A/N: Well, I am back. And I am so so so sorry. I promised that I would update more regularly, and I didn't deliver on that promise. Again, please forgive me. Life got pretty shitty (excuse my french) for awhile there, and I think I needed a break from responsibility. I cannot promise I will update as often as I would like, but what I can say is that I will not wait another 9 months to update. Without further ado, I present to you chapter 7.

The song that inspired this chapter is To Be Young by Tall Heights.

Justin Matthew Mason

September 17th, 1997- April 29th, 2015

"Here in the only life I know with any waste of time it

hits so close to home, it's just the way the story goes."

Beloved son, brother, and friend

I read it over and over again, unable to grasp its depth. He's really gone. I mean, it has already been a week since the funeral, but here I stand, arm in arm with Jo, staring down at the young boys headstone.

"It really is beautiful," I say, hoping some semblance of comfort will come out of those words, but knowing nothing can really help.

Beside me, Jo nods. "That was his favorite lyric, you know," she says, letting out a sardonic laugh, "he could have been hooked up to every fucking machine the hospital had, but he would always turn to me with a smile on his face and say 'Jo, it's just the way the story goes' like that was supposed to make it okay."

The corners of my lips rise when she says this. Justin was such a smart, loving boy. For him to quote song lyrics on his deathbed makes me feel lighter, for some reason. I know I probably shouldn't feel this way, but it makes me believe that Justin wasn't scared, and deep down, I know Johanna believes this, too.

We stare at the stone for another few minutes before heading back to my car. The cemetery is pretty far away from the city, so I told Jo that I would drive us, for her sake.

The car ride home is silent. Driving the long stretch of highway allows my mind to wander and thoughts to clear.

Johanna has just lost what was her whole family. Justin was everything to her. I don't know how I would even breathe if Prim was to die. As I think about this, I begin to think of Peeta. He has become my family. He is my sunshine on a cloudy day and my rain in a drought. But what about his family. I know he has two older brothers and I know that both of his parents are alive and still married to one another. Why doesn't he ever really talk about them? I am always gushing about Prim, but he never says anything about his brothers. Christ, I don't even know their names.

As we approach the exit for Manhattan, that lyric rings in my mind. Here in the only life I know with any waste of time it hits so close to home, it's just the way the story goes. I am done wasting time when it comes to the people I love and those around me. I am going to get Peeta to open up about his family and his past because wasting time isn't an option anymore.

I'm running late and I am already pissed the fuck off. Happy Monday.

Storming past Annie and straight into my office, I slam the door and throw my bag towards my couch, although I hear a loud clunk. Nevertheless, I go straight to my desk and power up my computer. I had a Skype meeting that started 5 minutes ago that I have yet to make an appearance on. As soon as my computer boots up, I log onto Skype and apologize for my tardiness, jumping right into business. Once again, happy fucking Monday.

"Yes, I agree that productivity could be increased, but if we institute those new policies, John, instead of running a corporation we'll be running a dictatorship. That is not what Haymitch or I want." These fucking narrow-minded, greedy men and their horrible ideas.

"Ms. Everdeen, I don't think you're seeing my point…" the man begins again, but I turn to address the knock on my door.

"Come in," I say, muting Mr. John Beetee and his ridiculous ideas. Annie opens my door and slips into my office. I gently smile, although I am still in a very poor mood. "What do you need?"

Annie approaches my desk, wary-eyed and nervous. I sigh. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to take my mood out on you. What's up?" Annie gives a sigh of relief and finally meets my eyes. She presents a brown-paper bag from behind her back.

"This was on my desk when I got here with a note that said, 'Please deliver to Ms. Katniss Everdeen upon arrival.' I would have given it to you sooner but you kind of stormed past me. What's in the bag, Katniss?"

I look at the bag cautiously, not really sure as to what it is. When Annie hands it to me, a whiff of cinnamon flows up into my nostrils. I smile, knowing exactly who it's from. "It's from Peeta Mellark. It's a baked good. If there's enough, I'll send some out for you in a bit. I have to get back to my meeting. Thank you, Annie."

Annie then smiles and retreats out of my office. I reluctantly place the bag, still unopened, on the side of my desk and un-mute the conference call. When I do, I find that Mr. Beetee is still going on about his ridiculous policies and procedures.

