I drive us home, my knuckles white on the steering wheel. We haven't said a word since we left the doctor's office. Katniss clutches a bag filled with pamphlets and books and a file to put in our Holo. The file is apparently live images of our baby, moving and breathing. Doctor Mersa assured us our baby is perfectly healthy and we made an appointment to come back in a few months to find out the sex. I could care less to be honest. I can hardly believe this is real. After the fourth time Katniss catches me pinching myself, she takes my hand and kisses my knuckles.

"Real, Peeta," she breathes and I suck in a breath.

I hurry around to the other side of the car and wrap my arm around her waist. She looks up at me and I recognize her early signs of irritation.

"Peeta, let's get one thing straight. You will not treat me as if I'm made of glass. I'm not going to be one of those pregnant woman who just sits around and gets fat on chocolates all day. Johanna didn't stop working and neither will I, ok?"

"Let's get a couple of things straight Katniss. You're my wife and I worship the ground you walk on so I will always treat you like a queen. As if you aren't precious enough, you now have my baby growing inside you. And I have always known what a hard-headed stubborn woman you are and that's one of the things I love about you. I didn't think for a minute that you would be sitting around eating chocolates…well, cheesebuns, knowing you. Give your husband a little credit, won't you?" I grin down at her and her grey eyes soften.

"I never seem to give you enough credit, do I?"

"You have a bad habit of underestimating me," I say with a shrug. "But I know you're cautious and you never wanted to fall in love. You can't imagine how it makes me feel that I was the one who convinced you to let your walls down. You let people in, Katniss. You let me in."

"You snuck up on me," she whispers as she stands up to kiss me. I unlock the door and hold it open for her, before following her inside. We shiver, as the temperature has dropped dramatically since this morning. I imagine 12 will get an early winter this year. That means more days wrapped in blankets with Katniss and cups of hot chocolate so I am more than fine with it.

She sets the bag down and kisses me again before disappearing from the room. I hurry around the kitchen making tea, remembering what Doctor Mersa told me about how herbal teas are packed with antioxidants and nutrients for Katniss and the baby. As I'm pouring the tea, Katniss returns dressed in a pair of loose pajama pants and one of my sweatshirts. She's holding something in her hand and her face is turned toward the floor.

"What is that?" She holds it out and I see her hand is shaking. She's holding a small stick in her palm. As I move closer, I can see that the stick has a flashing screen and I suck in a breath.

Pregnant 2+

I look up at her with wide eyes.

"How long have you known?" She bites her lip and I have to fight my exasperation.

"You didn't learn from Johanna and George? How upset he got when she finally told him?"

"I wasn't thinking of that," she argues. "I was trying to think of the best way to tell you." I shake my head. Best way? Honestly? This is all I have wanted ever since I met the girl. I used to cradle a loaf of bread in my arms and pretend it was my baby. Falling in love with Katniss spurred the desire for a family with her. Even when I was too young to understand how that happened. Fifteen years of marriage and it has been a constant subject of debate and tears. All the fights, all the hours of holding her in my arms and promising her she is all I have ever wanted, all I could ever want, mean virtually nothing now. I reach out a shaking hand and rest it on her belly. She inhales sharply but doesn't move. I inch closer, kneeling in front of her and resting my ear near my hand. I feel her hand on my head, her fingers gently stroking my curls. I wrap my arms around her waist and place the gentlest of kisses on her belly. I glance up at her and see her watching me with soft eyes. The love that blazes there is enough to knock me over. Her hand comes up and trails a finger over my brow.

If I'm being honest with myself, I think at least a part of me knew. Or at least, suspected. Her belly has grown, which I told myself was just my baking, and she's glowing every time I see her. So much so that she brings the rays of sunshine into our living room with just her smile. And the sex. Dear god, I don't think I have ever been so tired. Not that I'm complaining in the slightest but I was a teenager when we first started sleeping together and over fifteen years later, I'm not such a teenager anymore. She has been wanting to go for hours, sometimes all night so it's not uncommon for me to go down on her several times in a night before I'm even inside her, and even afterwards, she crawls right back on top of me and takes me into her mouth to get me going again. I love my wife and no one else could turn me on like she does but she has flat out worn me out lately.

