No real notes, but I'm keeping it light this time around.

The Family Plan

Part Thirteen

Ramona was alright.

Bea sighed in relief, her head resting in Ramona's lap as her sister slept on, still recovering from the surgery.

Closing her eyes, she surrendered to her own exhaustion.

"Katniss?"

"Yes?"

"Will you marry me?"

Her eyes snapped open as she awaited her mother's response.

"I told you that I'm ready to say yes when the time comes."

Oh geez, Peeta! He seriously did not propose to her mother in a hospital, did he?

Bea sighed—she was so having a talk with him as soon as Ramona was back home.

However, Bea realized that this issue could not wait.

Peeta rounded the corner of the hospital hallway—

"Peeta, how could you?"

"Bea, you scared the sh—crap out of me!" He put a hand to his chest. "You could've given me a heart attack or something!"

The teenager snorted, her eyes amused.

"Don't be so dramatic. You're so fit that you have all the girls in my class calling you 'Daddy Thor'…" Beatrice guffawed. "It's a little creepy…but let's not talk about that. Let's talk about you proposing to my mother in a hospital hallway!"

Peeta smiled affectionately, hearing that hitch in the pitch of the young girl's voice. While Ramona was often calm and collected—minus her tirade at Madge—Bea was fiery and passionate when it came to things. He had watched her over this past year, his chest puffing with pride seeing how protective she was over Ramona, her younger brother, and even Katniss.

"So, you heard," he concluded, and Bea pursed her lips, nodding vehemently. "It wasn't planned…it just seemed like the right moment."

"Well, there are some things that are often unplanned; my conception…the sudden appearance of my period during gym glass…but a proposal to my mother should be planned!"

"You're on your period?" He gave her shoulder a squeeze. "Do you need anything? I'm going to the drugstore to fill Ramona's pharmacy."

Bea eyed him before replying, "An iced tea and a dark chocolate bar with sea salt and almonds, please." Huffing, she persisted. "Mom didn't get the proposal she should've gotten the first time…and it was because of me."

Peeta felt a squeeze in his chest seeing her so upset. "Bea, why would you say that?"

"She was pregnant with me," Bea replied, her eyes forlorn. "It was what was right, according to my grandparents, for my parents to get married—and that just went to hell!"

"I have it all under control," Peeta assured her.

She crossed her arms. "Do you really?"

His face warmed at her penetrating stare. When it got down to it, Peeta really didn't have much of a plan. It had all happened so quickly. Peeta was staring at this beautiful, strong woman in front of him; a woman who loved his daughter just like she was her own—and it seemed idiotic to not ask her to be his wife.

He was desperately in love with Katniss, after all.

However, Peeta could understand that perhaps it wasn't the most ideal proposal. As anti-romantic as Katniss seemed, she deserved to be swept off her feet—and his proposal should have been that moment.

"Oh shit," he muttered as reality sunk it. "I really did just muck it up."

"No…" Bea reached over to embrace him. "I just want my mom to feel like the heroine of her story. She never really got the chance because, as great as my Dad is, he was not her hero."

"We'll figure this out, Bea," Peeta told her. "Let's just get Ramona out of this place, okay?"

"Of course." Bea beamed at him. "In the meantime, I'll gather up 'Team Proposal' and let them know the situation as well as come up with a game plan. First thing's first…you have to meet my Grandma and Grandpa. I'll set it up and my Dad can give you some information on them."

"That's a very thorough plan of action," he responded, his throat suddenly feeling very tight.

"You'll be fine," Bea assured him. "They're going to love you. I'm sure of it."

Her voice cracked at the end of her words.

Peeta lifted her chin and grinned. "You're a horrible liar."

Bea blew out a breath, hanging her head. "I know."

Three Weeks Later…

"Beatrice, can you just repeat what you said?"

Cato watched as his daughter paced the living room of his apartment, her posture tight as she struggled to repeat her request.

"I told Grandma and Grandpa to come here…so they could meet Peeta," Bea sounded out slowly. She sat down on the couch, her large doe eyes on her shocked father. "I didn't want them to go to the house or it would ruin the surprise of them being here."

"Here for what?" Cato asked.

"Peeta's proposal," his daughter said in a tiny voice. "I mean, he already asked her—but it was at the hospital! Mom deserves better than that! She deserves romance…and music—"

"Everything that she didn't get the first time around," Cato concluded.

Reluctantly, Bea nodded in agreement.

Truthfully, it wasn't the best proposal. Katniss presented Cato with a positive pregnancy test and tears in her eyes. Hell—he felt like bawling himself. They were practically babies themselves and—thanks to some cheap liquor and crappy birth control—they were going to have a baby.

In-between all the turmoil and the urge to vomit, Cato suggested that maybe they get married.

To which Katniss responded, "I guess."

It was about the furthest thing from romance.

However, Peeta's proposal had potential—and Cato wanted Katniss to get everything she deserved. She was the mother of his children and long ago, they had loved one another.

Just not enough to keep it going.

Cato sighed. "Okay. Invite them over." There was a knock at the door, and he whipped to his daughter beside him. "Please don't tell me—"

"That's Peeta," his daughter told him. "He needs some advice on how to handle Grandma and Grandpa."

Cato didn't have the heart to tell her that he was probably the worst person to go to when it came to Ron and Nora Everdeen.

"Daddies, why do you both look so nervous?" Dylan asked as he rushed into the living room wearing a colander, cape, and rainboots.

