Hello and welcome to the 35th and finale Chapter of Mockingjay Marries Mellark. I've really enjoyed writing this story.
To:KATE and HUMPHREY FOREVER: Thank-You so much for helping out with this story. Thanks for staying with me til the end.
To:Miabelle. Thanks for reading.
Thanks again to all my followers and guests.
So now with out further ado. Here's the Epilogue.
Chapter 35- Epilogue-
1 year later
Katniss's Point of View
Cinna,Prim,Rory, Momma & Haymitch, Papa, Blake, Idina,Daniel,Peeta and Hunter and I are in the meadow having a picnic. It's a beautiful day and the meadow is covered with dandelions. We are just starting to eat when my little-flame Hunter pushes himself up to where he's standing on his toddler legs just five feet away. I quickly nudge Peeta and point where Hunter is trying to stand. Everyone else catches on and sees Hunter stand and smiles not saying anything not wanting to spook the small boy. "Come on little-flame, come to momma" I say encouragingly in a soft voice. When my son hears my voice it must give him courage because he starts walking over to me and the group. Halfway to me he stumbles but Hunter doesn't cry he just looks shocked wearing a look saying what happened? "Come on Hunter you can do it son" Peeta whispers. Hunter gets back up all by himself and continues his way over to us, smiling from ear to ear. Hunter finally makes his way to me where he falls into my arms clearly exhausted. Everyone is proud of my little-flame. "Good job my son" Peeta says ruffling Hunters dark curls. I take Hunter and set him in my lap and he looks up at me proudly.
Hunter's Point Of View
Today is the day I'm going walk" I think to myself ,so I get up to where I'm standing on my legs. I hear momma call out to me "Come on little-flame, come to momma" she calls smiling at me. I can feel all my families eyes on me. I have just taken my first steps and made it to momma only falling once on my way. Motivation was on my side I get up again. After a few minutes I'm finally in my momma's arms again. I look up at momma and she smiles down at me. All around me I hear my name as people fawn over me "Good job little-flame" Good job Hunter," I coo and smile as I hear it while momma gives me a bottle which I take and cling to.
Peeta's Point Of View
My adorable son Hunter-Haymitch has just take his first steps while we were having a picnic in the meadow. I am so proud of him. I watch as he sits in his momma's lap leaning against her chest. Katniss hands him a bottle of formula and he grabs on to it. I guess all that walking really tires a one-year old kid out. "Momma can we go shoot some arrows tonight?" our cute eight year old daughter Idina asks Katniss as she sits down next to her momma. "Tell you what Dee, when we get back home and when I put your brother down for his nap. I'm all yours" Katniss says smiling. Idina just smiles. "Papa can we make cookies when we get back home?" Daniel asks looking up at me excitedly. I look from Daniel to Katniss who nods then back to my son. "Sure Danny I don't see why not." I say smiling at him. "Yay thanks papa" he says jumping into my arms and hugging me. "You're welcome son" I say tightening my hold on my adorable six-year old son.
Idina's Point of View
I am so proud of my baby-brother. I watch him latch on to a bottle that momma places in front of him. I walk scoot over to momma and Hunter and lay my head on momma's side. "I am so proud of you little-brother" I say as I caress his tiny head. Hunter looks at me and giggles. Momma and I both laugh softly. "I think he's saying thank-you Idina" momma whispers placing an arm around me. I pick up my ham and cheese sandwich and begin to eat. I can't wait to go shooting with momma tonight when we get back home. I just wish I had my own bow and arrows-i think to myself. Maybe someday. I finish lunch and look over at Daniel, who is also done with lunch. "Come on Danny let's go play it arrow" I call to him. He looks at momma who nods. It's a little creepy how fast he is by my side, ready to play. I love how energetic he is.
Daniel's Point Of View
My little-brother Hunter has just taken his first steps. Yay just one step closer to me being able to teach him things. Then as if she can read my thoughts momma speaks to me. "It's still going to be a while before you can do most things with him Daniel but you still hold him and everything" momma says smiling at me. "how did you know momma?" I ask. "I'm your momma I know you" she says reaching out and tickling my knee. "Momma stop it" I squeal happily as Momma smiles and passes me a ham and cheese sandwich with the crusts cut off. "Want some water Danny?" Momma asks I nod my head as momma hands me a bottle of water. Just as I'm finishing lunch Idina calls out to me. "Come on Danny lets go play with Arrow" She calls. I look up at momma, who nods. I give momma a hug and bolt towards my sister. Together we run.