So I try not to kick myself for not seeing this. That doesn't change the excitement or anxiety that I'm feeling right now, but I've always been so perceptive, especially when it comes to Katniss. Where the hell has my intuition gone?

"Should we call and tell people," I say softly into her stomach. "Or does everyone already know?" I wince, sensing my own cold tone and I look up into her eyes. They're soft and apologetic.

"The girls are the only ones who know." I try not to be visibly upset at this. At least she has friends she can trust and turn to. Though I wish she had just come to me. But Katniss is still a private person. If she's not ready to reveal something, I'd never push her for it. There are things I know about her life that she would hate for me to know. If she doesn't want to tell me, then I won't bring them up. The baby is different. I don't know if anyone actually ever thought Katniss would be ok with the idea of children, she's been against it for so long. Certainly those closest to her would have never imagined it. I feel like we should tell Haymitch first. He has been more than our friend and mentor over the years, he's been like a father to both of us.

"Let's go see if Haymitch is home," she says, clearly reading my mind. She holds out her hand and I pull myself to my feet, keeping my palm over her stomach.

"Drink your tea first, while it's warm," I say as I hand her the mug. She takes a sip and closes her eyes.

"This is good."

"Good. You need to start drinking it more. Remember what Dr. Mersa said about the extra nutrients. I'll find more tea recipes that you can enjoy." I watch her sip her tea and I study her over the rim of my mug.

"Can April hurry and be here already?" She raises her brow and smiles.

"Yes please. That means I can skip this whole pregnancy."

"No, nevermind, we can't have that," I correct myself as I set my mug down and my hands rest on her hips. She huffs.

"Tell you what. I'll carry the kid half the time, you carry it the rest, deal?" I chuckle as I pull her toward me, kissing her forehead.

"Believe me, I would if I could Katniss. But there's no one better than you. You'll keep her safe."

"Her? Not a son?"

"I could care less if it's a boy or girl, I just love it so much already." She smiles up at me and strokes my cheek with her finger.

Once we finish with our tea, I grab our coats and she slides her arm under mine as we cross the yard to Haymitch's house. Effie appears at the door clad in an apron and a red rag tied over her hair.

"Come in my dears," she says excitedly as she pushes the door open. "Haymitch is painting the bathroom. Have a seat and I'll let him know you're here." Katniss gives me a surprised look as we sit down in the living room. Over the years it's been harder and harder to recognize Haymitch as the surly Victor we met on the train so many years ago. He's so full of life, he laughs a lot, and I haven't seen him with a drink in his hand in over five years. I'm thankful he allowed Effie into his heart. Much like Katniss let me into hers.

Haymitch comes into the room, wiping his hands on his pants, which earns him a light slap from his wife. I chuckle as I stand up to shake his hand and he leans down to kiss Katniss on the top of her head.

"How you kids doing? Want something to drink?"

"Just water would be fine," Katniss says and Effie hurries off to fill some glasses for us. Haymitch sits in his chair and stares at us with narrowed eyes.

"What's going on?"

"Why would you think something's going on?"

"Come on sweetheart. I know you two better than you think. Something's up. Spill."

"Well we wanted to come straight over here and tell you…" she glances at me and reaches forward as I extend my hand to wrap around hers. Haymitch's eyes flick downwards then back up at us.

"Haymitch, you know you've always been like…like a father to us." He frowns but nods.

"And I can't even tell you how many times you have saved us…you've been there for us through everything-"

"For gods sakes sweetheart, stop scaring me and spit it out!"

"Haymitch," Effie scolds as she comes back into the room with our water. "Honestly. Don't be so rude."

"Sorry," he says gruffly. "Just…don't tell me one of you is dyin'. Or that you're breaking up."

