—"The 10th anniversary of the fall of the Snow Regime in Panem, here is the footage of Peeta Mellark literally on fire, side by side with his wife Katniss Everdeen Mellark, aka the Mockingjay. Peeta Mellark's powers remain a mystery to this day but sources say they emerge when his loved ones are threatened. The Mockingjay and her husband are known for their brave acts during the Rebellion, also known–"
-CLICK-
"Daaaaaaad!"
"Wiiiiiiillow," Peeta teased his daughter and ruffled her dark locks for good measure. "You have watched that footage a thousand times."
"It hasn't been a thousand times, Daddy," she said crossly, looking up at him.
"Hmm. Regardless, time to turn off the holo and get ready for guests!"
"Family's not guests, you know."
"That is the last time I let you spend a weekend at Jo's and Gale's. You came back with such a smart mouth."
"Uh, I got that from Mom." Peeta raised his brow.
"Well you and your smart mouth go get changed and then you can set the table. Where's Aster?"
"He's outside with Mom." Peeta frowned and peered through the window. His wife was crouching next to a mini-version of Peeta. Except for the eyes. Peeta loved that his son had his wife's stormy eyes. He turned back to his daughter and she blinked her big blue eyes at him. Identical to his. It was still unreal, nearly seven years later, looking into his daughter's face and seeing his eyes.
"Ok, I'll go get him, you go wash up." The little girl huffed and jumped off the couch, running up the stairs to her room. Peeta brushed flour off his hands and pushed
the front door open.
"Hey, what are we doing out here?"
"Aster found a four-leaf clover," Katniss smiled at their son. The little boy giggled and showed the plant to his father. Peeta gasped and swept his son into his arms, kissing his pudgy cheek.
"That means you will have the best luck, my sweet boy!" The sun reflected off the little boy's blonde curls as Peeta bounced him in his arms.
"I just sent Willow up to get changed. Everyone will be arriving soon, you know."
"I was getting ready to take a quick shower," she stood and brushed off her knees. "Are we sure we have room for everyone?"
"Jo called to say they can't make it. She doesn't want to travel with the birth so close. Gale was going to come on his own but he doesn't want to leave her."
"We just saw them, so it's ok. And I already talked to Annie so I know they will be here. Cinna said that Skye has been sick so she and Chase might not make it but Cinna will be here."
"Then yeah, we should be fine. Want me to get him changed while you take a shower?" She kissed his cheek before kissing her son's head.
"That would be great, thanks. I won't be long." She stomped on the mat outside the door (Peeta kept the house as clean as possible and it drove him crazy when his wife and kids tracked in mud from the woods) and pulled the door open. She tilted her head, her nostrils flaring.
"It smells amazing in here."
"I hope it tastes as amazing as it smells. Come on big boy, let's get you dressed up for your birthday party!" Aster reached his tiny fingers up toward his father and Peeta kissed them.
"Go on," he nodded to Katniss, who gave him a grateful smile before jogging up the stairs. Peeta carried Aster into the nursery, still bouncing and rocking the boy. He grabbed the outfit that Katniss had laid out for him, a gift from Cinna and Chase, and quickly set to undressing his son.
Peeta hummed to himself as he gazed down at his grinning son. Aster kicked his feet and Peeta laughed as he squeezed the boy's toes.
It was obvious that Peeta adored being a father. Katniss had blessed him with two perfect children and he thanked her every single day. Willow had her father's calm temperament and preferred to help him in the kitchen rather than be outside, though she did occasionally accompany her mother into the woods. Aster was rowdy and loud, and extremely attached to his mother. Katniss had complained that she could never have a moment to herself because Aster would scream for her as soon as he was out of her sight. She hoped he would grow out of it but the boy was three years old today and was still like her little shadow. Peeta didn't think Katniss truly minded.
He loved how much she loved them. She had been afraid, of course, they both had. When he had asked her to think about it, he forgot just how much they had been through. How his torture and experiences had left invisible scars. But when Willow came, they learned together and were so grateful for the sweet moments with their daughter. Aster had been a bit of a surprise but no less loved. Peeta secretly hoped for one more, even though Katniss said that two was enough for her.
