READERS: This story takes place instead of the epilogue, so at the time Peeta and Katniss are not married with kids. It takes place only 2 years after the Rebellion ends and Gale returns hoping to win Katniss "back." The point of view will change during some of the chapters. Any reviews would be great. Suggestions are also welcome, for I have a general plot but I'm writing it as it comes to me. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games.

Chapter 1

Peeta's POV

I opened the black velvet box slowly, a smile spreading across my face as I glimpsed the golden band. I opened it up further and watched as the light hit the diamond, and shined around the room. Now that we are considered heroes, we are able to afford many luxuries, but this is one of a whole new category: an engagement ring. Yes, Katniss and I are wealthy, but we donate to the people in our district as much as we can. But this ring is something very few people can afford, especially since the diamond mines were only just discovered.

Since the Rebellion, many people have begun to move back into District 12. Although there are only a few hundred survivors, many other people that belong to other districts flock here in order to help with the repairs. The mass grave we have, dedicated to all of the bombing victims and any bodies recovered in war from District 12, has quickly recovered and bright green grass covers the expanse. The high fences have been torn down, and the houses rebuilt. It was beginning to look like home once again, but much freer and happier than before.

The worst part was the loss; of both war and the Games. I lost my entire family. We may not have gotten along all the time, but I still love them. And Katniss, she lost her sister, whom she went to the Games in place of. Then there is everyone who tried to flee town before the bombings, but could not. At first, the town seemed empty, with everyone gone. We mourned our families in peace, until everyone knew we should start to reestablish our district.

That is when people began flocking here, looking for work and leadership of the "star-crossed lovers." Although a new president has been elected, we are still looked to as role models, but I don't mind. People need to see that despite their losses, they can move on and help improve their lives and the lives of others. Which is what I plan to do with Katniss. It has only been two years since moving back, but I am deeply in love with her; more than before. We still live across from each other, but we have officially been dating for 12 months, as of next week. And that is the day I plan on proposing.

"Peeta, come help with the baking, you know I'm not the best chef!" Katniss exclaimed from the kitchen, interrupting my moment. The smell of fresh roasted turkey floated up the stairs until my mouth began to water. I think of the big celebration feast tonight, the town has officially elected Madge to follow her father in being mayor.

"Okay, I'm coming Katniss," I said sweetly as I quietly closed the box and tucked it away in my bureau. Thinking of the proposal will have to wait; there is cheese bread that needs to be cooked.

~ GR ~

Katniss' POV

I glanced in the mirror and combed my fingers through my hair, splitting apart a few of the curls Madge had thoughtfully transformed my hair into. I smoothed the elegant light blue dress, one of the last unworn dresses made by Cinna. In the front, the hem stops at my ankles, but there is a small train in the back. My silver heels are noticeable beneath the dress, as they shine brightly when exposed to any light. I closed my eyes and breathed in deeply, allowing Cinna's design to consume me. I miss him, but I see him in every piece of clothing I design.

My breath hitched slightly as I felt the warmth of two strong arms around my waist. I opened my eyes and gazed into Peeta's in the reflection of the mirror before smiling brightly. I raked my eyes over his body, admiring how handsome he looks. His blonde hair is slicked back, and he is wearing a white shirt with light grey dress pants and a light blue tie to match my dress. The blue brought out his eyes, making them even brighter than they usually are.

"You look beautiful, darling; Cinna would be so proud of you," Peeta stated, rubbing his thumb along the back of my hand. He always knows what to say, even when he doesn't fully comprehend what is wrong. And I'm thankful for that, because in an instant, all my fears and nerves vanished.

"Thank you Peeta," I muttered as I looked down, my hair covering my face to hide the blush that was spreading across my cheeks. I never blush, except around Peeta. I don't know what it is, but something in me is just drawn to him, and has been from the start. Slipping out of his grip, I walked cautiously down the stairs, careful not to trip because of my heels. I slid a short white faux fur shawl over my shoulders before opening the door to Peeta's house. I waited until I heard the clatter of trays as he lifted the two up, before departing his house.

~ GR ~

Gale's POV

I had just arrived at my new house in the Victor's Village, although I don't think it's called that anymore. Only the victors of the Games are supposed to live here, but as a leader in the Rebellion, I was granted a house. We may have overthrown the government, but people still honor the idea of having solely victors living in the extravagant houses.

After the movers placed the last of the items in my house, I waved goodbye and headed upstairs. There is a party tonight; the girl, who I brought strawberries to once, Madge, is becoming mayor. I wasn't planning on going at first, but I was told the whole town was going to be there. The whole town. Katniss included.

Because of my old job, a news reporter, I had plenty of suits and ties available. One of my favorites, however, is a silk navy blue suit paired with a white shirt and matching tie. I began rifling through my boxes of clothing until I found it. I quickly changed into it and brushed my hair back slightly. Glancing in the mirror I realized I looked much like my old self, but a few years older and a little more mature. Hopefully Katniss will like the way I look, even though she has never been focused on appearances.

In honor of the last day Katniss and I spent together before the games, I cooked fish with lemon seasoning and picked fresh strawberries to add to the buffet of food there is sure to be at the party. As I walked down the stairs to retrieve the food from the refrigerator, the sound of soft laughter fills my ears. Katniss. She's leaving now... I think to myself. I grabbed the food platter and waited two full minutes before exiting the house.