We're here! If you've stuck around, you're amazing and I love you. Thank you for riding this out with me.

The characters of The Hunger Games Trilogy do not belong to me.

Fated to Love

Part Two, Part Twenty-Six

Hand in hand, Peeta and Katniss entered the Odair Resort and Spa for the first time in five years.

The lobby still looked the same to Katniss, maybe more golden this time. She stared up at the familiar vaulted ceilings and over to the direction where the drugstore stood. The memory of lilac-scented lotion drifted into her senses and she saw a vision of her past-self walking dizzily to the elevators towards the wrong suite door.

Had it all really started in this very place?

"I was thinking the same thing," her husband—husband—whispered into her ear.

Katniss turned to meet his smiling eyes. "Did I say that out loud?"

Peeta moved behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist, before pointing down one of the long hallways.

"Do you see over there?" The huskiness of his voice caused her to press back just to soak in his words. "I was in a bar, drinking my woes away. There was a man around my age and he told me to look for the non-perfect."

"Don't you mean imperfect?" she retorted.

"I was pretty drunk, so it made sense," Peeta replied easily. "I prefer non-perfect though. Because when I think of non-perfect, I think of you."

Katniss twisted to sock him in the arm. "Thanks a lot!"

"Non-perfect for anyone but me." Peeta took her hand, tugging gently to bring her to him. "Just like I hope I'm just as non-perfect for you."

She wrapped her arms around the nape of his neck. "Was there any doubt?"

"Mr. Mellark?" They turned to find a bronze-haired man in a suit and a beautiful brunette walking alongside him, her deep green eyes sparkling at the newlyweds. "I don't know if you remember me—"

Peeta held his hand out. "Finnick Odair, of course I remember you." The man grinned and shook his hand. "I see you've taken over the family business."

"Yes." Finnick nodded before his eyes went to the woman next to him. "But, it wouldn't have happened without my wife, Annie."

The woman stepped forward, flashing a bright, pretty smile. "Annie Odair. It is wonderful to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Mellark."

"Katniss and Peeta, please," Katniss told her.

"I was reading an article about your wedding," Finnick told the couple. "Your second one, I mean, and it mentioned that you met Katniss here. I didn't realize until Darius—" Finnick nodded his head to the man at the front desk, who gave them a shy wave. "—admitted that he had accidentally put Katniss in your room."

"I hope you gave the man a raise," Peeta responded with a grin.

"He is now Head Concierge," Annie informed them. "Anyway, we wanted to greet you and say congratulations."

"Also, I know you wanted a regular room, but we wanted to let you know that the Honeymoon Suite is available to you, if you'd like," Finnick added.

"Thanks," Katniss replied after a moment. She looked to her husband and he nodded in agreement. "But, I think that Room 169 is perfect for us."

The bellhop opened the door to their room, walking in quickly to bring in their luggage.

"Wait." Quickly, Peeta scooped his wife up, who yelped into his ear at the motion. "As soon as my ear stops ringing, we can go in."

"Sorry," Katniss replied sheepishly, her arms going around his neck. Peeta beamed at the gesture. "I didn't expect this."

"It's tradition," he said. "There are some things, like carrying your wife over the threshold, that are sacred."

Easily, they entered the room as the bellhop put the last of their bags into the room. Peeta set her down gently before going to the young man and giving him his tip.

"Thank you, sir." The bellhop nodded at them. "And, congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Mellark."

He went to the door, closing it soundly behind him.

Katniss let out a breath, just as Peeta turned to her.

"You okay?" he asked.

She nodded. "It's weird to be referred to as Mrs. Mellark…again."

Peeta approached her, his gaze concerned. "In a bad way?"

"No." Katniss smiled at him. "It was a whirlwind the first time around and then Toad was gone…and it was over." He reached for her and her hand went to his cheek. "But now, we have forever." Her eyes went around the room, losing herself in memories of how they started. "I remember the way you came in my room to rescue me from Marvel." The hand on his cheek drifted to his chin. "The way you lifted my chin to meet your eyes."

"Your eyes were the first things I noticed about you," he replied breathlessly, his hand going to her shoulder. "Such strength and softness inside them." Katniss shook under his fingers. "Are you afraid?"

"No…yes." Katniss laughed nervously. "We conceived Toad in this room. I think there's a reason that we just slept in the boathouse…because it was supposed to be here—where we began." She pressed a gentle kiss to his mouth. "Promise me one thing."

The soft brush of her lips to his sparked something inside Peeta. Every nerve pulsed and the blood rushed down, leaving him dizzy for more.

"Anything," he breathed into her mouth once again.

"Promise that I'll remember this."

The Odairs had dinner sent to their room, along with the message that they had notified the staff to leave them be unless called upon. The food was delicious, but they could barely focus on it. To Katniss, they were just different colored shapes that she moved along the plate.

