Twisted Jonathan Mellark's birth…

Warnings… if you don't like rope bondage, then please don't read the middle.

There are no hidden babies, no secret babies. In fact, Daisy and Violet will be more than happy to tell you that Mama is having a baby boy.

Yes, this is a one-shot from my story Twisted. No, you don't have to have read it before you read this. But there are ropes involved. Several, in fact.

And, if you enjoyed Twisted, then you're going to love the ending ;)

kpkpkpkpkp

"Beach?" Daisy asks.

"Beach?" Her sister, Violet echoes.

"Beach," their dad, answers. He points out the window of the Suburban. "Look over there, see that blue stuff? That's the water Mama told you about." Ooo's and ahhh's reach his ears, making him smile, giving him a moment to steal a glance at his sleeping, and pregnant wife.

Mouth wide open, her cute little snore escaping every third breath like it does when she's lying flat on her back. A braid, hastily done at o'dark thirty when they left this morning, is threatening to come unraveled over her shoulder. Wide baby belly, spills over the seatbelt, and he just has to reach out to touch it.

A tiny flutter that turns into a sound kick moves his hand. Surprisingly, Katniss sleeps on and for one blissful moment, all is right in his world.

Kpkpkpkp

"Yuck," Daisy grunts as she shakes the sand off her hand. "I don't like it."

"But you play in the sandbox at home," Katniss says as she helps the four-year-old dust the wet sand off her hands. "Why don't you like it?"

"She doesn't like it because it's wet," Violet offers.

"Is that what it is?" Katniss asks as Daisy nods. "Well, let's go play in the water, then."

"Pool?"

"You don't want to play in the ocean?"

"No, Mama. Me want to play in the pool." Daisy answers and Violet nods along with her.

"Alright, then. Let's go. You have to help me pick up." She clambers to her feet and digs out her phone. "Let me tell Daddy what we're doing." The girls dance around her while she types, 'headed to the pool, the girls aren't impressed by the beach LOL."

She follows the girls across the sand. It's their first time at the beach, and they are only there because of Cashmere. She called a month ago, begging for them to come and help at one of her shows, even if Katniss is a very seven months pregnant.

At first, they said no, but as persuasive as Cash can be, she soon talked them into it. It wasn't until Peeta mentioned it to Finnick, that they found out that the O'Dairs were going too. Then after a frantic call from Prim, they were assured that it was safe, as long as Prim and Cato came along.

Cashmere even managed to get them all rooms on the same floor.

As soon as they enter the fenced in pool area, a familiar giggle greets them. Four-year-old Gracie greets her oldest friends with the twins returning her hugs. Katniss eases down beside Annie, who sits on the edge of the kiddie pool.

"How are you?" Annie asks.

Little hands pat her back as they jump into the pool. "I think the third trimester tiredness has set in."

Annie smiles a secret smile, and says, "Well, I'll be feeling that way too—"

Katniss doesn't even let her finish when she squeals. Several of the other guests turn to look, but the friends don't pay attention as they hug anyway. "How far along are you?"

"I'm right at thirteen weeks. You're the first I've told—"

Katniss gives her another hug. "I think besides Peeta, you were the first I told too."

Annie rests her hand on her stomach, where in a couple of months her baby bump will be and says, "I wonder if we're having boys—"

Katniss laughs when she can see her stomach move as if the baby inside can hear Annie. "There is no telling—"

Kpkpkpkp

"How much rope did you bring?"

"I should have enough for both of us—if not Friar is here."

Peeta grins. "And we know, Friar always has enough rope to sell." He reaches back into the SUV, and pulls out a long canvas bag that holds the suspension frame. "We can't do suspension, but I brought it in case you wanted to."

"We can't," Finn answers with a grin. "Dr. Oliver did say that we would have to wait on that."

"You mean—"

"Yes!" Finn gushes as Peeta throws his arms around him. "She's thirteen weeks or something like that today!"

"That's great! Congratulations! When is she due?"

"May. Gracie is excited. At least I think she is—"

"I'm sure she is."

Finnick's face relaxes in relief. "Annie is different this time. Is Katniss?"

"She is," Peeta offers as he drops another bundle of rope into the basket at their feet. They are both doing demos, both of them doing rope play. Peeta and Katniss are doing kinky while pregnant and Finnick and Annie doing basic play with rope. "Betsey said to remember that this is a different baby. So yeah, the pregnancy will be different too. Why, what happened?"

Finnick shrugs. "Nothing really." He throws his rope in the basket. "No, it's everything. She's been sick for the past six weeks of the thirteen she's been preggers! It was so bad that I had to take her to the ER."

"What? Why didn't you call us? Did she even come with you? Where's Gracie?"

"Yeah, she's alright now. This was when we first learned that she was pregnant."

"You know you can call us when you need us," Peeta tries to comfort his oldest friend.

"Thanks, Peet." Finnick pats him on the back, then looks around the hotel parking lot. "So, now, neither one of can do suspension. Didn't Prim come with Cato?"

Peeta's jaw pops open, and his brows shoot up, all the way to his hairline. "I-I-I can't—"

"I could, if it was alright with Cato?"

