Chapter Text
“So what does your husband do?” I ask Annie. She’s joining me on a last minute shopping trip to pick up some supplies for my baby shower tomorrow afternoon. We’ve been to two playgroups together but I haven’t really spoken to her about her and her husband. The women in the group have been interested in more the baby and offering advice than actually getting to know her.
And it’s only been playgroups we’ve seen each other. I’ve been keeping busy, helping Madge with the wedding, assisting Prim with the shower, looking after a 10-month-old and gestating another baby. We’ve texted occasionally, Annie asking for advice on certain things like doctors, butchers, grocery stores, bakeries and things in town.
“He's an orthopedic surgeon.” She tells me as she pushes the stroller with Adeline asleep inside. “We were relocated from the east coast to here. He just finished his residency and got a job here for his fellowship. It felt like now was the time to move and start fresh.”
“Does he enjoy it?”
“He does. It can be tough but he enjoys it.”
“Why ortho?” I ask her.
She laughs. "He spent a lot of time in the hospital as a kid getting casts for broken bones and it just sparked an interest. His mother was a surgical nurse and always told him stories of surgeries and the ortho ones just inspired him. Especially those that rebuilt bones from scratch and knew from age 12 he wanted to be a surgeon.”
“That’s nice.” I smile. “What about you? Did you work before you moved here?”
“I originally worked for a magazine as a writer and then eventually turned to blogging. A couple of my friends from back east put together a blog aimed at real women. We shared real-life stories, had a feminist approach and such. There were three of us and we've all since left the east coast relocating with our husbands. One went North and the other south. We're still running it, just from different time zones."
“I’ll have to check it out. Send me the link when you get a chance.” I tell her as we enter the party store.
I had a list of things and it’d be a quick shop. Annie and I were going for lunch after our quick shop.
“So you’re a teacher?” Annie asks me as we stroll through the aisles.
“Yes. Elementary.” I tell her. “I haven’t taught for a few years though.”
“Why’s that?”
"I left town almost three years ago after a painful breakup. I worked for a family in LA as a tutor and traveled the world with them before I returned home and gave birth."
“Do you think you’ll go back to teaching?”
“Maybe.” I tell her, placing some yellow party plates into the basket. “I’ve had so long off and about to have baby number 2 that it feels surreal. I mean, Peeta’s job supports us and I could stay at home until the kids are both at school. But it also gives me something to do. Gives me another identity other than ‘Mom’ and I can inspire my kids that you can do both.”
“I’m sure you’ll be awesome at whatever you decide.”
"Thanks, Annie."
We casually chat as we walk around the store before we head to the checkout. Annie has gathered things for her own baby shower, the women in our mother's group supporting and helping her organize one. She tells me both families will fly out from the East Coast for the weekend for the baby shower and Annie's 30th birthday, which is in the middle of October. She’ll be 33 weeks by then.
We finish up at the party store and head down the street for lunch. I had everything I could purchase today and Nolan would collect everything else tomorrow morning like the balloons and platters. Peeta and Camille were making the cake and would finish it tomorrow morning at the house. Camille had got a taste for cake decorating and making and they were so beautiful and creative she was getting orders daily. Peeta was helping her out and together they were creating nearly 10 cakes a week. And with the Fall wedding season beginning, they were inundated with wedding cakes.
But they didn’t mind. They loved doing this venture together.
Annie had asked them to do her baby shower and birthday cake as well.
“Anything else we need?” Annie asks me.
“Madge is doing the grocery shopping this afternoon.” I tell her. “Prim is gathering everything for the games and little gift bags. Peeta and Camille are doing the cake. Nolan is picking the balloons and platters up tomorrow. Mom is coming round tonight to help decorate with Camille and Madge. " I tell her, checking off the list. My baby brain was terrible at the moment and without a list, I was forgetting nearly everything. "I think we've got everything."
“I might get your family to help me with mine.” She laughs.
“Hey, we’d be more than happy helping out.” I tell her. “It is a bit daunting.”
“Thank you. My sister is helping me out but it’s a bit hard from across the country.”
The waitress takes our orders and Adeline sits in a highchair eating her lunch and making an absolute mess of things.
“Oh Miss Addie, you’re too cute.” Annie coos to her. Adeline’s face is covered food and she’s so proud of herself.
“She’s showing off.” I tell Annie with a laugh.
"Well, she's an adorable show-off." Annie laughs, tickling Adeline's cheek.
