#bran everdeen-mellark

[littlemarianah]

My headcannons about District 12

Katniss's parents' names are Ruth and Robin.

Ruth never knew that Peeta's father liked her. My boy never tried to get closer lol

The ages and names of the Mellark brothers are: Peeta (16y), Rye (18y) and Bran (21y)

Katniss's father was a leader among the miners, they spread words of revolt with music and tried to change the inhumane conditions in the mines. That's why he was killed with his colleagues in a fake accident.

The miners have work songs that they sing every morning on the way to the mines.

The water is very polluted because of coal mining waste in the rivers. You need to buy packaged water to drink.

Robin and Gale's father did not get along and always stole from each other's bushmeat customers, but they were friends during their childhood.

Gale's grandmother is Maude Ivory

Katniss and Gale are actually long distance cousins lol

Rory Hawthorne has a crush on Prim and kisses her in D13 (hihi 👉👈)

They have many respiratory illnesses because of the coal dust.

A tradition for boys who reach the age to work in the mines is to have their faces smeared with coal by their father.

The birth rate is high because the Capital does not provide any form or education for birth control

Most women have their first child at age 18.

Ruth's parents are alive and still keep the pharmacy running, but they refuse to talk to their daughter.

Peeta has many cousins.

Gale is very popular with girls, until kissing them. Because he's a really bad kisser lol

Katniss Everdeen is a legend! Everyone has heard of her. The girl who always shoots squirrels in the eyes.

There are many myths about forests, children are terrified of the sounds of wolves, they think they are monsters

There is a tradition that brides have to put flowers and herbs inside their bras on their wedding day to attract good luck.

The most stylish thing you can have in District 12 are cowboy boots. Everyone wants one, but only the richest kids have.

At school there are three types of sports that you can choose from: wrestling, running and distance jumping.

[one-mopeyboi]

Mitch and Maysie, a Hunger Games headcanon

(Warning for some amatonormative thoughts Haymitch has towards himself)

The outlier districts are more conservative.

Haymitch Abernathy grew up thinking it strange that he never had crushes on anyone (when even his kid brother ran away after giving a little girl flowers) or took anyone to the slag heap (when even Bannock Mellark took Daphne Lipp), but he thought he had to date someone.

If it has to be someone, it’ll be someone who he can actually stand, was his rationale, so that fell onto his only friend, Maysilee.

She snuck toffees for him to take home to his little brother behind the counter despite how her sister Marjorie would glare. (He rarely sees Maysilee’s other best friend, but he always snuck for Larkspur Everdeen a stack of bank notes so her littlest daughter could get some more food. That’s the best he could do)

She was the only audience to ever hear him play the fiddle, and danced to match. (At his kid’s toasting he does dance. It should be Abram Everdeen in his place, but still.)

On rainy days they sat together looking out the window of her upstairs bedroom. (He sees the boy and the girl’s silhouettes in the door of Katniss’ house and decides against an extra bottle of whiskey)

They snuck out the district fences following Abram Everdeen to decorate the pine trees the way people did before the Dark Days. (Willow and Bran come to tell Grandpa Haymitch what they learned at school : back when this district was still called Virginia, there was a tradition called Christmas)

He didn‘t even let his brother or ma call him Mitch, only her, for she was Maysie. (That one privilege, though, was never given to anyone else)

They never kissed, or went further, but make no mistake - that kind of love wasn’t the only kind.

They agreed to pretend to not know each other in the Arena, only making an alliance as if they were strangers who just happened to be from the same district.

The Games took his girl.

[broken-everlark]

The Hunger Games characters have some unique names based on many cultures we've lived in today.

What's your favourite character names from THG world? What's their names meaning?

Bonus questions :

If you're a fanfic writer writing about characters who lives in Panem, what's their name gonna be?

If you're a reader, what's a name you read in a THG fanfic that stuck with you?

Thank you, @curiousnonny

I love that some of them are based on Greek & Roman mythology, the wilderness, and of course bread🤣 I love Greek & Roman mythology so seeing it made me happy. For example, Castor and Pollux or Effie. I think her name was based on the Greek name Euphemia meaning well-spoken. Or of course like Brutus a Roman politician.

I absolutely love Finnick odairs name for his meaning matching so good to his character, same with katniss. They put so much effort into her name (at least in my opinion since I actually kinda like flower names)

My favorite has to be Peeta, which might sound weird but I love how panem is Latin for bread and I love that it kinda ties in with everything that happens in the hunger games. And of course everyone knows his name is misspelled pita 🤣 but I love that his name is very close to Peter. (Yes I'm not very religious but I used to be) and I like that he's like that apostle, the closest friend to the savior (Katniss), and does everything he can for her.

I don't usually add characters in my fics but if I had to, I usually try to look up or find names with a meaning behind them that will happen in the story later on or I just put in funny names from video games or movies that some people may catch just for fun. But if you're meaning characters from thg that don't have official names then obviously I do the middle mellark brother as Rye Mellark, The oldest being Bran Mellark and Peeta's father being Wheaton, Mrs. Mellark I don't usually give a name but if I had to it'd be Mara (just cause I read that it is Hebrew for bitter), usually for Mr. Everdeen I'll make his name Coal or Warrick. While Mrs. Everdeen I usually give her the name Lavender, Dahlia, Lily or rose

I also read but most of the time it's just everlark fics. And if they have anyone else it's usually

[jlalafics]

How about a fic where peeta has a panty sniffing fetish?

Katniss has a website where she sells her gently worn panties to help bring in extra money to pay for medical school for Prim.

peeta and Katniss are neighbors and eventually she discovers a drawer full of her drawers in his house🩲

Hello! This is a bit of a long one, but I hope it meets your expectations. Happy Sunday!

I'd also like to say that if this is not your jam, do not attempt to read this. We all have different kinks/fetishes and this is just a story of one sort.

-------

“How was your date last weekend?”

Peeta sighed, taking a sip from his beer bottle, and grimaced at Gale.

“Kind of a wreck,” he admitted to his friend. “Beverly is nice, but there wasn’t really a spark. We parted on good terms and hugged it out.” Placing the bottle on the coffee table, Peeta met Gale’s skeptic stare. “I know that you think I’ve been lonely since Delly, but really, I’m okay.”

“I’m sure you’re okay,” Gale said. “I also know that it’s been a year since you’ve been laid. Yeah, there wasn’t a spark with Beverly. But dude, wasn’t there enough of a spark to get an erection?”

Peeta shook his head. “Not even close.” He smiled grimly. “We’re not all as lucky as you, Gale.”

“Why is Gale lucky?”

Madge, Gale’s wife, stepped into the room. She sat next to her husband in the loveseat adjacent to Peeta.

“I wasn’t lucky enough to fall in love with the only female in our trio,” Peeta replied with a smile. “Not that I mind. You’re like my sister, and we look like we could be twins. That’s too much of an incest vibe for me.”

“Glad we’re on the same page, bro,” Madge retorted. She gave him an affectionate smile. “You know we love you, right? It’s the only reason we bug you about your single status. We want you to be happy.”

“And sexually satisfied,” Gale added with a smirk.

“Both of you are too involved in my love life.” He stood up, slapping hands with Gale, and then kissing Madge’s cheek. “I’m going to go and let you do your married things.”

Madge grinned. “Well, I am ovulating…”

Peeta grimaced. “Okay, gross.

++++++

Stepping off the elevator, Peeta dragged himself towards his apartment. He loved his friends, but they could be exhausting with their attempts to help him get his life together—as in trying to help him find true love.

All in all, Peeta had a good life. His job as a graphic designer was going well, and he was up for a promotion. He was close to his two older brothers and his parents were always loving and supporting towards their sons’ endeavor. They were also heading towards their 35th year of marriage and more in love than ever.

His brothers were also happily married; Bran to his high school sweetheart, Cressida, and Rye to his partner, Marvel.

While he, the youngest of the family, remained single.

Peeta didn’t want to be alone. However, there were certain things about him that needed some…consideration.

“Oh, damnit!”

His thoughts were interrupted and Peeta looked to find a young woman kneeling in front of her door, grabbing at the pile of groceries that had fallen from the broken paper bag next to her. A lone cantaloupe rolled, stopping at his feet which he immediately picked up.

He rushed over to her, cradling the fruit. “I believe this is yours.”

The dark-haired woman smiled gratefully. “Thanks.” She took the cantaloupe from his grasp, placing it at her side. “These damn paper bags. It was fine on the drive home and up towards this floor, but the minute I grab for my keys, it ripped!”

“This happened to me a lot, too,” he replied, helping her gather her items. “Then, I found a solution.”

“And what was that?”

“Reusable bags.”

She snorted. “I’ll get right on that.”

Peeta reached into his messenger bag, pulling out the rolled-up bag he always kept on hand. “Here.”

“I couldn’t,” the woman said, her grey eyes wide. “I mean, it’s really nice of you to offer—”

“Peeta. Peeta Mellark.” He pointed to his door, across from hers. “Your neighbor.”

“Katniss Everdeen.”

She held out her hand and Peeta shook it. Her skin was soft…warm. As their palms kissed, a jolt of desire rush through him. It surprised him, the immediate attraction to this young woman. She was at least a few years younger than him, give or take.

“Well, Katniss Everdeen, consider it my welcome present,” he told her. “Why don't you unlock your door while I put these in the bag?”

She stared at him quizzically…no, more like suspiciously. “You’re really nice.”

“Is that a problem?”

“No…” Katniss stood, reaching into the purse against her hip, and pulling out a set of keys. “…I’m just not used to getting help from anyone. It’s just been me and my younger sister, Prim, for a long time now. I’m just used to being the one doing the helping.”

Peeta chuckled. “That’s how I am!”

“We’re a problematic duo, aren’t we?” Katniss opened the door, and he stood, handing her the bag. “I’ll wash it and give it back.”

“Keep it,” he insisted. “Gives me an excuse to knock on your door and see you.”

Katniss leaned against her doorway, her expression curious. “And, how?”

“To check on my bag.”

She laughed, bright and pretty, making his stomach tumble in a way that Peeta was wholly unused to.

“I’ll take good care of your bag, Peeta. Have a good evening.”

Katniss closed the door, and he stepped back towards his own.

“Goodnight, Katniss.”

Peeta turned toward his own door, pondering his sudden need to want to know everything about Katniss Everdeen.

++++++

“This is amazing, Prim!” Katniss read over the acceptance letter, her eyes filling. “I am so proud of you.” She placed the letter on the coffee table and pulled her sister into a hug. “I know Mom and Dad would be too. Medical school—and the top one at that!”

“Sis—” Prim pulled away, blue eyes flooded with concern. “It’s so expensive…and we’re already in so much debt just from me getting my bachelor's degree. How are we going to afford this?”

“I don’t want you to worry,” Katniss assured her. “I’ll figure it out, okay? As for you, look into scholarships because every little bit counts.”

Prim pulled her into another hug.

“I love you. You’re the best sister ever!” They separated and she jumped from her seat. “I’m going to call Rue and let her know that her best friend is going to be a doctor!”

Katniss chuckled at her Prim’s exuberance as she rushed to her bedroom. However, as soon as her door closed, Katniss let the smile slide off her face.

Reaching for her cell, Katniss quickly pressed Johanna’s name, and waited for her best friend to pick up.

Johanna immediately answered, “What’s up, sweetie?”

“Prim got into medical school.”

“That’s great!” her friend said. “But what about the cost?”

“Honestly, I don’t know,” Katniss replied. “I mean, we could try for financial aid, but we’re still paying for Prim’s four-year school. We could maybe receive some scholarship money, but that wouldn’t be much.”

“That’s the shits,” Johanna grumbled. “I mean, I could look into some work at my office—”

“No, it’s fine,” she said. “I have my admin job for that law firm downtown. It’s keeping me afloat along with the grocery store.”

“You’re running yourself ragged.”

“But it never seems like enough,” Katniss told her. “My day job pays the rent and my night job keeps us from starving. There’s no room for anything else.”

“There might be something…but you’re going to need to have an open mind.”

“At this point, I’ll try anything.”

“There’s this woman at work who was kind of in the same boat as you—needing extra cash,” Johanna began. “So, she started to sell a few personal items of hers and made an assload of cash.”

“What do I have to sell? Everything I own is crap!”

“Well…” Johanna cleared her throat. “She was selling her panties.”

“Were they La Perla or something?” Katniss asked. “I own plain old Target panties.”

“She was selling her used panties!” Johanna burst. “There’s a website where people will buy your gently used panties for a huge amount of cash.”

Katniss felt her head begin to throb. “I don’t understand.”

“Apparently, this is a huge turn on for some people,” her friend explained. “You know—panty sniffing.”

“Oh.” Katniss’ curiosity was piqued. “What would I have to do?”

“Just wear a pair for a day and then post them to the site,” Johanna said. “I mean, this would be a worst-case scenario if anything—”

“Prim got into one of the top medical schools.” Katniss knew how desperate she sounded, but they were barely able to keep their water running at this point. “I’ll do anything.”

“I understand,” Johanna told her gently. “How about, while Prim is in class, I come over and we just start you off with one post?”

Katniss sighed, wondering if the orange pair she was wearing would suffice, or even entice a buyer.

“Alright.”

++++++

Peeta toyed with the pair of panties in his hand.

He never really cruised sites like this one, but it had been a year since Delly. The lace pair she had gifted him had long lost her scent, and he had not thought about getting a new pair.

Until Katniss.

There was something about her that stirred him. They hadn’t seen one another since that day last week but his thoughts were constantly of her. Of her raven hair…and that soft olive skin…and that beautiful pearlescent smile…

Peeta thought about knocking on her door, but his confidence faltered as soon as his feet touched her doormat.

Instead, he would leave reusable bags at her doorstep, different things inside. Just yesterday, it had been a bottle of wine that Madge and Gale gifted him from their recent trip to Napa Valley.

His gaze went back to the delicate pair in his hands. It had been the deep orange that caught his eyes—like the sunset. Not to mention, it was his favorite color. They were cotton and lined with delicate lace around the waistline of the bikini-style panties.

He brought the pair to his nose, taking in a deep inhale. The scent was a soft musk with a hint of sweetness to it. Something about the smell caused his stomach to swoop.

There was something familiar about her scent.

It comforted him, thrilled him, and his heart raced because it felt in a lot of ways as her scent was his and his alone. He was never possessive, but the thought of anyone owning any of her pairs caused a sting of jealousy.

Going to his laptop, Peeta immediately favorited the seller before closing it.

Putting the pair into the top drawer of his dresser, he went to get ready for his usual Friday night dinner with Gale and Madge. Madge was trying out a new recipe and Peeta promised to grab dessert. The fancy supermarket was just minutes away from their place and they had awesome cakes.

Hopefully being with his friends would get his mind off the pair…and off Katniss.

++++++

Five more minutes.

Katniss blew the strand of her hair off her forehead as she bounced on her toes behind the checkout counter. Somewhere in the store, Prim waited for her shift to finish so they could head home for the night.

At least, tomorrow was her day off. The office was closed on the weekends and miraculously they hadn’t scheduled her to work. Katniss pondered on what to do with her free day. There was that pile of laundry gathering in their hamper…and also several episodes of The Circle waiting for her on her laptop…

Wow, her life was sad.

“Katniss?”

She looked up to find Peeta Mellark, her neighbor, grinning warmly at her. A heat immediately infused her cheeks and Katniss prayed that she didn’t look too flushed.

“Hi,” she greeted. Her eyes went to the boxed cake from their bakery. “Good choice. I love the chocolate cake.”

“I’m having dinner with my two best friends,” he explained. “Madge is making something new and well, Gail loves this cake.”

Katniss raised a brow curiously—two female best friends? Of course, he had two girl best friends.

Peeta was one of those men who not only unbelievably attracted with his deep blues and sandy swept back hair, but also genuinely charming.

She wondered if this Friday night dinner was code for something else.

Shit—was she jealous?

“Good luck with the new recipe,” she told him. “And who wouldn’t love this cake? I mean, chocolate is an instant mood lifter for girls.”

Peeta’s brows furrowed for a moment before he burst out in laughter.

“I’m sorry if I confused you, but Gail is a guy,” he informed her. “Spelled G-A-L-E.”

“Oh! I thought it was pretty cool that you had two female best friends…my mistake.”

Inside, Katniss whooped in happiness.

“Known them since forever. They’ve been a couple most of my life while I’ve been their third wheel.” Peeta met her eyes. “For a moment, I thought you were jealous.”

“And why would I be jealous?” she questioned.

He smiled widely and her center twisted in hunger. The night they met; Katniss had closed her eyes to sleep but her mind wandered to the man across the hall. She was surprised how attractive she found him and how much she wanted to imagine his lips dragging along her skin.

“I don’t know.” Peeta held out his credit card, his stare firmly on her as she took it. “Maybe it was that I was hoping you were—”

Katniss fumbled, dropping the card but immediately getting together to run it through her register.

She tore the receipt from the feeder and then handed it to him along with the card.

“Thanks for coming in,” she said hurriedly. “I’ll see you around.”

Peeta stared at her for a moment. He almost looked…hurt.

Katniss softened her stance, giving him a small smile. She liked him and didn’t want to scare him off. However, it had shocked her system to hear him flirting with her.

She took a breath. “Maybe I was…a little.”

“You have nothing to worry about,” he assured her. Peeta cleared his throat before stepping closer to the counter. “I know this might sound forward but…maybe you’d want to join me?”

“At your friends’ house?”

He nodded. “Yes, I’d like them to meet you. I may have mentioned the beautiful woman next door more than once.”

Katniss shook her head. “I’m not beautiful. Prim was always the beauty of the Everdeen family. I’m the practical one, the ordinary one.”

His hand covered hers where it rested on the counter.

“I happen to find you inordinately beautiful. This beautiful, ebony hair—” His other hand reached for the tip of her braid. “—that sweet face…” His index finger traced her jawline before lifting her chin. “And those eyes—so full of life. Even in all that gorgeous grey, I can see that spark…that fire.”

Her breath caught in her throat. No one had ever said anything so…passionate to her, let alone about her.

“Katniss?”

Prim stood before them, her blue eyes curious, and Peeta immediately dropped his hand.

Her sister walked over. “Who’s this?”

Katniss swallowed down her embarrassment at being caught.

“This is our neighbor, Peeta Mellark.” She smiled at him. “Peeta, this is my sister Prim.”

