I'll be honest- it's been a bad day and I am stuck in bed so these reviews really helped and made me smile! I'm splitting up Katniss's birthday chapter because it's really long but I'm very fond of this chapter! If I can get 5 reviews before tonight, I'll post the second part of it ;) but seriously, your kind words and support mean the world on icky days like this so thank you thank you thank you!
I wake up feeling quite cozy and snuggle deeper into the covers. But I immediately notice that Peeta's warmth is gone. I glance at the window and the clock and huff. It's still really early, even for him. I don't want to get up just yet. I know I need to go hunting and Peeta is probably already at the bakery and…
I gasp, just remembering something. Today is my birthday!
Not that I have ever really cared or paid attention to my birthday but still…I'm eighteen today. Your 18th was really the only birthday we celebrated, as it meant we had survived without being Reaped or killed in the Hunger Games. The 18th is sort of a big day.
And now I would be spending it alone. Peeta wouldn't know it's my birthday. Haymitch might only because of my records but I imagine he is passed out, drunk. I feel a sense of loneliness and hurt. It's my own fault and really, what does it matter? So I lived to be another year older. Secretly, though, I wish I had said something. If only to avoid being alone for the day.
I suppose I could go help Peeta at the bakery. But I think it's my woods that call to me. So I dress quickly and head downstairs to find some breakfast. I munch on two-day old bread and decide to spread a little jam on it to soften it. I grab my game bag and my bow and take off toward the woods.
The sun has barely begun to rise and I contemplate stopping to see Peeta. But for some reason, I'm feeling a bit bitter. Even though I know it's stupid-again, how would he know what today is? But my mind doesn't feel like being logical. I find myself wanting to pout and throw a fit and say, it's my birthday damn it! I survived two Hunger Games and a war and I'm still here.
I huff again and head straight into the woods. I decide to climb up a tree and wait for something to arrive. From my place in the tree, I have a perfect view of the sunrise and I sigh as I lean back against the tree.
"Happy Birthday, Katniss," I whisper to myself without tearing my eyes away from the stunning sunrise.
Long story short, my birthday is terrible. I wound up falling asleep and falling out of the tree-I have NEVER fallen out of a tree before! I wince as I feel my bruised ankle but am thankful nothing else is seriously injured. I miss my targets and find that I have run out of arrows. Right after that discovery, I am chased by wild dogs and end up in the deepest part of the woods. I climb another tree and wait for the dogs to leave. Of course the snarling dogs below me remind me of the mutts from the Games and I wind up having a break down, in which I'm curled into myself and sobbing into my hands. By the time I recover, the dogs are gone and the day is more than halfway over. Well, at least this horrible birthday will be over soon.
Add to that, storm clouds loomed overhead from out of nowhere and freezing rain pelted my body relentlessly. I jumped from the tree and slipped down a muddy hill, bruising my backside and my wrist and getting covered in mud. I try to find some shelter from the rain and wind up crouching underneath a felled tree.
By the time I start home, the sun has set. I'm cold, aching, exhausted, covered in mud, and soaking wet. I wish I had just stayed in bed. Peeta would return home and be distressed to find me under the covers but hey, at least I would have skipped this horrendous day.
As I get closer to the house, I see the lights are all on and it looks quite cheery. I guess Peeta closed up early. I glance across and am not surprised to see that Haymitch's house is still quite dark. I shiver and clutch the bow tightly as I limp up the porch. It's a warm night but my clothes still haven't dried.
"Katniss!" The door is flung open and Peeta is grabbing my shoulders. Why is he looking so panicked?
"Where have you been?"
"You wouldn't believe the day I have had," I mumble as I limp past him. "The worst."
"But…Katniss-" I hobble into the foyer and frown when I see several balloons, hovering near the ceiling. Peeta is right behind me, breathing heavily. His brow is furrowed and he looks very bemused. I take in his appearance and notice he is dressed quite nice.
"Look, I'm just going to go up and shower-"
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" My jaw drops as I enter the room. Haymitch, Effie, Johanna, Sae, Delly, Rory, Cora, Dane, Riley, and Thom are all sitting around the living room, holding drinks in the air and grinning broadly. Haymitch guffaws loudly.
"What the hell happened to you girl? Leave it to you to show up to your own party looking like you just crawled through the trenches."
"Haymitch," Peeta says sharply from behind me. My wide eyes travel around the room and I see the looks of surprise on everyone's faces. They probably rival my own.
"Excuse us," Peeta says hurriedly as he tugs me upstairs. He closes the bedroom door behind us and runs a hand through his hair.
"Ok, you've been in the woods? Alone? All day long?"
"Well…yeah. I woke up and you were already gone. I figured you'd gone to the bakery so I just headed to the woods. I…well, it was a long and humiliating day, I won't go into it." His eyes rake me over, surveying me for injuries.
"I don't understand…didn't you find my note?" I freeze and frown.
"What note?" Peeta's shoulders slump and he shakes his head.
"Oh Katniss."
"What?" He makes his way over to the bed and is searching for something. He throws the covers aside and feels around on the sheets. He drops to the floor and I hear him let out a grunt. Shaking his head, he walks back to me and hands me a small piece of paper. My hands shake while I read it.
