Life After Mockingjay

Chapter Forty Four; He Was Fine

"We're here!" Willow squeals, jumping in bed with Peeta and I and crawling on top of us. "We're in District 4, Mom!"

"Mhm?" I groan, rolling over and almost pushing Peeta out of bed. He sits up, pushing me back to my side and letting out a small laugh. "Sorry, Peeta," I whisper, shaking my head.

"Where's your brother, Willow?" Peeta asks, engulfing her in a hug and tickling her all over.

"I'm right here, Daddy!" Rye says, jumping into bed with the three of us. I grab him, pulling into my embrace and kissing his cheeks and forehead. "Ew, gross, mommy!" He says, sticking his tongue out at me.

"Hey, there, mister," Peeta says, ruffling his blonde, muffled curls. I snicker, pulling myself out of bed.

I look out of the window, to see that were already in District 4. I have a slight view of the ocean behind some buildings, and I smile to myself, remembering Peeta and I's honeymoon. The two of us conceived Willow here.

The children all run off of the train, looking around in awe. Peeta and I hurriedly throw some clothes on and grab our luggage. We all pack into a large car that leads us to our beach house.

"Oh my gosh, Mom, look!" Willow whispers, taking in the view of the ocean. We all run towards the beach, and Peeta grabs me, spinning me around and kissing my lips softly.

"You know, even after nine years of marriage, I still savor every kiss we share." He whispers, the ocean waves crashing behind us.

"Come on," I whisper, pulling him towards the ocean. The water hits my legs, and I smile. I walk out farther into it, so the water hits the tops of my legs. The fresh air smells of salt and sunshine. I watch as the kids all jump into the water, splashing and playing with each other. I turn to find Peeta, but I can't seem to find him anywhere.

I look over into the sand, where I each as he collapses, his feet falling out from under him. "Peeta!" I scream, running as fast as my legs can carry me and falling next to him. I can already feel the tears streaming down my face as I attempt to wake him.

"Call a hospital!" I scream as Haymitch, Effie, Johanna, Alder, Annie, Pollux, and Cressida run towards us. "Please, Peeta," I whisper, stroking his hand and trying my best to lift him. Haymitch comes to my side, and I turn to him, embracing him in a hug. "We won't wake up!" I sob, digging my face into his shoulder. "I can't lose him, Haymitch. I can't lose him!"

"It's okay, Katniss, it's okay." Haymitch says, rubbing my back. "We have an ambulance on the way. We will help him."

I stare down at Peeta's lifeless body, checking his pulse. His heart is still beating. I watch as Johanna basically drags Willow and Rye into the beach house. They're sobbing and kicking as they try to get to me. "Willow, Rye, it's okay!" I say, trying to wake Peeta. I lift his head, kissing his lips softly. "Please don't leave me, Peeta. I can't live without you." I turn to Haymitch, shaking my head. "He was having trouble with his leg last night. I thought it was nothing." I take a deep breath. "He was just fine. We just kissed, and we were laughing together. He was fine," I whisper, burying my hands into Peeta's shoulder.

"The ambulance is here, Katniss." Haymitch says, helping me to my feet. I watch as many men pull Peeta up onto a small table and take him into the ambulance.

"Who will be riding with us?" A man asks Haymitch and I.

"The both of us," I say, looking towards Haymitch. "I'm his wife, and this is his father."

Haymitch pats my back, and we go onto the ambulance with Peeta. The ride to the hospital is the longest ride of my life.