Adeline shows off her teeth with a cheeky smile and her blue eyes beaming. She’s going to cause Peeta and I a lot of trouble when she’s older.
Luckily she has a very protective older brother and sisters.
We eat our lunch. I change Adeline and nurse her and we go for a quick stroll around the mall for a little bit of retail therapy and to get out of the mid-September heatwave. School has gone back and the mall is quiet which is nice for the two of us.
“Let’s go and get a pedi and manicure.” Annie suggests. Adeline is happy in her stroller and she’ll be fine sitting on my lap. And I don’t mind admitting that a little bit of me time will go down a treat.
“Lead the way.”
We’re squeezed in right away and have our feet worked on while we pick out colors. Annie goes for red and I have a hard time choosing.
"What color are you thinking?" The technician asks me.
“I’m not sure.” I admit to her. “I like a lot of them.”
“Do you have a special occasion coming up?” She asks me.
“A baby shower tomorrow.”
"What color is your outfit?"
"It's a muted orange color. Soft like the sunset." I tell her.
She picks out a muted pink that I was eyeing off but unsure if it’d suit me. Annie gives me her approval.
“What do you think Addie?” I ask her. Adeline smiles and claps and I take that as a yes.
The technician paints Adeline’s nails in the matching pink. “Just like your Mommy sweet girl.”
We drop Annie home after a little more shopping and when Adeline is getting ready for another sleep.
“See you tomorrow.” I tell her with a smile.
“Yep. Thanks for today.”
"Anytime. Just text me if you want to hang out or need help with something."
“I will. Bye Addie girl.” She gathers her bags and climbs out of my SUV, waving goodbye to us.
I wait until she’s in her house until we head on home carrying my sleeping daughter and the shopping inside, ready to set up when everyone comes over this afternoon. I go and lie down for a little rest, exhausted after a busy day.
“You look beautiful!” Madge exclaims as I enter the master bedroom from the ensuite.
I look down at the dress, flattening it against my stomach and smiling at the beautiful color. For a dress that I bought on sale for 75% off, I think it's a bargain.
“Dad is going to love you in that dress.”
I smile, checking myself out in the mirror and smiling even more. The maxi dress is comfortable, light and flattering which is everything I want at this stage of my pregnancy.
“I love it.” I tell her. “Good thing I walked into that shop.”
Madge laughs and directs me to the chair by the dressing table. She helps me with my sandals and touches up my makeup.
“I’m sorry that Gran will be here." She apologizes.
"It's fine. It was the right thing to do." I tell her. "Even if it pains me."
“Don’t worry, Camille and I are on Gran watch.” She tells me. “Just sorry for you having to put up with her for the whole weekend.”
Camille and Adeline appear. Adeline is in a light onesie ready to go down for her sleep. She’s got a party dress for when she wakes.
"Hello, baby girl." I greet her, reaching out for her. Camille hands her over to me and goes sits down on the end of the bed. “Everything ready?”
“Yep.” She confirms. “The boys are retreating outside with a cooler full of beers and the game. And the rest of the guests are due to arrive in about ten minutes.” Camille tells me. “Dad said he can give Addie her bottle and put her down.”
“It’s fine. I want to spend some time with her. Will you two be fine greeting everyone until I come downstairs?”
“We’re on it.” They tell me.
"Thank you, both for everything you've done."
Prim was called back into work after vehicle pile up this morning and she’d be here as soon as she could get away. The girls swooped in as quickly as they could to help me out with final prep. They were angels and I’m glad they are my family.
We snap a quick photo of the four of us together, all of us kissing Adeline’s cheek.
“We’ll go downstairs and wait for everyone.” Camille tells me. “Take your time.”
They both kiss Adeline and head on downstairs. I carry her into the nursery, shutting the blinds and sitting down in the rocking chair. I nurse her, cuddling her and just studying her features. She’s growing too quickly for my liking and as the days go on, the closer she is to turning 1 and becoming a big sister. I’m cherishing these moments as much as I can.
She goes down shortly after her feed and I tiptoe out of her room with the baby monitor in hand. I prepare myself for the hours where I'll be the centre of attention and head downstairs.
A few people are here and Camille, Madge and my mother entertain while Peeta entertains the men outside.
I greet everyone and go slide up next to Mom. She takes the baby monitor from me and tells me she’s on baby watch and to enjoy my afternoon.
