Hope you enjoy the new chapter! Thanks to Richinlove for encouraging me to continue this.

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The Following Morning

Chapter 3

Katniss stood in the kitchen, left in a glorious feeling of giddiness. It was funny, because she never thought that she would ever feel this good again. It was all because of Peeta. This newfound happiness came from her being in love with him. She knew it with all of her being.

Was it wrong to be happy after everything? Shouldn't she still be mourning Prim? That isn't what she would have wanted. She would want you to live your life and find happiness wherever you could. Katniss sighed at the thought of her sister. This would usually trigger one of her episodes, but today, for the first time, she was determined not to let the memories ruin this feeling. The best thing to do to get her mind back on track was to go into the woods where her mind was at its clearest.

She put on her hunting jacket and headed out. As Katniss approached the trees, a peace and calm immediately relaxed her. This place could always do that. She found her bow and arrows, and began her walk. She should find some game and take it to Greasy Sae. The old woman had done so much for her, and Katniss knew that she could make a great stew if she brought her some meat. There wasn't much out today, but she finally found a grouping of squirrels that she targeted. They were easy prey and her bag was filled up.

Katniss decided before she would go over to the old woman's house that she should stop and do some more thinking on the previous night's events. The trek to her spot was uneventful and she sat down. There was only one person she wanted to talk to right now. She looked up into the sky.

"Peeta and I are truly together now, Prim. It's real. I love him." Katniss laughed a little to herself. "I think you kind of knew it would come to this someday. I know you liked him." She felt the wind blow lightly upon her face as if in affirmation of what she said.

"But what now, little duck?" she continued. "I have given him my heart, but if I know Peeta, he is going to want more. Maybe not now, but at some point, he will want to take the next step. The question is can I do that? Do I want to be married to him?"

Katniss pondered this possibility. If she were married to Peeta, what actually would be different from their situation now? They already lived together, spent their time together, supported each other, and now shared their love physically. They were pretty much living life as a married couple. What would really change from their day to day lives by having a ceremony? Nothing. Only her last name if she so chose. For the first time, she allowed herself to truly consider the option. The young woman smiled, because the idea actually made her happy. She could really see it, and in her mind's eye marriage to her baker would be wonderful. Katniss knew that he would never hurt her, and that he would always stand by her. Peeta had proven that over and over again. She came to the conclusion that she just might be willing after all…

But she also knew if she agreed to marriage, that it wouldn't just stop there. Peeta would eventually want her to consider…children. A little shudder went through her as the word crossed her mind. The fear immediately overtook her. Katniss knew Peeta would be an amazing father. She had known this for a long time. After everything he had lost, he deserved to have a family. With that, her heart felt sadness at the idea that by wanting her, he was more than likely giving up that opportunity. But, at the same time, how could she do it, when even the mere thought of the subject made her quiver. She just didn't see how she would manage. It wasn't going to happen.

But, oh how happy she could make Peeta if it did. Her thoughts started to trail off. Right now, she decided not to worry about the fears. She needed to live in what was going on right now. For the moment, things were really good. She was in love with him, and taking things to the next level last night had been nothing short of amazing. Katniss was glad that their conversation this morning had gone so well. She actually found the anticipation of making love again tonight excited her. With a smile, she decided it was time to head home.

She walked to Greasy Sae's first. The small house had been quickly built, but Katniss could see how homey it was made in a short time. There was always an open invitation here, so she just walked in through the door.

"Sae? Are you here?" she called out.

The old woman appeared from the kitchen. "Hello there! Brought me some good meat today? I was craving some stew."

"Yes," Katniss answered. "I found some good squirrels." She dropped the game bag on the kitchen table.

"Thank you, girl. Why don't you sit down and have some tea?" She pointed to a chair and Katniss gratefully sat down and soon had a cup pushed in front of her. She drank slowly, trying to relax. Finally, Greasy Sae spoke again. "How were things in the woods?"

"Good," she replied. "I hunted, and I got some time to think some things through."

"Any particular things?" the older woman said with a twinkle in her eye. It was as if she already knew what had happened.

Katniss decided she couldn't hide it. "Mostly about Peeta and I. We, uh…we were intimate for the first time last night. It's good, but I was just thinking about what this means for the future."

Greasy Sae smiled, "It's about time you two got on with it. Anyone could see it was bound to happen. The boy is devoted to you, and it took you long enough to see what everyone else saw ages ago."

The girl couldn't' suppress a laugh. "And what was that?"

"That you were head over heels for him, too," was the reply. "So, did you get things worked in your head while you were out there?"

