Icing on the Cake

Mad ~ Ne-Yo

Peeta

I go to my old house feeling completely awful about how I left Katniss crying and hurt. I can't believe I just said those things to the love of my life. But I'm also so angry at the things she said to me too.

She's so stubborn!

"Jo!" I yell so she knows I'm here.

"Peeta?"

"Yeah, it's me, sorry if I startled you."

She comes down the stairs and looks around for Katniss. But when she sees my face she asks, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Well, hopefully nothing." I say sadly.

"Ohh-Kay so why are you here and not home?" She questions.

"Kat and I are taking some... time apart... so I was wondering if you wouldn't mind going to her house and I'll come back here." I explain.

"Peeta? What the heck happened?"

"I don't want to talk about it. Maybe she will."

Reluctantly she goes upstairs packs a few things and says goodbye.

***

I go to my art studio and paint to calm myself. I know Katniss is scared. She's been through a lot. We all have, but I need this. I need more.

More Mellark's running around giving my life more purpose and fulfillment. I need a sense of family that I had with my dad and brothers. I'm used to big dinners full of chatter and laughter like we had tonight.

Having children will ensure that even if Haymitch passes away or Jo moves away, or when Finnick and Annie need time with just themselves, Katniss and I will still have the joy of family.

I know she doesn't understand it the same way, what with her father being ripped away at a young age and becoming the matriarch and almost starving for years. But she could have it with me, with us, with our family.

I'm tired but know I won't be getting any sleep without her in my arms.

I wake up having sort of slept. I shower, and eat. It's so empty without Katniss and I hope her sleep wasn't too bad. I go to the bakery without a kiss goodbye. At work, I almost call her, to ask where she put the mint leaves. But hang up before it even rings. I can't show weakness. She has to come around.

Right?

When Annie and Finn Jr. come to visit, she doesn't seem to know about me and Katniss fighting. After that the day drags on. I'm exhausted when I close. When I'm eating dinner alone, I miss her so badly.

This goes on for several days. No communication except for Finnick and Haymitch but I'm too embarrassed to tell them any details and they don't pry too much. They just tell me, I need to fix it.

After another week, I look out my window to check on her, which I do occasionally.

"What the...?" I yell to myself.

I know I do not see Gale Hawthorne walking into my... I mean... Katniss' house. He works fast, the schmuck.

Why would she call him?

Is she really that mad?

Really done with me?

I pick up the phone.

"Hello?" Finnick answers.

"That war-mongering dickwad!"

"So you heard he was in town, huh? Annie said that Kat wanted to have everyone over for dinner tonight. But when Annie asked if that included you she said, Well, I don't think it would be a good idea. Gale is pretty pissed at him and if I know Peeta just Gale's presence is gonna start a fight."

Fucking right.

"Man, don't worry about that guy he's second best. If that. What are you doing today? How about me and Lil Finn eat with you and let all the hens hang out. Haha! Get it? Cause he's hanging out with the girls he gets lumped in with the..."

"Not helping." I say. "Okay. So she wants to play it like this."

"Hey man. Don't go over there and start breaking that dudes face, cause then I might have to get in it if he fights back and I'll be on punishment from Annie for fighting... It'll be a mess. Let's just get drunk instead..."

Finnick starts arguing with Annie.

"OUCH!... No Annie, baby... Ouch, don't throw things! No, I... Okay it was a bad idea. Yes, I am gonna help you with the Lil man. That's why I won't get that drunk. Okay, okay, it's not funny. I love you too."

I sigh into the phone.

"Okay, so I can get you drunk? Or..." He directs toward me.

Despite my anger I chuckle at Finnick getting scolded by his wife. Wife. Katniss is supposed to be my wife, and I'm not even invited to dinner.

"No. I've got a better idea." I offer.

"Oh yeah? What's that?" Finn inquires.

"Well, I'm going to dinner tonight, and I'm not gonna fight the punk trying move into my house. I'm gonna get my fiancé back."

"Now there's the Peeta I know and love... wait did you just say fiancé? Y'all are engaged? Since when?" Finnick asks shocked.

"I asked her before the fight and she said yes. Then we almost had sex, but it got all complicated. Which is sorta why we started fighting. Well not really but, I just... I've been trying to give her time to think about things." I admit.

"Wow! So you almost had sex?" Finnick teases.

"That's all you got out of that isn't it? Just don't tell Annie, please." I beg.

"Okay, okay. So I'll see you at dinner?"

"You can count on it." I reply.