Thank you for your support. This story is dedicated to all my fabulous readers.

The Hunger Games Trilogy does not belong to me.

Please read "All I Know" if you haven't already or you will be utterly confused.

You're just a small bump unknown, you'll grow into your skin.
With a smile like hers and a dimple beneath your chin.
Finger nails the size of a half grain of rice,
And eyelids closed to be soon opened wide
A small bump, in four months you'll open your eyes…

-Small Bump (Ed Sheeran)

I just wanted to give a special thanks to the lovely zenleigh for making sure that this all made sense!

Small Bump (Part One)

Five Months and Two Weeks Later…

"Ninety-nine," I mumble to myself.

I don't even realize that I am talking out loud until I look to my left and see Finn giving me a teasing grin.

I can't help but smile back at the gorgeous man sitting next to me.

"Is this a pattern?" He takes my hand. "The closer we are to District Twelve, the more crazy you become? I thought I was supposed to be the nervous one."

"Why would you be nervous?" I ask him. "You've been there before. You know everyone."

Finn kisses the side of my head. "This time is different. This time I'm coming as your boyfriend."

I look up at his handsome face and my heart skips a beat. It's hard to believe that I get to run my fingers through his bronze hair. His green eyes look back at me affectionately.

"Isn't that title a little too young for you?" I say and lean against him.

He puts an arm around me and I breathe in his scent. Finn always smells of the sea breeze.

I guess that's how I probably smell now.

I've been living in District Four for almost six months.

It has been busy. My grandparents have worked me rigorously. I had only basic training while I was in District Twelve but the training my Grandpa Arthur has given is way more advanced. I've learned everything from sutures to appendectomies. I've learned how to run a lab and analyze a urine test.

It was three months into my training when I delivered my first baby. The girl was my age. The father was already gone.

I stayed with her the whole time bringing her ice chips and checking on her dilation pattern. She cried a lot. My Grandpa Arthur then told me that she was now my patient and that I would be doing the delivery.

"I can't do that," I tell him. "I have no idea what I'm doing."

I had observed a few deliveries and assisted but never led my own team.

"She trusts you, Zoe," he assured me. "You can do this. Now call in your grandmother and have her scrub in with you."

First times can bring out all of kinds of emotions. Right then, I was feeling fear.

I remember urging her to push while she was screaming for her mother.

I was wishing for mine as well.

Then the bump in her belly became a crying, red-faced baby boy. It was all happening so fast as I handed the baby to my grandmother who was grinning at me with proud eyes. I assisted with the afterbirth before I went to check on the baby. He had a shock of blond hair and dark eyes.

Picking him up, I brought him to his mother who was tired but grinning.

He was the only family she needed now.

"Thank you Dr. Mellark." She looked at me like I had given her some great treasure.

I realized that I had.

"It was my pleasure, Leila."

Then I realized it was the first time that I'd been referred to as Dr. Mellark. It felt good.

I looked up at the observation window of the room. Grandpa Arthur and Finn were on their feet giving me a standing ovation; both of them were brimming with pride.

I took a bow and met Finn's eyes when I looked up again.

He mouthed, "I love you."

My heart leaped in shock. See what I mean about first times?

I turned back to Leila to make sure that she was okay. She was still staring at her baby who was now asleep against her chest.

"So what are you naming this little guy?"

"I don't know," she replied. "I don't have many positive male role models in my life." Laying back she looked up at me. "What is your dad's name?"

I blushed. "His name is Peeta."

Her eyes widened. "As in Peeta Mellark? I must have been really out of it to not realize. So your mom-"

I nodded. "Katniss Mellark."

"Wow. Well…cool," she stammered and then looked at her sleeping baby. "I'm sure that this happens all the time but I'm going to name him Peeta."

It is always weird to me when I realize the impact that my parents have made on Panem.

When I see my dad, I don't see the boy in the Games. I see the man who always makes me blueberry pancakes on the weekends and still stumbles all over himself if he looks at my mom for too long.

