Return of the Mockingjay

Chapter 5

That evening I make our quarters as homely and welcoming for Peeta as I can. For the first time since Rue was born I'm determined for Peeta to come home to a family waiting for him.

I sit Rue in her carry chair in front of the TV watching some kids show that's coming from District 3. I've showered, braided my hair and dressed in casual denim jeans, t-shirt and socks. Megan's returned to her quarters to see Gale, but my mind has been buzzing with the this afternoon's developments.

Seeing Haymitch has lifted my spirits. I was so worried that Wolfe was going to harm him in some way and use that image to unhinge Peeta and me. But he looked fantastic, clean shaven, smart and well fed. I'm still not sure if he was being forced into saying those things about Wolfe but I can't believe he would willingly cross to Wolfe's side in all this. But he did send me that message, telling me not to rescue him.

Tomorrow I'll start thinking about my propo squad, I'll need to talk to each one and see if they're interested as I'll never force anyone to join me if they don't want to. I'll never forget the look Megan gave me when she thought I was gonna ask her to join up, that look of dread on her face.
I set two places at the kitchen table together with candles and two wine glasses. I really can't wait for Peeta to get home, just to spend a few hours with him will be fantastic. I know he surprised me in 12 and all, but it was only two days and before we knew it we were back here in 13 again.

I'm brought back from my daydream by the front door closing. I look up to see Peeta standing there looking around the room smiling. He see's Rue sat in her chair and picks her up cradling her in his arm. I walk quietly to the kitchen doorway and lean against the frame listening in to Peeta talking to Rue.

"Hello little one" he says whilst he gently kisses her tiny fingers.

"Mommy and Daddy are gonna be busy but I'll promise I'll try to keep Mommy safe and one day we'll all be safe at home, okay"

I notice his eyes welling with tears. Once again I've decided on my own future in the war without talking to the people who love me most. Sure, Peeta and I did discuss my involvement but I've used the emotional scenes in command to push through my wish to fight.

Why do I keep doing this?

Peeta, my mother and Haymitch will all be unhappy in my wish to fight and maybe I should of spoken with my Mom first but deep down I know this is the only way to beat Wolfe and bring our lives back to some sort of normality.

I walk over to Peeta and he turns to face me. He puts his free arm around my waist and pulls me to him. I look up into his blue eyes and gently kiss his lips.
"Hi, welcome home" I say softly.

"Hi, are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. I just couldn't wait to get you home. It's kinda the first time you've actually came home to me and Rue, to a family"

"You're right, thanks Kat, I couldn't wait to get home to see you two"

Peeta puts Rue back in her chair whilst Peeta and I sit down to eat our favourite, lamb stew. Well, it's kinda my favourite really but Peeta likes it all the same. We chat about what happened in command.

"How's Ellie, I really need to talk to her" I say.

"She's a little shocked to be honest, I think she thought her parents were dead but just finding out they're alive and then seeing them tortured has really upset her. Sure she was angry at Wolfe but once that anger disappeared she broke down"

"Where is she now?"

"She wanted to be alone, I think she went up to the training ground"

"Okay, maybe I'll see her later" I reply