As Katniss drew her last breath, she looked into the eyes of her best friend.

They weren't the eyes of the boy she met in the woods years ago: Gale remained as a distant memory to her after the Rebellion was over and the war was won.

She remembered every detail about him as the memories flashed before her eyes.

She saw that rainy day when it all began, when all her hope was almost gone.

She saw the dandelion that she picked, avoiding his gaze and remembered how long ago she was afraid to look into their owner's eyes.

She saw that first day on the train.

She saw the cave.

She saw the beach in the Third Quarter Quell.

She remembered their first night after they had really grown back together.

She saw their wedding.

She saw the look on his face as both their children were born.

She remembered the day that they had to tell their kids what the Hunger Games were.

She saw all their anniversaries filled with more love than anyone else ever could have.

She saw so many more memories before she took one last look into those blue eyes.

They were the eyes of the boy she could never survive without.

They were the eyes of Peeta Mellark, the boy with the bread that gave her hope.

And as she drew her last breath, she knew that her love for him was and would always be...

Real.