I couldn't wait to call my dad and tell him.

So far, I've delivered eight boys named Peeta and eleven girls named Katniss.

It seemed as if many of District Four's soon-to-be mothers would go into labor during my shifts. I have been busy bringing children into the world, calming their mothers, and resuscitating their fainting fathers.

Ninety-nine. I have delivered ninety-nine children.

'Oopsie' baby will be my hundredth.

"Zoe love, where are you?"

Finn is nuzzling my ear and I turn to him so our lips can meet. I kiss him thoroughly because once we are in District Twelve under the watchful eyes of my parents-we will have to severely tone down the affection.

"Sorry, lost in thought," I tell him after we have pulled away. "What was I saying?"

"You were talking about me being called your boyfriend."

I scrunch my nose. "Doesn't seem quite right." I think for a moment. "Man-friend, maybe?"

Finn grimaces.

"How about lover?" Finn suggests, his green eyes blazing.

"Oh, that sounds like a perfect introduction," I tell him, sarcasm lacing my voice. "Then my dad and Uncle Gale will throw you into one of the bakery ovens." I kiss his nose when I see the blood drain from his face. "We'll just stick with boyfriend."

"How did I get so lucky?" he asks me seriously. "I get to kiss you every day."

"Well," I say and check my watch, "You get to kiss me freely for the next twenty minutes."

"I can work with that," Finn tells me.

Our lips meet once again because we know that we won't be able to do this with my mom, dad or Mitchy walking about.

On the other hand, there is always the forest.

When I step out onto the train platform, I smile to myself inhaling the familiar woodsy scent.

Behind me, Finn wraps his arms around my waist.

"Don't do that right now," I warn with a grin.

"I guess I shouldn't do this either," Finn says and lifts me by the waist throwing me over his shoulder. "What do you think they'll say if I bring you to your house like this?"

I laugh, my long hair hanging around me.

"If you didn't have such a nice butt, I would be more upset." I smack his bottom for good measure.

"Ahem." Holy Crap.

I move the curtain of hair and look up to see my family staring at me.

Mom looks amused, not to mention HUGE. Dad is standing next her and he's definitely not amused. Mitchy is grinning at me as he holds a 'Welcome Back Zoe' sign.

Beside my family are Aunt Johanna and Uncle Gale who sport similar expressions to my parents. Aunt Johanna is giving me a thumbs-up though. Ian and Bertram, their twin boys, are talking to one another and laughing as they look at us.

Finally, there is Ana, my best friend, who is standing there smiling at me.

She was the one who interrupted Finn and me.

"Hey everyone," I say from where I am.

Finn's body stiffens at my greeting and I'm suddenly thrown back on my feet. He turns to face them, his cheeks scarlet.

Recovering, I go to my parents. "Mom, Dad!" They both pull me in for a hug together.

"My baby," Mom greets me and when I pull back I touch her belly. I feel a small push against my hand.

"'Oopsie' baby is getting strong," I say and continue to feel around. "You're almost there."

"Thank goodness," she replies with a comforted smile and looks at my dad. "This is definitely the last one."

I turn to my dad. "Hello Daddy," I greet him and the frown that he had is suddenly replaced with a big smile.

"My Zoe," he says and pushes my hair from my face. "You look different, more mature."

"It happens when you deliver as many children as I have," I tell him. "I just want to make you proud."

He cups my cheek. "You always have."

"Hey sis," Mitchy says. "Glad to know that you have someone keeping you company out there." He looks over at Finn who has a sudden interest in his shoes.

"How's Amaya?" I retort and he turns red.

"None of your business," he tells me.

I lean in so I can whisper in his ear. "Tell me later?"

"Deal."

I walk over to Uncle Gale and he hugs me tightly. "Hey, Zoe." Lifting me up easily, he places me back down. "Still light as a feather."

