We Remain

Chapter 15

Katniss POV*

My name is Katniss Mellark. I'm 29 years old. I survived two Hunger Games and a War. The Games and Snow are dead. I'm married to Peeta. I'm a mother. Her name is Willow.

I open my eyes at the sound of crying. Willow. I sleepily get up and walk to the crib and look in it. She is crying, then she looks up at me and reaches her tiny arms up at me. I shakily pick her up and hold her securely. She stops crying and looks up up at me Peeta's blue eyes. Beautiful.
I hear footsteps coming up behind me. I panic for a small second, but realize that's Peeta and calm down.
"Is she okay?" He asks me. I nod, but since it's dark, I whisper a, "yes" and gently sway with Willow.
"Why Willow, Katniss?"
I had a feeling that question was coming. He has a right to know of course, but I just haven't quite been able to figure out how to explain it yet. I can tell by the gentleness of his voice that he knows this as well. I take a deep breath before answering.
"Well....it seems to fit her, Peeta. I fell like, if I gave her Rue or....Prim's name, it would be too painful. But the name Willow, it reminds me of a place that's calm, and safe, and beautiful, like the meadow in the Valley Song. It makes me feel....happy."
My face heats up as the last word leaves my lips. Happiness seems like such an absurd emotion to even consider after everything that has happened to us. I'm about to take back my words when I'm suddenly aware of being kissed. Before I can return the favor, Peeta pulls back. I can see a glint of a wide smile on his face as my eyes get used to darkness. He cups my face and I swear I can hear his voice crack as he says,
"You're right, Katniss, I think you and I bother deserve a little happiness."
That's when I know I've made the right choice.