her needs are first. But by going on a date with Peeta I am putting my own needs first and being selfish.

"Katniss, your life doesn't have to stop just because you have a daughter. Yes she should be your priority but you have to do things that make you happy too," Mom replies.

I smile gratefully at her and stroke the top of Sage's head.

"And Peeta is a good choice. It's obvious he cares a lot about both you and Sage," Mom adds.

"Thank you," I reply.

Mom just smiles in response and Sage gurgles. I am glad Mom approves of Peeta. Already she is being a lot more supportive compared to the time I got back with Thom.

The doorbell goes not moments later and I jump a little startled by the sound. I had momentarily forgotten about my nerves as I talked to Mom but the ringing sound has brought them all flooding back. Mom ushers me to go and answer the door. I take a deep breath before turning to go and greet Peeta.

He is standing in a neat fitting, woolly sweater and sleeveless black zip up jacket. A bright red scarf is neatly knotted around his neck and his blonde curls stick out from underneath his matching red hat. He greets me with a big smile and a bunch of red roses, his eyes sparkling in the dark night.

"Hey," he greets me as he takes a step forward and places a soft kiss on my lips.

The moment his lips are on me I feel myself relax and enjoy the tingle the slight brush of his lips gives me. Everything is going to be fine. He wants to go on this date. I am over thinking this too much.

"Hey yourself," I reply with a smile as he pulls back.

Peeta smiles and then hands the flowers over to me.

"It's not a first date without flowers," he states with a grin.

I shake my head with a smile as I take them happily and take a sniff of their sweet sent. I make my way through to the kitchen and get a jug to put the flowers in. Peeta follows behind me and when I turn round again he is standing right in front of me with a tender look.

"Thank you for the flowers. They're really beautiful," I reply softly.

Peeta's tongue darts out to lick his lips and he takes a step towards me, cupping my cheek with one of his warm hands. I can feel the familiar hammering of my heart whenever he is near and lock my eyes onto his intense blue stare. Slowly he bends down. I can feel his breath tickle my face. His lips are mere millimetres away from mine when we are interrupted by a babbling sound and my mom entering the kitchen with Sage.

Peeta immediately springs back and fixes his gaze on my mom and Sage.

"Nice to see you Mrs Everdeen," he says rather formally. Mom gives him a knowing look and Peeta blushes slightly.

He then sweeps over to my mom and picks Sage out of her arms.

"And of course I've missed you Cutie!" he declares to Sage as he hoists her into the air.

Sage immediately stops chewing her toy and instead giggles as Peeta begins flying her about the kitchen. I watch on with a smile and marvel at the delightful sound of my daughter's laugh. After a few moments I walk over to Peeta and gently touch his arm.

"Okay I think that is enough for now Sage," I say as Peeta brings her to a stop. "Can't have you over excited for Grandma."

Sage looks up at me with a toothy grin and then waves her giraffe up and down.

"I see you like my giraffe," Peeta says to her, tickling her chin.

To show her appreciation Sage begins waving the toy rapidly up and down until eventually it flies out her hand and lands on the kitchen table. Mom smiles as she goes to pick up the toy and walks back over to take Sage off Peeta.

"I think it's time for a story little one," Mom states. "Your Mommy and Peeta have got places to go."

Sage ignores my mom and continues to stare at Peeta and I.

"Are you ever going to tell me where we are going?" I ask Peeta. I'm pretty impatient and don't really like surprises. I just want to know where he is taking me.

"All in good time," Peeta says with a grin.

I huff, not any happier with his answer. I then turn to Sage to tell her goodbye.

"Stay out a trouble Munchkin," I say to Sage bending down to give her a big kiss.

Sage senses that Peeta and I are leaving and she begins to whimper. It breaks my heart to leave her when she is upset but know it's not beneficial to stay. Mom can sense my hesitation and holds Sage close to her chest.

"Just go," she says as she begins to rock Sage back and forth. "She'll be fine. Have fun tonight."

I give Sage another quick kiss before reluctantly pulling away and grabbing my coat. I can hear her cries as I close the door.

Peeta looks at me sympathetically as we get in the car.

"Does it ever get any easier leaving her?" he asks his eyes full of sympathy.

I shrug my shoulders.

"You get better at coming up with coping mechanisms," I state looking down at my hands.

Peeta reaches across the consul and takes my hand. His gentle touch is enough to soothe me and make me feel better. I look up at him and give him a grateful smile.

"Come on. Don't you have a date to take me on?" I ask teasingly.

