Katniss's P.O.V.

Things have been strained on me for the past few days. I received a letter from my mother on Sunday. It is now Tuesday. The interview is tomorrow. And she has yet to come to 12. I have all but pushed away Peeta. It's because of my anxiety. The world will change so much in only a matter of time. I want my real family to know first. Not millions of strangers. I pace around my room all day. And around the house. Peeta is working. He knows I need time and space. But I am hurting him by doing so. I make myself some tea. It calms me down a little. Effie and her team will arrive soon. Then Peeta. We will get ready and then the cameras will arrive. Which I can't help but dread. I start to feel my heart is about to give out from nerves, when there is a knock on the door. I stop pacing and rush down the stairs. I open the door. I sigh a sigh of relief.

"Mom." I say.

"Hello Katniss." She says and smiles softly at me.

I go into her arms. I hold her tight. "I've missed you, Mom." I say.

"I have too." She says.

I let her go. "Come in. I have to talk to you." I say.

I pick up one of her bags. And she takes the rest. We go inside.

"Our house is still unoccupied. If that is where you want to stay." I say.

"I know. I was planning on staying their. But I thought you still lived there." She says and sits down.

"I moved here about a year ago." I say. "And I have to tell you something too."

"Of course. Anything, Katniss." She says.

I take a deep breath. "Well.... Peeta and I are engaged." I say and smile. I show her my hand.

"Oh my goodness! Congratulations, Katniss. I'm so happy for the both of you!" She says and hugs me.

"Thanks, Mom." I say. "I was worried you'd find out from the news. Nearly made a rut in the floor."

She smiles. "I would've been fine. Even if it wasn't the ideal way to know." She says.

"You'll have to know, Mom, since this whole ordeal with the interviews... we never get left alone. Now you won't either." I explain.

"I know. But as long as I am back, that is all I care about." She says.

I nod. "So, how have things been for you?" I ask.

"Well... different. Without either of you. But... I've managed. I focus on those still here. And who need my help. And I am here to help you more too. I'm sorry I left." She explains.

"I know, Mom. It's alright." I say. "Things have been hard for me too. But I have had Peeta with me."

"And I'm so happy for you." She says.

"Thank you." I say. "It was hard for a while... without him."

I move my arms. My mom gasps. "Ohhh... Katniss. I'm...I'm so sorry." She says. She holds me tight.

"It's been a year and a half. I'm doing better." I say.

She lets me go. She rests her hand on my cheek. I see tears in her eyes. "I'm so glad. I don't want to lose you too." She says.

"You won't. Not yet at least." I say.

"I hope not soon. You're about to be married." She says teasingly.

"I know." I say and smile.

The door opens suddenly. I turn around. I smile.

"Hey, Kat." Peeta says.

"Hi." I say.

"Hello again, Peeta." Mom says.

"Oh hello, Mrs. Everdeen. I'm glad to see you made it." He says.

"Oh, please. Just call me Liza." Mom says.

"I may have seen our good friends at the station." Peeta says.

"Oh goody." I say and roll my eyes.

"That may be a sign to get ourselves prepared, Katniss." Peeta says.

I sigh. I feel my anxiety starting to come back. I take a deep breath.

"It'll be okay." Mom says and rubs my thigh.

"I know. I just hate it." I say.

I stand and go to my room. I go to look myself over. I look fine for a base. But they'll turn me into something not how I am. How the world loves me and wants me to be.

Peeta comes into the room. "Hey." He says.

I turn around. "Hey." I say.

"You okay?" He asks and hugs me.

"Mhm." I say and rest my head on his chest.

He kisses my head. "Will we ever be okay to be us?" I ask.

"I hope so, Kat. I really do." He says.

I look up at him. I smile a bit then lean in and kiss him. Our kiss ends abruptly by the door being pounded on from down stairs.

"Guess who?" I ask sarcastically.

"Who?" He jokes and smiles. "Come on. Let's get this done and over."

"Gladly." I say.

~

Peeta's P.O.V.

Effie has another team getting me ready. Effie is getting Katniss ready. I really am not looking forward to the future. We'll never be alone after we tell the world we are going to be married. More and more pressure will be put on us. Mainly Katniss. Since we are the "Star-Crossed Lovers" the next thing will be children. We'll be pushed too. And I know Katniss is not sure she wants them. Which I am certainly alright with. Even though I'd love children, I love Katniss more. I wait in the living room for Katniss. I can see cameras being set up outside our house. I have a slight bit of anxiety. But I know Katniss has more. I hear the door open upstairs. Then footsteps. I see Katniss emerge from the top of the steps. I am speechless at her beauty. She looks absolutely stunning. She has a black dress that wraps around her neck. The bottom looks like petals and is black. A part of her long, dark, hair is in a braid and then it is put up into a bun. Her make-up is simple, yet still beautiful. She has a black silk shawl to keep her warm and black flats.

'I really do love this woman.' I think.

"Alright you two! You know what to do! Remember to smile and keep your chins up!" Effie exclaims.

"We won't, Effie." I say.

"How could we forget what you say?" Katniss says.

"Great. Now, smile and have fun!" Effie says.

I take Katniss's arm. She holds her in mine. Effie opens the door. Immediately we are hit with bright lights. We walk outside.

"There they are! The Star-Crossed Lovers of District 12!" We hear Caesar announce from the camera.

We both wave and smile.

"My my, I have to say that you two both look rather dashing!" Caesar exclaims.

"Thank you, Caesar." Katniss says.

"Of course! So.. let's get to it then! How has this past while been?" Caesar says.

"Really good. Just... living life, we suppose." I say.