"That's up to you two," Peeta shrugs. "I'll help, if you really want me to—"

"Nah, Peet." Finnick smirks and shakes his head. "I'll talk to them and figure something out."

Kpkpkpkp

"Are you sure this place is fine?" Annie asks, worry making her fidget even as Gracie is looking up at her with her big green eyes taking everything in.

Katniss nods towards the back. "See, that's the play area. When I called earlier, she—" a young lady, who couldn't be any older than sixteen appears behind Annie. "There's someone." Annie turns and jumps even though she just told her that someone was there. "I called a little bit ago. can we play in your play area?"

"Of course, you can," the hostess says with a wide smile. She starts picking up menus. "How many are in your party?"

"Our husbands and my sister and her boyfriend will be joining us," Katniss answers.

With a smile, they follow her through the restaurant. The room she takes them to, while separate from the main dining room, but not enough to make them not want to be back there, at least not when they first see the room. In the back corner is a play area big enough to cover 2/3 of the room.

The little girls squeal and take off running. Annie starts to head after them when the hostess stops her. "Y'all are the only ones here."

"Oh," Katniss answers, her eyes seeking out the preschoolers. The twins follow Gracie to the bottom of the green slide. Together, they all start an erratic beat that echoes through the space.

The hostess sees the mom's concern, and adds, "It's alright. believe it or not, you can't hear that out in the main dining room. Which table would you two like?"

It only takes a moment to set down their things, accept the menus, and little girls to run to the swings. They all get so busy playing, that it's easy for Peeta and Finnick to sneak up behind them. Peeta startles Katniss when he grabs her sides. And Finnick gets Annie by just standing in the right place.

After forgive-me-kisses, Peeta remarks, "This is a pretty cool restaurant."

"it makes me wish that we thought of—" Finnick trails off as he meets his business partner's eyes. "You know, we could."

"Just add to the back of the brewery."

"Finally add that restaurant you've been wanting—"

"Wait a minute!" Annie interrupts. "Are you saying—"

"Peet's been wanting to add a restaurant for a while now. I think it's a good idea. The town needs something new." Finnick throws his arm around her. "It will be good and we have enough cash to hire help." He meets her worried gaze with a smile. "I'll be home with you, Gracie and the new one."

Only Peeta hears Katniss grumble, "Yeah, you better be at home with us, too."

"I will be," he whispers as he steps close enough to grab her hand. He pulls her to his side. "We don't have to do this now, it can simmer on the back burner for a bit."

"No—I know how much you've been wanting this." She looks up, meeting his eyes. "If it's the right time—" another couple entering the play area keeps her from saying anything else. Little girls squeal, and Katniss and Prim exchange hugs.

A waitress showing up, gets the adults attention. After the girls to sit for at least a moment before running off to play again, food and drinks are ordered. Peeta and Finnick get up with the girls with Cato joining them. When they are alone, Prim asks, "Has Peeta and Finnick talked to you yet?"

Katniss and Annie exchange a questioning look. "No," Annie answers. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong," Prim answers. "Since you both are pregnant, Cashmere wants Cato and I to do suspension."

"Wait, what?" Katniss asks while Annie's eyes grow wide. "You're going to do ropes?"

"Is that alright?" Prim's face falls. "Cashmere didn't want the audience to see either of you in suspension in case someone thought it would be alright to do it at home. Peeta isn't going to tie us, Finnick is. Peet is going to be there to advise."

"What do you mean by us?" Annie asks.

Prim's face flushes redder than Katniss has ever seen it. "Us. Finnick wants to do couple's bondage."

Annie's answering smile, receives a grin from Prim. "It's actually fun."

"I saw your pictures," Prim says. "The ones Peeta took. They are so beautiful."

"Has Cato seen Cashmere yet?" Katniss wonders.

"They talked," Prim says. "Why? Did she say something?"

"Oh, I don't know. Peeta's talked to her, I was busy with the girls. I was just wondering how things are between them."

"Fine," Prim replies. "Things are just fine."

Kpkpkpkp

"I can't believe I let you talk me into this."

His lips are warm as they kiss her neck. "It won't be that bad," he offers.

She scowls at him. "They are going to see my stretch marks!" she peeks at the crowd through the curtains on either side of the stage. The auditorium is lit, a bright welcome to the people who are here for the convention. "No one wants to see that," she huffs, "besides it's been too long since we've done this—"

Hands, those loving hands who have already been with her through so much, cup her swollen stomach, as he hugs her backside so he can peek at the people too. "I thought they were tiger stripes?"

She can't help her snort as she holds in her giggle. No one is on stage yet, but several in the front rows look for where the noise came from. "That's what Violet calls them. Daisy just wants to paint them." They grow quiet as they listen to the people around them. Her whisper reaches his ears, "Are you ready for this? It's been awhile."

"As long as I'm with you, I'm always ready." He mutters.

"You're just being sweet," she whispers back. "You don't want me to be mad at you for talking me into this."

