Chapter 12

May

I put Sage down in her crib and move her Jerry the giraffe toy closer to her. Her arms instinctively pull the toy closer to her, locking it in a tight embrace. In the past few months it has become her favourite toy. She can't sleep without it. I stroke a curl behind her ear and watch her for a moment to make sure she is settled. I can't believe that she will be one year old tomorrow.

This year has seemed to aged me by about 10 years. I can't compare the scared and irresponsible little girl I was back then to the person I am today. I let so much shit happen to me in those first few months. Looking back I can't believe how blind I was in regards to Thom. I know now I was delusional about his ability to be a good father. But even though I know we are both better off without him, it still makes me sad that he will not be here for his daughter's first birthday.

I don't dwell on Thom for too long. Tomorrow is going to be a happy day. I don't want to think about him.

I pick up some laundry that has been left in Sage's room and dump it in the washer before making my way through to my bedroom. Peeta is sitting on the worn chair in the corner playing some game on his phone. He's wearing my favourite navy t-shirt that is tight fitting and makes his blue eyes even more brilliant. His eyebrows are knitted in concentration as he tries to defeat whatever it is in the game that is trying to kill him.

Seeing him so focused does something to me. The increasingly familiar sparks of passion and lust begin to take root and I can only focus on one thing. Him.

I close the door behind me before taking 2 strides towards him, removing the phone out of his hand, throwing it on the bed and straddling his lap. Peeta looks up momentarily confused before he sees my wicked grin and instantly understands what I want.

"Someone's eager. You've only just put Sage to bed," he says sliding his hands down my waist until they take purchase on my ass and gently begin to mold it.

"Let's not talk about my daughter. She's a bit of a mood killer," I state as I begin to plant small kisses down his neck.

I feel the vibrations of his laugh ripple down his throat before he brings his hands up to take hold of my face, forcing me to look at him.

"I apologise," he replies with a cheeky grin.

"Just stop talking," I say as the need to feel his lips against mine intensifies. I bend down to capture them before he can prolong the moment any longer.

It doesn't take long for Peeta to match my eager kisses with ferocity. I tangle my fingers in his blond curls and roll my hips into him. This action is met with a throaty groan from Peeta and I feel him buck his hips into me. The fire inside of me continues to grow as we both fight for dominance.

It is embarrassing how much and frequently I want this man. I have become insatiable when it comes to him. I can barely look at him without having to cross my legs to subdue the now familiar ache between my thighs whenever he is near.

It's just sex with Peeta is so good. Worship is the best word to describe what he can do to my body. I can't stop thinking about it.

Clothes begin to be carelessly discarded after a few minutes of heavy making out. As soon as they are gone I am back attacking his neck and collar bone with my lips. I continue to roll my hips into him and I know he must be able to feel how wet I am. His hands are on my breasts, kneading and massaging them as we continue to work each other into a frenzy.

I can take it no longer and pull back abruptly to reach into the nightstand for a condom. Peeta watches me, eyes heavy with lust, as I rip the packet open with my teeth and roll it onto his hard length. I hold him in my hand for a moment, giving him a well timed squeeze, before rising slightly and impaling myself down on him. I have to bit my lip to stop myself groaning loudly and waking Sage.

Peeta reaches up to tenderly kiss me and silently tell me he loves me. I return his sweet kiss before pushing myself up and then slamming my hips back down. I repeat this motion again and again as the friction begins to create a delicious feeling.

I set the pace as I wrap my arms around Peeta's neck to steady myself. He looks up at me as he watches the varying emotions that cross my face; lust, ecstasy and love. He begins matching my thrusts with his own and we begin to pant into each other's shoulders.

Peeta dips his fingers down between us and they find my clit to give it quick hard circles. I bite down on his shoulder as the pleasure intensifies.

I am so desperately close. I clutch myself closer to him to prepare myself for my impending orgasm.

Then we are interrupted by a cry on the baby monitor.

Sage's cries begin to fill the room and whatever I was racing towards is lost in an instant. I drop my forehead to Peeta's shoulder in frustration. I can already feel him beginning to soften inside of me.