"Dill, why aren't you wearing pants?" Cato retorted.

"Superheroes don't need pants," his son replied, hands on his hips and shoulders squared.

"They do when their grandparents are coming over," Peeta said. "Pants on, please."

Dylan grinned. "Okay, Daddy-Peeta!" He rushed back to his room as quickly as he had arrived.

"You handle Dylan well," Cato remarked to the man next to him. "It can get…interesting to have such a spirited kid."

"I was a little like Dill when I was a kid," Peeta explained. "I was the youngest and always getting into these adventures because I had no one else to play with. My brothers were older—and I was a surprise baby, so I didn't really have anyone or anything. Instead, I used my imagination."

Cato grinned. "Bet you got into all sorts of trouble."

"Only when I thought I was a bird and tried to jump off the roof," Peeta said. He grimaced at the recollection. "Maybe I should warn Katniss about that."

"Dill's already tried that." Cato shook his head. "Thought he was Mary Poppins and tried to fly with an umbrella. Katniss practically flew out the window to catch him by the ankles."

"Oh man!" Peeta let out a breath. "He's going to be an interesting teenager."

"Something tells me that he just needs to have the playing field leveled," Cato told him. He eyed Peeta. "Without sounding like an overbearing ex-husband, what do you think about having more children?"

Peeta pondered the question before responding.

"Katniss would be giving birth, so it would probably be in our favor to not talk about childbearing without her here. All and all, I would love to have more children—if she's up to it."

Cato nodded. "These are just some of the things that you'll have to consider when dealing with Ron and Nora. They'll ask you these questions quick as fire. The first time I took Katniss on a date, it was like an interrogation. Then, when she got pregnant, it was more of the same—but meaner. Katniss can handle them; she answers just as quickly as they ask."

"I'm screwed, aren't I?" Peeta said.

"No," Cato replied. "I got their daughter pregnant, kept her from fulfilling their aspirations for her, and then divorced her. You'll be a prince to them."

"Peeta!" Bea rushed into the room, her eyes wide. "They're coming up!" She pulled Peeta up from his seat and began to adjust his clothing…smoothing out any wrinkles…making sure the collar of his shirt was neat…pushing his hair from his eyes.

Peeta smiled affectionately at the girl before him. She was unbelievably like Katniss, always taking care of everyone around her.

"Thanks, Bea." He pressed a kiss to her forehead. "It's all going to be okay."

"Yeah sweetheart," Cato agreed, putting an arm around her. "Peeta will keep up with your grandparents and charm the pants off of them—or Ramona will."

"True," Peeta agreed, his grin proud. "No one can resist that halo atop her head."

There was a knock at the door and Dylan rushed out from his room—pants on. He went to the front door pulling it open. "Grandma! Grandpa!"

"Dylan!" A golden-haired woman picked him up and spun him in her arms. "You're getting so big!"

"Grandma! Gramps!" Bea rushed forward and went to the tall dark-haired man. "We've missed you!"

The man's smokey eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled down at Bea.

"Dear Lord, you've gotten even more beautiful, Beatrice," her Grandfather said. "You look just like your mom when she was your age."

They moved forward into the room and Peeta could feel Cato immediately tense up.

He gave Cato's shoulder a squeeze and leaned toward him. "You'll be fine. It's me that they'll want to maim."

"Cato," came the icy response from Katniss' father.

Cato nodded at his ex-father-in-law. "Hello, sir."

Nora walked forward, Dylan still in her arms, giving Cato a tight smile.

"Hello, Cato." She looked to Peeta curiously. "And this is your…friend?"

Cato looked to him, a light smile on his face. "Yes. This is Peeta Mellark."

Ron approached them, his eyes hard. "This is the person you left my beautiful daughter for?"

"No, Gramps!" Bea rushed in front of the two quivering men. She went to Peeta, taking his hand. "Peeta is Mom's boyfriend!"

"Yeah! Daddy-Peeta is awesome!" Dill jumped from his grandmother's grasp and threw his arms around Peeta's waist. "He likes to paint and didn't even get angry when the garden snake barfed all over his living room!"

"Garden hose," Cato clarified to the Everdeens to which they nodded sagely. They knew all about their imaginative grandson. "Yes, Peeta is awesome as the kids say. They adore him. I think he's a pretty good guy myself, if my opinion matters at all."

"It doesn't," Ron responded curtly.

Nora walked forward and held out her hand to Peeta. "Nora Everdeen."

Peeta took her hand and gave it a firm shake. "Once again, Peeta Mellark—Katniss' boyfriend."

"Aren't you a little old to be her boyfriend?" Ron remarked. "Ron Everdeen."

He didn't hold out his hand.

"Gramps! It's not like we're going to say lover," Bea retorted.

Her grandfather turned ten shades of crimson.

"Daddy-Peeta and Ramona live with us now because of the snake!" Dill added cheerfully. "He and Mommy have sleepovers and—" The little boy leaned towards his grandparents. "—sometimes he doesn't wear pajama pants."

"Oh my God, Dylan," Cato muttered.

"Who is Ramona?" Nora asked.

"And why the hell aren't you wearing pants at my daughter's house?" Ron demanded to know.

Peeta walked forward, Bea and Dill in tow, before raising his hands to silence the room.

"Before chaos ensues, can we just take a quick ten-minute trip?"

"Steady now…" Miss Trinket held the young girl's waist. "We're going to take it easy on our prima ballerina…"

The girl smiled affectionately at her instructor. "Thanks, Miss Trinket."

