Aftermath

by TheGreenDoll

The war is over, the Hunger Games are finished, and Katniss is home at last. She should be happy but she's not. With her sister dead, Gale gone, and Peeta no longer a romantic interest Katniss is alone. No one understands her. Except Haymitch. Is her life worthless? Will she be forever in doubt? Or does he understand her like no other? This is their story. The man behind the bottle

1. Prologue

Prologue

That night was no different than the others. And it never would be. The house smelled of cheap alcohol and dead embers. The living room was dank and dark. The stairs creaked as I slowly walked up them. And as I entered my room and lay down in my bed, I told myself the same thing I did every night.

My name is Katniss Everdeen. I am nineteen years old and I survived the Hunger Games. The war is over. Snow is dead. Coin is dead. They were no different. They were one and the same. We are "free." Prim is dead. My sister is dead. All that's left of me is an existence that was never worthwhile. Gale has abandoned me. Even after all these years. Peeta and I are no more. We were never meant to be. I could never pay him back for all that he has done for me. I am selfish.

Cruel.

Cold.

Ruthless.

Unforgiving.

A monster.

I am me.

I closed my eyes and began to drift off into a world that was my comfort – a sea of no emotion, no memories, and no guilt. And as the full moon's rays drifted down from the heavens onto my face, I let a tear trickle down my cheek. Just like always.