"I told you she was a mood killer," I sigh as I remove myself from Peeta's lap. "I swear she has some sort of sex radar. The amount of times she interrupts us."

Peeta chuckles as he rises off the chair and reaches forward to cup my cheek.

"She obviously wants to stop me from defiling her mother," he says with a grin.

I shake my head at him.

"She's already learning how best to push my buttons," I say frustrated.

Peeta chuckles before bending down to give me a soft kiss.

"I'll promise to make it up to you later," he states. "Twice."

I raise an eyebrow at him and he nods his head in confirmation. I shake my head and stand on my tip toes to give him a quick kiss before I find a t-shirt and pair of shorts so I can go and check on Sage.

Sage wakes us early in the morning and we both reluctantly get out of bed. Peeta kept good on his promise to satisfy me twice last night and I'm a little tired from our late night activities. We go through to sing her happy birthday and make a big fuss over her. Sage laughs and giggles as we tickle her and shower her with kisses. I marvel at the big smile on her face. This is her first birthday and I want it to be perfect.

I have been saving every last cent the last few months to ensure her birthday is made as special as possible. I've managed to buy her a small push car with working horn as well as some more clothes, books and stuffed toys. We're hosting a small party in our back yard this afternoon with close friends and family and I have spent a lot of time and effort buying all the decorations and preparing the party food.

Peeta offers to change Sage to allow me to shower and get breakfast started. I give them both one last kiss before leaving to prepare myself for the day.

Once out the shower I make my way through to the kitchen and put the kettle on. Mom is sitting at the table, having just returned from her night shift, eating a bit of toast. She gives me a tired smile as I enter.

"How's the birthday girl this morning?" Mom asks.

I smile and nod my head.

"Good. No idea what day it is, but good," I reply.

Mom nods her head in understanding and takes another bite of toast.

"Is Peeta dealing with her?" she asks.

I nod my head in confirmation as I take out two mugs from the kitchen cupboard.

"He's so good with her. He's really embraced making her part of his life," Mom says.

I nod my head again. I don't need to be told how good he is with her. I only have to compare him to Thom to know he has my daughter's best interests at heart. I can't imagine him not being there for her.

"He's been good for you too," Mom then adds. "You are a lot calmer when he is around. Less stressed. And I doubt you would have applied for community college if he wasn't around."

I smile at my mom after she says this. I handed in my application for community college last week. It was very nerve wracking handing it. There's no going back now. But with Peeta's reassurance I'm trying not to worry about it.

"I'm very lucky to have him. I sometimes think I don't deserve him," I reply.

Mom smiles at me.

"He thinks you do. That's all that matters," she replies. "It's a lot healthier relationship than what you had with Thom. A relationship is about two people and with Thom it never was. He was too selfish. It is clear to see that Peeta cares about you and Sage a huge amount."

"Is this your way to say that you approve?" I ask with a cheeky smile.

Mom laughs.

"Yes Katniss. He's a very good boy. I approve. I'm proud of you," she chuckles.

I smile just as the kettle begins to boil and go to prepare the tea. I knew my mom liked Peeta. I often find the pair of them laughing in the kitchen or living room after Peeta has told some amusing anecdote. But it is still nice to hear it coming from her lips. Peeta is such a huge part of my life now and I want him to get on with my mom. I only wish his own mother saw me in a similar light.

Peeta appears moments later carrying Sage through in her forest green party dress.

"Mama!" she exclaims reaching her arms out towards me when they enter.

She learned to say my name a few weeks ago. Peeta's name followed soon after, though it comes out more as Peepa, and she delights in repeating the only 2 words she knows over and over again.

"Don't want my cuddles anymore Sage?" Peeta asks her with mock hurt.

I smile as I reach for my daughter and balance her on my hip. I tickle her under the chin to make her giggle.

"Whatever Sage. I'll just find someone else to cuddle," Peeta says while stroking the top of her head.

He then turns and greets my mom. They engage in some polite conversation as I get Sage in her high chair and begin preparing her breakfast.