"But we do have some special news." Katniss says.

"Oh well do tell! We don't like secrets!" Caesar says.

"Well..." Katniss says and then looks at me.

I smile at her. She looks back at the camera. She lifts up her hand with the ring on it.

"We're engaged!" She exclaims.

You can hear the crowds in the Capitol going crazy.

"That is very exciting! Congratulations! Have you been planning?" Caesar says.

"Not a whole lot. But we'll start." I say.

"Don't hold out on us, now! Keep us updated!" Caesar says. "That's all from the Star-Crossed Lovers! Thank you both so much, and best wishes and congratulations!"

We wave goodbye to the camera. They turn off and the lights as well. I feel Katniss shaking like crazy.

"Hey, it's okay. It's over." I say and hold her tight.

"I know. Just adrenaline." She says.

I nod. The door to our home opens. Effie comes out. She comes and hugs us tight.

"I'm so happy for you both!" She says. "My Victors."

"Thanks, Effie." I say.

"If and when you two need help, don't hesitate to talk to me." She says.

"We won't. You'll be the one to help." Katniss says.

"Until then!" Effie says.

Katniss and I both head back inside. And try to saver the last of our privacy for a while.

~ Next Day~

Katniss's P.O.V.

I wake up feeling a weight on me. It is not a physical weight. Just a feeling in my brain and heart. I sit up. Peeta is asleep still. The sun is rising. I look at the clock. It's five in the morning. I sigh. I take to covers off of me. I let my feet hit the floor. It's cold to my feet at first. But when I stand, I walk and don't notice it. I quietly walk around the room. Not trying to wake up Peeta. I get a sweater and some socks and leggings. I change from my pajamas. I quietly opened the door and leave. I shut it without making it squeak. I tip-toe down the stairs and to the front door. I open the door and leave. I walk into town. Most of 12 is asleep. A few stores are getting ready to open up. I go to the edge of 12. And to the woods. I retrieve my bow and sheath. I go to my spot and sit. I watch the sunrise. It helps my weight leave. Just watching the beauty of nature. I close my eyes and take in the morning. All the sounds of the animals waking up and being active. A twig snapping brings me to reality. I turn around fast and aim my bow.

"Hey, whoa. Don't kill me yet, Catnip. Otherwise you won't see what I got you." Gale says.

I lower my bow. "Sorry." I say.

"You seem tense. Everything okay?" He asks and sits next to me.

"I'm fine." I say.

"Well, this will make you better." He says.

He gets his bag. He hands it to me. Something alive is in there. "What is this?" I ask.

"Don't keep it waiting." He says.

I open the bag. I gasp. I take out the small dog.

"Gale..." I say.

"Figured you must be lonely with Buttercup gone. Maybe she can keep you company." He says.

"Thank you. Where did you get her?" I ask.

"I've seen her wandering. Then didn't. She was taken by some security guys. Going to let her go here. I knew she wouldn't last. So, I got her." He says.

She squirms in my arms. I let her down. She is a beautiful dog. She is black, white, tan and grey. She has bright blue eyes.

"I think she's s shepard dog. Not sure though. Maybe she can hunt with us when she gets older." Gale says.

"Thank you. She's really sweet." I say.

The dog runs around a little and barks and yips. But even with this new found happiness and companion, the weight of glum still lingers.

"What's going on with you, Katniss? You don't seem okay." Gale says.

"I'm okay. Just... stressed." I say.

"About what?" He asks.

"You don't know?" I ask.

"Know what?" He asks.

"It was all over. I'm surprised." I say.

"Did something happen?" He asks.

I sigh. I don't really want to tell him. "I'm going to get married, Gale." I say.

"That's... great. Congrats, Katniss." He says, and even smiles a little.

"Thanks." I say.

"Of course. I'm really happy for you. Truly, Katniss. Believe me." He says.

"I know, thank you Gale. It means a lot." I say.

"You don't seem like you are, Catnip." He says.

"I am. Just... life is making it hard. I will never be alone or truly happy. The world won't leave me alone. Not even when I die." I say.

"I wish it would go away. They don't need to be in your life. Only those who care about you. They don't even know you." He says.

I nod. The new dog comes to my lap. She lays on it. I smile a little.

"You going to name her or what?" Gale asks.

"I will." I say and smile a little.

I pet her head and rub her ears.

"Things will get better, Katniss. One way or another." Gale says.

I nod. I pick up the dog and hold her closer. I stand up. "Better get back before the mod comes." I say.

"I'll get you a haul after work." He says.

"Thank you." I say.

I carry the dog all the way to the fence. I tuck her in my jacket pocket so she doesn't get hurt from the barbed wire. The sun is up now. Not a lot of activities in 12, luckily. I slip home without being noticed. The house is warm when I enter. I set the dog down.

"Hello?" I call.

Peeta comes out of the kitchen.

"Hey, where were you? I woke up and you are gone." He says.

"Just out." I say.

The dog runs to Peeta and jumps on him.

"Who is this little girl?" He asks and smiles. He picks her up.

"Gale got her for me. Have yet to name her." I say.

He pets her. She licks his face like crazy.

"She's just a cutie isn't she?" He says and laughs.

"She is. Want to name her?" I ask.

"Sure. Hmm... how about.... Daisy?" He asks.

"Suits her, for being such a cutie." I say.

He sets Daisy on the ground. She runs around and sniffs at things. Peeta and I laugh. I feel the weight gone from me now. I just feel okay. Suddenly I feel a light feeling in me. Almost calm. Yet at the same time, my heart is beating fairly fast. Before I know it, I lose my consciousness.