*Destiny mellark: No, this is not it. I've got plenty more to write.

My apologies for the wait. It is getting very difficult for me to get more than one chapter out per week. I am working double shifts and have lots of gardening as well. Someone pointed out that in SC epilogue she described the kid's hair and eye color so I had to change the babies hair to brown, not blonde. No biggie, I'll have to fix it in Chapter 20, but I'll do it later. It is corrected in 21.

Sorry for everyone getting multiple alerts the last two days. I had to repost 20 a couple of times because not all the readers could view it. Don't forget to review and thank you for reading!

Chapter 21

In the morning, I woke up to a quiet room that was flooded with light from the window. For the first time, I took notice of the pain that burned below. Even my breasts were screaming for relief; I felt as if they would burst. I rolled my head to the side to see Peeta rocking Zinnia as she slept on his bare chest. My heart swelled at the sight; finally, I was able to repay my debt to Peeta…a life for a life.

His soft hands rubbed her bare, pink skin; I could hear her breathing in and out. She was so tiny; it was hard to believe something so little could exist. Peeta took notice of the fact I was finally awake. He smiled at me a joy and slowly stood up and walked to my side.

"She's been a little fussy. I think she is hungry." He said. I raised my bed and arranged myself in a more comfortable position. I unbuttoned my gown and pulled it just below my aching breast. Peeta gently placed her in my arms and her beautiful eyes opened for me for the first time.

"Hello there, my sweet angel." I said with a large smile. I kissed her forehead and took a deep breath; she smelled like baby powder and shampoo. I lowered her to eat and she quickly latched on. Peeta leaned in and gave me a kiss; it felt like ages since we'd spent any time together.

"Are you hungry?" Peeta asked quietly, trying not to disturb the baby. He grabbed the t-shirt from the arm of the chair and lifted it over his head. His hair was very disheveled; I don't think he had been home since the morning I went into labor. It looked like mother or Haymitch brought him a change of clothes, however.

"I'm starving!" I quietly chuckled. I hadn't eaten since the sandwich mother made me yesterday.

"Any requests?" He asked smiling.

"Do you think they have any lamb stew in this place?" I asked curiously.

"I'll see what I can do." He winked and left the room.

When Zinnia had finished eating, the swelling in my breasts had gone down and I was grateful; they hurt so badly. I lifted her tiny body over my shoulder and gently patted her back. She thanked me with three tiny burps and a filled diaper.

I spread out her blanket and laid her tiny, pink body on top of it. She was half asleep so I took advantage of the situation and started counting her fingers and toes. "One, two, three…eight, nine, ten, fingers." I counted as I kissed her little hands and feet. "Well, aren't you glad your mommy got that right? Hmm?" I giggled and kissed her cheeks.

By the time I started on her diaper my mother and Haymitch entered with balloons and flowers. "How's my little grandbaby?" Mother asked in a silly voice. She was quickly by my side kissing Zinnias cheeks and hands while Haymitch proudly glanced over her shoulder.

"Did she eat?" she asked. I nodded my head while wrapping the baby up like a cocoon. Mother quickly took her in her arms, with Haymitch close behind. It was humorous to watch the two of them make baby noises as she slept. A smile crept on my face when Peeta entered with a tray full of delicacies. My stomach growled to remind me I hadn't eaten in a day.

"I got you beef stew, a cold cut sandwich, some greens, cheese, and milk." He said proudly. "Not quite lamb stew but I hinted to the cooks you'd like some. The old lady winked at me so I think that was my in." He teased. I giggled, of course, but as soon as that tray was in my lap I ate like a savage.

The stew was rich and delicious. When I had finished it, I dipped my sandwich in the left over gravy to lap up every last drop. The cheese reminded me of the goat cheese Prim made for me every day.

"Is that going to be enough to eat?" Peeta asked sarcastically as he watched me ravage through my entire meal.

"No, this will be fine." I managed to get out between bites.

After an hour of watching Haymitch and mother fight over who got to hold Zinnia next, Peeta finally cut them both off and took her for himself. He gently took her in his arms and he held her in front of him. His fingers traced her delicate features; he gently kissed her forehead. When he looked at me my heart almost stopped.

"Katniss." I heard mother draw my attention. I looked in her direction and waited for her to finish. "We're going to go home for a bit and catch up on some sleep. If you need anything, though, just give us a call." She offered, gladly.

