When The Canary Sings

Epilogue.

Third Person Point of View: 

* 

It was late at night when Haymitch awoke to a distant screaming, A terrifying, bone-chilling scream. He jolts awake and off his bed, slashing his knife around in the air.

Right... no games. The rebellion has been over for close to 13 years. They're safe. They're safe. Twelve has a healthy population, and no longer do they mine, but make medicines. There are no more cruel peacekeepers whipping innocents. Snow isn't a threat looming over everyone's heads. Death does not come by assassination or poison anymore. So who is screaming like that?

As another scream and a cry tears through the silent winter night, he knows exactly who it is.

Haymitch bolts out of his house, not bothering to tell Effie who is groggily mumbling something as the moon highlights her tanned and freckled skin. However, seeing Haymitch in such a state of panic makes her alert, and she quickly follows him out of their home.

Haymitch runs across the street, practically kicking down the door to Becca's home. All he finds is Peeta pacing nervously in the foyer.

Wasting no time at all, he pushes past him and runs upstairs while Effie talks to a panicked Peeta before quickly running after Haymitch. They follow the screaming to the master bedroom, where the door is left open. Inside is Will, Annie, Katniss and the town doctor huddled around a screaming Becca.

Inside, the room is filled with chaos. Becca's face is twisted in agony, her body drenched in sweat. Will is by her side, his own face pale and terrified, holding her hand like it's the only thing keeping him grounded. Annie is whispering soothing words, though her own hands are trembling. Katniss stands at the foot of the bed, her eyes wide and helpless, while the doctor is frantically moving around, trying to keep Becca calm.

Haymitch has seen pain before, hell, he's loved it. But this is different. It's real. It's raw. And it's happening to his kid.

"What's going on?" Effie asks, her voice tight with worry.

"She's in labor, but something's wrong," he says, panicking, his face white with terror. "She's—she's in so much pain. It's too soon, and she's—"

The doctor cuts in, "the baby is just a week early, son, it's not premature. I promise." He nods, but Becca is still screaming and crying in pain. Haymitch steps to her side, placing a hand on her sweaty forehead, pushing her hair back.

"You got this, kiddo, breathe."

Another scream.

"You're so strong." Will mumbles, "c'mon, Cherry, love you so much, you can do it."

"Push!" Yells the doctor. Becca flings her head back in agony and lets out a bloody murder scream that tears Haymitch's heart apart like a knife.

"You're gonna be okay."

"Push!"

The words of reassurance, the pushing and the screaming goes around in what seems like a never ending circle until Becca tosses her head back in agony and lets out a glass-shattering scream. Then, her eyes roll back in her head, and she slumps down.

Silence.

No.

Silence.

No. No. N–

A cry. It pierces the silence like a dagger cutting through fabric, breaking the unbearable tension that had wrapped around everyone's hearts. Everyone is silent, no one moves, eyes still on Becca's unmoving form.

"It's a girl." the doctor says.

Will's grip on Becca's hand loosens, but he doesn't let go. Tears flood his eyes and cascade down his face. "You did it, baby. You did it."

But Becca doesn't stir. Panic tightens in Haymitch's chest as he watches Will's face crumble, the joy of their daughter's first cry mingling with the terror that Becca might not wake up.

"Becca, please," Will chokes out, brushing his fingers across her cheek. "Come on, baby, open your eyes. Please."

Finally, her eyelids flutter and she lets out a weak, shaky breath as she squeezes Will's hand in return. "Is...is she okay?" She whispers, her voice barely audible.

"She's perfect." The doctor says, placing the newborn girl in Becca's arms. The baby waves her little fists in the air as she lets out a tiny cry.

"Hi, baby," Becca coos softly.

"You're both so perfect." Will says, his voice breaking. He leans down and kisses Becca's forehead and then his newborn daughter's.

Becca lets out a deep breath, and looks down at her little girl. "I've been waiting for you." She smiles, "yes I have, and look at the big family you have. That's daddy." She smiles, pointing to Will. "That's Auntie Annie, and Uncle Peeta and Auntie Katniss." She says so softly, a stark contrast to her screaming just ten minutes ago.

"And them?" She smirks, looking over to Effie and Haymitch. "That's Mawmaw and Pawpaw." She smirks, and both Haymitch and Effie melt. "Uncle Finnick, Auntie Jo, and your cousin Caspian you can meet later."

Becca lays a kiss on the baby's head. Wide blue eyes and peach fuzz hair. The baby coos in response, like she is singing. Born with her mother's voice. She hands the girl to Will, who immediately breaks down in sobs. Holding and rocking the little baby in his arms util he places her back in her mother's arms.

"Do you have a name?" The doctor asks.

Becca takes a deep breath in.

"Hope Cherry Jones." A covey name, suitable for the songbird's daughter

Hope.

THE END.