Disclaimer: I do not own The Hunger Games.

Katniss' POV

After Plutarch tells me of his plans of Finnick and Annie's wedding, my schedule has been a flurry of planning and preparing for activites. The differences between the Capitol and District 13 begin to show now, Coin's idea of a wedding is having the couple in question sign a piece of paper and get a compartment together. But Plutarch means hundreds of people dressed in finery at a three-day celebration. I have to say, it's pretty amusing watching them haggle over the details of the wedding.

"What's the point of the propo if no one's having any fun!" Plutarch yelled when Coin vetoed a dinner, entertainment, and alcohol. It's hard to put a Gamemaker on a budget, but even a quiet celebration causes a stir in 13, where they seem to have no holidays at all.

There isn't a shortage of volunteers for any part of the wedding. Almost every kid shows up to sing a wedding song, and an endless amount of people volunteer to help make decorations. It's all anyone ever hears about in the dining hall. I think it may have more to do than the festivities, I have a feeling this is what the people of 13 have longed to be a part of. I even volunteer to take Annie back to my house in the Victor's Village so she can pick one of the dresses from the Victory Tour that have been hidden in my closet. Although I'm a bit leery about being with Annie since all I really know about her is that Finnick loves her and everybody thinks she's mad.

On the hovercraft ride to 12, I decide she's less mad than unstable. I noticed when I tried to start conversation with her that she would often laugh at random points or zone out as if something else caught her attention, when really there was nothing there. Her lovely sea green eyes often fixate on empty spaces with such focus that I can't help but try to see myself if something's there. Sometimes, for no reason at all, she puts her hands over her ears as if to block out a painful sound like Finnick and I did when we were attacked with the Jabberjays. She is strange, but if Finnick loves her, that's good enough for me.

I even got permission for my prep team to come along, which luckily relieves me of making any fashion decisions.

But when I open my closet, we all fall silent at the sight of Cinna's beautiful creations. I'm then met with the heartbreaking image of Octavia dropping to her knees, rubbing the hem of a skirt to her cheek as she bursts into tears. "It's been so long," She begins, "so long since I've seen anything pretty." In the end, Annie chooses a beautiful green silk dress that compliments her eyes quite beautifully.


Despite Coin's claims that it's too much and Plutarch's claims that it's not enough, the wedding is a hit. The three hundred guests from 13 and the refugees from 12 wear their everyday clothes, the decorations are made from autumn foliage, the music is provided by a choir of children accompanied by the fiddler who made it out of 12 with his instrument. It's simple, but frugal by the Capitol's standards. I can only imagine what I'd have gone though if Peeta and I's wedding had taken place before the Quell, three days of horror for sure.

Nothing though, can compare to the beauty of the couple. It doesn't have to do with their borrowed clothes, even if it does make them look striking. But, who can look past the radiant faces of the two people who this day was once a virtual impossibility? Dalton, the cattle guy from 10 conducts the ceremony, since it's similar to the one used in their District. Although there are unique touches that come with traditions in 4, such as the woven net that's draped over the couple during their vows, the touching of each other's lips with salt water, and the ancient wedding song that points out the resemblances of marriage and sea voyage. The ceremony is very beautiful, and it was heart-warming to see Mags' reaction above all. Of course, I don't have to pretend to be happy for them at all.

After the kiss that seals their union, the cheers, and the toast with apple cider, the fiddler strikes up a tune that turns every head from District 12. We may have been the smallest, poorest District in Panem, but we know how to dance. Nothing has been officially scheduled, but I'm sure Plutarch has kept his fingers crossed for this, since he's calling the propo in the control room.

Sure enough, Greasy Sae pulls Gale to the center of the floor and faces off with him. People join in, forming two long lines, and the dancing begins. I just stand off to the side, clapping to the rhythm until a bony hand pinches my elbow.

"Are you going to miss the chance to let Snow see you dancing?" She asks, and I find she's right. "Maybe even if you have the courage to dance with him, I'd like to inform you that loverboy's standing near the doorway. The guards let him come for a little special event they refused to let me in on." Johanna says with a scowl. I turn, not believing her words until my eyes land on none other than Peeta Mellark. He seems to be doing the same thing I was, standing off in the distance, clapping his hand to the rhythm. But I don't have the courage to dance with him, so I turn back to Johanna and shake my head nervously.

"You're right, but I don't think I'll dance with him just yet." I say softly. Johanna smirks and walks off, mumbling about taking advantage of it. I feel a ping of jealousy, which is a new sensation, but she's Johanna.

Just then, I feel a hand grab mine and I look up to see Gale pulling me off to the dance floor. I feel my face flush and want to refuse, but he just smiles and drags me along. It's not too bad, it turns out to be really fun. I'm laughing as we're doing silly dances and he's twirling me around. Then I see a small hand on his shoulder and find Prim standing behind him.

