Life After Mockingjay

Chapter Ten; Cravings

"Peetaa...!" I plead as I scrounge the cabinets for something good to eat. "I want cheese buns.. Oh, actually.. I want cheese buns covered in syrup."

Peeta stumbles down the stairs, groggy eyed as he runs his hands through his bed head. Barely awake, he kisses me softly on the head.

"What is it that you want, Katniss?" He asks sweetly.

"It's not me that wants it, it's your child that just happens to be growing inside of me.. Eating all of my food may I mention!"

Peeta give me a smile and rolls his eyes. I blush lightly. When he smiles, my whole world lights up.

"Okay.." He starts. "What does the baby want to eat?"

I let out a small giggle, before thinking of my long lists of crazy foods I want to eat.. Like celery dipped in chocolate.. Oh! And pickles dipped in ranch. That sounds so good. But what I really want right now, are cheese buns covered in a whole bottle of syrup.

"Cheese buns covered in syrup." I say, standing taller and placing my hand on my abdomen.

Peeta lets out a small chuckle. "Cheese buns with syrup?" He asks with a smile.

"Yes! What's funny about that?" I ask irritatingly. My hormones have been all over the place, causing me to snap easily.

"Nothing, nothing." He says, putting his arms around me. "I'll get right to it."

A few minutes later, a very, very pregnant Johanna, along with Annie and Finn come barging through the door.

"Why, hello?" I say.

Johanna sits immediately, being 8 months pregnant with triplets is not doing her very well.

"Ugh.." Johanna groans. "I was going to suggest going baby clothes shopping today, but I can barely walk."

Annie smiles at the sight of Johanna and I. "I can't believe you two are pregnant at the same time. That is a toxic mix, my friend."

Johanna looks at me with a smile. I never would have thought two years ago that Johanna and I would be sitting here together... Best friends. And pregnant at the same time.

"Well, Johanna.." Peeta says. "What do you want to eat?"

"I'm eating cheese buns covered in syrup." I say with a smile.

Johanna looks at Peeta and wrinkles her face. "I'll have the same thing, but make triple because I'm eating for four."

I snicker at Johanna. I don't know how her and Alder are going to handle three kids at once. She's having two boys and a girl. I promised I'd help her. We're going to have play dates all the time.

"I can't wait until our kids are friends, Katniss." Johanna says. "And my little girl. I already know she'll be a tom boy- just like me."

"And very, very crazy." Peeta says with a smirk.

"Alright, cut it out, bread boy." Johanna says.

Finn waddles over to me with his little toddler legs.

"Auntie Katniss!" Finn gurgles. I lift him up, and sit him on my lap. He is just like Finnick. His sparkling eyes, along with his smile makes my heart sink. I wish Finnick would have been here to experience his son's life.

My daze is broken by Peeta, who is placing a plate of cheese buns on the table; syrup oozing out.

"These look amazing." I say with a watery mouth.

"Unzip?" Peeta says sarcastically as he puts two plates of cheese buns in front of Johanna.

I stuff a cheese bun into my mouth, and so does Johanna.

After Johanna and I eat our cheese buns, we decide to go to the square with Annie.

Johanna, Annie and I walk hand and hand. Johanna, being slower, considering she's carrying around three babies.

The geese coming from Haymitch's house seem to be following us. They're definitely amusing Finn.

"Look at that store!" Annie says. "Come on, guys. Let's go in!"

Annie drags Johanna and I, along with her son, Finn into a small boutique that was recently opened.

I scan all of the clothing, and I pick out an outfit. I can't resist it. I figure maybe Peeta and I could go out on a date before the baby comes. It is a big, red sweater with a black skirt. It's definitely stretchy enough for my stomach, though I don't think it will fit me in a month or two.

"Ready to go?" I ask Johanna, who is admiring a wedding dress in the corner.

"Yeah.." She whispers. "Is it rude to wish Alder would ask me to marry him?"

I snicker a little, remembering the day Peeta asked me to marry him. I wanted him to ask so badly.

"No." I say. "He will. Just give him time."