“No mother-in-law yet.” She whispers to me. “You can breathe.” She smiles. “And you look beautiful.”
“Thank you.”
Annie arrives with her husband.
“Hi Annie, you made it.”
We quickly embrace and she hands me my present. “Katniss this is my husband Finnick.”
“Nice to meet you, Finnick.” I greet him.
“You too. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Hopefully good things.”
“They have been.” He tells me kissing my cheek and chuckling. “This is a beautiful place.”
"It's still so unreal waking up every day. Peeta did a great job in renovating it." I tell him. "He was looking at downgrading before Addie and I moved in."
“Well, he did an amazing job.” He smiles.
I smile at him. “They’re out the back the men.” I tell him. “I’ll take you through.”
I lead Finnick out to the alfresco area which serves as a man cave for Nolan and Peeta when the game is on. Peeta jumps up quickly when he sees me, making a move for Finnick to introduce himself. The men are enjoying themselves, laughing and telling jokes. The younger kids play in the yard.
“Hi, you must be Finnick. I’m Peeta. Nice of you to make it.”
“Nice to meet you too, Peeta.”
“Help yourself to anything in the fridge. The grill is going on soon so I hope you’re hungry.”
“I’ll leave you boys to be.”
Peeta kisses my cheek. "You look beautiful. That color suits you."
“Thank you.”
“Just breathe.” He tells me, squeezing my hand.
I head back inside. Nearly everyone has arrived. The only person still to show up is Peeta’s mother.
"We're just waiting for my Grandmother and the men should have lunch ready. Feel free to grab a drink and some nibbles and have a chat.” Madge tells them all.
Johanna pulls me aside away from the group with a grin on her face.
“What?” I ask her. “What’s happened?”
She flashes me her left hand where a diamond ring sits on her ring finger. “I didn’t want to steal your thunder but I wanted you to be the first person to know.”
“Oh my god. When?”
“Last night. It was our anniversary. We went for a picnic at sunset where we had our first date and I was too busy appreciating the view. I turned to say something to him and he was holding out the ring. It was perfect which is weird coming from me who vowed she’d never get caught up in all of this but it was romantic.”
I embrace her, congratulating her. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Thank you.” She smiles. “Now, I’m slipping this off and hiding it in my bag until we leave. I don’t want any attention taken away from you.”
“You can steal all the attention. I won’t mind.”
“Come on, we’re all here for you.” She pushes me back into the party.
Janice Mellark arrives and she makes an arrival. The atmosphere shifts and everyone in the room go silent. I feel my throat tighten and my stomach clench. I feel self-conscious, worried about what will be said. She doesn't make a move to come and greet me and I take baby steps to go and greet her.
“Hi, you made it?”
“Yes. Did you think I wouldn’t or did you hope I wouldn’t?”
“Gran.” Camille scolds her.
“No, I’m happy you’re here. It’s a special day for you too. We’re celebrating the impending arrival of your next grandchild.”
She turns up her nose with her lips pursed. Her face is tightly pinched as she tries to hold in what she really wants to say.
“I’ve been blessed with many grandchildren and have been to many of these showers. It’s just another day.”
“Janice, please.” Jolene states. “It’s Katniss’ day, let’s not spoil it.” She warns her. Jolene was the only one who really called her mother-in-law out and that served for a tense relationship between the two of them. Janice usually never fought back and gave up. After 20 years of Jolene in the family, Janice knows how head-strong Jolene is and gave up arguing considering that’s what Jolene does for a living.
She huffs, sucking in her lips and moves to the refreshment table.
The call for lunch is a welcome relief and I disappear down to the study with Mom following me.
“Just ignore her.” Mom tells me.
“Do you know how hard it is to please her? Nothing I do pleases her and nothing ever will. I mean, I’ve had her grandchild and pregnant with another. I’m creating life and it’s still not good enough for her.” Tears well in my eyes and my mother pushes me into the bathroom. Locking the door.
"Look at me!" She urges me, lifting my face up to her. "Don't let petty people like her bring you down. They're trying to lower you down to their level and you've never let that bother you before. You'd stand your ground and stand up to the bullies." She says. "Remember all those cuts, bruises and scars are from those times you never stood down. You're bulletproof my dear. Let her fire away but don't let her bring you down. You're a mother. You're a warrior. You're strong and determined and no mother-in-law can bring you down.” She tells me. “You hear me?”
I nod, sniffle and wipe my nose.
