A/N - Hello my amazing readers! THE BABY IS HERE!:D I know you have to be just as excited as I am for this life changing / story changing Chapter in the story! BUT.. with this means that there are only about two more Chapters left... There MIGHT be a third book to this, but we'll talk about that later. Anyway, I found it sort of... well, yes, I found this Chapter hard to write because of two things. 1) I've never had a baby/been through birth.. duh! and 2) I'm not around babies/pregnant women a whole lot, I'm one of the youngest in my family. So please, if there's anything Medically incorrect, I apologize but birthing isn't my area of knowledge. Also, PLEASE tell me what you think of the name? I LOVE it! ;)

THANK YOU to, BellaBear9898, CatnipGirlOnFire, Firework7 and MadHatter0542 for reviewing Chapt. 30! BellaBear9898 - Yes, I am BEYOND BLESSED by the response I have been getting about this story! CatnipGilOnFire - You pay attention!;) Yes... Gale has been acting a bit... weird ? ;)

Anywho's, Again, I really do wish this chapter was a bit... better? but I truely did my best. In the next Chapter(32), you'll be discovering more of the little baby and alot more about... GALE! I do have BIG plans although the preview may just be simple for now. NOW... Chapter 32 will not be up until SATURDAY October 5th if NOT SOONER. I hate to be having to add all this extra time but I am on a new schedule with several activities I'm involved in PLUS school so please, bare with me! PLEASE tell me what you think of this Chapter with leaving a review or even a PM! I LOVE to hear from my readers! Happy reading folks... I KNOW you'll love this Chapter! - Macayla

I unofficially call this Chapter: "Focus."

I dig my fingernails into the cold, hard bark of the branch I'm nestled on while the pain rips through me and a million and one things run through my mind.

This can't be labor.

I'm only Thirty-Five weeks.

I grit my teeth and my eyes shut out of force. This pain isn't the worse I've ever felt, but it's most certainly nothing I want to be experiencing. Almost though as soon as it comes, it goes away. My eyes fly open with a gasp from my mouth. I had always thought you would know your in labor before you would have gotten to this point, but maybe I should have been paying more attention when I felt that non-painful, come and go cramping yesterday and last night in my abdomen.

Should have.

I hate those words, too.

I know sitting up here in this tree, letting the blistering cold weather chill my bones, will do nothing for my current matter. I know that wasn't one of those 'fake' contractions every woman has through out pregnancy. This was more. But I feel fine now.

Like it didn't happen.

But that's what scares me. And I don't like being scared… especially not when it comes to my unborn baby. I decide to take matters in my own hands, realizing I'm doing nothing but hindering whatever the hell's going on. I look down and somehow the 40ft distance from the ground to the branch has grown in my eyes. It seems like I'm stuck on one of those tall, large buildings I saw in the Capitol. But I don't have an option.

I have to get down.

Somehow, someway.

I sit up, removing my hands from my belly that seemed to have been attached since the odd cramp, and search my surroundings. I can't fall down. Not from this distance with my belly. I have to climb down. I swing my leg over carefully, getting an uneasy feeling in my abdomen again. I pause involuntary, waiting for the pain to hit… but it doesn't… not yet. I know I'm running out of time before the pain will hit again, the cramping feeling becoming more and more intense by the second. I begin and come to the realization that I'll have to use the same method of getting down as how I got up. But getting down isn't as easy with a baby sticking out of your stomach, extra weight and the feeling of the intense cramp building and building. I'm afraid to begin my descent down, in fear the pain will hit and I'll loose my footing. But I can't stay up here forever. I should have thought about how I was going to get down before I got up here.

Should have.

Carefully and slowly, I begin trying to stick my feet in the wedges I used on my way up, my hands dangling from the branch I was just sitting on. It works and I use this pattern the way down, taking me several minutes just to reach the halfway point. I take a quick breather, realizing the cramp has grown painful now. Just slightly more painful than before. I hold on tight to the notches in the oak my hand is holding, gritting my teeth and squeezing my eyes shut. I try not to think that I might be losing my baby at this very moment.

I'm not losing my baby.

I decide not to wait for the pain to subside anymore and I open my eyes, forcing them open while I slowly begin my descent again. It's even more harder now, with the pain, but I manage. I've been through worse.

But maybe not.

I can't lose my baby. I chant that sentence over and over in my head, watching my steps and hands. I lose myself in the thought of the chant enough that I'm almost unaware when I feel the hard, compacted snow under my feet, just as the pain subsides. Without my control, I squat down, twisting the cold snow in my hands, having never been more grateful for my feet to be on the ground. I snap out of my haze quickly though, going back to the task at hand. I have to get out of these woods and find help. I hate to admit it… but I do. I need Prim, she's the only one that will know what's going on. I don't even give my mother a thought.

I ignore my bow on the ground and unhook the small, wooden hook I use for my quiver doing the winter, placing it against the tree. I can come back to those later, but I might not be able to come back to my baby if I don't get help. I begin quickly and swiftly, the best I can through the snow, making my way to the fence. It will be a good fifteen minute walk but I'll manage… I can do it. I stuff my hands in my coat pockets, huffing almost at the uneasy feeling that won't go away. I know it means the pain will soon return. The huffing does nothing though to help the stress, anxiety and worry that are quickly over taking my body and emotions. I begin to feel tears well up in my eyes as I begin trying to distract my mind off of what could be happening. My thoughts though are just as worse as the pain I'm beginning to feel. My mind can only conquer up thoughts of what if my baby is dying? What will happen? Will I have to carry the dead baby the rest of the month and a half I have left?

