The Weary Heart

Epilogue 2 – Happy is the Heart That Loves Fearlessly

AN: So…this is the final installment of 'The Weary Heart,' ;) ;) This second epilogue is rated M for a lot of handholding and… lol. You guess sexual references. Hunger Games solely belongs to Suzanne Collins. And for the last time, on with the show.

Haymitch POV ––

"Haymitch, I can't find Peeta?" She barged into my home. She wore long pants and button down shirt that belonged to him, as she had to roll the sleeves up her arms. I sighed in resignation. It was early in the morning. Too early as she pounded on our door waking Effie and I up. She was a mess with her uncombed, tears and snot on her face and a look I haven't seen in a while––fear.

"What do you mean, you can't find Peeta?" I asked confused and scared. It was been a year since our ordeal with Eva and Gale. One year of peace and harmony with no drama or any major traumatic experience like a madman taunting Peeta or an obsessed female stalking him. For the last few months Gale requested to see and talk to Peeta and Katniss, but they both refused his request. I couldn't blame them. Once they left Gale in his cell, it was the last they hoped to see or hear from him.

"What happened Katniss?" Effie asked her voice calm and soft. My beautiful wife stood right beside me with her head resting on my bicep. She was cognizant enough to wrap a blue bathrobe around her.

"Last night…he…he…" she stopped and burst into tears again. I waited for her to explain but I had an idea the cause of her turmoil. She wasn't forthcoming so I pushed her. "He left the house last night and he hasn't come home since. I went to the bakery and he's not there." Effie led her to our living room. I went to the kitchen and got her a glass of water, which she refused. Effie had an arm around her shoulders as she continued to sob hysterically.

"Tell me you didn't," I said with a tinge of anger in my voice as I lost patience. These two were bound to drive me back to drink. Mind you, since Peeta's ordeal I had been sober and Effie would divorce me if went back to my alcoholic binges. "Tell me you didn't say no to Peeta?"

"How…did you know?" she responded back. "You knew he was going to…"

"Know about what?" Effie asked frustrated and impatiently.

"Katniss?" I waited again. It wasn't my news to tell.

"What's going on Haymitch?" Effie interrupted.

"Peeta…we…he…last night," she hiccupped as she was lost for words but she needed to finish. "He…proposed and I…"

"And you said no," I continued for her. Effie gasped in shock.

"You said no? Why? I don't understand." Katniss fell into another barrage of tears. A week before Peeta sought me out for advice, he wanted to know if it was a good idea to ask her to marry him. I asked whether they had every broached the topic and Peeta said that Katniss would dodge or evade answering. If that wasn't a clue that she wasn't ready to get married, then I didn't know what else Peeta needed to know her state of mind I in regards to marriage. But he was so crazy in love with her that he was blind to her evasions. I knew he was going to propose last night but I had never anticipated that he would run from her refusal. She was the runner not Peeta.

"You love Peeta," Effie continued. "Don't you want to marry him?"

"No, yes…I don't know. He caught me off guard," Katniss whined as fresh tears brimmed her face. She wiped her nose on her shirtsleeve. Eww…she was a messy crier. "When…I didn't…couldn't answer him. He left the house and he hasn't come back. I've been waiting for him to come home."

"Holy fuck." I sighed.

"Oh, Katniss. What are you scared of?" Effie asked direct and to the point. "You love Peeta so much just as much as he loves you. You're so crazy in love together."

"I love him so much," she bawled. "And I screwed up. I should have…I should have explained instead of…" She closed her eyes tight. "I didn't mean to hurt him."

"What did you do, Katniss?" I asked again. Shit, I hated this kind of drama. Why can't these two just…be like other normal people? Except these weren't like other normal people. They were Peeta Mellark and Katniss Everdeen, the Star Crossed Lovers of District 12––the boy who sacrificed his life for her and the girl who was the face of a revolution. Nope, they weren't normal. They were legends in Panem written in history books for generations to learn in school always to remind us of the horrors that we endured from Snow and the Capitol.

"When he asked I freaked out and locked myself in our bedroom," she cried. "He didn't come after me. I waited until I calmed down and went downstairs and…he was gone. And he hasn't been home since." She stood up and grabbed my shirt. "Haymitch, please help me look for him. What if he's out there hurt and can't come home? What if––"

"Katniss, calm down," Effie stated as she sat her down again and extended a tissue to her. Katniss grabbed it then wiped her nose. "I can't lose him, I just can't. I'll do anything he wants and I won't…I'll say yes. I promise I will if he'll just come home."

"Well, that's not…listen. I'm going to go get Bron and Alec to help maybe he's visiting one of them," I suggested. She stopped crying and looked at me like I've grown another head.

"Oh, I didn't…I didn't think of that," she said as she wiped her eyes then stood up.

"Hey, wait a second, you're not going over there," I called out to her. "Do you even know what time it is?" She turned her head and looked around for a clock. It was 6 am. I doubted that Delly or Johanna was up at this time.

"Haymitch, I can't wait. If Peeta is at Delly's or Johanna's I want to bring him home," she pleaded. She gave me that look that I couldn't deny her anything.

"Why don't we call them instead of getting them out of bed?" Effie suggested. "And if he's not there you know that they'll be worried about Peeta going missing." I nodded my head in agreement, but Katniss was indecisive. She wanted to knock down the door and search their home for Peeta. She was not patient.

After two calls with both Delly and Johanna's confirming that they haven't seen Peeta, I started to panic. I mean really panic. I haven't felt this helpless or scared since the first time he was abducted after he came home from the Capitol.

"Everyone's worried…so…they're all wide awake now and want to help look for Peeta," I recounted. Johanna was pissed as hell that Peeta was missing.

"Bron is going to send Guardsmen to look for him but I told him not to," I said. Katniss and Effie were startled at my remark. "Listen, I really believe that he's not hurt or…he just needed the time and space to think. Besides, do you really want the public to know that he's missing? That news will reach the Flickerman so fast. Paylor will send troops to find him. We don't need that kind of drama.

"Haymitch is right," Effie agreed with me. "Peeta probably needed time and space to think. I mean you did reject his marriage proposal." Katniss bawled at her comment making matter worse.

"Effie!" I scolded her. "You didn't have to say that."

"Well, she did turn him down. It's the truth," she defended herself.

"I know, I know and I'm sorry," Katniss cried. "Please help me look for him." It was too bad that Peeta wasn't using his wristband. We could have easily tracked him down. I didn't mention that since he hated wearing it, now that he had better control of his episodes which he hadn't suffered in months.

"Anyway, I told Bron to send two of his guys, guys he trusts to look for him in town."

"I'm going to kill myself when we find him," Johanna bit out in anger and fear for his safety. "Alec and I will go the bakery to see if he's there." She and Alec arrived a few minutes later dressed and prepared to search for Peeta. Delly couldn't help since she had to stay home with their newborn who was just a few months old.

"Katniss said that the first place she looked and he's not there," I informed her.

"Oh my God, Haymitch. Where is he?" Katniss cried out. "This is all my fault. I should have…I shouldn't have run from him and––"

"Oh Katniss, please don't tell me that you turned him down," Johanna accused her.

"You knew?" Katniss replied back in surprise. "Did everyone know?"

"He's been talking about for months," she returned. "He only confided in Haymitch and myself since you know, Delly can't keep a secret." The revelation just caused Katniss to cry hysterically.

"I didn't…oh God, what have I done?" she asked herself.

"Hey, don't…don't panic. Let's go looking for your wayward boyfriend, okay?" I said as I tried to stay calm and collect. Visions of Peeta hurt or worse dead swam in my head. I shook head trying to stay positive.

Alec and Johanna looked at the perimeter of the woods while Bron and his buddies searched for him at the Everdeen park. We looked everywhere but one place we dreaded to look––the med center. Kara was on duty so Katniss, Effie and I went straight to her office.

"Oh, hello everyone, she greeted us. "I was wondering when you were coming over?"

"Huh, why were you expecting us?" I asked dreading my premonition. Peeta was here I could feel in it my bones. So could Katniss as fear and terror filled her anxious face.

"Where is he?" she asked. "Why didn't you call me? I've been looking for him all night." Fear turned to anger as Katniss confronted our friend. "Do you have any idea how worried I've been?" Kara glanced back at Katniss in a calm and stoic manner.

"When he arrived here he was in a serious state," she explained. Her arms were crossed over her chest. "He was close to having an episode so––"

"Oh my God, Peeta how is he?" Katniss cried in despair. "Is he…is he okay?"

"I had to sedate him for a couple of hours since it was pretty bad…I don't think I've seen him in this state in a long time, but he was clearly coherent enough to walk here by himself and ask for me. I was home and when the clinic called so all I know was that he asked for me and didn't want any else."

"How bad was it?" I inquired. It never dawned on me that he had suffered an episode after Katniss rejection of his proposal. I didn't think it would cause it. Katniss was devastated as her hands shook.

"Did he tell you why he…" Katniss asked.

"No, but I knew…that you and he must have had an…conversation or incident that caused him to come on his own without you. It's none of my business really." She glanced at her watch. "I stayed with him until he fell asleep so if you want––"

"Take me to him now," she demanded. The walk to him room felt like forever. Peeta suffered an episode from last night. The idea boggled my mind. What ran through his head when Katniss unintentionally rejected him must have hurt him badly to regress. I could see the pain and guilt in her face.

