PEETA

I sat on the train, watching the scenery play out before me. I would probably be back in District 12 soon, but I was barely paying attention to anything. The only thing on my mind was what I had done. I had kissed a girl. And I'm married. To Katniss. And I kissed a different girl. It was replaying over and over in my mind and I was oblivious to everything else. I couldn't believe it. What was I going to tell Katniss? How could I tell her? She would hate me. How did this happen? I stared out of the window, a blank look on my face. I stayed like that for the rest of the ride, swimming in a pool of shame and regret. Soon enough, I felt the train slowing down, forcing me out of my misery, at least temporarily, while I got off of the train. I slowly departed, regretting having to see Katniss's beaming face when she saw me, knowing that I would ruin everything when I told her. I almost couldn't bear all of the pain in my heart. But I deserved the pain. Every bit of it. I could never undo what I had done, and I was paying for it. Katniss had trusted me, and I just had to go and throw all of her trust away. So stupid. My thoughts were interrupted by a clear familiar voice.

"Peeta!" She called out.

Katniss. She ran up and hugged me, her familiar scent enveloping me, soothing my worries temporarily.

"I missed you so much." I said. And it was true. I had missed her every second that I was away, and it killed me because now everything I had told her would probably be questioned once I told her what I had done.

"I missed you too!" She said, her voice becoming muffled from being pressed into my shoulder. We broke apart from the hug, a smile still on her face.

Her smile quickly faded, and she looked a bit sick.

"Can we go home?" She asked.

"Yeah sure." I replied worried.

"You good?" I asked her.

"Ï'm fine, Peeta." She snapped. I opened my mouth to ask again if she was okay, but she interrupted before I could respond.

"I said I'm fine, Peeta!" She said again, glaring at me.

"Okay then..." I said, unsure of her salty attitude. "I'm sorry." I added, not knowing if I had done something wrong. Maybe she could tell what I had done. God don't be ridiculous Peeta. I thought. There's no way she could know.

"What are you sorry for? Annoying me, not telling me about not owning the Bakery or about ignoring my calls?" She responded angrily.

"Katniss I-" I tried to respond but was cut off again.

"No, I'm not doing this here. Wait till we get home." She said. I didn't understand what was happening. She had been so happy to see me, but now seemed angry. I felt so many emotions rise in me, guilt and shame about kissing Johanna, confusion from why Katniss was mad at me, but also joy at seeing her, and an overwhelming sadness from knowing that soon, she would have a valid reason to be furious once I told her.

"Fine, but please talk to me when we get home, okay?" I pleaded.

"Yeah sure." She responded before looking away. The walk back was uncomfortably silent, and I was relieved when we finally got back to the bakery. I was about to ask Katniss what was wrong, but before I could ask, she stormed upstairs, and I heard the door slam shut. I sighed, but decided to keep the shop closed for the night, as I was exhausted from the competition and all of the thoughts churning in my head.

I decided to sit down and read a book. I was about 4 chapters in, when I heard a knock on the door. I looked up to see Madge standing there. She looked at me for a second.

"Hi Peeta, where's Katniss? Is she here? I need to talk to her. Now." She said. Gosh this girl can talk.

"Uh...yeah she's upstairs but she's kinda mad righ-" She was up the stairs before I could even finish my sentence though.

"KATNISS OPEN UP!" She yelled.

God. Remind me never to get on her bad side. I bet she's scary when she's mad.

I heard the door open, and Madge jump onto the bed, making it creak. I heard muffled words being spoken. I needed to hear what they were saying. What if Madge was reacting like Prim had? I couldn't let Katniss go through that again.

I tried to silently tiptoe up the stairs, and Lupus followed behind me. I pressed my ear to the door and heard bits of what was being said. So far so good. Nobody seemed to be crying or yelling, so you know, that was a relief. I was about to head downstairs, when I felt Lupus's collar slide out of my hand. Shit.

"Lupus, no!" I shouted. Well, so much for being quiet.

"He's fine, Peeta. You, on the other hand, need to stop eavesdropping!" I blushed, and went downstairs, leaving Lupus with them.

