When Katniss woke it was to the sound of hushed male voices.
"-told me everything. How could you possibly think Peet would want to return to 13 and see her?"
"Please don't speak for me, Rye, I'm a grown man."
"Peeta, Rye, we know we made mistakes. Your mother just wants the chance to explain herself."
"Explain herself? What could she possibly say in defense?"
"Bing's right. I don't really need to hear anything from a woman who sold her baby to the Capitol to save her own skin."
"Calm down, Rye, you're forgetting I was the baby. If anyone has a right to be angry, it's me."
"So why aren't you?" Someone shushed him and when the voice spoke again, it was quieter. "I'm livid for you. I can't believe you can be so calm."
"I've had time to process. We found out several days ago. And she helped me through it. I'm angry, Rye, don't get me wrong but everything worked out in the end."
"You don't have to be so damn positive all the time. If we do see our mother again, I would expect you to completely blow up at her."
"Why is this affecting you so much? I was the Capitol experiment. Not you. Just let it go."
"Let it… I had to watch you, Peeta! I had to watch while they tortured and twisted my little brother! And I couldn't do a damn thing to stop it! Yes, it's affecting me, because I finally know WHY I had to watch my brother endure that!"
"Will you calm down and KEEP it down? Katniss didn't sleep well. Probably because I didn't sleep well. If you're going to continue ranting, we need to take this elsewhere."
"Rye is just worried about your mental state, Peeta. Even I'll admit seeing Mom after discovering all of this will be… difficult. We just want what's best for you."
"I think we should let your brother rest," Bran's voice softly broke in. "I just wanted to let you know that I spoke to her and she is very grateful that we are all safe and hopes we will be returning to 13 very soon. We have a lot to discuss."
"Not likely, Dad. Katniss and I talked about it and neither of us are really excited to make a life in 13. We are thinking 4. Or maybe 7. Katniss loves her woods and I hear 7 is covered in forests. But not 13."
"Mother could come here to see him, you know. If she wants to apologize, as you say."
"Bing… I don't think... that is… well, we can talk about it later. Get some rest, son."
Peeta sighed as his brothers and father exited his room, then turned and gathered Katniss into his arms. He pulled her against his chest and buried his nose in her hair.
"I know you're awake," he whispered. "I'm sorry about that."
"It's ok. I'm sorry I told Rye about your mother. And I guess Rye told Bing. I should have left it to you to tell them."
"They have a right to know but Rye is angrier than I expected."
"Why are you surprised? As he said, he was the one who was sent away with you, and had to watch everything happen. I don't really blame them for being concerned about you. I've often wondered how you would react, seeing her again."
"I can't say I'm overly excited to see her again," he sighed against her. "But she's my mother. So many people lost loved ones in this war. My family is still here. Won't I regret it if I don't try to hear her out?"
"I don't know, Peeta," she closed her eyes. "I want to tear the woman apart for what she did to you. So if you do decide to see her again, don't include me in the reunion." He pulled her closer and kissed her temple.
"I love how fiercely you love. It makes me feel cherished."
"You ARE cherished."
"Yeah but it makes me feel like something special. Not because I have powers or because I helped end the war but because you love me."
"You ARE spec- oh never mind. Your ego is already too big."
"I'm wounded. I thought you enjoyed being mushy."
"I don't enjoy it, I just have LOTS of catching up to do in the mushy romance department, if I want to be anywhere near you."
"I'm flattered, love, but you don't need to catch up. I have come to terms with the fact that I'll always be ahead of you in that department." She let out an indignant squeal and turned to smack his shoulder, but he caught her hands just in time, grinning.
"Caught you."
"Well now that you've got me, what are you going to do with me," she threw his words right back at him. He leaned down to kiss her, his lips barely grazing hers. She groaned in protest when he pulled away.
"Love you infinitely." Before she could respond, he pulled her up to sit with him and he leaned against the wall.
"We need to figure out what we are going to do about Coin."
