Modern AU. Peeta Mellark has never been able to say no to Katniss Everdeen. But after years as friends with benefits, that's going to have to change. Everlark.

"Katniss, this is King Peeta, he has come from the great country of Panem," her father's breath became shaky, "Daughter, he has come from Panem to request your hand in marriage in exchange for protection and wealth for our country."

The fire has died down & smoke rises. How do two damaged kids find their epilogue? Peeta shares what happens in those mysterious years at the end of Mockingjay: healing, growth, discovery, friendship, & love. Spoilers. Mild suggestive themes & violence.

It's the year of The 76th Hunger Games- and so much has changed since the Quarter Quell. Prim. Katniss and Peeta- they're married now. They, along with Haymitch, mentor a new crop of tributes, while the rebellion grows all around them. A continuation of my previous story, The Reading of the Card. On hiatus, as I just can't seem to get back into the same frame of mind to finish it.

Reaching down to the hem of my dress I pull up the top layer and rip out the layers of itchy, ridiculous crinoline below. If I am going to be forced to marry a complete stranger that I didn't have any say about, he may as well at least understand my opinion about one thing from the beginning.

"It means I'm done. It means I'm free. It means I'll live." Katniss makes it through her last Reaping. AU. Katniss/Peeta, Katniss/Gale.