About Two Months Later

It's been a little over two months since the attack. Peeta recovered fairly quickly. I didn't let him sit around and wallow, I forced him to start getting up every day. Soon he was walking again without aid. A few days later he felt well enough to walk to the bakery, but didn't do any work. Prim took his stitches out and applied the balm Plutarch sent us. The next morning, I couldn't see any remnants of his scars on his face or the back of his head. His ribs took a while to heal, but they did eventually. He slowly but surely got back into his regular routine, encouraging me to do the same. He said he just wanted everything to go back to normal.

While he was convalescing, he insisted we keep pleasuring each other every morning. He used his fingers and I used my mouth. After a few days we were getting so good at it we both had to slow down constantly. He insisted he was okay if I wanted to get on top of him, but I wanted to wait until he felt up to participating before we tried having sex. That came one night as I was washing the dishes. He came up behind me, surprising me. He snapped open the button on my jeans and quickly lowered my zipper, sliding his right hand under my panties and slipping three fingers inside me. His left hand snaked up under my shirt and gripped my breast softly. He kissed my neck and nibbled on my earlobe. I tried to turn around, but he refused to let me, and kept going until I came. Finally, I spun around, going for his jeans like he did mine. I grabbed him by the belt loop and led him to the kitchen table. I told him I was serious about that. I hoisted myself up and sat on the table. I looked up at him, and as seductively as I could, said, 'undress me'. He was more than happy to comply, and soon he was pulling me towards him and slipping inside me. My world felt complete again with Peeta filling me up to the brim, and when he finally came, after making sure I had at least two more times, I was in ecstasy. Since that night, we've built back up to resuming our previous level of intimacy.

The pregnancy is coming along great. I go to each and every one of my doctor's visits, Peeta holding my hand every time. We get ultrasounds done, and every time we see our baby on that little monitor, we can't help but cry in joy. It's getting more real daily. I still remember the day when my baby bump finally became visible. I was standing in our bathroom, naked in front of the mirror, looking at my profile. I was slowly rubbing my belly, checking out the very slight bump that represented our child. Peeta came up behind me, wrapping his arms around me, asking me what I was doing. When I told him, he rushed around me, kneeled in front of me, and kissed the bump softly. Since then, it's been growing every day, and now I'm blatantly and obviously pregnant. I've started wearing more and more of the maternity clothes Cinna made for me. I hunt less and less, only going about two times a week, and most of the time not even bringing my bow, just going for a walk. I find myself tired more easily, and hungry more often. Peeta, of course, has been amazing, not caring if I wake him up at three in the morning asking him to make me a five-course meal. He deals with all my crazy mood swings, where one minute I'm telling him how much I love him, and the next I'm screaming at him for getting my pregnant, telling him it's all his fault. I always apologize profusely, which he tells me constantly is unnecessary, and I inevitably break down and sob in his arms. It's actually brought us closer, if that was even possible.

Today, we're on our way to the Capitol. Our reason for going there is two-fold. First, Gale's trial is about to begin, and Peeta, Haymitch, my mom, Prim, and I have been called to testify for the prosecution. Hazelle, Posy, and Rory are already there. When we found out when we'd be going, we created the second reason, scheduling an appointment with the best OB-GYN in the city. Instead of staying in the Training Center, which was again offered to us, Peeta and I decided to stay in a hotel. We didn't need to deal with those memories while we were already going to bring back the memories of the attack. We booked a large suite that took up the entire top floor of the nicest hotel in the Capitol. When they found out it was for us, they refused to take our money. We got Haymitch, my mom, and Prim each a room on the floor below us. I called Hazelle, and she told me she was staying with some friends on their couch, so I booked her a couple rooms as well. At first, she tried to refuse, but I insisted.

