Wedding day! Yay! I don't own The Hunger Games. That being said, I have been looking forward to this chapter most of all. How could any Everlark shipper not? That being said, I think the best way for me to do this would be to not follow my normal format and just switch viewpoints as needed. I hope this doesn't get confusing, but I will always put in italics whose viewpoints I am writing in. So onwards we go, because we have a wedding to attend!
Katniss:
The sun shines in as it has many times before, but today is different. It's my wedding day. A wave of nervousness and panic hits me as I sit up. I look around the room, almost as if to find a place to escape, but realize that no one would let me escape. I was never good when I knew I would be a focus of attention, which is rather funny given how much attention I have had since I was 16. I hear a knock on my door and it slowly opens. My mother peeks her head in my room to see if I was awake.
"Good morning, Katniss. We have breakfast ready for you when you come downstairs." she says smiling at me. My stomach flips at the thought of eating. She sees my expression and sits down on the bed. "Are you alright?" she asks, clearly worried.
"I'm fine, just really nervous for some reason." I answer her. She starts to rub my hair, and pulls me into an embrace.
"Of course you are. Every bride is nervous on her wedding day. I remember mine, and I didn't feel like I would be able to go through with it." I stare at her surprised. I could never imagine her being nervous to marry my father; I always remembered them so happy. "Do me a favor. Close your eyes for a moment and think about Peeta. How do you feel?"
I close my eyes and bring Peeta to the front of my mind. As soon as I do, I feel less on edge and more calm. I think of his eyes, his lips, and his body; how I feel when he holds me. "I feel much better." I tell her. "I think I can make it out of the room now."
Together we go downstairs, where everyone is gathered over breakfast. Johanna, Effie, Flavius, Venia, Octavia, my mother, and I eat our breakfast while we go over the day. I would be taking Venia and Octavia with me to my old house, while Flavius has volunteered to help Peeta. Johanna would make sure that Haymitch was actually awake and proper, and Effie would be at the Justice Building making sure everything went on time. She kept looking at her watch and telling us there wouldn't be much time if we kept sitting around. My dress was already in my old room, and we headed over there before Effie picked us up and dragged all of us.
Venia and Octavia helped me in the dress, which still amazed me when I saw all of the lights shining off it. They put on some makeup, not a lot, as was the practice back when they would get me ready for things before. I looked at myself in the mirror, surprised at how pure I looked. You wouldn't think that I had been through two Hunger Games and a revolution. They kept saying how happy they were for me, and how much they had wanted to see this day. Together they left to get the last thing I needed, while my mother worked on my hair. She started putting it the special braided style, but she was also weaving in some of the primroses from the front of my house. I looked to my left and saw Buttercup sitting there, just watching us. I felt my eyes watering, but I didn't cry. I put my hand down, and Buttercup came over and just rubbed against it. I felt between the flowers and Buttercup that Prim was still here, with us. I could feel the purring and I looked down at him. "Thank you, Buttercup." I whispered to him.
My mother completed her task and together we stood looking in the mirror. Buttercup came and sat between us and I almost couldn't believe it was myself staring back at me. She fixed the veil over my head, and my transformation was complete. This time it wasn't for a fight to the death, or for a revolution. This time was solely for me and Peeta.
Peeta:
I hear a knock at the door and open it to find Flavius. I could barely eat anything this morning; I was so excited that the day had come. He was like a ball of energy, going through the house and telling me he was going to get me ready. I didn't think I had that much prep to do, and seeing him here doing prep team things hurt my heart for my lost team and Portia. He quickly had me in my white suit, fixed a primrose on my lapel and started styling my hair.
"You are so much easier than Katniss! I lucked out having you today." He said winking at me.
"How is she?" I asked him. Part of me would always be worried up until the moment that she wouldn't show up; that this had all been some hallucination on my part. I knew it wasn't the case, but to be standing here, on this day, it just felt surreal.
"Oh, she is like every bride. Nervous, excited, you know." He mentioned it like I had known a hundred brides before, which to him would seem normal. "You, dear boy, are ready, and right on time! Effie will be so proud of us!"
At this point, I knew I had to get to the Justice Building. There I would wait, which Katniss made the walk through the village. There were so many people I wish could have been here with us on this day. I couldn't start thinking of all those that we lost. We would remember them always, and in my heart I felt like they were here with us, in spirit. We started our walk, with Johanna catching up to us.
"Wow. You look really good, Mellark." There was no sarcasm, though I kept waiting for a remark from her, something that would be typical Johanna. Nothing came after so I just smiled at her and gave her my thanks. I asked if we could make a quick deviation from our path and they agreed. I could hear Flavius whispering about a schedule, and Johanna telling him we would be fine and we had plenty of time.
I stopped in front of where the bakery once stood, my old home. I had to stop here on my way; to pay my respects. My relationship with my mother was not the best, but she was my mother, and I still wished she and my father, my brothers, my family could be here with me today. I know how proud my father would be, how happy he would be that I was able to marry the woman I loved. I stayed silent for a bit, head bowed, and Jo explained to Flavius why we had stopped. They both took a few steps back and gave me my space.