His chuckle tickles her ear, sending waves of need through her. She can feel his lips move, pressing a kiss against her ear. "You know you enjoy feeling my ropes holding you in ways that I can only dream of. You know how much I enjoy seeing you with my ties surrounding you. I love the way the rope leaves indentions in your skin, marking you as mine—"

She turns in his arms, hushing him with a kiss. mouths open easy, tongues meeting in familiar dance. His hands ghost over the leather bikini top, down her rib cage, stopping at her hips. He tugs her closer until he feels a firm kick against his own stomach. He chuckles against her lips, when they hear someone clearing their throat behind them—

Peeta pulls away, but smiles down into his wife's eyes as he says, "Hello Cash."

"Now I see why your beautiful wife is pregnant again," She answers. "Are you two ready?"

Katniss turns in Peeta's arms. "Are you sure you want me up there?"

Cashmere rolls her eyes. "Of course! They watch your videos, hell, I heard last week that the photographs of your first pregnancy sold for over $1000. Your kinksters are growing together in their relationships like you are. They want to know how to still be kinky while pregnant and even with kids around." She gives them a gentle smile and a wink. "it's going to be great."

Peeta squeezes her hips, and says, "It will be. I think Katniss here has missed this—"

Katniss shrugs and admits, "I have missed it—well I've missed spending time with you doing this." She turns in his arms, their noses touch as she exhales, "I guess we need to get a babysitter more often?"

Peeta answers her with a kiss and Cashmere shakes her head. "Save it for the stage you two." Her heels echo across the wooden floor as she steps through the curtains.

They hear her begin to talk, and the crowd respond. "Ready, Kitten?"

"As long as you're with me, I can do anything." His arms leave her, and a sudden chill, dances down her spine. A hand, his hand in hers stops some of her nerves.

"I almost forgot something." He stops and lets go of her again. With a wiggle, he digs in his leather pants, and are much tighter now than they were a couple of years ago. He pulls out a gold chain with a locket. It takes him a moment, but he gets the heart-shaped clasp open. He drapes it around her neck. Her hand finds the heart, and she tries to see it, but it's much shorter than the necklaces she normally wears. He moves her fingers, and she feels him flip it over before he says, "I know we don't have a dynamic like many of the others here, but they would question why I haven't claimed you besides a wedding ring." Her eyes seek out her gold band as he continues, "A lot here swing, so a ring is just a ring."

"I might have baby brain, but I do remember you saying that once." She smiles up at him. "My plan was to never leave your side while we're here."

"I like that idea, too." Applause from the stage distracts them. "It's time."

"Let's go then," she says with a smile. He grabs her hand, and together they walk out.

The lights are bright and for a moment, all the air leaves the room. Her cough is hoarse, and Peeta turns his head. Concern makes his brow crinkle. A bottle of water appears at her side. Accepting it, she smiles and mouths thank you to the sub.

She takes a big swallow, and screws the lid back on. A couple of chuckles get her attention, and her cheeks heat up as she remembers that she's being watched.

"Are you alright?" He whispers. She nods. He then turns to the crowd. "Welcome, welcome. Some of you may remember us, for everyone else, my name is Peeta Mellark and this is my wife, Katniss." He pauses with a grin. "And this is our new little one," adds motioning towards her baby bump.

"Mistress Cashmere asked us to come tonight to- how can I say it- to be kinky while pregnant?" The audience claps their agreement. "From the way it sounds Katniss, I think the kinksters are having a baby boom?"

Their cheers make them both smile.

"While we were preparing for this, I ventured out onto everyone's favorite kinky web site, and asked for questions," Katniss begins.

"Most of what everyone wanted to know was, how far was too far," Peeta says. "I know that many of you use this to push boundaries, but this is not the time to do it."

"That means no impact play—" the audience's groan interrupts Katniss. She holds up her hand. "Hang on, let me finish—no impact play on the breasts, the stomach, and anywhere else she might be super sensitive. Like right now, if Peeta was to start on my breasts, I'd probably cry."

"Don't make the pregnant woman cry," someone yells from the back. Everyone laughs at that.

"Trust me, I don't want to make the pregnant woman cry," Peeta answers with a smirk. Katniss sticks her tongue out at him, and gets a "ooooo—" response from the crowd. "Now, if that was your sub, you might think that she is being a brat on purpose."

"I know mine does!" the same someone adds.

"But if your sub is pregnant," Peeta continues. Katniss rubs her stomach and smiles when the little one kicks her back. "You can't just turn her over your knee." Peeta takes her hand, and pulls her along behind him. She looks ahead, and sees a four-poster bed, draped in rich fabrics with deep dark colors ranging from red to blue.

"When did that arrive?" she whispers.

"Since we can't do our normal suspension, Cash thought it would be good to do the demo like this. I told you."

They stop in front of the bed. "You probably did."

"Now," he says into his mic. "You can do impact play, but you can't pull them over your lap anymore." He squeezes her hand before he says, "Get up on the bed, Kitten."

Several "Awwws" come from the people as she climbs up onto the bed. She's on all fours, getting ready to sit down, when she feels his touch on her hip. She looks around, and horrified, she realizes that her bottom is facing the audience. "Hang on," Peeta says. He's saying something, but all she wants to do is hide. When she feels the light "slap" on the round part of her bottom, she turns enough to be able to see Peeta. His cheeks are red as his blond waves fall across his forehead—she doesn't see him bringing his hand back—but she feels the next smack.