Finally, Peeta put down his fork, the clang bringing her out of her daze. "What are we doing?"

"Eating dinner," she replied simply.

"You're not eating," her husband pointed out.

Katniss looked at his plate. "Neither are you!"

"We're not thinking of dinner." He nodded his head at the bed. "We're worried about that."

"I am worried." Katniss placed her silverware on the table. "It's been at least five-ish years since I've had sex and it's our wedding night so sex is expected."

"No!" Peeta stood from his seat and rounded their table, kneeling before her. "We don't have to do anything that you're not ready for." He took her hands. "Listen, sweetheart. We have forever so there is no rush. I love you and I intend to make every part of our marriage perfect."

She grinned, taking his face in her hands before leaning down to kiss him.

"That just makes me want you more," she said softly. His eyes remained closed, a smile on his rough lips. "And, it's not always going to be perfect, but we're just going to have to work on it."

He opened his eyes, staring up at her shining eyes. "You're right."

Katniss stood up, holding her hand out to him. "Come here."

He rose and his wife led him to the bed, moving him to sit. "What are you doing?"

She knelt, removing his shoes and socks, before moving up to unbutton his shirt.

"Peeta Mellark, Former CEO of Mellark Corporation and new husband to me—" Katniss started. She stepped back after removing his shirt, revealing his broad chest to her hungry eyes. "I'm asking you to trust me, or this will be a long, not-very-fun life with one another."

Her hands went to the dress she wore; a cotton sundress with buttons down the front. She began undoing each button slowly for Peeta. As she moved down the trail, her stare remained on his blue eyes, once clear but gradually gradating with each exposed piece of rich skin.

The white lace bra and panties were a present from Johanna and Prim, which came from some fancy French lingerie shop and cost more than the precious wedding set she wore. Not like it mattered, but watching the way her husband casually ran the tip of his tongue along the outer edge of her lips made her rethink the worth of such lingerie.

Katniss let the dress fall to the ground, toeing off her heels before approaching her husband.

"Do you like this?" she asked quietly.

"Uh…" His eyes roved over her exposed skin, her breasts cupped in the thin lace revealing her hard buds and dark areolas, the smooth expanse of her torso, and finally to the scrap of her lace covering her center. "…I love it. I'm buying you more of whatever this is."

Katniss straddled him, her hands caressing Peeta's heated skin and hard muscle as he laid back. She closed her eyes, imprinting the memory of this room, of her beautiful husband, and the growing heat between her legs.

Slowly, her eyes opened and she found Peeta gazing up at her, his hands moving along her sides.

"You're beautiful," he breathed out.

Tears sprang up and Katniss moved, her chest pressing to his and her heart beating against him. Her hand moved quickly to undo and unzip, eager to feel him hard along her hand. Peeta gasped as she moved up and down the ridges of his length, slow but sure. The thrill took his jangled, frenzied mind over as she lost herself in exploration.

"Katniss…if you keep doing that—" A garbled moan fell from his lips as her thumb moved over his head. "—I'm not going to last."

Katniss smiled enigmatically, her hips rising to slip off her panties.

"Sorry." She sank onto him easily, engulfing him in one smooth, soaked move. "Better?"

"Fuck—I mean, yes!" Peeta sputtered, his eyes rolling back as she snapped her hips with him inside her. "O-Ohh yes…"

He was numb with pleasure, unable to control his limbs, focused on nothing but that feral look in his wife's eyes.

Katniss pressed her mouth to his, tasting…sucking…until neither could breathe. She could feel the stickiness of sweat on their skin and the roughness of Peeta's hands urging her to move.

After, they laid next to one another, boneless but sated. Clothes removed to cool them off as they rested on the soft comforter.

Peeta suddenly reached, fingers weaving through her hair, and his blues on her. He looked reverently, imprinting every little bit.

Katniss watched. "What are you doing?"

He smiled tenderly. "I don't want to forget."

Two months later…

"Auntie Katniss! Look at my picture!" Lacey scooted onto Katniss' lap—much to Enobaria's amusement, who was sitting next to her. "Am I an artist?"

Katniss examined the art with its numerous rainbows and flowers before smiling at the little girl.

"Did you feel happy drawing it?" she asked.

"Yes!" Lacey exclaimed, throwing her arms in the air. Her hair, in two braids, jumped with her tiny form and Katniss giggled at her enthusiasm.

"Then you, my dear, are an artist," Katniss declared affectionately. "Art is about creating and loving what you do. So if you love to draw, then you are an artist."

"I'm going to make another drawing for Sammy!" Lacey jumped off Katniss' lap and, as easily as she had rushed over, she rushed out of the garden.

"You're great with her," Enobaria said once her daughter was inside the house.

"Your daughter is easy to get along with." Katniss let out a small sigh before meeting her friend's eyes. "Sorry, I've just been thinking a lot."