When I was ready, I joined them back on the path. As we got closer to the Justice Building I could see the chairs and people already taking seats. I saw Gale and Anne, sitting in the front. Gale stood up and came over to me, embracing me. "I really am happy for the both of you. I can't imagine anyone better for Catnip than you. Listen, I don't know if you have anyone to stand up with you, but if you would like, I would be proud." It was customary for family to stand with the ones being married, and with mine being gone, I wouldn't have anyone.
"I would be the honored one, and I am sure Katniss would also appreciate you standing with us." I said, thanking him. I also ask Johanna to stand with us as well, since really, we all make up a dysfunctional family. She nods, though I can tell the thought makes her slightly nervous. She was never one for crowds either. I can hear Effie in the background, yelling for places and preparing everything at the front. I head over and see Sae, dressed, holding the District 12 history book where all marriages, births, and deaths are recorded. I stare at it, surprised.
"How did that make it?" I asked, not believing what I was seeing.
"Actually, the old one didn't. I brought a new one with me when I came." said a voice from behind me. Plutarch was there and shaking my hand. He had Caesar with him, who also came over and shook my hand.
"Peeta, I am so happy to see you here today. To be able to see this. I always believed in you two." he tells me.
Everyone is taking their seats and I stand with Sae, Gale, and Jo waiting to see Katniss at any moment. My heart can't stop beating so hard.
Katniss:
I look to my mother, who is all that is left with me and remark to her that I think my heart is going to beat out of my chest when I hear the knock on the door. My mother and I walk down the stairs, Buttercup following, and answer the door.
"Damn, sweetheart! I think you may break the entire town's heart today marrying that boy. You look amazing." Haymitch tells me, handing me my last piece. It was a bouquet of wildflowers, something so I could feel a piece of Rue with me today. "You ready?"
"About as ready as I am going to be." I say as I try not to pass out. My mother leads us, Haymitch taking my arm and walking me down. I am grateful he is there, because I don't think I would have been able to hold myself up. As we head out of the Victor's Village, there is a musician playing the traditional 12 wedding song as we walk. The closer we get, the faster my heart pounds. I clutch Haymitch's arm for support, and he holds me in place. "Any last advice?" I ask him, attempting to calm down.
"Stay alive." He says without missing a beat. "Just be happy, sweetheart. You both deserve it."
We near the building now, and I can see the chairs. They are full of people, and I can't make anyone out. It is all a blur to me as I get closer, and then I see him. He is standing there, with Jo and Gale, and absolutely beautiful. The sun radiates off of his hair. I see him talking to Sae, then turning his head slowly.
Peeta:
I see her coming down and I can't breathe. My heart stops in my throat as I see her approaching. I have never seen anyone so beautiful, so full of light. She is surrounded by it, as if she herself is giving off the light that surrounds us all. Nothing I could have imagined ever would have prepared me for this. I hear the song now, I see her mother and Buttercup, Haymitch, but no one else can hold my attention except for her. I know I am supposed to wait for her to reach me, but I can't help myself and instinctively walk towards her. Her mother smiles at me and moves to the side. I reach Haymitch and ask him if it is okay if I walk with her the rest of the way. He smiles at me and places her arm in mine.
"You take care of each other. I know you will." Haymitch says as he takes his seat.
There isn't much time for me to say anything to her, but I look at her in awe. "You are stunning." I tell her, kissing her hand. We walk to the front and when there, placed side by side, Johanna comes over and takes our right hands and binds them in twine, which is a District 7 tradition. Effie comes over and places a woven net around our shoulders, as done in District 4, while blotting our lips with salt water.
Sae starts the traditional 12 ceremony, talking about love and life, families and communities. How this day is meant to be joyous as we are celebrating a continuation of all of life's important values. How we will support each other for eternity. After the speech is done, I turn to Katniss, ready to make my own tradition.
"Katniss Everdeen, soon to be Katniss Mellark, the odds are finally in our favor. I can't tell you how long I have waited for this day, and how many times I thought you would never be standing here next to me. I never gave up hope though, and I am grateful that you never did either. I will always be humbled by the fact that you fell in love with me, and we truly have taken this journey together. You may have been a symbol for most, but for me, you have always been the girl I loved, the girl I just wanted to say hello too, the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. I promised you always before, and I promise it now."
I can hear people crying in the background, but I can't even look away from her to see what is going on. There is only her. There has only ever been her. I see her face, her eyes watering and a tear fall down. I use my free hand to wipe it away. I smile at her, hoping it was alright with her that I said something.
Katniss:
When he finishes his words, I feel a tear slip out. He gently wipes it away and I compose myself. I look in his eyes, his ocean eyes, and forget there is anyone else in the world with us now.
