➶ A tear slides down my face as Johanna gives us the news. "The Capitol called me back, I have to leave." It took me a second to process the information, remembering exactly what for. Since Johanna was hijacked along with Peeta, monthly visits to the Capitol are expected. They visit doctors to see how well they are doing, physically and mentally after the torturing happened. I reach her shoulders and pull Johanna in for a long, thank you. Johanna is probably one of the only tributes alive after the games, and especially the war. I'm always so appreciative for her, and everyone else who's alive and could escape Snow's madness. Peeta hugs her too, and disappears into the other room, while I stay and chat with Johanna. ❁❁➶❁❁ I thank her for everything, helping me with the baby, or at least attempting to. For the fun with Willow and Rye, working around the house, too. I especially thank her for giving the kids sugar and giving them the opportunity crash tonight. "I'll be leaving in the morning at 8:30. I won't be gone entirely, my spirit still remains." She says. I chuckle, and pull her in for another squeeze. I'm not the one that passes hugs and kisses around twenty-four seven, but for Johanna... I have to make an exception. After done hugging and saying my last goodbyes until morning, I trail off to bed with Peeta, and crash as soon as my head hits the pillow. ➶
➶ Days go by and everything just keeps getting worse. Johanna left, Peeta is back to working at the bakery, and the kids are at school. I wander around the house for countless hours doing nothing but eating, cleaning, and other boring house chores. I figure I'd go hunting, since there's really nothing better to do then wash dishes and fold clothing. I've been dreaming of going hunting for months, dazing off when I was pregnant. I would miss the crisp air, the dirt kicked under the soles of my boots, and the calluses that would appear after endless arrows being shot with my bowstring. After a while, I walk over to my hunting boots and jacket, slip them both on, and head out. ❁❁➶❁❁ On my way to the old and rusting fence that still remains from the war, I pass by many common sights in District 12. The bakery, for one... Which Peeta catches my gaze through the store window. He smiles, getting back to his work of kneading dough. The Hob, where not one single person remains standing on the dirt and ruble where the building once stood. Finally, the meadow, where I pass by mini primroses that make my eyes pop with their mesmerizing color. I reach the gate, probably the millionth time I've done this, and slip under the electric wires that are never charged. I trail off into the woods, and for the rest of the day... So does my mind. ➶
➶ I walk back home with one full bag of a deer, grosling, and two rabbits. If I don't leave soon, I'll probably be assigned some consequence for hunting this much. I pick up my feet and jog back to the house, around all of the district shops and stores. My braid swings from side to side as I curve through the different streets and pathways home. One I reach the dirt path leading towards my house, i stop to take a breath. I see Peeta and the kids playing outside, running all over the grass while Peeta sits on the stoop painting the landscape on a blank canvas. I smile and wave in their direction, all their faces lighting up. ❁❁➶❁❁ Peeta gets up and stands in front of me with his arms outstretched, pulling me in. The kids come running over, making me feel like I've been sandwiched by my family. Peeta kisses the top on my head, and takes the bag of game off my hands. "Hi Mommy." Rye says. I pick him up, and Willow yanks the bottom of my jacket. She has a frown on her face, all sad and pouty. I grin, and pick her up, holding two children in my hands. Peeta walks back, and starts pouting. "What? You want to be picked up?" I state. He laughs a little, knowing it's true. "Maybe?" I smirk, and walk past my husband. "Maybe later..." I laugh, and close the front door behind him.
➶ I fasten the velcro on Rye's shoes, reason being he wanted to play outside again. Willow stays inside with Peeta, they decided to bake some cheese buns. By the Rye and I step out the door, the sky is a darker shade of blue. I figure, since Rye wants to play outside, I should teach him where the best places are. We trot down the old rocky dirt path near the square, and make a couple turns to the meadow. "This is one of the best places to play." I say. I let go of his tiny baby hand and watch him waddle down the hill. He is so mesmerized by the feel of the grass under his fingertips, the bright yellow of the dandelion catching his eye, and the smell of the subtle primroses starting to bud. I chase after him, and take him to the next location on my mind. ❁❁➶❁❁ Carrying Rye on my back, I place him down and take his hand once again. We have reached the forest, the sacred place my father once took me. The place where I killed my first deer, learned not to touch the poison Ivy, and explored under and over every hollow log there is. I've found many pathways, places where most of the animals shelter, and explored where I set up traps to catch game. Hopefully, Rye is in an adventurous mood... And by the smile on his face, I think he is. I first start showing him how to slide under the fence, and then how to walk down the hill due to its steepness. Then, we stroll through the paths, finding the hollow log that possesses my bow. I flinch back at the sight of someone standing near the log... Pulling Rye along with me. I squeeze his little hand, and creep closer to the mysterious stranger. Once it's place shadow disappears, and tall someone stands in front of me, inches away. After what feels like eternity, the stranger speaks up. "Katniss?" The stranger says. After hearing the almost forgotten voice, I recognize who it is, and speak up myself. "Gale?" ➶
