Chapter 13

June

I carry Sage to her currently empty new bedroom and watch Peeta as he lines up the tins of paint and begins pouring the yellowy substance into the trays. The room is at the back of the house and has a large window that takes up almost the entire back wall, looking out onto the large yard below. Peeta smiles at us as we enter.

"How do you like your new room Sage?" I ask as I take her round the room.

"No!" Sage exclaims as she shakes her head side to side.

Unfortunately no is her new favourite word. She finally learnt it last week and has been using it proudly every since. Peeta chuckles at her reply.

"I think someone is going to be as stubborn as their mother," he says as he walks over and tickles Sage under the chin.

"No," Sage says again.

We laugh again and Peeta bends down to kiss the top of her head.

"Are you going to let Mommy help me paint your room? I know your Mommy wants to get you out of our room and into here as soon as possible!" Peeta exclaims.

I scowl at him. He does not need to bring up my sexual frustrations in front of my daughter. Peeta only grins and gives me a wink. I roll my eyes and shake my head at him before gently placing Sage on her feet on the ground. Sage immediately scuttles off to explore the corners of her new room. Ever since she has learned to walk she has become adventurous and is constantly getting herself stuck in new places.

We all moved in at the beginning of the week. The past month has been manic as we've packed up both of our previous homes and gone store to store to buy additional items. Packing was made an even more arduous task as Sage loved playing with all the boxes, newspaper and bubble wrap we were trying to use to pack everything safely.

I had been nervous to tell Mom that I was moving out but she is surprisingly supportive. She told me she hadn't expected me to stay forever and that she is happy that I am trying to stand on my own two feet. As long as we still invite her round to visit every now and again.

It is strange leaving her and my family home behind. I have so many memories there, both good and bad, but as I entered our new home for the first time I realised I am ready for a fresh start, somewhere we can all make new memories.

It doesn't take Sage long to find some left over bubble wrap and she squeals as she manages to pop the bubbles. Peeta and I watch her for a moment before Peeta bends down and picks up a paintbrush.

"Do you want to do the honours?" he asks with a grin.

I smile back at him as I take the brush off him and sweep a long stroke down the wall dramatically. I stand back and look at him smugly, proud of my effort.

"Your turn," I say.

Peeta chuckles before he picks up his own brush and sweeps a matching stroke of dandelion yellow beside mine.

"I think we can safely say my painting technique is better than yours," he teases after he has finished.

I turn towards him with a scowl, raise my brush and dab a dot of paint on the tip of his nose.

"Oh so that is how it is going to be?" he asks playfully.

He lunges towards me and grabs a tight hold of my waist. I squeal as I try to squirm out of his grip but his grip only tightens on me. He raises his brush and swipes a big stroke across my forehead. I let out a small yelp as Peeta laughs at me.

Sage looks up from popping her bubbles before getting to her feet and toddling over to us, eager to discover what all the fuss is about. Peeta bends down to pick her up and hoists her onto his hip.

"Your Mommy is dangerous when it comes to painting!" he exclaims as he rubs his paint covered nose against Sage's.

Sage giggles at his silly behaviour and she now has a matching yellow nose to Peeta.

"Look what Peeta has done to you!" I say reaching out to wipe the paint off her nose. "Isn't he silly?"

Sage giggles again and reaches out to tentatively touch the paint on my forehead. She eyes the yellow mixture carefully on her fingers, unsure exactly what it is. She then turns to Peeta and pokes him on the cheek with her paint covered hands.

Peeta pretends to look shocked as Sage sits back in his arms and looks at her handy work before jabbing her finger out and poking him again and again. He is left looking like he has yellow chicken pox. I let out a small snicker at the sight.

"I can't believe you just did that Sage! You are definitely as evil as your Mommy!" Peeta exclaims tickling her tummy.

Sage just giggles again and Peeta pretends to look hurt. I shake my head at both of them before picking up my brush again and resuming the job we have only just started.

It takes all day but eventually we get Sage's bedroom painted. The soft yellow colour glows in the slowly setting sun.

