Katniss POV
'Katniss. Katniss. Wake up!" Her eyes fluttered open as she felt Prim endlessly nudging on her arm. "You have to tell me everything that happened!"
Katniss put a hand in front of her eyes and the bright sunlight hit her grey orbs. She slowly sat up and grumbled, "And you couldn't wait until I at least had gotten out of bed and had a cup of coffee?"
Her sister shrugged and simply said, "No, I couldn't. I'm dying here!" The blonde pulled her older sibling out of bed by the arm. She led Katniss who was still yawning down the stairs and into the kitchen.
Forcefully, the young girl pulled out a chair and ordered the other to sit down. Pouring a cup of coffee, Prim pushed a mug in front of grateful Katniss.
"Now spill!" she finally ordered.
Katniss began recounting all the events of the previous evening. "It's pretty simple, Prim. We talked and ate dinner at that nice Italian place on Main, and then had laughs singing Karaoke. After that he brought me home." Prim was intently listening to every detail. She raised an eyebrow.
The dark haired girl blew out a breath. "Honestly, that's about it. Not really much else to report." Her sister continued to give her the eye. "Look, I had a good time. Peeta was really nice."
"Nice." Prim let the word roll on her tongue. "That's all you can say about him? Come on, Katniss. Give it up! Did he kiss you?"
A groan came out of Katniss in her frustration at the persistence of her sister. "No. He didn't kiss me. Just a hug." Her eyes looked away to the wall. "But he texted me later to say he had a really good time."
"Do you think he liked you?" Prim asked seriously.
"I thought so." Katniss remarked. "That's why I was kind of surprised he didn't kiss me. Now I'm not sure."
"Did you like him?" her sister said with more of a smirk on her face. Oh, she was good.
Katniss sighed. "Yeah, I really liked him. It felt so comfortable being with him. You know that I don't talk much, but he made having a conversation feel easy."
The young girl had a pensive look that made her seem older than her age. "Wow. I'm so glad you enjoyed it, sis."
Katniss shook her head a little and her sister protested. "No really! You deserved it. Overall, it sounds like it was awesome."
She began to tap her fingers on the table as she thought. "Maybe he was just being cautious not kissing you. You are kind of intimidating. I'll bet good money he calls you!" Prim got up and took her sister's mug to the sink. She couldn't help but give a little squeal. "I'm so jealous. My sister is dating Peeta Mellark!"
"Calm down, little duck," Katniss replied, "It was a great date, but I just don't think anything is going to come of it." She got up herself to grab a bowl from some shelves. "I guess it doesn't really matter. I'm never going to see him again anyway. He did his duty and is going back to his own life."
As if on cue, at that exact moment Katniss heard her cell phone ringing. She usually didn't receive calls this early, but maybe it was Gale.
She answered with a sleepy yawn. "Hello?"
"Good morning Katniss." Her eyes widened as she was stunned to hear Peeta's voice.
It took her a moment to gather herself together from the momentary shock. "Good morning, Peeta. How are you?" she asked. She gestured to Prim who was doing a happy dance by the stove.
Katniss quickly turned her attention back to the phone. "Great," Peeta answered. "How are you doing? Did you sleep well?"
"Fine, "Katniss responded with a smile as she began pacing back and forth around the kitchen. "That is, other than Prim waking me up before I was ready. Now that I've had some coffee, though, I'm ready to go. Are you at the airport?" She knew he had an early flight back to the Capitol.
"No, I'm not." he replied. "Why don't you look outside?"
Katniss curiously walked over to the window and pulled the curtains back. She gasped as she saw that Peeta was standing out on the front lawn. He waved at her on seeing her face. The young woman responded in kind.
"I thought you were leaving this morning," she spoke into the phone while smiling at him.
"I was," he explained, "but I decided to take a later flight. I thought if you were free today that we might spend some more time together if you would like."
He wanted to spend more time with her if she liked to. She was taken aback by this news. If she liked to? Of course she would like to. She would have to be a complete idiot otherwise. Hardly a moment passed before she answered him. "I usually go to the meadow and hike in the woods on Sunday. You could come with me if you want."
"That sounds great to me." he enthused.
"Why don't you come on in while I get ready?" she offered. "It will only take about ten minutes for me to get dressed and then we can go. Prim can get you something to eat if you haven't had breakfast."
"Ok," he says. You did promise me a brownie." She smiles at the joke. "Just let me in."
Katniss headed toward the door to welcome him. She passed by her sister first. "Prim. Can you let Peeta in? He's going to the meadow with me today. I need to head upstairs to get dressed."
"He's coming in? And you're going to the meadow together? "The sixteen year old squeaked at the news. "Oh Katniss! He must really like you!" She dashed off to the door. Katniss headed upstairs to her room and put on her most comfortable jeans and button down shirt that she always wore for her hikes. She brushed her hair and teeth, and deemed herself presentable. Not bad for only ten minutes work.
Once back in the kitchen, she was greeted by a nice sight as the handsome actor and her sister were talking animatedly together at the table while drinking coffee.