Mom goes to bed not long after and Peeta and I go about trying to feed Sage without getting anything on her party dress. Miraculously we get through breakfast with the dress still intact and we then take her outside and put her in her play pen while we begin to set up for the party. The neighbour's annoying dog can be heard yapping in the house over and I have half a mind to go round and complain. It's a rather pathetic looking thing. Some sort of mongrel terrier with straggly fur and squashed face. I can see Sage is confused about where the noise is coming from as she turns her head in all directions to try and locate the sound.

"I still can't believe she is one today. It seems only yesterday she was 2 months old and learning how to smile!" Peeta exclaims as he sets out the tables.

"Tell me about it. Now she's standing and talking. A whole world of mischief is open to her now," I reply.

Peeta chuckles.

"You're not going to cause trouble are you?" he asks Sage bending down to tickle her in the tummy "You are going to be my little angel!"

"But that would be no fun, would it Sage?" I say to Sage.

Sage lets out a giggle as she busies herself playing with her blocks. Peeta smiles at us both before going back to set out the chairs.

"Those balloons I ordered got delivered yesterday," I say as I get out the party hats.

I want this to be the best party ever for her. I found this website that where doing a deal on personalised balloons and thought they would be a perfect way to make this party more specialised for Sage. I have ordered 20 pink and yellow balloons with the words Happy Birthday Sage written on them.

Peeta looks up at my comment and asks to see them. I put down the remaining party hats and go to get the balloons from the massive bag of party stuff. I pull out the packet of balloons, eagerly rip the bag open and take a balloon out the bag. Peeta places a hand on my lower back as he peers over my shoulder to take a closer look.

"What does that say?" he asks a bit confused.

"You've got to be kidding me!" I exclaim as I examine it closely.

Written on the pink balloon, in blue writing, are the words "Happy Birthday Page in white"

"They got her name wrong! And I told the woman on the phone that I wanted the words in white writing, not have the words "in white" to be on the balloon!" I say.

Peeta lets out a hearty laugh from behind me.

"This is priceless! They didn't even put the writing in the colour you wanted!" he laughs.

I turn round to scowl at him.

"It's not funny! Sage's birthday is ruined because of this!" I declare.

"Hardly," Peeta says wrapping his arms around my waist to try and soothe me. "Sage can't even read. And everyone else will find it hilarious!"

"I don't want my daughter's first birthday to be a joke!" I reply hitting him on the chest.

Maybe I am overreacting a bit but I want this party to run smoothly. Guests don't even arrive for another 2 hours and things are already going wrong.

"It won't be. Everyone will be too busy fussing over Sage to notice," he says.

I let out an annoyed huff.

"How about I go to the store and get some regular balloons to hide these ones? We don't even need to use these ones," Peeta continues.

I let out another annoyed huff before reluctantly nodding my head and accepting the fact that ruined balloons are not the end of the world.

Peeta gives me a reassuring squeeze before untangling himself from me and going to pick up his car keys. He promises to be back soon with a quick peck on my lips and a wave to Sage. He leaves Sage and I to set up the rest of the party.

I spend the next 20 minutes putting up the decorations and setting up the food tables. The neighbour's dog and Sage's babbles are the only sounds that can be heard as I get on with my work merrily, humming the latest Tributes song .I hang a big handmade banner declaring Happy Birthday across the back of the house. I tie pink bows to the backs of the chairs and place colourful table cloths across the tables. I spend a ridiculous amount of time arranging the sparkly party hats and party poppers.

I go to retrieve the cake from out of the kitchen, ready to be placed centre stage on the food table. The cake has to be my favourite part of the party. Peeta has lovingly baked a cake that resembles Sage's beloved giraffe toy, Jerry. The amount of time and detail that has gone into is breath taking. I almost don't want to eat it.

Just as I go to place the cake on the table I hear a bump and a sharp cry from Sage. I whip round my head to find Sage howling on her bottom, her cheeks ruddy with tears. She had been standing holding onto the edge of the pen only moments ago and I can only assume that she slipped in her excitement and landed with a thump on her bottom. The logical part of my brain knows that she isn't really hurt and it is just the shock that has made her upset, but the maternal instinct in me makes my heart pound in panic. I dump the cake on a nearby chair to go and scoop up my daughter.

