Chapter 11

March

I pick Sage up to inspect the floral dress and headband that I have put her in. I let out a sigh in frustration. The outfit is still not right. I plonk her back down on her changing table as I begin to undress her again. Sage finds the whole thing rather amusing and laughs at me as I frantically search for a suitable outfit.

"That is the third outfit you have put her in," Peeta says as he comes up behind me. "She's just a baby. No one cares what she wears."

"Your mother already thinks I am a useless mother. I don't want to give her any more ammunition just because I can't dress my daughter properly," I reply frustrated.

"I told her she has to be nice to you today," Peeta replies.

I scoff as I continue to search through Sage's baby clothes. Peeta grips the tops of my arms and spins me round, forcing me to look at him.

"I won't let her insult you. Dad has even had a word with her. If you go in expecting to be wound up it will only make it easier for her to do so," he states seriously.

I hang my head forward knowing he is right. I repeat the mantra in my head that I won't let her words get to me.

"And besides, this day is all about Bran. Mom has been desperate for one of us to get married from the moment we all turned 18," Peeta adds a bit more light hearted.

I nod my head in agreement. Hopefully the news of Bran's recent engagement will distract her from the fact her perfect son is dating a teen mom.

Bran is Peeta's eldest brother and a doctor who works in the city hosipial. He recently got engaged to his long term girlfriend, Lavinia, and Mrs Mellark insisted that she threw a family brunch so everyone can celebrate this delightful announcement. Glimmer is making a special trip back from Princeton to attend and even Rye, Peeta's other brother, has been forced to take time off from his job in Chicago to participate.

When Peeta first broached the subject of Sage and I joining his family, I had balked at the idea. Mrs Mellark may not come to the bakery any more but that doesn't mean she hates me any less. And I quite like having Glimmer out of sight and out of mind at Princeton.

But Peeta is desperate for me to go. He says that since his mom had invited Glimmer's new boyfriend and anyone Rye might be seeing, she can't protest to him bringing Sage and I. Apparently his dad has wanted to meet me properly for a while now and I can tell he is desperate to introduce me to his whole family.

So after a few of days of thinking I consented to go to the bloody thing.

However now that the day is finally here I am seriously regretting my decision and am pondering whether I can feign sickness to get out of it.

"Let me dress Sage," Peeta says putting his hand over mine to stop my frantic search. "That way if Mom complains you can blame it all on me."

I feel my lips tug in an upward movement at his comment. He always knows exactly what to say to calm me down.

I step away from the clothes and take a seat on a nearby chair, removing one of Sage's many stuffed animals as I go to sit down. Peeta searches for a minute before settling on a sunset orange dress that I had dismissed earlier for being too bright and taking it over to Sage to get her changed.

"I think your mommy is being a little silly," Peeta coos as he tickles Sage's feet. "You are going to look so adorable that I think my dad is going to want to wrap you up and steal you away!"

Sage giggles and kicks out her feet as he makes a big show of dressing her. It takes him twice as long as when I do it but the sheer delight on my daughter's face as tickles her belly and blows raspberries on her cheek makes it totally worth it.

Eventually Peeta gets Sage in all her clothes and picks her up ready to take her to the car.

"Ready to charm the rest of my family?" Peeta asks her as he smoothes down her hair.

Sage gives him a toothy grin before reaching out and playing with the collar of his shirt. Peeta chuckles and I smile as I get up to join them, picking my purse up as I do so.

"Come on," I urge. "Let's go and feed me to the wolves."

I reach out to stroke the top of Sage's head but she is too preoccupied with Peeta's collar to notice. Peeta gives me a reassuring smile.

"I know Glimmer and my mom don't paint us Mellark's in a very good light but trust me, the Mellark men are a lot more laid back," he replies.

"Your brothers weren't exactly ecstatic when you first asked me out," I mumble playing with the strap of my purse.

"That was before they saw how happy I am. They both know that my recent happiness is because of you and Sage and they both already like you as a result. They are both eager to meet you," Peeta replies.

