A/N - YAY! Trust me... this chapter is MUCH better... and here it is, ready to be read! There's not a whole lot of 'action' but Katniss has a good conversation with her mother in this chapter. I had a little but of a tricky time writing what I thought Mrs. Everdeen would say to her pregnant daughter, but I think I got the words right? Sadly, I did not get to squeeze everything in this chapter that I had in the preview from the previous chapter, but those scenes will definitely make it into the next chapter(17). Also, just a note that they will be way more the 23 or 24 chapters in this fanfic then in my other. I'm planning on going through most of Katniss's pregnancy AND this big 'fight/argument' between Katniss and Gale STILL hasn't happened yet! :O

Thanks, Firework7, Majelicious and Khayla for reviewing Chapter 16 for me! Khayla- I know exactly what you mean about needing more happiness in the story. First off, I can honestly say there's alot more heartbreak coming AND I'm trying to keep the characters as close as Suzanne Collins wrote them. I can only imagine what Katniss's character would do if she became pregnant like this. That's why I'm having a little bit of trouble with it. To be honest again, I believe if Suzanne Collins was writing this, Katniss would be freaking out ALOT more then I'm making her, personally. But Katniss will have some bliss coming... guaranteed! Again, thanks for your review. Hopefully I helped you understand my writing more ?

BIG NEWS: I want to go ahead and 'prewarn' everyone that the week of June 17th through the 21st I will NOT be able to write OR update my fanfic here. I just want everyone to go ahead and know a little ahead of time. ALSO: The remainder of this week AND this coming week(9th through the 13th) I will be VERY busy and I have NO set date on when I can update, I know I can at least once. So really, these next two weeks are... SPENT!

Okay, well, now that I have the 'news' out of the way. Now this is just an estimate on when I think I can get Chapter 17 up for you all, right now I'm thinking around either Saturday, Sunday OR Monday. Again, I HIGHLY suggest checking the Facebook page daily, link is on my profile! Well, anyways, keep in mind all that 'news' I gave you and sorry for any delays that will be coming! After the 21st... I have NOTHING! YAY! WRITING, WRITING, WRITING. That's what I'll be doing! Sorry for long AU. Anywho, enjoy Chapter 16 loves! Much, much love - Macayla (Reviews welcomed!)

* I unofficially call this chapter: "Unexpected"

"Posy! We were just joking!" Prim says, leading Posy out of the room by her arm.

What?

I didn't expect myself to say those words, I expected Prim and everyone in the room to. I look at Gale and he seems to have to same confused look as myself. I motion with my head and we both get up, me handing Alec back to Gale and following Prim and Posy into the kitchen. The others stay behind.

"What are you talking about?" I ask Prim. Meanwhile I can hear Thom's parents yelling on the porch.

Prim looks between Gale and myself, wearing the small frown when she knows she's either in trouble or did something wrong. When she was younger it use to be cute, but now the rare things she gets into trouble aren't 'cute'. Prim rarely, never really, gets in trouble, more when she was younger, for writing on the walls, not washing her hands before a meal and so on. Recently their more serious, not telling me where she's going, who she's going with and other things along those lines. Either way, Prim is a good person, respectful and that's one thing I hope never changes about her. I raise my eyebrow at her, demanding an answer.

"Prim?" I exclaim. Her head lowers immediately. Posy stands there with her arms swinging and Alec make's baby talk in Gale's arms.

"I… me and… Mrs. Hazel were… just joking about… you, being pregnant." She looks up at me. "I'm sorry, we were just joking together this morning. I didn't know Posy was listening. I know how you feel about that, I'm sorry if it hur-"

"It's okay, Prim." I say, cutting her off from her apology.

I know that here, right now would be an appropriate time to tell her that sadly I am pregnant, that her 'joking' was true. Even though were at someone else's house, we are alone. I hear Gale clearer his throat and the yelling again from Thom's parents. Not here. I hear those words in my head. And I agree.

Before Prim, or anyone else can reply back from my comment the front door swings open, revealing Thom's mother and step-father, both looking upset.