Once the door to Peeta's room was opened, she ran over to him. Peeta had an IV attached to his arm. Effie and I gasped at his appearance. His arms and legs were strapped down. This was worse than seeing him in District 13. Seeing him like this was a painful reminder of how I failed him. "Peeta," Katniss sobbed at the sight of him.

"Hey, Katniss," he replied back his voice soft and low and his eyes glossed over.

"I'm so sorry. Please forgive me." She laid her head on his chest as she climbed on to the bed to get closer to him. "I'm sorry."

"Katniss, watch his for IV," Kara reprimanded her. "Ordinarily I would order you to get off the bed, but I know you'd just ignore me." She was right. No one could tell her what to do especially when it came to Peeta.

"Why didn't you come and tell me you were here," she voiced anger and fear laced her tone. "When you didn't come home, I stayed up all night waiting for you."

"That's my fault, Katniss," Kara interjected.

"I told her not to," Peeta admitted. Katniss lifted her head from his chest. There was hurt and anger in her eyes. Hurt won over as fresh tears ran down her eyes. "I didn't do it to hurt you. I was…really in a bad state. I didn't want you to see like this. I thought my episode was going to go away but…I didn't realize how bad it was until I woke up like this." He gestured to his restraints. "I never want you to see me having an episode."

"But Kara should have called me later," she pointed out to her. "When you didn't come home I thought…I thought…"

"Shh, I'm okay, Katniss. I have a little headache but I'm fine now. Kara said that I can go home as long as my blood work checks out."

"Don't ever walk out like that Peeta," she scolded him. Peeta glared back at her.

"Don't lock me out of our room, Katniss. It's not fair that you can run and hide from me when I want to talk things through." He sighed. "I don't deserve that."

"Okay, this is where Effie and I are going to go home and back to soft comfy bed," I announced. "You interrupted us." Effie slapped my arm. "What? We were asleep when Katniss interrupted us. What do you think I was going to say?"

"You were insinuating something," she retorted a brow lifted on her makeup free face. I loved that she was comfortable to leave our home with no makeup on. She knew her priorities.

"You, Mrs. Abernathy have a dirty mind," I teased her. "I wasn't insinuating anything."

I love Effie but sleep was one thing I never compromised. I never had much of it before the rebellion. Now with her beside me, I slept like a baby. "Besides, these two lovebirds need privacy." I grabbed Effie by the elbow and walked her out the room.

"Haymitch?" Katniss' voice stopped me in my tracks, as we were about to walk through the door. She stood up and ran over to me. Once she reached me she wrapped her arms around my waist. "Thank you. Thank you for being here whenever I needed you. You, Effie and everyone. Tell them thank you." I patted her back in reassurance. She walked back to Peeta and lay down beside him. Kara shook her head knowing defeat.

Later that afternoon, Katniss and Peeta knocked on our door once again. "I see they let you loose," I directed to Peeta. They both had backpack on their backs. "Going someplace?"

"Yeah, we came by to let you know that we're heading over the ridge for a couple of days," Peeta explained.

"Do you think that's a good idea? I mean, you were just released a couple of hours ago." Everyone was on edge as we waited for news for Peeta. When we saw them arrived home, Delly, Bron, Johanna and Alec ran out of their homes to greet them.

Effie and I watched their interaction from our window. Delly screamed at him for scaring her while Johanna threatened his life. Yup, everything was back to normal.

"Peeta and I need to get away and have alone time," Katniss admitted. "We're not going far. Just at the ridge. I promise we won't go anywhere else. And if you're worried we turned on the GPS on our backpacks. So you can track and keep an eye on us."

"It's a wonderful idea," Effie added. "Go and have a wonderful time. Stay safe and let us know when you're back." She hugged them both. When she released Peeta she bracketed his face with both her hands. "Take care of each other."

"Always," Peeta responded. He turned and walked down the steps. I watched them walk away for a few seconds. Katniss tapped his hand a couple of times as if she was trying to get his attention. Their movements were slow and deliberate. You could tell that things between them were raw and awkward. I could have sworn that Katniss was close to tears before Peeta grabbed her hand when she thought he was ignoring her.

"Yup, those two are still trying to kill me," I muttered to myself.

Katniss POV ––

A year later

"Peeta, I have to go," I muttered between his soft, plump lips. He had his strong lean arms wrapped around my waist as he angled his head for a deeper kiss.

"Just another minute," he breathed back as he bit my upper lip.

I groaned in frustration and need. "Peeta," I sighed as returned kiss for kiss.

"You just…you look so beautiful," he whispered. He pulled back and caressed my hair that cascaded over my shoulders. I felt his length solid and firm harden between my legs.

"If I don't go now, I'll never leave," I whined, a harsh breath escaped my quivering lips. The thought appealed to me. However… "Delly is going to kill me if I don't show up."

"Just tell her it's my fault that you're late," he challenged me. The idea staying home and return to our soft, large bed was tempting. But my Peeta had other ideas.

"I…Peeta…please," I sighed as his hands reached down and lifted the hem of my dress. His talented and deft fingers pulled my panties aside. "Oh…God." A finger grazed my shaved, wet center. Shaving was one thing I never thought I ever do, it was a habit I added to my list of 'things that drove Peeta crazy.' Mind you, both of Delly and Johanna convinced me that I would be rewarded for my sacrifice. It was a sacrifice worth doing whenever Peeta and I were behind closed doors. Take this moment for example. A happy Peeta is also an amorous Peeta. Yay, me.

"Fuck." My head lolled back as he reached inside and worked the bundle of nerves he knew so well. Between his index finger and thumb he rubbed and pinched while a third finger was thrust inside me. He was persistent in driving me mad or until I came screaming into his open mouth. "Peeta, oh my God…I want…"

"Now you can go," he said with a smirk on his face as he licked his fingers. I looked to notice a large bulge inside his pants. "I wanted to give you a proper send off."

"But––" Stunned and lost for words, I opened my mouth but was thwarted when he kissed me again. Once the world was back on its axis I was able to form sentences.

My mind was on tailspin as I tried to even out my breathing. I didn't want to leave him alone in our house. After two years, I still never wanted to be parted from him longer than necessary. There had been one morning when I woke up in our bed to find him not beside me. I was in a state of panic and fear as I raced around the house looking for him. The memory still fresh in my mind.

Frantic, I ran to the bakery with only a t-shirt and shorts. When I arrived I was a mess with tears and snot running down my face. It was a good thing the bakery wasn't opened yet when I cried in relief as he took me in his arms. Peeta had a look of fear and panic as he noticed my miserable and terrified state.

"Katniss, what wrong baby?" he asked as his arms tightened around me. "Are you hurt, please tell me what happened?" His hands were covered with flour and dough. He smelled of sunshine and bread. I clutched him so hard I wouldn't have been surprised if he felt my heart beating on his chest.

"I woke up and you were gone," I blubbered as I pressed my body close. "I didn't know where you were and I got scared. You were gone and I couldn't find you." My body shook with relief and fear. "I got so scare that something happened to you…that someone took you away from me." I wiped my face on his shirt. Even though it has been months since our ordeal with Gale, the fear of losing him was strong.

"Oh, Katniss," he sighed. He peppered my wet face with kisses. "Honey, I told you last night that I was going to the bakery early this morning." He cradled both his hands on the sides of my face looking into my eyes. "I'm sorry you woke and found me gone, but as you can see I'm okay. You're okay." His reassurance wasn't enough as I laid my head on his broad shoulder relishing the feel of his strong lean body against mine. Once I was calm Peeta led me to the bedroom located at the second floor of the bakery. He stayed with me long enough to help me clean my dirty, bruised feet. That day I stayed upstairs so I could be near him. Hunting meant leaving his side which was the last thing on my mind.

Since then, he always woke me up to let me know he was leaving no matter what time it was. I hated waking up alone without him beside me and not knowing where he was.

"Go," he said as he kissed me sweet and short sending shivers up my spine. "Alec and I will be busy while you're at the party. We will be delivering Delly's cake this afternoon, remember?" He was making last minute details for Delly's party. Reluctantly, I gave him a kiss and walked to her house.

Hours later, I sighed and took a deep and cleansing breath. I'm bored to tears wincing every time one of her new friends shrieked from joy or amusement. Delly talked a mile a minute next to Effie as they talked about details of her upcoming marriage to Bron.

I'm in the middle of a room filled with nothing but giggling women dressed in array of pink, yellow and baby blue taffeta attending Delly's bridal shower. Johanna and I were the only ones dressed in dark solid color. She wore a long, black tunic shirt and pants. As for me, Peeta had chosen my attire for the day. He had surprised me one-week prior with a present. I remembered the shy smile he had on his face as he presented the box to me. I took a slow sip of wine that was served at the shower. A smile crossed my face as I thought of the day Peeta handed me a gift for no apparent reason.

All day Peeta was restless and anxious as he kept looking at the front door. It was Sunday and the bakery was closed for the day. The bakery was opened six days a week with Sunday for cleaning and cooling the ovens. Alec who Peeta made a co-owner of the bakery was scheduled for that weekend since they took turns every other week. We lazily stayed in bed and satiated a different kind of hunger until our stomach demanded sustenance. After breakfast it was clear to me that he was nervous. Since opening the bakery, our schedules had us occupied during the day as Peeta worked while I hunted in the morning, met him for lunch then, did housework for the rest of the day. It was a routine we stuck with for the past two years. I have never felt so some complete or happy in my life. It was almost perfect.

