A/N: The time has come! I'm pretty sure all of you will love this chapter. :)

And so without further ado...

Random Disclaimer: I do not own The Hunger Games Series. As the past two stories show, my version of events would have been quite different.

Me: BABY!

Rye: BABY!

Peeta: Oh, baby.

Katniss: Peeta, this is all your fault!


Chapter 21: Faithfully

And bein' apart ain't easy on this love affair

Two strangers learn to fall in love again

I get the joy of rediscovering you

Oh, girl, you stand by me

I'm forever yours

Faithfully


After seeing that Finnick was serious about having the wedding the next day, Peeta threw himself into baking them the perfect cake. He sequestered himself in the kitchens where he and Greasy Sae, with unwilling help from Rye, created a masterpiece—or so Rye tells me. If Peeta's appearance when he finally returned to the compartment later that night is anything to by—completely covered in various colors of frosting— I'm almost nervous to see what Rye defines as a 'masterpiece.'

For all I know, Rye somehow rigged the cake to explode.

While Peeta and Rye were busy with the cake, I took care of Finnick and Annie. We all wanted it to be as normal a wedding as possible, and so I had one or two conversations with Plutarch Heavensbee about how to throw a proper District 4 wedding. In case you're wondering, I totally won that argument. Pregnancy has enhanced the ferocity of my glare.

So, after haggling over a few things with Plutarch, I finally got him to agree that we shouldn't make a spectacle of Finnick and Annie's wedding. He was all for televising it and broadcasting it throughout all Panem. Well, that just didn't fly with me and I told him so in a few choice words. Eventually, we agreed to make it all about Finnick and Annie. Crazy how much sense that makes, right? After all, it's their wedding.

Everything seemed to be going well until I found Annie crying. She was holding a tattered, sewn dress in her hands. After some gentle prodding, Annie revealed why she was upset.

"It's the only thing I have," she explained. "Other than the uniform."

"Annie, Finnick won't care what you're wearing," I tried to soothe her. "I was wearing sweatpants when I got married."

Annie still didn't look convinced. "Peeta didn't care?"

"I don't even think he noticed," I replied with a smile. "Trust me. Finnick loves you. When you walk down that aisle, all he'll see is you. You're far more than what you wear. And that entire time he's staring into your eyes, he'll be thinking how lucky he is to have you and how he can't imagine how he ever lived a day without you." I paused before adding with a giggle, "And then he'll be hoping that Peeta remembered the ring."

Annie finally laughed, seeming to be reassured. And for all of ten minutes after leaving her, I felt good about everything . . . but then I remembered the longing on Annie's face as she'd held her battered dress in her hands. The image bothered me so much that I swallowed my pride and went to Plutarch for a favor. After some persuasion, I convinced him to take a hovercraft to District 12. I got Venia to go along for the ride, telling her what I wanted her to take from mine and Peeta's closet at home.

When she returned with a sea green dress I'd worn on the Victory Tour and the coordinating black suit Peeta had worn—complete with the matching green tie—I asked Venia to get Flavius and Octavia on board with the plan, to tailor the clothing to fit Annie and Finnick. My prep team was happy to participate, for once doing what they loved to do.

All the mess with Plutarch was worth it when I saw the expressions on Finnick and Annie's faces the morning of the wedding.

And now, as I stare up at the two of them standing at the altar, I can't help but smile. They look beautiful, and just how they should on their wedding day. Peeta stands off to the side near Finnick, wearing a small smile despite the tenseness in his shoulders. He doesn't like being unable to scan the room, and the large crowd isn't helping. Our eyes meet for a moment, and I try to send him a reassuring look. He relaxes just slightly, so I take it as a victory.

The ceremony is quaint, but perfect. District 4 has their own wedding traditions, involving the marrying couple to be draped with a fishing net and touching each other's lips with salt water. I guess for the fishing district it makes sense, although I'm still a big fan of District 12's toasting. Especially mine and Peeta's. I close my eyes for a moment, and almost feel the subtle warmth of the flames that were flickering in the fireplace.