“Nice to finally meet you!” Prim said brightly as she eyed Katniss. “My sister mentioned our cute neighbor which surprised me because Katniss never talks about guys. Her last date was about a year ago and the dude was a total douchebag. I thought for a moment that she had given up on men—”

“Prim,” she called out. “Let’s not scare our nice neighbor who helped me with our groceries, okay?”

“It’s nice to meet you, Prim.” Peeta gave her a kind smile before looking at Katniss. “I was just asking your sister if she wanted to join me at my friends’ house for dinner—”

“She’d love to!” Prim beamed at her. “I was worried about her being all alone tonight as I’m heading out for a friend’s birthday party.”

“I’m not sure.” Katniss bit her lip anxiously. What if his friends didn’t like her? She was a twenty-four-year-old loner working two jobs. She never went to college, having to drop out to take custody of Prim after their parents sudden passing. “I’m not exactly party ready.”

“It’s very casual,” Peeta assured her. “I know whatever you wear will look great.”

“Come on, Katniss!” Prim urged. “It will be fun. Don’t worry about having to leave the car here. I’ll take it home. You have the keys, right?”

Her gaze went to Peeta. He was looking at her with a barely concealed warmth and the thought made her chest burn, not in the scary way but in the exhilarated way that made her whole-body thrum.

“Okay, I’ll go,” she relented. “I’m off work now but I have to grab my stuff.”

“Great!” Peeta beamed and her sister clapped happily. “I’ll be waiting right here.”

“You can wait by your car. I don’t want you to have to just stand here.”

“Katniss, for you, I’ll wait for as long as I have to.” His hand went to hers. “I’ve waited long enough for you.”

++++++

“She’s great,” Madge said quietly. “And you two live across from one another?”

Peeta nodded, watching as Katniss and Gale debated over the best archery spots in their town. Apparently, Katniss’ father had been a master archer and had taught his eldest daughter the sport. Gale had been captain of their high school archery team.

“I was heading home from dinner with you and Gale. Her groceries had fallen from her bag, and I helped her out. I haven’t been able to get her off my mind since.”

“I approved, and I know Gale does,” his friend told him. “Anyone who shares my husband's love for archery is a winner in his book.” She watched the two for a moment. “Katniss looks young, but she comes off as a lot older.”

“She’s twenty-four.” They had gone over the basics about one another during their drive over to the Hawthorne house. “I know I have a good five years over her, but she’s no ordinary twenty-four-year-old. Katniss took over custody for her sister when she was just eighteen. She had to drop out of college and start working to feed them both. Now, her sister Prim has just gotten into medical school.”

“Wow,” Madge breathed. “She carries a lot.”

“I really like her,” he admitted. “More than I’ve ever liked anyone. I might not have known her for very long, but I can already see that Katniss has a huge heart. She’s the kind of person I want…need in my life.”

“I just want you to be careful, Peeta,” his friend warned. “Make sure Katniss feels the same. You two are on two different levels. I know that you’re at that point where you want to get married. She might not be. Just keep that in mind.”

“What are you talking about?” Gale suddenly hollered.

“The chocolate cake waiting in the kitchen.” Peeta stood up, going to Katniss. He held his hand out. “Want a piece?"

Katniss smiled, placing her hand in his and giving it a squeeze. His chest burst at the affection in just that one pulse from her palm to his.

She stood up, her smoky eyes on him, and Peeta found himself lost in them.

“I’d love one.”

++++++

“I like Gale and Madge.” They walked towards their apartment door, pressed closely together. “Though that paella was questionable.”

Peeta chuckled. “Well, Madge is good at a lot of things. However, experimenting with recipes is not one of them.” They stopped as they reached their doors and he guided them over to hers. “Thank you for coming with me. It was nice to not be the third wheel for once.”

Katniss nodded, rocking between her feet. It was obvious she was nervous. Rightly so, they were at their doors, and it was that moment where you wondered if you should go in for a kiss or just walk away. Honestly, Peeta wanted nothing more than to feel those cherry lips of hers locked onto his. However, he could sense that this wasn’t the time for it.

Peeta held out his arms, breaking the tension. “Get in here.”

Katniss laughed but stepped into his space before wrapping her arms around his neck. His arms encircled her waist, enclosing them in a full embrace.

He pressed his nose into her hair, taking a deep breath and letting the notes of her shampoo play against his nostrils. She smelled slightly sweet but there another note…a light musk that was almost familiar.

“Have dinner with me,” he whispered, dipping his lips against the curve of her neck.

Katniss shivered, her body pressing closer against him. “When?”

“Whenever you’re free.” Peeta pulled away to look into her eyes. “I know you’re busy, so I’ll take anytime I can.”

“I work the rest of the week and I’m helping Prim with some scholarship applications tomorrow,” she said. “But I’m free tomorrow night.”

“How about I cook us dinner?” he suggested. “I promise I’m better than Madge with recipes.”

Katniss nodded. “Tomorrow night.”

“I’ll knock around six.” Before Peeta could stop himself, he pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek. However, his lips met the space just next to her ear and he hardened smelling the faint perfume near her pulse point. “Looking forward to it.”

Katniss stepped back, smoky eyes round, and pressed herself back against her door.

There was a heat there, an undeniable hunger. He was a second away from launching himself at her. Judging by the knuckle-whitening grip on her doorknob so was Katniss.

“I should go,” she squeaked before turning away and unlocking her door.

With one last smile, Katniss disappeared into her apartment.

Peeta fumbled with his keys, hurriedly opening his door and walking into his own place. He immediately went to his bedroom and towards his dresser. Pulling the top drawer open, his hands grasped for the latest pair from his seller—a hunter green pair with white lace at the waist.

He brought his nose to them, inhaling the musk, and letting his arousal rise. He was already hard from being with Katniss but combined with this feminine scent—it was almost too much. The scent was heady, still sweet, and familiar, so much that he could almost imagine that it was Katniss’ panties he was sniffing.

His climax came unexpectedly, and he doubled over, gripping at the top of his dresser as it rushed through his body.

“Katniss!”

Shit—this had never happened. Not so quickly anyway.

However, the image of this pair on Katniss’ full hips had swept into his mind and paired with the look of want in her smoky eyes had pulled him over the edge.

Peeta let out a gasp, letting himself breathe fully. Placing the pair back in his top drawer, he walked over to his bed, sitting at the end of it and rested his head in his hands.

He knew that fetishes were normal, but he worried what Katniss would think.

Because despite knowing her for the short time, Peeta really liked her. He was well on his way to falling for her.

Peeta couldn’t pinpoint when this all started. He had a healthy sexual life despite this one thing. His first sexual experience had been with high school girlfriend, Audrey, and Peeta had enjoyed it. He loved pressing his mouth to the cloth of her Victoria’s Secret panties, smelling her arousal through the cotton, and tasting as it soaked through.

Audrey had been his first, and throughout their senior year, his constant source for sexual satisfaction. They parted ways amicably, even hooking up during this first Spring Break. After, there were encounters, each time helping him gain more experience. However, Peeta noticed his preference for the feminine scent during his second year of college.

One of his hook-ups had left a pair of panties in his room, and upon them, he curiously sniffed. It had stirred something in him, and Peeta found himself hiding them away to occasionally smell whenever the need arose.

Delly had been the first woman who he had revealed his fetish to, and she had been surprisingly supportive. However, she wasn’t particularly aroused by the thought. Delly indulged him, allowing him to openly sniff pairs of her panties and even giving him one that she had worn right after a vigorous shag they had.

However, it had not been true love and they separated after six months together. Delly had recently married, and he was happy for her. However, it made him wonder if there would be anyone else who would be as accepting as she had been.

Because Peeta wanted to get married, he wanted a life like Gale and Madge, like Delly and her husband, Thom. He wanted a partner in life and in love.

And Peeta thought that maybe, just maybe, Katniss might be it.

++++++

Katniss let out a nervous breath, waiting for Peeta’s knock.

It had been more than a week since she had seen the man. Their first planned date had been unexpectedly cancelled when Prim had come down with the flu and Katniss had caught it. Peeta had been understanding, even leaving some takeout chicken soup at their doorstep and some Theraflu.

Her admin job had allowed her to work from home while she recovered. However, she lost out on her shifts at the store, but had supplemented it with her other…job.

She was surprised at the amount of money that her used panties had gotten. She had paid off almost all of Prim’s leftover debt from her four-year school. Her latest pair would be making up for the lost income from her week of being sick.

Katniss’ curiosity had been piqued by the panty fetish. She had never really thought about the feminine scent and how it was something that people might be into. Then, the night that she was with Peeta, she walked into her bedroom, her body stimulated by his lips against her skin.

Katniss peeled off the obviously soaked pair, a simple white cotton with pink bow, and brought them to her nose.

She was surprised how turned on she was by it. The scent of her was heightened by her arousal of Peeta’s touch. It was quickly followed by the worry of what he might think if he found out that she liked her own scent…more than liked.

That night, Katniss came on her fingers at the thought of kissing Peeta with her taste on both their lips.

The knock on the front door broke her from her reverie and she rushed over to it, pulling it open to be greeted by Peeta’s handsome face.

“Hi,” she greeted nervously.

“You ready?” Katniss nodded, stepping out into the hall and closing the door behind her. Peeta took her hand, giving it a squeeze. “I’m really glad we’re getting to do this. I missed you this week.”

“You did?” Her words came out in a squeak.

Peeta grinned as he led her into his apartment, closing the door behind her.

He wrapped his arms around her waist, tilting her chin up to meet his eyes. “I did.”

Katniss smiled at his words, her heart racing and her center pulsating at the nearness of him.

“Can we just get the kiss the out of the way? I mean, it would have already happened if I hadn’t gotten the flu and I’ve just been waiting for it this whole week—”

She was immediately cut off as Peeta covered her mouth with his. He cupped the back of her head, guiding her as his lips pillowed between her bottom lip, sucking slow as he drew out. She hissed at the contact and gulped in a breath, allowing him to engulf her mouth. His tongue swept it, tasting ravenously, and drawing her own into a sensual dance.

Katniss felt lightheaded, aware of everything and nothing as their hands wandered. She grinded her core to his and Peeta growled, biting at her lower lip and roughly grabbing her ass.

“Oh fuck,” he groaned into her mouth. “That was one hell of a first kiss.”

She snorted, her body thrumming. “I totally agree.”

“We should have dinner first.” Peeta led her to the round table by the kitchen and pulled out her chair for her. She sat down and he leaned down to press a kiss into her neck. “Probably won’t taste as good as you though.”

Katniss grinned. “Cheesy, but I’m into that.”

Peeta had made a light salad, spaghetti Bolognese, and a baguette to dip their sauce in. She was surprised to learn during their light conversation that he made the bread himself. His family owned a small bakery, and his parents still worked there occasionally.

“My eldest brother, Bran, runs it with his wife,” he explained. “My other brother does the marketing.”

“And you?”

“Since I’m the graphic designer of the family, I design all the logos and signage,” he told her. Peeta unlocked his phone and showed her his latest project for the bakery—an updated menu for the autumn season. “I’ve added a few more items like the apple cider donuts and changed up the design to give it a warmer feel. I want to feel like you’re at home, so I made it looked like a chalkboard.”

“That’s great,” she told him. “It’s nice to do something you love and be able to help your family in the process.”

Dessert was tiramisu—made by Peeta, as well—and it was delicious. It was obvious that beside his artistic skills in graphics, he had culinary skills. While they ate, Katniss told him about her life, other than work. She talked about her happy childhood with her parents—high school sweethearts—and Prim. How it all changed when she received a call during her first year in college that altered her, and Prim’s lives forever.

“You’ve been through a lot,” Peeta remarked softly. “And I can tell that you’re the kind of person who takes care of others, never thinking about herself in the process.”

“You just have to do what you have to do,” she reasoned.

“Who takes care of you?”

“I don’t need anyone,” Katniss told him simply.

Peeta stood, helping her from her chair, and leading her to his couch. She sank back against the plush cushions, feeling herself relax. He had decorated the place with simple warm touches, a dark wood coffee table and comfortable furniture. Peeta handed her a throw and Katniss took it gratefully.

He started a fire in his brick fireplace before joining her and she spread the blanket between them. They lapse into comfortable silence, staring at the flames. Katniss relaxed in the warmth of the man beside her.

“This should feel weird, should it?” Katniss turned to meet his gaze and her breath caught at the intensity in his blues. "Just being so comfortable with each other in such a short time?”

“Sometimes, things just work.” Peeta dipped his mouth into hers. “We work.”

Their lips brushed languidly, and Katniss felt the ache between her thighs. “More.”

Peeta indulged her, his hand weaving into her hair before plunging his tongue into her mouth. Katniss moaned, the heat rising as their kiss deepened and she tasted the tiramisu on his lips. Her hands explored, running along his shoulders then down to his chest.

He growled, grabbing her hips to help her straddle his lap. There, Katniss felt his erection pressing against her core and she thrust, desperate for me.

“Fuck—” Peeta ripped his mouth away, his hands playing against her blouse. Slowly, he unbuttoned her, stopping just enough to reveal the black mesh bra she wore. His hand reached, pulling back the cloth to expose her tits. They bounced, nipples perked and at mouth level for him. Gently, Peeta cupped one, running the pad of his thumb along her nipple. “—you’re so beautiful.”

“I want you,” Katniss panted. Boldly, she unbuttoned his pants and reached under the band of briefs to wrap her hand around him. She pumped him slowly and Peeta trembled, his mouth falling as he gasped out his pleasure.

“I want you, too,” he breathed out. “But, not just for the night.” His eyes gazed into her. “I want more for us…does that scare you?”

Katniss stilled at his words, her eyes filling as she wondered how she had gotten so lucky.

“No,” she replied softly. “Not one bit.”

Peeta smiled, kissing her once more. “Hold on.” He stood and she wrapped her legs around his waist. “I’m going to take you to my bedroom. Is that alright?”

She smiled. “It’s a given.”

It felt like an eternity getting to his room. However, it was possibly due to them stopping to kiss between the trip. As Peeta walked them towards the doorway, her mouth pressed to his neck, tasting his sweat, and her core tighten at the taste.

His bedroom was like the rest of house, warm and inviting. His king-sized bed was covered with a dark green comforter, taupe pillowcases accenting the dark motif. The lighting was soft and romantic and as Katniss slid off him, she toed off her shoes, feeling the soft carpet beneath.

Peeta wrapped his arms around her waist, hands spread across her stomach.

“Are you wet for me?”

He undid the button of her jeans and pulled the zipper down. Katniss pressed back, feeling his erection in the cleft of her ass. Her panties, a simple striped bikini, revealed themselves and Peeta reached underneath the band to cup her quim in the palm of his hand.

“Oh gorgeous, you’re soaked.” His fingers dipped along her entrance and her stomach twisted, causing her knees to go weak. Peeta grounded his palm into clit and her arm wound itself around his neck to steady herself. “Tell me what you need.”

“I…ohh…” His other hand palmed at her tits. “I need…your mouth on me.”

“Where?” Peeta sucked at her earlobe, and she sobbed, her back arching at the stimulation. “Your lips, you neck—”

“My cunt!” she cried. “I want to taste myself on your mouth!”

His hands went to her jeans, grabbing and yanking, and tossing them away before she could even realize. Peeta fell to his knees in front of her, his mouth latching onto her clit through the soak cloth of her panties. He moaned hungrily and the vibration traveled through her body, and she reached for anything to steady her. Her hand found purchase against the dresser, and she held on as Peeta tore off her panties.

His eyes met hers. “You’re beautiful.”

He kissed between her thighs, his tongue licking the slick that coated her skin. His mouth kissed at her pussy tenderly, reverent almost, until he found her bud, now free from cloth and latched on to suck.

Her climax overcame her, and Katniss clutched at drawer by her hand. Her body arched, pushing her cunt full onto Peeta’s eager mouth as she snapped.

“Oh—Peeta!”

There was a sudden crash and her world tipped as Katniss tumbled onto Peeta.

She laughed, kissing Peeta, and tasting herself on his lips. The heady scent was intoxicating, and Katniss pushed his pants off his hips, mind clouded with lust.

“I need you,” Peeta said, shifting so he was atop. His cock, thick with arousal, made her mouth water and she watched as he gripped himself to line himself up to her center.

Then, in one smooth thrust, Peeta was inside her.

“Fuck, you feel so amazing around me.” They began to move in sync, her hips meeting his with each plunge of his cock. Her eyes never left his, feeling the elation of her orgasm and the overwhelming affection for the man in front of her. “I know I shouldn’t be saying this right now, but I’m falling for you.”

Katniss felt it once more, the familiar tightening of another climax approaching. She knew Peeta felt the grip of her on his cock as he began to move hurriedly, eager to come with her.

“I’m coming…I’m coming….”

Another whimper tumbled her mouth, and her vision went white. Katniss fell apart, taking him with her. She heard Peeta’s cries and the warmth as he filled her.

After, they laid together on the carpet of his bedroom, both breathless.

“I did not expect that,” Peeta said, meeting her eyes. “Do you need anything?”

“A glass of water and a napkin.” Katniss reached, suddenly making contact with a cloth. “What is this?”

It was a pair of panties. Orange with lace trim.

These were hers.

She sat up and turned to him. “Why do you have these?”

Peeta shot up. “I can explain—”

“Why do you have my panties?”

His eyes widened in shock. “Your panties?”

“Yes, I sold these to pay off Prim’s debt! Why do you have them?”

Peeta took a breath. “I bought them.”

“Oh,” she said in quiet shock. “You like to—”

“The scent,” he explained. “Yours, in particular, as I bought every pair that you posted.”

“Okay.” Katniss placed her hands on her lap. “Do you do this a lot?”

“I’ve had pairs from girlfriends. Yours are the only ones that I’ve actually bought online,” Peeta told her. “I know how this looks—”

“I think that I need to go home.”

Katniss rose, gathering her clothes, and pulling them on quickly.

Peeta followed as she rushed towards the front door. “Katniss, please…”

“I just need to process this. Okay?”

Katniss saw the hurt in his eyes, but her own thoughts were so jumbled.

Peeta nodded, resigned as he opened the door for her. “Okay.”

Without another word, she turned and walked towards her apartment.

It was until Katniss changed for the night that she realized that she left her panties at his place.

++++++

It had been a week.

Peeta stared at the pair that he placed in his dresser. Katniss had left them that night, so in a rush to escape his depravity. Honestly, he never thought of what he was doing as wrong until he saw the look on her face.