We all have to clean ourselves up after. A large amount of paint did not end up on the walls. I get out the shower and use a towel to squeeze out the wetness in my hair. I tie my hair into a braid as I make my way down to Sage and Peeta who are in the living room.

When I enter I find them both sound asleep on the couch. Peeta has laid his broad body out across the length of the couch and he holds Sage close to his chest. Sage's hand clutches tightly to the hand that protectively holds her round the middle.

I smile as I bend down behind the couch to get a closer look at them. They both look so content in each other's arms. I reach out to stroke the top of Sage's head. This is the image I so desperately wanted to have with Thom. The 3 of us in our own house, being silly and then seeking comfort in each other in the evening. This was how my family was before Prim and Dad died.

The boxes finally get unpacked and Sage is moved into her new room. I showed Peeta exactly how grateful I was that he had finished her room last night. I am walking a little funny today as a result.

All 3 of us sit in the living room with Sage playing with her multi-coloured blocks. Sage seems to revel in knocking down any structure Peeta and I make for her.

There is a knock on the door and I look to Peeta with a frown. We're not expecting anyone. He just shrugs his shoulders telling me he has no idea who it can be. I sigh as I get up off the floor and go to answer the door.

I am surprised to find both Gale and Madge on the other side when I open it.

I haven't seen Madge much since Sage's birthday, though she still talks to Peeta regularly. She apologised profusely for the way she behaved at the party and I have forgiven her but I still find it weird that she is having sex with my former best friend.

It seems being caught in the act has been enough for the pair of them to reflect on exactly what their relationship is. I have heard from Peeta that the two of them finally decided it isn't just sex anymore and want to try and be an actual couple. I don't really know how I feel about it. Everyone says Madge is really happy, but Gale is part of a past I am trying to distance myself from and I don't know how he can fit in with my present.

Madge smiles broadly at me once I have opened the door but I know the surprise must be evident on my face. Gale's smile is a lot more nervous and his eyes flit to the ground once he sees me.

Peeta saves me by picking up Sage and coming over to greet them both. He invites them both in and tells Madge he will give her a tour. Madge accepts eagerly and they leave with Sage as Peeta begins showing her round, leaving me alone with Gale.

Peeta gives me a reassuring look and tip of the head to urge me to talk to Gale as he leaves. I get the feeling he and Madge have talked about the pair of us over the phone.

Gale and I stare at each other awkwardly for a few minutes after they have gone. Peeta's enthusiastic chatter slowly begins to fade as he takes Madge further into the house. Gale shifts uncomfortably on his feet. I fold my arms across my chest. It is strange being in the same room with him again. We used to tell each other everything. There are so many memories there but now he is part of another life.

"I just wanted to apologise for everything. I've been a pretty shitty friend these last 2 years," he says.

"You have," I reply curtly.

Gale nods his head in agreement, his hands in his pocket and his eyes on the ground.

"I just didn't know how to handle your situation. You suddenly became this adult and I just wasn't ready for that," he continues.

"I had to grow up. I have a baby to look after," I reply.

"I know. And I'm standing here now and I can't believe how well you are doing. Madge says Sage is a great kid. And look at this house! This is the house we dream about in the Seam!"

I give him a shy smile, a little embarrassed by his compliment. I too sometimes have to pinch myself that I live here now. That my life seems to be finally on the right track.

"We were all stupid back that. I couldn't see past the parties and girls but I realise now how pointless and empty that life is. Madge is helping me realise that I can get so much more out of life. I've even got a real job working as a trainee mechanic" Gale says.

"Well I'm glad she has helped you realise that," I reply honestly.

Gale smiles in thanks at me. And I am glad that he wants something better in life. That Madge is having a good influence on him. We may not have spoken in a year but I wouldn't begrudge him for sorting his life out.

"Thom's an asshole. He's not changed one bit since you chucked him out. I'm sorry that I sided with him over you. It was just that I have known him since kindergarten. I felt some kind of loyalty towards him. But I miss you. We had some pretty good fun outside of the parties," he says with a smile.

I smile at the memories. I lost count of all the adventures we had in the woods; hunting, camping and building shelters.

"We did. But your abandonment hit me the hardest. You were the only person I liked to hang out with sober," I state.