I nod my head, desperately trying to believe him before picking up my keys and heading towards the door.

I spend the whole drive over to his parent's house fussing over Sage to distract myself from the nerves that continue to build the closer we get to the Merchant side of town. As we drive past gated community after gated community I can't help but think how I don't belong here. Everything this side of town is so shiny and polished. I feel dirty and dark in comparison.

Even the notion of brunch is foreign to me. People in Seam don't even dream of wasting money on something that doesn't even know if it is breakfast or lunch. I have no idea how to handle this situation.

Peeta senses my apprehension and reaches across to give my hand a reassuring squeeze. One look into his clear blue eyes and I remember why I am doing this.

I haven't had the courage to tell him yet, the fear of rejection is too great, but I've admitted to myself that I have fallen in love with him. I will do anything to make him happy. Even enduring his mother and sister for a couple hours during the day.

I can't pinpoint the exact moment I realised I was in love with him. Maybe at some point when he was round playing with Sage, or made me laugh so much that juice squirted out my nose. All I know is that I have been falling for him for a while.

Never have I had a person that makes me feel so special and cared for. He knows my flaws and baggage but sees past them enough to stick around. He is not afraid to tell me I am being too hard on myself or to tell me to stop feeling sorry for myself and just get on with my life.

He makes me laugh. I find everything he says interesting and insightful. He's great with Sage.

All this adds up to me being completely in love with him.

I just don't think I can tell him.

We pull up outside his parent's house with its immaculate lawn and beautifully blossomed cherry trees. Peeta gives my hand another squeeze before getting out the car to help unbuckle Sage.

I pick Sage out of her car seat and her eyes go wide as she sees the pink blossoms on the trees. In the last month or so I have noticed her fascination for plants and birds whenever I take her to the park. It is becoming clear that my daughter is going to share my love for the outdoors. Her eyes follow the pink flowers as we make our way up the paved path and to the front door. Peeta rings the doorbell and I bounce Sage up and down to try and get rid of some of my nervous energy.

The door is opened a few moments later and we are greeted by a slightly round and greying middle aged man who I know to be Peeta's father. He smiles brightly at us as he opens the door and I can't help but notice that his eyes sparkle the same way Peeta's do when he grins.

This sight instantly makes me relax and I think that maybe Peeta was right after all. His dad won't be a problem.

I have met Mr Mellark a couple of times during my shifts at the bakery. He is always cheerful when he enters and makes a big effort to come round and speak with all the staff to ask for updates in their lives. For some reason I thought that now I am dating his son that sunny disposition would disappear.

"Peeta! Glad you could make it son!" Mr Mellark exclaims as Peeta smiles back at him and the two men share a warm embrace.

"Like I would miss this. We all thought Bran would never get the balls to propose to Lavinia and she would have to get down on one knee and do it herself!" Peeta exclaims with a genuine smile on his face.

Mr Mellark chuckles before looking over Peeta's shoulder towards Sage and I. I rearrange Sage on my hip as I prepare myself for the welcome I will get.

"Good to see you again Katniss. Though I have to say you do look lovely out of our Mellark polos," Mr Mellark says with a warm smile. "But who is this little cutie here? Are you the little girl that has got my son so completely charmed?"

Mr Mellark takes a step towards us and bends down so he can look Sage in the eye. Sage eyes him warily as he looks at her and burrows her head slightly into my chest a little shy. She doesn't meet many new people so it can take her a while to warm up to them when she does.

"My son says you like being tickled. Right under the chin?" Peeta's dad continues.

He then lightly places his hands underneath Sage's chin and begins gently tickling her. I know this is her most ticklish spot and it doesn't take long before she is squealing and squirming in delight. It seems that the Mellark men know exactly how to charm my daughter.

After a moment Mr Mellark straightens up and holds his hands out.

"May I?" he asks. "It's been a while since I've had a chance to hold a baby. My children don't seem to be in any rush to give me grandchildren."

