~ Few Weeks Later; September 1st- Five Days Until Ruby is Born ~

Katniss's P.O.V.

Maternity leave has been so nice. School and work are too much. And since I am about to be a mother, I need to relax. And breathe. Luckily I haven't had any heart or stress issues. My OB/GYN has been having me come in for the past two weeks. Things have been good for the both of us. I am planning a home birth. I am sick of hospitals and medications. I just want to be strong, calm and content in my own comfort. Dr. Chandler referred me to a great midwife. Her name is Molly. Prim is going to be there to learn and also support. She wants to work with newborns. I'm so proud of what she's becoming. Such a brave, mature, beautiful and a great young woman. Ruby starts to squirm around. I get a jab to my ribs with her knees.

"I know, I know. There is no room anymore. Just a little bit longer." I say and rub my giant nine month stomach. "Four more days. You can wait that long, right Rubs?" She moves around some more. "I'll take that as a yes. Thank you. I need to have some more things before you come."

I hear the doorbell ring and Arlo starts to bark. I set down the clothes and slowly get up from the bed. I hold the banister and support my stomach as I go down the stairs. I eventually get to the door and answer it. Madge and Annie are at the door.

"Hi guys." I say.

"Hey, Kat. We just wanted to stop by. Special delivery." Annie says with a smile.

Madge gives me a small box wrapped in a pink and red bow.

"Aw, thank you guys. Want to come in?" I say.

"Sure. We'd love to." Madge says.

Arlo jumps on them and tries to get their attention. Buttercup follows us to the living room as well.

"I still can't get over how much I love your house, Kat." Annie says.

"So am I. I love every inch of it. And I bet Ruby will too." I say.

"Only four more days, Katniss! Getting excited?" Madge asks.

"More or less. Just tired. And she's definitely ready. I just have to get everything ready. Since I am doing it at home." I say.

"Do you want any help? We have nothing to do today." Madge asks.

"Would you? I can't get a lot done at this point. It'd be great for some help." I say.

"Of course, Katniss. That's what friends are for. Plus, we want to be on this little cuties good side." Annie says.

"I think I'd be more appreciative of it. Rather than her." I say and laugh a little.

"We'll be glad. What can we do to help?" Madge asks with a smile.

"Her nursery is pretty much done. I think I just need help getting my room ready. Everything I need is her room and down here. Just back and forth is really tiring." I explain.

"Just take a break. We'll do it all." Annie says with a smile.

"You guys are life savers, thank you both." I say.

"Just call us if you need anything. No more worrying." Madge says.

"Thank you." I say gratefully.

They start to get boxes and head upstairs. I relax on my couch. Buttercup and Arlo keep me company. Alro lays on me and Buttercup keeps an eye out from the top of the couch, looking out the window.

They are good company for the moment. And really love me. Buttercup has a love-hate relationship with me. But as of this pregnancy, he loves me. I feel the Braxton Hicks come on again.

"Sorry, Ar. Gotta move for a minute." I say and sit up.

I lay the other way and they go away within a few minutes. I always hate these. They don't hurt. Just uncomfortable. And worries me for what real contractions will be like. And without pain medication. But I am determined to make it through. No hospital. No medications. I will do this my own natural way. My phone starts to ring. I pull it out of my legging pockets and answer it. It's Prim.

"Hey Little Duck."

"Hi Kat."

"You done with school?"

"I am. I'm walking home. I'm going to stop for a snack on the way. Do you want something for both of you?"

"A lemonade and... fries. Can I pay you to pick up a dozen doughnuts? Annie and Madge are here helping. Want to give them some sort of reward.

"No need. I was just going to get a dozen anyways. Is Peeta there?"

"No, he has to work. And to be with his family for a little bit until Ruby arrives."

"I'll be home in about twenty minutes."

"See you then, Prim."

"Bye, Kat!"

I hang up. I smile when I see I have a new text from Peeta.

Peeta-Babe😻❤: Hey Beautiful. I'll be over around 11 tonight, K? Sorry it isn't sooner. My family wants me for a bit tonight before I am a Dad.

Me: It's okay. I know they need you too. I may be in bed. I'm so tired. Just ready to be done.

Peeta-Babe😻❤: I know, Kit-Kat. Just hold out a bit. 5 more days, then our sweet little girl will be in our world.

Me: I will. Love you. See you tonight.

Peeta-Babe😻❤: Love you too, Katniss.

"Hey Katniss!" Annie and Madge call down. They come down.

"Want to come take a look to make sure we did it to your liking?" Annie asks.

"Sure, I bet you guys did wonders. And much faster than I could've." I say and start to move.

They take my hands and help me up. They get me up the stairs and into my room. It's even better than I thought it could be made.

"Oh you guys.. Thank you. This will be just right for this whole thing." I say and hug them.

"We're glad. And super excited." Madge says with a smile and gently rubs my stomach.

"I know you guys have school on Thursday, but if you want.. You guys are more than welcome to be here." I say.

