We Remain

Chapter 13

Katniss POV*

~3 months later~

I scream as I clutch my belly. It's the middle of the night when my stomach starts to go in pain. My contractions had been getting closer together. 29 minutes apart. 10 minutes apart. 5 minutes apart...
"Katniss!' Peeta exclaims as he sits up in the bed to inspect me. He wears a white tank top, his bottom half covered by his boxers.
Peeta gasps as he removes the blanket from my body. "Katniss, I think your water broke," he tells me in excitement and disbelief. No, I don't want to give birth. Not yet. Not now! I can't raise this baby in this world! I can't!
"Peeta, I can't, I can't do this," I say through my gritted teeth.
"Katniss, yes you can. I know you can," he tells me. This doesn't help me. I start to cry.
Peeta picks me up after a few seconds carries me down the stairs. I sob into his shoulder as cold air hits me. No. I know where's he's taking me.
"Peeta! No!" I cry, crusting my teeth as the pain starts again.
"They won't hurt you, I'll be right by your side," he tells me as we enter a building. A hospital.

*****

After 15 minutes of pushing, the baby is finally out. I'm panting, and I'm too tired to even open my eyes, but I do.
Peeta is smiling as he looks down at the baby. I then realize he is wearing pants and I shirt. The baby is wrapped in a pink blanket. That can only mean...

Peeta looks up at me and smiles. "She's perfect."
She. A girl. A tiny, innocent girl that has no idea what just happened.
Without any warning, Peeta hands her to me. I cradle her head and look down at her. Her face is soft and sweet. Then she opens her eyes. Blue. Peeta's eyes. She stairs up at me and studies my face. If only she knew why I have the scars.
It's hard holding her, but it's easier than carrying her.
"What should we name her?" Peeta asks me gently, stroking the girl's little brown hairs.
"Willow," I whisper as I stare at her.
"Willow," he repeats with a smile. "It's perfect.