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Chapter Text

"Hey," Peeta said, handing her a to-go cup. "Light and sweet."

"I hate this stuff," Katniss muttered as she took the cup of coffee. She took a sip and sighed. Lately, she had a hankering for coffee.

"Tired?"

Katniss wrinkled her face. She had woken up with the feeling that something wasn't right today. Before they left the house, she double checked everything. Mentally, she went down her checklist.

• Plushies. CHECK.
• Four suitcases packed with clothing and shoes for adults and kids. CHECK.
• Disguises. CHECK.
• Medications. CHECK.
• First aid kit. CHECK.
• Lightweight rain jackets for four kids and three adults. CHECK.
• Six backpacks. CHECK.
• One game bag filled with games, sippy cups, snacks, and emergency packets of ketchup. CHECK.
• Identification Cards. CHECK.
• Tickets. CHECK.
• Four kids. CHECK.
• Three Adults. CHECK.
• Emergency contact list. CHECK.
• Sexy reading glasses for her gorgeous baker. CHECK.
• Cat and geese sitter. CHECK. (Delly was house-sitting and was given the spare key to Haymitch's place. She arrived just before they left.)

All of the "i's" were dotted, and all of the "t's" were crossed, and yet, something wasn't right. Her mom's senses were activated, and she couldn't put her finger on what it was. It wasn't allowing her to relax.

"What's wrong?"

"It's just that for some reason, something feels off. I can't put my finger on it, but something in my gut keeps on telling me something wonky is gonna happen."

"Of course, something wonky is gonna happen. We're traveling with a million kids. And a slightly sober neighbor."

She couldn't help but laugh. Haymitch looked so tired, much like the way Diana looked when she needed to nap.

"Don't worry, everything is gonna be fine. I got everything under control."

"Famous last words," Katniss muttered to herself.

The twins were turning three, and instead of staying home and having a quiet birthday, Peeta got it in his head to take their first family vacation. Haymitch, of course, was coming with them. They were traveling to District Four.

After the war, when the districts were opened, there wasn't much tourism. There was an influx of people moving. Some had been displaced by the bombings and fighting. Some cities were abandoned, others were rebuilt.

As time passed, different industries propped up. District Four became a place to vacation. People loved to go see the miles of beaches. People also liked to travel to District Three because of the futuristic technology found there, and funnily enough, they went to the Capitol and District Thirteen. Katniss didn't understand why people would want to visit an underground can of sardines.

She shivered, recalling the oppressive grey interiors. The only place people were discouraged from visiting was District Twelve. Katniss and Peeta liked it that way. She liked her home, liked her quiet nook of Panem where she didn't have to fear that her private life would become public fodder.

It's why she initially said no to Peeta's absurd plan. Katniss didn't want to travel with a million kids. They would be at the mercy of the public and sneaky reporters.

After two months of discussion, it was decided that they would go out on their first official family vacation. Katniss had told Peeta that if he wanted to travel, he would have to take care of everything. The travel plans, security, lodging, food, and anything else. She was going to hang back and let him do all of the heavy lifting.

Peeta made sure she was kept in the loop. They couldn't stay at her mother's cottage, because it wasn't big enough. They would be staying at a private hotel, and for the twins' birthday, they would stay with Annie and her family. Her husband was excited about their family vacation.

What changed her mind about traveling was that she and Peeta were coming up on 20 years of marriage, and it was a big deal. The added bonus was seeing Annie, Fin, Johanna, and her mother, who hadn't seen the twins since they turned one. Katniss didn't really have many friends who understood the games or what it was like to be in them.

The last time Katniss saw Johanna was when she came to town, and there was that unmentionable incident with Diana's shoes, for which Johanna eventually apologized. The only thing that came out of that was that Diana loved Johanna. Upon hearing Johanna was going to be there, Diana had packed up her small backpack with all of her essentials.

Peeta had gotten curious one night. He opened her backpack to discover that she'd packed all of her treasures. Her doll head, Ryley's duck plushie, a sock that belonged to Meadow, and several packets of ketchup. He laughed so hard at just how many ketchup packets she'd packed.

That incident was going into the book.

The morning of the trip, they'd all walked down to the train station. Haymitch was joining them because Ryley and Meadow had a fit at the idea of going without him. Inside the train station, they gathered inside a private room with large windows. The sun was slowly making its presence known in the sky.

"You okay?" Peeta asked Haymtich.

"I wanted to be home asleep. Instead, I'm here waiting for the train at sunrise," Haymitch grumbled.

"Could it be because of a certain widow, named Hazelle?"

"Oh for the love of gingerbread," Haymitch exclaimed. Around the kids, he'd gotten used to cleaning up his language. He'd learned the hard way that children were sponges who repeated things, embarrassing things.

Katniss laughed into her cup of coffee.

"You're not denying it?" Peeta had found out about Haymitch and Hazelle writing letters when Haymitch asked him if Hazelle could attend the twins' birthday party. Peeta readily agreed when he learned Gale was furious that his mother got all giddy when she received a letter from Haymitch.

Katniss was okay with Hazelle, Vic, Rory, and Posy coming to the twins' birthday party. Hazelle didn't extend the invitation to Gale. She told Haymitch she wasn't on speaking terms with her eldest son. Something about his snooty wife, saying something that disrespected her youngest.

"I'm going to need something a lot more interesting than tea if I'm going to have to survive this family vacation."

"Oh, Uncle Haymish," Meadow said, leaning up against him. "I wub you, like all-fire."

"I wub you like all-fire, li'l Dove," Haymitch said gruffly.

"Are we there yet?" Ryley asked.

"No, we have to take the train," Peeta calmly explained.

"Oh," Ryley frowned.

"I am so excited," Meadow began. "I cannot wait to see the ocean and walk on the sand. Mama, have we stayed in a hotel before?"

Katniss shook her head no, in disbelief that she had an eight-year-old daughter.

The train horn blew as it approached; it was so loud. Hunter covered his ears while Diana cheered and clapped her hands. Katniss ran her hands over her son's curly hair as he looked at her with his wide, blue, innocent eyes. "It's okay," Katniss said.

The rumble of the train coming into the station filled the interior of the small room. As the sleek silver engine pulled into the station, Katniss was filled with memories of the last time she and Peeta went on the train. Those were different days when the train symbolized certain death for the children who were forced to ride it.

Katniss gave Peeta a meaningful look. He smiled sadly.

She and Peeta had experienced many firsts on the train. Katniss had never seen such opulence. Back then, everything in District Twelve was muted by a thick coat of ash and soot. The only place of beauty was in the woods. The food, rich, decadent fruits, pastries, and sweets, Katniss's mouth watered as she recalled the selection of cheeses that were on board. Peeta had been fascinated by the baked goods. It was the first time either of them had tasted hot chocolate.

Back then, she could eat anything she wanted; she had been so starved. Today, she had to watch what she ate. Her doctor was concerned about her salt intake.

"Mama, it's so big," Meadow said.

"It is," Katniss said.

Ryley jumped up and down in his excitement.

"We have two cars all for us, Ry," Meadow spouted. "Uncle Haymish told me there would be one car for the staff. And the domed car has an upstairs and a downstairs like a real house."

Once the arriving passengers departed the train and collected their luggage, the engine was removed from the front of the train and transferred to the back. The first car was now the last. Two more cars were added to the back.

Once the train was cleaned and fueled, the station manager yelled, "All Aboard!"

"Be right back," Haymitch said.

A small group of people got on board. They didn't even pay attention to Haymitch as he moved to speak with the train conductor and station manager. Katniss slipped her handkerchief on her head.

"Alright, Meadow, Ryle, these are your caps. Please put them on, and do not take them off, okay."

"Okay, mama," they replied at the same time.

"I'm like you, Dada," Ryle said, pointing to the similar cap Peeta put on.

"Yeah, you are, Spud."

Katniss moved the bonnet of the stroller over her children's heads and a blanket to protect their faces. She'd learned that the photographers loved to catch her unaware. Thankfully, Plutarch and the government wanted to keep them out of the spotlight, but that didn't mean that people weren't hungry for updates on their lives.

Haymitch came back and said, "It's the last car right in front of us. Let's get this show on the road, I've got the suitcases," Haymitch said.