"What can we do? She is declaring herself Interim President. And I learned that she imprisoned the higher stationed Peacekeepers. She wants to arrest Capitol Loyalists next. She is going to cause another war if she keeps it up."
"Then we need to stop her. The war is over. It's time for peace in Panem! We need someone who is going to help put the country back together, not tear it apart further."
"Cretus said that the majority of the districts want Commander Paylor as their next President. A lot of people wanted Lyme, but she was killed by Capitol soldiers."
"Oh," Peeta felt a pang in his chest. He had only met the woman briefly but she was a Hunger Games Victor and had fought for what she'd believed in. "I didn't… I didn't know."
"Haymitch just told me yesterday. Coin is planning Snow's execution and has requested me to be in my Mockingjay outfit when I do it." For some reason, this made Peeta uncomfortable.
"I don't understand how Snow survived but Aurelia…" he trailed off, glancing at the floor.
"Hey," she tilted his chin up. "We lost some good ones. But just like everyone is telling me about Rory, Aurelia knew what she signed up for. She wanted to help change the country and she did. I will always be grateful to her for watching over you." She wished she had thought of that while the girl was still alive. She had never thanked her for keeping her husband safe. Aurelia had died thinking that Katniss hated her. Because of her name. Because of who she had once been. Peeta sighed deeply, hiding his face in his wife's shirt.
"We can't get rid of one dictator just to have another," he said softly.
"I know," she whispered back. "We'll figure something out."
They spent most of the day resting and clinging to each other, until the doctor came in to inspect Peeta and announced he was healing well. Katniss could see his burns were healing quickly and the new skin was hardly noticeable but his leg still caused him agony.
"Tell me, Doc, why the hell is my leg the only thing that is giving me problems," he voiced her concerns through gritted teeth.
"My understanding is that it's the serum in your bloodstream. You've healed quickly but your amputation is something else altogether. Think of it like this. The serum has done its job all over your body but there wasn't enough to focus on your leg. That's why it's still so painful. That's how Doctor Everett put it anyway."
"Fucking great," he mumbled, crossing his arms. "Wish I could tell the serum to go straight to my leg. I can deal with burns and bruises. I can't handle this amputee bullshit!" The doctor looked like he wanted to say something but Katniss shook her head at him and wrapped her arms around her husband.
"Why don't we get dressed and go outside? The fresh air did you good yesterday."
"Is it going to help me walk again? Cause if it isn't, I don't fucking care how much good it did." Katniss stiffened but refused to break her hold. Peeta hung his head as he gripped her arms, afraid she would pull away.
"I'm sorry. This is just-"
"I know," she said against his hair. "We can just stay in bed."
"No, you're right. It was nice, and I'd like to go outside again. Help me get dressed?" She nodded and helped him pull his clothes on before she dressed herself.
Doctor Everett stopped them long enough to inform Peeta that they had another prosthesis fitting tomorrow and for Peeta to be prepared. Peeta nodded, his jaw set and his eyes steely. Katniss put a hand on his shoulder and leaned down to kiss his temple.
"I'll be there, if you want me to be." Peeta tilted his head back and Katniss smiled as she moved to his lips.
They continued on their way and were surprised to see Rye and Madge sitting underneath the roses. Madge looked anxious but she broke into a smile when she saw them.
"How are you feeling, Peeta?"
"Wonderful, Madge. And you?" Everyone present knew he was lying but no one said anything. Rye's eyes flashed to Peeta's bandages.
"You're looking much better, Peet. Even since this morning."
"Yeah the doctor ceased the infusions and skin replacements yesterday. Said I was healing rapidly. Wish ALL of me would heal rapidly," he angrily gestured toward his leg.
"Oh Peet-"
"Enough about me," Peeta waved his hand. "What has you looking so glum over here, Madge?"
"Um, well…" she trailed off, glancing up at her husband. Rye inhaled sharply.
"Prim wanted to run some tests because Madge's iron levels were low, whatever that means."
"So are you ok?" Madge sighed and Rye's hand rested on her shoulder.
"I'm pregnant," she said softly.
