Two Months Later

It's been two months since we found out about the baby. Peeta has been over the moon the entire time, and I'd be lying if I said I'm not happy. We still haven't told anybody about the pregnancy. We know the time is coming. I'm going to start showing sooner or later. Overall, the pregnancy hasn't been as hard as I initially thought it was going to be. I don't get morning sickness every day, but when I do, Peeta is right there holding my hair and running his hands up and down my spine, ready with a glass of water and my toothbrush.

I saw Dr. Sutherland again, and she was encouraged with how my pregnancy is coming along. She even let Peeta come to the appointment with me, which he gladly did. She told us that I'm extremely healthy, and that bodes well for the baby's health. She doesn't foresee any complications, but you never know what might happen. She offered to tell us the gender, but Peeta and I agreed to wait.

About a week after we found out, my nightmares came back in full force. I would dream of the bloodbath at the Cornucopia. Our baby was in the middle of it all, sitting on the ground, crying and screaming. No matter how hard I tried, I could never reach the infant. Other times I dreamed that instead of Rue dying at the hands of Marvel, it was our baby stuck in that damn net. I'd wake up screaming and gasping for air. Peeta was always right there for me, rubbing my back and holding me in his arms, soothing my broken thoughts.

The nightmares spilled over into my consciousness, and I would cry in Peeta's arms, telling him that I can't do this. Every time, he patiently listened to me, then talked me through it. My confidence level has risen every day, and now, two months in, I'm positive that Peeta and I are going to be excellent parents. You would have to look far and wide to find two more overprotective people.

The big issue we're dealing with currently is the Victory Tour. Peeta realized a few weeks ago that most likely it would be blatantly obvious that I'm pregnant during the Tour. So, we talked, and came up with a plan. We called the Capitol and demanded they move up the Tour. We gave them a myriad of made up reasons. One was that we're still having trouble with the trauma of it all, and we think going on the Tour and talking about it will help. That one's not actually too far from the truth, even though we're both in a much better place than I thought we'd be at this point. At first, the Gamemakers refused to even contemplate changing the dates. We called Effie, and she used her considerable sway as the newly-minted mentor of two Victors to help persuade them. The next time I talked to the Gamemakers, I spent about an hour hurling very Girl On Fire-esque threats and promises of bodily harm their way. Apparently, when they finally brought it to Snow, he immediately agreed to our plan. So, in one week, Peeta and I will be leaving to go on our Victory Tour with Effie and Haymitch. We made sure the first place we're going is straight to the Capitol to do an interview with Caesar Flickerman. That is where we will reveal the whole truth to the country. Then, we'll go back to 11 and work our way through the Districts. We talked to Cinna and Portia, because we know that we both have to have 'talents' on the Tour. Peeta's is obviously going to be his art. Cinna and I talked for a while, and he kept telling me archery isn't an acceptable talent. Finally he suggested fashion and designing. He told me he'd do all the work, and I could pass it off as my own. That didn't sit right with me, so I've actually been sending sketches and drawings back and forth with him. I'm finding more and more that I actually enjoy designing some of the clothes I'm going to wear, and Cinna is really a wonderful teacher.

I haven't spoken to Gale since that day in the woods. Sometimes Peeta and I will see him around the District, but he keeps his distance, glaring hatefully at us. Peeta glares back, and I put on my best scowl. He hasn't tried to talk to me though, which actually has surprised me. Peeta thinks he's just laying low, either waiting for something to happen, or planning. I honestly don't know. He's not the same Gale I thought I knew.

We also occasionally see Sarah, the blonde from District 4 who I discovered trying to flirt with my husband the day after my wedding, around. She also keeps her distance, and I always make sure that I'm either holding Peeta's hand, have our arms around one another, or we're kissing. I don't want her to think she has any chance, especially since three weeks ago I found her in the bakery again, talking to Peeta. I was initially mad at Peeta, but calmed down when I remembered how polite he truly is. As soon as I walked through the door and she caught site of me, she diverted her eyes to the floor and scurried out without a word.

Last week, Peeta and I decided to stop by the jewelers. We simply wanted to talk to him and find out if he'd kept his promise of keeping our marriage a secret. He assured us he had, and we thanked him profusely. As we were walking out, he called us back, and offered to give us free inscriptions on the inside of our wedding rings. We looked at each other and nodded happily. After a couple minutes of back and forth, I got P.M., Forever on my ring, and Peeta got K.M., Always on his. Lately I've gotten into the habit of taking my ring out from under my shirt and staring at the inscription whenever I'm alone. I spent an hour sitting on a rock in the woods yesterday doing just that.

