Here's a nice long one for yall. Have a great weekend! :)

When I wake up again, I feel a warmth and a glow that I have never experienced before. I glance sideways and I smile at the boy lying beside me. I know he is the reason my heart is so full right now. I lean up to take him all in and my heart starts to thunder in my chest. He's like an Adonis, the way his golden hair falls in his face and the sheets barely cover his pelvis. I move my legs and there is an ache between my thighs that reminds me of what we had done. Mine. That's all I can think of in this moment. I had thought for the longest time that Peeta had long ago lost his virginity to some Merchant girl. I was sure someone else had that claim. But when he told me last night that I was his only one, I admit I felt my heart start to beat so loudly, I didn't think my chest could contain it. I can't say that I imagined losing my virginity because I didn't think it would ever happen. But what Peeta and I shared last night was indescribable. He was gentle and perfect. And I love him even more.

Feeling sweaty and sticky, I gently push the blankets back and do my best not to wake him. The phone downstairs starts to ring and I glance at him, biting my lip. He is sleeping so peacefully, he looks pristine and perfect. I decide to ignore the phone; it's not really my house anyway. I give him a little kiss before I gather some clothes and take them into the bathroom.

I love Peeta's bathtub. I suppose because of his leg, he has an extension that allows him to sit and the shower rod is curved so that there is more space between the wall and the curtain. Another bar is nailed to the wall, to help him get in and out of the tub, I imagine. I test the water first, then step in and sigh as the hot water hits me. Standing under the faucet for a moment, I allow the water to hit me in the face and I raise my arms toward the sky. I'm almost reluctant to wash away the kisses and touches Peeta placed on me but I have a feeling that wasn't a 'one-time' thing. I for one am looking forward to the next time and I can only hope he feels the same.

Lost in my thoughts, I don't hear the door open or the familiar clunk of a plastic leg on the floor. Peeta is shockingly quiet when he pulls back the curtain and steps into the tub with me. His arms wrap around me, one hand on my stomach and one covering my breast. At the same time, he leans in to kiss my neck and I gasp, nearly knocking him in the face with my head.

"Easy, easy, it's just me," he says soothingly into my ear. I relax in his arms but turn my head and scowl at him.

"Don't DO that."

"I'm shocked you didn't hear me come in. Thought you said I was loud."

"You are but I guess I'm just daydreaming."

"Mm? What about?" He kisses my neck and I close my eyes, tilting my head to allow him more access. The feeling of his tongue raking along my flesh makes my brain go fuzzy. His hand on my breast massages gently and rubs my nipple between his fingers. I turn to him and wrap my arms around him to kiss him. I realize his prosthetic is off and he is leaning against the wall for support. He bends down a little and takes my breast into his mouth, my fingers wrapping in his silky strands and holding his head in place as he takes me into his mouth. His fingers find my folds and I moan a little too loudly. He jerks back and gives me a look of concern.

"Are you ok?" This is Peeta. Always caring about others, never once putting himself first. I don't know why it took me so long to realize that I love him.

"Just...really sensitive. And a little sore," I admit, almost ashamed. His brow furrows and he leans forward to kiss me.

"Let me help," I watch as he sinks to his knee and braces himself with his hands. Looking up at me, he leans forward to kiss my stomach and he smiles when it flinches. He gently lifts my leg and drapes it over his shoulder so that he can get closer. I watch his fair head move between my thighs and I cry out when his tongue touches my center. He is gentle, moving his tongue up in strokes that make me want to scream his name again and again. He hesitates, then inserts his finger and curves. He looks up at me to make sure I am still ok and I bite my lip as I gaze down at him. His hands rest on my hips as he pulls me into him, his tongue thrusting in and out at a faster pace. I grab his hair and throw my head back against the tile. Shit that hurt but I barely notice the pain in my head.

"Katniss?" I hear the concern in his voice and I know it must have sounded pretty bad but I shake my head.

