I rub the little bruise on my arm as I head home from Merchant Circle. Doctor Mersa suggested giving me a birth control shot that lasts up to two years. I probably should have mentioned it to Peeta but since he knows my opinion on children, I don't think it will be a huge surprise. The bruise hurts though and I rub at it as I hurry toward the bakery. There is fresh snow on the ground and a bitterly cold chill in the air that makes me bundle deeper into Peeta's coat. Annie and Finn presented me with beautiful new green gloves and matching scarf for Christmas, which I'm wearing right now.

Christmas was such a nice affair this year. Johanna, George, Finn, Annie, Haymitch, and Effie joined us for dinner and we opened gifts together. My Christmas present for Peeta arrived on Christmas Eve, which I was happy about. His face had completely lit up when he opened the box of cake pans, icing supplies, and a brand new mixer that did a number of other things. He had disappeared into the kitchen for hours and came up to the bedroom with two whole cakes, decorated beautifully just for me.

His Christmas present for me was a tad more impressive than a few pans. I have no idea how he did it without me noticing but our bedroom had been redone completely and now reminded me of my woods. The walls were painted brown and green, with vines around the edges, the sheets and comforters were a deep green with brown throw pillows. He had bought wooden furniture and had even painted a huge tree beside the bed. I fell to my knees and wept when I saw it and he had gathered me in his arms, terrified and asking what he had done wrong. When I told him nothing, he had never done anything wrong, his eyes filled with tears and he and held me until I fell asleep. I have had no nightmares in our new room.

Johanna and George left this morning and Annie and Finn are heading back to 4 tomorrow. Annie and Finn came with me to town for my appointment this morning, and I'd suggested that we take Finn to see Colton's horses before we head back to Victor's Village. Colton seemed a bit surprised when we showed up this morning but he was happy to introduce his horses to Finn. I think he took to the little boy very quickly. It's hard not to, the kid is as charming as his father was. I want to stop in and see Peeta before I head back with Annie and Finn. It's sort of funny, I think as I walk, I have never been this eager to see a person in my life. I was always excited to get out of school to spend the days with Prim but I get giddy and eager to see my husband. I have to laugh in spite of myself.

I'm about to turn to go into the bakery when I see something that makes me stop in my tracks. Someone is coming from the fence, the fence to my woods. There's only one person, even after all this time, who will go near the woods. I move closer and sure enough, I see dark Seam hair underneath a grey hat. He doesn't notice me at first but as he gets closer to the road, he looks up and his eyes widen.

"Katniss."

"Hi. Did you have a good Chrsitmas?"

"Yeah, it was good. I um…I'm heading back to 2 tonight." I nod and shove my hands in my pockets. This is awkward. We're awkward. Why are we so awkward?!

"Katniss, I…" I look up at him to see him biting his lip.

"I wanted to apologize for the other night. I shouldn't have stormed out of there like I did."

"You were upset. Understandably so, but Gale, you know Posy loves you."

"I know. But I haven't been around for my family, as Rory keeps reminding me, and I feel like…like someone else replaced me."

"No one could ever replace you in Posy's eyes. You were more than her brother. You raised her. She's always been your baby."

"Leaving her was damn near impossible. But Mom didn't want to bring the family to 2. I still ask them to come with me. I can take care of them."

"12 is still home, Gale," I say softly and I see his face darken.

"Not for me. Not anymore." I sigh. I'm not sure what to say to that, to be honest. 12 will always be my home.

"12 stopped being home when I lost you," he says quietly. I don't know why but this makes me angry.

"You never had me to begin with. Why do you insist on making this some sort of stupid competition with Peeta? It was never like that with you and me. You know that."

"I know that," he says patiently. "And I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that way. I meant when I lost your friendship. Your trust. Your faith in me was something I always took great pride in. When you left for the Games, you asked me to keep your family fed and I promised you I would. She was like my sister too, Katniss. I had no idea…no idea at all that…she would use my design the way she did." I feel rage swirling inside me and I bite my tongue hard. Gale eyes me warily and I know he senses the tension.

"I know I don't have any right to ask for your forgiveness, Katniss. But I regret it everyday. I discovered what kind of person I was. Bitter, angry, vengeful, and dangerous. It was how you were too. I guess that's why I always thought we would wind up together one day. We were so much alike." This I understand. I once mistook Gale's fire and kindred spirit for comfort. It took me too long to realize I needed Peeta to balance me out. To calm me down, to bring sunshine to my life, and to cast out the shadows. Gale wouldn't have understood. He could empthasize but he would never understand.

