Katniss's P.O.V.

I hear barking and screams. The barking is from Daisy, and the screams from me.. and Peeta.

"Peeta!!" I scream.

"Katniss!!" He screams.

I sit up fast and so does he. We are both covered in sweat and tears streaming down our faces. I move closer to him and hug him tight. We cry on each other. We both shake and tremble in each others arms. I cling to him for dear life and he does the same to me. My hands get sour from how deep they are clinging. My skin hurts. But I don't want him to let me go. He doesn't either. I can't. Not yet. Not until we are okay. Daisy is curled around us and whimpering and whining. She runs her head along the side of me and licking my stomach. I don't even remember when I fall asleep.

~

I wake up heat on my skin, but safe in loving arms. I don't want to move at all. I just want to stay with him. My heart is so broken and scared. Confused.. nervous, anxious. Beating a million miles out of my chest. Which I know will not be good in the long run for Aster. I try to calm down so I don't bring on real contractions. Peeta's face is stuck in a petrified look. His face has dried tears all over and some fresh ones are falling. I touch my hand to his face and wipe away the fresh tears. His eyes shot open and stare into mine. They are just as red and puffy and hurt. No words are exchanged between us. Just looks. I don't dare say a word. So we just keep each other close. The phone rings. We don't pick it up. Then Haymitch leaves a message.

"Just checking in on you kids. Think you nearly woke up Panem last night. Let me know you guys are okay, alright? You nearly gave me a heart attack."

The sun comes through the curtains and lights up our room. My back is hit with chills. Peeta sees me shiver. He tries to get up but I pull him back down to me and get close to him. I don't want him to leave. Not even for a second. He pulls the covers up to my ears and keeps me close. His heart beating calms me more a bit. But worries me since it is faster than my own. But it is still not the time for words. And won't be for a while.

~

Peeta's P.O.V.

Neither Katniss nor I have said a word to each other since last night when we woke up screaming for each other. I woke up to her touch and that sent me back to the nightmare. And I thought it wasn't a dream.. but real life. That I had killed her and Aster. We haven't left each others grasps. One of my hands is under her cheek, rubbing it soothingly. The other wraps around her and rests on her stomach. Both of her arms are tightly around me. They dig deep into my skin. Which I don't care. As long as I still have her touch..the pain won't matter. I never want to lose them. My girls... And I won't let my demons do it.

"Peeta..?" I hear her hoarsely ask. She sounds like a ghost.

"Yes?" I say.

"Don't let him take you away. Don't let that happen." she says voice breaking.

"I never will.. I swear to you Katniss. I'll fight for you. Both of you." I say.

She holds onto me tighter and buries herself into me. We don't move from this tight embrace all day.

~ Few Days Later ~

Katniss's P.O.V.

"Good morning, you two." Peeta whispers softly and sweetly in my ear, kissing my cheek.

I slowly let my eyes flutter open. I look up and see the face of the one I love most looking down upon me. I curl up deeper into the covers and close my eyes again.

"Hey.. we gotta get up, Katniss. We have to be somewhere soon." Peeta says and rubs my shoulder.

I groan and move. I haven't left bed at all since the joined nightmare we had. Or spoken much either. I'm still too terrified to. And Peeta understands. So he lets me be.

"It can't wait much longer, since Aster will come. So they need us now." Peeta says and sits on the bed.

'They? Who's they? And why do they need us?' I think.

I slowly realize the only they that would want us somewhere. I sit up and give him a serious look.

"No. I won't go." I say.

"I know you don't want to Katniss. I am not on board as well. But it'll be alright. I swear." He says and takes my hand.

"I don't need them back in our business. Not now, or ever again. She isn't their child. She's ours. So no one outside of our family needs to keep in our business." I say.

"I think that's true, Kat. But what is one more time back? Just to give them a small taste." He says.

"I'm on bed rest, Peeta. Bed. Rest. I can't take a train to the Capitol." I say.

