It's a baby shower and more…

The characters of The Hunger Games Trilogy do not belong to me.

Fated to Love

Part Two, Part Eighteen

A smooth palm moving up her thigh…her own hands reaching to grip a firm bottom…

This was wrong. So wrong.

"The buffet will have cold salads, finger sandwiches and, at the little mother's request, chicken wings," her sister listed.

She shouldn't be doing this. Not when her mind was supposed to be focused on Johanna's baby shower, the upcoming marketing meeting with the Manhattan gallery that would be hosting her work, and the photoshoot for Caesar coming up.

The eager thrust and the tight arch of her back as she welcomed him inside her…

The snapping of fingers in front of her face brought her back to reality.

Katniss looked to her sister and then to Rue, who had been attending the meeting to help keep her organized. They were both grinning at her as if they knew what her mind might be on.

"You okay there, sis?" Prim asked. "You've been a bit spacey since we started this whole meeting."

"No, just a lot going in my head," she replied, her cheeks coloring in embarrassment. "I'm sorry."

"This is why I'm here, boss," Rue told her. "To help you when you're so flustered by my other boss that you get…" The woman looked over her flushed complexion and stiff posture. "…distracted."

"Is Peeta acting this way, too?" Prim inquired as she closed the folder containing the catering contract.

"It's been two weeks." Rue peered at Katniss, a wide grin on her face. "Ever since the both of you stayed at the Cranes during their honeymoon."

"Oh my God!" Prim scooted her chair closer to her older sister. "Did you and Peeta…?"

"I don't want to talk about this," Katniss said, her hands folding onto her lap.

"And, why not?" Rue demanded. "You and Peeta have been walking around distracted, looking like you're on Quaaludes with those strange little smiles on your faces—like you've seen Nirvana or something!"

"And by Nirvana, she means Peeta's penis," Prim clarified with a snort. "So did you? See his penis?"

"I'm not going to discuss any of this with you if I can't even talk to him about it," Katniss burst out. "So leave it alone!"

"What do you mean you haven't talked about it?" Rue screeched in disbelief.

"Have either of you learned anything about not talking to one another?" Prim threw her hands in the air. "Seriously, you two are more dramatic than a soap opera."

"It's not like we haven't tried to clarify what's happening," she managed to say. "After each time…" Katniss held her groans, one in delight and the other in exasperation. "We try to talk…then it happens again."

After that first time, she and Peeta laid with one another in a sated silence. Katniss intended on talking about what it meant for them…until she felt him hard at her hip again. Instead of saying anything, she straddled him, plunging onto his cock in one smooth, delicious motion.

There was a quick nap and then Sparrow had awakened at that point. Katniss fed the toddler, checking his temperature once more before letting him rest.

When she returned to her room prepared to talk, Peeta instead led her to the far edge of her bed and bent her over before—

This time it was Rue snapping her fingers in Katniss' face. "Oy, that look on your face is getting weird."

"The point of this is that you two have a whole lot to talk about," Prim told her, her stare full of concern. "You've both been through so much and I know neither of you want to ruin it."

"But…" Katniss bit her lip as she processed her thoughts. She was surprised by the pain of her next words. "What if talking about it does?"

Beautiful.

Peeta stared at the photo on his phone; Katniss and Sparrow sat on the floor of the Crane's living room as she tickled the little boy, her face lit up with joy.

That expression on her face…it was the most beautiful thing. Every bit of her glowed and he ached at the thought of having to wait until tomorrow to see her face.

Yes, it was a bit weird since they couldn't seem to have a proper conversation without taking each other's clothes off, but he had planned to talk to her after the photoshoot with Caesar's team.

There was a knock on his office door and Katniss suddenly stumbled inside, before the door shut promptly.

He stood from his desk, breathing out a smile. "Hi."

Katniss smiled back awkwardly. "Hi." She approached as he rounded his desk. "I wasn't planning to see you until tomorrow, but I was harangued by your assistant and Prim who insisted that we needed to talk—on neutral ground." Her eyes went to the couch, her face turning bright in remembrance of a recent tryst. "Unfortunately, they have no idea about last week."