While they were upstairs, it left me with time to think. Which wasn't good. All my mind could go back to was the horrible thing I had done. I was going to hurt Katniss so much when I told her. It was going to destroy her. It was already destroying me. I couldn't take it. I just couldn't deal with what I did. I buried my head in my hands, just leaning on the counter for a minute.

I opened my eyes again, and a glint of metal caught my eyes. No Peeta. Part of me thought. But the other part fought back. You deserve it. All of the pain. It's all your fault and you deserve it. My hands were shaking. What was I doing? The one side of my brain was winning. I reached out, and picked up the knife. You're worthless. You couldn't even hold on to the one good thing in your life. I thought.

I turned the knife over in my hand, watching the light reflect off of its smooth surface. I looked at my wrist, and cut the knife into my hand, barely even feeling the pain, as I was already numb.

Worthless. Cut.

So worthless. Another cut.

You were never worth anything. You don't deserve happiness. I felt the tears streaming down my face.

What was I doing? Blood ran down my arm, and the extent of what I had just done hit me all at once, but it was masked by the ever present pain that was consuming me.

My hands were shaking, and I couldn't see clearly from the tears clouding my vision. I shut my eyes, letting the pain overpower me, just for a moment before I was forced back into reality.

I needed to clean up before Katniss or Madge came downstairs. I cleaned the blood off of the knife and my arm, and pulled my sleeve down so it would cover the stinging cuts. I attempted to wipe the tears off my face, and splashed some cold water on it too, hoping my eyes weren't blotchy and red. I sat down in a chair.

I hated myself for everything that I had done. Why did I have to screw everything up so much? My marriage, my family, my life.

I heard quick footsteps rush down the stairs, and saw Madge run out the door before I could ask where she was going.

I needed to get my mind off of the terrible mess that is my life. I did what had always been like a second nature to me. Baking.

I was just going to make a simple loaf of bread to relax myself and maybe clear my head. I was kneading the dough when I heard the paws of Lupus clicking on the ground. It must be them. They entered the kitchen, and Katniss threw her arms around my waist.

"Hi Katniss, are you feeling better? I asked.

"Yeah. Yeah, I am." She answered. "How long will Madge be gone?" I asked, confused to why she had left so hurriedly.

"Not long, she is bringing me something." She replied, shifting her eyes to the floor.

I needed to tell her about kissing Johanna. She deserved the truth, even if it hurt us. "Okay. Do I have enough time to tell you something important?" I started.

"Yeah, go ahead tell me." She replied questioningly.

"Can we sit?" I asked after looking around for a second. I needed her full attention while telling her this.

"Oh God, Peeta. What did you do?" She asked nervously.

"I kissed a girl." I blurted out before I could stop myself."

"YOU DID WHAT?!" She yelled. I flinched at the loud, angry tone of her voice. I had never heard her this mad, but I knew I deserved it and I understood her anger. I would be furious at me too if I was her.

"Katniss, when I was in the Capitol, I was at a bar. And well, I saw a few of my friends, well a friend I had just made, his girlfriend and another girl." I rambled, trying to explain, but from the look on her face, I wasn't helping.

"Why did you go to a bar? Seriously, Peeta. What in your right mind thought that'd be a good idea?" She questioned.

"I don't know, Kat. I was dumb, I felt bad for not winning the Bake-Off for you. And that's how I took it out on myself. I got drunk and they started asking questions about you. The other girl asked me how much I loved you. I said a lot. She said it was the first and last time she did this. I was confused then she kissed me. I kissed her but then I pulled away after realizing how horrible it was.. That I cheated on you after our phone call. The fact that you have trusted your life in me. I'm so guilty, Kat. I am so..so fucking sorry. I-I I just.. hate myself." I said, tears already pouring out of my eyes at the thought.

"Peeta, don't you say that you hate yourself! I'm not allowing it." My heart fell, she will be so disappointed, so upset. "I'm so very angry at you. That you'd even think of doing that. I'm also very proud of you for stopping, and telling me. You aren't being very responsible! Please tell me that you have been responsible other than this stuff?" Crap crap crap crap, she is going to be furious why am I always putting her in so much pain?

"Well, yeah. Um.. shit." I said, wanting so badly to hide her from the pain but knowing I had to tell her the truth.

"Peea tell me the truth" I want to tell her the truth so badly, so, so badly.

