Today is my daughter's twelfth birthday. Before the rebellion this would have marked the day she would become eligible for the reaping. I should be celebrating, but I'm still haunted by my memories. The memories Peeta and I share are the memories I hope my daughter and son never have.
"Katniss," Peeta whispers in my ear bringing me back to reality. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm just thinking about what this day would have meant before. I can't stop remebering. I don't want her to know, at least not yet. I couldn't stand hurting her." They're the only thing that keep me holding on. Them and Peeta. The girl who shares many of his facial features, but has my drive and his kindness. My son who has my quick temper and his intellect. They share our abilities.
My daughter runs toward me, her dark curls bouncing. "Mama, come see the cake Daddy made me!" She grabs my hand and leads me to the table where her cake sits. It's beautiful and decorated with lilies, her namesake.
"It's beautiful, sweetie. Just like you. How many candles do you want?"
She giggles. "Seven for good luck."
"Why not twleve? That's how old you are, silly."
"Don't be mean to your sister, Sage. She can have whatever she wants today. It is her birhtday after all," Peeta scolds. He's firm, but fair with both of them.
Peeta lights the candles and Lily blows them out." What did you wish for," Sage asks her.
"I can't tell you! Then it wouldn't come true. Now who's silly?"
"I just wanted to know," he says and pouts. We all laugh. We eat the cake and she opens her presents. Peeta gives her a small pearl necklace. Sage gives her a new dress. It's purple, her favorite color. They embrace and I make a point to remember these moments because I know they may not last. I give her a bow and arrows, so that I can teach her archery like she's always asked me to. She wraps her arms around my waist and I hold her tight. These are the things that matter. These are the things I need to remember.
A/N: I know it's really short, but I wanted it to be short and sweet.