"Sort of. You see I know Peeta, and that he will want us to take the next steps eventually. I was trying to decide if that's what I really want someday too. Marriage is one thing, and I am okay with that. But it also means children, and I just don't think I can ever do that."

"Why not?" Sae questioned.

Katniss was struck dumb by this. No one had ever asked her this. "Because….Because I'm afraid of losing anything more. What could happen to a child I bring into this world. There is so much that could happen. The Games could come back. I…just don't think I could handle it. I get so scared just thinking about it."

"Girly, you listen now. I was scared for my youngsters when I had them. I knew that they could be reaped just like all the other kids. I was as fearful as anyone could be. Luckily, that didn't happen. But, let me tell you this, even if I had lost them to the Games, I wouldn't regret having them for one minute. The joy I felt while they were alive was worth everything. You just remember that. Don't let the memories of the past or fear of the future stop you from experiencing that joy."

All that the younger woman could do was sit there and soak it all in. The lines on Greasy Sae's face were strong and the kindness and wisdom behind her eyes demanded to be listened to.

"I promise I'll think about it," she finally said. Katniss got up and began to put her teacup into the sink.

"You do that. Go on now. Go on home to that boy of yours." She smiled again at her and with a wave Katniss left the house. There was lightness about her now having spoken with the older and wiser woman.

She reached her house and came in. It was time to start dinner now, and she began preparing mean and slicing vegetables. Katniss was almost done chopping some carrots when she heard a door open and close, followed not long after by two strong arms going around her waist. A head placed itself on top of her shoulder, and she could feel kisses along the side of her neck.

"Mmmmm, smells wonderful. It's good to see you." Peeta greeted her.

"You too. Why don't you wash up? We'll eat in a few minutes." He followed her advice and ten minutes later was back with the fresh scent of soap on him. Katniss fixed him a plate and they sat down at the table together.

"So, how did things go today?" he asked.

"Fine. I did some hunting, and then went to Sae's. We talked over tea," she told him.

"What did you talk about?" Peeta inquired looking interested.

Katniss hesitated a little when she answered. "The future mostly."

Peeta's eyebrows shot up in curiosity. "Really? Anything specific?"

Katniss rolled her eyes. She knew he was playing around with her. "Our future, okay? I told her what was going on with us, and what I know you are going to want, and that I have to think about that."

Peeta was a little more serious now. "Come to any conclusions?"

"Some," she said giving him a little nudge. "Some other things I still have to think about, but boy did she give me food for thought."

He nodded at her. Katniss decided to keep going. "What about you? Anything interesting happen?"

"We had a pretty good stream of customers today. I also got to talking with Haymitch."

Katniss felt it was her turn to smile now in this conversation. "Oh, do tell! What was the subject matter for you two today? Was he sober enough to talk?"

"Yeah, sober enough," he chuckled. "We talked about dreams."

"Dreams?" she repeated. "What dreams?"

Peeta picked up their plates that were now empty, and placed them in the sink. He walked back over, brought a chair nearer to hers and took her hand. He looked straight into her eyes. "Dreams that I had given up long ago, but hope that now maybe I can have again."

Katniss had a feeling she knew exactly what he was talking about. "Care to share those dreams?"

"Well, they mostly involve me, and you, and sharing our life together. Trying to persuade you to maybe one day soon marry me." Peeta said simply.

She felt her heart melt at his words. Remembering what she had decided in the woods and what Sae had told her, Katniss knew her reply. She smiled at him. "Well, there might be a chance I could be persuaded someday to that. But Peeta, I know there is more you want, and I'm still not sure I can give you that."

He brushed back some of her hair. "I understand."

She placed her hand on his cheek. "Don't give up on your dreams, or me. I just may need some more time."

"I can give you time, and I won't give up. Just keep the door open."

Katniss nodded, and Peeta leaned in then to kiss her deeply. They both smiled as they broke apart. She could see the desire burning in his eyes, and hoped that her own were the same. He started placing kisses again along her neck.

"Can I tell you once again that last night was truly amazing?" he spoke in a more husky tone.

"It was," she replied. "I kept thinking about that too today, wondering if there would be a repeat performance."

"I know I certainly was hoping so." Katniss could feel his fingers start to play with the buttons on her shirt.

"Well, then," she answered. "Let's go to bed."

Together, they stood up, and she led them up the stairs to their room. Another night of love was ahead of them, with the dreams that lay ahead.

Please review and let me know if you are continuing to like this! It always means a lot. Thanks to everyone for reading.