Life Goes On

Chapter 5 : I didn't know I could love someone this much

Recap

*We leave a trail of clothes leading to our bedroom. I let go of my insecurities along with my last bit of innocence. Peeta has now loved me in every way possible. And I couldn't be happier*

Peeta's P.O.V

It finally happened. After all those nights in the cave, on train and on the beach, it finally happened. I didn't know I could ever love someone so much. I knew Katniss was the love of my life, but last night takes it to a whole new level.

I finally open my eyes. She's still lying here in my arms. Now I know it's real. I brush a stray hair from her face so I have a full view of her beautiful face. Watching her sleep has always given me some sort of peace. Just watching her chest rise up and down, how her nose sometimes scrunches, and how she lets out a small snore. I let out a sigh, which accidentally wakes her.

"Good morning, my love," I say in a hushed tone. "Good morning," she replies and follows up with a peck on my lips. "Last night was amazing," she continues. "I never thought I could love you more than I already did, Peeta."

"I know, Katniss. If I had it my way, we'd never have to leave this spot. I'd always have you in my arms." "Naked hm?" she giggles. "Especially naked," I answer. She kisses me hard. The way she whispers my name in my ear makes me want her so much more. She sits me up and continues the kiss. I remember this one little spot behind her ear that drives her crazy. Her fingers find their way to my hair and begin running through the curls. I've just started round two.

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Sex really does build an appetite. As bad as we want to stay, we both want food. I head downstairs and grab the ingredients to make Katniss' favorite cheese buns. She comes down the stairs just as I finish putting the cheese buns in the oven. She's only wearing a shirt. My shirt. She wears it so much better than me. She walks over to me and I kiss her forehead. "Whatcha making?" she asks. "Take a guess," I tell her. She kisses me again and says, "Your the best. I love you."

Twenty minutes later, the cheese buns come out and Katniss finishes cooking some bacon to go with them. We head over to the couch to eat. She sits on my lap and jokingly hits my cheek with a slice of her bacon. I take it from her and eat it. "Hey, that's mine." "Not anymore, love," I say still chewing the bacon in my mouth.

"You work today, Peeta?" "I'm supposed to, but I much rather stay with you." "Peeta, you can't just ditch work so we can fool around." "I wouldn't just be fooling around. Katniss, you just came home from the hospital. I'm in no rush to leave my girl." "I'm going to try hunting today and last time I brought you with me, you're the only thing I brought home," she laughs. "Fine. I'll go to work. Just one request." "Yes, Peeta?" I stand up and ask, "Shower with me?" "Always," she mimics.

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I arrive at the bakery a few minutes early. I head in through the front door. "Hey, Peeta! Nice to finally see you at YOUR bakery." "I know, I know, Tim. Katniss was in the hospital and I wasn't gonna leave her." "Peeta, I was joking. I know she was. I'm messing with you. But it is good to see you're back. Means she must be doing better I hope." "More than better," I smirk. "Oh you bad boy!" Tim says, "y'all did it, didn't you?" I just smile. "It's bout time dude! Y'all have been together, officially, for a year now, right? I mean y'all were together before the war ended, but I don't know how much of that was real or just for the cameras." "It was always real for me, when I was me. But enough about Katniss and I, how are you and Delly?" "She still has no clue." Tim was gonna ask Delly to marry him soon. The two met after the war ended and we all moved back to District 12. "You ever thought about asking Katniss?" I have. I always have. and after her outburst with her mom yesterday, I know she at least sees the possibility of it all. "Maybe. Just maybe."

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Katniss' P.O.V

The last time I was in the meadow before today was in heaven with my dad and Prim. Did I make a mistake in staying? No. Of course I didn't. Peeta is the best thing that ever happened to me and I'm not leaving him. Maybe Prim's vision was right. Maybe I would start a life with Peeta and set down roots. He even said he wanted to marry me and all. I never realized how much I truly love him. I love him as much as my mom loved my dad. As much as Annie loves Finnick and their son. As much as I love my dad and Prim. This type of love is the kind we don't want to lose. And if we do, we never find someone to replace it, even if we try. My mom never replaced my dad and I doubt Annie could ever replace Finnick. If she ever did, it would be for Finn. That's right! I need to call Annie and schedule a visit to District 4! I'll talk to Peeta first, then call Annie.

I can't believe I've been sitting here in the meadow for three hours. I haven't caught anything and Peeta is probably worried sick. I'll just lie and say I was off today and missed.

I arrive at the Victor's Village about a hour later and see Peeta pacing on the front porch. "Oh my god, Katniss! I'm so happy you're ok," Peeta cries,"I thought something happened to you in the woods. I've been waiting for two hours." "Wait. Two hours? You don't normally come home til four. It's five now and you went in late. What's going on, Peeta?" I ask. "Let's just go inside. We're both probably hungry. I know I am." Classic Peeta. Always avoiding the question at hand. I think he's picked that up from living with me. "Catch anything, honey?" he asks me. "No. I was having an off day." "Good thing I picked up some loafs of bread. You want sea salt or rye?" Sea salt. Annie. "I think we need to go visit Annie and Finn." "Ok, Katniss. We can call Annie after dinner."

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4 weeks later

Katniss P.O.V

Peeta and I finally arrive in District 4. It looks just as beautiful as I remember it on the victory tour. As the train pulls in, an attendant speaks on the intercom, "Hello, passengers. Hope you all had a nice ride. We have just docked in District 4. In the next few minutes, would you please gather all belongings and wait for the doors to open. Thank you and enjoy your visit!"

We both grab our bags and head to the exit. "So where is Annie meeting us?" I ask Peeta. "She said she'd be at the station." As the doors open, the first thing I see is a woman with long red hair holding a little baby boy. "Annie!" I scream and run her way. I hug her so tight poor Finn is probably as flat as a pancake. "And you, handsome, must be little Finn," I coo at the soon to be birthday boy. "I'm so glad y'all could come for Finn's first birthday. I just want it to be perfect," Annie says. "Oh it will be Annie. With Peeta baking the cake and Effie planning the party, that kid is gonna have the best party ever!" I exclaim. I haven't seen or heard from Effie since I moved back to District 12. It should be interesting to see her.

Annie places Finn in his car seat and I take shotgun while Peeta coos over little Finn from the back seat. Peeta is so good with kids. I guess I'm lucky if I ever do have kids that at least one of their parents will be great.

We pull into the driveway of Annie's (and Finnick's) beach house. "Wow, Annie this is...." "Amazing?" she finishes my sentence. As we enter the house my mouth drops farther and farther down to the floor. "Peeta and Katniss," Annie says, "your room is just up that short flight of stairs. And don't worry, you have the wing to yourselves," she winks. Oh, Annie.