"Don't stop," I pant and he continues his work. He reaches up and kneads my breast while his tongue brings me to the brink of insanity. I scream his name as I collapse forward, Peeta catching me in his strong arms. He struggles to stand back up and I help pull him to his feet, yanking his hair to bring him in for a kiss. He smiles against my lips and my hands roam his perfect body. His hands are on my breasts again, then he is turning me to face the wall. My cheek presses against the cold tile and I feel him grip the bar in front of me. He lifts my leg again and grips himself while he rubs against me. I can't stand the teasing and I reach between us to grasp him and bring him into me.

"Hang on," he murmurs in my hair. I protest but turn to see him lean over the tub and pull his clothing toward him. He grabs a small package and tears it with his teeth. My brow goes high to my hair as I smirk up at him.

"You planned this, didn't you?" He glances up at me as he fits the condom over himself.

"I hoped for it," he whispers, blushing a little. He gently turns me back to face the wall and I feel his lips on my back. I feel him pressing against my backside and I reach down to grasp him, bringing him into me. Despite what I said about being sore, I feel an emptiness there that only Peeta can fill. It's only uncomfortable for a moment when he first enters, but then he is thrusting and hitting that spot that destroys me. I press back into him and reach around, cupping his buttocks as I pull him deeper into me. We can't get close enough. I literally try to absorb Peeta into me. He grunts as he slams into me, though he pulls out a moment later and I can tell he is struggling.

"Damn leg," he mutters. I waste no time in helping him sit on the side of the tub and I lower myself on top of him, keeping my back to him. He gasps when we are together again and I ride him fiercely. He wraps his arms around me and squeezes my breasts while I reach around and clutch at his hair. I feel his lips press against my back and then he lightly bites my shoulder.

"Oh god, Katniss." I grab his hand and bring it from my breast to my center, helping his fingers find that spot. They immediately do and he rubs violent circles as he thrusts up into me. I start to shake and feel that now-familiar feeling of completion.

"Shit, Katniss, I'm gonna-" as I start to come down from my high, I feel him seizing up underneath me and I try to jump to my feet. As soon as I am off, he grabs himself and tugs upwards, throwing his head back. I can't help but smile when he moans my name and he leans against the wall, panting heavily. I too relax against the cold tile and close my eyes for a moment.

"God that was amazing," I hear him say. I open my eyes and find his gazing at me.

"It was," I agree. "Now I need to wash my hair before all the hot water runs out." He pulls off the condom and disposes of it before he pulls me toward him and motions for me to sit down. I sit with my back to him and feel him pour something onto my hair, and his fingers are massaging my scalp. I almost tilt my head back, it feels so good, and I hear him laugh.

"I can't wash it if you do that." I merely grunt and straighten my head and enjoy the feel of his fingers working their way through my hair.

"Ok, go ahead and rinse." I move underneath the water, which is getting quite cold, and quickly rinse the shampoo from my hair. I smell the vanilla that I always associate with Peeta and smile. I turn to him and see him still sitting.

"Turn around," I say gently. He does and I proceed to wash and rinse his hair as well. He lets out an indignant cry when the cold water hits him and he glares up at me. I can only grin.

"Your fault, you let the water get cold."

"My fault?" he cries crossly. "I wasn't alone, you know." I grin and lean forward to kiss him, silencing his protests and cheeky comments. By now the water is icy and I shiver a little as I turn it off. I turn back to face him, feeling a little frown cross my face at something he said earlier.

"Peeta…what did you mean you hoped for this to happen?" He frowns at my question and looks at me like I'm an idiot.

"Um…I wanted to do it again. And hoped you would want it too."

"But you didn't think I would?"

"Katniss-"

"Did you think that was a one-time thing?" He sighs and closes his eyes.

"I don't know, Katniss. I didn't know if you regretted last night. We didn't get the chance to talk about it, you were gone when I woke up, and I don't know, it brought back memories from the Train and the Cave and….I just didn't know," he finishes dejectedly. I sigh and take his hands. He's avoiding my eyes and I lean into him, trying to get him to look up.

"I love you," I tell him firmly. "And I loved every minute of last night. And every minute of this morning. So no, Peeta, I don't regret any of it. And I hope one day you will be able to forgive me for hurting you in the past."

"I have forgiven you, Katniss, it's just-"

"The hijacking." He looks up at me for a second and then back down. I sigh and wrap my arms around myself, the warmth from just a few minutes ago leaving me. I hate how the mood can shift so suddenly between us. I'm reminded again why I never wanted to fall in love. Too many damn emotions involved. But this isn't his fault. I hurt him so much before and then the Capitol was able to use that and magnify it by tenfold. It's my fault what they've done to him, not his.

"Can you stand?" He looks up at me quickly then shakes his head slowly.

"I may need some help," he says, bowing his head. I reach for the towels and dry myself off a bit before I hook my arm underneath his and pull him to his feet. He winces as he struggles back to his room, leaning on me for support. I hand him the towel before I run back to the bathroom and bring back his leg. He is sitting on the side of the bed, shaking his head.

"What's the matter?"

"I feel like an invalid most of the time. You're just stuck taking care of me." I frown down at him. Damn Snow to hell. Damn the Capitol. Damn the world for breaking this perfect man in front of me.

"We protect each other because that's what we do," I remind him. "You're not an invalid and I'm not always taking care of you. Sometimes you take care of me. Why is this bothering you now?"

"Because I've always done it alone. I shower alone, I sleep alone, I rub the salve into my leg at night because I'm alone. If I have trouble getting from place to place, I figure it out because I have to. I'm not used to letting another person share in my private life," he said quietly. I sigh and rest my head on his shoulder. I don't have Peeta's talent with words so I can't find anything to say to soothe him. He turns to me and his hand goes to the back of my neck, pulling me in for a kiss. I don't even notice that we are still naked. He breaks the kiss fairly quickly and rests his forehead against mine.

"I guess I am just going to have to get used to depending on someone," he says with a sigh. I cup his chin and force him to look at me.

"We can depend on each other. You're mine and I'm yours. We'll get through, together." He smiles and kisses me again. I turn away to dry off and find something to wear. Glancing out the window, I can't believe the day is very nearly done. Not that we have important jobs to do or anything but I haven't spent a whole day inside since before Peeta returned. I turn back to him to find him dressed and pulling on the prosthetic. He pulls me in to kiss me again and starts when he hears my stomach emit a low growl.

"I'm starving," I announce and he laughs quietly. Grasping hands, we descend the stairs and Peeta searches the cabinets to find something to make. We briefly mention if we should invite Johanna but then decide it's too late. Now that I think about it, she was probably the one who was calling. Some friends we are, staying in bed and forgetting about our friend who is visiting. But then when I catch glimpse of Peeta's toned muscles, I decide I really don't care.

The deer I stripped and brought with me will make a good meal with some of the greens and bread Peeta has. We immediately start getting dinner ready and I finish with the meat rather quickly. Peeta has laid out the dough on the counter and starts to knead it with his knuckles. I watch, fascinated, remembering how those hands had covered my body, had made me writhe and scream. But I really want to feel him…without the condom. All of him. Maybe I'll see about a birth control pill. I know they have started to allow the Districts to have them, now that the Capitol doesn't control everything. They had given me a shot in the Capitol but I don't know how long it lasts.

He notices me watching him and he pauses.

"What is it?"

"Oh I'm just watching you be a baker." He laughs and pulls me toward him.

"Want to help?"

"Ok," I say uncertainly. I'm not sure if I'd make a good baker but he positions me in front of him and guides my hands. I feel his hot breath on my neck and the feel of his hands on mine make me go weak in the knees. He shows me how to knead the dough with my fingers and he compliments me quietly. Then he shows me how to roll out the bread and help it take shape. When we finish, he goes to put it in the oven and turns back to me.

"You're a good student."

"You're a good teacher," I reply with a smile, which makes his smile widen. "I'll go out and pick some more greens for a salad."