"If you don't mind, I'd like to take my sister for a dance?" She says with a small smile. I chuckle, but Gale jokingly wraps his arms protectively around me and turns away.

"And what if I do mind?" He says with a serious face, I laugh and smack his arm with the back of my hand and he gets a fake sad look on his face, but Prim just giggles.

"Then I'd take her with me anyway. Come on, Katniss." She says, pulling my hand away. Gale pretends to pout as Greasy Sae comes back for him and I laugh again. I've never been so happy, but Finnick and Annie's wedding has brought out the best in me.

"Don't worry, I'll come back to steal you later." He yells across the room. I shake my head with a smirk as Prim and I begin to dance together. Lucky we had plenty of time to practice during the long winter days in 12 before the Quell. We'd only been dancing for about 10 minutes when I hear Johanna's voice and whip around to find her hauling Peeta, who doesn't look very happy.

"Look who I finally dragged out here!" She says proudly, "Let's dance, pretty boy." She says. Peeta's face flushes and I laugh at her. Peeta looks up at the sound and smiles slightly at me before Johanna pulls him away.

"I didn't know he was here? I thought he'd have been under guard supervision if he were to be out. Especially around you. I've heard of your previous two encounters, and I know Peeta means no harm, but I still worry for you, Katniss." She says softly. I look at my sister with pure admiration and twirl her around.

"Oh, Little Duck, what I would do without you? He's okay for the most part. It's just... certain things that set him off. What could possibly set him off here in such a happy atmosphere like Finnick and Annie's wedding?" I ask nervously. Prim gives me a knowing look.

"Maybe the fact that you two were in a fake engagement?" She points out, I can feel my face fall and Prim gets a worried look on her face. "I didn't mean to make you upset, Katniss, but it's true, and I don't want that memory to set him off. You'll be careful, okay?" She says, I comply for her sake and a look of satisfaction crosses her face just as Peeta and Johanna make their way back to us.

"He really knows how to dance!" Johanna calls, Prim giggles and I allow myself a small smile. Peeta's face flushes once again at her compliment. Prim and I let go of our positions and stand side by side to watch as Johanna prances around with Peeta in tow right in front of us. Prim's giggling like crazy at Johanna's silly antics. I then feel a pair of hands grab my shoulders and spin me around. I'm met with the gray eyes of my best friend and I smile.

"Told you I'd be back." He says, "Although it took me a while to slip out of Greasy Sae's grasp." He whispers. I crack a smile and look over to where Greasy Sae is eyeing us as she gestures that she's watching me, I don't know why, but I find this hilarious and burst out in a fit of laughter. Greasy Sae smiles at me and returns to dancing with others as I compose myself.

"Excuse me, I was dancing with Katniss." Prim says, I turn to find her no longer distracted with Johanna, but standing in false disapproval. Gale wraps his arms protectively over me again and declares that she's had a long turn.

Johanna laughs at the altercation. "Don't worry, Prim. I'll dance with you." Johanna says, extending her arms out to Prim, but Prim giggles and runs to Peeta.

"I'd rather take my chances with Peeta, sorry Johanna." She says, trying to keep a stern face as she begins to dance with Peeta. Johanna fakes a look of disappointment before turning to Gale and I with a hungry look on her face. I realize Gale hasn't let go of me and decide that it's enough of this silliness, but he discreetly pulls me tighter to him.

"I guess it's your turn then, gorgeous." She says to Gale. I smirk and Gale looks at me, pleading with his eyes and I push him over to her. He mouths, "You're going to get it." before Johanna hauls him away deep in the crowd and I loose sight of him. I decide that since Prim and Gale are busy, I'll find my seat and continue to clap to the music. I do just that and it's just as fun as dancing, but this is better for my bruised ribs. Especially after my laughing fit. I hear the sound of a chair scraping to my left and turn to find Josie.

"Why aren't you dancing?" She questions quietly. I look her in her eyes, but she's purposefully not looking at me, keeping her eyes on the dancing figures.

"I just sat down not too long ago, it's better for my ribs. What about you?" I respond. Josie's always been a soft girl, and I don't miss the look of concern that claims her face before she puts on the iron mask that I so often do.

"I heard, and saw, about your accident. I'm sorry I didn't come to see you, I've just been busy training for something." She begins softly before turning to me, a pained look in her eyes. "But I don't really know anyone here. I mean, usually I have no problem making friends with new people, but ever since I got back from the Capitol, I've found it very hard to trust people." She says quietly before looking away again, but I don't miss the tears glistening in her eyes.

"You're fine. I'm sorry about what I said, I didn't mean it. I was just..." I trail off, I don't like to express my emotions, but Josie deserves this after what I've said. I sigh before continuing. "I was just worried about you, you're old enough to train but I just want you to be safe. I don't want you to be in any more danger." I say. Josie turns back to me before grabbing my left hand in her right.