The confusion, the sudden realization that the man she had just made love to own such an intimate piece of clothing of hers.

Peeta did his best to respect her privacy, but it was killing him. He missed her. Everything felt hollow and nothing seem as bright without her around.

He closed his account on the website, finding that she was no longer selling as well.

It didn’t matter anymore anyway.

This fetish of his was no more; it stopped the moment he smelled her scent.

Katniss was the only thing he wanted.

Placing the taped bag with her panties on the doorway, Peeta knocked before stepping into his apartment and closing the door behind him.

++++++

Peeta trudged up towards the hallway; it had been a long day for him. However, it seemed that all his day seemed longer without Katniss.

He was expected at Gale and Madge in an hour and something sharp hit him knowing that they would ask about Katniss. How could he explain that Katniss had broken things off thanks to his little fetish? This part of his life he kept firmly a secret from his best friends.

“You look like you’ve had a bad day.”

Peeta looked up, finding Katniss at his doorstep.

He offered her a weak smile.

“A bad week and a half, really. Katniss—”

“I like the smell of myself,” she said suddenly. “And I liked when your frenched kissed my pussy.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Because I know one of your kinks. So, you should know some of mine.” Katniss stepped towards him carefully. “That’s what people who care about each other do, right? Learn what they like and don’t like in all aspects of each other’s lives.”

“I want to know everything about you,” Peeta told her. “Not just what turns you on. I want to know what side of the bed you sleep on, what your favorite food is, who was you first kiss—”

“Left, curly fries, and a boy named Cato from summer camp,” Katniss replied, tears in her eyes. “I am falling for you, Peeta, but I think we need to know a little more about one another before love comes into play.”

Peeta took her hand. “Is that even on the table?”

She nodded, the tears hitting her cheeks. “Definitely.”

It was enough.

Peeta pulled her into his arms. “I missed you so much.”

Katniss sniffled. “Me, too.” They pulled apart and she smiled. “Can we start again?”

He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. “Always.”

She sighed contently against his mouth. “There is one thing.”

“What?”

Katniss wrapped her arms around him.

“The only panties you can have are mine.”

“Deal.”

They sealed it with a kiss.

FIN.

[seasonsofeverlark]

When life gives you lemons…

Author: @evestedic

Prompt: I would love to read about Everlark and a lemonade stand. Could be young Everlark. One or both could run it. Could be Everlark’s kids, or one of them is a single parent and their child runs the lemonade stand and that’s how they meet. Writer’s choice. [submitted by @jhsgf82]

Rating: T

___________

“Dad, can we take the long way home today?” 

Harland Mellark didn’t mind. Sometimes, Peeta and him preferred to take the ‘long way’ as his youngest called the road that would deviate them at least 10 minutes from getting home, but they enjoyed the extra time and the change of scenery from the usual path. 

“Sure thing, buddy. Anything you want to talk about?” 

Also, whenever Peeta asked to go the long way, it usually meant he wanted to share something: His score in art class, how he had thought about a new idea for the bakery, or an event regarding the girl with the braids. 

“No…I just um- Aren’t you hot, dad? It’s very hot today, right?” 

“Well, yeah, it is…” 

District 12 had one of the hottest summers among Panem, and that year promised no difference. It was either scorching hot or ‘penguin cold,’ as Peeta called it. 

“Because there’s a lemonade stand over there, look.” 

Harland turned his head and smirked. 

Of course… 

In front of a small house stood a weird-looking lemonade post with a sign that read ‘$1 and very yummy!’  There was a girl with braids sitting down there, reading. 

“Uh-huh…well, I could go and get us two of those, just so that you don’t have to walk in this sun.”

“I’m okay!” Peeta immediately exclaimed, and Harland had to laugh. 

His boy had been lovestruck since the first day of school when he saw a small girl with a red dress, two braids, and a beautiful smile. 

“So, you finally found out where Katniss Everdeen lives.”

“It’s not like that, Dad! I just happened to hear that she has been offering lemonade this week, and Madge asked her if it was easy selling on Seam Street because not many people pass through there…and then, because we sometimes come around this way…” His voice had increasingly lowered with every word, and Harland smiled to himself, ruffling Peeta’s hair. 

He couldn’t blame his son for his crush. Katniss Everdeen was a very pretty and unusual girl, and Peeta had been cast from his own unique mold. Far as he knew, though, Peeta wasn’t exactly friends with the girl, which seemed weird because of the youngest Mellark’s popularity among his friends. At only 10 years old, Peeta was a very handsome boy, and Harland wasn’t only saying that because he was his own flesh and bones, but because it was true. Peeta had even been chosen on more than one occasion to be on the cover of the school pamphlets. Still, he didn’t like the attention all that much and would rather be in the back of the store, frosting cookies, or inside his room, mixing up new colors.

Bran was the jock of the family; he’d even earned a baseball scholarship. 

Rye was the fun one, always joking and being loud. Being a salesman came naturally to him, so he was in charge of the counter on the weekends. 

And Peeta was the artist. As soon as Harland and his wife had allowed him in the kitchen, he didn’t want to leave. Peeta’s hands were steady with the frosting bag, and Harland had already promised him they could try decorating a cake on Peeta’s next vacation.

Always being the one to bring sweets to class had also given Peeta extra points among his peers. However, apparently, the cat still caught Peeta’s tongue whenever Katniss was involved. 

“Well then, son, we better go and get something fresh to drink, what do you say?” 

“Yeah!”

______

“Oh, honey, it was awful!” Harland tried to contain his laughter so that it didn’t reach his youngest’s ears. 

“Shh! What if he hears you? Don’t be so mean!” However, Harlands’s wife, Cassandra, was also having a hard time containing her grinning. 

Harland had told the ‘lemonade incident’ to his wife, and he thought one really couldn’t just come up with these things. 

He and Peeta had approached the stand and Katniss had smiled, greeting them and asking if they’d like a glass. Harland had paid for two while Peeta simply stood there, trying to come up with something clever to say, no doubt. 

“Aren’t you hot, young lady? Shouldn’t you have an umbrella so you don’t get sunburned?” 

“Oh, it’s okay, sir. I’m already dark-skinned, so a bit of sun is no big issue.”

“You-uh…I always have sunscreen with me, in case you want to borrow some,” Peeta told Katniss. 

“Why do you always have sunscreen?” 

“Well, I-my skin is fair. Not delicate! Just-I get, like, super red and swell up like a lobster if I stay out in the sun for too long.”

Of course, Katniss had laughed at his son’s reasoning for having sunscreen in his backpack at all times, but she had thanked him, anyway, and offered him a glass. 

“It was the worst lemonade I have ever tasted in my entire life. The lemons were too green, the water too warm, and I bet you a cake she put the sugar in last.” 

“Oh, poor thing. Why didn’t her parents help her?” 

Harland’s smile fell away, and he sat on a chair. “I asked her where her parents were, and she just told me they were working. I asked Peeta while we drove back, and he knows her father was fired last week and her mom is taking double shifts at the hospital to make up for that. Graham is currently job hunting.” 

“Oh! Was he working in the coal factory?” 

“Yeah.” 

Everyone had heard last week about the huge scandal in coal factory number 45. Half of their workers had been laid off, and the other half was still fighting for their severance pay, marching in front of the gates and declaring a strike. 

“The Everdeens have two girls, right? No wonder their father is job hunting instead of rallying with his friends. Perhaps Peeta could take them some bread?” 

Harland smiled because his wife’s family always tried helping out with food. No wonder his pant size had gone up more than once in the years since they’d been married.

“I’ll ask him. I’m sure he’ll want to do something nice for her.” 

______

For the next two weeks, Harland made sure to take the ‘long road’ home and always stopped at the lemonade stand. He always bought two lemonades, although he never drank his, but Peeta would valiantly finish the whole thing in front of Katniss; he said he didn’t want to make her feel bad. 

Then, one day, Peeta seemed more excited than usual and urged his dad to actually drink his glass that day. Surprisingly, it tasted quite good, and the water was cool to the lips. 

Katniss was so happy; Harland didn’t even know the girl could smile so much. She went to hug Peeta, to his son’s immense surprise, and profusely thanked him, saying his lemonade was free today. Apparently, Peeta had finally gathered his courage and suggested to Katniss she change the way she was making her lemonade. It was a resounding success, and she’d even started getting a few more sales, if the jar of dollars was any indication.  

Peeta started to take on his brother’s duties back home just so he could get his allowance. He wanted to pay for his own lemonade, and Harland couldn’t be prouder. It was good to start learning about the value of money as soon as possible. 

However, something he learned about the Everdeen’s oldest girl was that she had pride in spades. Not in the bad sense of the word, no; she was more the kind to repay a drop of water with a fountain. Apparently, her father had taught her that, and even if they didn’t have much, she always insisted on Peeta’s and Harland’s lemonade being free on any day Peeta would take bread or pastries to her at school. There was no way to even slip her a dollar while she wasn’t watching; the girl had the eyes of a huntress. 

Fortunately, after a couple of months of constant afternoon lemonades, Katniss told them she was closing the stand as her daddy had gotten a new job and she needed to concentrate more on her studies, which Harland took as an opportunity to offer Peeta as a study partner, for he was very good in his classes. Katniss then brought her father from inside and, finally, Harland was able to introduce himself. 

What happened after that was pretty much textbook. Both families got to know each other; Peeta’s brother’s would tease him mercilessly whenever Katniss came to the bakery, and the eldest and youngest of the Everdeen and Mellark families became the best of friends for the years to come. 

______

“But I don’t know if Mom is going to let us, you know?” 

“We lose nothing by asking; I mean, the worst thing she can say is no.” 

“What are you two plotting, hmm?” Harland surprised both youngsters in the kitchen. 

“Nothing!” They answered at the same time. 

“Really? Because it seemed as though you were scheming a secret plan. Come on, won’t you let me in on it? I’ve been bored.” 

The young girl and the slightly taller boy looked as if they were considering it, and then they showed Harland their drawing. It was a lemonade stand with glasses and all, lots of people around, and some dollar signs as well. 

“You want to sell lemonade?” 

“I want to be able to buy things on my own without having to ask Mama or Daddy…” Alyssa looked at Harland with those big puppy eyes. The man never thought he would ever love another woman as much as he loved his wife, but his granddaughter had simply taken his breath away from the moment he saw her bundled up in her white blanket 8 years ago in the hospital.

“And what do you think, Emmer?” 

“I could help her, Grandpa. If Mama says it’s okay, I’ll look after Ali.” 

Harland wore a big grin on his face; he ruffled the hair of both his grandchildren and told them to go play, said that he’d look into their plan and help them later when they spoke with their parents. 

Truth was, they would surely smile about it, remembering how all of this started for them many years ago‒with an awful glass of lemonade and a school crush that turned into a marriage. 

“We’re home!” Harland heard his younger son exclaim as he opened the door. “Hey, Dad. Were the little ones too much?” 

“No, son, we had fun.” 

“Please, Harland, tell me you didn’t fill them up with sugar, or else I’ll leave them with you all day today,” Katniss told her father-in-law with a playful glare. 

“Just a couple of cheese buns and then yogurt with cereal, nothing crazy.” 

“Good. Thank you so much for taking care of them; we really wanted to make sure the cake arrived okay.” 

“No problem at all, dear. I know how the business goes. Cassandra wants you to come later for dinner, though. That way you can both rest a bit from the kitchen.” 

“That’d be lovely. Prim is arriving later; she’s staying for a week.” 

“Oh, right! College vacation.” 

They talked for a bit more before Alyssa and Emmer came down the stairs after playing God-knows-what. 

“Mama, Mama, you know that I love you very, very much?” 

“And I you. Now, what do you want?” 

Alyssa asked her grandpa for help and started to explain how she wanted to sell some lemonade this summer, just so she could start saving her own money. Ever since that piggy bank project in school, she had been adamant about starting to save her pennies. 

“Really, a lemonade stand?” Seated next to his son, Peeta was grinning like crazy. 

“Yeah, Dad. I mean, we saw it in a movie, but it could be cool, right? People are always hot and going around in summer.” 

“You should probably ask your dad about your mom’s lemonade stand.”

“What?!” both children exclaimed, and their parents laughed, surely recalling those weeks a long time ago. 

“Well, son, sometimes life gives you lemons, and others, a beautiful girl gives you lemonade.”

[ao3feed-hayffie]

Holly & Ivy

by JLaLa

One year after the Bake-Off, Katniss and Peeta ready themselves for the opening of Holly & Ivy, their bakery and restaurant. With it comes meddling family, former Bake-Off contestants, friends, and of course, the inevitable question of what comes next for Panem’s favorite couple.

A follow-up to The Great Panem Christmas Bake-Off

Words: 11331, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Fandoms: Hunger Games Trilogy - Suzanne Collins, Hunger Games Series - All Media Types

Rating: Mature

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: F/M

Characters: Katniss Everdeen, Peeta Mellark, Bran Mellark, Bri (Brioche) Mellark, Rye Mellark, Primrose Everdeen, Haymitch Abernathy, Effie Trinket, Johanna Mason, Rue (Hunger Games), Finnick Odair, Annie Cresta, Cressida (Hunger Games), Messalla (Hunger Games), Mr. Mellark (Hunger Games), Mrs. Mellark (Hunger Games)

Relationships: Katniss Everdeen/Peeta Mellark, Haymitch Abernathy/Effie Trinket, Mr. Mellark/Mrs. Mellark (Hunger Games), Annie Cresta/Finnick Odair

Additional Tags: Inspired by The Great British Bake Off, everlark, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Romance, Domestic Fluff, Fluff and Smut

Read this story on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/Shqv63F

[sunsetsrmydreams]

This began as a prompt posted by @mellarked-katnisseverdeen "What would've happened if Peeta went to work in the Mine?"

It was preread and beta'd by @awkwardeverlark @justajjfan and @lovely-tothe-bone. Thanks so much guys!

All mistakes are mine!

For @promptsinpanem and kika. 

The Mine. Rated M

Peeta and Katniss grow together in the shadow of the Mine.

Katniss Everdeen elbows her way through the group of miners clogging the large metal building at the edge of District Twelve.

Diminutive stature notwithstanding, Katniss was now considered a full fledged adult as her last reaping was just over two months ago.

When the vividly pink woman from the Capitol pulled another girls’ name from the reaping bowl, she had been almost underwhelmed. Katniss had been prepared to go, knowing deep down, it was meant to be.

But it was a different Seam girl dragged to the stage that day.

She couldn’t figure out why it felt like the hand of fate sweeping the board clean. She continued on with her work, feeling strangely detached. Hunting, making her trades, caring for her family. It’s all just the business of living but she can’t help but feel that something is missing in her life, though she’s afraid to examine it further.

As she makes her way up to the worn wood counter, her thought is interrupted when she catches a thread of conversation that makes her drop onto a nearby chair.

“Peeta Mellark, the bakers kid, is working in the mine.”

Katniss can feel the color leach from her face.

“Yeah. I saw him comin’ out of the Justice Building with a hardhat.”

The very idea of it makes her sick to her stomach as she listens closely to the gossip spreading around the Hob. Every account is different, ranging greatly from person to person.

Every set of eyes caught a different view of the story and rushed to relay their parts. Katniss hung on their words, her brain trying to turn each recounted scenario over in her mind.

“Peeta refusing to marry the cobbler’s daughter before storming to the Justice Hall and signing up for the mines.”

“Peeta being tossed out on his ear by that harpy Mrs. Mellark as she rants how glad she is to be rid of him at last.”

“Peeta finally hitting his witch-of-a-mother back and being dragged away by Peacekeepers before being banished to the Seam.”

The tales grow more fantastic as she listens. But one thing’s for certain; people are saying that Peeta is now contracted to slave his life away in the same darkness that killed her father.

Katniss can’t repress a shudder as she hauls two unwanted squirrels off of Sae’s counter.

“You goin’ to be alright, girl? You ain’t lookin’ so hot,” Sae asks kindly.

“I’m fine,” Katniss states, shoving the remaining game into her bag before she darts out of the Hob and walks at a brisk pace until she reaches the Merchant quarter. Her stomach lurches as she treads closer to the bakery, stepping quietly up the back steps to knock.

The door is pulled open and a blonde head peeks out. Her heart thumps loudly...but it’s only Bran, the oldest Mellark son. With wide, disbelieving eyes, Katniss looks over his shoulder to find Mr Mellark peering at her sadly and with a small shake of his head, he returns to his work.

She takes the two small loaves in return for her squirrels and stumbles back down the stairs, lost in a haze as she walks the main road back to the Seam.

Peeta should’ve handed her that bread. He would’ve smiled at her and wished her a good day in the same warm voice as he had every trading day for the last two years.

Katniss looked forward to each and every one of those moments. He was the one person who had cared enough to save her after her father died and over time, Peeta had become something more to her...something special. Always with a kind word, smile or deed, Peeta made her hard days a little brighter.  

Cheeks flushed with anger, Katniss kicks a stone across the dirt road. How could this happen? How could Mr. Mellark allow his youngest son to be removed from the bakery?

Still absorbed in her thoughts even after the walk home, Katniss absently calls to Prim as she steps through the door and into the kitchen to prepare the rabbit she had saved for dinner.

“Prim, I’m home.”

Shaking, Katniss attempts to make the required cuts to remove the pelt and though she hears Prim’s soft footsteps, she doesn’t turn around trying desperately to get a handle on her emotions.

“Is everything okay?” Prim asks, eyes following Katniss’s jerky movements with concern.

“Yeah, it’s fine,”she says, a weak attempt at normal.

It’s so rare that a Merchant ends up in the mine that the knowledge would’ve spread like wildfire through the district. Prim’s next words shouldn’t have surprised her...yet somehow they did.

“I heard Peeta Mellark started at the mines today.”

The words were said softly but they caused Katniss’s stomach to twist anyway, her movements frozen with the knife in hand, fingers clenched so tightly the knuckles turned white.

The reaction was not lost on Prim and her sweet sister hugs her gently, making her eyes sting.

“I know Peeta always liked you, he was always staring at you in school,” Prim smiles. “You can really keep a secret Katniss, because until this moment, I didn't know you liked him too.” Katniss chuckled weakly, unable to summon the words to dispute it.

“You should talk to him.”

“I can’t.”

“I know you’re scared, probably even more so now, but Katniss...some things are worth taking a risk.”

