A/N: This is a shorter chapter with not much time passing as the other chapters have. I'm busy today, but I promised I would post everyday. Enjoy this chapter and leave reviews or any ideas you may have for what to happen next!
Gale grabbed my arm and shook his head. "You don't have to talk them if you don't want too." I pat him on the shoulder and nod. "It's okay, I owe them something." Peeta's mother glares at me as I walk over to them. Peeta's father smiles at me, but the smile doesn't reach his eyes. His brothers glower, but they don't seem mad at me. I clear my throat and say, "Peeta was a wonderful guy. I was so incredibly grateful for him and I will remember him for the rest of my life." His father nods his head, and reaches to hold my hand. Peeta's mother slaps his hand down and says "You didn't care about Peeta! You just wanted to come home, no matter who you hurt, no matter who you killed!" I stood in shock. I could take this from his brothers and his father. But his mother, the one you didn't even say I love you to her soon when he left for the Games. Who beat him because he burnt two loaves of bread? I glared at her and said, "I think you're feeling guilty because you weren't a good mom to Peeta. He told me what you said to him when he left." Her eyes grew wide, but she stormed off and stomped away. Peeta's brothers followed. His father walked closer to me and said, "Though I'm sad my son didn't come home, I'm glad you did." He gave me a faint smile, and wiped a tear from his eye. "My Peeta would've wanted it that way." With that he kissed my hand and walked away. This, this is why I wanted Peeta to win. In that cold family, Peeta was probably all his father had and I took that away.
Later on, I was at Haymitch's house while my mother, Prim and Gale moved into our new home next door. Built decades ago, no one's ever lived in it. Enough bedrooms and bathrooms for each of us to have our own and then some, though I don't see the point. I guess for visitors, but who's gonna visit me? The decorating I left to my family so I sat with Haymitch. "Do you like living here?", I asked. Haymitch looked up from his reading, "It's alright I guess. Big.", he shrugged. "I mean living alone.", I said. "It's quiet enough.", Haymitch said. "I know who made what mess and if I hear a noise, I know to attack it." I leaned in and asked, "Haymitch, do you regret not having kids? I only ask because I don't want kids. I don't want them in the Hunger Games or to live in this crappy District 12, even if I am rich. Except what if I'm making a mistake?" He looked at me confused and said, "I do have a kid. Well he's a teenager actually." I stared at him wide-eyed. Maybe he'd finally gone insane. "Haymitch, you have a kid?", I asked carefully. He laughed, "Yes. His name is Thomas. He lives in town, his mother owns that sewing shop." My jaw dropped to the floor. I've seen Thomas in school, he's even waved a few times. He lives with his mother in town. From what I heard, his father either died long ago or his father was a Peacekeeper or someone not allowed to have relations with the citizens. No one ever guessed Haymitch. "How come you never said anything?", I asked. He rolled his eyes, obviously annoyed. "It's not a big deal Katniss. His mother and I met 15 years ago and didn't work out. She gave birth to him and we named him Thomas. I send them money, and he sometimes comes see me. It's really no one's business." With that he gave me a sharp look. I said, "Well everyone thinks his father is dead or a peacekeeper or she's a whore! You could've saved them some embarrassment." He looked at me shocked. "EMBARRASSMENT!? They are probably the best dressed and well fed people in the district, besides the council. Have you ever seen them hungry? Did you really think that his mother could afford all that when she sews clothes for a living? In a district where everyone owns two shirts?!" He slammed his book down and went into another room. I sat there and thought about it. He lived in town, which is why I always assumed he was well dressed. But even in bad times, where even the Peacemakers eyes were a little hollow, he and his mother always looked fine. I never paid that much attention to him, but now I wanted too. Haymitch had a son, and no one knew. In fact, everyone assumed he was a drunken hermit with no family or life. I wonder what Peeta would think about all this if he knew. He'd probably make a joke how Haymitch's life was the best game of hide and seek ever. Just then there was a knock on the door.
I walked up to the door and opened it. Thomas was standing there. He was tall, taller than Gale who was 6'2. I never got a good look at him, but he had a brown hair, short cut like Haymitch did was he was younger. He was olive skinned, probably from his mother. He was attractive as well, which I also assume was from his mother. I giggled at my little joke, but stopped as he was just standing there. He motioned for me to step aside so he could walk in. Haymitch was suddenly behind me. "So are you gonna let him in or…?" I quickly moved to the side and apologized. "Should I leave?", I asked, pointing to the door. I looked out the window and saw Gale carrying a pink couch. I rolled my eyes and cursed. My mother and Prim deserved everything in the world that I could give them, but a pink couch? I didn't want to go back there until they were done, and I was kind of nosy about Thomas, but I probably should leave. Thomas shook his head, "No you were here first. I just wanted to see… Haymitch. I haven't seen him since he left for the Games." Haymitch hugged him and said, "See, I finally brought someone home. You told me someday I'd do it." Thomas smiled at me and said, "Everyone knew she was going to win." Then he whispered to Haymitch, "No one though bread boy was going to make it home." He snickered and Haymitch stiffened. With that, I walked up to Thomas and punched him right in the face.