She helps me touch up my make up and gives me a moment to gather myself before we exit the bathroom. Janice is caught up with the grandchildren and her sons outside to see me and I do my best to try and enjoy the afternoon. The girls will ask her to leave if she steps out of line. Or I will. I might gain the courage to tell her how I really feel. Blame it on pregnancy hormones.
Mom and Madge start cleaning up from lunch and Camille drag us all into the living room for the games. A few had already started when everyone arrived, guessing the sex, date of birth and weight of the baby.
Camille begins the games, starting with guessing the measurement of my belly. I'm glad I can sit and rest my feet for most of them and watch everyone.
“We’ll see who the winner is later.” Camille tells them. “Just keep your string.”
It’s a very arty based baby shower. A lot of games and activities to do with art and crafts. There’s a onesie decorating station that has had many participants and a few interesting creations, especially from the men outside. Madge had printed out an ABC coloring book the night before for people to color in. She'd laminate and bound the pages into a book for the baby. The pages would be colored with little notes left from the guests.
“We’re going to play a game of Baby shower bingo.” Madge tells them. She’s joined us after cleaning up the kitchen and hands out the cards and blotters to everyone.
I join in on this game; sitting beside Delly on the couch and Madge calls out the answers from cards she prepared after interviewing me a week ago.
“November 20 is when Katniss thinks the baby will be born.” Madge calls and moves on to the next card.
“You’ll go before then.” Delly tells me with a chuckle. “Irish twins.”
“I hope not.”
“She hopes for a blonde haired baby.”
We go through the cards, blotting as we go. The baby monitor cackles and Mom moves to go and check in on Adeline for me. I note the time, seeing she’s had a shorter nap than usual. I hope she’s just rolled over and gone back to sleep.
Jolene wins the bingo and wins a box of chocolates with a pleased smile.
Mom brings Adeline downstairs, having changed her into her dress and brings her to me for a cuddle. She’s a bit shy and hides from the attention and I hold her on my lap, rocking her gently as she hides in my chest.
“You sleep well?” I ask her, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. She murmurs into my chest and I hold her while Madge begins the next game.
Camille drags Peeta into the room next to ask him 20 questions related to me and the pregnancy. This’ll sure make his mother roll her eyes.
“Dad, when is Katniss’ birthday?” Camille asks.
“May 8th.”
“What is her sister’s full name?”
“Primrose.”
“How far along is she?”
“30 weeks.” He tells us all proudly.
“What was her first craving?”
“Strawberries dipped in Nutella. I had to search high and low for a jar of Nutella.” He smiles at me. And I smile back. For him to remember that specific craving amazes me.
"What is her favorite TV Show?"
"Shameless and Brooklyn 99."
"What is her favorite season?"
“She loves spring, that’s when the dandelions come out.”
“Favourite hobby?”
“Anything to do with the outdoors, hiking, archery, camping or swimming. She loves reading too.”
"Her favorite song to sing Addie?"
“The meadow song. Her father used to sing that to her as a child. And Sweet Adeline.”
“Favourite food?”
“Cheese buns or lamb stew.”
"Your daughter's full name?"
“Adeline Rose Mellark.”
“How did you decide her name?”
“We danced to Sweet Adeline when we met in Fiji.”
“What did she want to be when she was growing up?”
“She wanted to be Wonder Woman.” He laughs. “It broke her heart when she was told she was just a fictional character.”
“The book that is currently sitting on her bedside table?”
“There are a few.” He says. “Guess How Much I Love You, a book full of baby names, The Handmaids Tale and Jane Eyre. She’ll finish Jane Eyre one day.”
"What is her favorite color?"
“Green.”
“When is the baby’s due date?”
“It’s changed a few times but November 23rd.”
“What has she craved the most?”
"Cheese buns, chocolate yogurt and pears."
“What does she think she’s having?”
“She doesn’t admit it but a little boy. She wants a mini-me which will probably turn into his older brother.” He chuckles.
“Which out of the two of you changed Addie’s diapers the most?”
“She’d say it was even but I will have to say she changed the most maybe by just a few.”
“And lucky last, will they be bakers or hunters?”
“Katniss would love chubby little bakers but they can choose to be whatever they want.”
“20 out of 20, perfect score.” Camille says. “You definitely know the deep stuff.”
Adeline has spruced up and wants to go with her father and I hand her off to him and focus on the party. They play games that brings out everyone’s competitive side and I’m in stitches listening to the banter and trash talk coming from them all.