Katniss smiles at her little sister, who all of a sudden, doesn’t seem so little. “I’ll think about it,” she murmurs and returns to her work.

******************

The talk dies down, no one has the energy to gossip for long.

Katniss is out a whole hour earlier than usual after another terrible night. Nightmares have plagued her since her father’s death and now they feature Peeta trapped in the dark. A constant reminder of why she should never seek him out.

But it’s out of her hands today.

Lost in her own head, Katniss didn’t see the stocky form walking down the path until she was practically on top of him. Her eyes met his and even through the layers of soot and grime she knows it’s Peeta. All blue eyes and dusty rumpled curls, but really it’s his smile that sets him apart. Shy and sweet..and always aimed at her.

Blue eyes take her in, and her own move over him in turn.

“Good Morning, Katniss.” His voice was low and gentle and the way he says her name makes her melt...it’s been too long.

“Hi Peeta.” Still of few words but she just can’t stop herself from returning his smile. She clears her throat, “are you just off your shift?” It’s a roundabout question that will confirm everything and he doesn't disappoint.

“Yeah, they put all the new recruits on the night shifts,” he confirms. “I live five houses down to the left. Moved in last week,” he points to an identical row of shacks to the side of them.

“Are you..okay?” She blurts.

“I’m feeling pretty good right now,” Peeta grins at the blush that stains her cheeks. “You can come see me if you want,” he scuffs his toe in the dirt and peeks up at her shyly.

“Maybe,” Katniss whispers and it’s enough to make him grin wider.

“I should go,” she says as her heartbeat kicks up.

Peeta must notice her pulling away but he doesn’t hold it against her. “Yeah, me too. Have a good day Katniss.” And with that, he turns and walks down to his new home.

Her eyes follow him the whole way.

**********************

Katniss avoids him for the rest of the week. Though she still leaves early enough to prop herself against the corner of a house, just out of his view, needing to see with her own eyes that he makes it home safe. By the end of the week, she sees that he’s already losing weight and his shoulders are starting to slump.

Guilt burns through her. Peeta was there for her when she was at her lowest and now she can’t even drop by his house to make sure he’s okay? She has no idea if he knows where to get food or supplies. Surviving in the Seam is very different from living in town.

With a sharp nod to herself, Katniss continues to the woods with one thing on her mind. She will be visiting Peeta tonight with something worthy of settling the debt of her childhood.

The woods are plentiful. Boasting wild apple trees and the last berries of the season. The snare lines gives her two rabbits and she shot a few squirrels with her bow. Just then the wind turns and she hears it, a faint gobble coming from the other side of the hill and Katniss grins to herself as she rushes silently to the covey.

A turkey would make a fine gift indeed.

She lets her arrow fly.

****************

Tired from the hunt but flushed with pride, Katniss carefully made her way out of the woods with her bounty of not one...but two turkeys, stuffed in her large game bag. She was forced to shed her father’s old flannel shirt so she could tie it into a sack for the rest of her haul. Shrugging her jacket back on over her undershirt she pulls the bags over her shoulders.

She moves slowly toward the bustle of the hob, muscles straining under the weight of her game bag. Sae is more than happy to take one of the turkeys and both of the rabbits. It’s a fair amount of coin that she quickly places in her pants pocket.

Katniss heads off to town for the rest of her trades. Two squirrels to the baker for two loaves of bread. The scowl was free.

Berries to her friend Madge, the Mayor’s daughter who was never one to gossip but does ask about Peeta. “Is he alright?” “Have you seen him?” “Is he really working in the mine?” All Madge’s questions were met with her quiet but affirmative answers. It reminds Katniss that she has somewhere to be and with a quick goodbye, she hurries off her destination.

With her load lightened, she makes good time. Turning up in front of the fifth house on the left, she scuffs her boot not quite ready for this moment. The night shift doesn’t begin for at least two hours so she bites her lip, hoping she’s not about to wake him and reaches out to knock.

Katniss hears a ruckus inside before the door flies open, startling her. When her eyes focus, she’s met by a solidly muscled chest, pale with just the faintest sprinkle of blonde hair. A white, unbuttoned shirt frames it perfectly.

“My eyes are up here, Everdeen.”

Katniss feels heat rushing to her cheeks as her jaw snaps shut. Peeta’s amused tone doesn't help the situation as embarrassment flows through her. She is seconds away from running when his soft voice coaxs her to meet his eyes.

“I was just kidding, Katniss,” he adds, hurriedly buttoning his shirt closed. “Would you like to come in?”

“Okay.” She brushes past him as he holds the door open for her.

The inside of the tiny shack is sad and bare and she shouldn’t be surprised but she is. Not a single remnant of his town life can be seen. A threadbare couch, rickety table and chair are the room’s only occupants.

The Baker might get more than a scowl from her the next time she sees him.

How dare they send Peeta away with nothing but the clothes on his back! A throat cleared behind her and she turned quickly. Now it seems he’s the embarrassed one with streaks of pink highlighting his cheeks and it makes her heart kick hard in her chest.

“I know it’s not much…” Peeta trails off, because what else can he say?

She scrambles to think of something to lighten the mood. “I guess it could use a little color.” It makes him chuckle and Katniss beams.

“Can I get you some water?”

“No. I just ...I brought this for you.” she says, pulling the large bird from her bag.

His sapphire eyes are wide and glued to the turkey, “Katniss, I can’t accept that, I have nothing to trade.”

“It’s not a trade. It’s for you,” she tells him stubbornly.

“Why?”

She wonders how he could ask that. “You gave me food once, when I needed it.”

“You mean the bread, from when we were kids? I think we can let that go.”

“It’s not just because of that. I just... want you to have it.”

“Katniss, it’s killing me to admit it, but I don’t know what to do with a bird that size,” he says ruefully. “You should take it home to Prim.”

This is not going the way she pictured. Katniss would hand him the turkey, he would be grateful and smile then her debt would be paid.

Then it dawns on her. He doesn’t know how to process the bird. All his family’s meat had come from the butcher and her squirrels were only a single meal and were already prepared for cooking by her own hands. Peeta hasn’t learned how to parcel it out, canning soup and drying jerky so he’ll have food for later. A process she happens to be familiar with after years of winter preparations for her family.

Katniss knows what she needs to do.

“I’m not taking this turkey anywhere Peeta Mellark. We have over an hour before you have to get ready for your shift and you’re going to help me gut this bird,” she shakes it by the neck for emphasis. At his raised eyebrows, Katniss realizes this is probably the most she’s ever said to him.

A smile stretches across his face followed by a bark of laughter. He flings his arm towards the kitchen and offers gallantly, “after you.”

By the end of the hour they have the turkey parted out into several meals. The bones soaking in water for broth, and a large portion cooked for his dinner and breakfast tomorrow. The meat and soup pot takes up most of the banged up coldbox, seeing all that empty space made her glad she had come by today.

Katniss closes the metal door and turns, catching Peeta watching her thoughtfully, “I’ll be back tomorrow, same time.” She states as she loops her game bag over her shoulder and starts for the door.

“Katniss...” she hesitates as Peeta carefully takes her hand. “Thank You.”

His large hand envelops hers and a quiet, “you’re welcome,” leaves her lips before he pulls away and she walks outside.

The skin of her hand tingles all the way home.

**********************

The following day Katniss gathers all the herbs she can find, along with more apples, mushrooms and acorns. The snares yielded four rabbits and she shot as many squirrels, making it a good haul. She made her way through the meadow with a skip in her step, rushing through her trades, selling all but two rabbits to Sae so she could skip the bakery.

Katniss walked briskly home to drop off a rabbit and collect all the unused jars, and supplies she could find before going straight to Peeta’s.

His door swings open at the first knock, a grinning Peeta stands before her wearing a smartly buttoned grey shirt.

“Hello Katniss,” his eyes darted to her game bag which was full to bursting.

“My eyes are up here, Mellark,” she blushes when he laughs at her joke, causing her to chuckle a little herself.

“Please come in,” Peeta says through a smile, ushering her through to the kitchen. She can feel the warmth of his hand hovering over her lower back, wishing for a moment he would let it settle there.

Weeks go by in the same fashion, and to her surprise, the comfort and ease she feels around Peeta continues to grow. They talk, more and more and Katniss is sure she’s never said as much in her whole life. And he laughs when she makes a joke even if it's one he’s heard before. She lives for his smiles, lucky for her they are plentiful and cause her own.

*********

The woods have been generous, allowing her to fill her family’s winter stores as well as Peeta’s. The beauty of the turning trees and fragrant cool air infuses her with energy. So, while winter is always on her mind, this year, it doesn’t loom as fearfully as in years past allowing her to enjoy her days and evenings with Peeta.

Now, most of the time anyway, she arrives empty handed...but he’s no less happy to see her. They talk and laugh, small innocent touches become the norm, and while she can see the exhaustion in his face, Katniss can see joy there too, it makes her giddy to think she’s the cause.

One day, they’re diligently canning more soup and he suddenly stops, looking at her intently, his usual smile is absent and it makes her frown.

“Katniss…” Peeta glances over to his rapidly filling pantry, “why are you doing this?”

She shrugs, dipping the ladle back into the soup pot.

“Is this all about some imagined debt? Because you don’t owe me anything,” he says gruffly. Peeta reaches out and stills her motions, setting her work to the side. And when he turns the full force of those big blues eyes on her, she caves.

“At first...it was about repaying a debt,” Katniss offers, her voice just louder than a whisper.

“And now? What is it for you now, Katniss?”

“It’s for me,” she answers simply.

Moving another step closer before standing on her tiptoes, Katniss leans in quickly and presses a quick kiss to his cheek but she finds herself lingering there, nuzzling his jaw gently.  Peeta brings his hands to her waist to steady her. Pulling away slightly, she meets his eyes as they darken, a sigh breathing out as he moves forward to return a kiss to her cheek.

Peeta leans away, his hot eyes fixed on her, waiting. He would never take more than she allows and knowing that is enough to give her courage to lean up and meet his lips.

The kiss is her first.

It’s soft and warm and she moves nearer just as he drawers her closer. He breaks the kiss sooner than she would like but soothes her with a flurry of tiny pecks across her face, making her chuckle.

It is the first of many days spent this way.

************

It’s been more than a week since she’s seen him. Katniss had to spend every last minute she could in the woods, taking advantage of the temperate weather to gather as much as she was able before the cold blew in, sending her quarry to their burrows.

She’d missed him.

Just seconds after her knock Peeta swung the door widely, his smile falling into confusion as Katniss jumps into his arms, knocking him off balance. They crumple to the floor and her flurry of desperate kisses makes him laugh and their teeth clink. Katniss tries to refocus him to the task at hand and is successful when she slips her cool hands under his shirt. A low groan vibrates his throat and makes her shiver.

Peeta’s head thumps lightly back to the floor as he studies her with heavy lidded eyes.

“I missed you too.” Peeta runs his hands up her arms and over her back. She doesn’t know if it’s his words or his wandering hands that cause her entire body to flush as heat settles in her core.

Still atop of him on a dust covered floor, and Katniss knows there’s no place she’d rather be. She carefully moves her legs to straddle him and his eyes go wide.

“Katniss-”

She can feel him hard beneath her and gives into the urge to press against him. A gasp rises unbidden and Peeta moans in return as his hands drop to her hips. The pressure of his grip is euphoric and she moves again.

Katniss sits up, gaining the leverage she needs, and not to be outdone, Peeta follows. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she kisses him deeply, grinding her center against him, chasing that burning pleasure. His hands loosen their grip and move up her sides until he brushes the underside of her breasts. At her nod, those hands cup over her breasts. The sensation is as overwhelming for her as it is for Peeta who can’t stop his hips from thrusting up, her loud moan is all the approval he needs as he does it again and again

“Katniss..sorry..I’m already close,” he grunts in her ear. The feel of his lips at her ear, hot and soft is enough to send her flying to her peak. As she gasps and shakes through her release, Peeta wraps his arms around her tightly, thrusting harshly twice more before coming with a loud groan that she can feel vibrating through her chest. They collapse onto the floor in a breathless heap, the occasional shudder still running through them.

“I’ve loved you forever you know...”

Peeta’s voice was sleepy, hardley a whisper. She probably wouldn't have heard it if her face wasn't tucked into the crook of his neck. She pulled away minutely and his muscles went rigid as he cautiously met her eyes.

Katniss waited for a wave of fear to roll her under but it didn’t come, having drained away, drop by drop over the months they’d spent together.

She wasn’t quite ready to return the words though, so instead, she leaned up and kissed him. His body slowly relaxed, a grin lit his face as he hopped up and offered her a hand up off the floor.

******

The beauty of fall was gone, giving way to the somber notes of winter. Grey permeated everything in the district, lowering Katniss’s mood.

Quotas had been extended at the mine so her evenings with Peeta were also cut short. Many afternoons he barely had the energy to eat before laying his head in her lap.

“I’m so tired, Katniss.” he whispers before falling into a fitful sleep for their remaining time together. After seeing the purple hollows under his eyes she can’t begrudge him that extra hour of much needed rest. Katniss contented herself with his presence, running her fingers through unruly curls, pressing light kisses to his forehead until it was time to wake him.

****************************

A distant rumble of thunder wakes her out of a sound sleep. Katniss leans up slowly, scanning the dark room, trying to explain the feeling of dread welling in her chest. She's warm, she'd bundled herself in every layer she owned before bed, it makes her groggy and sluggish and she shakes her head to clear it.

A horn blast wales through the night. He heart leaps into her throat, it only takes her seconds before she’s flying off the bed and racing out of the house, leaving her hunting boots sitting lonely by the door.

Her panic forces the air out of her lungs. Faster, faster until she reaches it.

The Mine.

Body numb with cold, Katniss stares at the gaping maw before her. The entrance is dark and unforgiving, if there are other people around she doesn’t see them...can’t see them.

Katniss’s eyes are trained on the mouth of that unforgiving beast, begging it silently to release it’s jaws and relinquish its prey. Finally, there’s movement and the clang of metal as men heave out onto the frozen ground.

But none of them are Peeta.

She wants to scream.

Katniss claws her way through the crowd to get a closer look, but all the forms are rangy and unfamiliar. She moves closer, gliding right through the mine guards as they try to hold back the crowd. Walking ever closer to the black of her nightmares.

To get Peeta, she will go down there herself.

Just as she reaches out, another metal bang vibrates her eardrums, and another load of men spill out into the dark. She looks them over but can tell immediately they are Seam. The wail has just started to build in her throat. Her eyes swing to the back frantically searching, eyes catching on a crumpled form on the steel floor. Blonde hair peeks through the soot but his eyes remain closed. Katniss starts to leap in after him but is grabbed from behind and hauled back fighting and screaming, but a voice from her past breaks through.

“Katniss, calm down, I’m going to get him. Run to your mother and tell her to get ready.” Gale says. She hasn’t seen him in years, not since he started in the mines. She’s not sure she can trust him with this.

“I’m not going to leave him! I’m not going to do that!” She screams and tries to shake herself loose.

“You’re wasting time he doesn’t have. Go now. We’ll be right behind you.”

His words finally register and she meets Gale’s eyes.

“Go! Run!”

As soon her feet hit the earth, she’s running. Back to the Seam. Back to the shack she calls home.

Katniss throws open the door, screaming for her mother. Giving her what little information she has as the words shake out through dry sobs.There’s a commotion only minutes later, four miners carry Peeta on an old wooden door and move him quickly to the table Mrs. Everdeen has prepared.

Peeta is awake now, but she almost wishes he wasn’t. The sounds of his agony breaks her heart, sending streams of tears down her cheeks. She watches her mother spring into action, looking Peeta over carefully before using shears to cut the fabric away for his mangled leg. Even that caused Peeta to cry out and her mother moved quickly to the head of the table, sorting through different vials until she found what was needed.

Katniss moves closer to his side and his pain filled blue eyes meet hers. Tears cut trails down the dust on his face and she feels so helpless, like all she can do is hold his hand and cry. Her mother tips a vial into his mouth and he sputters weakly. Katniss watches his eyes blink slowly, then they remain closed.  

Her mother pulls her away and tries to explain but the jumble of words doesn’t quite make sense. Words like crushed, blade, sleep syrup, amputate. Time speeds up and Katniss turns to the side to cough up bile on the floor.

“I’ll ask Gale to hold him down.” Her mother says.

“No.” Katniss chokes.

“Katniss, it has to be done, the longer we leave it, the higher the chance a blood clot will kill him.”

“Can you wait...just...wait. Please.” She’s begging now.

Her mother frowns, “I’ve dosed him with sleep syrup, he’ll be okay for now but it won’t keep him out when we remove the leg.”

Katniss gathers all the strength she has left.

“Don’t do anything...I’ll be right back.” And with one more longing look at Peeta, she heads for the door then breaks into a run.

Sprinting across town to the richest house in the district, it’s after curfew but she can’t bring herself to care. It feels like she’s been darting through shadowed streets for hours but it's only been a handful of minutes.

Katniss pushes herself harder.

She arrives at Madge’s dizzy and heaving but she bangs on the door as hard as she can and when it opens, she’s surprised to see her friend standing there instead of a servant.

“Katniss! Was he down there?”

Breathless, she can only nod.

“Is he hurt?” Madge asked worriedly.

“Please,” Katniss managed to weaze. “They’re going to take his leg….do you have anything?”

“Wait here.” Madge shuts the door quickly, leaving Katniss to slump against the wall for support, her legs shaking so badly she can hardly stand, the shock setting in.

She hears a creak and Madge is holding out a small box full of glass tubes, “It’s morphling. It will help.”

Katniss stares at the box.

“Take it Katniss!” Madge’s words wake her and she snatches the box before racing back, through the dark and deserted streets.

She doesn’t remember returning home or handing the box to her mother. All she knows is that she’s standing over Peeta, watching his chest move as he breathes. Katniss lifts her hand and gently pushes the curls away from his face. If he wasn’t so pale, he could just be sleeping.

Her mother approaches with a syringe full of morphling and injects it into his vein. “Katniss, you should go outside. You don’t need to see this.”

“I can’t leave him.”

“He’s going to need you to be strong when he wakes up. Go outside and Prim will come get you when it’s done.”

A hand is at her shoulder, pulling her away. She tries not to resist as she’s dragged outside and propped against the wall, a heavy blanket shoved into her hand. There’s a heavy chill in the air as a wave of exhaustion hits her, sinking her down onto the rough wooden porch. She notices for the first time that her bruised and bloody feet are visible through large holes of her woolen winter socks, she tucks herself under the ratty quilt. Crying, Katniss drops her face into her hands and tries to think of anything other than what’s going on inside.

