Hi readers! So, this is my first Hunger Games fanfiction, but I've been brewing this plot in my head for awhile now. If you like it, leave a review; it would mean the world to me! Enjoy!
Peeta hands me a cup of herbal tea, in hopes that its calming properties will kick in. "Here you go," he says, plopping himself next to me on the couch. I smile weakly, taking a sip of the drink. My hands are still shaking, causing little droplets to splash onto me. Peeta takes the cup and puts it on the table. "They're not real, Katniss. They were just dreams."
Peeta knows better than anyone else what it feels like to be woken up by the vision of everyone you love, dead. I was in the games again last night, except all my competitors were people who died because of me; Finnick, Cinna, Rue, Prim.
The lump in my throat grows with every attempt to hold back tears. "I know," I say quietly.
"You don't have to feel ashamed about it. I get them, too." I nod my head, knowing he's correct. "Why don't we get some food into your system? How do cheese buns sound?" he asks, wiping away a stray tear off my cheek.
I smile and nudge my head into his neck before he goes into the kitchen. My legs feel like concrete and my whole body aches. I force my feet off the couch, one by one, and ignore the pain as I walk up the stairs to the shower.
I submerge myself in freezing water; each droplet feels like acid on my skin. The pain lets me forget the lifeless bodies of my loved ones, if only for a little while. I turn the water off, and almost immediately, memories of what happened years and years ago flood my mind.
Around this time, 14 years ago, the reaping of the Hunger Games took place. It's a time where Peeta and I struggle trying to keep a firm grip on reality.
After I dress, I head back downstairs. The aroma of cheese buns gives a homey feel to a somewhat 'Capitol' house. Peeta stands in the kitchen with a plate of freshly baked rolls. He puts them on the table, a light thud reverberating through the room. 'There you go," he says, looking pleased with his creation.
"Thank you," I say softly. The phone rings, startling me. "I'll get it," I say, quickly standing up from the table.
"Hello?"
"May I speak with Katniss Everdeen?" The voice is a woman's, sounding somewhat familiar.
"Speaking."
"Hello, Katniss. I'm Doctor Noel, Annie Cresta's doctor."
My heart thumps hard. What's wrong with Annie? My mind is circling with questions. "Has something happened to her?" I ask, sounding more abrasive than intended.
"Over these last couple weeks, Annie has been getting bad again. Her nightmares and panic attacks are more violent. For the time being, I don't think she's fit to care for her children. We obviously don't want her children to be taken away by protective services, so we need your help."
I process all the information. This time of the year affects all the victors, especially Annie. "What do I need to do? I'll do anything for her." She's become more like a sister than a best friend. Peeta and I have visited Annie and her son, Kai, often. She's one of the only people I open myself up to.
"We need someone in another district to care for her children for a couple weeks. You are the closest thing she has to family, so I was wondering, on Annie's behalf, if you could take in her children for a little while."
She thought I could care for kids? The reason I don't have kids with Peeta is because I'm too terrified I'd hurt them. "Not that I wouldn't love to help Annie, because I do, I'm not sure I'm fit for the job, Dr. Noel."
"You're the only one we can call. It's either you or Johanna and we deemed you most fit. Please, Katniss."
I think it over in my head, weighing out the possibilities. At least it would make Peeta happy. "Okay. I'll do it."
Dr. Noel lets out a heavy breath. "Thank you. Thank you so much, Katniss. I know Annie will appreciate it immensely. The kids will be arriving in two days by train." Her voice continues for a few minutes, giving me all the information needed to be fully prepared for having two kids in the house.