"They don't make squirrel stew like they do here, Mayor Hawthorne," I reply as I smile up at him. Uncle Gale has been a comforting presence in my life. He is quiet but powerful.

In a way, he reminds me of my mom a lot. It's not surprising since they grew up together in the Seam.

I turn to Aunt Johanna. "Sweetie!" She throws her arms around me.

"My God, Finn is adorable. Just like his father. Please tell me you've kissed him," she says into my ear. My face warms and I remain quiet. Aunt Johanna doesn't need me to confirm her words; she only needs to look at my face.

"My my, Zoe Mellark…"

She looks over to my mom who is speaking to Finn. When their eyes meet, she raises her eyebrows. My aunt gives her a quick look before turning to me again.

It's amazing how those two communicate.

"Give me a hug, District Four," Ana says and I run into her arms. "How are you, babe?"

Since I have been living in District Four, Ana and I have been talking frequently on the phone. It has become a sort of game to call each other pet names.

Until the day Cade, Ana's boyfriend, thought that she was talking to another guy.

"I'm good. And you, sweetheart?"

Ana bites her lip nervously and looks over to her parents. "We'll talk when we're alone." She looks over at Finn and then at me. "So he told you that he loves you?" I nod in confirmation.

We hook arms as we begin to walk out of the station. Aunt Johanna and mom are talking to Finn about the changes to the Children's Ward. Dad and Uncle Gale talk behind them as they glance over at Finn.

Oh dear.

This could get bad.

Flashbacks of the two men sitting on the porch with their weapons of choice enter my mind.

My first date didn't make it up the porch before he turned and walked away. It took my mother chasing him down to explain that my dad would not be shooting him with an arrow.

He never learned to shoot. It was all for show.

By that time, I was in tears and didn't bother coming out of my room. It was the first time that I was ever really mad at my dad and Uncle Gale.

The next day as a peace offering, he invited the boy over to the house. Both he and mom made themselves scarce as together we ate the cake that dad made.

"Yes," I reply as the memory drifts away.

Ana looks at me. "Did you say it back?"

I shake my head. "I'm eighteen."

"And…"

"No one says they love someone when they are as young as me," I tell her sensibly.

Ana smacks the back of my head as we walk.

"Aren't your parents 'The Starcrossed Lovers of District Twelve'? Didn't your dad love your mom the first time he heard her sing?"

"They are a rare commodity," I say to her. "I am ordinary."

She stops suddenly. We have reached my house and I find myself getting teary just seeing my childhood home.

Finn meets my eyes as he walks towards the entrance to the house with my family.I nod telling him to go ahead and he grins back at me.

My heart leaps seeing his cheerful face as he goes into the house.

Ana and I are stand outside of my house; it is the only occupied one in Victor's Village.

For a while, Ana and her family lived in Grandpa Haymitch's house until they moved to their home in town.

"You're not ordinary," my best friend tells me. "When are you going to realize that?"

"I'm not saying it like it's a bad thing, Ana," I assure her. "I do know that I can't throw that word around. It's an important word." I look at my friend. "I'm sure that you love Cade so you should understand a little something about this."

I'm surprised when tears spring to her eyes.

"Cade and I aren't together anymore." I see her body sag at the announcement.

I pull her into my arms. "Ana, I'm so sorry. What happened?"

"I'm pregnant, Zoe."

For a moment, I think that I am imagining things. I know that my best friend wouldn't get so caught up in a relationship that she would let this happen.

"Are you sure?"

"Three pregnancy tests confirm it," she replies as she takes my hand. "Not to mention, it seems to be sticking."

Ana places the hand she's holding over her abdomen and I jump back.

Then I look at my friend, finally noticing the slight fullness in her face, the more voluptuous chest, and the small bump under the shirt she wears.

"Cade actually had the same reaction," Ana tells me, tears falling steadily from her eyes. "He told me he's not ready and that he can't be a father."

I can feel the anger fill my body.

"Zoe?"

"Get my bow," I hiss.