"Really Haymitch? That's what you would think?" Katniss says coldly.

"Oh Katniss pay no attention to him. He's tired and grumpy. Please, continue with your news."

"You've both been like parents to us," I break in and feel her squeeze my hand. "And we know we would be lost without you. So we wanted you to be the first to know…you're going to be grandparents." It's weird to say it to our former escort and mentor but the fact that they have been there for us so long kind of does make it true. And we both know that they will be babysitting all the time.

Haymitch sits there stunned while Effie's hands fly to her mouth.

"You mean-?" she lets out a loud squeal that makes Haymitch wince. She jumps up from her chair and pulls Katniss into a tight hug. Katniss lets out a muffled protest but Effie ignores her, sobbing into my wife's hair. Haymitch leans over and claps my knee.

"I told you it would happen one day, kid," he says quietly. I can only nod. I glance at the women and bite my lip to hold in my laughter. Effie is rubbing her hand over Katniss's belly and Katniss looks ready to slap her.

"Better get your wife off my wife before mine kills yours." Haymitch jumps to his feet and drapes his arm around Effie's shoulders.

"Here Effie, come sit down and let the girl breathe."

"Oh I'm sorry Katniss I just…I'm so happy for you! For both of you! Peeta, you are going to be such a wonderful father! I'm just so excited for you both!"

'Thank you, Effie," I say genuinely.

"Oh look at me, my make up is running. I'm such a mess, I'll be right back." She clumsily pats my cheek before she scurries out of the room. Haymitch rolls his eyes.

"That woman…I swear. Good thing I love her." Katniss glares down at her belly.

"Does this mean everyone will start touching me? If that's the case, I'll need to carry my bow with me everywhere." I bite my lip to keep from laughing. While Johanna was pregnant with Aran, she kept her knife strapped to her hip. Not that she ever took it out but it made people rethink approaching her and touching her stomach. I have a feeling Katniss will be the same way. They're similar in a lot of ways. But I'm grateful that both girls cracked their icy shields around their hearts and allowed love to transform them. They've both changed so much, many people would say they are unrecognizable. But I know better. Johanna is one of my best friends and Katniss is the love of my life. I can still see those strong, hard women inside them. Haymitch gets up and hugs Katniss very tightly.

"Sweetheart I've never been prouder of you," he says quietly but still loud enough for me to hear. Katniss looks tense in his embrace but then relaxes into it.

"I have to do things in my own time, Haymitch. You know that." He nods.

"I do. But I'm happy that you've decided to do this together. You're both going to be terrific parents."

"Thanks Grandpa Haymitch." He wrinkles his nose and I have to laugh.

"How about Uncle? Uncle Haymitch sounds much better. And not as old."

"Aw, you don't think Effie would like to be Grandma? Or Meemaw Effie?" Haymitch raises a brow.

"I think she'll thrust one of her five-inch heels into your neck." Katniss and I burst out laughing as Effie returns, dabbing her damp cheeks.

"So sorry, children. Now what's so funny in here?"

"Nothing my princess. The kids were just telling me what a great aunt and uncle we are going to be." Effie smiles and strokes his cheek and Katniss looks like she is about to be sick. I chuckle to myself as I wrap my arm around her waist.

"We should probably get going. We'll see you two soon."

"Katniss, dear, please let me know if there is anything you need! I know some wonderful baby stores very close to the Academy and I know that Johanna and Annie already have children and they could probably help you so much more, but…oh please let me help if you ever need it. I'm so happy for you my darling!" She throws her arms around Katniss again and my wife shoots me an unhappy look. She has never been good with affection and lots of attention. In fact the only time I have ever seen her ok with it is when I kiss her in front of the Merchant girls lining up around the Bakery. No matter how many times I have told Katniss there is nothing to be jealous of, that she is the ONLY one I have ever thought about, I can still see she still lets it get to her and I'm only too happy to show her she has nothing to worry about.