Gale nods his head in understanding.

"I'm sorry. But I want to try and regain your trust. I would love it if we could be friends again," he says.

I take a deep breath. I still don't know if he fits into this new life I have created for myself and Sage. But he seems genuine and if he's with Madge I'll be seeing a lot more of him. I can at least give him the benefit of the doubt and try.

"Okay. I'll try at being friends again," I state.

Gale lets out a relieved sigh and then gives me a big smile. I smile back at him. It feels nice to put some of what happened behind us. It won't be easy becoming friends again but I would like to try.

There is no time for anymore words as Peeta, Madge and Sage come back from their tour. Madge makes her way over to Gale and puts and arm around his waist before looking expectedly between the two of us.

"Did you guys make up?" she asks hopefully.

Gale and I share a look before I answer.

"We're going to try," I say.

Madge gives us a big smile and Gale a quick peck on the lips. I turn to Peeta as he comes over, handing me Sage.

He kisses the side of my head and gives me a small smile.

Sage sits in my arms playing with the ends of my hair, completely oblivious to the significance of what has just happened.

The next day Peeta and I close the bakery and go and pick up Sage from day care. As I unbuckle Sage from her car seat Peeta goes over to the mail box and begins looking through the mail. I eventually break Sage free from the car and carry her towards the house. I stop when I get to Peeta who is still standing by the mail box. He looks up at me with nervous excitement.

"There's a letter for you. It's from Panem Community College," Peeta says holding up the letter with the college's stamp on it.

I rearrange Sage on my hip and reach out my free hand to take the letter off Peeta. I chew my bottom lip nervously as I inspect the letter. It doesn't look that big. Is that a good or bad thing?

"Let's go inside to open it," I reply, my heart now hammering in my chest.

I may have not been entirely convinced I wanted to go to college to begin with but now that I have applied my desire has increased. As much as I love the bakery, and particularly working everyday with Peeta, I know it is not what I want to do with the rest of my life. I love music and the thought of going to study it gives me excited butterflies. And I want to do something that will make Sage proud of her mom.

We dump all our stuff in the entrance way and I place Sage on the ground. She can sense that I am a little tense so wraps her arms around my leg, looking up at me quizzically. I give her a reassuring smile before staring at the envelope for a few moments, nervously twirling it around in my hands. Peeta comes up behind me and places a reassuring hand on my back. I look back at him, my nerves intensifying. He gives a reassuring nod and gentle squeeze of my waist to encourage me to open it. I take a deep breath before turning back to the letter. I decide to just get it over with and rip the top of the letter in one swift movement.

My eyes scan the letter trying to find the information I am looking for. Eventually my eyes lock onto the sentence that will dictate my future and my heart leaps into my mouth.

"I got in," I say in disbelief.

Peeta's face breaks into a humungous grin as he spins me round and gives me a big kiss. He knocks Sage, who is still clutching my leg, and she falls to the ground with a small bump. She lets out a small cry and Peeta sweeps down to pick her up.

"I'm so sorry Sage," he says. "I just got excited. Your Mommy got into college! Isn't she clever?"

Sage's cries stop but she has no idea what is going on so instead just snuggles in closer to Peeta. Peeta chuckles as his hand moves to stroke the back of her head.

"Well I'm at least proud of you," he states, rocking Sage gently. "We need to go out and celebrate tonight. Delly has been wanting to babysit for ages."

I reach out to rub circles on Sage's back and smile up at Peeta. I can't believe I got in.

"It will be a lot of hard work," I reply warily.

Peeta rolls his eyes at me.

"Don't try and put yourself down. I can see how happy you are about this. And it's not like you are going to do it alone. Sage and I are going to support you in every way we can," he says.

I continue to smile at him. I am so grateful to him. I would have never have applied if it wasn't for him. It will be a little scary going back to school but with him here it is not so daunting.

"Call Delly. I want to go out and enjoy myself before I get laden with work," I say.

Peeta's smile widens and he hands me Sage so he can go and call Delly.