I finally understand how my dad must have felt seeing my first date. The fear of seeing my tender, immature heart broken by him is similar to the feelings that I have seeing my friend's heart broken.

However, while my father felt fear, I feel anger.

I'm going to kill Cade.

"No," Ana declaires as she places a steady hand on her stomach. "I'm not going to force him to love it. You know how lucky you are? Finn loves you enough to come here with you. He's putting himself through interrogations by our mothers, glares from our fathers, and pranks from the boys because he loves you." She wipes her eyes. "That's something."

"How far along are you?"

"About three months."

"I haven't been gone that long," I tell her. "I haven't even been gone for six months."

She smiles in spite of the situation. "There wasn't much to do."

"So sex was the only activity?"

"That and hunting. I did a lot of both."

"Do your parents know?" I ask her and her eyes cloud over as she shakes her head.

I place my hand on her stomach and measure her waist in my mind. I've been examining women for the last few months. I can already tell that she is considerably bigger than she was before.

"Are you sure that you're only three months?"

She nods. "Why?"

"You're bigger than a first trimester woman should be," I inform her.

"And?"

"It could be a big baby or twins," I state in sudden doctor-mode. "I think it's the latter."

"Oh shit."

"You're going to have to tell your mom and dad soon."

"Double shit."

I put an arm around her and we head into the house.

"Exactly."

"You were out there awhile," my mom remarks as she sits on my bed. "Is everything okay?"

"Everything is fine," I assure her.

Mom looks into my eyes for a moment. "Scoot over." I do what she says and she settles next to me. Our eyes meet again. "You were never good at lying, you know."

I sigh and then look up at her. "I know." She puts an arm around me and I put my head on her shoulder. "It's not for me to tell."

"Okay," she relents and I put a hand on her rather large bump. Looking up at her, she is wearing an amused smile. "Are you ready to bring her into the world? I'm sure as hell ready for you to take her out of me."

"Her?"

"It feels like a her," she replies. "I knew that I was having Mitchum right away."

"Just don't name her Primrose," I say suddenly.

Mom looks at me curiously. "Why?"

"Aunt Prim told me that once." Mom nods and I see her eyes are sad.

Even now, Mom misses Aunt Prim.

"Zoe, when you see her, does she look okay?" she asks me softly and I know that she's trying not to cry.

Mom is referring to the dreams I have once in a while about Aunt Prim.

Lately they have been getting less frequent.

"She looks happy," I tell her. "She looks beautiful." Mom nods and she wipes her eyes quickly but the tears are steadily running down her face. "Sometimes she looks the same age as me and other times she looks like she did during the Reaping. She's okay."

"I'm a little jealous." It comes out in a whisper. "You get to see her but she never visits me."

"Maybe because she doesn't want you to keep mourning her," I reply. "She wants you to remember her as she was when she was alive." Mom seems so far away. Sometimes this happens and it takes a while for her to come back. "Mom, would it make you feel better if I tell you that I'm a little jealous of 'oopsie' baby?"

She shakes herself out of her reverie and then gives me an amused grin. "Now why would you be jealous?"

"Because the 'oopsie' baby will get to stay when I have to leave," I tell her. "I miss you guys so much. And I love Grandma and Grandpa but it's not the same."

"Even with Finn around?" she asks.

"Yes-even with Finn around." Mom takes my hand. "You're my family and I can never let you go."

A knock on the doorway interrupts us and we see Dad standing there.

Even now, he still looks young. He still has that lopsided grin that I saw in the Caesar Flickerman interviews.

"I think it's time for us to get to bed," he tells my mom. "Your baby will be kicking in a few hours and then we both won't be sleeping."

"My baby?" she responds as Dad comes over and helps her out of my bed. "I didn't make her myself."

"Yeah," I say to Dad. "I'm pretty sure it was you, Mom and a bottle of liquor that made this little one." I grin at his blush. "I'm also sure that no ovens were involved."

