It Started With a Cake

Ch35. An Unexpected Visitor

At my words the tall figure whips around to face us and suddenly I'm feeling self conscious of my wet, messy appearance at the eyes of my former escort.

"Katniss, Peeta" she gasps, as if unaware she would run into us, even though she is standing right outside our front door.

"How are you?" She asks, taking in both of us. I have a feeling she would of rushed over to hug us, had we not been so disheveled from our day at the lake.

Out of the corner of my eye I notice Peeta's smile, so out of politeness I try to copy it, conveying it over to Effie to show her i'm happy to see her.

"We're good" Peeta finally answers her on behalf of both of us.

I nod along as if to support the statement, Willow however Whines in my arms, perhaps giving away that she is there.

Effie's face softens, "and who is this cutie?" She gestures towards Willow with a smile.

Carefully I lift her up so Effie can see her face, much to her annoyance.

I smile, "This is Willow" I pause before deciding on the next bit, "your granddaughter"

I know I've made the right choice when Effie is near to tears, gushing about how adorable she is.

And honestly I can't find another word that fits her better. Much like Haymitch I see Effie as a parental figure, she's been there for us in her own special way, and I would definitely consider her family.

I don't know how to break the special moment between them, I love watching Effie bond with Willow, but I'm tired and I know she is too.

Of course it's Peeta who comes to the rescue again, "I'm sorry Effie, but it's past her nap time and she's really tired. Can we do this some other time?" He's rather blunt though not in a mean way.

Effie shoots the both of us a reassuring look, "oh of course, I'm sorry"

"It's okay" Peeta Reassures "did you want to come in, Willow will be down shortly but we can catch up if you'd like"

Effie shakes her head, "no that's okay, Haymitch and I were actually just wondering if you wanted to join us for dinner? Haymitch is hosting"

I cock my head slightly, join them for dinner; since when did Haymitch cook? There's a million questions on the tip of my tongue but I just smile.

"Sure" I answer for us. And with that she leaves us be.

As soon as we enter the house we head straight for Willow's nursery.

I strip her out of her clothes once again, but it's too hot for anything else and I don't want to dirty up another outfit just for her to sleep in, so after changing her diaper I leave it at that.

I allow myself to relax into the rocking chair as I feed her, easing the tension from my body slightly, and before long she's dead asleep.

Once she's unlatched from me I carefully stand up, rocking her slowly before laying her down gently in her crib.

Then after quickly setting up the baby monitor I quietly leave the room.

I find Peeta Back in our own bedroom, and it appears he's preparing to hop in the shower.

"Out like a light" I murmur to him as I enter.

He smiles over at me.

"You going to have a shower?" I question him when it appears he doesn't have anything to say.

He nods, "yeah, you're free to join" he grins.

I grin back mischievously, "I might just have to take you up on that offer Mellark"