We're lucky because there are a lot of greens growing nearby and even a little garden that a couple of the older ladies decided to start when we started to rebuild the District. I rifle through the garden, and stop when I come to a whole patch of dandelions. My heart starts to race and I finally understand the connection. Glancing back at the house, I gather some dandelions in the bowl and head back inside.

Peeta looks up from the paper when I come back in and he stands to greet me.

"Anything surviving this chilly weather?"

"A lot actually. And look, we have more than enough of these." He peers in and frowns.

"Dandelions? We can eat dandelions?"

"Oh yeah, they're very good for you. And you can eat the whole thing. The flowers are actually my favorite part." I show him how to break apart the pieces of the flower and we have a salad made in the center of the table. I watch him go and check on the bread and I lean against the table. When he turns back to me, I have a smile on my face. He smiles back.

"What?"

"Do you want to know what I was talking about when I told Gale I needed the dandelion?" He moves toward me, looking curious, and takes me by the waist.

"Yes," he breathes into my ear.

"Well, after you tossed me that bread, I ran home to Mother and Prim and we ate better than we had in a long time. The next day when I saw you, I wanted to thank you, but…well, I saw the bruises on your cheek and I couldn't. I couldn't bring myself to speak to you. But I saw a field of dandelions and ran home and grabbed Prim and a bowl and we gathered as many as we could. From that moment I knew we would be alright. That I could feed my family and that we would survive against all odds. After that, my mother even started to come back to us and we all sort of just started to rebuild our lives again," I pause to breathe, afraid the tears would come again. "The dandelion symbolizes hope and new life. You are that dandelion, Peeta. You gave me a new chance at life, the hope and will to go on. You're my promise of tomorrow and I have always associated you with that dandelion."

His eyes are glistening with tears and I kiss them away from his cheeks. He draws a sharp breath and caresses my face.

"I love you," he says simply. He doesn't need to say anything else. It's all I need to hear.

"And I love you," I respond. It's enough. I can finally say those words that he has needed to hear, for so long. I squeeze his hand and move to set the table but he stops me and brings his lips to mine. The kiss is so soft, so gentle, reminding me of the petals of a flower. He leans his forehead against mine and closes his eyes. I hold him close for just a moment before we break away. I set the table while he gets the bread from the oven. We eat our meal with little talk, then we clean up, and settle in the living room for a bit. We work on our Plant book that we have been working on for the longest time and several hours later, Peeta glances at the clock and announces we should probably get some sleep, and make plans to call Johanna's hotel in the morning. He makes sure everything is tidied up in the kitchen and I wait for him on the stairs. As we walk back up, I squeeze his hand.

"Have you ever thought of re-opening the bakery?" He pauses and I worry that I've said the wrong thing. It may be too soon. His family did die in the Bakery. Way to go, Katniss. But he turns to me on the landing and his eyes are wide.

"I was actually going to talk to you about that…but I wasn't sure how to ask."

"Ask me what?"

"If you would help me re-open the Bakery." I search his eyes and see his complete faith in me.

"I'm not sure how much help I would be…"

"You'd be an extra hand. You can help bake and help with the register. Help me with the books. Mostly I need you for support. I know I can't do it alone." I lean in and kiss him and feel him trembling.

"You're never alone. I'm here and of course I'll help you." He looks as happy as he did when I told him I love him. He pulls me in for a kiss and refuses to let go.

"Katniss, thank you. You have no idea what this means to me." Grasping hands, we head back into the bedroom and quietly change for bed. It seems somewhat strange and yet, almost normal, the way we get ready for bed together. We change, brush our teeth, I brush my hair out, he massages salve into his leg when he has detached the prosthetic, and we pull the blankets back and climb into bed. I resume my usual place in the crook of his arm and I lay my face against his chest, breathing him in. His hands play with my hair for a moment before they pause.

"Katniss?"

"Mm?" But he doesn't continue and his hand falls away. I glance up at him and see him chewing on his tongue. I reach up and stroke his cheek.