The rest of the afternoon goes by fast. Idina starts a game of hide and go seek that lasts for quiet a while. "Alright everyone go hide it's my turn to count" Grandpa Haymitch says as he begins to count while everyone else scatters except Rochelle, and Katniss who are sitting on the blanket watching their family play. Katniss turns to her mom and lays her head on Rochelle's shoulder. The head of the Everdeen family is startled but lays her head on her daughters.
"Things have really gotten better haven't they?" she says as she looks around at what everyone is doing. Haymitch and Peeta and the kids are playing a game of hide and go seek. Prim and Rory are laying in the sun. Rory has his arms around Prim who is nuzzled into his chest. Cinna is sitting in the sun with sketchbook in hand lost in concentration. David and Blake have decided to go foraging for a while. Rochelle speaks bringing Katniss back to the present.
"Yes indeed they have darling" Rochelle says smiling as she watches Haymitch play with the kids. That was indeed true. Never would Idina,Daniel and Hunter, Finn or any kid for that matter would have to worry about being reaped for the horrifying hunger games. Katniss pushes the thought out of her mind. Then she gets an idea as she speaks again.
"Will you watch Hunter for me? I'm going to get my bow and arrows, There's no point in keeping them in the old oak tree anymore " Katniss says as she passes her little-flame over to her momma.
"Of course darling, hurry back" she says as Hunter nuzzles into his grandmothers shoulder.
"Thanks momma" Katniss says beginning to walk to the stump in the clearing where she keeps the spare weapons. "Where you off to my love?" a voice whispers as Katniss passes. The voice belongs to Peeta who is hiding behind a large oak tree.
"Oh I'm just going to get the spare weapons from the clearing" Katniss whispers back.
"Ok don't take too long I miss you" Peeta says as they hear haymitch call out
"Ninety-nine, One-hundred, ready or not here I come" Peeta turns back to Katniss
"You never saw me" Peeta says playfully giving Katniss a quick peck on the cheek before he runs in the opposite direction. Katniss smiles after him loving how cute Peeta is as she walks to the clearing and goes right to the storage space.
She pulls out her spare bow and the matching quiver. Idina is going to have a blast learning on this. Just wish I knew where the small bow that papa made for me is. Just as she's pulling the quiver out something grazes her hand. Could it be? Katniss thinks as she bends over to get a better look at the object pulling it out. Oh my goodness it's really here Katniss thinks as she gazes down at her first bow she ever practiced on. It's still in pretty good shape. And the small kid sized quiver is also there. Picking up her bows she makes her way back to the group.
Everyone is now getting cool in the shade on the blanket, as she approaches. Idina notices first and comes over to give her momma a hug. "Hey momma I've missed you" the young girl says helping take the bows from her momma. "Hey Idina, I've missed you too" Katniss says smiling. Peeta comes over and helps take the quivers off and pulls her in for a hug as the kids go out and play with arrow. "That was the longest fifteen minutes I've ever been through don't ever leave me again." Peeta whispers. "I'm sorry Peeta, I will stay with you always" Katniss says as she sets down all three bows.
The small bow fall to the side. "Katniss is that" Grandpa David says as he gets up and comes over and inspects the small bow. He looks over at Katniss who nods before calling Idina over. "Yes momma?" the young girl says looking at her idol with admiration as she sits next to her momma. "Sweetheart I have a surprise for you but you need to close your eyes." Katniss says. "Alright momma" Idina says closing her eyes. Peeta catches on and passes the small bow and quiver to his amazing wife. Katniss places the small quiver in Idina's lap and re-positions herself in front of her daughter the small bow in her lap. "Alright Idina you can open your eyes darling" Katniss says eagerly await her daughter's reaction.
Idina opens her eyes and the minute she see's the bow in her momma's lap and the quiver in her lap. Idina looks up at her momma "Is this really for me, momma?" she whispers so only Katniss can see it. "Yes baby that really is your very own bow and quiver of arrows, just like mine" Katniss says as Idina gets up and runs into her momma's open arms hugging her tightly. "Thank you momma, where did you get my bow?" Idina asks as she holds it tightly. "Well my sweet girl the bow you are holding in your hand, was mine when I was your age. It was made by your Grandpa David. It's the one that I used when I was first starting out."Katniss says.
