~ Three Months Later; Week of Aster's Birthday/ Christmas ~

Katniss's P.O.V.

This is my most favorite time of the year. Not just the Christmas season. Just how much my family is expanding and loving. Gale and Aleree figured out their problems with infertility. Cressida generously volunteered to be their gestational surrogate. She looks amazing. Glowing even only at three months. I, on the other hand, am glowing yet... not so much. I am seven months now. Our little Olive Sage will be born in February. February 5th is the plan. I haven't been on bed rest. Which is a blessing. And there have been no issues with this pregnancy. Which is also a blessing. I'm bigger this time around than with Aster. And more hormonal unbalanced. My cravings are more intense. Ankles swollen to watermelons, along with my stomach. More energy and happiness. Less anxious about birth and more prepared. And an overall sense of peace of mind. Aster has been so excited about her sixth birthday. She has been in the first grade for four months and is such a great little girl. She is so smart. Peeta has been keeping her away so I can go get her birthday gifts. Along with a few Christmas gifts. Peeta and I decided when she turned one to give her mainly birthday presents, and only a few Christmas gifts. She gets a lot from her Godparents and Grandma. They spoil her rotten for both holidays. Which we always tell them not to. But they love that girl so much. Aster is spending time with Haymitch and Effie for a while. Peeta and I are enjoying time together.

"What is it this time?" I asked curiously as I put my small knit-work down, and moved my arm to stretch my upper body. As much as I can be, while pregnant.

I was careful to keep my legs as still as possible for him, knowing it makes his painting easier. He stayed silent for a moment, and I didn't mind. His blue eyes are deeply focused on the colors he is putting on the skin of the top of my foot.

"Almost done, then you can see yourself!" He replies excitedly when he can pull his focus away for a moment.

He smiles up at me before going back to focusing. This had become a normal thing during the last few months, his painting on me. And occasionally Aster. It started as a silly heart on my cheek. Now... I looked at my arm, where a flowering vine peaks out under my shirt, going down to stop at my wrist. Vivid greens leaves with light purple flowers ending just above my wrists. It is fading, as Peeta paints tend to after a day or so, but still, look beautiful. Still, he seemed to find something inspiring to do on my lower leg today as well. People had gotten so used to seeing them on me, so no one would question even more of Peeta's art on my body. And it is more beautiful when Olive kicks and Peeta paints her feet and incorporates them into the art on my body.

"And, done! Take a look!" He says,

I carefully lift my leg to see what he did, as usual, takes my breath away. On my lower ankle, he has painted beautiful lily pads with flowers. Some blue around it looks as deep as the lake they visit, and a tiny dragonfly can be made out above it.

"Peeta..." I sigh. It irritates me sometimes when I can't find the words to express things to him. "It-it's beautiful."

He just sits on the couch next to me and hugs me around the waist loosely, kissing me hair as he smiles. His way of telling me thank you. The only part of it that bothers me is I have to hold my leg up when he embraces me so it wouldn't smudge. Which is a miracle I can do with a person in me.

"You should paint the nursery today. Since we have a day to ourselves." I say and rest my head on him.

"I think I will. Sadly, you can't be there. With all the paint fumes, I don't want you to get sick." He says,

"Aww, so sad. At least I won't be alone." I say with a smile, and rest my hand on my stomach.

"I'll give you sneak peeks at times though. Just not in there for too long." He says and kisses my temple.

"Want me to fix up some lunch?" I ask.

"Sounds great, Kat." He says,

He carefully moves and tries not to smudge his work on me. I got up as well, and went to the kitchen. I got things out to make us some sandwiches. And on cue, Apollo and Daisy come into the kitchen. I throw them a piece of lunch meat.

"Now go away. This isn't for you." I say.

I make us some chicken noodle soup and wash fresh fruit. The back door opens and my daughter and her Godparents come inside. They stomp off the snow on the rug.

"Bringing her home now, Sweetheart." Haymitch says.

"Thank you. Had fun?" I say.

"Very much so, Dearie. She's such a cutie." Effie chimes.

"What did you do today, Aster?" I ask her as she is putting her snow clothes away.

"Christmas shoppin, Momma! And for my birthday too!" She says with a smile. "But only ideas, though. But I'm not supposed to tell you what you and Daddy got!"

"Well, you better not. I don't want to not have any surprises." I say.

"Zip my lips, Momma!" She says,

"Thank you for spending time with her." I say to Effie and Haymitch.

"Of course. We are her Godparents. And supposed to spoil her on her birthday month." Effie says.

"Hey, go see what Daddy is up to Flower." I say to Aster.

"Okay!" She says,

"I see you and Lover Boy have been busy." Haymitch says.

"Yes. Now he's onto walls instead of me." I say.

"His work sure is lovely." Effie comments.

"Care to see how the nursery turns out?" I ask.

"We have some more things to do today, Sweetheart. Just let us know." Haymitch says.

"I will." I say.

"Have anything you want for this little one? We're happy to get you what you need, Dear." Effie says.

"I think we'll have too much, to be honest." I admit. "Enough for another girl and boy. Which you shouldn't expect."

"Anything you want then, Sweetheart?" Haymitch asks.

"Not off the top of my head. I guess if you see something that suits me, you're welcome to get it. I'll find a use." I say.

"We'll keep an eye out." Effie says.

"Stay warm out there." I say.