"Peeta, what is it?"

"Katniss, there's something I've been wanting to ask you and…well, I wasn't sure if this was a good time but I mean…I feel like, with how perfect today was, I can ask…but I don't want you to get…upset and if you don't want to, I completely understand-"

"Peeta," I say patiently, utterly confused. "What is it?"

I hear the hesitation and seriousness in his voice so I rise up off him and lean back a little. He can't seem to meet my eyes and my heart starts to race. What could be wrong now? I force myself to calm down and listen to what he has to say. He seems to be searching for words, which only make my worry grow because Peeta never struggles with words.

"I feel like I look forward to nighttime the most. Because it's my time with you. I know sleeping in your arms have made the nights more bearable and keep the terrible visions away. But I don't just want you at nighttime. I want to wake up to your face beside me, I want to come home and find you fixing up the animals you shoot, I want to bake you cheese buns for dinner every night. We already practically live together but…Katniss, would you consider moving in with me?" I'm not sure why he's so nervous. As he said, we practically live together anyway. I manage a smile and brush the hair out of his eyes. He waits with baited breath.

"You're more nervous than a schoolboy," I tease, "and you don't need to be. Of course I'll move in with you." The smile that crosses his face is one I haven't seen since before the games. It lights up his entire face, makes him become the innocent Baker's son who had not been Reaped for two games, but lives a quiet, happy life with no night terrors and no broken past. His hands go to my cheeks and he pulls me in for a kiss. I can't help but wonder if he knows. If he knows how much I hate that house now, how I can't even enter Prim's room since her death. I dread being there alone because the ghosts of the past always crawl out of the walls at night and fill my mind. I wrap my arms around his neck and respond to his kisses. He pulls back, breathless, his cheeks slightly pink and he gives me a broad smile.

"I'm really happy right now."

"Really? I can't tell," I continue to tease him. His eyes narrow and he pulls me closer, finally settling down to go to sleep.

"Well I couldn't think of any other way to get my blankets and pillows back from you." I jerk back only to see him drifting off to sleep with a peaceful, teasing smile around his mouth. Shaking my head, I kiss him gently on the lips before I lay my head on his chest and fall right to sleep.

Peeta wakes me up with gentle kisses and I stretch and smile, realizing this is my future. I had just agreed to move in with him and help him with his bakery. I still don't know what to call him- my boyfriend? My lover? No, he's still my boy with the bread. He lays on his side, one hand propping his head up while his other hand stroked my cheek.

"Tell me what you're thinking."

"I was thinking of us. How far we have come. How wonderful everything is right now." He returns my smile and leans in to kiss me. I love the way his lips meld to mine. I eagerly swallow his kisses, reaching up to grasp his curls. His hair is one of my favorite things about him and it is getting quite long now. He breaks the kiss and runs his fingertips across my lips.

"Are you going to the woods today?"

"Probably. Why?"

"I was going to go to town to talk to the Mayor about reopening the Bakery. I was hoping you would join me."

The thought that Peeta was serious about this thrilled me. It showed me more than ever that he was starting to get better. That our lives really could be better. I leaned up and wrapped my arms around his neck, leaning my forehead against his. I'm not good with words. That's Peeta who has the golden tongue. So I have to show my emotions through my actions and right now, all I can do is lean in and give him the most passionate kiss that I can muster. When I pull away, we are both breathless and his eyes are closed.

"On second thought," he whispers and I grin.

"No, I didn't mean to distract you. Let's go into town." With a quick kiss, I gently push him off me and bound to the closet to get dressed. I hear the familiar thump as he is reattaching his leg, then he limps to the closet. I quickly pick out an outfit and hurry into the bathroom, leaving him to dress. When he comes down, he phones the hotel and Johanna invites us to have breakfast with her.

When we're both ready, we open the front door and see Haymitch sitting on the porch, surrounded by his geese. He squints at us and lifts his flask.

"Where are you two off to?"