Peeta opened the door and took Meadow's and Ryley's hands and quickly walked out into the balmy morning air. The last car, which was domed, was for them.

Peeta arranged it with Plutarch. They didn't want the public to know that they were traveling. The public was very much invested in them, and pictures of the Mockingjay with her family sold for high amounts. Peeta took his family's safety seriously.

Katniss followed behind, her head slightly ducked, but ever so vigilant. Haymitch was behind her with the trolley that contained their suitcases.

"Ma'am," the train conductor stood at attention when she passed by. "It's a real pleasure."

Katniss nodded, following Peeta. When they got to their train car, Peeta scooped both kids inside of the train.

"Let me get these two situated. I'll be right back to help you with the stroller."

"Sure."

As Katniss waited for Peeta to return. The conductor appeared and hopped up. "I can help, he offered."

"Oh, I am just waiting for my…husband…P…I mean," Katniss stammered. They were supposed to use an alias, but she was never good at lying. She was uncomfortable.

"It's no problem at all. After all, you're, well…" the man guffawed, a slight reddish stain on the apple of his cheeks.

"Thank you, but I'm just going to wait for my husband," Katniss said quietly, as she hunched down to make sure the twins were okay. She moved the blanket, and Diana gave her a toothy grin. Hunter looked to be sleeping.

"Hi, Mama."

"Hi, baby girl," Katniss whispered, standing up. The conductor stood there for a few awkward moments, staring at her until Peeta appeared at the door of the train.

Peeta came down the steps and briskly nodded. "Thank you, sir, for looking after my wife, though she is most capable of taking care of herself," he said in that deep voice he used whenever he wanted to impose his dominance. Peeta was sweet, but one thing Katniss had learned over the years was that he could maim and kill for the ones he loved.

"Of course, it's no problem, hope you folks enjoy the trip," he said, stepping out of the way.

Peeta walked down. He gave her a meaningful look. "You okay?"

"I hate that," Katniss said.

"I know. When they gawk is the worst."

"Are you two done?" Haymitch said, standing behind Katniss. "They're waiting for us to take off."

"I'll grab Diana, and you grab Hunter," Peeta said to Katniss before addressing Haymitch. "Haymitch, if you could, please fold the stroller."

"Yeah, yeah," Haymitch grumbled.

Katniss followed Peeta up a flight of stairs, into a small space. There was a hall to the left, a door that read, "BATHROOM" in the middle, and a flight of stairs to the right. Peeta headed up to the domed part of the train car.

The observation deck held swiveling chairs at the back of the compartment, followed by a set of sofa chairs that faced each other. In the middle was an empty space for the kids to play in, and two tables at the far end of the room where they could sit and eat dinner together.

"Mama, this is amazing!" Meadow exclaimed, standing on the sofa seat. Ryley stood right by her side.

"You two had better sit. We're going to be pulling away soon, and I don't feel like having a kidsoup to clean up."

Meadow's tinkling laugh filled the air. "Oh, Dada, you're so silly."

"Yeah, Dada," Ryley parroted, but making a silly face as he repeated, "You're silly."

Peeta made a funny face of his own, and Diana clapped and said in a monster voice, "Again!"

In Katniss' arms, Hunter put his little head against her shoulder. He was sucking his thumb. It was a bad habit she was trying to break him out of. He had a binky that Effie gave him. Katniss thought she had weaned him off of it, but then discovered he was using his thumb in its place.

Katniss sat down with her baby boy, who sought to wrap himself around her. She smiled down at him and gave him a kiss on his chin.

Peeta had put Diana down, and she was now trying to climb on the seat next to Ryley and Meadow.

"Here, these are booster seats. This will keep the babies safe when the train takes off and stops," Haymitch said, plopping booster seats near the kids.

"Do we have to?" Ryley asked, looking at the seat distrustfully.

"It's for your own safety," Haymitch said. With the booster seats in place, there was no room for Diana. She was not happy. Her face turned red.

"NO!" Diana said.

"Sorry, chiquita banana," Haymitch said, plopping the seat by Peeta. "You're going to have to sit with your dada."

"NO!" Diana repeated this time in her monster voice.

"It's okay, Diana. I'll sit next to you," Meadow said.

"Ryley, do you want to sit by me?" Peeta asked.

"Sure thing," Ryley said, hopping down and running over to Peeta. Within seconds, they had all of the kids situated.

"Last call!" They could hear the train station master call as he walked by. Then moments later, the train took off, and the kids squealed and erupted into frantic giggles.

When the train made its first stop, the kids were in awe of the field of grain.

"Are we there yet?" Meadow asked. "Is this District 4?"

"No, this is District 11," Peeta said.

"Oh," Meadow said, dramatically.

"Mama," Hunter said, holding out his little hands. He didn't want to be in his seat.

"Okay," Katniss said, removing him from the seat. He cuddled with her.

"I want out," Diana said once her brother was free.

"Your brother is going back as soon as the train starts moving." Katniss knew it wasn't fair, but Diana was much more of a risk-taker than Hunter. Once free, it would be hard to get her back in the chair.

"I want out," she growled.

"NO!" Katniss said, using her monster voice.

Diana's eyes widened, and she blinked. She huffed and folded her little arms across her chest.

"Time to go back to the chair," Katniss said to Hunter. She lifted him and put him back.

Diana's scowl remained in place. Katniss could see the wheels in her child's head turning. This wasn't over.

When they got to District Ten, Ryley was beside himself when he saw a cow. "Dada, look a COW, a real life COW!"

Katniss had forgotten how big cows were. "Shep, shep!" Diana called as they saw goats. She was still confused between sheep and goats.

By the time they got to District 9, they were bored of looking out the window. Ryley asked, "Are we there yet?"

"No, but we're going to have lunch soon," Haymitch said.

"Oh, goody, because I'm bored," Meadow said.

Just then, the train slowed down and they made a stop. There was going to be a one-hour stop in District 9, long enough to get the kids a break to eat and run around the train.

Two aids showed up with food, and the family sat at the tables. Peeta sat with Ryley, and Katniss sat opposite Peeta with Hunter, who happily sat in his high chair. Haymitch sat at the other table with Meadow and Diana in the highchair; she stubbornly wanted to sit with her sistuh Cookie. She cooed at the sight of the ketchup.

After lunch, they got to play a little while. When the train began moving again, Diana didn't want to sit in the chair. She was trying to wiggle out of Katniss's arms when Peeta got her and tossed her in the air, much to her delight.

From that point on, every time the train stopped, the question of 'are we there yet,' came up. They stopped for a freight train that passed by, and Diana asked several times to get down.

Each time, Katniss said no, and her daughter's scowl became darker. It was time for Diana's nap. Unlike Hunter, who loved to nap, Diana hated sleeping during the day. However, when Diana didn't nap, she became cranky. Katniss sat next to her and employed Diana's biggest weakness. She began to sing softly, and by the time she finished singing, Diana was fast asleep.

Katniss looked at the passing scenery; the feeling hadn't gone away. However, she didn't say anything to Peeta. She hoped, in many ways, that it was her anxiety at leaving home. It was the first time they traveled out of the safety of their community. Katniss hadn't left District Twelve since she arrived there with Plutarch and Haymitch after she was let go after her trial.

Those were dark days.

Finnick was right, once you fell apart, it took a long time to piece yourself back together again. Katniss blinked away the tears that threatened to fall from her eyes. Instead, she held Diana closer to her heart. She had so much now to live for. So much joy, it sometimes felt criminal to laugh so much.

Peeta caught her attention. He raised an eyebrow. "I'm okay," she mouthed.

He nodded yes, but she could see he wasn't convinced as he continued to color with Meadow and Ryley.

By dinner time, the kids were restless.

"When are we getting there, Dada?" Ryley asked.

"In the morning."

"Are we going to sleep on the chairs?" Meadow asked.

"The train car has beds."

"BEDS!" Meadow and Ryely shouted at the same time.

"Yeah, you guys have to share a room, but yeah. After dinner, your mom and I are going to help you guys take showers, and then you'll be bunking in beds. Even Snickerdoodle and Hunter have a room especially made for them.

"Ryley, we're going to sleep on bunk beds," Meadow squealed.