He looks over at Peeta with a pointed look. Peeta looks a bit embarrassed and a pink flush rises in his cheeks. I smirk slightly at his obvious discomfort. So little normally fazes him.

"Let's get us all in long term relationships before you go about demanding grandchildren," Peeta replies.

His dad smiles at him as I nod my head and pass Sage to him. He pulls a silly face as he gathers Sage in his arms.

"You know I am only teasing," he states. "I just can't wait to have a little grandchild I can spoil rotten. The first one is probably going to be my favourite. So you better get a move on if that child is going to be yours."

Peeta blush goes even deeper. I let out a small snicker over the uncomfortable situation Peeta finds himself in.

However I decide to be a dutiful girlfriend by helping him out by changing the topic.

"Thank you for inviting me. It's nice to properly meet you," I say to Mr Mellark.

He draws his eyes away from Sage to look at me when he responds.

"It's my pleasure. I feel like I know so much about you already. Peeta won't stop talking about you and this little one," he replies sincerely.

I smile back gratefully at him. I catch Peeta's eyes and give him a small smile to let him know that I appreciate his dad's warm comments. He smiles back at me a little relieved.

"I brought you some wine. Peeta says you like red," I say taking the bottle out of my purse.

Mr Mellark eyes the label as I present it to him, still bouncing Sage up and down in one arm.

"Thank you. You can't go wrong with a Merlot," he states.

"I bet it's only a year old. Everyone knows wine gets better with age," a cold voice cuts through the hall way.

Everyone's head snap towards the person who has just entered the room. Her blonde hair is scrapped back into a fierce bun and her string of pearls shine brightly in the naturally lit room. The mood instantly sours as Peeta gives his mother a terse look and Mr Mellark frowns at his wife. Sage senses this change in atmosphere and immediately goes quiet as she searches for me for comfort.

"A bottle of red never goes undrunk in this house," Mr Mellark says trying to appease the situation.

Mrs Mellark just glares back at her husband.

Peeta then decides to step in and introduce me.

"Mom, you've met Katniss, but this is her daughter Sage," Peeta says walking over and taking Sage off his dad.

"I'm well aware whose child this is," Mrs Mellark states sternly, her icy gaze fixed on me. "Get through to the living room. You are the last to arrive. You've kept everyone waiting."

Mr Mellark looks at Peeta and I sympathetically before following his wife through to the living room. Peeta comes up to me, still holding Sage, to give me another reassuring nudge.

"Just focus on my dad and brothers. I promise they will be a lot more welcoming," he reassures.

I nod my head and then take a deep breath as I prepare myself for whatever comes next.

I won't let her get to me.

As Peeta's mother had so kindly informed us, the rest of the Mellark family is already sitting in the living room waiting for us. Glimmer sits close to her mother in a very revealing pink dress that I would have thought is more appropriate for a night club than a family brunch. Mr Mellark has taken a seat next to who I can only assume is Peeta's eldest brother Bran. Bran is broader than Peeta and his hair is cut much shorter but his blue eyes match that of his father and youngest brother.

Next to him sits a pretty redhead with ruby lips and beautiful porcelain skin. She has a glowing smile on her face and a sparkling diamond on her left hand meaning she can only be Bran's new fiancée Lavinia. That leaves Rye, the only other person in the room, standing by the drinks cabinet pouring himself a scotch. He is leaner than his two brothers, though still strong, and he has a cheeky glint in his eye that suggests he is often up to mischief.

I stand awkwardly in the doorway as Peeta makes his way into the room with Sage to greet his family. He stops when he reaches the edge of the family circle and smiles as he turns round to look at me.

"Everyone, I would like you to meet Katniss," he says with a proud smile. I still get butterflies whenever he looks at me like that.

I get warm smiles from both Bran and Lavinia and a cheeky smirk from Rye while both Glimmer and Mrs Mellark pretend they didn't hear.