Will Gale hate me?

I think back to eight or so months ago, when I had just found out I was pregnant. I was devastated. Beyond upset with myself for allowing it. Now though, at the thought that I might just be losing my baby, I'm upset again. That dawns on me far to longer than I would like it and before I know it, I'm coming up on the meadow with the fence just in view. But before my foot can touch the open, clear meadow, a hard, extremely painful cramp overrides me, the strongest yet. I let out a shriek loud enough to startle myself and I'm yet again unable to control what I do. Before I know it, I'm using one of the last few oak trees to help guide me to my knees. And before I know it again, I'm sprawled out on all fours on the ground, my hands that are in fists sinking deeper into the snow. I feel my fingernails dig into my palms and the taste of blood in my mouth from, I assume, sinking my teeth into my tongue. I don't know though and I could careless. This cramp seems to stick around longer than any of the others and I seem to grow louder with my voice. Finally though, as it begins to subside I realize something that knocks the cold air right out of my lungs. A mixture of both relief and fear fill my mind all at once…

I am in labor.

XX

Knock! Knock! Knock!

I knock hard and loud on the door of Hazel's house, only next door of Gale's and I's. Getting over the fence was another task of its own, but I don't want to relay back to that story. I decided Hazel's was the best option right now, with Prim at school, the boys at school and most importantly, Gale at work. I had thought she would be home, being around lunch time and no doubt, feeding herself and Posy. I had thought right (to my joy) when the door swings open quickly but almost hesitantly. Before I take notice to whoever opened the door I realize how pathetic and crazy I must look. With my hands clutching my bump for dear life, my bangs plastered to my forehead with sweat(although I'm freezing) and my hair that's barley hanging on in it's braid. I careless though when I see Posy peek her head from the other side, smiling wide when she see's it's me.

"Posy Hawthorne!" I hear Hazel shout from inside the home. Before I can say anything to Posy though, Hazel opens the door wider.

"Oh dear, what's the matter?" She asks me, taking me by my arms and helping me inside frantically.

"I… I think I'm in labor." I let out, not realizing how dry my throat was. She pauses with trying to walk me to the table and freezes.

"Oh. Oh!…" She begins to stutter, unsure of how to handle the situation.

Through her stuttering though I feel another cramp… contraction rip through me violently, making me cry out again. Hazel lets go of my arms as I clutch the nearby kitchen counter for dear life, letting one of my hands come around and rest at the base of my large belly for support.

"Oh sweet Katniss, I do think your in labor." She says surprisingly calm. "Posy!" She claps her hands together for her attention and I nearly flinch at the sound. I barley hear it though my shriek I'm letting out. "Go get Mrs. Everdeen, now!" I hear her instruct Posy.

"No!" I burst out through my pain and ragged breathing. "She…"

I stutter for a second but there's no need to explain more, Hazel knows the state my mother is in right now. I look over my shoulder as the pain just begins to ease off a bit and see an extremely confused Hazel (and Posy). I know what she needs to get for me and fast.

"Prim!" I say, completely breathless. "Get Prim!"

Before anything else can be said she begins giving Posy instructions for finding Prim at the school, but I know she's thinking the same thing I am, it's not safe to send a newly five year old girl all the way across town and for something so urgent. So I cut her off-

"You go!" I say, breathless again but standing instead of gripping the counter. "Leave Pos with me."

She hesitates, I can see it in her eyes. She eyes me for a few seconds and than Posy. As what was left of the pain completely erases, I walk over to the coat rack by the door, handing her her coat.

"I'm fine." I say, breathless still but much more manageable. "I'm going to walk back over to my house. Posy will be with me."

With my last words, I grab Posy's coat, handing it to her. She puts it on without hesitation, although, it's unnecessary with the short walk only next door.

"Right." She says quietly, staring at the ground. "Right!" She lets out louder with a smile. "I'll be fast. I promise!" And with that, she grabs her jacket from my grasp, running out of the house.

I grab Posy's hand, leaving through the same door and across the snow filled lawn to my own home. I open the door and step inside, realizing Posy has said nothing. My only hope is that I don't have another contraction in front of her, she looked like she had seen a ghost when I had my last one.

"Are you hurt?" She asks me quietly as I begin removing her jacket. Helping her with this task seems to take my mind off of the building cramping feeling.

"No, honey." I reply simply, shaking out her coat. "The baby is just reading to come out now." I say simply again, hoping she'll ask no more questions. She doesn't though.

"I'm hungry." I hear her say with a grin as I begin removing my own coat and scarf. I realize they must not have ate yet, judging it to be around one by the sunlight through the open windows.

"Well…" I say with a sigh, hanging our coats next to each other on the hooks. "Let's find something." I say with a smile.

The smile isn't forced, it's for the first time this morning, genuine. Posy is indeed taking and easing my mind off of the contraction that's about to override me again.

Not thinking of it. Not thinking of it. Not thinking of it.

I repeat that as I move into the kitchen slowly, never letting my hand not hold on to something. Posy follows me, balancing on the tips of her toes as she watches me go for the newly skinned rabbit from last night. I begin chopping it quickly, thankful the pain hasn't made an appearance yet, and retrieve a small pot from the cupboard. I light the fire quickly, deciding chopped rabbit will have to do. While it's cooking, my back facing her, I close my eyes… thinking of Gale.

Gale.