"What's a bunk bed?" Ryley asked.

"You'll see!"

After dinner time, Katniss took Hunter and Diana down to get them washed up. They had small cribs for them to sleep in.

"Sweepy," Diana yawned.

"Okay, Snickerdoodle, Dada is going to get your pajamas on and you can go to bed," Katniss said, drying her daughter.

"I wan mama," Diana protested.

"Okay," Katniss said, lifting up in her arms. Diana put her head on Katniss's shoulder. She was getting so big, but she was on the smaller side for a three-year-old. She weighed around 24 pounds, but she had a really healthy appetite. She ate more than her brother.

Katniss carried her down the hallway, where Peeta had Hunter in his low-to-the-ground crib. There was another one just like it on the opposite side. Katniss lay Diana down and gently soothed her back.

"Twink, mama, twink," Diana asked.

Katniss began singing, "Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder where you are…up above the world so high." Katniss didn't even get to the next verse because Diana was fast asleep.

Peeta activated the monitor, and they both left the room.

"Two down, two to go," Peeta said, winking at her.

Meadow and Ryley were more than willing to get ready for bed. Insisting on going early. By the time they entered their shared room, they were ooohing and awwing over their bunk beds. Meadow got the top bunk because she was the oldest. Peeta put up the metal railing so that she wouldn't fall out and left the steps up.

Ryley got the bottom bunk. They were excited to see that they had a toilet in their room. Plus, the room had lights and toys. They asked if they could stay in their train car the next day.

Peeta glanced at Katniss, and she nodded. "As long as Uncle Haymitch stays down here with you guys."

"I'll ask," Meadow was out the door in a flash and knocking on Haymitch's door, before either one could stop her.

Katniss heard the door open. Meadow was so loud that they could hear her from the inside of the room.

"Can you stay down here with Ryley and me tomorrow, so that we can play? You can even stay in your room. We'll keep the door open, we promise!"

"Sure thing, lil'dove," Haymitch said.

"Oh, thank you!"

They heard Haymitch grunt as Meadow most likely threw herself at their old mentor.

"He said yes, mama," Meadow exclaimed as she ran the few seconds to her room.

Peeta popped his head out, most likely to thank Haymitch. Then helped Meadow go up to her bed. Katniss didn't think they would fall asleep too quickly, but within two pages of the book, both kids were asleep.

Once they were asleep, Peeta closed the door. And wiggled his eyebrows. He wrapped his arms around Katniss and placed a kiss on her neck. "Now that the kids are down, do you want to, erm, relive some of our nights on the train?"

"Peeta," Katniss whispered.

"What," he said, as he began moving them slowly in between sweet kisses. "We're adults now, and we can order hot cocoa and watch a movie while in bed. If you just want to sleep, it's okay. Me, I'm going to live out a fantasy of mine."

Peeta then separated himself from her, winked, and walked away.

Katniss felt oddly insulted. "Oh, hell no," she said. He wasn't going to drink hot cocoa without her.

That night, Peeta and Katniss cavorted like teenagers with steaming cups of hot cocoa piled high with frothy whip cream, watching old movies late into the night. They fell asleep wrapped up in each other's arms. Katniss still found her boy with the bread irresistible.

Chapter Text

The next morning, Katniss woke up to find both Hunter and Diana in their bed. They were propped up against Peeta, watching cartoons. One of Plutarch's programs was animated caricatures for children. Katniss didn't like the kids watching television. She preferred for them to go outside and play. However, they were on vacation and she didn't protest. Instead, she turned to simply stare lovingly at Peeta. She couldn't believe they were celebrating twenty years of marriage this week.

They had been a team for longer, ever since they were children. Katniss recalled the bread vividly; it was as if it had happened yesterday. Her boy with the bread was still as handsome and courageous. Peeta was every bit a survivor as she was. He survived losing a leg, he survived being hijacked, and he survived all of his children's shenanigans.

With each passing day, she loved him more. Peeta turned his head and saw that she was awake.

"Morning," Peeta said, reaching down and giving her a sweet kiss on her lips.

"Uk," Diana said, making a face. She then wrapped her little arms around Peeta's neck and exclaimed, "No dada, uk."

Peeta snorted, then said, "No uk, kissy face." He began to tickle her and Hunter and blew raspberries on their faces. Their laughter was better than any coffee or tea. It gave her the energy to stay awake. They spent the morning in bed, relaxing.

Katniss was quiet as she battled that feeling of something not being right. Using the tools she'd been taught in therapy, she tried to understand the sentiments she was feeling. Every avenue she pursued came up empty. She decided to relax and enjoy her time with her family. They were on their first vacation ever, and things always had a way of working out.

Eventually, they ended up with all of the kids in their bed, until Haymitch came by to tell them that breakfast was being served.

Getting the kids ready was an adventure, but somehow they made it upstairs.

"Are we there yet?" Meadow asked during breakfast.

"Almost, we've got one more stop before we get to District Four," Peeta said.

That motivated the kids. They were excited to finally be close to their destination.

"Hey, are you okay?" Peeta asked when they had a moment alone. He slid next to her on the bench. "You seem more reserved than usual."

Katniss wanted to deny and proclaim that she was fine, but she couldn't. "Yesterday, I was thinking about this being the first time we've been away from the safety of District Twelve."

"You're feeling nonsecure."

"Yes, and this has nothing to do with the planning you've done. I mean, the kids are having a great time. I know we're safe. But…"

"But."

"But," Katniss breathed, shrugging her shoulders.

"I understand. I keep on checking the doors every time we stop. I tense up as if peacekeepers or some sort of bad guys are going to bust through the door."

"I haven't heard the word peacekeepers since the war."

After the war, the peacekeepers were rebranded. Their creed was to Maintain Peace and Security, and they were now known as the MPS. However, each district voted for a local sheriff and deputy who took care of local issues.

"We both have things from our past that haunt us, but we're a team, you and I. And what affects you affects me."

Peeta gathered her in his arms, and the breath she'd been holding left her body. It was true, they were a team. From the ripe old age of 11, from the moment he threw her that bread, they became a team. The feelings of wrongness disappeared.

Soon, they arrived in District Four. The kids were gobsmacked by the sight of the beach.

"Big tub," Diana whispered as her wide eyes took in the ocean.

"That's the ocean, Snickerdoodle," Peeta said as he held her to his chest.

"Papa, big tub."

Peeta laughed. "Well, I guess you can bathe in it."

"My teacher said, you can't drink the seawater, it's too salty," Meadow said.

"A salty one," Peeta amended.

When they arrived at the train station, their train cars were uncoupled as passengers departed and new ones entered the train. Another engine was brought out and coupled to their train cars, and they were moving again.

"I thought we were going to get off?" Meadow said.

"Not yet, we're going to go near the sea," Peeta explained.

As passengers departed and others got on, the two cars were uncoupled and transferred to another train engine that would take them to the sleepy seaside community.

"Lunch time!" Haymitch exclaimed.

As they sat the kids down for their lunch, the aids brought in trays of food.

"Kas-up," Diana said.

"Oh, good grief," Haymtich said.

Diana became red because the ketchup wasn't on the table. It was then that the aid brought Diana a miniature bottle of ketchup on a silver platter, which she grinned and said in her monster voice, "Thansque."

"You're welcome," the aid said back in a monster voice, which had Diana cackling.

After lunch, the kids stayed at the table. Katniss was sitting in one of the swivel chairs. She had a moment of quiet and decided to read. Though she didn't get too far along in the book as Haymitch sat next to her. Peeta was downstairs in the bathroom, and she was with Haymitch, watching the children. So far they were quietly playing or coloring. Diana and Hunter were strapped in their high chairs. Ryley and Meadow were sitting next to them.

Meadow was spewing all sorts of facts about District Four as she played with playdough. Ryley was playing with miniature cars. Diana was playing with playdough.

"How are you doing, Sweetheart?"

"Fine," Katniss said as she watched Hunter pick up a purple crayon.

Of all the children, Hunter had his fathers's artistic ability. He was also fascinated with the heavy machinery that was used in District Twelve in construction.

"Just checking in on you," Haymitch said.