Idina looks over at Grandpa David who is watching her tears running down his face. "Is that true grandpa?" Idina asks the old man that is her grandpa. David looks from his daughter to his little granddaughter and smiles at her as he gives her a small smile as he says "Yes little one it's true" Idina climbs out of her momma's lap and runs into into her grandfather's open arms. "Thank you grandpa, I love you" Grandpa David just holds his adorable granddaughter in his arms as he whispers in Idina's ear. "You're welcome sweet little Idina you're welcome." he says as he holds her close.
The rest of the afternoon goes by without a hitch. The kids play a short game of tag. Around three-fifteen Hunter starts getting fussy. "I am going to take this little-flame here home and put him down for a nap." Katniss says getting up "Oh I'll come with you love" Peeta says. Katniss starts to object but stops because she really want the company."Mom will you take care of the kids, and bring them home in a while"Katniss asks as she grabs the two recurve-bows. "Of course, we'll be along soon Katniss" Rochelle says smiling.
"Where are you and papa going momma?" Daniel asks as he watches his parents,who he idolizes start to leave."Papa and I are heading home to put Hunter down for a nap" Katniss says as she puts one of the quivers on her back while Peeta puts the other one on his back. "Can I come home with you and papa?" Daniel asks. Katniss and Peeta look at each other Peeta kneels down and puts his hands on his sons small shoulders.
"Don't you want to stay and play with your sister and everyone?" Peeta asks. Daniel doesn't say anything he just shakes his head no. "Daniel is something wrong?" Katniss asks also kneeling down."I just want to spend time with you,papa and Hunter" He says softly which makes Katniss thinks about this, and realization hits her, she and Daniel haven't had any quality time together. Peeta must be able to read whats going on in Katniss's head because he turns back to the group and addresses Haymitch "Hey Haymitch we are taking Daniel home with us just a heads up. Haymitch nods and then goes back to sleep.
"Come on lets head home" Katniss says. Hunter stands up again by himself squealing loudly with his hands up. "Does someone want to try walking home?" Katniss says smiling as she takes his hand. Hunter takes about ten steps before looking up at his momma giving her a look saying I'm done. Katniss picks her year old son and brings him into her chest as Hunter lays his head on her shoulder and nuzzling into her neck. A soft cooing coming him. "looks like someone had a long day"Katniss whispers as they reach the house. "They both had a big,big big day love" Peeta says imitating their former escort as he comes up from behind carrying a sleeping Daniel.
Peeta takes Katniss's free hand and holds it tightly as they walk towards the victor's village. "Idina sure loved the bow you gave her" Peeta says as she walk up to the house. "I know I can't wait to teach her everything I know" Katniss says as she leans the bows outside the door while Peeta opens the front door and ushers them inside. "I am going to put Daniel down in his room" Peeta says as they make their way upstairs. "Sounds good Peeta, Hunter and I will meet you in our bedroom for nap time" Katniss says as their hand hold breaks apart. "See you in five-minutes" Peeta says winking. "Looking forward to it" Katniss says entering their master-bedroom with Hunter.
Katniss lays Hunter on the bed and changes his diaper and puts him in black sweat-pants and a dark blue short-sleeved shirt. "Just like your papa" Katniss whispers as she feeds Hunter a bottle .When Hunter is done,Katniss takes off her boots and switches into a pair of black sweat-pants and a forest-green shirt. "Papa is coming right now" Katniss says as she smiles at her year-old son who giggles.
The door creaks and Katniss and Hunter both look over at the door. The only thing in the door way is the cd player which is currently playing. The song starts with the sound of a guitar being strummed with drums joining in. Katniss just looks at hunter who just coos up at her. "I don't know what your papa is planning but whatever it is it must be real sweet."Katniss tells Hunter stroking his adorable face as the song begins.
Well, you dawned on me and you bet I felt it
I tried to be chill but you're so hot that I melted
I fell right through the cracks
Now I'm trying to get back
Peeta still hasn't shown up yet not that Katniss is worried, but its just not like her husband to be late. The song continues.