Happy Birthday my beautiful angel!
18 years ago, you came into this world and changed it forever. I know you haven't had too many pleasant birthdays, but today will change that. I've gone to the bakery to make you something special but I'll be back soon-stay in bed and relax. When I get home, I plan to wait on you hand and foot, and treat you like the queen you are. Queen of my Heart, thank you for loving me. I'll see you soon.
All my love,
Peeta
I look up at him, my jaw hanging wide open.
"I didn't…I didn't know…"
"It's my fault," he sighs. "I should have stayed and waited for you to wake up. I just wanted to make everything perfect for you," he adds dejectedly. I go to him and wrap my arms around him, reaching up to run my fingers through his hair.
"Everything is perfect, because you're in my life," I say simply. He tugs me closer and kisses me, his lips soft and warm. I moan into his mouth and he reaches down to palm my breast. He breaks the kiss and I feel his lips at my neck and throat.
"I can't believe you thought I had forgotten about your birthday," he murmurs as he continues his assault on my neck.
"I had forgotten," I groan. "And I didn't think you even knew when it was. I've never really celebrated it before."
"Yes but 18 is a big deal, Katniss. I expect fireworks for mine." I try to scowl at him but just wind up giggling, which takes him by surprise. He kisses me again and strokes my cheek.
"You're filthy." I grin and nod.
"Yeah, I noticed. I fell out of a tree, got chased and treed by wild dogs, and it started storming, making everything slippery and muddy." He has a pained look in his eyes but he blinks and tries to smile.
"All in all, a great birthday huh?"
"It is now," I say before claiming his lips again.
"Ok. Why don't you hop in the shower and get cleaned up and I'll keep everyone distracted? I had hoped to draw you a nice long bath but we can do that later." The way he waggles his brow at me makes me realize that he means other things are being kept for later too. I feel a sudden rush of wetness between my legs and bite my lip. His thumb traces over the spot and he kisses me again.
"I'll see you downstairs," he whispers before he opens the door and I hear his heavy footsteps going down the stairs. Yanking my muddy clothes off, I quickly hop into the shower and wash off. When I get out and dry off, I find a dress spread out on the bed. It's long and silky smooth in a beautiful shade of hunter green. I hold it up and gasp when I look into the mirror. With my dark hair and my skin tone, I actually look…very pretty. I slip it on and brush out my hair. The only thing that bothers me is that it is sleeveless and my scars seem to glow brightly. I grab one of my shear cardigans from the closet and slide it on over the dress. Perfect.
When I enter the room, I hear a wolf whistle and see Haymitch wink at me.
"That's more like it." I blush and look around the room, my eyes meeting Peeta's and I flush under his intense scrutiny. But he is looking at me like I am the most prized treasure in Panem. He sets down the vase of dandelions he is holding and makes his way to me. In front of everyone, he roughly pulls me to him and dips me low for a kiss. And I allow it. I'm smiling so hard, my face is sure to be sore. He doesn't let go of my hand and steers me into the kitchen.
"We had to reheat the food," he explains quietly and the tantalizing aroma of lamb reaches me.
"Dinner's ready, everyone," he announces and our friends pile into the kitchen. I don't know where he got the extra table and chairs but everyone is seated comfortably and Peeta serves everyone. I go to help him and wrap my arms around his waist.
"Can I help with anything?"
"You just sit down and enjoy what's left of your birthday." He gives me a quick kiss and I sit back down. Johanna comes over to me and gives me a hug.
"Happy 18th, brainless."
"Thanks Jo. You're looking well."
"So are you. Happy looks really good on you." I smile and glance back at Peeta, who is grinning from ear to ear. He's heard her, I know he has but he pretends not to notice. He finished serving up plates for everyone and my mouth waters at the sight of the lamb stew. A basket of cheesebuns is set in front of me and I immediately grab one. I feel him kiss my head as he passes by to sit next to me. When he's seated, I reach over and grab his hand and he brings our hands to rest on his knee.
"Happy Birthday Katniss," his voice rings through the room and everyone raises their glasses to me. I raise my own and bow my head in thanks.
The dinner is absolutely wonderful and I eat every bite. The talk is cheery, while Johanna asks Peeta about the bakery, or Rory asking Johanna what she is doing now, or Effie talking about her new job as Plutarch's secretary and assistant. Peeta's thumb makes tiny circles over my hand and I feel tingles all over. I find it difficult to concentrate after awhile, as his hand is gently traveling over my own. I yearn for his hands elsewhere. I'm suddenly ready for everyone to leave, to drag Peeta upstairs and to have my way with him until the sun comes up.
After we're finished eating, Peeta and Effie clear the plates away and Peeta sets a cake in front of me.
My jaw drops at the sight of it. He has created the most beautiful cake with the most perfect sunset and my beautiful woods all around it. I hear everyone compliment him on the cake but I grab him roughly and pull him to my lips. There are whistles and claps but I ignore them. I could care less. All that matters in this moment is this perfect man who has given me the sun and the moon and all the stars in the galaxy. When he breaks away, his cheeks are flushed and he has a goofy grin on his face. He starts to cut the cake and hands out pieces and we move into the living room with cake and tea.
