December 23, 2017

I take my change from the cashier, returning her 'Merry Christmas' half-heartedly as I gather my bags and shuffle away from the register through the thick crowd of last-minute shoppers. Finding a space between two racks where I can stand relatively out of the way I stand on my tiptoes, craning my neck to see above the crowd. Where the hell is he?

He insisted we split up so that we could finish all of our shopping faster, but I knew this would happen. We were supposed to meet at the register over a half hour ago. I waited for him to show up for fifteen minutes before I decided to go ahead and get in line, sure that he would be along soon. Now I have made it all the way through the busy line and he still hasn't appeared.

I sigh in exasperation and decide to text him. Where are you?, I type.

He answers right away, I'm waiting for you! Where are you?

I'm at the registers and you're not here, I return.

Once again he responds immediately, No. We were supposed to meet at the center State St entrance. I've been waiting here.

I scoff and roll my eyes, walking in that direction. I am beyond irritated now. I know he said we should meet at the registers. I am in a full blown snit by the time I see him standing right in front of the revolving door, a bright smile on his face as he sees me.

"Peeta! You were the one that suggested we meet at the register!" I exclaim. I pause for a second, noticing that he doesn't even have any bags. "Did you even do any shopping?" I ask in confusion.

He shakes his head, his smile remaining firmly in place as he drops down to one knee in front of me. And right here in the middle of the bustling crowd of Christmas shoppers- in the exact spot where we met fourteen years ago, and where we shared our first kiss four years ago- he pulls a little silver box out of his pocket, and we take the first step toward spending the rest of our lives together.

Thanks so much for reading! Don't forget to leave a review :) And please come say hi on tumblr (plumgal1899).