Chapter 26: The Once Silent Bird Set the Mockingjay Alight Again (PART 1) – KatnissPOV

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"Yes mom, we made it back alright." I spoke into the phone since I hadn't turned on the video feature for this conversation.

We'd taken to talking over the phone or by video calls at least once every week. Even though I was tired after having just arrived from visiting Pollux's home after Finn's birthday weekend, today was no different. All I felt like doing was crashing into the bed, but figured I'd check in with her first, knowing I'd never hear the end of it if I didn't.

"So, is it official? My baby girl is staying in Twelve." She said, and after a small pause she asked the question I knew had to be on the tip of her tongue for a while. "Will Pollux be taking the neighboring house?" She asked and I could just see the smirk on her face in my mind.

"Yes it's official, Mom. Pollux's home was nice and all, and there'd be no nightmarish reminders from war there at all, but…" I sighed before trying to elaborate, only for her to cut me off.

"But there'd be no reminders of home either? Maybe that's for the best, Katniss." She commented.

"No, not for me. I think… well, I understand why the reminders in Twelve might be too much for you, Mom. That's how I feel about the Capitol, but for me, Twelve is home. Its where I'll always remember Prim smiling bouncing excitedly if i had a good hunt. Here is where I'll remember going hunting with Gale, as well as you and Dad together happily. No matter what the Games or War has thrown at me, this is the place I couldn't wait to return to. With Haymitch and now with Pollux here too, it's where I feel I belong, Mom. Luckily, Pollux agreed to move here." I explained and she hummed almost too quietly, before responding.

"Well Katniss, I'm glad for you then. You deserve all the happiness life can bring you now. But, don't think I didn't notice that you didn't answer me earlier. Will Pollux be staying with you... at the house?" She asked with a tone that told me she knew the answer already, so I rolled my eyes before replying.

"Yes, he will be. We plan to share in my room and leaving the other for guests in case you and Beetee, or any of our friends drop by to visit." I replied and felt my cheeks warm slightly, almost waiting for any sign of disapproval from her.

"Oh Katniss, that's wonderful news!" She said, sounding truly happily, before continuing. "But, could I make a suggestion?" Was what she replied instead of a reproach, and I found myself nodding before I realized she couldn't see me, so I verbally agreed.

"Maybe you two might feel more comfortable in my old room. It's bigger and has a bathroom as well. It might be better suited for a new couple. The other two rooms would make better nurs - ... guest rooms." She said but i caught what I was sure she meant to say instead of guest rooms, but I let it go. It was way too soon to go there for now and she must have recognized that.

"You know what, I think you're right." I told her, accepting that was indeed where I'd like Pollux and my relationship to lead… one day.

"What about… um... Will you clean out…" She tried to ask and I could hear emotion in her tone, and I immediately knew what she was trying to ask.

"I think… I will clean itPrim's room out, then give some of Prim's old dresses and shoes to those who need them here in Twelve. I think, i'd like to keep the furniture though. Would you like me to send you some of her things?" I asked with a small lump in my throat, and she sniffled before accepting.

Just then, Pollux walked into the bedroom and set sown some bags. As soon as he saw the look in my face, he quickly moved to sit beside me with an inquisitive look on his own face. He signed "What's wrong?", but I just shook my head and told mom I needed to go for now.

"Alright Mom, Pollux is back and I need to help him put our things away. I'll call you in a few days after we've settled in." I said and she agreed, then said good bye.

"Why do you... look sad?" He asked me, taking hold of my hand and placing a kiss on my shoulder.

"We talked about you settling in. She suggested we take her old room, since its bigger and has a bathroom inside." I responded, hoping to get his opinion on the matter and trying to avoid the other topic.

"That's not what made you sad, though." He responded but his statement wasn't exactly a question, regardless of the curious look in his eyes.

"No. I just... we also talked about cleaning Prim's room." I barely got out when i felt a few tears slide down my cheek.

Pollux was quick to wipe them away and comforting me. He was telling me we didn't have to move things just yet if I wasn't ready, but I shook my head against his shoulder.

