Life After Mockingjay

Chapter Forty Seven; Dear Prim

It's been two long weeks since I last saw Peeta's ocean blue orbs staring into my own. Two weeks since I felt his warm touch on my body. Two weeks since he has said one word to me.

The doctors have told me that he is the same. If he wakes, he wakes, but they are not certain that he will survive.

It'd be too risky to transport him to a district 12 hospital, so while everyone enjoyed their vacation and went back home, Haymitch, Effie, Willow, Rye and I are staying in a local hotel that is just a few blocks from the hospital.

I spend most of my time staying in the hospital, just praying at this point. I'm cried out. I'm trying to learn to accept losing someone so close to me.

I can't leave like I did when Prim died. I can't be like my mother. I have to take care of Willow and Rye, and I especially have to take care of the baby that's growing inside of me.

Last week, Haymitch and Effie insisted that I get a check up to make sure the baby is growing and developing well. I found out that I was already ten weeks pregnant, which came as a complete shock. I was informed that I could've still had my period due to leftover blood in my uterus, but I truly just don't remember my last period. I may not have had it then either. The baby, however, is thriving. It's little heartbeat is at a perfect rate, and I am growing right on time.

When the baby is born, Peeta and I are going to have to convert his art studio into another bedroom. Or maybe, the baby can have my bedroom if Peeta doesn't come back, and I'll stay on the couch.

"Hey, Peeta," I whisper as I place a small kiss on his cheek. He has been tube fed for the past two weeks and he is hooked up to oxygen machines that are helping him breathe.

I sit down looking over to Peeta. I can't help but think about Prim. If Peeta doesn't make it, he'll meet my dad early. He'll get to see Prim, Finnick, Cinna, Bogs... I know he must be in pain. Maybe I need to let go. The last thing I want him to be is in pain, but at the same time, I need him. I can't let him go. I love him more than anything in the world, and I'm not sure what I'd do if Peeta died.

"Hi, Prim," I whisper daintily, believing maybe she's here, watching over me and waiting for Peeta to wake up right along side me. "I miss you." I pause for a movement, choking back tears. "I've been meaning to visit your gravesite, but I've been in district 4 with Peeta... My daughter saw a picture of you, and she said you were beautiful. Her name is Willow. She looks a lot like you." I look over to Peeta, completely losing it and letting the tears flow. "Willow is eight years old. My son, Rye is five. Rye has blonde curls, and the color of his hair looks just like yours did." I whisper. "Prim, I know we haven't spoken in a while, but I really need you to help me if Peeta doesn't make it. Make sure you tell him stories about our childhood. Make sure he looks over our family. I want him to be with me the day I give birth to our baby. I want you to be with him too." I pause, burying my head into my hands. "If Peeta doesn't survive, I need you to take care of him. He's going to feel guilty for leaving, but you need to assure him that were okay. He needs to know that I love him. God, I don't know what I'm going to do if he doesn't make it. I don't know how I'd tell the kids. Rye won't even understand." I pause for a moment. "I love Peeta so much."

"I love you too," I hear a faint voice whisper from in front of me. I look around, deciding that I just imagined it, until I see that Peeta's eyes are open, and he has a faint smile on his face.

"Peeta," I choke, running over to his side. I feel the tears streaming down my face, but this time, they are tears of relief, not sadness. "Is this real?" I whisper, laying my head on his chest. He brings his hand to my hair, stroking it lightly.

"Real," he whispers, leaning down and kissing my forehead. I smile widely, chuckling softly.

"I missed your voice so much." I whisper, kissing his lips passionately and never wanting to let go. "I thought I'd lost you."

"You'd never lose me," he whispers, kissing my cheek. "I'm never leaving you. I promise."

"Peeta, I have to tell you something,"

"Wait," he says, sitting up slightly. "I'm sorry for interrupting, but how long have I been out?"

"Two long, horrible weeks," I whisper, looking down.

"Are Willow and Rye okay?" He asks worriedly.

"They're okay," I whisper, kissing his forehead. "They're upset, but they'll be thrilled to hear that you're awake. God, I don't know what I'd done if I lost you..." I whisper, my voice trailing off.

"Don't talk like that," he whispers, running his hand through my hair. "I love you. You will never lose me, no matter what."

"Thank you, Peeta. Thank you for fighting."

"Of course I would. I love you." He says, a small smile spreading across his face. "Now what did you want to tell me?"

"Oh, I almost forgot," I say, shaking my head. "You're going to be a dad again." I whisper, smiling.

"I don't understand, Katniss," he says, his face lighting up. "You-" he whispers, shaking his head and engulfing me in a hug. "You're pregnant?"

"Yes, I'm pregnant." I say. He has a smile spread across his face, the same he wore on our wedding day and the day Willow and Rye were born.

"This is the best news that you could've given me after waking up from a coma." He says, chuckling. He pulls away, and I pull up my oversized tee shirt. He places his hand on my abdomen. "How far along are you?"

"Eleven weeks today," I say, smiling. "I was shocked to hear I was so far along."

"You know, you did look different the last time I saw you. You were... Glowing."

"Thank you," I whisper, bringing his hand to my lips and kissing it softly. "Three kids. Can you imagine?"

"Yes," he says, grinning. "I can picture Willow, Rye, and I running in the meadow while you hold a little baby girl under the willow tree."

"How do you know it's a girl?" I ask, laughing. "Maybe I want another little boy."

"I guess we'll just have to wait and see." He says, poking me playfully. I smile, pressing lips against his.

"Thank god you're awake. I love you more than anything in this whole world."