"And this little monkey here is Sage," Peeta says turning his attention back to her and bouncing her on his hip. Sage lets out a gurgle in response.

At this moment Rye makes his way over to me and hands me a glass of what I think is a gin and tonic.

"I don't understand how my little bro gets all the pretty ones. That silver tongue of his must be good for other things than talking," he sates before taking a drink out of his own glass.

"Maybe he doesn't use cheap innuendoes to compensate for his total lack of talent at picking up women," I retort trying to join in with his teasing.

Rye raises an impressed eyebrow and chuckles.

"I like this one Peet. She's feisty," he states. "If you ever get bored of Mr Perfect over there, I'm Rye. The most good looking brother."

"I think I'm good," I state before making my way over to join Peeta and Sage.

"Can we please not have conversation like that in this house? Some of us have a bit more class than that," Mrs Mellark berates.

"They are only joking Evelyn," Mr Mellark tries to soothe her.

The angry glare she gives him back tells the whole room that his comment is not appreciated.

Once everyone is settled Peeta congratulates his brother and Lavinia and they begin telling us their plans for a fall wedding.

Bran is definitely the most serious brother. While Rye tries to make a joke out of everything that is said, Bran is a lot quieter and less likely to join in with the good natured teasing.

Lavinia is a bit chattier and asks a lot about Sage and my job at the bakery. She confides in me that she still finds Mrs Mellark intimidating and is dreading her interfering with the wedding for the next 6 months. It makes me feel better that even a girl that has a good a background as Lavinia is still scared of Mrs Mellark. Lavinia tells me she is grateful there is now someone else to share the burden of dating one of Mrs Mellark's sons. It relaxes me to know that I have an ally in these situations.

Sage is having a great time. Between Peeta and his dad she is never put down for a second. I discover where Peeta gets his natural ability with children. His dad is equally good at keeping my daughter entertained with silly faces and peek-a-boo games.

I manage to avoid Glimmer and Mrs Mellark for most of the pre brunch drinks. They both get very excited about Lavinia's colour scheme and what flowers look good in the fall. I have never been a girl who cares about flowers and things like that so it is easy for me to keep out of it.

After about an hour, the drinks part of the day ends and we go through for the brunch. As we get up to leave, Glimmer glides past me and whispers in my ear.

"Enjoying ruining my brother's life," she whispers harshly.

Her cold breath makes the hairs stand on the back of my neck but not in a good way. She glares at me as she moves past and I am momentarily locked to the spot. Some things will never change. Back in school I would have ripped the stupid hair extensions out of her head but now know that it is not the best thing to do in these situations. Instead I regain my composure and hold my head high as I make my way through to the dining room.

The table is filled with mountains of delicate pastries, steaming pancakes and juicy fruit. I recognise Mellark recipes instantly. My mouth begins to drool at the mere sight. Peeta places Sage into a high chair next to me and takes a seat opposite us both. Rye sits on my other side and, thankfully, Mrs Mellark and Glimmer are placed at the opposite end of the table.

Once everyone is seated we all tuck into the mouth watering display. I go about picking small chunks of food for Sage to pick at and try. She seems to like the strawberries and ends up getting her face covered in the sweet juices. Rye smirks at me as he takes in my daughter's appearance.

"Looks likes she has something in common with Peeta. Mom made him wear a bib until he was ten because he was so messy!" Rye exclaims.

"Only because I didn't like your hand me downs," Peeta retorts back without missing a beat.

Rye sits back in his chair.

"I had excellent style as a kid. I won Panem's Little Darling when I was in kindergarten," Rye replies,

"Yeah. And you allowed Mom to put make up on you," Peeta counters.

Bran and Lavinia chuckle while Rye and Peeta continue to stare each other down. I smirk at their display. I had forgotten what it was like to have that good natured sibling teasing. I miss that about Prim. Peeta is more stubborn than I give him credit for and Rye is the first to back down.

