Gummy Bear Kisses

Chapter Seven

*two hours later*

"So...they're getting married apparently," I say, taking a shot of straight tequila out of the bottle. I lick a pinch of salt off of my hand. It stings my throat a little, but I can manage. Peeta sighs and I hand him the bottle. He takes a swig and doesn't bother with the salt. His eyes screw shut before he exhales. "I don't know what I'm going to do," he mutters. He gives me the bottle and I gulping some down. I forget the salt and I sit the bottle down on the coffee table. "What do you mean?"

"Finnick's my roommate, we share an apartment. Once he leaves, I don't know how I'll be able to pay all of the bills by myself," he replies, grabbing the bottle and drinking some. He sits it back down. "I'm sure I'll think of something," he says quietly. "Maybe you can come stay with me," I suggest. He gives me a funny look. "Katniss, you don't have a set place to live other than your mom's."

"I mean that you can travel with me." It's a great idea to me. Now I don't have to regret leaving Panem. "Katniss, I think you've had a little too much to drink," he says, chuckling. I grab his arm. "I'm serious."

"No, you're not."

"Yes, I am. I want you to come travel with me-"

"I'm not much of a traveler, Katniss-"

"So? I wasn't either until I became a model," I say, scooting closer to him. "Katniss, I can't," he replies. "Why not?"

"I just can't, you've already done enough for me-"

"Like what?"

"You agreed to go out with me and did. We French kissed. Then, that time when you brought me back here and we were on your bed...yeah, that was amazing," he says, grinning sheepishly. If he thinks that was amazing, then I guess when we actually hit third base, that will be heaven. "Peeta, all those things can't even amount to what you did for me," I say quietly. He leans in and pecks my lips softly. "You know I'd do anything for you, Katniss."

"Let me repay you, Peeta, come stay with me," I say. He shakes his head and smiles sadly. "No, Katniss." I pout playful and he chuckles. "Please,"

"No, Katniss. Sorry," he says. "It's alright," I smile. He smiles also before leaning in and kissing me. I close my eyes and kiss back, moving my hand from his arm. He pulls away slowly as the door opens. "You are such a pervert, Haymitch," Effie laughs, coming in with Haymitch behind her. "Only for you- I-I mean," he stutters when he sees us. I'm not sure if he stutters because we heard him, or if he stutters because Peeta and I are centimeters apart. Peeta doesn't care apparently because he captures my lips in his again for another kiss. I guess he's a little drunk too. He tongue skims my bottom lip, looking for access. I part my lips for him. Our lips move in perfect synchronization. My hands tangle in his blonde hair while his rub up and down my sides.

Peeta is pulled back by Haymitch. Peeta looks at him shocked. "Slow down there, Boy. You two don't need any little Peetas or Katnisses yet," he chuckles. Peeta and I both blush while Effie and Haymitch laugh heartily. I hate how every intimate moment we get, gets interrupted by someone. It's frustrating me. I can see that it's starting to get to Peeta. He grabs the tequila bottle and takes a large gulp. He passes the bottle to me and I just start drinking. I don't stop until the rest is gone.

This time it really stings and I squeeze my eyes shut before clearing my throat. "I didn't know you had it in you, Sweetheart," Haymitch says, clapping me on the back. "Don't call me that," I mutter, standing up and taking Peeta's hand. I drag him to my living quarters. He sighs. "I'm sorry about that, Katniss-" I pull him back into the kiss and he steps back. We fall back on the bed and I straddle him. I lean down and continue to kiss him, but he stops kissing back. I stop and caress his face. "What's wrong?" I ask. "Katniss, I can't." He always chickens out. "Peeta, why?" I ask, searching his eyes. "I-I...I just can't," he says, sitting up, making me get off of him. I sit beside him and sigh disappointedly. "Why can't you?"

"Katniss, I-"

"Why do you keep chickening out? What is there to be afraid of?"

"Katniss, I'm not afraid! I'm just not ready yet-"

"Why aren't you?!"

"Because we just started dating almost a week ago!" He says, trying not to raise his voice. He gets up. "Look, I know we're both frustrated, and I get that, but I'm not going to rush things. Haymitch is right, we don't need any little Peetas and Katnisses yet," he tells me. He's right. I sigh. "You're right, Peeta. I'm sorry for pressuring you. I didn't think about the fact the we just started dating, I guess a majority of the hormones from tonight came from the tequila," I apologize. "It's okay, Katnis, but can I ask you something?"

"Yes,"

"Can we wait until marriage?" I look up at him and see the pleading in his eyes. "Sure," I smile. He leans down and kisses me softly. "Thank you. I'll see you tomorrow?"

"I think, you have to ask Effie. I think I have a photoshoot."

"Okay, bye."

"Bye," I say, waving slightly. He leaves my quarters and I throw myself back on the bed. I wonder when he plans to propose...