Hi everyone! Well, I guess I will just go ahead and say it. This is the last chapter. I have truly enjoyed writing this story. Thank you all for coming along as I have written this. I hope that you all enjoy the ending. : )

Win a Date with Peeta Mellark!

Chapter 11

Of course, as soon as it was announced that Peeta and Katniss were having a baby, the press ate the news up. They were flooded with phone calls from the reporters wanting all the details. It was so silly to Peeta since it was so early in the pregnancy. There wasn't really much to tell now, other than they were expecting, and that it would be due sometime in late September.

Once the initial furor died down, he and Katniss settled into the process of expecting a baby. She had some morning sickness, but not much. When the nausea would overcome her, Peeta would follow her and hold her hair back as she held her head over the toilet. Luckily, this part passed quickly.

But, oh, did she have cravings! Peeta had heard about that women would want and ask for strange foods during pregnancy, but his wife took the cake. She wanted to munch on pickles all day long, and would gobble up multiple peanut butter and banana sandwiches in one sitting. And, of course, he was continually baking to keep a large supply of cheese buns at the ready. The amount of food that Katniss could eat was highly impressive.

After learning that he was to become a father, Peeta also made another decision. He wanted to be there for Katniss more than anything through this, and that meant he needed to sacrifice some things himself. He made a call to Haymitch to let him know.

"I've decided that I'm not going to make that movie next month," Peeta told the agent. "I need to be here with Katniss."

Haymitch let out a breath. "The studio won't like it, kid." He grumbled. "It's kind of short notice for them to recast."

"I know that," Peeta said. "That's why I've asked Finnick if he would do it. I actually think he would be a better fit for the role than I would. It's time he had a lead part anyway. He said yes and can start if they like him. I know they will."

"I'll call the producers." the agent conceded. "Let them know and see if they would be willing to see Finnick."

"Thanks Haymitch. You really are the best."

"You can thank me by naming your kid after his old Uncle Haymitch, you know?" Peeta couldn't help but laugh at the thought of telling Katniss that they would have to name their child that. As much as she loved his agent, too, she would die at the idea, he knew.

"How about I send you a nice bottle of your favorite scotch?" Peeta offered instead. "We don't know if it will be a boy or girl yet anyway."

"Alright, alright. Have it your way. Let me get on the phone with the higher ups. I'll let you know."

Hanging up, Peeta felt confident of his plan working, and went back to focusing on his wife. She was in her second trimester now and really beginning to show. He had noticed that the cameras of the paparazzi were once again following them lately, all hoping to try and get a picture of his wife with her growing belly. Peeta had spotted them the past couple of times they had walked to the meadow. Katniss was taking it all in stride so far. As long as they weren't totally in her face, she could handle it. Now, Peeta found her on the couch, reading a book about what to expect during pregnancy, and a book of baby names on the coffee table. A list of specific names was next to it.

"Come up with any that you like?" he asked her.

"A few," she smiled. "See what you think." Peeta picked up the paper and looked it over. They spent the next hour discussing them and actually coming to an agreement. A name if it was a boy and one if it was a girl. The two of them had decided early on that they were not going to find out before the baby was born what the gender would be. Both wanted to be surprised. But, at the same time, Peeta was glad they would be prepared no matter what the baby was.

Next, he and Katniss worked over weeks on planning the nursery. It would have to be in neutral tones, but still nice. Peeta was ecstatic as he himself painted the walls a sunny yellow color. It made him think of the dandelions they saw each year in the meadow. Katniss always loved the time of year when they came out; saying they always gave her hope. He knew that this color would brighten her day when she came in to rock and see the baby. Together, they chose a beautiful wood crib, with matching dresser for clothes.

In the seventh month, a shower was planned. Although Katniss didn't want the fuss, Annie and Prim needled her until she finally agreed to it. It was the middle of July, and a hot humid Saturday when the guests filtered in to District 12. The girls had hung a sign that said "Welcome Baby!" and mixed up the punch and refreshments as people arrived. Along with her sister and friend, of course Madge and Effie had been invited, along with some of the other Celebrity No Name Significant Other Club members that Katniss had befriended in the past couple of years.

It was a lively group, and although he was sort of out of place amongst all the women, Peeta was happy to see Katniss' gleam over each and every gift. Effie made them all laugh at her gift of baby sunglasses and a little onesie that said "Future Superstar!" His wife, of course, rolled her eyes at this. At the end, Prim and Annie brought out their gift-a beautiful rocking chair for the nursery. Katniss was overwhelmed.

"OH, it's wonderful," she gushed. "I'll love it when I have to be up in the middle of the night. Thank you so much for everything."

"You're welcome," Annie told her. "You can return the favor in a few months." She began to rub her own stomach. In realization, Katniss ran and embraced her friend. Peeta included his own excitement at the news.

"Congratulations!" He said as he gave her a hug around her shoulders. "Finnick must be thrilled."

"He is," she gushed. "He won't let me do much of anything right now. I'm amazed he let me come today! But, he's been busy working on the movie you let him have. Thank you for that."

"It's not a problem. I knew he would be great. I know how he feels too. I have to watch Katniss like a hawk, or she would be out even now running around the woods hunting with Gale." Peeta looked over at his wife, who was giving him the glare that he knew so well.

"I would be fine!" she argued. "But I can't really get around anyway with this belly." They laughed and he gave her a kiss on the forehead.

After the party, everyone left, and what he and Katniss termed "Countdown to Zero Hour" began. Katniss continued to get more uncomfortable and grumpier as she got closer. Each visit, the doctor would check on the baby and let them know that it was doing fine. They only had to give it time.