"I set up an appointment for Dr. Mangum to do a house visit. Since.. I kind of... already... um...." He trails off.

I let out a frustrated sigh, and lay back in bed.

"I knew you'd be like this, so I just did it. And now we can't back out unless you still need to be on bed rest." Peeta says.

"Well I'm going to stress myself out so I stay on it." I say.

"No you won't Katniss. You're just annoyed right now. But you'll get over it." Peeta says. "Do you really want to go into labor right now?"

"I'd rather than go to the Capitol." I snap.

I hear him chuckle to himself. I sit up and glare at him. I throw a pillow hard at him.

"Hey, ow!" He says.

"That's for being a dumbass and making plans without me." I say and lay back down.

"I'll make a note of that to consult you." He says.

He comes by the side where I lay. I roll over. He goes to the other side. I roll back over.

"Come on, let me kiss you." he says.

"No. You don't get one. Not by your idiotic behavior." I say and hide my face in my pillow, which under it I am trying to contain a smile.

Peeta takes the covers off of me. And I am hit with cold. I sit up fast and grab them. But he gets a hold of me and kisses me. He pulls away and smiles. I give him a glare.

"Come on, I know this is your hormones. You aren't mad." he says with a grin.

"I am too!" I protest. "And it is not my hormones."

He gives me a look. A look I can't help but smile at.

"There it is." he says and smiles wide.

I scoff and roll my eyes. I smile and then kiss him again.

"I love you." He says.

"I love you too." I say.

And at that, Aster stirs and kicks.

"She likes the 'L' word." I whisper.

Peeta laughs a little and smiles.

"I love you, Aster Pearl." He says and rests his hand on my stomach.

"Are you serious?! Stop saying that!" I say annoyed, and hit him.

"What? Loooovvveee?" he asks with a smirk on his face.

I punch him in the arm.

"Okay, okay! I'll stop!" he says.

"Good. I have more coming." I say and glare at him.

"I'll be dead." he says and rubs his arm. There is a pretty nice sized bruise forming.

"Then quit making her do that, then you'll be alive long enough to see her." I say.

He laughs a little and I do too.

"I gotta go make sure Daisy is being a mom. I'll send Dr. Mangum up here when she arrives." He says.

"Alright. Could you bring me something?" I ask trying to sound sweet.

"Anything for you, as long as I don't get anymore bruises." he says.

I giggle a little. "No more, unless we act dumb again. I just want some buttermilk pancakes." I say.

"I can do that." He says with a soft smile. He leans in and kisses me again.

"All will be forgiven as soon as those pancakes are done." I say and pull away.

"I'll get on that." he says.

~

"Well Katniss, this time on bed rest has done the trick." Dr. Mangum says with a smile.

"Oh, thank God. I am so stir crazy." I say and sigh a breath of relief.

"I can imagine." She says with a laugh. "And just in time for your trip."

"Yay me." I say sarcastically.

"I would suggest train as way of travel. Not as risky at this point for you." She says.

"We will. Also, is it alright to um... with my hormones and all... I kinda can't keep it away anymore." I say.

"Yes. You can." she says with a smile and a small laugh.

I try not to smile and blush.

"Now, have your stress levels been down at all. You blood pressure is great." She asks.

"Well.. for the most part. Last week there was a stress raising situation." I say.

"Well, luckily I have some equipment to check things out. May I ask what it was?" She says.

"It was.. A very bad nightmare. And we had the same one.. which made it worse." I explain.

"Oh no. I'm so sorry to hear that." She says sincerely.

"It's alright. We.. overcame it. And are alright now." I say.

"That's good." She says.

She hooks up some cuffs around my arm and around my stomach.

"You're in luck. Your levels are way down. And little Aster's isn't affected." She says happily.

"Thank God. I was worried for her." I say.

"You won't have to for much longer. Soon she'll be here." She says.

"We're still hoping for first week in January?" I ask.

