A/N: This story is almost over! I have about 100 people following this fanfic so I'm asking that everyone at least review the last chapter and let me know what you thought of it in general. The majority of the feedback has been positive, but I will accept all reviews. This was my first fanfic and I know that I'm not descriptive enough but I am trying.

**Special shot out to Haley (lovelyladybug) for the great idea!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games

Chapter 37

Katniss POV

Today I'm taking it easy and hanging out with Annie. I have an appointment with Dr. Collins early this morning and then I'm heading over to Annie's house to spend the day on the beach with her and Finn. It's been difficult being away from Peeta for so long but it was a necessary step in the right direction for us. Last night we fell asleep on the phone together. He had to go in a hurry this morning but I know that if he could have, he would have stayed on the phone all day listening to me breathe. He really is a gem.

I drag myself out of bed, get dressed in Capri pants and a t-shirt and head down to breakfast. Mother is already at the hospital but Don is still there. I have to say, it's been amazing getting to know Don. I hadn't had in depth conversation with him prior to my visiting District Four and he really is a wonderful man. I know that my Mother absolutely loved and adored my father, but I am extremely happy for her that she was able to find love for a second time in her life. I'm happy for both of them actually. I'm sure it was miserable for Don being married to his wife, even though she gave him three strong, handsome sons. I know he appreciated her for that but we all need a little happiness in our lives.

I sit down at the table after pouring myself a cup of coffee, light and sweet, just like Peeta always says. I can't even make a simple cup of coffee and not think of him. Doesn't matter anyway because now I'm sitting across from his father and Peeta's azure blue eyes are staring back at me. That boy is always in my thoughts. I clear my throat and smile at Don. "Morning Don. How's it going so far?" He smiles back at me. "Great so far Katniss. Just having a cup of coffee before heading to the bakery. You have your doctor appointment this morning, right?" I nod my head. "Yes, soon. Then I'm gonna hang out with Annie and Finn all day at her house. You can reach me there if you need to." I give him a quick peck on his cheek and dash out the door to my appointment.

Dr. Collins has been amazing for me. He's middle aged, married, two adult children, about to be a grandfather for the first time. His perspective on all that I've told him, and what he's heard from Dr. Aurelis about Peeta, has been quite insightful. Our two doctors have worked closely behind the scenes, really picking us apart and getting to the root of all of our insecurities about each other: fear. We are always in fear of something and can't get beyond it. Today feels like a good day. I can just feel it in my bones. I sit down on Dr. Collins' couch and he comes in and smiles at me. He sits down and begins the session.

"Guess what today is Katniss?" he asks. I have no idea so I laugh and say "Wednesday?" with an impish grin. He grins back and lays one on me that I think I suspected deep down. "Today is the day that you are, for all intents and purposes, free to go home. To District Twelve that is." I look at him with wide eyes. My heart leaps in my chest. "Are you serious? It's today?" I ask for confirmation. He nods again. "Yes. Dr. Aurelis is confident that Peeta can now remove himself from your presence if he feels an episode coming on and deal with it in a non-violent or verbal manner. Peeta has to remove himself to the basement if he begins to lose control and you have to lock yourself in the bedroom, just as a precaution. There has been no indication so far that it's necessary to do that but we do recommend it. As of today, you are both free to co-habitate, if you so choose. Since Peeta does not have an appointment today, he has not been made aware of the release. We are leaving it up to you to choose to return to District Twelve or remain here. Although I'm certain your return is imminent based on our sessions." He smiles at me again. He knows how I feel about Peeta.

I can't contain my joy anymore. I leap out of my seat and give him a big hug and kiss on his cheek. He turns bright red and gives me a hug back. "Go on, get out of here. I'm sure you've got packing to do." he says. I let go of him and practically skip to Annie's house. When she opens up the door to greet me, I start talking a mile a minute. "Annie! Dr. Collins is releasing me to go home! I finally get to see Peeta! Things are gonna work out this time Annie. I can feel it. I'm so excited!" I gush. Annie throws her arms around me and we hop around in a circle. Finn is just looking at us like we're crazy and he missed the party. I scoop him up and walk out onto the back deck. Today is my last day in District Four.

We spend the day sprawled out on the beach. When Finn finally falls asleep, we start to have our daily dose of girl talk. Annie and I have really became best friends since I've been here. Johanna has visited us a few times too. It's hard to have real friends when a) you're a famous Victor and b) you never had a lot of friends anyway. I've really treasured all of my time with each of them. Annie breaks our little bout of silence and doesn't beat around the bush.

"So, you gonna go back tomorrow and start over with Peeta?" she asks. I look up at her and nod my head. "Sure am. I'm going to call Plutarch when I get back to the house. I can't wait to see him. He's always on my mind." Annie smiles at me. "I know the feeling Katniss. I miss Finnick when he isn't here too. Which unfortunately is quite often because of the Military. But I know that it will settle down as order is re-established. I couldn't imagine being away from him for six months though. You've both got such strength to go to these lengths to be healthy for the other. It says a lot about your feelings for each other. This certainly wasn't the easy way out. I commend you both."

I look over at Finn and smile at him. If I was still pregnant now, I would be about seven months along. Annie follows my gaze and reads my mind. She's so intuitive. "Have you and Peeta talked about the baby in detail yet?" she asks. This subject has come up before with us but it's something that Peeta and I have only danced around. More or less apologizing to each other over and over. I shrug and respond.