I open my eyes just in time to see Finnick kiss his bride. On cue, all of us stand, applauding and cheering. Most of District 13 is attending the wedding, one of the compromises I had to make with Plutarch, but Finnick and Annie don't seem to mind. They are oblivious to anyone other than each other.

We easily transition to the reception. Now, we in District 12 may be poor coal miners, but we know how to have a good time. An old man that I always passed in the Hob, who could carve some of the best arrowheads, managed to escape with his fiddle. He began to play a happy, lively tune that automatically brought smiles to everyone's faces. Soon, the modest dance floor was filled with twirling couples and alive with laughter.

Being thirty-eight weeks pregnant prevents me from even thinking about dancing, but I don't mind. I enjoy the view of the festivities from one of the cloth-covered tables. Haymtich sits beside me, mumbling to himself about the abhorrent lack of alcohol. Apparently, it's a must at a wedding. But out of the corner of my eye, I still catch him tapping his foot to the beat of the music.

My eyes scan the crowd, noting the happy faces. More and more people from 13 are beginning to loosen up. Really, it's hard to fight the lightness of the atmosphere. It's fun to watch them struggle their way through the dances; but, eventually, they find themselves laughing at their missteps and simply trying again with a self-deprecating smile.

Prim is dancing happily with Rory, and I raise my eyebrows in slight surprise. That's a development I didn't know about. I'll have to corner her later and demand answers . . . or maybe I should go after Rory? He might be the first to talk under the withering heat of my glare.

"Easy, or they'll turn to dust where they stand," Peeta says with a slight smile as he takes the seat beside me, throwing his arm across the back of my chair. "They're just kids."

My eyes narrow. "He better not hurt her," I say, my eyes not leaving the young couple.

"She's happy." Peeta squeezes my shoulder. "Let her be."

I sigh in agreement as I watch Prim throw her head back and laugh at something Rory said. Oh, they're smitten, alright. But maybe Peeta's right. They should have fun.

"And don't worry about Rory," Peeta continues after a moment. "If he hurts her, he's dead."

I glance up at Peeta, unable to tell if he's serious or not. Nonetheless, I pat his knee. "If we have a girl, she'll never marry," I tease.

"Not a chance."

"You'll be a good father," I say softly, resting a hand on his chest, directly over his heart. "You really will."

Peeta smiles tentatively. "Let's hope so."

We sit in silence—me, Peeta, and Haymitch. It's almost like the old days, when it was just the three of us. When we were preparing for our first Games. Or the Victory Tour. It was just the three of us. And then Rye weaseled his way in. We met Johanna and Finnick. Then Annie. Our dysfunctional family has more than doubled in a mere six months.

And, any day now, our number will grow by one.

I rest my hand on my stomach, rubbing it absently. I've been having those fake contractions Dr. Riley warned me about all day. They are painful, but nothing I can't handle with a few deep breaths. They always go away, usually. But these today . . . these aren't going away.

I school my features when another fake contraction hits. This one is painful—easily eclipsing the pain of my previous contraction. It's difficult to keep from wincing and curling in on myself, but I manage. I don't realize how tense I've become until the pain recedes, and I slump back into the chair.

That's when I notice both Haymitch and Peeta staring at me. "You alright there, sweetheart?" Haymitch asks warily, but obviously concerned.

I take note of Peeta's worried face as well. Maybe my acting skills aren't as good as I thought. "I'm fine," I tell them both. "Just some fake contractions. Doctor Riley warned me about them. I've been having them for a while. Don't worry."

Haymitch relaxes just slightly, but Peeta isn't appeased. "You're sure?" he asks. "I'm sure Dr. Riley's here somewhere."

"I'm fine," I repeat. "Really. It's no big deal. You know what? Let's dance."

"Katniss—"

But I've already managed to haul myself to my feet. Peeta, reluctantly, follows me. We stay on the edge of the dance floor, turning in small circles as a slow song plays. After a few minutes, Peeta begins to relax and I smile, resting my head against his chest. I close my eyes, listening to the music and the steady beat of his heart. Peeta leans down, kissing the top of my head. Everything is perfect.

And then a gush of liquid runs down the inside of my leg.

Oh, god.

I pause midstep, frozen, and Peeta nearly steps on my toes. "Katniss, what's wrong?"

