EVERLARK
Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at [Link]
Rating: Not Rated
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: Multi
Fandoms: Hunger Games Trilogy - Suzanne Collins, Hunger Games Series - All
Media Types, The Hunger Games (Movies), Hunger - Fandom
Relationships: Katniss Everdeen/Peeta Mellark, Haymitch Abernathy & Effie Trinket
Characters: Katniss Everdeen, Peeta Mellark, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark's
Children, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark's Son, Katniss Everdeen
and Peeta Mellark's Daughter, Haymitch Abernathy, Effie Trinket,
Caesar Flickerman, Gale Hawthorne
Language: English
Stats: Published: 2022-06-24 Updated: 2022-07-06 Words: 3,958 Chapters: 4/?
EVERLARK
by HARM0819
Summary
This story takes place 1 year after the end of the rebbellion
Katniss and Peeta are getting through their PTSD together but will their
Trauma prevent them from ever moving on and having a happy life?
The Nightmares
I have been sitting by the window for months only getting up when greasy Sae says I need to
eat. I know I disgust people but I honestly could care less. I have lost everyone.
My little duck
My boy with the bread
Finnick
And even my mom left me
I know I should get up and live. It's what Prim would want but I can't because
everything reminds me of her. The flowers especially taunt me. I look outside to the spot
where I ripped the rose from the ground. When I came home I saw them and they reminded
me of Snow. The man ruined my Peeta and took Finnick from Annie. That's when I see him.
Snow
But how they said he died, how is he possibly here?
"Ms. Everdeen you thought you could kill me" Snow says and as he spoke I could
smell the blood of his victims. He slowly started to approach my house but instead of backing
away I stood glued in place.
"You can't truly kill us soldier Everdeen" Coin said who came walking from the woods
with my arrow in her hand. Then Cinna and Portia followed without saying anything. Cato
then Rue and soon all of the tributes of the 74th and 75th games were in front of me except
Peeta. They started coming towards me with their weapons. Then they started to attack me
and that's when I jolted awake.
Peeta instantly wrapped me in his arms. I began to sob my nightmares have been increasing
ever since Gale moved back to 12 with his fiance Alexa. She was from 4 and really nice,
that's not my problem. I don't think so. I think it is the memories that come with Gale.
Peeta continued to rock me back and forth whispering in my ear. "It is okay. It was
only a dream. It was not real." I usually do this when he has one of his episodes. That's why
we are perfect together because we protect each other. Once my heart rate slowed it was only
4 in the morning so we decided to try and sleep a few more hours. Except the moment I
drifted off to sleep he was there with his snake like eyes staring at me before I knew it I was
screaming myself awake.
Peeta and I finally gave up on sleep at 6. We head downstairs and he starts breakfast
while he cooks. I grab my boots and head to Haymitch's. His house is cleaner than it was
before the Quell but that is because he is working on maintaining a healthier life now. I guess
it starts with a clean house. I walk inside and find he is up about to start breakfast himself.
"Hey sweetheart" he says when he sees me approach him.
"Morning Haymitch, I was wondering if you would like to come over for breakfast" I
say with a smile on my face. I must have woken him last night because looks tired. My smile
falters knowing that I have caused pain in others' lives for Haymitch especially because he
has helped me so much.
"Sure Katniss I just need to finish this" He says breaking me from my thoughts. He
starts to clean up his breakfast. I know I wake up people at night so I wonder why he doesn't
say anything or even ask if I was okay. I walk back home entirely puzzled by this. I sit down
at the table when Peeta starts laying down dishes of food. Haymitch comes and joins us as we
start to dish out food. I eat all my eggs while the guys talk about something I am not sure
what though.
"Yes of course it is a great idea!" Haymitch says loudly, breaking me from thought.
"What is a great idea?" I asked, honestly. I was concerned most of their "great" ideas
ended with my public humiliation.
"We are discussing our trip to the capitol for the interview next week." Peeta says
calmly. I completely forgot about that and I guess it shows because I start to silently panic.
"Hey Kat it is okay it will only be for a day" Peeta says soothingly. Yet my thoughts wander
from them back to my last time in the capitol.
I slowly watched as images of the dead capitol battle ground victims flash through my
head. Finnick. Boggs. Prim. My Prim. Then I start to see other victims from the Games. Rue.
Wiress. Foxface. Mags. When it stops I realize I am in the woods with my bow in hand. How
I got there I am not certain so I start to head back when I hear something that brings back a
lot of memories.
