A/N: Thanks for reading that last chapter! I hope you enjoyed it and enjoy this one! I love you all!
Disclaimer: Suzanne Collins owns the characters! Mandisa owns the song, Not Guilty!
Katniss's POV- Wedding
Peeta's hands woke me up in the morning; they were tracing as soft as a feather from my hands, to my forearms, then biceps his fingers going up and down from the scars, and then finally up my collarbone and to my face, tracing my cheek. I tried to make my breathing stay even to enjoy his hands on me for a little longer. Before his other hand traced from my collarbone back down my stomach, in between my breasts, to my bellybutton, and his hand stopped on my thigh. My breath caught and I silently cursed myself for doing that.
"Oh, your awake." Peeta whispered, moving his hand from my thigh immediately, although I missed the warmth of it.
Guiltily, I raised my head and looked at him for the first time today, "Good morning." I whispered.
"Good morning, Katniss," Peeta whispered, smiling at me. I smiled effortlessly back, happy to see his beautiful face.
I placed a hand on his cheek and stroked it lightly, "Hi." I whispered stupidly.
Peeta laughed loudly, "Hello, love. Our wedding is in two days." He told me, wrapping a hand around the back of my neck as if to bring me forward to kiss him.
"I know." I whispered back.
The idea of living with Peeta, waking up with him every morning, being with him until the day I die, and being able to kiss him at any time, was absolutely fine with me. I blushed smiling at my thoughts. Peeta stroked my cheek when I blushed with a soft smile on his face.
"Two days and you are finally mine." Peeta whispered. I couldn't contain my joy anymore and I practically tackled him, hugging him to the bed. Peeta laughed, "Hey now, I thought we would wait until our wedding night!"
I giggled, "I'm sorry... I just I think I am happy." I pulled back.
"You should be, Katniss. We get to spend our lives together." He kissed one of my arms.
I nodded slowly letting that sink in. "Okay." I whispered lamely.
Peeta smiled at me, "I'll go make breakfast." He said before getting out of bed, kissing my forehead, and then walking out of the door.
After breakfast, I made my way into the woods even though Gale was probably still in here I needed time to think. My wedding to Peeta Mellark is in two days. My wedding to the boy with the bread is in two days. The day after tomorrow was our wedding. I couldn't contain my smile, I was simply too excited.
Who was all invited the wedding, however? Effie, Annie, and Jennifer I am sure had made their own list but I bet I could guess most of them. Effie, Annie, Jennifer, of course, Haymitch, Cinna, Venia, Octavia, Flavius, Raiko, Ryan, Connor, Finnick, Paul… and Gale? I wasn't positive he would come but that would only mean fourteen people are coming total. I shrugged, maybe that was for the best but Effie, Annie, and Jennifer probably had their own list as I said earlier.
As I finished hunting; a turkey and two rabbits, I ran them home before not being able to sit down still for very long. So, I walked through town just to see what was built. I noticed a Church beside a bank and walked into it.
The Church was lovely, twenty benches, a piano next to a giant cross with sculpture of Jesus nailed to it. I slowly walked down the aisle idly wondering if this is where we were getting married. Then, I sat down on the piano's bench, starting to play a few keys that my father had taught me how to play, and slowly the keys became into a song, and the song had to be sung. (A/N: Song is called Not Guilty by Mandisa)
I stand accused, there's a list a mile long
Of all my sins, of everything that I've done wrong
I'm so ashamed, there's nowhere left for me to hide
This is the day; I must answer for my life
My fate is in the Judges hands,
But then he turns to me and says
I know you, I love you
I gave my life, to save you
Love paid the price for mercy
My verdict, not guilty
How can it be, I cannot begin to comprehend
What kind of Grace would take the place for all my sins?
I stand in awe, now that I have been set free
And the tears well up, as I look at that Cross
'Cause it should've been me
My fate was in the nail scarred hands,
He stretched them out for me and said
I know you, I love you
I gave my life, to save you
Love paid the price, for Mercy
My verdict, not guilty
I'm falling on my knees to thank You
With everything I am, I praise You
So grateful for the words I heard you say
I know you, I love you
I gave my life...