This is not how they normally play. But then again who has time to play these days with two just turned four-year-old's? She inhales, and wills herself to relax as another "thwack" lands on her other cheek.

A curious something makes her moan. She sinks down onto her elbows, and another soft hit lands. She exhales, letting herself go into subspace. She smiles into the velvet and gathers two fists worth as he delivers another easy swipe.

Another touch on her hip, and somewhere above her he says, "Roll over, Kitten. But stay on your side."

She collapses in a heap. The coziness of the blanket makes her hug it to her chest, even burying her nose in it. Another easy touch, and she can feel herself growing more wet. Another touch, and she begins the climb to the cliff.

The next never comes through. Her eyes flutter open, and he's smiling down at her. "Are you alright?"

"Oh, yes," she breathes.

"Can we do some bondage now?"

"Will you fuck me?" she says. When her words echo back to her from where his mic picked them up, she hides her face in the cover.

His chuckle is her answer. "Don't I always?" more "Awwwws" surround them like a magical curtain.

The room grows quiet as the sound of his rope, that rope that brought them together, hits the floor. Her eyes roll back and her lids flutter shut as she feels it on her legs. he's not tying them as tight as he normally would, since she's pregnant and all. But just the fact that they are here, in front of so many, is almost enough to send her over the edge.

Now that he's adding ropes—

"Can you sit up?" he whispers to her.

Her groan is the only answer she can give. He says something, and it's followed by more laughter, but she's too far to pay any attention to it. She feels the bed sag under a new weight. Her eyes flutter open in time to see him reaching for her. Instead of him picking her up like she expected, he runs his fingers through her hair as he continues to talk.

His touch keeps the desire she feels for him running, humming along her veins like lava. She leans into his touch, only to have it stop. Her eyes snap open, and he's standing over her. He looks down, meets her gaze, and swoops her up into his arms.

She snuggles against his neck as he says something to the crowd before he walks to the back of the stage. They pass several people backstage, but he doesn't stop to talk to anyone.

Whenever Cashmere has a show, he knows that she always keeps her aftercare places stocked with everything they should need.

Even stocking them for pregnant women.

Cash's old leather couch welcomes them as soon as Peeta walks in the door. The same sub who gave Katniss the water bottle on stage, dips her head when she sees them walk in the door.

Peeta sinks into the overstuffed cushions, and the silent sub covers them both with the blanket Katniss placed in here before the start of the show. He tucks it around them, and the sub sinks back to her corner.

He cuddles her against his chest, and he hugs her tight with a kiss to her forehead. she exhales with a smile. "It's awfully quiet," she whispers.

"We're in the aftercare room."

"That's why." Her eyes open slowly. "I love you, Peeta Mellark."

Another kiss on her forehead. "I love you, Katniss Everdeen Mellark." He brings his hand up, the one that's not behind her head, and cups her belly. He's met with a resounding kick. "Someone's awake." Concern makes him squint his eyes. "Is the baby, ok?"

Her hand lowers to cover his. "I think so." She flutters her lashes at him. "I need you."

"You do?"

"I do," she answers. A movement out of the corner of her eye gets her attention. They both turn their heads to the silent sub. Katniss' soft gasp makes him grin.

"You can go now," he tells the sub.

Another bow of her head, and the door closes with a quiet click behind her. "Why didn't you tell me we weren't alone?" She hisses as she tries to get up.

He hugs her. "We're alone now."

"I'm not in the mood anymore," she grunts as she rolls her eyes.

"You don't want to do it now, when we are alone? Would you rather wait until tonight when we have to worry about being quiet because the girls are in the next bed?"

"Fine," she huffs.

"Fine?" He repeats as she kisses her on the ear. "Fine?" He echoes as his hand drifts down to the new pair of leather shorts they had to buy for today. "Fine?" He mutters as he eases his finger in and under the waistband. "Fine?" He finds her clit. She moans as he begins to rub it the way he knows that makes her come undone. Her legs fall open and he doesn't stop touching her.

A wave of desire washes over her, making the crest of her orgasm come so quickly, that all she can do is hang on to him as it leaves her quivering in his arms. his kiss is gentle and she returns it with everything she can in that moment.

He eases her back, until she can feel the worn leather on her bare skin. Without getting to his feet, Peeta slides down to the floor. She blinks at him, through a lazy gaze as he takes her shorts off and moves her bottom to the edge of the couch. His leather pants are unbuckled, and in one swift move, he buries himself deep inside her.

Her hands find his wrists, and she hangs on as he pumps. "Oh, fuck, Peeta," she grunts.

Sweat pops out on his forehead and in the next moment, he's cuming too. "Katniss," he moans. When he stills, he leans down and as best he can over her expanding baby belly, ends up kissing her in between her breasts.

A huge yawn escapes, making her eyes water. He stands up, and after helping her stand, he finds tissues to help with the clean-up.

Another forehead kiss, and she murmurs, "This sucks."

"What?"

