Catching Fire: The New Story

Chapter 47

Katniss's POV

I stretch from my position on Peeta and yawn as my eyes try to adjust to the morning sun shining through the open window. It's been a month since the whipping. Gale's back has healed well and they threw him back into the mines the minute he could walk.

That was just a few days ago. All I remember was him gone from his home. Hazzelle told me he had to continue working. I ran to Peeta's house after I heard the news. I quickly told him, he was slow on catching my fast words. He held me as I cried.

I curled up on Peeta's lap for the rest of the day, he told me. He said I didn't speak. I only looked outside. It scared him. But he knew I was just paranoid of what could and has happened. I didn't push him about how wrong he was. I let it be. But I was indeed being paranoid. I just don't want Gale to get hurt again, that’s all. Now with the pregnancy, I worry ten times more.

I shivered as Peeta's arms wrapped around my waist. My stomach hadn't really changed. I don't think it has. If it had, then I certainly haven’t noticed. His lips tickled down my cheek onto my neck. I giggled.

"Peeta, stop!"

I wiggled around to get away from him but his muscled arms pushed me onto the bed and he tickled me until I was crying.

"Stop! Stop! Please!" I screamed. He stopped and bounced next to me. I sighed as his arms pulled me close to him.

"Are you okay?" he asks. I nod. I felt okay. Did I not?

"Why?" I ask.

"You just... don't look like your well." I give him a confused look.

"What?"

"Nothing..." I nod it off. Maybe I was a bit tired. I did have to hunt a bit more for Gale's family. But that's all. I got up to take a shower while Peeta went downstairs to make breakfast. I was extremely hungry but I wanted to feel comfortable first.

I stripped of my clothes until nothing was left to cover my skin. I looked in the mirror as it showed my reflection. I gasped as a bump was formed on my stomach. Was that there yesterday?

I rubbed it and it felt a bit hard. The baby was growing. I sighed and turned the clean, hot shower on. The warm water relaxed my stiff muscles as it poured onto my body. I washed quickly then hopped out. I pulled normal clothes: black, tight shirt and blue pants. The shirt fit bigger before. I was getting worried the baby bump would show soon.

When I walked downstairs, it was dead quiet. I looked around and saw soup in a bowl, stemming hot, just sitting there. I was tempted to go and eat, but I was wondering where Peeta was.

I searched the house but there was no sign of him. I sighed and walked to the kitchen. The one place I did not look.

I mentally hit myself, never putting the thought to mind that Peeta could be in the kitchen. It was vacant. I sighed. My eyes skimmed over the room and a flickering item caught my attention.

I quickly grabbed the golden paper and read:

Dear Katniss,

I went to grab bread and pick up a few things. Please, start breakfast without me. I don't mind. I hope I didn't give you a fright by leaving. I just didn't want to disturb you.

Love,
Peeta

I smiled at the neat hand writing. I slipped the note into my jean pocket and sat down. My stomach growled and demanded food as my mouth watered over the soup. I wanted Peeta to accompany me, but my hunger grew too strong to wait any longer.

I took one bit of the soup and it burst in my mouth. The sweet flavor I could not name made my mouth water yet again. I took another bit. And another. And another. Until my bowl was empty.

I stood up with the bowl in my hand and grabbed more. But not too much. I sipped it down and I drank water from a glass. The door slammed close and I raced to it.

"Hi Katniss," Peeta said kissing my forehead. I grabbed my game bag from his shoulder and hulled it to the kitchen counter. He had brought fruits I didn't care to eat now. Vegetables. Bread that I chipped a bit off with my fingers to nibble on. And meat. I smiled as Peeta pulled a knife and cut a slice of bread for me.

I nibble on it as we put away everything into cabinets and drawers. Peeta served himself soup and I got another serving.

"How many bowls have you eaten?" He asks smiling.

I smile. "Two."

He doesn't ask anymore. We eat quietly. But Peeta's eyes trail on me the whole time making me nervous. I finally get up to wash my bowl and cup when Peeta gets up and takes them away from my hands and washed them himself. I laugh and shake my head.

I sit on the couch, playing with a pen by throwing it in the air and catching it. The water runs as Peeta washes the dishes from breakfast.

I keep throwing the small pen, thinking in my mind of the future. What would my baby look like? Their name? What would they like? I turn back when I throw the pen and someone else has caught it. I smile as Peeta spins the writing utensil in his fingers. Better than I probably ever could. I am positive I couldn’t even do that slowly.

"What is my lovely girl thinking about?" he asks siting down and pulling me onto his lap.

"This." And I put his hand on my stomach. His eyes grow big at how much I've grow. I smile.

"Any ideas on how we'll deal with it?" I ask. I know children are very hard to deal with, my mother had two. Peeta's had three.

I had then realized how opposite Peeta and I were, are. My sibling was younger. His older. Mine a sister, his brothers. My mother the one who cares and my father gone. His mother cares nothing for him. I hate that. I know his father cares. He is a kind man who has helped me one too many times for my liking.

"I'm not sure Katniss. But we will." Peeta answers smiling. I nod and kiss his lips.

*

Author’s Note:

What is the point to these chapters?

Keep reading guys!

~Jez xo