"Okay..Katniss, I-I..I haven't been responsible at all, I'm so sorry." I pulled my arm up and uncovered the stinging lines. I watched her heart shatter, I couldn't believe I'd put her through so much pain. I was the one who put that hurt look on her face, I was the cause.

"Peeta," she said, the crack in her voice like the crack in my heart, "Peeta, why have you been doing this? For how long have you been doing this? Please, tell me the truth. Why would you ever hurt yourself?" I need to tell her the truth, I can't keep hiding stuff from her, I can't keep hurting her like this.

"Katniss.. I couldn't stand what I had done to you. You didn't even know...I'd done it." My voice is dripping in guilt as I tell her, "But, I knew how much pain you'd be in because of it. The only fair thing to do was put myself through that pain and more. You couldn't be the only one to feel the pain. I'm so sorry, Katniss." Her face, it showed so many things and I hate myself even more for causing those things.

"Peeta!" She said, so very clearly hurt, You can't be doing things like this to yourself!What if you couldn't undo it? ''What if you did it and.." She took a deep breath clearly struggling to continue "Died? What would that do to me? What would it do to us? You can't..you just CAN'T! Never! But especially not right now!" Us? She means her and I right? Tears fell down my face as I thought about the possibility of a different meaning to her words. She put her hands forcefully on my chest.

"Don't you feel that? It's beating for a reason, Peeta! It's because you are meant to be alive! No matter what you do to me.. YOU CAN'T JUST QUIT!" Tears fell down my face as she yelled at me, as she cried in front of me.

"Peeta, you can't hurt yourself! I need you! You can't hurt yourself, we need you!" We? She couldn't be, could she? "Peeta, you can't do this ever! NEVER! Especially not right now when I'm pregnant!" There it is, there is what I feared and longed for, why did I do the things I did? While she was at home taking care of your bakery and protecting your child you went and cheated on her "Do you want to leave us alone? Do you want them to not have you? For me to not have you? To leave me all alone with our child?" Before I could reply or react there was a knock on the door. Katniss pulled herself away from me, patting her face hoping to look presentable, she went and opened the door as I did the same. I went over and went to stand behind her at the door, when I saw who was at the door Katniss said my name.

"Peeta," Katniss said.

"Peeta," My mother sneered. I looked at my mother and saw hatred and anger filter through her eyes, without asking Katniss permission, I pulled Katniss into my chest and held her in a protective embrace.

"Mother, what can I do for you?" I asked, attempting to be polite.

"I need to talk to you boy." My mother said.

"Well, come in I guess." I told her, moving Katniss and I out of her way.

"Don't be using that attitude with me, this is my house, I can kick you and your mystery wife out whenever I like " My mother said with a scowl causing me to scowl and Katniss frown.

"What do you need to talk about?" I asked her, wanting her to leave as soon as possible.

"Your wife," She sneered.

"What about her?" I replied wanting in no way for her to do anything to Katniss. "What business of yours is she?" I added on, if I made her angry she'd leave sooner, wait, shit, she could kick me out, I better keep my mouth shut for Katniss and my kid, for Katniss and my kid.

"I want to know who she is, it is my business because you are my son and I have a right to know who you are married to." I rolled my eyes.

"My wife, she is right here and it is her right to decide whether or not she'd like to introduce herself to you." I told my mother, pointing out how we all had our rights in this situation. I turned to Katniss and she gave me a slight smile, at least her hormones were in order right now.

"Hi, I'm Katniss Mellark. It's nice to meet you." Katniss said. It was the first time I heard her refer to herself as a Mellark and it made me happy.

"Katniss? Are you that Everdeen girl that used my Bakery as a way to seduce boys? My son included!?" My mother replied, I sighed Oh no, I thought. I saw Katniss frown.

"Mrs. Mellark, that is just a rumor. I worked at the Bakery to earn money and food for my family. Your son and I, well let's let him explain our situation." She said. Katniss, I mentally groaned.

"Mother, she came to work here and I fell in love with her. She fell in love with me too. It was as simple as that." I said, avoiding our age and any other topic that makes Katniss uncomfortable.

"As simple as that? Boy she is sixteen damn years ol-" My mother started but was interrupted by a knocking on the door.

