I come home to a warm house and smile when I see all the lights we hung are on and casting a cozy glow around the living room. I love how the tree glows in the corner and Katniss has made a fire, which adds to the coziness of the house. I kick off my shoes and hang up my coat and scarf as I call for my wife.
She comes around the corner holding two steaming mugs and I smile gratefully as I accept mine. She has become obsessed with the hot chocolate and I keep her supplied with it on these bitterly cold days. But they are my favorite, I'll have to admit. I love coming home from the bakery and cuddling with her on the couch. The cold makes her practically climb into my lap to search for my warmth and I can't get close enough to her.
I go to meet her in the doorway and she grins as her eyes flick upwards. I know exactly what she is looking at and I lean in for a kiss. She accepts eagerly and I feel her tongue swipe across my bottom lip. I have to say, this is probably one of my favorite Christmas traditions. Mistletoe. I've read about kissing boughs way before the Dark Days, and mistletoe was sort of an updated tradition in my book. Thankfully Katniss is so good with plants because when I described it to her, she brought home several branches. I tied them with a red ribbon and hung them in nearly every doorway in our house. Not that I need an excuse to kiss my wife but it makes things more "spirited."
When we settle on the couch together, she nuzzles up against my chest and sighs contentedly.
"Christmas is next week. Want to know what I have been working on?"
It's been killing me, quite honestly. She mentioned a few weeks ago that she had an idea but hasn't said anything more. But she's been making calls and staying in town late most days. I know she's been up to something. Now I'll finally learn what it is.
"Tell me."
"First, what are your plans for tomorrow?"
"I need to go into the bakery in the morning but I can probably get out early. Riley's getting over a cold so he may call in again. If he doesn't, I don't have to stay. Why? What's going on?" She moves from the couch and grabs a box from underneath the tree. I start to protest but she shakes her head.
"I just needed somewhere to keep it. This is what I have been working on."
When I open it, I let out a little gasp. I look up at her with wide eyes and she smiles.
"Will you go shopping with me tomorrow?" I know exactly what is going through my wife's mind and I fall even more in love with her at that moment.
"I'd love to," I say before I kiss her. Her fingers find my curls and she tugs me closer. I move the box aside and pull her into my lap. I grip her ass as I rub her against my growing erection and she lets out a little moan. Without another word, I carry her to our room and bring her apart with my hands and my mouth before I find my way inside her again.
Afterwards, we are wrapped around each other under the covers and she gently kisses my nose.
"You are without a doubt the most wonderful man on this earth." I smile and bring her down on top of me as I kiss her deeply, feeling our desire just start to build again.
"I love you," I tell her. I love how her smile widens and her cheeks flush every time I say it. I could never get tired of seeing her reaction.
And hearing her response.
"Rory, bring me some more of the chocolate cupcakes," I call hurriedly, as the customer taps her foot impatiently. He comes bursting out with a tray, which I gratefully grab and plate two cupcakes, apologizing for the wait. I take a moment to wipe my brow and sigh when Dane asks me to return to the kitchen.
"Wait, what do you mean the oven stopped working?"
"Just that. It just stopped working," Cora snaps, looking ready to cry.
"Ok, Ok. We still have a working oven. Transfer everything from this one to the other one and I'll call in a repair man."
"We're not going to be able to keep up with these orders, Peeta," Dane says worriedly. "We can't take any more for tonight. Not until we get the oven fixed." I sigh and rub my forehead. I hate denying orders but I know he's right. There's just no way to make everything with just one oven.
"Ok. Cora, you stay up front and explain that what is in the cases is all we have. Dane, you and Jana can frost the cookies and Rory, you finish baking the cookies and cupcakes in the other oven. I'll go get the repair man on the phone." My team nods and all sets to work. I'm grateful to have such great employees but feel bad when they are all running around in chaos, like today.
Once in my office, I close the door and dial the number to the place I ordered them from in District 3. I'm on hold for a few minutes before I hear a gentle knock. I put my hand over the speaker in case someone comes back and I tell whoever it is to come on in.
Katniss peeks her head in and smiles and I instantly feel a wave of relief at the mere sight of her. I prop the phone against my cheek as I hold out my arms. She rushes into them and I bury my face in her hair.
"Heard you were having a rough day," she says quietly.
"That's an understatement. I feel like I need to treat all my employees to a drink for the craziness we have dealt with this morning. I'm trying to get the repair guy from 3…hello? Yes, this is Peeta Mellark, holding for Cash Waynes. Hello Mr. Waynes. Yes, good to speak to you again as well." I quickly explain to him the problem and he promises to send someone out to inspect it.
"Mr. Mellark, you may want to consider purchasing a new oven. I'm not sure how much longer that one will hold out." I bite my lip. Katniss surprised me before we opened with a salvaged oven from the original bakery. She had taken the time to have someone come out to refurbish it so that I would have a piece of my family with me in the new bakery. I didn't want to get rid of it. On the other hand, this was the second time it had problems.