It’s fair competition and everyone has a chance at winning. Delly wins the measurement of my bump having an exact measurement.
I’m spoilt with gifts, despite my wishes for people to not bring any considering this is baby number 2 and I have most of my stuff already. But I'm spoilt with more clothes, toys, and books. Madge, Gale, Camille, and Nolan have chipped in and bought me a double stroller.
“We can’t have our siblings not riding around in some dingy looking thing, they’ve gotta look stylish.” Camille tells me as she wheels in the double stroller. I had wanted one that had the ability to convert into a single or a double. One that wasn’t too wide to fit into shops and take up the sidewalk and that could be interchangeable with seating options and travel systems. And obviously, they had asked their father what I was interested in and purchased the exact one I wanted.
“You all didn’t have to. Thank you.” I tell Camille embracing her. “I love it.”
"We knew you were looking and had your sights on this, hopefully, the kids and you will be stylish cruising around town.”
There’s an array of gifts for the baby, myself, Peeta and even Adeline. A lot of them spoiling the soon to be big sister with gifts.
“Have you ordered one of those cheesy t-shirts for Addie?” Jolene asks me.
“Prim has.” I tell her and feel saddened she’s not here yet. “She’ll insist having Addie in it when she meets the baby.”
“Despite how cheesy it is, they make for cute photos.” Delly says. “I plan to do that to Madden if we have another. They’re good 21st photos.”
Peeta comes in just towards the end of opening the presents with Adeline who wants me. He checks out the gifts we got and thanks, everyone.
“I didn’t bring anything because we were told on the invite not to.” Janice states and I know she’s at the beginning of a tantrum.
“It’s fine, Mom. We didn’t expect all this.”
"Well, it makes me look bad that I didn't bring anything."
“Mom, it’s fine.” Peeta reassures her. “We weren’t expecting anything, really. You being here is enough.” He tells her. I know he’s treading on water, careful of what he says in case she blows and starts going on about the so-called ‘midlife crisis’ I’m carrying. The second midlife crisis.
“How about we do the cake.” Camille suggests, diffusing the situation before anything else is said and my afternoon is ruined.
They present me the cake and all the men from outside come in to witness me cut the cake. They've made the cake large enough to feed the large turnout.
It’s a beautiful 2-tiered semi-naked drip cake. It’s simple but definitely what I wanted. Peeta and Camille have done a wonderful job on the presentation with wildflowers, macaroons, white and milk chocolate curls as well a cake topper sticking out that reads ‘Baby Mellark’. I kiss Peeta and hug Camille, thanking them for the beautiful cake.
Camille is sure to take photos of me while I cut the cake and Peeta holds Adeline on his hip and helps me with the knife as we cut into the bottom layer.
“I’m surprised she’s even giving the kids the Mellark last name.” I hear his mother say to whomever she’s standing with and I tense up. Peeta quickly squeezes my hand for support.
“Thank you to everyone for coming today.” Peeta begins to say. “We’re really blessed to have you all here, showing us you’re support and love for the next chapter in our life. It’s been a crazy twelve months but I wouldn’t change it for the world.” He smiles at me and kisses Adeline’s cheek. “I’ve been blessed with my beautiful partner, our beautiful daughter Addie and soon the next Mellark baby.” He laughs. “Katniss, you’ve fit into our family nicely and we all love you so much. We’ve done this all back to front and upside down but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
He kisses my temple and squeezes me against his body. "And thank you again to everyone who came and celebrated. To the guys for giving me crap about my team and my team beating you all in the end. And to the ladies who spoilt Katniss today. It means a lot to us to have you all in our lives. To my beautiful children, Madge, Gale, Camille and Nolan, thanks for your help. We called you all to help last minute and we didn't hear a complaint and you all helped create this. You all took turns wrangling Addie, still cooked us dinner and helped late into last night doing the finishing touches to let Katniss not have to lift a finger as her sister who had planned the whole thing was stuck saving lives last night. And to Prim who organized this whole thing, I've just seen you sneak through the door and you did amazing work with everything you organized and creating this beautiful day. Also to Katniss’ mother and father who helped us out a lot too.” He smiles. “We’ll serve the cake now and the rest of the desserts.”
Adeline comes to me as Peeta cuts up the cake. Madge had taken what felt like a million pictures and I slide away to see Prim.
"I'm so sorry I missed it." She apologizes as I embrace her.