"I'll go get that," Katniss said standing up.

"Peeta! You are twenty-eight she is sixteen this is disgusting! I raised you better than this!" My mother said once Katniss was out of earshot.

"Shut up mother." I said standing up to join Katniss at the door. I was shocked to see who I was at the door. Two more blonde hairs stood there and when I put my hand on Katniss shoulder she quickly turned and stood in my embrace.

"Madge, Mrs. Everdeen." I said. I looked down at Katniss, she looked so scared. "Come on in." I told the two ladies. Madge strode in, Mrs. Everdeen followed shyly after. I kept my arm around Katniss as we went to see our guests.

"Mrs. Mellark." Madge said. My mother ignored her, my mother stared at Katniss' mother and Katniss' mother started right back. And that's when the screaming began.

"PEETA MELLARK! WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE TO MARRY A GIRL WITHOUT TELLING ME? WHY WOULD YOU INVITE A GIRL INTO OUR HOUSE AND SOMETHING AS DISGUSTING AS SEDUCE THE POOR TEENAGE GIRL INTO BEING YOUR WIFE? WHO DOES HER AGE NOT BOTHER YOU??!" My mother screamed. Mrs. Everdeen had turned to Katniss.

"Katniss, what is she talking about?" Mrs. Everdeen asked.

"Mom I,-" Katniss started.

"No! Don't listen to her nonsense, Everdeen! My husband raised my son horridly and he has rubbed off on your daughter! She speaks nonsense." My mother said.

"Excuse me? Ma'am your son didn-" Katniss said.

"Mother, I think you need to leave." I said interrupting Katniss.

"Peeta, no I have things to say to-" Katniss started but was interrupted again by her mother.

"Peeta? Katniss, you and him, wait what? Tell me right now what is going on!" Katniss looked so frustrated, Madge looked so stressed, like she had no idea what to do. Shit, what she did is the worst thing she could've done.

"Katniss, I have the pregnancy tests." Madge blurts out.

"WHAT!?" both Katniss and my mother yelled. Katniss looked around, I opened my mouth to say something to her but she quickly turned around and ran up the stairs, I heard the door slam moments later.

"Peeta, what is the girl talking about?" My mother asked right as Mrs. Everdeen asked;

"Mr. Mellark, what is going on between you and my daughter?" I looked between the two women then at Madge sneakily walked upstairs, clearly trying to avoid the situation she caused.

"The only thing you two need to know is that Katniss and I are married and deeply in love. We are dealing with issues, and Katniss can choose to tell you what she wants you both to know," I said trying to calm them down.

"WHO IN THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? YOU JUST STEAL MY DAUGHTER FROM ME AND LIE TO ME ABOUT WHAT'S GOING ON AT THE BAKERY!! YOU CAN'T DO THIS! YOU HAVE NO PERMISSION TO MARRY MY DAUGHTER, she will be leaving with me, she has a true husband waiting at home." Mrs. Everdeen told me.

"I'm sorry, but your daughter didn't choose who she fell in love with. I got the most important person's permission to marry her and no it wasn't your shit of a husband, but your daughter herself, she gave me permission to marry her. I believe my wife will stay with me tonight." I told her not to care about politeness. I saw Mrs. Everdeen's face register anger and shock and before she could react my mother said,

"This is bullshit. I'm leaving. Don't you think, boy, that you'll be involved in this Bakery at all anytime soon." With that she stormed out of the house, slamming the door behind her.

"Mrs. Everdeen, you may not understand it but your daughter and I love each other." I said, trying to backtrack and maybe keep a little bit of her respect.

"But," she sounded very exasperated "How? Why? What about Gale? I thought they fixed things..Where did you come from?" Her voice got more frail as she spoke, by the end she just seemed like a concerned mother, not the angry woman she was.

"I can't answer all those questions. Hell, I can't really answer any of those questions. When Katniss is up to it she can I-" I was cut off by Katniss scream, I could only assume what that meant. "I can't answer those questions like you'd want. All I can tell you is why she didn't tell you. One day, when we had just gotten together, Primrose came in and Katniss told her about us. Primrose was disgusted and that had and still has scarred Katniss into not wanting anyone to know. We spoke about it, how I would describe my family at the Bake-Off. Never in a million years did we think we'd have to tell the important people like this." I told Mrs. Everdeen, hoping she wouldn't be upset with Katniss.