Effie arrived on the train last night from the Capitol in order to start preparing us for the Tour. She was initially going to stay with Haymitch, but after taking one step in his house, turned around and knocked on our door. We put her up in one of the furnished guest bedrooms. It's the first time we've had guests since we started living together. I guess I must've forgotten, or just didn't care, because last night when Peeta and I were in the middle of having sex, he literally had to clamp his hand down on my mouth. We can only imagine what Effie's reaction would be to hearing us in the throes of passion. Not good.

Tonight, we're having over both our families and our mentors for a big dinner. Peeta and I decided to tell them about the pregnancy before we leave for the Capitol, and this gives us some time to plan with Haymitch and Effie. Peeta invited his whole family, but apparently his mother flat out refused. Lately she's taken to denial, claiming that Peeta and I aren't really married. I'm tempted to stomp over to the bakery with our marriage license and shove it in her face.

Everyone arrives on time, even Haymitch, who appears semi-sober to our relief. Peeta's dad and brothers lighten the mood, and his brothers joke around with Prim, making her laugh. They all think we're just having a family dinner before we leave for the Tour, but we're about to drop some heavy news on them. I'm actually a bit scared about my mother's reaction.

Finally, it's time. Peeta reaches over and takes my hand, giving it a squeeze. He kisses my cheek and whispers in my ear.

"You can do this. I love you."

I love you too, I mouth back.

I demanded to be the one to break the news, and Peeta had no problem with that. Honestly I think he's still so happy that I'm having his child that he'd run around the District naked if I asked him to. He's already been cooking me whatever I want at all hours, treating me like a queen, and giving me countless back and foot rubs. I married the perfect husband.

"Everyone, Peeta and I have something we'd like to share with you all," I announce. "Well, actually, first, Haymitch and Effie, we have to admit something to you."

"What is it sweetheart?" Haymitch asks.

"Peeta and I got married in secret a little over two months ago. We're sorry we didn't tell you but we were keeping it between us and a few close family members."

"What!" They yell in unison. Effie looks downright sad.

"I always thought I'd plan your wedding," she mutters.

"Did you really marry him, sweetheart?" Haymitch asks seriously.

"Haymitch! I'm right here!" Peeta yells with a smile.

"Yes, I did," I respond to our mentor with a matching smile. I take out my ring and show it to him. "Best decision I've ever made. Effie, I'm sorry, but we just couldn't wait. Maybe we'll have you plan something in the future. But now we have some other news we need to talk with you all about."

Everybody quiets down and gazes at me with questioning looks. Haymitch almost looks like he knows what I'm about to say, if the grin on his face means anything. I had a whole spiel planned, but like always, I just end up blurting it out.

"I'm pregnant."

Immediately there is a barrage of questions thrown our way.

"How far along are you?" "Is it a boy or a girl?" "Aren't you too young?" "Peeta, you sly dog you!" That last one was his brother, obviously.

"Calm down, everyone," Peeta calmly asks. "We'll answer all your questions. Kat?" He prompts. I nod.

"Okay. Well first, I'm two months along. We don't know the sex yet, and we're not sure if we want to before the baby's born." I hate referring to the baby as an 'it'. "We both realize that we're young, yes, but we're married and in love. We both want this. We're a family now." I see Peeta absolutely beaming at my words, and I lean over and give him a peck on the lips.

I look over to my mother, and she still has a look of shock on her face, like she's still coming to terms with it. Prim looks like she just heard the best news ever. I think she just realized she's going to be an Aunt.

"Mom?" I ask. "Say something, please."

The whole table quiets down and waits for her to speak.

She sighs deeply, and I wonder if it's a good or bad sign. Peeta squeezes my hand for support again.

"Katniss, I can't say that I wanted you to get pregnant this young. But, I realize there's nothing we can do about it now. I will be here for you every step of the way. I am happy for you. Very happy, for both of you. You'll make wonderful parents."

Everybody at the table agrees with her last statement, throwing in their two cents about how great Peeta and I will be. I breathe a sigh of relief that we've finally told someone. It was kind of fun having it be our little secret, but I knew we had to do this eventually.

"So, you all know we're going to the Capitol in a few days," Peeta says, getting everyone's attention again. "Katniss and I would appreciate it if you could keep this to yourselves until we've had a chance to announce it during our interview. We'd be very thankful. We know we can trust you, because you've kept our marriage a secret."

They all nod in agreement, and a weight is lifted off of my chest. I don't know why I was worried, we trust everybody here completely, but it's still scary telling your family that you're pregnant.

