Life After Mockingjay

Chapter Seven; Just The Beginning

"No. No, no, no!" I scream as I thrash around the bed. I shoot up, my heart pounding out of my chest, as piercing screams escape my mouth.

Peeta wakes up just seconds later, and holds me close, assuring me it will be okay.

My body shakes rapidly as I cover my face with my hands, trying to block out the nightmares. I look Peeta in the eyes, attempting to make myself realize that he is okay.

Peeta holds me tightly and I sob into his chest . Ever since I found out I was pregnant, my dreams have become more vivid and disturbing.

I continue to tremble, and listen to Peeta's heartbeat. The images keep flashing in my head, over and over again.

After about an hour, I begin to calm down. Peeta asks me if I want to talk about it.

"Yes," I say in a shaky voice. Talking about my dreams always makes me feel better. It makes me feel as if they're coming out of me, and will never return. At least I hope.

I sit up and my eyes fix on Peeta. "It was you. President Snow. H-he.." I grit my teeth to keep myself from bawling again. Once I calm myself, I continue. "You had a flashback, or you were never cured, and.. And you killed.."

I try to finish, but I can't get the words out. Peeta doesn't usher me to continue, though.

I feel absolutely terrible telling Peeta about the things I dream. I hope to god he doesn't think I feel that was about him. The dreams I have scar me mentally and physically.

I just lay in Peeta's embrace. I attempt to fall asleep, but I can't. Every time I close my eyes, I am woken again by nightmares. They never stop. I decide to just stay up. I dig my face into Peeta's shoulder and try to think happy thoughts.

But sure enough, just about an hour later, I feel a burning sensation in my throat. I run towards the toilet and throw up everything I'd eaten the night before.

Only two months into my pregnancy, and I already have terrible morning sickness everyday.

Peeta meets me in the bathroom just a minute later to hold my hair back and comfort me. He makes small, circular motions on my back as I finish. I feel terrible waking Peeta. He's already been up for hours with my nightmares. I tell him he doesn't have to be there every morning, but he insists.

"I should wash up," I say, beginning to take my clothes off.

"You're getting bigger," Peeta says as he places his hand on my stomach. "I can't believe this is real."

I give Peeta a small smile. I'm happy, but I don't know how I feel. This is all happening so soon. We've only been married for nearly three months, and I'm two months pregnant.

I know I'm going to love this child with all of my heart, but fear still consumes me. I just wish it would've happened later.

Peeta gives me a small peck on my forehead, and I get into the bath.

"Do you want to join me?" I ask Peeta sweetly.

"Sure," he says with a smile.

Peeta lowers himself behind me, and wraps his strong arms around my frail body, which is still scarred from every tragic event in my life. I rest on his chest, and he rubs my abdomen slowly.

"So," I whisper, trying to lighten the mood. "Since Johanna invited all of us for dinner, I thought we could announce my pregnancy then.. Considering I haven't even told my mother."

"Yeah, that's fine." Peeta replies as he gives me light kisses on my neck.

A few tears escape from my eyes, and regret it immediately, because Peeta will know somethings wrong.