"John, I'm sorry, but I am officially declining those policies. They just won't do. Now, Jane, do you have anything you would like to propose?" Jane Wiress is something of a genius; smart, cunning, and cultured. She is someone that could really help this company. "Yes, Ms. Everdeen, I do. I would like to institute a sort of incentive policy," Jane begins, starting to propose her plan. I attempt to become engrossed in the idea, but just simply can't stop looking over at the small brown bag sent to me by no other than Mr. Peeta Mellark. At the height of my curiosity, I finally mute Ms. Wiress and open up the small bag.

Inside, on top of another bag, I find a note. It reads:

My dearest Katniss,

I haven't seen you in days and thought you might like a delicious,

handcrafted goodie, courtesy of none other than your very talented

boyfriend. But seriously, I miss you a lot. Dinner tonight? Let

me know.

Yours always,

Peeta

I smile so wide at the note that my cheeks begin to hurt. I put the note in the top drawer of my desk and open up the second bag to find cinnamon treats of some sort. Having gone without breakfast (not really unusual), the treats look heavenly. And let me say, they taste even better. Realizing I have been on mute for an extended period of time, I rejoin the meeting. "I will think about it, Jane. Fax me all of the details and a draft of the actual policy. Anything else for today?"

Everyone on the call shakes their heads to indicate that they are finished for today and we all bid our goodbyes. I click off and recline in my chair, reveling in the heavenly delights that Peeta has baked for me.

He is such a good boyfriend. I should try to be a better girlfriend. I am so bad at this whole dating thing. What do girlfriends do? Maybe I should go and see him today. Wait, he has work. He's a teacher so he has classes all day. He found a way to not interrupt me at work but still make himself known. How do I do that? In that moment, an idea strikes.

I make quick work of finding the number for the school he works at and calling the office.

"North Central Middle School office, this is Patricia. How may I help you?"

"Hi, I am just calling to ask at what time Mr. Mellark has his lunch break. Could you help me with that?" I say, knowing this woman probably thinks I am a stalker. Oops.

"Why," she begins, "what an odd question. I don't think I should give that information out, especially with all of those awful shootings in the news. Have you seen those?" she says. I am not up for chatting and my bad mood is returning.

"Yes, I have seen those. Listen, I am Peeta—er, Mr. Mellarks, uh, girlfriend, and just wanted to surprise him with lunch. Could you please tell me what time his lunch break is at?" I finish, just wanting the information so I can get on with my morning. The woman on the other end squeals into my ear.

"Oh, goodness! You must be Katniss! Dear, Mr. Mellark hasn't stopped talking about you! And what a lucky woman you are to have caught a man like him! If you hold on just one minute, I'll pull up his schedule and let you know," the woman says before putting me on hold. Peeta talks to his coworkers about me? My heart clenches and my smile widens. Damn, I've got it bad, but apparently Peeta does, too.

"Katniss, sweetie, his lunch starts at 12:01 and goes until 12:43. Is that all you need?"

I gratefully sigh upon receiving the information. "Yes, that's all. Please do not tell Pe—uh, Mr. Mellark that I called. And also, I will be coming into the school around that time so could you have a visitors badge ready for when I get there?"

Patricia once again squeals in delight. "Of course, dear! Aren't you just the sweetest?" she says, ending with a giddy laugh. My sarcasm finds its place and all I reply with is, "Yeah, the sweetest. Thank you, goodbye," and hangup the phone.

There, that's girlfriendy, right? I can be super sweet and surprise my boyfriend with lunch. I can pick up two sandwiches from that really good deli down the street and head over to his school right when his break starts so I can get as much time with him as possible. Perfect. I can totally do this girlfriend thing! Smiling to myself, I get back to work. In the three hours before I need to leave, I manage to get a pile of merger proposals sorted and finish a budget analysis for the second quarter. At 11:30, I make my way out of the office.

"Annie, I'm leaving for lunch. Please take all of my calls and I will deal with them later. I should be back before 1."

Annie smirks. "You going to lunch with that handsome blond?"

Normally, I would blush and become somewhat of an awkward mess at that comment, but I am feeling good today. I continue to walk past Annie, getting onto the elevator and yelling back, "My handsome blond," just as the doors shut tight.

"Yes, two All Americans, please. And two iced teas. That'll be it," I say to the cashier who rings me up. After just a few minutes, I am walking out of the deli and hailing a cab. "North Central Middle School, please," I tell the cab driver, who immediately jumps onto his route. It's now that I realize how nervous I am. What if he doesn't want me at his work? What if he's too busy for me? Oh, no. What if he just doesn't want to see me?

