Gummy Bear Kisses

Chapter Eighteen

(A/N: This might seem short, but in the process of writing this, I was debating if I'll end the book here on this chapter or the next...I decided it would end here, but don't worry, the sequel will be up sometime this week along with my newest fanfiction, Fragile. I'll tell you the name of the sequel at the end of this chapter. Thanks!)

*one month later*

"Peeta, I'm not letting you leave like this," I say as he sits on the couch. "Katniss, everyday this past month, you have been nagging me, and watching me, and being stalky with me. Why is that?"

"Because of Delly," I answer quietly. "Because of Delly, exactly," he says. "You're paranoid that I would leave you for her. When did you become so insecure?"

"When did you become so careless?" I question back. He sighs and runs his hand over his face. "I'm not careless, look, Katniss," he says softly, grabbing my chin to make me look him in the eyes. "Delly may want me, but I don't want her. You will always be the only girl I can ever want and need."

"Promise," I ask him quietly. He licks his lips and nods before leaning in. I lean in also. "Ready to go?" Effie asks loudly, making us jump back before our lips can even touch. "No, I need a couple of minutes," Peeta says, standing up. Before Effie can object, he picks me up bridal style and carries me upstairs to my bedroom. He tosses me on the bed, making me giggle before he climbs on top of me. He kisses me on the lips. "I'm going to miss you," he murmurs against my lips. I fist the back of his shirt. "I'll miss you too," I say back, but it comes out muffled as his lips continue to move with mine. "Call me everyday," I say as he pulls away. "I will, promise," he says, kissing my cheek. "Good," I say, grabbing him and stealing another kiss from him. "I love you," he says. "I love you more."

"Not possible," he says before grabbing his luggage and leaving me in my bedroom. I lie back on my bed and close my eyes. Peeta's gone. Everyone's gone. I grab my gummy bear duct tape covered notebook and turn to a fresh page.

April 13
Our (Peeta and I) relationship has honestly been a...roller coaster. We've had the best moments, our date before I left. And then the worst, the aftermath of the first time we had sex. That had to be the worst, but when Delly kissed him, now that's a close second. Ugh, I strongly dislike her. Did I mention she's going to be going to America with Peeta while Effie stays with me. Like Peeta needs her. I know he doesn't want her, but still...there's that small doubt in my mind that maybe something will pop off and he will run off with Delly. I don't know. He won't though. Hopefully...

*two months later*

I watch outside my private jet as I land in L.A., not Panem. I sigh, wishing I could see Peeta. I'll have to FaceTime him as soon as I get to my place. The jet lands and Effie helps me with my bags. Many people are here chanting my name. I focus on trying to get home as soon as possible to call Peeta. The bodyguards, who aren't Gale and Peeta sadly, take Effie and I to my car. We get in and the driver drives us to my place.

Effie and I get out with my bags and I unlock the front door. "Home sweet home," I sigh, stepping inside. The lights are dimmed when I enter and I give Effie a confused look. She sits my luggage down. "I'll leave you to get situated."

She then leaves like it's nothing. Weird. I smell the scent of my favorite candles as I take my bags upstairs to my room. I open the door and there are rose petals on the bed. I look around and unpack my bags. I then go back downstairs. I go into the dining room and see the table set with two glasses of red wine, two plates of spaghetti, and two bowls, one with salad and the other with breadsticks. I grab a breadstick carefully and eat it as I step into the kitchen. No one.

I sigh, only to feel a pair of arms wrap around my waist and pull me against his chest. "Welcome home, Babe," he chuckles softly. "Peeta," I grin, turning around and hugging him with a mouthful of breadstick. He rubs my back softly as we hug each other. "What are you doing in L.A.?" I ask him. "First, let's eat. Then I'll explain." I nod and we sit down at my dining room table.

After we've eaten, Peeta and I go upstairs to my room. We sit on my bed. "So you have some explaining," I tell him. "Right," he pauses and clears his throat. "Well, Katniss, I knew you weren't going to come back to Panem for a while, and I couldn't wait to see you. So I came down here to L.A. I fixed you dinner and I hid in your bathroom," he chuckles. "Peeta, I know that's not the only reason your here," I say. "It's not actually. The pretty much main reason I came was because I am here to talk about my intense attraction to you." I nod, giving him the okay to keep going. "So, you know how all that time you were playing hard to get, I liked you?" I nodded. "Well, I didn't just like you. I loved you. I still love you. And I don't want you to ever forget that. I found you cute when I first saw you, but now, I find you beautiful. I can't believe you're even mine. I'm so glad you agreed to go on that date with me when you got back. I know our relationship hasn't been one of the best, but what relationship is perfect? There's always some type of flaw, and the flaws are what determines whether that couple stays together or not. Through all of our flaws, we've stayed together, Babe, and I wanted to thank you for that. I asked myself, 'How can I thank Katniss for being with me?' And it hit me like a truck," he says, getting down on one knee. As soon as he does that, my tears begin to run. I teared up during his speech, but now I was full blown boo-hooing. I wipe my eyes, but the tears don't stop. "Will you marry me?" He asks me. I nod eagerly, choking on a sob when I try to say, "Yes." He chuckles and slips the ring on the same finger with the ring he gave me in kindergarten. He then kisses and hugs me tightly while I clutch the back of his shirt and bury my face in his shoulder. We're getting married. Finally.

(A/N: and that was Gummy Bear Kisses!!! Please, stay tuned for the upcoming sequel, Wedding Ring Kisses!! Thank you to every person that has read, voted, and commented on this book!! I love you all bunches!! ~THGtrilogyfan)