"I do have to... for her. Some of her things can be of use to others here in Twelve. As bittersweet as it might be for me to see her things go, Pollux, I know its what she'd want. I can't think my Little Duck would be too happy with me moping for too long about it ether. I'd also like to think she wants me to let go a bit and allow myself fully move on." As I spoke to Pollux, I felt peace filling my heart and it felt like I had Prim's blessing.

"I think you're right Katniss. And, I'll be here to help you every step of the way." He replied and loving the sound of that, i leaned forward and kissed him soundly.

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The next few months were incredible. Living with Pollux felt so natural. I felt more complete than I had in a very long time. I loved learning even more of his quirks and found myself opening up to him in ways I never thought I would for any one. We made a point to have Effie and Haymitch over at least once a week for dinner, as they would do for us as well. Even though we lived right across the street from each other and almost ever other day, we'd made an agreement to respect our boundaries. No one wanted to overstep or wear out their welcome, but the routine of having dinner together at least a week at either house worked well for us. Effie and Haymitch were able to patch their relationship up rather nicely, and I was glad for them. We were each also finding fulfillment in our newly appointed employment positions.

After the war had been won and Paylor became President, she abolished the old regime. She and Plutarch began restructuring a real government that would allow the people of Panem a chance to put chosen candidates in power positions, but only for a limited amount of time. Their promise was that Panem would never again be ruled by an evil dictator for decades. As it turned out, Paylor was voted for a second term and accepted it graciously. With her newest term came even more stability and employment opportunities for the people of Panem.

Sometimes it seemed a bit too good to be true, but over the last couple of years, they've been doing just that. Progress from district to district, with the the rebuild and trading seems to be going well. The media is no longer restricted as it once had been, and I know Cressida enjoys traveling through the districts to broadcast the improvements. The people were learning to find finding joy in their districts and in their lives. We could see how devastated some districts had been, and how far they've come. The districts were working together and our nation would be stronger for it.

Not long after our return to Twelve, we received word from Plutarch at the Capitol. Luckily, Mom and Beetee had forewarned me to expect a letter from the Capitol, so I wouldn't freak out when the envelope arrived. The letter was a notification of sorts, to explain that President Paylor wanted to extend the democratic government throughout the districts. Eventually, a formal announcement was broadcast. They wanted each district to nominate, then hold elections for several District Officials. Those elected to run specific departments that working together, would be how each district would thrive. Those elected officials would also work with the officials of the other districts. The positions to be elected were D12 Governor, Zone Representatives from different areas within Twelve, a Sheriff with several deputies and officers, a Treasurer, a Health Administrator, and a Commissioner, to oversee Construction, Agricultural needs as well as Waste management for District Twelve. Each position was for a two-year terms, with a maximum of 3 terms per candidate. This rule allowed other members of the community to be nominated every two years, run against the elected official, and allow the people to vote whether to keep the existing official or get someone new.

Effie was enthusiastically happy to be nominated for Treasurer and we all agreed she'd do a wonderful job if elected. Interestingly enough, Haymitch was nominated for Governor as well as for Sheriff, against myself which was a surprise to me. He laughed it off and said he'd happily concede each of the positions to me. Naturally of course, I had no interest in either position at first, but Pollux talked me into rethinking my feelings about the nominations. He was proud to have been nominated for Commissioner, telling me it filled him with pride to be an outsider for all intents and purposes here in Twelve, but still trusted and accepted enough to be nominated at all. He convinced me that the nomination was not only an honor, but the proof that the people of Twelve believed in me to help see them through, as we worked together to rebuild our district. After I accepted my nominations, Haymitch eventually came around to his nominations as well.

Eventually, election day descended upon Twelve and with it, came President Paylor with Plutarch, along with an impressive show of security and armed guards. I was happy to learn that Cressida and Gale had also returned. They surprised us all when they confessed to having eloped a week prior. They were now using the Elections Tour to each of the districts to travel as their honeymoon. Cressida was providing media coverage for all the districts, where as Gale said he was happy to support us in our nominations. He'd also been nominated in their district for Sheriff, but their elections weren't happening for another few weeks. It was nice to see them again, and I was happy to learn that all was going well with Cressida's pregnancy. Even though I could tell it was bittersweet for Gale to be back here again, he seemed impressed with the progress we've been making in Twelve.

