Katniss rose the next day determined to make the best of things. She had never been a cry baby and she was not going to start on the day of her marriage. It was impossible to think of it as a wedding she determined as she went about the business of preparing oatmeal, adding sugar, and cooking in slices of fruit. A wedding day had eager expectations, sweet kisses and supportive family and friends. She knew no one here and she and Peeta were practically strangers. This was more like a long term business arrangement. One that she was certainly getting the better half of.

Peeta knocked and allowed a few moments to pass before entering. He was hoping to catch her with hair still hanging about her shoulders but she had already braided it. "I've taken care of the animals" he said sitting down to eat with her. "I also hitched up the wagon so we should be able to get going after breakfast." She nodded. The fear he had seen last night had faded but she still didn't appear eager. He smiled at her trying to ease any lingering anxiety. "This oatmeal is very good. I've never had it this way before. I usually don't care for it that much but I could eat it every day if it were this sweet."

She returned his grin. "I like it this way too" she admitted. "But I haven't had it in ages. Mama used to have it made for us this way when we were still girls." It was a simple memory but only the first involving her family that she had shared. Peeta stored away the details in his mind so that he could review them later. She had once had a family, a mother and at least one sister. Where were they now? He wondered. Probably dead if she had been left with no choice but to commit to marrying a man she had never met before.

Her family had also been at least somewhat well to do. They had been able to afford sugar to sweeten breakfast cereal and she had said that her mother had it made that way not that she had made it that way herself. Haymitch had met her in Georgia so they had likely been slave owners. He wouldn't push her for details right now. They may not be great memories and he didn't want her frowning at the altar.

It wasn't until they were on their way, bodies jostling slightly from the motion of the wagon that Katniss realized just how heavy the events of the day would be. In the next few hours she would cease to be Katniss Everdeen and would become Katniss Mellark. She would also be meeting most of her new neighbors. She took stock of her appearance. She smelled much better than when she had arrived but her clothes were still affright. Her feet were bare and her dress was in tatters and stained beyond repair. She noticed that Peeta had bypassed some of the nicer clothes he owned in favor of a newer work shirt and trousers. He owned a suit, she had seen it in the trunk. He felt sorry for her.

Most of her anxiety to this point had been focused on his expectations for later tonight but that was quickly being crowded out by the more immediate issue of making a decent impression on the community she might live in for the remainder of her days. It wasn't that she was ashamed of her poverty and lack of status. But for some reason she didn't want them to think that she wasn't good enough for Peeta.

He spoke to her occasionally as they drove along. Simple chatter about the passing animals or the weather. He was nervous too. She could tell. When she thought about it he was marrying a person every bit a stranger to him as he was to her. The difference was that he wanted a wife and wanted to be married. She simply had to go through with it as a matter of survival.

She took a good look at him and thought over the last couple days. His body was strong and his eyes were as blue as the summer sky. His smiles caused a flip in her stomach and her fingers longed to run through his blonde curls. He was a hard worker and he never complained. Since he had recovered from his initial rudeness he had been kind and courteous and he valued the contributions she had made. She could do a lot worse. She just hoped that once she was legally bound to him he wouldn't change for the worse.

Her mind continued to wander and race in circles until the church building came into view. Her heart thundered in her chest and she clenched her teeth together to keep them from chattering. They had arrived early so that Peeta could speak to the minister about taking their vows after the service but there were already a handful of people socializing as they tied up horses and exchanged pleasantries.

Several of the men greeted Peeta as he climbed down from the wagon but all eyes were clearly on her as the newcomer. She was surprised when her feet touched the ground and his hand remained at her back. It was a possessive gesture that she would normally squirm under but his touch was warm and she found that his presence calmed her nerves. "This is Katniss Everdeen" he said introducing her to the group. "Katniss came west to be my wife. If you'll excuse us we need to speak with reverend Harlan about performing the wedding for us today."

Their faces showed surprise but the men smiled and nodded. The women's expressions varied. She could see a mix of concern and sympathy from some. Others showed more disapproval and one outright hostility. She understood. Peeta was a handsome eligible man and now he would be taken. She could clearly see that he had not needed to send for a wife. Even if all of these women were married accident and disease claimed young people all the time. Any one of them would have been thrilled to have him the moment she was free.