"Peeta." I've never heard my voice sound so small and scared. My heart is pounding in my chest as I realize what's happening. I feel slightly lightheaded, and yet at the same time my mind has never been clearer. Oh, god.

"Katniss!" Peeta steps away from me, holding me by my shoulders. His eyes are panicky and yet hard and determined. He thinks there's a threat. He wants to protect me. That's nice. "What's wrong? What is it?"

"Go get Dr. Riley," I tell him in a shaky voice. "Now."

I watch as the light bulb goes off in Peeta's eyes, and suddenly he looks just as terrified as I am. "Baby?" he whispers.

"Baby," I confirm. "I need Dr. Riley. Find—" I suck in a sharp breath as another contraction hits; strong, painful, and demanding. "Peeta," I plead with a wince. "Find her."

"Hey, guys!" Rye approaches us with a drink in his hand and a big smile. "Enjoying the party?"

"Rye, take Katniss up to the hospital," Peeta commands. His voice is sharp and demanding, having obviously shoved his fears and anxiety to the back of his mind in order to take control of the situation. "Her water just broke."

"Baby?" Rye questions gleefully. "Awesome! Let's go, Baby Momma," he says jovially and just like that takes my arm and begins to lead me to the elevators. "I'm gonna be an uncle! Finally!"

My mind is hardly paying attention to the words spilling from Rye's mouth. My jaw is clenched tight as I fight the pain of yet another contraction. They're coming too quick. Quicker than they should be. God, how could I be so oblivious? The fake contractions I have been experiencing throughout the day were obviously very real. I've already been in labor for hours. Since sometime this morning.

Oh, god.

I hardly notice when Rye guides me off the elevator, still talking a mile a minute about nonsense.

"Katniss!"

I know that voice. Nobody else sounds so chipper. "Alice," I say with my best attempt at a smile. "It's time."

"Oh, yay!" Alice squeals, clapping her hands. "Come on! I'll get you settled until Dr. Riley comes. This is so exciting! You're having a baby!"

"Tell me something I don't know."

By the time I'm in a birthing room dressed in a flimsy gown and sweating like mad, Dr. Riley enters the room, Peeta trailing along after her. Immediately, he's at my side and takes my hand. My grip threatens to break his fingers, but he doesn't say a word. Wise of him.

This is all his fault anyway.

"Katniss, you're in labor," Dr. Riley states obviously. "Mind if I take a look?"

At this point, she could strip me naked and I wouldn't give a damn.

"Oh, this is going to be a quick one," Dr. Riley says after examining me. She meets my eyes. "You've been in labor for hours, sweetie. Why didn't you say something?"

"I thought the contractions were fake!" I explain. "And my water hadn't broken. I thought I was fine!"

"Hours?" Peeta latches on to that part of Dr. Riley's statement. He stares at me with narrowed eyes. "You didn't say anything."

"I didn't want to worry you."

"You should have told me."

"You would have freaked out and been anxious all day," I defend. "This day is supposed to be all about Finnick and Annie. Not me."

"Well, honey, your kid decided otherwise," Dr. Riley says with a small smirk. "So lay back and try to get comfortable. We're going to be here for a while."

"I thought you said it was going to be a quick one!"

"Katniss, when it comes to labor, 'quick' can be twelve hours. Why, the longest labor I can remember lasted a whole thirty-six hours."

All the blood drains from my face. Thirty-six hours. That's more than a day. It's a day and a half. A day and a half of this?

Oh, god.

And so the hours began to pass. Dr. Riley will come in every now and then to see if I am ready to push, but other than that it is just me and Peeta in the room. Dr. Riley tells us who is in the waiting room during one of her check-ins: Haymitch, Rye, Prim, Finnick and Annie, Johanna, Hazelle and the kids, even my mother and Gale.

I really hoped they were comfortable. Because I sure as hell wasn't.

After a particularly harsh contraction, I glare at Peeta, "I hate you so much right now."

"Sorry."

"Do not apologize!"

I know that I am being ridiculous. I realize that it isn't entirely his fault that I am currently in so much pain, but I'm scared. And, the most terrifying part of it all is that I know the worst still to come. How am I going to do this?