"Now we do!" came Rue's voice from behind the door.

"Gross," Prim added, her remarked muffled.

"You're fired," Peeta called out.

"Very funny," his assistant replied. "I'll be at my desk ordering lunch for myself and Prim while you two have it out—in the non-sexual way."

"Argh…I'm sorry." Katniss smiled bashfully. "I wasn't paying attention during the discussion about Johanna's baby shower menu and it ended up all coming out."

"No…no." He approached her then stopped. "I'll just stand here."

"Definitely." Katniss snorted. She shifted, her cobalt skirt swinging around her legs. "Don't want to end up against the desk with my skirt up."

"So let's just get it out…do you want to be my girlfriend?" he blurted. "I know it's a bit weird to go from wife to ex-wife to girlfriend, but I want some sort of promise—a commitment that we're going to try to make this work."

"I agree." Katniss smiled brilliantly at him. "Yes, I'd love to be your girlfriend. Admitting that we're involved will get people off our backs when they have questions—and it would make me happy."

Peeta let out a sigh of relief. "Can I take my girlfriend out to dinner after the shoot tomorrow?"

She nodded, her grey eyes shining. "Yes."

Just as he thought—beautiful.

"So you're boyfriend-girlfriend now?" Gale asked from where he sat in the studio of Caesar's office. "How very fifth grade of you."

"Don't talk to me about the juvenile nature of this relationship," Katniss replied from behind the dressing curtain. The Head of Wardrobe, Flavius, along with his assistants, helped lace up her dress as she spoke to her friend. "Aren't you the one getting into the catalyst of the drama?"

"I've given Madge the space she wants," he responded, his tone hard. "Actually, the space she needs."

Katniss let out an annoyed huff. "You see how infuriating and painful it can be when people question your motives?"

The room went silent and the wardrobe team, sensing the tension, all disperse after they finished dressing Katniss.

"Listen," Gale said after a moment. "I am happy for you. It's good that you two are working your way up. Maybe I'm a little upset about this whole thing with Madge. I know you hate her fucking guts…but there's something about her that I can't seem to leave alone. I'm not asking you to support me or give me advice. I'm only asking that you listen to me just like I listen to you. You can just talk shit behind my back—like a normal friend would."

Katniss found herself chuckling. "Fine." She stepped out from behind the curtain. "How do I look? You better lie and say I look stunning."

Gale looked her over from head to toe before letting out a whistle. "You just want to be his girlfriend?" She nodded and he led her by the elbow to the three-way mirror in the studio. "Then you're doing a shit job of proving it."

The wedding dress was magnificent; a pure-white ball gown with a corseted bodice and sweetheart neckline. It was nothing short of an art piece. The full layers of tulle that made up her skirt and train were surprisingly light and easy to maneuver in. A crystal headpiece ran across her forehead before anchoring down into her low bun.

Yes—the dress was beautiful, but it wasn't her dress.

It wasn't the dress she wore the day she married Peeta in, with all her hopes and dreams for their relationship and family.

That was the only time that Katniss had ever felt like a bride.

"Is this bringing up memories?" Gale asked with caution.

She shook her head. "No." Her hands went to the voluminous skirt. "This just reminds me that a wedding—a marriage—is more than just a dress. It's about hoping for the best for your relationship."

"Honestly, I don't think that Peeta is going to think that same way once he sees you."

Katniss felt her heart leap from her chest at her friend's remark. She didn't know if her reaction was a good or bad thing.

"You are the most gorgeous thing I've ever seen!" Caesar was hurrying towards them. He looked her over before giving air kisses and fanning himself. "I think that the rose clutch will be perfect for this 'Happily Ever After' campaign! Come, come!"

Taking her by the hand, he led Katniss and Gale down the hallway, towards the elevators.