We've met briefly with the prosecution when they came out to 12 to do discovery and take depositions. Apparently, Gale's lawyers are going with emotional distress and temporary insanity as their main defense. The prosecution tells us that as long as we tell the truth about how Gale had been acting in the months leading up, then right before, during, and after the attack, we will be able to show that it was not a moment of insanity, but rather a conscious and purposeful decision to attack us. They're confident in our chances. The trial is causing quite the uproar in the Capitol. When the details leaked to the media, reporters flocked to our house. Haymitch and my mom stationed themselves on the front porch for days while Peeta and I locked ourselves inside with the blinds drawn. After deliberations, we got the judge to agree to make the trial closed to the public. Panem doesn't need to know the gritty details of what really happened. What was really said and done.

We arrive in the Capitol, and, as we kept our arrival time a secret, only Effie is waiting to meet us. She takes us to our hotel and we settle in. The trial starts tomorrow morning.

"Are you okay, Kat?" Peeta asks me as I lie on the bed, my forearm covering my eyes.

I sigh.

"Yeah," I say, not even convincing myself.

"You're a terrible liar, honey."

I chuckle. He always sees through me.

"It's just – I never thought our friendship would ever come to this. I have to get up in front of a court and tell them the horrible things he's said to me. I have to recount, in excruciating detail, about when he tried to murder my family. I'm just emotional about it all, I guess."

"You're allowed to be, Katniss. Nobody blames you at all for getting emotional about this. You're pregnant, after all. This would be hard on anyone, and you and Gale used to be close. I just – I guess I just feel guilty," he almost whispers the last part, and I strain to hear it.

"Why?" I ask, turning on my side to face him.

"This all started because we started dating. I feel like it's my fault. That if we hadn't fallen in love, Gale wouldn't be on trial and you'd still be hunting everyday with him. You'd still have your friend."

Peeta has used this argument before, and each time I have to talk him down. It's in his nature to take the blame, not wanting those he loves to hurt.

"Peeta, look at me," I coax. I gently place my hand on his cheek and turn his face to me. "I will never regret falling in love with you. Do you hear me? It was, and is, the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. I would do it a million times over if it meant I lost Gale but gained you. Okay? So stop feeling guilty. I've never blamed you, and I never will. This is his fault, honey. We're here because of him, and no one else."

He slowly nods, but I still feel that I haven't completely gotten through to him. I sigh.

"Look, Peeta, I know you. I know no matter what I say, you'll still feel guilty deep down. Please, don't. Do it for me. Your wife. I'm begging you. I need you here with me, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Our baby needs you, Peeta. I can't have you destroying yourself over something that was out of your control to begin with. Hear me? Got it?"

A tear escapes his eye, and I gently wipe it off. When I bring up the baby like that, it always causes him to get emotional. He knows I'm right.

"Okay, Kat. I promise I'll try. For you and the baby."

I smile and lean over to give him a chaste kiss.

"Thank you, husband."

He smiles back at me, his blue eyes shining as he reaches down to rub my belly.

"Peeta, do you realize we haven't even begun to discuss baby names yet?" I ask.

"Yeah, but we don't know the gender yet," he points out.

"So? That doesn't mean we still can't talk about it, right?"

"I guess you're right. Got any names in mind?"

I think for a minute. I want our baby to be unique, to be their own person. Prim, Peeta and I all have very unique names that fit our personalities.

"I don't know," I honestly say. "What about you?"

"Well, I called Effie a few weeks ago and had her do some research at the library. She came up with a few names from some ancient languages that I think would work."

"Okay, what are they?" I ask excited.

"Okay, well, most names in the centuries before Panem came from an ancient language called Hebrew. So most of these names are from that."

I nod in understanding.

"The first is Abel. It means 'a breath'. I think it's beautiful, and I know when our baby does take that first breath, it'll be such an amazing moment for both of us."

"I like it, Peeta, for a boy. What else?"

"The next is Elan. It means 'tree'. I think you can guess why I chose that one. The feminine version is Ilana."

"Okay, I like that one too. Keep going."

"My favorite is Joshua. It means salvation or savior, for a boy. I think it's strong and individual, but also unique."

"I agree. I really like it. Joshua," I try out while rubbing my stomach. I feel the baby give a little kick. "Well, the baby likes it." We smile. "I think I want to name the baby Joshua if it's a boy. Can we?"

