After the rebellion

Back in his arms

*Katniss Everdeen*

I arise from my sleep and see that we will arrive home in 20 minutes. I start to pack my bag and get changed from my pajamas.  

I put on some black flare leggings, and one of Peeta's light gray hoodies. I braid my hair down its back. 

I make sure my suitcase is packed up and ready to go. Haymitch is eating breakfast and I decide to join him. 

"Morning Haymitch." "Good morning". He replies.

I grab a plate of fruit and some bacon and eggs. I eat, and before I know it we are stopping at District 12. 

I start to look out the window so that I can see him when we stop. I know he will be there. 

When we stop I see him from afar. His perfect blonde waves fall from his scalp and I stare into his mesmerizing eyes. 

As soon as the train doors open I run to him. Once he see's me he starts running as well. Tears of joy run down my face. 

When I reach him it's like the whole world just goes in slow motion. 

His arms wrap around my waist and I take in all of his scent as I wrap my arms around his neck. Oh how I missed him. 

I bring my lips to his ear and whisper "I missed you" He cups my face with his palms, and wipes my tears. 

"I missed you even more darling." He whispers in reply as he is inches towards my face. He presses his lips to mine and kisses me slowly.

This is what I live for. Those lips, and THIS person. 

"That was one of the worst months of my entire existence" I chuckle. "I'm very sorry Kat, now why don't we go give little Willow a visit." 

"Oh I miss my little bird" He leaves my side for a second and I almost get angry until I see him walk towards Haymitch. 

"Thank you for taking care of her." I overheard "Anytime boy, i'm gonna head home i'll see you two lovebirds later." 

He walks back to me and I intertwine our fingers. Peeta grabs my suitcase and we start to walk towards the car. 

He opens my car door and I take a deep breath when I sit down in the passenger seat. I cannot wait till i'm home. 

Then I realize it's not that I want to be home, I want to be around the people that MAKE my life home. That is the most important thing about it. 

There is a silence in the car, but a comfortable one that soothes me. 

We get to our home in victors village and I practically run to Haymitch's house to see my Willow.

There she was, my little girl, looking so much bigger than when I left. It had only been a month, but a month was an eternity when your child was growing up.

 I could see the new softness in her face, the way her hair was just a bit longer, the way she had filled out, and it made my chest ache.

And then I heard it.

"Momma!"

The word was loud and clear, and it shattered something inside me. It was the first time she had said it. The first time. 

My legs were moving before I even realized it, pushing me forward, pulling me toward her. I could feel the tears burning in my eyes, the lump in my throat growing thick as I reached them.

Peeta's eyes softened as he met mine, his smile so wide it nearly cracked his face in two. "She's been waiting for you," he said softly, his voice thick with emotion.