Katniss didn't know how to react when Peeta laced his fingers through hers and pulled her with him into the church. It was a relatively simple structure, just a large rectangular room with a wooden pulpit at the front and pews lining each side. The sun shone through the long windows and highlighted the dust particles floating through the air and once the door was closed silence hung thick in the air. Kantiss felt a bit like those floating specs, unable to control the direction or pace of her existence. The minister approached them and spoke with Peeta about making them husband and wife. The events had a surreal quality like something she had read in a novel rather than something she had actually experienced.

Arrangements were made and she saw Peeta give the man several coins. More people began to file in and before long the sanctuary was teeming with life. Most who attended sat in family groups but there were also a couple of rows of single men in the back. She noted that there were no unattached females. Perhaps it would be a solid idea for more southern women to travel here. Most had worse circumstances and prospects than what she had experienced so far.

When the singing began she almost slapped Peeta's hand when it came to rest on her back. Instead, she just gave him a sideways look that he chose to ignore. It wasn't proper for him to touch her that way in the house of God. Her parents had certainly never done so. But as the service proceeded she noticed several other men giving their wives similar attention. It must be different out here she concluded. She was sorry she had not been more welcoming of his affections. He was just trying to make her feel included.

The sermon was also shorter than she was used to and before she knew it they had risen to sing the closing hymn. When it ended most people headed outside but some stayed behind to mingle and shake hands. Some men engaged Peeta in conversation and a few women spoke brief words of welcome to her. She issued polite murmurs but her eyes remained low. She could see that while most were common farmers they had shoes and proper clothing. They must think that Peeta dug her out of the trash. It wasn't far from the truth.

"Peeta Mellark" a voice rang out melodiously. Katniss turned to see a tall blonde with generous curves walking towards them. Her husband to be gave the woman a big grin and she felt her herself tighten in apprehension. "Hey Delly" he said. His voice was warm with familiarity and Katniss wanted to disappear. They were clearly on very good terms. Why was she the one going to the altar with him? Was this woman already married? Did Peeta settle for sending away since he couldn't have the woman he really wanted? It shouldn't matter but the thought made her sick to her stomach.

"Now don't hold out on me Mellark" Delly said motioning to Katniss. "Who is this mysterious beauty you've brought to our humble community and where on earth did you find her?" Katniss was sure her comments were meant to slight rather than compliment her until she saw the other woman's earnest expression and genuine smile. Peeta laughed but she wasn't sure if it was Delly's words or her enthusiasm that he found so humorous. "Dells" he said and the nickname name made Katniss's insides twist. "This is Katniss. She traveled out here from Georgia with Haymitch and we are going to get married here in a few minutes."

Delly smacked him on the back as if they were a couple of men having drinks. Katniss wasn't used to women acting this way. She wasn't offended, she just found the culture to be somewhat bizarre. "Thank God" Delly swore. "I thought you were going to hide out on that farm all alone forever." Peeta chuckled at her antics again. Just then someone called him over and he stepped away to speak with one of the tallest men Katniss had ever seen. He was stalky with thick arms and brown hair that was trimmed past his ears.

"I'm glad you've come" Delly said more quietly, taking Katniss aside the way a goose might gather a gosling. "Peeta was starting to worry me. My father owns the general store here in town so I see him more than most people and that is still a rarity. I'm not sure what his story is but he has always been really sweet to all of us. He came out here a few years ago but he has always seemed more than a little bit sad to me." Her face had fallen into a look of solemn reflection but now returned to its earlier grin. "You will be good for him. You care for him and he deserves that."

Katniss looked at the strange woman at a loss for words. "I…I barely know him" she admitted. "I know" Delly said lightly "But a few minutes ago when you thought I was interested it was written all over your face." She laughed at Katniss's scowl. "It's nothing to be ashamed of" she said. "He's very handsome and sturdy. You're babies will be adorable." Katniss knew this lady was crazy. Delly just winked at her. "You don't have to worry about me by the way" she added. "You see mister tall dark and handsome over there talking to your betrothed? That's Thom. He's the man I'm going to marry…he just doesn't know it yet." With that she gave Katniss's hand a squeeze and walked towards the men in question.