Because of his restlessness I managed to settle him down by having us read a book together. Or rather I read while he laid his head on my lap as he stared at me. His blue eyes glued to my lips and his hand played with the tip of my braided hair. To think that this type of intimacy I shunned because I was convinced that it would make me weak and vulnerable. I was wrong. Gale was wrong when he assumed that I would chose one of them out of survival. I could have survived living without Peeta. But with that choice my life would have been empty not knowing the joy, comfort and love that he offered me every day. I chose Peeta not out of survival but because I loved him.

"Peeta, stop staring. It's creepy," I scolded him in a playful manner as I hid a smile behind my scowl. I loved how he still looked at me the same way since we've met, the way his eyes lingered on my skin as if he was caressing me.

"I can't help it," he admitted. "You're beautiful." His eyes were soft as they crinkled at the edges. There was awe and adoration behind his stare. It was still there after everything we've been through two years later. I swore the fire between was hotter than ever. I couldn't get enough of him.

"You're distracting me," I returned with a blush on my cheeks.

"It's not my fault you can't concentrate," he blustered. "I'm listening to you read to me." I was pleased that his restlessness was abated for a few moments. A familiar ache surfaced betweens my legs. He already had his way with me this morning as he took me from behind. We're spooned together his chest to my back. I had one hand extended gripping his hand into mine while his other hand was buried between my legs. I shivered at the memory of his thick long cock lazily thrusting from behind me. I could still feel the ghost of length still buried inside me. Just as I was about to lean down and kiss him, someone knocked on our door. I was startled as he jumped off the sofa to answer it. He left me frustrated and wanting, as he came back with a big goofy smile on his face and large white box in his hands.

"Peeta, what is this?" I gasped in surprise. The box was rectangular in shape and had a beautiful dark green bow on top. It wasn't fancy but simple as the white box contrasted against the green bow. After his experience with Gale, it took a long time for him to look at a white box. Now, as long as it had a difference color bow, he didn't flinch or panic when it appeared on our door. As long as it wasn't also long and rectangular he was fine.

"It's a present," he smirked with joy and amusement in his eyes. "For you." I thought back thinking did I miss his birthday or some anniversary?

"I know that it's a present," I said back with a touch of annoyance. Since entering into a relationship with Peeta, I discovered that he was the romantic one––breakfast in bed, flowers arrangements on our dinner table, quiet walks with his arm around me and romantic dinners together even after a long day at the bakery. Peeta always found ways to surprise me with dinners or picnics in celebration of some significant moments in our lives––the first time we made love, our first real date and sometimes he'd said say, 'just because.' He was an awesome boyfriend––not perfect because no one is perfect, but he was perfect for me. Two years later and I still got chills when he looked at me or touched me. He was a romantic with a voracious sexual appetite. Did I say he was an awesome boyfriend? Um…I'll get back to that later as I felt the temperature in room grew hot and the need between my legs ached thinking about him. Phew! Where was I before my mind traveled elsewhere?

"I know that you're not looking forward to going to Delly's shower," he said. I scoffed. The idea of going was not on my list of priorities. As a matter a fact, it wasn't a priority. But since she was Peeta's closest childhood friend from District 12 and she had become a true and trusted friend for me as well, how could I deny her? She like Johanna had stuck by Peeta through the worst time of his life. A time when I ignored and resented him for not being the Boy with the Bread that I loved when he was rescued from the Capitol. For their undying devotion and friendship with Peeta I could never repay them for watching over him and loving him despite what the Capitol had done to him. So I agreed to attend her shower and I'm even a…bride's maid. Whatever that meant?

"I hope you like it," he said as he bit his lower lip. I reached over and cupped his face in my hand as I tilted my head. Reading my mind, he leaned down and kissed me brushing his tongue on my upper lip. The kiss was short and sweet but left me wanting. "Katniss?"

"Hmm?" I mumbled on his mouth. I thought of starting round two as my hand reached for his belt buckle.

"The present," he returned. "Open it, please?" He was genuinely nervous.

Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and tried to contain my ardor for him. He sat beside me and placed the box on my lap. I plucked the bow off the box and wedged the lid upward. Layers of white tissue hid my surprise. With my fingertips I peeled a layer to reveal a dress.

"Peeta?" I gasped as I lifted the dress from the box. "It's beautiful." The dark green knee length dress suited me. It wasn't frilly, fancy of revealing. It was perfect. Underneath the dress was a pair of two inch nude color heels that complimented the dress.

"I asked Effie for help," he admitted. "I mean, I picked it myself but I wanted to make sure it fit you perfectly. So she made sure it was your size."

"It is perfect, Peeta." I remembered the day when Peeta took us shopping while we were in disguise. We were having our first real date, one without chaperones or a camera taping us, an honest to goodness date that was just for the two of us. It was risky at the time but worth it. We both chose each other's attire for our date. He had picked out the perfect dressed that complimented the suit I chose for him. We matched.

"Do you like it?" he started. "I mean, if you don't like the color or style, I'm sure Effie can help get you another one before the party."

"Peeta, it's beautiful," I complimented him. My boyfriend knew my taste in clothes. He should considering the times he stripped them off me. He was meticulous in his choices preferring zippers to buttons as it helped him ease the dress off me when he was in a hurry to ravage me. Let just say that we spent the rest of the day behind closed doors in our bedroom only seeking replenishment for our satiated bodies. How else could I thank him for giving such a wonderful gift?

I sighed in longing for him. Images of his hands and lips all over my body made me wish that I was with him at home in our bed. The orgasm I experienced hours before left me anxious as I yearned to be with him. At least I'll get to see him as he and Alec delivered her cake later this afternoon.

So here I was surrounded with Delly's new friends. The friends she met since living in and working in District 12. They all took turns cooing and admiring her baby girl. I wasn't surprised when she and mini-Delly matched from the pink bows on their head to the shoes on their feet. They looked adorable. Rebecca Cartwright was blond; blue eyed exact duplicate of Delly. She came in to the world kicking and screaming as her parents looked at her adoringly. Rebecca was perfect combination of her parent's features as she inherited from her father his nose, ears and lips. Haymitch teased her claiming their next child if it was a boy would look like Bron but with her lips, nose and ears. Either way he or she would be adorable.

I looked around the room to find Effie beside Delly as she took charge writing down a list of the gifts she received and who gave them. Kara sat a chair sipping a glass of wine. I was pleased that Kara had decided to remain at 12 as Peeta and my primary physician as I couldn't trust anyone after his ordeal with Gale and Eva. So much has happened since then.

The road to Bron and Delly's reunion was hard and tumultuous. She kept Bron at bay for months until she broke down in the middle of delivering her baby. She cried, screamed and threatened him for hours. Her emotions were all over the place. Months before she gave birth, she debated whether Bron would be with her in the delivery room. Peeta never encouraged or discouraged her in taking him back. I was with him that day when she cried in his arms confused over her dilemma with her former fiance.

"Delly, it's not up to me to tell you how you feel about Bron," he told her as she cried the first time when she heard her child's heartbeat. She had asked both Peeta and I to accompany her when she had her first appointment in District 12. Bron was visiting his parents at the time. Realizing the life ahead of her and thinking about raising a child alone was one thing, but the reality of the situation was another. Could she raise her baby without Bron?

"I can't do this alone, Peeta," she confessed. "How am I going to raise this child on my own?"

"You won't, Delly. You're not alone," Peeta said. "You have Haymitch, Effie, Johanna, Katniss and me. We're not going anywhere. Your baby will be spoiled by everyone and will have best aunts and uncles to watch over her." He paused and rubbed her back, a gesture all to familiar when he comforted me. There was nothing intimate in the way he held her. "Delly, you have Bron. He is the father of your baby. You have to remember that. He will stand by your side in raising your child together whether you take him back or not."

"What if I only want Bron back so I won't raise my baby alone," she cried. "I don't want to take him back for the wrong reason. I love Bron, I still do but…what if this is just my hormones talking."

"Delly, your priority should be the baby first and foremost. Don't push yourself; you don't have to decide now. Trust yourself to make the right decision for you, Bron and your baby." It was sound advice.

One year later and with the child between them, their relationship grew cementing and solidifying a stronger bond, one out of honesty. We experienced their cries of joy and tears as they fought to find themselves again. It wasn't easy watching them as they pulled and pushed each other, but in the end it was the love that had for each other that brought them back together.

Within a week Delly, Bron and their little girl, Rebecca will be binding their life together in a small ceremony in the Justice Building and a private toasting in their home at the Victor's Village. Johanna bristled when Delly asked her to be her Maid of Honor.

"Your timing sucks," she told her. As for Johanna, by the time of the wedding ceremony she would be eight months pregnant carrying Alec's child. "I'm going to be fat as a cow by then."

"Speaking of which," Haymitch started. "When is Alec going to make an honest woman out of you?" Johanna narrowed her eyes.

"Fuck you, Haymitch," Johanna retaliated. I ignored the jabs and comments they made at each other.