I pick her up and out of the pen and begin rocking her back and forth as I try to soothe her. I feel a terrible mother for taking my eyes off her and letting her get hurt.

As I am rubbing soothing circles on her back and bouncing her up and down I hear a commotion from next door's yard and more yapping from the annoying dog. The next thing I know the damn mongrel has jumped into our yard and is rushing past me. The neighbours are cursing at their pet and the dog continues to run about our yard, sticking its nose into every crevice.

As I am still holding Sage there is not much I can do. I hold her tighter to me as the shouting has only made her more upset and I don't want her near that mangy thing. Then suddenly I see the dog pick up the scent of something and begin to follow its nose towards the chair with the cake sitting on it.

I know it is going to happen before it does, but I am powerless to stop it with Sage still howling in my arms. The dog reaches the chair and sniffs the legs of it suspiciously before looking up and spying the cake. It places its paws on the edge of the chair before plunging its nose into the creamy frosting. I shout out in frustration as my heart breaks as I watch the perfect cake being ruined.

The dog drags the cake off the chair and continues to rip into it causing cake to fly about like confetti. Finally the neighbours come round and yell at their dog for running away. They see the ruined cake and apologise gruffly before dragging the mutt away.

Once they are finally gone Sage begins to settle and I can only look at the ruins of her birthday cake.

I hear Peeta's car pull up moments later and he comes round the side of the house with a proud smile on his face.

"Crisis adverted!" he declares as he approaches.

However he soon spots my upset face and his eyebrows immediately knit together in worry and confusion.

"What's happened?" he asks.

I have to take a deep breath before answering. The destroyed cake plagues my mind and I can feel a tear threatening to escape, which is stupid because it is just a cake. But it was perfect. And Peeta made it and now it's ruined.

Peeta stands in front of me, his face still etched with concern. He reaches out a hand to stroke the top of Sage's head and stop her last whimpers.

"The stupid dog ate the cake! That's two things that have gone wrong now. This party is going to be a disaster!" I exclaim.

Peeta eyes flit to the massacred remains behind me and then looks back at me sympathetically. I compose myself before telling him exactly what had happened.

He pulls Sage and I both in for a comforting hug.

"This party will not be a disaster. I'll call my dad and get him to make a new one. They party is an hour away and he can be a little late if it means Sage gets a birthday cake," he says.

"That cake was perfect," I mumble.

"Maybe too perfect," Peeta says. "No one would have wanted to eat it."

I smile now. It did look too good to eat. And at least I have a photo of it. The new cake won't be the same but it will still be a Mellark's recipe. It will still be delicious.

Peeta successfully manages to calm me down again. Already he has been vital in keeping me sane as things have gone wrong today. I don't know what I would have done if he wasn't here.

Once Peeta is sure Sage and I are both okay he goes off to phone his dad. Both his dad, Bran and Lavinia are coming to the party today. I've seen them quite a bit since that fateful Sunday brunch. I love seeing Peeta interact with them, all of them making fun of each other. I am even confident enough now to join in with some of the good natured teasing. That's how families should be.

On the other hand, Mrs Mellark hasn't spoken to Peeta since her outburst at the brunch. Peeta says he is not going to reach out until she has apologised to me for her hurtful comments. I am not holding my breath for that to happen any time soon.

Guests begin to arrive an hour later, with enormous and delicately wrapped presents under their arms and the ruined balloons and cake nowhere to be found. Sage delights in being picked up and passed round the few friends and relatives I have invited. Rue has of course come with Chase and once people have finished passing my daughter round like a parcel, the 2 children sit playing with the new presents Sage has.

Delly, Madge and Thresh have all made it too and have got together to buy a brightly coloured and flashing baby toy guitar. It plays various children's songs when you press the big buttons and both Sage and Chase sit fascinated as they watch the sounds come out.

"You didn't have to buy her a gift," I say to them as I hand them all a drink.

"You invited us to a child's birthday party. Of course we had to buy her a gift. Besides we've come to love her almost as much as Peeta does," Delly replies with a wink in Peeta's direction.

"It's much appreciated," Peeta says as he puts an arm round my waist.

He then turns to look Madge up and down.