He's the person who I want right now. His strong arms around me. His steady, strong, deep voice telling me everything's going to be ok. Because however, even though this is labor, I have a feeling everything is not going to be ok. I rarely see or hear of premature babies living past birth. They are usually born dead or die within minutes of being born, taking their few first and last breaths wrapped in cloth held by my mother or the parents of the baby. It's a sickening sight to see and I always vowed I would never allow it to happen. And I'm not.

By the time I get Posy seated at the table with her small helping is when the next contraction comes in full swing. I'm thankful I was walking back to the stove, therefore my back towards her. I grip the counter and muffle any moans by means of humming. It's not the soft, sing-song humming that I never do but instead it's raspy, broken sounded and no rhythm. The pain remains the same as before and I squeeze my eyes shut tightly, making them water up. All I can see from the darkness my eyelids provide is an image of Gale, deep in the mines and oblivious to what's going on with me right now. What happens if he comes home and I have a dead baby to show him?

Think positive, Katniss.

The words appear in my head, my own voice but I'm reminded of the time yet again when I had just found out I was pregnant. Gale told me to think positive, that everything happens for a reason. The words are easier said than thought and believed but I know he's right.

He's right.

XX

The contraction seems to ward itself off fairly quick when I hear the chair from the table scuffing on the floor. I stand up, throwing my almost unbraided braid behind my back in hopes I'll look a little more presentable to Posy… even though I'm sure she saw me the whole time from the table. A few seconds later I feel a slight and gentle tug at the bottom of my shirt. I turn around to be greeted with a straight face Posy, handing me her empty plate.

"Thank you." She says quietly, eyeing my bump.

I take the plate, placing it in the sink and not replying. I feel somewhat guilty… ashamed that in Posy's five year old little brain… she has no idea what's really going on. She seems confused but to scared to ask questions. I don't want her to ask questions, not that I don't want to answer but maybe I'm scared of what she'll ask? My own questions that I can't ask myself… let alone answer for a little girl. I pretend to continue scrapping the already cleaned off plate for a minute, just in hopes of buying time. Meanwhile I hear Posy walk back to the table, cleaning her spot where she ate with the small rag we always leave on the table. I smile briefly, but only briefly as the baby takes a huge kick for the first time since the contractions started. The plate falls from my grasp, shattering in pieces on the floor with a loud shatter. As if on quoi, the door swings open seconds later and I turn to see a frantic Hazel, Prim and…. Homer? I squint my eyebrows but I have no time to think as I feel another contraction building inside. Not overriding me yet, but building. Prim immediately jumps into action.

"Homer? Go to my house and get the medical bag that's under the sink in the bathroom." She instructs him, urgently but at the same time calming and gentle. "After you bring it back, go to the Justice Building and ask for Mayor Undersee or Madge Undersee, have them send a message to the mines to Gale Hawthorne that his wife is in labor." She says, walking over to me but slowly. Her next words are geared more toward me but for both our ears. "I'm not sure if their let him come home yet… but it's worth a try."

With a quick, violent shake of Homer's head, he's out the door quicker than my eyes can follow. Prim turns her full, one hundred percent attention to me next, guiding me by the arms genteelly to the staircase.

"Can you do the stairs?" She asks me, tucking a piece of stray hair behind my ear. The contraction that has been building hasn't ceased me yet, so yes, I can. I answer with a shake of my head.

She helps me up the stairs slowly, meanwhile instructing Hazel to gather any and every towels and cloth she can find. I chime in quickly, telling her where to find them in our home. Prim guides me to the bed in the room, removing my boots and socks from my feet. She instructs me next to lie down on the bed on my back, I do what she says but I hold back tears, realizing this is becoming more and more real.

"We have to see how dilated you are." She says and I know that that means my pants and panties must come off.

I lean back on my elbows, raising my back off the bed so Prim can pull down them better but as I do, a violent and now, most painful contraction yet rips through me violently. I fall back to my back, instantly gripping the bed sheets around me and causing Prim's hands to retreat.

"It's okay, Kat." She says calmly as I muffle my moan of pure pain. "Just take long deep breaths. In and out. You got this." Her words of encouragement does beyond wonders, they do indeed help me remain more calm through it and do help my breathing. I just wish it was Gale's voice…

When it finally fades though, I find myself not quite as breathless, despite that was the most painful yet and much more relaxed… the most relaxed I can be at a moment like this. While Prim lets me ride down from my contraction, taking the deep, long breaths she's still instructing, I can't help the tears that begin pooling and spelling over my eyes.

"Prim?" My voice is croaked, cracked, pitchy and raspy but she hears me and scoots closer. "Am I going to lose my baby?" I sound nothing like myself.

Her eyes go almost dark… cold, thinking of my question and taking in the full effect it has. She quiet, for quite sometime and I don't press her for an answer. Maybe I'm to scared of the answer? She knows medical terms and facts better than I do, she would be the one to know in a situation like this. Maybe I shouldn't have asked? I wish I hadn't. She scoots closer before an answer, making my heart fall to my stomach. The sound of a large lightning strike outside makes it worse.

"No." She answers so quietly I'm afraid I didn't hear her right. "You know I'm not going to let that happen."

Sometime's I forget Prim's only thirteen.

