A New Family

by kirstenann15

This is about how Peeta finally convinced Katniss to have kids and a little afterwards. There is a lot going on because neither of them are sure what they want and it takes some Capitol interference to help them realize what is truly important-each other. I really truly am terrible at titles and summaries so don't let this ruin it for you.

8. Chapter 8

Peeta's POV

When I wake up, Katniss isn't in bed besides me. I wonder if she noticed the painting. I hope so. I pad downstairs in my stocking feet, hoping she's made some breakfast. When I get downstairs I see that she isn't here. She must've gone for a walk or hunting, I assume. Since she isn't around I go upstairs to take a shower. In the middle of shampooing my hair I hear the front door slam shut. Katniss is home. I hurriedly finish showering and put on an old button-down shirt of mine and some jeans.

"Peeta?" Katniss calls, like she always does when she gets home.

"I'll be down in a minute!"

"I made some tea, no sugar for you."

"Thank you," I say taking the hot mug from her hand.

"The weirdest thing just happened to me," she began. "I was up in a tree in the woods and I spotted a doe, so I shot at it. But I missed it. I mean, that never happens. So I just figured it was because I was preoccupied with thinking about having kids. But I sensed someone was behind me. I turned around and there was Gale. Of all people! I mean, the woods were a special place for us but with him in 2 now and everything, it didn't add up. I'm so confused. Do you think it was my imagination?"

"You're right. That is really weird. I don't know why he would be here."

"I wish there was someone here that knew Gale the way I did. I know there's Hazelle and she would know if he were actually here and why but…"

"It's Tuesday, right? She should be cleaning up at Haymitch this afternoon. Why don't you go ask her if he's here?" I suggest.

"I guess I will," she says, standing up from the wooden kitchen table. I watch her as she rinses her empty mug and sets it on the counter. I observe the way her body curves and bends. I can't stop looking at her. "Peeta? Are you okay?" she asks, noticing that I'm staring at her.

"Uh, yeah, I'm fine. Just spacing out."

"Okay then," she says as if I were a crazy person or a child, patting my arm as she passes. She would make a wonderful mother but she just can't seem to see it. I suppose most perfect people don't see perfection in themselves.