"How are you holding up," Johanna interrupted my thoughts. The glass of wine in my hand was half empty. I sequestered myself at another part of the house away from the giggling and squealing girls as Delly opened up the rest of her gifts. "God, this room is driving me to drink." She had a hand on her belly rubbing it up and down on her protruding stomach. She was large for eight months, as she looked ready to burst. We often teased her that she and Alec were having twins.

A loud squeal pierced the air. It was Delly as she held black lingerie in her hands. She stood up and placed the piece in front of body sashaying her hips. "Bron is going to fall on his face when he sees you wearing that," one of her new friends shrieked with amusement. I flinched as several girls laughed back in amusement.

Johanna burst out laughing beside me. She startled me. "What?"

"If you could see the look on your face," she chortled. "You look like you've never seen lingerie before." I scowled back at her not amused by her tease.

"I seem to recall the day after you had surprised Peeta on his birthday," she remembered. "A little teeny tiny dark orange lingerie that practically hid nothing. You know the one your wore and the next day when you were kinda walking funny." I shoulder bumped her sending her into another fit of rambunctious laughter. "Come to think of it, Peeta had all those scratches all over his––"

"Stop, Johanna," I threatened her. "Or all I'll tell Alec of the time you I caught you two on my backyard."

Johanna stopped laughing. "Don't you dare?" Her eyes grew large. "You know how Alec gets when I talk about our sex life?" Alec was the complete opposite of Johanna. She had no qualms talking about their sexual escapades between Delly and me. However, Alec was embarrassed and horrified. He wasn't used to the blatant references or conversation when it came to sex. It probably didn't help that he grew up with strict puritan parents that believed that sex was mainly for reproduction and not for pleasure.

Johanna quickly converted him in her ways as long as we never talked about our sex life in front of him. Not that I minded since I consider my relations to Peeta were sacred and private. She took great pleasure in regaling us stories of their exploits. Hence the product of their activity was soon to arrive next month. His parents were displeased that they produced a child out of wedlock. The more his parents pushed for them to marry the more Johanna resisted. No one, not even Alec could pressure her to marry him even when she loved him to pieces.

Their early courtship or relationship mimicked Peeta and mine's long hard road together. She resisted him from the start denying her attraction to him. Sounds familiar? It was difficult to watch her make the same mistakes since it reminded my how stubborn was I with Peeta as I denied my developing feeling for him. Johanna fell for Alec. It was clear to see whenever she was around him. No amount of denial in the world could prevent them from being together as if they were fated just like Peeta and me. We all laughed when she found any excuse to visit the bakery, as she demanded that her visits were purely to check on Peeta.

Alec stuck to his guns and courted her until she relented. Presently, he and Johanna moved into my old home as I moved into Peeta's new house.

Peeta, Bron and Alec forged a deep friendship between them. I was glad that he had male friends beside Haymitch. At Bron's stag party Peeta was adorably drunk his cheeks red, lips pouty and eyes glazed.

"What do you think they're doing now?" Delly asked. I invited Effie, Kara and Johanna over for dinner as the boys were away at Bron's stag party. The meal was quiet and subdued as we helped ourselves to three bottles of wine. The dinner itself was simple––spaghetti with meat sauce with a large batch of Peeta's Cheese buns. As for dessert, he made Tiramisu to accompany our meal. The dinner felt odd without our prospective significant others. I wasn't used to not having Peeta with me.

"Alec said that Peeta was sworn by someone to not have any skimpy half naked women tonight so…I don't know what they could be doing," Johanna mentioned as she absently rubbed her swollen belly. "What kind of stag party are they having without half naked women dancing?" 'Oh, they better not be having those skanks near my Peeta,' my mind echoed. 'Effie would have a fit.' "Makes me wonder how Alec is holding up."

Was she missing Alec the same as I missed Peeta this evening? Since they have moved in together, she was clingy––a side of her I never thought I thought existed. Maybe it's because of her pregnancy.

"They better not have some skanky women running around while they drink themselves to oblivion. I trust Haymitch, those type of girls, I don't," Effie countered. 'You tell 'em Effie.'

"Knowing our boyfriends," Johanna continued as she gestured to me. "They'll eat, drink and start a baking contest." She giggled. That was something new. Since she fell for Alec there was a side of her that she revealed to us––a softer and gentler side.

"Oh, Johanna," Delly spoke. "You really don't know Peeta that well do you?"

"And what is that supposed to mean?" I asked. I knew that my Boy with the Bread was honest, kind and gentle person, but he was far from boring or some stick in the mud. I couldn't tell what she was insinuating.

"I have an idea?" Delly sputtered not answering my question. "Let's go over to your house and see what their doing?" She addressed Johanna.

"Oh, you mean spy on them?" Johanna confirmed. "That's an awesome idea. I want to know what their doing. It's got to be more exciting than what we're doing."

"You are not going over there to spy on them," Effie berated her. "What an idea? What are you going to say if they catch you spying on them?"

"Don't take this personally but I'm bored," Johanna whined. "They're probably having a blast over there."

"Johanna, what are you doing to do when you go over there?" Kara added. "It's not like you can drink anything."

"I know that, Kara," she returned in frustration. "Just don't mind me pregnant with my hormones running all over the place. I miss…I just want…" Just like any hormonal pregnant female I have ever encountered Johanna was no different. She was happy one minute then pissed the next. With Delly she cried when she was happy and cried when she was sad. We couldn't tell the difference.

"Aww, you miss Alec," Delly teased and made kissy faces and sounds. "Remember that's how you got into your predicament." Pointing at her belly. "You sure you're not having twins?"

"Hey, watch Delly Cartwright. Don't joke about things like that. I seem to recall someone being extremely hormonal when she was pregnant. Drove everyone crazy. Demanding for Peeta's cheese buns when we all know that only Katniss can make those demands." I scowled at those memories when I caught her pilfering a plate from my dinner table to take home.

"I was cute pregnant and hormonal," Delly defended herself. "At least I didn't go around waving a knife at people when she got pissy and demanded that Alec make chocolate cupcakes at odd hours of the night. Then threatened to cut off his––"

"I may be pregnant but I'm still me. And don't you forget it." Even though she was pregnant Johanna carried a knife with her wherever she went. Alec couldn't break her of that habit. After years of being a victor, you couldn't remove or forget that part of your life no matter how you tried or how many years that rolled by. Peeta and I could attest to that as our nightmares though they seldom appeared, we still managed to have them.

Suddenly she stood up. "Okay who's coming with me?" she asked as she adjusted her tunic shirt that rid up displaying her bump. Without any hesitation I stood up and joined her just as Delly rose from the sofa.

"Where do you think you're going?" Effie asked with a smirk on her face. "Who's going to watch Rebecca?" Her petite hand grabbed Delly's causing her to fall back on the sofa.

"Oh, I thought that maybe Auntie Effie––" Aunt Effie shook her head. Rebecca was currently in her baby carriage fast asleep. Hence the reason for our quiet and boring evening as Johanna mentioned.

"I love your little girl more than anything Delly but…I'm not about to stay here and have her wake up to find mommy and daddy not home. My ears haven't recovered from the last time." Last week Bron and Delly went out for the first time after she was born for an imposed 'date night.' I guess it was too soon as Rebecca woke up and discovered that Uncle Haymitch and Auntie Effie was not enough to settle her down when she wanted was her parents. She cried for a couple of hours until Haymitch recruited Peeta and I. Why? I don't know but it worked as Peeta held Rebecca in his arms cooing and soothing her. She must have recognized his blond hair and blue eyes as a source of comfort and familiarity.

"Phooey then," she pouted as she crossed her arms in front of her chest.

"Let's go check up on our boyfriends," Johanna commanded as she turned and walked out the door with me right behind her.

The walk was short, 30 yards to be exact. We entered through the back door having easy access since Haymitch didn't remove the security feature he had Beetee installed two years prior. We never trespassed anyone's home without permission. Haymitch soon found out that fact as he caught Peeta and I in what Peeta described as in' delicto flagrante' right in front of our fireplace in the middle of the day. He never made that mistake again. However, we entered each other's home only in cases of emergency or this in case to spy on our significant others.

Not that I didn't trust Peeta. He was beyond loyal and trustworthy. I knew that. I never had to worry of him straying since we loved each other so much.

With hunter's grace and stealth, Johanna and I tiptoed through the kitchen and peered into the dining area. Empty. It was eerily quiet as well.

"Where are they?" Johanna whispered. I shrugged my shoulders. I strained my neck hoping to find a clue or any evidence of their presence in the house. I could hear music in the background and…women giggling?

"You got to be kidding me?" Johanna stated when she heard what I heard. "Those motherfuckers lied––" She was so angry that she didn't even stop to finish her sentence when she stomped over to the room where we found…

Bron, Haymitch, Alec sitting at a table playing…poker? Peeta was nowhere in sight. The rest of Bron's friends had the Capitol monitor on in viewing room where on the screen was a group of women and men having an..orgy. Bron's friends were watching porn at his bachelor party.

"Johanna, is everything all right? What are you doing here?" Alec stood up and went straight to his girlfriend concern and fear on his face. Haymitch smirked.

"Checking up on us I see."

"Where's Peeta?" was my only question and concern as I ignored everyone.