"Oh, goodness. Mr. Mellark, I still am not comfortable with this. I'm not happy with it either but I will tolerate it for the happiness of my daughter. But, I have to remind you, there are still a few more important people to tell, and you can do that before a little birdie does it." I nodded. "I will talk to Primrose, I also think you and I need to get to know each other better, we have not met on the best terms and I'd like to have better memories of my daughter's husband. On that note, I'd like to go see Katniss, will you join me?" She told me. I nodded and stood up, I held out a hand to help her up from her seat and she took it with a smile.

We walked upstairs and I went to Katniss and I's bedroom. I twisted the knob and it was locked. Mrs. Everdeen knocked on the door.

"Katniss, dear?" She said. The knob wiggled and we both took a step backwards. Madge stepped out.

"Hi guys, Katniss isn't in the mood for visitors right now but-" Madge started.

"No, I need to see my daughter." Mr. Everdeen says.

"Mother please, I'll talk to you tomorrow, okay?" Katniss said through the door. Mrs. Everdeen sighed, then turned, Madge turned and mumbled something to Katniss. Together she and Mrs. Everdeen walked down the stairs, I heard the front door close and I walked into our room.

"Katniss," I started but she put her hand to my mouth.

"Peeta, what just happened doesn't change anything. We still need to talk, but I don't want to talk right now. I need time." I sighed.

"Katniss, we don't have time. We need to figure this out. We need to communicate." I told her. She frowned.

"Peeta, I need time to soak it all in. I need time to figure out how I feel. I'm pregnant. Just a teenager. My hormones are crazy right now. I'm not ready to talk." She told me.

"That's the thing Katniss! You are a pregnant teenager, we need to talk about it. When will you be ready to talk about it?" I told her she was being unreasonable, so was I but that is how we are playing it.

"Peeta, you can't be like that. I can't help this, you need to be reasonable. Please be reasonable." I sighed.

"You know what, I think I need a break. I don't know when I'll be back. Yeah, I'm being a hypocrite. I can't deal with this." I said turning to leave the room.

"Peeta, you can't do this! You can't leave me! You can't leave us!" I rolled my eyes.

"Don't pull that card, Katniss. I'll be back soon." And with that I walked out of the house.

~

I ended up at Haymitch's house. My father's partner, my mentor when my father passed, my good ol' Uncle Haymitch, is who I seek guidance from.

"So, why exactly are you here?" Haymitch asked. I sighed, how would I word this.

"I'm having wife troubles." I told him.

"Oh, so your mystery wife is real, boy? I didn't think you had it in yourself to get hitched. So, what's going on?" I rolled my eyes at the old man's remarks.

"Well," I started, I paused thinking of how to put it. Before I could continue Haymitch's daughter, Mia ran in.

"Peeta!" She said. I stood up and pulled her into my arms. "I missed you," she told me. I wrapped my arms around her tighter, tickling her.

"I missed you too Miss Mia!" She smiled her cheeky little toddler smile. She had her mom's soft blonde hair and her father's seam grey eyes. "Hey, can you go find your mommy and have her bring me a cup of tea?" I asked her. Mia nodded and ran off, her little feet pattering on the hardwood floors.

"How about you and I go sit on the back porch, have beer and talk? You know Mia ain't coming back with no tea." Haymitch suggested I nodded. He went to his fridge and pulled out two beer bottles, we both walked to his backdoor.

"How bout I tell you my problems before you open up and spill yours into me like I'm a diary or something." Haymitch said. I nodded, I looked out to his yard before the old man started talking. He had a big yard that had lots of trees. Behind the trees you could see a mountain range, the sun was setting behind them. The sky was painted my favorite color, the sun's rays making a beautiful purple in the sky.

"Boy, you know having a kid isn't the easier thing in the world." Haymitch said. I nodded, it seemed like Haymitch was just making excuses not to hear my problems. "And well, wives aren't the easiest thing either. And well, ugh, being the only man in this house. Also, Effie doesn't like when I drink and smoke. But, she isn't here right now is she?" Haymitch continued.