"Hey Catnip"
What Happened
I turn around to see Gale, my old hunting partner. Instead of saying anything I just
hugged him. It is not like Peeta hugs; they are warm and comforting but it feels familiar. I
must have been concerned because instead of saying his normal smartass behavior he just
stood there until I began to cry.
"Katniss, what is going on? Why are you out here alone?" Gale asks, wiping away my
tears. He was always my best friend and I know I can trust him.
"I have to go back to the capitol" I say, backing away, wiping away my remaining
tears. He must have understood because he gave me a sorrowful look.
"I am sorry Katniss" He says I am not sure if he means about me going back to the
capitol or Prim. I don't think about it for long because we soon start walking back to my
house. When we get back to my house Peeta has an anxious look on his face and Haymitch is
trying to comfort him. Gale coughs and says "I found her" Haymitch looks relieved and Peeta
just embraces me. How long have I gone? What happened before I got to the woods? When
Peeta releases me he gives me a pitiful look and notices the others where it is. What did I do?
"How are you sweetheart?" Haymitch asks. I notice he has a bruise on his face that
was there before I left.
"Fine, what happened to you?" I ask, glancing back at his bruise. Everyone to give me
questioning looks.
Peeta finally answers my question "you may have punched him" he says as if just one
wrong look will set me off. He gives me a sympathetic look and I don't know why but it is
weird coming from him. Gale leaves shortly after that telling me it will be okay and notice
his nose was slightly swollen. After he left it was me and my fellow victors and I had a few
questions for them.
"Now I need answers about what the hell happened after our discussion at breakfast" I
ask, trying to keep a level head but fear was evident. Did I also hurt Peeta I wonder.
"After we mentioned our day in the capitol you started to get lost" Peeta says pulling
me next to him on the couch. "You were lost to us, we tried to coax you out but you just kept
apologizing to Finnick Prim and Little Rue" he continued looking into my eyes trying to find
a sign of remembrance.
"But why did I punch Haymitch?" I ask this question then I realize my mistake too late
though. I was not ready for it.
"You started to start hurting yourself and with your strength I didn't want you to be
concussed or worse so I tried to stop you but I got hit square in the face." Haymitch says
Icing his face with my raw rabbit. I began to fear myself. I am a e
danger not only to them but myself.
"Did I hurt anyone else?" I ask my voice, shaking from my fear.
"You got Gale in the nose but in my defense I told him to back off" Haymitch says
clearly trying to comfort me it doesn't work. I only want to know one thing: why did it
happen.
"I am gonna go out" I say ignoring their objections. Peeta and Haymitch try to chase
me but I am just fast enough to avoid them. When I finally stop I am a good mile into the
woods. I sit down on a rock to catch my breath. I look around expecting for Gale to have
come to get me again. He didn't come for me, no it was Peeta who came for me. How he
found me I will never know but he did and I am grateful.
"Why can't I remember anything?" I ask, tears falling down my face. He brushes away
my tears and pulls me to his chest where I shed more tears. Then Peeta pulls me back from
his chest and kisses my forehead before saying something that makes me stop.
"I can cancel our interview with Caesar" He offers. I shake my head, NOT ready to
admit defeat. The only way to get over a fear as my dad said is kick it down and then your
fear can't stand up.
"No, we will do it with our heads held high." I say but then I add "with one of Cinna
dress" I look at him he nods. We sat up and gathered ourselves because I was probably
worried about Haymitch. Haymitch has become like a father to me ever since my mom
abandoned me after prim died. It shows because when we come back he looks frantic and
concerned when he sees us he hugs me and sends me to bed because we have a train to catch
tomorrow.
The next morning we are walking outside with bags packed for the capitol. Effie is
standing triumphantly at the train station with a dress in her hands. I smile as we board the
train giving Effie a hug and then headed off to mine and Peeta room to unpack. Once we
finish unpacking Peeta and I play Real or Not Real, a new favorite game between us while
we wait for Haymitch to get us for Lunch.
"Your favorite color is Green Real or Not Real" Peeta asks. We usually start with easy
questions that we know then we ask some of the more hazy questions that we don't know the
answer to.
"Real. You were the cake decorator at the bakery Real or Not Real?" I ask this with a
smile etched on my face.
"Real," He says. We play this for at least an hour before Peeta asks the ending
question. "Do you love me Real or Not Real"
"Real" I saw Haymitch knock on the door informing us Lunch was ready. We kiss
each other quickly then head down for Lunch.
Back to the capital
We eat in silence enjoying our family time together. After Lunch Haymitch takes us to the bar
car to discuss our interview.