Peeta smiles even wider.

"Yes. If it's a boy, Joshua."

"Okay, what about if it's a girl?"

"Well, there's Tahlia, which means 'morning dew'. Or there's Shoshanna, which means 'lily' or 'rose'. There's also Nava and Yafa, both of which mean 'beautiful'. But my favorite for a girl is simply Eve. It means 'life'. And it also reminds us of Everdeen, your maiden name. I want to also honor your family, Kat."

"Oh, Peeta. I love the name Eve. Okay. Joshua for a boy, Eve for a girl."

"Wow. I can't believe it was that easy," Peeta grins.

"Well, when my husband does all the work, it's not too difficult. But Peeta, if we have a girl, can her middle name be Rue? We wouldn't be here without her, and I want to remember her."

"Of course, Kat. I think that's wonderful. Eve Rue Mellark. It's a beautiful name."

I smile when he says the full name for the first time.

"What should the middle name be if we have a boy, though?" He asks.

"Hmmm," I ponder. "I know this will sound crazy, but what about Haymitch? He's a huge reason of why we're still alive, and he's going to be the baby's godfather, right?"

"Yeah. I like it. I think he'd be honored, even if he teases us about it. So, Eve Rue Mellark or Joshua Haymitch Mellark. We got the names, Kat!"

"You know, we should tell Prim and Haymitch they're going to be the godparents at some point. They'll go wild, especially Prim. She gets to be an Aunt and a godmother."

"Why don't we do it right now before we go to bed?" Peeta suggest.

I agree, and pick up the phone and quickly call both of their rooms. We can hear the private elevator to our floor ding a couple minutes later, and we meet Prim and Haymitch in the living room.

"Have a seat guys," Peeta motions to the couch. "There's something we want to talk to you about."

Peeta helps me sit down with a hand on my lower back like always, and sits next to me. We hold hands, and Prim and Haymitch are both smiling at us. I hope this blindsides them.

"So what is it, sweetheart?" Haymitch asks after a moment. "I need my beauty sleep."

We chuckle.

"Well," Peeta begins. "Kat and I were discussing some things about the baby, and…" He looks to me and nods. I'm glad he's letting me do this.

"Haymitch," I look to him. "We'd be honored if you would be our baby's godfather."

His jaw drops.

"Really?" He asks me. I nod. "Really?" He asks Peeta. He nods as well. "Um, I would be honored. Really, I would. I don't really know what to say. Thank you."

"Of course, Haymitch," I say. "You've been such a huge part of our lives, and we want you to be in our baby's life as well. We know you'll take care of him or her just like you take care of us, and always protect our family. You're a part of this family as much as anybody, whether you like it or not."

He nods vigorously, his eyes showing his fierce determination.

Now I turn to Prim, who is fidgeting with excitement. I'm sure she knows what I'm about to say, but I still want to say it, and I know she wants to hear it.

"Prim," I smile. "You're going to be an Aunt. Peeta and I know you're going to be an amazing, loving, kind Aunt, and we couldn't ask for a better person to help us raise our baby. That's why we want you to our child's godmother."

"Of course!" She yells as soon as I finish the word godmother. She darts out of her seat and envelops me and Peeta into a tight hug, crying in joy. I knew this would be her reaction. Behind her, I see Haymitch smiling wide.

After a minute, Prim sits back down next to Haymitch, still sobbing quietly. I find a few tears falling from my eyes as well.

"Hey!" Prim exclaims. "Have you guys decided on names yet?"

"Actually," Peeta smiles. "We just agreed right before we called you, believe it or not. Want to hear them?"

"Yes!" They both say.

"Kat?" He prompts me.

"Well," I start. "If it's a boy, Joshua Haymitch Mellark." I see Haymitch's eyes widen and he looks like he actually might cry. "If it's a girl, Eve Rue Mellark."

"Oh, Katniss, those are beautiful names!" Prim gushes.