"Make up only enhances one's natural beauty. Some people aren't as lucky," Rye says as he breaks the staring contest.

Peeta chuckles slightly before they both go back to their plates.

Mid way through Bran brings up the new house he and Lavinia have just bought and how ridiculously high house prices are at the moment. I am too busy spooning Sage some natural yoghurt to really care about this conversation.

"You must see it too Peet. I bet it was quite a shock when you started looking for houses," Bran states.

"You're moving?" I ask snapping my attention away from Sage. He hasn't mentioned this to me.

Peeta looks away from Bran to answer my shocked look.

"I've just started looking. Rent is just such a waste of money and with my trust fund and job at the bakery I figured now was a good a time as any to buy my first house," he explains.

"You could have told me," I say a little annoyed that he kept this from me. I can almost see the happy smirk on his mom's face that he has been keeping secrets from me.

"I was going to once I had more of an idea of where I'm at. You'll be a big part of the decision of what I buy. I was thinking near District Park. It's reasonably central and the park is beautiful. It would make it easy to take Sage there," he says.

I soften towards him now. District Park isn't too far from where I live, but in the nice part of town. He's even considered Sage and I in his decision making. Not every guy would move close to a park just so he could take his girlfriend's daughter out.

I give him a small smile that shows there is nothing to apologise for and I can feel him nudge my foot under the table to say thanks. I ignore the sour look on his mom's face.

The conversation leaves me a bit distracted and as I turn round to feed Sage another mouthful I accidentally poke her in the eye with the spoon. She immediately begins howling and I drop the spoon with a clatter as I swoop down to soothe her.

"Mommy is so sorry!" I exclaim stoking her cheek. "Mommy didn't mean it. Let me kiss it better."

Sage continues to whimper as I bend down to give her kisses. She spies Peeta over my shoulder and sticks out her hands towards him. She makes some babbling noises that I assume means she is asking for him. Peeta is up in an instant and strides round to our side of the table to pick her up and calm her.

"Don't cry sweet pea," Peeta coos rocking her back and forth. "Mommy didn't mean to hurt you. She loves you very much."

Sage looks up at him and her cries quieten as he continues to speak soothingly in her ear.

The whole room has stopped eating to watch the scene play out. I am mortified. It doesn't look good when you poke your own baby in the eye.

"You look like such a dad Peet," Rye states as he watches Peeta cradle Sage close to his chest.

I freeze, unsure how Peeta will react to such a comment. He may help out a lot with Sage but I have never asked him to be her father. I will never expect that of him. Peeta however just smiles sweetly as he kisses the top of Sage's head. He makes no comment on the remark.

I can see the fury in Mrs Mellark's eyes as she watches the whole thing. I can tell she is desperate to put me in my place.

"Glimmer it's such a shame that your boyfriend couldn't make it down. I am dying to meet him," Mrs Mellark exclaims.

"Well he had an essay due in so he couldn't take the time off," Glimmer replies.

I'm a bit surprised that she has found herself a boyfriend that is capable of writing an essay.

"Yes school is very important. We all know that you can't have a proper career without a college degree. Lavinia, I know you went to Columbia. Remind me Katniss what college do you go to?" Mrs Mellark asks with fake innocence.

Peeta's jaw tenses from beside me.

"You know fine well that Katniss isn't in college at the moment Mom," he says through gritted teeth.

"Oh yes, that's right. They teach their kids in the Seam to get knocked up in high school so they can just claim on the benefits," she replies.

"Evelyn that is enough. Katniss is a guest here. Please do not make her feel uncomfortable" Mr Mellark warns.

Peeta gives his dad a thankful nod. I take a deep breath and count to ten in my head. Screaming at her is not going to make things better.

"I'm actually applying for community college, starting next fall semester," I reply determined for her not to make me feel bad

I'm trying my hardest to make a good life for Sage and I. I won't let her make me feel like a failure.

"Well I suppose there is no harm in trying," she says as she delicately places a small spoonful of yogurt in her mouth.