"About starting a family?" Enobaria stared at her knowingly. "It's hard not to catch that longing in your eyes."

"I'm that obvious?" Katniss sat back. "It's just that I thought it would happen during our honeymoon. Then it didn't and now it's the second month…"

"Sweetie, you've been married two months!" Enobaria reached around Katniss, squeezing her shoulder. "Calm down."

"It's just that…what if Toad was meant to be our only child?" Katniss revealed the worry that plagued her mind each time her cycle came. "It seemed so easy the last time."

"The last time, you were younger and completely hocked up on medicines," Enobaria reasoned. "You have to understand that having children is a little harder this time around."

"It's always when you want it the most," she said quietly. "I don't even know if Peeta is thinking the same thing."

"You haven't talked to him about your concerns?"

Katniss shook her head. "I know we've talked about children someday…I didn't realize how much I meant right away until the honeymoon."

"I'm sure if you talk to him, he will understand," her friend advised. There was a high-pitched squeal and Enobaria chuckled. "It seems that your husband is home and Lacey is greeting him."

Peeta stepped into the garden, Lacey in his arms, as they chatted. Katniss' chest fluttered watching the two. Her husband would be a great father; watching him around Lacey and Sammy only drove that point home.

Reaching them, Peeta placed Lacey down before giving his wife a kiss. "What were you two talking about?"

"Well, I was mentioning to Katniss that Johanna has made some great improvements to Everdeen Plantation," Enobaria told him. "She's been real excited to show it off."

"She didn't mention it, but maybe we can go this weekend," Peeta said, looking to Katniss. "It would be a nice little break."

Katniss chuckled. "From nirvana? I don't know about you but I love this place."

"And, I love that you love this place," Peeta replied. Lacey went to her mother and the two went back into the house, leaving the couple alone. "There's something bothering you though." He looked out onto the lush grounds. "I think being home will give us a chance to talk."

Katniss rose, settling herself on Peeta's lap. "How did you know?"

"Because I can tell you're frustrated," he remarked and she turned to him in surprise. "I am also frustrated, but it's different for me—being a guy and all."

"It's amazing how you can read my mind," she said softly.

He ran a hand through her hair. "So, Seam Island?"

Katniss kissed him—because she could.

"Yes, Seam Island."

"Come here, Mason!"

The dark-haired boy stared at Katniss before rearing forward in an excited crawl towards his cousin. Johanna sat on the couch watching the scene with a grin on her lips. In his onesie, Mason moved, mouth open in a gummy smile and squealing happily as he reached Katniss.

"Great job, Mase!" Katniss lifted him onto her lap, pressing a kiss to the top of his soft hair. Johanna joined them on the hardwood floor. "Do you think it will be weird that he's going to call me just Katniss, but call Peeta 'Uncle Peeta'?"

"Probably," Johanna replied, full of mirth.

Katniss looked around the newly-done living room. Johanna had kept the furniture, only reupholstering them in more modern fabrics. Her Uncle Haymitch's recliner remained in the same place—though not without argument, Johanna revealed—with its only alteration being an accent pillow with a picture of Mason on it.

Paintings that Johanna collected during her travels were hung along with a few family photos on the newly-painted warm white walls. Other parts of the house had been painted, like Mason's nursery—mint green—and Prim's room, which was now an airy blue. Her room, which she was sharing with Peeta, remained the same.

"You've done a great job on the house," Katniss told her cousin. "I really love it. It looks different, but feels the same—like home."

"That's what I wanted," Johanna replied. "I want it to be a place for our family to come back to…and for future children to be able to run and play around in."

Katniss met her eyes. "Did Peeta tell you?"

"Your mother mentioned that you seemed to be a little tense." Johanna gave her an affectionate smile. "Katniss, you're putting so much pressure on yourself."

Katniss huffed. "This family can never keep secrets, can we?"

"No." Johanna guffawed at her frustration. "I had the flu last week and Prim had some soup delivered to the house while I was at my doctor! We are not discreet."

"I'm glad that we're related," Katniss suddenly said. "You were the first person to defend me."

"I'd do it all over again." Johanna reached and her son went to her easily. "Look at everything I've gained by knowing you, Katniss."

Her eyes filled with tears and Katniss swiped them away quickly. "Marriage and babies are making us saps."

Johanna guffawed at her words. "Oh shit! It has, hasn't it? I feel like I need to do something to counteract this—like burn down Clove's house or something."

"I wouldn't go that far," Katniss replied with a laugh. "Maybe send a picture of you giving her the finger or something."

The front door opened and Haymitch entered the house followed by Peeta.

Mason squealed and his father leaned down, giving Johanna a quick kiss, before picking him up. "Hello family."

A warm hand went to Katniss' shoulder, followed by a whisper, "Will you go somewhere with me?"

Katniss turned to see her husband, blue eyes full of mischief. However, she couldn't help but smile at his impish look.