"I thought we were doing the shoot in the studio," Katniss said. Behind her, Gale started to gather the train as they got closer to the lift. "I didn't know that you had other locations."

"I decided that we should do the session on the roof," the man explained. "The sun will be setting within the hour and the light will be perfectly dramatic. Not to mention—romantic." Quickly, they stepped into the elevator and Caesar pressed his badge to the sensor inside before pressing the button for the roof. "Your young man looks very nice in navy."

Katniss smiled at Caesar. "Peeta looks good in just about anything."

The doors opened and Katniss gasped in shock at the scene.

Wall to wall white roses surrounded her, bits of sunlight streaming through the crevices, and the scent of the floral arrangements waft heavily in the air. The lighting crew along with the photographer were chatting away, stopping only to gaze admiringly at her in the gown.

"Wow."

Katniss turned, finding Peeta in front of her, his eyes glowing.

She went to him, giving him a quick kiss. "Caesar is right. Navy suits you."

Like all his suits, Peeta's were fitted to his toned physique. His tie would match her clutch, dark red and deep. However, it was his confident gait that made him so breathtakingly handsome.

"You are beautiful," he said, his hands going to her drawn-in waist. "Can you breathe?"

"Barely", she told him with a winded chuckle. She reached to adjust his tie, concentrating on the task and breathing in that spicy scent of his aftershave.

Her center tightened, remembering her lips pressing into his neck during their last time together.

"You're thinking about…it." His lips just grazed her ear and she closed her eyes, the husky warmth of his whisper making her tingle. Peeta chuckled, his palm moving along her waist. "Dirty girl."

Katniss pulled away to meet his eyes, heady and just as eager. The heels she wore were just enough for her to graze her mouth against his.

"Four years of no sex can do that to a woman," she replied and laughed. "Can't wait till our dinner."

There was a slight cough and Peeta's eyes lifted to Gale. "He's not coming, is he?"

"No, dinner is for you and me," Katniss promised. "Though it can't end in that."

"Promise. Let's do this proper and romantically," Peeta told her.

"But first, you need to kiss me," she said, her gaze moving to his full lips. "Because at least here, there are boundaries."

His hands carefully cupped her cheeks before drawing her close and kissing her deeply, caring nothing for the thoroughly-pressed lipstick on her mouth.

Her boyfriend was an incredible kisser.

"Again!" They separated just barely at Caesar's exclamation. He shoved the clutch at Katniss. "Now do that kiss again! I don't care how many takes it takes—I want to see those fireworks!"

"He's making it really difficult to keep this PG," Peeta remarked.

Katniss shrugged. "Anything to get the shot, right?"

She wrapped her arms around his neck before pulling him into another kiss.

"You never told me."

Peeta met her eyes over the candlelight. "Told you what?"

"The first time we kissed in my studio, I was telling you about the song that reminded me of you," she explained. "You never told me if you had a song that reminded you of me." Her gaze darted shyly to her lap. "Is there one?"

He grinned at her. "There is one."

"What is it?"

Katniss leaned forward in interest. They had just finished eating their dinner, quite ravenously since Caesar had been so excited over the shoot and they had been required to kiss uninterrupted, until he found "the shot".

"When the time comes, I'll tell you," Peeta told her mysteriously. "So you'll just have to be patient."

"Or, persuasive?" She stood up, her silk wrap dress moving smoothly along her slim body. "Come on."

Peeta had arranged for the back of the posh restaurant to be completely empty for them. In front of them was the local bay which reminded her of Seam Island during its later hours. It was a warm evening and the water was calm.

Standing, Peeta wrapped an arm around her waist. "How about I hum the tune? Maybe you'll get it."

Katniss huffed. "Fine." They began to sway, Peeta humming a soft, warbled tune for her. She listened carefully trying to name the tune though her mind couldn't seem to catch the melody. "You're really out of tune."

"You don't want me for my voice," he told her. "And, I always thought it was an unspoken rule that you'd be singing the lullabies."