I know you, I love you
I gave my life, just to save you
Love paid the price, for Mercy
My verdict is, not guilty
Love paid the price, for Mercy
My verdict, not guilty
After I stopped, I was not crying simply amazed that I could actually sing the whole song without stopping to cry about Prim, mother, or father. My hands were still on the last keys and I raised them to make the song officially stop. Then, I turned to the benches and saw Peeta in the front row, his hand was over his heart and his eyes were closed with a small smile on his face.
I wondered if I should help him or not. I didn't know how to help him, because he was not exactly hurt or hurting. My wonders were stopped when he opened his eyes and looked at me, the smile still across his face and hand still at his heart.
"I just fell in love with you again." Peeta whispered.
"I'm not that good." I shook my head bashfully.
Peeta stood up and joined me on the piano bench, "Yes, you are."
I was about to say no again when he suddenly kissed me, this kiss was different; it reminded me of our first kiss back in the cave. It was searching, new, and sweet. I wanted to keep kissing him, but he pulled back and intertwined our fingers.
"Come on." He pulled me off the bench and out of the church. Peeta pulled me into the bakery, sat me into a seat, and made me sit there the whole rest of his work day. "I need to have you with me right now." He would say every time I asked.
I didn't mind though, because I loved watching Peeta work. His other love. Peeta would work with adoration. He would smile when he got the loaves in the right size or when he would make a lovely design on the cake. Peeta would usher me over and show me the cake, asked me if I wanted a piece, and when I said no he would give me a piece anyway. I smiled though; his cakes were beautiful and delicious.
After his work, we walked home hand in hand; made dinner together, and then slept peacefully. The next day, after breakfast Cinna barged through the door.
"Katniss, say your goodbyes." Cinna instructed.
I looked at him in horror, glanced at Peeta who looked the same, "I meant about the wedding. You two aren't supposed to see each other before you walk down the aisle." Cinna said impatiently.
"Well why don't you just say so!" Peeta rolled his eyes.
"Just hurry." Cinna crossed his arms, noticed my pajamas, then ran upstairs; probably to get me a new outfit that he designed.
Peeta and I looked at each other for a moment, "I love you." We said at the same time then smiled and blushed.
I walked in front of him and pulled him into a hug. "Next time I see you will be the moment I have been waiting twelve years for." Peeta whispered against my hair.
I laughed against his chest, "We are getting married at seventeen, tomorrow." I smiled.
"I know," Peeta kissed my hair, "we are defying odds again."
"I like being rebellious." I whispered, pulling back to look at him, but keeping my arms around him.
Peeta rolled his eyes playfully, "I know you do. I am the perfect one and you are the criminal." Peeta winked at me.
"Yes, I need to introduce you to the criminal's side." I smiled back at him.
"We have forever for that, sweetheart." Peeta kissed me and I heard Cinna running down the stairs behind me.
"Wrap it up." Cinna tapped his foot impatiently.
"I love you." I whispered into our kiss. "Don't leave me tomorrow."
"Not on my life would I ever leave you, Katniss. I love you too." Peeta placed his hands on my shoulders, hugging me tightly, before Cinna pulled on my arm to get me away. I was pulled from the room, the last thing I saw was Peeta smiling at me.
After that, I was taken to a hotel; where I figured Cinna, Annie, and Effie were all staying. Cinna pulled me up to a room; practically beat the door down before Annie answered along with Jennifer.
"Katniss!" Jennifer hugged me. "I am happy you came willingly."
"Willingly?" I shook my head at Cinna, "Did you tell her to say that?"
"Damn your mind-reading." Cinna huffed, pulling me into the room.
The rest of the day was spent pampering, partying, and painting my face up in make-up; while trying new hairstyles every five seconds and final fittings in our dresses. That night, I went to bed exhausted but excited for what tomorrow held.
