Hey, Everyone! Here's the next chapter! Hope you all enjoy! Disclaimer: I no own THG
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Katniss' POV
*Two Months Later*
The last few months were rather uneventful. Haymitch and Effie had a long heart to heart talk and decided that it would be best that they put their wedding off for a few more months. Phoenix and Ivy were now both walking and talking so our house was full of something new and unexpected every day. As of right now, they were calling me 'mama' and Peeta 'dada'. Haymitch had recently been given the alias 'papa', originally given to him by Ivy.
I remember the day that Phoenix first called Effie his own version of 'grandma'. Haymitch and Effie had come over for Sunday brunch and Effie and I were just chatting in the living room, each with a baby on our laps, while the guys prepared the food. Effie had just put Phoenix down in the playpen because it was time to eat. He started crying and, when Effie tried to console him without picking him up again, Phoenix held his arms up and said 'GaMa'. Effie had been so shocked and elated to it that she actually started crying. I guess Phoenix had already made Effie an official part of our family.
Today, Haymitch and Effie were here to talk to Peeta about wedding cakes. The happy couple had been arguing over chocolate cake and vanilla cake for over an hour. Haymitch wanted a chocolate cake because it was his and Effie's favorite flavor. Effie wanted vanilla because it was traditional. It really was entertaining to listen to the bickering from another room, but I felt bad for Peeta because I knew that they were sure to get on his nerves eventually.
I was actually really surprised that Haymitch and Effie didn't fight over everything for the wedding. They agreed on the place, date, and time rather easily. Effie wanted the colors to be pink and silver and Haymitch had agreed without any argument, which really surprised me. Haymitch and Effie have also been virtually inseparable since they made up after the little rift in their relationship.
Another big thing that has happened in the past couple of months was the phone call from Johanna informing me of her pregnancy (A/N Yes I realize Johanna should be passed child-bearing age, but for this story let's say she isn't.). She called me just exploding with excitement and questions. She was just passed the three month mark when she called me. We spent a few good hours talking to each other about everything baby. She had so many questions and fears and I kept reassuring her that everything was going to be fine. We spent at least an hour just gushing over everything baby. I was super happy that Johanna had found someone that loved her and was starting her own family. The Survivors of the Hunger Games were not letting President Snow impact their lives any more.
I have just finished cleaning up the twins after a particularly messy lunch when the phone begins ringing.
"Hello," I answer.
"Good morning, Catnip," Gale replies.
"Gale," I reply, trying to cover up my shock. "What's up?"
"Not a whole lot," He replies. "I'm just getting off the train here in District 12 and wanted to know if I could drop by?" He asks.
"Oh, sure," I answer. "Come on over."
"Be there in about ten minutes," He says and then hangs up. I sigh and head into the living room where Haymitch, Effie, Peeta, and the twins are.
"Um, Gale just called and asked if he could come over." I tell Peeta as I sit down next to him on the couch. "I told him he could,"
"That's great! We barely ever get to see him." Peeta says. "What's he doing here?" He asks as our doorbell rings.
"I guess we'll find out," I reply as I get up to answer the door.
"Hey, Catnip," Gale greets as we hug.
"Hey, Gale," I reply once he has released me. We head into the living room and sit down.
"It's nice to see you again, Gale." Peeta says as he and Gale shake hands.
"Same here," Gale replies. "Haymitch, Effie," Gale acknowledges the couple with a nod of his head.
"Gale," Effie replies politely with a smile.
"So, what brings you to District 12?" I ask him.
"Well, you those riots I told you about when you guys were in the Capitol?" He asks and Peeta and I shake our heads. "Well, they've gotten a lot stronger over the last couple months. The leader, Desmond Remington, has announced that he'll be joining the political race next fall."
"Wait a second," Haymitch says. "What riots?"
"When we were in the Capitol visiting Effie, Gale told us about some riots that were happening." I explain.
"Who is this guy?" Haymitch asks.
"I pulled his records and it turns out that he's an old peacekeeper. He's forty and has been working as a personal trainer and security guard since the democracy started. He's making considerably less than what he was and he recently lost his wife to illness because they couldn't afford the medical treatment." Gale enlightens us.
"So he blames the democracy for his wife's death," Haymitch deduces.
"Basically," Gale replies. "He's also making these outlandish promises to all his 'followers'."
"Like what?" I ask.
"He's saying that if he comes to power that no one will be poor and everyone will work together for the greater good. He's promising better technology and security." Gale replies.
"He's basically saying he's going to fix all of Panem's problems," Haymitch says.
"Why are you telling us all about this?" I ask him.
"I thought that since you guys worked so hard for this democracy that maybe you would try to protect it." Gale says. "I'm really going to need all the support I can get for the coming elections. This guy is pretty popular with the people and he gives excellent speeches."
"When do the candidates start touring the districts?" Peeta asks.
"Two months," Gale replies.
"Well, when he comes to District 12, we'll try to keep the people on your side." Peeta says.
"You can count on our support," I tell Gale as I rest my hand on top of his.
Uh oh! Looks like the democracy is in trouble! *GASP* Please review! I have a serious addiction! I need your reviews! Your feedback helps me write more! So please review! P.S. Love ya all!