She begins to think of Peeta, the first time she made him laugh, the first time she kissed him. Katniss gets lost in memories of his smell, his sweet smile, his warmth and the feel of him under her hands.

An hour ticks by, then two. The sun was just starting to crest when Prim came outside to fetch her.

“Katniss?”

She tries to scramble up but her frozen muscles creak with the effort, tripping and almost crashing into her sister. Prim stays calm, grabbing Katniss’s shoulders firmly.

“He made it through the surgery.”

Katniss begins to gasp for breath until a relieved sob breaks free.

Prim hugs her tightly, “He’s going to be okay, Katniss. We were able to save his knee, that will make all the difference when he starts to walk again.” Prim says as she releases her grip.

“Can- can I see him,” Katniss manages through tears.

“Yes, of course,” Prim says, quietly leading the way inside.

In a daze, Katniss walks across the fire warmed room, ignoring the instant pins and needles that prick her skin after being in the cold for so long. She sidles up to the table and takes Peeta’s hand. It’s warm. So unlike the pale coolness when he was first brought here. Taking note of the sheet draped over him. Noticing the empty space on one side where his lower leg should be.

It doesn’t matter. Not to her.

Her mother sets a stool nearby and Katniss gingerly sits at his side, gently stroking the skin of his hand, leaning up to brush the curls away from his face.

Katniss can’t seem to stop touching him. Needing to reassure herself that he’s alive. She wants to see his eyes, but can’t begrudge him this deep sleep. Safe from the pain and their reality as he starts the long road to recovery.

A hand perches on her shoulder. Her mother is looking at her kindly, “We have to keep him asleep for the next three days, that should get him through the worst of the pain and give the incision a headstart on healing.”

“Thank You,” Katniss squeezes her eyes shut, causing a tear to run down her cheek. “I don’t know what I would’ve done if…”

“I know, honey.” With a final squeeze, her mother wanders back to the kitchen to speak to Gale.

Katniss watches her mother walk away, the last vestige of her harbored anger evaporates. Because her mother does know.

She knows exactly what it’s like when the thought of being without someone makes you want to stop breathing... but she saved Peeta last night, now Katniss would not suffer her fate.

Peeta’s face is relaxed, his breaths are deep and rhythmic, the gentle cadence makes her eyelids start to droop. Bone weary but not wanting to leave his side, she leans down and softly kisses Peeta’s cheek before laying her head beside him as sleep rolls her under.

********************************

On the third morning her mother shooed her out of the house so she could check Peeta’s incision and change the dressings. Katniss meanderes her way through the Seam, she doesn't realize where she’s going until she’s standing in front of Peeta’s house.

She half expects him to throw open the door, a wide smile and a joke on his lips.

But he can’t.

Because he’s laying on the kitchen table in her house, drugged to sleep and missing a leg.

She shakes herself. He’s alive. That’s all that matters. It’s no secret that he will be staying in the Everdeen home for the foreseeable future. Pushing open the door, Katniss quickly walks inside, taking note of the dried dandelions on the table and she promises to bring him more in the spring.

Moving over to the pantry, she starts packing up the food that they had made together. Stopping to stare at a jar of turkey stew for an obscene amount of time, long enough that her eyes started to sting and water.

Shaking her head she continues to load her game bag with as many provisions as she can carry. She’ll have to make at least two trips to move it all, Peeta had been well stocked for the coming winter.

With the top shelf of the pantry nearly empty, she can’t help but see it.

It’s a little green paper box that has been carefully constructed by a loving hand. Like something you’d see at a merchant shop in town. It would house a bauble or trinket, maybe a special sweet.

It seems private, but she can’t stop herself from reaching for it.

Katniss stares at the box in her shaking hand as she carefully removes the top. Inside, nestled on a bed of velvety dried moss is a small silver color band most likely made of tin.

The design, that has been painstaking and lovingly carved.

Tiny katniss flowers.

Her knees buckle and she slides to the floor, tears spilling down her face as Katniss clutches it tightly to her chest.  

****************************

She returns home much later to a groggy but awake Peeta.

Her mother had had him moved to Katniss’s room once his incision was no longer in danger of reopening. But it's been so long since she's seen his eyes. They were duller than she remembers but the elation that must show on her face makes him smile, it may be small but it means everything. It means he’s alive, it means he’s still with her.

The beginning of his recovery is difficult but he bears the strain with dignity. Katniss is truly shocked when not one of the Mellarks show up to check on him. They must’ve heard by now, surely.

In her disbelief she slips up and mentions it, immediately wanting to kick herself when Peeta's face falls.

“They won’t be coming, Katniss. Not now, not ever.”

“How could they not at least stop by after what happened?”

“I was disowned the day I left the bakery. I have no doubt my mother went directly to the Justice Building to make it official so I’m no longer part of that family.”

“But why?”

“My mother had arranged for me to marry.”

A chill courses through her.

“I refused. I didn't want my parents' marriage, a lifetime of misery. I suppose my mother thought she could beat me into submission. This time I couldn’t let her and when she tried, I caught her hand and flung it away. She started screaming about calling Peacekeepers but I told her I’d save her the trouble... so I left. Walked around the district and then headed to the office to apply for the mine, when I got there, a box of my clothes was waiting.”  

The tears came unexpectedly and she quickly wiped them from her cheeks, but of course he saw.

“Katniss...don’t cry...not when I’m getting to the good part.” He begs as he pulls her hand away, cradling it between his own.

“The good part?”

“The best part, I think.” He says sweetly. “When I left that life I felt free for the first time. Whatever choices I made were my own. I had planned to save up for a year or so. I wanted to woo you, show you I could be a worthy partner but you ruined my plans Katniss...and you made me happier than I ever thought possible.”

She fumbles through her jacket pocket, then places the small green box on his chest.

“I found it. When I was packing up the food.”

“How do you know it was for you?” He jokes and her eyes go wide before narrowing with her scowl.

“I seem to remember you saying that you've loved me forever.....I think you want to marry me someday.”

“Supposing I said something like that, what would your answer be?” Peeta stares at the small box that now rests in his hand.

“Yes.”

“What?!” It’s almost a shout.

“My answer...it’s yes.” She shrugs, as if it was inevitable, as if she would have always said yes.

“I don’t...I don’t have anything to offer you now, maybe we shouldn’t.” He looks to the place where his lower leg should be.

“Peeta Mellark, are you taking back your proposal?” Her scowl is back full force.

“NO! But..”

“I said yes and that's the end of it.” Katniss unceremoniously removes the ring and places it on her finger before carefully cuddling into his side.  

“Whatever you say Everdeen.” Peeta murmurs with sleepy eyes and an adoring smile. “So...does this mean..”

“That I love you?” She can hear the breath hitch in his chest. “Yes, Peeta. That’s exactly what it means.”

He gathers her closer and she can feel his smile when he kisses the crown of her head.

“I love you too, Katniss.”

*****************

The first snow had just begun to fall when their whole world changed.

Katniss was packing up the last of Peeta’s supplies, loading the last jars into her bag. Thinking over the events of last night, and this morning when they had quietly announced their engagement. 

Mother and Prim were happy for them.

Katniss hummed as she let herself out of the little shack. The sound cut off by a loud siren blast.

Not for the Mine…..but for the Reaping.

People, startled and confused, started making their way to the square. She could hear crying children, followed by the angry raised voices of adults.

What could the Capitol possibly want now?

With her family safe at home, Katniss decided to find out.

She moved into the throng, bumped and jostled until she finally stood shoulder to shoulder with the people of Twelve as the screens in front of the Justice Building lit up.

A gasp echoed through the crowd as they were addressed by a serious looking man dressed in grey military garb.

The words that followed made her heart pound so hard she could barely hear over the sound.

“People of Panem.” His voice boomed. “Today We Celebrate Your Freedom!”

*********************

[daenerys-targaryen-moved]

im genuinely curious as to why older people are able to be casted as teenagers, i mean.. is it people making the illusion that these are what teenagers are like so they could sexualize them easier cause 'they dont look like it' or am i reaching.

I think it’s a multitude of different things, honestly.

Things to take into consideration: Child Labor Laws and what is ‘socially’ acceptable in media.

For the US, Federal law states that 14-15 year olds cannot work over 8 hours a day, with no more than 3 hours on a school day, and over 40 hours a week, with no more than 18 hours per week while in school. Minors are also not allowed to work before 7am or after 7pm respectively. No federal laws restrict how many hours a 16-18 year old can work. However, most states have their own laws regarding the number of hours a child can work. As stated before, the stricter law always protects the child. As for world wide, children between 15 and 18 years of age may work no more than 7 hours a day and 35 hours per week (including time learning - if they learn). There must they stay at work after hours or work at night. It is also prohibited to employ minors under conditions which may threaten their health, safety and morals.

With Child Labor Laws out of the way, we can dive into what is deemed socially acceptable.

In case of Game of Thrones, they had to really age up most if not all of the characters in the series who were originally depicted as minors.

Rickon Stark - 3 years old in the books, aged up to 6 in the show, played by Art Parkinson who was 11 years old in the first season.

Bran Stark - 7 in the books, aged up to 10 in the show, played by Isaac Hempstead Wright who was 11 in the first season.

Arya Stark - 9 in the books, aged up to 11 in the show, played by Maisie Williams who was 12 in the first season.

Sansa Stark - 11 in the books, aged up to 13 in the show, played by Sophie Turner who was 15 in the first season.

Robb Stark - 14 in the books, aged up to 16 in the show, played by Richard Madden who was 24 in the first season.

Jon Snow - 14 in the books, aged up to 16 in the show, played by Kit Harington who was 24 in the first season.

Daenerys Targaryen - 13 in the books, aged up to be 16/17 in the show, played by Emilia Clarke who was 23 in the first season.

Now, it could be said off that the reason these kids were aged up in the show is the nature of the show itself. They all go through tings that no real children should ever go through or have to deal with. So I would say I agree with them being aged up, fine, whatever. You have to factor in the situation the characters are in as well. It’s not socially acceptable to sexualize children, and thankfully as of yet in the books, Rickon, Bran, Arya, and Sansa do not have any sexual intercourse in their chapters.

Robb, Jon and Theon all have sexual scenes later on, so while they were cast as 16 year olds on the first season, the actors themselves had to be over the age of 18 in order to film and show those sex scenes. With Daenerys, she’s 13 and her first chapter ends with her being stripped bare and molested by her older brother, by her second chapter we learn that she’s being sold to a man twice her age to be his child bride. By her third chapter she’s at her wedding feast and by the end of the chapter she’s being forced into marital sex. By her next chapter, we learn that every night Drogo rapes her to the point where she considers suicide. They could not have cast a 13 year old for this, they could not have cast a 16/17 year old for this. They had to cast an actress at least 18 or older due to the nature of what happens to her.

What disgusts me for Arya and Sansa is that quite literally the second that Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams turned 18 the show gave them sex scenes. If Sansa was 11 in season one that means that she was at least 15 or maybe 16 by season five when she married Ramsay and was raped. They would not have written that in had Sophie Turner not been 18. If Arya was 9 in season one, then she was at least 18 by season eight when she has sex with Gendry. They would not have written that in had Maisie Williams not been 18.

The Hunger Games:

Karina Everdeen - 16 in the books, same age in the movies, played by Jennifer Lawrence who was 22 at the time of the first movie.

Peeta Mellark - 16 in the books, same age in the movies, played by Josh Hutcherson who was 20 at the time of the first movie.

While this series didn’t have much if not at all sexual scenes / sexual violence, but like A Song of Ice and Fire / Game of Thrones, these children go through things that no children should have to go through. They have to kill one another in order to survive.

As for other ones like Riverdale or Gossip Girl, I think the Child Labor Laws of course play into it, but also just the fetishization of children and what soceity / Hollywood wants children to look like. I mean, if you think about the affect this has on actual children and teenagers, it’s quite an effective way to force them to grow up. Young girls and boys see these mid 20 year old actors playing teenagers and think they should look like them, dress like them, behave like them, ect. It’s due to fetishization of children and how media can force them to grow up.

[ao3feed-everlark]

by katemiller

Peeta is the last eligible Mellark son. His family is wealthy and their business, The Mellark Bakery, is known nation wide. Katniss works at a sporting goods store to try and help her mother pay the bills and keep the debt collectors from taking their home. When a surprising offer for an arranged marriage is made to help financially support the Everdeens, Katniss can't say no.

Words: 16907, Chapters: 2/2, Language: English

Fandoms: Hunger Games Series - All Media Types, Hunger Games Trilogy - Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games (Movies)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: F/M

Characters: Katniss Everdeen, Peeta Mellark, Rye Mellark, Primrose Everdeen, Bran Mellark

Relationships: Katniss Everdeen/Peeta Mellark

Additional Tags: everlark, Arranged Marriage, Alternate Universe - Arranged Marriage

[everlarkrealornot]

The PANEM Initiative, Chapter Twenty-Seven

Wow. So I knew that I wanted to post the last chapter today because three years ago was when I first published this fic on AO3. Its been a long (too long - sorry about that) process writing this fic. I have gone through a lot of life since I even came up for the idea of the Initiative and can't believe how this story has grown as I have gone through different periods in my life over the last three years.

As always, thank you so much for sticking with me through this. Especially those of you who have been here since day one - you guys are awesome! I have enjoyed reading all of your comments - they make me smile so much! Please enjoy:D 

Also, if you are interested in rereading any of the past chapters, go to my blog, click on the link that says My Writings and there will be a link on that page that will take you to AO3. If you prefer to read them on tumblr, just search the tag, kate writes on my blog. 

Chapter 27

“Do you know now?” she asked, a small smile playing at the corner of her lips. Peeta laughed quietly and shook his head.

“Yes, but the incident with the remote did have me concerned for a moment.” Katniss opened her mouth to retort but Peeta leaned in, kissing her hard on the mouth before she could. She made a small squeak that Peeta ignored, pulling her closer to him on the bench and cradling her face. She slid her hands up his arms and held his hands in place.

Releasing her lips, he gently rubbed his nose against the side of hers, his breath warm against her face. Katniss watched him for a moment before kissing him one more time.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Peeta, Katniss, and Gale stood across the front of the court room, several feet between them as Effie had instructed. She could feel Gale’s gaze as she kept her eyes trained on the Review Board’s adjournment room. She had been concentrating so hard that she jumped when the door finally opened. As she watched the Board file back into the member’s box her hands felt empty and she craved Peeta’s touch.

The member who had questioned her and Gale was last in and stepped forward. He cleared his throat and took his glasses off as he started just as he had at The Mellark’s Review.

“We the Review Board have been tasked with keeping the integrity of The PANEM Initiative intact. We do not take this responsibility lightly, making sure to examine and analyze every piece of information we are given. With that in mind, after having listened to 12 of your peer’s testimonies, your family’s testimonies, and your own accounts, we have determined that there is not substantial evidence to declare this match terminated.” He looked between Peeta and Katniss. “Mr. Mellark, Ms. Everdeen, your wedding will proceed as planned, but the cost of this review will be deducted from your stipend this year.”

Katniss sighed and felt the tension in her shoulders release.

“And,” turning to Gale the member gave him a pointed look. “Mr. Hawthorne, your actions and relationship with Ms. Everdeen, once married, Mrs. Mellark, will remain closely monitored….You are all dismissed.”

Katniss saw Gale turning to her out of the corner of her eye but threw her arms around Peeta’s neck, burying her face in his shoulder, relieved tears stinging her eyes.

“Seven Weeks!” They heard Effie sing in a happy tone. Katniss released Peeta and quickly wiped her eyes before grabbing his hand again. “You will finally have to pick one of the dresses I have for you, Katniss!”

“Actually…” she said with a satisfied grin on her face.

--

Three days later they received the news that their negotiations forms for the house had been approved by The Initiative and accepted by the seller. A week later they were signing forms and collecting the keys.

“Part of the negotiations was that any furniture that we did not want, we left. Do with it as you please.” The woman had smiled and dropped the key in Katniss’s hand, leaving with her husband without looking back.

Katniss and Peeta had been worried about the amount of junk they were going to have to clean out of the house, but were surprised when they ended up getting (an old) dining room table with chairs, two mismatched couches, a few sitting chairs, several side tables of varying height...and a good amount of junk that they had to trash. All of the items needed a little work, but they enlisted Ryen and Brandon to help fix them up.

“Besides this couch, the house is a hodgepodge of garbage,” Bran said as he flopped down. Katniss frowned at him. While he was right about the couch (as it was probably her favorite thing that they had been able to salvage) the rest was not garbage.

“I’m surprised you even know what hodgepodge means,” she said as she accidently bumped his head with a box that she was carrying. “Oops.”

Peeta and Rye spent a good two weeks bringing the old table and chairs back to an acceptable appearance while Katniss had started peeling wallpaper. The couple had decorated in muted golds and browns that had a Victorian vibe to it – Katniss hated it and was thankful when Peeta and Rye were able to help her finish ridding the house of it.

“I can’t believe we’re almost finished painting,” Katniss said with a sigh as she plopped down onto the couch. “Kitchen’s all that’s left.” They only had three weeks left before the wedding and they wanted to start moving Peeta in the next week. “I’m glad I was able to get the guest rooms done today.” They had decided on painting the three guest rooms, which would eventually turn into rooms for their children, a light shade of grey in order to speed up their process. For Katniss’s birthday Peeta had tasked himself with painting their bedroom, creating a mural that consisted simply of the outline of giant flowers and leaves.

“Our bed should be here tomorrow,” Peeta said as he absentmindedly picked at a paint spot on his pants. “Rye is coming over at lunch to help me set it up. I’m thinking I should be able to get the kitchen painted and set up the entertainment system tomorrow as well.” He nodded to the boxes in the corner. “Do you want to come here after work and make sure it’s where you want it?”

“The bed?” Katniss asked. In reality, she hadn’t heard much after Peeta had said our bed.

“I meant the entertainment system, but the bed too I guess.” He gave her a confused looked.

“It’s just that you said our bed.” She brought her feet up under her and started to fix the hair that was falling out of her braid. “It just threw me off.” Peeta watched her for a moment with an amused look on his face.

“Katniss, we have already had sex…it might have just been the one time, but it still happened.”