"He went to the loo," Haymitch informed me. "You might want to check up on him. He's been in there for a while." My brows furrowed in question. "I don't think he handled the alcohol he consumed all night very well." In other words, he was drunk. Peeta didn't have the constitution to drink alcohol like most people. He got drunk quickly. Worried I headed to the guest bathroom located on the first floor. I avoided the rest of Bron's friends as I gawked and made lewd comments as I passed the room where his guests continued to watch their 'show.'

"Peeta," I called out to him as I knocked on the door. "It's me Katniss. Haymitch said you've been in there for a while. Are you okay?" It was quiet behind the door. "Peeta?"

"Honey, I'm hoooommmmme," he sing-songed as he stumbled out of the bathroom causing him to almost land on the floor. I narrowly caught him as I wrapped my arms around his waist. "Why is the room spinning?" I smiled then laughed as I noticed his attire. His necktie was loose and shirt unbuttoned. His apparent disheveled look didn't alarm me. It was the troubled look that was on his face that worried me.

I placed a firm arm around his waist and led him back to the party. "Haymitch, Peeta's done for the night. I'm taking him home," I stated brooking no argument.

"But the party's no to over yet" Haymitch started. Johanna sat on Alec's lap as he continued to play poker whispering in his ear to distract him.

"It is for Peeta," I said.

"You guys call this a stag party?" Johanna challenged Haymitch. "Where are the naked strippers for Bron? It's his last few days as single man."

"Watch it young lady, there's time for me to one phone call to remedy that matter," Haymitch threatened. "I'm only doing as Bron and Peeta suggested…no strippers or naked women at his stag party. Bunch of killjoys," he rambled under his breath.

"Oh, please don't challenge Haymitch, Johanna," Bron said in panicked tone. "Delly kill me if we…I mean, no strippers, okay? I want to live through my wedding in one piece and no injuries to my body. I want to enjoy my honeymoon with my limbs intact."

"I'm just teasing guys," she said as picked out a card for Alec. "Honey, you really suck at poker." He nodded in agreement as he lost his hand to Haymitch.

"Have fun, I'm taking him home," I said as I led home out of Bron's house.

A few minutes later, we arrived at home. "Is Peeta okay?" Kara asked.

"He had too much to drink. You know that he doesn't have high tolerance for alcohol," I reminded her.

"Well, I have an early shift so I'll be heading out," Kara stated. "Thank you for inviting me for dinner."

"You're welcome, Kara," I said. "You are always welcome in our home." She hugged me good-bye and left.

"Since Johanna decided to crash their party, I don't see any reason why I can't join them," Effie announced. I cringed at the idea as I remembered the other guests watching porn in the other room. She would not be pleased with Haymitch for allowing it.

"Well, I'm going home since it is my home they're having the party at. They can't stop me," Delly declared as she pushed the carriage out of my house. Relieved that everyone had left, I gingerly dropped Peeta on the sofa.

He looked sad so I asked him what was wrong. "Peeta honey, are you okay?" He nodded his head and hummed back his answer. "Then why do you look so sad?"

"I'm really happy that Bron and Delly are getting married," he admitted.

"But…" I waited for him to complete his thought. After living and loving Peeta for two years, I knew him well enough to know when something bothered him. We were alike in that aspect.

He sighed and looked at the floor in front of him his hands clasped together. Like a magnet, he pulled me down to sit on his lap as he buried his face in crook my neck. I loved touchy, feely Peeta as we spent time cuddling or wrapped in each other's other arms while we listened to music or when we read to each other.

"It's just…this evening…I was having fun with the guys when I suddenly...wished that my brothers were here to see me. They would never believe that I bagged the hottest girl in District 12." I smirked at his comment. Me, hot? Only in Peeta's eyes. "I miss them…I miss my brothers."

'Oh, Peeta.' a voice sounded in my head. I too miss my sister, Prim. "I'm really grateful that Bron and Alec are my friends, but I feel like I replaced them for my brothers. I know I shouldn't feel guilty but…I thought about them. I just really miss them."

I understood his guilt as my friendship flourished his Delly and Johanna. There were days that I felt guilty for feeling happy without my Primrose. Then, I remembered on days when I felt like crawling into a closet to forget about the world and the people around me. Haymitch reminded me that thousands of innocent people beside Prim died so we could have a better future. "Don't waste their sacrifice by wallowing in self pity, Katniss. She would be disappointed in you for deny the gift we were given."

So each everyday I looked at my life with Peeta as gift that Prim left for us. I would never squander the life I had now. In essence I looked at the other gift granted to me––my family and friendship with Delly, Johanna and Effie who were like sisters to me.

"Just wait until she opens the gift I gave her," Johanna interrupted my thoughts again. She looked at me conspiratorially as she pointed to a bright purple box that Delly picked up from the table. "

"Who's this from?" Delly asked the crowd around her. "There's no card or tag." No one spoke as Johanna winked at me.

"Just open it," someone cried out.

"It's too pretty to open," another guest spoke out as wine sloshed out of her glass. Geez, these women were stupid drunk.

"Open it already," Effie said a bit of impatience in her demeanor.

Once the package was open Delly peered into the box not revealing the content, her face turned bright red and her eyes wide like saucers. "Oh my God," she gasped. "Johanna? This has to come from Johanna." Her baby blues went directly to her.

"What is it?" another of her friends asked.

Johanna laughed hard, her eyes crinkled with mischief. "Take it out of the box and share with the rest of the class," she instructed Delly. She shook her head violently.

"No," she shrieked. "No fucking way." I laughed to myself at Delly's colorful language. Since hanging our with Johanna Mason, Delly's language and vocabulary developed in a color manner much to Effie's chagrin.

"Delly dear, watch your language," Effie said as she pointed to her daughter.

"She's only one, Effie," she whined.

"Don't be mad, Effie," Johanna joined in the conversation. "She stinking drunk and having fun. And baby Rebecca has probably heard worse."

"Johanna, how did you…I mean how…" Delly stopped as she grabbed the box and turned into another shade of red.

"What's inside the box?" I asked as curiosity got the best of me. Delly shook her head.

"No. No one is going to see…this is personal…" she countered as she dramatically held the box to her chest.

"You should share," Johanna dared her. "I would. You're a very lucky girl, but not as lucky as Katniss." I still couldn't figure out what she got Delly. So I leaned over and whispered to Johanna.

"What's in the box?"

"A replicate of Bron's penis," she announced. 'What? How?' I wondered.

"I gave a kit to Bron a week ago to you know to replicate his cock when he goes on his trips to the Capitol and District 2," she explained. A year ago, Bron was appointed Head Guardsmen to District 12. Johanna had relinquished her duty and title of Commander to the Guardsmen soon after she got pregnant since it took her away from Alec and her home. It was temporary to begin with since Paylor took her time looking for a replacement. When she announced she was pregnant, President Paylor appointed some eager Guardsmen from District 2 and his first duty was implementing a Head Guardsmen for each district who had to report to the District 2 monthly. Hence Bron was away from his family 2-4 days a month.

"There's a molding kit you used to duplicate you man's penis," she explained.

"Why would you want to copy his…you know?" I asked. "Why would I want Peeta's… why would I make a fake one when I have the real thing with me every day." I couldn't understand the logic.

"Well, Ms. Everdeen," Johanna said. "When Delly is in the mood and Bron is not around, she can––" Everyone in the room giggled in delight and amusement. Me, I didn't find it funny making a duplicate of Peeta's penis when I had access to him anytime I wanted.

"Johanna, that's enough already," Effie interjected.

"What? I bet she gets lonely when Bron has to report for duty every month," she defended herself. I didn't have that problem since I spend every day with Peeta living and sleeping in our house. I wondered would I succumb to duplicating his penis if he had to travel once a month? The thought of him away chilled me. "If you want, I can get you a kit for Peeta." I opened my mouth to negate the idea.

"She doesn't need it," Delly announced. 'Damn right I don't,' the thought surfaced in my head. "Peeta doesn't go anywhere without Katniss."

"How sweet," one of her guests gushed.

"I wouldn't let him out of my sight either," another girl added.

"We should go out for another girl shopping day after my wedding. I think Katniss needs new lingerie for Peeta to rip off her," Johanna suggested.

I blushed as I remembered the last time Johanna and Delly took me shopping. Even after two years with Peeta, I didn't need to seduce him with sexy clothes or underwear. I'd wear a pair of black pants and his favorite color blouse and I'd find myself trapped between a wall and his solid body against mine. Nope, lingerie didn't do it for my boyfriend. I realized the purchase was worn once and I wasted money as it sat inside a closet never to be used again.

Delly continued to open her presents as she kept the gift Johanna had given her to herself. However, once the gifts were open Johanna leaned into me and whispered in my ear. "Between the three of us I have to say that you won the lottery." I gasped in horror and embarrassment. In my half buzzed state of consuming four glasses of wine, I shoved her playfully remembering that she was eight months pregnant as I hoped my face wasn't red as a beet. Just the talk of penises made me think of my boyfriend who was to arrive later.

I sighed in relief when all thoughts and talk of penises were replaced by a knock on her door. "Katniss, can you get that, please?" Delly ordered as she plucked her baby from one of her friends. "Does my baby girl need nappy change?" she said in playful manner.

I was happy to answer the door to get away from the group for a few seconds. What greeted me was my handsome boyfriend with Alec in tow as they both carried a large rectangular cake. "A delivery for a Miss Delilah Cartwright soon to be Delly Masters," he announced with a big smile on his face. "I hoped you girls are hungry?"