"True," she agreed. "But, you'll tell me…one day."

"I promise," Peeta said, his mind suddenly wandering to the painting in Toad's nursery. "There are many things we need to talk about."

Then, Katniss kissed him once more and there were no more thoughts in his head.

"Where should I set up the presents table?" Cato asked.

Katniss looked around before pointing to a spot close to the entrance. "Right there and then we can put the guestbook in the same spot."

Cato saluted her. "Right-o!"

She looked over to where her mother and Prim were beginning to place some of the food on the buffet table. Rue was barking out orders to the decorators who were placing fresh flower arrangements—a combination of daisies and roses—on each round table.

Uncle Snow had the guest list at 100 people, and that was the edited version. He, along with Johanna, would be arriving after his daughter was finished with her massage, manicure, and pedicure which was all on him.

Needless to say, Johanna's father did not mind one bit that his daughter was having a baby. Uncle Snow doted on Johanna and would no doubt do the same for his grandchild.

Katniss took a breath, the sudden feeling of melancholy taking over. It happened quickly, this feeling, and it caused her face to go cold and her heart to pound.

She needed air.

Excusing herself, she went to the kitchen, passing the cooking crew, and out the back door.

However, Katniss found that she was not alone.

"Hey." She approached her Uncle Haymitch, who was loading a pallet of bottled water onto a moving cart. He looked distracted—tired even—as he smiled at her. "How are you?"

Her Uncle nodded, his hands focused on the task at hand. "Fine. How about you, sweetheart?"

"Great. Completely calm," she replied before sitting on the steps leading back into the kitchen.

"You're a bad liar," Uncle Haymitch stated bluntly.

"So are you," Katniss retorted. He sat next to her. "Must be an Abernathy trait." She took a breath, her mouth trembling as she spoke. "I'm excited, but I'm sad. I never got this far, you know."

"I know." Haymitch put an arm around her. "Neither did I, if you think about it."

Her heart clenched for the man. "I know." Katniss put her head on his shoulder. "29 weeks—the size of a butternut squash and weighing almost 3 pounds."

Her Uncle kissed the top of her head. "Thank you for telling me."

"Katniss?" They turned to find her mother at the open doorway. "There are guests arriving and Peeta is looking for you—" She stopped, seeing her brother and daughter sporting similar expressions. "I'll have Peeta greet—"

"No, Katniss will be there." Her Uncle patted her shoulder before standing and helping her up. "I'll just finish bringing these up and into the bar." He gave her an encouraging smile. "Johanna will be here soon and she needs you. Go on."

Kissing his cheek, she stood up, straightening herself, before getting ready to play the perfect hostess.

"I can't believe you did all this." Johanna turned to Katniss, smiling gratefully. "Thank you." Her hands went to her stomach as she caressed the bump affectionately. "We both want to thank you."

"So you know what you're having?" she asked, taking in the vision of her cousin in the cobalt blue maxi dress and cream cardigan. Pregnancy seemed to fit the once-sharp woman, giving her the softness of impending motherhood. "And, you've decided to not tell anyone?"

"Yes." Johanna looked to her stomach. "I wanted to give the baby pronouns, refer to him or her as a she or a he. Couldn't do that if I didn't know. Couldn't really talk to the baby without knowing what it was."

"Bet Uncle Snow is really enjoying that," Katniss replied ruefully.

Johanna chuckled. "No, it's driving him bat-shit crazy."

Katniss looked around; the baby shower was a success. The guests were currently eating the beautiful peach and buttercream multi-tier cake that Prim had spent two days making. A lot of the kids were at the onesie station decorating the tiny pieces with Enobaria's help.

Sammy was going from table to table taking everyone's guesses on the due date and baby's weight at delivery. The prize was a gift basket, courtesy of the Mellark Corporation that included an iPad with Panem Walks pre-installed, a spa package, a handmade vase created by Rue—who had a rather popular Etsy store, an exclusive Flickerman Design handbag from Katniss' collection, and finally a canvas painting of Panem of her own creation.