"You don't look too hot Madge. Late night last night?" Peeta asks after everyone has gotten their drink.

Everyone turns to look at Madge now. It is true that she has massive bags under her eyes and has been yawning ever since she got here.

Delly tries to stifle a giggle.

"Her booty call was round last night. Apparently kept her up until 5am!" Delly announces.

Both Peeta and I raise our eyebrows at Madge.

"5am? Really?" Peeta asks. "Must have some sort of magic cock to keep it up that long!"

Madge thumps him.

"He's very gifted. What can I say? And don't deny you wouldn't keep Katniss up that long if there wasn't the threat of being interrupted by Sage," Madge replies defensively.

I chuckle, my mind going back to when we were interrupted last night. What I would give to have just one night with no baby. My mind fills with all the dirty thoughts of exactly what we could do with that time.

"Is this still the same guy you were doing in February?" I ask a little amazed that it has gone on so long.

Madge nods her head in confirmation.

"And you just call him over, hook up and then he leaves?" I ask.

"He's stays the whole night sometimes," Madge replies.

The rest of us give her a knowing look. The first rule of a booty call is that you don't let them spend the night.

"She's not admitting that it's no longer a booty call and that she's in love," Thresh teases.

"I'm not in love with him. He's just a great lay," she replies.

The rest of us all smirk.

"Whatever you say," Peeta says as Madge throws daggers at us all.

Mr Mellark eventually turns up with the cake an hour late. I greet him at the door gratefully as I carefully take the cake box out of his hands. The cake is nowhere near as fancy or detailed as the one Peeta had made, there just wasn't the time, but he has still managed to draw a reasonable picture of Jerry the giraffe on the cake, with the words Happy 1st Birthday Sage written in orange frosting. I take the cake out of the box and carefully place it on the centre of food table. I check my surroundings to make sure that damn dog is nowhere in the vicinity.

I make my way back over to Peeta and his dad. Peeta has Sage on his lap and is busy holding her hands in the air trying to make her dance. Sage smiles contentedly as she babbles along with the music that is playing softly in the background.

"Having fun Sweet pea?" I ask bending down to poke her in the tummy.

"Mama!" Sage's replies.

"That's right sweetie," I reply as I take one of her hands off Peeta and begin making her dance myself.

"Why don't you get her our present now," Peeta says. "Everyone's here now."

I nod my head, my eyes never leaving Sage, as I continue to wave her hand in the air. I then bend down to kiss the top of her head before pushing myself up off my knees and making my way to the garage to retrieve the present. I can't wait to see her reaction. She loves anything that has bright colours or makes noises, both of which this push car does. I am thankful that now the party has started nothing else has gone wrong.

I turn the handle of the back door of the garage and push my way inside. I reach for the light switch but find I don't have to as I am met by the dim light coming from the rusting lampshade. I furrow my brows in confusion. That's odd. I'm positive I put the light out the last time I came in here.

It is then that I hear a low groan coming from the corner of the room. I turn warily towards the sound dreading what I will see.

My eyes are met with a pair of tangled bodies pressed against the grimy wall. One has long, blond flowing hair, while the other is tall and tanned with short dark hair. The man has the woman's leg hitched round his hip, her dress bunched in his hand as he drives in and out of her at rapid pace.

"Madge! What the fuck!" I exclaim.

The couple spring apart at my announcement, both hastily rearranging their clothes.

"Fuck Katniss! You were always deafly quiet sneaking up on people," the dark haired man replies.

I narrow my eyes at him.

"I didn't realise there would be anything to sneak up on Gale," I snap. Gale finishes doing his belt and straightens up looking at me directly for the first time in nearly a year. I didn't think the first conversation we would have would be about this; being caught having sex at my daughter's birthday party with my boyfriend's best friend.

"I'm so sorry Katniss," Madge apologies. She at least has the decency to look ashamed. "He just texted and I was weak. It shouldn't have happened here."

"What about your booty call? 5 hours with that guy not enough for you? Had to have more? It's a child's birthday party for Christ's sake!" I cry.

Madge and Gale look at each other guiltily and it all clicks into place.