"Oh," both Peeta and Katniss exclaimed. Rye was fighting to hide his smile but Madge looked even more downcast.
"Madge, that's great news," Peeta said gently.
"Is it?" She sounded skeptical, which took Peeta by surprise. Glancing up at his brother, he scooted closer to Madge and reached for her hand.
"Why do you think it's not?"
"We don't even have a home, Peeta! The world is at a stalemate and I don't want to bring a baby into such a place. It's not responsible nor is it practical."
"Oh Madge, nothing is practical when a baby decides to come. They don't care about the timing or the circumstances, just that you'll love it. And you're one of the most loving people I know." Rye shot his brother a grateful smile and a silent 'thank you'. Madge sighed and stared at her feet.
"Maybe you're right. I just… there's so much uncertainty right now."
"When is there not," Rye asked softly.
"Madge, we won the war. Snow is gone and we will have a new leader very soon."
"Yeah, that awful woman has made herself president."
"For now but we have been promised a free election."
"She wants to be president, Peeta. She's just used us to make it happen. Katniss, especially."
"Madge is right. She's used us to do her dirty work and now she wants to swoop in and take control of Panem. She just needed us to get rid of Snow for her," Katniss spat, her nose wrinkled in disgust.
"Regardless," Peeta gave his wife a patient look. "Coin or not, a baby is a great thing. I'm happy for you both."
"Thanks bro," Rye bent to hug his brother and Peeta clapped his back.
"Katniss, what are your thoughts on the baby?" She was about to answer Madge but Prim stepped out into the sun and looked around.
"Hey little duck."
"Hi Katty. I suppose Madge and Rye have told you guys the good news?"
"Yeah, we were just saying what a wonderful thing it is," Peeta wheeled himself back slightly.
"I agree! But we need to run some more tests, Madge. We just need to make sure everything looks good."
"Why wouldn't it look good," Rye's face darkened with concern.
"It's just necessary precautions when a baby is coming, Rye," Prim said kindly. "You know, back in 13, they took every precaution possible because a baby was such a special thing. These Capitol doctors have some very advanced procedures and tests and we want to make sure you and the baby are in perfect health." Madge nodded glumly as Rye started to wheel her in behind Prim.
"See you guys later," he called to Peeta and Katniss.
"Wow," Peeta said, watching them leave. "My brother's going to be a father. I don't think I ever expected that from Rye."
"What? Why?"
"Well, I don't know how much you remember about the Mellark boys but Rye was always… girl crazy. He was crude and got into lots of trouble with my mom for being at the slag heap. I'd say peacekeeper training straightened him out but it'd be a lie. He still liked to frequent brothels and such. It was Madge who really calmed him down."
"So it's a good thing they're doing this. That she is making him something no one thought he would be."
"Yeah," Peeta said wistfully.
"Should we keep going into the garden?" She started to push his chair but he reached around and closed his fingers around her wrist. He pulled her around to stand in front of him and he swallowed as he gazed up into her eyes.
"Do you think… we… we will ever…?" Katniss knew what he was asking but she didn't know how to respond.
"It's just," Peeta swallowed again. "Do you remember that night we had dinner at my parent's house and you went off on my mom? You told her you thought I'd make a wonderful father. And I hadn't allowed myself to dream… until that moment. I mean, I've ALWAYS wanted a family with you and dreamed of what our kids would look like. When I became a Peacekeeper, those dreams sort of faded away. I didn't think kids were a possibility for me, even if I did manage to ask you to be mine. But that night… you made me start dreaming again. And I haven't been able to stop. And now, it's… it's an actual possibility. I mean, it could be. If you wanted. So I'm just asking, you know, if you would want… maybe in the future?"
"We can discuss it in the future," she said soothingly as she kissed his hair. "But right now, I agree with Madge. We don't have a home, we have no idea what will happen with the country once I execute Snow, and just last night you were ranting about your… problems," she glanced down quickly before meeting his eyes again.