"You won't let me forget that, will you?" He grins in spite of himself. Leaning down, he kisses the top of my head. "I hope she's as sassy as you."

"She's a Mellark." I smile up at him. "She will be."

"Finn-is he comfortable in his room?" Dad asks carefully.

Finn is placed in the farthest room away from me, thanks to my Dad. He assures me that it's fine.

My mom knows that I sleep at Grandma Suzanne's house and she trusts me.

However when Grandma Suzanne and Grandpa Arthur are working double shifts, I do get lonely.

I can't help it if Finn just happens to stop by on the way to his house.

"He's fine," I tell him. "Perfectly protected from your daughter molesting him."

Dad turns pale and Mom takes his arm. "She's joking, Peeta." Kissing him on the cheek, she wraps her arms around his waist. In return, he kisses the side of her head.

"After many months, you're still gross and still cute."

My dad kisses my cheek. "Goodnight, my Zoe."

Mom leans down and kisses me. "Wait an hour before you go sneaking into his room, okay?"

I blush. Before I can reply, she turns off the lamp next to me. "Sweet dreams, Zoe."

I can see her sly smile even in the dark.

What my mom doesn't know is that I've never been with Finn. We've kissed but it's never gone further than that.

Ana tried to explain the whole logistics of sex but it made me even more confused. She started talking about barriers and shots…

Now that I think about it, I probably shouldn't be taking her advice.

I look up at the ceiling and my mind drifts off to when I was a little girl before Mom even came back. The painting that Dad made is still hanging on the wall. I couldn't bear to take her away from her spot.

"Should I go?" I say looking up at the painting. "I haven't talked to him the whole evening."

The painting remains silent.

Some help that was.

It's been an hour so I'm sure that Mom has found a way to "occupy" Dad.

Is it possible for two people to be as in love as they are? If not then I'm screwed.

Getting up, I look into my dresser mirror to fix my hair and then open the door slowly. Quietly, I step out into the hallway and pass my parents' room.

I hear a deep chuckle then some muffled words which end in a moan. Don't those two ever get tired?

I walk past Mitchy's door and I could hear his loud snore. Pity the girl who he marries. She'll never sleep listening to that.

Finally, I reach Finn's door and I knock quietly. I hear him shuffling and then the door opens revealing my tousled-haired boyfriend. "Zoe, you okay?" His voice is groggy and I immediately feel bad for not letting him sleep.

"I should go—" I turn but he grabs my arm gently.

"Get in here before your dad comes out with a rolling pin or something to bludgeon me," he tells me.

I walk in and close the door. Turning around, I realize that Finn isn't wearing a shirt. It's a muggy night. I'm not wearing much either, just a white linen nightgown that belonged to my mom.

The moon shines into the room and it makes his skin glisten. "I'm sorry I bothered you. It's just that we didn't really get to speak this whole evening, since my dad and Uncle Gale decided to ask you everything about your life and all. You would think that they would be okay since they knew your dad. They were all together in District 13 for goodness sakes!"

"My father wasn't dating the firstborn of 'The Victors of District 12'," he replies. "You forget how important you are sometimes."

"My parents are important, not me."

Finn looks at me for a moment before taking my hand and leading me to his bed. We sit before he scoots so that his back is against the headboard. I follow and place my head on his shoulder.

Putting his arm around me, he kisses the side of my head softly.

"When are you going to realize how special you are? Your parents were the symbol of the Rebellion. You are the symbol of the hope that can come from it. Just by being alive and seeing the wonderful things that you are doing, you are showing people that there is life after war. That there is hope in the worst circumstance."

"That's a lot of pressure to put on a girl," I reply.

"If anyone can handle it, it's you," he replies and hugs me. I feel comfort in his warmth. Ever since we were children, I knew he would take care of me. I knew even as a child that I loved him.

Then why was I so scared to say it now?

He is caressing the bare skin of my arm and I shiver. The heat in my belly is started by his touch. When I turn to him, our lips are inches are apart.

