Alternate epilogue; Katniss visits the hanging tree.

fairest1

I'd given them a Victor. Given them a bride. Given them the Girl on Fire and even the Mockingjay.

I'd given everything.

Now I'd take what I wanted back. My life, my choice.

I woke up in the bed, the side where Peeta once slept was cold and vacant. He'd never returned from the Capitol after the war had ended. After I'd shot Coin with my own arrow instead of Snow.

It had been weeks and still no Peeta.

I'd given myself the deadline. If he hadn't shown by today, then I'd have to do what I needed. I couldn't wait for him any longer. He wasn't coming back. They wouldn't even tell me if he was dead.

I pulled on my leather boots, their fit tight and familiar. A cold comfort in the morning light as I gripped the rope from Finnick in my hands and made my way to the tree line.

I passed Haymitch's house on the way, pausing and debating as to whether I should say goodbye. I don't think he'd understand. Not really. For all his harshness and bitter anger, he wouldn't let me go like I so dearly wished. He'd find a way to keep me around, keep me catatonic.

At least trapped in bed I'd still be breathing.

I walked on, sure of my plan.

Approaching the tree, it felt old and ominous above me. Its branches were thick and heavy, daunting and imposing. I could see the song playing out before me, the lonely lovers and their tragic tale. It made my gut wretch.

Carefully, ever so carefully, I lifted myself to its limbs. I was weaker now than I once was. I tied the end to the tree, formed a noose in the other. Finnick had taught me that. I hadn't thought then how useful it would be.

Slipping it over my head, shifting to the edge of the branch, I tightened the rope around my neck. I thanked Finnick for his knowledge. I thanked my sister for her life. I pushed myself off.

When I woke sometime later, rope around my neck, sore to the touch, I couldn't help the tears that slipped my eyes. What was I doing?

I pulled the rope free and looked over to see the branch on the ground beside me. It had rotted through and through, it's innards mere dust.

I couldn't stop the sob that ripped through me then, the near feeling of death closing in but not taking me yet.

It was late when I stepped out of the trees. I saw Haymitch chasing his geese, stumbling through the thick grass as he cursed thickly. I pulled my collar up higher, trying to hide the bruising I knew undoubtedly was there, and made towards my house.

Getting closer I paused. Someone else was here. My blood pumped and anxiety filled me as I rounded to the front yard.

Peeta.

He was there, digging into my garden with ripped up primrose bushes.

I took a step back, dropping the rope from my fingers. It fell heavily at my sides as he finally looked up. I felt his eyes settle on my neck. I'd look away if it didn't involve turning my head. I couldn't, instead I stared head on, and watched his face tighten as his gaze met mine.

"Katniss," His voice was soft. He lifted his hands up, dropping the shovel at his feet. I wanted to run. To hide. He'd caused bruises so similar to these not long ago. He stepped forward. I stepped back.

I tried to speak but it came out as a wheeze. He moved to me then, his approach faster than my retreat, as he caught me and fell to his knees. Pressing his head against my stomach he ghosted his fingers across my neck.

I couldn't fight. I was done fighting.

"Katniss," It was a whisper against my skin. Slipping down, I pulled him closer. I didn't need words. He had them all, mirroring my thoughts. "You came back."