"Of course, dear," Miss Trinket replied as a young boy joined them, taking the teacher's place. "Alright now let's plié…"

The boy helped the young girl, holding her waist, as she gracefully bent her knees.

"What the hell are we doing here?" Ron asked in a tight whisper.

"That beautiful ballerina is my daughter," Peeta informed Ron. "Ramona."

"Ramona is my best friend," Beatrice explained to her grandparents. "We're practically sisters."

"Ram-Ram always plays with me," Dill added. "Even if she doesn't understand alien language."

"She's an angel!" Nora cooed, her eyes widening as Ramona attempted a turn-out.

"I agree," Peeta said tenderly. "She's the one constant in my life and I would do anything for her."

"She just had her appendix removed," Bea informed her grandparents, her eyes on Ramona. "So, she's starting back up a little more slowly. They just did a production of Cinderella a few weeks ago and she was the lead. She was perfect."

"Is there a video?" Nora asked Peeta. "I'd love to see it."

"Yes, it's been recorded," Cato informed the Everdeens. "I asked Katniss to record it since Glimmer—my girlfriend—and I missed out on the recital." He looked to Peeta, avoiding the Everdeens' stare at the mention of Glimmer. "Maybe we can watch it at my place after Ramona is finished."

"Hey everyone!" Ramona was now heading towards them, grace in her steps. She hugged her father, then Bea and Dill, followed by Cato. She then looked to the Everdeen, her face lighting up in a bright smile. "I'm Ramona Mellark."

"Ramona…" Nora gathered her into a hug. "I'm Nora—you can call me Grandma!"

Bea winked at her friend. She knew that Ramona would win them over.

"And I'm Ron—or Gramps, if you prefer." The man gave her an affectionate smile. "You look a bit like Prim."

"Oh, I love Aunt Prim," Ramona told him and his eyes warmed.

"You did great." They turned to find Sebastian behind the group. His eyes met Beatrice's. "Hey Bea. Can I talk to you real quick?"

"Uh…I guess."

Bea joined the boy away from the group. They watched as Sebastian leaned forward, whispering into her ear. She looked confused for a moment before nodding. Sebastian beamed at her before waving to the group and walking into the dressing room.

"What was that all about?" Ramona asked with a smile.

"He wanted to see if I'd grab a smoothie or a green drink? It was all very confusing…and what's a green drink?" Bea looked to the group. "What?"

"Did you say yes?" Nora asked, her expression amused.

"I just nodded," Bea replied bewildered.

"You're going on a date!" Ramona practically jumped into her arms. "Your first real date!"

"I'm not sure I like this," Cato said.

Maybe he could corner Sebastian when he got out of the dressing room and make him take the offer back—

"I don't think I do, either," Peeta added. "If Bea is going on dates, Ramona is sure to follow."

Ron guffawed. "Welcome to the world of teenage dating." He looked between the fathers. "It's going to be hell."

"What did everyone do today?" Katniss asked as they all sat down for dinner.

Bea and Ramona met eyes before looking to Peeta, who quickly looked down at his plate.

"Nothing," the three chorused.

Katniss raised a brow. "Oh, that means something." She turned to her son. "What happened today, Dill?"

Dill forked at his macaroni and cheese before grinning at his mother.

"Nothing." However, he didn't quite meet her eyes either. "We just watched Ram-Ram dance and Sebastian asked Bea to make green stuff or something."

Katniss looked to her daughter. "Care to clarify?"

Bea's olive complexion went bright red as she toyed with the pasta on her plate.

"I may have said yes to a date…" Bea turned to her mother. "I'm a little confused as to how it happened."

Her mother raised a brow. "How so?"

"It's just getting a smoothie or green drink," Bea replied. "I didn't even know Sebastian thought of me like that. I thought he liked Ramona!"

"Oh gross—Sebastian is practically my brother," Ramona told her. "I'm sorry, sis. I thought you were interested and might've let him think that."

"Did I act like I was interested?" Beatrice looked aghast. Her eyes went to Peeta and her mother. "All these stupid teenage hormones are making me weird. Am I giving off a 'date me' vibe?"

"Hey, if it were up to me and your father, we would've cornered the boy and made him take it back," Peeta informed her.

"You're just growing up, sweetheart," Katniss added affectionately. "I don't know if you've noticed, but you're undeniably beautiful—and I'm not just saying that because I'm your mother!" She looked to Ramona. "Both of you are becoming lovely young women."

"We've come a long way from looking for bras," Ramona recalled with a smile. She met Bea's eyes. "I really do feel bad. I can tell Sebastian that you didn't realize that it was a date and that you don't want to go."

"No, you don't have to do that." Bea placed her fork down and stood up. "Excuse me."

To everyone's confusion, she walked out of the dining room and out the front door.

"Bea's hormones are weird," Dill remarked. "Are you sure that the aliens haven't taken over her brain?"

"This is completely normal," Katniss assured her son. "Well, the walking outside part not so much, but everything else is very run-of-the-mill."

"I feel really bad." Ramona frowned at her father and Katniss. "I'll make it up to her somehow."

"You sure will." Bea returned to her chair and gave Ramona an easy smile. "Tell Sebastian that we're still on."

Ramona looked at her skeptically. "Really?"

"Yes." Her smile widened. "Because you and Cameron are coming with us. I just went to the Hawthornes and asked him to go."

"What?" Ramona went pale. "You asked Cam out on a date for me?"

Peeta placed his fork down and stood up. "I need some wine."