"Are you ready Peeta?" she asked. He nodded enthusiastically. "I'm just going to pack a few sandwiches and some other things for when we get hungry later." She raced about the kitchen getting the food they would need and putting them into a picnic basket. Once done, she picked up her keys and the couple began to leave.
"Bye Little Duck," she said giving Prim a hug.
"Bye!" the girl replied. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do!"
With a roll of her eyes and Peeta laughing, Katniss walked with him out the door. It was a beautiful day, and as he had his usual hat and glasses on, they were able to talk and stroll freely. She led him in the direction they needed to go to reach the meadow. Her favorite place in the world.
"So," she began conversationally. "You and my sister were talking pretty heavily about something. What was the big topic?"
"Gale," he said simply.
"Gale?" she questioned, then gave a knowing little smirk. "Are you thinking that you have some competition?"
Peeta returned the smile. "More like information gathering."
"Uh huh." she chuckled. "Look. Gale is like a brother to us. When my dad died and my mother just up and left us after that, he and his family were there for us. He helped get food and pay the bills until I was able to work enough to do it myself. He's been able to watch Prim at night when I have to work late. I know at sixteen she is quite capable of taking care of herself, but I still feel easier knowing she isn't alone. I guess that will have to change soon since Gale and Madge are getting married."
"Yeah, Prim told me." Peeta told her. "She said that she's ready to have some freedom."
Katniss looked down at the ground. "I'm sure she is. Just what every headstrong teenager needs."
Peeta laughed as he continued, "I wouldn't worry too much. She's great. You've done a good job raising her. I can't imagine having to do that when I was as young as you were."
"Thanks." Katniss felt herself stand a little taller in pride. "I know she is. It hasn't been easy, but she really does well."
They walked along in comfortable silence after this. Like the previous night, their hands had become laced together without either of them even thinking about it. Nothing had ever felt so good or so right to Katniss. His hand was strong and warm in hers. It was secure and soothing. Almost like it was meant to be with hers. A very scary thought in some ways.
As they continued to walk, they eventually talked about inane subjects and she just enjoyed the company.
"You paint too?" she asked in complete surprise. "Boy, you really are a renaissance man."
Peeta ruffled his hand through his hair. "Yeah, something I picked up on a whim in high school. I never thought I would actually be good at it."
"Well," she went on, "it's probably a step up from shooting a bow and arrow and a deep knowledge of children's and young adult literature."
"Hey!" Peeta said in mock consternation. "Harry Potter is probably one of the greatest pieces of literature in our time."
Katniss couldn't help but stop and laugh out loud until her stomach hurt. She couldn't remember the last time that had happened. It was all from the effect Peeta had on her.
As she finally was able to control herself, the young woman could see his blue eyes boring into her. "You know," he continued. "Seriously, Katniss. Don't underrate yourself. You should be proud of your passions."
The way he was looking at her she couldn't help but believe in the faith he seemed to have in her. "Thank you. I am proud of my accomplishments. They've gotten me this far."
Peeta's smile was wide as it was then they reached the meadow. Immediately, Katniss felt herself relax. This was her place, her sanctuary where she felt the most comfortable. She breathed in the air deeply then looked back at Peeta for his reaction.
"It's beautiful here." he noted. "I can see why you come."
She nodded and then picked a spot to place the blanket down along with the basket of food. Katniss suggested taking a hike through the woods first before eating, and he agreed. Katniss chuckled as she listened to his heavy tread with each step he took. Peeta was so loud, he would have scared every animal away if she had been hunting. She directed him through the paths, showing him all her favorite spots along the way. The tree she usually climbed and sat in if she was watching for game, and the little lake where she learned to swim with her father. She called out different plants to him, noting those that were poisonous and not.
They finally returned to the meadow after almost more than an hour, and found that they were famished. Peeta got out the sandwiches while Katniss put some fruit on a platter. He shared more about his life in the Capitol. She heard about where the best places to eat were, and the funny couple who worked in electronics that lived in the condo next to his. She laughed and laid back to look at the sky as he talked. He voice was so inviting, that Katniss thought she could listen to him talk all day.
She felt so relaxed, and watched as Peeta got up and began to walk around the grassy area. Katniss noticed that he was picking up dandelions that covered most of the area. With his hands eventually full, he returned to where Katniss was. He lay down beside her, and to her astonishment, began gently placing the flowers in her hair as it splayed over the blanket. She watched in awe as he did this, almost hypnotized by the action.\As he finished placing the last one in the long waves, her hear him draw closer to her ear.
"Beautiful," Peeta's husky voice intoned.
"You really think so?" she asked quietly as she turned her eyes towards him.
"Definitely." he replied, and bent down to cover her lips with his. The kiss was tender, soft, and warm like his hand had been earlier. Katniss could feel a million tingles throughout her body. She was breathless when he finally pulled away, but found herself wanting so much more.
He brushed some hair from her forehead. "I guess we better go. I have to get back to make my flight tonight."
