Author's Note...
This first chapter is just to launch the story. It's not as exciting as the others will be. The end of this chapter sets the rest of the story in motion, so yes, I will update. I hope to put chapter 2 up in a couple days, probably Monday. Please review if you enjoy or have constructive criticism. Thanks for reading.. Now then, on with the chapter...
I awake to tiny hands hitting me over and over again. After a moment, I feel awake enough, so I sit up.
"Hi my babies," I say, then yawn and pull them into a hug.
"Mommy!" They yell, then try to get out of my hug, I let them out after a few seconds.
After I realize Peeta isn't beside me, I start to smell pancakes.
"Daddy's almost done making breakfast, do you guys want pancakes?" I ask. Their eyes grow wide and they start to yell and push each other out of the way to get to the kitchen first. It's Perta's turn to be attacked.
I throw the blankets off before heading to the washroom to wash up. After I finish, I head to meet my family at the table. I laugh once I can see them. Each of Peeta's legs are being held onto by our children, and he's trying to move around so he can cook.
"Look it's mommy!" He says loudly, clearly trying to take the attention away from him, but it doesn't work.
"They already attacked me this morning," I say to him, then smirk and head to the table.
He sighs as he cooks, moving around slowly and awkwardly.
"Bow, Trident, can you come sit so daddy can finish up?" I ask, because watching him struggle is hard, especially since he's cooking for us. They sigh, but come sit with me anyways, and I bear hug them.
"Mommy, don't," Bow says annoyed. I probably wouldn't have let go, but her blue eyes pout with the rest of her face and I sigh and let her go. Trident hangs onto me tighter once Bow leaves and sits down.
"Breakfast is done," Peeta says as he puts food on plates. I get up to help him with that, since I can't cook at all. He smiles as we portion the food. Then I carry our plates, and he carries Bow and Tridents'.
We eat in silence for a few minutes. This is actually pretty calming. Bow and Trident are usually quiet when we have pancakes, because for some reason, they like them best, unlike Peeta and I who would prefer eggs. We all love bread, which Peeta bakes for us, so the toast is the best part of my meal.
"So, we are going to have a boring day, none of us have anything to do," Peeta says. "How about, I don't know, maybe we all go to-."
"THE MEADOW!" Bow and Trident both yell cutting him off. I smile, but Peeta pretends to be hurt that they cut him off. Trident started talking very young, and now he is barely two and can speak almost as good as Bow can and she's almost two years older than him.
"Well I was going to say sleep, but I guess that works too," Peeta jokes. He always knows what to say to make someone smile.
After we're all done eating, I go upstairs to get ready. Peeta enters the room a few minutes later, since he was busy dressing the kids.
Once we're all ready, we walk to the meadow. I love May, it has such nice weather and such a nice atmosphere. My birthday is in a week, and I'm really looking forward to that, Peeta says he has a surprise.
Bow and Trident run around in the meadow and laugh and yell at one another. Watching them have fun always manages to put a smile on my face.
Trident tries to keep up with Bow, but he's not quite as skilled in running as she is yet.
I have a bad feeling about this day, despite that fact that so far, it has brought nothing but joy. Peeta squeezes my hand, reassuring me; but something still feels off.
We stay at the meadow for a few hours and Peeta and I join the kids in playing and laughing. I all but forget about all of my worries.
Once we get home I take the kids upstairs to get washed up. After I do that, I take them to the play room and go get cleaned up myself.
I hear Peeta downstairs getting lunch ready. Once I'm done, I join Bow and Trident in the play room and watch them argue over toys and smile at them.
"Lunch is ready," Peeta says, peaking into the room.
They run to the kitchen table to eat, and I walk behind them.
Once we finish eating, the TV turns itself on and a news report starts airing.
"With President Paylor dying a few days ago, Panem has been in need of a new one; and luckily, we no longer need to worry about who that will be," a voice announces. "Panem, say hello to your new president Carl Steel!"
A man, who I'm assuming to be Carl Steel, walks up to a podium and smiles. His teeth are bright white and he is fairly young and very attractive.
"Hello Panem, it is my pleasure to announce the return of the Hunger Games this year. The uprising has come and gone and peace must continue to be ensued. I know some people will really hate this announcement, but it is a decision that I did not make. President Paylor was going to make the announcement the day of her demise, but a tragic event prevented her from doing so," he says smugly. "The game is going to undergo some changes however. These changes include the age range, number of tributes and general nature of the games. All thirteen districts and the Capitol must offer one male and female tribute, for a total of twenty-eight tributes each year. The tributes are to be no younger than twelve, and no older than seventeen. Two tributes may win if they represent the same district. There are other minor changes that will be addressed as the seventy-seventh Hunger Games unravel."
My breathing falters and my eyes burn. If my children weren't here, I would freak out and scream and cry. This can't be happening. I'm dreaming.
"The reaping for the games now and forever will be held on May eighth."
My world collapses on top of me and I get hysterical. I breathe deep and heavy and sob.
Peeta holds me and takes me upstairs.