"Oh!" She exclaims when she see's us in the kitchen. "Thank you for holding Alec." She says, taking him from Gale's arms. Her husband races down the hallway angrily and she turns her attention toward me. "Don't you hate that when you're husband takes his anger out on you?" She asks me, giving a huff of frustration.

I want to answer, 'no, he doesn't.' but saying that would be a lie, what just happened not twenty minutes ago? Gale took his anger out on me because I got upset with him.

"Yes." I answer back plainly, I see Gale faintly shaking his head. Must not have been the answer he was expecting. "We have to get going now, sorry about Posy's visit." I say, grabbing my game bag from the kitchen counter.

She responds like it was nothing, asking us to stay longer. I bid her an apology but decline the offer, leading Gale, Prim and Posy out the door without saying goodbye to Thom or his siblings. I'll have time to feel bad about that later, all I want to do is take another nap as soon as possible. We head down the seam road and back home with not much conversation. Prim apologizes again, this time to Gale. He shrugs it off, most likely thinking the same thing I thought, it's not a joke anymore.

It's true.

Right now, this could be another perfect moment to tell Prim about the baby Gale and I don't want. The only other person here is Posy, and she'll learn soon enough, right? Not here. I hear those words yet again in my head. Is it just my nerves, or do I really hear it? Will I ever find the appropriate time to tell Prim? And why I'm I so nervous? I know she'll be ecstatic about becoming an Aunt.

There's something though nagging at the back of my head though, of course Prim will be happy. But Prim has been the center of my universe for the past five years and always will be. When Gale and I married, she didn't say it, but I know she took it harder then she appeared. I wasn't there anymore to wake her up, to walk her to school. Even though I saw her everyday, I didn't see how as much. She adjusted though, but now with moving in with Gale and I, things have quickly resumed back to before. I wake her up again, I walk her to school with my like before, among other old habits. But now, with the baby, a lot more of my time (and Gale's) will be focused on him or her and not Prim. Is that what is keeping me from telling her? Yes, most likely. Prim has a talented way of hiding her emotions from me.

Finally after another long, exhausted walk for me were finally back home. I see Vick and Rory's shoes on the front porch, signaling they must be back. I walk in the house last, dropping my game bag on the floor in front of the door, closing it behind me. I look over to the kitchen table and see the last person I expected to see sitting there,

My mother.

I sigh, remembering our last encounter involved me giving her a disgusted look and storming out of her home.

"Katniss, can we talk." She says. Gale see's this.

"Prim? Could you take Vick, Rory and Pos with you and check on my mother at the Justice Building?" Gale asks Prim who is folding my mother in a hug.

"Sure." She replies, calling for Vick and Rory afterwards. They come and follow Prim to and out the door.

"Straight there and back." I say before the door closes, she responds with a nod.

"Come sit." My mother says, pulling out a chair next to her.

I unwillingly obey. It's not her fault, so why am I so… upset with her? Because she is the one that technically told me I was pregnant? The one that suggested I take the test? But the whole time, she was right. I was indeed pregnant, causing my vomiting. I pull out the chair a bit further and take the seat. Gale sits across from us. I expect my mother to say something to him, asking him to leave for the sake of a private conversation but she doesn't. She only briefly smiles at him, then turns her attention to me.

"Katniss dear, please don't run out like that again. You scared me." She says, calmly.

I scared her? I've been doing that for as long as I can remember. It use to completely frighten her when my father would take me hunting with him, saying six year olds don't need to learn how to shoot a deadly weapon. And I use to scare her about the things I use to say about the Capitol, very similar to what Gale says. I stopped when she started to yell at me for the things I would say.

"Sorry." I mumble in reply to her comment, staring at a crack in the old wooden table. I feel sadness and fear overwhelm me again, knowing that I'm pregnant.

"I'm sorry it didn't say what you wanted it to. Sometimes the best things in life are unexpected." She replies, taking my hand and squeezing it. I see Gale smile across the table.

Her last words hang in the air, 'Sometimes the best things in life are unexpected'…..

Sometimes.

And sometimes is right. This isn't going to be something I'll ever grow largely accustomed to. Of course I'll love my own child, but I won't be 'happy to be a parent' as I've heard before. Everyone says having a baby is the greatest gift in life, I don't see it that way.