"I said that was enough Evelyn," Mr Mellark says more sternly than I have ever heard him speak before.

She just shrugs her shoulders and continues eating her yogurt.

The rest of the meal is tenser, even with Rye trying to lighten the mood with his crappy jokes. Mrs Mellark has ruined what had been a perfectly pleasant brunch.

As the plates are being cleared I smell that Sage clearly left something unpleasant in her diaper and inquire where the bathroom is so I can change her. The bathroom is immaculately decorated just like the rest of the house with rows of different flavoured soaps for you to try. I stare at it all in amazement. I sometimes forget how much money Peeta comes from. His childhood was so different from mine. It is a miracle that we find anything in common.

Once she is changed I pick her up and we make our way back through. As I walk up to the door of the living room I hear tense words coming from within the room.

"I can't believe you brought your bit of Seam trash and her little bastard to this brunch! This is not the place to bring your bit on the side. I've let you have your fun with her but it has gone on long enough. I think it's time to cast aside that bit of filth," Mrs Mellark rants.

I stop in my tracks and cover Sage's ears. She shouldn't have to hear this. I shouldn't have to hear it, but I find I can't move.

"You have to stop calling her such foul names mother or you may be one son down at these events in the future. When are you going to get it into your head that I am serious about this girl? This isn't some fling like Rye has. And even though it's none of your business we haven't even slept together yet. I really care about this girl and I intend to be with her as long as she will have me," Peeta stresses.

My heart flutters as I hear him defend me.

"You honestly think I am going to let you have that girl? She doesn't care for you. You are her meal ticket and nothing more. If you want the bakery you will have to get rid of her," his mom replies.

"You don't get it," Peeta states. "I love her. And she and Sage are my priority now."

My hand flies to my mouth in shock. He loves me? Did he just imply he would give up the bakery for me? I begin shaking my head furiously. I can't let him do that. I can't be the reason he becomes separated from his family. I can't let him give up something he has wanted to do his whole life.

So I do the only thing I can think of and run.

I quickly gather my things and rush out the door with Sage and without saying goodbye. Luckily there is a bus stop just round the corner and we hop on a bus reasonably quickly. Sage in confused at the haste that we leave and looks at me questioningly as I put her down on the bus. I spend the whole journey home pondering Peeta's declaration and what it all means.

Mom isn't home when I get in and I can see Sage's eyelids drooping after a long day. I make my way through to her nursery and put her down for her afternoon nap. I have barely sat down after making myself a cup of tea when there is a harsh ringing of the doorbell. I leave my tea to get up and answer the door. I open it to find a very confused and a little angry Peeta.

"Why did you just run off?" he demands not waiting for me to invite him in before he pushes past me.

"I heard what your mother was saying about me. How she won't let you have the bakery if you are still with me. I won't get in the way of you and your family," I state firmly.

Peeta lets out an exasperated sigh.

"I'm sorry you heard that. I honestly thought she would be better this time. I won't put you through that again," he apologises taking a step towards me.

I don't reply. That doesn't change anything. He still can't be with me. He can do so much better.

"Don't listen to my mom. She had no right to say that. Dad's in charge of the bakery and he put her straight about where it is going when he retires in a few months. The bakery is and will always be mine," he continues.

I still don't say anything. I am still causing a rift in his family. He doesn't need the extra stress.

"Did you at least hear what I said after? How I'm in love with you?" he asks now standing right in front of me. His hand goes up to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear.

I nod my head.

"But how can you be? You are so much better than me. I don't deserve you," I say looking up into his blue eyes.

He smiles sweetly down at me and places both of his hands on either side of my head, locking me in place.

"I love you. I can't leave you. Please trust me," he states sincerely.

I realise that trust is something I find difficult to do. There was no trust with Thom. He has made me doubt all men and their actions. I realise that the scars from the way he treated me run deeper than I previously thought.