And poor Peeta. He takes every single one of my vicious insults and blistering curses in stride. He simply nods his head in agreement, saying, "I know." He says this knowing that I will just yell at him some more. He is in a no-win situation, but he doesn't seem to mind.

I love him so much. And I hate him, but I figure that feeling will pass once the baby is here.

Once the baby is here.

"We're finally going to have a baby," I say. We are simply sitting in silence as we wait for the next contraction to hit. "It's really happening, Peeta."

"I know," he replies quietly. "I just wish it could be easier for you."

I smile slightly. "Don't worry about me. I've got this."

I speak confidently, hoping that Peeta will take some comfort from my words, but he simply stares at me knowingly. I can't hide anything from him. "Peeta," I whisper as I draw in a shaky breath. "I'm scared."

"Me too," he replies with a slight smile.

I shake my head. "You don't look scared."

"I've learned to hide it. The Capitol dungeon isn't a place to show fear. It only makes it worse." He smiles sadly. "Truth is, I'm terrified. I'm going to be a father, and I don't think I'm ready."

I squeeze his hand. "I don't think anyone is ever quite ready to be a parent," I say honestly. "But we'll give it our best shot. Besides," I laugh tiredly. "We have Haymitch."

A small chuckle escapes Peeta. "How does that help us, again? Might as well add Rye to the list."

"And Prim."

"Finnick and Jo."

"Don't forget Annie—"

Whatever else I would have said is lost in the pain of another contraction. I don't know how much longer I can do this. I close my eyes and clench my jaw. Vaguely, I hear Peeta whispering reassurances to me, and I try to focus on his voice instead of the pain clawing my stomach. When it finally passes, Dr. Riley comes in yet again.

"Tell me I can push," I demand as she walks into the room.

"You can push," she replies firmly, and I feel my heart speed up.

"Really?"

"Push."

And so the worst pain I've ever felt begins. It is like nothing I've ever experienced. I swear I am being slowly ripped in two. I forget all pretenses of pride. I scream and cry. Peeta sits there willingly as I slowly break his hand with my iron grasp, not uttering a sound of complaint.

I don't know how much time passes. I only know that it is too much time. I want the baby to be here. I want the pain to be gone. I want something to show for my efforts. I am so tired. So, incredibly tired.

"You can do this, Katniss," Peeta whispers to me. "Come on, beautiful, just one more. For me."

So in one final feat of strength, I bear down with all the power I have left. And as I collapse back onto the bed, I am rewarded with a shrill cry. At the sound, I smile wildly and close my eyes, feeling the greatest sense of triumph. When I open my eyes a second later, Peeta is staring at me with a smile that mirrors my own.

"Well, the mystery is about to come to an end," Dr. Riley says as she cradles a pink, slightly bloody infant in her arms. Peeta and I both sit up just a little straighter, anxiously awaiting the answer to a question that's plagued us for nine months. Slowly, a small smile appears on her face as she says, "It's a girl."

A girl.

I have a little girl.

To my slight surprise, I am not disappointed at all. In fact, the strangest warmth spreads throughout my entire body at the news. I have a little girl. My little baby girl. I force my weak arms to rise, wordlessly asking for my little treasure. Gently, Dr. Riley places her in my arms, and I see my daughter's face for the first time.

There aren't words to describe the depth of the love that immediately warms my heart when I look at her. I will do anything for my little girl. I will die for her. I will kill for her. There are no limits. No conditions. I love this child more than life itself. I love her more than anything or anyone. More than Peeta. More than myself. This little girl in my arms is everything.

I greedily take in her features. Immediately obvious is her tuft of dark hair, the exact color as my own. Her eyes remain tightly shut, keeping their color hidden. Her little face mirrors Peeta's so completely that no one could ever doubt who her father is. I see very little of myself in her features, except for the fact that she inherited my nose. I don't mind. She is beautiful. And she is mine.

Ours.

I finally tear my eyes away from my daughter's face, looking up at her father. "Look what we did, Peeta," I say softly. "Look at her."