Delly approaches me shyly, holding a lumpy package in her hands.
"Happy birthday, Katniss," she says quietly as I take it from her. I'm aghast. This evening has been unlike anything I have ever experienced and now there are gifts too?! My Seam personality tells me to shun the gifts and not to accept charity but every single one of these people are dear to me and I cherish their friendship. I thank her softly and unwrap it to reveal a green crocheted hat and scarf.
"They're beautiful, Delly. Thank you." She blushes and hugs me before returning to her seat. Dane and Cora present me with a handsome new quiver for my arrows; my old one is rather ragged and I thank them heartily.
"Annie sent this for you, from her and Finn." Johanna hands me a lumpy package and I gasp as I find a beautiful new bow. Not like the fancy one that Beetee made for me, but this one is sturdy wood with beautiful carvings etched into the handle. I test the bowstring and smile.
"Tell her thank you from me." She nods and hands me another package.
"This is from your mother. She wishes she could be here but she's planning a visit soon." I open the box to find two pieces of jewelry. A gold broach that belonged to her mother, and a crystal bracelet that Prim always loved to take out and wear. Dad had given it to her when they were married and I know it cost him a month of his paychecks. I slip the bracelet on and hear oohs and gasps of delight. Effie presents me with a perfume set in crystal goblets and when I thank her, she bursts into tears. Peeta brings in a painting that makes my heart stop. Their faces aren't shown but it's two girls, holding hands, one taller than the other. They both have their hair in two braids, one with dark hair and the other, blonde. They play together in a field of dandelions and behind them, the sun is setting among the trees. He's painted my woods and the meadow so beautifully, that I choke back a sob. When I look at him, he understands. He squeezes my hand and softly kisses my knuckles. But try as I might, I can't make the tears stop. He looks worried for a moment but I hastily wipe my face, murmuring that I'm ok. The night is starting to get late and Dane and Cora announce they need to leave. Delly and Thom are right behind them, and Rory and Riley next. I hug each of them and thank them and Peeta sees them out. Sae gives me a tight squeeze and she pats my back.
"I'm happy for you, child. Life finally seems to be treating you well."
"Thank you Sae." She gives Peeta a hug before she too leaves. Johanna approaches and my face falls.
"Are you heading back to 4 already?"
"Nah, thought I'd stick around for another day or so. Here, this is from me but don't open it til everyone leaves. You can open it with Peeta, if you want. I imagine you'll both want to try them out together."
"What are you-" but she shakes her head as Effie approaches and gives me a big hug.
"Oh my darling girl," she gushes. "Life hasn't been fair to you. To any of you," she indicates Peeta and Haymitch and Johanna, "but I'm so happy to see that you are all rebuilding your lives. You deserve it."
"Thank you, Effie," I say, squeezing her hand. She smiles and clumsily pats Peeta on the cheek before she stumbles down the porch. Haymitch rolls his eyes.
"The woman had too much to drink. Can't hold her liquor worth anything. Hey Effie!" He goes after her, yelling happy birthday to me over his shoulder, and I turn back to Peeta, who is watching me with something blazing in his eyes. He holds his arms open and I go straight into them.
"So, did you at least have a good birthday night?"
"It was the best I could ever ask for," I tell him honestly. I look up at him and he leans down to kiss me. "Thank you."
"I wish I had stayed with you. Your day could have been even better. I feel awful."
"Don't," I say firmly. "This evening was…well, it was perfect. I've never…I've never had a celebration like that. When I was little, my father brought me a pastry from your bakery. But Prim got sick that night and I gave it to her instead. Dad died a few weeks before my birthday so naturally, that year we were all too grieved to celebrate. The closest I had was when I turned fifteen, Madge came to my house and gave me a pair of nice gloves. She had also bought a loaf of bread from the bakery and we ate great for a week with that bread. Funny, even though I never actually talked to you, you helped me have good birthdays after all." He looks considering and kisses me again.
"I made you a cake for your 15th birthday," he says softly. I look up at him quickly and frown.
"Wait, what?" He nods and looks guilty.
"I made you a cake and frosted it and Dad even helped me put katniss flowers around it. But Mom found it and tried to make me sell it. When I refused, she hit me. She um…she threw it in the trash but Ryean got it out and said we should eat it in your honor. I still wanted to bring it to you but I didn't think it would go over well, me bringing you a crushed birthday cake."
"I would have loved it anyway," I tell him. I'm shocked at his confession. Is there no end to this boy's goodness? "I'm sorry you got hit because of me."
"Katniss I would take every wound and scar I have, again and again, if it meant keeping you alive and happy." I swallow at his words. I don't want to imagine his witch of a mother beating him. I don't want to think about what they did to him in the Capitol. All I want to think about is how to make him happy. I pull him down to me and kiss him fiercely. He groans as I devour him and his hands rest at my waist.
"Let's go upstairs," he gasps and I nod frantically.
Let me know what you think! Did it live up to your expectations of your idea of Peeta's plans for her birthday? What do we all think Johanna got for her? ;) Have a great night everyone! XOXO