“It’s fine, you still made it here for the cake at least.” I smile.
“You look beautiful. You’re glowing.”
“Thank you.” I tell her. “You hungry?”
“Starving.”
Mom gets Prim a plate of leftovers and we both go and sit with our beautiful great nana and Nan. Adeline happily sits in her lap, chatting and cooing and Nana coos back, complimenting how beautiful she is.
“She’s like you.” Nana tells me. “In looks and characteristics.”
My Nan agrees with her mother and tickles Adeline. I hoped Adeline had a strong relationship with her grandparents as Prim and I did. We were blessed to have a great nana and Adeline was blessed to have a great-great grandmother, great grandmother and great grandfather and a Nan and Pop who are in her life, guiding her throughout. As well as the aunts, uncles, cousins, and siblings. I made a mental note to try and continue to see Nana and Nan at least once a fortnight when the new baby came.
Peeta comes over with cake for us all and Nana and Nan both compliment Peeta. Nana pinches Peeta’s cheeks like he’s a small child.
“What a talented boy you are.” Nana compliments. “I’m so glad you found my Katniss.” She smiles. “She deserves the world.”
“She does but I plan on giving her the whole universe.” Peeta tells her. My Nana grins and I know she’s glad I found him.
“You’re a good boy. Treat her well.”
“Don’t worry, he does Nana.” I reassure her. “Both Addie and I. And button.”
"He reminds me of your great-grandfather. I knew I wanted to marry him after our first date. Everything just was easy. We had our hard times, our fights and arguments but we got through them and remembered why we fell in love with each other in the first place. Every day was like our first date and we loved each other everyday until he passed away." She smiles. "Promise me both you will love each other every day because life is short but can be rewarding if you make the most of it.”
“We will Nana.”
“We’ll make sure of it.” Peeta tells her.
Guests slowly begin to leave and we thank them as they leave, handing them a gift bag as a thank you. Peeta’s mother was first to leave but not without a double take of us both and an upturned nose as she exited the house. Everyone else hugged us, spoke to us, thanking us both and wishing us luck in the coming weeks before they left.
Just our family stayed behind. The kids, my parents, Prim, Peeta’s brother’s and they’re family also stayed behind. They helped clean up and Mom and I started on dinner. Nothing too fancy, just the leftovers and a few more drinks. Annie and Finnick also stayed behind with Peeta’s invite.
Adeline crawled amongst the presents as I showed Prim what I got and we organized everything the best we could and wrote in the cards who gave us what to send a thank you out.
We were gifted with lots of onesies, socks, and singlets as we were going into the cooler weather. Diapers, wipes, bibs, swaddles, toys, books and lots of bath products. Adeline’s own pile was quite big with little gifts like new clothes, toys and headbands and beautiful hats. She even received her own cards, wishing her luck on becoming a big sister.
Prim took most of the gear into the dining room to be sorted later. Mom took Adeline to take up to bath and to dress before bed.
“What time are we heading to the boutique?” I ask Madge, picking the strawberries from Peeta’s dessert plate.
“I’ll come and get you at 9. Is that OK?”
I turn to Peeta confirming tomorrow. “Yep, I’m on Addie watch tomorrow.” He reminds me.
“Sorry, I have terrible baby brain.” I tell Madge.
She laughs. “All good.” She slightly frowns. “Will you be alright with Mom and Gran?”
I nod. “I’ll be fine.” I tell her. “I’ve got Camille.”
“Don’t worry, I’m on them both.” She reassures Madge. “Everything will be fine.”
We’re left alone just after I put Adeline to bed. Peeta runs me a bath and makes me a cup of sweet tea and lets me rest while he finishes cleaning up downstairs.
He comes back just after I’ve gotten out and rubbing lotion into my skin on the bed with my gown open and my pajamas beside me. He has his iPad in hand and a smirk on his face. Something that I've learned means he has something to show me or he's done something.
“What’s going on?”
“I’ve got a gift for you.”
“A gift?”
“Yes, it’s something I’ve been working on since Hawaii.”
I slip underneath the covers and he turns on his iPad and hits play on the video.
An acoustic version of one of my favorite pop songs begins and showcases Adeline, the first day she came home sleeping soundly in my arms and me smiling up at Peeta with a tired smile. It brings tears to my eyes and a smile forms on my face as I watch this video come to life. This video he created for me as a gift. I know I made the right choice in being with this man.