"Can we cut the crap, Haymitch? I have actual problems and if Effie gets mad that you're drinking, say that I suggested it. I just need to let off some steam." I told Haymitch. Haymitch looked half relieved and half annoyed.

"So, boy, talk. If it gets too intense, I still have my box of cigarettes. Effie couldn't hide from me." I nodded. I took a sip of my beer and sighed.

"It all started when I saved the girl from a Peacekeeper." I took a deep breath. "She was being chased by a Peacekeeper. I was out having a cigarette and well she was outside the Bakery. She was hurt, so I brought her in. I took care of her. She stayed the night and the next morning she asked me how she could repay me and the Bakery has been lonely without you old man. She took the job happily and we worked together for a while and our relationship blossomed." I told him.

"Tell me the truth. But, your hiding stuff that is the cause of your troubles. Now spill, before I have to get you drunk." I sighed. Without hesitation I spit it out.

"She's sixteen." Haymitch almost chokes on his beer. "She's sixteen, married to me. I'm twenty-eight and now she is pregnant. But before I even knew she was pregnant, I messed up in the Capitol and kissed some girl while I was drunk..I couldn't get it out of my head. I felt ashamed and I had to feel.. Something. Pain, I guess."

I rolled up my sleeves to reveal the pain I caused myself.

"Of course my mother had to come and question me, making things worse. Then Madge came with her mom and said she brought pregnancy tests. Which made both my and her mom flip out. Now she says she needs time and I don't want to give it to her. In other words I really fucked up." I told him, spitting it all out, throwing all the dirty details on the table.

"Wait, you married the Mayor's daughter who is 12 years younger than you?!" Haymitch stared at me.

"What? No! I married Katniss! Katniss Everdeen! Not Madge Undersee!" Haymitch sighed.

"Boy, you need to learn how to word things better. And what the hell do you mean you kissed another girl?" Haymitch told me, I sighed running a hand through my hair.

"I was in the Capitol. I was upset, so I went and got drunk. I saw one of my friends. He had two girls with him. I told them about Katniss. Then she kissed me. I liked it... I kissed her back and it lasted for, God knows how long, before my drunken mind realized what I was doing. How wrong it was.. Haymitch, I felt disgusting. When I came back.. the guilt was eating me alive. At first, she was so happy to see me. But, then she wasn't. It hurt so much, and then I realized that I was putting her in so much pain. And that I would continue putting her in pain. I am such a horrible person. You know, Haymitch, I think I need one of your cigarettes. I have been trying to stop for Katniss, but shit," I poured out, I needed something more than a beer I needed something strong.

"You know what, you can have a cigarette and finish your beer but you need to calm down. If I send you home drunk and crazy I will already be on your wife's bad side." I sighed but nodded. He pulled out his box and handed me one, we both sat there inhaling and letting it out, it felt better than they've ever felt. I downed the rest of my beer, and sat there content, this no talking thing was the best man-to-man conversation he could have given.

"As for the advice, I say to suck-up to her for a while and just let her do what she wants." Haymitch told me, that sounds like a decent plan. "But, you also have to do certain things for her she wouldn't expect so she knows you care and whatnot. But you, you need to work on your self control. Going out and getting drunk when you're far from home and your wife, that is a bad idea."

He takes a breath and looks at me seriously. Placing a hand on my shoulder.

"Cutting yourself to feel her pain is also a bad idea, I understand it's hard. I've been there, but think about how much pain taking those actions will get her. I know that it's helped from the past with family, but not anymore. Peeta, you need to have better thoughts in general. If you have a kid coming, that is something you need to just quit. You need help to quit. You need to think about your wife and child's well being, not their pain, you got that boy?"

Who knew this drunk actually had some wisdom?

I nodded solemnly.

"You know what son, go lie down in the guest bedroom. Then I will send Mia to get you for supper. Afterwards, you will go home and talk to your wife and make her happy, and try to make amends. Alright? You two need to work it out. That's what a couple does. Have you ever asked her about how she feels about the kid? She still is just a kid herself. That's a lot for her to go through. I knew that Everdeen was one who never wanted kids or a family like you're giving her." Haymitch told me, I nodded. I stood up and held out a hand to help the old man up. Together we walked back inside his house, Haymitch stomped his boots that somehow accumulated a big pile of dirt.

