Chapter 7
I snap out of the haze of thought when his first muffled scream reaches my ears. I jump up and try, albeit unsuccessfully, to wake him.
A lump forms in the back of my throat. This shouldn't be happening! How is it, anyway? With next to no memories to be warped into nightmares, there is no logical reason that I can come up with.
Because of the time, I'm surprised when my mother comes in, probably alerted by Peeta and I both absolutely freaking out. After a few minutes, we manage to wake him. I wrap him up in a hug, and feel that he is softly crying against me.
"Mom?" I ask apprehensively. "What's going on?"
She takes a deep breath before continuing. I can tell that she doesn't think I'll react well to this. Bracing myself for her reply, I try to imagine what it is she might say, just to prepare myself.
"First of all, there are very few documented cases like this. But it seems that tracker jacker venom, in large amounts, never really leaves the brain in the exact same state. In other words, the effects last."
I think I know where she's going with this. "And- they target the area of the brain that is responsible for emotions, causing only negative ones, right? Confusion and fear, mostly."
"Precisely. But, without a memory to alter, the emotions themselves are brought on more intensely. I don't know why they happened now. But, technically speaking, these, episodes, if you will, can come on at any moment. However, they should only last from thirty seconds to, at most, ten minutes, if my research is correct."
"So you knew? You knew all along that this could happen, yet you didn't tell me? Don't you think I need to know these things? I'm not a baby anymore; I can handle it!"
I regret this outburst as soon as soon as it escapes my mouth. Uncharacteristically, I start to cry. "I'm sorry! I just- I've been so emotional lately, and I have no idea why. It's probably just stress, but it feels different. I mean, I've been stressed before, but I've never felt like this."
Nodding, my mother continues to speak. "Have you experienced anything else? Anything at all. I need you to be completely honest."
Even though I know it's silly, I tell her about that weird feeling I've been getting in the pit of my stomach in the mornings as of late. Well, if she seemed suspicious of something then, she certainly is now.
"Katniss?" she says apprehensively. "Can you come with me for a moment?"
Looking down, I see that Peeta has fallen back asleep. I kiss his forehead, gently as not to wake him, and follow her from the room.
We enter a lab across the hall, and she asks me if she can take a blood sample. Convinced she's crazy, as there is absolutely nothing wrong with me, I see no reason to object. Besides, it will only take a moment, right? And besides, it isn't like anything is different about me. I've just been more stressed than usual, I guess.
At least that's what I think until around nine the next morning. Peeta and I are talking, and she comes in with a massive smile. I'm a bit confused when she hands me a book, though. It must be a good one, though, by the way she's actually squealing.
I'm about to ask what's so important about this book when Peeta looks me in the eyes, laughing and crying at the same time. Then I see the title. It's a baby care guide.