inspired by >this< post from @mellarked-katnisseverdeen
Her father just knows that something is happening.
The way the boy looks at the girl while he is negotiating the price of game meat with the baker. Always pretending like he's doing something else, just to look at her more closely.
Or how Katniss take off the cap and redo her braid every time on they are in thw way to the bakery.
He just knows very well what is happening there, remembers his romance with a merchant girl years ago.
Then, thinking that the boy is intimidated by seeing Katniss always accompanied by her father, he starts sending her alone to sell the squirrels. Then ask "how was on there"
"normal..." Katniss replies with a shrug, without understanding the reason for the question.
And he gives a small smile, which leaves Katniss even more confused. The truth is that that old hunter realizes much earlier than she does that the boy has a crush on his daughter.
And he takes immense pleasure in seeing her slowly realize it too. Watching the two go from acquaintances to friends, and slowly, to lovers.
It's funny because Peeta, that boy raised with good manners, makes a point of talking to Katniss' father after she agrees to date him.
"I'm Peeta Mellark, sir." he says, with a firm voice and a strong handshake. Well, he doesn't really know what he's doing. He's only 17 and she is his first girlfriend, but he's trying to do it right. He doesn't want to ruin everything.
"Oh, yes. Katniss's boyfriend, Am I right?" he says with a wide smile.
"Oh, stop treating me like I'm not here" Katniss crosses her arm in embarrassment. "I feel like a goat for sale in the market"
She prefers it when everything is more relaxed, for example when Peeta comes to dinner with them on a Sunday.
He sits at the Everdeens' table and watches everyone share a bowl of rabbit stew. It's not much, but Katniss's father offered little to Peeta as well. Peeta is so grateful.
It's his first time with a "real family". With love, with communion, with laughter at dinner time.
So he is always invited again, every Sunday. Peeta brings bread and cakes to share too. Brings sweets that Prim always wanted to try, brings yeast that Mrs. Everdeen needs for some medicines, brings cheese buns for Katniss. This causes him some ear tugging and pinching from his mother, but he doesn't even care anymore.
Because every end of the night Katniss' father picks up the guitar and teaches Peeta some old songs. It's funny because he's a terrible and out of tune singer, especially compared to the Everdeens. It makes Katniss and Prim laugh, but Peeta could never feel happier.
Because everyone makes such a great effort to make him feel at home. It's no surprise when Katniss and Peeta get married they move near her family.
It's satisfying for Katniss's father to see Peeta stop calling him 'Sir' and refer to him as a friend, because that's what they become.
