The Way Life Goes

by Katie Lyyn-98

A series of unrelated (and maybe a few related) oneshot headcannons of all different characters. Everlark will be strong in these, as will Fannie. Gatniss will barely exist, most likely. Rated T because I'm paranoid. Will try to have updated once a day or once a week. Please R&R!

7. All Grown Up

Chapter Seven: All Grown Up

Katniss' POV

It's been eighteen years. Eighteen years since my little girl was first born. My little Willow Hope. She was the only light in my life after Prim died, aside from Peeta. But even he couldn't help me when I slipped into depression. I suddenly knew how my mother had felt once my father died.

But Willow saved me. I had someone else who needed me again. Someone whose life depended on my ability to control my emotions.

Now she's grown up. And her brother is fifteen, so near her age. Willow is leaving District 12, today. She's taking the train to District 7 to help Johanna with her logging company.

I don't want to let her go.

I suppose it's what all mothers say. "I don't want my baby to get older." "You'll always be my baby." And so on. But it's true for me. She was the only thing that kept me together for so long. And she too is leaving me.

I choke back tears as she turns towards me, her back to the train, a big smile on her face. She throws her arms around me. "I love you so much, Mama. I'll see you in three months."

My arms snaked around her, pulling her close. I held my breath, knowing if I didn't, I would burst out crying. I almost did when she pulled away from me and turned to her father. Peeta. The stronger one of us two now.

She hugs her father. "I love you too, Daddy. I'll see you both soon. Time will fly! You'll see."

Even Peeta seems to be holding back tears. He pats her mahogany hair and attempts to smile. "I bet it will, Cupcake. You be good, okay? And don't take up any of Johanna's habits."

She laughs, and my heart squeezes. "I won't, Daddy." She looks towards the train. "I have to go now. But I'll call you both as soon as I get there. Pinky promise." She holds up her pinky and starts to walk backwards, waving.

I try to smile and hold up my hand. "Bye, baby. Say hello to Johanna for us, Willow."

She climbs into the train with a final grin and wave, and the train shoots off, flying past us and heading out of sight. Peeta pulls me towards him, and we watch the train disappear.

"Well, she's gone now," Peeta says as the tiny dot that the train was disappeared over the horizon.

I nod, my throat still too tight to say anything else. Peeta kissed my forehead and I look up at him. "Stay with me?" I ask.

He smiles and brushes and strand of hair out of my face. "Always, Sweetheart. Always."

First time ever attempting to write something with an older version of Peeta and Katniss. I like how it turned out, though. Read and review. ~ K.L.