"Okay." Peeta helped her up and she turned to the family. "We'll be back."

"Take your time," her Uncle replied. "Dinner should be ready when you get home."

The couple said their goodbyes before walking out of the open door.

"What was that all about?" Johanna asked her husband.

"Thought that they could use a nice walk around the island," Haymitch informed her offhandedly. He tickled Mason's chin, not meeting his wife's eyes. "I may have suggested a trail or two." Mason wandered off his father's lap, plopping himself between his parents. "Our boy could use a playmate, you know."

"Oh." Johanna gazed at the two most important men in her life. "Haymitch?"

Her husband distractedly lifted their son, blowing a raspberry onto his plump face. "Yeah?"

"It wasn't the flu."

Haymitch looked to his wife's calm expression, shock on his own face. "What?"

Mason laughed and clapped his hands.

"Sometimes, I forget how beautiful Seam Island is." Katniss closed her eyes, breathing in the salty air. "I used to come up here with my father." They stood atop an overlook, gazing down at the blue sea, golden fields, and familiar buildings below them. "When he passed away, I couldn't come back here—until now." She turned to Peeta. "Thank you for bringing me here."

"Haymitch mentioned that this was a special place to you," he replied. Taking her hand, Peeta led her to the laid out blanket. "I thought that we could have lunch here and have a talk."

"A talk?" Katniss sat down gently with Peeta joining her. "Sounds serious."

"I won't lie," Peeta said. "I've been worried because you seem distracted…pensive at times. I don't know if it's something I've done or because you're worried about not being pregnant yet—"

"I'm that readable, am I?" She sighed, settling back against the tall, flat rock behind her. "I feel disappointed in myself, worried that Toad is the only child we were meant to have, and worried how this might affect us."

"Oh sweetheart." Peeta put an arm around her. "Never ever think that this is going to change how I feel about us. We just have to keep trying, keep being hopeful, and have faith in us." He lifted her trembling chin. "In the deepest part inside, do you really think that it won't happen?"

Katniss shook her head. "No, we're supposed to be parents. It's just going to be a little different this time around."

Her husband smiled tenderly. "Then we're in agreement."

"Peeta?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you." Her finger went to trace the sharp edges of his jaw and Peeta closed his eyes, humming in content at her gentle caress. "I'm glad that you brought me here."

"It feels like we're completely alone in the world up here," he remarked. "I've been so caught up in trying to figure out what I want to do that I forget that there's more to life."

"Have you figured it out?" Katniss asked, her head going to his shoulder.

"What do you think about opening a new Mellark Bakery?" Peeta asked her. "Like the one that my Dad used to run."

"I think that it would be nice to go back to your roots," she said honestly. "And, I would gladly design your advertising."

"I've been talking to Haymitch as well as your mother and Uncle Snow," he continued. "Then I went to Prim and Cato."

Katniss gave him a mock-pout. "I'm feeling a little left out."

"It was just decided—upon our decision—that I would be the pastry chef at Arena for a few months," Peeta said. "Get my name out and everything. I'm known as a businessman and not as a chef. This would be my chance to prove myself." He turned to her. "What do you think? I want us to decide this together."

"I think…" She smiled at his nervous expression. "…that you will be a wonderful pastry chef."

"Really?" Peeta beamed, practically lifting her as he brought her close. "I have some great ideas and I want to show every one of them to you…thank you, Katniss."

She had settled atop him to keep from toppling onto the blanket. "Why are you thanking me?"

"Because I don't think I've ever felt this calm in my life." He gazed up earnestly at her. "It's because of you." His hand reached to the nape of her neck, his thumb caressing her skin. "So, thank you."

Katniss grinned. "You're welcome."

Her husband brought her lips down to meet his and she moaned at the sensation of warmth spreading throughout her body. Katniss was alit with fire, kindled by the simple touch of his skin to her own. Being with Peeta made her feel like she wasn't alone in the world. There was someone else who had felt the things that she did these last few years, all the hurt and pain…the love…the hunger.

Katniss wasn't sure who had started it. Maybe it was when Peeta had plunged his tongue into her mouth possessively or when she had grazed her teeth along his shoulder just enough for him to cry out. It mattered very little as she undid his belt, impatiently drawing the zipper down, and revealing him, hard and heavy for her.

"Please, Katniss," he breathed, his forehead pressed to her own. "I need you."

She sheathed him inside her effortlessly and the sharp pleasure gathered at her spine before she kissed him to cover their moans…

They returned to the Everdeen Plantation later that night, missing dinner, but not the smirk on Johanna's lips when she opened the door to their disheveled forms and unopened picnic basket.

One month later…

Katniss was avoiding him.

Peeta mixed the batter distractedly, lost in thought about his wife's strange behavior.