XX

Prim has finally managed to help me shimmy my bottoms off of me and she instructs simply and professionally to open my legs. I was always thinking of this moment, dreading it that someone, other than my own husband, has to look at me… down there. I never imagined it would be comfortable, and as I open my legs, it's not but I know it's necessary. 'At least it's Prim.' I say to myself, thinking of the complete, female strangers that come to my mother and have to do this. I begin to relax a little at that thought as Prim begins her work, looking and probing gently around. Meanwhile, Hazel comes back upstairs, dropping the clean towels and cloths on the bed and making her way to the side of the bed I am on. She takes my hand in hers and the gesture relaxes me the best I can right now. The light grasp and gentle smile she sends me warms me.

"How far along is she, dear?" I hear Hazel ask sweetly.

Prim's face is in deep concentration. She looks a few years old than she truly is. She doesn't answer right away. Prim is doing exactly like our mother does, she won't answer the question until she knows. It brings a brief smile to my face. It fades quickly.

"Sweetheart, I mean this in the most respectful way I possibly can but…" Hazel opens her mouth and at the word 'but', Prim looks up from her work on me to her. "Do you know, honey, what you are doing? I'm sure you do! More than I do at least!"

She says/asks it with a sweet smile and I know Hazel far to well to know that she truly didn't mean anything rude by it, only concern. Prim squints her eyes quickly but remains straight faced-

"I would do anything for my sister." She says simply, going back to whatever she's doing but somewhat keeping a gaze on her.

I know by now she would know how dilated I am, I don't ask her what's she's doing in fear of her answer. Hazel only responds quickly-

"Of course, dear."

With another loud crack of thunder and the room getting darker with approaching storm clouds, Prim returns her gaze to between my legs-

"We don't have much of an option though do we?" She asks, not rudely, but trying to make a point. She doesn't wait for her to answer. "My mother's done locked me out of her room."

Hazel doesn't respond but I see her shake her head. Prim takes a loud, deep sigh and I see her face in even more concentration and that worries me. I'm about to open my mouth when she removes her hands, backing up some.

"Lift you shirt. Over your belly." She instructs gently but urgently. I do what she says without question, lifting my loose fitted shirt with ease.

"How far?" I ask this time, desperate for an answer. Her hands begin feeling and pressing down on my belly in certain places that must mean something in the medical field.

"Three or Four." She says under her breath, trying to dive into whatever work she's doing more deeply. Three or four centimeters? I can honestly say I'm shocked.

I know by Prim's face, the way her hands are frantically pressing and moving on my belly that something isn't right. And the way she answered me quickly, like I was interrupting thoughts in her head. I feel the baby squirm inside at the unwelcome feeling he must be getting. Before I have time to ask her questions a powerful and urgent contraction rips through me suddenly, causing me to gasp loudly and cling for dear life to Hazel's hand. Prim is so deep into feeling the baby inside of me that she doesn't give me any type of comment, advice, encouragement. Instead, Hazel comes to my rescue.

"Breath, honey. Deep breaths." Her voice is soothing even though I feel as though I'm being ripped in two. "Good job."

After what seems like an eternity of squeezing Hazel's hand, dealing with the pain and listening to her soft, encouraging voice it finally fades. Just in time for Homer to run into the room, dropping the bag on the bed and running back down the stairs. The front door slams behind him. Just as the contraction and Homer are gone, Prim looks back up to Hazel and myself, wiping her hands on one of the clean towels. Her face is hollow and pale and I feel like screaming of pure confusion and unanswered questions. Gale. I want Gale right now.

"Prim dear?" I hear Hazel say, obviously picking up on the same vibe I'm feeling… something isn't right. Prim takes a deep breath and answers suddenly-

"Breech."

XX

The word instantly makes a knot in my stomach, to the baby's disliking (the kick I get proves that). Everyone in the District is far to familiar with the word 'Breech'. I never, ever… rarely hear of Breech babies being born alive or living, much less a premature, breech baby. That means my child will have to be pushed out by it's bottom first. It's at her words that I come to the realization… I'm losing my baby today, rather I like it or not. The tears that fall over my eyes and down my cheeks are out of my control. I never thought, looking back years ago, last year, that I would be crying over the fact that I'm losing my baby, my child, my own flesh and blood that is growing inside of me. What am I supposed to say to Gale? Sorry? Pathetic.

Hazel's arms and soft mummers elope me. The gesture is soft, warming and comforting but it's not Gale's arms. It's not Gale's voice.

"Katniss?" That voice belonged to Prim, along with the heavy, consistent sound of a downpour outside and I'm surprised it's not snow.

I look up to see her with a surprisingly straight face, almost looking at me like I'm beyond dumb, like I'm rather stupid. It confuses me, but what hasn't today?

"What did I say to you… just a little bit ago?" She asks me calmly. I think back, retracing and replaying all of the words she has said to me since she got here today. I begin to stutter with an answer-

"I… I don't kno-"

"I said, I wasn't going to let it happen." She answers. "I'm not going to let that happen, Katniss." She keeps going- "I'm this baby's Aunt, and although I'm young, Katniss…" She looks at Hazel with her next words. "… and I can't say I know exactly what I'm doing…" Her gaze back to me. "I am not going to let this baby die on us." Her next words seal the deal and I… believe her. "I promise."

'Promises are powerful. Never make a promise if you can't keep it.', The words of my father instantly pop into my head. When he was still alive, he use to always tell me this. Prim was still to young to ever understand this when he was alive, so I've always carried on the tradition of telling Prim this. The hard, stone look she is giving me now is a clear sign from not just my father, but her remembrance to this. She sends me a small, tight smile. I return it, a lone, happy(?) tear falling from my drying eyes.

