Author's Note: Hi guys! This is the longest chapter yet and I'm anxious to hear what you think so please review. A million thanks to those who have followed,favorited, or reviewed already, thank you for sticking with me as I figure all this out. I hope you enjoy the story!
I stand motionless for a second, illogically nervous as I hear Prim's excited voice welcome Peeta into our home. I don't want to keep him waiting so I hesitantly descend the stairs, wringing my hands to keep the butterflies in my stomach at bay. I'm not quite prepared for what I see when I enter the living room.
Before me is my little sister practically jumping on quite easily the most handsome man I've ever seen. It's Peeta, with his unruly blonde curls and his skin reddened by nerves but he's all dressed up. I've never seen Peeta in anything other than work pants and a sweater or a long sleeved shirt and what he's wearing tonight is very different than his usual fare. In place of his usual flour stained pants, he has on some pressed dress slacks that fit him perfectly. He also has on a crisp white dress shirt under a sports jacket, both of which also fitting him a little too well.
I'm ashamed to admit it, but I stand there for a long moment, watching my sister animatedly talk to Peeta and my thoughts are less than pure. I've been (reluctantly) attracted to Peeta every time I've seen him but something about seeing him all dressed up, ready to take my sister and I to a home cooked meal is doing things to me. I have to remind myself that it's just hormones that have surfaced because of my recent influx of nutrition and that I'm being inappropriate and need to calm down.
Peeta is my employer and a friend and I'm sure he would be horrified if he had any idea what kind of thoughts I was just having. I clear my throat, in part to get his attention and in part to calm myself and he turns around quickly, both him and my sister looking at me.
It feels like time stops for a brief moment as he looks at me, an indescribable expression on his face. He takes me in and his mouth hangs open just a tiny bit, his curls doing their signature bounce when he moves his head back up from taking me in to look into my eyes. He closes his mouth and smiles softly, timidly at me, averting his eyes nervously after a second.
He clears his throat and gathers the courage to look back at me with his beet-red cheeks to say "Good evening, Katniss."
"Good evening, Peeta." I reply softly, at which my sister giggles in the corner. I have no idea what she's finding so funny but I glare at her for a second to tell her silently that she's being a rude little monkey.
She doesn't get the message apparently and feels like its necessary to embarrass me further so she turns to Peeta and says, "Doesn't Katniss look beautiful, Peeta?" in a very impish manner.
I hadn't thought it possible for Peeta's cheeks to get any redder but they do by some miracle of nature. Though obviously mortified by having to answer such a ridiculous question, he looks me straight in the eye as he answers.
"She does. Absolutely." There's an unexpected passion behind his words, which throws me for a loop for a second. If I didn't know better I would've thought that he actually meant it. It hurts, but I have to remind myself that Peeta is simply being polite because my troublemaker sister backed him into a corner with an embarrassing question.
I glare at Prim a bit more for good measure, though I will have to have a stern talk with her later. She doesn't seem bothered in the least bit and smiles back at me, an innocent look on her little face.
Peeta rubs the back of his neck and speaks in a quiet voice. "Are both of you ready? We could head over to my house if you like."
Prim immediately skips to the front door and looks back at me because apparently I didn't move fast enough. I turn to Peeta, who is once again rubbing the back of his neck in his nervous way.
"I'm sorry she's being so rude, she's usually not quite so annoying, I promise."
He chuckles a bit at this and looks fondly over at Prim bouncing impatiently by the front door.
"Oh, don't worry about it. It's nice to see her so excited." He says in a genuinely good-natured way.
If anyone were not to be bothered by my sister acting uncharacteristically difficult, it would be Peeta and I'm glad that he's so understanding. He seems to not be dismayed in the slightest by her behavior, which is a huge relief. I can only hope that she mellows out a bit once we get to his home.
We follow Prim out the door with Peeta bringing up the rear, closing the door behind me. Prim gets even more excited when she sees his car and runs to the door and climbs in. I get in behind her, Peeta closing the door for me. Peeta gets in the driver's side, sandwiching an enthusiastic Prim in between the two of us.
Prim runs her hand over the dashboard and the seats, managing to take up a surprising amount of space for such a little person. I put my arm around her and scoot her over in to my side so she doesn't crowd Peeta too much. He starts the car and drives out onto the road, leaving our little country home behind.
