Katniss and Peeta's Life Continued

Chapter 16

I jump at the voice of my best friend. Gale. I turn to meet his gray eyes and brown hair.
"How are you?" He asks.
"Gale....what are you doing here?" I ask. Jenny jumps down from my arms and Peeta starts playing with her and her animals.
"I heard about everything that has happened."
"Well, you can leave," I say turning to look at Peeta and Jenny playing.
"But I know that you and your baby have been in critical condition," he protests. I don't want him here. Not after he built the bomb that killed my sister.
"You killed my sister. And I am fine. You don't need to be here."
"Look Catnip-."
"Don't call me Catnip," I interrupt. "Things are different now."
"I realize that. I am sorry. Please forgive me," he urges.
"No Gale. Look, I'm glad you care about me and my baby, but I can't trust you anymore," I explain.
"Can I at least ask how he is doing?"
"He is in surgery now. He is getting a lung transplant," I say, still not looking his way. I hear him stuff his hands into the pockets of his jeans and he turns to go. Just as he opens the door, he says,"I love you Katniss and I always will." He clicks the door shut. Peeta stops playing and sits up against the wall.
"Are you ok?" He asks.
"Yes, I'm fine," I answer.
"I'm going to go get an update on Ethan." He stands up and kisses me on the forehead. It's only a few minutes later when he comes back into the room.
"Katniss.....," he calls to me. I wheel out the door and he shuts it behind me.
"Peeta. Just tell me-," I stop when I find a nurse wheeling Ethan in his little cage. I cover my mouth as squeaky noises pour out. I am at a loss of words as I see my son alive. Heartbeat weak, but there. His chest rising and falling, but just barely.
"He is just perfect," says nurse Rose. "The surgery went wonderfully. He is a fighter that one."
"Is he going to be ok?" I ask.
"He should be just fine," she responds.
"I'm gonna get Jenny," says Peeta. A moment later Jenny come toddling in with Catnip in her arms.
"Jenny....meet your brother, Ethan Rye Mellark." Peeta introduces. Jenny furrows her eyebrows then asks,"He can play with my soon right?" Peeta and I can't help but giggle.
"Of course he can," I say. Peeta turns towards Nurse Rose.
"Is alright if we can get a hospital bed for Jenny to sleep on tonight?"
"Certainly, what is your room number?"
"207," Peeta and I answer in unison.
"Ok, I'll have one sent to your room." She turns to go make the message with Ethan. I take Jenny by the hand as Peeta wheels me to our room. We are in our room for quite a few minutes when nurse Carrie comes in with a bed.
"I heard the surgery went well," she begins.
"Ah yes, it was successful," Peeta responds.
"That's terrific!" She shrieks. "Anything else before I finish my shift?"
"No...I think everything is good here," I say. Se nods and leaves. As I settle into bed tonight, with Peeta cuddled around me, keeping me warm, I know I won't have nightmares tonight.