We end up going to a fancy French restaurant in the Merchant area of town. I complain to Peeta that it is too expensive but he just pushes it off telling me he doesn't get enough chances to spoil me. I don't argue back but can't help but think that he is constantly doing things to spoil Sage and me.

The dinner is delicious and I particularly inhale everything that is put in front of me. Peeta and I talk about what I am most excited for doing at college and my plans for when my 2 years of schooling are completed. We laugh about Peeta's various college mishaps and lack of musical talent.

It is so rare for us to go out without Sage and I just enjoy having some alone time with him as he plays with my fingers across the table and my foot runs suggestively up and down his leg. For once I feel like we are a normal couple.

Peeta pays for the meal and pulls me close into his side as we leave the restaurant.

"Do you know how hard I got with you sitting running your foot up and down me like that? The minute we get Delly out the house I'm taking you upstairs and repaying you for some of that torture," he mummers, his lips brushing my ear. Even in the warm summer air his words cause goose bumps to rise on my flesh.

I turn round so I am flush against his front and stand on my tip toes to give him a slow and sensual kiss. Peeta's arms tighten round my waist before slowing breaking the kiss and tucking me into his side as we prepare to cross the street.

As we wait at the traffic lights I catch sight of a stocky, dark haired man wearing a worn leather jacket and heavy mud caked boots glaring at us across the street. His grey eyes narrow at us as if he is confused at what he is seeing.

"Oh my god, it's Thom," I say to Peeta.

Peeta follows my line of sight and his gaze hardens when it lands on Thom across the street.

"Good to see him looking so presentable. I think it might actually be wearing a clean shirt," Peeta says bitterly.

I turn to give him a comforting squeeze.

"Just ignore him. He made his choices," I say.

Peeta breaks his gaze from him and gives me a small smile. I smile back at him determined to not have this night ruined by Thom.

The lights change moments later and we cross the street. Peeta's grip tightens round me as we walk past Thom. I feel Thom's gaze on us the entire walk towards Peeta's car.

Once we finally push Delly out the house Peeta takes me up to our room and attacks me with a needy hunger. He doesn't hold back from leaving marks on my skin, stamping his mark on me.

The next day we both go into work and break my news about college to everyone at the bakery. Everyone congratulates me and Castor makes a joke about now having enough cheese buns to sell since my hours at the bakery will be cut slightly. Peeta's dad also makes an appearance and brings in a homemade cake with the words Congratulations Katniss written on it. I'm embarrassed to say that there is not much left of it by lunchtime. I just can't resist a Mellark recipe.

During my lunch break my cell buzzes with a new message. I frown when I see the message is from Thom.

Katniss, please call me. I have been an idiot these past few months. I just needed time to grow up. I would really like to see Sage and become part of her life. I'm really sorry. xxx

I stare at the message for a few moments stunned. This has come completely out the blue. After talking to Gale I know Sage has been the last thing on Thom's mind these last few months. I wonder what has triggered this?

Peeta looks up from his paper and frowns at my confused expression.

"Everything alright?" he asks.

I hand him my phone and he reads the message from Thom. His eyes cloud with anger as he reads it.

"He's unbelievable!" he exclaims. "Does he really think that he can ignore Sage for 8 months and then just waltz back into her life? I hope he doesn't take your refusal too hard."

"Why would I refuse him? If he wants to see Sage I'm not going to stop him," I reply.

Peeta's eyes widen in surprise.

"You're just going to let him back in after all he did to you? This is the guy that treated you like shit for 5 years. Who called Sage unspeakable names before he left. The guy who left you heartbroken and crying your eyes out in my arms," Peeta says.

"I'm not going to prevent him from seeing his daughter. I don't want Sage to resent me in later life because I purposefully kept her dad away from her," I reply.

I can tell that Peeta is not happy with my words. The anger he has towards Thom is only matched by his feelings towards his mother.

"I have to at least give him another chance," I say.

Peeta stares at me hardly for a few moments. He doesn't believe Thom deserves a second chance. But Peeta doesn't get it. I know what it is like to not have your dad in your life. I will do anything to ensure Sage can have hers.