Katniss looked between the two girls before meeting his eyes.

"Just bring the whole bottle out."

Katniss knocked lightly on Bea's bedroom door.

"Sweetheart? Just wanted to check in. Are you ready?" She gritted her teeth at her next statement. "Your date should be arriving soon."

The door opened and Bea widened it for her.

Stepping in, she discovered that Ramona was also in the room. It looked as if her daughter's closet had vomited; clothing was littered all over the place.

"What happened?" she asked carefully.

"This date happened," Ramona said mournfully. "We have no idea what to do."

"Or what to say," Bea added. "Also, these look like date clothes, right?"

The girls both stood up, facing her.

Beatrice was in a burgundy dress with a peter pan collar, a pair of black tights, and brown ankle boots. She was wearing her long hair in a side braid. Ramona was in a light-blue cardigan and white skirt, white tights, and black Mary-janes.

So much had changed in such a short time, they had grown up in just a heartbeat. It seemed like she was just helping them pick out their first bras. Now, she was seeing them in their first date outfits.

"You both are beautiful." Katniss pulled them both into their embrace. "And, it's going to go fine. This is going to be the first of many dates—" She attempted to hide her grimace and failed miserably. "—for you both. My advice is to just have fun. It's just one date—you're not getting married or anything!"

"Yeah." Bea scoffed off-handedly. "We know nothing of romance."

"Exactly," Ramona agreed. "I mean, Katniss, what do you consider romantic? Just so we know what to possibly expect."

Katniss blushed at their words. Honestly, it had been a long time since she thought about the concept of romance. It was non-existent during her marriage; affection had been put on the backburner after Bea was born. She and Cato had to grow up quickly, both slowly realizing that their marriage was not because of love, but because of duty. It's just what you had to do after getting pregnant.

With Peeta, their relationship was definitely full of love—but a wiser kind. A kind that knew the pitfalls and the differences when it came to love.

And, there was romance.

Not the Hallmark over-blown version, but the subtle shimmering kind. The sort of romance where the smallest dash meant more—made the relationship more. A fancy dinner meant nothing to her, but her favorite meal followed by resting her head against Peeta's chest for the rest of the night had her swooning.

"Honestly, I'm a small gestures kind of woman," Katniss finally explained. "Nothing means more to me than hanging here at home with Peeta while Dill is in his room making some sort of crazy costume…" She looked to Bea and smiled. "And you're here in your room working on some sort of piece because the notes can't get out of your head…" Then, she turned to Ramona, lifting her chin. "…and you in the backyard practicing or doing warmups." Katniss looked between the two. "Why so interested?"

"Maybe it's because we're minutes away from going out on dates and we know nothing about romance," Bea told her mother. "How do I know if I like romance or dating? I didn't even know Sebastian liked me."

"You'll know because your stomach will do this kind of…flutter. You only really feel it in two instances," Katniss said. "One, if you really like someone and two—if you're having a baby. I don't want either of you to feel the second one until you're in your thirties."

The doorbell rang and Katniss let out a sigh of relief. How did the conversation go this way?

"That's them," Ramona said anxiously. "Does my hair look okay?"

Katniss smoothed down her long golden locks affectionately. "Perfect." Her eyes went to Bea and she tugged gently on the braid. "This looks very sophisticated on you."

"Thanks, Mom." Bea took a deep breath before taking Ramona's hand. "Let's go."

Together, the girls headed down the stairs, whispering between themselves. Katniss watched as she followed behind, her chest aching knowing that this would be the first of many dates.

Then, there would be boyfriends and husbands—

"What's with the face?" She looked up to find Peeta staring at her, an amused smile on his lips.

"Just thinking that this is the first of many dates." Katniss sighed and stepped down. "I'm not ready for them to date."

"Don't worry," Peeta told her. "They have good heads on their shoulders."

"You're surprisingly calm for someone who is watching his daughter go on her first date."

He shrugged as he went to the door. "Trust me. We won't have to worry too much."

Opening the door, Katniss was surprised as Cato slipped inside wearing a leather jacket, ripped jeans, and looking very much like he was ready to brawl.

"Dad!" Bea squealed. "What is with the get-up?"

Cato cracked his head from side to side. "Just have to show these boys what exactly they're taking on if they date you or Ramona."

Bea put her hand to her forehead. "Oh God."

"I don't think showboating is necessary, Cato," Katniss said.

"Peeta said it would be a great idea!" Cato pointed out.

Katniss crossed her arms, not even noticing Peeta's reddening face.

She'd deal with him later.

"Yeah, but Peeta is also aware that if these girls are humiliated on their first dates then he'll be sleeping on the couch. Also, I'm sure that if Glimmer were aware, she'd be just as annoyed."

"Fine." Cato took off the jacket but pulled out a red bandana from its pocket. "Can I wear the bandana?"

"I guess," Katniss said. "If it makes you feel manly."

Cato pouted as he tied it onto on his head. "It does."

The doorbell rang once more.

Katniss looked to the two fathers, her glare threatening. "Be good—or else."

The men nodded, shamefaced.

Going to the door, Katniss opened the door to find two boys nervously standing on her porch. Sebastian wore a collared dress shirt and jeans, while Cameron was in a flannel shirt and khakis. She stepped out and looked next door to wave at Johanna, who was watching the whole situation in amusement.

"Hello boys," she greeted them. "Come in."