The car is silent for a moment until Prim's high-pitched little voice fills the small cab.
"So, Peeta, what made you want to hire my sister? She's super talented and responsible and everything, it just seemed kind of sudden." She turns to Peeta, a curious expression on her face.
I would never ask the question myself but I must admit that I have been wondering why he hired me. I turn to Peeta as well, raptly waiting for his reply.
Peeta swallows and stares ahead at the road, taking a second to think of how to answer the question. He takes a deep breath before he answers and keeps his eyes in front of him on the dirt road.
"Well Prim, as you know, your sister is very competent and focused and I have always admired that." He looks at me nervously and back to the road as he continues. "Every time she would bring me squirrels, they would always be shot through the eye. Every single time." He directs the last part at Prim as he looks down at her captivated face and gives her a smile. "And I figured anybody that was that good, that talented, at something was a good person to have around. And I saw her in town with you a few times, how sweet and loving she always is with you. And I figured that someone that was that kind and protective was the kind of person I wanted to work with all day. And I saw her trading in town and getting things to take care of you and I admired her responsibility. I trust her and I wanted someone I trusted working with me everyday. " He looks at me briefly once he's finished speaking, beet red and quite obviously nervous as to my reaction.
Frankly, I don't know how to react. I never expected Peeta would have such an incredibly sweet and flattering answer to that question. Deep down, I had always thought it had been a moment of pity in which Peeta had hired me but his response shows otherwise. He really thought about it. I think about him watching me, noticing me, and I get a warm feeling inside. Was it possible that he was noticing me all those times I was thinking about him? Does he know that I thought about him, that I appreciated that everything he did for me? Peeta just revealed that he's thought about me a lot more than I thought he did and I don't know why the thought makes me feel light and happy but it does.
Per usual, words fail me and I have no idea how to respond. I smile at him the next time he looks over at me and try to convey everything that I'm feeling. I want to tell him that I appreciate him, that I appreciate everything he does, that I appreciate that he takes me for what I am, but I don't know how without sounding like a lovesick teenager that's sucking up to him. So I smile and say, "Thank you, Peeta," in a small, timid, voice. But he hears and he smiles back at me, his earlier nervousness dissolved at my positive reception of his response to my curious sister.
Prim sits tucked into my side, pleased with the exchange. She looks back and forth between my face and Peeta's and her scrutiny makes me nervous. I don't know what she could possibly be thinking in that head of hers but I'm only hoping that she doesn't plan on embarrassing me further. I have a sinking suspicion that my hopes will be in vain.
We continue down the road for about 10 minutes, the only talk being Prim's enthusiastic chattering about what she's doing in school and random musings on random topics. Peeta takes it very well despite not being able to get a word in edge wise. He just listens intently, occasionally asking questions when appropriate or nodding his acknowledgment. I must say that I'm impressed at how good he his with her. Most men would be positively annoyed to hear the ramblings of a little girl, let alone for ten minutes, but Peeta seems to honestly not mind. When the car stops and Prim climbs over me to be the first out of the car, I turn to Peeta.
"Thank you for being so good with her," I tell him sincerely, my gratitude for him growing by the second.
"Of course, she's a delightful little kid, I'm happy to be able to spend time with the both of you." He says with a big and genuine smile, one I've come to expect and look forward to.
He exits the vehicle and does a quick little jog around the front of the car to come open my door for me. He extends his hand in a very gentlemanly fashion and I take it, tenderly placing my small hand in his. His hands are large, warm, and surprisingly soft. He takes me by surprise by squeezing my hand gently before letting go and I feel warmth radiate from my hand upwards. I'm taken aback by the sensation and covertly clutch my hand to my chest for a moment after he turns around to walk towards the car. I watch his thick curls move as he walks over to my sister who is standing on the front porch, waiting impatiently for us to come to her.
Peeta's home is an old one story that looks comfortable but not massive. The door is painted a cheery shade of red and framed by white shutters on either side. There's a lawn out front, framed by artfully placed patches of blue hydrangeas. There's even a winding path to the front door outlined by stones and more flowers. It looks charming and welcoming, further highlighted by the setting sun behind it. I think it's fitting, that such a handsome and welcoming little home would be Peeta's.