Once he had finished dressing his son, he kissed his cheek and carried him into the kitchen. He set him in the high chair so he could check on the cake, and looked up as Willow entered the room.
"I think Uncle Rye and Aunt Madge are here."
"Will you let them in please?" She nodded and ran toward the door. She waved at her cousins through the glass before pulling the door open.
"Hi Junie!"
"Hi!" Juniper embraced her cousin as her twin, Jett, tugged one of Willow's braids as he passed.
"Stop!"
"Jett, be nice," Madge admonished as she walked up behind her children. "Hi Willow."
"Hey Aunt Madge. Daddy is in the kitchen."
"Hi cuz," Kisra hugged Willow from behind. She motioned for her Uncle Bing and Aunt April to come in as well, followed by Haymitch who tousled her hair as he passed. She squealed when she saw a handsome man push open the gate, followed by a sweet-looking red-head and a child who looked just like the man.
"Daddy, Uncle Finn and Aunt Annie are here!"
"She doesn't get that excited about us," Rye scoffed.
"She sees you everyday," Madge poked him in the shoulder.
"Princess Willow!" Finnick scooped her up and she giggled as he kissed both of her cheeks.
"Hi Uncle Finn!"
"Hello sweetheart," Annie was more reserved than her husband as she kissed Willow's hair.
"Hi Finn!"
"Hi Willow!" The boy threw his arms around Willow and nearly picked her up.
"Your son is such a flirt, Finnick," Peeta said quietly as he hugged his old friend.
"That's my boy," Finnick responded with a wink.
"How do you put up with him, Annie?"
"I still don't know," she rolled her eyes but gave her husband a fond smile.
"It's great to see you both. Wow Finn, you've grown! You're going to be taller than your dad soon!" The boy grinned up at him and nodded.
"Speaking of grown," Finnick gaped at the toddler in Haymitch's arms. "Who is this big guy?" Peeta grinned.
"Say, I'm the birthday boy," Haymitch grinned.
"Katniss will be right down, by the way, she just got home from the woods." Peeta ushered them into the sitting room and he did a double glance at the window. Two
men and a little girl had entered the Village and were walking toward the house. His eyes widened and he jogged down the porch steps.
"I was afraid we weren't going to see all of you this weekend," he embraced the fashionably-dressed man.
"And miss little Aster's third birthday? Skye is feeling all better now, aren't you baby?" The little girl nodded and Peeta hugged her tightly before hugging the other man.
"Katniss will be excited to see you. Come on inside and have a drink, I know you guys must be thirsty."
"We're fine, Peeta, don't fuss over us."
"It's what he does, babe," Chase laughed and Peeta merely shrugged.
Katniss was welcoming everyone just inside and her smile widened when she saw who accompanied her husband.
"You made it!"
"Katniss, darling, you are looking sexy as hell!"
"Chase," Cinna sighed exasperatedly. Peeta shrugged again.
"I mean, I agree with him."
"It's fine for her husband to say that. Not so fine for my husband to say it."
"Good thing Katniss is used to Chase's antics," Peeta nudged the man.
"Uncle Cinna! Uncle Chase!" Willow flung her arms around them both and then grinned up at Skye.
"It's great to see you, Skye!"
"You too, Willow!" Chase and Cinna had adopted Skye several years back and had only brought her to 12 a handful of times so Willow was still rather shy around her. Still, Willow was a gracious host like her father and gestured the children to follow her into the living room where party games had been laid out.
"Willow, wait for your brother," Katniss laughed.
"I am! C'mere Aster." She took her brother's hand and pulled him over to the table.
"She's so good with him," Annie muttered as they watched the kids play their games. "It sort of makes me want to give Finn a little brother or sister." Finnick started choking on his lemonade and Peeta snorted as he clapped his friend's back.
"She was pretty upset that she didn't get a sister at first," Katniss chuckled. "But she warmed up to him. He likes to stay by her side but he prefers to be outside so
when she is in the kitchen with Peeta, he is in the woods with me."