Katniss frowned and turned to look at her mentor and grandfather figure to her children. They had always been in sync since the games. They could perceive things about the other without much talking. "What is wrong, Haymitch?"

"You've been in a mood."

Katniss sighed. She had this conversation with Peeta. "I've been feeling off."

"Is it because you miss home?"

"In a way," she sighed. Haymitch was right; she missed her home. District Twelve was unlike the other districts. "I haven't left the district since the war ended. Never had a reason to. Also, having to ride this bucket of bolts. It brings back memories."

"You know I've also been struggling with the memories."

Katniss couldn't imagine how Haymitch was holding up. Yearly trips to the Capitol, always the same cruel punishment to see dozens of children butchered for entertainment. A remembrance of a bygone war. "Were you able to sleep last night?"

"I was so tired that I kind of conked out, glad we're leaving this bucket of bolts in a few hours. Other than that, having the kiddos with us is distracting."

"Yeah," Katniss turned to watch Ryley standing on one of the tables. He swung his arms back and forth, and his brow was furrowed as he looked at the table across the way. He was attempting to jump from one table to the next. "Ryely, get down."

"But mama, this is for the championship."

"Ryley," Katniss said in her authoritative voice.

"Okay, mama," Ryley said as he climbed down.

"Sorry about that. Ryley is such a daredevil."

"Ryley takes after you. Your paw always told me you were like a squirrel, always trying to climb everything."

"I'm in trouble," Katniss joked.

"Sports, you need to get that kid into a sport. It will help him focus his energy."

"Peeta and I were talking about maybe wrestling, but he's too young yet."

"What about that baby ball sport, the one where they kick the ball around?" Haymitch suggested.

"Oh, I didn't think about that one," Katniss said, recalling she saw a flyer for it in town.

"It's a team sport and the kid can start straight away."

"Thanks, Haymitch."

Haymitch didn't move, and Katniss supposed that he wasn't done speaking. She waited patiently for him to ask whatever question he was composing.

"How do you feel about possibly bumping into Grumpy ?"

Katniss blinked and then frowned, wondering for a second who Haymitch had labeled grumpy. She didn't have many people in her life who had an unhappy disposition. "Johana?"

"She's grumpy, but that's not who I'm speaking of. Think taller, used to live in District Twelve..."

At his description, Katniss knew instantly. "Gale."

"Winner, winner, chicken dinner!"

Katniss chuckled at his expression.

"You haven't seen him since you shot Coin."

"True," Katniss said. Her news about Gale either came from the news or her mother. Up to this point, they hadn't been even remotely close. Now, as they got closer, she wondered what they would say to the other. The only sore point was that she didn't show up at his event a couple of months ago. He felt she owed him for some imagined offense.

"How do you think you'll react?"

She shrugged, "I suppose just like anyone else. He's an adult now, with a family of his own. I really haven't thought about him in so long to be honest.

"Mama," Hunter called.

"Coming," Katniss called out.

"Okay, I just wanted to make sure everything was okay.. From what I heard, he can be intense."

"Intense doesn't even begin to describe Gale," Katiss snorted. Her old hunting partner was like a storm with fire falling from the sky instead of lightning. "Don't worry if he starts anything, I'm grown up enough to ignore him."

Haymitch snorted.

"Besides," she said, shrugging nonchalantly, "...the chances of us running into him are nil to zero." Katniss stood, intending to see why Hunter was calling her. But as she did, the feeling of wrongness came back.

Chapter Text

Less than an hour later, they had arrived at the small seaside community. The children were so excited, they were vibrating with energy. Haymitch got out first and took care of the luggage. As before, they wore caps, and Katniss tucked her hair into a scarf. Then Peeta stepped down and opened up the stroller. Katniss handed him Diana, then Hunter. She stepped down and then helped Ryley get down, and finally Meadow.

All of the children were excited as they tasted the balmy sea air.

"It smells different," Ryley said, taking a deep breath.

"It does," Meadow agreed.

There was a large car waiting for them, and Katniss noticed the way Diana's little face scrunched up when she saw that the booster seat came with them.

Katniss had been a young, vulnerable girl the last time she'd seen the ocean. She couldn't appreciate its beauty then, as she had the world on her shoulders. At sixteen, she had been worried about appeasing an old man and his antiquated regime. She feared his words of war and destruction. In the end, the war came, and although she and Peeta faced great losses, they came out true victors.

They were free and happy.

The car drove through the sleepy town. Katniss recognized the Victor's Village from their one-day stay during the tour. It was surreal to her that she was bringing her family here for recreation.

"Mama big tub, wook, wook at it," Diana whispered in awe the closer that they got to the water.

"I know, lots of salt water."

"Salty wadder." Dianna nodded. "Lots, salty wadder. No dwink."

"You're right, you can't drink the salty water. It's bad for you."

Soon, they were driving through a gated entrance. Peeta turned to her and said, "Our hotel is really a set of seven bungalows by the beach. Each bungalow is private, and the main house is where you check in and check out. It's also where we would go if there's a dangerous storm to wait out."

Katniss was glad for the safety. Everyone was in high spirits. Meadow was singing 'Oh Susanna'.

"Mama, sing," Hunter said.

"Old Suzanna, don't you cry for me," Katniss sang, and the entire car became quiet. The driver looked through the rearview mirror at her. Their eyes were wide, and they looked back at the road as she sang.

Soon, Meadow's sweet voice joined her, followed by Ryley's, and then Diana and Hunter joined in the melody. Their voices blended together, but Katniss's voice was strong and carried that twang of melancholy that made her voice magnetic.

"Oh, Mama, you sing beautiful," Meadow breathed when she stopped singing.

"Yesh, mama, beeudiful," Diana exclaimed.

"Yesh," Hunter nodded.

"Thanks," Katniss said quietly as she looked down. She didn't feel her cheeks heat up until she looked at Peeta, whose look made her feel very warm and suddenly hungry.

"Reminds me of Burdock," Haymitch said.

The memory of her father caused Katniss to tear up. The day her father died was the first day she felt that forboding. She hadn't felt that in so long that it was a shock to the system when she started feeling it yesterday. Katniss gave herself a mental shake, and she focused on the moment. She reminded herself she was on vacation with her family, and she was safe as long as she and Peeta, and Haymitch had each other's backs.

The car came to a stop, and the driver opened the car door. Her face was flushed, and she opened and closed her mouth.

Haymitch and Peeta were the first to get out.

"I'll go ahead and get us checked in," Haymitch said.

They had a plan that they had discussed during breakfast on how to get out of the car quickly.

"Sure thing," Peeta said. He turned to the bigger kids. "You guys hang out here while I get the stroller for Hunter and Diana. Once the twins are tucked into the stroller, Meadow, you can get out, and then Ryley." Peeta winked at their oldest boy and said, "Spud, make sure you hold on to your sister's hand. Remember, stay near me until your mom gets out of the car. Both you and Meadow will be walking with her to the bungalow."

"Okay, dada," Ryley nodded.

Katniss noticed that the driver had quickly gotten the stroller ready while Peeta was giving directions. The driver politely nodded and said, "Here you go, sir."

"Thank you," Peeta said.

"Hiya, Snickerdoodle," Peeta said as he removed Diana from her seat.

Katniss removed Hunter from his seat and handed him over to Peeta. Once the little kids were taken care of, Meadow and Ryley came out. They followed Peeta's directions. They were waiting for Katniss to get out of the car. She handed Peeta the twins' backpack.

The driver stood to the side and then gushed. "I was a little girl when the games happened. I remember when you sang for Rue. She was my cousin." Her eyes watered. "My ma said that you were good folk for singing her into the old therebefore. You should know, the family still receives a portion of your winnings. I didn't realize who I was driving until you sang. So wonderful, just like back then."

Katniss was struck by the young woman's confession. "I."

"My mama is the best," Meadow said.

"Yes, she is," the driver said. "I'll bring your belongings to the hotel. If you folks need anything, my name is Ruta." She handed Peeta her card.

"Thank you," Katniss and Peeta said at the same time. They then walked away toward the main building, a sprawling house covered in palms and bright flowers.

Haymitch was waiting for them just outside with the keys. "Someone from the front desk is going to escort us to the bungalow."