"I'm sorry, Katniss. I'm sorry for…well, a lot. And I'm sorry for the scene I made the other night."

"I think you should apologize to Peeta, not to me." His jaw tightens and I can tell he doesn't think much of this idea. To my surprise, though, he nods.

"You're right. He's at the bakery right now?" I nod and he looks down the road.

"I still haven't seen it. How was it, helping him rebuild his family's bakery? Was it strange for you to go there? You know, after all the trades we made there?"

"I didn't really think of that, to be honest. I was worried there would be too many painful memories for him to cope with, and I get scared that ghosts will come back to haunt him. But he's very happy with it and it has been a tremendous success."

"I'll stop by to see you two before my train leaves tonight. If that's alright?"

"Sure. We will see you later on." He nods and turns away without another word. I watch him head back towards the Seam, or what used to be the Seam. Now the district has merged, both Merchant and Seam living and working side by side. Where a Merchant once screamed at someone from the Seam for being too near their house, now they are neighbors. I wonder how people feel about this change. It was necessary, yes, but that doesn't mean people have to like it. Seam people are distrustful and suspect everyone. I can't speak for all Merchants but many Merchants I came across when I was young treated me like scum. Except a few, of course. They were different.

I say a quiet prayer for Mr. Mellark, Madge, the mayor, and the rest of the district. I suddenly need to see my own Merchant boy. I need to gaze into his startling blue eyes and forget everything but him.

He's at the front, helping a customer and his face lights up when I walk in. He finishes assisting the customer and comes out from behind the counter to kiss me.

'This is a nice surprise. What are you doing in town?"

"I had my appointment with Dr. Mersa this morning," I say in a low voice. He frowns and looks around for a moment before looking back at me.

"Everything alright?"

"Everything's fine. I got a new method of birth control so we don't have to worry for awhile." I see something flash in his eyes but he nods and puts on a smile. I immediately know it's fake and I sigh.

"Peeta," but his finger goes to my lips and he shakes his head.

"I'm glad you won't be stressed or worried. Where are Finn and Annie?"

"At Colton's stable. We're going to stop by the orphanage on the way home. I'm making fish tonight for their last night. Are you going to be off in time?"

"Yeah, Branelle is closing for me. I'll be home in time to help you." I stand up to give him a kiss and feel his knuckles graze my cheek.

"I love you," he whispers against my lips and my hand on his shirt tightens. I hear the door open behind me and immediately step back.

"Well hello Delly! What brings you in today?"

"I was hoping you two would be here," she says breathlessly. I turn to look at my friend and see that she is quite flushed. Her blonde curls are hidden underneath a purple hat and she keeps wringing her gloved hands. Peeta's brow quirks.

"Everything alright, Del?"

"Peeta…I need to order a wedding cake." He nods and goes back behind the counter.

"Great. Any idea what the bride wants? Who is it, by the way?" She's biting her lip excitedly and she pulls her glove off. She holds up her hand and squeals and both Peeta and I cheer. I'm genuinely happy for Delly. She's one of the sweetest souls I know and she and Brent seem great for each other. Peeta lifts the barrier and throws his arms around her. She lets out little excited squeals and Peeta laughs as he hugs her tightly.

"I'm SO happy for you, Delly!" She starts to cry and turns to me.

"Katniss! I want you to be my maid of honor!"

"Me?" I'm floored. Surely there are other people, people who are closer to her. But then I remember, she lost most of her family and her friends in the bombing. Peeta beams at both of us.

"Well, Peeta is like my brother and I would ask him but he'd look kind of funny in a dress," she giggles again. "But you've become like my sister and oh Katniss it would mean so much to me!"

"Of course," I tell her and gasp when she throws her arms around me. Peeta laughs and hugs us both.

"Ok, I have to go. I mean I'll be back to order the cake but I have to go tell everyone at the office and oh, can you please tell everyone here?" Peeta nods, a broad smile on his face. She lets out one last high-pitched squeal before she disappears out the door and Peeta shakes his head.

"She's…so enthusiastic," I say softly and Peeta chuckles as he wraps his arms around me.

"Girls get excited in different ways. I've never seen Delly without a smile on her face. Well, maybe in 13 but…" he trails off and looks uncertain. I lean up to kiss him and his smile returns.