“I know.” She felt a blush crawl across her face as she finished tying her hair in place, an image of Peeta moving above her cemented in her mind. “I’m not embarrassed about the thought of having sex with you…I’m embarrassed about…” she trailed off, her face on fire. Peeta licked his lips as he looked at her. “Wanting to have sex with you.”

“I think it’s time we christened the couch.”

 “You kept saying you weren’t going to sleep with me until we were married.” Peeta gently rubbed her back as they lay together on the couch. “I think you made a liar out of yourself.”

“I had meant it then,” she said sleepily. His hand stilled on her back and she could hear his heart beat quicken.

“Do you regret it?” he whispered. “Having sex when we did?”

“No.” She propped her head up on her hand. “We wouldn’t be having it now if we hadn’t.” He frowned at her. “And,” she raised her eyebrows in emphasis, “I liked our first time.” She gave a little shrug. “It might have been awkward at first, but it just felt right at the time…what about you? Do you regret it?”

“No.” He shook his head and grabbed her forearms, pulling her up to meet his lips. “Not at all.”

--

“This place is amazing!” Madge looked around their kitchen in awe. “I can’t believe that you guys own this!”

“We don’t.” Katniss sighed as she closed the Panini press. “The Initiative owns it right now. It’s like we have a loan through them, but instead of making monthly payments, we have worked it out that they will be taking chunks out of our stipends each year.”

“It’s not like they don’t already own you.” Madge muttered as she searched through the cupboards looking for glasses.

“Next to the fridge.” She ignored Madge’s comment and pointed her to the plastic cups her mom had brought over earlier.

“Isn’t there some rule that a bride doesn’t cook for her own shower?” Madge grabbed the cups and pulled them out of the bag.

“My mom asked me what I wanted and I had a very specific menu in mind.” She smiled as she took two sandwiches that were already cooked and cut them into triangles. “She should be here with the rest of the food any minute…and Peeta requested that he got to make the cupcakes.” She pointed to a large box on the table. Madge’s eyes went big as she slowly opened the lid.

“If I was marrying either you or Peeta, I would gain a hundred pounds in the first year of marriage just because of your cooking and baking skills.” Madge, reluctantly, closed the lid on the cupcakes. “So, no offense or anything, but who is actually going to be at this thing?” Katniss giggled.

“The guys are invited as well, that’s why we decided to have it before the rehearsal.” She pulled the next set of sandwiches off the press and started the next two. She had started to arrange the already cut sandwiches on a platter when the door bell rung.

“I’ll get it,” Madge said as she hurried out of the kitchen. Katniss continued to work on the last sandwiches while trying to figure out who the voice’s in the hall belonged to.

“KATNISS!” Prim’s voice carried throughout the house.

“Oh boy…” she muttered to herself. Their mom had allowed Prim to skip the two days prior to the wedding and she sounded like she was having far too much fun being away from her structured routine. “Prim!” She called when her sister came into the kitchen. “OH! What did you bring me?” she asked as she reached for the present in Prim’s arms.

“Hands off!” Prim scolded her. “You have to have patience.”

“Fine!” Katniss huffed in exaggeration and added the sandwiches to the pile of food that her mom was unloading on kitchen table, for a buffet style lunch. “Mom, I think you may have over done it a little.” She watched as Madge brought in more food, the Mellark men having just arrived, bringing in food as well.

“I know, but I wanted to make sure you enjoyed today…and I know how much you love food.” Helen smiled warmly at her daughter. “I tried to make a little of all of your favorites.”

Katniss smiled brightly and pulled her mom into a tight hug.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

 Starting promptly at 4:30pm, Effie had them running on a very tight schedule. They had completed dress and tux checks, flower checks, hair style confirmations, a preview of the hall decorations, vow reviews, and three ceremony run-throughs by 7:30pm.

“That went very well.” Effie trilled as she checked things off on her clip board. “Do we all have a copy of tomorrow’s schedule?” She lifted her phone with the email that she had sent them three weeks ago. They all mumbled yes. “You know what? I’m just going to send it again, just in case.” Effie smiled brightly as she typed on her phone. “I’ll see you all in the morning!”

The wedding party jumped to their feet and started hurrying out of the hall.

“OH! Please, please, please!” Effie’s voice stopped them all in their tracks. “Get some sleep tonight – no one wants to have to cover up the under the eye bags for wedding pictures!” She turned to Katniss and Peeta. “Especially you two.”

“I promise no shenanigans tonight.” Peeta held his hand over his heart as he talked.

“I’m just very happy for you two.” Effie walked forward and squeezed their shoulders lightly. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

 “Alright – it’s late.” Helen stood up and shook Prim’s shoulder – she had been asleep on the couch over an hour already. “Come on.”

“Yeah, we better get going too,” Henry said as he stood. “Peeta, are we picking you up in the morning?”

“No, I’ll have the Jeep.”

“I’m going back with my mom.” Katniss slipped on her shoes. “I just need to grab my phone – I’ll meet you at the car.” Her mom nodded and steered a very tired Prim out the door. She heard the rest of the party saying their good-byes as she searched the kitchen. “I swear I left it right here!” She cursed at herself as she opened drawers that she was pretty sure it wasn’t in.

“Are you looking for this?” Peeta asked as he slipped her phone out of his pocket.

“Hey!” She grabbed for it, but he held it behind his back. “Stealing things?”

“I really just wanted you to myself for a minute.” He wrapped his arms around her waist and she felt him slip her phone in her back pocket.

“Starting tomorrow night you get me all to yourself for a whole week.” She rubbed her nose against his. Peeta closed his eyes and rested his forehead against hers. She inhaled deeply and could faintly smell the bakery still on him. “Peeta?” she said after another moment. He hummed in acknowledgement before clearing his throat and leaning back to look at her. He reached up and cupped her cheek, rubbing his thumb over her lip.

“We’re getting married tomorrow.” She nodded in agreement. “You handling it okay?” She nodded again, a shy smile on her lips. “Good.” He leaned in, his lips barely brushing hers. “Still real?” he asked quietly.

“Still real.”

.

.

Epilogue

Today is the day. The big day. The day where my life completely changes.

It was seven o’clock and Katniss had just finished the breakfast that her mother had brought to her in bed. She could hear the shower running and knew that she didn’t need to move from her warm spot beneath the sheets yet. She held a strand of hair that she lazily kept braiding and unbraiding while she recited to herself the words she knew by heart. 

Katniss,                                            

I know we have never been close but I wanted to say I hope you had the happiest of days yesterday.

Happy Birthday, Peeta.

Katniss wasn’t sure how many times she had read the note, but over the last year it had become well-worn from the amount of times she had slipped it in and out of her pocket. She smiled to herself as she thought about how far they had come in the last year.

Today is the day I get to marry my best friend.

--

Katniss had just sent her mom, Prim, and Madge to get pictures with the groomsmen when there was a small knock on her dressing room door.

“Who is it?”

“It’s me…the wedding party is in the hall getting pictures,” Peeta whispered. “Can I come in for a minute?”

“Please.” Katniss smiled as he slipped inside. “Hi.”

“Wow.” He stepped back and looked at her. “You are gorgeous.”

“Thank you.” She stepped forward and ran her hand over the front of his tux. “You look pretty good yourself.”

“I’m going to kiss you now,” Peeta said as he wrapped a hand around her waist and pulled her forward until her lips met his. He kissed her slow and deliberate, exploring her mouth and lips as if he never had. “I’m happy.”

“Me too.”

“I brought you something,” he whispered as he slipped one of his hands into his pocket. Katniss watched as he lifted a small, velvet box up. “I know we already picked out our wedding bands and that you don’t want anything big because of your job.” He put the box in her hands. “But I wanted to get you something and when I saw this, I wanted you to have it.”

“Peeta, you didn’t have…” the words died on her lips as she opened the box. It was an open, teardrop pendent, with small diamonds embedded into the silver. In the opening sat a black pearl. “It’s beautiful.” She pulled the necklace from the box. “Can I wear it today?” she asked quietly. The smile on his face grew.

“I was hoping you would,” he said as he took the necklace from her. He fastened the clasp and Katniss hurried to the mirror to admire it with her dress. “Perfect.”

“Thank you.” She turned around and flung her arms around his neck.

“I better go before Effie catches me and has a heart attack.” Peeta kissed her softly under her ear. “I’ll see you soon.” He whispered.

“See you soon.”

[littlemarianah]

WIP

How Katniss and Peeta chose their children's names

prologue of my fanfic in progress about Katniss motherhood. "The Flower and the Willow"

_________________________________________

My name is Katniss Everdeen.

My parents named me after a long-stemmed flower that grow on the edge of lakes. You will never starve if you find one of them. Its roots are sweet and juicy like a potato. The delicate and small white petals contrast with its arrow-pointed leaves.

My sister got her name from the Primrose flower. Different from katniss flower, primroses are everywhere. It has small petals, but its vibrant colors make it stand out among the undergrowth.

They chose beautiful names to decorate us with.

Beautiful things like the songs my father sang before I went to sleep.

Beautiful things like the colorful dresses my mother wore on Sundays.

Things that keep ourselves alive.

When my father stopped singing my mother stopped wearing her dresses. And then it was like she was dead too. That's when I realized that those things made us live.

Without the laughter, without the songs, without the hugs that my father gave me covered in dust from the mines, without the dresses, without the beautiful braids that my mother gave me and Prim. Without anything beautiful, without anything happy. We had nothing but hunger, cold and misery.

Peeta's parents had a similar idea. They chose their children's names from bread. Peeta, for a wheat bread that's as thin as a sheet and hollow inside. Rye, for a bread made with rye flour and very soft. Bran, for bread made with bran and molasses. Sweet in taste and brown in color.

It was kind of funny for a family of bakers to take their children's names from a cookbook, but they followed the same logic as my parents. Naming their children after the only thing that keep them together: work.

In the Mellark household no one had an empty stomach, but everyone woke up before sunrise to grind the wheat, sift the flour and heat the wood fire and work until night fell. Peeta once told me he never thought he would be the one to run the bakery. Her parents decided to have children to pass on the business to when they got old. The first was planned. The second was accidental, but useful in a world where your son could always go to games. The third was unwanted, but at least one more hand to work with.

Until shortly before giving birth I didn't know what name to choose. Peeta said he wanted me to decide, but nothing felt good enough. When I discovered I was a girl I started singing the lullabies my father always sang. I hummed them when I helped Peeta knead bread in the morning, I whistled them when I walked through the forest. Every time my head was empty, some new song came back to the surface. One day I found myself singing an old song that I had forgotten for a long time.

Deep in the meadow

Under the willow

A bed of grass, a soft green pillow

For so many years I even banned myself from humming its melody, I preferred it to disappear from my memory completely.

All the little girls I had sung that song to were dead. But I got pregnant and I couldn't stop it anymore. It was a girl, I would have a daughter. Even with the horrible pain in my chest I wanted her to hear that song.

Here your dreams are sweet

And tomorrow brings them true

Here is the place where I love you

Deep in the meadow

Hidden far away

I chose Willow after that in honor of the willow tree in the song. Peeta liked it.

Two years later when I got pregnant with my second I gave Peeta a taste of his own medicine and made sure he chose the name. He spent hours listing names for me, looking for inspiration in books, names of important people. Until one day he put down the history books and picked up a recipe book. He flipped through the pages... sponge cake, carrot cake, cinnamon rolls... as if it was the first time he was reading it.

Even the recipes he made every day, like wheat bread from the bakery, he read again. He said he would wait until the baby was born to finally choose a name, but I had the impression he already had some ideas in mind. When Peeta took our boy in his arms he said he saw his brother Rye's eyes on him.

So, following the tradition of our families, our children's names are in honor of what is important to us.

Rye, a bread to satisfy our hunger.

Willow, a tree from an old song.

[everlarkbirthdaydrabbles]

Our absolutely amazing pal and fellow smutketeer @peetabreadgirl has a birthday on February 23rd. @xerxia31 and I were wondering if you'd be willing to accept a submission from us in her honoUr?

Happy Birthday @peetabreadgirl! By special request, Here’s a birthday drabble crafted just for you!

Biggest Fan

AN – Happy Birthday PBG! This is part 1 of 2 because your birthday is too special to cram all into one day!

Mesdames et messieurs, votre attention s’il vous plaît. Les passagers de la vol Air Canada 8637 arrivent à la gare vingt-quatre.

Peeta Mellark bobs up on the balls of his feet, eager to see around the crowd of tired commuters coming in on the flight from Montreal to Quebec city. Just a few more minutes and he’ll finally lay eyes on the infamous KatsEye, the best beta in the Avengers fandom.

And his best friend. Possibly the love of his life, but hey, he figures he probably should lay eyes on her in real life before he declares his undying devotion.

The crowd is thinning a bit now as the business crowd moves toward the airport doors, a sea of suits and muttered French. He checks his phone. Her text had said she was near the back of the plane. Surely she’ll be out soon.

KatI’m wearing an orange sweater.

When he looks up again, he sees her coming through the gate. Her aviator glasses are perched on her head and her hair is tied up in a side braid that spills over her shoulder onto the gorgeous coral sweater she’s wearing. It causes her olive skin to glow even though he can tell she’s not wearing a stitch of makeup.

His artistic sensibilities practically giggle at the idea that she’d consider the shade to be orange. It’s softer, more muted; kind of like a sunset at the end of a sultry summer’s day.

Regardless, it’s his new favourite colour.

When he notices her scowling as she scans the crowd for him, he uses his free hand to hold up the little sign he made: KATNISS EVERDEEN. It’s her real name, what her friends and family back in Texas call her. Frankly, it’s what what everyone who isn’t an Avengers fan calls her, but in his mind, she’s always Kat.

Her frown vanishes when she spots his sign and she moves toward him, offering a nervous smile. “Cap? Is that you?“ Her southern drawl lilting over his pseudonym delights him.

“Hi Kat.” He offers her a smile that he knows will never convey just how happy he is to see her. “Welcome to Canada.” Her cheeks pinken.

Damn. He knew she was pretty, but that little one centimetre by one centimetre picture on her Google Docs avatar wasn’t big enough to tell him the whole truth. His Kat is beautiful. More than that, really. She’s fucking radiant.

He reaches out to hug her and realizes halfway there that he’s a strange man in a strange place and a hug might not be a welcome gesture. Instead his arm dangles awkwardly in mid air. “Can I, uh, take your bag?”

She clutches the strap of her carry-on and insists that she’s got it.

“Oh. Um, I wasn’t sure if you’d have warm gear, so my sister-in-law loaned me her Canada Goose coat.” He passes over the bright red parka with the fur trimmed hood and she accepts it solemnly with a whispered “Thanks.”

“They’re down-filled,” he explains, “Those coats, I mean. It should keep you nice and warm when we’re at le Carnaval tomorrow.”

Katniss strokes the fur on the parka’s hood and just nods.

They settle into an awkward silence and he does his best to hold his disappointment at bay. He’s never met a woman who has captured his attention quite the way Kat has. His day is not complete until they’ve hashed out the latest fandom drama and she’s stolen all of this extra words or scolded him for using the passive voice. But, they’re of one mind more often than not. He trusts her exclusively with the inner-workings of his imagination. He offers her his soul, naked and raw on the page, and she heals it, clothes it and sends it out to the world. How is it that now that they’re face to face, they can’t even string ten words together to make a sentence?

The luggage carousel jerks into gear and they move toward it in unison. A tired sigh slips through Katniss’s lips. She’s been travelling since sun-up and changed planes three times just to get there. The journey made Peeta’s eight-hour drive from Toronto today, including the harrowing trip through the tunnel in Montreal, seem like a stroll in the park.

Before long, her suitcase comes into view and when she moves to pick it up, Peeta snatches it off the conveyer belt and tugs out the handle. He resists the urge to apologize.

“Your hands are full already. Let’s go find the car,” and he drags the rolling bag behind him. As they stroll toward the parkade that is connected to the airport, Peeta alternates between trying navigate the crowd and admiring Katniss’s profile. He thinks it may have been sculpted by fairies. Her cheekbones are high and delicate; her nose, straight and slightly turned up, and her jaw slopes gently downward into a chin that’s just soft enough to prevent it from being labelled as pointed. When his thoughts start to trend toward how his lips would cruise along that jaw to the hollow of her throat, he reverts his attention forward.

“You should probably put the coat on,” he recommends at the door and when it opens, allowing in a gust of winter air, Katniss shivers and drops her bag, quickly tucking herself into the coat. Once she’s bundled up, they pass through the sliding glass doors and continue on their way.

“It’s over here on the left,” he directs, wishing he’d thought to take her hand as they left the terminal. He fumbles in his pocket for the key fob, finally managing to unlock the trunk of his father’s crossover.

“A BMW,” Katniss observes, her eyes wide.

“My dad’s,” he explains, hefting her suitcase into the trunk beside his dufflebag. “It’s better on gas than my Jeep.”

The trunk door lowers automatically and Peeta follows Katniss around to the passenger’s side, reaching around her to hold the door. Her expression is the picture of surprise, but she says nothing and slides into her seat. He closes the door behind her and circles back around to the driver’s side. When he presses the button to start the car, he notices Katniss stroking the leather of her seat and admiring the stitching on the leader dash.

“A big step up from my shitty Corolla,” she mutters.

He grins at her as he backs the car out of its spot and aims it for the exit. “My folks bought me my Jeep in high school. It’s kind of a beast now, but it still gets me around, so I’m not ready to part with the old girl.”

Katniss’s lips press together and he wonders what’s going through her mind. “You work for your father,” she recalls. “I’m sure you told me that.”

Peeta nods, piloting the car onto the Autoroute that will take them into the old city and the two-bedroom apartment they’d booked. “We own a chain of bakeries throughout southern Ontario. Dad runs the head office. I work there. My brother Rye is in charge of operations at the biggest bakery, the one in Toronto. My other brother, Bran, has human resources.”

Katniss’s eyes flick over to him. “I thought you were a baker, not an executive.”

He laughs. “I am. I bake all day. I’m in charge of the company’s concept kitchen.” He slows the vehicle as they move further into busy downtown traffic on their way to the old city. “I’ve been experimenting with cheese buns lately. I’ve got this recipe with a hint of rosemary that…” He looks over at Katniss to find her observing him strangely. “What?”

“I’ve never seen anyone get so excited about bread.” Her teeth sink into her bottom lip as she tries not to laugh. Her head falls back against the headrest. “Okay, so I’ve been travelling for the last 10 hours. Tell me what’s been going on in our little corner of the Internet.”