"Alright. I'll look through the brochure you sent me and order a new one." I thank him and hang up and turn back to Katniss, sighing. She wraps her arms around my waist and looks concerned.
"Do you need me to stay and help with anything?"
"Thank you sweetheart but we've got it covered. I can't leave, though. I know I told you I would go shopping with you and I'm sorry but-"
"It's alright, Peeta. I understand," she says patiently as she stands on her tiptoes and kisses my cheek. I tilt her chin and kiss her lips, feeling my tension leave me if only for a moment.
"I won't close late. So I'll be home for dinner."
"I thought we could carry out our surprise on Friday. That's two days from now and I already talked to the woman in charge. Think you could get off work?"
"I can make that work. I'm sorry I can't go with you today."
"It's ok. I'll see you at home." She winds her arms around me and kisses me and I hold her for a moment before I remember my responsibilities outside the office. I walk her to the front of the bakery, where we ignore the crooning guests and I kiss her goodbye before she hurries toward town. I turn back to the long line of customers and sigh heavily as I run back into the kitchen to help get everything in order.
When I wake up on Friday I feel giddy and just generally in a good mood. I wake up Peeta with kisses and strokes and my smile only widens when he cries out my name, his voice still husky from sleep. We hurriedly shower together and get dressed.
Haymitch is waiting for us downstairs and I am surprised to see him up so early.
"Haymitch, what are you doing here?"
"You don't think I'd miss this, do you?" I had told him about our surprise and he'd only smiled. I knew the old man had a soft spot in his heart. I guess we both do, for that matter. They help me load the cart with the many bags I had brought home the other day, and we make our way toward town.
As we approach the orphanage, Peeta jumps out of the wagon and grabs one of the bags, hurrying in the opposite direction. Haymitch and I climb down from the wagon and I smile at the woman who comes out to greet us.
Helga Wallenthall and I have become good friends since I have started to hunt for the orphanage. After the war, the home was shut down and completely rebuilt. Unfortunately due to bombing, there was even more cause for it. But it was one of the things Paylor helped me with and I made it my priority to see the home finished and staffed with kind people. I remember how terrible the conditions had once been and I am happy to say I see these children with smiles and food rather than bruises and empty stomachs.
Times are truly changing. And I love to go over there while Peeta is at work and help with the kids.
Helga hugs me and I introduce her to Haymitch. She nods politely and checks her watch.
"You're right on time. Everyone should be going to breakfast now."
"Great. We'll go in with you and say hi to the kids." She leads us inside and helps us with the bags. We leave them in the entrance and Helga leads us to the dining hall.
I hear my name as several little bundles of energy run up and hug me. I smile as I return their hugs and tousle the little golden curls at my knees. I'm particularly fond of Lara and she of me; she's from the Merchant class and lost her parents in the bombing. Her twelve-year old brother tried to take care of her but he couldn't afford to keep them both alive and he's left her here until he can make enough money to come get her. She's a complete sweetheart and I see so much of Peeta in her round blue eyes.
"Kitty-Kat, you've come to play," she squeals and I have to smile. Haymitch looks amused.
"Kitty-Kat?" I shrug. Lara has called me that since the day I met her and as many times as I tell her my real name, she prefers to call me Kitty-Kat. I find that I don't mind so much.
"What's for breakfast, Lara?"
"Porridge," she says with a wrinkled nose. I laugh and hand her a muffin from the bakery. She squeals and stuffs it into her mouth and I giggle as she climbs up into my lap. Haymitch is sitting across from me and has two little boys trying to climb into his lap. I laugh at the sight of it.
We hear the front door open and heavy footsteps in the entrance hall. Helga catches my eye and grins and I wait with baited breath.
"Ho, Ho, Ho," comes a deep voice. The children all gasp and look confused and one of the older kids cocks his head.
"That sounds like…Santa!" Right on cue, a figure in red emerges from the entrance, dragging a huge red bag behind him. He has white hair that is covered by a red hat, and a long white beard. He stomps around in black boots and he keeps one hand on his thick belt. When he catches my eye, I suck in a breath at the intensely blue orbs that seem to be gazing into my soul.
The children all seem lost and confused. Helga jumps to her feet and claps her hands.
"My goodness, children! Do you all know who this is?"
"Santa?"
"It's Santa Clause!"
"Kitty-Kat," Lara whispers. "Who is Santa?"
"He's a wonderful man, Lara," I tell her. "He flies around the word, delivering presents. Would you like to meet him?" She nods shyly and I take her hand. Helga has brought a chair for Santa to sit in and he smiles at Lara and me.
"Well hello, Lara," he says in a deep voice and Lara gasps. He chuckles and pats his lap in invitation. She doesn't hesitate to climb up on his knee and she looks up at him. His blue eyes sparkle as he looks down at her.
"Well now little one. Tell me. What would you like for Christmas?" Lara looks at me and I nod in encouragement. She starts listing several things that she would like and Santa chuckles.