"I'm not saying no, Peeta," she cupped his chin. "I'm just saying not right now. Is that alright?" He pulled her hand to his lips.
"That's more than alright. I don't mind giving you the world for awhile, before I have to share you with someone else."
"Let's focus on getting you better. And improving Panem." Peeta allowed his eyes to dart to her flat belly before looking back up at her with a smile.
"We should go back inside and get some lunch."
"Oh, can we stay out here for a few more minutes? The orange and yellow roses are my favorite." Katniss smiled as she pulled him toward the shade and sat on the wall beside his chair. Peeta's blue eyes fluttered as he took a long sigh, enjoying how the breeze ruffled his hair. It felt like her fingers. Her loving caress.
She couldn't keep herself from touching him. She knew he would probably eventually get annoyed but she fingered his golden curls as tenderly as possible. He sighed and her smile grew. She leaned close and propped her chin on his shoulder.
"I really love you, you know." He opened his eyes and they were glassy. He opened his mouth to respond but he clamped it shut at the sight of something coming toward them. Katniss looked up to see Haymitch hurrying toward them, wearing a strained smile.
"Hey kid. Hey sweetheart. Enjoying the nice weather?"
"Yeah, we were just-"
"Stop. Listen. Don't talk," he said immediately, making Katniss frown. "Coin just landed in the Capitol. She wants to see both of you."
"Us? Why?"
"Not sure but she specifically requested a meeting with the Mockingjay and her husband. Leo is saying you need guards but Coin wants it to be just the three of you." Peeta's brow furrowed.
"So she has a chance to kill Katniss and frame me for it? Not a chance."
"She's the president, Peeta. You can't refuse a meeting."
"Sure we can. I did it for a month," Katniss spat. Peeta raised a brow but Haymitch shook his head.
"We're working on a plan. We won't let you go in alone but we don't want to be seen outright defying her. We have to be careful."
"Why? Katniss is going to be the one to execute Snow. She should be safe."
"You're still technically a traitor," the old man said slowly. "And she's very interested in your powers." Peeta paled while Katniss flushed with anger.
"SHE made the agreement in front of the entire district. Peeta would be pardoned if I held up my end of the bargain as the Mockingjay. I fucking held up my end of the bargain!"
"She wants to study me," Peeta's voice shook. "She wants to experiment on me. It's just like District 2 and the Capitol."
"That will NEVER happen," Katniss squeezed his hand in reassurance. But Peeta was starting to shake, his eyes on the ground. Katniss was on her knees in front of him and gripping his face with both of her hands.
"Peeta, listen to me. LOOK at me," she shook him just slightly so he would look at her. "Listen to me. I promise you, I won't let anything else happen to you. She is not going to take you away from me. Do you understand me? You stay with me, Peeta." His eyes were sliding out of focus and he continued to shake so she grabbed him and pulled him in for a rough kiss.
"Stay with me," she said again. His eyes seemed to clear and widened as they focused on her.
"Always," he murmured. She wrapped her arms around him and pulled him into her chest.
"Tell Coin we agree to see her but only if our mentor accompanies us."
"Who's your mentor," Haymitched asked, bemused.
"You, Haymitch. You are our mentor."
"Sweetheart, I don't-"
"You were the one who recruited Peeta into the rebellion back in 12. You were the one who helped me with the propos and made those videos of my dad. We're tired and injured and sick of war. We need an older, more mature adult in there with us."
"Charming, sweetheart," Haymitch rolled his eyes.
"Haymitch, I'm serious. I'm not letting Peeta out of my sight. And you know me. I'll probably say the wrong thing. Please, help us." Haymitch sighed deeply and glanced from the Mockingjay to her Protector. Except now they just looked like two wartorn kids, clinging to each other desperately, determined to die for the other. He nodded and crossed his arms.
"Alright. I'll be there with you. I'll put in a call and let her know your terms. You two should go back inside and eat. I imagine the meeting will be tonight, and it will likely be very long."
"Joy," Katniss muttered as she turned Peeta's chair around and wheeled him back inside.
