We walk in silence to the Bakery since our faces are covered, taking in the rigid Winter air and quiet city. Paylor is still President and things are slowly getting better in Panem. There are still starving children in District 12, but in areas far from the Victors Village and city surrounding us. The districts are trying to get back on their feet, so we can start a system where we can all go back to what we were doing, only this time we would help each other. Peeta and I got to have a say in how things would be run in Panem after I shot Coin and Snow died. Of course, we didn't get to write the rules, but at least we got to have a say in it. After that, the Mockingjay and Peeta, disappeared out of the Capitols eye. No one but those living around us know of the life that the Star-crossed lovers of District 12 now live.
I scan the houses and businesses as we walk, looking for life. All of which are too hidden inside with their shudders closed, since it's still early and so cold out. I remember when everyone ran inside and drew their shudders shut as soon as Peeta and I made our way through the streets during the rebellion. Since then though, we are considered somewhat heroes, to most.
We reach the Bakery, Peeta digs in his pocket for the key and unlocks the door. I enter first, switching on the lights. In anticipation of Annie's arrival, Peeta decided to keep the shop closed today. We are just doing a little maintenance, so things don't fall behind, and Peeta wanted to make a few of his favorite breads for dinner & dessert tonight. I declare that I will work on the desserts, since they sound like more fun to make. I do some paperwork and a little tidying, while Peeta starts on the loaves and logs of bread for dinner. We talk business for a couple minutes, then Peeta breaks the ice that I was hoping wouldn't break, even thought I know how thin and fragile it is, and that it will have to break tonight anyways.
"So.. how are we going to do this, Katniss?" He says in a tender voice.
"I'm not sure. I know you have a plan though, so what is it?" I barely choke my words out. I know I can always count on Peeta to be my brain when mine isn't working properly, which it isn't. I didn't have enough time to prepare for this. I've never been good at these types of things though, so i'm sure all the time in the world wouldn't have mattered.
"Maybe we shouldn't." I blurt out before he even has time to answer my question.
"It's fine, Katniss. We're safe.. it's been twenty years, and.." he stops midsentence, but I don't say a word. I let him gather his thoughts and wait for him to continue.
"No one is going to hurt us anymore. We're safe. I think it's time.. we can't hide forever." He pauses for a few seconds, then continues. "I'm proud of my family and what we've accomplished over the years. I want to prove to every one that we weren't just another piece in their Games, that we were able to overcome it all. And.. I feel like it's a part of them, all of those we've lost.. being reborn.. have you ever heard of the Phoenix?" He asks, as he grabs the dough he already had prepared, and walks over and sets it on the counter with the rest of his supplies.
"My Father had told me a story of one once. He would tell me different stories while we spent time in the woods together, but it was so long ago, I don't really remember it. It's a bird, right?"
"Yes," he puts the bread in a log shaped pan, then sprinkles a few different cheeses on top. "At the end of the bird's life it builds a nest, and goes up in flames with it. From the ashes, a new bird is born. I believe this baby is the bird from the ashes. Not that Pearl isn't my world. I just haven't felt fully healed, until now. And I feel what better to do, than to give life after so much was taken. Even my own. I feel like this is a whole new life, a new beginning. I promise you, Mockingjay, we are finally rising up out of the ashes.. like the Phoenix."
I'm at a loss for words. After being hijacked, Peeta hasn't been as open about his feelings. Up until the past two years, he still had horrible nightmares and trackerjacker flashbacks. One morning he woke up, and it was like he was cured. Like the old Peeta and hijacked Peeta had been battling in his head for the last eighteen years, and old Peeta had finally defeated hijacked Peeta. I realize that this is coming from the Peeta I knew, before the arena.
I stop pouring the batter into the little cake molds and stare at him. He has his arms straight down with his fist on the counter, his muscles are cut, but he doesn't seem mad, or tense, just over thinking everything. Peeta is still very strong. He doesn't even have to tighten his muscles and you can see the definition. He loves us, and he wants to show us off. He wants to prove he can protect his family. I walk over to him, gently grab the side of his face and turn it towards me, staring into his eyes long and hard before kissing him. He kisses me back for a few seconds, then pulls away. He gazes intensely into my eyes.
"Katniss, I promise. I will not let anything bad happen to you, Pearl, or this baby. Or even Haymitch and your Mother." He puts his hands on the huge belly that keeps the distance between us, then leans down and gives it a kiss and a few loving thoughts.
I thought it was weird when he first started to do this while I was pregnant with Pearl, but I was just new to the whole thing, and I didn't think she could even hear him. But it grew on me, and it didn't matter if she could or not. I loved to see Peeta showering our child with love, how excited he was to have him or her, and how much he could not wait for her arrival. Just like the first time, we don't know what we're having. It doesn't really matter to us, we're just happy we were blessed with another. I think about what Peeta just said about the Phoenix.
"Phoenix Mellark. Boy or Girl.." I say, interrupting Peeta's conversation that he's having with the baby inside my stomach. I hope Peeta likes it as much as I just realized I do. I'm reassured when he looks up and there are tears running down both his cheeks, with huge smile on his face.
"Of course, that's perfect. " He stands up and kisses me long and hard.
"We'll start with telling Annie." He lets go of me and goes back to work. We work for two more hours, then return home to prepare for tonight's guests.