LaLa Hemsworth

“Who is that asshat?” Katniss asked. “Also, ‘HawthorneHotness’?” She snorted before handing a flushed Gale the phone and turning to Peeta. “What happened between you two?”

“About a month ago, we had a race up at Twin Peaks, and I won. He didn’t take it very well because he lost a bunch of sponsorships after someone posted the whole thing on Instagram.”

“It probably didn’t help that Johanna hooked up with his girl that night too,” Thresh added with a snort. “Now we all know what’s under his hood.”

“And what’s under his hood?” Katniss asked with a grin.

Gale pinched his thumb and index finger. “Not much.”

“That’s not good,” she replied. “I think the way a person drives is pretty spot on to the way they have sex.”

Peeta raised a brow. “Really?”

“Trust me, I’ve done the research.”

“Not sure if I like the way this is going.”

Thresh peered at her in curiosity. “Tell me more about this research.”

“Can we just please get back to this whole Cato thing?” Gale called out. “How are we going to respond?”

Katniss held out her hand.

“Peeta, give me your phone.” He handed it over easily and she smirked. “So trusting.” She typed quickly; her greys fastened on the screen before giving his phone back to him. “Friday night on the Great Highway. Also, cute handle.”

“You think ‘Speeda­_Mellark’ is a cute handle?” Thresh teased. “You are really into this boy.” He ruffled Peeta’s lock good-naturedly.  “And what’s happening on Friday?”

“Cato called Peeta out. I handled it,” Katniss replied easily.

Quickly reading her response, Peeta tucked his phone into his pocket.

“Cato wants a race so I’m giving him one.”

“And it’s going to cost him,” Katniss added.

Gale turned to her. “How?”

“We’re racing for pinks,” Peeta informed them. “I’ll have to look over the work done on Cato’s ride, but you could get a good amount of cash for it.”

Katniss nodded resolutely. “That was the plan.”

“After work, come by the shop and I’ll make sure your ride is good,” Thresh told him. He yawned loudly, his arms stretching up. “I’m hella tired!” He kissed Katniss on the cheek. “Night mama.”

Katniss smiled. “Night Thresh.” She turned to Gale and Peeta. “You both should get some rest.”

Gale nodded. “Have a good night.”

He turned and headed toward the stairs but not before giving the couple a quick glance.

Finally alone, Peeta pulled Katniss close and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips.

“Can I take you on a date tomorrow?”

Katniss’ face lit up and she drew his mouth back to hers. Peeta fell easily into the kiss, his arms tightening around her waist. She pressed her chest to his, her nipples brushing along his pecs. The sensation shot through his body and he let out a groan.

Katniss smiled against his lips. “Yes, I’d love that.”

“So trusting,” he replied, nipping at her bottom lip.

Her eyes, full of tenderness, remained locked on him.

“I’d go anywhere with you. Ride or die, right?”

His hand reached to cup her cheek, throat tight at her words.