The Hunger Games: A New Generation

Chapter 10: Unexpected Visitors

It had only been a couple of days since Katniss last saw Ember before she left for the Capitol. Katniss couldn't help but feel a sense of longing for Ember's company as she reminisced about their last encounter. The memory of their farewell hug still lingered in her mind, leaving her yearning for Ember's comforting presence. She couldn't help but wonder if she had failed to keep her children safe from the Hunger Games. As Katniss sat alone in her room, she couldn't shake off the nagging feeling of guilt that consumed her. She questioned every decision she had made, wondering if there was something more she could have done to protect her children from the brutal reality of the Hunger Games. The weight of responsibility weighed heavily on her heart, intensifying her longing for Ember's support and reassurance. Peeta hesitated as Katniss said nothing about the past few days. Peeta eventually broke the silence.

"Katniss, just talk to me... I'm here for you, and I'll always be here to listen." Katniss glanced at him sadly as he sat next to her on the bed and took her hand gently in his. She could see the genuine concern in his eyes, reminding her of the unwavering support he had shown her throughout their journey. With a deep breath, she finally opened up about her fears and doubts, grateful to have someone who understood the weight she carried on her shoulders.

"Peeta, what if Ember doesn't come back? If she's killed in that arena, she's not much younger than us when we were chosen," she whispered, her voice trembling. Peeta squeezed her hand tighter, his voice filled with empathy as he reassured her, "Katniss, we can't control what happens in the arena. But we can fight for her, just like we fought for each other. We'll do everything we can to keep her safe."

"I can't lose anyone else," Katniss added, her voice filled with anguish. "I've already lost so much. I don't know if I can bear losing another person I care about." Peeta's eyes softened as he looked at her, his voice filled with determination. "We'll do whatever it takes to protect those we love, Katniss. We won't let anyone else be taken from us." Peeta pulled her into a hug, trying to hide his tears as he whispered, "We'll fight together, just like we always have. We won't let the Capitol tear us apart." Katniss clung to him, finding solace in his words and the strength they both shared. As they pulled away, Peeta gave Katniss a head nudge and a small smile. "We've faced worse odds before, Katniss. And we've always come out stronger. Together, we can overcome anything."

Katniss went to speak when they heard a knock on the door. Startled, they exchanged a glance, their moment of solace abruptly interrupted. Peeta's grip tightened on Katniss's hand as they cautiously approached the door, bracing themselves for whatever awaited them on the other side. Peeta opened it as relief flooded their faces. Joanna managed to slip away while the kids were training. Effie joined her, her eyes filled with concern. "What's going on? Why did you two look so tense?" she asked, her voice laced with worry. Peeta and Katniss exchanged a knowing look before Peeta spoke up. "It's nothing to worry about, Effie. Just a momentary interruption. We were just reminding each other that no matter what challenges come our way, we'll face them together."

Katniss and Joanna greeted each other with a tight hug, relieved to see a familiar face. Joanna whispered, "We need to talk privately later. There's something important I need to tell you." Katniss nodded, understanding the urgency in Joanna's voice. They both knew that whatever it was, it must be significant for Joanna to bring it up now. "It's about Ember," she began as the girls pulled away. Katniss and Peeta looked at each other nervously. This was the first update they'd had on their daughter since the reaping. "Okay, don't freak out on us, but Ember found out who her birth father is, and you won't like who it is... Joanna hesitated, her eyes filled with concern. "It's President Blythe," she finally revealed, her voice barely above a whisper. The news hit Katniss and Peeta like a punch to the gut, leaving them speechless and overwhelmed with a mix of emotions.