"Katniss, be a dear and open that bag for me. The gift on the top should have Lara's name on it." She gasps again as I bend down to open the bag. There's a beautiful china doll with dark hair and a blue dress right on top. I hand it to him and he presents it to her. Her eyes well with tears as she squeezes the doll to her chest and I have to wipe a tear away quickly. She flings her arms around him and thanks him, before she scurries to me and thanks me too.
Helga starts lining the children up and I stand aside to help Santa pass out gifts. Haymitch even comes over to help. Lots of children still don't really know the story of Santa but they know he has brought gifts and that's all that matters to some of them. Others tell Helga they have always heard the story and why did he stay away for so long? Helga quickly saves him by telling them that times have finally changed and Santa has finally returned to Panem.
I can't describe the joy I am feeling when the last child jumps off of Santa's lap and the bag is empty. Santa rises to his feet and taps his belly.
"I need to get going. Lots more children to see. Merry Christmas, dear ones!"
"Merry Christmas, Santa," they all call back. I quickly say my goodbyes to Helga and I follow him out, with Haymitch right behind us.
Outside, we toss the bag into the cart and climb up on the seat. He picks me up and sets me on his lap and I wrap my arms around his neck.
"I never found out what you want for Christmas," he says in that deep voice of his.
"You are all I could ever want, Santa," I say softly, causing him to smile.
"Oh, please let us get home before you start all that mushy shit," Haymitch says as he clicks the reigns.
"Admit it, Haymitch. You enjoyed yourself."
"I did. You two definitely made a difference with this little surprise." We fall into silence as we ride back home. Haymitch says he is going to take a nap and he will see us later. We carry the empty gift bag into the house and as soon as the door is closed, he's spun me around in his arms.
"We're standing under the mistletoe, Santa," I giggle.
"Yes we are, Mrs. Mellark. You don't think your husband will mind if I steal a kiss from you?"
"I won't tell him if you won't." He raises a brow and I feel his hand drift lower on my thigh. I laugh as he tries to kiss me with the beard and I reach up and yank it off. The hat and white hair comes off too and I wind my fingers around his golden locks. His blue eyes gaze into mine and he leans in to kiss me deeply.
"God I love you."
"I love you, Peeta. Thank you for doing that. It was…well, it was just beautiful to watch." He smiles as he unbuttons the heavy suit. I help him with the boots and he kicks them aside. The padding he has used to make his slender frame look much plumper falls to the floor, and I stuff it in the closet with the boots. He pulls off the coat and sash and is left in the red trousers. He steps out of them and straightens up in his green boxers and his white t-shirt. We head towards the bedroom and I carry the suit into the closet, hanging them up carefully. Peeta pulls out a pair of pants and pulls them on before taking my hand and pulling me toward him.
"That was a beautiful surprise. Did you make the suit by yourself?"
"Sae and her granddaughter helped. George sent me the beard and wig from the Capitol. I just thought it would be so wonderful for the children to have a real Christmas. So much tragedy in their short lives and not many of them have known any real happiness. I saw every one of them smile today. You did that."
"It wasn't just me. It was all your idea and the gifts were great. You are going to make the best mother one day." I tense up and he freezes. He bites his lip and looks anxious.
"I…Katniss, I'm sorry. I didn't mean-"
"It's…it's ok. Let's um…let's go make some lunch?" He nods and tentatively reaches for my hand. I kiss his palm and he relaxes. After I change into some more comfortable clothes, we head down to the kitchen together and make some sandwiches and soup. Peeta watches me over the rim of his cup and I just chew silently. He knows I'm thinking and he probably knows what I'm thinking about.
A mother. I still tense up at the word and yet, today, I could actually imagine watching my own children visit with Santa. I feel such joy when I'm around those kids, especially Lara. Would it be the same if I had one of my own? Or would I just be racked with worry the entire time? I know how much Peeta wants them someday.
Maybe someday I'll change my mind. Just not today.
When we finish eating, he takes my hand and leads me into the living room. He turns on all the Christmas lights and then gets a fire going. We curl up on the couch and he pulls his Christmas book out, as I lay over his lap. He reads several stories aloud. First, 'the Gift of the Magi', about a couple who buys each other gifts for Christmas that actually wind up being useless because they have sold the other part of the gift. Next he reads 'Twas the Night Before Christmas', followed by 'Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Clause'.
I relax as I listen to him read. I love his deep voice, the way he so eloquently speaks, and the way he can paint a picture with his words. I feel my eyes growing heavy as I lean into him and his voice brings me comfort and peace.
I wake up to the feeling of being carried and I blink up at him.
"I can walk, you know," I say tiredly and he smiles down at me.
"I know," is all he says but he continues to carry me into the bedroom. He gently sets me on the bed and climbs in behind me. He pulls me against his chest and he kisses my hair as I feel myself relax and fall asleep again.
Surprise! I didn't want to post just a short chapter! I know I need to stop saying it was my favorite chapter sooo, I thoroughly enjoyed writing this one and hope you all liked it too! I'll do my very very best to post one on Easter but no promises! Love to all! XOXOXO