"Gale is your booty call?" I ask with a laugh. "All this time it's been him?"

"Catnip…" Gale begins before I cut him off.

"Don't call me that. We're no longer friends," I snap staring at him with venom.

"I'm sorry Katniss. I would have told you but it was just sex at the start. I didn't want to make a big deal. Believe me this is the last way I wanted you to find out," Madge says.

I don't know what to believe. She's being lying to me for almost 4 months. And with Gale of all people. I had already warned her he was bad news. She could do so much better than him.

"I don't want to talk about this now. It's my daughter's birthday. I just wanted a small party with no drama. Both of you just leave so I can try and enjoy the rest of Sage's party."

They both look at me ashamed before sheepishly stepping round me and exiting the garage. I take a few deep breaths to try and subdue my anger before turning round to rejoin the party, picking up the push car on the way out.

Peeta looks at me quizzically as I step into the yard. He has obviously seen Madge and Gale exiting the garage a few moments ago. I shake my head to tell him not now and he nods his head in understanding. I bring the car, with a big red bow on top, over to Sage and place it in front of her. I focus in on her so I can forget the disturbing images I just witnessed in the garage.

"Happy birthday Sweetie!" I declare as I present the car to her.

She is still sitting in Peeta's lap but squirms to get a closer look at the car. She reaches a hand out to touch the big red button in the front. Peeta smiles as he watches Sage's amazement at the shiny car. He lifts her up off his knee and places her on the seat of the car. Her feet just brush the ground and she giggles in excitement as she examines to buttons more closely and begins jabbing at them to see what they can do. She gets very excited at the honking noise the big red button makes and presses it again and again.

"I think it may have been a mistake getting her something that makes so much noise. We'll never get any peace," I say to Peeta as we continue to watch her in delight.

Peeta grins at me.

"It's worth it to see that smile," he replies.

I return his smile before turning my attention back to Sage and giving her a bit of a push on the car. She squeals in delight at the movement, though struggles a bit to maintain her balance. Peeta's hands dart out to steady her before making sure she is firmly seated and allowing me to push her again. I enjoy seeing my daughter look so happy.

The rest of the party goes by without any more drama. I tell Peeta what I saw in the garage and he raises his eyebrows in surprise. He had no idea the booty call was Gale either. He promises to talk to Madge about her behaviour at the party. I still can't quite believe that she would have sex at a child's birthday party. The mayor's daughter has even fewer sexual morals than I previously thought.

But in the end I forget about everything that has gone wrong. Sage has a great time. She never stops smiling or laughing the whole afternoon. Everyone fusses over her and makes sure she is constantly entertained. I realise it is not the cake or the balloons that make a party special, it's the people you invite.

Sage is still enjoying her new toy and stands holding onto the car as she continue to press buttons to make noises. Peeta is not helping the situation as he has crouched down beside her and encourages her to press different ones. Sage lets out a childish giggle every time a new sound comes out. I enjoy watching the two of them amuse themselves.

Mr Mellark comes up behind his son and my daughter and tells Peeta he has to get going. Peeta turns his attention away from Sage and rises to say goodbye to his dad. Sage looks up upset that Peeta has stopped playing with her as she watches Peeta take a few steps away from her.

"Peepa!" she declares her arms outstretched towards him.

Peeta and his dad turn to look down at my daughter and she then takes a couple of unsteady steps towards him before Peeta reaches down to stop her from falling.

My brain takes a moment to piece together what it has just seen but Peeta has already swooped down to hold her in place and exclaim at how brilliant she is.

My daughter has just taken walked for the first time.

There is a big commotion amongst the rest of the guests as everyone applauds and praises her. I rush over to join both her and Peeta and give her a big cuddle and kiss. Peeta grins stupidly at me over her head while Sage smiles and makes some babbling sounds.

People begin demanding to see if she can do it again so Peeta moves back slightly and I gently push Sage in his direction. This is all the encouragement she needs and she is soon again taking unsteady steps towards him and babbling his name as she does so. Peeta has his arms out wide and Sage toddles into them with a delighted squeal. Peeta encases her in a big hug and everyone once again declares their praises

I sit back and watch in delight. Whatever happened with the rest of the party, this is the moment that will make this day special.

