A/N: With me playing Hunger Games Adventure on Facebook, I have found I'm writing more on Rebirth of a Mockingjay. So, while I wait to gain more energy to search around and discover where all the districts of Panem actually are I will give you the next chapter of the story. I have all ready found where districts 12, of course, the Capitol, district 2, district 11, and now district 4 are located. Only 10 more districts to discover.

Anyway, as always please read and review

CM

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Chapter Three: Surprises

Katniss POV

The month quickly passes and before I know it Josh, Miranda, and I have been cleared to leave District Thirteen. I'm so ready to leave I can't even think straight. Over the last month, Peeta and I have bonded with Josh and Miranda using a technique called Kangaroo Care. Each day we've taken one of the babies, when they were cleared to be held, and placed them, with only a diaper on, on our chest. Their ear was against our heart so they could hear each beat. It improved their overall health by leaps and bounds according to Dr. Jackson.

"I have a surprise for you when we get home," Peeta said as we prepared to leave thirteen.

I raise my eye brows in surprise. "Another surprise? Peeta, proposing was surprise enough. You didn't have to do anything else."

Peeta smiled as he nodded his head. "I know I didn't have to, but I wanted to. We have two little ones coming home today."

"You converted one of the bedrooms in your house into a nursery didn't you?"

"It was your house actually," he said holding up my keys. "Hope you don't mind me borrowing these. I didn't want to break in to make the surprise."

"Make it? What do you mean?" I ask taking the keys from him.

Peeta's smile grew as he shook his head. "You'll see when we get home," he said taking my bag and throwing it over one arm.

"Peeta," I say as a nurse walks in with Josh and Miranda."

"I'm sorry, Kat. You are just going to have to wait until we get home. I'm not spoiling the surprise," he said before gently lifting Miranda from her bed.

"What am I going to do with you, Peeta?" I ask as I lift Josh from his bed.

"Marry me," he said settling Miranda in his arms.

"I'm all ready doing that," I return as we head for the surface.

"Yeah, that's right. You did say yes didn't you?"

"You know I did, but if you must hear it again. Yes, Peeta Mellark, I will marry you," I say leaning over giving him a soft kiss.

"Music to my ears," he said after accepting my kiss as the elevator opened to the bright sunshine.

I laugh shaking my head while shielding Josh's face from the bright light. "You are too much."

"But you love me," he said as we boarded the hovercraft that would take us home.

"That's debatable," I tease as we take to the clouds.

"Very funny, Sweetheart," he returned smiling at me.

"I thought you would like that," I say as both babies start to get fussy. "Now is not the time for you two to cry," I say gently rocking Josh in my arms.

"Maybe they want to hear their mother sing," Peeta suggested as he gently rocked Miranda in his arms.

"I don't know why. I'm not very good."

"Don't listen to her. She's wonderful," he said to both crying children.

"And you're biased."

"I admit I am. What can I say? You captured my heart at age five. Sing to them," he urged.

"All right, if you insist," I say taking a deep breath.

Deep in the meadow, under the willow

A bed of grass, a soft green pillow

Lay down your head, and close your sleepy eyes

And when again they open, the sun will rise.

Here it's safe, here it's warm

Here the daisies guard you from every harm

Here your dreams are sweet and tomorrow brings them true

Here is the place where I love you.

"It seems even month old babies stop crying to listen to you sing, Kat," Peeta said looking up from Miranda's smiling face.

"So it would seem," I say smiling down at Josh.

We land in District Twelve near Victor's Village ten minutes later. A surprise was waiting for us as we walked up, but it was one that neither Peeta nor I was even expecting. The surprised gasp from her at the bundle in my and Peeta's arms brought a smile to my face. I told my mother a very long time ago that she would have to get grandchildren from Prim. She knew I never wanted kids because of the Hunger Games.

"Hello, Mother, this is a very nice surprise."

"Well, I received a phone call from Haymitch. He told me I needed to come for a visit, but he wouldn't tell me why," my mother said taking a small step toward me.

"Leave it to Haymitch to peak a person's curiosity to get what he wants," I say shaking my head. "I'm glad you did come, Mother."

"So am I now," she replied as she stepped in front of me and Peeta. "Peeta, it's good to see you."

"It's good to see you too, Mrs. Everdeen," Peeta returned smiling slightly.

"Mother, I'd like you to meet Peeta Joshua Mellark and Miranda Isabella Mellark," I say introducing her to her grandchildren.

"Mellark," she said raising her eyes toward my face.