He wanted to learn something new and after trying a million things, he stumbled into videoing and editing after speaking to one of his workers who was studying at film school. And this is what he’s done. It looks professionally done, I’m amazed.
There are various shots of Adeline growing, learning and doing new things, shots of me in there with Adeline or by myself, family shots or some of him and Adeline.
It's a mixture of everything and I watch the beauty that Peeta has brought to this video he created. It's a mixture of the ups and downs of parenting and our relationship before there's a documentation of my growing belly, ultrasounds, moments he caught me caressing my belly and when Adeline starting communicating with her sibling. There's everything from parties, birthdays, holidays and everyday moments. The video ends with our vacation in Hawaii. There's beach shots, dancing, island hopping, helicopter riding, downtime moments, Adeline embracing her new world and ends with Adeline and I watching the sun go down on our last night on the island.
Tears are covering my face when I turn to Peeta and he wraps me up in his arms, kissing the top of my head.
“I didn’t mean to make you cry.”
“It was so beautiful. I love it.” I tell him. “Can you give me it?”
“Already done.”
"I feel like I don't tell you enough but thank you." I tell him, kissing him and pushing me back against the mattress.
I climb into Madge’s car, rubbing the spot where the baby has just kicked me. It was a low kick and I felt it right around my belly to my back.
“You alright?”
“Just painful kick.”
“You look a bit pale, you ok?”
"Yeah, just couldn't sleep last night." I tell her. She didn't need to know Peeta and I were up quite late but even after our lovemaking, the baby was jittery and jumpy and I was awake most of the night. "Baby wouldn't sit still."
“I’m hoping we can have this done quite quickly and I can return you home.”
“Thank you.”
She picks up Posy who made up part of the bridal party. Madge had four bridesmaids, Camille who was maid of honor, Posy, Delly and myself. Gale had his two brothers, Nolan and his best friend. Rory was serving as his best man. Camille had gone to get her mother and Gran to bring them along for the day. We were trying on bridesmaid dresses and Madge was trying on dresses. She had a few ideas but wasn’t sold on anything just yet.
We're first to arrive with Delly and our host brings us in and sits us down, offering champagne and some canapés. She asks Madge was she was thinking in terms of bridesmaid dresses and then her own dress. The host and her assistant have filled the racks in the room with dresses, colors that resembled M&M's and I groaned at the colors. I was they'd be much more muted than these. The styles are fine, just the colors are all wrong.
"Oh, when are you due?" The assistant asks.
“9 weeks. In November.”
"How nice. My sister is due at the beginning of November. Her first baby."
“This is my second.” I tell her. “You’re sister will be fine. Just tell her to enjoy it as it goes so quickly.”
“I will.” She smiles
I feel the air go cold and turn to see Janice and Cashmere entering the store with Camille trailing. They head up to us and the host starts, asking everyone for their measurements and handing out the dresses to everyone.
"Don't worry, these are just stock colors, they can come in an array of colors." The host smiles.
I feel a slight cramp in my hip and brace myself before I stand up. I follow Delly towards the change rooms and I help zip her up. She helps me, letting me lean on her as she helps me step into the dress. We’ve all tried different styles on to show Madge. Mine strapless, Delly’s held up by the neck, Posy’s has one strap and Camille’s double straps.
We step out to show Madge and she studies us all, gets us to turn around and show off the dress. We give her our feedback and she’s happy to hear our advice, as we’ll be the ones wearing them.
“What style do you think would be easier for you to breastfeed in, Katniss?” She asks me.
“Maybe strapless.” I tell her. “Or something I don’t have to fiddle too much with. The straps should be fine but halter style maybe not.”
I hear Janice snort. She’s probably thinking it’s all about me. Cashmere has surprisingly been fine and had complimented us all.
We try on a few more styles and the last dress I’m given, I feel an awful cramp in my lower abdomen that has me clutching my stomach.
“Katniss, you OK?” Delly asks.
“Just cramping.”
“Are you Ok?”
“I think so.”
“Tell me if you’re not.”
I nod and go to use the bathroom before getting into the dress. There’s a bit of discharge in my underwear, a bit more fluid like than anything but I push it aside and head on back to try on the dress.
I overhear Janice bitching to Cashmere as I head back.