"We wouldn't miss it for the world, Katniss." Annie says and hugs me.

Arlo starts barking from downstairs. I hear the door open and close.

"Oh, that must be Prim. She got us all treats." I say.

We all head downstairs and Prim is in fact there.

"Got the treats, Kat." Prim says.

"Thanks, Little Duck." I say.

~ Later That Night ~

Prim's P.O.V.

Katniss turns in for the night around eight. I don't blame her since she is full term. I stay up texting my boyfriend and my best friend and doing my homework. It is about ten when I turn in myself. I am learning more and more about anatomy and things for my future. I want to be a nurse when I am older. This whole experience with Katniss is very interesting. I still want to. But maybe work with babies. Buttercup comes into my room. I pat my bed.

"Come on, Boy." I say.

He jumps up and lays by my stomach. I pet him and he purrs loudly. I kiss his head.

"I love you, Buttercup. Goodnight." I say.

I close my eyes and try to rest. I can't fall asleep for a while since I am so excited to be an aunt. I hope that Ruby looks like Katniss. She'd be so cute. But if she looked like both of them, that'd be even cuter. I am almost asleep with the visions of my new niece, when I hear what sounds like glass shatter. I listen again and can hear movement from downstairs. Which is weird, since I didn't hear Katniss get up. I hear more movement and some low voices. Then the sound of footsteps coming upstairs. I get up fast. I quickly go to Katniss's room and lock the door. I go and try to wake her up.

"Katniss! Kat woke up!" I whisper.

She groans and moves around a bit. "Prim? What are you-"

"Someone is here. Like, robbers. Things are being broken and I heard them come upstairs." I whisper.

"Are you sure it isn't just Ar?" She asks.

"He's over there." I say.

We both go quiet when we hear things fumbling around in Ruby's nursery.

"Call 9-1-1." She whispers quietly.

I pull out my phone and dial the police.

"9-1-1 what is your emergency?"

"There is someone breaking into mine and my sister's house. We live at 1657 W Oaks St."

"What is your name?"

"I'm Prim. Prim Everdeen and my sister is Katniss. She's nine months pregnant."

"Are you in a safe area, Prim? Along with Katniss?"

"I locked us in her room. It only locks from the inside and a key is needed for the outside."

"Alright, Prim. We are sending the authorities to your location. Stay on the line until they arrive alright?"

"Okay. I will. I don't want them to hurt my sister."

"If they attempt to get in, I need the both of you to go into a bathroom and keep that door locked, okay Prim? The Police are on their way.

"Okay. We will."

"Can you tell me how old you are?"

"I'm 14. My sister is 17. Oh..Oh my gosh! They're trying to get in."

"Go to the next safe place now Prim. All of you."

"Okay. We're going."

Katniss and I go to her bathroom and lock the door. We keep the lights out.

"We're in the bathroom. And have the lights out too."

"That's good. Good job, Prim. The Police are turning onto your street. Can you hear the sirens?"

"Yeah..Yeah we can."

"Alright, stay on the line until they come to get you okay?

"Yeah. We will."

"Is your sister alright? No signs of labor?"

"No, she's doing good. I think. She isn't due until next week."

"You're going to be an aunt. Must be exciting right?"

"Yeah. I'll get a niece."

"Does she have a name yet?"

"My sister and her boyfriend are naming her Ruby."

"12 Police Department!" I hear them say.

"The cops are here."

"Alright good. You can hang up now, Prim. They can take it from here. You did a very good job in keeping you all safe."

"Thank you."

I hang up the phone and unlock the door. Katniss and I leave and unlock her bedroom door. The cops lead us down and out of the house. I hold closely to Buttercup. Peeta is outside and goes and hugs Katniss. I feel so scared. Luckily I have Buttercup to keep me calm. Our new house isn't safe. Not for me. Not for Katniss. Or not even Ruby.

~

Peeta's P.O.V.

I keep Katniss close to me as we wait at the Police station. She is shaking a lot and her leg is bouncing up and down. I rub her thigh soothingly and hold her hand.

"We haven't even been there a month, Peeta. What if it happens again when Ruby is born?" She asks worried.

"I will be there. And keep the three of you safe. We can get cameras and things installed." I say.

"I don't want them, Peeta. I just want a safe home." She says and starts to cry.

I hold her in my arms and try to make her feel better. I get her calm and don't let her go. A few minutes later a Police Officer comes to us.

"We found the stolen items abandoned and sadly couldn't salvage much. But the offenders are being taken to jail." The Officer explains.

"Can they return home?" I asked him.

"A patrol will watch the house for the next twenty four hours. And here is a reimbursement for the broken property, Miss Everdeen." he says.

"Thank you." Katniss says.

"Come on, girls. Let's get you all home." I say.