It wasn't like she was mad at him; her smiles and kisses said otherwise. However, she often seemed in a daze, lost in her sketching or in her journaling. Gale had decided to remain in New York with Madge, so it was up to Katniss to continue running her own projects. Caesar was already on her to work on her next line of purses with him and it seemed to be adding more pressure as he often found her asleep at her drawing desk.

"You okay there, bro?" He turned to see Cato staring at him in concern.

"Yeah, why?"

Cato pointed to the metal bowl. "That's not batter, that's a smoothie."

Peeta looked down at the thinned-out cake batter. "Damnit!" He went to the sink, placing the bowl down before meeting his brother-in-law's eyes. "Sorry, I wasn't thinking."

"No, it's alright," Cato assured him. "I know it's a lot of pressure. You're going to be starting your dessert menu with us in a week and the diners are waiting with bated breath."

He snorted at Cato's words. "I don't have a problem with that. It's just that Katniss seems…different."

Cato pulled a stool up to Peeta's station in the kitchen. "What do you mean?"

"Like she seems quieter—contemplative—and when I ask her she just assures me that she's alright." Peeta met his brother's eyes anxiously. "But something doesn't seem right…do you think Prim might know?"

"I don't mess with that sister-sister bond," Cato told him. "You're just setting yourself up for an Everdeen argument in which you'll never win."

"You're right," Peeta agreed. "Do you think I should confront her?"

Cato shook his head. "No, that's another bad idea. That just makes it seem like you don't trust her." He gave Peeta a sympathetic smile. "Be patient, bro. You'll get the answers you need."

Prim stepped into the kitchen, giving them a bright grin. "Peeta, Katniss called. Her phone died and she's using a payphone at a building downtown." She handed him a piece of paper with the address scribbled hastily on it. "Can you pick her up?"

"Already leaving." Peeta patted Cato on the shoulder. "Thanks for the advice."

Gathering his things, he quickly walked out the back door, leaving the couple alone.

"You gave Peeta advice?" Prim raised a brow at her husband. "He knows you suck at giving advice, right?"

"No, he doesn't," Cato told her. "Hopefully, he won't listen."

"Peeta!"

Katniss smiled brightly at him as she rushed down the corridor of the building.

Peeta exhaled in relief, seeing her open happiness at seeing him. She was glowing as she rushed forward, her navy skirt swinging along her shapely legs.

"What were you doing here?" Peeta looked around the sterile-looking lobby. "I didn't even know that you were going anywhere this morning."

"It was unexpected," Katniss replied excitedly. "I went somewhere else first."

He took her hand, leading her towards the automatic doors. "Where?"

"Dr. Paylor."

Peeta froze, his heart leaping at the name. "What?"

Turning, he found beaming Katniss holding out a small black-and-white photo—a sonogram.

"Peeta, I'm pregnant."

Katniss awoke to the sound of clangs coming from the front part of the suite. Reaching to Peeta's side, she found it cool, as if he hadn't slept in it for awhile. Her gaze adjusted to the digital clock by her bedside; it was nearly three in the morning.

Sitting up, she rolled out of bed in search of her husband.

Peeta had been overjoyed at her news, but there was a pensiveness in his eyes that spoke more to her. Katniss wasn't worried that he was unhappy. She was worried because he was hiding from her. She'd be damned if she'd let him keep his feelings from her.

That's not how they worked—not anymore.

She quickly discovered the source of the noise. Peeta was in the kitchen causing the racket by taking out a cake pan from their oven and sticking another one in. He then distractedly went to the metal mixing bowl on the adjoining counter before writing his findings in the notebook that he kept for his recipes.

She coughed softly and he looked up, dark circles under his eyes, to give her a handsome albeit tired grin.

"Hey sweetheart…couldn't sleep…thought I'd do some baking," he said in a rushed state. "You okay?"

"I'm fine," Katniss assured him as she went to the counter. "But, are you okay?"

"I'm great!" His eyes went around the stacks of dirty dishes. "I just have to clean up this mess. I've got some good ideas for my dessert menu…" Peeta leaned into the counter. "I wanted to have the best menu I could put together. The family is counting on me." He looked to the non-existent bump under her pajamas. "I want the baby to be proud of me. What if I screw it up?"

Katniss put her hand over his. "The menu or the baby?"

He sighed. "Both."

"You're not going to screw anything or anyone up." She wrapped her arms around him. "You're a great baker and an even better father."

Peeta smiled down at her. "I am really happy about the baby, you know."

"Yeah, yeah…" Katniss chuckled at him. "Make us a pastry."

"That's not a bad idea," he replied before lifting her carefully. "Now can I take you to bed so we can celebrate?"

Katniss snorted. "Finally!"

Four Months later…

"Hello ladies!" Peeta beamed at the receptionists of Dr. Paylor's office. "I've got some treats for you."

"Please tell me that there are Katniss buns in them," one of the women, Shelly, exclaimed. "Your bakery is so packed in the morning that it's impossible to even try to get one during my morning commute."