I shake off those thoughts. Of course he wants to see me. He told me so in his note this morning. And I really don't think he will mind me being at his work. I mean, he tells his coworkers about me.

"Ma'am, we're here. Your fare is on the screen," the cab driver says, and I nod. The cost is only a little over seven dollars, so I hand the man a ten dollar bill and get out of the car. Taking a breath and smoothing my tight pencil skirt, I make my way up the stairs and into the office.

A decently pretty, perky woman probably just a few years my senior turns to me. "Miss, how can I help you?"

"Yeah, Hi, I called earlier. My name is Katni—" I am cut off mid-speech as the woman squeals, and I immediately know who she is.

"Katniss! Oh, you're gorgeous! I mean, I was expecting you to be pretty, as you're dating our Mr. Mellark, but oh, my! Rose, come take a look at Mr. Mellark's girlfriend!" she exclaims, waving another woman over as they both study me. Being on display, I proceed to get uncomfortable.

"Listen, can I please have the visitors badge? I'd like to go see Peeta now." Patricia nods and gets the badge while the other woman, Rose, continues to look me up and down with an almost envious look on her face. Patricia bumps her out of the way and hands me my sticker. "Just wear this on your shirt and you'll be all good. Do you know where his room is?"

I shake my head no and she proceeds to give me directions. I thank the over-excited woman and make my way to his classroom. On my way, I notice the way a few male teachers look at me. They are totally checking me out, and it's gratifying. Look all you want boys, I have a man, and you have to work with him! The smug smile on my face gives me the confidence I need to successfully make it to Peeta's class. When I arrive, I look through the small window on the door, only to see a class still in session. Checking the time, I notice that there's only another minute before the class will let out. I'll just wait outside of his class for him.

While I wait, I lean against the wall next to his door, both of my hands coming to hold the large paper bag with our lunch in it in front of me. Passing teachers and students continue to give me questioning looks, unsure of my purpose in their school. It's amusing, in a way.

The blaring bell scoops me out of my reverie, and Peeta's door opens, a wave of 14 year olds bustling through. I continue my lazy pose against the wall while they all scuttle out, every last one of them giving me funny looks. From inside the class, I hear, "What are you all looking at out there?" As his sentence continues, his voice gets closer and louder. He is coming to see what they're all looking at. "Seriously, what is it that is so fac—" As soon as he sees me, his words stop.

"Katniss," he says, smiling so wide that his cheeks surely must hurt. I smile back, not saying anything just yet. "Katniss," he says again, this time approaching me and planting a chaste kiss on my lips. There's a collective "Ew" that comes from the kids that are still lingering, Peeta then shooing them off to their next period.

"What are you doing here?" he says, still smiling.

"I felt like surprising my 'very talented boyfriend' with lunch, courtesy of your super awesome girlfriend," I respond, repeating back to him his words from this morning and holding up the large brown bag. Peeta nods almost shyly. "I take it you got my gift, then?"

"Your very delicious gift, yes, I did. Thank you." He nods again, waving me into his now empty room and shutting the door behind us. Before I have a chance to compliment him on his classroom, he whips my body around and crushes his lips to mine, pinning me up against the cinderblock wall. I gasp from initial shock, but quickly drop the bag of food and wrap my own arms around his neck, kissing him back.

It's his tongue that penetrates first, exploring the corners of my mouth as if he hasn't seen me in years. I don't complain though, and kiss him back with the same fervor. The kiss tastes like want and anticipation, and it's only seconds before I feel my body grow slick with need. I push his lips away from mine, knowing this will go much further than what is appropriate right now. He rests his forehead against mine to try to catch his breath.

"I've missed you so damn much."

"I can tell."

"Good," he says, retreating back with a sexy smile on his face. Jesus, I want him, but there's a time and place for everything. I don't think Peeta's classroom is the right place to have sex with him for the first time.

"So," he begins, "what'd my super awesome and super hot girlfriend bring me for lunch?" I smile at his words and pick up the bag. "Well, I brought two All Americans from this little deli by Abernathy. They're to die for."

Peeta, who has been moving a chair next to his at his desk, nods in understanding. "To die for, eh? We'll see about that. Here, sit."

I go to sit in the chair he just moved but he shakes his head in protest and I become confused. "Sit in my chair, it's much comfier."