When Peeta concluded the conversation with Thom he returned to her with a smile. "Are you ready?" he asked and she did her best to nod without vomiting on his shoes. He led her to the front of the church where the pastor was still greeting a congregant. He motioned for them to take their places. She stood toe to toe with Peeta Mellark hand in hand. She didn't know him from a stranger a few days ago but she would be spending the rest of her life with him. Delly and Thom sat in the front pew as witnesses.

Her hands trembled slightly as she heard the words about loving, honoring, and cherishing. I'll do my best she thought. I'll do my best to pay him back, to not disappoint him. Peeta made her promises. The kind of promises she never believed a man would make to her. She wanted them but they frightened her too. When it was her turn she was able to say "I do" with certainty. She might not have chosen this if circumstances had been different but they were not different. This was reality and she would honor her commitment to him fiercely.

When the minister told him that he could kiss the bride Katniss panicked. She had forgotten this part. She looked at him in question. It was their first kiss and it would be in front of an audience. She lowered her eyes prepared for the soft kiss he had left the night before on the top of her head or on her cheek. Instead, he moved one hand to her hip and the other lifted her chin. His lips found hers and pressed against them firmly. She had always found the concept of putting two people's mouths together to be a bit disgusting but this was the first time she had experienced it like this. Her eyes closed of their own volition and she inhaled his scent. Both hands fell to her waist and it felt as intimate as if it were her bare skin.

When he pulled back she looked at him through a daze. Her mind was dizzy and her body felt warm and it ached in strange places. What had he done to her? The preacher announced that she was now Mrs. Peeta Mellark. She had expected to feel trapped or to be filled with dread. Neither emotion materialized, rather a sense of calm descended upon her. The kind of peace only produced by finality. It was done. There was no changing directions now. She was a married woman with a husband and farm to take care of and she would throw herself into the task immediately.

The ride home was a mix of shy glances and awkward tension. Peeta had no idea what the woman beside him was thinking or feeling. Well, that was not entirely true. He knew she was nervous and jumpy. They were nearly halfway home when he couldn't stand it anymore. "Look Katniss" he said. "I'm sorry about today. I mean…I know you didn't want to marry me." She looked at him and he could see indecision in her eyes. "It's not that" she said shaking her head. He sighed and gave her a look that revealed that he did not believe her.

She took a moment to gather her thoughts before speaking again. "It's not that I don't want to be married to you. So much has changed in a short time. I just arrived three days ago and now I'm Katniss Mellark and I don't even know what that means. I'm just anxious because I feel like I don't know what is going to happen to me. Everything may work out fine, but I'm not certain know that it will yet. I guess what I am trying to say is that I don't know you and I'm not familiar with this place or life so I don't know if want to be your wife. I just know that I am."

Her uncertainty was understandable but still disappointing and a difficult pill for him to swallow. "Peeta" she said in frustration at his sullen demeanor. "Can you honestly say that you are confident that you want me to be your wife?" He did his best to seriously consider it. "No" he admitted. But even as he acknowledged his doubt he reached for her hand. "But I do know that I like you so far." Katniss was surprised by his praise and her blush emboldened him. "You're straight forward and smart and you have a scowl that makes me want to kiss you."

She turned to him as if he had said something scandalous. "You've…you've been thinking about kissing me?" she asked, her voice sounding breathless. He nodded. "I'm thinking about it right now." His gaze fastened on her lips and she was powerless to stop them from pouting and reaching out for his. His hand cradled the back of her neck and his mouth opened as the kiss deepened. Hers followed and his tongue entered her mouth. Her eyes widened and she started to withdraw. He felt her hesitation and wasn't aggressive with his exploration. Rather he tugged gently on her lower lip and met her tongue and rubbed it lightly. Her moan told him that she appreciated this subtle play. They might have stayed that way a long time but the motion of the horses increased and resulting jostle of the wagon broke them apart.