My face lit up at the sight of him as he wore a dark blue shirt that complimented his eyes and dark khakis that hung snugly around his pert butt. He was…breathtakingly gorgeous and…all mine.

"Oh, Peeta. Thank goodness," Effie said as she greeted them. "I thought you'd never get here." I was confused with her comment since I knew that Peeta was supposed deliver the cake this afternoon.

Both Johanna and I trailed behind our boyfriends as they entered the house placing the cake on the coffee table. I snickered as I caught several women ogling Peeta up and down at his lean and athletic form.

'Mine,' my mind shouted. 'Touch him and you'll feel an arrow between your eyes.' It took several months for him to regain his weight and develop muscles that he lost during his time at the Capitol. Looking at him as he served cake to Delly I realized that he was the Peeta I remembered before he games and this torture. His hair was thick and silky to touch. The lost and haunted look he had from his experience would surface but not linger. He fought so hard and so long to be who he was before the games and his abduction––the Boy with the Bread that saved and loved me despite not receiving anything in return.

"Peeta, oh my God," Delly shrieked with joy. "That's the most beautiful cake I've ever seen." The cake was pink and decorated with white and pale yellow Delilah flowers. It reminded me of the cake he created two years ago at the baking contest where Peeta met Alec. On the cake were written, 'To the future Mrs. Delly Masters. Love and Happiness'

Not only was the cake beautiful it was delicious. Peeta really had outdone himself with the bridal shower cake. "Well, I'm glad you like and enjoyed it, Delly. I look forward to making and decorating your wedding cake as well." Every piece he had ever made was a masterpiece and with each new order he designed creations that were incredible and unforgettable.

Both Alec and Peeta lingered long enough to help clean up after. "I don't bake and run, you know. Besides, it gives me an excuse to hang out with you," he admitted as he and Alec served cake with coffee and tea to the rest of the guests as we enjoyed ourselves. Even Delly's friends were impressed with the service.

"You, Delly and Johanna are very lucky girls," one woman gushed. "You all have very fine specimens." She eyed Alec to my relief. Johanna wasn't happy as she ogled her man. Pleased that no one was eyeballing my Peeta, I turned to him and wrapped my arm around his waist as I watched the party dwindled.

"Thank you for coming and for my gift," Delly repeated to each of her friends as they departed an hour later.

"I'm sure Bron will appreciate it more than you will," her friend giggled. Before the last guest left she looked back at Peeta.

"The cake was beautiful and delicious, Peeta," she said to him right in front of me as she twirled her hair around her finger. 'Really? You're flirting when I'm right next to him,' my mind sent to her. "I'll remember to order a cake for my birthday as I long as I know that you'll personally deliver it." Peeta ignored the last comment.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it. Chocolate is Katniss' favorite color," he said as he leaned down and kissed my cheek. It was also Delly's but he made sure to let her friend know that it was his girlfriend's favorite flavor. You know the one that had an arm wrapped around his waist and kissed her check right in front of her. He was a perfect boyfriend.

Later, Peeta and Alec surprised us as Haymitch and Bron arrived for dinner stating that we had reservations at a new restaurant in town. The restaurant served the most tender and delicious steak I have ever eaten. We never dined in town preferring to stay home and cook together but since, they made reservations and we were dressed for the occasion, it was a treat for all of us.

Right after dinner I knew that something was up as Alec and Johanna kept making side-glances and whispering to each other. I wasn't the only one that noticed their odd behavior. "Okay, you two are driving me nuts," Haymitch observed. "What's going on?"

"Should we tell them?" Alec asked Johanna.

"I thought you wanted to wait until Bron and Delly came back from their honeymoon?" Johanna returned.

"Will you two please just get on with it and tell us your big secret?" Delly asked. "Becca needs to go home sooner than later." The restaurant was kind enough to reserve a private room for us so that she could bring her baby, as she lay fast asleep in her carriage.

Johanna and Alec stood up and held each other's hands. "Um…you tell them, Alec." He smiled and kissed her knuckles.

"Well, you guys remember when Johanna and I went home to visit my parents twp months ago?" I nodded my head. Johanna was reluctant to visit in fear of her reception and introduction with Alec's parents. I remembered the night before she left as she barged into our house looking scared and angry at the same time.

"What if they don't' like me?" she asked. "I mean I know that I can be a bit abrasive and hot tempered."

"Johanna," Peeta started. "Why wouldn't they like you––"

"I'm not like those other girls Alec dated," she interrupted him. "I was victor who killed people. People still think that I'm a traitor who betrayed the rebels." She ranted for a few seconds listing her flaws and weaknesses.

"Stop, Johanna," Peeta interjected. "Since when did other's people opinion mattered to you?"

"These are just not other people Peeta," she whined. "I'm meeting his family. His parents. I never thought that I'd meet my boyfriend's parents." I knew what she meant. She was convinced to be single and alone for the rest of her life. "I don't want to disappoint Alec." Peeta and I knew that she was serious. Her relationship with Alec changed her not because she was carrying his child, but she truly loved him. She wanted his parents to approve of her not just for her but also for him.

"Just be your self," Peeta advised her. "The only person that matters, whose opinion matters is Alec. Why change for his parents when he fell for you the way you are?" Had Peeta's parents survived and lived, this was what I fought against, one of the things I was afraid to face––approval from his family especially his mother. But I should have known better. He would have fought for me, choosing me as he had always chosen me over everyone and everything. Two weeks later, Johanna came back happy and reserve like as if something changed her forever.

Peeta tugged my hand as I lost in my memories."Anyway, we didn't just visit my parents, we also stopped by District 7."

"You…oh my God. Johanna, you and Alec did it," Delly interrupted him. "Oh my god, please tell me you did it."

"Did what?" I asked.

"It was a spur of a moment decision," Johanna stated. "It happened so fast that the next thing we knew…we just did it."

"Oh for crying out loud, did what?" Haymitch asked with impatience.

"We got married," Johanna uttered. The room fell quiet as the news snuck upon us. I didn't think I heard her correctly until Peeta stood up and hugged her.

"Why didn't you tell us?" Delly asked in a low tone remembering that Rebecca was fast asleep.

"We didn't want to overshadow or ruin your wedding with our announcement. We really meant to announce it after you came back."

"Don't be an idiot. Congratulations," Bron said as he hugged both Johanna and Alec. Effie was in tears. "We're very happy for the both of you."

"I'm very happy for you but…" Effie said her voice shook.

"Effie, don't get mad," Johanna uttered. "We didn't want a big ceremony and I just wanted it to be private with just Alec and me. We didn't do it to hurt anyone's feelings."

"We just wanted to do it with just the two of us," Alec explained. "And it wasn't my idea to begin with." He had a proud look on his face as he turned to Johanna.

"Oh my God," Delly squealed as she lost control. Bron shushed her. "You proposed. You proposed to Alec after the numerous times, you avoided the topic."

"It just felt right. I took him to my favorite spot in District 7 and the next thing we knew, we were saying our vows and…it just felt like a perfect moment. Then, we went the Justice Building to make it legal at my district."

Haymitch laughed loud and boisterous. "Oh my God, you did the unthinkable and the impossible."

Johanna's eyes narrowed at him. "You tamed her. Who knew that a baker from District 10 would tame Johanna Mason?" I hid my smile behind my hand. It was true what Haymitch said but I wasn't about to admit to her. He did tame her wild and weary heart. She was very lucky––they both were.

After the announcement Haymitch ordered champagne and made a toast for Alec and Johanna. "To the Baylors, may you both have continued blessings and happiness with your growing family. We love you both. Congratulations." He stopped but couldn't help himself as he made a dig towards Johanna.

"And a special toast to Alec. You're a brave man or a foolish one. Good luck, you're going to need it." I felt happy for them. If anyone deserved to be happy it was Johanna.

I looked around the table and I dawned on me that Peeta and I were the only ones not married. The thought sadden me. Then I remembered the conversation we had a year ago. The trip that Peeta and I took to the woods hours after he returned from the hospital. The next morning after the night I rejected his proposal.

Flashback – One year prior

I held onto Peeta's hand tight. I was afraid that if I let go I would lose him forever. It was an irrational feeling since I knew that he loved me unconditionally. Even after rejecting his proposal the night before, I was certain of his feelings for me as he knew about my feelings for him as well. He was the only one for me so why did I reject his marriage proposal? I panicked and got scared. I remembered when I was young that I swore never to fall in love and get married. Marriage meant babies, I didn't want children either.

I fell for Peeta reluctantly and fought hard not to. Now, with the Snow dead and there were no more games, there were no excuses not to want to marry him and have babies with him, but years of fear and denial was a hard habit to break. Just like Johanna I was convinced that I would live my life taking care of Prim, alone and single.

It took an hour to reach the ridge. The place where Peeta like to go camping, the same place where he introduced me to talented hands and mouth. It was a special place for us, as I wanted to Peeta to have new and better memories to a place that he was certain he would never see again. Once we reached the ridge, we set camp. Our bodies in tuned as we set up the tent and prepared dinner side by side without a single word between us. It was painful and awkward not being able to broach the topic that caused a chasm between us.

So I started, "I'm sorry." Peeta turned his head. "Please don't look away from me," I sobbed. "Please let me explain why I ran." He ignored my plea and looked down at the ground before him.

