Happy ending (Sequel to HG High: An Everlark story)

Chapter 23: Big brother

Chapter 23

Katniss P.O.V.

I have a really nice time during the dinner. And by the looks of things, Caroline has a nice time too. She's talking to everyone and everyone loves her.

I can see the proud eyes and smile Tyler gives away every now and then. I really hope Peeta and I can turn this girls life around for the better, and I think we can. I do.

I'm currently wondering which time would be best for the announcement. Now? Or when we have coffee... Or?

Rose is looking at me from time to time. I think she's waiting for me to say something. She's the only one who knows, and Peeta of course. But Peeta doesn't know that Rose knows.

Why does these things have to be so hard? It's like when I was pregnant with Rose and I had no idea how to tell Peeta and Annie told me to just tell him. To just rip the band aid off.

That's what I'm gonna have to do now. Annie has started to notice that I'm a little off, that I'm not with the others at the dinner, that I'm in my own thoughts.

She gives me a wondering look and I just look away. I look up at Rose and she's now looking at me, not turning away.

"Just do it", she mouths to me soundlessly.

I put my hand onto one of Peeta's, which is lying on the table beside his plate as he talks to Jake, apparently in an argument.

Peeta stops arguing with his older brother and looks at me as my shaky and cold hand touch his.

"What's wrong?" He asks and puts his other hand on top of my cold one. "You're freezing".

"Nothing's wrong, I'm just nervous", I whisper. "Maybe we should... You know. Now?"

"Oh", Peeta says and a smirk starts spreading across his lips. "It's up to you".

"I want to do it now", I say. "It seems like a good time don't you think?"

Peeta nods. He stands up.

"Excuse me everyone", he says and everyone falls silent, looking at him with curious eyes. "There's something you should know".

"Oh my god! This is it", Jake says. "Isn't it? This is the time where you finally come out of the closet! I'm proud of you little bro".

"Uncle Peeta is not in a closet daddy", Olivia says, looking at her father as if he's crazy. "He's standing right here".

And that's when everyone starts laughing. Me included. Peeta's not laughing though. He's shooting daggers with his eyes at Jake.

"Oh no I'm sorry, that's not want I was going to say, but we're all still waiting for you to come out, whenever you want now", he says.

"Oooooo!" Philip shouts and whistles low.

I put my hand over my mouth, trying to prevent myself from laughing even more. Sometimes, no matter how many years that passes, the Mellark brothers keep reminding me of the three brothers they were when we all were teenagers. There would be war at their house between them, including jokes, teasing, insulting, wrestling and all of that, when their mother was not home. Sometimes it feels like some things doesn't change at all, no matter how much time passes.

Looking at the three brothers, each a replica of one another, it's clear to me that not everything changes. And that actually makes me very happy.

"Okay, as much as we're all waiting for Jake and Peeta to come out of the closet and tell they love each other", I say, and Peeta is about to protest but I just continue to talk. "We actually did have a topic in mind".