"Okay guys this interview is different from the ones in the games" He began. "This
interview is basically for the country to catch up on the lives of the Mockingjay and the star
crossed lovers." He continues to talk about how we have to act and that clearly was mostly
focused on me. Then he starts to explain how this interview was gonna go."Caesar is gonna
talk to Katnjss first then he is gonna pull out Peeta and you" he was looking at Peeta "are
going to give her the gift" He says winking. Okay something was clearly up but it might just
be their dynamic.
This continues for a while before I notice we are pulling into the tunnel which means
we will be in the capitol soon. I am not the only one who notices because Peeta jumps from
his seat to look out the window. It still surprises me that he gets excited everytime we enter
this city. I eventually got up to look out the window with him. We link hands and wait to pull
up to the station. Once we do I notice Paylor is there with some of her staff. We board off the
train and walk over to her.
"Madam President, what are you doing here? We weren't expecting to visit you till
after the interview, " Peeta asks, giving her a hug.
"I came to greet you and the mockingjay Peeta and I still hope you can visit after your
interview if you can." She says backing out of his hug to shake mine and Haymitch's hand.
"Oh and before I forget you wil, be staying on the 12th floor of the victor hotel." She
continues leading us to a car. The victor Hotel is what used to be tribute housing how fitting.
We arrive at the hotel room shortly Peeta and I walk back to my old bedroom to prepare
for the interview this evening. Haymitch is sitting with us coaching us like he used to in his
funny caesar voice.
"Now Katniss or should I say Mockingjay how are you taking to your new life?" He
says and before I can answer I break into a fit of laughter with Peeta. "Fine I will just be my
normal asshole self" Haymitch says clearly upset.
"No no no we will stop" I say, holding in my laughter. He obviously doesn't believe me
but proceeds anyway. We continue at this for a while before Effie comes in and says our prep
teams are here and hands me Cinna's dress and Peeta one of Portia suits. Before we knew it
we were back in the car on our way to the interview. My hands were shaking from nerves. I
looked around the car hoping no one noticed they didnt they were all too worried about being
on time and whatever the big surprise was.
After a while I zone out and realize I was walking on the set of Caesar show. Peeta and I
are soon ushered to the dressing rooms where we are greeted by prep teams. In under an hour
after my Prep team met with me I was being pushed on stage. I am greeted by the happy
cheers of the capitol citizen and Caesar.
"MockingJay how are you?" Caesar asks as I sit down in my chair.
"I am great Caesar '' I say with a smile knowing that if Cinna were here that's what he
wished for me to smile.
"Now Katniss I heard that you and Peeta have moved in with each other." Caesar said,
drawing my attention back to him. I looked surprised. I mean I know I do. How in the world
does Caesar have that information?
"Yes we have Caesar, we have been living together for 9 months now" I say happily.
Everybody cheers. Sickening. I know they are invested but some of my life should be kept
private. Right?
"Now Now Everyone" He begins trying to calm the crowd. "Should we get Peeta out here
to hear about life in 12?" He asks it like it's a question but we all know he was coming out
anyway. Peeta comes out but stops just behind my chair making me have to get up to retrieve
him. When I get to him he is on his knees with a Primrose pinned to his suit.
"Katniss Anne Everdeen I have been in love with you since we were 5 years old." He
began to smile knowing where this was going. "And I will continue loving you for you for
the rest of our lives so will you do me the honor of being my bride." He asks. I jumped into
his arms saying yes only loud enough only he can hear. He smiles and helps me to my feet.
We get back to our chairs where Caesar is and he seems to have gained his energy back.
"Now Peeta what's with the abrupt proposal your only 19" Caesar asks calmly.
"Well Caesar, it has been 3 years together and I was finally ready to make my girlfriend be
my wife," Peeta says smiling brightly. I look at Peeta knowing full well I have to thank
Haymitch for all of this. I know Peeta, being a traditional man, asked someone in my family
for permission to propose, and since my parents passed away he asked Haymitch. The only
family I have left.
Caesar proceeds to talk with Peeta for another 15 minutes before we stand up and leave.
The cheering continues as we exit, then it stops just long enough to end the segment so he
could walk off the stage and join us backstage. He gives us brief hugs and before I know it
we are back in the car on the way to the hotel. As soon as we enter the hotel room I hug
Haymitch and say thank you before heading to my room to pack.
I enter the room and the first thing I see is white roses on the bed. I run out the room to
find someone I run into Haymitch and Effie. I didn't even know I was crying until Effie
wiped away my tears from my face.
"What wrong sweetheart?" Haymitch asks and then I just fall into his arms sobbing into his
shirt
Back to the capital
We eat in silence enjoying our family time together. After Lunch Haymitch takes us to the bar
car to discuss our interview.