"Peeta is their father and my fiancé," I say shifting Josh gently so I could show her my engagement ring.

"Congratulations," she said giving me a forced smile.

"Do you want to help me change the babies?" I ask her knowing she wanted to talk.

"I would love to, Katniss," she said following Peeta and me into the house.

Seeing Peeta's stiff shoulders, I knew he and I would be talking later on. "All right, Kat, close your eyes," he said stepping in front of a closed door. I do as I'm asked and hear him open the door. "Okay…open them."

I open my eyes and my jaw nearly hits the floor. The entire room had been repainted, but not just repainted. He had changed the space from being a simple room into the dark green forest that I love. Off in the distance the setting sun's orange rays shine through the trees branches. My father's lake was even represented in this beautiful mural on the walls. I couldn't help the tears of joy that spilled down my cheeks.

"Oh, my God, Peeta, this is so beautiful. When did you have time to come do all of this?"

"I found time. Do you really like it?"

"Yes, I love it. You've captured everything I love about the forest, and painted it into the walls. Thank you," I say walking up to him and give him a kiss.

"You're welcome, Kat. I'm glad you love it," he replied after accepting my kiss. "Would you like to hold Miranda?" Peeta asked as my mother returned from washing her hands.

"Yes, please, Peeta," she said holding out her arms to take the baby. "I agree with Katniss, Peeta. This is an amazing job," she said gently rocking Miranda.

"Thank you, Mrs. Everdeen. Kat, are you sure you don't need me to stay and help?"

I smile knowing how much he wanted to spend every waking moment with the twins. "No, I'm sure. Besides, District Twelve must be missing your wonderful baked goods. My mother can help me with the twins while you're gone. I'll see you later tonight."

"All right," he replied before kissing my forehead then heading downstairs.

As the door clicked shut, I turn my full attention toward my mother. "All right, Mother, please say what you are dying to say to me."

"It's nothing really, Katniss. It's just that I thought you and Gale would get married one day. You've spent so much time together growing up…"

"Mother, I love Peeta," I say cutting her off mid-sentence. "Gale is more like a big brother to me. I want you to be happy for me," I say as I gently place Josh on the changing table.

"Katniss, if you are truly happy with the Baker's son then I'm happy for you," she replied as Miranda opened her gray eyes. "She's a spiting image of you when you were a baby."

"Just as Josh is a spiting image of Peeta," I say as I finish changing my son.

"Yes, he is," she agreed as we changed places so she could change Miranda. "I could stay here for a while to help with the twins and help you plan the wedding."

I raise my eye brows in surprise. "Do you really want to help me plan the wedding even though I'm marrying Peeta instead of Gale?"

My mother looked at me once Miranda was changed. "Yes, Katniss, I really do want to help. You are my daughter and this is an important event in your life. I want to share this with you."

"I want you to share this with me too," I say honestly.

"All right, while these two take a nap I'll run to town to get started on the wedding plans."

I smile and nod my head as I settle Josh and Miranda in their cribs. "That would be great, Mother."

"Good…I'll be back real soon," she said kissing my cheek then kissing both babies before heading downstairs.

I follow her downstairs walking with her to the door. I make my way to the kitchen once she has left. I missed having fresh brewed tea while I was in thirteen. They had tea of course, but nothing is better than fresh brewed tea from home. I take the kettle out of the cabinet and fill it with water before placing it on the stove. I have a seat on the couch as someone knocks on the door.

I knew it couldn't be my mother because she had just left not five minutes ago. I climb back to my feet and head for the door. "Gale," I say as I open the door.

"Catnip, are you all right?" Gale asked wrapping me in a tight but gentle hug.

I return the hug briefly before taking a step backwards. "I'm fine, Gale. Please come in," I say stepping out of the way so he could come inside the house. "What are you doing here? I thought you were in District Two."

"I was in District Two," Gale said shutting the front door behind him. "I'm actually working to rebuild the Nut so Panem can have a working military base again."

"That's great, but that doesn't answer why you came all the way back to twelve."

"Catnip, do you really have to ask that question? Haymitch called me and told me you nearly died in thirteen. I panicked and wanted to rush over there immediately, but he told me I needed to wait."

"Since when have you started listening to anything Haymitch says?" I ask cracking a smile as the tea kettle begins to whistle.

"Since he became your mentor when you went into your first arena," Gale said following me into the kitchen.

"Oh," I say as I make the tea. "So, now here you are," I say wanting him to continue.

"Yeah, he called me the other day and said you would be back home today. What happened, Catnip?"