"I'm ready for a nap," she chuckles, "and we are nowhere near our bed."

"Come on, Kitten. We'll go find your bed."

"I think that's the best thing you've said to me in a while."

He opens the door and he follows her. "Then how does chicken fried rice and egg rolls sound?"

"I think I'll allow it," she quips.

He throws his arm around her shoulders then kisses her temple. "I love you."

"I love you," she echoes as the walk out into the still- hot September sun.

Kpkpkpkp

"Daisy! Violet! Come on!" Katniss grunts as she bends over to look under the couch. "I'm too pregnant to be crawling around like this." The sounds of the girl's feet on the hardwood floors tell her that they are finally listening. She sits back on her heels to see them grinning their silly three-year-old grins. "Where are your shoes?"

"On feet," they say together.

Katniss looks down, and shakes her head while a smile appears. "There they are. Are you ready to go see Gracie?"

Their little brows furrow; Violet bites her lip and Daisy wrings her hands. "We want to come, too," Daisy says.

"Oh," Katniss whispers. She gathers them close, and says, "I have to go to the doctor to make sure your new baby is ok."

Violet sighs, "But Mama, we need to see him."

Daisy nods. "He needs to tell us what his name is."

"His name?" Katniss echoes.

The twins nod. "He said that he needs to tell us what his name is," Daisy repeats.

"Yes, Mama," Violet sings.

Not sure what to do or say, Katniss replies, "Let me call Daddy. Maybe he can meet us?"

Kpkpkpkp

Betsey, the midwife at Dr. Oliver's swirls the wand around in the goo. "At least it's warm," she chirps.

"Yes," Katniss agrees. "At least it's warm." The room falls silent as the watch the little monitor with the squiggly lines.

"There's your uterus—"Betsey says.

"What's u-ers?" Asks Daisy.

"It's that," Violet answers pointing to the screen.

"Shhh, girls," Peeta hushes them. "Let's let Betsey talk."

The midwife chuckles as she begins to push some of the buttons on the keyboard. Katniss and Peeta can hear her smile as she begins, "There's your baby. Can you see it girls?"

"That's our baby?" They ask together.

"That's it." Betsey answers as she clicks some more keys. "Do you want to know if it's a boy or a girl?"

Violet answers, "He's a boy."

"And his name is Jon-Jon," finishes Daisy.

Betsey slowly turns on the stool she's sitting on. "How do you know that?" The little girls shrug. The midwife meets their parents questioning looks and whispers, "It's a boy."

"And his name is Jon-Jon," the twins chirp again.

Their parent's eyes meet. Peeta raises his brow, and Katniss shrugs. "Jonathan Mellark—" Peeta says.

"Jonathan Peeta Mellark," Katniss whispers. "I like it."

It looks like Peeta's cheeks flush pink. But she can't really tell in the dim room. "Are you sure? Name him after me?"

She pulls on his hand until he leans over her. "Yes, we are going to name our son after you."

"I'll allow it," he admits with a chuckle.

She swats at him as he straightens up. Betsey is giggling beside them. "I'm glad to see that the honeymoon is still hot and heavy," she says as she wipes off Katniss' stomach. She hands Peeta the pictures and turns on the light. "You're free to go. Doc was just called to the hospital, and everything looks good."

"Is the due date still the same?" Peeta asks.

Betsey looks back at the screen. "December twentieth. You're just wanting a Christmas baby, don't you?"

Katniss shakes her head with a big grin. "See you next week?" Katniss asks as Peeta pulls her to her feet.

"Sounds good to me." Betsey digs out two sheets of stickers, making the little girls dance. "That's for being so good while we looked at your baby."

"Thank you," whispers Daisy.

"Thank you," says Violet, a little louder, making both girls giggle.

Kpkpkpkp

"A Christmas baby? And he's a boy," Peeta whispers when they get home.

"Is that ok?" she turns, and has to return her husband's goofy smile. "You're happy?"

"I'm over the moon." He closes the space between them so he can pull her close.

"I think you're just crazy about babies."

Somehow, his already wide grin grows. "It's easy to be wild about Daisy and Violet. They are pretty awesome." His face stills in sudden seriousness. "I'm so glad that you made me listen instead of letting me leave—"

"Shhhh," she says with a kiss. the pitter-patter of little feet come running. Peeta sweeps them up into his arms, and in a flurry of hugs and kisses, everyone gets some love.

Kpkpkpkp

Snow falls gently to the ground on this cold December day. It's still two weeks to Christmas, one week to Jon-Jon's due date. Katniss covers up her yawn with the soapy glove, getting bubbles on her face.

"Mama!" Daisy's little voice reaches her before she does, and before she has a chance to wipe the bubbles off. She comes running into the kitchen where Katniss is cleaning up after lunch, skidding to a stop when she sees her mother. "Mama?"

Katniss' giggle makes Daisy giggle too. "I'm silly, aren't I?"

"Yep!" the little one answers. "I got to tell you something."

"You do?"

"Jon-Jon is coming to see me today!"

She drops the mug into the sink with a loud clatter. "Who told you that?"

"He did."

"Who did?"

"Jon-Jon did! He said he wanted to come play, so he coming today."