"She's perfect," he whispers, his blue eyes filled with tears that have yet to spill. He gently wipes away the tears from my cheeks that have been silently falling. We hold each other's gaze for a moment, and for the first time since his return, I see the emotion I've been longing to see reflected in his eyes. Shining pure and bright is passionate, all-consuming love. And, finally, he says the words that I've dreamed of hearing for months. "I love you."

I sob happily. "I love you, too," I tell him through my tears. "Now, kiss me already!"

The kiss tastes salty from our mutual tears, but I hardly give it a thought as our lips move together. My heart feels as though it's going to burst from the amount of love that's filling it. I've never been happier.

"Sorry, to interrupt," Rosalie cuts in softly. "But I need to take her for just a minute. Run a few tests and get her wrapped in a nice blanket. I know you don't want to leave her. Believe me I know how you feel. I'll make it quick, I promise."

Reluctantly, I allow her to take my little girl from my arms. My heart aches as her cries fade away as Rosalie takes her out of the room. Peeta is glaring at the closed door as though it wronged him in the most monstrous way, and I know that he's two seconds away from going after Rosalie. And while I honestly have no qualms with that idea, logic tells me that it would only prolong the time away from our little girl.

So, to distract him, I ask, "So what's her name?"

My question does the trick. "What?"

"Her name, Peeta," I repeat. "Our daughter came into the world nameless. We need to fix that."

"You pick," he says. "You're the one who did all the work."

"But you were the one who wanted a girl," I argue before quickly adding, "Not that I'm disappointed it's a girl. Just goes to show my instincts aren't always right, huh?" I smile wryly. "Come on, Peeta. I know you. You've thought of a name."

Peeta smiles, looking sheepish and nervous. His eyes drop to study my hand, his fingers gently teasing my own. There's a moment of silence before he finally reveals his thoughts. "Lilly." His eyes hesitantly meet mine once more. "Lilly Hope."

"Lilly Hope Mellark," I say, testing the name aloud. Slowly, I begin to smile. It just sounds right. "It has a nice ring to it."

"You like it?"

"I love it."

The door opens then, and it's Rosalie, carrying a pink bundle in her arms. "Told you so," she says with a small smile. "Back in no time." She stops at Peeta. "Do you want to hold your daughter?"

Peeta glances from Rosalie to me, almost like he's asking my permission. "Go on," I encourage.

So, with great care, Peeta takes his daughter into his arms for the first time. I hardly notice Rosalie quietly ease out of the room. I'm too focused on watching the play of emotion on Peeta's face. I wonder if my face looked like that when I was holding her. A look of pure adoration and love. I watch as a fierce protective look enters Peeta eyes, mingling with the love that's shining brightly. The sheer ferocity of his gaze is mindboggling. There is nothing that Peeta wouldn't do for our little girl. Absolutely nothing.

I fear for anyone who ever tries to harm her, because I have no doubt that Peeta will kill them.

"Hi, Lilly," he whispers, his lips curving into a smile. "Welcome to the world."

After a moment, Peeta hands Lilly over to me. I want to protest. He should hold his daughter for longer than a few minutes, but the moment she's lying safely in my arms my protest dies in my throat. I stare at her sweet, little face. I could stare at her for hours. Days. I watch intently as her little chest rises and falls. Suddenly, her eyes flicker open.

I gasp, more tears sliding down my cheeks. I glance up at Peeta, who is smiling just as I am. "I know those eyes," I say softly as Peeta kisses my forehead.

Lilly has her father's eyes. Beautifully clear and brilliantly blue.

For the next half hour, Peeta and I simply sit in silence, sharing occasional kisses and whispered words of love. However, the majority of my attention is focused on my little girl. Lilly. I really love that name. It is fresh, like spring. It reminds me of a beginning. A new beginning.

Peeta hovers over the both of us, every inch the protective husband and father. Something tells me that his overprotectiveness will grow to unexplored, previously unknown heights. I don't mind. It reassures me.

Eventually, Dr. Riley pokes her head in. "Sorry to disturb you, but you two have a quite a few people waiting to be introduced. I'll happily send them all away if you want. They're trashing my waiting room."

Peeta merely glances at me. "It's up to you."

Although I want to keep her all to myself, at the same time I want to play the proud mother and show off her perfection. So I say, "Let them in."