The moon fills the room with soft light and it reminds me of our first kiss.

It was my eighteenth birthday and Finn had come for the party. Grandma Suzanne and Grandpa Arthur also came along with Annie, Finn's mom.

I had realized my feelings for him when I was sixteen and had gone to visit my grandparents. He had shown me around District Four as a favor to my grandmother.

As I fell in love with District Four, I fell in love with him. There had been moments when I thought that he might kiss me; the looks he would give me made my skin tingle in anticipation.

He thought I was too young at sixteen.

By the time my eighteenth birthday rolled around, I was determined to have him and no one else. We met in the woods where underneath a tree, I kissed him.

I didn't ask him for a declaration of love. I didn't need it because I already knew.

It was only when I went to District Four did we make it official.

"I love you, Zoe," he says as I ghost my lips over his. I stiffen in his embrace at his words. Finn doesn't fail to notice. "Do you love me?"

I pull back. "Of course I do," I answer.

His green eyes stare back sadly. "Then why don't you say it back?"

I'm wondering that myself.

Maybe it's because I feel like I'm too young to be in love. I've also seen how messed up love can be.

In the back of my mind are the memories of my dad's episodes whenever he thought of my mom. I can remember playing in my room with the door locked as I tried to not hear his anguished cries. Sometimes the episode would last until the next day and Grandpa Haymitch would have to unlock the door to check on me.

I think of Ana who let herself fall in love. Unfortunately ,she fell in love with the wrong person.

I see the work, the struggle, the tears that it takes for two people to be as in love as my parents are.

I know it wasn't easy for either of them and they are the strongest people I know.

I'm not sure I'm strong enough to commit to love.

So I meet his eyes again and tell him the truth. "I don't know."

Finn sighs and simply pulls me to him. He caresses my hair and I know that we're okay for now.

"I know that we don't have an epic love story like your parents, Zo," he says softly. "But we do have a love story and it's up to you to decide how it's going to end."

The pounding of the front door downstairs awakens me.

As I open my eyes, I realize that there is sunlight shining from the windows.

"Dammit," I whisper and look over at Finn who is just beginning to wake up. I shake him. "Finn, we overslept."

He shoots up. "Your parents are going to kill me," he says as he gets up to throw a shirt on. The banging at the door continues. "Who is that?"

I shrug and open the door to the room. As I exit, I see my parents come out into the hallway also.

My father's eyes meet mine and my stomach drops. He stares for a moment before simply walking down the stairs.

Mom shakes her head. "Zoe, you were supposed to just say goodnight to Finn," she says as we both walk towards her.

"Katniss, we didn't do anything," Finn tells her from behind me. "We just fell asleep."

They stare one another down before I see her eyes soften.

"Okay," she replies. "I trust you both. Please don't take advantage of that. I'm going to have to do some major damage control now."

"ZOE!" It's Ana and I'm running down the stairs.

She is standing next to my dad and when she sees me, her tear-streaked face floods with relief. Rushing over, I pull her into my arms.

"I told them," she sobs into my shoulder.

I pull away and smile softly at her. "I'm proud of you."

"Anastasia Mason-Hawthorne!" I turn to see Aunt Johanna and Uncle Gale coming up our porch. My aunt looks ready to kill and Uncle Gale is an angry shade of purple. "You don't run away from us!"

Ana turns to them coolly. "I still won't answer your question."

"Ana, we have the right to know who the father of our grandchild is," my aunt argues.

"Wait!" My dad halts the argument and then looks at Ana's parents. "She's pregnant?"

"Yes, and she refuses to tell us who the father is," Uncle Gale informs him sternly.

I suspect that my aunt knows who it is. However, she wants Ana to admit it herself.

"Everyone calm down," Mom says as she walks down the stairs with Finn's help. "This is not good for Ana."

Uncle Gale looks at Ana. "How could you let this happen?"

