*Editors note: this takes place before Willow is born, I just posted out of order, so this will take place about 1 month before the previous chapter*
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PEETA'S POV:
I finish packing my suitcase and check the time—12:03 PM. I have to leave soon if I don't want to miss my train. Taking a deep breath, I step out of our house in Victor's Village and head toward the train station.
As I walk, doubts creep into my mind. What if the treatment doesn't work? What if it makes my episodes worse? I remind myself why I'm doing this—for Katniss, for our family, so we can all be safe. That thought drowns out the fear, and I keep moving forward.
At the station, I hand over my ticket, and the attendant gives me directions to my train. My phone dings—it's Katniss.
Katniss: Did you make it to the train station yet?
Me: Yes. Just checked in. I'm heading to my train now.
Katniss: Okay, I'm still packing. Our train leaves in two hours.
Me: Be safe. I love you.
Katniss: I love you too.
Smiling, I tuck my phone away and continue toward my train.
Once I find my seat, the conductor's voice comes over the intercom:
"Please find your seats. We will be departing shortly."
I fiddle with my hands, nerves creeping in as I think about what awaits me in the Capitol. To distract myself, I pull out my phone and scroll through pictures of Katniss and Rye. Seeing their faces brings me some comfort.
Four Hours Later
The train slows as we approach the Capitol station. I grab my bag from under my seat and stand, joining the line of passengers waiting to disembark.
Stepping off the train, I take in the grand station—golden columns, intricate patterns, and spotless floors that shine under the lights. A red-carpeted staircase leads up to the main hall, its fabric pristine.
For a moment, I'm in awe. Then, suddenly, memories from the past rush in—flashes of the Games, the Capitol's cruelty, the nightmares. I shake them off and force myself to keep walking.
Outside, a sleek black shuttle waits for me. A well-dressed man steps forward.
"You must be Mr. Mellark," he says.
"Yes," I reply.
"My name is John, and I'll be driving you to the Capitol Hospital," he explains.
"Nice to meet you," I say with a polite smile.
John nods and reaches for my suitcase. "Let me take that for you."
"Thank you," I say as he opens the car door.
I slide into the backseat and buckle up while he loads my luggage. Once he gets into the driver's seat, we pull away, merging into the slow-moving Capitol traffic.
The ride is eerily quiet, my thoughts racing as I prepare for what's to come. Then, my phone rings. It's Katniss.
"Hey," I answer, relieved to hear her voice.
"Hey, Peeta. Did you make it to the Capitol?"
"Yeah, I'm on my way to the hospital now."
"That's good. We're about two hours away. We'll check into the hotel first and then see how things go from there."
"Be safe," I say, concern creeping into my voice.
She sighs. "Peeta, this is about you, not me."
"You know I'll never stop worrying about you," I say.
YOU ARE READING
After the war (A Mocking jay sequel)
FanfictionIt's been 3 years after the war, Peeta and Katniss are dating. Peeta wants kids but Katniss doesn't. Will Katniss cave and give Peeta his dream that he's wanted for years? Or is Peeta willing to give his dream up to stay with Katniss, the girl of h...