"If you really think he is being serious go ahead. You know him better than I do. But he has a lot of work to do if he is going to convince me he is suitable enough for Sage," Peeta says sternly.

I nod my head curtly before reaching for my phone and going off to call Thom.

I arrange for Thom to come over on Sunday, a time when both Peeta and I are around. Peeta is still not happy about the whole situation and I know it makes him feel better to know he will be here when Thom comes over. I notice he spends the rest of the week spending more time than usual with Sage, giving her hundreds of hugs and kisses and telling her just how much he loves her. It's like he is trying to prove to me that he loves Sage more than Thom.

Surprisingly Thom turns up to our house on time and in an actual clean pair of clothes. Laundry was never something Thom cared for. He looks more like a person ready to be a dad. He greets me with a big smile and I take him through to the back yard to meet Sage.

Peeta is playing with Sage in her push car and looks up at Thom with a hard glare. Thom gives him a curt nod of his head before bending down and ruffling the top of Sage's head.

"Hey Kiddo. Remember me? I'm your daddy," Thom says.

Sage looks up at him curiously. It pains me that she doesn't recognise her dad. Thom is a complete stranger to her. Thom continues to smile broadly at her and she looks between Peeta and I to gage our reactions to this strange man. I give her a reassuring smile and bend down to encourage her to interact with Thom.

"It's okay Sweet pea. This is your daddy. He's come to play with you," I say gently nudging her towards him.

I see Peeta tense his jaw from opposite me at the use of the word daddy. He clearly believes Thom does not deserve the title.

"I got you a present," Thom says pulling out a brand new Barbie from out of his bag.

"She's too young for that. She would choke on half the parts," Peeta says coolly.

Thom looks up at him.

"Sorry man. I didn't know," Thom apologises.

"It's not exactly rocket science," Peeta replies.

I shoot Peeta a pleading look to ask him to play nicely. Peeta huffs a little before standing up and sitting on a nearby chair. He watches Thom and Sage from his new vantage point.

"Why don't you show Daddy you car? Show him how fast you can go!" I say to encourage Sage.

Thom nods his head enthusiastically and rises off his feet to push the car. Sage squeals in annoyance, her little legs flailing in the air as he begins racing her round the yard.

"She doesn't like to be pushed," Peeta speaks up again. "She likes to do it herself."

Thom drops his hands from the car and watches as Sage kicks her feet off the ground and begins pushing the car herself. Her squeals turn to delight as she pushes herself slowly around. Peeta watches Thom with a steely gaze. I know what he is doing. He is trying to prove he knows Sage better than Thom. Men and their stupid egos. There is enough room in Sage's life for both of them.

It takes some time, but slowly Sage opens up to Thom and the pair of them engage in a game that involves pushing the buttons on her car to make music. I sit with Peeta trying to get him to relax but I can tell he has a hard time watching Thom with Sage. His fists clench at his sides as he watches Thom pinch Sage's cheeks, something we both know Sage doesn't like.

As hard it is for Peeta, I find can't feel the same way. It's great seeing Thom playing like this with Sage. The whole baby thing has never been easy for him but I can see how hard he is trying. And Sage's giggles get more frequent as the afternoon goes on. It will be a while before I trust Thom fully enough to look after Sage on his own but this is a good start for regaining that trust.

As soon as Thom announces that he has to leave Peeta jumps off his chair and goes to scoop up Sage. He holds her head close to his chest and kisses the top of her head. He's reclaiming his territory. Sage responds by saying his name and Peeta can't hide his grin at the look of shock on Thom's face when she does so.

"I'd like to see her again," Thom says. His eyes flit up to give Peeta a cold glare. I can see Peeta and Sage's closeness has unnerved him.

I nod my head.

"Same time next week?" I suggest.

Thom nods his head in agreement.

"Bye Sage. I'll see you next week," he says reaching out to take her hand.

Sage smiles at him and Peeta, to his credit, gets her to wave her hand back at Thom.

Thom says a few more goodbyes before turning to leave and going to his truck. I shut the door behind him and turn to stroke Sage's hair.

"Well that went quite well," I state.

Peeta nods his head slightly.

"It's only week 1," Peeta replies.