"Ah, Mr. Abernathy," a young man came out dressed in linen. He stopped when he saw them; his eyes became large. He then cleared his throat.

"Finley Ronalds, thank you for all of your help. This means a lot to us. Our privacy is of utmost importance," Haymitch said quickly.

"If you would all follow me, I will escort you personally to your bungalow."

They followed Finley as he spoke. He reminded Katniss of Effie Trinket as he walked through the boardwalk-like path. He walked with the same proficient pace as if they didn't have any time to breathe. Peeta didn't bother keeping up; he stayed behind with Katniss and the kids.

When they arrived at the gated bungalow, Finley said, "Here we go. You have nothing to fear, ah, Mr. and Mrs. Dove," the young man said, as he let them in through the gate.

Peeta took the cover off the twins as he rolled them into the bungalow. They were both asleep.

Meadow and Ryley were in awe of the plants. They were led up to a beach bungalow where the door was opened by Finley, and the cool air-conditioned room was a relief from the hot, balmy air.

"Kids, don't go too far," Katniss said as she stood watching them from the doorway as they inspected the garden. Meadow loved flowers.

Haymitch had gone to the back of the house. Katniss could hear when he slid open a door. He came back moments later.

Katniss turned her attention back to Peeta and Finley. Peeta was checking on the twins as Finley spoke.

"We have taken all precautions. If you need anything, please call me. This is my number." He handed them his card.

"We are expecting guests and wish for their privacy to be kept, as well," Peeta said.

"Of course, just phone the front desk, and we will escort them to your bungalow."

"Thank you," Katniss said.

Finley stopped and said, "I know who you are, and well, your mother is well loved and respected here in District Four. She saved me when I was a boy. Never got to thank her."

"She always had a healing touch," Haymitch gruffly said.

Katniss had no idea of the life her mother had made for herself in District Four.

"Well and...um," the man said roughly, "Thank you, all three of you. That's all I wanted to say. Um," he cleared his throat and stood straighter. "You have access to a private beach. Please watch out for the flags. They indicated the status of the water. We just had a storm pass by here three days ago, and the tide is still too rough. If you want us to open the pool for you, just call the front desk. The children should wear floaties."

"Thank you mightily."

"If you need any groceries, let me know, and we can procure that for you. If you need prepared food, our kitchen staff works until midnight."

Peeta nodded.

"If anyone has any allergies to any foods, please let us know, and we can accommodate your family. Hope your stay is enjoyable."

After that, he left.

"Okay, kid, there are four bedrooms in the bungalow and a private room in the pool house directly across from the pool. They have it covered, and it has a gate so that the kiddos don't drown. I'm going to take the pool house and leave you heathens here."

"Why can't you stay with us?" Katniss asked, curious.

"Because he wants alone time with Hazelle," Peeta said, wiggling his eyebrows.

"Shut up, kid," Haymitch said.

"See."

"Should have left you at the train station and come alone," Haymitch grumbled as he hauled his suitcase with him.

"Leave him be," Katniss admonished. "Let's get the kids settled."

"Alright," Peeta agreed.

Katniss took the twins, and she quietly put them on their pirate ship beds. They were tired. It was a long day, and she knew they had gotten up early.

It was as she closed the door that she heard the ruckus coming from down the hall. She found Meadow standing arms akimbo in the living room.

"I need to write letters, Dada."

"You'll have plenty of time for that, Sugar-cookie," Peeta said.

"But, Dada," Meadow sighed, stomping her foot in frustration.

"Meadow," Peeta said calmly.

"How am I supposed to post my letters!" Meadow exclaimed dramatically, waiving her hands. "My friends won't know that I am in District Four!"

"Sweetheart, just because there isn't a mailbox in the bungalow doesn't mean the hotel doesn't have a mailbox."

"It does!"

"Yeah, it does."

"Oh, thank goodness!" Meadow said and then hopped away.

"That's going in the book," Peeta muttered under his breath.

"Definitely," Katniss said, grinning back.

"Twins still down?"

"Yep. I put away their stuff, including all of Dianna's ketchup packets."

Peeta chuckled. "I'm going to order dinner for us. I think we should call it a day."

"Sounds like a plan," Katniss said, yawning.

"Have I told you recently that you're ravishing?" Peeta said, wrapping his arms around her middle.

"I'm not calling for dinner, Peeta."

"Really?"

"Sir, I'm on vacation, and I was assured that all things would be taken care of. That means for the next two weeks you're on duty. I am going to wear whatever I want, get a good tan, eat, and read."

"I'd like to add that you should wear as little clothing as possible to ensure that you, um, get a good tan." Peeta grinned at her wolfishly.

"None of that, good sir. That is how we secured a million kids."

"What? I'm just trying to help you cross off all of the things on your list," Peeta said huskily.

Twenty years into marriage, and with a look, this man could make her starve for something more than food. Katniss had never regretted choosing Peeta. He was calm and steady. When he came home to her, that's when she woke up from the mental prison she was trapped inside. Peeta loved her, and she loved him back with all of the fire she had in her heart. Katniss bit the bottom of her lip and looked at him shyly.

"I'm always ready." Peeta winked.

Katniss felt her cheeks grow hot. They took a step toward each other. She wet her lips in anticipation of a passionate kiss.

At that moment, as they grew closer, they heard a thump and an uncontrolled high-pitched laughter. It was that ominous sound of Diana. She was awake and, most likely, was up to no good.

Peeta sighed and kissed Katniss on the cheek. "I'll take a rain check on this tonight. I've got a list, too, you know. A very long one."

Katniss chuckled.

She found their bedroom and found that Peeta had been unpacking for them. She grinned and finished it for him. She decided to take a bath and wear one of her white sleeveless billowy gowns, a short one with the hem above her knees. She was delighted to see the tub was like the one they had at home. It had whirlpool jets and was big enough to fit two people. Katniss quickly filled up the tub, grabbed her book. Soon, she was in heaven.

Katniss emerged from her room about 50 minutes later to find that all of the kids were awake and standing around the sink washing their hands.

Haymitch was helping Hunter, while Peeta held Diana, who had blue ink on her small hands. The kids' artworks were hung outside to dry.

"Mama," Ryley said, running at her. He jumped, and Katniss caught him.

"I love your hugs," Katniss said, hugging him tightly.

"Did you have a nice bath?"

"I did. Thank you for asking." Katniss kissed the top of his head. "I'm going to wash my hands so that I can eat. I'm so hungry I can eat a whole deer."

Ryley laughed. "Me too, mama."

"If we eat the whole deer, what will everyone else eat?"

"Fish," Ryle said, pointing at the table.

Katniss laughed and looked at the table. Her kids were used to eating fish because she brought home fresh fish during the summer.

They sat at the table eating. Even Haymitch was complimentary of the food. Though he missed the stews Katniss made. When the food was done, they colored. Even Haymitch drew a picture of a goose.

"Aw, Uncle Haymitch, Delly will take care of the geese and our kitties," Meadow said.

"I know my little dove, but I still miss them awful."

When they were done, Peeta began the nighttime routine. Soon, it was just her and Peeta. They were in bed, staring at each other with goofy grins. They snuggled, and Katniss sighed as Peeta gently and languidly ran his hands through her hair. Before she knew it, she passed out.

The next day, they headed to the beach. The water was still choppy, so they couldn't go into the water. While Katniss relaxed in one of the beach chairs, Peeta and Haymitch took the kids to the shore so that they could get their feet wet.

"Mama, Dada!" Meadow called out as she was running up to them.

Katniss stood up from her chair to stretch and walked to where Peeta was standing. He was watching the kids as they were splashing their feet in the waves that came up on shore.

"Yes, Sugar-cookie," Peeta turned to Meadow.

"Did you know that the sand is the part where the sea meets the land?"

Peeta stopped moving. He looked at Katniss, expectantly.

"That's really interesting," Katniss said.

"That's amazing, Meadow," Peeta sounded far more enthusiastic.

"It's the 'S' of the word sea and the 'and' of the word land! SAND!"

"Thank you for that interesting factoid," Katniss smiled, wondering how their daughter was so smart. She leaned down and hugged Meadow, but her eyes were trained on Diana, who just cackled in that way that told Katniss she was about to do something mischievous.