"Or, even on the weekend," Nina, the other receptionist, added as she reached for the white box with the Mellark Bakery emblem stamped atop it. Opening the box, Nina sighed happily. "You're a lifesaver."

"Katniss and Dr. Paylor are Room 1," Shelly informed him. "Good luck."

"Thanks!" Peeta headed down the hallway of the opulent medical office towards his wife and her obstetrician.

It had been a whirlwind few months. The pregnancy announcement had been met with great joy by the family. His Uncle was already working on baby-proofing the Mellark Compound with Brutus, as Enobaria comprised a menu for to make sure that their baby would be getting a well-rounded amount of the necessary vitamins.

At the same time, his dessert menu for Arena had been a resounding success. Prim and Cato proudly informed their patrons of Peeta's plan to open his own bakery right next door. It worked out perfectly as Arena began their brunch menu which gave him a chance to supply them with breads and pastries as well as bringing customers to his place to grab more.

Katniss' pregnancy had progressed quite normally…morning sickness…morning sex once that had stopped. She had been tired most of those first two months, but he relished in the fact that this time around she looked much healthier and relaxed. She spent a lot of her time working on the bag line for Caesar and when the time came, he had also asked her to design a maternity line.

She agreed, though not without some argument from himself and family. They didn't want her to push herself. Everything was stable; Gale had made some great sales with her art in Manhattan so there was no worry when it came to money.

Knocking on the door, Peeta waited for the doctor's response before opening it and entering the room. Katniss glowed at him on the exam table in her cloth hospital gown and paper blanket.

"Welcome to the show, Peeta," Dr. Paylor greeted. "You ready to find out what you're having?"

Reaching his wife, he gave her a quick kiss before responding to the doctor. "I just want healthy and happy." Peeta met Katniss' eyes. "We didn't have a chance to celebrate last time."

"It's time for us to celebrate," Katniss said, her voice trembling.

Dr. Paylor gave them a kind smile before prepping the ultrasound machine.

"How are you?" Peeta asked his wife.

"Nervous." Katniss let out a breath. "Just want everything to be alright. I mean it must mean something that I'm looking a lot fuller. I think the stress got to me with Toad. I was barely showing though the pregnancy was progressing well."

Placing the moving gel over her belly, Dr. Paylor began the examination. She took the appropriate measurements, telling them how well the baby looked. Moving suddenly to another spot, her brow suddenly furrowed.

"What's wrong?" Peeta asked immediately.

"It's just…" The doctor flipped a switch and the sound of loud galloping filled the room. Dr. Paylor moved the wand once again before a smile lit up her face. "Oh, there you are!"

Katniss looked panicked. "You couldn't find the baby?"

"No—" The doctor turned the screen to show them. "I couldn't find the other one." She presented the first delicate profile to the couple. "Here is one baby." Dr. Paylor moved the wand to the far right of her belly, practically to the underside. "And, here is your other baby."

"Twins?" Peeta could feel his eyes actually bulging out of his head. "We're having twins?"

"Yes, two very healthy babies," Dr. Paylor said. "Do you want to know the sex?"

"No!" Katniss stared at her in shock. "I think we're good with healthy."

Four and a half months later…

"Hey there…" Katniss stared down at the blanketed babies in her arms. "I'm your Mommy."

It was amazing as the girls were as different as night and day—one golden-haired and one brunette. Baby One was the brunette and her eyes looked blue, like Peeta's, while her younger sister, by two minutes, had a more silver glint to her wide orbs.

They both stared up Katniss and she knew that, before she introduced herself, they already knew she was their mother.

It had been a surprise when they found out, but she and Peeta were overjoyed at the thought of having twins. Yes, toward the later months of her pregnancy, she had been put on bedrest and it had frustrated her to no end. Peeta, however, had been great when she was in no mood to do anything.

She had her moments of melancholy, especially when Peeta had mentioned repainting what had been Toad's nursery. However, it was then that she knew that she had to let go of it all and watching Peeta paint the walls a soft lavender had been cathartic.

"What will you two become?" she asked quietly. "Will you be a painter like me? Or a baker like your Daddy?"

"They'll be whatever they want to be." She looked up at Peeta, who was at the doorway of her hospital suite. He rushed over to his family, giving her a quick kiss. "You did great."

"Did I hurt you?" Katniss asked.

He shook his head, holding up his wrapped wrist. "It's just bruised."

"Sorry," she said sheepishly. "Drugs wore out after Baby One."

"Should we decide on names?" Peeta reached, carefully taking their dark-haired daughter in his arms. "I don't think we could go on with calling them One and Two forever."

"I had a thought for one name." Katniss looked down at the golden girl in her embrace before meeting his eyes. "Poppy—after my grandmother."

"Beautiful," her husband declared. He looked between their daughters. "Which one of you wants to be Poppy?" The blonde in Katniss's arms let out a yowl and they chuckled softly. "I guess we have a winner."