He meets my sister on the porch and opens the door for her, at which she rushes in to look around. Peeta holds open the door while I make my way towards him. I'm greeted by another timid smile when I enter the threshold.
The warm sensation that I had in the front yard amplifies when I enter Peeta's home. It's an embodiment of him, through and through. Upon entering I can see the living room, kitchen, and narrow hallway leading to the back of the house. The color palate is warm and inviting, it draws you in but isn't too loud of overwhelming. The furniture is slightly mismatched but complementary, each piece possessing character that blends together to give the home life. The kitchen is simple, but good in size and obviously well used. The blue tile on the backsplash complements the exterior of the home in such a way that speaks of the decorator's attention to detail. Overall, I'm astounded by the harmony and warmth of Peeta's house. It's obvious that Peeta has put a lot of work into decorating and maintaining it and he's done an excellent job. I had expected a messy bachelor's pad but have found a home as beautiful and well put together as any I've ever seen.
I turn around to find Peeta watching me anxiously, once again worried about my reaction.
"I know it's not much but it's comfortable," He says, worried for some reason that I'll disapprove of his home.
"Peeta," I say, looking into his eyes and trying to quell the nervousness he obviously feels, "It's the most beautiful home I've ever seen. It's magnificent. It's comfortable and charming and perfect. I can't imagine a better place to live." The words come pouring out of me. I'm surprised at my apt articulation, usually I can't put my feelings into words but the right ones seemed to have come right to me.
His face lights up, thrilled at my approval. His smile is big as it ever has been and warms me further; my whole body alight with a soft humming. "Thank you, Katniss. I'm glad you like it," He says between smiles, unreasonably thrilled by my reception of his home.
My sister takes this moment to make herself known, poking in between the two of us and boring her blue eyes up into Peeta's. Peeta looks down at her, surprised at her sudden appearance but no less delighted than he was a moment ago.
"Peeta?" My sister asks, and I steel myself for whatever embarrassment she is about to bestow on me.
"Yes, Prim?" Peeta asks, the same smile on his face as he graciously awaits my sister's query.
"Your home is lovely, I'd like to live here." Peeta's smile falters for a second at that, entirely unsure of how to respond. I immediately reach out to pull Prim into my side, saving Peeta from further interrogation.
"Prim, that was a very rude thing to say. Apologize and tell Peeta that his home is lovely in a way that doesn't insinuate you want to take it from him." I reprimand Prim, pushing her towards Peeta bit to apologize.
"I'm sorry if I was rude, Peeta," she says, big blue eyes staring up at him. "But, I didn't mean that I wanted to take your home from you. I meant that I want to live here with you and Katniss. You make her very happy."
I just about combust in embarrassment. The only way Prim could make this situation more mortifying is if she told Peeta how much I fussed over my appearance tonight, something I'm glad she shows the restraint not to do.
"Primrose!" I shout, not knowing what to do with my feelings of shame other than direct them at her. "Apologize again, this time for practically asking to move in with him."
"I'm sorry Peeta," she says in a small voice, chastised by my words. Peeta is speechless, standing stiff before my sister and I. As has become common, his cheeks have a prominent blush on them.
"I am so sorry, Peeta. Please just ignore her when she says stuff like that." I look at him, hoping he will accept my apology for my sister's atrocious behavior.
"Of…Of course Katniss, no problem at all." He says, stuttering in the beginning, finishing with a good-natured smile and moving on from the incident gracefully.
He clears his throat and motions to the modest kitchen table, set with a tablecloth and full place settings. "If you would like, we can eat now. All the food's ready." He moves to one of the three seats and pulls it out for Prim, who is pleased at the gesture and sits down, any trace of shame gone from her face.
He does the same for me, pulling open the chair and peering at me nervously as I sit down. "I'll go get the food, I'll be right back." He walks swiftly away to the kitchen nearby.
I take advantage of the opportunity to have a word with my sister who is currently setting the napkin in her lap with her pinkies up, trying to act very ladylike. "Prim!" I whisper frantically, "What has gotten into you? Why are you trying to make Peeta so uncomfortable?"
She just stares at me as though I'm the biggest idiot in the entire world. "Katniss," she stage whispers incredulously, "Someone has to move things along."