After checking one last time, to which I'm still either three or four centimeters, she takes one of the large blankets at the end of the bed and covers my bare legs and bottom. We all know, without talking, that there is nothing you can do for a breech baby. Our ancestors, and even now in the Capitol, with high-tech gadgets, you can attempt to rotate the baby in the correct position. But in the Districts, there is nothing much we can do. We have to wait.

I hate waiting.

XX

Two, three more contractions wave through me, each more painful than the one before. At one of the most recent ones, I couldn't take lying on my back any longer. I now find myself lying on my side, both my hands clutched onto Hazel's arm. Prim finishes checking me, to which I'm now either four or five centimeters and replaces the large blanket just in time for us to hear the front door downstairs open frantically.

It has to be Homer and if it's him that means… Gale.

Gale!

For the first time today, since the contractions started an hour, two hours ago I feel… excited. Gale is finally hear, to calm me of my remaining nerves. Homer was gone long enough, Thirty, forty minutes. Long enough that if he was running, he was well at the Justice Building in ten minutes tops. Gale has to be with him.

Disappointment.

I hate that word too.

Homer comes into the room, no one in front of him, no one behind him. His hair and clothes are soaking wet from the rain and his cheeks are rosy red from running. He comes over quickly as I begin to breath heavy as another contraction is about to rip through me, and since the contractions, I have my first outburst.

"I swear, if they don't let Gale come home now!" I shout it through gritted teeth, but Homer isn't surprised, or taken back. I grasp Hazel's arms tight as pain rips through me, making me curse under my breath.

"Ten, fifteen minutes and he'll be here. Mayor Undersee sent a notice to his boss down there." Homer says, staring at me the whole time. I realize he's careful to keep a distance.

His words nearly make my pain fade away… nearly. But it helps,

Gale.

knowing that he will be here in under twenty minutes relieves me. I seem to back bounce quicker from this contraction with the news. I lean back on my back a little, not all the way, as the contraction stops. Prim mutters a long, over do 'thank you' to Homer and I almost laugh at the distance he seems to have between me and him. I can't help it, and let out a little giggle to which he see's.

"I don't come around women giving birth." He says with a straight face. I hear both Prim and Hazel laugh. It makes me giggle again, the words coming out of a thirteen, fourteen year old boys mouth.

"And why would that be, hon?" Hazel asks, rubbing my hands in hers.

"When my sis gave birth to my nephew, she threw a hairbrush at me." He answers with widen eyes.

The three of us join in a quick laugh together. My laughter isn't forced and in this moment, I'm grateful for it. I wouldn't be laughing though if I didn't know Gale was on his way.

"Gave me a whelp on my head for the next two weeks." He answers with a straight face, stuffing his hands in his pockets and shaking his head. I… we all laugh again.

The conversation and laughter dies down, he doesn't leave and I don't care if he does. He's helped me… us all out a lot today. If he want's to stay, I owe it to him. He sits against the wall, twiddling his thumbs.

Another contraction.

Another check from Prim.

No progress.

I realize though, with my latest contraction and comparing my others, each one grows more intense, more painful than the one before it. I bring this up to Prim and of course, she knows exactly what I'm talking about. She goes off on a 'medical rant', using words beyond my knowledge. I let her talk though, admitting that I've in a away, tone her out. I think about Gale, nothing but… Gale. He could be coming up the mine shaft. A few moments later, coming… running down the seam road. A few more moments later, approaching our home, walking up the steps, opening the door.

The door!

I hear it open frantically through my heavy thoughts and Prim's soft voice. She stops speaking, all of our gazes fall on each other, then the entrance to the room. I feel like leaping off the bed, throwing my arms around his neck and crashing our lips together. As if an in instant though, a sudden, 'take-me-by-surprise' contractions rips through me with enough violent force that I crunch over, gripping Hazel's arms tight enough that I'm sure she will be left with bruise. My eyes squeeze shut and I am unable to control my voice. A low, soft scream emits from the back of my throat. With my closed eyes, I hear someone running up the stairs with ease. I know it's Gale. It's Gale. Who else wears heavy duty boots?

It's Gale.

My speculations are summoned though when I hear his voice. His strong, steady and powerful, deep voice chime in the room frantically. I can't bring myself to open my eyes through the pain, I can't bring myself to stop screaming.

"I'm here!" He says and before I know it, with my eyes still closed, his hands are on me before I can do anything.

I remove my hands from Hazel and throw them around Gale's neck. My eyes are still closed, so I assume he's crouched down beside the bed. His hands rub up and down my back, my head finds his shoulder and that's when I really begin to scream(still quietly to my opinion). The pain consumes me like I have never felt before. It's most certainly my worst contraction yet. At least Gale's here. At least he's here.

"It's okay, Katniss. I'm here. I'm here now." His voice is soft, warming but stronger than I ever remember. "Everything's going to be alright."

My arms clutch tighter to him. The words I've been waiting to hear.

'Everything's going to be alright.'

XX

"Deep breaths, Katniss."

The sentence is whispered in my ear by the most welcoming, warm voice of Gale. Since he got here, half an hour ago I've had three contractions… including the one I'm going through now. I realized the importance of moving. Gale stands with me now, my head resting in the middle of his chest, his arms stretched down my back, rubbing soothing circles all over. The pain is hell.

Pure, pathetic, unlawful… hell!

I've never felt something like this in my lifetime. To say I'm being ripped apart would be an understatement. His shirt only does so much to muffle my low moans. I can't bring myself to ask him why he came home not wearing his miner uniform.