They leave and I set the table for lunch. I go to the bottom of the stairs. I can hear Aster talking to Peeta.

"Hey up there! Lunch is ready!" I call.

"Coming!" They call back.

I make my way back to the kitchen. I sit in my spot at the table and wait for the Mellark Bunch to come. I hear feet coming down the stairs and then paws. Peeta comes in carrying Aster. They have paint on both of them.

"What fun did you two have?" I ask.

"Daddy painted you, so he painted me. And I painted him." She says and giggles.

"Now she's pretty like you too." Peeta says.

"Well, she'll need a bath like me then." I say. "And you're giving it to her. But in the meantime, let's eat. Before it gets cold."

We all sit and enjoy our meal.

"Care to see what I have so far?" Peeta asks me when we finish.

"I'd love to." I say and give him a quick kiss.

"Come on then." He says,

He then suddenly sweeps me off my feet. He takes me upstairs to the nursery. I'm in awe and can't yet again get the words to explain the beauty. He has a dark blue on the walls. And is starting to paint the woods.

"So?" Peeta asks.

I look at him and smile with happy tears in my eyes. I kiss him.

"I love it." I say.

"I painted the walls too, Momma!" Aster chirps with a big smile.

"And you did very well. Just like your Daddy." I say.

~ Christmas Eve ~

Peeta's P.O.V.

Katniss and Aster are going Christmas shopping at the last minute. We already have a lot of gifts for Aster. Mainly from our friends and family. Also a lot for little Olive who'll soon make her arrival. Which I am so excited for. Along with Katniss. She is growing pregnant. Stronger and more happy. And beautiful as well. I am making Aster's cupcakes for her birthday. And also Christmas dinner. Liza, Haymitch and Effie and coming over. They love Aster so much. Spoil her rotten to Katniss and I disapprove. But, we can't stop them. And we have tried. Katniss and Aster come in from the back door and have bags of things.

"That's a lot." I say.

"For you actually. Aster got everything she saw for you." Katniss says and comes to kiss me.

"Really? Thank you, Flower." I say to Aster.

"Uh Huh, Daddy! But no peakin! Not until tomorrow!" She says and hugs me.

I bend down and pick her up.

"I'll go put these away. And get ready for the night too." Katniss says.

"Alright." I say to her. "Want to help me, Flower?"

"Yes, Daddy!" she says.

I set her on the island. "Will you stir the gravy for me?" I ask.

"Ye-up!" She says,

The turkey is done, and I take it out. I carve the turkey and start to set the table. Liza, Effie and Haymitch arrive. They help out in the kitchen. Katniss comes and joins us and we share a wonderful Christmas night.

~

Katniss's P.O.V

Peeta and I keep warm on this amazing, magical, night on the couch. The fire's flames roar in the fireplace. I see the shapes of Apollo and Daisy by the fireplace in their beds. Peeta rests his hand on my stomach and rubs circles on it. Little Olive kicks and moves around.

"I love you, Katniss." I hear him whisper softly.

I feel myself melt at his words. "I love you too, Peeta." I say.

I sit up and kiss him. I pull away and look into those ocean blue eyes that glow with the flames. A flame in me roars. I lean in and kiss him again and again. Growing more and more filled with flames. It may be the energy of the hormones, but I don't feel it. I think it is something entirely different. A yearning. It grows and grows with each kiss. And then we share ourselves deeper. Let ourselves be within one another. And feel another. The time goes on, and then we remain still in each others loving grasp. Peeta takes me in his arms and carries me to our room. The night is shared with more and more love. And more and more care for each other and this life.

"Merry Christmas." Peeta whispers before I fall asleep.

"Merry Christmas, my love." I say.

~

I wake up to something jumping on top of me. I groan a little, but am relieve when I hear the squeals of my daughter.

"Momma it's my birthday! Daddy wake up! It's Christmas!" Aster squeals.

"It is Flower." I say and yawn.

"Come on! Santa came!" She says.

I am about to get up, when I realize I am still exposed from the night I shared with Peeta.

"Hey Flower, go open your stocking, okay?" I say and try to keep myself unseen by her innocent eyes.

"Okay, but come down soon!" Aster says.

"I will." I say.

She leaves and shuts the door behind her. Her small squeals reach my room. I kiss Peeta. His eyes flutter open. He smiles at me.

"Good morning." He says.

"Morning. But almost not so good. You forgot to lock the door and Aster may have been in here." I say.

His face lights up red like a light.

"Don't worry. I got it taken car of." I say and laugh.

"Sorry, Katniss. I'm so sorry." He says and sits up. He kisses me.

"You would be if she was scarred by us." I say.

"Yeah.." He says.

"Get up. She'll be back if we aren't down there soon." I say.

"Right." He says.

I grab one of Peeta's shirts and put on some sweats. He gets himself dressed and we go downstairs. Aster is so happy with only her stocking. Most of the gifts under the tree are her's. She enjoys all of her birthday and Christmas gifts. Peeta and I are very surprised at the surprising amount of things we got. Not just for Olive either. But things for us. This truly is the most wonderful time of the year. 

AWWW!! What'd yall think? I hope you guys liked it! I thought it was cute! A little frisky on Christmas Eve, but I mean.. why not!? XD!! Please leave a comment and vote! Let me know what you want next or how I'm doing! Thanks for the love and support! BYEE!! Lots of love! ❤❤❤❤❤❤

Zeffie