"And, her?" Katniss asked. "Our little raven-haired girl?"

Peeta met her eyes, nervousness in them. "I have a suggestion but you might not be for it."

"Every other suggestion we've tried didn't seem to fit until now," his wife told him. "I'm open."

"I was thinking…Amelia," he said as the baby in his arms opened her eyes to look up at him.

Katniss tilted her head in curiosity. "Why Amelia?"

"Amelia was Mamie's actual name," Peeta explained quickly. "I thought it was appropriate as Mamie was how we got to know each other again."

"Amelia," his wife sounded slowly and the little one in Peeta's arms moved her head in Katniss' direction. She grinned seeing the flash of recognition in the baby's eyes. "I think it's perfect."

There was knock on the door and they looked to find the family crowding around it.

"Me first!" Hani said. "I'm their grandmother!" Hani ran over to them, giving the couple hugs before looking to her granddaughters, pride as well as tears in her eyes. "They're perfect!"

"You did good," Uncle Snow added. "It's going to be nice hearing the sound of crying in the compound again."

"Dad, you can always come over and babysit," Johanna said as she walked into the room, holding Mason's hand as he toddled into the room. "Ever since Honor was born, we haven't gotten any sleep."

"Please, I insist," Haymitch added as he cradled the three-month-old baby in his arms. "You'll love her…at about three in the morning."

Uncle Snow took Honor in his arms and cooed at the baby. "Honor Abernathy, are you causing your parents trouble?"

"With a name like that, how could she not?" Prim said as she shuffled into the room with gift bags in her arms.

Jace followed in, taking the bags from his mother. "Mommy, you can't carry all of them!"

"Did your father tell you that?" Jace nodded as his father walked in and Prim glared at Cato. "Well, I'm not made of glass—"

"It's precautionary," Cato said to appease her. "Just in case—"

"Is there something you want to share?" Peeta suddenly called out with a mischievous grin on his face.

"It's an 'in case'," Prim informed the group, her eyes softening at the newborns. "Now, I want to see my nieces!"

"What are their names?" Jace asked as he went to the hospital bed.

Peeta met his wife's eyes. "You do the honors."

Katniss nodded, her own gaze shining with love.

"Everyone, I'd like to introduce you to Poppy—" She presented the baby in her arms before looking to their other daughter. "—and Amelia Mellark."

Three Months later…

"Beautiful! Fabulous!" Caesar gushed at the scene before him. "I love it!"

Peeta raised his hand. "We have spit-up!" Rue rushed over to hand him a napkin and leaning down, he reached down to wipe the bit of regurgitated milk from Poppy's pink lips. "You okay there, love?"

Poppy's mouth drew up as if she was laughing at her father.

"She's a sassy one," his assistant said, adoration in her gaze. Then her eyes went to Katniss and Amelia, who sat adjacent to them. "This beauty seems like a curious one."

"That's accurate," Katniss replied as Amelia reached to tug at a loose wave of her mother's dark locks. "She loves to grab." Her eyes went to the photographer, a woman with sharp eyes and a sharp bob. "Cressida, can we take a minute? The girls need a break."

"Of course, Katniss," the woman replied graciously before turning to the rest of the crew. "Five-minute break!"

"I'll grab some water for you two and the girls' binkies," Rue told the couple. Slowly, she stood before turning to them. "You two look like full-fledged parents."

Peeta turned to his wife, who beamed at him. "It's all we wanted."

Rue went to gather their waters and Katniss looked out at the view before them. The photoshoot had been Caesar's idea as he and Katniss had been developing a new clothing collection for children. Her suggestions for the maternity line had been successful and had set her designer friend's mind with thoughts of a line for kids, starting from newborn to pre-teen.

Amelia was currently sporting Everdeen/Flickerman collaborated ladybug dress while Poppy wore their sunflower smock.

"It's really beautiful out here," Peeta suddenly remarked. "And, the house is huge!"

They were being photographed in front of a large colonial-style home, just thirty-minutes out of the city. It was a gorgeous place with its rolling hills and lush fields. They sat on a red and white checkered blanket with beautiful food spread made for the shoot; it made for an idyllic scene.

"It's very homey." Katniss took a deep breath and closed her eyes.

Behind her eyelids, she could see an image of their daughters running around the field before them, hair in braids and their high-pitched laughter in her ears. Katniss could see Amelia creating daisy chains with those long fingers that she and Peeta would kiss before they put her to bed. Her ears perked at the sound of melodic singing—Poppy; their golden-haired daughter easily fall asleep to Katniss singing to her.

Katniss saw their future in this field.

"I bought the house, you know."

Opening her eyes, she looked to her grinning husband. "What?"

