CHAPTER FOUR
At sixteen week pregnant, Annie was doing a lot better. In those four months she should have gained eight pounds. According to the doctor she had only gained six, but it was okay. Her new diet was going to help her with a healthier pregnancy. I just had to keep an eye on her.
We had yet to purchase maternity clothes so she kept wearing her own clothes. They were a little tight but she said she was comfortable. Like most girls in District Four she had a lot of loose sundresses. That was what she wore current. Effie was desperate to come over but Annie was too exhausted for her antics.
Annie hasn't had morning sickness in two weeks and some newfound energy is about her when she is properly motivated. Tonight is she first night she has cooked since before the rebellion. We have been married exactly four months today.
"Finnick, you wanted your steak medium rare, right?" Annie asks from the stove, two feet away.
"Yeah, thank you," I say smiling at her.
She nods and I look over at her. Her stomach makes only a slight appearance in her pink sundress. One had rests on her bump and the other flips the steaks in the skillet with tongs.
"You're cute," I laugh smiling at her.
She scoffs and shakes her head at me.
"You're too adorable. Get back to work," she saids pointing the tongs at me.
I turn back to my blueprint of a deck for our house. My gift to her.
"Happy four month anniversary, by the way," I grin to myself.
I glance over at her and she smiles slightly.
"I knew you'd remember," she says.
"I couldn't forget if I tried," I reply.
She raises her brows at me.
"Thanks?" she says with a crooked smile.
I stand from my chair and cross over to her. I wrap my arms around her waist and pull her to me kissing her firmly on the lips. Her body molds to mine and I can feel the slight dent of her stomach pressing into my abs. I pull away slightly and press my forehead to hers.
"Forget the anniversary dinner. You have nobody to blame but yourself," I grin lifting her.
She screams in surprise and I start to carry her to the bedroom. The steaks can burn. I don't give a crap.
"Well, that was amazing," I sigh as we lay in bed together.
She lays agains my chest and nuzzles into it. I wrap my arms around her.
"Now, you have to agree with me and say 'yes, Fin, it was."
She laughs softly.
"Yes, Fin, it was."
I feel her cheek lift and kiss the top of her head. She looks up at me. Her wavy red swept back in a loose chignon. Her sea colored eyes stare up at me, sparkling. She truly is glowing. Every inch of her pale skin. Every single freckle. Stunning. I bring a hand to her cheek and stroke it gently.
"You're beautiful," I breathe.
Her brows furrow and I see tears well up in her eyes. Hormones.
"Stupid hormones…" she groans.
I can't help but laugh at this new found sanity. This is the Annie before the Hunger Games. It was amazing. She was perfect. So perfect. Even if she went crazy again, I wouldn't care. She was my Annie. Even when she laughed insanely, she was my Annie.
"I love you," she smiles.
"Love you too," I say kissing her.
My hand slides down to her stomach and there is a sudden kick. Annie screams at the top of her lungs and throws off the covers. She screams again and scrambles out of bed wearing only underwear and a t-shirt. She collapses to her knees in the corner.
"Annie? Annie, calm down," I say cautiously sliding out of bed.
She shakes tremendously, her hands frantically touching her stomach. I know how to handle an Annie freak out.
"Finnick… Finnick…" she whispers.
I raise my hands as I slowly cross to her.
"Annie, it was the baby. Remember, the doctor said this would happen about now," I say softly.
She screams again and shakes bracing her hands on the walls.
"Annie, honey, calm down. I'm right here," I say crossing to her.
"I'm calm. I'm fine…" she whispers, nodding.
Slowly, I wrap my arms around her. She shakes like mad in my embrace.
"Annie, you're okay. Be happy… It's alright… This is good…" I nod.
Gently, I pick her up and carry her to the bed, setting her down softly. I take her shaking hands and place them on her stomach. I roll onto the bed beside her and place my hands over hers. There was a nudge and she gasped.
"It's good, Annie. It's good," I say propping myself on her elbow.
"It's good," she says.
A smile slowly appears on her face and she looks at me, swallowing.
"See, you're fine," I smile.
Her hands leave the bmp and she holds me tightly.
"I'm not going to leave you, Annie. The baby kicking is good. Good job, Annie," I say.
She grin and pulls me to her. And so we held each other close the whole night. She wasn't at all hungry, but I was…and that burnt steak was delicious.