The years took care of us gently. Our shop gained loyal customers, faced some tough critics, and pretty soon became the talk of the town. Through all of that my heart would still flutter at the sight of Ariane's smile, when she danced around happy, or simply hearing her charming French accent. Life seemed too easy, although we had our up and downs.

The Capitol has also found some resolve, although I do sometimes wonder about Katniss, and the Hunger Games. But I know that I should focus on my own life, while still being aware of what's around me. I was a busy man, constantly being pressured for new designs, trends and fresh ideas. But I had Ariane next to me thankfully through all of it.

Many things happened, but also mainly I started a family. Sadly, I never knew what family love and care was about, so I slightly wanted to put it off. The only treating of a child I had ever seen was to beat, starve them and yell at them. I knew that wasn't right, but still, at the thought of my own children I was just reminded of my bastard parents. Ariane reassured me that I would be a great father. I was determined to be the best.

When we finally found out the news it was a mix of nervousness and happiness. It was really happening, but then again, it was really happening. We had our nervous months, and the joys of seeing life grow before our eyes, and then before we knew it, it happened. I honestly don't remember much, but things flashed by, and then we suddenly had a child. We had a little tiny baby girl whom got the name Renee. Ariane insisted that she kept the French tradition somewhat, and I honestly didn't have a problem with it. We were clueless, and maybe a little stupid with her. But like all first-time parents it was fun, but a bit stressful. I still tell her sorry sometimes, but though it's just for the little things. She laughs. We have fun.

Eventually we wanted another, like most people, and so it was. We went through those nervous months although they weren't as bad, and eventually got a baby boy. We were more confident with our new baby, Leon. Eventually he grew to be strong, and smart. They made us proud. We taught them all our sewing and designing techniques, and to our predictions they were just as visual as us. They have grown well. I have grown too, in many ways.

But some things still haunt me. Such as maybe the prospect of life and death, or things I could've done.

Things I've tried to forget.

"Cinna! You said you needed more pink thread and metallic fabric right?" I nodded. "Ok, got it." Ariane bounced around getting her coat and basket.

"Mommy, when will you be back?" The young Renee whom also had a wobbling toddler following her tugged at her mother's clothing. "Very soon, I'm just making a quick trip to the market." She kissed the young girl's temple and smiled, patted her head and then greeted me. I embraced her closely and then quickly kissed her lips. "Take care and be careful of those riots."

She laughed lightheartedly, "I'm not even going into that area, don't worry." I grinned. "Ah, that's right! The shop is on the complete other side." She skipped towards the door giving one last wave and kiss. I sat down and watched the little children play with the small pieces of fabric we had cut for them.

"Leon! I like this one see?" Renee held up a square of fabric that had a floral design with a purple theme.

"Fluer!" Leon spoke out and grabbed at the square. "Non! C'est le mien!" Renee said as she tugged back and pulled it out of his hands, which resulted in a fallen Leon. I stepped over next to them. "That wasn't very nice Renee." I helped Leon back on his feet, and then handed him a square with a nice green and vines. He played with it and put it in his mouth. I laughed a bit.

We played the next hours away and my mind began to remember. Ariane went out a while ago, and she still wasn't back. Thinking about it made me anxious. Had something happened to her? Thinking of it started to hurt my head and stress me out. But I remembered I still had to go on with my day.

"Dinner time!" I called to the two youngsters. They hopped over to our table, a bold walnut color. I served them some slightly hastily made mac and cheese, and then got some myself. "Enjoy!" I said. They ate slightly fast, until in my silence Renee asked, "Daddy, Mommy has been out for a while." My stomach sank. "She probably decided to go shopping a bit more because we're running out of some food." Renee just frowned.

"But she should've told us! It's not fair!" She pouted her lip and pushed her bowl forward. "I'm also done eating now." I sighed inside slightly.

"You're full already?" "No, I'm just angry at Mommy!" I held back my smile, "But Mommy would've wanted you to eat it! So you can grow big and strong." She simply huffed. "Well I guess that's too bad then."

I took her bowl for her and stored it so when she changed her mind later she could have it. My mind grew more stressed as 8 'o clock came around. She had left 5 hours ago. It was driving me crazy. Then finally something happened; the phone rang.

"I got it! I got it!" Renee ran as fast as she could to the phone mounted to the wall, it's brass shining brightly. "Hello! You want my Daddy? Ok." I heard her and was halfway to the phone when she called me, "Daaaaaaaaaad!" I quickly walked to her and took the phone, then sending her away. My heart was beating fast and my hands were sweating.

"Hello?" I said, my voice dry.

"Hello, are you Cinna Valkiaz, Ariane Valkiaz's husband?" The monotone man asked.

"Yes, yes I am." I got the sentence out.

"I'm sorry sir, but I'm afraid your wife was caught in these afternoons' riots over the Capitol's new restrictions enforced by the new President on the issues on food and body modifications. She apparently because of her unmodified body was beaten and trampled on, she was sent to the hospital but died about 15 minutes ago, and again, I'm sorry." He stopped talking finally, and I couldn't say anything. My lips were dry and I was too stunned to cry or say anything. After almost a minute of silence I made the man continued. "You may come to the hospital soon."

I think I probably did die that day inside. It made my life unstable, and left me with two children, where I didn't know what to even say to them.

Eventually I cried, once I was alone and knew nobody could find me I cried until I felt the slightest bit better. But I knew Ariane would've wanted me to go on. So I did. I once again watched life fly before my eyes. I watched my kids grow. I watched my shop grow, and watched myself look back. So now I can finally leave happily. Still, tears form in my eyes. But I am happy.

Thank you Ariane, but now my dear, I'll be joining you.

~Fin~

I would mostly like to thank Lyllas, all the people who read and reviewed this too. I'm sorry for not updating for a year or so. But the story never did get it's resolution, but now it has thankfully. I hope you enjoyed this, I certainly did. Please feel free to leave some good construction criticism on this ending. Bittersweet? Maybe so.

Take care