The morning of the elections, the nominees were gathered at the partially rebuilt Justice Building. I can't say the scene didn't bring back some rather painful flashbacks, but was I was able to get through it with Haymitch and Pollux at my side. All the nominees were instructed to give a short speech about how they felt they could contribute in Twelve. Then, the voting commenced. I found myself nervous about which of the two nominations I might feel more comfortable in, if I were to be elected. My friends each assured me that I'd make them proud as either Sheriff or even Governor, so I put on my bravest face and tried to take comfort in their confidence.

President Paylor hosted and assembly lunch in the Town Center near the Justice Building the following day. After the votes had all been tallied, the winners as First Elected Government Officials of District Twelve were announced and history was being made, while Cressida adn her team recorded it all. Pollux was elected D12 Commissioner, while Effie was elected as D12 Treasurer, and Haymitch won D12 Sheriff over me. I was brimming with pride for each of them and i could see Gale clapping proudly from his chair in the audience. Even though Haymitch tried to shrug it off, I could tell he was honored and proud of himself too. As for myself, being the elected D12 Governor came as a complete shock to me, even as the deafening clapping adn cheering surrounded me. I truly believed the people of Twelve would have elected an older and perhaps more experienced candidate. I was truly humbled by this act and honored by the people's trust in me, so vowed to myself that I wouldn't let them down for the next two years.

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Effie and Haymitch's wedding was the fanfare it promised to be. Mom and Beetee were able to make it back for the biggest and most elaborate celebration twelve had ever seen. I know it was hard for Mom, but she wouldn't miss her brother's wedding for anything. Effie' baby bump was already showing, so her dress had to be altered. I would have imagined an epic freak out, but she was truly glowing and couldn't be more thrilled with her pregnancy. It wouldn't take a more than a glance to see how Haymitch fawned over Effie and her baby bump as well. He'd not only finally accepted his impending fatherhood, but he embraced it and i was so happy for himadn Effie. Cinna was only all too happy to personally come to Twelve a few times for the dress alterations, and I was happy to see that Lavinia and him were a couple and seemed very happy.

For the days leading up to the wedding, I'd prepared the remaining house in the Victors Village for our friends, while had Mom and Beetee stayed with Pollux and myself. Although, the evening before the big day, the men were pretty much banished to Haymitch's house while the women all joined the bride at my house. Although, I found it pretty funny that Johanna came and went between my house and Haymitch's several times. I didn't ask what the guys were up to, but I overheard her telling Enobaria that they were boring and practically discussing the latest sporting events, as well as Gale's way of handling his Sheriff position compared to Haymitch. I also caught the part where Peeta and Pollux were yapping about the benefits they could come up with, both being the Commissioners for their districts.

I'll never forget the look in Hay's eyes as he watched Effie walking towards him for the Wedding Ceremony. Effie was the epitome of beauty without being overly made up. Her dress was exquisite and almost regal like, thanks to Cinna, but I was glad to see that it wasn't overly extravagant. It was pearly white with touches of light silver at the seams. Just below the bust was a silvery intricate fabric knot that allowed some of the shiny white material to hang loosely over her visible baby bump. I was most surprised to recognize the flowers in her bouquet, and I felt my eyes water at the sight of them. I turned and saw Mom had noticed as well, based on her reaction. In her hands, Effie held a bouquet made up of White Lilies, Light pink Primroses, and Katniss blossoms.

That evening, after the celebrations were dying down, Mom and I asked her about the flowers. She told us she wanted to make sure the most important girls of her husband's life were honored at their wedding. Once again, Effie's heart and sentiments overwhelmed me. We hugged her fiercely and properly welcomed her into our family. That night, the newlyweds spent the night in the candlelit room Johanna and I had prepared earlier. The next morning, they were off for their week honeymoon. They'd have liked to take longer but both had to be back for Johanna & Enobaria's wedding, who surprisingly, opted for a traditional but more moderate wedding. Effie and Haymitch also had their responsibilities as D12 Treasurer and Sheriff here in Twelve, before the arrival of their baby in the next two months.