Sebastian and Cameron stepped into the entryway of the house, smiling quickly at the girls. Sebastian's expression fell seeing Cato staring at him, but Bea quickly walked over to him and gave him a smile.

"Sorry my dad is—" She waved her hand over at Cato. "—that."

"It's fine," he replied quickly. "You look pretty."

Bea blushed. "Thanks."

Ramona and Cameron stood aside, looking to one another, but not quite talking.

"Why don't you get going?" Katniss suggested. She went to the girls and gave them each a hug. "Have fun."

"Be home by 8:00," Peeta added. Katniss gave him a long look. "…and have fun."

"And, no lingering out on the porch after all of this," Cato warned. "There will be no necking."

Bea turned to him. "Dad!"

Katniss shook her head in exasperation. "Really Cato?" She gave the girls a smile. "Go now."

The four teenagers quickly hurried out the door, leaving Katniss to deal with her ex-husband and boyfriend.

"What am I going to do with you two?" she asked after she closed the front door.

Peeta went to her, placing a light kiss on her lips. "Love me."

"Tolerate me," Cato said with a grin. He suddenly sniffed into the air. "And feed me—what is that?"

"I'm made spaghetti for Dylan," Peeta told the man. "And I guess for you, too. Go ahead and help yourself."

Cato was already rushing to the kitchen. "Aww…thanks sweetheart—you're the best!"

Laughing at Cato's antics, Peeta turned to Katniss, a broad grin lighting his handsome features.

"Now that you have me, what are you going to do with me?"

There was no other option but to pull him into a kiss.

Silence.

Complete and utter silence.

Bea looked over at Ramona and Cameron, sitting across from them. Her sister was nervously staring at her hands while Cameron fiddled with the straw of his smoothie. Next to her, Sebastian was staring at the green drink between them, avoiding her eyes.

She couldn't understand how it had all gone silent in just a few minutes.

After ordering their drinks, they found a table outside of the small café and then lapsed into this strange, awkward silence. She and Ramona had panicked over their clothes and whether this was a good idea.

However, they had never thought about conversation topics.

Ramona met Bea's eyes and mouthed, 'Say something!'

This is what she got for being the mouthy one.

Gathering her courage, Bea turned to the boy next to him. "How long have you been dancing?"

Sebastian let out a breath of relief, his mouth widening into a handsome smile.

"My whole life, really," he told her. "My mom was a ballet dancer before marrying my Dad. She opened a dance studio after having me and basically took me there instead of dropping me off at day care. I danced before I could even walk."

"My mom says that I was singing before I could ever talk," Bea replied. "She can sing but has never really did it professionally—never wanted to, really. My grandfather has a beautiful voice; it's how he got my grandmother."

"Wow. Music is in your veins," Sebastian replied impressed. "Ramona mentioned that you play a few instruments."

"Guitar right now." She took a sip from the drink in front of them and then blanched. "Wow, I'm sorry—but that's gross."

The boy laughed. "I'm used to it. I can get you something else."

Bea looked to Ramona, nodding at her encouragingly. 'Talk to him, sis.'

"So…um…" Ramona turned to Cameron, her cheeks flushed. "Besides the science stuff…what do you like to do?"

Cameron cleared his throat before replying, "I actually play the guitar too…and I write."

Ramona was impressed. "Really? How long?"

"The guitar since I was seven and the writing…that's recent," Cameron explained, his dark eyes on her.

"I forgot to tell you that Cam is a writer for our school paper," Bea added. "We've just been so focused on trying to get Ramona's dad to propose to my mom the proper way these last few weeks!"

"Well, you somehow got them to go on a date and then got Ramona and Mr. Mellark to your house, so I have complete faith in you both," Cameron replied. He turned to Ramona. "If you need help with anything, my parents and I would love to help. Mom is getting stir-crazy since we're playing the waiting game with the baby."

"That's really nice of you," Ramona told him sincerely. "I'd love to read your work."

Cameron grinned widely. "I can give you a copy of our paper!"

Sebastian leaned towards Bea. "Finally, right?" She turned to him in confusion. "Ramona might've mentioned Cameron a few thousand times during rehearsals."

Bea chuckled. "That's the thing about Ramona," she told him quietly. "When she focuses on something or someone, she's unfailingly loyal. Since the moment Cameron moved to the house next door, she hasn't looked at anyone else."

"She never seemed like the kind of person to dangle with people's hearts." Sebastian eyed her. "And, you…are there other boys?"

"Honestly, I didn't realize you were asking me out until Ramona told me!" she burst out.

Thankfully, Sebastian chuckled at her words. "You looked a little flustered when I asked."

"I'm not good at this kind of thing," she admitted. "I don't really understand romance or relationships."

"I don't think that we're supposed to," Sebastian replied. "Not now, anyway. We're just supposed to enjoy our time with each other." He nodded over at Ramona and Cameron, heads together and laughing quietly. "And laugh…" Her hand was suddenly entwined with his. "…and hold hands."

Surprisingly, Bea didn't want to pull away.

"So, how did your date go?"

Ramona turned to her Dad in surprise. "I didn't think you'd want to hear about that."

"If it's about you, then I want to hear about it." Peeta put an arm around her, pulling her close. "Were there fireworks between you two? Should I get out my shotgun?"

"Are you hiding it behind your paintbrushes?" Ramona quipped and her Dad laughed. "I didn't think so." They continued their walk through the park, heading towards Bea and Dylan who were joined by their grandparents. "I like Cameron, but it was one date. So, don't go planning on giving me away just yet."

She stopped and turned to Peeta.