"Katniss! Wake up! It is already ten o'clock; your wedding is in three hours hurry!" A female voice called in my face the next morning.
"It's a big, big, big day! Get up, honey bunches!" Another giddy voice said.
"Katniss, get up now!" A male voice pulled me into an upright sitting position.
"I was going." I groaned through my sleepiness. Cinna opened my eyes for me.
"Wake that pretty little head of your up; we need to get down to the church!" Annie came into the room next.
When we got down to the church, I was again caked up in make-up and after an hour or so someone knocked on the door.
"Who could that be?" Effie asked.
"No one is allowed to be in here, go run them off Effie." Cinna pointed at the door.
What we didn't except was for it to be none other than Caesar Flickerman at the door with a camera crew behind him. I was about to yell at him but I realized the camera's were on and broadcasting us; probably to all of Panem. The camera came right in front of me and Caesar winked at me before pulling out a microphone and turning towards the camera.
"Hello and welcome to my show on the road! We are here with Katniss Everdeen, soon to be Katniss Mellark, in her dressing room at her wedding. Hello, Katniss." Caesar announced turning to me.
"Hi, Caesar. I didn't think you were coming." I tried to look pleasantly surprised but I didn't think it turned out that way.
"Yes, well we like to be surprising at the Capitol." Caesar laughed. Oh, I know that. "Well, we have already interviewed Peeta so now it is your turn. Is there somewhere to sit?" Caesar looked around the large bathroom lounge place.
"Yes, we can go over here." I pointed over to a purple couch.
"The wedding is in an hour. That will give me enough time to dress her up after her interview... right?" Cinna was thinking desperately.
"So, Katniss, how are your nerves?" Caesar asked as he sat down next to me and the camera was placed in front of us.
"I am extremely nervous," I replied laughing slightly, "but I think that my excitement oversees that." I answered honestly.
"Great, well I think everyone who has been married has had those feelings." Caesar nodded slowly, "Katniss, I have been wanting to talk about something every time you interview with me, but we never have time."
"What is it?" I asked hesitantly.
"Katniss, some people think that you are the strong one in the relationship of you and Peeta. They think you are strong and he is weak. What would you say to those people?" Caesar asked.
I became angry at that question, "I hate it when people call Peeta weak. He is far from that. Peeta is a gentle natured soul; deep and poetic; brave and noble. Not a bit of a coward. It takes real strength of the heart to be the person that he is. To value one's self but to refrain from arrogance and pride. I fell in love with him, not because he's attractive, but because of his spirit. He's everything a man should be." I answered shocked at my words.
Caesar was shocked for a few seconds, just staring at me, "And you say that Peeta is good with his words." He shook his head. "I think we have a winner right here, sorry Peeta." Caesar said to the camera.
"No, definitely not," I shook my head immediately, "Peeta definitely wins in that category." I laughed at the thought of me actually speak better than Peeta; who could start a mob or make people cry with a sentence.
"That was a fantastic answer." Annie complemented me in her head.
"I can't believe that actually came out of Katniss's mouth." Effie was thinking behind the camera.
"Wow... that was incredible. Caesar was right, Katniss might win with her words." Cinna admitted in his head. I looked around at them and shook my head in their direction.
"That is beautiful, when she talks about Peeta everything comes out perfect." Jennifer sighed.
"Well, crew, maybe we should leave it at that." Caesar looked around at his camera crew, "Thank you Katniss, you look stunning. I cannot wait until you come out and you and Peeta are finally married." Caesar told me then turned to the camera, "I know all of Panem is ready as well."
I was silent for a minute. The camera was going to be on during the wedding. Of course it would, I was a fool to think that the wedding would actually turn out small with just family and friends. Peeta and I will always be haunted with cameras.
"Okay..." I replied lamely. "I am ready as well." I nodded to try and make it better.
Caesar left the room with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. I watched his back disappear behind the closed door. Before, Cinna and Annie both pulled me into a chair in front of a mirror and started to work on me again.