Katniss's hand flew to her mouth. She had never been kissed that way. Not in a way that made her heart beat out of her chest with excitement. Not that made her want more. She realized that her hand was gripping his shirt and released it. Her eyes fell to her feet and she uncurled her toes. Peeta remained quiet for the rest of journey but she could tell he was pleased. She wasn't sure how she felt about it but at least she had not let him down.

When they returned to the farm Peeta went to the barn to unhitch the wagon and tend to the animals. Katniss began to prepare dinner. Eating together felt strained. Neither was sure what to say to the other. They were a married couple and in a matter of hours would be sharing a bed. "It would probably be good if we talked a little" Peeta said. "Now that we are married I would like to get to know you better and I am sure there are things you want to ask me as well." Katniss nodded. "How about just a question or two at every meal or whenever we have downtime?" he suggested and she readily agreed. The meal was nearly through and after the dishes were clean he suggested that they take a walk which she found charming.

"Why did you come out west?" she asked as they strolled along the pasture. "After I left home I spent some time traveling, never in one place very long. I worked on the railroad for a bit and also in mining. But I felt like something was missing. I kept dreaming of waving fields of grain and the sound of children's laughter." She smiled at his flight of fancy and her heart nearly tripped over itself. She hadn't heard anyone speak that way since she was a girl.

"I wanted to build something good, something fresh and brand new. I guess I thought if I built the house and made the farm profitable that the rest of my dream would just suddenly appear but it didn't. The land here is beautiful and the work agrees with me but I didn't have a clue how taxing the isolation would be." She considered this. "That's why you sent Haymitch to fetch someone." It was an observation rather than a question.

"I want it all Katniss" he said with yearning. "I want a wife…you in the house and in my life. I want to hear our kids playing when I come in from the fields." She couldn't help but notice the way his eyes lingered on her waist and belly when he spoke of children. Her insides fluttered at the thought.

He wanted to ask about her family but decided it wasn't the topic for tonight. "Who were you living with, before you came here?" he questioned her instead. "I shared a cabin with a woman named Cecelia." Her expression was pleasant and he could tell this was safe ground to tread on. "We worked for a plantation owner named Cato Jacobs, he is Haymitch's nephew actually. He was a tyrant and a cheat but I liked some of the people I worked with. Cecelia's husband was sold down river before the end of the war and she was never able to find him again."

Peeta knew that she likely worked with Negros but he was surprised but not upset to learn that she had lived with them. "You enjoyed living with her" he observed. "Oh yes" Katniss confirmed. "Cecelia and I were close, well as close as I am with people and I was attached to her children too." He put an arm around her and she leaned into him for just a moment before pulling away. "I'm sorry you had to leave them" he said honestly. "It was my fault" she acknowledged. "I got so angry when I found out that Cato had cheated us again and I lost my temper and confronted him." He stepped in front of her and took her hand. "It wasn't your fault Katniss. It was Cato's. He is the one who was using and short changing all of those people not you. If everyone would have had as much guts as you did it probably would have ended differently."

She began walking again. "I doubt it" she told him. "All that matters is who owns the land. Labor isn't worth much. He probably could have thrown us all out and hired in more freedmen or refugees." They were holding hands again and Katniss found that she liked the warmth it infused her with. "Well" Peeta sighed. "I'm sorry about your friend but at least you own land now." She nodded. "Yes" she agreed "As long as I am married to you."

It wasn't long before the air grew chilly and Peeta suggested that they retire for the night. Katniss could barely control the shaking of her limbs or the roll of nausea in her belly. He gave her a small smile as he filled the water basin then left to wash at the pump. She willed herself to relax as she washed her face and neck. It would be over soon and if she didn't resist it shouldn't hurt that badly.

She had no night clothes and she didn't want to feel any more vulnerable so she decided to sleep in her dress. When Peeta returned he walked in without knocking. She took one look at him and froze. His trousers hung low on his hips and had already been unbuttoned. He held his shirt in his hand. His muscular chest and abs were tanned from long hours over the summer and still glistened from the washing he had given them. His expression was kind and a little bit shy as he stepped forward but it didn't stop her from backing up against the wall. His shoulders were broad and he was probably close to twice her size.

