Chapter 6: Don't Cry for Me, my Dear Panem

A few months later, Katniss and Peeta were trying to adjust to the presence of their second child, Clementine Primrose Mellark. Much like her big brother Eric before her, Clementine would awake multiple times a night. This cold winter's night was no different, as Katniss traded duty with Haymitch, the latter of whom had tried and failed to calm the baby girl the first time around. Katniss thought of the song that had been composed for her to perform during Panem's 15th anniversary of independence a few years earlier. It had been both a return to the national spotlight and an apology for her lack of presence in Panem affairs over those many years. As a political move, it had been genius. As a simple lullaby, it was beautiful:

I had to let it happen, I had to change.

Couldn't stay all my life down at heel.

Looking out of the window, staying out of the sun.

So I chose freedom, running around, trying everything new.

But nothing impressed me at all.

I never expected it to.

Don't cry for me, my dear Panem.

The truth is I never left you.

All through my Hunger Games, my Mockingjay-ness.

I kept my promise, don't keep your distance.

And as for fortune, and as for fame,

I never invited them in.

Though it seemed to the world they were all I desired.

They are illusions, they're not the solutions they promise to be.

The answer was here all the time.

I love you and hope you love me.

Don't cry for me, my dear Panem.

The truth is I never left you.

All through my Hunger Games, my Mockingjay-ness.

I kept my promise, don't keep your distance.

Have I said too much? There's nothing more I can think of to say to you.

But all you have to do is look at me to know that every word is true.

Clementine was asleep just after the last refrain. Katniss kissed her baby's cheek sweetly and whispered, "Sleep well, my little Clementine. I love you." Then, she placed the infant back in her crib. Turning away, she was startled to find Peeta leaning against the doorframe, bleary-eyed and with a soft smile.

"Just like your father. Two arenas, a war, and two kids later, and you've still got it!" Katniss gave a shy smile and blushed, before allowing her husband to lead them back to their bed.

A/N: A revised version of "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina" from Evita. There is a really great Lea Michele cover of this from Glee.