Katniss turns around, and meets the excited eyes of her child. "Daisy, honey, you are starting to scare Mommy a little bit."

"Don't be scared." She steps forward and lays a little hand on Katniss' stomach. the baby inside rolls making his sister giggle. "See, he wants to come play."

"When did he tell you this?"

"In my sleep."

Her exhale is loud in her kitchen as she stumbles to a chair. Violet comes running into the kitchen right after she sits down. "What's wrong, Mama?"

"Daisy told me that Jon-Jon is coming today."

"He tolded me, too," Violet agrees.

"When did he tell you?"

"In my dreams."

Not sure what else to do, Katniss asks, "Do you think he'll make it?"

Both girls nod their heads. "He will Mama," Daisy says.

"He's just like Daddy," Violet adds.

"How is he like Daddy?" Katniss asks.

"He does what he says he's going to do," Violet says.

Katniss doesn't even try to hide her tears. "You're right. Daddy does that."

"He's the bestest Daddy," Daisy chimes in. "He always hugs and kisses me, even when I'm bad."

"Me too. He kisses on me too." Violet says.

"Me too," Katniss echoes with a chuckle. "He hugs and kisses on me, too."

"Cause he's a good Daddy," Daisy adds.

Katniss wipes her tears, and the little girls look at her with their little brows wrinkle with concern. All she has to do is hold out her arms and they fall into them. "He's the bestest Daddy in the whole world."

They are jump when her phone, that happens to be on the table beside them starts singing Peeta's ringtone.

"It's Daddy," they chat together.

"Hey," she greets him.

"Hey," Peeta echoes. He must hear the girls because he continues, "it sounds like the natives are restless."

"Not too bad. Are you on the way home?"

"I am. Do you want me to stop and pick up supper?"

She glances at her empty counter. "I didn't realize how late it is. Yes, please stop and get something."

"What do you want?"

"I want a cheeseburger."

"That sounds good. Do you want a fast-food one? Or one from Tommy's?"

"Tommy's, of course."

"Of course," he echoes. "Let me go order."

"Oh yeah, Peeta?"

"Yes, Kitten?"

"It's snowing."

"I see, that. Let me go get you some food."

"I love you so much right now," she whispers into the phone.

"I love you, too."

"Love you, bye," she murmurs again.

"Love you, bye," he repeats.

"Mama! Can we watch Peppa Pig?"

"Sure," she huffs. "I'm going to sit down for a minute on the couch—"

Kpkpkpkp

"Daddy's home!"

"Oh crap," she swears as she wakes up with a start. She looks up, meeting his Carolina blue eyes that twinkle down at her. "I feel asleep. Oh snap, are the girls alright?"

"We're ok, Mama," Violet volunteers.

"We stayed right here with you," Daisy adds. "And watched Peppa Pig."

"Thank you, girls, for not running amuck—" Peeta offers her a hand and he helps her sit up.

"Amuck, amuck, amuck!" They giggle as they dance around.

"Go wash you little monkeys," Peeta tells them. They take off for the bathroom, and he squeezes her hand that he still holds. He pulls, she pushes—

"Oh no," she groans as she gets to her feet.

"What?"

"I think I just peed—"

"Um, Kitten." He looks down. "I don't think you could ever pee that much."

She looks down. A puddle about the size of a doormat is now spreading across the floor under their feet. Her boxers are soaked and even the couch cushion is wet. Next comes a contraction so strong, she has to grab Peeta to keep from falling over. "I'm not scheduled for a C-section for another week," she whispers as the squeezing continues.

"It's alright. Let me call Finnick—do you need to go change?"

"The girls were right after all," she mutters.

"Right about what?"

"Jon-Jon. They said that he's coming today."

"Mama, what's that?" Daisy asks as they come back into the living room.

"is it Jon-Jon?" Violet asks.

Katniss nods and glances over at Peeta. he's not moving, and is paler than normal—"Are you ok?"

He meets her eyes, and manages a nod. "Jon-Jon is coming. My son is about to be born." He runs his hands through his waves. "Ok, we gotta get to the hospital." He turns his attention to the twins. "Girls, we need to get your bags, Mama's bag and go to Gracie's house." He pauses and pales even more. "oh no, the roads are white with snow."

"It's alright. We'll just take our time. After all, we have the Suburban and its four-wheel drive." Even to her own ears, she sounds amazingly calm. Another contraction is coming, so she doesn't even bother changing, grabbing instead the quilt her mother had made. Wrapping it around her swollen middle, she waddles out to the SUV.

It doesn't take Peeta long to gather the food, the luggage and the kids. When everyone is buckled in, he eases out of the driveway. Moving slower than Christmas, it takes them fifteen minutes to drive the five minutes to the O'dairs.

Katniss doesn't have to tell Peeta that she had three more contractions.

Or that they are hurting more.

And lasting longer.

As soon as they stop in the other drive, Peeta rushes Daisy and Violet in. Her phone buzzes, and she reaches for it, only to be awarded for moving by having the biggest contraction yet.

Remembering lessons from long ago, she starts deep breathing. Unable to relax, it doesn't really do anything, and the snowflakes hitting the windshield only makes her ready to go to the hospital.

