Ablaze (after the Mockingjay) ON HOLD

CHAPTER 1:

Mockingjay spoilers! Sorry for any spelling errors. I do not own any of these characters. All rights go to Suzanne Collins. Thanks for reading!

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I wake up to two noisy kids poking me in the face. They scream the word "Mommy"

"Hey you guys!" I exclaim. "What time is it?"

"Katniss, wake up! It's election day!" Peeta says. How could I have forgotten about that I wonder. Now that Paylor made a new law a president can only serve for four years and Coin and Snow are dead, we need a new president. Snow; it kills me to even think or say his name. Gale will be our new president. His fancy job in District 2 got him that. I know I should be proud of him for that and I know that this is what our country needs but, I still haven't quite forgave him. Why should I? He may or may not have unintentionally killed my sister, Prim. But, I will just put on the fake happy face I always have to use.

I slip into gray long sleeved dress. I put the mockingjay pin over my heart. The pin gives me a sense of pride. It reminds me that we won the war. After I'm finished I help Rye into his suit. I giggle when I notice he matches his father. I then braid Josie's hair. I try to put a pink ribbon at the end of her dark hair but she doesn't let me.

"Mom, I am 11! I am way too old for bows!" she screams in disgust.

"No you're not." I reply trying to laugh. She narrows her bright blue eyes and glares at me. I think of Prim. Young, optimistic, beautiful, and innocent. Gone. The horror of her death replays in my mind for what seems the hundredth time. "Fine , go run along then." I tell her. My eyes fill with tears so, I turn so my children won't see. I set Josie's ribbon on the kitchen table. I then go to the bathroom, reapply my makeup, and get the kids ready to go.

Peeta, the children, and I take a train to the Capitol. The train is busier than ever. Everybody wants to see the new president. I am annoyed by the amount of people on this train although, the kids don't seem to mind. They ooh and ah over everything. This is their first time on a train. They love it! I wish my first train ride was this enjoyable. That's why Peeta and I normally try to avoid riding on trains. They remind us of too many sad memories. However, the children wanted to and, well, it's a special occasion. I tell the kids to get comfortable because it will be awhile even though, with the Capitol spending less money on the games and more on improving technology, the trains are faster. It still takes awhile to get to the Capitol from District 12.

In the beginning Peeta doesn't say anything at all. His eyes are lifeless. He just blankly stares out the window. His knuckles are white from making fists. I try to start a conversation by asking, "What do you think the new Capitol will look like?" Since the war, the Capitol has had many renovations. The people have changed also. They dress more like regular people and less like morons. There aren't anymore loyalists to Snow. So, that's a good thing.

"I think 'mazing!" replies Rye.

"I bet everything about the Capitol is going to be beautiful! Like this train," says Josie, "just look around guys!" So, Peeta does. He squints and cups his his hands over his nose and mouth. He does this often and I know what it is. He's having a flashback. I get them also.

"Josie, take your brother and go get something to eat," I say handing her a wallet, "go quickly please!"

Josie walks away with Rye after saying "Thanks Mom. Come lil' Rye."

I focus my attention on Peeta. I don't want him to have an episode on the train. When I say 'episode' I mean when the other side of him takes over. The hijacked side. I put his hands down and hold one. I whisper "Peeta" into his ear. He squeezes my hand. Slowly he closes his eyes. When they open again his eyes are his normal shade of blue. Before anyone can say anything the kids are back. They come giggling and holding bags of an assortment of candies.

Peeta tickles Josie and tells her, "How'd I know you guys would get candy?" She laughs.

"Come here Ryan." I say patting my lap. He sits in it. "What was it this time?" I whisper to Peeta.

He says, "The train to the first." I nod.