He’s grateful for an easy topic to fill the thirty minute drive with. They chat about the fandom all of the time, it’s familiar. “Remarkably, our absence has not been noted,” he says with a laugh. “Let me think. Um, mega-buckylover published the prologue of a new wip.

“Blackwidowdoesnotfollowback just posted a new chapter of that college au she’s working on. Something about Cap and Peggy and a pool table.”

Kat hums beside him. “Next chapter is even hotter,” she confides.

“Right,“ he concedes. “Almost forgot she’s my primary competition for access to the best beta in our fandom.”

She rolls her eyes. “Careful, CaptainAmellarka, or I’ll be forced to steal your U’s again.”

He snorts. “Paws off my superfluous U’s. Oh – Glimmer and Clove are at it again.”

Katniss shakes her head. “They’re going to divide the fandom if they don’t cut it out.”

Glimmer, whose actual handle was @peggywithmoresparkle, and Clove, who used @therealpepperpotts, were in a constant battle over whose fave was the true leader of the fandom. Sick of typing out their names, while they made snarky remarks about their diva-like behaviour, Peeta and Kat had renamed them, Glimmer – because Peggy Carter was too cool to need bling; and Clove – because pepper is a perfectly useful spice and cloves are one only useful about once a year.

Katniss leans forward, captivated, as they start to move into Vieux Quebec where the snow-covered 400-year-old stone walls and cobblestone streets leave every visitor entranced. “My God, it looks like something out of Beauty and the Beast,” she marvels.

“Surprised?”

She snorts. “No more surprised than when I discovered CaptainAmellarka, my favourite fanfic author in the entire fandom, was a Canadian.”

“Hey,” he defends, “They didn’t make Dudley Do-Right an Avenger, so what’s an earnest, well-meaning Canadian boy supposed to do?”

That gets a laugh out of her. “You know, I haven’t seen a single moose or a mountie anywhere.”

“Only in every souvenir shop.” Peeta replies with a grin. He turns up a small side street and parks in front of a three story building built of stone. Quaint blue shutters frame each window and matching boxes sit primly underneath, primed to overflow with flowers in summer. For now, they are filled with twinkle lights and greenery.

“Here we are,” he announces cheerfully, popping out of the car. Together, they approach the house and Peeta raps smartly on the door.

“Oui?” A woman with spiky black hair answers the door. Her makeup is perfect, but her matte red lips are twisted into a frown.

“Madame Johanna?”

“Oui, monsieur.”

“Bonjour madame. Je m’appelle Peeta Mellark. Nous avons loué votre appartement pour la fin de semaine.”

Her frown deepens and turns into a scowl. “Hein? Non, non, non. Impossible!” Madame Johanna’s hands fly into the air. Peeta feels Katniss take a step back, overwhelmed by their animated hostess. “Mes visiteurs pour cette fin de semaine sont déjà arrivés.”

“Peeta, what’s wrong?”

“There’s some sort of mix-up,” he translates. “She wasn’t expecting us. There’s someone else in the apartment.”

He turns back to the little French fireball guarding the entrance to their rooms and tries to turn on the charm. “Madame, pourriez-vous vérifier encore, s’il vous plaît?”

“Tabernacle!” The door slams in their faces. Peeta turns to Katniss and sees her face etched in concern.

“She’s going to check,” he explains. The door whips open again.

“Vous êtes booké pour la semaine prochaine.”

Booked in for next week? Shit. He’d been so careful when he made the online booking. “Est-ce que-”

“Non,” she interrupts. Their would-be hostess seems to have had enough. “Etes-vous fou? C'est le Carnaval! Vous auriez de la chance si vous trouvez quelque chose dans la ville!”

He is truly fucked. Kat is exhausted and now they have nowhere to stay. Johanna must see the look on his face, because she relents slightly.

“Mon amie, Effie, est la gérante à l'Hôtel vieux Québec. Peut-être elle aura quelque chose. Mais à la dernière minute, ses chambres sont coûteuses.”

Peeta nods grimly. “Merci madame.” The door again slams in their faces. He turns slowly to Katniss, whose eyes are wide and wary. “So,” he starts, running his free hand through his hair. “How do you feel about a little adventure?”

She scowls, but says nothing as he leads them back to his father’s SUV.

He explains the situation to Katniss while simultaneously scrolling through his phone to look up the hotel Madame Johanna recommended. “I’ve heard of the place she mentioned,” he says. “It’s nice, I think. If nothing else, we can be sure the bathroom will be super clean.” He can hear Kat’s little huffs of frustration, but he tries to paint it for her as a good thing, even if he’s worried sick himself. Hundreds of thousands of tourists descend on Québec for Carnaval every year, finding a room anywhere is a longshot at best. Effie’s hotel might be their only chance.

Google says L’Hôtel vieux Québec is only a dozen blocks from Madame Johanna’s apartment, but the drive feels like it takes forever. A tense silence fills the car, and Peeta gets more and more anxious. He’s been looking forward to this trip for months, and already he’s screwed it up.

Thankfully, he needs all of his concentration to navigate the narrow, twisting streets of the old city. And trying to parallel park the Beemer next to the massive snowbanks makes him wish he’d brought his Jeep after all.

By the time they walk the couple of blocks from the street parking spot Peeta found to the hotel, Katniss is visibly shivering, in spite of the thick coat she’s wrapped in. He rushes her down the final few feet, a gentle hand on the small of her back.

The hotel looms above them, red brick and charmingly old like so much of the city, but obviously well-kept. The walkway has been cleared of ice and snow, and the awnings over the large front windows glow red in the setting sun.

When Peeta pulls the door open for Katniss, he can’t help but hold his breath. He really has no idea what he’ll do if this doesn’t pan out. He could take her back to Toronto for the weekend, but the prospect of another eight hours travelling might just make her decide to hop back on a plane for the warmth of Texas instead.

Katniss’s wide-eyed reaction to the lobby relaxes him just a little. In contrast to the exterior, the inside is bright and modern, with lots of stone and natural wood surfaces, and gorgeous local art on the walls. “Why don’t you sit down and warm up a little,” he says, pointing her towards the small lounge just off the lobby. “I’ll get us a couple of rooms.” Or at least, he hopes he will.

The concierge raises a brow askance when Peeta asks for two rooms and admits he has no reservations. “Mais monsieur,” he says. “Certainement vous savez que c'est Carnaval?” Yes, Peeta knows well that it’s Carnaval, and everyone in the city booked a place to stay months ago. He booked the apartment where they were supposed to be staying months ago himself. He still can’t figure out how he managed to mess up the dates when this weekend has been circled in red in his calendar since the moment he suggested it.

“Please,” Peeta says quietly, aware of Katniss sitting just on the other side of the large glass doors, her gaze flitting back and forth between the fireplace and the counter where he stands begging. The whole pathetic story spills out, the hours of travel, the wrong reservations, his desperation to salvage what he can of the weekend. “Madame Johanna,” he says, in a last-ditch effort, “Elle nous a dit que madame Effie pourrait nous aider?”

Recognition lights the attendant’s face. “Un moment, monsieur,” he says, then walks through a  door behind the counter.

When the door swings open again, Peeta does a double-take. The woman approaching him, talking a mile a minute as she does, is nothing like the elegantly modern man with whom he’d been speaking. With her scary white grin, pinkish hair, and spring green suit, she looks like she’s from another planet. He sneaks a peek over at Katniss and can see her hiding a grin behind her hand.

The woman - Madame Effie Trinkett he thinks she says her name is - speaks in such rapidfire French that Peeta has trouble keeping up. His high school French is sufficient for getting by as a tourist, but it’s not strong enough to keep pace with the effervescent whirlwind in front of him, pink curls bobbing. “Un peu plus lentement s'il vous plaît,” he implores. Instead, she switches to heavily accented English.

“My dear friend Johanna telephoned me, told me of your situation tragique, truly star-crossed,” she says, and Peeta struggles not to roll his eyes. “I think we can help you, non? Flavius?” she trills, and the concierge reappears.

Ten minutes - and four hundred and eighty-eight dollars - later, Peeta is clutching a keycard and breathing normally for the first time all day. They have a place to stay. One room, the only room left, but Flavius assured him the room has both a bed and something Effie called a petit divan. He thinks that’s a couch. Peeta is more than happy to sleep there, if it means saving the weekend with Kat. The weekend he’s been dreaming about since, while they were brainstorming winter soldier AU plotlines, he tentatively suggested setting their story in Canada, at le Carnaval d’hiver du Québec, the largest winter festival in the world.

He walks over to Katniss and flashes the keycard. She grins, and his heart soars.

His relief lasts only as long as it takes to climb the stairs to room twelve, their assigned space. The room, while beautiful, opulent really, is tiny. And the couch is little more than an oversized chair.

Peeta can’t look at Katniss, can’t stand to see her disappointment. Or worse, her anger. “I’ll, uh. I’ll go get our bags,” he says, then bolts back out of the room and onto the street.

Stupid, stupid, stupid echos through his head, a litany. He’s so pissed off about the lodging situation, so damned mad that their original plan got fucked up when he’s certain he booked the right weekend that he has half a mind to storm back to Madame Johanna’s.

Peeta pouts the block-and-a-half to his car and the block-and-a-half back. Everything is so completely messed up. Sharing a room was certainly not in their plans. Regardless of how he feels about Katniss, he’s a gentleman. But how’s it going to look to her when she trusted him to make all of the reservations, to deal with all of the people in a language she doesn’t even understand? Of course she’s going to think he’s an idiot, or worse, that he’s lured her here only to take advantage of her. He’s blown his chance with Katniss, and he’s probably also lost himself one of his best friends in the world.

It’s with trepidation that he pushes the room door open. But he finds the room empty, the door to the ensuite shut tightly, the faint sound of water running behind it.

He leaves her suitcase next to the bed, beside her carry on, and tucks his own beside the petit divan - that means loveseat, he remembers, not couch. Of-fucking-course. Now that he’s not running away, he can appreciate how cool, if small, the room really is. Hardwood flooring, exposed brick, and a gas fireplace across from the bed. He flips that on, thinking that Katniss will appreciate the little bit of extra heat.

The fire is crackling merrily when the bathroom door opens and Katniss treads back into the bedroom. Her eyes are swollen and red-rimmed and he feels like the worst kind of heel.

“Kat? What’s wrong?”

She shrugs and then sniffs. “Nothing. Don’t worry about it.” She shoves her hands into the pockets of her jeans. “I’m just tired I think.”

“Of course I’m going to worry about it. Look, I’m so sorry about the screw up at the apartment, alright? I don’t know how it happened. I swear I checked the date three times before I booked. I won’t fit on the loveseat, but I’ll sleep on the floor in front of the fireplace or the bathtub or something. And you can-”

“Cap.” She holds up her hand to stop him. “You paid a fortune for this room, I saw the bill when we came upstairs. I can fit on the loveseat. You shouldn’t have to give up the bed, not for someone you don’t particularly like.”

There have been few times in Peeta Mellark’s life when he’s been struck nearly speechless, but this is one of them. “You, you think… what?” he sputters. “Kat, you have no idea. “I’ve been waiting for this day for months! And now you’re finally here. And you’re just so amazing.”

She looks doubtful, confused, the redness of her eyes only enhancing their stunning silver colour. She’s unlike anyone he’s ever met, and that he’s somehow made her believe otherwise guts him.

“It’s true,” he insists. “Although why you haven’t run away screaming back to Texas after all the ways I’ve screwed up is beyond me.”

She shakes her head. “I don’t know why you think you’ve screwed up.”

Maybe it would be easier if he ticks them off for her one by one. “Lemme see. There’s whatever happened with the reservations-”

“That bitch was double-booked! On purpose!” Katniss bursts out. “She totally lied to you and you were incredibly polite. Ick. It was so Canadian of you. I wanted to shoot her in the eye with one of my arrows.”

Wait. She shoots? He wonders at that a bit and then continues. “I couldn’t get us a room with two beds.”

“You got us the last room in the city, paid a fortune for it, and now you’re refusing to sleep in the bed.”

He ignores that one. “Then there was that moment at the airport when I tried to hug you and you clearly didn’t want me to.”

“What if I did want you to!” she bursts out, her eyes shining. Realizing what she’s said, Katniss flushes and stares at her toes. “I’m not good at this people thing, Cap.”

“Peeta,” he corrects gently. “Please, Kat… Katniss, I mean. Call me Peeta.”

“Peeta.” The way her accent lingers over the vowel sounds in his name causes him to slip even deeper into love with her. “When you reached out to hug me I just froze. I didn’t know what to do. I’m sorry.”

For the first time since she stepped off the airplane almost two hours ago, Peeta feels a bit of hope bloom in his heart, as warm and gentle as a Texas spring night. “Could we start again, maybe?”

Katniss laughs a little hysterically and nods, even as she swipes at her eyes before wiping her hands on her jeans.

“Hi Katniss. I’m Peeta. I’m a big goof, clearly-” She chuckles. “But I am so happy you’re here. Thank you for being brave enough to come all the way up here to meet me.”

The smile he receives is more blinding than any dawn, more beautiful than any sunset.“ Hi Peeta,” she answers, and holds out her arms to him. He scoops her up, clasping her tiny frame against his broad chest and spinning her around, just once. A laugh bubbles from within her. She squeezes back and smiles up at him. “I was glad to make the trip. I wanted to get to know you for real.”

It feels so impossibly good to hold Katniss in his arms, Peeta knows he won’t be the first to let go. But eventually, she steps back and he releases her. “So what now?“ she asks, and her stomach growls.

“Sounds like it’s time to find something to eat.” 

Katniss nods, looking lighter than she has all evening. “I haven’t eaten since my layover at O’Hare,” she admits. “But, do you think maybe…” she starts, then shrugs and looks down shyly.

“Anything,” Peeta says. “Tell me, this is your vacation after all.”

“Well I wasn’t kidding about being tired. I left my house at five this morning.” Katniss glances at the clock beside the bed. “That’s nearly fourteen hours ago.”

“Thirteen,” Peeta snickers. “You’re not in the cactus timezone anymore. This is igloo time here.” Katniss rewards his teasing with a smile, a real smile, and it leaves him breathless. He can barely tear his eyes away. “How do you feel about pizza?”

Though he could order cardboard pizza from any one of the hundreds of shops in the old city, Peeta figures food is his chance to really impress Katniss. He leaves her to rest and freshen up while he makes the ten minute drive to La Boîte à Pain, home to the absolute best pizza in the entire province. He already knows what she likes; mushrooms, pepperoni and bacon.

It takes a little longer, but her groan of delight when he hands her the pizza box is worth it. “This smells incredible,” Katniss says from her perch, sitting cross-legged on the bed.

She’s changed clothing, the gorgeous coral sweater and slim jeans have been swapped out for yoga pants, and a t-shirt that clings to her slight curves. She almost looks happy. Peeta starts to move over to the loveseat, but she shakes her head. “Sit up here with me. We’ll have a picnic.”Peeta sets out the paper plates, napkins and bottles of water that came with their pizza before toeing off his shoes to join her. He grins as he watches her paw through the other bag he’s brought back. “What in God’s name is this?” she asks, waving a container. She flips back the styrofoam lid and sniffs cautiously

“That, my American friend, is poutine, practically the official food of la belle province du Quebec.” Peeta hands her a fork, but she doesn’t take it, continuing to stare. “It’s french fries, gravy and cheese curds.”

Her nose wrinkles adorably. “You eat this stuff? It looks like dog food.”

“I don’t just eat it, I love it,” Peeta says, laughing.

“Well there’s no accounting for taste.”

Peeta spears a serving of poutine onto his fork and takes a big bite. The fries are perfectly cooked; the rich, savoury gravy still warm. The salty curds have begun to melt, but they still make a satisfying squeak as he chews.  “This is possibly the best poutine I’ve ever had,” he enthuses.

Katniss takes a healthy bite of her pizza. “It’s all yours, big guy.”

“That’s what she said!”

Katniss groans.

“Seriously Katniss, this is a Canadian tradition. Don’t knock it until you try it.” He waves a dripping forkful under her nose until she relents. The sight of her wrapping those lush peach lips around his fork is so unintentionally erotic that he can’t blink. But then her face screws up in revulsion.

“Oh my God, that’s nasty,” she says, reaching for her water bottle. Peeta laughs hard enough to shake the entire bed. “Y’all really eat that? You’re not just pranking me?”

Peeta tries to affect an affronted expression, but he can’t stop giggling. Katniss laughs too, and they fall into the comfortable banter that they’ve always enjoyed, only now it’s face to face. And it’s incredible. Seeing her expressions - how her face lights up like dawn breaking when she’s excited, the little crease that appears between her eyes when she’s skeptical. The way she chews on her bottom lip when she’s pensive. He’d already been falling in love, but having her here now, live and three-dimensional and real… he’s a goner.

The pizza box lays empty, except for crusts and stray bits of mushroom, and they both lean against the headboard, chatting. But Katniss’s eyes are heavy from her long trip, and Peeta too is feeling the effects of the drive and excitement and stress of the day. “We, ah. We should probably get some sleep if we want to make an early start tomorrow.” Katniss nods, and Peeta thinks she looks just a little reluctant to end their evening. It reminds him off all of the nights they’d spent instant messaging while he’d been lying in bed, so exhausted he’d continually drop his phone on his face, and yet still not want to sign off.

Peeta takes the remnants of their meal out of the room and down the hall to the recycling station. When he returns, Katniss has started making up the petit divan. “Katniss, no,” he says. “You can’t sleep there, you’d be all twisted like a pretzel and I’m not going to be responsible for wrecking your back.” He tries for levity, tries to push back that anxiety about having screwed up so much, but he thinks she hears it anyway by the little line that again appears between her stunning silver eyes. “Please,” he says softly, tugging a pillow from her hands and tossing it onto the floor in front of the fireplace. “Take the bed. Don’t make me beg.”

Something flares in her eyes before she simply nods.

But when Peeta emerges from the bathroom, teeth brushed and curls still damp, Katniss is tucked into bed and all of the bedding is gone from the floor. She meets his confused expression with something that looks like defiance. “Look C- Peeta, it’s ridiculous for either of us to sleep on the floor after what you paid for this room. And this bed is huge.” He’d argue that queen-sized isn’t exactly massive, though she certainly looks tiny nestled in the crisp white sheets. “We can share.”