"Where'd…" I try to begin speaking but my voice cracks from the pain.

"Shhh." Gale mummers into my ear, smoothing my hair back.

I give up on tying to ask him… I'll ask later.

The contraction begins to part, I'm reminded that now, in four, five minute tops I'll be moaning through another one. Gale helps me stand, using his arms as crotches. He kisses my forehead and I feel bad for the sweat I'm sure he just collected in his mouth. Both of the bedroom windows are open, letting in the freezing winter winds and I'm still dying of heat. Gale begins to help me walk back over to the bed. We are only standing in the middle of the room, the bed only feet from us but looking at the distance seems like an eternity.

"Why does this room have to be so damn big?" I yell in anger. It isn't my first time going off since Gale's been here. He doesn't say anything, just keeps his arms outstretched for me.

I'm almost to the bed when Prim speaks that she needs to check me again. I shake my head, walking, with Gale behind me, arms stretched out for my hands to hold to, coming up on the side of the bed when suddenly, surprisingly and no doubt takes us all by surprise… a contraction rips through me…

Big time.

Forget what I had said, this pain is absolutely nothing like I have ever felt in my seventeen year lifespan. The warm, runny liquid that begins to run down my legs only add to the pain. I had always told myself that I would never become one of those screaming idiots that come to my mother in labor. Those women that scream loud enough they lose their voice for days after. I quickly break that promise to myself though. The bed is directly in front of me so I lean over, Gale still behind me and let the water drip down my legs. I scream…

Loud.

Prim of course chimes in telling me what it is, speaking loud over my scream. But I didn't need to hear. I know that my water just broke and that means… more pain. The pain this time runs down my legs and spine and I'm thankful that Gale has his hands around my waist. The pain blurs my vision and I'm worried I'm going to black out. Suddenly though, I have the strong urge to push.

"I… I have to… push." I say, cracked and raspy. I begin to realize my breathing is getting heavier and heavier.

"Not yet, Kat. Almost but not yet." She tells me as the contraction begins to fade.

"Damn it!" I shout in protest.

As the last bit of pain leaves me, I do what I was instructed to. I lie down on the bed as Prim and Gale remove my soaked pants and underwear. She checks me, speaking that I'm about six centimeters now. I sigh.

This is going to be longer than I thought.

XX

Contraction.

Pain.

Walk.

Breath.

It becomes a process I find myself in. Contractions come every two or three minutes. Each one worse than the one before. The pain hits hard and I'm reminded to breath. Gale helps me walk or stand or move, whatever I feel like doing, until the contraction fades. I searched Gale's face through my last contraction(as hard as it was) to see how exactly he's handling this. His face is a mixture of fear and joy. The perfect mix. If I could look at myself in the mirror, I would see no 'joy'. There's nothing enjoyable about having my insides ripped apart and having to push out a baby from inside of me.

Soon the afternoon turns to evening. Hazel retreats next door to make a quick meal for Rory, Vick, Posy, Rhoda and herself. Meanwhile I send Prim downstairs for a glass of water for myself. I had just came out of a contraction when I gave Prim this instruction, so Gale is left with having to help me ride down my contraction by ourselves.

"Just take a few deep breaths." He instructs into my ear, pulling my now unbraided hair out of my face.

I'm currently squatted at the side of the bed, my elbows on it and my head resting in between. Gale squats beside me, rubbing circles on my back with light pressure.

"I know, Gale." I reply to him breathlessly, shaking and a bit harsh.

"Just relax." He gives me another instruction.

"Easier…" I grunt when I feel the baby move inside. "… said than done."

"I know." He says simply, kissing the bit of neck that he can reach with his lips. "Aren't you excited to meet our baby?" He tells me, clearly trying to ease my mind. He's more excited than I am.

I move my head the opposite side so that I'm able to see him, our gazes catching each others heavy. I must look, yet again, completely pathetic. My face plastered in sweat, my eyes still teary from the pain and my shaking hands and head.

"I'm sorry." He speaks softly. "It will be all over soon. And than we'll have a beautiful, healthy baby."

I give him a look that makes him back down immediately.

XX

Nightfall comes before we know it and candles are lit to light the bedroom…

Contraction.

Pain.

Walk.

Breath.

Each… 'segment' comes harder and harder. The contraction of course brings on pain to which intense enough where moaning and screaming seem to do no help… walking too. I refuse the drugs Prim keeps offering. I'm not sure why, but I've been through my fair share of mental and physical pain… I can do this. Gale keeps reminding me of that, that I can do anything I put my mind to and yes… my mind is solely on delivering my baby in the safest and healthiest way I can.

I feel as though laughing at myself… for finding the women my mother was aiding with birth 'overacting'. I thought overacting was doing what she was, bent on all fours, screaming into a pillow at the top of her lungs and swaying her hips back and forth. But, here I am, mirroring the woman exactly as midnight rolls around. I've been at this for over twelve hours. As Gale rubs soothing circles on my shoulders from our position on the floor as the pain begins to ease just a tad but a thought hits me that knocks me cold-

"Work?" I huff breathless, moving my head to look over my shoulder. I don't try to say more, he knows what I'm asking.

"My boss said I could have the next two days off." He speaks softly, I barley hear him over my ragged breathing. "Starting tomorrow." He smiles.

I just turn my head back, squeezing my eyes shut as I feel the baby move within me. Every movement can be felt now that the baby is sitting lower inside of me. I open my eyes quickly though as I sigh with relief that the pain is easing. I've managed to ward the 'pushing urges' away for the moment, but that pain has overtaken my body and emotions full force and all the way.

