After her rebirth by Cici

Chapter 26

Katniss was straight-up bawling, feeling that warm, fuzzy family vibe only at Wesley's crib. She made up her mind to stop kissing up to her parents 'cause they treated her like trash. Katniss was like, "They didn't boot me out; I bounced on my own."

"Good on you for figuring it out. Those folks are bad news. They bullied you, and karma's gonna get them. You did the right thing by bailing," Saskia said, handing Katniss a cup of water.

The water slid down her throat, warming her up from the inside out.

That long-lost feeling of being wrapped in love hit her like a ton of bricks.

Daphne looked at her with a face full of heartache. She'd watched Katniss grow up, always so well-behaved. She said, "Saskia's right. In this house, no one's gonna let you suffer. If you need anything, just holler. Treat this place like your own home."

Who knew what Oliver and his clan were thinking? They treated her like an enemy, not their own daughter.

Even though Clara had been around for over a decade and was closer to them than Katniss, blood is thicker than water. Katniss was Elodie's real kid. How could they not cherish their own flesh and blood and instead favor an adopted daughter with shady motives?

Daphne remembered when Katniss first came back, she was tiny, weak, and super reserved.

At first, Katniss's mom, Elodie, was all about her, but later she started favoring Clara, thinking Katniss was too shy and not as outspoken as Clara. She'd often say stuff that put Katniss down.

house, took her in and cared for her for years. When Aurora's health

Katniss got kicked out again. Daphne's feelings were all

a meal, tying on an apron. "You all chat, I'll handle the cooking,"

the fridge, washed it, and put it

need anything, just let us know. No need

with a smile, "Thanks,

the kitchen, Katniss felt a pang in her heart. Memories of Wesley's fate in her past life flashed through her mind. The once strong man was diagnosed with late-stage stomach cancer a few years later, making even eating

Wesley's cooking

what's up?" Katniss asked, her

turned around with a slight smile, "It's nothing, just feeling

You're being way too chill about this!" Katniss frowned, her tone dripping with concern and a bit

I'll hit up the hospital for a check-up," Wesley reassured, but he was

Katniss felt

was dead set on making Wesley get checked out, to catch any issues early and avoid any tragedy. She also needed to brush up on her medical skills to keep Wesley safe. Daphne handed Katniss an orange, saying gently, "Katniss, you're so thoughtful. Don't worry, in a few days, I'll drag

orange, munching on

entrance. It was Daphne's mom, Anna Parker, and Katniss's cousin, Micah Manners, coming

today," Saskia