I have no idea what she means and suspect she's being cryptic on purpose. "What are you talking about?"
"Come on, Katniss, you two are impossible. Peeta obviously – " She stops suddenly and plasters a smile on her face, directing it behind me.
I turn around and find Peeta, clearly flustered and holding two large plates filled with truly delectable looking food. He sets one plate in front of Prim and I, and retreats back to the kitchen to serve himself. I look at my plate and Prim's cryptic words and strange behavior is instantly forgotten. Before me are generous portions of crispy roasted potatoes, goat cheese salad, and a tender pot roast.
As I'm salivating over my impending meal, Peeta comes in and places a basket of cheese buns on the table before sitting down with his own plate. The addition of the cheese buns makes the meal impossibly better but I'm distracted from the food for a moment when I find that Peeta's taken his jacket off. He has on his white dress shirt now, sleeves rolled up his forearms, hair slightly jostled by rushing to serve us. I feel that familiar feeling of transfixion that I often feel in the bakery, except this time multiplied. It's almost overwhelming, the heat I feel rush to my face and the sudden nervousness. I smooth down my hair to do something with my hands, chastising myself for being so silly and taking slow breaths to calm myself down.
I look back at the food and focus on that. I place my napkin on my lap while I gather myself and turn to Peeta once I think I can handle it. He's looking at me anxiously, unsure of how to continue. I look over to Prim to find her barely restraining herself, practically salivating over the food in front of her.
"Do you mind if we start eating, Peeta? It looks absolutely delicious." Prim says, looking to Peeta for approval.
"Of course, please dig in." He says while smiling at me, obviously nervous as to our reception of his cooking.
I take my first bite and immediately, flavors unlike anything I've ever tasted explode on my tongue. The pot roast is so, so tender and expertly seasoned, the potatoes perfectly crisp and delicious. I take a bite of the salad and find it also delicious, the dressing the perfect mixture of tart and sweet, the soft goat cheese acting as a perfect complement to the fresh, crispy lettuce. I take a moment to savor everything before I reach for a cheese bun and sink my teeth into warm bread, enhanced by the gooey, smoky cheese inside it's core. I close my eyes in happiness and let my senses bask in the perfection of the food that Peeta's prepared.
As usual, his food is amazing. Incredible. But the combination of all his amazing, fresh food combined with his polished presence and skillful handling of my sister all makes for an intense feeling of contentment to wash over me. My muscles relax, my shoulders drop, and I'm suddenly not so uptight and worried about how Peeta perceives me or how my sister behaves. Everything will happen as it happens and all will be well. I realize that I am in the company of my two favorite people and I allow myself to relax.
I look over at Peeta once I've swallowed my cheese bun and smile the most genuine smile I think I've ever given.
"Peeta," I say, feeling so much more at ease than I was previously, "This is amazing. Thank you so much for cooking for us. I think this is just about the best meal I've ever had." I look over at Prim and see she echoes my sentiment. She is nodding with fervor in between bites of her food.
"Thank you, Katniss." He says timidly, looking at me with relief and contentment. "I'm so glad you like it. I know the cheese buns are your favorite so I made some more for you to take home. There's also plenty more of everything else if either of you want seconds." He seems to gain confidence when he's speaking about his food, becoming less nervous and timid. Making delicious food is his trade, one he excels at every single day.
I'm touched by his thoughtfulness and generosity once again. I will enjoy the cheese buns for many days to come and they will serve as a reminder of Peeta and what an excellent friend he is.
"Thank you, Peeta. You didn't have to make cheese buns for us but I will absolutely enjoy having them. I'm pretty sure Prim likes them too, don't you Prim?" We both look over to find her cheeks stuffed with food, a half eaten cheese bun in front of her. She looks like a chipmunk that has happened upon a bounty of food unlike any she's ever seen, which is not far from the truth. She nods vehemently, trying to swallow so she can preserve any sense of poise that she had tried to establish.
Peeta and I both chuckle and I can feel the mood lighten. Peeta's nervousness fades a bit at seeing everything going smoothly and I can see him come to the same conclusion I did, that we are in good company, with good food and everything will work out.
For the rest of the meal we share lighthearted conversation, many chuckles and laughs exchanged between the three of us. Prim finds her voice about halfway into the meal, pausing between bites long enough to speak. She talks about her goat and her friends and other inconsequential things, all of which Peeta engages her during, asking questions and acknowledging everything she says.
