It's Always Been You

Chapter Thirty; As We Crashed

Peeta's POV

"Katniss!" I scream over the tiny squeals of our just born child. I go to her side, checking her pulse and doing everything in my power to wake her.

"What's going on?" I ask frantically. Ms. Everdeen rushes to Katniss' aid while Prim examines our baby. I can still hear the little one screaming, but I haven't gotten a single look at him or her. Is it a girl or a boy?

"She's losing a lot of blood. I need you to help me, Peeta, okay?" Ms. Everdeen says. I nod. "Go get some towels from the bathroom. She has a few tears so I need to stitch them up."

I hurriedly get several towels, bringing them back to Ms. Everdeen. She and I use them to stop the steady flow of blood. I breathe heavily, taking everything in.

"Is she going to make it?" I ask softly, not knowing if I really want an answer. I'm not sure how I'd be able to survive without Katniss. I don't want to know a world without her beautiful smile. I can't raise a child on my own at seventeen.

"I'm not sure, Peeta." Ms. Everdeen chokes, staring over at Katniss.

At that moment, as my heart drops to my stomach, the wailing stops, and Prim comes back, a tiny blanket wrapped around Katniss and I's child.

"Peeta, do you want to meet your son?"

+++

One week. One week of the torturous unknown. One week of staring at my wife, hoping and praying that she comes back to me.

But within this one week has been one week with my son...he's so perfect, and I can't begin to describe how much love I have for him. He is a piece of Katniss that I will have forever, and I will do everything in my power to protect him.

He looks so much like her, with his dark brown hair and tiny little nose. I hold him in my arms tightly but also gently, bringing his tiny head up to my lips and kissing him softly.

"Peeta?" Prim asks, peering through the door. "I think it might be time to give this little guy a name." Prim whispers..."it's been a week."

"I know, it's just...Katniss and I haven't discussed names. I don't want her to hate it."

"She won't hate it, I promise." Prim says reassuringly. I bite my lip.

"Do you think you could help me?" I ask softly. She nods excitedly, sitting down next to me.

I think of everything Katniss loves, from cheese buns to back rubs. I think of the things that are important to her. There are so many things that I could use to represent Katniss, but when I look at my son, the spitting image of his mother, I decide...

"How about Hunter?" I ask. Prim nods, smiling.

"Hunter is perfect."

Hunter...because I just know that one day he's going to be just as good at hunting as Katniss. I know that he'll learn from the best. I just know she'll wake up.

"Hunter Mellark." I whisper one last time.