As they worked on me I thought about today. Today my life starts. Today my life begins. Today our lives being; Peeta's and mine. Finally one, our lives will start together and end together. Did I want that to be on camera? The obvious answer is no. But thinking about it more, we could watch it for years to come and always remember how perfect this day will be. I realized I was smiling broadly and blushing. I rolled my eyes, of course I was blushing. Simply thinking of Peeta made me blush and smile.
I hope it would always be like this. Scratch that, I knew it would always be like this. Peeta has loved me for twelve years already, I have loved him for six; since the day he threw me the bread. We would never stop loving each other. He would keep me safe and I would keep us feed. Peeta has the bakery and I have the woods we both have each other and that is all we needed. Ever.
Suddenly, I realized I had my arm linked with Haymitch's and I was walking down the aisle. I looked over at Haymitch; a sober Haymitch, thank you Jesus for Haymitch being sober for our wedding. We smiled at each other, for once not fighting.
I registered that we were getting closer and closer to my new life. I looked up at Peeta; a smiling, blushing, beautiful, Peeta. My Peeta. He looked striking in a black tuxedo with a blue tie, to match my bridesmaids.
"I love you." I mouthed to him, not being able to help myself.
Peeta looked as if he was about to cry, "I love you." He mouthed back.
I just wanted to run to him, run down this long aisle that separates us from our life together. Until finally, my hand was in his and Peeta was gently pulling me up the two steps to the platform where we would be announced husband and wife.
"You are so beautiful." Peeta's voice whispered, staring into my grey eyes.
"You look so handsome." I replied quieter.
"Are we ready to start?" The preacher asked, "Please be seated."
I couldn't listen to him as I simply stared at Peeta; who stared right back at me. I honestly wondered why I ever feared marriage.
"I Peeta Mellark, take you Katniss Everdeen, to be my wedded wife. To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish 'till death do us part. And hereto I pledge you my faithfulness." Peeta suddenly vowed as he slid a ring on my finger.
"Katniss, please repeat after me." The preacher whispered to me.
"I, Katniss Everdeen, take you Peeta Mellark, to be my wedded husband. To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, 'till death do us part." A tear ran down my cheek and Peeta's finger flicked it away, "And hereto I pledge you my faithfulness." I smiled; finishing my vows.
"Ladies and Gentlemen by the power vested in me, with all of you and God as my witness, I now pronounce you husband and wife," The preacher announced happily, "You may now kiss the bride."
Peeta's smile was contagious as he cradled my head before kissing me; meaningful and artistic as the crowd cheered. We kept it clean as we turned towards the crowd arm-in-arm smiling happily. Then, Peeta started to walk down the two steps and picked me up bridal style before carrying me down the aisle; kissing me again at the end of the aisle.
As the perfect day progressed, we listened to speech after speech of our loved ones. Mayor John, of thirteen, had a loving speech about 'victor Katniss and victor Peeta.' I was honestly, most excited to see the slide-show that Effie, Jennifer, and Annie had been working on forever.
When the three came to the microphone, I moved forward in my seat; thoroughly excited.
Annie grabbed the microphone first, "To the lovely bride and handsome groom. We have been working on this for the past month, so we really hope you enjoy. Jennifer, Effie, and I love you both very much. Enjoy." Annie said as the lights clicked off and the slide-show started to play.
The video started off with a baby pictures of both of us, then it gradually moved through our years, up until reaping, in the Games together, then us winning, and onto the Quell with some pictures of Peeta looking up at the sky with a worried expression. After that, the show went on into to the pictures that Effie had mostly taken a few days ago. Then, finally, it ended with a picture of our first kiss as a married couple.
I was shocked but happy that they could place that magical moment into that lovely slide-show. When it ended, I stood up clapping and I heard Peeta stand up clapping beside me. The three walked over to hug us.
"Thank you, that was so beautiful." I told them all.
"I agree thank you Jennifer, Effie, and Annie." Peeta nodded after hugging them.