The rest of the dinner flies by, the main topic of conversation obviously the baby. Effie is already talking about clothes and toys and color schemes for the nursery. I eventually block her out. Haymitch drinks, celebratory drinks he calls them. Peeta's dad pulls me aside at one point, hugs me and gives me a cheek on the kiss, and thanks me for making him a grandfather. I'm touched, and thank him for giving me my husband. I see Peeta and my mom talking, and they both have smiles on their faces. Prim was absolutely ecstatic, unable to sit still for even a minute, demanding to touch and feel my belly, and talk to the baby. I laugh and let her, getting a little emotional at seeing my little sister telling my unborn child how awesome their mother and father are. I decide there and then that Prim will be this child's godmother. Peeta agrees instantly.

Finally, everybody trickles out, and it's just me, Peeta, Haymitch, and Effie.

"So, what does this mean for everything?" Peeta asks the inevitable.

Haymitch sighs.

"I don't know," he admits. "I'm sure the country will be celebrating and that your kid is going to be the most famous baby in Panem. But, as for what Snow or the Capitol might say or do, that I don't know. I've never been in this situation before."

"Me either," Effie adds. "We'll have to wait and see. This does give you some amount of power, especially after you forced them to move up the Tour by a couple months. By the way, now I know the real reason for that," she grins. I nod with a guilty smile. "The Capitol understand they need you both to follow their script on this Victory Tour. They get how popular and important you are. That gives you leverage. The baby gives you leverage as well. They'll want to take pictures and do stories and interviews. You can use that to your advantage."

What Effie says makes a lot of sense, even if I don't like thinking of my baby as a tool to get leverage over the evil Capitol. Honestly, at this point, I just can't wait to announce it and get the truth out there.

Haymitch leaves shortly after, and Effie retires to her room. Peeta and I make our way to our bedroom, and I throw on one of his old t-shirts and crawl into bed. He joins me quickly, wrapping me up in his strong arms, protecting and comforting me.

"Are you ready for this, Kat?" He asks softly.

"I think so. I'm nervous about going to the Capitol, but I'm glad we're getting it over with first."

"Me too," he agrees.

"I'm just hesitant about what the Capitol will do knowing about our baby. We know firsthand how evil they really are, and how they don't value human life whatsoever. We have to protect this baby at all costs, Peeta. No matter what."

"I know, Katniss. I will do whatever it takes to keep you and our baby safe. Anything."

We make love, slowly, caressing each other softly, memorizing the look in one another's eyes. I've become even more insatiable since the pregnancy, and Peeta has been more than willing to participate.

"Peeta, are you going to make love to me when I'm as big as a house?" I ask after.

"Kat, of course I will. Anything you need or want, you know that."

"But Peeta, I'm going to be huge and ugly and emotional and needy. Why would you ever want to touch me?" Damn, another mood swing. One minute I'm happy, the next I'm sobbing and insecure about how he feels about me.

"Katniss, listen to me. Not only is you carrying our child the most beautiful thing in the world, it's honestly quite sexy. I'm going to have a hard time keeping my hands off you."

There he goes, being all sweet again, turning my mood around on a dime.

"Feel like proving that, Mr. Mellark?" I goad.

"Mrs. Mellark, we literally just finished a minute ago," he says quietly.

"Oh, so you were joking then?"

"Never," he states defiantly, swiftly flipping me onto my back. I sigh. This is where I always want to be.

One Week Later

We're finally on our way to the Capitol, riding on one of those fancy, private trains they reserve for Tributes and Victors. Effie tried to get us to use different bedrooms, even though we're married, but my glare stopped that line of thinking dead in its tracks.

Peeta and I both have nightmares on the train. It brings back bad memories. I remember how I distrusted him on the train to the Capitol before the Games, and how on the way back to 12 after we won, how I decided to lie and break his heart. We talk constantly, reassuring each other and working through everything as a team. I honestly don't think I could do this without Peeta, and he feels the exact same way. We need each other more than ever.

The ride goes by quickly and before we know it we're pulling into the Capitol. Just like last time, the train station is packed full of crazy looking Capitol residents, clamoring to get a glimpse of the star-crossed lovers. We both sigh, knowing we're going to have to put on a show, even if we are actually in love, married, and expecting our first child.

Effie does her job well and whisks us through the crowd to a waiting limousine. It's the nicest car either of us have ever been in, but we're preoccupied with the fact that we're now back in the Capitol. We feel safe at home in District 12. We grew up there, got married there, and know almost everyone. Here, it's almost like another world. The people are incredibly different, and I have to constantly remind myself these are the people who got pleasure out of watching us fight for our lives.