"Oh, no, it's fine, you sit there."

Peeta shakes his head and waves me to his chair. "Absolutely not, you get the nice chair." I smile at his chivalric ways and sit down, unwrapping the sandwiches and setting our places.

"These look delicious," he says, sitting down in the other chair and appraising the sandwich.

"They taste even better," I say, taking the first bite out of mine.

"Oh, I bet they do," Peeta says, his voice lower. I look over at him only to see him looking me up and down, hunger for something other than food etched across his features. For a moment, I get lost in the way his eyes have darkened and he licks his lips, but I quickly shake it off and swat his arm. "We are in a school, keep in mind."

Peeta laughs and returns his attention to his sandwich, digging in. For about ten minutes, the only sound that could be heard is that of moans and groans about how good the food is. We both finish up and turn to one another.

"Why'd you come down here?" Peeta asks, entwining his fingers with my own.

"I told you, I wanted to surprise you," I say, somewhat confused that he has asked me again. It takes a second, but soon he clarifies. "I mean, why did you want to surprise me?"

"Oh," I say, wondering if I should tell him about my wanting-to-be-a-better-girlfriend thing. I sigh and decide to tell him the truth.

"I want to be a better girlfriend," I whisper, shyly. "You're such a perfect boyfriend and I want to be more, I don't know, girlfriendy."

Peeta gives me that heart melting smile and pulls me up into a hug. "You're the perfect girlfriend for me, really."

I relax and melt into his embrace. He pulls back and gives me a slow, lingering kiss. "Good," I say once we've pulled away and resettled into the chairs. Now, while we are both happy and relaxed, it seems like the perfect time to act on my vow. Any waste of time, right?

"Tell me about your family," I blurt out, nervous. He is taken by surprise. "What do you want to know?"

Anything! Anything! Anything! my mind chants, but I just say, "Tell me the basics."

Peeta nods. "My oldest brother is Matthew and my middle brother is Colin. They are 32 and 29. I am closer with Colin than I am Matt, but Matt's cool. My dad is probably my best friend. He taught me everything I know about baking and let me pursue my dream of art." He finishes expectantly and turns to me. I take in the information greedily, but notice something.

"And your mother?" I ask, intrigued.

Peeta seems to sit up a bit straighter at the mention of her name and shrugs. "She's…fine."

"Fine?" I ask, confused. Peeta turns away and says, "Yes, fine. Next topic."

I become nervous and confused by his reaction, as well as a little rejected. He shut me right down as soon as I brought her up. What did she do to make her son feel this way about her?

Not knowing what to say or how to act, I get up and begin to clean up our lunch. Looking at the clock, I see that I really could spend a little more time with Peeta, but he's completely shut me down and I don't like the way it's making me feel.

"What are you doing?" Peeta asks, only beginning to show interest as I have started to gather my belongings.

"I'm leaving."

"Why?"

I turn my head to look at him. He looks scared and vulnerable, something I have never seen. My heart pulls for him, but I refuse to be put in a position like that—shut down.

"Because you straight shut me down and I will not tolerate that. I thought we were in this, Peeta. If you're not, you need to let me know because I am already so devoted and its going to h—"

"I am in this, Katniss. I am in this for the long run. Just…UGH," he exclaims. I am taken back by his response. He proceeds to pull at tufts of his hair and pace the classroom. I walk up behind him and pull his hands out of his hair.

"Don't pull your hair out, please. I like it too much."

Peeta turns to look at me and gives me a gracious smile. He then takes me into his arms and his warmth encircles me.

"Listen, Katniss. I am in this, whole heartedly. Just… you're not the only one with a fucked up past, all right? You told me that you needed time and now I am asking you for the same. In time, all of my cards will be laid out, I promise. I just need time," he pleads. I nod against the crook of his neck, kissing the soft skin there.

It's now that I look towards the door, only to see that a group of people have gathered there, one of which being Patricia from the office. Immediately, my cheeks go hot and I jump away from Peeta.

A look of hurt crosses his face before I cross my arms and say, "Do you have a fan club?" Not knowing what I mean, I gesture towards the door. Peeta turns around to see the small mob and laughs. He then grabs my hand, kisses it, and says, "Come on, I have some people I want you to meet."

I hope that this chapter lived up to everyones expectations! Please fav/follow/review and tell me what you think! Much love to you all :)