"I don't think it's necessary for you to explain," he returned. "You running told me all I needed to know."

"Peeta," I sighed as I held my tears in check. I couldn't afford to cry. Once I started I couldn't stop. He deserved to know why I ran.

"I should have known not to propose," he continued. "I mean I'm an idiot. Every time I brought up the topic of marriage and toasting you managed to avoid it. I'm so stupid. I just didn't want to believe that you didn't want to marry me."

"Peeta, stop. I love you; you know that. There is no one in the world for me but you but…"

"But?" He finally turned his head and looked at me. My heart broke as I saw the look in his face. He was devastated.

"For the longest time, I told myself that I was never getting married. Marriage led to children. I never wanted to have children either." The more I talked the worse Peeta felt as his face crumpled at my confession. So I continued. "I never wanted to love anyone, to fall in love." He nodded his head because this he knew since I fought against my feelings for him.

"I thought love made you feel weak and helpless. I saw it first hand when my dad died. How my mom gave up on Prim and I, like we didn't matter. I hated her for abandoning us mentally and physically." I became the only parent for Prim at a young age and I resented her for it. "Then you came along and tore my world apart."

"I'm sorry––"

"Don't apologize for loving me," I berated him. "Don't be sorry for making me see that loving someone didn't make you weak. I was the stupid one for believing it."

"You're not stupid. Don't put yourself down for having feeling like that," he said. "You didn't know; that's all."

"No, I was stupid and stubborn," I interjected. "I thank God everyday that you were stubborn as well because you never gave up on me."

"But I did––"

"No Peeta, you didn't," I enforced. "You stopped loving me because the Capitol brainwashed you. You never stopped loving me on purpose, it took a team of doctors and trackerjacker to make you forget me for a little while. And when you came back, you fought your way back to me."

"Kara said that my love for you could never be…no trackerjacker could make me forget you." I smiled. Kara was right because with time he did found his way back to me.

"I love you, Peeta," I said my voice strong and clear. "Falling in love with you was not what I expected or wanted, but I did. I love you so much. More than anything or anyone in this world. But there is still a part of me that's scared to want more."

"What are you scared of?" He asked as he took my hand trembling hand into his strong one.

"Everyone person that loved," I sighed as the weight in my chest felt heavier. "Has been taken from me. Dad, mom and Prim I loved them so much and I lost them."

"You'll never lose me," he swore.

"You can't promise me that," I expressed. "I was falling for you when you were taken from me. I didn't handle it well when I thought you were dead. And, then I saw you alive it gave me hope. Only to be…you came back different. You didn't love me anymore because of the trackerjacker. I lost you all over again and it devastated me. Every time I let myself love you, you were taken from me."

"Yet, I'm still here with you. Loving you." he reaffirmed. I wanted him to hold me but I didn't have the right to ask since I broke his heart.

"For how long? I'm scared to ask for more than what we have. I know it sounds illogical and stupid. I'm superstitious when it comes to you. So when you asked me to marry you last night everything I was scared of…surfaced."

"Oh, Katniss," he said as he reached over and finally took me into his arms.

"When you came back I determined to have you in my life as a friend. To not demand more from you. Then," I stopped and closed my eyes to prevent the memories to overwhelm me. "You managed to make me want more than just friendship. I was being selfish wanting more than I deserved. When you didn't ask more than friendship from me, I was hurt. I was ready then to want more." I was babbling and I knew it. I hope that I was making sense since the words coming from my mouth didn't make any sense to me.

"I couldn't afford to ruin your life anymore so decided that all I could ever be was your friend. I already took so much from you. It was my fault. I doomed you when I told Caesar you were the girl back home I had a crush on." He was sad believing that his admission destroyed my life. I didn't dispute the fact. His confession changed my life and world forever but not for the worse.

"You're wrong," I told him. "You opened my world to…feeling and experiences that I would have never had with anyone but you. It was always you. I chose you because I love you. Me, not marrying you doesn't mean that I love you less."

"I understand, Katniss. There's no need to explain," he comforted me. I knew he would understand because he knew me––my fears and hope for a future together.

"Just give me time," I asked. "You know I'm stubborn." I smiled hoping to bring light back into our conversation. "I'm slow to accepting things, you know that." And it took time for me to get there. Little did I realize that Peeta also made a decision that night. I never realized how much I hurt him when I refused his proposal since he never broached the topic ever again.

End of flashback ––

Since then, Peeta never talked about marriage. I hinted he evaded. I didn't bother me at first.

"Why the sour look, Katniss?" Johanna asked. Delly and Bron were at the table questioning Alec of his marriage to Johanna. Effie, Peeta and Haymitch sat besides them listening in earnest. It was a surprise for everyone.

"I just can't believe you're married," I admitted. "I don't meant that in a mean way. That you were not…that you didn't deserve…you know what I mean, Johanna." I was flustered as words escaped me.

"I know, Katniss," she snorted. "I couldn't believe it myself. I mean, we were there standing at this ridge with the valley below us…and all of a sudden I felt this weight lift from my shoulders. I know it sounds stupid."

"No, it's perfect. Incredible in fact," I affirmed. "You just felt something falling in to place at that moment."

"Yeah, and Alec was being sweet and adorable after I made him trek a whole four hours to get there and not complain," Johanna expressed. "He was so worried because of the baby. When I stood there with him beside me, I thought I would never want anyone there with me but him, only him. Then, the baby kicked me, you know. Like she or he was telling me something."

"Like what?"

"That he and I were family…that we belonged together," she said in a wistful manner. "At that moment I knew, I wanted him to be more than just my lover and the father of my baby. I wanted him as my friend, lover and husband." She patted her stomach. "Then the next thing I knew I was gathering flowers to make a crown. I didn't even know I was doing it until Alec asked me why I was making a crown for him and for me."

"What did you say?"

"For our vows," she narrated. "We're getting married right now and then and he had no choice but to say yes." She laughed at her memory.

"What did he do?"

"He said that since I'm forcing him to get married with District 7's ritual he had the right to force me to marry him with District 10 ritual as well."

"I'm really happy for you and Alec, Johanna," I said as I hugged her. "You two are meant to be together."

"Who'd a thought huh?" Johanna smirked as she looked at Alec. "He changed me. There is no one in the world I want than him and this baby." I smiled. Just as I turned to look at Alec, Peeta turned his head and caught my eye. I could tell he was very pleased for them as joy radiated from his face. "We're very lucky, Katniss. Lucky to have guys who love us for who were are, accepting all our faults and weaknesses." I silently agreed with her.

"So, you're the last," she mentioned.

I moaned in frustration. "I know, Johanna. I know."

"When are you going to get over yourself and marry that boy that loves you death?" Had someone asked me that a year ago I would have gotten angry and told them to mind their own business? But a year has passed. I was still scared of the idea of marrying Peeta. There were fears that I couldn't shake despite the fact that the games were abolished.

"I just…" What excuse can I use or tell her? There was none.

"I know you, Katniss," she started. "I know you're scared. I was scared too. For the longest time I didn't want to love anyone. Loving someone meant being responsibility for them. I didn't want that burden knowing that Snow would use them against me. I wasn't only protecting my heart I was protecting anyone who attached themselves to me." She sighed. "But I realized that was an excuse to keep people away…because i got used to people leaving me whether by choice or when Snow would…"

"You don't have to talk about this," I said. "This was supposed to be a happy occasion."

"Katniss, please listen," she interjected. "When I was falling for Alec I resented him, I hated how he made me feel. How he made me miss a lover's touch, not just sex but the feeling of connecting with someone in an intimate level. I missed that. I never thought I'd have it again."

She smiled as she looked at Alec. "Meeting him changed me and I have Peeta to thank for that." Little did we realized that Peeta making Alec his business partner would turn change Johanna's life forever. "So I'm going to do you and him a favor––a push so to speak. Do you remember when he petitioned to live in District 7?"

I nodded my head. Peeta confessed that he gave up on love and wanted to live in District 7. He was convinced that I could never love him. "Well, his petition was accepted and he became a citizen." I didn't know what she was talking about so I let her go on. "So as a citizen of 7 he is bound by the laws and traditions there, you understand?" I shook my head.

"What does he becoming a citizen have to do with––"

"Just let me finish. As a citizen of 12, you have traditions and rituals that are binding to you, like say you're toasting when you want marry someone." The toasting was a tradition between a two people to bound them together as husband and wife. It wasn't legal but it was a ritual that was binding as a piece a paper signed in the Justice Building.

"So," she continued. "Do you remember the day when you and Peeta came back from the woods wearing a crown of flowers on your head." I nodded remembering that day. "Well, at District 7, a couple would weave a crown of flowers and wear them on their head, vows would be spoken and they would etch their names on a tree as symbol of their devotion to each other. It's a ritual like your toasting except it takes place out outdoors. Sounds familiar?" My mouth fell open as I remembered placing a crown of flowers he weaved on our heads then etched our initials on a tree.

"Did Peeta have any idea what he was doing?"

"No, you got to remember that he hasn't lived in 7 yet so he couldn't have known what he was doing?"

"I thought it was just Peeta being romantic," I said out loud. "He didn't even know what he was doing but performing a wedding ceremony."