"Of course Effie," she mutters. Effie kisses us both on the cheek and I hurry her out of the house before she can hug Katniss one more time.

We head over to Annie's next and I'm surprised when I see Finn sitting on the front porch.

"Finn, it's freezing out here," Katniss says softly. "What are you doing?"

"Mom is driving me nuts," he mumbles. "Had to get out of the house." Katniss purses her lips and sits next to him.

"What's going on?"

"I dunno, she just wants me to her baby boy all the time and I keep trying to tell her, I'm not a baby anymore!"

"You're still her baby," she says gently. "You always will be. You can't blame her for that."

"I don't. But she is so damn overprotective. She keeps treating me like I'm going off to the Hunger Games next week or something." Katniss sucks in a breath and I bite my lip.

"Finn, your mother loves you and just wants to protect you. She's been through a lot."

"I know that, Aunt Katniss. I know what she and you and Uncle Peeta and Aunt Jo and everyone has been through! It's been hammered in my head since I was a baby! It's just…she keeps acting like the Games are coming back. And I know they're not. You guys are all in our books at school, and I'm either treated like a celebrity or a leper. I'm tired of it. Then I come home and Mom isn't much better." He grips his curls and lowers his head. Katniss looks up at me, and sighing, I sit on his other side.

"Hey bud, I know how rough it is. You don't think your aunt and I got sick of all the star-crossed lovers stuff? But we've learned to accept who we are and we just have to make the best of it. You're the son of two famous Victors, one of whom gave his life protecting your future. I know the other kids can't really understand what that's like but you have to remember how loved you are and how great your life is. You're right, Finn. The Reaping isn't coming back. The Arenas have all been demolished and Panem is better than I have ever seen it. But that doesn't mean we forget history and how we came to be here. Instead of resenting it, embrace who you are. Embrace your past and your family. What we did, what we fought for, so that you don't have to face the fear of a Reaping. I remember when I was your age…god, the terror I felt. Every year, I watched two of my neighbors die horrible deaths, all for the amusement of the Capitol. When I was fifteen, the first girl I kissed, Alodia Erwin was Reaped and she was one of the first ones killed in the bloodbath. I hid behind the slag heap and cried so the guys wouldn't see me." Finn and Katniss are both staring at me with wide eyes.

"Aunt Katniss wasn't the first girl you kissed?" He sounds horror-struck. I shift uncomfortably.

"Aunt Katniss and I didn't even really speak to each other until we were Reaped together."

"But…you fell in love with her when you were five! That's what the books say!" Well damn. Looks like I need to take a look at these books, since they are just full of my personal life.

"That's true," I admit. "But, um…she didn't really notice me as much as I noticed her." I chance a wary glance up at my wife and see her brow furrowed. Finn turns to his aunt and cocks his head.

"When did you start noticing Uncle Peeta then?"

"I noticed him more than he thinks," she says quietly. "But I was sort of a loner and wasn't too great at making friends. Your uncle was very popular and I preferred to be on my own."

"With Gale Hawthorne," Finn says and Katniss's eyes widen. "I mean, that's right isn't it?"

"Y-yes. He was my…hunting partner. And my only friend." He turns back to me, his brow raised. I can't shake how much he looks like Finnick right now.

"Didn't you want to beat the guy up?"

"It's a lot more complicated than that, Finn. Honestly, I don't think the books could have gotten it right because there's so much to our story that people don't realize. I was jealous of Gale, yes, but didn't think I would ever get up the courage to talk to Katniss."

"You threw her burned bread though. You saved her life." I swallow and my eyes meet Katniss's. We definitely need to check out one of these books. Her eyes are full of tears as she nods her head.

"That's very true. He did save my life. And that's why I was terrified to go into the Arena with him. Because I needed to repay him and I knew I'd never be able to kill him." Finn sighs and stretches his legs out.

"I wish you guys had told me your stories from the Games. I don't like reading about my family in some history book."

