Better Than a Diamond

Peeta and I walk hand in hand. Our path takes us through what used to be the Seam. I don't know where we are headed. The Seam makes me feel sad and I feel worse as we pass by what used to be my home. It is currently being rebuilt. District 13 thought it was only right to return District 12 back to the way it used to be. It will never be the same. A tear rolls down my cheek.

'Katniss?' I tighten my grip on his hand, hearing his voice comforts me. 'Are you alright?'

I'm not alright everything is wrong. Just wrong. Prim is gone. It's my fault. The tears keep on coming. I release my grip on his hand and turn to walk away. His hand catches my shoulder.

'Katniss, I know it's difficult and I know the past can't be changed but we can make the future better. You know that just as well as I do'.

I know he's right but I miss Prim so much. She would be turning 17 this year. But she's dead. Why won't I stop crying? I dry my eyes with my sleeve.

'I know Peeta, it's just always going to be hard for me.' I say.

'I know. I love you. You know that too, don't you?' he says, grinning.

Without saying anything I lean in to kiss him and our lips meet.

'I don't ever want to lose you, Peeta.' I whisper.

'I'm not going anywhere.' He replies. He hugs me tighter. 'Come on I need to show you something.'

He drags me away from the Seam and towards the large, ornate, iron gate that lead to the forest.

The fence was replaced with the gate a few months ago as forest creatures started to roam around the district and disrupt the restoration of the city. It's no longer electric but it's still guarded. The guards let us through as we walk, half run, towards the gate.

We arrive at the rock where Gale and I sat when we were filmed many years ago.

'Close your eyes.' Peeta murmurs. I reluctantly close them, I hate surprises. I can hear the fallen leaves around his feet rustle. What is he up to?

'Now open them.'

'Peeta what is this, I….Oh.'

Peeta is kneeling down. One hand is behind his back and the other holds a small, opened red box, inside lays a ring. It's just so beautiful. I gasp. A large Opal set in silver.

'Miss Katniss Everdeen will you marry me?' he asks nervously.

I am so aghast it takes me at least a minute to digest what has just happened. Marriage? I love Peeta so much, but marriage? It's too much, I burst into tears.

Peeta lets me cry and doesn't move a muscle. I finally calm myself down. I love him and I never want to lose him.

'Yes, Peeta, yes I will.'

He lets out a sigh of relief as well as an excited laugh. He takes the ring from the box and gently pushes it on to my left ring finger. We are engaged.

He gets up from the forest floor and we kiss. This is a kiss that I will never forget. The kiss that meant we were to be married. If only Prim could see me now.

Peeta and I pull apart and I stare at the ring on my finger.

'Do you like it?' He asks, 'I didn't think you would want anything fancy, I thought Opal was perfect.'

'It's perfect, better than diamonds. I love it. I love you.'

'Well then, time to spread the news?' he exclaims.

'I know just where to start.'

I walk over to a blooming flower bush and pick off a bunch of flowers and turn on my heels. Primroses. Perfect.

'Come on then, Mrs 'soon to be' Mellark.'

I smile and take his hand as we set of in the direction of the meadow.