Work Text:
I splash the warm water on my face, a desperate attempt to find some comfort. As I crouch over the bathroom sink, the ivory tiles beneath me cold against my bare feet, my knuckles tighten, gripping the edge of the counter with a stark whiteness. It’s the first day of my period, and the unwelcome ache of cramps in my lower belly resurfaces, an echo of a monthly ritual. It’s an unfortunate – or perhaps fortunate? – consequence of my normal life now. Falling back into a routine, having enough food to eat, enough sleep and rest, and living a life that, by most standards considered normal has helped my body return to a regular menstrual cycle.
Growing up, I lost my period soon after getting it. It was a consequence of the harsh realities of life—malnutrition and the relentless pursuit of sustenance through hunting, a struggle to provide for my family. Now, though, the Capitol’s weekly provision of food to the districts, coupled with other essential supplies, and the monthly winnings for victors have alleviated the need for starvation and the physical exertion I once endured. Consequently, my menstrual cycles have settled into a predictable rhythm, marking their return on the 5th of every month.
“Katniss?” my husband’s voice drifts into the bathroom. I turn around, catching sight of Peeta in the doorway. With one hand rubbing the sleep out of his eyes and another leaning into the doorway, I couldn’t help but think about how cute he looks with his sleep-ruffled hair. My eyes trace the contours of his form, clad in sweatpants that ride low on his waist. He's shirtless, the warmth of the room seemingly enough to defy the November chill that lingers outside.
“Katniss, are you okay?” His question breaks me out of the haze of my thoughts.
“Yes, it’s just cramps. I’m on my period,” I sigh into the reality of my discomfort.
“Aw, I’m sorry, honey.” He murmurs tenderly as he walks towards me. His hand finds the small of my back with his fingers tracing gentle circles on my tense spots.
“It’s okay, Peeta. Just go back to sleep. I’ll come back to bed soon.”
“No, Katniss. Let me take care of you, yeah?” He whispers while planting a kiss on my temple. Without warning, he scoops me up into his arms, earning a squeal from me.
“Peeta… you don’t have to-“ I’m not even sure what I was going to say because he interrupts me with a kiss while he carries me back into bed. He peppers affectionate kisses all over my face while he tucks me into bed.
“Wait here. I’m going to make you some tea and bring you something warm, okay?” He says reassuringly while stroking my cheek with his thumb. I respond with a silent nod and sink my head into the soft pillow.
Peeta slips out of the bedroom, leaving me to my thoughts. I close my eyes, attempting to drown out the persistent ache in my belly. Despite the discomfort, I shift my focus to the warmth that envelops me—the warmth of Peeta's care. Allowing myself to be nurtured by him, such a stark difference from the years spent shouldering the burden of responsibility for others, sends a subtle shiver of gratitude through me. My life has undergone a profound transformation since those challenging times. Each night, I find solace in the knowledge that Peeta sleeps safely beside me. A small, involuntary smile graces my lips, a testament to the peace he has brought into my life.
“What are you smiling at?” Peeta’s voice disrupts my musings. I flutter my eyes open and a blush creeps up to my cheeks as I meet his gaze. He has a tray in his hands which he sets gently on the bedside table.
“Just…thinking about how much I love you.” I admit, my voice tinged with a shy vulnerability. I extend my arm, inviting him to come closer. Peeta grasps my hand and leans in to give me a peck on the lips.
“I love you too,” he says with a chuckle. “Now back to serious business. We’re gonna get you comfortable.” He pulls away, kneeling on the ground to grab another blanket from the drawer attached to my bedside table.
“Lean forward for me a little bit,” he instructs, standing over me as I oblige. He wraps the blanket around my back. Before securing it in the front, he retrieves a hot water bottle from the tray and places it on my stomach over the shirt I wore to sleep (which is actually his). A gasp escapes me as the hot bottle touches my belly, unprepared for its high temperature.
“I’m sorry, Katniss. Is it too hot?” he asks, his eyes wide and concerned.
“No, I was just surprised, that’s all.” I say, nodding at him encouragingly.
“Okay,” he says. He presses a kiss to my cheek as his hands tuck the hot water bottle in place within the cocoon of the blanket around my lower abdomen.
He kneels beside me, making us practically the same height. As Peeta hands me the cup of tea he prepared, the fragrant steam wafted up, carrying the soothing essence of lavender and chamomile. The aroma enveloped the air around us, creating a tranquil atmosphere in the moonlit bedroom. As I lifted the cup to my lips, the warm vapors caressed my senses, a sensory embrace that complemented the warmth of Peeta's care. Each sip was a balm for both body and soul, offering respite amidst my discomfort.
“Feel better?” Peeta asks, smiling widely.
“I’d feel better if you come sit next to me,” I suggest, playfully wiggling my eyebrows. He laughs – a sound that I have grown to love so much – before slipping under the covers next to me. We assume our usual position: him leaning against the headboard, me resting my head on his chest. He rubs circles onto my back and arms, lulling me into a state of half-sleep.
Suddenly, he leans over to retrieve something from the tray. It becomes apparent that my attention was more on him than on the contents of the tray. In his hand is a plate with a bun, likely one from earlier in the day that he warmed up for me. I smile widely and pick it up from the plate. As I take a bite, the gooey warmth of chocolate lavishes my tongue, drawing an involuntary moan from me.
“Mhmmm…It tastes so good…” I murmur between bites of his delicious chocolate bun. Peeta chuckles, pulling me closer to him. He gently tilts my chin up so I could meet his gaze. “Will you wake me up the next time you’re in pain? I want to help you feel better,” he asks.
I nod slowly, confessing, “I would… but I didn’t want to disturb you. I know you have to wake up early to open the bakery,”
“I don’t care, Katniss. I want to take care of you especially if you’re hurting. Okay?”
“Okay,” I reply, placing the empty plate on the tray and returning to my position on his chest.
Peeta continues rubbing meaningless shapes all over my back and arms as I try to go to sleep, the warm water bottle providing relief to the dull ache in my belly. I look up to him, distracted once again by how his blonde eyelashes look in the moonlight.
“I love you so much. Thank you for taking care of me.” I whisper, burying my face in the crook of his neck. He presses a kiss to my forehead, whispering softly, “I love taking care of you,”
I drift into a peaceful sleep that night, no longer bothered by the pain in my stomach.