"It's still hard to talk about, Finn," I say gently. "It's why your mom doesn't talk about her Games, or why Haymitch doesn't talk about his. The past still haunts us. But you know if you have questions, you can ask us."

"I have lots of questions. But I don't think you'd want to answer them." Katniss pushes a curl out of his eyes and smiles.

"No harm in asking." He glances up at her then at me.

"Ok. I was reading this chapter about how you lost your leg. And it said Aunt Katniss risked her life to get some medicine for you but that you lost it anyway."

"When your aunt found me, I was pretty close to death. I'd turned on the Careers, and I fought with them to give her time to get away. I got stabbed in the leg in the process and they left me to die."

"You teamed up with the Careers right? To protect her?" I nod as I look over his shoulder at her. My throat tightens as I imagine us having this conversation again in twelve or thirteen years. When our own child asks about what he or she is reading. Katniss pulls her knees to her chest.

"I had no idea what he was doing and thought he was actually on their side."

"As if I could ever entertain the possibility of harming her," I mutter and Finn smiles at me.

"So you tried to kill him, Aunt Katniss." She looks anxious and shakes her head.

"I don't…I…I really hate these books, you know." Finn and I chuckle and I shake my head.

"She thought I'd betrayed her. So naturally, she grouped me with her enemies. And she was trying to get rid of her enemies. I managed to escape the tracker-jacker nest that was meant to kill us and we got away. But I came back to find Katniss could barely move. So I lead the Careers away from her and fought them. Their leader, Cato, stabbed me in the thigh and left me to die. Katniss found me hidden among the rocks. She dragged me to a cave nearby and nursed me back to health."

"I wouldn't say nursed back to health," she says quietly. "I knew without medicine, I would lose him. When they announced there would be a feast with things that we needed, he forbade me from going-"

"Which she ignored," I cut her off, shooting her an irritated look. "She never listens to me."

"Saved your life, didn't it," she says with a shrug. I start to say something sharp but I hold my tongue. This was so many years ago, what's the point in arguing it now?

"So she knocked me out with sleep syrup and went to the feast. When I woke up, I was better and she…" I trail off, remembering the amount of blood that had seeped from her head wound. I feel her small hand in mine and I squeeze.

"We got better with the medicine," she continues. "And we helped each other survive." I nod.

"Toward the end of the Games, the Gamemakers sent these terrible wolf-like mutts after us. We made it to the Cornucopia, and we had to fight with the mutts and with Cato. One of the mutts got my leg and I almost bled to death. Katniss managed to make a tourniquet out of her arrow and saved my life. When it came down to the two of us, after Cato was dead, I yanked the tourniquet off and pleaded for her to just kill me."

"The berries," he says quietly. I nod again.

"She brought the nightlock out of her pocket and handed some to me. We were about to swallow them when they announced us both the winners. When we were taken aboard the hovercraft, I was taken away for surgery. When I woke up, my leg was gone. I guess the Capitol's medicine wasn't even powerful enough." I lift my pants leg a little and show off my prosthesis. He follows suit and lifts his as well, grinning down at the bit of metal and plastic that is showing.

"My story's a lot lamer than yours," he huffs.

"You battled a vicious sea monster," I say with a wink and he chuckles, shaking his head.

"So is that all your questions," Katniss says, nudging him in the side.

"I guess. I may have more after I finish my reading."

"You know where we live and you are always welcome." Finn stands and brushes his hands on his pants.

"Thanks Uncle Peeta. I'm glad you and Aunt Niss have each other."

"Aunt Niss," Katniss says as she rises to her feet. "Haven't heard that one in awhile." Finn shrugs and grins.

"I'm sorry if I was being an ass. I guess it just gets to me…all of the stuff about my family, the crap I get about my leg, and it all just…makes me into something I'm really not."

"Hey, why don't you and I go to the Bakery and get something to eat while your mom and aunt talk? You can ask me any questions you may have."

"That sounds great, Uncle Peeta." I clap him on the shoulder as I lead him inside to where Annie is sitting at the table, her face in her shaking hands.