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The day of Enobaria and Johanna's wedding in Seven was beautiful. The skies were clear of any clouds and the weather held a light and fragrant breeze. It was held in a beautiful Garden just outside of town and I wished I'd had the ability to stay and explore for longer. Unfortunately, my responsibilities as D12 Governor kept me very busy. The knowledge that I had to appoint interim Treasurer to fill in for Effie when the baby came, was also weighing on me. I kept reminding myself to put that out of mind and concentrate on the wedding ceremony and wonderful surroundings.

That day, I learned that Peta and Annie had also opted to elope. They'd been planning on a ocean side wedding, but learning that Annie ad become pregnant made them want to save their earnings for the upcoming baby, and not on an elaborate wedding. I saw the practicality of that, but wished I'd have had the chance to see some of my closest friend get married. In the end, I put that out of mind as well, and focused on their wonderful news. Pita was over the moon that he'd be a daddy soon and I was happy for them both of them.

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The second day back in Twelve after Jo and Eno's wedding in Seven, I passed by Effie's office which was just down the hall from my office in the Justice Building. I wanted to ask if she wanted to share some of my leftover dinner for lunch. Finding her hunched over in pain was not at all what I'd expected to find when I arrived in her office. She was gripping the edge of her desk with one hand and the cell phone in the other.

"Effie!" I yelled and ran to her. "What is it, what's wrong?" I asked desperately.

"Oh Katniss, I was just trying to make it to the door to call out for you. Here…" She handed me her phone but was breathing heavily, although she sounded relieved that I was there.

I helped her to the chair and I saw the line was connected, so I spoke into it.

"Hello?" I asked tentatively.

"Katniss - Thank goodness! How is she - Is she alright? I was on the phone with her when I heard her gasp and she said she had pain. I didn't want to hang up on her to call a medic, then she told me she'd call out for you. Then, there was nothing again except for her heavy breathing and now, finally you. Talk to me Katniss…" Haymitch's hysterical voice spoke rushed and I realized he'd barely given me a chance to answer him, let alone ask Effie what happened.

"Calm down okay, I'm with her. Give me a second." I told him and addressed Effie. "Effie, what's the matter? Is it the baby?" I asked her as calmly as I could make myself sound, remembering that mom always used that tone with expectant mothers in labor.

"Yes, i think so." Effie grunted and nodded while continuing to catch her breath.

"Uncle Haymitch, it seems my baby cousin is ready to make its entrance into the world. Where are you now?" I grinned and spoke calmly to him, hoping to keep the calming vibes to help Effie.

"I'm on the way, but way at the edge of the Merchant part so it might take me about twenty minutes. Katniss, is she really okay? Do you think the baby is alright?" Haymitch replied worriedly

"Yes, all under control for now. I'll tell you what, I'll get her downstairs and call a medic to get us to the hospital. Why don't you meet us there?" I suggested and he readily agreed.

"Alright Effie, today's the big day then. A little early, but that shouldn't be a problem. I've seen Mom do this a dozen times okay ... but that doesn't mean I'm ready to do this on my own so I'm going to need you to keep calm as much as possible." I told her and smiled reassuringly and she nodded in understanding. "I bet this is pretty scary but focus on me, okay? Now, it doesn't look like your waters have broken, do you feel any wetness down there?" I asked, and she shook her head.

"Good, that's good. That means we still have time. Do you think you can stand or walk?" I explained and then asked her.

"Yes. I was standing perfectly fine until the pain came suddenly and so strongly before." She told me, and I realized she was panting a bit but breathing much better.

"Alright, I guess I can help you walk towards the elevator…" I spoke, but was nervous the pain might return and she'd lose her balance again. I looked around the room and was struck by an idea. "On second thought, let's get you to the desk chair. It has wheels and I can push you down the hall." I told her triumphantly.