"That is the plan. Unless Aster has other plans. But when do go there, try to keep calm. There still is the chance of stress to put you into labor. Which I'm sure would not be ideal for you." She explains.

"I'm 37 weeks on Christmas eve. Which is in a few days." I say.

"It's more risky for a baby to be born before 38 weeks. Most do between 38 to 40. So let's try not to let that happen, alright?" She says.

"I will." I say.

"Then let's plan to see you both on January 21st. And she'll be on her way." She says.

"I am so ready." I say.

"Just one more month, Katniss. You've made it to eight. It's the home stretch." she says.

"I'll keep telling myself that. Maybe it will go by faster." I say.

~

The train station in the Capitol is absolutely chaos. So many cameras, people, loud noises, cheers, screams, people calling my name and asking us questions. Which is making my anxiety break the atmosphere I think. Peeta shelters me from it all. Along with Haymitch and body guards. I needed him to come. My mother is taking care of Daisy and her new family while we are here. We found out that after the announcement of Aster, Effie couldn't keep a secret. And that is some of the reason why so many people were at the train station. There hasn't been much travel to us, but here the Capitol has been going insane over us. Which I am grateful Paylor only kept it here. And not let it travel to us in 12. They have the interview for Christmas Eve. So we have to stay here for a few days. And we don't leave the hotel room. I don't want any of that. I watch the snow fall down from the window seat. I look down at the Capitol. Effie arranged for us to have a penthouse in the best hotel in the Capitol. Which we honestly don't need. But it is nice. Since we are the only ones who can enter, and Haymitch. No one can see us and or pester us. Which I am grateful for.

"Some way to spend Christmas. I thought that we'd have it at home." Peeta says and sits on the other side of the window.

"It's alright. I bet they were going to do this anyways. Since it is close to the holidays." I say.

"I just wanted our own christmas, is all. Before she arrives." Peeta says.

"Well we won't get anymore by ourselves, sadly. And it's your fault. We'll never be able to be alone." I say teasingly.

"You said we could." He says defensively.

"I know. I'm joking Peeta." I say and laugh.

"Oh." he says.

I just shake my head and laugh to myself. Haymitch comes in the room talking on the phone. He seems annoyed with something. He hangs up with a very rude goodbye.

"You do know she can hear what people say, Haymitch. And that will be the first word she says.

"Sorry, yell at me when she starts to speak. They said they want us there now and that they have a big 'extravaganza christmas whatever' for the both of you. And I was trying to cancel that. But the people here hardly give a damn about people's needs and worries. Since all of that going in with keeping you calm." Haymitch explains.

"Thanks for trying, Haymitch. It's nice to have someone care like that." Peeta says.

"Yeah... you guys deserve better." He says.

"Thank you, Haymitch. You'll make a great Godfather for Aster." I say.

"Well we better get going then. Won't want to throw off their perfect plan for the two of you." he says.

Peeta offers me his hands and pulls me up. Then we make our way for the interview.

~

"Let's have a look." Flavius says.

They step away from me and walk around me. I wear a dress that is violet. It has a bow around the middle and definitely exposes my eight month stomach. There are flowers designed on it. It shows my shoulders and goes rather low in the front for my taste. It goes to the floor. And they are not making me wear heels. If I was, I would fall flat before I made it onstage. But I do look beautiful. I do love what they do. Effie comes in the room.

"Oh, she looks lovely. Simply beautiful. No heels, correct?" She says.

"No. Only simple flats with a bit of shine." Octavia says.

"Good. Katniss, are you ready darling?" Effie asks me.

'As I'll ever be.' I think.

"Yes. I am." I say with a smile.

"Then let's go! The public is nearly going crazy!" Effie exclaims.

~

Peeta's P.O.V.

Katniss walks out of a dressing room and is followed by Effie and her team. She looks absolutely stunning. The broadcast is beginning on stage. Caesar is talking. Katniss and I keep our arms connected.