"Peeta Mellark, the boy who stood by me from the beginning. I never understood why it seemed so much focus was on me when it was always you who made me shine from the beginning. The odds will always be in my favor as long as you are with me. I know life may be difficult with me at times, but that has never stopped you from showing me that you were always going to be there, no matter how hard it would be. You once said that no one needed you, and I told you that I did. I hope you know that I meant every word I have told you. I need you; I have always needed you. I love you. I love how you have shown me how the world can be with your gentle spirit. I am so thankful every day that you love me and that you allowed me to love you back."
We stood there together, until Sae asked us to provide our symbol of love. We exchanged rings, and Sae announced our unity official. Johanna came over and untied our hands, and Peeta cupped my face with his hands and brought his lips gently to mine.
The crowd cheered around us and the traditional song was played again as we walked back in procession to our house. Once there, he picked me up, carrying me over the threshold as more cheering came. People piled in as together we made our fire, and Gale and Effie both approached, handing us a loaf of bread. We cut our slice and toasted it in the fire, and shared it. We then cut more slices and toasting them together handed them out to our family.
Effie embraced us both, telling us how proud she was and how beautiful we looked together. She was crying, everyone was crying around us. I wondered how I could have ever been nervous, looking at Peeta. I felt like my life has always belonged with him, and I was surprised at how long it took me to even understand that. As if reading my thoughts he kissed me and twirled me around. There was a party in the Village for the entire day, with musicians and food, dancing.
At one point, Gale took me out to dance. It was a slower song, and as he held me I could feel nothing but love coming from him. There was no anger undertones, so unlike the Gale I once knew. "I'm so happy for you, Catnip. You are beautiful, you know that?" he whispers to me.
"I had a lot of help in that area." I tell him, laughing.
"No, it's you. It's what Peeta does for you. There's a look in your eye, a glow to you when you look at him. He makes you shine. I could see it in the arena and I am sorry I was such an ass for so long." He sounds sad, not jealous, but just sad.
"Oh, Gale, you were and are my best friend. We were both asses, so let's just be from now on." I say kissing his cheek. "Anne seems really nice."
"She is. I think you would really like her. I know it has been a bit crazy for you, but once everything has calmed down, it would be nice to have you both over to 2 for a visit." He tells me. It would so strange to see Gale in a home other than 12, but I know that to make relationships work, both people have to work on it. I know this now, through my time with Peeta.
"I think that is a great idea." I tell him honestly. The dance ends, and I ended up dancing with everyone around in a District 12 traditional dance. I think I am starting to get dizzy when I end up back in Peeta's arms, him holding me tightly.
Peeta:
The dancing doesn't seem to be slowing down and I feel a tap on my shoulder to see Katniss's mother. "Mrs. Everdeen, would you like to dance with me?" I ask her, holding out my hand. She takes my hand and we soon are spinning around with the others.
"Thank you, Peeta. Thank you for returning my daughter, many times." She whispers to me.
"Oh, she did all the work herself; and she has also been here for me, during my times. I think the worst is behind us." I tell her, smiling. I do believe that we have made it through the worst of what the Capitol has done to us.
"I was never sure I would ever see this day with Katniss. She was so hard, and so cold. I didn't help, and it hurt to think that I had made her that way. I know other things contributed, but I was really concerned she wouldn't recover from the stress of it all. You helped her through that with your love. She is a different girl now; she reminds me of the girl she was when her father was alive." She is starting to tear up, and I could understand her pain.
"I know you will probably never come her to live again, but I do hope you will come and visit. We would both really like that." I say. I know it's true for both Katniss and myself, even if Katniss wouldn't say it.
She smiles at me, and kisses me on the cheek, and spins me right into Katniss's arms. We smile at each other and I hold her tightly.
"Are you ready to head in?" I ask her, knowing she must be exhausted. "You know it's going to take us an hour of saying good night to people before we are left alone."
"I agree, Mr. Mellark." Katniss says to me, giving me the opportunity to announce that we were going to head in. Soon we are surrounded by everyone giving us well wishes, promises to see them off tomorrow, the normal jokes about the first night. Katniss's mother hugs us both tight and promises to see us in the morning. As the crowd starts to thin, off against one of the other houses, we see Haymitch, Johanna, and Effie, all three with glasses, giving us a salute, glasses in the air. We put our hands in the air to them, silently thanking them for all they have done for us today. We say a special goodnight to Sae for heading the ceremony for us and she just laughs and kisses us both.
We enter our house, fire still glowing, and we sit on the couch together. I grab a bottle of wine and open it, pouring out a little for us.
"Mrs. Mellark, to our forever." I say, raising my glass to her.
"Mr. Mellark, to our always." She answers, glasses clinking together. We each sip and fold into each other, watching the fire and lost in our thoughts. Soon, we stand up and I put out the fire. She takes my hand and leads me upstairs. I help her out of her dress and undo her hair, taking out the flowers. I also undress and together we climb into bed.
Our lives, finally one, can truly begin.
And there we have it! I hope it wasn't too confusing and as always, please let me know what you think! I would really like to know what you think of this chapter since it was one I was really looking forward to writing. Thank you so much for all of your support!