"One at a time," Peeta adds. "Haymitch first."

Dr. Riley nods and within the next second, the door opens to reveal a disheveled Haymitch. He walks slowly into the room, his eyes never straying from the pink bundle in my arms. Once he's standing right by the bed, he peers over to look at—for all intents and purposes—his granddaughter.

"She's prettier than both of you," he says with a small, genuine smile. Almost in a trance, he gently traces her little cheek with his finger. "What's her name?"

"Lilly," I reply softly. "Lilly Hope Mellark."

"Pretty name," he replies. "No way you came up with it."

I laugh softly. "No. Peeta came up with it."

"No one is ever going to hurt her," Haymitch promises, a protective glint entering his eye. "Not as long as I'm around."

"No," I agree, looking between the two men on either side of me. "I trust you. Both of you."

Haymitch sighs as he looks at us. "Our clock is ticking."

Peeta nods. "We still have time. Coin won't try anything so soon. Especially since the war isn't won."

"But she'll put things into motion."

"We'll be ready."

He and Haymitch share a long look before our mentor nods. "Congratulations you two," he says. "I'll see you later."

However, before Haymitch leaves, he places a delicate kiss on Lilly's forehead.

Peeta and I are silent as he leaves, and the moment the door shuts, I turn to him. "We finally broke Haymitch," I say with a slight smile. "He's hopeless against her."

Peeta nods in amusement, though he quickly becomes serious. "He's right, though, Katniss," he says softly. "Coin will strike. You're in danger."

I close my eyes, realizing the truth in his words. "I know," I finally say. "But let's forget about that for now. Let's just focus on Lilly."

Peeta agrees, but I know that in the back of his mind, he's still thinking of defensive plans and most likely about whatever plans he's already shared with Haymitch. I know that they already have some form of a plan to kill Coin. They've told me as much. I'm just not privy to that information. Yet.

But with Lilly now in my arms, I'm filled with the urge to know as much as possible in order to protect her. Coin will try to kill me. Peeta, too. Once we're of no more use. I'm already vulnerable now, but I'll be especially vulnerable once I've healed. Then she can send me into a warzone. Then she can have me killed and blame it on something like, "friendly fire."

I shake my head. This is all about Lilly. No threats. No assassinations. Just Lilly. My little girl.

Slowly, one by one, everyone comes to visit us. Rye, upon seeing his niece, immediately exhales in relief and says, "Thank god. She looks like Peeta." Then he turns to Peeta and gives him a high-five. "Way to go, little brother. The next one can be a boy!"

Peeta and I merely share a look at that comment, easily conveying our thoughts on the matter. Not for a very long time.

Prim simply adores Lilly. Instantly, she is cooing and gushing over her niece. Finnick and Annie come in together, both of them offering their congratulations. Then, Finnick declares that they have to leave, insinuating not-so-subtly that he plans on making a baby of his own. Johanna only visits for a minute or so, but there is something in her eyes when she looks at Lilly. Something soft and gentle that you wouldn't necessarily expect from Johanna Mason. It makes me smile.

The last person to visit is Gale.

"Mom and the kids left a few hours ago," he says by way of greeting. "It was getting late. They'll be by tomorrow morning."

"Okay."

It's very tense in the room. Peeta is hovering over us protectively, openly regarding Gale with suspicion. It doesn't seem to faze Gale, though he is slightly more cautious than the situation calls for. Slowly, he walks further into the room until he can see Lilly. He stares at her for a moment, his face expressionless.

"Looks like her dad," he finally says, glancing at Peeta.

"Yeah," I agree. "But you never know. As she grows she might resemble me more."

"Hmm," Gale agrees wordlessly and we all fall into another tense silence. Finally, he looks at me and says, "I hope you're happy."

"I am," I reply softly, and Gale nods.

"Guess that's all that matters then," he replies, before shooting Lilly and I one last look and walking out the door.

"Well, that was exciting," Peeta says after a moment.

I frown. "You don't trust him."

"You don't either. Not completely. Not anymore."

I hate that I can't argue. I sigh before taking a deep breath, closing my eyes. It takes me longer than it should to open my eyes once more. Peeta notices. "Sleep," he commands gently. "You deserve it."