“Are you sure?” Peeta winces at the words, the girl of his dreams has just invited him to share a bed with her - however platonically - and still he feels compelled to be a gentleman and try to dissuade her. But if there’s anything he’s learned about KatsEye; passionate fangirl, smutketeer and ass-kicking beta extraordinaire, it’s that she never does anything she doesn’t want to. She’s strong and loyal, she’s the peanut butter in their friendship sandwich, the glue that keeps them together.

“Get in, goof,” Katniss grins, throwing back the corner of the comforter.

Though there’s a full twelve inches between them as they lie facing each other in the darkness, Peeta is struck by her immediacy, her presence. The sound of her soft breaths in the hush of the small room is soothing, comforting. It feels like such a luxury, drifting to sleep with Katniss right there, right beside him.

Katniss shifts, then Peeta feels her small, cool hand grasp his own under the sheets, their fingers entwine almost automatically. “I’m so glad you’re here, Katniss,” he whispers sleepily.

“Me too.”

[mockingjaykatniss2]

I was tagged by @dorothyglaes thanks♥ rules: tag 20 blogs you’d like to get to know better Nickname: mika Zodiac sign: pisces Height: 158 sm Last Thing You Googled: i was watching the sessions in the cinema Favorite Music Artist: i don't have someone specific, i listen to all little by little Song Stuck In My Head: tatarka feat. little big – u can take (such a fucking song, but it really stuck in my head) Last Movie you watched: split What are you wearing right now: my pajamas coral color with bears Why did you choose your URL: katniss is a beloved fictional character Do you have any other blogs: i am a member @gotladies What did your last relationship teach you: nothing Religious or spiritual: I have no religion Favorite color: black, blue and purple Average hours of sleep: 7 or 8 Lucky Number: maybe 15 Favorite Characters: arya stark, sansa stark, theon greyjoy, jon snow, margaery tyrell, jaime lannister, bran stark, bellamy blake, raven reyes, john murphy, clarke griffin, lagertha, ragnar lothbrok, bjorn ironside, ivar the boneless, floki, katniss everdeen, peeta mellark, finnick odair, haymitch abernathy, harry potter, hermione granger, will turner, elizabeth swann, jack sparrow, hector barbossa, legolas, aragorn, eowyn, boromir, stefan salvatore, katherine pierce, fiona gallagher, lip and carl gallaghers  How many blankets do you sleep with: 2 Dream Job: travel the world  i tag @gendryatrash @goodqueenalys @zoemonroe and anyone who wants to do

[jlalafics]

Part Four of "The Great Panem Christmas Bake-Off"!

The final part is here! Happy Holidays!

Summary: Aspiring baker Katniss Everdeen finally gets her chance when she's chosen for The Great Panem Christmas Bake Off. Too bad, she's already managed to piss off the famous baker and Bake-Off judge, Peeta Mellark.

======

“No, no—I disagree!” I pound my fist to the surface of the desk. “It’s ridiculous.”

“No, you’re ridiculous,” Bran argues.

“Guys, we don’t have to agree,” Rye adds from his seat beside my eldest brother. “But we do need to make a decision.”

“This is giving me a headache.” Bri is laying on the couch in my office, feet propped on a pillow and her heels off. “Yes or no?”

A knock interrupts us and the door opens revealing Finch, Bri’s assistant.

“Bri, Katniss Everdeen is here to drop off the Kittle file that you requested,” she informs my sister. “Did you need her for anything else?”

Katniss…my Katniss is here!

We haven’t seen one another since the last judging when she won a spot in the Bake-Off finale.

Since then, she’s been busy working for Bri, finishing up some of her online classes before the holiday break, and researching ideas for the show.

Bri looks over to me, a glint in her blues.

“Peeta is looking a little pathetic right now. Have her come join us.”

Read the rest here!

[seasonsofeverlark]

Memories

Author: @evestedic​

Prompt: Memorial day focused. Modern au, Katniss remembering and honoring her late father’s death as Peeta helps her cope throughout the week. [Submitted by anonymous]

Rating: K+

Author’s Note: So I volunteered for this and didn’t know how hard it was going to be XD. I’m not North American so I had to do one heck of a lot of research and I’m sure there are a lot of mistakes still, so I apologize beforehand for it and I hope no one is offended by my lack of knowledge. Thank you!  _______________

Peeta had been working overtime for at least two weeks. While Memorial Day was usually a holiday for everyone, the bakery didn’t stop. Families poured in wanting to buy pies, cakes, cookies, cheesecakes and the like; it was a good day for the Mellarks. Even his brother Rye took a day off from work to help with the sales; he was rubbish at baking but good at convincing everyone to leave with at least one more product than they intended. Heck, even his mother dressed to the nines and put aside her usual attitude, for she knew that, aside from the usual holidays, Memorial Day was a day to earn good money. 

The youngest Mellark didn’t mind the hard work; he had been used to bakery work since before he started school, trying out his frosting skills on stale cookies or measuring the ingredients so his dad could bake the cakes. What Peeta did mind, though, was not being able to be with his girlfriend today. 

Peeta had asked his dad, and Harland had been completely okay with it, simply asking Peeta to be sure to bake enough for the sale day. His mother, on the other hand, had been livid. 

“Why do you have to leave on one of the busiest days of the year just to be with that girl!? Doesn’t she know how this business works?” 

“Mom, I already told you she lost her father last year and it really affected her.” 

 “And what, didn’t we lose Bran as well? You don’t see me crying in the corner because of it!” 

The Mellarks had lost their eldest in the war as well, but that had been almost ten years ago, and they were all together. His father, mother, Rye, and Peeta had grieved and taken the time to visit his grave and put flowers on it. But, as with everything, life goes on. You still remember your loved ones, just not with the same pain as before.

“It was going to be his last year, Mom. He was 38, already a reserve, and they called him because he was an extraordinary man when it came to tactics. You know his unit name was on the news more times than we can count. He accepted out of love for his nation and countrymen. We all owe a huge debt of gratitude to every man and woman who has fallen in the name of our country, but I believe Graham Everdeen deserves a special demonstration of respect. I can’t tell you how proud I am to be able to be in his family’s life.” 

“Hear, hear. Graham was a good man, the best man. I will never forget him. Just let the boy go; he already did everything we asked of him.” 

Peeta’s mom didn’t like it, but she relented before her husband’s gaze and tone. “I’m blaming you if the sales this year aren’t as good.” 

Katniss had been a surprise baby. 

Graham and Lavender had been high school sweethearts in secret, him being a scholarship student and she, the daughter of a member of the board. 

As love stories go, theirs was the cliché after school special where Lavender found out she was pregnant at barely 16, Graham at 17. Not wanting her to get an abortion, they eloped without finishing high school and prayed to every God out there that her family didn’t charge him with kidnapping, or worse. They were lucky, though. She had been disowned, and her family didn’t want to have anything to do with them or the baby to come. 

As for him, his family tore him a new one but accepted them both with open arms. A few months later, Katniss came into the world, silently, but with that characteristic gaze of hers. Graham then decided the best thing he could do was to apply for the Navy as he was now 18. That way, he would be able to provide for his new family without having to impose upon his parents. So, leaving his very young, soon-to-be bride and newborn daughter, he set off to try his luck. Turns out, he was built for it. His Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery score was impressive, and his body, already used to rough sports, also helped him in quickly becoming one of the favorites in his class. 

As soon as Lavender turned 18, they got married in a small chapel, surrounded by a huge amount of love and joy from the people who truly loved them. 

It wasn’t easy; those first few years were the hardest, but they both put in the effort and as parents, they were blessed with a quiet child in Katniss. Although she was a bit of a tomboy, she seemed to possess a greater level of understanding compared to other toddlers. Always serious, a perpetual frown on her face, Katniss Everdeen was often misunderstood as broody or difficult, but each and every member of her family knew she was a total daddy’s girl. 

Whenever Graham would come home, the first woman he would crumble before was his little flower, his Katniss, the child who had forced him to become a man much faster but who had also shown him that there was no limit to the love one could feel towards a little human being. 

Lavender loved her husband with all of her being. The few friends she still communicated with had told her the spark would die, that the child would change everything, and they were right‒but only about the last part. Katniss had changed everything, but for the better, and she still felt the same spark within her body whenever Graham caressed her skin. He was also the greatest father he could be whenever he was home. He loved Katniss to death, and although he realized she already had him around her tiny little finger, Graham didn’t mind one bit. 

He did several tours, and things started looking better, financially. They were able to finally move out of his parents house, although Lavender always visited regularly. Prim came as another surprise four years later, Lavender finding out about this pregnancy while Graham was away in some foreign country, no less, but he was still ecstatic at the news. 

Primrose Everdeen came loudly into this world, the spitting image of her mother, and for the third time in his life, Graham fell in love. His unit friends would joke around, telling him he would have to try for a boy the next time he went home, but he always said he was more than happy being surrounded by his beautiful flowers. There wasn’t a single man who didn’t know about Petty Officer Second Class Everdeen’s love for his daughters. Even his superiors always asked him about his girls back home, and everyone gathered around him to hear about Prim’s first steps of Katniss’ latest knee scrape. 

Time went by, and Graham did his time, always coming back home. He was a blessed man. 

Even if the beginning of his life hadn’t been what he had planned, he really couldn’t complain. His wife adored him; his youngest loved him, and his eldest idolized him. And even if Graham claimed to love both of his daughters equally, everyone knew Katniss was his favourite. Katniss was the rowdy girl he could teach to wrestle or to punch, explain how navy tactics worked, or sometimes, open up to about a fallen comrade. Katniss was the light in his eyes and the smile on his lips whenever he saw her. 

“I’m gonna have to buy a RGM-84 harpoon in a few years just to keep them at bay, Lav. She’s gorgeous,” he told his wife one night.

“Oh, I think there’s still time, don’t you think? Katniss is only twelve.” 

“You didn’t see the baker’s boy looking at her this morning. Poor boy stuttered through the whole interaction and even gave her a free cheese bun.” 

“What will you do when Primrose turns twelve, then?” 

“I think an AIM-7 Sparrow to begin with, and then…an entire fleet!” 

And Graham had been right about Peeta. When Katniss graduated college‒the first Everdeen to do it!‒she brought Peeta home to meet her family.  

“You all know Peeta. We’re dating now. What’s for dinner?” Typical Katniss. 

Unfortunately, it was that same year that Lieutenant Everdeen was called back to action. He was a reserve, technically not obligated to do it, but he chose to, for his countrymen and his comrades. 

That day, he kissed all of his girls, shook Peeta’s hand, and went to war. 

Graham Everdeen never came back home. 

“Katniss?” Peeta entered the Everdeen’s home with the spare key Lavender had given him last year. 

It was a quaint home with pictures all around, the biggest one, of course, being of Lieutenant Everdeen in his navy uniform, surrounded by flowers and a candle. Surely Prim’s doing. Speaking of the youngest Everdeen, she must have gone to Rue’s house to finish up her paper due next week, but she would undoubtedly be back for lunch. Lavender must be at her in-laws, as she wouldn’t be able to stand being alone with the girls today, of all days. Graham’s departure had been almost a death sentence for her, and it had been Katniss who stepped up to take care of her broken family. 

Peeta put his backpack and the pastries he had baked for her in the kitchen, and then he went to look for his girlfriend. He found her in her bed, tear tracks on her face and still in her pajamas, although she did have her father’s navy working uniform jacket on. 

“Hey…have you eaten anything today?” Katniss shook her head, and Peeta was glad he had prepared tea before coming here. “I have some of that red berry tea you like. I’ll put it here so it stays hot, okay?” She nodded. 

“I bet your mother was thrilled about you staying with me today.” 

“You know her so well.” Peeta smirked. 

“You don’t have to do this, you know? I don’t need a babysitter.” 

“I know. I just want to stay close to you, as always, but especially today.” He kissed her forehead and she rose up to hug him. 

Katniss rarely let her guard down, but with Peeta, it was a usual occurrence. He had managed to tear down her walls, brick-by-brick, throughout the years. Of course, the cheese buns always helped. 

“Someone came yesterday.” 

“Yeah? Who?” 

“A friend of Dad’s. He said he had been in the same explosion but had been lucky. He lost a leg, though, and the physical therapy, plus the fact that he lived far from here, prevented him from coming to visit sooner.” 

“He must have been a good friend of your dad’s, then.” 

“He…He had my dad’s letter.” 

Oh.

Peeta didn’t have to ask what that letter was. Every man always left a message for his loved ones with a friend before embarking on a difficult mission, and Graham would have been no exception. 

“What did it say?” 

“I don’t know. I haven’t opened it yet.” 

“Do you want me to give you some space?” 

“No, I- Could you stay? I don’t think I can read it alone.” 

“Sure.” 

Katniss pulled a yellow envelope out from under her pillow. It was a bit wrinkled but still in good condition. After opening it, they found three more envelopes inside, smaller and white, one for each of the women of the Everdeen family. 

“This is for your mom, this one for Prim, and this is for you.” Katniss took it with trembling hands and fresh tears in her eyes. 

Peeta had loved his brother Bran and had cried when he died in combat, but Katniss had lost something much bigger. She had lost a father, the first man she had ever loved and her best friend, all at once. Graham had been her superhero, and Peeta had always been nervous about proving himself worthy of her because of all the love the good man had showered on Katniss. They were both very much alike, even if Graham hadn’t been home during Katniss’ first years, and whenever he returned, Katniss wouldn’t leave his side. 

When he heard a chuckle, he turned to see Katniss, the sheets of paper in her hands, avidly reading her father’s handwriting amidst cleaning her tears. Peeta hadn’t even peered in on Graham’s last words, out of respect. He would stay with Katniss and be her support, but he wouldn’t intrude into this special last moment she had been given with her dad. 

“He mentions you.” That comment surprised him. 

“Really?” 

Katniss proceeded to show him a paragraph that made his chest swell with pride. 

“I’m glad, though, that you chose a good man to start dating. I’ll always have a tiny spark of hate for Peeta for stealing my girl, but I know it could have been worse. Don’t be afraid to rely on him; you’ll need his love and his support. Although, please, do your old man a favor and always, ALWAYS use protection. I’m not going to pry into your private life, but I wouldn’t want you to have the same rough start as me and your mother did. 

I know Peeta is a great guy, and I knew he would sweep you off your feet from the first day he gave you a free cheese bun. I may be gone, but I’m relieved to know I couldn’t leave my girl in better hands. 

Love each other, respect each other, and when he asks for your hand in marriage, let him know he has my blessing.” 

Damn, that was touching. Peeta knew Graham liked him, but knowing he already had his blessing for when, not if‒he would definitely marry Katniss Everdeen down the road‒Peeta decided to pop the question, meant the world to him. 

“Well, there you have it. Now there’s no way you can say no to me, Everdeen.” 

“I wasn’t planning on it.” 

“Good to- Wait, what?” 

It was so bittersweet, seeing Katniss’ face red and blotchy, exhausted from the night she had undoubtedly spent crying, remembering her father, but also smiling back at him with a tiny glint in her eyes, a glint that spoke of her love for him. 

“I wasn’t planning on looking for someone else. You’re stuck with me, Mellark, so when we get married, you’d better be ready. Okay?” 

“O-Okay!” 

“I think I can drink a bit of tea now.” 

“Alright, I’ll get you a piece of pie, too.” 

And so, Graham Everdeen was gone, but he would always be remembered, both in this house and in the one Peeta would share with Katniss.  This, Peeta vowed in his head right at that moment. 

Going to the kitchen and uncovering the striped pie he had brought, Peeta made sure to cut an extra slice and put it next to Graham’s picture. 

“Graham, I will always admire, remember, and respect you, not only on Memorial Day, or when the calendar tells me to, but always. Thank you for your service to our country, and thank you for trusting me with your daughter. I won’t let you down, sir.” 

[metbabycow-aka-met]

Tag Time!

I was tagged by my wonderful new friend @quirkykayleetam GO CHECK OUT HER BLOG, PLEASE!

Rules: tag 20 followers you want to get to know better. 

Gender: Female

Star Sign: Cancer

Height: 5′ 2″

Sexual Orientation: Bisexual

Hogwarts House: Hufflepuff and proud!! (Bonus info: My Illvermorny house is Thunderbird! So I am a Thunderpuff!)

Favourite colour: Green, like straight up standard 8 pack of crayola markers only green shade available 

Favourite animal: Ducks :)

Average hours of sleep: Um usually somewhere between 9-7, it depends on the night of the week really

Cat or Dog person: Dogs. I like the idea of cats, but they kinda freak me out with their claws, so then I freak out and want to run away form the cats

Favourite fictional characters: This is so hard! I mean from literature? From tv shows? From internet shows? From movies? I have too many directions I can go with this question!! But I will try to share a few-  Andrew “Ender” Wiggin, Valentine Wiggin, Bean (Ender’s Game/Ender’s Shadow/basically all of the ‘Speaker’ and ‘Shadow’ books, including the extended universe); Katniss Everdeen, Peeta Mellark, Finnick Odair (The Hunger Games Trilogy); Cimorene, Mendenbar, Telemain, Morwen, Kazul (The Enchanted Forest Chronicles); Peter, Edmund, Susan, Lucy, Prince Caspian, Aslan, Jill, Eustace, Reepicheep, Digory Kirk, Polly Plummer (The Chronicles of Narnia); Luna Lovegood, Hermione Granger, Sirius Black (Harry Potter series); Bran Stark, Tyrion Lannister, Arya Stark, (A Song of Ice and Fire Series); Clark, Bellamy, Octavia, Lincoln, (The 100); Everyone from ‘Operation Bitemark’, Citizen Z (Z Nation); EVERYONE (Firefly/Serenity); This is just a small sample of my favs!

Number of blankets I sleep with: 1 comforter, 1 regular blankie, and 1 fuzzy, fuzzy blanket!

Favourite singer/band: Demi Lovato! :) I like plenty of others, but I am on a huge Demi kick right now!

Dream Trip: Disney World, for my honeymoon, with my forever love. :)

Dream Job: I am happy to say that I am living the dream right now! I am lucky enough that I am already doing my dream job: Preschool Teacher

Have fun everyone! And remember to tag responsibly. :)

@drnkcoffeeandtea @cinnamonrolllovessupermodel @there-was-a-girl @newt-scamander-imagine @picsiedust @marcilinemadness2020 @a-girl-has-a-name @softrockandshowtunesgirlscout-22