Chapter 11: Safety
Katniss and Peeta have been in the Capitol for ten weeks now. The Propos have started to air and people seem to be responding. The Mockingjay has reminded them who the real enemy is and what is at stake. They have not been allowed to venture out much, but they have been allowed to have visitors. Annie was the first one to come and see them. She brought Finn and told them, together, how happy she was about their news. Katniss belly is much more prominent now as she is four months along in her pregnancy. Her nausea had finally eased and she is starting to eat and put on weight again. Eventually, they had no choice but to inform the Capitol of her pregnancy. That was about two weeks ago. They couldn't hide the fact that Katniss wasn't able to fit into her Mockingjay outfit anymore. She had hidden it as long as she could and had no regrets now that the news was out.
Gale had congratulated them both again and thought that Katniss was glowing. He could see Peeta was good for her and that his quiet strength and rationality was a perfect foil for Katniss' feisty nature and impulsivity. They would make a great couple and wonderful parents. He hoped they could all become friends again. It had been agreed that when Peeta and Katniss returned to District 12, Gale would accompany them and also head the Peacekeeping Unit there. It was what he wanted, to be close to Katniss and Peeta in case of any further threats to her life. If he couldn't imagine losing her, how must Peeta feel?
Effie had been to visit as well. She was over the moon with the news and, when she arrived, in typical Effie style, just said "Well, well, well! You two are full of surprises, aren't you?" She had twirled Katniss around and decided that pregnancy and the extra weight suited her. Then she promptly organized some pampering for her which involved gentle massage, manicures, pedicures, and a long overdue cut and styling of her hair. It had been just what Katniss needed. Effie always managed to lift her spirits somehow. She had her own ideas about how things should be and usually managed to carry people along with her, never getting much thanks in return. Katniss couldn't help thinking about her locket and how Effie has organized for them all to have something in gold in the run up to the Quarter Quell. She had no idea that Peeta and Effie had been plotting together to give her that locket. It still brought tears to her eyes when she thought about that day on the beach, and how Peeta had told her nobody needed him. Where would she be without him, Katniss thought.
Haymitch had been minding their homes in the District and was due in the Capitol today. He was going to meet them for the last couple of days before their return to District 12 so they could all debrief about Katniss' safety. Haymitch had not seen Katniss since she left to visit Annie and was really looking forward to seeing her. He might actually look in on Effie while he was here as well. Maybe try and get the whole team back together for a day.
When Haymitch arrives he looks for Gale. The two of them meet in a room off the Oval Office and Gale knows what Haymitch is here to talk about. When they had last met in Peeta's house, Haymitch had told Gale about Peeta's flashback. He said he wasn't sure what brought it on, but it was probably the fact that it was the first time Peeta and Katniss had been apart since his return to District 12. Haymitch tells Gale there is a chance, with the stresses of the pregnancy and impending birth, that Peeta might begin to suffer more flashbacks. From what Gale had seen so far, Peeta was doing very well and he reassured Haymitch that it was probably a one off with the news of Katniss pregnancy, too.
Nevertheless, they devise a plan they will share with Katniss to help keep her safe if Peeta ever has a flashback which she feels he is not able to control. This would mean Katniss being able to alert them at any time, day or night. Haymitch decides that, during the day, the best way is if Katniss was able to lower the blinds in any of the front rooms of the house which faced his own. If Haymitch sees a blind drawn for any reason, he will immediately go across and check on Katniss to make sure she is OK. He hopes Katniss will have the opportunity to draw at least one blind as a sign that she needs help. Gale says he will ensure a regular watch of Peacekeepers, including himself, to pass by the house and he will also give Katniss an emergency device which she could use to alert the District barracks if anything goes wrong. Gale will also tell Katniss she needs to keep the device on her at all times and keep it somewhere close by during the night. It needs to be done. It is not Peeta's fault that he suffered the hijacking. Haymitch and Gale have both their best interests at heart. Peeta would be devastated if anything happened to Katniss, especially by his hand.
The meeting was arranged for the debriefing with Katniss and Peeta. They would return to their old homes in District 12 with extra security. Gale would travel with them and remain in District 12 for the time being and Haymitch would be the first port of call in an emergency. It was time for Peeta and Katniss to go home to District 12.