She was by Ryley and jumped back as a wave came. Ryely laughed, but then chased Diana about.

Diana discovered that splashing water on the others was fun. Hunter, on the other hand, decided he wanted to stay by Katniss and play in the sand.

A little while later, they were both sitting in the chairs watching the kids play. "Snickerdoodle loves the beach," Peeta said as he watched her amble after Meadow and Ryley.

"You mean she loves getting everyone wet?" Katniss said as she watched Diana sneak up on Ryley with a small bucket of water.

"I'm on it," Peeta said, standing up.

They played out in the sand and generally had a wonderful day. The twins were particularly excited about the beds. They had beds that looked like pirate ships, just like their older brother and sister. During dinner, Diana kept on yawning and saying 'Sleeps,' indicating she wanted to go to bed. No doubt she wanted to play on the beds.

Peeta said he would help them get ready. He was going to play with the twins to get them tired enough to help them sleep.

Later that night, after she had gotten ready for bed, Katniss called Annie. Her mother just happened to be over as she spoke on the phone with Annie, who said everything was ready for them. They were going to stay at Annie's for one night and were going to set up a surprise birthday party for the twins.

Everything was fine until she spoke to her mother. When her mother brought up the subject of Gale, Katniss pinched the bridge of her nose. Her stomach was churning because of the conversation she was having with her mother.

"Katniss, are you there?"

"Yes, Mother," Katniss said into the phone receiver. "I am here." Katniss wondered why her mother wanted to talk about Gale.

"As I was saying, we need to have a conversation about that sweet boy, Gale."

"Gale is not a boy. He's older than I am."

"The poor dear doesn't have anyone on his side."

"He has a family!" Gale was always so dramatic. "He is married, I forgot her name." Katniss puzzled, out loud. To be fair, she had a million kids, and her daily life was one beautiful, chaotic dance. Details sometimes escaped her. It's why she had a board at home where she wrote everything.

"His wife's name is Lucinda."

"And he has children with her. Plus, he has his two brothers, a sister, and his mother."

"Please, Hazelle," her mother scoffed.

Katniss looked at the clock. Hopefully, she could get her mother off the phone in less than five minutes. "What is it that you wanted to tell me about Gale?"

"Well, for one, I am very disappointed to hear that you didn't go to Gale's event."

"Let me guess, Gale told you." Katniss couldn't believe her mother was complaining about her not going to Gale's event.

"Indeed, he did. He said he was excited to see you. He hoped to rekindle your friendship. You were such good friends as children."

Kantiss closed her eyes. "Mother, Gale wanted us to leave the children behind."

"So you couldn't make an exception for an old friend."

"Mother," Katniss said, trying to sound diplomatic. She didn't want to yell at her mother. Ever since she had children, Katniss wanted to have a relationship with her mother. But there were days like this where her mother fixated on other people instead of her. The idea that her mother wanted to choose Gale over the safety and needs of her children was hurtful.

"I just feel that you made a fool of that poor boy."

"Mother," Katniss sighed. "Peeta and I were used by the Capitol and by District Thirteen to promote their agenda. For Coin, it was to promote the war and her ambitions for power. For Snow, it was the same. He wanted to stay in power even if that meant threatening a scared sixteen-year-old girl. Snow threatened to kill you and Prim. Coin did kill Prim." Katniss sighed heavily. They didn't want to be used anymore by anyone.

"That has nothing to do with Gale. You made him look like a fool. He told everyone that you would be there, and you didn't show up. Nor did you bother telling him that you wouldn't go."

"That's not true, mother. Peeta wrote to Gale personally and told him several times that we couldn't go. Gale not only insisted, but he ordered me to appear."

"You told him, no?"

"Of course, mother. I wouldn't leave him high and dry."

"But Gale said you didn't."

"Mother, I am telling you we wrote several times. The week of the party, I was sick as a dog with bronchitis. I showed Haymitch the letters, and he let Hazelle know what was going on."

"His mother knew?" She sounded dubious.

"Of course, his mother knew. Johanna told me Hazelle chewed Gale out for his antics. He blamed me for not getting the position he was aiming for."

"Merit should be earned."

"Exactly."

"I just can't believe…"

Katniss cut her mother off; she didn't want to hear anymore. "Look, if you have any doubts, you can ask Hazelle. She is coming to the birthday party." Katniss looked at the clock. "Mother, I have to go to bed. We have to get up early and get the kids ready for tomorrow. Meadow and Ryley are excited to see you."

"Of course they are, I am their grandmother."

"Goodnight, mother."

"Goodnight, Katniss. I can't wait to see you tomorrow."

Katniss hung up the phone and rubbed her temples. She couldn't believe that her mother didn't believe her. Her stomach continued to churn with sensation again. She rubbed her arms as she tried to ground herself. The door to their room opened.

"Hey, you okay?"

Katniss was glad to see Peeta. "Had another uncomfortable conversation with my mother."

"Ah, she always gives you indigestion."

Katniss chuckled.

Peeta walked into the bathroom, took a small white fizzing indigestion tablet, and dropped it into a cup of water. "Here, this should help."

Katniss drank it, and it did settle her churning stomach.

Peeta turned the bed. "C'mere."

Katniss walked into his warm embrace. Peeta's arms always made her feel safe and sound. Ever since he wrapped his jacket around her shoulders in that arena. "Could you please hold me tonight?"

"Absolutely," Peeta said, carrying her.

"Peeta!" Katniss exclaimed.

"What, I am trying to cross off all of your needs from that list. And I am an expert cuddler." He dramatically wiggled his eyebrows.

Katniss laughed at his over-the-top machinations. He deposited her on the bed and leaned down over her to give her an innocent kiss before he began tickling her. She squirmed and laughed. By the time he was finished with her, she was putty in his arms. He managed to make her smile and comforted her. She fell asleep with a smile on her face.

There was a point in time when she'd convinced herself that she wasn't in love with Peeta. How wrong she was. He wasn't just a choice that she made to keep Snow happy. During their 20 years of marriage, Katniss learned Peeta was her life, her dandelion, he was her boy with the bread. Peeta was her everything.

Chapter Text

In the morning, Peeta called Ruta, their driver, asking her if she was available to drive them. She was more than happy to come and pick them up.

Getting the kids up and moving in the morning was a small feat.

Diana and Hunter became upset that they weren't taking the beds at the cottage with them. They were standing in the room, Hunter's eyes were wider than saucers. Large tears were streaming down his face.

Diana stood next to her brother, her arms crossed, definitely holding her ground.

"Mama, I wan," Hunter said.

"I wan," Diana demanded, stomping her little foot. "Bawing bed."

"The beds don't belong to you," Peeta said.

"No Dada, bawing bed. Bed my!" She pursed her lips.

"The beds here are your vacation beds to use while we are here. We can't take them with us."

"Bawing home," Diana demanded.

"Yesh, Dada!" Hunter cried.

Peeta looked for reinforcements. Katniss and Peeta always saw parenting as a shared experience. When one of them was striking out with the kids, the other would step in to help. It wasn't easy raising four children with different personalities, tastes, and at different developmental stages. The twins tended to act and think like one. Peeta was losing this argument big time. He was having a hard time finding a way to redirect them.

Katniss sighed. She mouthed, "Tag, I'm in."

Peeta looked relieved.

"Diana, what about your bed at home?" Katniss said.

Diana paused, sniffing. She raised a little eyebrow, something Katniss had seen her daughter do anytime she was confronted with an idea she wasn't considering.

"If we take these beds, then your Kas-up bed has to go away," Katniss said.

Diana's eyes widened.

"And Hunter, your big digging rig bed like the one Thom uses has to get thrown away."

"I don't know, honey, we could always give their beds away," Peeta suggested with that sincerity only he could muster.

"No, no. No, Kas-up out, my, kas-up," Diana said. She was frowning, and her small, pouting lips were trembling. The idea of getting rid of her precious ketchup-shaped toddler bed, complete with linens, was devastating.

Katniss watched Diana grab Hunter's hand and huddle together.

Diana was very serious as she spoke to her brother in what she thought was a whisper, but wasn't. "Hun-er, we has nice beds k."

"Yesh, sistur."

Peeta was hiding his grin as he listened to them.