"Thank you," Peeta nods gratefully. "We decided that if we have a girl, and we end up ever having a boy after, we'll name him Joshua, and vice versa. We really like the names we picked."

"Thank you," Haymitch mumbles. He quickly gets up and is halfway to the door before he turns around. "I'm honored, you two, deeply honored. I'm going to go dump all my alcohol down the drain." With that, he leaves the three of us speechless as he makes his way back to his room, determined to be sober for our baby.

Prim stays for a little while, talking with Peeta and me about the baby and about the trial. She and my mom are supposed to testify about the few times they encountered Gale, as well as the extent of Peeta's injuries from the attack, as they were the ones who treated him. Gale's lawyers have apparently claimed that we're lying about how badly he was beaten. It makes me glad I took pictures of each and every injury the day after the attack, just in case.

Peeta and I go to sleep, me on my side and Peeta's chest against my back, his arms wrapped around my torso protectively, his face buried in my hair. I'm still nervous and anxious about tomorrow, but I know with my husband by my side, I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.

The next morning brings sunshine and a clear, beautiful day. It belies my mood, which is rather somber and depressed. When I woke up, I realized that, today, I was going to Gale Hawthorne's trial for assault, battery, harassment, and the attempted murder of my family, as well as a litany of lesser charges. Peeta tries to cheer me up, blowing raspberries on my stomach, which always makes me giggle. He really does make everything better.

Effie arrives promptly at eight, and all five of us plus Effie pile into the limousine she hired. She hired another one for the Hawthorne's when I asked her to, and they left a little while before us. We went out the back of the hotel to avoid the crowd that had gathered out front. Apparently one of the front desk workers, when she found out we were staying here, told just about everybody in the Capitol where to find the star-crossed lovers from District 12. Thanks, appreciate that.

The courthouse isn't far, and we pull up ten minutes after leaving the hotel. The crowd on the front steps is huge. People are holding up signs. Some of them say 'We love you Katniss and Peeta!'. Others say 'Send Gale to Jail!'. Good rhyme, I think mockingly. However, as there are always people who never believe what they hear or see, I even see one sign that says 'Katniss and Peeta are liars! Set Gale free!' Huh. I'm itching to stomp over there and teach that guy a lesson, but Peeta sees it in my eyes, and tightens his grip around my waist as we make our way through the crowd and up the steps. Haymitch is in front of us, barreling through the crowd, making a lane for us, screaming, "Pregnant Victor coming through! Trust me, you don't want to make her angry!"

Finally we make it inside. After we go through the customary metal detectors and are cleared by the Peacekeepers, we are led down a hall to the assigned courtroom. The prosecution explained to us how the trial will run, so I know that there is a good chance none of us will have to testify for a few days.

I take a deep breath and walk in, hand in hand with Peeta. We walk towards the front of the gallery section. I see Hazelle, on the left side, sitting in the first row. I immediately go and give her a tight hug.

"I'm so sorry, Hazelle, about all of this," I whisper.

"Shh, Katniss. This isn't your fault. Thank you so much for everything you've done for us. The hotel, the limo. You're too kind to us."

"It's nothing. I wish I could do more," I tell her honestly.

After I also greet Posy and Rory, who look very cute all dressed up, I go and sit in between Peeta and Prim in the first row behind the prosecution table. The courtroom would normally fill up with spectators, but as the trial is now closed doors, there are only a select few people here.

A few minutes go by, and the prosecutors show up. They greet us and reassure us of the strength of the case. Then, the defense comes in. I'm disgusted almost immediately. Gale apparently is represented by the most stereotypical Capitol resident I've ever seen. It's almost like a male Effie. I point him out to Peeta who gasps in horror along with me.

Finally, we see a back door open, and two Peacekeepers appear. Gale is behind them. He's wearing an orange jumpsuit. He's in shackles. His hands are handcuffed, as are his feet, and there's a chain connecting the two, so it's difficult for him to walk. He waddles like a duck. He's staring at the ground, so I can't see his face yet. Peeta grips my hand tightly as we watch him make his way to the defense table. He sits down after greeting his family quietly.