She nodded in reluctant understanding. They got up and picked up all their belongings. Hand in hand, they made the trek towards Katniss' house. It was a quieter walk, and Katniss figured they were both lost in thought. The young woman knew that she didn't want to let him go, but that once he left that was probably going to be it. In all seriousness, how would any relationship between them ever possibly work? He lived in the Capitol, she was here. She was nobody, and he was one of the most famous celebrities in the country. She couldn't see how it could happen. She might as well enjoy these last few moments as best she can.
They had reached the streets of the town and Katniss found herself smiling up at him. All of the sudden, two things happened at once. First, she heard the sounds of cameras clicking, followed by the voices of yelling females.
"There he is!" Katniss turned towards the high pitched sounds to see a group of teenage girls her sister's age or younger screaming and running towards them. The gaggle reached them before either of them could react and literally pulled on Peeta's arm and brought him into the middle of their group.
They were talking all at once and pushing papers and pens in front of him.
"Would you sign this?" one called out.
"I'm your biggest fan!" another one yelled.
"I love you Peeta!" one in the back screamed.
Peeta was wide eyed at first, but Katniss watched as he quickly turn on a smile that could only be his "actor smile." The one that he put on for the public and his image.
"Sure, ladies, "he answered them. "I'll be happy to sign.
He picked out a paper from one hand. "How are you? What is your name?" he asked the red haired girl who literally had stars in her eyes. Peeta charmed the girls, and politely answered their questions and gave autographs to all. As he worked, he snuck Katniss a wink.
Surprisingly, a few of the girls even came over to her with questions and talking a million miles an hour
"How did you meet him? Is he as nice as he seems? Do you think you could ask if they need anyone for his next movie? You're so lucky!" Katniss was unsure at first, but finally managed to get out some semblance of an answer to each of their inquiries. It took a good twenty five minutes, but finally they took care of all the girl's needs.
"We really need to go now," Peeta politely told the group. "I need to get Katniss home." As they walked off, Katniss could hear a few more camera clicks and saw men out of the corner of her eye on the side streets. It made her feel a little uneasy, but she decided not to worry about it.
Once they were alone again, Peeta apologized. "I'm so sorry about that. I guess I forgot the hat when we left. Someone must have recognized me last night. They knew I was here. Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," she soothed. "It just took me by surprise. I'm not used to it. You were great, though. I was impressed."
"Thanks," he said. "But you need to prepare yourself." Katniss looked at him in confusion.
Peeta clarified. "You did notice the cameras, right?" She nodded. "That was the paparazzi. Our picture is going to be in the magazines in the next few days."
"Really?" Katniss said incredulously.
"Absolutely," he replied with a nod. "They won't pass up the opportunity to post a picture of me with a new girl. The public will want to have all the details."
"What does that mean?" Katniss asked. She was not sure what to expect here. This was all so new.
"It means," Peeta replied, "that you should expect lots of phone calls from reporters who will want to ask you lots of questions about you, me, and our relationship."
Katniss looked down at the ground in front of her. It was so much to take in all at once. They had only just had one date and people were going to want the complete details? She couldn't comprehend it. Peeta could see the anxiety in her face.
"I'll let Haymitch know what happened," he said to put her at ease. "If you have any questions, or if everything becomes too much for you, just let me know. I will get him to help you. You can trust him, I promise."
She must still looked shell-shocked, because Peeta continued, "You can do this. Just be yourself. They'll love you." He was trying to ease her mind and she knew it. Katniss gave him a small smile of encouragement as they finally reached the front of her house.
Peeta turned to her and said, "Even with what happened. I'm glad I stayed today."
Katniss thought about it, and as overwhelmed as she felt, didn't regret a thing. "I am too. I had a really good time. Have a safe flight back." She leaned in and embraced him tightly. His own arms tightened around her.
"I'll keep you posted on where I'm at." he said. "Take care, Katniss."
"You too." she answered. Peeta kissed her gently one more time before turning around and walked towards his car. He drove off and she watched down the road until he was out of sight. Katniss felt the bubble of her fantasy burst, and she sighed before opening the door.
"hey!" Prim called out brightly.
"Hi." Katniss replied and tried to smile.
Her sister immediately picked up the mood. "Is everything okay?"
"He's gone," she answered. "I didn't think that I would care so much. But I do." Her little duck just nodded and gave her a hug.
"Somehow, I think it's not the last you will hear from him," the young girl prophesied. "I've got a feeling."
"I hope you're right." Katniss said. "Well, let's not waste a good day."
The rest of the afternoon and evening she spent cleaning her house and hanging out with Prim. They folded clothes together and ate popcorn while watching Some Like it Hot.
Later, as she prepared for bed, she heard a buzz on her phone from a text. It was from Peeta.
-Made it back home finally. I know you are probably about to go to bed, but I wanted to let you know one more thing.
Katniss quickly typed out a reply.
-Oh yeah? What's that?
She only had to wait a minute before she got a reply.
-If one of the reporters asks you if you are my girlfriend? Be honest…say yes.
The smile that lit up Katniss' face as she fell asleep that night would have made the Cheshire Cat jealous.