“You know Janice, I’ve been nothing but nice to you and you treat me like I'm nothing. I know you don't like me and that's fine but for the sake of today can you just be quiet. You ruined my day yesterday but I don't want you doing that to your granddaughter. This is a day she's been dreaming of since she was a child and you're ruining it but whining and bitching about me. Just for the sake of Madge, can you please keep all comments to yourself while we do this? I know it’s hard to be in the same room as me but seriously, just act like everything is fine and you’re enjoying yourself.” I tell her rubbing my cramping belly. “Why is that the ex-wife treats me better than the mother-in-law?” I mumble to myself as I turn around and head back to the dressing rooms.
Madge picks out a style she likes, strapless dresses for all of us. She finds a shawl that'll go and we all agree on the champagne color of the dress. The dresses are nicely priced and we change back into our clothes. The dress doesn’t attract much to our stomachs and is flowy and loose and empire style which will hopefully draw away attention from my postpartum stomach.
I sit down on the lounge beside Camille and Delly and we wait for Madge to come out in a dress she’s trying on.
I drink some water and feel another cramp. I clutch the lounge with my knuckles turning white and wait for it to pass. There was no bleeding before just a bit of fluid.
Madge comes out in her dress with the assistant holding the train for her. It’s long sleeved, plain with just some lace detailing on top. It suits her beautifully and I can see the smile on her face and how happy she is.
Cashmere is smiling, with tears in her eyes and I can’t wait for this to be Adeline standing there before me in her wedding dress.
But I feel the tears in my eyes too because she’s so beautiful and her father will think she is absolutely beautiful when he sees her.
She shows off to us and decides to try the other one on just in case. I cramp slightly and try to hide the pain from my face.
When Madge appears in the next dress I fall forward onto my knees, clutching my stomach and crying out in pain.
Everyone swarms around me except for Janice who huffs that I’ve drawn the attention away from Madge.
“What’s wrong, Katniss?” Delly asks me. “Are you having contractions?”
“I don’t know.”
“How many cramps have you had in the last hour?”
“About 4, I think.” I wince, riding through the pain best I can.
"She's in preterm labor." Cashmere tells them and steps away grabbing a phone from the table and calling for 911.
“Don’t call an ambulance.” I tell Cashmere. “Just someone drive me.”
Cashmere kneels in front of me. "It'll be the quickest way to seeing a Doctor." She tells me. "And if you're in labor, the quicker you see a doctor, the quicker they’ll be able to slow it down for you.” She tells me with a smile and dials the number as she walks off. “Ambulance please.”
“Just breathe.” Delly encourages me. “Deep breaths.”
Camille and Madge both hold my hand, giving me reassuring squeezes whilst Delly gives me water. I listen to Cashmere speak to the operator.
"29-year-old woman who is 30 weeks pregnant experiencing preterm contractions."
"I'm so sorry, Madge." I apologize to her.
“It’s fine.” She tells me. “You and the baby are more important than my dress.” She smiles. “I’m going to get out of this dress and I’ll go with you in the ambulance.”
I nod and focus on my breathing and trying my best to not focus on the worst-case scenario.
I just hope I’m not delivering my baby today at 30 and a half weeks.
The ambulance arrives shortly after and they start asking me questions, they give me the oxygen mask, perform a few quick spot tests before loading me up onto the gurney.
“We’ll get you to the hospital right away, Katniss.” The paramedic tells me. “Is anyone coming with us?”
Madge tells them she’ll be joining them and gives her keys to her mother to drive her car home. “Camille, maybe go home to Nolan and help him with Addie.” Camille tells her she’s got it under control.
She’s on the phone as they wheel me out of the bridal store.
“Dad, where are you?” She asks him. He’ll know something is up. “Is Nolan home?” She asks him. “Ok, I’m sending Camille over and she’ll watch Addie while you come and meet us.” She tells him as I’m loaded into the back of the rig and the paramedics speak back to each other. “Which hospital?” She asks the paramedics and relays that we’re heading to Panem West, the same place Prim works and where I had Adeline. “She’s having contractions, Dad." She tells him. "Just take your time, I'm with her just get here safely and I'll see you soon." She says. "I will. See you shortly Dad."
She hangs up the call as the ambulance speeds through the city with the sirens blaring and squeezes my hand.
“Dad said to be strong, everything will be fine and he’ll be here.” She tells me. “And he said to tell you, always.”
I nod into the mask and try to focus on my breathing and not letting my mind go into overdrive as I’m rushed through the city.
“Always.” I whisper to myself, squeezing Madge’s hand and closing my eyes to focus solely on my breathing and my little button who needs all my strength and love at this moment.