"May I ask you a question?"

"Of course. You can ask me anything," He told her. "You know we're nothing but honest with one another."

"What does it feel like to be in love?"

Ramona was genuinely interested; she knew that, at one point, her parents loved one another. However, she also knew that they were never really in love. Like Cato and Katniss, her parents' relationship was about their duty to their child.

At least, on her dad's end.

"That's a loaded question," he replied honestly. "Does this have to do with your date or me proposing to Katniss?"

Ramona bit her lip thoughtfully. "Both, I guess."

They found themselves at a bench and Peeta gestured for her to sit before joining her.

"It's different for everyone," he explained. "For me, it's like being wrapped in your favorite blanket—you never want to leave…you want to savor every moment…and when you're not there, you just count the seconds until you are."

"So, being in love with Katniss is like your comfort zone?"

"Kind of," Peeta replied. "With her, I feel calm and exhilarated all at once." He gave her a smile. "I think when you dance, you probably get that same feeling or even when Bea is working on her music. You feel anchored, but there's that rush…like you can just do it forever if you're allowed."

"You would love Katniss forever if she allowed it," Ramona concluded.

"Does that bother you?" he asked cautiously. "I know you and Bea seem excited, but I'm hoping that you're not just bouncing off Bea's feelings about all of this."

"No, it makes me happy to see you like this." Ramona turned to him. "You deserve someone who loves you fully—and so do I. I know Katniss will love us forever. She's more than proved that and I think she deserves a great proposal."

"We do, too."

They turned to find Bea and Dylan along with their grandparents behind them. Peeta could see that Nora's eyes were considerably damp while Ron's usually grim expression had softened; he was sure that they heard the whole conversation.

Peeta and Ramona stood up, his arm going protectively around his daughter's shoulders.

"That was really beautiful, Peeta," Nora told him. "I think you'll both be very happy together."

Ron approached slowly. "Do you have a ring already?"

Peeta shook his head. "No, but I was hoping that the girls and Dylan will help me pick one out. You are, of course, always welcome."

"There's this great shop a few blocks away from the gallery," Bea informed him. "Mom loves that place and they have some beautiful jewelry. I'm sure we could find something there!"

"I could finagle Prim and Katniss to coming to an event with me whenever you have a plan set. Something that will make Katniss' eyes water from boredom so she'll insist on going home," Nora offered. "I can call Prim tonight and let her know."

"And I'd…um…love to join you in finding her ring, Peeta," Ron added. "If you'd allow it."

"Of course," Peeta responded to the man congenially.

Ron had thrown him a bone and he wasn't about to waste it.

He looked at the people before him; they all cared for him and Katniss. They were willing to give him the chance to sweep Katniss off her feet—as much as Katniss would let him.

"Also, I think that I might have an idea for a proposal," Ramona chimed in. "It's kind of inspired by our talk. I'll give you more details once I secure us a spot to practice and set up a plan."

Bea raised a brow at her sister. "Practice? Now I'm intrigued."

Peeta grinned. "Sounds complicated, but I love a challenge."

Something was off; Katniss sensed it over the last week.

The girls had been disappearing to one thing or another, even going to Cameron's house a few times over the last few days—under Johanna's watchful eyes, of course. Dylan was often at the Odairs', which wasn't that unusual, though he was mum over his latest adventures.

Over the last week, she was coming home to a silent house. It wasn't bad, just…different.

Peeta also had a new art commission and had been understandably distracted. He always more than made up for it whenever they were alone.

Her face warmed thinking of Peeta's very thorough apology for getting home after dinner the night before.

"You okay?" Prim was leaning towards her as they walked through the line of booths. Their mother had dragged them to the flea market, near their hometown, after a delicious brunch nearby. She had since disappeared to explore, leaving the two sisters alone. "Your face is all flushed."

"It's nothing."

Prim chuckled quietly. "Doesn't look like nothing…let me guess…Peeta gave you a little something, right?"

"None of your business!" she responded, though Prim chuckled at her denial. "I mean, Peeta has been busy this week with his newest commission and coming home late. I think he feels really bad though because when he comes home, he's very…attentive."

Prim linked their arms, drawing closer to her older sister.

"I'd give my right arm for someone to be attentive to me," she groused. "You two are happy though, right?"

Katniss looked to her sister.

"I never thought I could love someone so much until I met Peeta," Katniss admitted. "I had really given up on that kind of love. I thought I'd be content with just having my children to love, but Peeta and Ramona came along, and my heart made the room."

"Oh sis…" Prim pulled her into an embrace. "You deserve it."

"Girls!" Their mother waved them over excitedly and they drew apart to join her. As soon as they neared, she presented them with a flowing ivy-green dress. "Isn't it beautiful?" She looked to the man at the booth. "This young man makes custom dresses."

Their mother went to Katniss, holding the fabric against her body. "This would look beautiful on you."

"I don't need a dress," she argued before looking to the man. "I mean, they're very beautiful…"

"Cinna," he introduced himself with a kind smile. "I'm sure that you'll need one at some point. You can even try it on." He showed her a small curtained space behind the booth. "If you hate it, I won't take offense, but I insist that you at least give it a go."

"Come on, Katniss," Prim urged. "Mom is buying you a gorgeous piece—don't let the chance get away!" She pushed Katniss towards the dressing room. "I'll help you."

Katniss huffed. "I can put on a dress." Taking the dress, she walked to the space and stepped in, closing the curtain behind her. "Where would I even use a dress like this?"