She wrapped her arms around my neck and hugged me tight. "I'm very proud of you, darling." She whispered in my ear.

"Thank you." I whispered back. She glided over to the baby and kissed her cheek and then Peeta's. He smiled back at her and said something in return but I was distracted by Haymitch saying goodbye to me.

"Yea, you did alright kid. She's pretty cute." He awkwardly punched my arm. Tears had begun to fill his eyes; I didn't know what to do so I rubbed his arm for comfort.

"What's the matter?" I asked confused.

"Ah hell, I don't know anymore. I've been turning to mush for months now." He said as he quickly wiped his eyes on his sleeve. "She just…reminds me of the life I should have had…I don't know." He frowned.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. "We're your family now, Haymitch." I looked to Peeta and my mother as they made faces at Zinnia. "We wouldn't be here right now if it wasn't for you." He wore his head proud when they left the room.

Never, in my wildest dreams, had I thought I would ever be so fond of Haymitch; but when I thought what it would be like if he wasn't in my life, I didn't feel whole. After years of being the notorious town drunk, a lousy mentor, rude, sarcastic, sullied, and arrogant, I grew to love him like a father. More times than not, I found myself leaning on him for support and he was always there. When I looked at Zinnia, I knew she would always have a loving grandfather; Haymitch would be that for her.

Not long after they had left, Zinnia had begun to get fussy. Peeta rocked her and patted her but she only grew louder. "She's probably hungry again." I said. He strolled over to me and laid her on the bed. I let down my gown and the room fell silent as she ate.

Peeta grabbed a chair and sat down next to the bed; he didn't take his eyes off of me. "I love you, so much." He said while leaning on his hand.

"I love you too." I smiled. His hand caressed my face but he quickly stood up and leaned over the baby to kiss me. I felt butterflies in my stomach.

"I can't wait for all of us to get back home." He said. I couldn't agree more. Though I had only been in the hospital for a day and a half, I missed the comforts of our house.

"I'm surprised there haven't been any reporters here yet." I said fastidiously. He bit his lip and I could tell he was about to tell me something I didn't want to know.

"Actually, they're here…they're just not allowed in the hospital without your permission." he said. I frowned and let out an exasperated sigh; I should have known.

"I don't want to interview in the hospital, Peeta." I admitted. "Can we just wait until we get home?" I pleaded. He kissed me on the lips and nodded.

"Whatever you want, sweetheart." He smiled.

Later that night I was decided to watch tv only to discover I was all over the news. So, all of Panem knew Zinnia was here and they all wanted the first baby picture. I decided it was time I called Effie and my stylists; if they wanted pictures and an interview, I was going to need backup.

I glanced at the beautiful, sleeping baby that snuggled along my side and didn't want to disturb her so I buzzed for a nurse. A short, stocky girl came in a few minutes later.

"What can I do for you, Miss Everdeen?" She smiled. She talked with a very strong dialect. I wasn't sure which district she may have come from. She had hazel eyes and looked very kind.

"Actually, I was wondering if you could get me the phone." I pointed to the night stand that was to my right. "And would it be too much trouble to look up a number for me?"

"Oh, of course not, my lady." Her accent rang in my ears. "Who is it you would like to speak to?" She asked courteously.

"I need to get a hold of Effie Trinket." The young lady nodded her head.

"Of course, Miss Everdeen." She smiled. "Let me get that number for you." She was gone before I could say another word but she wasn't five minutes before I had the phone in my hand and begun dialing.

The phone rang three times before anyone answered. "Hello! Effie Trinket." I heard Effie's high pitched voice on the other line.

"Hello, Effie." I almost cringed as I waited for her to scream with delight upon hearing my voice.

"Katniss! Is that you, my dear?" I was right about the scream. "

"Yes, it's me." I said softly. I didn't want to disturb Zinnia; she was half asleep and half eating. I couldn't help but laugh as I watched her.

"Oh darling! I have been waiting for the pictures!" She said impatiently. "How are you and the dear child?" I could tell she was itching for an invitation so I didn't make her wait long.

"We are all doing well, thank you." I said calmly. "I was wondering…well, actually, I was hoping you would come for a visit." I half smiled. I knew I was going to hear her squeal again so I pulled the phone away from my ear in anticipation.

"Oh! I thought you would never ask, my dear! I actually have the stylists on standby…just in case, or course." Of course you did. I silently thought.

