Maybe It Can Be Real

Chapter 47

Ending of last chapter:

I mumble back, "Don't lie to me. You know I'd be a mess."

He grins against my lips. "Yeah that's true. But hey, that means I get to kiss you everyday."

"Peeta!"

****
Peeta and I anxiously wait at the train station, my hands wringing around each other. Our wedding is tomorrow, so people are coming to the district today to be here for it. I'm nervous enough for the wedding as it is, let alone seeing people that I haven't seen in years. Including my mom.

I grab Peeta's arm tightly, digging my fingers into his skin. "It's here, Peeta," I point out the incoming train. "They're here after all these years, they're here, oh my God." I turn around quickly and face him, my eyes widening in panic. "What do I say when they get here? What do I say to my mom after her leaving?"

Peeta puts his hands on my shoulders, rubbing his thumbs to try and soothe me. "Everything is going to be okay," he consoles. "There's no need to be nervous; everybody who's coming loves you. If you stand there like you don't know them or yourself, then it's going to be awkward. But if you act like the woman I fell in love with, then everything will be fine. Okay?"

My head bobs up and down in a nod, and I swallow hard. But my uneasiness doesn't go away.

The train comes to a slow stop in front of us. Through the windows, I can see people standing up and grabbing their luggage from above them. I look for people that I recognize, but I don't see anyone. They must be on the other side of the train.

Finally a swarm of people stumbles out of the doors to the train. At first I don't see anyone I recognize. Peeta and I share a brief look before looking back to the people. A red glint of hair appears among the throng of people, catching my attention.

I elbow Peeta and jerk my chin in the direction of the red hair. "Is that Annie?"

He looks over, his eyes wandering for a moment, and says, "Yeah, that's her. There's a little boy with her - it must be her and Finnick's son."

My stomach twists at that - the mention of Finnick and children. But I ignore it for now and try to be happy that Annie is here to celebrate my wedding.

Annie's head swivels back and forth, looking for us I presume. Some people give her some odd looks, probably because she's a victor.

I wave my hand back and forth in the air. "Annie! Over here!"

Her head snaps in my direction, a radiant smile growing on her face when she sees us. She half-runs-half-walks over to us while holding her son's hand, whose name I have yet to find out. "Katniss! Peeta!", she yells excitedly - maybe a tad bit too excited, but I'm not going to say anything about it.

She drops her son's hand and engulfs me in a hug. I smile and laugh a bit; her happiness is contagious. "Hi, Annie. How are you?"

She pulls away and looks at me. "I'm amazing! How are you?"

Before I can respond she says, "You must be so excited! You're getting married tomorrow! Trust me, it'll be the best day of your life."

I open my mouth to reply, but she starts taking again before I can get anything out. "And you, Peeta!", she says as she wraps her thin arms around him. "It's so good to see you! How are you doing?"