"Hello? Where is everyone?"
"Hey sis, in here," Peeta called, peeking around the corner. Prim entered the hallway, followed by someone they hadn't seen in a long time.
"How have you been, Max?" Peeta shook the boy's hand after he embraced his sister.
"Really well, actually. I, uh, I hope I'm not interrupting. I was, uh, visiting Miss Primrose in the Capitol and she convinced me to come along. Since I have never been to 12, I eagerly accepted. I hope you don't mind." Peeta cast a grin at Prim before clapping Max's shoulder.
"Happy to have you here! Come in and have some refreshments. We are just about to cut the cake."
"Where's my little boy," Prim squealed as she entered the sitting room.
"Aunty Primmy!" Aster ran right into Prim's arms and Willow nearly tackled them both.
"Here Katniss, can you put this with the other gifts," Prim laughed, holding a gift-wrapped box up in the air. Katniss smiled and took it, setting it on the table behind them that was already laden with gifts.
"Alright, who wants cake?"
"MEEEEEE," the kids all screamed in unison.
"Let me help you, Peeta," Bing stepped over the kids and followed his brother into the kitchen. They quickly sliced the cake and set them onto plates, which Rye and Madge distributed around the room. Max floundered around, asking if he could help but Peeta insisted he sit down and enjoy himself.
As the sun started to set and the kids started to settle into a sugar-induced coma, the adults gathered in the kitchen to help Peeta clean up. Haymitch's lap had become the resting place for Willow, Juniper, and Jett while Aster slept in his aunt Prim's arms.
Finnick grinned at Peeta from across the kitchen island.
"So what are the little guy's plans for tomorrow? You know where I come from, we only have one birthday."
"Nothing wrong with stretching out the festivities," Peeta shrugged in response as he wiped a plate dry.
"He spoils his children," Katniss shot him a fond look.
"Little guy has been through a lot this year. With that ear infection that came back four times and breaking his arm, not to mention the nightlock scare. He's given me more grey hairs than I can count."
"Which I can find and point out so easily since his hair is so blonde," Katniss teased.
"Which she does. Constantly." The room echoed with laughter.
"You know, I think the last time we were all in a room together, we were getting ready to fight a war," Rye said thoughtfully. Katniss's eyes widened and she looked around.
"I think you're right," Finnick nodded.
"Who could have guessed that we would all be sitting around, happily celebrating our children," Annie said softly, leaning into her husband. Finnick automatically wrapped his arm around her waist and glanced up at Katniss.
"How about you, Mockingjay? Did you ever believe this could happen?"
"Honestly? No. But Peeta did. And his hope kept me going. He kept saying he saw this in his dreams. So I had to believe it could be real."
"That's our Peeta," Rye nudged his brother. "Eternal sunshine." Peeta shook his head though his smile didn't fade.
"So anyway, since everyone is staying in 12 for a few days, we thought we would check out that new splash pad they just built. I'm glad they finished it before summer is over."
"It's been so hot," Madge complained. "I'm excited to see it finished."
"Skye is excited to stay in a hotel," Chase grinned. "She says she doesn't have to make the bed since we're not at home."
"It's gotten awfully quiet in there. Think we should check on them?"
"They've probably tied Haymitch and Prim to the chairs and snuck out," Rye shrugged.
Everyone, including Prim, Haymitch, and Max, were all asleep. The kids were slung over the sofa or in Finn's case, curled up on the floor.
"Should we wake them?"
"You can leave them here if you want," Peeta whispered. "We can all meet up at the splash pad in the morning."
"Skye still doesn't do well away from us," Chase said, already bending down to scoop up the little girl.
"You mean you don't do well when she's away from us," Cinna teased quietly, pushing his daughter's hair out of her face.
"We'll see you all in the morning," Chase whispered, making his way to the front door.
"I feel like we should at least put them in a bed," Madge shook her head. "Or put down blankets. Or something."
"Prim and I slept on the floor for years," Katniss whispered with a grin. "It's good for them. Builds character."