I want to tell him to stop being so bitter about this and have a bit more faith in me and Thom, but I know he is only acting this way to protect Sage. I can't get mad at him for looking out for her.

Peeta tries his best throughout the week to hide his displeasure at Thom's reappearance. He keeps his opinions to himself for which I am grateful. I don't want to fight him on this. I reassure him throughout the week that Thom has to earn my trust again and I am doing this in the best interests of Sage. He just nods his head and then quickly changes the topic. I get the feeling he doesn't believe me.

Sunday comes again and Peeta gets fidgety as we wait for Thom to arrive. He bakes loaves of bread to distract himself and from the pounding he gives the dough I can only assume that he is imagining Thom as he pummels the mixture.

However an hour passes and Thom doesn't arrive. And then another hour passes. And another. I try calling and texting Thom's cell but there is no answer. Peeta has finished clearing the dishes from dinner and there is still has been no sign of Thom. Sage sits in her high chair making a mess with a banana as I check my phone to see if I have missed any messages from Thom.

"He's not coming," Peeta states as he watches me put my phone down.

"You don't have to point that out to me," I snap.

I hate that Thom has disappointed me again. That he has failed my trust. That Peeta was right.

"How many chances are you going to keep giving him?" Peeta demands. "He has done nothing in the past 2 years to show you he is capable of being a stable presence in Sage's life. He couldn't even keep it up for 2 weeks. Already decided that the parties and booze are more important than his daughter."

"We don't know why he's not here. He could have a perfectly reasonable explanation," I say.

"Stop kidding yourself Katniss. He's never going to change. The only reason he got in touch with you in the first place is because he saw us that night. He's has always been so possessive over you. He doesn't like the thought that you have actually moved on and share another's man bed at night! He has no interest in Sage. It's his ego that brought him back!" Peeta shouts.

Sage picks up both our raised voices and tense atmosphere in the room. She squishes the remaining banana in her hand and begins crying.

Both Peeta and I snap our attention towards her and I race over to pick her up and comfort her. I hide her face in my shoulder and rock her back and forth as I try to calm her.

"It's okay now, when she is young enough to not notice when he doesn't turn up. But what happens when she is older and she is left disappointed when he doesn't come round. I don't want to have to sit and watch her get her heart broken over and over again by him," Peeta says more softly but the anger still clear in his voice.

"You don't get it," I hiss. "He is her father. She deserves to have her father in her life."

"It takes more than DNA to be someone's dad," Peeta says coolly.

Sage is still howling and I clutch her closer to me desperate for this conversation to end.

"She is my daughter. I am the one that gets to make the decisions in her life," I say.

I see Peeta recoil at my last statement. He looks like I have slapped him in the face.

"So what am I to her? To you? Just some chump that gets to stand and watch on the sidelines and is never allowed to get too close to the action? I love her like my own daughter," Peeta says desperately.

"I never asked you to be her dad," I state.

The pain that fills his eyes is immediate. I instantly want to take back my words. That was too harsh. I know how much he loves us both.

"I guess I misunderstood the part I have in both your lives," he states sadly.

I know I should say something but I can't find the words. Sage is still crying in my arms and I rub circles on her back to soothe her.

Peeta stares at me for a moment willing me to say something but I still can't find the words.

He eventually breaks eye contact with me and begins to move past me in the kitchen.

"Where are you going?" I ask panic beginning to rise within me.

How has this gone so horribly wrong? Thom is the one I should be arguing with. I don't want Peeta to go. He can't leave.

"Away. I need time to calm down," he says coldly.

"Please don't go. I didn't mean it," I beg.

He looks at me with a pained filled gaze before shaking his head and walking out the door.

Sage howls only grow louder as Peeta slams the door. I hold her tight to my chest and kiss the top of her head as my own tears join hers.

What have I done?

A/N: You didn't really expect Thom to be gone for good did you? His personality was always going to bring him back. I think it is interesting to see him now that Katniss has another guy in his life. I don't think his desire to see Sage is entirely to do with her.

One more chapter left until they get their happy ending. Hope you like how it ends. Thanks to everyone who is reading and reviewing.