She looks up at him with tears in her big brown eyes. "I made a mistake," she tells him. "I'm not afraid to admit it but I need you." She turns to Aunt Johanna. "I need you both to support me. If not, I'm prepared to go."

"Go?" Uncle Gale repeats softly.

I put an arm around her. "She can come back with me-to District Four."

"Why don't we have Ana stay here for the night?" Dad tells them. "She can sleep with Zoe." He gives me a pointed look.

"Gale, Jo," Mom starts, "why don't we go to the kitchen for some breakfast?"

The two of them nod looking lost. It's the first time that I've seen them look like that.

"Finn, why don't you take Ana to my room," I say to my boyfriend. "She looks like she needs rest."

He nods and looks between my father and me before walking with Ana up the stairs.

When we are sure that no one is there, Dad finally looks at me. "Zoe, you know how I feel about that."

"We didn't do anything," I tell him as we both walk into the living room. "I went to say goodnight and to talk. We fell asleep. Honest."

"Did you know about Ana?" he asks when we sit on the couch.

I look down at my lap as I answer. "She told me when we got here. That's why we were outside for so long."

"Should I trust you?" he asks as he looks into my eyes.

"Have I ever given you a reason not to?" I reply. "You want me to tell you the truth? I haven't done that. With Finn. Or with anyone."

We've always been able to talk. I think since it was just us two for my first four years, our bond runs a little deeper than any other father and daughter.

"Are we having this talk?" he says to me and I feel a grin creeping onto his face. "The awkward sex talk when I tell you that men are scum?"

"I think I can understand the inner workings of the male mind," I say with a smile. "I know about birth control. I know where babies come from. I'm delivering your third, after all."

"How did all this happen?" Dad asks me. "How did I end up with a daughter who is a doctor? How did I end up having three children?"

"To answer your second question, when you have drunken horny parents like I do, it tends to happen." Dad turns scarlet. "Calm down, Dad. You've taught me everything I know so I think I'll be okay."

"Get over here." He pulls me into his arms and I lay my head on his chest like I did when I was a little girl. "You are too smart for your own good sometimes."

He always tells me that.

I find my eyes misting as I smell the sugary scent of his clothes.

I really missed him. I missed everyone.

One week until 'oopsie' baby is due.

Today, Finn and I walk through town.

Everyone knows me but they stare at Finn as if he's some being from another planet. He is all bronze hair and green eyes. His skin is tanned from working on fishing boats as a teen and it is a stark contrast to the metallic look of District Twelve.

I look over at the bakery and wave at Posy who is working at the register. Dad has decided to stay home with Mom for these last two weeks. Mitchum was early so we worry that 'oopsie' baby might be also.

Posy is more than capable of running the bakery. She's been there since I was a girl and her husband, Burt, is one of Dad's main bakers.

I look across the street to see an empty store front. It had been Mrs. Simms's tailoring shop. She passed recently at the ripe of old age of 82.

"I wonder what that will become."

He looks over at the store.

"It's in a prime location being right in the middle of town," he remarks. "I'm sure the District will find some good use for it."

Ana has been staying at our place for the last week. Grandpa Arthur sent me the same portable sonogram that he had used for my mom.

Like my instincts had told me, it was twins.

She cried for a day.

Aunt Johanna and Ana reunited thanks to some pushing from my Mom. Unfortunately Uncle Gale refused to budge.

"Just like your mom," Aunt Johanna told me. "Those two are pretty much twins."

At the word 'twins', Ana started crying again.

So here I am heading to Uncle Gale's house to plea Ana's case. She thinks that I'm getting her gingerbread cookies from the bakery. I look over at Finn who gives my hand an encouraging squeeze.

The Hawthorne house is similar to my home but a little smaller. My aunt and uncle live modestly. They have the means to live like a wealthy Capitol family but choose to spend their time and money improving District Twelve.

Before I walk up the porch, I take a deep breath. "It's going to be okay, Zoe," Finn assures me. "Do you want me to come with you?"

"Yes."

