Chapter 13: New Oven

As the days drag on, I feel a gnawing feeling hanging around my being that I can never shake. Peeta has done so much for me these past several months. I have never liked owing someone, and I owe him much more than I could ever repay.

But that doesn't mean I can't try to repay him.

The idea comes rather easily, despite my growing exhaustion at carrying so much extra weight. If I could afford one at a decent enough price…. it could do so much for him! It would be perfect!

Thankfully, I have saved the money bag Peeta gave me the night we copulated, so one day, when Mother and Prim are out to see a patient and Peeta is at work, I go into town. Besides, the blacksmith is not far within the Seam. The coins are enough to buy just what I need. It's not new, but the blacksmith assures me it runs just as well. I don't mind. My family has never been concerned with concepts like new or old. The blacksmith is able to load it into a cart and help me all the way back to my house and set it up.

Now all there's left to do is wait for Peeta.

That evening, Peeta returns home from work. This time, I am waiting for him on the front porch and adore seeing him come up the path.

"Hey!" he laughs, tickled that I am out here. I stand slowly from the rocking chair and he moves to help me, but I wave him off.

"Fine, I'm fine. Peeta…. there's something I want to show you." I reach for the door, then turn back. "But first you have to close your eyes. It's a surprise."

Peeta raises an eyebrow, amused, but does as I ask. I open the door, and taking his hands, I excitedly lead him inside.

"Can I open them?" he asks.

"No, not yet. Wait here." I move to the window and let the setting sun's light in. Peeta squints, eyes still shut.

"Now can I open them?"

"All right," I smile. "Now!"

Peeta opens them and his face goes slack. An oven sits in one corner of the kitchen. He approaches it and runs a hand across the top. Despite it being used, second-hand, he is acting as if it is brand new. "Where did you get this?" he breathes.

I blush and look at my feet. "The money you gave me. That night. I….. I thought this way, you could work from home sometimes. Not have to worry about your mother." The one thing I can't admit is that I want him home with me more often. But, given how well Peeta can read me, maybe I don't have to say that.

"I could kiss you right now." He must be overwhelmed at my gift to say such a thing. Then, I look up, surprised just in time before he takes my face in his hands and kisses me deeply, right on the lips.

Peeta's hands cradle my head and I let out a gasp into his mouth. After a moment, I smile against his lips and gently kiss him back. He really did like it…..wow, he tastes so good…

If he keeps kissing me just like this, I should give him presents more often!