"We're going to town. Breakfast with Johanna and Peeta wants to talk to the Mayor about rebuilding the Bakery." Haymitch's eyes widen. I know he's surprised by this too. Though Peeta has been doing remarkably better, he still has slight flashbacks and I know that worries our mentor.

"That's great, kid. I've been dying for some fresh bread."

"I bake you bread every morning," Peeta scoffs and I reach down to squeeze his hand. Haymitch's eyes flick downwards at our joined hands and he grunts.

"Have fun in town."

"Have fun with your geese," Peeta responds, his eyes sparkling. Haymitch lifts his flask again and Peeta pulls me toward the road.

I have to admit, I like the safety of Victor's Village. It's a little ways from town and we don't see a lot of the reconstruction. I pass the meadow on my way to the woods but I keep my eyes straight ahead. I don't want to see the ruins of our district. I really don't want to see all the wagons carting around bodies. Even months after the war is over, they are still cleaning up the remains of our neighbors. Thom told me they never found Peeta's family. Which means they are still inside the bakery. I shudder as I think about those ghosts coming to haunt Peeta while he is working, how they could send him reeling into a flashback. Peeta senses my shiver and he brings my hand to his lips, kissing my fingers. I relax and lean into him and his arm goes around my shoulder. Here's the place I feel safest. In his strong arms. I allow him to hold me as we make our way into town. Peeta is looking from side to side, his eyes wide as he takes it all in but me, I continue to stare straight ahead. I hear people call out to us, call our names and Peeta waves but I don't acknowledge them. Let Peeta be kind enough for the both of us; he always has been. I try to bury myself into his side and his arms hold me steady.

"It will be ok, Katniss," he murmurs close to my ear. "We have each other. Everything's ok." As a natural pessimist, I can only think of something going wrong, when we are in our happiest time. But I trust my boy with the bread. I trust his optimism and his love.

When we reach town, I'm a little surprised to see a hotel here. Who would come visit 12 anyway? But it seems to be doing nicely and the woman at the front desk smiles and asks us how she can help us. Johanna is waiting for us in the little café off to the side of the hotel. She hugs us both before we sit down. Once we've sat, she raises her brow and looks us both up and down.

"Well damn. No wonder I didn't hear from you two yesterday."

"W-what? Why do you say that," Peeta stammers, starting to blush. I frown. What's going on?

"Peeta, if I thought that after-sex glow looks great on you, it's nothing next to the one I see on Katniss. Congratulations you two! Welcome to the club!" My jaw drops and Peeta looks like he's going to faint.

"What are you talking about?" I try to play dumb. I should know that I can't do it with Jo. She knows us too well. And I guess she knows this…after-sex glow, as she calls it. She just snorts and shakes her head.

"You guys want to pretend it didn't happen? Because I say it's about time!"

"Johanna," Peeta mutters, lowering his head.

"Ok, Ok. It's your lives. I'm just happy for you is all."

"Thanks Jo," I say quietly, squeezing her hand once. I'm embarrassed, it's true. But her support means the world. She really is one of my best friends. As crazy as she may be.

We spend the rest of the morning catching up and talking about what's next for all of us. Unfortunately this isn't a great topic since none of us really know what the hell to do with ourselves, besides try to live again. We avoid the topic of the reconstruction of Panem too. After all that we have been through, we're happy to see that Panem has changed. But we don't want to think about the sacrifices that have been made. When Johanna tells us to get going (she was so excited to hear about Peeta's idea for the bakery), we give her a hug and promise to stay in touch. I'm sad that she's leaving already but I'm happy that she's found someone to be happy with. She promises that she will bring George for a visit and then sends us on our way.

Soon we are in front of the Justice Building and I freeze in place. He glances at me and I take in a sharp breath.

"Peeta. Our lives were changed here." Surely he is seeing the Reaping too. Remembering his name being called.

Remembering that feeling of dread, like our lives were completely over. I can't help it. I fall to my knees, sick to my stomach.