A/N: This story is done, though I'm not going to upload it all at once. So don't worry about liking it but never getting an ending!
The soft rustle of the sheets wakes me, and I find myself immediately looking to my left. Peeta is there, and he gives me a sheepish grin as he slides back into the bed.
"It's okay. Go back to sleep."
I roll back over, pretending that I plan to. I know Peeta is nervous about this week, and that he left because he had another attack.
Even after all this time he still is struck by the impulse to hurt me. To kill me, even.
I'd like to say I've grown used to it, but no matter how much you love someone, you never really quite accept that kind of thing. You work around it.
After a few minutes, I give up the charade and get out of bed. There is a lot to prepare for today and though the sun isn't quite up yet, I don't like wasting time.
When I have showered and dressed, I tiptoe down the stairs, not wanting to wake the children.
I quietly take my old jacket off the coathook, slipping it on before I go out the door. It's getting a little worn after all these years, but I can't bear the thought of parting with it.
On one of his last visits to me, Dr. Aurelius suggested that perhaps I would do better to get a new one, to not have the reminder of those times.
I'm afraid I wasn't very polite in my reply.
Though District 12 is much larger than it was in the old days, they have left the Victors' Village the way it was. Except for the sign. They changed it one day to read "Survivor's Village." I like that name better.
No one ever won the Hunger Games.
The other houses remain empty, with only our house and Haymitch's occupied. I think it still reminds too many people of the way things were. Even the newcomers don't seem to like this place.
That, or I make them nervous. I can't decide which.
When I reach the fence, I push open the gate, making sure to close it behind me. In some parts they have moved the fence back to make room for more houses, but they have left the Meadow alone. I'm glad they have.
I still hunt on occasion, more out of habit than from actual need. I tried taking my kids with me once, but Elizabeth had pleaded with me to not take her along, and Michael had cried when I had shot a deer. Just like Prim used to.
I didn't take him along after that.
Finally, I am there. Back on the rocks along the river. Back where I had spent that afternoon with Gale and the others.
Sometimes, I think I can still hear the words of The Hanging Tree echoing from the walls.
I don't plan to stay long. It has been many years since I visited this place, the memories often too painful to bear.
A week ago Peeta and I had received a message from President Holly Skylark, inviting us to be the speakers at an event commemorating the thirtieth anniversary of the downfall of the Capitol and Old Panem.
Other leaders had invited us to the twentieth, and the tenth, but we had turned down their requests. This time, it had been Peeta who suggested we go.
They're supposed to be bringing in all the other survivors as well. I look forward to seeing Annie and Johanna again. We used to see each other more often, but with us having children to take care of now, we don't travel very much.
Soon the sun is rising above the mountains. I turn to go back, but I stop when I hear the rush of wings. A mockingjay lands on one of the rocks near me.
He looks expectant, as if waiting for me to sing. I just shake my head softly and begin to walk back to the house.