Chapter 2: Late

Effie arrives a few days after that sexual escapade. She marvels at how clean our house is, even if her comments are always at Haymitch's expense. Beyond the occasional scowl, Haymitch takes her criticism like a man. It's not like he can refute what she says.

A few weeks after Effie leaves, Peeta is home one Saturday morning baking bread for a very important order that's due. I am in the bathroom just off the kitchen, waiting for something that is not coming… and scared at the implications. Gathering my courage I step out and wrap my arms around my husband from behind, my head on his shoulder. I kiss his neck and massage his pectorals. He leans into me appreciatively.

"Thank you," he sighs.

"You're welcome," I reply. I plant a kiss on his cheek. "I love you."

"Real. I know."

Remembering what I have to tell him, I grin. "I have a surprise for you."

"Oh, so the impromptu massage wasn't it?" he cracks. I laugh and lean my face into the crook of his neck.

"My period. I'm late." I feel him tense ever so slightly against me. Eyes closed, holding my breath, I wait. After a moment, I feel him spin around in my arms. Grip me by the shoulders. I dare to gaze up into his eyes.

"Are you certain?" he demands. I nod mutely.

"Sweetie… I'm pregnant."

The hugest grin I have ever seen comes across Peeta's face; next second, he is laughing and picking me up. I can't help but laugh with him as he spins me around before giving me a big smack of a kiss on the lips.

"Congratulations, Katniss. I love you so much!" We hug, me leaning into him with a content smile on my face. All at once, the perfect moment ends when Peeta starts.

"We gotta go tell Haymitch!" He takes me by the hand, pulling me to the door. I resist, even as I'm laughing.

"When he's drunk?"

"Maybe he won't be. It's still early."

So, with a giggle, I let him lead me out of the house and over to our mentor next door.


A/N: And this leads up to when they tell Haymitch in One-Shot: What's the Hunger Games?