We Remain

Chapter 12

Peeta POV*

I watch Katniss sleep as the forest bursts to life with song. A song the Mockingjays sing over and over again. I can't help but smile as I rest Katniss' body onto the blanket and stare at her belly. Our baby is in there, I think. I wonder if I can talk to it.
I've only talk to Katniss' stomach when she is asleep, and it's in a whisper. But I know it can hear or feel the vibrations of my voice inside.
I get on my stomach so my face is at her swollen perfect belly and kiss it lightly.
"It's your daddy speaking," I whisper. "Those things that you are hearing are called Mockingjays. They are beautiful birds that will repeat a song once it is heard. I know you don't know what I'm saying, but you will one day." I kiss the top. "Your mother has a beautiful voice, sweetheart, you'll love it, I know you will. Cause that's how I fell in love with her. It was her voice." I smile. "Your mommy is a little scared, baby. Not because of you, but what she grew up with. You'll learn about that too. But not from us. No, defiantly not us."

"Peeta?" Katniss says as she wakes up. I look up instantly, her eyes blink a few times before resting on me. "What are you doing?"

"Just, talking to the baby," I say quietly, stroking her tummy.

"Talking to it? Peeta, it can't hear you," she says as she carefully sits up.

"It can, it just can't hear us properly. It can, however, hear our voices," I say gently, stroking her cheek as I sit next to her.

"Do you do this everytime I fall asleep?" She asks.

"Not all the time, just when I should," I say.

Katniss sighs and looks at her belly. I know that she has never talked to it. Not once. Maybe she is considering it.

"Peeta, there's no point in talking to it," she says flatly. I frown.

"The baby should know what its parents sound like, Katniss," I say as I look up at the blue painted sky.

"I'm too scared," she whispers. I look back down at her. Her face shows fear and worry, like it does before she goes to bed.

"You can do this. There's nothing to be afraid of," I soothe, holding her hand.

"When I feel it move, I panic," she shakes her head. "I can't."

"Katniss, look at me," I say. She slowly turns her head toward me. "When you hold it, you'll feel better. Knowing that it's safe in your arms, you'll feel relieved."

"Peeta-" she starts.

"Let's go home." I say, helping her up and packing our stuff. She will see.