I smile at the both of them, watching Peeta and my sister carry on their own conversation. Prim graciously allows Peeta to talk this time and he asks questions about what she's studying and what she wants to be when she grows up, to both of which she has a very animated and long response.
Peeta also includes me in the conversation, no small feat considering my chatterbox little sister. He asks me how I've been enjoying my time at the bakery or if there's anything I would like to be different. I tell him that yes, I am enjoying my time immensely and no, everything is perfect. He smiles a very wide, goofy grin at that and blushes.
During the course of the evening I watch him closely and find that my fascination only intensifies. Everything about him is mesmerizing and I have to remind myself multiple times that I'm being inappropriate. But I can't help myself. It seems as if my body has a reaction to him, something about him pulls me in. It's all very unnerving and confusing and I feel wrong for thinking less than pure thoughts about him.
More than a few times I find myself staring at his lips, at how plump and pink they are. At how kissable they are. And I silently reprimand myself for being so foolish. It's extremely silly to have such thoughts about anyone, let alone Peeta. I tell myself that I am not interested in Peeta in that way, though my body may feel otherwise. And even if I was—which I'm not - Peeta would absolutely, never feel that way about me.
I am a skinny little thing, though slightly less so over the past few weeks, and my features are hardly anything to write home about. I'm not ugly but I've never been particularly pretty, tonight being the best I've ever looked. I'm also very stubborn and oblivious at times, nothing like the sweet natured, curvy, blonde girl that Peeta would be best suited for. I'm not one to fawn over anybody and I'm sure that's what he's used to, being so handsome and all.
I must admit though that the idea of being with him romantically is not completely unappealing. I've never thought about anybody in that way before, and it feels strange to do so now. I shake myself out of it however, before it gets too far. That's a pointless path of thought to go down and I need to stop being so preoccupied.
I look around to find that everyone is finished with their dinners, Prim having finished off a massive plate. I have no idea where she put it, she's so tiny. I suppose I'm not one to talk though as I have cleaned my plate and had a couple cheese buns besides. I'm very full but find that I can't help but have a piece of the truly delectable pie that Peeta brings out for dessert.
It's a pumpkin pie, the crust soft and flaky, and the inside sweet and redolent of a warm hug. It's served with whipped cream on the top and I sigh at the sight, thoroughly surprised that this night just got better. Prim eats a slice too, although she already said how full she was. I don't blame her though, it's delicious. Just as good, if not better than anything I've ever had at the bakery. I don't know what sorcery Peeta possesses to make such amazing food but I'm glad that I get to be here to experience it.
Peeta clears the plates from the table when we're finished and Prim and I stiffly stand up, feeling like collapsing from the fullness of our bellies. I pull her into my side as she stifles a yawn and leans into me for support. She's had a long and exciting night and it's past her bedtime.
I turn to Peeta who is standing nearby, an expression of fondness on his face as he looks at us. "Thank you so much for tonight, Peeta. Everything was amazing. We've both really enjoyed ourselves, I really appreciate you inviting us." I say with sincerity, extremely grateful for what he has given my sister and I.
He looks delighted, staring at us with softness in his eyes. "Thank you, Katniss. This is the most homey this place has felt in a long time. I had a wonderful evening, your sister kept me thoroughly entertained. I hope we can do it again sometime." He looks away timidly as he suggests that we should do it again but I'm excited at the prospect. This has been one of the best nights I've had in a long time, filled with laughter and abundance instead of misery and hunger.
I'm so overwhelmed with feelings of warmth and comfort that I surprise myself, making a move towards him before I know what I'm doing or have time to think better of it. I pull Peeta into a hug, one arm wrapped around his shoulders and the other around my sister at my side who is barely keeping her eyes open.
He stiffens for a moment and then relaxes, putting both of his arms around me. I feel impossibly warmer and more content; like there's no place in the world I'd rather be at this moment. I'm pressed gently up against his chest and can feel his heart beating rapidly, the solidness of him enveloping me. He feels strong yet gentle, a comforting presence.
He pats me on the back and pulls away, unsure of himself. I feel instantly cold, robbed of the warmth of him. I force myself to step back and remember myself; that I have to go, that I should leave before simply being around him makes me delirious.
