Chapter 11: Two Worlds, One Family

As usual, I rise with the dawn. Turning over in the large bed, I am amused to find my husband of five years (not counting the two years of our previous marriage) still snoring away. He is usually much better about waking up on time. I kiss him awake sweetly.

"Good morning," I purr. "You've got a bakery to run... Up and at 'em!"

Peeta raises himself up to capture my lips with his. "Have I ever told you how much I love you?"

"Dozens of times," I rise languidly from the mattress. "I'll go make sure Jennifer is up. She wanted to come into work with you today."

I help wake, wash and dress Peeta's and my five-year-old daughter. Because she is going to the bakery with her Daddy, she is much more agreeable when accomplishing these tasks than she normally is. I quickly spray off after her and dress in my standard hunting gear before meeting Peeta at the bottom of the stairs. We eat a quick breakfast prepared by Hazelle; she had already cooked some to see Gale off to the mines long before first light.

"Ready?" I ask.

My husband and daughter nod. "Ready!"

Each taking a hand, Peeta and I guide Jennifer out the door.

"Have fun!" Prim waves us off from the kitchen window.

One might think that two families related by marriage all living together under one roof would be annoying and stressful. Sometimes it is, but I could never say it is boring. Besides, Jennifer gets to be closer to her cousins, and Uncle Gale and Aunt Prim. Grandma Hazelle, too.

As for the rest of the District, the first year or so after Peeta and I remarried was hard. We were shunned a lot, but I went along normally, proudly, not ashamed. I would still only ever remain kind even to those who questioned or disapproved of my marriage. Eventually, this attitude won the people of the Merchant sector over. I was gradually accepted by them, and of course, all the Merchants fell in love with little Jennifer. Once that happened, it became almost smooth sailing.

Looking over at my husband with a smile, we kiss over the top of Jennifer's head, even as she complains about how yucky we are, kissing in public. I giggle against my husband's lips and give my daughter's hand a loving squeeze. To think I had to lose nearly everything in order to gain back the happiness worthy of a lifetime! It's been a hard journey, to be sure, but as long as it always ended with me married to the man I love, the father of our child, the best uncle to our nieces and nephew, I would go through all the heartache all over again. No regrets. Ever.