"And causes terrible back aches," Peeta chuckled. "Let's just wake them up so they can get some proper sleep before a day of fun." Madge and April nodded their
agreement and both mothers leaned down to wake their children.
Grumbling and bleary-eyed, the kids followed their parents home while Peeta scooped Aster up and carried him to bed. Haymitch kissed Willow's hair before making his way back to his house and Prim informed them that she and Max would be staying in the hotel. Katniss's brows raised high.
"In separate rooms, I hope?"
"Katty," her sister hissed, her face bright red. Max's was even redder. Peeta tried not to laugh as he bid them good night and locked the door behind them. Katniss was already pushing a half-asleep Willow to her room and Peeta glanced into the living room, sighing at the giant mess of wrapping paper and boxes. He went to the kitchen for a trash bag, then proceeded to clean up the mess.
Katniss walked in and leaned against the threshold, watching her husband silently move across the room. He felt her gaze and raised his brow.
"By all means, keep staring at me and don't help."
"Thanks, think I will," she grinned. He tossed the bag aside and wrapped his arms around her waist, tugging her forward. She giggled and draped her arms around his neck, leaning in to kiss him.
"Are the kids asleep?"
"Completely knocked out. Do you want to head up to bed?"
"Can I enjoy a few minutes of quiet with my gorgeous wife?" She smiled, her fingers wrapping around his curls.
"Sure."
He pulled her down to the couch and she cuddled into his side. They merely enjoyed each other's presence and temporarily blocked out the rest of the world. With both children asleep, the house was silent and Peeta focused on his wife's steady breathing. He suddenly stood, surprising her, and she blinked as he made his way around the room, lighting several candles. He turned out the lights and turned back to face her.
Katniss smiled up at him, the candlelight flickering and sending shadows over her face. Her hair was loose and cascaded down her back and her eyes seemed to glisten. Peeta was mesmerized and held out his hand, which she took.
"Dance with me?" She smiled and stood, laying her head on his shoulder.
"We don't have any music."
"We can make some." He hummed in her ear for a moment, as he twirled her around the empty room.
"Cause we were just kids when we fell in love
Not knowing what it was
I will not give you up this time
But darling, just kiss me slow
Your heart is all I own
And in your eyes, you're holding mine"
Katniss smiled at the old song they had danced to the night they found out she was pregnant with Willow. It was one of Madge's favorites and Peeta loved the lyrics. Katniss tried to get him to sing to her more often but he always insisted she was the singer in the family.
She relished moments like this, when he released his inhibitions and traveled outside his comfort zone.
She wrapped her arms around him tighter and imagined her father playing for them in the background.
"Baby, I'm dancing in the dark with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song
When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath
But you heard it, darling, you look perfect tonight"
He hummed in her ear as she sighed against him, feeling their hearts race in unison. His fingers tightened around hers.
"Baby, I'm dancing in the dark, with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song
When I saw you in that dress, looking so beautiful
I don't deserve this, darling, you look perfect tonight"
She leaned back and her loving gaze captured his.
"I don't deserve this," she sang along with him.
"But you look perfect tonight," they finished together and merely stared into each other's eyes for a moment.
"I love you, Peeta."
"I love you more than words can express, Katniss. My life with you is perfect. Truly."
"It's perfect," she nodded in agreement.
And it was.
END.
WHEW. Thank you for ALL of the sweet comments and messages and for sticking with me all this time! I loved writing this and hope you loved reading it. The epilogue is my apology to my poor Everlark for putting them through so much, but I love happy endings, as most of you know! I'm a firm believer that their son's name is Rye in canon but since Rye is still alive in this one, I didn't want to name their son the same thing. "Aster" is still a plant and it means "star" circling back to the "star crossed lovers".
Of course the song is the lovely "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran. I don't own the lyrics or any of the characters.
This definitely isn't it for my writing! I'm currently working on a Lore Olympus fic and have several more in the works, including Miraculous Tales of LadyBug and Cat Noir as well as Avatar the Last Airbender! I LOVE writing Everlark and won't stay away from Peeta and Katniss for too long!
All my love and thanks to all of you!
~panskiss xoxox