His cheeks are red and he looks flustered but content. He smiles at me, one of those big goofy ones and I smile back, instantly forgetting whatever I was worrying about.
"I should be getting her home probably, before she collapses." I motion to my practically sleeping sister, her face pressed into my waist.
"Of course, let's get you two home. He motions towards the door, his hand ghosting at the small of my back for the briefest of seconds. An electric charge shoots up my spine and I feel instantly awakened, following him and clutching my sister tighter.
When we reach his car I look between the door and my sister, unsure of how I'm going to hoist her up there in this state. Peeta notices my predicament and holds his hands out.
"I can lift her up, if that's ok." He says, again unsure of himself.
"That would be a big help, thank you," I say, relieved that I'm not going to have to embarrass myself by trying to get her up there.
Peeta places the bag of cheese buns in the car before he takes her gently from my arms, placing one hand behind her back and the other under her knees. She stirs a little bit but remains out of it for the most part.
He places her on the seat with the utmost tenderness and steps back, holding the door open as I slide in beside her. She cuddles into my side once I get in and buries her head in my neck. Once Peeta gets in the car and closes both the doors, he takes a moment before starting the car to stare at us. He has this peculiar soft and adoring expression on his face, as though my sister and I are the most beautiful thing he's ever seen.
He shakes his head a little bit and starts the car, carefully navigating the dark dirt roads. The car is silent as we drive, but it's peaceful. I don't feel the need to fill the car with mindless chatter.
We arrive at my house sometime later and once again, Peeta rushes around to open the door for me. I smile at him as I carefully disentangle my sister from me and prop her up so I can exit. Once I'm out of the car he carefully picks her up the same way as before.
"I can take her to bed if you want." He says, saving me the hassle of having to haul a grumpy Prim up the stairs.
"That would be great, thank you," I smile and lead the way into the house, a bag of cheese buns in hand. I motion for him to follow me and we climb the stairs, his strong arms cradling Prim securely. He follows me into her room and I turn back the covers so he can place her down. He gingerly puts her into her bed, tenderly, as if she was his own sister.
He surprises me then and pulls the covers up over her before giving her a quick kiss on the forehead. The action is full of love and adoration and I find myself even more transfixed than I had been previously. I'm shocked that he has so quickly taken such a protective role with my sister, putting her to bed with such care.
We exit the room and I close the door, careful not to wake her. We descend back down the stairs and stand awkwardly by the door for a moment, neither of us knowing what to say. I decide to break the silence and my stupor by trying to express my gratitude.
"Thank you, Peeta, I can't tell you how much this night meant to both of us. Thank you for inviting us into your home and cooking us an amazing meal and being so wonderful with my sister. Thank you for everything." I say, sincerity saturating my tone. I'm practically on the verge of tears; I'm so full of emotion, something that is new and scary. I hope he can sense how much I mean everything I've said.
I think he can because he smiles big and wide and runs a hand through his thick, curly hair so blonde it looks like spun sunshine.
"You're very welcome, Katniss. I would be more than happy to have the both of you over again, anytime. Thank you for coming, this was the best night I've had in a long time." He says slowly, timidly and my heart breaks for this boy. This lonely boy, so modest and kind who has welcomed me and my only family into his life. I don't know what to do with all these feelings so I let my body do what it wants to and hug him.
He doesn't stiffen this time, only melts into the hug and holds me tight against him. Here I am, standing in my entryway, embracing Peeta Mellark and it feels like just about the most right and natural thing I've ever done. I feel his thick arms around me, the soft hairs at the base of his neck, the head turned into my shoulder.
After a moment that ends far too soon we let go. And he smiles, that big goofy grin that I love. We both walk towards the door and he opens it, looking back at me with his ruddy cheeks and his happy face.
"Goodnight, Katniss," He says, "See you tomorrow."
"Goodnight, Peeta," I say, "See you tomorrow."
He walks down the driveway and I stand in the doorway, watching him go. He looks back at me as he gets in his car, the same smile still looking back at me. We both wave as he gets in his car and drives away.
After his car is out of view I go back inside and close the doors. I don't move for a moment and then I touch my lips, finding a smile I didn't even know was there.