Delly and Thresh are the last guests to leave and we finally get some peace and quiet after an eventful day. Peeta and Mom offer to tidy up as I take a sleepy Sage back inside to change her. Afterwards I take Sage through to the living room and rock her to sleep. It's been a busy day for her so it doesn't take long for her to drift off in my arms. I kiss the top of her head and take a seat in the large arm chair still rocking her slightly.

Mom and Peeta come back through shortly after. Mom checks in with us briefly before going to get ready for work. Peeta smiles at us lovingly as he enters and takes a seat next to Sage and I. He reaches out to stroke the top of her hair.

"I think she had a good day," he says as he continues to stroke her hair.

I smile up at him.

"Even with all the drama it was still perfect," I reply.

"Yeah. And she can walk now! She's really going to start causing trouble now!" he exclaims.

I chuckle lightly as I continue to rock her. Peeta and I spend a few moments contentedly watching her. There is just something so calming about watching a sleeping baby.

After a while Peeta removes his hand from the top of Sage's head and reaches into his pocket.

"I got something for you too," he states as he hands me a small, carefully wrapped rectangular box.

I remove one hand from around Sage to take it off him.

"But it's not my birthday," I remind him.

Peeta smiles.

"I know but I think on the anniversary of the birth of such a great little person, the person who brought her into this world deserves a present," he replies.

I roll my eyes at him.

"You are so corny at times," I reply a little curious about what he has got me.

"Just open it," he says with a smile.

I give him a look that tells him that I think he is being a little silly before ripping the corner of the paper. Once all the paper is removed a black box is revealed. I look up at him with a disbelieving look. This looks like jewellery. Way too expensive for a day that is supposed to be about Sage.

He nods his head at me to encourage me to open it. I sigh before carefully opening the lid.

But I am wrong. It's not jewellery.

It's a key.

I look at him quizzically.

"This…" he says picking the key out the box. "…is a key to my new house."

I don't know what to say as I let this fact sink in.

Peeta had bought his first house a couple of weeks ago. I had been a big part in helping him make a decision but I hadn't expected a key.

When he first started looking I didn't realise just how big Peeta's trust fund was. I had been expecting to look at small single storey houses but Peeta took me round modest two storey houses with large back yards.

The house he eventually bought is a 15 minute walk from District Park and has a large oak wraparound porch and shiny, bright red door. The windows have flower boxes and the yard has a large crab apple tree that is perfect for climbing. It's the type of house I dreamed of living in as a kid.

"You're giving me a key?" I ask.

"No," he states. "I'm asking you and Sage to move in with me."

I let out a small gasp at his question. Can he really mean it? Isn't this too soon?

"We've only been going out 5 months," I point out.

Peeta smiles and takes my hand.

"Katniss I spend a maximum of 2 days a week at my current apartment. And I spend those two days constantly thinking about you and Sage. I love you both so much and it may not the traditional way couples go about things but we are far from a traditional couple."

I smile at him as he says this.

"I bought that house with the intention of you two living in it at some point. Sage is going to love the big yard and I already have a room picked out to be your music room. It won't be my home unless both of you are in it," he states.

I look up at him and am reminded of how much I love this man. That I hate those rare evenings he spends away. That waking up beside him is my favourite part of the day. The only person that trumps him is Sage. I can see the love he has for me filled in his eyes. He would do anything for me and Sage.

This all makes my decision simple.

"Yes," I say nodding my head enthusiastically. "Yes we'll move in with you."

Peeta gives me an ear splitting grin and I reach up to cup his cheek and give him a tender kiss, Sage stuck in between us.

This has turned out to be one great birthday.

A/N: I hoped you enjoyed Sage's birthday party. Many of you guessed that Gale was Madge's booty call. He'll be around in the next few chapters.

Katniss and Peeta took another big step in their relationship this chapter. I know it is quite soon but I think in their circumstance it is the right decision. We will see them all move in together in the next chapter.

The story is coming to an end soon. Only 2 more chapters and an epilogue left. Thanks to everyone who continues to support the story. I hope you continue to enjoy the last few chapters.