"Okay guys this interview is different from the ones in the games" He began. "This
interview is basically for the country to catch up on the lives of the Mockingjay and the star
crossed lovers." He continues to talk about how we have to act and that clearly was mostly
focused on me. Then he starts to explain how this interview was gonna go."Caesar is gonna
talk to Katnjss first then he is gonna pull out Peeta and you" he was looking at Peeta "are
going to give her the gift" He says winking. Okay something was clearly up but it might just
be their dynamic.
This continues for a while before I notice we are pulling into the tunnel which means
we will be in the capitol soon. I am not the only one who notices because Peeta jumps from
his seat to look out the window. It still surprises me that he gets excited everytime we enter
this city. I eventually got up to look out the window with him. We link hands and wait to pull
up to the station. Once we do I notice Paylor is there with some of her staff. We board off the
train and walk over to her.
"Madam President, what are you doing here? We weren't expecting to visit you till
after the interview, " Peeta asks, giving her a hug.
"I came to greet you and the mockingjay Peeta and I still hope you can visit after your
interview if you can." She says backing out of his hug to shake mine and Haymitch's hand.
"Oh and before I forget you wil, be staying on the 12th floor of the victor hotel." She
continues leading us to a car. The victor Hotel is what used to be tribute housing how fitting.
We arrive at the hotel room shortly Peeta and I walk back to my old bedroom to prepare
for the interview this evening. Haymitch is sitting with us coaching us like he used to in his
funny caesar voice.
"Now Katniss or should I say Mockingjay how are you taking to your new life?" He
says and before I can answer I break into a fit of laughter with Peeta. "Fine I will just be my
normal asshole self" Haymitch says clearly upset.
"No no no we will stop" I say, holding in my laughter. He obviously doesn't believe me
but proceeds anyway. We continue at this for a while before Effie comes in and says our prep
teams are here and hands me Cinna's dress and Peeta one of Portia suits. Before we knew it
we were back in the car on our way to the interview. My hands were shaking from nerves. I
looked around the car hoping no one noticed they didnt they were all too worried about being
on time and whatever the big surprise was.
After a while I zone out and realize I was walking on the set of Caesar show. Peeta and I
are soon ushered to the dressing rooms where we are greeted by prep teams. In under an hour
after my Prep team met with me I was being pushed on stage. I am greeted by the happy
cheers of the capitol citizen and Caesar.
"MockingJay how are you?" Caesar asks as I sit down in my chair.
"I am great Caesar '' I say with a smile knowing that if Cinna were here that's what he
wished for me to smile.
"Now Katniss I heard that you and Peeta have moved in with each other." Caesar said,
drawing my attention back to him. I looked surprised. I mean I know I do. How in the world
does Caesar have that information?
"Yes we have Caesar, we have been living together for 9 months now" I say happily.
Everybody cheers. Sickening. I know they are invested but some of my life should be kept
private. Right?
"Now Now Everyone" He begins trying to calm the crowd. "Should we get Peeta out here
to hear about life in 12?" He asks it like it's a question but we all know he was coming out
anyway. Peeta comes out but stops just behind my chair making me have to get up to retrieve
him. When I get to him he is on his knees with a Primrose pinned to his suit.
"Katniss Anne Everdeen I have been in love with you since we were 5 years old." He
began to smile knowing where this was going. "And I will continue loving you for you for
the rest of our lives so will you do me the honor of being my bride." He asks. I jumped into
his arms saying yes only loud enough only he can hear. He smiles and helps me to my feet.
We get back to our chairs where Caesar is and he seems to have gained his energy back.
"Now Peeta what's with the abrupt proposal your only 19" Caesar asks calmly.
"Well Caesar, it has been 3 years together and I was finally ready to make my girlfriend be
my wife," Peeta says smiling brightly. I look at Peeta knowing full well I have to thank
Haymitch for all of this. I know Peeta, being a traditional man, asked someone in my family
for permission to propose, and since my parents passed away he asked Haymitch. The only
family I have left.
Caesar proceeds to talk with Peeta for another 15 minutes before we stand up and leave.
The cheering continues as we exit, then it stops just long enough to end the segment so he
could walk off the stage and join us backstage. He gives us brief hugs and before I know it
we are back in the car on the way to the hotel. As soon as we enter the hotel room I hug
Haymitch and say thank you before heading to my room to pack.
I enter the room and the first thing I see is white roses on the bed. I run out the room to
find someone I run into Haymitch and Effie. I didn't even know I was crying until Effie
wiped away my tears from my face.
"What wrong sweetheart?" Haymitch asks and then I just fall into his arms sobbing into his
shirt
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