Peeta was surprised to find her still in her dress. He had washed thoroughly and given her plenty of time. He expected her to be in bed already. He knew that she was nervous about her first time and thought that she would prefer to do it under the covers. He was worried too. He had done his best to listen to his older brothers growing up and he had picked some things up from conversations with other men too but no one had ever actually told him what the best approach with a virgin was. Maybe he should have spoken with Haymitch dammit. The old man would have made fun of him to the end of the world but it would have been worth it if it could have made this night easier for Katniss.

She stood at the wall opposite him wringing a wash cloth in her hands and biting her lip until he thought it might bleed. "Do you…a…want me to step outside so that you can get undressed?" he asked her. "I thought I would just sleep in my dress" she answered. "I really don't have anything else." He deflated. She didn't want to be with him. His eyes went to the floor. "Oh" he said and she could hear the pain in his tone. "I'll just get my things then. I can sleep in the barn I guess."

When he turned to go her voice stopped him. "Peeta, please don't think that I don't like you. I'm just frightened." He stopped to consider her. She was an innocent girl in a cabin alone with a man she had known less than a week, of course she wasn't comfortable. He just needed to take some time to ease her into it. "Katniss" he said and she loved how her name sounded when he said it slowly that way. He closed the distance between them and took her face in his hands. Her look was pleading, begging him for something that neither one of them could name. Her eyes closed as she leaned closer and soon he was kissing her.

His arm circled her waist and brought her closer so that her breasts pressed against his chest. She moaned when he deepened the kiss and for a few moments she was lost in it. Her hands clung to his back and she kissed him back with equal fervor. His lips fell to the crook of her neck and then he kissed along her jaw and just below her ear. Something in her core trembled and her knees weakened. Her brain was dizzy with his quiet sounds and masculine scent. She wanted it to go on and on but when his hand raised to cup her breast her body went stiff. Now it would come. He would squeeze her and lay atop her and plunge into her body until it was torn and bleeding. No! She didn't want him to do that to her.

He could feel the change in her the moment it happened. She was pliant and willing and he was hard and aching listening to her small breathy sighs. But when he dared take the liberty of touching her chest her body went rigid. He looked down and saw her eyes were squeezed shut in the anticipation of pain rather than pleasure. When he pulled back she wrapped her arms around herself in a defensive posture. She wasn't just a little uneasy, she was terrified.

He pulled her back to him. She tried to push away but he shushed her. "It's ok" he said softly, rocking her gently. He didn't kiss her again, just held her close. "Kat, I understand. You're scared. This is too soon for you. I can wait. We'll give it some time and get to know each other."

She almost couldn't believe her ears. He was giving her a way out. She leaned into the warm hug and squeezed him back. Her head rested on his chest and she shed a few tears there before she was able to calm down. "You'll…you'll wait?" she asked, her voice cracking with emotion. He nodded and she snuggled back against him again. When her body stopped shaking he gave her a dazzling boyish smile. He was a decent faker but she knew he was deeply disappointed. She also knew that her heart was in more danger than ever even if he was giving her body a little more time.

"I can keep the cattle company for a while longer" he said grabbing a blanket and turning to go. She reached out and caught his hand. "Don't be ridiculous Peeta. You don't have to sleep outside. I don't think I'm ready to share the bed just yet but I would feel much better if you were in the cabin with me and you would be warmer too." He nodded in relief and spread out the bedroll that he used when he was traveling on the floor in front of the fire.

Once he was settled she slipped under the covers as well. It took a long time but after a couple hours he heard her breathing even out and knew she was asleep. He would join her if his body weren't demanding attention. He couldn't deny that her refusal was difficult to accept but they had come a long way in a single day. They were married now and she wasn't going anywhere. They were sleeping under the same roof. She had also kissed him earlier and for a few minutes she had enjoyed it. When he thought through all of those things he could see the progress and it lightened his mood. She was still very shy but she would come around. He had to give her more time to get to adjust and in the meantime he would make sure that she could see how much better things would be for her here.