I'm still staring at the back of his head when he suddenly turns towards me, and our eyes meet. Gray meets gray. I used to see compassion and friendship in his eyes. They used to give me comfort. Now, all I can see is hate. Blinding, inconsolable rage, all directed at my family and especially me. His months in jail have apparently made him worse, not better.

I almost lose it when he actually mouths 'fuck you, Catnip'.

"Don't worry about him," Peeta whispers softly in my ear. "We're going to win this."

I nod gratefully and turn to give him a quick, reassuring kiss.

The judge comes in and we all rise in respect. He looks fairly normal for a Capitol judge. We're told he's very fair, listens to all the evidence, and follows the law of the letter. The prosecutors tell us we couldn't have asked for a better judge to try and get Gale convicted. It provides some comfort, but we're still at the beginning of the trial.

The judge speaks for a long time, laying out the rules and regulations of the courtroom, what he expects from both sides, and how the trial will proceed. Eventually, the opening statements begin.

The prosecutors give a quick overview of the attack, beginning all the way back to the day I first told Gale I was dating Peeta. They make sure to point out how Gale acted every time he saw me in between those two events, the cornerstones they call them. The judge takes it all in, and I see his eyes widen when the attack is described, and his head shakes ever so slightly.

The defense, like the prosecution predicted, tries to explain that Gale had been pushed to the limit by my 'malicious and unfair' treatment of him, and that he 'went temporarily insane when Mr. Mellark attacked him, acting in self-defense as any man would'. Unbelievable. We have witnesses, including Peeta, Haymitch and me that actually saw what happened, as well as Prim and mom, who saw the aftermath. We also have photos from Gale's booking that night that show he didn't have a scratch on him, except for a bruise where I'd punched him in the kidney and where Haymitch had to eventually knock him out. Apparently, he pissed blood for two weeks. Good.

Having heard the opening arguments, both of which took a few hours, the judge asks each side about witnesses. Looking at his watch, he decides to reconvene in the morning and begin to call witnesses for the prosecution.

Gale is led out, and he doesn't look at me again. I watch his back as he leaves. I hope his cell is uncomfortable and that they're giving him terrible, tasteless food.

Eventually, we exit the courthouse and make it back to the limo. Back at the hotel, I take a much needed nap.

When I wake up, Peeta is overly excited. He lays out a maternity dress for me and asks me to put it on. I do, and he comes out in one of my favorite suit and tie combos. He leads me downstairs and to the limo. We pull up to a fancy restaurant, and he explains he wanted to take his wife out to dinner. I kiss him. When we get inside, however, the place is empty.

"Are you sure they're open, Peeta?" I ask.

"Yeah. I rented the whole place out. I wanted tonight to be about you, Kat."

He really is perfect.

We eat, and I manage to smile and laugh throughout, Peeta keeping my spirits up. It is one of the best dates we've gone on in a while.

When we make it back to our room at the hotel, I reward his thoughtfulness by stripping down and pulling him into the bed with me.

He makes love with me from behind, and I am able to forget why we're here and what I may have to talk about for a while. For a few magical minutes, it's just Peeta, our baby, and me.

My family.

A/N: Okay. There's chapter 14. They picked baby names, and the trial has begun. Next chapter will include the trial, as well as the announcement and reactions to the Quarter Quell. What will happen? Who knows? I don't yet, like I said, I'm winging it.

I'm not sure yet whether I want them to have a boy or girl. Most fics seem to have them have a girl first, because that's what happens in the epilogue. We've obviously left the book behind ages ago, so I want you guys to tell me what you'd rather see. Joshua or Eve? By the way, I am Jewish (obviously), and my name is Josh. He he. So, let me know in the reviews and PMs which you'd rather see.

Thanks as always for all the reviews, PMs, and support. It's greatly appreciated. Again, if this chapter gets enough reviews in the next few hours, I might sit down tonight and write chapter 14. We'll have to wait and see!

Keep reading and enjoying! Shalom!