Hunger Games: Life Continues

First chapter of a new Hunger Games story I'm doing, will basically be a collection of small chronicles, showcasing different moments in the lives of the Mellarks; anyway, hope you enjoy it. Note that a few of the chapters and events in them were inspired by pieces of fanart I found while doing image searches; so a big thanks to the people who made those lovely pieces of art.

Disclaimer: Hunger Games belongs to Suzanne Collins.

Chapter 1

The sun shone through the clouds, lighting up the new District 12. Within their home, the famed Victors and Rebel Leaders, Katniss and Peeta Mellark, were preparing to begin another day. Smiling softly Peeta spoke up.

"Well, we better go wake the kids up."

Katniss nodded in agreement, also smiling. "Sure thing."

Exiting their bedroom they began making their way down the hall, stopping as Willow's door opened and the black haired seven year old girl exited, rubbing her blue eyes.

"Oh, mom, dad...morning." She greeted them, fighting back a yawn.

Katniss and Peeta both smiled and greeted her, hugging her.

Katniss then spoke. "Why don't you guys go down and start breakfast, I'll go and wake Rye up."

They nodded and headed down, meanwhile Katniss headed to her four year old son's room. She gently approached the bed, Rye lay cocooned in the blankets as usual, his blonde hair all messy. Still smiling Katniss knelt down and gently shook him. "Rye, it's morning, wake up."

Blinking sleepily, the boy opened his grey eyes and managed a smile. "Mom..."

Katniss laughed softly and helped make sure he got up. Soon they were both heading downstairs for breakfast too.

Unfortunately, the shadows of the past still haunted the Mellarks to this day. While the kids were through in the living room and Katniss and Peeta had just finished clearing away the breakfast dishes, it happened. It was the unearthly quiet that clued Katniss in to what was going on. Turning sharply she saw her fears were right. Peeta was gripping the back of the chair so tightly his knuckles were white. His eyes were pained and it was clear he was trying to resist. She quickly approached him.

"Peeta, it..." She began.

Peeta shook his head. "I know Katniss, I know...Just, the kids."

She paused. "What?"

"Can you, go talk to them, distract, something, anything…" He said, his voice shaky.

Katniss bit her lip. "But Peeta you…?"

"Please. Don't worry about me." He said. "Just leave me alone for a second, alright? I don't want to scare them..."

Sighing Katniss nodded, understanding what he meant. So, reluctantly, she left the dining room, already knowing what she'd find. Sure enough she saw Willow sanding by the door, looking through the glass. Smiling softly she exited.

"Mom..."

Katniss just nodded softly, gently ushering Willow through to the living room where Rye was.

Seeing their expressions she explained as best she could. "Daddy's just a little tired...he'll be alright after he rests a bit, okay?"

Both kids nodded, and Katniss just hoped that was the end of it.

Unfortunately; that didn't turn out to be the case. Later in the day, with the kids home from school and dinner nearly ready, Peeta entered the kitchen to see Katniss seated at the table. Her elbows were propped up on it and her hands clasped together, her palms resting on her forehead.

"Katniss?"

Sighing she looked up and shook her head. "I don't. I don't know if we can hide it for much longer Peeta; what's happening to you."

"The kids...know?" He queried, sounding worried.

Katniss nodded slowly. "I think so, at least, I'm pretty sure Willow's started to notice...Look at this..."

She passed over a sheet of paper to him. Peeta read it, it was Willow's homework, a small writing assignment about her parents. On it was written words which both melted Peeta's heart, yet felt like a punch in the gut at the same time.

'Daddy sometimes ends up in great pain, forgetting where he is, who people are, but mommy helps him. They try not to let my brother and I see it. I think they don't want to scare us, but I saw and I wish I could help them.'

He looked over at Katniss; it was clear that she was feeling the same way. But no matter what, they swore, if things did come up, they'd face it together.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.