"I need to go find Annie and Finn. I'll see you tonight." He nods and I grin at him as I close the door behind me. I make my way down the road and find Finn atop a pretty brown horse. Annie is standing by, grinning madly.

"Wow, look at him go," I say as I approach them. Annie nods excitedly.

"Finnick always wanted to learn to ride. He was better in the sea, though. We didn't have many horses in 4," she explains quietly.

"Aunt Niss, look!" Finn yells, noticing me and I laugh.

"I see buddy. You're doing great! Can you thank Mr. Colton before we leave?"

"Thank you," he says to his new friend and Colton lifts him off the horse and hands him to Annie.

"You're very welcome, Finn. I hope you can come back soon and ride again. Annie, it was wonderful to meet you."

"And you, Colton. Thank you for everything," she says warmly. I shake Colton's hand and smile.

"You ready to give your first lesson next week?"

"I figured I will start out with Star here, since she's great with kids. She took to Finn really quickly."

"The kids are so excited," I tell him. "You have no idea."

"It'll be fun," he nods. "Thanks for arranging it, Katniss."

"Thank you, Colton. These kids need something to look forward to." He smiles, though it is a little sad and he pats Star's neck.

"We'd better get moving. See you next week, Colton and Star." Finn waves vigorously and Colton laughs as he waves back. I help Annie up into the wagon and flick Midnight's reigns.

Finn and Annie are a huge hit at the orphanage and Annie's eyes well with tears as she watches Finn with the other kids.

"I was so afraid," she says to me quietly. "So afraid that my past would mess up his future. But look at him, Katniss. He is making friends and laughing and playing. It's so normal!" I smile at her and continue to watch Finn. Lara has become something of a protector for Finn. She clutches her doll to her chest while she holds out her arms to make room for Finn wherever they go. Helga chuckles beside us.

"Finn sure is popular around here. You can't stay away for too long, Annie." Annie smiles wistfully and I briefly wonder if she would consider moving here. I know 4 is her home but she has no one but Finn and I guess my mom but I think she could be so much happier here. I make note to mention it later.

After more hugs and kisses than we know what to do with, we leave the home and head back to Victor's Village. Thom meets us at the edge of Victor's Village and I thank him for letting us borrow Midnight. We all pat Midnight's neck (Finn tries to kiss him but he just whinnies and turns away, making Finn cry) and shuffle towards our houses. Haymitch's house looks empty and I wonder where on earth he could be. Annie tries to hide a yawn and she shakes herself.

"Can I do anything to help with dinner, Katniss?"

"No, I've got it covered. Why don't you go take a nap and come over about seven?" She nods and gives me a hug before she picks up Finn and heads into my old house. I head to my own home and hurry around the kitchen, getting things ready. When Peeta comes in, he immediately hangs up his apron and picks up a knife to slice the vegetables. I lean over the fish to kiss him and his hand stills for a moment, his lips melding to mine. I lean back and smile and go back to preparing the fish.

"It smells great in here, Katniss."

"I made Finn a little alternate dish. You know, in case he doesn't want fish." He gives me a warm smile and I see something flickering between sadness and longing in his eyes. I turn away to put the fish into the oven and wipe my hands on the towel. Peeta hands me the cutting board of veggies and I scrape them into the dish on the counter.

"I brought home a loaf of bread and a pie for dessert."

"Thank you. I wasn't going to try to bake anything." He grins and cups my chin.

"Do you mind if I go wash up? I feel like we had a flour fight in the bakery." I grin and nod and he kisses me again before I hear his heavy footsteps on the stairs. I turn back to my task and set to making a delicious meal. I will shoot someone through the heart if anyone calls me a housewife but I find that I am actually quite close to one. I suppose Peeta and I share the responsibilities around the house, and he cooks more often than I do. What will happen when we have children?

The glass dish slips from my grip but luckily, I grab it just in time. I set it back on the counter and shake my head. What the hell am I thinking? Why am I thinking of children? Haven't I sworn I will never have kids? Haven't I told Peeta time and time again that I don't want them?

I I think Finn is rubbing off on me. And Lara. And all those sweethearts at the orphanage. I blink and shake myself.

No. No matter how attached I am to them, I can't have my own. I can't protect them. I couldn't protect my own sister. I'll just be Auntie Niss to them all and will enjoy spoiling them. The timer goes off for the veggies and I continue my tasks, banishing all other thoughts away.