Gale is helping me stand when another contraction ceases me immediately. The pain instantly blinds me and I stumble forward. If Gale wasn't there, it would have been a bad night but thankfully he was. Gale helps me back to the floor, giving me the pillow that has become my best friend. I take it, screaming through the pain and the immense urge to push(unlike before). I look up a bit from my pillow and through my teary, watery eyes catch a glimpse of Prim who is frantically writing something down on the notepad she's been using. She doesn't help me through the contractions anymore, that job is Gale's and Hazel's now. And even though both their soothing voices are trying to calm me, I feel as though I'm screaming into an empty pillow, an empty room or maybe a room too crowded and no one can hear me? I feel as though no one in the room knows what the pain that I'm experiencing truly feels like. Even though that doesn't make sense, Hazel's had four kids, of course she knows but it doesn't change how I feel. The pain only increases this time, making my ears squeeze tight and my voice silent. Finally, my brain nearly shuts down and I begin to go ballistic on Prim-

"Dammit Prim! I can't do this shit anymore!" I scream it, making her look at me in surprise but not taken back. I can't control the tears that fall from my face.

"Let's check her." She says simply, setting the notepad down quickly.

Gale and Hazel help me stand, I careless I'm in the middle of one of the most excruciating contractions I've had yet. They help me on the bed, slipping both my bottoms off. I just stare into the ceiling, wanting nothing more than for this baby to be out of me. I voice this out loud… too loud. I open my legs for Prim as I know this drill far to well than to start getting shy or confused. It only takes a few seconds before she speaks-

"Mrs. Hazel, I need you boil some water and put this cloth in some of it." She speaks, sounding more professional than ever. "Gale…" I watch as she looks at him intensely. "… this is where the support system comes in." She says quickly.

I know at her words that this is becoming…

Real.

I'm about to become a mother.

XX

"Katniss?" I'm next that she pays attention to. "It's time and I'll need you to start pushing when I tell you to. Okay?" I nod my head several good times… finally.

Hazel comes back quickly with the cloth. Prim rolls it neatly long ways and hands it to Gale.

"She'll need this soon." She says with a tight smile.

Prim informs me that we have to wait for my next contraction and reminds me of the one through ten counting. I cut her off though as, just on time, a contraction comes… hard! I gasp and grunt loudly, giving them all the perfect sign.

"Okay! Gale, Mrs. Hazel, grab behind her legs." She says quickly. They do just that, causing me more pain and I cuss without warning. "Katniss? Look at me!"

I'm forced to look into her eyes. Tears fall from my own, down my cheeks. Both from pain but the realization of what's about to happen…

I'm about to deliver and meet my own child.

Words that I never thought I, Katniss Everdeen, would say. But I guess I'm not 'Katniss Everdeen' anymore. I bare a different last name, a different life… a new family.

"Katniss!?" Prim shouts. "When I say push you push! Okay!?" My reply of 'yes' gets muffled by a moan.

Only two, maybe three seconds go by of pain before Prim tells me to push loudly. Finally, the urge I've been holding back harshly can be released… somewhat. I muster up every bit I have left of my tired bones and push… hard. My head rises off the pillow and at the same time, Gale and Hazel push my legs back toward me. If I turned my head, my chin could touch my knee, but I careless to be amused or do that. My eyes are squeezed tightly, I hear Prim's and Hazel's voice counting-

"…5,6,7..."

I hear Gale-

"I'm so proud of you, Catnip."

But all I can truly hear, is my own low scream and pain. Somehow though, I hear Prim and Hazel says 'Ten' and I slam my head back onto the pillow, their grips on my legs loosening just some. Something drips from my chin and I can't tell if it's tears or sweat… both. I know it's tears though. I begin to cry… sob.

"I can't… do… this!" I shout in between sobs and grunts of pain.

"Yes you can, Katniss." I hear Gale. I don't look at him though. "You're the strongest person I know."

"That doesn't fucking matter, Gale!" More tears fall and I hear another voice besides Gale's.

"Focus, Katniss." I'm confused at Prim's words. "Find something to put your mind and vision to. Rather it's dad, Gale… a crack in the ceiling just something. Keep your mind on something rather than the pain. Focus." Prim could pass for an eighty year old… I swear. "Push!"

With my next wave of pushing, I try… 'focusing' on something. I search fairly quick as I begin to push and hear them count. I find my dresser, where one of the candles are lit. Next to it is the Linden flower that Gale had brought home for me a few weeks ago. I had dried it in the windowsill and placed it on a clear, small vase and placed it on my dresser. Now though, I stare into the faded yellow, creamy color the flower gives off. Focusing on the veins of the dried leaf attached.

Focus.

"Push!" I hear from Prim again.

Find the flower.

Focus.

As this becomes a process I find, I realize how dim and faded in color the flower is. A flower that was once alive and beautiful. A flower that if I took the time and watered it, cared for it, could still be alive and bright. But as I begin pushing harder, faster and more, as I begin to feel the babies bottom slip from inside me, the flower becomes brighter, even though, I know clearly it's only my imagination. I don't focus on that though, I focus on how the color is becoming brighter to me. I hear Prim's voice as I begin to feel completely, overly stretched down there-

"…ten!"

I slam my head back on the pillow, gasping for a breath of air while Gale rubs the buckets of sweat off my forehead and chin with the rag.