My mother must sense something, maybe my lack of words or my stoned expression that must be grazing my face.

"Katniss honey…" She starts, squeezing my hand again. She takes a deep breath before continuing. "When your father and I married, we were only married for two months before I found out I was having you. The news was hard. Your father was a little more excited then I was, taking the news joyfully." My mother says, pausing before her next words. "I on the other hand, wasn't. I was scared Katniss…."

Finally I will myself to look at her. She would still be beautiful in her younger age if it wasn't for the bags under her eyes and the worn expression she gives off from years of working with ill and dieing patients. My mother scared? What's new. I listen though as she continues-

"I was only eighteen, fresh out of school. Because I married you father, I had to move into the seam and out of the town. That completely frightened me too. A new culture, way of living. A new husband, a man to look after. To cook what little we had for him, to clean after him." She laughs quickly. "But then… a new life. A baby to take care of. You." She takes a deep breath. "Katniss, when I say that I was scared, I mean I was beyond putrefied. I… I…." She starts to hesitate with her next words, as though second guessing them.

"What?" I ask quietly. I look over at Gale, he seems to be fixed on me more then my mother though.

"I…. I felt, Katniss, as though death was the only option." she looks away from me before speaking her next words. "I felt like death was my only option, the only option to rid myself of this… creature inside me and the… depression and…" She stutters to find the right words. "… hatred that I had."

Should I be surprised my own mother was once… suicidal? Absolutely not. I'm surprised she never killed herself when father died, I always thought she would. I almost wanted her to then, one less mouth to feed and the blood wouldn't be on my hands. But I'm glad she never did, not then, and not when she was pregnant… with me. Gale or I don't respond to her, so she continues again-

"But I couldn't bring myself to that Katniss. I couldn't bare the thought the state that would leave your father in. He loved me and the unborn baby… you too much. He would have been heartbroken. And that decision, was one I have and will not ever regret. You are the best thing that ever happened to me, you, your father and your sister. My family is the best thing that ever happened." She says, squeezing my hand again and smiling.

I don't take my eyes off of hers, her teary eyes. I see my own reflection in her blue eyes. She was broken, hurt about the news just like I am. I can't necessarily say I've considered death, suicide. But we can both understand getting that news we both so longed to not hear. I'm still unable to speak, what am I supposed to say? Gale doesn't say anything either, obviously feeling speechless like myself. My mother continues yet again-

"I remember, when my stomach first started to grow, when my pants were a little too tight." She says with a laugh, I find myself laughing a bit. "I was terrified, it only confirmed that you were inside me. Soon, as if I thought the whole pants and clothes not fitting thing was enough of a pain, you started to kick." She says smiling wide. "At first it filled me with a fear that is indescribable, I wasn't sure how to take the new feeling. All I knew was it didn't always feel too good." She says, laughing again this time.

I'm still at a lost for words, for right now. Gale doesn't speak up again either, so she goes on-

"I never got quite used to it, your father wouldn't quit holding my stomach to feel you." She says, raising her eyebrows and smirking. I find myself briefly laughing and so does Gale. "Finally, the day came. You were coming rather I liked it or not. We weren't like you. Nether of us had any of our parents, no siblings. No family. We had to do it alone, Katniss. But fourteen hours later, you were here."

She stares at me hard before continuing, I faintly smile.

"It was hell. Getting you out that is." She continues, laughing again. Gale and I join in. "For the first time, in those nine months I felt a peace when I first held you." My mother smiles. "That I knew everything would be alright, that no matter how much I didn't want this before, I had indeed did want this. And only hearing your cry could confirm that to me."

I know she's not quite done speaking, so I don't say my new founded words yet.

"It was hard, getting used to the new life. The changes the come with motherhood." She looks at Gale. "Parenthood. But I knew, that I was nothing but selfish and foolish to ever think I wanted to take my life because of you. You truly are the best thing that ever happened." She finishes, smiling wide.