"It means a lot to know you care, but I can handle myself. You can't protect everyone, and Coin thinks I can do this. My training is going very well, Coin's very pleased with my progress. She thinks I can go on the next mission. I just need a couple weeks more training and do my Exam on the Block." She says proudly with a happy smile. I bite my lip, I really don't want her to go out on the field, but what's this about a mission she's kept mentioning? I'm about to ask her when a huge smile crosses her face and she stands up, I look up and see Peeta and Prim.

"Josie?" Peeta asks, confused. She smiles and nods. "I thought they... I didn't know you were here." He says. She presses her lips together.

"I'm sorry I haven't been to visit you, I've been very busy with training." Josie explains, he nods but I can tell it's not true. Someone like her would fight to see her old mentor, even if she was exhausted from training. Not to mention she used the same explanation she said to me.

"Oh, that's fine. I haven't really had any visitors apart from Katniss, Haymitch, some doctors, and an old friend of mine named Delly." He offers. Josie looks confused but waves it off.

"Well, it's nice to see you out." She says politely before turning to Prim. "And you're Primrose, right? Katniss' younger sister?" She asks, Prim smiles and extends a hand in greeting.

"Yes, just call me Prim. You're Josie, right? Katniss' female tribute?" Prim asks. Josie winces before composing herself with a bright smile.

"Mhm. Would you like to dance?" Josie asks, shaking Prim's hand kindly. Prim smiles in her winning manner before accepting the invitation. I watch them walk away, and at the last second, Josie turns to me and gives me a small wink. I scowl at her and she smiles before disappearing into the crowd with my little sister. Peeta stands there awkwardly for a moment, wringing his hands.

"I'm sorry about the other day." He says quietly, staring at the ground. I bite my lip and shake my head.

"It wasn't your fault." I say, trying to keep my voice steady. Peeta looks up at me and studies my face a moment.

"I thought you hated me, I haven't seen you in over a month, and then one day I see you get shot on live television. I thought you were gone for good until Haymitch confirmed to me you were still alive." He says. I begin to feel guilty, had it really been over a month since I last visited him? One month of healing my arm and hand, over two weeks in District 2, and over a month of healing my ribs... it hasn't just been over a month since I'd last seen him, but almost 3.

"Oh, I'm..." I trail off, can I really just say sorry to that? "I'm sorry. I hadn't realized it'd been that long." I say quietly. Peeta looks at me as if he expects me to say more, but he knows I'm done when I look away. He sighs.

"I guess I deserve it though, I did try to attack you." He says softly. I shake my head, why does he have to be so kind? If I were him, I'd be fuming.

"No. You didn't. Now stop saying that." I say impatiently, I can tell he's about to apologize so I hold my hand up to silence him. "No, don't apologize." I say. He nods and we just continue to stand there in silence before he holds out a hand and I look at him, puzzled.

"I don't know if I'm allowed to, but until someone says otherwise, would you like to dance with me?" He asks. I search his eyes for a moment before nodding and placing my hand in his. He leads me off into the crowd and we begin to dance. I remember that we haven't danced together since the party at Snow's Mansion at the end of our Victory Tour and I press my lips together, hopefully he doesn't think of that.

After a while of dancing, someone calls out to Peeta that it's time for the surprise and he apologizes before leaving. Gale claims me to dance once again, but it's not too long until a cake is rolled in, I look at it in wonder. Gasping, I begin to walk closer to the cake, it could only have been made by one person. Most of the guests back up, giving it space and I feel as if my suspicions are confirmed when I see that it's Peeta helping wheel it in. I'm one of the people in the front of the crowd now, Gale behind me with my right hand in his left.

Peeta calls out for 'the lovely couple' and Finnick appears with Annie in tow. She squeals at the sight of it and I smile, Finnick looks so happy with Annie. And he's looking at her so lovingly that no one can doubt how much he loves her. Finnick thanks Peeta for the cake and they share a brief hug before Peeta engulfs Annie in a small hug as well. Peeta then begins to step away so they can part the cake.

I turn around to look at Gale. "I can't believe Peeta made that." I say. Gale stares down at me with a questioning look. "And why not?" He asks. I sigh. He hasn't seen what happens when Peeta's in one of his moods, so I just shake my head and turn my attention back to the cake. But when I look around, I notice Peeta's gone. Only Finnick and Annie are there sharing a piece of cake before they begin to cut pieces for other's as well.

The rest of the party turns out to be great, we eat cake before dancing a little more and then everyone leaves. Johanna and I return to the hospital together. The entire way, she talks about Gale and she just sounds so ridiculous I can't help but laugh.


I hope this chapter made up for the last one, it was fun to write. I hope you guys check out my other stories while I update this one! I'd also like to let you guys know that I have all the information regarding every single one of my stories on my profile, be sure to check it out! Happy 5th Anniversary to Mockingjay as well! Until next time!

Xoxo, Daisy