We arrive at the Training Center, and Effie tells us we'll again be staying in the Penthouse reserved for District 12 Tributes. At least I'll have Peeta with me when I go to sleep.

Effie makes sure we're on time to dinner, as our interview is fast approaching. Soon, there's a knock at the door, and Cinna and Portia enter. Peeta and I fly to our feet and hug our stylists tightly.

"Katniss! I've missed you, girl on fire," Cinna says.

"I missed you too, Cinna," I reply. "Sit down. Peeta and I have some news to share with you both."

Portia and Cinna sit on the couch and Peeta and sit opposite them. They look eager to hear our news, and both smile when they see us holding hands.

"Well, we might as well just come out and say it," I say. "Cinna, Portia, Peeta and I got married two months ago."

They both gasp and smile wide.

"That's wonderful!" Portia almost screeches.

"Congratulations," Cinna nods.

"Thanks. That's not all," Peeta says. They give us questioning looks.

"In seven months, our family will grow by one. I'm pregnant," I say with a huge smile. They gasp again.

"No way!" "This is great news!" They exclaim simultaneously.

We spend the next few minutes talking about the baby, and Cinna promises to make me some nice maternity clothes. Soon, we're herded away to our prep teams to get ready for the interview. It's the first time Peeta and I have been separated in a while, and I simply hate it. My prep team notices my bad mood, and Cinna gently tells them I miss Peeta. I scowl.

Fairly soon, I'm dressed in an orange gown (I told Cinna it's Peeta's favorite color), and head to the living room to meet up with my husband. Cinna made sure my ring is still hidden on my chain.

I see Peeta, and run into his arms. We've only been separated for about an hour, but it was almost unbearable, especially because we were both getting poked, prodded, and done up.

Peeta looks incredibly handsome, wearing a dark blue suit and matching shirt, and a tie that is the same exact color of my dress. We match. I love it.

"You look very handsome, Mr. Mellark," I coo as I reach up and smooth his tie.

"You're beautiful, Mrs. Mellark," he whispers. He rarely tells me I look beautiful. He just tells me I am beautiful. He says it's because I'll always be beautiful to him, no matter what.

"I can't wait to be able to wear our rings," I say.

"Me too. Pretty soon the whole country is going to know I somehow got you to marry you and then knocked you up!" He jokes.

"Peeta, are you forgetting that I asked you to marry me? And I'll give you the knocked up part, but don't forget that I want this too," I tease.

"I know, Kat. You have no idea how happy that makes me," he smiles. I lean up and kiss him sweetly. Effie scolds us from behind for possibly ruining my makeup. I glare back at her mockingly.

We are escorted downstairs and back into the same limousine, and we're on our way to the studio. As we get closer and closer, my nerves start to get frayed. Peeta notices, but doesn't say anything. He just takes my hand and rubs soft circles on my hand with his thumb. He knows talking right won't help me. We're about to enough of that.

We arrive at the back of the studio and are directed through a stage door. Before I can blink, we're standing in the wings, and I can see Caesar starting to introduce us, telling the oft-talked about story of the star-crossed lovers of District 12. I think momentarily what this would be like if Peeta and I weren't really together. How hard it would be to act all the time, knowing that Peeta wasn't. Trying to prove to everyone that we are real when we weren't. I don't know if I'd be able to do it. I know Peeta would struggle greatly. I yet again am relieved that I got up off my bed that night a few months ago.

A minute later, I hear Caesar prompt us to walk onto the stage.

"Ladies and gentleman, the star-crossed lovers of District 12, the co-Victors of the 74th Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark!"

The applause is deafening and the lights blinding as Peeta and I walk out hand-in-hand. The audience is now standing and clapping, apparently ecstatic to see us. I can't help the small smile at the reception, even though I know it's wrong. We walk up to the small couch, the same couch we sat on after we won the Games. Peeta shakes Caesar's hand and sits down. I shake his hand as well. I kick off my heels and sit down, curling my feet under me and leaning into Peeta. He wraps his arm around me and holds my hand with his free hand. It comforts me and gives me courage. The audience finally calms down and sits.

"So, how is Panem's favorite couple?" Caesar asks.

"We're good," Peeta replies. We agreed he'd take the lead, but I would make the big announcements. "Adjusting to life back in our District is tough after the Games. It was quite traumatic, as you can see."

"Of course," Caesar agrees. "Now tell us, how is your relationship faring after the Games?"

This is our opening, at least to tell them about the wedding.