I hadn't realized until now, not until my mother brushes away a loose tear from my cheek that I was crying. I think yet again at her earlier words, 'Sometimes the best things in life are unexpected'. And maybe she is right, but of course the old thought reappears in my head, threatening to drown myself.

"But what if I can't do this mom?" I ask, sounding helpless. Like a lost child.

"Oh baby…" She starts, squeezing my hand. "You are so, so strong. Stronger then you can fathom. Your so brave. I know that you can, sweetie. I was telling myself the same thing, it wasn't until father passed away that I became a different type of mother, one I will always regret for becoming. But I know your not like that, Katniss. Your so much stronger then myself, you take after your father in so many ways. Courage. That's what you have." She replies, squeezing my hand again.

"But I'm scared." I say, sounding again helpless. Not looking into her eyes.

"That's expected honey. Even woman who want this are scared. It's a common emotion." She answers.

For the first time in several minutes I bring myself to look into her till teary eyes again. She's far, beyond being perfect, but she's a mother, my mother and knows what to say to her child. This is the first time in five years that I've talked to my mother about something that's either bothering me, worrying me, scaring me… and it feels good. But I still will myself to be nothing like her. Maybe she's right, no she is right. I am like my father, and my father would never have left us like she did. I hold on to the brief hope of that thought. If I am like my father, I'll never turn into my mother. I'll continuously repeat those words to myself.

"Thank you. For everything." I say, hugging her.

The embrace is gentle. I close my eyes, basking in the warmth and comfort I feel in my mothers arms. After a few seconds I hear Gale clearer his throat, not out of attention.

"So, ah, how far along would she be?" Gale asks cheerfully, cutting us off from our embrace. I retake my seat, almost scared of her answer.

"Well, when was your last cycle dear?" She asks me, turning her attention from Gale to myself.

I answer it was due last week, having not making an appearance yet. I've been late multiple times before, I never thought nothing about it. My mother asks a few more questions, simple ones, then takes several seconds, muttering words to herself.

"Hmm, well, going off of your cycle and symptoms, morning sickness usually occurs around the fourth week. But keep in mind honey, not one pregnancy is ever the same. Every woman is different, but going on my knowledge, four weeks in." She answers cheerfully. Gale grins widely.

"That long?" I ask, letting the words fall out before I can stop them.

"Oh yes. The first sign of symptoms don't occur until around a month. You most likely conceived on your wedding night." She replies, looking between Gale and I. "That's something special."

Not really, I think to myself. But I try the new positive attitude I've promised myself to put on, hoping I won't fall into the depression like my mother.

For the next ten minutes my mother goes over basic pregnancy stuff with Gale and I. She reminds me I can sill hunt for now, just taking breaks and rests when I need them and no heavy lifting or climbing. She reminds me to drink plenty of water and other things along the same line. Her next words almost make me fall out of my chair-

"Well, that should cover it. Oh! And no rough sex." She says, turning her attention at Gale.

I can't control it, but I start laughing. My mothers tone was completely serious and professional, I know because she's not laughing either, but she must be holding it in. Gale only nods his head. I expect him to turn red of embarrassment, but of course… it's Gale Hawthorn. Of course he's not embarrassed.

"That goes for you too young lady." She says. This time, Gale laughs and I turn red.

She thankfully blows it off and goes to open her mouth to say something, but just then the front door swings open and in comes Mrs. Hazel, Prim and the kids in toe.

"Guess who has a new home!?" Asks Hazel, cheerfully and giddy. It's the first time I've seen her cheerful since her house burned.

"Oh Hazel that's so good!" Exclaims my mother, jumping from the table and folding her into a hug.

"That's great mom!" Says Gale, standing up from the table. I do the same.

"Thanks honey. It's still going to be some time though, the papers won't be able to be signed until next month. Then we'll be able to move in." She looks to Gale and I, "Howdy neighbors!"

Neighbors!? My jaw must drop but the quick expression Hazel gives off. Our house is on the edge of the seam, making the only house next to ours Mrs. Hawks.

"What?" Gale asks, obviously thinking the same thing as myself.

"Oh, yes. I'm not sure what happened to the older gentlemen that lived there, but I assume it's empty now." She answers, shrugging.