"I have an idea," Prim called out. "Why don't you surprise Peeta by going out to a nice dinner? I can watch the kids."

"That sounds like a great idea," her mother added. "Also, when do you think your father and I will be able to meet Peeta?"

Her parents knew of Peeta through brief phone calls with the kids and the emails that she sent her mother. However, Katniss had finally bit the bullet and admitted that they had moved in together.

Surprisingly, her mother seemed very rational about it. However, she knew it would be her father that would be the most against the idea, so one out of the two parents seemed good for now.

Katniss pulled the dress up and was surprised how well it seemed to fit her. It really was a lovely dress; it was sleeveless but had a ruffling detail on one side and was fitted through her hips before flaring out into an asymmetrical skirt.

"How are you doing in there?" Cinna called out.

Drawing back the curtain, Katniss stepped out, looking between the three. "What do you think?"

"It's perfect," her mother breathed out and Katniss started, seeing tears drawing out of her eyes. "Ignore me. I'm just being sentimental today."

"You look beautiful," Prim told her, warmth in her blues. "I actually have some heels in the car that would go perfect with the dress."

"I have to agree," Cinna told her. "Not just because I designed it, but because it looks like it was made for you." He reached into his back pocket, handing her his business card. "If possible, could you send me a picture of you in it before your dinner? I'd love to post it on my website and Instagram."

"I'll take the picture," Prim assured the man.

Katniss looked to her mother. "I should pay for the dress—"

"I already bought it," her mother told her before looking at her watch. "I've got to meet your father. We're having dinner with one of his golf buddies and his wife." She walked over to the two, giving them both a kiss. Her gaze lingered over Katniss for a moment. "Have a great dinner, sweetheart."

Prim put an arm around her. "Come on, Cinderella. Let's get you home to your Prince."

"Why is the house dark?" Katniss asked as they pulled up into the driveway.

Her sister followed her gaze to the house. "Did Peeta take the kids out?"

Prim parked the car, unbuckling her belt; Katniss following her motions. They both stepped out of the car, heading to the front door.

"I don't think so." Katniss fished her keys out from her purse. "That would be kind of a bummer since I was supposed to be surprising Peeta with dinner."

"Just give him a call—"

They were interrupted by the door opening and they looked to find Dylan—dressed in a button-up and slacks.

"Hi Mommy! Hi Aunt Prim!" he greeted them cheerfully.

The two women stepped into the house and Katniss stopped at the sight before them—tea candles were lit along the floor, leading down to the back of the house.

"What's going on?" she asked her son.

"Come on, Mommy!" Dylan took her hand, leading her down the hallway as Prim followed. "We're all ready for you."

"Ready for what?" She turned to Prim, who shrugged. "Do you know something that I don't?"

"They're your kids," her sister replied, laughter in her voice.

Dylan opened the door to the backyard for Katniss and she stepped out cautiously, worried about what could possibly be out there. She really hoped that Dylan didn't flood the backyard like Peeta's living room…

"This isn't my backyard."

Her backyard was an overgrown mess; Dylan's toys littered everywhere. Her backyard was lit with a net of Christmas lights above her. It didn't have a perfectly manicured lawn and beds of flowers along the fencing.

And, it didn't have a wooden stage in the middle of it with three canvas paintings of Bea, Dylan, and Ramona as its backdrop. At the bottom of the stage were two chairs, placed on opposite ends of it.

"Sit here, Mommy."

Dylan led her to a singular chair in front of the stage; decorated with paper flowers that were obviously made by her son as they were all in garish neon colors. She smiled at him as she sat down, adjusting the skirt of her dress.

"Dill—" She turned and found her son had disappeared, leaving her alone in the backyard, surrounded in soft lights and the faces of her children.

Katniss only knew one artist who could capture the beauty of each of them.

It was silent for a moment—even the wind seemed to stop—and she heard nothing but the sound of her heart pounding in her ears.

Then, from opposite sides, Bea and Cameron entered with guitars in their hands, both sitting at the chairs by the stage.

They looked to one another and Bea gave her a smile as Cameron counted them off into a slow tune.

"Been up all night

Staring at you

Wondering what's on your mind…"

Katniss knew the Bea had a beautiful voice, but Cameron's grounded but soulful voice took her by surprise. The two harmonized perfectly with one another.

However, she had little time to ruminate over the duo's talents as Sebastian and Ramona stepped onto the stage as Bea and Cameron sang.

The two dancers were dressed simply, Ramona in a pink leotard and Sebastian in a light-blue shirt with white tights. They began their pas de deux—a term that she had learned over the course of watching Ramona's rehearsals—and Katniss realized that the routine was completely new to her.

Almost like it was created for the song.

"Paperweight on my back

Cover me like a blanket…"

They were all ridiculously talented and Katniss felt her chest burst with happiness at seeing her two girls before her, both doing the things that they loved the most.

"Every word you say I think

I should write down

Don't want to forget

Come daylight…"

Sebastian easily lifted Ramona; her arms raised high in the air.

"And no need to worry

That's wasting time

And no need to wonder

What's been on my mind

It's you…"

The two dancers continued into an adagio and Sebastian followed Ramona around the stage, almost like a lovesick fool. She was sure that wasn't the case, but more about allowing the person who created the dance to lead. Katniss knew that Ramona was talented, but to create such a seamless performance was beyond words.

"And I give up

I let you win

You win 'cause I'm not counting

You made it back

To sleep again

Wonder what you're dreaming…"

The music ended with Ramona's hand in Sebastian's and him on one knee.