~

I finished checking over the house for the last time tonight. I can see the Police car in front of the house. I close the curtains and lock the window. I lock the doors and make sure Arlo and Buttercup are inside. Everything is cleaned up by the cops. But the house looms with a sense of unrest and unease. I check on Prim. She is asleep with Buttercup watching over her closely. I go to Katniss's room. She is still awake. I go and join her in bed. Arlo watches over her from the foot of the bed. She sits up and rests on me. I hold her tight in my arms. She holds tight to Ruby resting safely inside of her.

"Will you stay with me?" She asks quietly.

"Always." I say and kiss the top of her head. "Always, Katniss."

~ A Few Days Later ~

Katniss's P.O.V.

Things have been very stressful ever since the break in a few days ago. And even more since I am two days away from having a baby. Prim is on edge too. She's never had this happen to her. I feel so bad. She wants to spend less time here. Even though I am almost due. I want to as well. But now there is more protection. Peeta went and got everything back. And he got a good security system. I still feel scared. This house was a gift, and now this gift was ruined. It hurt a lot when I found out how this happened to me. It was Glimmer, Johanna and Clove. They tore apart every part of Ruby's Nursery. It was so awful. Even with everything replaced and made safe, I don't. I feel so nervous about the future. I try to keep calm so I don't go into labor early. Molly isn't going to come until tomorrow. So I and Ruby have to wait. Dr. Chandler suggests rest and keeping my body and mind clear. So bathing and taking showers are very useful of late. I turn on the water and pour in a cap of bubble bath. Arlo sits by the tub. He's been by my side since the break in. Won't leave me alone which is cute, yet sometimes annoying. He comes and licks me when I am undressing. He whines.

"You can't stay in here with me, Ar. It's private. I need space." I say and grab his collar.

I lead him out and lock my door. He keeps whining and scratches at the door. He yips. I turn on my soothing music when I am delivering. I step into the tub and sink down into the water. I set my phone on the tub rim. I rest my head on the wall and rest my hands on my stomach. It sticks way up from the water and bubbles. I get a sudden feeling of back pain. I sink down deeper and leave my eyes and nose above water. It eases it slowly. I feel Ruby moves ever so slightly. I then feel my abdomen get tighter. A pain rockets up my body. I sit up and gasp in pain. I feel an uncomfortable feeling in me. I start to stand up but am stopped by pain. Then frozen in fear. I feel a pop inside of me. Then a burst of water that is clear with a bit of pale yellow. I feel more intense pain hit. I hold myself and cry out in pain.

'This can't be happening. I can't have this baby now. Not alone. I'm not ready.' I think.

I get back in the tub and start to breathe. I grab my phone and dial Peeta's number. It rings and rings and rings. Then goes to voicemail. I groan in frustration and hang up. I try three more times. During those times, I get more contractions. I give up on him and leave a message. I try to call Prim next. She doesn't answer either. I do the next thing I know how to do and call for professional help.

"9-1-1 what's your emergency?"

"Hi, m-my name is Katniss Everdeen. And I'm going into labor at home. My water just broke. And I am getting... ahhhh... really strong contractions."

"Can you tell me where you are right now, Katniss?"

"I live at 1657 W Oaks St. I'm in the master bathroom. And-GAHH! I-I-I can't leave the bath."

"I've dispatched EMT'S to you now, Katniss. Can you tell me how dilated you are?"

"I'm.... uh...ten. I'm ten. But it only broke about an hour ago I think."

"Alright, when and if you need to push take some deep breaths, relax your body and give it what you have, alright? I'll count back from ten then you rest until you feel another."

"Okay..okay....I think it's NOWWW!"

"Okay, here we go. Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two one."

I hardly heard them count. I was screaming in pain. I pant and try to calm down again.

"Good, Good. Just breathe. Can you feel the head yet?"

"Uh..yeah. Yeah I can. What now?"

"Gently and carefully use your index finger to help the baby out. Don't pull. If you feel the cord, hook your finger around it and slowly loosen it, alright?"

I do as I am instructed.

"The cord wasn't there."

"On the next push, try to do it slightly downward so the shoulders will get out. And this one will be a big one, so give it your all again. You're doing a great job. The paramedics are almost to you, Katniss."

I push and cry out in pain when I feel the next contraction. I go until I feel her slip out from within me. I gasp and try to catch my breath. I hold Ruby in my hands. I lift her up and she starts to cry her little lungs out.

"Oh My God.. she's here!"

"Great job, Katniss. Wrap the baby in a towel and keep it close to you, okay? The paramedics are arriving as we speak. Stay on the line until they come to you, alright? Congratulations, you're a mother."

I try to soothe Ruby. I gently rub her and keep her close to me. There is barking from Arlo and I hear people come into my bedroom. The paramedics open the door. They come to give me assistance. As soon as I hand Ruby to them, I feel my heart beat out of my chest. A paramedic delivers my placenta and then starts to get me up. As soon as I do, I feel my heart give out. I black out. 

                                                                        To Be Continued....

Ruby ~Undetermined~ Mellark

September 4th, 2018

1:46 P.M.

7lbs 4oz