Life After Mockingjay

Chapter Forty Five; Late

I sit against Peeta's hospital bed, praying for his life. I have a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach eating me alive. The doctors operated on Peeta as soon as we arrived at the hospital. I was informed that he had a cancerous tumor growing in the leg that had been amputated, resulting in a stroke. Though they tried their hardest, Peeta was left in a coma. It's a waiting game at this point, but I can't wait much longer.

I haven't stopped crying since Peeta collapsed. I stayed overnight had haven't eaten or slept in at least a day. I miss Willow and Rye terribly, but I just can't leave his side. If he's going to wake up, I need to be right here next to him.

I've been so stupid. I've been so preoccupied with Willow and Rye that I didn't realize something was seriously wrong. I'm his wife, I should've been there for him.

What are my children going to do if their father doesn't make it? How would I tell them that they're never going to see their dad again? How will they cope? I'm not sure I'll be able to survive without Peeta by my side. Who will protect me from the nightmares that haunt me constantly?

"You should to back to the house and get some rest," I hear a voice say from behind me. I turn to see Haymitch, looking worn out himself. "Willow and Rye want to see you. You should get a shower and go spend time with them. I'll stay here with Peeta."

"What if I lose him, Haymitch?" I choke, grasping his cold hand. "What if he never wakes up? What will I tell Willow and Rye? I can't survive without Peeta."

"Katniss," Haymitch says, patting my back. "Peeta has survived two hunger games, a hijacking, and a rebellion. He is a fighter. You are not going to lose him."

"I can't, Haymitch." I whisper, embracing him in a hug. "I just can't lose him."

"Come on," he whispers, pulling me to my feet and brushing my knotted hair out of my face. "Effie is in the car outside, and she's going to take you back to the house. You will shower, get some rest, and comfort your children. I will call you if Peeta wakes up. I brought an over night bag, so I will stay with Peeta tonight."

"I can't leave him, Haymitch-"

"Katniss," Haymitch whispers, shushing me. "You could get sick, yourself if you don't eat something. Peeta is in good hands. You did call me his father, you know." He whispers, kissing my forehead.

"You are his father, Haymitch." I whisper. "You're the best one he's ever had."

"Thank you, Katniss."

Haymitch hands me my bag, and I give Peeta one last kiss. I lean down to listen, and his heart is still beating. I bite my lip, walking out of the hospital room. I stop myself before shutting the door.

"Hey, Haymitch?" I ask.

"Yeah?"

"You're my father too. Thank you. I love you."

"I love you too, sweetheart." He whispers as I shut the door behind me, making me way to the car.

I open the door, to see Effie frazzled. She gives me a concerned look and I simply shake my head, letting her drive in silence. I don't want to talk to anybody, really. I just want Peeta to be okay. He has to be okay.

When I enter the house, Willow and Rye engulf me in a hug, and I stay there for at least twenty minutes. I look at their poor tear stained faces and wish I could make their pain go away, but I know exactly what they're going through.

Johanna promised that she'd try to keep their minds off of Peeta while I'm at the hospital with him, since she, Annie, Effie, and Haymitch are watching them. However, she didn't succeed very well.

"How is Dad?" Willow asks, looking at me with her big blue eyes. God, she looks so much like Peeta.

"He's the same," I whisper, standing up. "Willow, Rye, I'm going to get a shower and go back to the hospital. Is that okay?"

"Can we come?" Willow pleads.

"I don't think so, Willow. Try to have fun with the kids," I say as I point to the triplets with Alder. Alder sees my desperation and calls Willow and Rye over to play.

I walk into the kitchen to grab an apple to eat, just to keep me on my feet. Johanna, Effie, and Annie are sitting at the kitchen table, so I take a seat next to Johanna.

"Hey, love." Annie says as I sit down. Johanna offers me a smile.

"Katniss, I have to go to the store to get some menstrual products. Do you need anything at all? Some food? Something for Peeta?" Johanna asks, placing her hand on top of mine.

I'm then hit with what feels like five hundred bricks, falling on top of me and squishing me to death. In the midst of everything that was going on, I completely forgot about my period. It was due a week ago! The only thing I can seem to say is, "Oh my god... I-I'm late.

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A/N
There's nothing wrong w/ a double update ((: