Life in District 12 seems almost perfect. I live with my mother and Prim in our old home in the victor's village. They have established a small medical practice in town. Prim is training to be a doctor. She's fourteen now, a young woman. I'm so grateful to have her in my life. There have been too many moments in the past where I've feared I'd never see her precious face again. Only now I can safely say that she is safe, I am safe.
Peeta lives in his old house across from us. From the moment in the hospital, where I said those three words, he nagged me constantly trying to get me to say them again. I know how I feel and he does too but I had planned on taking things slow and starting over. This was my head speaking however. My heart had its way and he and I have been inseparable ever since I came home. He loves me and I him. One day we will get married but for now we enjoy the luxury of time that the revolution has granted us. Peeta owns a bakery in the markets. He makes extravagant cakes and bakes delicious breads. Every morning I go to visit him there. He always has a warm loaf of cheese topped bread prepared for me. With a kiss on the cheek I am out, but not before admiring his paintings on the walls of the bakery. He still paints in his spare time and everyone comes from all over Panem to purchase his works of art.
As for Gale, it took a while but now he and I are back where we started, the best of friends. I even have his approval to be with Peeta. After the parachute bombings he vowed that he would do whatever he could to make sure there were no more unjust killings. He was given a position in Panem's military unit. Any plans made by officials must be run past him for approval. He does a lot of travelling for this, however his home is right here in District 12. He lives in a house in the victor's village on his own but I know he has his eye on one lucky girl in District 9. Gale and I still go hunting every Sunday that he's home. Although there's no need, food is bountiful in every district. It's more of a sentimental thing. His mother and three siblings live next door to him and after our hunt, we make sure to drop some game off.
Haymitch stills lives in his old home. He, Peeta and I spend one afternoon every week drinking fine liquor and reminiscing over our badass moments and victories. His drinking has reduced surprisingly. He likes to spend late mornings wandering around the new district town, buying bits and pieces from each store. The end to mentoring has significantly improved his mental state, but you can still find him passed out in his home surrounded by empty bottles from time to time.
Annie and Finnick have moved to District 12 and live in the house next door. They considered living in District 4 but the sight of their old home seemed to trigger severe distress in Annie. Living here, she seems almost normal. And I have to admit, I'm glad that they moved. The friendship between Finnick and I is very unique. Without spoken words we can understand what each other is thinking. I have never known anyone quite like Finnick Odair. They have turned the small house near the lake into a fishing hut. They offer lessons on how to fish, tie nots, make nets and craft things out of reeds. When I'm out in the woods I stop by and have lunch with them, the catch of the day. Annie had fallen pregnant shortly after their wedding and has now given birth to a gorgeous son. I have grown quite attached to him and everyone can see it. They always press me to admit that I want to have children, but I know I don't.
Johanna Mason has also moved into the victor's village. It turns out she really did like us, deep down. She lives with Delly Cartwright now, an unusual pair. They drive each other mad but their friendship is strong.
Greasy Say and her granddaughter have also moved into the village. She has established a kitchen in town and makes delicious meals for the district. Although fresh food is plentiful, she still buys my wild dog. Survivors of old District 12 admit to requesting her signature dish. Old habits die hard I guess.
After months of trying to find her place in this new world, Effie Trinket has settled in District 12. She was offered the position of secretary for the mayor. After all, her special talent is getting people where they need to be on time. She lives next to Haymitch and keeps him on the straight and narrow. My old prep team have also taken a house each in the village.
I couldn't ask for better neighbours. I'm surrounded by people I love, and those who love me.
When District 12 was rebuilt, all the homes were made similar to ours. The only distinction was the iron gate that read "Victors Village". It does seem a little snobby and we did consider removing it. However, we decided that the title "Victor" is kind of fitting. We are a group of survivors.
I guess you're wondering where I fit among this new society. It took me a while to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. In the end it was Gale who pointed out the obvious. Hunt. I began teaching hunting and foraging to the children of District 12. We would have camp outs in the forest and I would teach them what plants were edible and how to catch game. Eventually, adults began requesting I teach them and before I knew it, people were coming from all over Panem for my lessons.
So that's where we stand, a year from the revolution.