Our Life After

Explanations

*Katniss's POV*

"Wait, what?" I said in disbelief, hoping I didn't hear the question correctly.

"The Hunger Games. What were they and why are you important to them?" Lizzie repeats.

"Um, why are you asking? How did you find out about this?"

"Well, Mrs. McKinley said that today we were gonna talk about this thing called The Hunger Games, and she said no one would know about it, except maybe me because you are my parents. I didn't pay attention during the rest of class because I was thinking."

Peeta and I exchanged worried glances. I knew that we would have to do this one day, but in third grade? Why are they teaching this in third grade?

It's okay Peeta mouths and I give a slight nod.

"Okay sweetheart. Some of this might be scary, and if you want me to stop just tell me."

She nods in acknowledgement.

"Okay." I take a deep breath. "About 15 years or so ago, there was a horrible government in Panem. There was a terrible president named President Snow, and he made each of the 12 districts send a boy and a girl to the Capitol. Then, they sent them into a big space covered by a forcefield, called an arena, where they would fight until everyone was dead except one person....."

I went on to explain Peeta and my Games, how the trick with the berries set a spark to Panem. Then about the Quell, and my Mockingjay dress.

I told her about everyone I met along the way, Cinna, Finnick, Johanna, Beetee, my prep team, just everyone I could think of.

Then finally, we got to the war. I told her about how Peeta was stuck in the Capitol, about how her auntie Prim died, and I included every detail I possibly could.

Then, at the end, I had to tell her what I knew was going to make her upset. That Peeta and I have lied to her her whole life about her fake relatives.

So when I was done, I looked at Peeta, and he nodded, so I must've gotten every thing.

"So Haymitch isn't my Grandpa, Johanna and Annie aren't my Aunts, Gale an Finnick aren't my Uncles, and I am not related in any way to my best friend?"

"I'm sorry, honey" Peeta soothes, "We just thought it would be easier...."

"But you lied!" Lizzie yells, "And I get in trouble for lying! It isn't fair" she says, and starts crying.

Like, uncontrollable sobbing. I go over to hug her, and Peeta joins me.

Eventually, he scoops her up, and we all go over to the couch.

"Baby, I'm so sorry," I say into her hair, "So sorry."

Then, I tilt her chin up so it's facing me.

"Let's make a deal." I say, and she nods, tears running down her cheeks.

I wipe them and say, "Daddy and I promise to not ever ever lie to you again, for as long as we live."

She nods. "But, you have to promise to never lie to us, too."

She nods, looking me in the eye this time.

"We love you so much," Peeta says, "We never wanted to hurt you."

And we all snuggle on the couch before Peeta asks Lizzie what she wants for dinner.

"Grilled cheese with tomato soup please."

"Coming right up," Peeta says and plants a kiss on her forehead. Christian walks over and says, "Hungry!"

"I agree." I say, and soon enough, Peeta brings dinner to the living room, and we eat it while watching a movie that Lizzie picked out, called The Lion King.

I hope she forgives me. I couldn't live knowing she was angry with me. I love her too much.