"You are both so welcome." Jennifer nodded.
"Yes, we were happy to do it." Effie smiled happily.
"I am so thrilled you two loved it, you're welcome." Annie clapped happily.
After that, the speeches, dances, and gifts kept coming. I was passed through the crowd of men that wanted to dance with me; including Haymitch, Connor, Ryan, Finnick, Cinna… and Caesar; which was awkward. I faintly noticed that I had not officially talked to Peeta since we had been married a few hours ago. I had the chance to talk to him as I finally was back in Peeta's arms again.
I looked up at him, smiling, "So, Mr. Mellark, how are you feeling right now?" I asked lamely; because that was the only thing to pop in my head.
Luckily, Peeta laughed, "I have never been better. What about you, Mrs. Mellark?" Peeta smiled broadly, looking down at me.
"I am feeling amazing." I smiled. "I love you, Peeta."
"I love you too." Peeta whispered before letting his lips cover mine.
When we kissed, several cameras flashed trying to capture this perfect moment between Peeta and I. Clinking heels and a tap on my shoulder broke us apart.
Effie stood behind me, "Hello, lovebirds, I am sorry to ruin this moment but it is time for wedding pictures!" Effie clapped happily before grabbing my hand and pulling me off the dance floor; along with Peeta whose hand was linked securely with mine.
Peeta and I took several pictures with just ourselves. Then, the bridal party came in and after that the rest of the wedding; given there was only about twenty - twenty five people here.
Our photographer was unsure and very slow as we all huddled in together.
"Katniss, maybe you should get behind the camera." Finnick told me from beside Annie.
"No, he is just doing his job." I replied shaking my head.
"Katniss go ahead," Peeta encouraged me, "Besides, you will probably let us leave by twelve o'clock tonight." He whispered in my ear, before kissing under it.
"I agree, go ahead sweetheart." Haymitch patted me on the back lightly.
"Alright fine." I rolled my eyes, making my way over to behind the camera.
The photographer, Steve, looked guilty.
"I am very sorry, Mrs. Mellark." Steve whispered apologetically.
I shook my head, "Don't be, it is very hard to do." I replied, trying my best not to sound arrogant. Then, I walked behind the camera, adjusted the frame, and then looked back up at the group.
"Camera crew, make sure you get this." Caesar tried to whisper to the crew that was still recording the wedding.
"Okay, Cinna and Caesar, you two are going to have to squeeze in more," I told them motioning them to get closer, "Jennifer I cannot see you."
She moved her head into a window, "Can you see me now?"
"Yes, stay there." I nodded. "Alright, Peeta get more in the middle."
Peeta moved around Annie and Finnick, "Like here?" He asked.
"That is perfect." I smiled at him. Peeta winked back and I blushed immediately.
"Now, let's see," I looked into the camera again, "Finnick and Annie go back to where Peeta and I were."
They moved, "Is this good?" Finnick asked, wrapping an arm around Annie.
"That is great." I nodded happily. "And you," I pointed to Haymitch, "What is your name again?"
"Sweetheart." Haymitch scolded me.
"I'm sorry," I laughed lightly, "I had to; we were getting along for too long. Will you please move beside Effie?" I asked slightly for Effie's sake.
Effie lit up as Haymitch moved next to her, "Is this okay?" Haymitch asked.
"That is okay," I looked at the couple, "Maybe you could place an arm around her… or something to that affect?" I asked earning a laugh from the crowd and a blush from Effie and Haymitch.
Haymitch did however wrap an arm around Effie's shoulders, "Perfect." I nodded.
"Are we okay, victor Katniss?" John asked holding onto Elizabeth.
I laughed silently, "Yes. Stay right there everyone and I am going to try and squeeze in next to Peeta. Steve, will you count to three after I get over there?" I asked him.
Steve nodded, "I will. Thank you for helping me."
"Of course," I nodded before squirming my way into the crowd next to Peeta.
Peeta wrapped an arm around me immediately.