Peeta returns my smile with a ridiculous big grin.

"I've feel like I have waited a lifetime," he replies.

I smile again and we drive off in a comfortable silence.

Peeta drives us into the centre of Panem and pulls up outside the large open air ice rink in the town centre. Every year the rink is constructed in the town square and decorated with thousands of brightly coloured Christmas lights and a gigantic Christmas tree. The place is always packed with families and young couples all desperate for a slice of holiday cheer.

I pull my jacket closer around my body as I get out the car. There is a bitterness in the air tonight that cuts right down to the bone.

"Ice skating? Really?" I ask blowing on my hands. "A little corny isn't it?"

Peeta sees me shivering and moves over to wrap his arms around me. He then looks down at me with a dopey grin.

"Didn't I explain to you that I want my life to be like a romantic comedy?" he says with a grin.

I shake my head and bury it against his chest. I inhale the musky scent of his cologne.

"Delly did warn me you were all about the big romantic gestures," I mumble into his chest.

I can feel Peeta grinning above me.

"So you will allow it?" he asks, tipping my head up so I am looking at him.

"I'll allow it," I reply and I am rewarded with the brightest smile I have ever seen.

"Come on," Peeta says tugging on my hand. "I want to show you my impressive ice skating moves."

I chuckle slightly and snuggle into his side as he leads me over to get our boots.

I lace up my boots swiftly and get up somewhat unsteadily on my feet. I flap my arms about the air like a chicken as I try to find my balance. Jesus. I'm not even on the ice yet. Peeta watches me with an amused look and then gets up smoothly onto his own skates. He reaches out to steady me.

"Don't tell me there is something Katniss Everdeen can't do!" he teases.

I grip onto his forearms tightly and finally get myself steady.

"I've never done this before," I admit.

Peeta looks at me a little surprised.

"You mean I actually might get a chance to impress you tonight," he says with a grin. "I knew ice skating would be a great idea!"

I smile and shake my head at him.

"Don't get cocky," I say. "Just don't let go of me alright?"

Peeta chuckles before nodding his head and coaxing me towards the ice. He jumps onto the ice effortlessly and holds out his hands for me to grab onto and join him.

"Come on. I won't let you fall," he says.

I eye the ice warily before gingerly stepping a toe onto the ice. I immediately slip a little and fall against Peeta's strong chest. Peeta laughs as he helps we stand up right. I slide a little as I struggle to stay upright. I already hate this surface. If humans were suppose to walk on this stuff they would have been born with ice grips on their feet. How can Peeta stand so perfectly on this death trap?

"Don't laugh at me," I say with a scowl. "This stuff doesn't sit well with me."

Peeta just laughs again.

"So holding a gun doesn't scare you but an ice rink does?" he laughs.

I scowl at him again.

"I can control a gun. This stuff is unpredictable," I grumble.

Peeta shakes his head at me and then moves away slightly to begin manoeuvring us.

"I'll have you skating like a pro by the end of this," Peeta promises as he begins tugging me along.

I wobble continuously as he pulls me along, gripping tightly onto his arm as he manoeuvres us through the crowd. Every so often I slip a little letting out a little yelp and clinging to Peeta desperately. Peeta meanwhile finds the whole thing amusing and chuckles every time I stumble. I scowl every time he does so but do enjoy the tight hold he has on me on our journey round.

After making 2 very cautious loops of the rink Peeta suggests that I try skating on my own.

"Are you serious!" I ask incredulously. "This stuff is lethal!"

Peeta chuckles and moves closer to me, holding me in a tight embrace.

"I'll be there to catch you. And there may be a kiss in it for you if you do this," he says suggestively as he moves his lips closer to mine.

I get lost in the dizzying scent of his cologne and instinctively lean up to try and meet his lips. However Peeta just grins before pulling back and taking his hands off me. I suddenly find myself stranded by myself without his support. I panic as I wobble on my feet with no idea of how I am going to get over to him without falling flat on my ass. Peeta nods his head in encouragement and holds out his hands for me to reach. He can't be more than a couple of feet away from me but right now it seems like the entire 60 feet width of the District Lake.

I try to take a step forward but only get a couple of inches before I have to stop to steady myself again. Once I am more solid I take a deep breath and try again. This time I get a little further but I am still wobbling uncontrollably and flailing my arms about in the air like a demented seagull.

"You are doing great. Only a couple more steps," Peeta says encouragingly.

