Unfortunately for us, Johanna and Fletcher didn't end up staying too long since they got a call asking them to return back to The Center for some kind of emergency. A few days after we greeted them on the train station we were doing just the opposite.
"I'll be back soon, promise." Johanna says into my ear as we give a parting hug. She turns and grabs Fletcher's hand before they make their way onto the train.
Peeta and my hands find their way together as we watch the train begin it's trip back, soon rounding the bend back to The Center. I look down at the bundle in my arms. Willow's soft, dark, brown hair peeking out from underneath a winter hat and her bright blue eyes observing the world around her.
I let her look at the blue sky above and listen to her soft coo's as the pounding of the train fades off in the distance. Beside me, Peeta stands, stroking the back of my hand with his thumb absentmindedly as he watches Willow with me.
We stand a few more moments before I begin to feel the cold creep up my back. Even with the sun out, the cold air stings my cheeks. I close my eyes and give a sigh before I face Peeta. "Ready to go?" I ask quietly.
Peeta nods his head and gently pulls my towards the edge of the platform. I fall into step as we slowly make our way back to our house.
I watch the city as we go by. So much has changed since we've come back. Since the launching of The Center and the new government, everyone was allowed free travel between the remaining districts. Everyone had the opportunity to move and build where they wanted to, when they wanted to.
Since then, many new people have come to Twelve. Now we are much more than a simple coal mining district, we can do some of everything the other districts did and more. Now people can live long, happy lives with their families. Able to have their own homes, and businesses. All with an unlimited supply of food, water, and electricity. District 12, once the poorest district now thriving in this new way of life.
Some people say that this all happened because of what Peeta and I did, but we disagree.
We remember everyone who helped create the world we live in today; Even if they aren't here to see it. That's why everything is so bitter-sweet. That's why I've had a hard time being completely happy, with every good thing I see a reminder of who's lives were cost in order to get what I see.
A familiar squeeze on my hand brings me back to the present. "Katniss?" He asks questioningly, and I'm aware that I've stopped walking and am just staring at the buildings. I look into his eyes and see his concern. I manage to squeeze his hand back for assurance that I don't really feel, but his brow just creases farther and I know I haven't done a convincing job.
We continue walking until we reach the house. Once inside I sit and nurse Willow until her blue eyes droop and she falls asleep. I decide to finally place her in her crib instead of my bed and watch here dose off and sleep for a while.
Eventually I make my way back to the living room and begin to build the fire back up from the embers that remain from this morning's hasty fire. I feel the warmth of the kindling burn my cheeks as I finally get it going.
Looking back around the room I find myself alone. Peeta is probably in the bakery trying to make up for the lost time these past few days. I take a moment to enjoy the silence before I get up and make my way over to a chest on the side of the room. Inside are a few of my most precious things.
I dig around until I finally find what I'm looking for. Then I gently close the lid and make my way to the couch. Gingerly I lift the front page of an old looking book. The pages are worn from use, and some smeared ink has made its way on the cover, but overall it's still in good condition.
The first page reads. 'Primrose Everdeen - died at age 14 due to bombing'
I feel my chest clench at the words and look away to the careful drawing of her face next to them. Time has made me forget most of it, but I can still see the familiar sparkle in her eye, and hear her laughter in my head.
My fingers brush over the drawing before finding themselves on the edge of the page, turning to the next. Page after page of people I held dear, some that I barely knew, and some I never met at all. Everyone who died at the hands of the Capitol. Everyone who gave their lives for what we have today.
I'm not aware of how much time is passing before I feel strong arms wrap around my shoulders and a chin press into my neck. I breath in his familiar scent and let myself relax at his touch. Slowly, gently, he kisses the side of my neck, making his way up to my cheek before I turn my head and kiss him back. Peeta feels strong and steady, exactly what I need.
We separate and he makes his way around the couch to where I am sitting. Carefully, I close the book and set it aside as he settles down next to me and wraps his arms around me protectively. I lean back into him to try and gain some of his strength, eventually feeling my eyes become heavier and heavier.
Finally with the fire crackling and his steady heartbeat in my ear, I give in and settle down to sleep.
A/N: It's been a while! I don't have any good excuses besides the fact that I'm in a bit of a transition with the story, trying to figure out where I need to go next.
This chapter's short, I know, but I wanted to be able to get some content out as well as stress the fact that Katniss is by no means over what has happened to her, and show that she still has a hard time on a daily basis, besides all the good things that are happening in her life.
As mentioned above, I am having a bit of a hard time figuring out what to do next with the story. I am thinking that I'll start jumping forward in time a little more to when Willow gets a bit older and eventually get to the next baby. Again, any ideas and thoughts are appreciated in this area. Love you all! Until next chapter! ~Nan0min