"Good idea, wonderful girl!" She exclaimed with a giggle.

I quickly dialed the new emergency call line and told them what was happening. They were sending the Medic Van for us, so I began pushing her down the hallway. Just as we reached the elevator, she gasped in pain again and held her tummy as if trying to alleviate the pain. I realized quickly that her contractions were only minutes apart and that meant we didn't have as much time as I'd thought. I schooled my features to avoid scaring her and continued to rub her shoulder soothingly. I quickly instructed the office assistants take messages and to get advise the Treasurer runner up that he'd be in charge effective immediately, and for the next three to four months. I told them I'd need to reschedule meetings and return all calls the next day. Effie was loved by everyone there and it was proven when they all wished her luck and waved us off enthusiastically.

Once we reached the lobby, I saw the Medic Van pulling up to the entrance of the Justice building. That Emergency Phone Line was a wonderful idea from the Medical Administrator, and I would make sure to thank that department for it later. A male and female medic ran towards us and began asking us all sorts of questions. They promptly took over and got her into the van, allowing me to join her in the van. I was glad the hospital was only 2 blocks away, especially when her waters broke just as we arrived at the hospital.

"Katniss, call Pita!" Effie yelled suddenly, and I was curious but did it anyway.

He answered and I told him Effie was in labor. He laughed and told me was glad Annie and him had just arrived in Twelve. He said Annie noticed Effie was carrying low, whatever that meant, and she was sure Effie would be in labor soon. He told me of his promise to be here for Effie's baby and I felt my heart swell at his words.

I made it to Effie's hospital room as the nurse was helping her out of her wet clothes and into a dry hospital gown. Then, my phone rang and I noticed it was Haymitch. I gave him the updates and was glad to hear he was almost at the hospital himself. I told Effie about Haymitch's proximity as I approached her and held her hand while another powerful contraction hit. After it passed, she looked relieved that Haymitch was close and yet a little sad when she asked if I'd been able to reach Pita. When I told her he'd actually just arrived in Twelve, I saw tears brimming her eyes and a smile spread on her lips.

"Good, okay good. I'm gonna need you and my boys for this." Was all she said.

My precious baby cousin Amaryllis Abernathy was born 2 hours later, measuring a good length and not at all underweight. Haymitch, Pita and myself were in the room at the time, regardless of the rule that only allowed one guest per delivery. I was the Governor and Effie pretty much demanded that myself and Peeta stay alongside Haymitch. She was so insistent, that the doctor had no choice but to allow it.

Effie told us she chose the name of a flower to honor the existing Abernathy family tradition, and Haymitch was overjoyed at her thoughtfulness. Within moments, Effie and Haymitch told Peta and myself that we were the baby's godparents and we were similarly touched. Haymitch had called Mom on his way to the hospital, and called her again after Amarellis was born. He used the camera feature so mom could see the baby too. Immediately, she said she'd plan on coming to visit next month, to officially meet her niece.

When Peeta and I went to the Lobby, leaving the new parents to themselves for a while, I saw that Pollux and Annie were entertaining Finn. He was the one who noticed me first. With a shriek of my name, he ran towards me, causing Pollux and Annie to turn towards Peeta and me. We relayed the wondrous news that Mommy and our new goddaughter were well. They congratulated us and we decided to head towards the food lounge. None of us had eaten yet, so off we went. While we ate, we made calls to update the rest of our friends, and everyone was thrilled and simultaneously planning visits in the next few months.

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A/N: I'm sorry of this felt rushed, but I already have an end in mind and want to write it as soon as possible for you guys. As it stands, this and the next few chapters will be the conclusion of this story. I'd love to write so much more and a lot more often, but life has gotten pretty busy for me recently … A new move, added workload, and restarting school at my age... it's all getting a bit overwhelming.

I truly hope you can understand and not judge the story too strongly. I really love letting these stories develop in my mind, and your feedback always makes me so giddy. I hope to get back to writing, when things calm down a bit for me … but for now, the next chapters are all I can do.

XOXOXO