"Want to know the gender?" Prim asks, grinning from ear to ear. I shake my head 'no' and Gale does too… for my sake. Hazel looks over and between my legs. Mirroring her grin.

A few seconds go by and a contraction comes full force. Prim gives me the signal 'push' and I do. This push however, is painful like I haven't felt yet. I can literally feel myself ripping wider for the babies body. I find the flower though, counting with them in my head, moaning loudly, listening to Gale's steady voice, his steady hand on my leg and…

Focus.

XX

It's as if it happens so quick. It becomes pure chaos in a matter of seconds. Hazel continues counting, Gale's encouraging words get louder, the pain gets blinding and Prim is shouting at me.

"Your almost there! Just keep pushing, Katniss! Push!" Her voice rings through her wide grin.

My mouth is stamped shut but I'm screaming from within my throat, cracking and raspy. My eyes are squint but I keep them focused on the flower that seems to be as bright as the sun now. And then it happens… The voices are loudest, my mouth opens so my scream is loudest and the flower is bright when I feel it. My baby slip from within me, into Prim's waiting hands. It's as if though, a tremendous amount pressure was relieved, both physically and mentally.

"I'm so proud of you!" Gale crashes our lips together only for a second.

I don't feel that way though, and I instantly become panicked when I don't hear the cry of my child. I can't see the baby from my position and that only worries me more.

"Why isn't it crying?!" I shout frantically at Prim, completely winded.

It's as if though I was caught in a lie. At my last words, I hear the soft but growing in volume wail of a newborn coming from between my legs. Gale keeps a steady hand in my head and Prim raises the baby in her hands for me to see. Low and behold, the parts in between the tiny infants legs aren't parts I have in common. Prim's voice confirms it to me-

"It's a boy!"

She lays the crying, pale, covered in goop infant on my stomach and my hands immediately fly to his back, his tiny, cold back. Prim hands Gale the scissors in the bag and I prepare myself the best I can. Gale cuts the umbilical cord and a small amount of blood falls onto my shirt. I take a deep breath and focus on the little crying infant on my stomach. Prim come over to the side of me with a clean towel and begins rubbing the angry baby. I laugh though and notice the spot of dark hair on top of his head. His dark, cold skin becomes brighter and fuller… just like the flower.

"He's beautiful." Gale says to me as Prim begins cleaning his face.

"He is." I reply, it comes out raspy but cracked but Gale kisses me anyways.

Prim takes him, only for a second and swaddles him in the towel, handing him back to my gently. His crying is gone down, but he still whimpers quietly. I take him in my arms as Prim cleans me up. So many things run through my mind and the thought of not living up to a mother he deserves seems to vanish. I realize only holding him could tame that fear. He's already everything to me.

He opens his eyes, for the first time and stares into my own.

"Hello, son." I reply with a giggle, realizing his eyes are grey as ours. He has the seam look but stunning.

"Hey, bud." Gale says, letting his large finger slip into our sons tiny hands. I can't decide if he looks like Gale or myself. Maybe the perfect mix?

"What are we going to name him, Gale?" I ask, as hard as it is, tarring my gaze from my child's and to my husbands. His grin and watery eyes speaks volumes to me.

I don't give time for Gale to answer when I have an idea. I look back to my whimpering son, with the spit coming from his mouth and his crystal grey eyes and to the flower across the room. The flower had given me hope when I felt like I had none. It was dim and cold and faded but when I focused, it became brighter… like my son in my arms. I turn my gaze back to Gale's. He knows when I'm thinking.

"Linden." I say simply, looking back at my son.

"Linden Hawthorne." Gale says, wiggling his finger in our sons tight grasp. "Perfect."

This time, I lean in to give Gale a kiss. Hazel of course makes a sweet 'in awe' sound and comments on the lovely name and of course… her lovely grandchild. Gale rubs a soothing circle on my arm with his free hand as all we can do is stare into the beautiful face of our baby. It's as if all those painful months, all the messed up emotions, all the issues I was worried about, the painful labor… it was all worth it. I can't help the yawn that over takes me as I continue to stare at my beautiful baby boy-

"What time is it?" I ask Gale, watching as my son shifts his gaze from me to him.

"One or two in the morning." He kisses my forehead. "We have a long night ahead." He adds, grinning like a bobcat.

I smile the widest I have in a while, even though I know I won't be sleeping for a while but that doesn't matter. What matters is my beautiful child in my arms. I would never have guessed, looking back last year that I would have a beautiful son, an amazing husband, a family but I guess sometimes life doesn't go as you always plan it.

It doesn't mean it's not what you wanted, but maybe it was what you wanted all along. . . . .

Chapter 32 Preview: Katniss and Gale are lucky, their unplanned, complicated pregnancy and birth ended with a beautiful and healthy baby boy. Will Katniss begin to feel overwhelmed with joy or anger has everyone they know once to get a glimpse of their little one? What will happen when Mrs. Everdeen realizes she missed out on the birth of her first grandchild? What will take place as preparations for the Quarter Quill begin? Will Katniss begin to fear the games all over again for her child? How will life change now for Katniss and Gale, for the Hawthorne's and Everdeens now that there's a baby? What unexpected events will unfold as Airgusta begins attacks on Panem? And what secrete will Katniss find out that's been buried far to long? Find out Saturday, October 5th!

**UPDATE 10-7-13: Chapter 32 WILL be up late Tuesday or early Wednesday. Sorry for the delay! Check the Facebook page for more details about this delay.

*Check the Facebook page for any date changes and/or previews.