"Alright, let me count it down," Steve said shakily, "One… two… three." The flash went off. "Let me take a few more. Stay where you are everyone."
Steve counted to three a few more times, every time Peeta would change his position beside me; causing me to change with him. On one of the pictures he would kiss my cheek, the next he would kiss me properly, the next he would hold me tight and just smile at me, and so on. Finally, we were done after a few more minutes.
As we walked in, Peeta bent his head close to my ear, "Great job with the pictures Kat. You were made to take photos."
I blushed, "Thank you. I am just happy everyone agreed with me with no arguments."
Peeta laughed, "No one can argue with the beautiful bride on her wedding day."
I laughed as well, "Yes, I suppose that is also true."
Then, we made our way back onto the dance floor, shoved cake in each other's faces, ate our excellent meal that I was sure was cooked by Peeta, and finally we did our District 12 toasting.
After the toasting, our guest started to file out as we thanked them all multiple times for coming. When we were the last ones in the wedding, Peeta and I finally got to go home. As we walked through the front door of my house, we made our way to the bedroom; not kissing just walking.
I took off the heels that Cinna had given me just for today, and Peeta suddenly tackled me to the bed. I was pushed underneath him in the middle of the bed, while he was laid over me a smug smile across his handsome features.
As quick as the smug smile was on, it left into a worried expression. He got off of me and stood before me as I sat us on the edge of the bed. Did I do something wrong?
"Katniss, I'm sorry." Peeta started taking my hands, "I have just wanted this… you… for so long that I just got ahead of myself. Please forgive me; we will do this when you are ready." Peeta nodded, trying to assure me.
I looked at him for a long time, do what? Sex? A cool horribly familiar shiver ran down my spine at that thought. But, also my stomach and heart started to grow heated at the same thought. I did want Peeta, but did I want him right now? I found the answer to be obvious.
"Peeta," I whispered, "I do want this. I am ready."
Peeta looked at me and away, to his clothes, for a long time. "Are you sure? I won't be able to stop myself once we have started."
I stood up so that our bodies were flushed against each other, "Yes." I gave him a long kiss as we quickly made our way to be bed.
In the morning, Peeta and I were snuggled together, naked, watching the sunrise.
Peeta sighed, "I have been waiting for that for so long."
I giggled against his shoulder, "Did it live up to your expectations?"
Peeta turned to me, kissed my forehead, and grinned, "You have no idea."
"I think I have some." I replied with a wink.
Peeta laughed, "This is a perfect moment."
"I am so happy, right now." I sighed, laying my head on his shoulder again.
Peeta intertwined our fingers together on his chest, "I am too; the happiest I have ever been."
"I love you Peeta." I whispered.
"I love you too, Katniss Mellark." He kissed my forehead.
As we lay there, our happiness fills the room, our hearts beating as one. A smile forming as I realized this was just the beginning; the beginning of our new life; together as one.
Suddenly, Peeta laughed, "Who knew you had a way with words?"
I was confused for a moment, then I laughed with him, "You saw that?"
"I did," Peeta chuckled. "Honestly, I didn't know you could speak like that. You should have been the one talking throughout our interviews."
I shook my head, "Peeta… I only talk like that when I am talking about you."
Peeta seemed shocked for a moment, as he looked down at me, "Real or not real?"
"Real." I replied immediately.
Then, Peeta kissed me passionately and made me tell him how much I loved him. We lay in bed all day, having a few reoccurrences of last night, and just enjoying each other; married. One thought destroys my happiness just for a moment before Peeta can fill me with joy from one of his kisses.
Gale had not come to the wedding.
A/N: Thanks for reading! I decided to keep it clean! I hope you liked it!
Mh. 1021 thanks a lot!
Awesomefanficlova I think I like it better clean! Thanks for that review, because you were the only one to actually tell me clean or not clean. Haha. I loved your next chapter by the way! I keep forgetting to review, but great job!
Thank you to everyone else, if I missed you I'm sorry!