Gale turns around and looks at me. There is no way he could have died. Sure, he was well into his elderly years but… no, he couldn't have.

"Did you know him well?" Asks Hazel, to no one in particular.

"Not really." Answers Gale.

After some more brief conversation, my mother leaves, quietly telling me she'll bring me some of the old pregnancy books she lends her patients. I give her a genuine hug, closing the door behind her. The rest of the remaining short evening hours Gale and I help Vick with restarting his science project. I find working on the project soothing, until the thought of my unborn baby growing inside of me.

Tonight.

Tonight could be the night at dinner that Gale and I tell everyone of the news. Thankfully though Hazel has found a home, meaning we won't be crammed into the house with either a new born baby or a fully termed pregnant woman. I motion with my head for Gale to follow me to the porch and he comes willingly.

We talk, for several minutes. Contemplating rather or not to announce it. Mrs. Hazel and Prim will be thrilled, even Posy, but how will Gale's brothers take the news? Vick most likely fine, but what about Rory? We both decide telling each one separate would be better.

That night at dinner it's quite, from Gale and myself. The others laugh and joke about various things. I ignore the conversation about the latest tribute winner, Cato from District two. I have nothing to say about the cruel Hunger Games. I'll never understand why everyone makes a big deal about them, their only feeding into what the Capitol wants.

Finally, as thought it seems like this day would never end, it finally has. I'm remaking Gale's bed on the couch while he bids his mother and brothers goodnight upstairs when I quickly ponder on all what this day entailed. I learned that I was pregnant and Gale and I had our first, real fight since our marriage. But thankfully we recovered.

"Thanks honey."

I turn around and Gale is standing there, smiling.

"No problem." I answer, turning my attention to making my bed on the large arm chair.

He starts to protest, telling me I need to take the couch. But after a quick… 'discussion', I get my way. The chair it is.

"Katniss, that can't be comfortable." He says to me as I tuck the blanket around me in the chair.

"To someone like you it wouldn't. It's comfortable to me." I answer, smiling.

"To someone like me?" He asks jokingly.

"I mean… Gale you know what I mean!" I shout both jokingly and frustrated. All I want is sleep!

"I know." He replies, lying down on the couch. "So what do you think happened to Mr. Hawk?" Gale asks.

"I don't know." Is the only words I can find, they honest though.

Gale doesn't answer so I rest the back of my head against the large, soft chair, closing my eyes. After several minutes of quietness, a thought hits me. Earlier I paid no attention to it, finding it more annoying then funny. But now…

"Gale?" I say through the darkened room.

"What baby?" He responds sleepily.

"Earlier, you called the baby a her." I comment, a smile ceasing on my face.

"I guess I did." He replies through a yawn. "I guess I sort of want a mini you to come home to. What's better then that?" He asks, another yawn.

"What if I want a mini you?" I ask, jokingly but yet serious.

"Well…" He cranes his head over the couch to look at me through the darkness. "Sadly, we don't get to choose." He says, grinning.

"No." I reply quietly.

Gale resumes his place on the couch and I shift in the chair, settling in. The room is silent, I speak though again, breaking it of it's peacefulness.

"I want a boy."

The words completely shock myself. I haven't even thought once of what it will be or what I would want it to be. But somehow, my brain has obviously came up with those words, meaning they must be true.

"Why?" He asks, not responding immediately.

"I don't know. I miss you when your at work." I reply. "I'd want something that reminded me of you want you aren't with me." I add. Again, the words coming as a shock and out before I can stop them. I hear Gale laugh briefly.

"I love you." He says.

"I love you too." I respond, yawning myself this time.

Somehow I find sleep immediately, dreaming of our unborn baby. . . . . . .

Chapter 17 Preview: What will happen when Katniss starts to lose the short bliss her mother and Gale gave her about the baby? How will Katniss start acting when she starts to experience other pregnancy symptoms? What will happen when Prim brings home a mysterious, strange note from school? How will Prim and the others take the news about the baby? And what will take place when Katniss takes the "issue" about Mr. Hawk to the Justice Building behind Gale's back?