I'm Ready To Fly

Chapter 1

Peeta's feet carry him across the bakery floor all morning, taking orders, whipping up baked goods and serving eager customers Mellark Baked Goods. I sit contently at a table by an open window, smelling in the scent of crisp snow and feeling the cool air blow on me in the warm, toasty bakery. My hands rub my bulging stomach, smiling eagerly. In just a few weeks, we'll have a baby.

Peeta begged me for months to start a family. I refused, not wanting to take care of a child. I couldn't take care of Prim, and she died. Peeta assured me nothing bad would happen now that the rebellion was over. Snow was dead, Paylor was the new president, and everything was back on track. I hesitantly agreed, but now I am more than ready for this baby. We've even got names picked out. For a boy; Theodore or Bear. For a girl;  Evangeline or Poet.

"Katniss, are you ready?" Peeta calls softly, swapping the open sign to closed.

"Yes, I just need to put my coat and scarf on." I answer, hooking the buttons through the holes.

He turns out the light and clasps my small, cool hand into his hot, calloused one. We walk slowly back to our home, gazing at the soft orange sunset that has filled the sky.

"Peeta, look, your favourite colour." I whisper, resting my head on his shoulder.

"Orange, soft like the sunset." He says as we turn into victors village.

"Not like Effie's hair." I add. He chuckles quietly.

We make our way into the house and a basket greets us in return. I look at him, but he only raises an eyebrow. Carefully, I pick it up as unwrap it. Inside lays hand knit baby hats, booties, and a sweater. A card is attached to a bundle of cloth diapers.

Don't forget to visit when the baby is here. Thinking of you.

Mom

My eyes well with tears as I hold the yellow sweater close to my chest.

"Katniss, are you okay?" Peeta asks.

I nod and carry the basket up to the nursery. Being in here makes me feel safe. The nursery is painted a pale yellow with a dark wood, handcrafted cot made by Peeta, standing in the corner of the room. More handcrafted items air in the room; a chest of drawers, a rocking chair, a changing table, a rocking horse, a mobile to hang above the crib. Peeta stayed up for countless hours making all of these items. I carefully set out the contents of the basket into the drawers and close it.

"Do you want me to get your dinner ready? You look pretty beat down." His voice questions, causing me to jump.

"Yeah, sure. This whole pregnancy thing is wearing me out." I tell him.

He smiles sympathetically and plants a kiss on my forehead.

"It's almost over. Then we'll have a baby to finish off our perfect little family." He says happily.

"Or two." I add with a smirk.

"Don't even go there Katniss," her laughs, "I don't think we'd be ready for two."

"Whatever happens will make me happy. Now, where's that dinner?" I smile mischievously.

"It's coming! You go and get ready for bed."

I exit the nursery and hop into the shower. The warm water relaxes my tense muscles. I towel dry my hair, braid it, and pull on my pyjamas. I climb into bed just as he comes up the stairs with a tray of berries, a croissant and hot chocolate.

"You spoil me." I smile.

"Anything for my princess."

I eat the meal slowly, taking turns with him as we pull off pieces of the croissant and dip them into the hot chocolate. When we're finished, he takes the tray downstairs and snuggles with me in the bed.

"Stay with me?" I ask.

"Always."