I open my mouth to tell him about the twins when they took that very moment to start crying. "Why don't you follow me and I'll show you," I say walking past him heading for the stairs.

"Is that babies crying?" Gale asked following behind me.

"No, it's Buttercup howling," I say teasing him. "Of course it's babies crying," I say as we enter the nursery. "What has upset mommy's angels?" I ask as I pick Miranda up and kiss away her tears.

"They're yours?" Gale asked in a shocked tone.

"Yes, Gale, they are mine," I say as I sooth Miranda back to sleep before picking Josh up to sooth him. "I know you two woke up and mommy wasn't here was I?"

"When…how?" Gale asked clearly confused.

"It's a long story," I say as I lay Josh back down in his crib. "Let's go have a cup of tea and I'll tell you everything I can," I promise.

"I don't think I'm going to like this story," he said following me back downstairs.

I finish making the tea and sit a cup down in front of him. I tell him everything that happened from Rue coming to warn me and Peeta to going to the future ourselves. As I finish the story, I see a look of shock quickly turn to anger. "What's wrong, Gale?"

"I know Darius Thatcher, Catnip."

"What?" I wasn't expecting that.

"I know Darius Thatcher. He and I have been working together in District Two for the last six months. He's in the Capitol now. He's District Two's Representative. Catnip, if I had known…"

"Gale, it's not your fault. At least now I know how he gets his start in the Capitol," I say running my left hand against my chin lost in thought.

"Please tell me that isn't an engagement ring," Gale snapped jerking me out of my thoughts.

Crap, I forgot to tell him about the engagement, I think as I feel my face grow hot. "I'm sorry, Gale. That was part of the story, but when you said you knew Darius Thatcher I lost my train of thought."

"I bet you did," he snapped getting to his feet.

"What is that supposed to mean?" I ask getting to my feet as well.

"You know damn well what that means, Catnip. You and I should be the ones getting married. Those two kids should be ours not yours and Peeta Mellark's," he snapped.

"Gale, I'm sorry that I don't love you that way. I do love Peeta, and you were right."

"I was right about what?"

"Who I would eventually choose," I reply softly.

"You heard me and Peeta talking that night in the Capitol?"

"I only heard the end of it, but you were right. I did choose the person I couldn't survive without. Peeta and I didn't plan for the twins, but they just cemented a future we were heading toward anyway. I fell in love with Peeta long before Prim died. I just didn't know it then."

"I did, but I thought if I gave you some time you'd come back to me. Those two babies upstairs just prove to me that will never happen now," Gale said storming outside.

"Gale," I call after him once I'm outside as well.

"Don't make this harder than it all ready is, Catnip," he said over his shoulder.

"I'm not trying to, Gale. I know you love me and I love you, but just not in the same way. I love you like a brother and I don't want to lose you."

"And you expect me to just accept that," Gale demanded turning around to face me.

"What's there to accept, Gale? We've been friends for practically our whole lives, and I don't want to lose you."

"But I can't accept that you don't want anything more than my friendship."

"I'm sorry, Gale. I can't help how I feel."

"I'm sure you can't Catnip, but what happens when Peeta goes full blown Mutt on you and those two kids?"

"That won't happen, Gale."

"You can't stand there and tell me that won't happen, Catnip. I've seen it happen with my own eyes."

"I know you have Gale, but Peeta is completely cured of the effects of the hijacking. I'm sure he'll still have flashbacks, but the effects of the hijacking are gone for good."

"That isn't possible," Gale said shaking his head.

"I'm telling you it is possible. Peeta is back and free from Snow for good."

"I hope for your sake that is true. But if he hurts you…"

"Gale, he won't hurt me. I appreciate you watching over me, but it's different this time around."

"So you say, but please forgive me if I'm not convinced," he snapped as he turned around from me and started walking.

"Gale, I don't want you going after Peeta. He hasn't done anything wrong."

"Except take you away from me," Gale said as he kept walking.

"Gale!"

"We don't always get what we want, Catnip," he called back over his shoulder.

"Peeta," I mumble under my breath as I turn and run inside the house. I pick up the phone and quickly dial the baker's phone number. I knew if he wasn't busy I should be able to get a hold of Peeta long before Gale would reach town. That was if he answered the phone I thought, as it rang a fourth time.

"Hello, thank you for calling Mellark's Bakery. How may I help you?"

"You sound like you're swamped."

"Hey, Kat! Yeah, it's just a bit crazy right now," Peeta said as his voice echoed his exhaustion.