Peeta emerges with a girl on each hip. fumbling with the handle, she manages to get the door open. Little arms give quick hugs and her heart hurts from having to leave them. Peeta grabs their bags and just as she's ready to say—another contraction takes her breath.

She must groan, because Peeta rushes back into the house. He returns a moment later, the door closing behind him.

She waits until he eases out of the driveway—

And for the contraction to end—

And she can breathe almost normally again before she asks, "Were the girls alright?"

"They didn't understand why they couldn't come too, but Annie got them and waved for me to go."

"Mhmmm," she moans as another contraction starts. More fluid wets the quilt under her and she feels something she's never felt before—moving around until she can reach in between her legs—"Oh dear Lord. Peeta—"

"What is it?" he asks.

"I can feel his head."

They both look around. The hospital is still miles away. "Lay back. Do you want me to take the four lane?"

"I don't care." This contraction is lasting longer than the others. "I'm scared Peeta."

"Just hang on," he says as she reaches for her. "We'll be there in just a little bit."

"This hurts so damn bad." She gasps for her next breath, her head starts to pound, as a cold sweat breaks out across her forehead. Her heart feels like it's going to gallop out of her chest as she struggles for her next breath—

"Kitten!" He practically shouts at her, snapping her out of her haze. She closes her eyes with a sob as she wills the pain to stop.

"Look at me," his command is soft, but firm. Her eyes flutter open, and she looks over at him. "I've got you."

"I'm so glad that you do."

"I'm going to keep driving now, stay with me?"

"Always," she whispers back. She doesn't realize that he'd stopped driving until they start moving again. The white flakes surround them leaving them in a world of nothing but white and their headlights. "This would be pretty if I didn't have a baby coming out of me."

His bark of laughter makes her chuckle too. "Our son is about to be born. It's still a good day, well evening."

"Did I tell you what the girls said?"

"You mentioned something-" he says as they slide in the snow. "What did they say?"

"That Jon-Jon was coming today."

"Well, I guess they were right—"

"Oh no, not another one," she grunts. "Oh no, oh no! That has to be his head! I just know it!" With her free hand, she reaches down—"His hair, Peeta I can feel his hair!"

Peeta slides to a stop. He turns on the interior lights and the hazard lights. Then he reaches for the flashlight. "Can you slide your seat back?"

By now, Katniss has slid all the way down in the bucket seat. She reaches down the best she can and finds a lever. Pushing at it—too late she realizes that she grabbed the wrong one as she flies back.

"Katniss!"

"I'm ok," she reassures. "This actually feels better." And it does. She takes a deep breath and the pressure eases in between her legs.

"Do you feel like you need to push?"

"Now, I do," she grunts. "I think he's crowning. Isn't that when it hurts this bad?"

"Maybe not," he says as she digs out his cell. She can hear the chirp of three numbers to get some help. She can hear dispatch on the other end asking how can they help.

Another contraction distracts her, and she's no longer listening. She does hear a knock coming from somewhere, and in her labor-induced haze, she isn't even sure if it's real. Peeta says something, and she can feel the air about her change.

Her eyes flutter open as she hears a voice, "Hi, my name is Brittany, and I'm a nurse. Can I—she's having a baby, isn't she?"

"You're a labor nurse, aren't you?" Katniss whispers.

"I know you guys! I was your nurse a couple of years ago. Twin girls, wasn't it?"

"You have a great memory," Peeta says. The contraction is even longer this time, and she lets her eyes close with the pain.

"Hey, Katniss? Can Brittany help?"

"I need to push," she moans.

"Oh lord, let me see what's going on."

Katniss can't help but to shiver when the door opens as the cold wind comes roaring in. A gentle hand on her knee, and a question, "Can I check you?"

Unable to open her eyes, she nods, giving her consent. "You're crowning, love. Peeta, isn't it? Do you think we can get her in the back?"

"What about the ambulance?"

"Unless you see it coming over that hill, this baby is about to be born in the middle of the snowstorm. Let's get her in the back, alright?"

Peeta inches his arms under her, and gently, picks her up. Brittany hurries as fast as she can to the back and opens the back gate. Katniss exhales as another contraction comes, but she does manage to breathe, "Tell her to use the towels in the back—"

"I think she already spread them out," he mutters as she sets her down.

"We really need to scoot her back, so we can close the gate."

"Do you want me to climb in?" Peeta asks.

"I think so. Then I'll get in."

Peeta goes back around, sliding in the back. With both of them working together, they get Katniss in the middle. Brittany closes the door, and it's instantly warmer. "They aren't stopping," Katniss manages to grunt out.

"Peeta, why don't you go ahead and scoot in behind her, to support her back." Brittany encourages, "Go ahead and push, I've got you."

Finally feeling safe enough to listen, and with Peeta's arms around her, she pushes while Brittany counts. When she hears "ten," Katniss feels a tap on her knee. Brittany looks, and smiles. "His head is almost out. Are you still having a contraction?" Katniss nods, unable to speak in that moment. "Then push."