"Caesar was showing me the place and mentioned that the owner was looking for a buyer," Peeta explained. "And, I don't know…I just saw our life here with the girls. Sunday mornings baking bread…you working on your art on the front porch…the girls swinging in the tire that I'm going to put up in that tree over there…family get-togethers—this place will look great in the snow."

He turned to Katniss, anxious for her thoughts.

"What do you think?"

Still holding Amelia, Katniss leaned forward to give him a kiss.

"I think that you were reading my mind."

There was a click as they gazed at one another and the couple looked to find Cressida at her camera.

The woman had the good grace to blush. "It was a good moment."

Peeta nodded in agreement. "It is."

Times Square, Manhattan, New York

Madge sat on the fiberglass steps, staring up at the billboard before her.

It was a beautiful family portrait. The blond gazed at his wife, blue eyes thick with love and adoration as she, the gorgeous brunette smiled gently. In their arms were their daughters, one golden-haired and the other sporting deep-black locks.

"The Mellarks look rather happy, don't they?"

Madge broke from her daze to see Gale at her side, grin wide, and holding out his hand to her.

She nodded, taking his hand as she stood. "They do."

"Do you think that could be us one day?" Gale asked as they walked down the steps and into the crowd.

"I think so," she replied with a smile. "We'll just have to take it one step at a time."

"And, what would be our first step?"

Madge stopped, turning to Gale. "Will you marry me?"

His handsome face rose in a smile and there, in the middle of Times Square, Gale answered her with a kiss.

Many years later…

Katniss put down the palette at the sound of laughter. Out in the field in front of her, the girls stood side by side. Poppy strummed her ukulele as Amelia danced, her long limbs flailing out of tune with her sister's song.

She chuckled, watching their antics and feeling the kick under her painting apron and she couldn't help but wonder if their son would be the same way.

A neon flap of paper suddenly swung in front of her—a Post-It.

'Happy Anniversary', it read.

"Soon-to-have three children and this is what you're giving me?" Katniss turned to her husband in amusement.

"I thought that I'd go old school," Peeta replied before giving her a kiss. "Plus, there's a cake in the kitchen with your name on it." He cupped his hands in the direction of the girls. "Millie! Poppy! We have cake!"

The two ran towards their parents, identical braids dancing behind them. Amelia went to her mother, giving her a quiet smile before reaching to place a daisy crown atop her head, then gently caressing her mother's swell. Poppy, in turn, placed a daisy chain along the nape of Peeta's neck before bursting into a happy laugh. She then went to Katniss and placed a quick kiss to Katniss' tummy.

Hand in hand, the two girls walked through the open door, talking to one another in rushed, excited whispers.

"Ten is a weird age," Peeta commented as he watched the twins.

"They're not even teenagers yet," Katniss replied. "I mean, Prim found Jace and Lacey making out on their front porch yesterday."

"Lacey was always a determined one," her husband replied.

"I know what the girls are talking about, too," she added before going to her husband. "They both have crushes on Sammy. You inviting him to come over next weekend is going to be interesting."

"He's my apprentice and way too old for them," Peeta groused. "They're not allowed to date until they're at least thirty!"

Katniss crossed her arms. "So, they'll be dating by sixteen."

He sighed; he could never say no to his girls. "Probably." Placing a hand on her bump, Peeta leaned forward to speak to his son. "You are in for a ride, little boy."

"At least, no girl will possibly come near him when they see his sisters, especially if the girls decide to recruit Honor and Lily," Katniss said consolingly. "So, I won't have to worry."

"Very funny, Mrs. Mellark." Her husband pulled her close, arm protectively around her shoulders. "Let's get in there before the girls finish the cake."

Katniss nodded, untying her smock when the bright Post-It caught her eye inside its pocket. She reached in, taking it, and smiled to herself. It had been a long time since she had even seen one, so busy raising the girls with Peeta, working on her art, then becoming Caesar's business partner.

Yet, these funny little scraps of neon used to be part of who she was.

And, it was always important to remember where you came from.

Folding it, she placed it back in her pocket for safekeeping, the realization hitting her all at once and bringing a smile to her lips.

Katniss Everdeen-Mellark was no Post-It Girl.

FIN.

Thank you for joining me for this story. It's been fun…and cathartic…and every other emotion.

I would love to regale you with more tales in this universe but, for now, FTL is done.

If you've watched the original series, it's the same and different all at once, which I'm really pleased with. Reading back, I loved watching Everlark pulled themselves together—separate and as a couple. I loved the family dynamic—how no one can keep a damn secret. I loved the friendships…and the drama.

Anyway, I hope that you'll send me some words of kindness or anger or whatever you feel free to grace me with.

I'll be taking a long break to work on my original, clear out my Tumblr requests, and think of what's next on the fanfiction horizon.

Thank you, Gracias, Merci, Maraming Salamat…and all other ways to interpret my gratitude for all your words of encouragement as well as suggestions/feedback, etc.

Hubbs and I are giving you big hugs.

Always, JLaLa