"He was unintentionally. And it's binding and real since he is technically a District 7 citizen, you are officially and by District 7 tradition––"

"Married. I'm married to Peeta." I was flabbergasted with the revelation.

"So you're fear of getting married is pointless since you know, you've been married to him by District 7 ritual for about two years now." She was right. "Do you feel any different now that you know?" I didn't feel any different. The thought of being his wife as I have been for the past two years didn't scare me. By District 7 tradition, I'm Katniss Mellark and have been for some time. "What are going to do, Katniss?" she asked me. I knew what I wanted to do. It was a matter of what I wanted to say to Peeta that flustered me.

That night I couldn't sleep. I watched Peeta as he lay beside me. He was my best friend, my lover and my husband. Husband, the word rolled in my head so easily. The thought made me giddy with pride and joy. Now it was a matter of convincing him that I wanted to be his wife for real and by District 12 tradition. I wanted to marry and have a toasting with him.

Peeta POV ––

I knew something was up. On the night of Alec and Johanna's announcement, she and Katniss had been giving me conspiratorial looks as if they had a secret they couldn't divulge. It must a girl thing since Katniss never mentioned a word about it when I asked what they were talking about. Since then, I caught Effie, Delly and Johanna staring at me at odd times. I tried to worry about it but Katniss had been acting strange every time I asked her what was wrong.

Two days later, the girls went on a 'shopping and beauty day.' At first it didn't bother me but the fact that Katniss was excited about it made me suspicious. They were up to something. Even the guys were acting odd.

"Haymitch, do you have any idea what's going on?" I asked my trusted former mentor and friend.

"What do you mean?" he answered back as he visited me at the bakery.

"Katniss has been…acting really strange since Alec and Johanna's announcement."

"Like how?"

"Ordinarily, if Delly or Johanna even suggested a day of shopping she would balk at the idea. Find any excuse not to go, but today, she was actually excited about it."

"Maybe your wif…girlfriend wanted a day for herself. You know, to make herself pretty for you," he explained. I scoffed. Katniss didn't need new clothes or a day at a spa to make her beautiful. She was beautiful regardless what she wore.

"Peeta, you can't be selfish and want her with you all the time, you know," Haymitch stated. "You're not attached to the hip despite what you think, you need to separate once in a while." We do?

"You're hopeless, you know that?" Haymitch added. I didn't understand what he meant.

I passed the day as usual as I worked at the bakery until closing time. I missed lunch with Katniss since she spent it with the girls. Alec called in sick which made my day extremely busy and tiring even though I hired another person to manage the register at the storefront. All I wanted to do was go home and have dinner with my girl who I was missing desperately.

"Hey, Peeta," Bron arrived just as I was about to close the bakery as he carried a large bag in his arms.

"Bron, what's up? You need something?" I said as I latched the lock on the door. I noticed that he wore a nice pair of slacks and shirt not his Guardsmen uniform he wore for work everyday.

"Yeah, um…Haymitch got a call from President Paylor," he started. "Her office called and said that she can't make it to wedding after all." Paylor was invited since she was Bron's boss so to speak. It would have been rude not to invite the boss when one was having a wedding. "But she said that she would be free tonight for dinner with all of us."

"Tonight, you mean she's here in District 12 for dinner?" He nodded his head.

"Yeah, crazy right? So I couldn't just say 'sorry but we're busy so'…Haymitch was able get reservations at a restaurant for the night. So Katniss told me to bring you some clothes. She said to pick her up once you're dressed since dinner is about in half an hour from now." The whole thing didn't make sense to me but I was tired and missing Katniss so I didn't argue with him as I took a quick shower and wore the clothes Bron brought over.

I wasn't looking forward to having dinner with Paylor. All day all I thought about going home, have a nice quiet dinner and spent the rest of the evening with Katniss. But since this was for Bron and Delly I couldn't refuse especially to the President of Panem.

The walk back to the Victor's Village was short. I opened the door and called out for Katniss. "Katniss, are you ready?" Inside my home was Haymitch, Effie, Delly, Alec and Johanna dressed in their best clothes. Everyone had a big shit-eating grin on their face. It was unsettling as Effie looked like she was about to cry. Their presence at our home startled me.

In front of them she stood dressed in dark orange dressed that flattered her curves. "Welcome home, Peeta," she said as grabbed my hand and led me further into our home. I noticed the dining table was set with food and drink. Behind them was Kara, Sae and Tamryn wearing her favorite dress. They too were smiling. Everyone I loved was there. The gathering didn't bode well for me. Something was definitely wrong.

"What's going on?" I asked. Katniss looked scared and nervous. "Katniss?"

"Peeta," she started as she extended her trembling hand to me.

"Katniss, what's everyone doing here?"

"Peeta, I love you." I smiled as her words calmed me.

"I love you too."

Effie sniffled and Delly sobbed. Haymitch snickered.

"I love you so much. A year ago I made a mistake. A mistake I'm trying to rectify." I thought back to a year ago. I couldn't fathom what she was referring to. I was too surprised and tired to think back to a year ago. "So with the help from our family and friend to be witnesses as well as for support and encouragement, I…um…Peeta Mellark," she said as she took a deep breath. "I love you so much. Will you do me the honor of making me the happiest girl in all of Panem by marrying me today, right now at this moment?"

I was stunned as I blinked a few times. "Will you toast with me in front of our friends and family?" Did I hear her correctly that she wanted to marry me? A toasting right now as of this evening with a girl I loved since I was five? I thought I died and gone to heaven because this dream was too good to be true.

"Peeta? Say something," she said with nervousness and fear in her voice. I was stunned, speechless as words failed me.

"He's in shock, Katniss," Johanna teased her. I looked into her eyes and I saw my past. What reflected in her silver orbs was a boy who threw bread at a girl sitting in the rain. I saw a boy and a girl reaped at the 74th Hunger Games and then I saw a little boy with curly blond hair and a dark haired girl running in a meadow. As stared deeper into her eye I saw our future.

Words weren't enough so I kissed her. Everyone faded in the background as I only saw Katniss before me hoping she felt my answer.

"Ahem," Haymitch sounded as I lost myself with Katniss' kisses. "You know, you two can continue to do that to your heart's content once you finish your toasting." Katniss blushed a deep red while I laughed. My heart was full for there were no words to describe how I felt at this moment.

A few minutes later, Katniss and I knelt in front of the fire with bread that Alec made that morning. This was the reason why he was absent at the bakery. He baked my toasting bread for Katniss and me.

"It's the least I could do since you bought Johanna in to my life," he explained. "Thanks for that. I could never repay for introducing her to me."

"You caught and married her on your own with no help from me, Alec," I told him. He disagreed. I was too happy to argue with him.

I split the bread in two and speared one half with a stick. Katniss mimicked my actions as she speared hers as well. Before I placed my bread over the fire I took Katniss free hand into mine.

"I love you," I started. "You don't know what it means to me for making this moment a reality. As I young boy, I imagined our toasting. I dreamt and fantasized about it not believing that it would ever come true because I wasn't that lucky. Thank you for having the courage to ask me because I know how much this moment scares you. You're the bravest and most honest person I have ever known. I love you courage, your strength but most of all I love your trust in me to be who you are without reservation. You make me want to be a better man. A man proud to be your best friend, your lover and soon your husband. Thank you for giving me you. I promise to protect, honor and love you for the rest of my life. These are my vows to you for as long as we both shall live." There was more that I wanted to say but I held them back because they were private and personal words that only Katniss should hear.

"I love you, Peeta," she said as her tears streamed down her cheeks. "I can honestly admit that I had never thought I would ever love anyone the way I love you. For the longest time, doing this––a toasting was something I never imagined I would ever do with anyone especially to the blond hair and blue eye boy who saved me that one rainy day. And you did that, Peeta. You saved me in more ways I have ever imagined. At this moment in front of our friend and family, I confess that I'm not scared anymore. Since meeting you, you have given me strength, courage and love. Qualities that made me a better person, to become the wife who will protect, honor and love you for the rest of my life. These are my vows to you for as long as we both shall live."

Simultaneously, we dipped our sticks into the fire toasting the bread until it was crispy brown careful to not burn it. We waited a minute for the bread to cool then we fed each other taking a small bite as symbol of our life together as we provided nourishment and love to each other. Then, without hesitation Katniss launched herself and kissed me causing us to land on the floor. We giggled and laughed between kisses not caring at the world around us.

After a few minutes, I picked us up off the floor with a very light and happy heart. Our family and friends joined in our joy and celebration as hugs and kisses were bestowed upon us. We were overwhelmed with tears of joy and happiness as my dream of having Katniss as my wife were finally realized.

As I held my wife in arms I recalled the days soon after I arrived from the Capitol. They were the bleakest and loneliest weeks of my life as I thought that my chances with her were truly over.

Now two years later, she is now my wife and the love of my life. I gave thanks for those who supported us as they traveled the same journey of pain, despair and horror that I endured and for also experiencing and sharing our joy and happiness as well. Katniss and I would not have survived without them. I am truly very lucky and fortunate man to have them in my life as I looked forward to years ahead of us as Peeta and Katniss Mellark, the hunter and baker from District 12.

The End.

AN: Thanks to my readers who requested and waited patiently for another epilogue. I hope you enjoyed it. I also want to thank those who followed me in reading Destiny, another Everlark fiction that is now in progress. Have a great and safe weekend.