"Remember to smile, you two. This is all for you." Effie says cheerfully.

Katniss gives me a look. I know what she means. I smile a little and she does too.

"And keep calm, Sweetheart." Haymitch tells Katniss.

"I'll try." She says.

The backstage personnel comes to get us. I hold Katniss close and carefully. She supports her large stomach and holds me tight. We wait until we are introduced.

"Feeling alright?" I whisper.

"For now." She whispers.

"Well I'll be right there. Give my hand a squeeze if something isn't right, okay?" I say.

"I will. Thank you." She says with a smile.

"Of course. I don't want anything bad to happen." I say.

"Now for the moment we have all been waiting for... The Star-Crossed Lovers from District 12 are here tonight. With some surprising new changes. Please welcome, Katniss and Peeta Mellark!" Caesar announces wildly.

Katniss and I walk out onstage and give the audience what they want. Caesar shakes my hand and gives Katniss a hug. We sit down and then he calms the audience.

"So... we see life has been changing for you two." Caesar starts.

"Very much so. I'm due soon. Late January." Katniss says.

"Have you found out who the little one is?" Caesar asks.

"We're having a girl. And haven't chosen a name yet." Katniss explains.

"Well that's wonderful! Congratulations to the both of you! I bet the Star-Crossed Lovers will make wonderful parents." Caesar says.

"We sure hope so." I say.

"After this little girl, will anymore be coming down the road?" Caesar asks.

"It's not up to me. I would like more. It's her you have to convince." I say.

The crowd laughs.

"Well.. I may or may not give in. Once she's here.. things may change." Katniss says.

"But if so, we need a boy." I say.

"We'll see, I couldn't stand another cutie like you." She says and acts sweet for the world.

She kisses me cheek. And then she squeezed my hand. Very tight. She shoots me a look of fear through a smile. I nod unsync table.

"Caesar, we're sorry to end this short. It's just Christmas and Katniss, and all that." I break in as he is talking to Katniss.

"Of course. Not a problem at all, right folks?" Caesar says.

"We'll promise to keep you in the know about her." Katniss says.

"And that's all for the night, everyone. We'd like to thank the Star-Crossed Lovers from District 12 for making time for us. Give it up for, Katniss and Peeta Mellark!!" Caesar exclaims.

We smile and wave at the audience. Caesar says his goodbyes to us. And we hurry ourselves offstage. As soon as we do, Katniss nearly collapses. I catch her quick.

"Hey, hey, Kat? What's wrong? Talk to me." I say and rub her arm.

"It hurts.... Bad.. I need to go to the hospital. I think..." She says sounding more and more in pain with each word.

"B-b-but it can't Katniss! It's not been long enough." I stammer.

"I know.." She says.

Haymitch and Effie come.

"I thought there was longer in the interview?" Effie says.

Haymitch comes to Katniss and I.

"When did you start to not feel okay?" Haymitch asks her.

"As soon as we sat down." she says.

"Why didn't you let me know, Kat?" I ask.

"It wasn't bad then. Now it is." She says.

"Effie, call a cab. We need to go." Haymitch tells her.

"Right. Hang in there, dearie." She says.

Katniss nods a little.

"Do I need to carry you?" I ask her.

"No. I'm fine. I can walk." She says.

"Then let's go. And make sure she's alright." Haymitch says.

I help Katniss up and she clings to me for dear life. She clutches her stomach with her other hand. Haymitch makes sure no one interferes with us. Effie gets us in the cab and we all race to the hospital.

~

Katniss's P.O.V.

I hold onto the rail of the bed and Peeta's hand. Peeta's hand is turning red. And I feel bad. But I need him. He rubs the back of to try and soothe me. I won't be soothed much. The thing I was supposed to prevent from happening... is happening. I'm going into preterm labor. And it's my fault for not keeping my nerves in check.