Katniss tried to maintain a neutral face as well. It was important to give them enough autonomy to make the choice that she had redirected them to.

"We has kas-up n broom broom twuck, is bedder."

Hunter nodded. "I yike that."

Diana then stopped speaking and did that twin thing Katniss told Peeta about. Where the twins just stood there looking at each other, silently communicating.

"Really?" Peeta mouthed.

"I told you," Katniss mouthed back.

"Yesh?" Diana said.

"Yesh," Hunter responded.

They turned and hand in hand came back to where Katniss and Peeta were waiting.

"Mama, Dada, we yike home beds bedder," Diana said with a curt nod.

"That is very wise of you, both," Katniss said.

"We'll come back after we visit Grandma, and you can play on the ship beds for many more sleeps," Peeta promised.

They used sleep to communicate the passage of time for the kiddos. Time was an abstract thing for children to grasp. But they understood day and night, and to get to the next day, they had to sleep. So the promise of many sleeps was a way to get them to see that they would have time to play with their vacation beds.

"Grawmaw," they whispered.

The twins seemed to brighten when they realized that they were going to see Grandma and that they were coming back. Simultaneously said, "Okay, dada."

Together they went hand in hand with their little backpacks hanging off their little toddler bodies.

"That's going in the book," Katniss said, feeling nostalgic. They were growing so quickly. Soon they would be going to school, and the house would be empty again.

"Complete with a drawing of the beds," Peeta said.

Katniss chuckled as they began to usher their small brood toward the exit and into the van. Diana frowned when she saw her booster seat.

They were all excited when they pulled up to the Victor's Village. Peeta spoke to Ruta about the pickup time. The door to Annie's home opened. Johanna, Annie, and Mrs. Everdeen came out of the house with a clone of Finnick.

"Joshanna, me-me! Me-ME!" Diana happily shouted as she impatiently began tugging on the seatbelt that snugly held her to her booster seat.

"Mini me," Johanna said as she opened the car door. She easily removed Diana.

Katniss dismounted the car, helping Ryley get out of the booster seat.

"Nana!" Meadow and Ryley shouted as they ran toward their grandmother. Katniss smiled as she saw her mother get hugs and kisses. She and her mother didn't have the greatest of relationships, even though both had shared experiences. They both broke down mentally after the loss of a loved one.

Katniss spoke to her therapist at length about her relationship with her mother. Through therapy, she came to understand that her distrust came from feeling abandoned when her mother suffered her mental breakdown. The therapy allowed Katniss to be able to come to a point in her life where she didn't carry resentment toward her mother any longer.

It took her a long time to agree that if they ever had kids, she wouldn't keep their kids from getting to know their grandmother. Asterid had never been unkind to her grandchildren, though she didn't see them often. Her mother had latched onto unlikely people, like Gale.

"Mama," Hunter called.

"Hi, baby," Katniss said.

"Out, pweash," he asked.

"Of course," Katniss said as she unbuckled him from his seat.

"Hug, pweash," Hunter said, extending his hands toward her.

Katniss hugged him.

"I wub you, mama."

"I wub you, too," Katniss sighed, loving the scent of her son. She set him on the ground and watched him toddle away. Hunter was such a sweet boy. However, he often got into trouble because he followed Diana into the fray. Katniss rubbed the small of her back; she ached there. The twins were getting heavier, and so were their things.

They had transitioned them from the toddler beds to twin beds a few weeks ago. The beds were canopied. Katniss found Diana mid-fall from the top of the canopy to the mattress, and poor Hunter hanging on at the top of the canopy, unable to jump. That same night, Peeta put away their twin beds and installed their toddler beds, as she couldn't trust Diana not to attempt the same thing. Diana was ecstatic to have her kas-up back. This morning, mentioning taking away their beds was a dirty trick, but she knew there was no way Diana would give up her bed again.

"Hey," Peeta said, coming toward them.

"Hey."

"So Johanna is grilling. They have a pool. Annie said Finn is a lifeguard and will watch the kids. Haymitch and I are going to get the stuff inside the house.

"I packed the kids' swimsuits in my backpack."

"When did you do that?"

"When you were on the phone with Delly this morning," Katniss said. "Is everything okay at home?"

"Well, Buttercup2 and the spawns were chased by Haymitch's geese clear across town."

"What?"

"According to Delly, the cats tried to go after the goslings. The geese retaliated. They chased after the cats, nipping them and honking. Delly said some of them dive-bombed from the air. The cats ran straight into Thom's place. He hid them. The geese have camped out on his lawn, honking. It made the front page of the Dazzler."

"On the front page of the town paper?" Katniss was mortified that everybody was reading about their business. The cats' business, anyways.

"Yep," Peeta laughed. "Don't worry, our names weren't in the papers. Only that it has been the highlight of everyone's week." He burst out laughing. In between bursts, he said, "Can you imagine everyone walking by just to see the geese and the cats interact?"

"Why are you laughing?"

"For once, those cats are not our responsibility. Not for another week, anyway."

"Oh, Peeta!"

"Don't worry, I called Thom. He's fine, but Buttercup2 and her brood are driving him mad. Though he said he wouldn't mind keeping one of them. He said they're really great mousers."

Katniss laughed and sighed. She could only imagine Buttercup2 and her kittens yelling to be let outside, only to find a mob of geese waiting for them and yelling to get back inside. "Poor Thom. Does he really want to keep one?"

"Yep. I said if he could convince one to stay, he could keep it," Peeta said. "That would be a real anniversary gift."

Katniss rolled her eyes.

Peeta gave her a swift kiss. "Now remember, we're on vacation. Anytime you want to kiss me, you can," Peeta mischievously wiggled eyebrows.

Katniss slipped her arms around his shoulder, "You, sir, are a rascal."

"Ah, but I'm your rascal."

"YUK!" Came the chorus from their kids. Katniss turned to see their kids lined up by size order, making faces.

"Alright, you four, you need to get changed into your bathing suits if you want to go swimming in the pool! If not, I'm going to turn into a tickle monster!"

Immediately came their children's joyful squealing and high-pitched laughter as Peeta started chasing them around the yard.

He caught Diana and tossed her in the air gently. Her squeals of laughter filled the air. Katniss couldn't hide her genuine smile. She could stand another twenty more years of this type of joy.

The kids loved the pool. Katniss was a natural swimmer, having learned how to swim on the lake.

Finn was impressed by the children's abilities. Peeta proudly told him that Katniss taught them. She had taken the kids to the lake during the spring and the beginning of summer. She taught them to swim so that they would be at ease in the water.

When the barbecue was done, Peeta served each child a plate of food. The kids dove into the grilled chicken and grilled vegetables. Katniss was glad she and Peeta exposed their children to a variety of foods.

"Mama," Diana said, sounding distressed.

"What do you want?" Katniss asked, knowing the ketchup was on the other side.

"Kas-up!" She reached her hand, making a grabbing motion.

"You need to ask," Katniss said, cutting into her chicken.

"Ugh," Diana muttered. She pouted.

"You need to use your words."

"Pwease, kas-up, has" Diana asked.

"Thank you for asking," Katniss said, taking the squeezy bottle and squirting some ketchup on the side.

Diana always did things a little differently from her siblings. While all of her other children crawled on their bellies. Diana scooted on her back using her little legs to propel herself forward and backward.

After lunch, the kids all insisted on taking their clear sippy cups filled with water and ice to the pool. It was very hot, but not as humid as it was back home. Katniss was afraid they could become dehydrated if they didn't drink enough water, even though they were in and out of the pool.

Everyone had fun in the backyard pool. Finn made sure the kids stayed in the shallow end. Katniss waded in the pool with Hunter, while Peeta kept an eye on Diana.

There was only one incident at the end of the day. They did get mad that the ice, which unbeknownst to Katniss was their pet, had melted in the sun. She'd seen the kids checking on their cups. She thought they were drinking water, but instead, they were checking in on their pet ice. Katniss mouthed, "book," to Peeta as he tried to redirect Hunter's cries.