Just their luck, Peeta was sound asleep when he was nudged awake. He looked at the clock to see it was 3:00 in the morning.

"Peeta," Katniss was almost gasping. "I think it's time. My water just broke." She had been some contractions earlier in the day, but this was truly the sign that they were about to become parents. He got up and quickly dressed, grabbed Katniss' prepared suitcase, and helped her walk to the car. Her contractions were getting closer. Peeta drove hurriedly to the hospital, and drove up to the curb. He was shocked by the sight that met them there.

As he pulled up, a group of people ran straight up to the car, cameras raised and flashes going off. Oh, no. Now? God, they must have been waiting around here for weeks just waiting for this. He turned to Katniss.

"I'm so sorry, sweetheart." He told her. He could see she was unnerved and fuming, but not at him.

"Just get me inside," she finally said, "then find a way to get them away from me while I give birth to our child."

"As you wish," and he immediately flew into action. Peeta got an orderly who brought out a wheelchair to take Katniss into the hospital. He walked next to her as the cameras continued clicking. Once at the reception desk, he made sure she was okay, and then went back outside to face the wolves.

"Listen guys," he tried to say with a smile. "Yes, Katniss is in labor. I am asking that you please give us some space and privacy while our baby is born. I will come back and talk with you afterwards."

The crowd of reporters seemed to be mollified at this, and Peeta quickly went back inside. Katniss had been taken to a delivery room where he was prepared and led to join her. It was amazing how in just a short time, her contractions seemed closer and stronger. He went by her side and took her hand.

"We have some privacy for now." he informed her. "I told them I would give them the news after the baby is born."

"I guess I should have expected it," she said in between her breathing. "It's always going to be like this, isn't it?"

"Yeah, I suppose so," he conceded as he watched her. Looking at the monitor that was set up, he told her, "You're doing great." And he meant that in more ways than one.

For the next hour or so, it went on like that, with Katniss breathing through her increasing contractions, and the doctor coming to check on her every ten minutes. Finally, she was asked to start pushing. As he saw the grueling pain written on her face, Peeta couldn't help but wish he could take it away from her. He was amazed as he watched her work to bring their child into the world. Eventually, he was able to see a head sticking out, and then with one final push, the entire body came out. There was a lot of flurried movement, but within a couple of minutes, he heard the best sound, the first cry of his newborn child.

"It's a girl," the doctor told them. "Let us clean her up and we'll bring her back to you." She let Peeta cut the cord connecting his daughter to Katniss before the tiny creature was taken away. He went back up to his wife and kissed her in thanks for the gift she had just given him. They looked each other in the eyes for a few minutes, and soon a bundle wrapped in pink was given to them.

Katniss opened up the blanket a little bit to see their daughter. She had a mass of dark hair on her head, and when she opened her eyes later on, he could see that they were of the color that matched his own.

"She's perfect." He commented. "Emma Grace. It fits." Then getting up and walking to the door he continued, "I better go and keep my promise to the wolves out there."

Katniss smiled. "Go out there and get 'em, Mr. Movie Star. We'll be here when you get back."

The rest of the hospital visit was spent in relative peace. Two days later, they were released to go home, and Peeta settled in to life with a newborn baby. Midnight feedings and diaper changes became routine, and before they knew it, Emma was two months old, and Peeta had to begin shooting his next movie.

They all travelled to the Capitol, as he wanted Katniss and the baby close by. He had a couple of days before the filming was to start, so they could settle in. Prim came to dinner the second night, and was in awe of her new niece.

"She's beautiful," his sister in law remarked. "You know, I think you owe me big time."

"Owe you?" Katniss scoffed. "How do you explain that?"

"Let's see," the girl smirked. "You are married to the biggest movie star in the country, and now have a gorgeous baby girl. I think I had a little something to do with that by placing a certain person's name into a certain contest." She glanced knowingly at her sister.

"Don't get so high and mighty, little duck." Katniss replied, making Prim roll with laughter. They finished the evening together, and walked Prim to the door.

"Take care, Prim." they both said as she was leaving. Katniss gave her a hug and Peeta heard her quietly adds, "And thank you."

Being left alone after that, Peeta headed to the balcony of the condo. Looking out over the city, memories of a few years previous entered his mind. How lonely he had been, and how things had totally changed in such a short time. He was just gazing out and Katniss joined him with the baby in her arms. He placed his arm around them and they looked out together.

"It's beautiful out here," his wife remarked. "You looked like you were in deep thought. What were you thinking about?"

"Actually," he began. "I was remembering that this is where it all started. I was standing right here looking at this same view when Haymitch decided he was going to help me. Now I have you and Emma. Little did I know that night."

Katniss laughed. "We'll have quite a story to tell her when she gets older, won't we?

"Why not start now?" Peeta offered. "You're the expert on good stories. We should start telling them to her early. What would it say?"

His wife looked down at their little girl and began. "It would say, there once was a famous actor who wanted to find someone special, so his wise mentor created a contest to have one lucky girl win a date with him. The actor picked a girl whose sneaky sister had entered her name. They met and went out on that date, and in time they fell in love. Though they were from different worlds, they managed to bring them together. Then, the actor asked the girl to marry him. And she did, and ended up having the most amazing little girl whom they love more than anything." Katniss finished then looked up at him. "How was that?"

"Fantastic," Peeta replied. "Sounds like a fairy tale. How does it end?"

"Like every fairy tale," Katniss whispered to him over their sleeping newborn. "They lived happily ever after."

THE END

Well, there it is. I hope that I did this right. The journey is over. Thank you again for everyone who has been reading and reviewing along the way. You have been the best! I truly have been overwhelmed by the support of the story. I hope that you have enjoyed it all.