The Children Who Play In The Meadow

CHAPTER ONE

I sit here in the rocking chair, cradling her in my arms, singing softly to her. Singing the song that I sang to Rue in the first arena as she slipped out of the world. It also happens to be the song I would sing to my late sister, Prim, when nightmares about The Hunger Games would fill her sleep. 'deep in the meadow, under the willow. A bed of grass, a soft green pillow.' Over and over again I sing. This is the song that both creates and contains my nightmares.

These are the times that I can really appreciate every aspect of her. Her ocean blue eyes, her chocolate brown hair, as soft as silk. She has the best genes of both Peeta and I. Compassionate and kind, yet capable.

I know that Willow is already asleep, and tears are beginning to fill my eyes, so I walk to her cot and put her in, careful not to wake her. I tuck her in and give her a goodnight kiss.

Closing the door slowly behind me, I look for Peeta. "Peeta?" I call. I could really do with his comfort right now, like always. I have just been really stressed out over the whole 'new mum' gig. I mean, I never even planned on having children, especially when the Games were still happening. They immediately after Snow died. It was the best thing that happened to anybody in a long, long time. But, don't get me wrong, having Willow was not bad at all. She is the love of my life and I don't, and never will, regret having her for a second.

"I'm out here!" Peeta replies. I open the front door of our victor's home to find him sitting on the porch. I join him.

"Hey." I say. He opens his arms and I crawl right into them.

"Did you know, that in two weeks, it will be our seven-month parental anniversary?" I ask.

"It's been that long? Wow." He replies.

We sit in silence for a while until Peeta tells me that there is a letter from Gale inside. I don't really feel like reading it at the moment anyway. With all of his District Two duties, we haven't seen each other in years. Five years, to be exact. I've heard that he has a new girlfriend. Beautiful, too. But I wouldn't expect anything less from Gale. What was her name, again? Tahlia? Tayla? I don't remember.

"I'll read it later" I say quickly.

"Look, Katniss. You don't need to be nervous about readi-" I stop him before he can finish.

"I am not nervous! I'm just tired. I think I'll go to bed, actually" I snap.

"Alright, babe. Goodnight."

"You're not coming?" I ask.

"I think i'll stay out here a while longer. You go up and I'll be there in an hour or so." As he tells me this, I notice the single dandelion in his hand. They grow everywhere here in Spring.