I look up at him and see his encouraging stare and I believe that I can get there. I put another foot forward eager to get to him. Unfortunately this time my foot skids and I know this time I won't be able to regain my balance. I flap my arms about but can see the ground coming hurtling towards me. The next thing I know Peeta has darted towards me, using his body to cushion my fall and I tumble on top of him and down onto the ice.

We both groan at the impact before Peeta opens his eyes and looks up at me, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

"I told you I would catch you," he whispers.

I smile down at him and I don't care that I have just made a fool of myself by falling over or that there are lots of people watching us. I lean down and press my cool lips against his. Peeta smiles into the kiss before pulling me closer and deepening it. The cold is forgotten.

We are interrupted by a group of giggling kids and we pull away reluctantly. Peeta helps me to my feet. I fall into his chest as he pulls me upright but his arms, as always, are there to steady me.

"I think I've tortured you enough for one day," Peeta says. "How about we get something to eat."

My stomach grumbles loudly in response as I realise I have eaten since lunchtime. Peeta laughs at the sound before gently guiding me to the exit.

Peeta has chosen a cosy Greek restaurant for our meal tonight. I gather from the way the staff great him warmly that this is a personal favourite of his. I sit staring at the mouth watering menu as I struggle to decide exactly what I want. There are endless possibilities.

Peeta sees my dilemma and puts down his own menu as he reaches out to gently touch my hand.

"How about I order a range of dishes and you can try a bit of everything," he says with a grin.

I nod my head eagerly and place my menu down glad I don't have to make a decision. The waiter comes over soon after and Peeta rattles off a large order that only makes my stomach grumble louder. The waiter takes the orders and then leaves us to our own devices.

Peeta is still holding my hand and I find that I enjoy this simple gesture. His thumb begins tracing patterns on the back of my hand and I feel the most relaxed I have done in years.

"So even though I took you on the deadly surface that is ice, I hope this date isn't shaping up to be too bad," he says.

I smile back at him and give his hand a gentle squeeze.

"Well you really didn't have much competition. This is my first date," I admit.

Peeta raises his eyebrows in surprise.

"Thom never took you out?" he asks ins surprise.

"Thom's idea of a date was driving me to a party and buying me pills," I state.

Peeta nods his head and then looks pensive.

"You were pretty wild huh? " he asks.

I suddenly get a little uncomfortable. Peeta and I haven't really talked a lot about my life before Sage. There is a lot of stuff there that I am not proud of. The drinking and drugs. Getting carted home by the police for trespassing and driving under the influence. Just a lot of stuff I'd rather forget.

And Peeta is the golden boy of Panem. He wouldn't have dreamed of doing some of the shit I did.

"Let's just say I was well known by Inspector Cray," I say with a shrug of my shoulders. "You never had a rebellious streak?"

I don't want to have to get into all the details of my out of control past.

"I once didn't study for a test until the day before," Peeta jokes a little awkwardly.

Even though he tries to joke about it I can tell he doesn't quite understand why I acted like that. He just can't comprehend why anyone would want to do stuff like that.

"It was just a bad coping mechanism for when my dad and Prim died," I add suddenly desperate to make him understand.

I have never really talked to anyone about that time just after they died. I was so intent on just blocking it all out that I didn't want anyone to know. I didn't trust anyone enough to tell them. But with Peeta I do trust him. I want to tell him things. Even if those things are painful for me.

"I remember hearing about it. I had just gone off to college and remember Dad phoning me up to tell me what happened. I remembered your sister coming into the bakery and just couldn't believe that such a sweet girl could now be gone," Peeta states sympathetically.

I give him a sad smile before looking away and down at our entwined hands.

"We were a really close family. Every Sunday evening was family time and my parents would take us somewhere, bowling or to the mug painting place Prim loved so much and we would just laugh and joke and enjoy each other's company. We may not have had much but we were happy," I start.

Peeta gives my hand a squeeze and looks at me tenderly. I bring my gaze back up to look at him.

"The day it happened we were all suppose to go and see this amateur puppet show. Prim was so excited. She had been putting on her own puppets shows all week. But I became sick and had to stay home with Mom. I just remember being woken by the blue lights streaming through the living room drapes. I heard Mom answer the door and the police telling her that some idiot had run a red light and had collided into the side of my dad's car. I remember thinking that that couldn't be right. There must have been a mistake. Dad and Prim where at a puppet show."

I can feel all the emotions I have suppressed for so long coming to the fore. The first tear begins to prick at the corners of me eyes. Peeta holds onto my hand tightly letting me know he is listening and not going anywhere.