Bearing down, she focuses all of her energy into it. when she feels a big pop, Brittany is reaching for something—"Give me a little push to get his shoulders out."

Katniss tucks her chin to her chest and gives them one last push.

"It's a boy," Brittany announces. As she puts him on Katniss' chest. Peeta wraps one of the blankets from home around him.

"He's perfect," Peeta whispers in her ear.

"Hello, Jonathan Peeta Mellark," Katniss murmurs. Their son opens his eyes and lets out a little cry. "I'm your Mama and this is your Daddy."

"The ambulance is here—" Brittany says.

Kpkpkpkp

The girl peeks around the bleachers in the old gym. The boys are finishing up wrestling practice and they are hot and sweaty. Unfamiliar stirrings make her squirm but she stays hidden beside the old blue mats.

The object of her fascination chuckles at a joke his dark-haired friend just told him, but another teammate steps in her light. "Move dick-wad," she cusses him under her breath. Dumb ass finally moves leaving her a clear view of him and she sighs in happiness.

She can't help but to watch as his blond curls grow more and more damp. Or how his back glistens the more he tries to pin down his team mate. She has to slap her hand over her mouth to keep the giggle from escaping when she thinks about how it would feel for him to pin her down. A smirk appears when she imagines how she would struggle for only a moment, before she guides his pink lips, the same color as the conch shell he found for her the last time they were at the beach, to hers.

Only one boy has pressed his lips to hers, but she doesn't count it because she was so worried about what he would think if he was to see Brian Avery kissing her, that she pushed him away and disappeared at the party they were at. She shakes her head returning to her voyeurism.

She just knows that his kiss would be cool just like a glass of his mama's sweet tea that she always gives them when they've been playing in the pool during the hot summer days. Or would his kisses taste like the bottle of wine they all drank that one night while their parents worked at the studio late, while the kids, cuddled up under cozy quilts, watched old scary movies on Netflix late into the night.

She shivers thinking about the way he touches her. She might have known him all of her life, well there were a couple of years he wasn't around, but that's only because he wasn't born yet, and she was a toddler. Her aunt married someone five years younger than her, and her crush is only three years, well during the month of April and part of May, he is three years younger than her. That's enough to count instead of four, isn't it?

The blue singlet trimmed in the same silver as his eyes, tightens across his shapely butt. She can't help the shiver of virgin desire that travels to her core. A memory from the summer before of them all goofing off in the pool playing keep away, surfaces in her heart. A fine sheen of sweat appears on her upper lip when she remembers the way his butt felt pressed up against her when he had her pinned to the side of the pool so she couldn't get the ball, his sister Violet was trying to throw to her.

Her breath comes out in a shudder as she blinks her eyes trying to focus. Now he is standing and looks mad as the coach talks to him. Her eyes take in his quivering body like a thirsty person lost in the desert. His shoulders are growing more and more broad by the minute, and she can tell that he's been working extra hard lifting. He is now sporting the beginnings of a six pack which he didn't have the last time they all played in the pool.

It takes her a moment to realize where her hungry gaze stops, and she jumps in surprise when the bulge in his spandex comes into view. She slaps her hand over her eyes, and mutters, "Now you are turning into a perv. He's still only fourteen you, idiot."

But her heart beats, 'But it's him—'

The voices, one she knows is his echo through the gym. She looks up in time to see the angry vein in his forehead start to throb. "Oh no," she whispers as he stomps off the opposite side of the gym to the dressing room. She wishes she had been paying attention instead of looking at his—her phone buzzes in her back pocket interrupting her thoughts.

She pulls it out, and sees the text from his sisters. She glances at it, then crams it back into her pocket. Now that he is in the dressing room, she eases out from her hiding place and steps out into the crisp fall afternoon sun through the side door by the bleachers. She adjusts her backpack and starts walking to the parking lot.

She isn't twenty feet from the building when she hears, "Gracie! Gracie Odair! Wait for me!" She slowly turns around to see Jonathan Mellark, her best friends, Daisy and Violet's little brother; and the object of her desire, running towards her. He catches up to her and she sees that he has on his favorite hoodie and sweatpants. "What are you still doing here?" He asks, not at all out of breath at all.

He meets her eyes and she is left momentarily speechless. She finally remembers how to talk and says, "I had to stay and help Mrs. Norton. Did you have practice?"

He runs his fingers through the same curls his dad has. "Yeah, coach pissed me off so I'm leaving early. Can I catch a ride with you?"

She nods and tries to keep the silly little smile off of her face from getting to spend some alone time with Jonathan. "Yeah, that's fine. Call your mom and tell her. That's all I need is Aunt Katniss mad at me—"

Kpkpkp

I know… I just had to…. I need to thank my wonderful sohypothecially for doing all that she does. She loves so much, and for that, I think the world of her. One day, sweetie, one day!

I need to thank notanislander and slanderjade. They were able to jump in at the last minute and help with edits. I love you two!

I also need to thank Titiana and famousfremus for encouraging me. This past month has not been a good one and they were there to, well tell me to keep trying, to keep working. And this is what happened. Thank you!

And most of all, I thank you. Thank you for giving. Thank you for reading. We couldn't have done this without you!