They even had an opportunity to walk to the small shops that were near the Victor's Village. The children became enamored of a curiosity shop that had locally made trinkets, goods to use at the beach, and toys. They were each allowed to choose one item. Meadow chose a stuffed dolphin. Ryley chose a fast-moving sailboat. The twins went for a set of small plastic figurines. Diana chose a set of small sea creature figurines that contained several sharks. Hunter chose one that had small vessels.

That night, they had eaten the leftover barbecue. Her mother had left to spend the night at Hazelle's, who lived in the Victor's Village. Katniss sat next to Annie at the dining table that separated the living area and kitchen. Peeta was at the end of the table with Diana and Hunter. They were all making the banner for the birthday party. Johanna, Ryley, and Meadow were in the living room right behind them. Haymitch was on the phone in the den talking to Hazelle. Finn was washing the dishes.

Diana and Hunter both had one hand over their eyes, pretending to be pirates.

"Ow," Diana exclaimed. Holding out her free hand.

"Ow," Hunter responded, handing her a purple crayon.

"OW!" They exclaimed together.

After a few moments, the exchange happened again.

"Diana, sweetie," Katniss said.

"Ow!" Diana said, looking at her.

"Diana, you do know that pirates say, Arrr."

"Da-toe, Y-lee, say we Ow," Diana said with authority.

Katniss sighed. There was no compromising with Diana, so she turned to Ryle. "Ryley."

Katniss waited a beat before calling him. Ryley tended to get lost when he did an activity. "Ryley."

His blond curly head popped up just like his father's. "Yeah, Mama."

"Spud, why are Diana and Hunter saying ow instead of arr?"

"Mom, you said I need to play wiff them more."

"Yes," Katniss recalled. Meadow always took time to play with the twins. Ryley loved to run, jump, and tumble. The twins weren't able to keep up with him because they couldn't do the things he was capable of. Katniss encouraged him to play with them at their level.

"Well, I wanted to play doctor like Nana, and Diana and Hunter wanted to play Pirate."

"Okay," Katniss frowned, wondering where this was going.

"Sick people say, 'Ow'." Ryley shrugged and went back to what he was doing.

"Okay, Pirates say ow," Katniss muttered to herself. Next to her, Annie began laughing.

"I forgot how this feels," Annie said.

"What, chaos?" Katniss said.

Annie laughed. "I don't know how you do it?"

"Lots of laughter and the occasional cup of hot chocolate," Katniss joked.

"I remember those days, I had one and you have-"

"A million kids," Katniss said, finishing up Annie's sentence.

From her periphery, she saw Peeta's head pop up. Looking up from her paper, she saw Peeta grinning at her. The term 'a million kids' always referred to the infamous conversation they had about having more children. It was their private joke. And people often saw it as a blanket statement, she has a lot of kids. But to Katniss, any time she said a million kids, it brought a warm feeling to her heart, because of that memory. They were a loving team.

"True, but what do you do when you have time off?" Annie sounded intrigued. "When I had Finn, your mother and Johanna helped me out. Anytime I had time off, I took a nap."

Katniss paused and cocked her head to the side as she thought. She couldn't nap, not with Diana and Hunter in the house. Katniss questioned herself. What did she do when she had a spare moment? "I get to go to the bathroom, with the door closed."

"The door closed?"

"Yeah, and on days when I'm not cleaning or chasing the chaos twins, I try to plan meals. But, I get overwhelmed, and then I cook the same things."

Annie chuckled at this. "I've grilled chicken so many times, I was afraid he was going to turn into a chicken."

Katniss laughed; her kids would become either squirrels or rabbits.

"Besides hunting, what is your favorite thing to do?"

"My favorite thing to do?"

Katniss was about to say read, but that wasn't the truth. Honestly, reading was something she did to unwind at the end of the night when Peeta was putting the kids down. "Well…" she hesitated.

"What is it?"

"I try to figure out what that strange smell, that comes from the linen closet the cats use as a hideaway," Katniss confessed.

It was true that she and Peeta spent an inordinate amount of time thinking about and talking about the linen closet. They had wild ideas as to what the cats got up to in that closet. Peeta was convinced they dragged their dead prey inside. Katniss never found anything unalive in there.

"The linen closet?"

"There's nothing in there but sheets and stuff," Katniss puzzled out loud. "I'm constantly washing the linens, but I swear every once and a while it smells really bad."

Annie looked befuddled.

"I had to talk Peeta out of gutting the linen closet to find out if there is anything in the walls. I personally think it's a wet cat smell. Peeta thinks, well it's our favorite pastime. We laugh about it all of the time."

"Oh."

Katniss laughed. "I know I sound bonkers."

"No, you sound like a woman with a million kids, who is head over heels for her husband." Annie smiled gently at her.

"True."

"Hey," Peeta began. "So tomorrow is Snickerdoodle and Hunter's birthday."

"Is my bird-day," Diana exclaimed.

"Yes, you and Hunter were born close to each other." Peeta winked at her.

"Right before our anniversary," Katniss muttered loud enough so that Peeta could hear. To this day, it was the one thing she held over his head. He lost that bet, fair and square.

"Brothur, is our bird-day."

"Bird-day," Hunter repeated.

"So because it's your special day, Dada is going to make whatever you two want to eat?"

Hunter looked at Diana, "Say."

"Okay, Snickerdoodle, what special treat do you want for your birthday?"

Katniss expected their feral child to say Ketchup.

"Dada, I wan squishy butterscosshh."

"I'm sorry," Peeta said.

Diana grabbed Peeta's face and looked into his eyes. "Dada, I wan squishy buttersscosshh."

Annie stopped what she was doing and turned to Katniss. "What's squishy butterscosshh?"

"Don't know," Katniss said, trying to put together what her daughter was talking about. Diana didn't have a large vocabulary.

"Snickerdoodle," Peeta said, "Butterscosshh is not squishy."

"Is squishy!" Diana is getting madder. Her little face was turning splotchy.

"Okay," Peeta said. He looked down at the crayon in his hand before he tried again. "Snickerdoodle, you want candy?"

"Candy uk! Dada!" Diana made a disgusted face.

"She hates candy?" Annie asked.

Katniss wanted to laugh, "Nope, I've seen Diana eat candy like a mouse in a cracker box."

"Wait, I need help," Peeta said. "Meadow!"

Meadow looked up from the living room, "Yeah, Dada?"

"I need your translating genius," Peeta called.

"What is going on?" Jo asked, coming into the room.

"Meadow is our resident translator," Katniss said.

"Oh, this should be good," Johanna said, sitting down. "I've heard about these infamous translations."

"What's going on?" Meadow asked.

"I asked them what they wanted for their special treat for tomorrow, and Diana wants something really special."

"Diana, what do you want Dada to make for you?"

"Sistur, I wan squishy butterscosshh."

"I asked and she confirmed it's squishy," Peeta said to Meadow.

"Do you want taffy?" Meadow asked Diana.

"No, taffy is uk!"

"Okay," Meadow said, steepling her fingers.

"Do you think she's going to get it?" Annie whispered.

"Taffy is a pretty good guess," Katniss said.

"I don't think she's going to get it," Johanna huffed.

"Give her time, she's thinking," Ryley said.

"What shape is it?" Meadow asked.

Diana bites down on her lip and with her finger makes a circle, "Cir-kle, but also, tri-ang-well." Diana made a triangle shape with her fingers.

"Circle and a triangle," Annie whispered. Everyone was confused, but not Meadow. Katniss watched as her eight-year-old smiled slowly.

"Pizza," Meadow announced. "Diana and Hunter want pizza."

"YESH!" Hunter said at the same time as Diana.

"You're really smart," Johanna said.

"Thank you," Meadow said.

"Okay, Pizza for breakfast!" Peeta exclaimed.

At that moment, Haymitch came out of the den, and he looked upset. He wiped his face with a gray handkerchief. His only memento from their days in District Thirteen.

"Uncle Haymitch, what's wrong?"

Haymitch sat down heavily at the table. "Sweetheart."

"Why do you look like that?"

"Hazelle told me your mother invited Gale and his wife to the twins' birthday party tomorrow."

The feeling Katniss had since she'd left District Twelve came back.

"Dammit!" Diana exclaimed, pounded her little hand on the table. Her face was splotchy with anger.

There was only one person who could have taught her daughter that word. Katniss turned to glare at Johanna, but she was running away.