"The worst part was waking up the next day and thinking it was a dream. The crushing reality was almost too much to bear. I needed my mom at the moment but she was gone. Lost in her own grief. So I found Gale. And then Thom. And partying became my way to forget," I state.

A single tear runs down my cheek as I remember how helpless and lonely I felt at that time. I realise now I never came to terms with it.

"And then it became a way to get Mom to notice me. But it didn't matter. No matter how many times I came home drunk, or high or escorted by the police, she didn't blink. She didn't know how to cope with their death anymore than I did. It wasn't until I told her about being pregnant with Sage that she eventually snapped out of it and became the mother I so desperately needed at 14."

Peeta listens carefully the whole time and I can see in his eyes that it genuinely hurts him to see me in pain like this.

"Sage saved us both when we were drowning in grief," I say. And then I voice a fear I have been terrified about from the moment Sage was born. Something that I haven't ever dared voice out loud. "I'm just scared Sage is going to turn out like me. I'm not proud of how I acted and it would break my heart if she did half the shit I did."

Peeta is shaking his head vigorously and gets off his chair and comes over to kneel in front of me. He takes both of my hands and looks me straight in the eye.

"You can't worry about things that have not happened yet. Just because Sage is your daughter doesn't mean that her life is going to turn out just like yours. You are working hard to provide a stable environment for her so the chances of that happening are slim," he reassures.

"But she has my genes. Thom's genes. It's in her DNA to act out," I wail.

Peeta shakes his head again.

"I don't believe that. It back to nature versus nurture. Genetics doesn't define who you are," he states firmly.

I look down at him and smile. The tone of this date has drastically changed. Yet I can't regret sharing this with him. If this is going anywhere I can't hide from him. Peeta sees my distress and gets up to pull me into a tight hug. I crumble into his arms and let the tears fall for the family I lost. I feel that finally, after all these years and with Peeta to help me, I may be able to move on.

Peeta holds onto me tightly and rubs soothing circles on my back.

"Thank you for sharing that with me," he states.

I nod my head against his chest. He then pushes me back slightly so he can look at me.

"It doesn't matter what you did in the past. You've had to deal with a lot for someone so young but I am so proud of the person you are now. You are smart and funny and loyal. You are doing great at the bakery and making sure Sage has everything she needs. You are the best possible mother for her," he says sincerely.

I look back at him with tear strained eyes. His eyes are honest and genuine. I know he genuinely believes the words he is saying. I smile at him gratefully. His words mean a lot to me. It so good to know that someone believes in me.

I snuggle back into him, not wanting to lose his warmth. This man cares about me. Cares about Sage. I already know there isn't much he wouldn't do for us. For the millionth time since Christmas Eve I wonder what I did to deserve a man this good. He returns the embrace readily and for the first time in a long time I think things may turn out alright.

The rest of the date touches upon happier ground as we talk about Sage and the latest Tributes concert. As Peeta pulls up outside my house and walks me to my door I realise I don't want this night to end. I love spending time with this man. We both stop at my door and Peeta stuffs his hands in his pockets.

"I hope I didn't spoil things with my outburst at the restaurant," I say.

Peeta smiles and shakes his head.

"I'm glad you told me," he states.

A silence falls between us and I can feel the electricity in the air. Part of me screams to invite him inside to spend the night but I know that it is not a good idea. I don't want to rush things with him. We have plenty of time.

"You're amazing," Peeta says softly as he takes a step towards me. "I don't think I tell you enough."

I just look back at him and he pulls me up for a deep kiss.

The kiss is electric and reaches down from the tips of my toes to the top of my head. His strong hands lock my head in place and I am powerless to do anything other than respond. He pokes his tongue out to lick my bottom lip and I open my mouth eagerly so allow him to explore every inch of my mouth. Our tongues dance together as I grip onto him tightly. I want to be consumed by this man.

Eventually the kiss slows and he ends it with a soft peck. I look back up at him breathless and my lips plump. I have never been kissed like that before.

"Goodnight Katniss," he says softly, giving me one last soft kiss and then turning to go back to his car.

I watch him in a daze as he gets into his car and drives off.

Our relationship shifted again tonight. I feel closer to him somehow. I opened up to him and he listened.

A/N: I didn't quite expect the date to get quite so heavy as it did in the end but I felt it is important that Katniss begins coming to terms with her dad and Prim's death. Luckily for her Peeta was there to listen!

Thanks again to everyone who continues to support the story. I love hearing your thoughts.