My eyes dart down to Lilly, who's resting peacefully in my arms. I don't want to close my eyes. I have to make sure she's still with me. "I'll watch her," Peeta assures me. "I promise."

Reluctantly, I allow Peeta to take Lilly from me. Immediately, I miss her warmth against my chest. "Don't let me sleep too long," I tell him.

"Go to sleep, Katniss."

Despite my determination to stay awake, sleep ultimately claims me. My dreams are full of Lilly and her sweet smelling perfume. Of matching blue eyes between father and daughter. Peeta saying, "I love you." His emotions, in all their facets and strengths, finally revealing themselves fully and without pain. But, eventually, my desire to see the two people I love most causes me to wake.

I don't know how much time has passed, but it's been long enough for me to feel the soreness in my body. I push the discomfort from my mind. Suddenly, I'm aware of the soft shuffle of footsteps. Before I can open my eyes, I hear Peeta say softly. "She's sleeping."

Curious, I continue to feign sleep.

"I just wanted to see her."

It's my mother. So she decided to visit after all. I'd wondered if she would come.

"She's beautiful," I hear her say, something like longing in her voice. "I remember when Katniss was that small."

"It must be weird," Peeta says. "Seeing your child have a child of her own."

"Yes," my mother agrees, before adding quietly, "And she's too young."

I don't need to open my eyes in order to see the expression on Peeta's face at her words. I can see his reaction clearly in my mind. Eyes narrowed. Lips pressed together to keep a sharp retort from leaving his lips. His shoulders tense.

"She can handle anything," Peeta finally says after a moment. "This may be the first child of her own, but Lilly isn't the only child she's raised."

It's the first time Peeta has ever showed any disrespect to my mother. And for him deal a low blow so quickly . . .

There's a tense silence. I know my mother won't defend herself. She never does. And so I'm not surprised when she avoids his accusation and retorts with a barb of her own. "Yes, but the baby isn't going to be the only person she's taking care of."

"I can take care of myself just fine," Peeta replies coldly.

"You're still suffering from the trauma of your capture."

"No, really? I hadn't noticed."

"If you're not going to take your condition seriously . . ."

"Look, I know I've got problems," Peeta interrupts angrily. "I know that better than anyone. I know that I'm still messed up, but I'm getting better. I will continue to get better. For myself, for Katniss, and for Lilly. So don't you dare delude yourself into thinking you have the right to pander to me about not being fit to be a parent. Because out of the two of us, I'm already doing better than you."

I want so badly to open my eyes and scream at my mother. What right does she think she has to say these things? A part of me realizes it's her attempt at mothering, yet again. But if her idea of trying to protect me is pissing Peeta off, then she really hasn't thought things through.

My mother doesn't respond immediately. Finally, after a tense few moments, she says, "Congratulations."

And then I hear the door shut quietly behind her. Just when I'm about to open my eyes, Peeta begins talking again. His voice has lost all its previous anger and disdain. Instead, his voice is velvety soft as he croons to Lilly.

"Don't worry, sunshine," he whispers. "Daddy's not better yet, but he will be. You're the reason all of this is worth it. I'm going to be everything you need me to be. I promise."

I don't have the heart to open my eyes and intrude on the private moment. So I keep my eyes closed, eventually drifting off to sleep once more, all the while thinking that everything is going to be alright.

Because Peeta never breaks his promises.


Okay, now everybody go, "AWWWWWWW"

Peeta wears his daddypants well, don't you think? I'm so happy to finally post this chapter! The baby has arrived! A lot of you seemed split on whether you wanted a boy or a girl, but I've had it in my head since the beginning that I was going to give them a girl. That way Peeta can be extra adorable. Lilly's going to be a daddy's girl. Definitely.

Summary time; Peeta and Katniss have now entered the season finale of Teen Mom; Mrs. Everdeen got OWNED; Prim is adorable; Finnick and Annie are working on the babymaker; Johanna has a soft side (gasp!); Haymitch has met his match; Rye is already plotting for a nephew; and Lilly has arrived!

Quote from the next chapter comes from . . . Peeta!

"Are you checking me out?"

Lots of love,

AC