Johanna's expression went solemn. "I know that I've been using you and Peeta during this pregnancy. It's not fair to either of you and I'm sure there are a lot of people who think so."

"That's not what I'm concerned about." Katniss took her hand. "I'm worried that Peeta and I are almost…hijacking your pregnancy. That isn't fair to you." Her gaze searched around the party. "It's not fair to the father, either."

"I know," Johanna admitted. "I'm just so used to being alone."

"Soon, you won't be."

Her friend shifted, resting back against the cushioned chair fashioned especially for her and looking very much like a throne.

"I know." Johanna swallowed slowly, her eyes filling. "I don't want this child to be an obligation to anyone. I never expected this, never wanted kids or a relationship, and now it's all out of my control." She closed her eyes and Katniss could see the struggle. "I don't understand how I can be so happy and so unhappy at the same time."

"Welcome to the human condition," Katniss told her. "That's motherhood and life. There will be many moments like this, but you'll just have to take it one step at a time. Just remember that we all love and support you—whatever you decide for you and your child. Just try to give people a chance."

Johanna nodded in understanding, taking in Katniss' words, before reaching to embrace her.

"This could be the hormones talking, but I do love you, Katniss," she said. "As if you were my own sister. I want nothing but for you and Peeta to be happy. I want you to have what you were always meant to have."

"I know," Katniss assured her, feeling Johanna's firm swell along her own abdomen. "We're finding our way there, just different from last time."

"You two okay?" They looked to find Peeta approaching, a wide grin on his face. "Looked like you were having a real heart to heart."

"I was just apologizing to your girlfriend for being an overly sentimental fool," Johanna explained as she pushed herself up. She went to Peeta, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "I'm going to mingle…maybe grab something to drink."

She walked away, heading towards the bar, and leaving them alone.

"What was that all about?" Peeta asked.

"Johanna feels bad. She feels like she's used us," Katniss told him. "It does hurt sometimes. I see the kids and this baby shower…then I think about how Toad isn't here." She took a sharp breath. "We should've been looking at preschools for him by now."

Her hand went to her mouth, covering the sob that threatened to escape.

"Hey now." Peeta lifted her chin. "Don't think that I don't think about those things." His blue eyes were full of pain. "I just heard Sparrow call Seneca 'Dada' and it made my stomach clench, because I feel like we missed out on all of that. But when the time comes, if you and I want it—we'll get there. We just have to be patient."

"You're right." She nodded, giving him an earnest smile. "I might be in love you one day, Peeta Mellark."

Peeta leaned down to give her a kiss. "I might be in love you too, one day, Katniss Everdeen."

Actually, he was pretty much there.

Maybe he always was.

There was the sudden crashing of glass and a shout. They whipped around the bar to find Johanna bent at the bar. Haymitch and Cato, who were manning drinks, already by her side.

Rushing over, Katniss and Peeta stopped, seeing the wet spot in front of the celebrant's perfectly pedicured feet.

Johanna was in labor.

Yes, I realize that it is Labor Day, unless I've posted too late, and now it's already past.

Also, I know this part was kind of short, but well—the next one is a biggie.

The next chapter will be a difficult one for all characters and if you're a parent of a once upon a time premature baby or a current premature baby, it might be a tough read. So there will be a trigger warning.

I had a thought that the story could possibly finish at 20 chapters. However, there is still a big event that we need to get to and it's not happening the next chapter. So it's likely that FTL won't end at 20 chapters.

Madge, you ask? You probably didn't but she makes an appearance in the next chapter.

Also, if you're curious—I have pictures of the wedding dress!

Thank you for your patience. I've been working on my original story and am currently writing a very pivotal chapter for all my characters so I've been MIA.

Feedback is love, love, love. Nourish my writing soul.

Also, keep in mind that if you're a Guest on FFn, I can't reply to any questions.

Chapter 19—enter Johanna's baby.

Until then, JLaLa