"Well, I won't keep you, but I wanted to warn you Gale might stop by."

"Gale…Why would he stop by…You told him about the engagement."

"And about Josh and Miranda," I add. "Well, they actually decided to wake up and cry while he was here."

"I suspect he wasn't very happy."

"No, he was very upset about all of it," I say.

"Are you all right?"

"Yes, I'm fine, Peeta. Just take care of you," I say smiling at his concerned tone.

"I'll be fine, Kat. Thanks for the warning, and I'll see you tonight."

"I'll see you tonight. I love you."

"I love you too. Kiss Josh and Miranda for me," Peeta said as I hear the chimes on the front door ring. "I got to go."

"Okay, I'll talk to you later," I say before hanging up the phone.

I sigh as I take the two untouched cups of tea and place them in the sink. The rest of the tea I place in the refrigerator before heading upstairs. I smile seeing my two angels still sleeping soundly in their cribs. I walk over and brush my fingers through first Josh's blond curls then Miranda's dark locks. They don't even stir and I quietly head back downstairs. As I sit down on the couch, a sudden thought grips my heart.

I'm actually getting married and I don't even know what I'm going to wear on my wedding day. I still had the other wedding dresses Cinna designed, but Peeta had seen them all. I didn't really want to wear a dress he had all ready seen. I knew I could go into town to buy a dress, but District Twelve was by no means the Capitol. Especially when it came to fashion, and if I knew Effie she wouldn't allow me to wear just anything.

I take a deep breath as I climb slowly to my feet. I hadn't been in the back bedroom since returning from the Capitol after the war. It held too many memories of Cinna in all those dresses that he designed and created. I knew that I would have to face the memories just as I would have to face those dresses lying on the bed.

I step inside the bedroom and my eyes immediately tear up. Cinna worked so hard to make a difference and fight for what he believed in. In the end, his dream of freedom was finally being realized, but it cost him his life. The fight for freedom cost a lot of good people their lives. How could I be so happy when so many others weren't happy? This was a mistake…a terrible mistake.

There was no way I was going to be able to look at these dresses without being sick. I throw open the closet door and grab an arm full of dresses. I throw them on the floor of the closet and am about to slam the door when a black dress bag catches my eye. Where had that bag come from? I didn't remember any of the dresses being in a bag. They had all been in the crate that had been delivered from the Capitol.

I remember the day the crate arrived Prim begged me to open it. She had been dying to see what Cinna had sent me to model. I remember thinking if she wanted to see the dresses so much I might let her model them instead. Now I wish I had done just that as I grab the cold black bag. I lay it on the bed and with shaking fingers unzip it. Inside I find a white dress with a note attached to it.

To my dearest Katniss,

We have been through so much together, but through it all you still remained my Girl on Fire. I know you were pulled into a war not of your making, and for my part I am truly sorry for any pain I caused you. It was your determination and strength that inspired me to be a better man and a better person. It was you Katniss, which gave the nation hope…hope that one day they would be free again.

If you are reading this letter then it means you have found my gift. It also means I'm no longer around which is no less than what I expected. I knew what I was getting myself into and I accepted the risk. But enough depressing talk, because this should be a happy time. As you know Snow requested that I design and make several wedding gowns for you to model and wear for a photo shoot. Then the people of the Capitol would vote for their favorite one.

Needless to say I hated all the dresses I designed because none of them were you. None of them did you justice, and I wanted your wedding dress to do you justice on that special day. So here we have a dress I hope you will absolutely love, and I hope it does you justice. I'd be honored if you would wear this gown on your wedding day. I wish I could be there with you, but I know in my heart you will make a beautiful bride. Give my best to the groom whoever he may be.

All my love,

Cinna

Tears stream down my face as I reread Cinna's beautiful words. I couldn't believe all the extra time and effort he went through to make me another wedding dress. I lay the letter on the bed and gently pull out the white wedding dress. The bodice appeared to be firm fitted to show off what curves I have, while the bottom of the dress was nothing but ruffles of lacy fabric billowing out from the center. The dress was v-cut in the front and had lacy sleeves that started just below the shoulders giving it an off the shoulder look. The sleeves stretched all the way down to the wrists. The lace continued to the back of the dress giving it an open back of sheer material.

It was the most beautiful dress I had ever seen in my life. My eyes look up toward the ceiling as I nod my head. "Yes, Cinna, I would be honored to wear this beautiful gift. I wish both you and Prim were here with me when I walk down the isle."