We Remain

Chapter 17

Katniss POV*

When I wake, I only hear silence, which I odd, especially with a baby in the house. But I suppose she sleeps, till she's hungry or needs a change.
The other side of the bed is empty, the sudden coldness sweeps over me and I hold the covers tightly to me. I glance at the crib across the room. Willow is only a few weeks old now, and since Peeta and I have been used to waking up in the middle of the night because of our nightmares or being awakened by the other's screams, having to get up and comfort Willow during the night isn't much of a change.
I climb out of bed and roughly braid my tangled hair and check on Willow before heading down the stairs. I look around before resting my eyes on Peeta in the kitchen, only in some black trousers. He is barefoot and shirtless, his muscular tan back towards me. He seems to be kneading bread. I can tell because of how his muscles tense as he does. It has always fascinated me. Watching him make dough for bread, something that keeps us both calm. Bread will always be apart of him.
I quietly walk into the kitchen and go to the side, near the counter. He catches sight of me, and looks at me. His blue pools stare at me, a smile tugging at his lips. I can't help but smile a little back.
"Good morning," he says gently. Probably to not to wake Willow. "Is she okay?"
"Yeah, she's still asleep," I say numbly as I perch myself on the counter, crossing my ankles. Peeta smiles at me and moves to stand in front of me.
His chiseled chest and undoubtedly beautiful. The lines that make his chest pop out. He is still well built, despite us being in our 30's. Although we are different. Our bodies. Our faces. Mine is scared, and so goes the rest of my body. Scarred, ugly. Peeta's is beautiful, his face still kind and pretty as goes his body.
He leans into me and presses his lips to mine gently. He inhales and I flutter my eyes shut, kissing him back. He wraps his arms around my waist as I put my hands on his shoulders. It's a tender kiss, one that comforts me.
When he pulls back, his eyes meet mine. We hold each other's gaze.
"Katniss, I-" he starts, but is interrupted by an outburst of wailing. I slide off the counter and run up the stairs. I run into the room and to the crib. Willow is crying, her face red and wet. I pick her up gently and hold her tightly. She doesn't quiet, but she doesn't louden either. Soon she relaxes and snuggles into me. I look out the window and look back down at my child. How small she is compared to the world around her. We are small too. All of us.
Once Willow's breathing is even, I gently set her back in her crib and head back down stairs. Peeta is where I left him. Same position, same look, except his eyes have dropped to the floor. I walk toward him. "Peeta?"
He looks up, shaking his head off. "Huh?"
"You okay?" I ask. It's been a while since he had an episode. I can only imagine....
"I'm fine, I was just thinking...."