Before the cool dawn run out
I'll be giving it my bestest
And nothing's gonna stop me but divine intervention.
I reckon, it's again my turn
To win some or learn some.
Katniss's ears perk up at sound of the door opening and Katniss and Hunter both look up and see the best person in the world. There standing in the door is Peeta Mellark. Husband and father. He's hold a tray of goodies that is covered,which Katniss eyes excitedly. Peeta must see the look on her face because he smiles and enters the bedroom just as the chorus begins. Which he sings to her and Hunter as he sets the tray down.
But I won't hesitate
No more, no more.
It cannot wait,
I'm yours.
Peeta sets the covered tray of goodies on his nightstand and holds out his arm which Katniss and Hunter into. With hunter sandwiched in-between them. Peeta wraps his arms around his wife and son and they begin to sway back and forth. "I'm yours" Peeta repeats gently in Katniss's ear. Hunter giggles at all the attention he's getting from his parents today. "What did you bring Peeta?" Katniss asks still eyeing the tray. Peeta just smiles but staying silent as the next verse plays as they sway Peeta leans in and whispers "It's a surprise"
Well, open up your mind and see like me,
Open up your plans and damn you're free.
Look into your heart and you'll find love, love, love, love.
Listen to the music of the moment, people dance and sing, we're just one big family
And it's our God-forsaken right to be loved, loved, loved, loved, loved
Peeta leads Katniss and hunter over to the bed where he gestures to Katniss to sit down as the best part of the song plays. "Come on Katniss sing with me" Peeta says. Katniss smiles as they both sing the chorus to each other. Hunter just babbles as he tries to join in with his parents who smile at how cute he is.
So I won't hesitate
No more, no more.
It cannot wait,
I'm sure.
There's no need to complicate.
Our time is short.
This is our fate,
I'm yours.
Peeta pulls Katniss in to him and wraps his arms around her. "I love you my fierce huntress" he says softly which makes Katniss blush. "I love you too Bread Boy" Katniss whispers back which makes Peeta smile they go back to the bed to where Hunter is waiting. Katniss picks him up, lays him just above their heads with just enough room for him to roll. Peeta moves the covered tray in the middle of them. The smell is overpowering. "Peeta that smells so good!" Katniss says "It better be it they are our favorites" Peeta says as he removes the cover. There sitting on the tray is a pate of four cheese-buns and two mugs of hot-chocolate. "Peeta" Katniss screams happily before giving him a kiss.
Do you want to come on, scootch on over closer, dear
And I will nibble your ear
"Peeta what are you doing" Katniss asks as Peeta comes closer "What? The singer told me to" Peeta says smiling as he wraps his arm around her shoulder while Katniss takes a sip of raspberry flavored hot-chocolate. "Mm Peeta this is so good" She says as she swallows. Peeta hands her a chunk of cheese-bun. "Mm this is excellent, your best batch" she adds as she pops the chunk in her mouth. Peeta is about to continue but there's a knock on the master-bedroom door.
"Come in" Peeta calls out, there's the squeak of the door being opened and in the doorway stands Daniel who is half-asleep. "Momma Papa whats going on?" the six-year old asks as he rubs his eyes and not saying anything while making his way to where his momma and papa and hunter are. "Papa and I were just about to have a snack,come sit down and have a cheese-bun and hot-chocolate, sweetie" Katniss says as Daniel climbs into her lap as Peeta hands him the mug."Thanks papa and momma" the boy says quietly. . A small cooing is coming from Hunter is all that breaks the silence. The three and hunter sit in silence as the song continues
I've been spending way too long checking my tongue in the mirror
And bending over backwards just to try to see it clearer
But my breath fogged up the glass
And so I drew a new face and I laughed.
I guess what I'll be saying is there ain't no better reason
To rid yourself of vanities and just go with the seasons.
It's what we aim to do.
Our name is our virtue.
Peeta gets up and holds out his hand to Katniss as he says "May I have this dance my love" Katniss doesn't hesitate as she grabs on to his outstretched hand. "I would love to love" Katniss says as Peeta pulls her into him as they both sing the chorus to each other. Daniel takes another bite if cheese-bun as hunter begins to babble. "Yeah no kidding little-bro our parents are weird,but they're cool" the six year old lad says to his baby brother. The two boys continue to watch their parents dance. Katniss lays her head on Peeta's shoulder. Peeta slowly begins to rub Katniss's back which relaxes her instantly.