I knock on the door and when the door opens I'm surprised to see a familiar dark -haired, grey-eyed boy.

My eyes narrow. "Hello, Cade."

His face is neutral. "Hello, Zoe."

Cade opens the door wider so Finn and I can walk in. "Your uncle is in a meeting but he should be out in a few minutes."

I nod tersely. "This is Finn," I say. "Finn, this is Cade."

"Cade?" Finn looks at me to confirm that this is indeed the Cade. They shake hands though Finn is glaring at the other man.

The door opens and Uncle Gale walks out with an older man walking out behind him.

When he spots me, he grins. "Zoe, what are you doing here?"

"I thought that we might have a talk," I tell him. "About Ana."

From the corner of my eyes, I can see Cade stiffen.

Uncle Gale nods and then goes to shake the man's hand goodbye before turning to me.

"Lead the way," I tell him and we go down the hallway into his office.

Usually the Mayor does his work in the Justice Building. After the twins were born, however, my uncle decided to move his work to the house so he could help Aunt Johanna out. The office itself is simple with only a desk, two chairs in front of it, and a couch in the corner.

Pictures of the kids are hung on the wall and I walk over to a picture of Ana. She is about seven in the picture and her toothy grin is bright. She is all long hair and big brown eyes in this picture. Her eyes used to look so sad all the time, especially when she talked about home or the mother she lost when she barely a year old.

"Even then she was beautiful," my uncle says sadly. I turn to him and see that his grey eyes are tired. "Your aunt isn't talking to me and has locked me out of the room."

"Ana is miserable too," I say simply. "You're her father and the only constant male in her life. She needs you to be there for her."

"Why won't she talk about the father?"

I think for a moment. "Because despite the fact that he isn't here, she still loves him and Ana is fiercely protective of anyone she loves. You know that."

"It's her most wonderful quality." Uncle Gale goes to his desk and sits on it. "How is Ana feeling?"

"She's weepy," I tell him. "She's hurt and she's scared. Especially because of this." I pull a sonogram photo out of pocket and hand it to him.

Uncle Gale looks at it for a moment and his eyes widen. "Is this what I think it is?"

I nod trying to hide my excitement.

Despite the situation, I am happy to become an aunt. However it saddens me to think that I won't be home to see the two grow up.

"My little girl is having twins," Uncle Gale says to himself and I can see his eyes glisten. He groans. "Johanna was right. I am a shithead."

"Yeah, you have been a shithead," I agree and he looks up me in shock. I give him a hug. "You can make it up to her. You have almost five months to grovel."

"True," he says to me and then looks at the sonogram again. "We have to get prepared! I have to pull out the cribs from the basement and we'll have to make a nursery next to Ana's room." I watch as he says all of this and paces the floor. Then he stops suddenly and turns to me with a grin. "I'm going to a grandfather."

"Yup. Congratulations." He rushes over to me and lifts me off the ground in excitement. After he puts me down, he rushes to the door and throws it open.

Finn and Cade jump from where they are sitting on the couch.

"Ana is having twins," he tells them. "Cade, can you cancel my meetings for the afternoon? I need to see my daughter."

I watch Cade's face and a myriad of emotions pass over his face. He looks scared, nervous and sad, though a small flash of excitement can be seen in his eyes. He looks over at Uncle Gale for a moment debating something.

He looks over at me and then nods.

"Sir," he starts nervously. "Can I come with you? I need to speak to you about something."

Cade is not a small man. He is as tall as Uncle Gale and broad like my dad. However, he is going up against my uncle.

"Sure," my uncle replies slowly and suspiciously.

"I can cancel everything-" I start to say.

We're interrupted by Mitchy and Amaya, both breathless as they rush into the house.

"Zo…" My brother is panting. "…Mom's water broke…so gross…"

Finn puts an arm around me. "Are you ready for one hundred?" he asks.

It feels good to have someone who understands me.

So ends Part One. Holding off author's notes until the next chapter.

Till then,

JLaLa