After The Always - Sequel to The 1 and Only Real

Chapter 42

Peeta's POV

I wake up on a bed next to Katniss' bed. Her eyes still closed.
I realise I have a oxygen mask over my mouth and I take it off.
I sit up and see the doctor at the foot of our beds.

"What is her problem?" I ask him. The doctor walks to me and hands me a breathing contraption.

"You might need this." He says and I take it in my hands.
The doctor then goes to stand by my side and begins. "Of course you know she is really not that we'll." I nod and let him continue.

-(IM MAKING THIS PROBLEM UP OKAY! IT'S NOT REAL. (I think anyway) )-

"She's in a coma-" My heart rate increases and my breathing quickens.

"Peeta. Breathe into the mouthpiece." He instructs me and I place the mouthpiece in my mouth.
"Deep breaths." He says and I inhale and exhale deeply. I look at my shoes as I do so.

Can this day get any worse? Yes it can and it is!

"We put her in the coma." I suddenly become angry and nearly launch myself to hit the doctor but I make myself stop.

They put my pregnant wife in a coma!!

I punch the bed and lay the mouthpiece next to me. I bury my head into my hands.

"At the moment, she is having a inner battle against this sickness. Trying to get rid of it and she needs to be unconscious to do so." I sigh, if it's for the best it's for the best.

"She can hear and feel your touch but can't respond in anyway." I nod, understandingly.

"We will get her out of the coma in 2 days. If she is better, she won the battle and will go home a couple of days after. If not...." The doctor pauses and I prepare for the worst.

"We might have to get her into early labour, have your child and then possibly put her down." That's when I loose it.

"No! No! No! You are not going to kill my wife! She won't deserve it. I won't be the same. I'll go insane just like Annie Odair in District 4 did and I won't be able to take care of my child. Myself as well. You don't know all of what she and I have been through and if that happens that will add to my list." I snap and shout at him. He moves back a couple of steps, away from me.

"I know but let's just hope that's it not the case. For the time being we will keep you under careful watch, just to make sure you haven't recieved it." I place the breathing mouthpiece back in my mouth and try to breathe.

The doctor places a clip on my finger and attaches me to a few machines as I breathe. I get the chance to see that Katniss and my bed is so close together.

"That's the closest we could get." He comments and I face him.

"Thank you." I thank, taking the mouthpiece out briefly and then place it back in.

"Use it as much as you need." He says, referring to the breathing machine.

I nod and he exists the room. I grab Katniss' still hand in mine and stroke her fingers.

"Looks like we're both stuck here." I comment with a little chuckle. I kiss her fingers before adding.

"I love you so much. Win the battle." I close my eyes, letting all this news register and find a place to stay in my mind.