Under the willow
Peeta comes back into the room carrying a yellow bundle. I sit up ignoring the pain in my stomach and lower abdomen as my mother strokes my hair. We were able to convince her to come back to 12, just for a day or two to help me adjust to being a mother. Peeta has a satisfied smile on his face. I can even see tears forming in his blue eyes. I know he's waited for a moment like this for more than a decade, and I have to admit, I felt a little remorseful about how I kept saying 'no', or 'I'm not ready' until about 9 months ago. I`ve never seen him like this before, though. He`s happy. He`s truly happy, after all he`s been through. He walks slowly towards us, and I hear a small whimper come from the bundle he's cradling. I feel my pulse quicken, and I get more and more anxious the closer he gets. My eyes were probably as wide as an owl's. Peeta looked down into what he was holding. And I feel a surge of bliss wash over me.
"Look," He murmured. "It's your mommy." He leans our baby towards me, and the moment I see our child for the first time, I realize I have never been so happy in years. A new feeling takes over me and I hear Peeta whisper, "It's a girl,"
My mouth drops open as he hands her to me, as she stirs the way she did when we found out I was carrying her. My hands tremble, and I run a finger along her rosy cheeks. Her appearance resembles me in a way; she has a thin layer of dark hair on her head, and she has olive skin which is actually a shade or two paler than mine. I give her a tender kiss on her forehead, and she yawns. Peeta brushes a strand of my hair away from my face and gives me a kiss on my temple. My mother stands up to get a better view of her granddaughter. I turn to Peeta, who looks back at me with such an expression; He probably can't believe this is actually happening. I put a hand around his neck and pulled him in for a kiss. I can't believe this is happening either. I never thought I would have children, I never thought I would feel so joyful again in my life. And even if I was to have his child years ago, when we were still young, I never thought our child could be safe -out of the Games- forever. Haymitch, Posy and Hazelle walk into the room, all beaming. Well, Haymitch had more of a smirk.
She`s perfect. "I love you," I say, looking up at him
"I love you too, Katniss." he replies. There's a pause. "We're parents now. Real or not real?"
I smile, "Yes, Peeta. This little one, she's ours. It's real.''
I turn my attention to my mother, who has tears streaming from her aging eyes. She embraces me tightly, and I hear her sniffle. She gently plants a kiss on the crown of my head. It had been ages since she had given me a kiss. I look down at my daughter, and I realize her little eyes are open.
"Peeta," I exclaim. "Look, her eyes; they're open," Peeta`s smile widens, and he strokes her head lightly.
"Hi sweetie," He nudges his nose against her tiny one. "Look at you," Her gaze is an innocent, calm sky blue. "Welcome to the family." I immediately think of Prim. Our daughter had Prim`s eyes, and I ponder that the baby might resemble Prim in a way when she gets older, but with dark hair.
"You two agreed on a name?" Haymitch questions. I completely forgot he was there. I look at Peeta as if to ask if he still likes the girl name we chose a few weeks ago. Peeta looks at Haymitch.
"Willow."