"Well, we'd love to have you; and I'm sure Zinnia would like to meet our friends." It was very difficult for me to be so friendly; it wasn't that I didn't like Effie…I just preferred her several district's away.

"We will be there by tomorrow afternoon!" She squealed once more. When I hung up, I stared at the tiny figure that was now fast asleep.

So many emotions overwhelmed me. I was grateful to have her because I felt like I had something to live for again. No matter what happened, I was determined to keep her safe; Peeta would keep her safe. I covered myself back up and slowly got out of bed. I picked her up as gently as I could and placed her in the bassinet.

She looked so much like her father, though; I was disappointed she didn't have his blonde hair. She wouldn't grow up to be the little girl from my dreams; she wasn't going to be a little Prim. It took me a long time to understand that that was the best thing for me. I needed to let Prim go and it was Zinnia who helped me do it.

I was growing tired and decided I would call Peeta, whom was working at the bakery making tomorrows dough.

"How is she?" He asked.

"She's asleep." I smiled. I could hear him working in the background. I pictured him kneading the bread with his strong hands. I bet his apron was covered in flour.

"I wish I was there to tuck her in." he sounded solemn.

"I gave her and extra kiss from her daddy." I said sympathetically.

"I love the sound of that." He admitted.

I heard Rory holler something in the background. "Oh, Rory says the family will be at the hospital in the morning." I was happy to hear Gale's family would be visiting soon.

"Tell him we look forward to it." I said. "Well, I'm going to get some sleep while shes down. She's going to be hungry again in a few hours."

"I'll be there, first thing in the morning." He almost whimpered. I knew it was difficult for him to be apart from us, but the bakery required his attention too. "I love you, Kat."

"I love you too, Peeta,"and we hung up. I desperately wished he was staying with us tonight but he needed sleep too; so I crawled into bed and I was out within minutes.

Zinnia woke up several times in the night to eat; I was beyond exhausted. I had finally woken up at seven. Peeta was sitting in the chair across from me, rocking her. "How did you sleep?" he asked. I was surprised he noticed I was awake.

"Are you kidding?" I teased. "I didn't." he laughed with me and teased Zinnia for keeping me up all night.

"Eh oh! You kept mommy up all night. Now she's going to be a grump." He teased. I pursed my lips he laughed at the look on my face. "See?" he told her.

"Is she hungry? I asked.

"No, she hasn't been fussy." He came over and kissed me good morning. I grabbed the baby and just held her.

"I think you're prettier today than you were yesterday." I said proudly.

"Just like her mother." Peeta winked.

"Ugh, I'm sure I look like the dead." I started brushing my hair with my fingers. He grabbed my hand and pulled it to the side.

"No, you look beautiful." I couldn't help but smile, but I rolled my eyes to reassure him that he was crazy.

"Effie and the stylists will be here today." I admitted. He looked at me astonished. "I called her last night. I decided I wanted to get the pictures and reporters done as soon as possible."

"What brought this on?" he asked. A nurse entered the room, rolling in my breakfast.

"I was watching the news and realized there was no hope for them to leave us alone until I gave them what they wanted." He laughed and nodded. He understood just as well as I did.

After we ate breakfast, I heard the familiar voices of Gale's family down the hall. It wasn't a second later when Posy came rushing in; her cheeks were rosy and she was breathing hard from exertion. She glanced around the room seeing who had the baby. When she realized she was in my lap she quickly jumped on the bed.

"Hi Zinnia!" Posy almost yelled.

"Posy! What did I tell you?"Hazelle scolded her. Posy pouted her lip and said she was sorry. Hazelle set a vase of flowers on the table and hugged me. Rory and Vick quickly followed suit. Finally, I felt Gale's arms wrap around me with a present in hand.

"It's for the baby." He smiled proudly. "I made it." He set the gift on the bed and held his arms out to hold the baby. I lifted her just enough for him to put his hands under her; he glowed. "Wow, your tiny." He laughed.

I quickly un-wrapped the gift and opened the little box; inside was a tiny horse carved from wood. It was no bigger than my hand, but the craftsmanship was impeccable. My fingers glided along its body, it was so smooth; there were no imperfections.

"It's beautiful, Gale." I said.

Kind of a cruddy ending to the chapter, I know, but it was this or wait another day. I'll work on it in the future. : )