"Effie! The boy is going to rest in the guest bedroom! He's staying for supper too!!" Haymitch yelled. Effie came rushing into the room.

"Peeta, dear, can you take off your shoes please?" She said, I nodded and kicked off my shoes. I walked up the stairs and I knocked on Mia's room. I know Haymitch said he'd send Mia to get me but I'd rather have her with me.

"Miss Mia, you want to come lay down with me?" I asked her, she usually hated naps but her sleepy little eyes didn't lie, surprisingly she nodded and held her arms out. I went and scooped her out of her pile of stuffed animals she'd been playing with. I carried her into the guest bedroom and I saw that she was already asleep. I had always loved children. At first when Haymitch told me he was going to be a father, I had doubts. But he is a good father. I hope I can be a good father. If Katniss ever wanted me around anymore. To be near our child.. I lied down and held Mia close, she snuggled into me and I smiled. I hadn't even realized how exhausted today had made me because before I realized it, my fingers stroking Mia's hair stopped as I fell into sleep.

~

When I woke up it was to a steady knocking on the door. "PEETA MELLARK!" Effie squeaked. "You better get up, my dinner is getting cold and you are keeping my daughter hostage!" I heard Mia giggle. I sat up and tickled Mia.

"Don't worry Effie we're up." I called her. Suddenly I felt Mia start jumping. I turned around and pulled her into my arms. I gasped playfully.

"Miss Mia! Should I tell your mommy and papa what you were doing?" I asked. She smiled but shook her head. "Come on let's go eat supper." I told her, she jumped into my arms and I carried her out of the room and down the stairs.

"Ooh, Effie it smells so good what is it?" I said. Effie smiled brightly, proud to be getting compliments.

"It is a Capitol meal, a luxurious lamb stew with dried plums. I found the recipe and just had to try it! But it's a big recipe, so you Mr, will be taking some home later okay?" I nodded, no reason to argue. I sat Mia in her high chair then sat down myself. Effie poured us each a serving. The meal went on, Effie talked a lot, I sat there thinking about what I would have to face at home, it made me sick to my stomach. I wasn't going to tell Effie that though.

"You know what Effie, I don't think I will bring any stew home today. I think my wife will love it, but she will love it more if the first time she tries it is when it's nice and fresh. So, how about next week my wife and I come over for supper and you make this stew for us?" I offered. She smiled so brightly, there was no way she was turning down my offer.

"Of course dear! You just ring me when you two want to come and I'll make sure I have everything to make it and you guys can come over for supper! Okay, well, you go on and hurry home!" I nodded solemnly. I stood up and walked back to the back door, I grabbed my shoes, I took them back to the front door and slipped them on.

"Miss Mia, are you going to say goodbye?" I asked her, she frowned but ran up to me, or more like wobbled her little legs couldn't run right just yet. I hugged her tightly and she put her arms out, I picked her up and she whispered in my ear.

"I miss you Peeta." I nodded at her.

"I'll miss you too Miss Mia, but we'll see eachother soon okay?" She nodded happily. I waved goodbye to Haymitch and Effie. "Bye Haymitch, Bye Effie, I'll ring you guys soon!" I said, they both nodded and I walked out the door. I started walking back towards the Bakery. As I near the Bakery I notice there is a tall dark figure pacing around the Bakery. As I walk up to the Bakery I see that the figure is Gale. Gale Hawthorne. I feel my pulse race a bit faster and anger growing slowly.

"Hey Mellark!" He said.

"Hi Gale, do you need something?" I replied not wanting to deal with his bullshit, I had things to do.

"Yeah, my wife." He said.

"Excuse you? I'm sorry, but when did you get married?" I said sarcastically.

"I could ask you the same thing, but it seems you're married to my wife." I scowled at him.

"Well, if she is my wife how can she be your wife?" I said snarkily, if he was going to make his move he better be quick.

"Cut the crap Bread-Boy and hand her over." I rolled my eyes and turned away. I took a few steps before calling out to him.

"I'm sorry, but she isn't an item to give away." I turned around and his fist collided with my jaw. I looked at him for a second before I punched him back.