"Well, Caesar," I start. Peeta grips my hand harder, letting me know he's with me every step of the way. I turn to look into his eyes before I speak, not moving them an inch as I admit the truth to Panem. "The truth is, Peeta and I got married a little over two months ago." I smile, as does Peeta, and we almost involuntarily lean in for a kiss. I almost can't hear the thundering applause and cheering from the audience over our heartbeats. Peeta looks at me, and mouths it's time.

We both simultaneously reach for our chains. Caesar looks curious as to what we're doing, and remains silent. The audience seems to grasp that something is happening and watches with rapt attention. We pull out our rings, and reach over to help one another unclasp the chains. We slide them off and hand them to each other.

"Peeta and I haven't worn our rings yet," I explain. "We were waiting until the whole country knew." Caesar nods in understanding and looks as excited as everyone else for the moment that's about to come.

We turn back to each other and, reminiscent of our wedding, gently slide our rings onto each other's fingers, grasping our hands together and kissing when we finish. This time I can't hear anything but the beat of his heart. My finger feels complete again, like that first magical night when we wore them to bed.

"Wow," Caesar says, seemingly speechless. The crowd is still going wild, demanding kisses. We oblige with small pecks.

Finally everyone calms down.

"Well that is very exciting news," Caesar gushes. "It's quite the love story you two have lived. Forced into the arena, falling in love while fighting for your lives, and now you're happily married. I think I speak for everyone here when I say, congratulations!"

After the inevitable applause, Peeta speaks again.

"Thank you, Caesar, and thank you, everyone. We appreciate the sentiment. We are indeed extremely happily married. I think personally I'm still in disbelief that she actually went through with it, though."

"Peeta!" I interject. "How many times do I have to remind you, I asked you to marry me!"

Caesar laughs at this, as does the crowd, and I know we're doing well.

"Fair enough, honey," Peeta admits, giving me a kiss. The crowd sighs and 'awws' are heard.

"Well, Caesar, that's not the only news Peeta and I have tonight," I say after a minute. The silence is almost deafening. I take a deep breath.

"I'm pregnant!" I yell, despite my normal self.

The crowd simply goes wild. Caesar has that stupid smile plastered on his face, encouraging the audience.

"This is, yet again, great news!" Caesar tells us. "A baby! How exciting!"

"Yeah, we're pretty excited too," Peeta grins.

"Peeta was literally speechless when I told him," I tease. "But after a minute he picked me up and twirled me around, telling me how much he loves me." I surprise myself by sharing such an intimate moment with the whole country, but it felt right at the moment. We know how important this interview is.

"Well, ladies and gentlemen, this has been a most surprising interview! Please give one more round of applause for the new parents, Peeta Mellark and Katniss Everdeen!"

I instinctively glare at Caesar. When it quiets down, I speak.

"My name is Katniss Mellark."

"Apologies, Mrs. Mellark," Caesar almost whimpers. He looks almost frightened of me.

"Just don't forget it," I warn. "That goes for you too," I look directly into the camera with my best scowl. I mean it.

Caesar gets the audience to give us one more round of applause, and I put my heels back on. We stand up, shake hands with Caesar again, and wave to the crowd, our hands still linked. The light glints off my wedding ring as I wave. I'm so incredibly happy I get to wear it everyday now. It became almost unbearable at the end, especially after we found out about the baby.

Soon, we're walking off the stage, and I'm relieved. It went better than I expected. Peeta seems happy as well, leaning over to kiss my temple. We exit the stage and turn the corner.

There, in front of us, is the very last person I want to see now. Or ever, really.

It's President Corolianus Snow.

"Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Mellark," he smiles.

A/N: Uh Oh! It's Snow! What is he going to say to our favorite Victors? Hmm? I really actually have no idea. Guess we'll all find out tomorrow!

Well, I know I took some liberties in this chapter, especially moving the Tour up. I wanted them to announce everything during the interview, and if Katniss was already almost five months pregnant, it would be kind of hard to hide it from everyone. So, I hope it worked out okay.

There was a good point brought up in the reviews in the last chapter. It was pointed out that hunting is illegal in Panem, and Katniss therefore shouldn't have talked about it to her doctor. This is the way I justify it. The entire country knows she hunts illegally. If they don't, they're idiots. There's simply no other way she could get that good with a bow in 12. The Peacekeepers in 12 have bought game from her for years (even Cray, who's still head Peacekeeper at this point in my story), and honestly, do you think anyone would try to mess with Katniss? I also thought about whether or not she'd lie to a doctor. In her heart, Katniss is inherently a good person. I really think she would be completely honest with her doctor, as she wants to make sure she's as healthy as can be, especially after she becomes pregnant (even though she'd already told her about the hunting). But, after all, the reviewer is right. Hunting is illegal at this point, and I probably just made a stupid error. Sorry!