But I won't hesitate
No more, no more.
It cannot wait,
I'm yours.
"The songs is speaks the truth I'm yours,"Peeta whispers "And I'm yours, Peeta" Katniss says smiling as Peeta lets go of Katniss when she feels a tug on her sweat-pants, she looks down at Daniel.
"Whats up sweetie?" Katniss asks as she kneels down to her sons level. Daniel whispers something that's comes out inaudible.
"I'm sorry Daniel could you repeat that for me? "Katniss says kindly. Daniel looks up at his papa who seems to know whats going on in his sons head. Peeta give him a look that says go ahead and ask her buddy.
Daniel takes a deep breath and then looks at his momma as he speaks. "Momma would you like to dance with me?" Katniss notices he's shaking slightly before she picks up her son as she answers. "Daniel-James Mellark, I would be honored to dance with you" Daniel smiles brightly as he and Katniss stand. "I love you momma" Daniel whispers. Katniss picks him up and Daniel wraps his legs around her waist. "I love you too Daniel so much don't forget that, never forget that" Katniss says as the small boy lays his head on her head and sighs contently. Peeta has hunter in his arms. They hold hands and sway back and forth as the final verse of the song ends.
Well, open up your mind and see like me,
Open up your plans and damn you're free.
Look into your heart and you'll find that the sky is yours.
So please don't, please don't, please don't...
There's no need to complicate.
'Cause our time is short.
This oh, this oh, this is our fate.
I'm yours.
The song ends and the three go back to sitting on the bed. "Daniel, Daniel, son?" Katniss whispers to her young six-year old son who doesn't respond. "Peeta is he asleep?" Katniss whispers. Peeta looks at the boy and nods. "Come on my love let's have a nap before dinner"Peeta says takes Daniel from Katniss and lays him at the end of the bed and drapes a blanket over his sleeping son. Katniss moves Hunter in between Peeta and herself. Peeta is facing Katniss and vice versa. Katniss moves closer and Peeta takes her in his arms. Hunter is still babbling "Katniss?" Peeta whispers smiling. "Yeah Peeta?" the former Mockingjay whispers back. "You love me real or not real?" he whispers as he takes her hand. Katniss smiles as she responds "Real,Peeta always one-hundred percent real"Peeta gives her hand a squeeze. "Good always knew you did" Peeta says smiling softly.
The room goes quiet as everyone slips off to sleep. About ten-minutes later Katniss and Peeta are woken up again by someone talking. "Ma-ma" Katniss stretches and looks around, Peeta does the same. Then they hear it again"Ma-ma" Katniss and Peeta both look at each other. "Did you hear that?" Katniss asks look at her baby-boy who as just said his first word. "I certainly did" Peeta says proudly. "Ma-ma"Hunter says smiling up at his parents and point up at Katniss who has tears in her eyes. "Yeah that's right my sweet baby-boy. I am your mama" Katniss says pulling him in close to her tears running down her face. Peeta comes over and wraps his arms around her, tears in his eyes as they continue to gaze at Hunter Today was really a great day and then it was right then Katniss and Peeta realized that everything that everything in this moment was perfect. Hunter keeps saying his first word but before long he falls asleep. Katniss sets the sleeping boy in his crib and then crawls back onto the bed next to Peeta, who wraps her into his arms.
Katniss rests her head Peeta's chest. "Hey Peeta?" Katniss whispers. "Yeah Katniss my love?" Peeta says tightening his hold around her. "Stay with me forever and ever?" Katniss says rolling over and looking at her boy with bread who wastes no time responding. "Always love always" Peeta whispers as they both close their eyes and for the first time since before Katniss went into the games for the first time, she is able to sleep all through the night, her dreams however were finally happy and filled with no nightmares and that's not just because she's wrapped in Peeta's even the nightmare of her papa supposedly dying in the mine blast could enter her mind. Katniss-Idina Everdeen Mellark was finally healed both mentally and physically.
Thanks again everyone. It's been a fun run. I'm thinking of doing a sequel.
~Cinna's Bird~