"Um, a little. Peeta feels responsible. I mean, he had the fit and then I fell. I mean, that was the night of conception. Whose to say something wasn't wrong right from the start? I fell, I was in a coma, I wasn't eating right or taking vitamins. There are a number of reasons why my body rejected the baby. I always thought that I didn't want children because of the reapings, but in hindsight, I'm sad about it. Knowing that we made an actual baby together, was pretty powerful for me. Hearing that I miscarried, in the same breath, was also devastating. But I don't blame him and he doesn't blame me. I guess we'll just have to see what the future brings as far as children go. I've been examined and I'm physically fine, so I guess we just have to wait and see what happens."

Annie leans over and gives me a hug. "You know you're one tough chick Katniss. If you can handle all that you have, motherhood should be a cinch. And something tells me that Peeta would be an amazing father. I can just picture your fat little children jumping in the water when they visit us! Peeta would certainly feed them all the sweets he could bake!" she rolls over with laughter. I laugh with her. "Well, it sure beats starving Annie. I'll take the fat little children any day." I beam a the thought of even having children with Peeta someday. Instead of being a one time nightmare, it is now my new dream.

The afternoon starts to whined down and I need to get home and start packing. I have to call Plutarch for permission to return to District Twelve and it'll also be time to eventually talk to Peeta. I head home and tell my Mother all of the great news. Shes really proud of me and happy for me. Don had told her that I was returning to Peeta and she pulled me into the bedroom claiming she had a gift for me.

When she closes the door behind her, her voice grows serious, motherly. "Katniss, I know you love Peeta and I know you have both gone through a lot. I wanted to get you something special for your departure but honestly, I just didn't have the time to do so. Then it dawned on me what I could actually 'do' for you that would relieve any possible stress for you once you get back home." I look at her with a confused expression on my face while she takes out a syringe. Then she pulls the cap off with her mouth and taps it to remove air. She smiles at me and tells me to pull one side of my pants down. She jabs the needle in my butt and laughs at me. "Delivered, one free year of birth control. After that, it's up to you. I trust you would both have grown back together by then and would make a joint decision to have children."

I'm shocked and I hug her in appreciation. I'm not ready to have a baby yet and this preventative, makes my life so much easier. I'm free to be with Peeta and not worry for at least a while. And she's right, the decision to have children should be made by the two of us. I hug her tight and she says into my ear. "Just for the record, I'm placing an order for a minimum of two grandchildren when you're ready. Just putting it out there." She laughs and kisses my cheeks on both side. I love my Mother.

I head over to the phone and dial Plutarch in the Capitol. His secretary puts me through to him and I can practically hear him beam on the other end. "Well hello Katniss! To what do I owe this honor?" he asks me. I answer him back. "Hello Plutarch.. I'm calling because I need permission to transfer back to District Twelve. Tomorrow if possible. I've been released from Dr. Collins' care and I'm anxious to return to Peeta." Plutarch gets all excited on the other end. "That's wonderful Katniss! I am so happy for you! The only problem is that we've gotten some of our 'processes' back in order after the Rebellion and now you have to actually apply to return. It could take up to a week for the paperwork to be approved. Is that okay?"

I get antsy. "I really want to return tomorrow Plutarch. It's been six months. I'm sure you understand."

He sighs. "I certainly do Katniss but my hands are tied. Unless..." I prepare for the blow.

"Unless what?" I ask him. He chuckles. "Unless I call in a favor, but you would have to do one for me in return. We all know how you hate owing somebody anything anyway. It would only be fair, right?"

I shudder to think what he would want. "What can I do for you Plutarch? On the condition that you get me back home tomorrow, of course." I inquire. Plutarch says the one word I absolutely despise: "Interview."

I suck in my breath. I can either do an interview for him or I can stay here for another week. Somehow, that seems impossible now that I know I can get back to Peeta. The decision is an easy one. "Agreed. Pick me up in the morning." I respond and hang up. I swear Plutarch must be doing the happy dance now on the other end. The Mockingjay is finally coming out of hiding.

I go through the motions, packing for my leave. When it's time for bed, I notice that the phone hasn't rung. Peeta must still be at the bakery prepping for tomorrow. It's very seldom that he doesn't call. I'm downstairs giving Mother and Don a kiss goodnight when the phone rings. I rush up the stairs, tripping all the way up and slam onto my bed to reach the phone on the dresser beside my bed. I'm out of breath when I answer it.

"Katniss are you okay?" Peeta asks, all concerned. "Yeah, I was just trying to get the phone in my room. Sorry. I had to run from downstairs." I reply. He laughs."Jeez, you almost gave me a heart attack. I thought something was wrong." "Nah, nothing's wrong here. How was your day?"

"Ah, it was insane. Very busy, but busy is good. Takes my mind off of missing you. Not that it really helps anyway! How was your day?" he asks. "Good. I spent it with Annie and Finn. Finnick is still in District Two with Gale and your brothers. We hung out on the beach all day."

I can practically hear Peeta smile when he says the next sentence. "Did you wear a bikini?" He is such a pig. Not that I totally blame him but he's still got a dirty mind. I can one up him. "It's a private beach Peeta, they're Victors. We went nude. It's not like Finn knows the difference." I can't believe I said it with a straight voice. I have to hold my hand over my mouth to stifle my laugh. He sucks in his breath. That equals instant hard on. I can't help but let my laugh escape now. Peeta laughs too. He knows that I know him too well. "What? What's so funny?" he asks. "Nothing Peeta. I just know the effect I have on you." I giggle. Peeta sighs. "Well it only took you fourteen years to finally get it. Ugh, I'm gonna have to go take care of this now. Wish you were here. I miss you." "I miss you too Peeta." I respond. We say our goodbyes and then hang up. The next time I speak to him will be in person.

I decide right then that I'm going to surprise him.