But Peeta is a completely different person to Thom. He has shown me time and time again that he is always there for me. I love him in a way that I never loved Thom. He has done everything in his power to earn my trust. So I have to do it. I have to trust him.

I nod my head in response to let him know I do trust him. I grip his wrists that still have a hold of my head to make sure he is still looking at me.

"I love you too," I reply.

The joy in Peeta's face is absolutely magical. I giggle at his dopey grin and nuzzle my nose against his hand. Peeta continues to smile at me stupidly before swooshing down and capturing my lips in a searing kiss.

I respond immediately as the fire he so often ignites in me begins to flare in full force. He pushes me up against the wall and I let my hands wander across his back and then underneath his shirt. I let my short finger nails scrap down his taut stomach and tangle in the fine hairs that lead down into his boxer briefs.

I hear him hiss as my fingers graze the top of his waistband.

"Katniss if you don't want this to go any further you are going to have to stop now. I won't be able to control myself much longer if you don't," Peeta groans as I continue to skim my fingers across his stomach.

I look up at him. I have thought about sex with him for so long now. He's ruined enough of my panties through just kissing me alone. It's just I've been scared to take that final step with him. Because I know it will mean so much more than when I was with Thom. I so rarely ever did it sober with him. I'm scared I don't know how to do it right without being inebriated.

I look up at him, his eyes black with desire, but the concern for me still shining through and know this is the right time. That I have to be with him now.

"Come to my room," I whisper in his ear as I walk past him, picking his hand up on the way and leading him through.

Peeta closes the door and we both stand staring at each other for a moment as we let the fact of what is going to happen sink in.

I make the first move as I make my way over to him and begin unbuttoning his shirt.

"We have to be quiet. Sage is asleep in the next room," I whisper.

Peeta nods his head lamely as he watches me unbutton his shirt and push it off his shoulders. My hands reach out to trace the contours of his sculpted chest. I knew he worked out, but the physical proof is a nice reward.

He grabs my wrist to stop my movements and I look up into his black eyes.

"Your turn," he states with authority.

I gulp and take a step back as I reach behind my back to get the zipper of my dress. I hesitate slightly as my fingers catch on the zip before yanking it down in a swift movement and letting the dress pool at me feet.

Peeta gazes at me in a hungry manner and instinctively I wrap my arms around my stomach to hide my stretch marks. Peeta however is quick to reach out to me and move my arms to the side. He then skims his hands up my arms, leaving a trail of goose bumps in their path and cups my cheek gently in his hands.

"You are so beautiful," he utters softly.

He is so sincere that I can wait no longer to feel his lips against mine so I spin him around and push him onto the bed. I pull his dress pants and shoes off before crawling on top of him and kissing him deeply.

I find I want to explore every inch of his body, from the spot just below his ears to the very tips of his toes. I begin my exploration of his body by nipping and sucking the sensitive skin around his neck and collarbone before making my way down his chest. I am rewarded with breathy groans and satisfied moans. I use his sounds to guide my movements spending particularly long times on the parts of his body that cause his hips to jerk and his voice to cry out.

Just as I about to venture to the area below his navel, I suddenly feel a tight grip on my wrist and find myself spun flat on my back. Peeta looks down at me with a satisfied smirk.

"My turn Miss Everdeen," he states with a wicked smile. "I've wanted you like for so long so let me take my time. First you need to remove this."

He pings the strap of my bra and I sit up slightly so he can move his hands around my back and snap the clasp open. He drops the red bra onto the ground beside us.

"Much better," he says as he hands move to cup me in his hands. He gently takes hold of me, giving my breasts a little squeeze that causes a shudder to go through my entire body. Peeta smiles at my body's response before he brings his lips down to kiss me slowly and sensually.

It's not long before he has removed his lips from my own so they can begin mapping the course of my body. He kisses up my neck and along my collar bone while gently squeezing and massaging my breasts. His lips go lower and lower until they have taken a whole nipple in my mouth.