Katniss stood up clapping. "That was so beautiful!"

Bea and Ramona approached her, hand in hand.

Both gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

"Mom," Bea said choked, her eyes shining. "Turn around."

Katniss turned to find Peeta in a grey suit standing in front of her, his blue eyes glowing as he gazed at her.

"What is this?" she asked in a tight voice.

"You told me that you would be ready to say yes when the time came," Peeta told her as he stepped forward. "And I wanted to give you the perfect proposal because Bea told me—not so subtly—that you deserved romance since you didn't get it your first time around." He cleared his throat before meeting her eyes once more, his own full of tenderness. "And, truthfully, neither did I."

Her own eyes began to water. "Peeta…"

"Katniss, I fell in love with you the moment our eyes met in a department store lingerie department—" She let out a wet laugh. "—and it was solidified by the way you love Ramona and how much she loves you and the way that I love Bea and Dill like they were my own."

She turned to look at their girls and found them in one another's embrace with Dylan squished between them.

"It's not just the way you care for and love our family that made me fall for you. It's your beauty—inside and out—and your kindness. Most of all, your fierceness. You're not afraid of anything." Peeta moved towards her, pressing his forehead to hers. "You make me feel calm and exhilarated at the same time…and I just love you so much."

Katniss let out a sob, her lips finding his in wet kiss.

Slowly, he pulled away and Katniss was gobsmacked to find her father beside them. He handed Peeta a small velvet box, patting his shoulder before moving behind to where Prim and her mother suddenly stood.

"Katniss Everdeen—" Peeta was on one knee before her, the velvet box open. "—will you marry me?"

Then, she was blubbering…and nodding, "Yes."

Peeta jumped up, pulling her into a full kiss and they were laughing and sobbing…there were cheers…and her mother talking about a winter wedding…

However, Katniss could only see the man holding her.

Peeta beamed. "I should probably put your ring on." He pulled it out of the box presenting her with an oval cut ruby ring, small diamonds surrounding the stone and flanking the top of the rose-gold band. "Bea told us about this vintage shop near your gallery and we found this ring the first visit there. Your father and the kids agreed that it was perfect."

She looked at him in surprise. "You took my Dad with you? And, also—you've met?"

"He offered—and I'll explain later," Peeta told her with a grin. "Now, may I please put this ring on your finger?"

"Oh—yes!" Katniss held out her hand and he quickly slipped it onto her ring finger. "It's beautiful."

Peeta looked to her, his blue eyes tender. "You're beautiful."

"We did it."

Bea turned to Ramona, bright smiles on both their faces. "We did."

The two girls sat back on the grass, mowed and trimmed meticulously by Bea's dad as a congratulatory engagement gift for his ex-wife, looking up at the night sky.

"You and Cameron sounded really great, by the way," Ramona told her sister. "I'm very impressed."

"You know he only did this because you asked him," Bea retorted. "You picked the perfect song, too." She pushed herself up onto her elbow. "Also, you are one hell of a choreographer. I don't know how you came up with that whole thing in a week."

"Miss Trinket helped—and she helped with giving us a place to practice." Ramona smiled to herself. "I really did have fun, though. Maybe it's something I could do in the future. By the way…I heard you're going out with Sebastian again."

Bea went red. "I was supposed to ask you if you and Cam would come before he said anything!" She hung her head. "He wanted to go to a movie. At least then we won't have to talk all the time."

"You like him," Ramona teased.

The dark-haired teenager laid back. "Maybe."

They went back to gazing up at the star-filled sky.

Bea reached for Ramona's pinky, hooking it with hers. "So, what's next?"

"A wedding," she replied before turning to Bea, her blue eyes hopeful. "And, maybe an Everdeen-Mellark baby?"

The two erupted in giggles.

"I don't think we could help with that," Bea said through her laughter. "But we can definitely hint."

Peeta looked down at the phone in his hands.

"We can push it until next week," his fiancée—he loved calling Katniss by the new moniker—assured him. "I know how you feel about them."

"No, they should know before the news gets out," he told her.

Katniss sat back on their couch. "Who would tell them?"

"Didn't you know?" Peeta gave her a jaunty grin. "I plan to put a very prominent announcement in the paper."

His fiancée snorted. "Really?"

"With pictures and everything," he retorted.

The smile faded from his lips and looked to his phone once more.

Katniss took his hand, giving it a squeeze. "The sooner you do it, the sooner we can get to planning."

Nodding, Peeta dialed quickly.

He waited until he heard her greeting, only hesitating slightly before responding.

"Hi Mom…could you get Dad on the phone, too? I have some news."

I know…it's been awhile. I've gotten the messages about this story and 'North Star'—they're not abandoned, just taking a little longer than usual.

Truthfully, this is probably going to be one of my long-term stories as I'd like to take this all the way to the girls graduating from high school.

It was really fun to write the girls' first date. It was sweet and awkward. Surprisingly, I didn't think that I'd write Bea liking Sebastian enough to go on another date with him.

Now, we gotta get to those first kisses.

Anyway, the proposal I've been dreaming of since I heard "Paperweight" (sung by Joshua Radin and Schuyler Fisk) has come to fruition!

Anyway, I hope that you'll review or send me a message. I love to hear your feedback!

Thank you for your follows, subscriptions, kudos, and favorites! It's so appreciated.

It's time to meet the Mellarks!

Until the next time,

JLaLa