"What if something is wrong with her, Peeta? What is she doesn't make it?" I ask.

"Hey, don't think about that. She's alright. Everything will be okay. Aster will make it." Peeta says.

I nod and try to stay calm. There is a knock on the door and Haymitch comes in the room.

"Her Doc, can't make it in time. The train is stalled in 11." Haymitch says and sits next to Peeta.

"So do we wait?" Peeta asks.

"No we do not wait! I am not waiting longer than I have to!! This baby is coming now!" I yell at the top of my lungs and squeeze Peeta's hand.

"Okay, okay, okay! Easy Sweetheart. Don't break him." Haymitch says.

I cry out in pain and squeeze tighter.

"Here, let me take over before your hand falls off." Haymitch says to Peeta.

"I got it. Doesn't hurt anymore really." He says.

"Sorry.." I say and grow teary eyed.

"It's fine, Kat. I love you." He says and kisses my hand.

"Do you want something for the pain, Sweetheart?" Haymitch asks.

"I.. I don't know." I say.

"It may help, Kat. You seem to be in a lot of pain." Peeta says.

"Yeah.. let's do that." I say.

"I'll go find a nurse." Haymitch says. "Hang in there."

He leaves and it's just Peeta and I. And what feels like something tearing my insides out. Which happens to be my daughter.

"I don't want anyone else here. Just you." I say.

"If that's what you want." He says with a small smile.

"That's what I want." I say.

"Then it'll just be us, until Aster comes." He says.

"Which she better hurry up." I say.

He laughs a little.

I started, but was cut off by the pain. I groan and squeeze his hand tight.

"Deep breaths.. In and out.. You got this Katniss." He says.

He rests his head near mine and I put mine to his. I feel tear slip from the corners of my eyes.

"God, this hurts!" I cry out.

"It'll be alright, Kat. We're getting closer." He says.

"And where the Fuck is Haymitch with that pain medicince!?" I yell.

"He'll be here. I'll go look and find a doctor to see how much longer." He says.

I grab his arm. "NO! Don't leave me. Not yet! Stay with me?" I beg.

"Okay, I won't. And.. I'll always stay. Always." He says and takes a seat again.

I hold tightly to my stomach. I bury my face in the pillow.

"Why don't you take a rest, Kat? You'll need it." Peeta says.

I look up from one eye. I nod numbly.

"I can't.. I hurt too much." I say quietly.

"Then maybe this'll be of use." I hear Haymitch says.

I sit up and see a nurse and a doctor coming in as well.

"I am Doctor Allrad, Mrs. Mellark. I've been keeping in contact with your OB/GYN in 12. Sadly she can't make it, so I'll be here instead. Could we have you lean forward so we can give you an Epidural?" She says.

I lean forward as much as I can with a person in me.

"You'll feel a pinch and some pressure. We have to put it right between your spinal columns. It'll be over quick." Dr. Allrad says.

I nod. Peeta holds onto my hands. I rest my head on his chest. I feel the pinch in my back. And a lot of pressure. I whimpered a little. Peeta kisses my head.

"Alright, Katniss. It's all done now. It should kick in very fast. We'll check to see how far you are." Dr. Allrad explains.

I sit back up and lay in bed.

"You're closer than I thought. Eight centimeters. Two more and then we'll get this done." She says.

"Will she be okay? With being this early." I ask.

"We'll have her looked at and sent to the N.I.C.U. as soon as she arrives. She'll have to stay there until we see if she is fully developing. With hope, in the four weeks she was supposed to still be in you, she'll be well enough to return home with you." She explains.

"It'll be alright, Katniss. She's going to grow healthy and alright. Then we can take her home." Peeta says.

I nod and keep focusing on my breathing. I feel worried for the sake of Aster. I just want her to be alright. And I am afraid for her life. She'll be in safe care.. just not in the safe place I want. But I doubt I'll be able to make it home in time to keep her close to me. I start to feel the Epidural kick in. I can't feel my lower body at all. And the pain is there but less intense and agonizing.