I have never felt so consumed and alive at one time. I feel everything. The fire in the pit of belly grows stronger with every sweet kiss and gently caress. And lower and lower he goes until I can feel his breath hit the outside of my panties.

"I've been dreaming about what you taste like Katniss," he states, his warm breath doing nothing to stop the butterflies in my stomach. "Will you let me taste you?"

He looks up at me now asking for permission. I can only nod my head. I would pretty much agree to anything at this point. He is so tantalising close to the place I want him most. He sticks a finger out to push my underwear out of the way and teasingly stroke through my slick folds. I jerk my hips up impatiently. He chuckles a little before removing my underwear completely and lining up his mouth with my entrance. He pokes his tongue out slowly as he begins to lick up me.

I let a low moan in approval as he licks and sucks at the abundance of juices that are flowing out of me. But it is when he raises his lips to suck and nip on my clit that I really let an embarrassing loud sound and I have to clamp down on my fist to stop myself from waking Sage.

The coil in my belly gets tighter and tighter. I am sweating with the effort to try and stay quiet as wave after wave of pleasure courses through my body. And then he sticks two thick fingers in me while his mouth continues to work my clit and I lose it completely. I turn my head into my pillow to try and stifle my scream.

Peeta sits up with a triumphant smirk and the places his fingers in his mouth to suck off the remainders of my juices.

"You taste amazing," he states as he crawls back up my body. He gives me a quick peck once he has reached the top of the bed but I am still too breathless to respond.

Eventually my breathing returns to normal and I turn on my side and scoot closer to him.

"Well Rye was right about one thing. You really do put that mouth to good uses," I state with a smirk.

Peeta smiles too and pulls me close so he can rest his forehead against mine. As he does so I feel his hard length against my thigh and can't believe he has not initiated anything to relieve it yet.

"Looks like I have some making up to do," I state seductively, my hand skimming down his stomach, dipping into his boxers and gripping him tightly.

Peeta lets out a strangled moan as I begin to leisurely work his impressive length.

"I want to feel you move inside of me," I whisper into his ear.

The normally talkative Peeta seems to be lost for words as he hears my comment and he can only nod his head in reply. With one harder stroke I release him and sit back on my elbows, my legs wide, inviting him in.

He stares for a moment before hopping off the bed, discarding his boxers and rolling on a condom I had kept in my bedside table.

He is back on me in a flash as he takes me in his arms and kisses me breathlessly. I wrap my arms around his back and pull him as close to me as possible. I feel him poke at my entrance and know I need him now. I reach down between us as I help guide him into me, slowly and steadily.

It is a beautiful type of pain as he pushes into me, my walls stretching to accommodate him. By the time he is buried deep inside of me I am already breathing heavily. He stops before making any further movement and bends down to give me a chaste kiss.

"I love you," he states.

"I love you," I reply.

He smiles at me sweetly before pulling out slightly and beginning to thrust into me.

He sets a controlled and steady pace at first, each languid thrust hitting me sweetly and causing me to pull him close to me possible. I wrap my legs around his hips so he can take me as deep as he can and my nails dig into his back to keep him in place.

We both struggle to keep our moans down so Peeta kisses me to keep us both quiet. A layer of sweat forms between us making our movements slicker.

All too soon I feel the familiar tightening in my belly and know I am close. I break my lips away from Peeta's as I let out a strangled moan. I bite down on his shoulder as I shudder and my walls crash around him.

I am breathless as I ride my orgasm out, but I don't get time to relax as Peeta is back attacking my lips so that I can swallow his own moans and he fills the condom moments later.

We stare at each other breathing heavily as we both come down from our high. Nothing more needs to be said in that moment. We both know how the other feels. Neither of us moves as we continue to hold each other and enjoy this moment of bliss.

A/N: No surprises that Mrs Mellark reacted the way she did but at least it got Katniss and Peeta to admit important things to each other. This was a big chapter for both of them.

Once again thank you to everyone who reads and reviews this story. It is great hearing your thoughts. I appreciate every one of them.