The Second Everlark Story

Chapter two: Am I Ready?

I have so many thoughts soaring through my mind. What is he doing here? Is he still mad? Is he here to forgive me? Was he ever mad? Should I be mad at him? But even more important than any of this, am I ready?

Am I ready for this commitment? Am I ready to give up everything and take care of a baby? But more than anything, am I ready to tell Peeta?"

"Katniss?!" His voice shakes me awake. "Katniss are you okay? You look like you are about to pass out!"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm-" And that's when I fainted. Peeta and Gale rush over to help me. Peeta grabbed my arms and supported my back while Gale grabs my legs. Peeta doesn't seem too thrilled about that, but he didn't say anything. They put me down on the couch.

Where am I? It's just a white room. "Am I dying?" I yell. I hear nothing but my own echo over and over again. Oh no. The baby. If I die, she will too. At least I imagine it as a she.

I hear a noise. It's coming from a door. It wasn't there before. The doorknob twists, and it opens. As confused as I am I can't help but to scream. Not a frightened scream, but an excited scream.

"FINNICK!" I scream his name as loud as I can. I run up and give him a huge hug.

"Hey Katniss, I missed you! But there's someone else I think missed you even more." When the door twists again, my heart thumps more than ever. It's Prim. Oh my gosh it's Prim!

I couldn't believe my eyes. I run up and hug her. We cry and sob and I have never been so happy in my life.

"I missed you," she whispers.

"I missed you too," I whisper back. She looks the same exact way she did before, but more graceful, more confident.

"Katniss, as much as I would love to stay and talk, there is something I have to do."

"What? I thought we had all the time in the world. Aren't I..." Then it hits me. My baby, gone. Hasn't even been born yet, and she's already dead! Peeta doesn't even know about her yet. Maybe it's better of this way, saves him the pain. What did Gale do to me?

"No, no, no!" She yells at me. "Your life has just started," she says with a grin. How does she know? Before I even get the chance to ask, she answers.

"Yes, I know. And you have no reason to be scared. You will be a great mother. You practically raised me. And although I may not be with you now, you were still the best big sister and guardian anyone could ask for." Then she jabs a needle into my thigh and I slowly drift away.

"I love you," I whisper.

"I love you too. And remember, you can always talk to me."

And then she was gone again.

Now I know that no matter what happens with the baby, I know I am ready for it.