"I'll be back in a few minutes with everything ready, alright? In the mean time save your energy and strenght. You'll need it." Dr. Allrad says.

"I'll try." I say.

She leaves with the nurse she brought in.

"Haymitch... if you don't mind.. I just want Peeta to be here with me." I say to him.

"Of course, Sweetheart. I'll make sure you get to keep your privacy. And let me know when my Goddaughter is here, alright?" He says.

"We won't. You'll be the first to know." Peeta says.

Haymitch comes to me and gives me a hug. "You can do this, Katniss. Everything will be alright." He says to me.

"Thank you, Haymitch." I say.

"Now, try to hurry this up, Sweetheart. I want to meet this little girl." He says and I can see a few tears threatening to spill from his eyes.

"Tell that to her." I say with a smile. "And don't go crying on me. You're not supposed to cry until she is here."

"I know, I know. And I'm going." He says and wipes his face. "Don't go snapping his hand in two, girl. Otherwise he can't help with her."

"I can't make any promis-esss OWWW!" I say as I get another contraction.

"I'll get a new one, like I did my leg." Peeta says through clentched teeth.

I let him go. "Sorry if you have to." I say to him and take deep breaths.

"I'll manage." He says with a smile and kisses me.

I feel my smile fade. And then a uncomfortable feeling in me. I don't even know how to explain it.

"What is it Katniss?" Peeta asks.

"I-I don't... this..." I say.

"What? What is it?" he asks growing worried.

"It's time.." I say quietly.

~

"Almost there, Katniss. Just give it one more big push!" Dr. Allrad says.

I feel it rip through my body. I scream bloody murder. That is how it feels. My lungs will come out of my chest at any more of this. I use everything in my body to get her out of me. I feel all that pain and the pressure from by legs go away almost instatly. I throw my head back and pant and try to breathe. I hear my daughter cry. I look up, my body entierly spent. My forehead is bathed in sweat and it's taking me everything I have left to not let me fall asleep. Even though I am so very tired. I won't let that happen. Not yet. I have to see her. I have to see this new person I've felt grow and move inside me for many months. Months that filled me with terror at the reality of bringing a child into this world, even though I was ready. And now the most feared part is coming. Motherhood. But I knew Peeta so very badly wanted out two person family to grow. And I could not deny him anything anymore. His dream eventually became our dream. Even if the thought was still all the terrifying.

"Look Katniss! She's here! Aster! Oh she's beautiful, Katniss. You did it." Peeta says happily and has tears falling.

"Would you like to cut the cord before she is sent for tests, Peeta?" Dr. Allrad asks.

Peeta looks at me. I nod weakly and smile. He leaves my side to go to her. I see her lifted up a bit and I can see her. My heart is full. And also a bit heavy. She is here. Aster Pearl Mellark. My little girl. I see her dark hair like mine. I hope she has Peeta's eyes and not mine. His are more breath taking than my cold, grey, eyes. She is so small. But I tell myself she'll be alright soon. And she will be. In time. I hear her screams and cries leave the room. I feel my body grow heavy and sink into the bed.

"Just rest, Katniss. Everything will be okay. I love you so much." Peeta tells me.

I look at him and he has a wide smile on his face and tears running down his face. He kisses my forehead. I smile at him and then let the tired feeling take me away. 

YAYYYYY!!! SEEE!! TOLD YOU I DO IT FOR A REASON!!! NNOT BECAUSE I AM A MONSTER WITH COLD BLOOD!! THX FOR READING!!! MORE WILL COME OUT TOMORROW!!!? ISN'T SHE SO CUTE!!! PLZ COMMENT AND VOTE!! BYEEEEY!! LOTS OF LOVE!!! ❤❤❤❤❤

-ZEFFIE 

Aster Pearl Mellark

1:35 a.m. December 25th

4 lbs 6 ounces