The day has finally come that I get to see Effie Trinket walk down the aisle or rather walk down the Victors' Village Compound but still, it's the same. I put on the coat she made me and asked Annie to do my tie since I have no idea how. Peeta came in to help me get ready as he is my best man.
"How are you feeling?" he asked with a full smile on his face.
"I don't know. Happy, agitated, impatient, annoyed…I can use a bottle right about now", I answered.
"That's normal. You are doing this right this time. You are actually marrying Effie", he explained.
I glared at him.
"I am already married to her", I spat.
"On paper…you produced a marriage certificate and forged her signature to save her life. That's different. This is real right here. You are going to give your vows to each other in front of people that care about both of you. It's a pretty big deal", he said.
"Thanks for easing the pressure, boy", I snapped.
He put his hand on my shoulder and gently squeezed it.
"You'll do great. You and Effie deserve this. It's a long time coming and I am glad to be alive to see this and be a part of this. Try not to screw it up this time please, Haymitch", he said in a serious tone.
He truly is a golden boy. I can see how much he cares for Effie.
"I will take care of her for the rest of my life", I replied and that made him smile.
Everything is ready. Peeta and I went outside and the view just took me by surprise. It is nighttime so all the lights they put around the compound are on. I didn't recognize my own place. A combination of white and different shades of pink decorated the Victors' Village. The victors are in their places with the exception of Enobaria, Katniss, and Johanna. Peeta and I took our places. I saw Plutarch with Cressida and Pollux with smile on their faces. There are no cameras aroud which is nice for once. This is real just like what Peeta said.
The music finally started. I felt my heart started beating fast with anticipation. I only felt this way during the games but this is no death games. I am going to be married to Effie Trinket. Then, I saw three figures coming out of our house. When they stepped into the light, I saw Katniss and Johanna on both sides with their dark pink dresses. They got barely makeup on which is how they like it for sure…and then, there is Effie.
She is wearing a light pink wedding gown with a neckline that I'm sure is called a Scoop neckline. I must've heard Cinna talking about that back then. Her blonde hair is in perfect curl. Her makeup is light, just normal and perfect and her smile makes my heart melts. Everything about her is perfect.
Katniss and Johanna brought Effie to me. Katniss tapped me on my shoulder and winked at me while Johanna took her time looking at me. I can see Effie slightly frowning. Surely, this is not part of her plan for our wedding.
"Do you swear to never hurt her ever again?" Johanna asked loud enough for the both of us to hear.
"I swear with my life", I answered.
"Good…because if you do, I will take her away from here to Four and I will kill you afterwards", she said.
I smiled.
"Good to know", I replied and she finally let Effie walked towards me.
She is glowing despite the little scene made by Johanna which frustrated her a bit. God, she is beautiful. I let her took my arm and we proceeded with the shenanigans of the wedding. Young Finn brought to us the rings: one Effie bought for me from the Capitol for sure and the other one is the ring I gave her which she momentarily took off for this part. We put the rings on each of our fingers and I gently kissed her lips. It's not how we usually kiss but I know how she hates public display of affection. It is not proper apparently.
After the ceremony, we started partying. As usual, Johanna got wasted pretty quickly. Poor Annie has to take care of her while Peeta and Katniss watch over Finn. I saw Plutarch talking to Katniss' mother while Cressida is dancing with Pollux.
"Haymitch!" Effie called and as I turned around I saw her with a man. "Dear, I want you to meet Lucas. Unfortunately, I don't know his last name. Lucas, this is my husband, Haymitch Abernathy", she introduced both of us.
I felt a little twist in my gut but then I got reminded on how this man helped her during her time at the Capitol. I owe him for keeping her alive when I couldn't so I tossed my judgment out the window and extended my hand.
"Pleasure to finally meet you", I said.
"Finally…I heard so much about you mostly because this girl won't stop talking about you", he replied as he took my hand.
Lucas and I talked for some time and I got Effie's point. He is actually a nice guy. We got along.
"The government is still pissed she got away from their grasp. Hate will never go away but at least she's safe here with you", he muttered.
"Yeah…war didn't end with Snow", I added.
"Don't worry about that now. I got your back. Trinket is like a daughter to me. I won't let those bastards get to her. I'll do my best and I will let you know when there's a threat", he assured me and I appreciated it.
The wedding came to an end. Some of the guests checked in at the hotel while some stayed with Peeta and Katniss. Effie removed her heels and sat on the sofa. She's happy about the whole ceremony being a success but she's exhausted too.
"Come here, princess", I said.
I put the marshmallow at the end of the stick and put it in the fire.
"What are we doing?" she asked curiously.
"Toasting. It's a tradition here in Twelve. You're not considered married to each other without doing this", I answered.
"Why didn't you tell me about this?! I could've included this in my plan", she exclaimed.
"Exactly why I didn't tell you. I want us to do this just the two of us. The ceremony and the party are for them. This is for us. Is that okay?" I asked and her expression softens.
She sat next to me on the floor not caring if she'll ruin her dress. She took the other stick and put her marshmallow into the fire.
"I think I can finally say I am very happy", she muttered and I turned to her. "I sleep well with you next to me. My day isn't complete without seeing you or hearing your voice. The kids make me happy, Johanna, Annie, Finn too. I thought I don't have a place in the world anymore but I found it and it's not in District 12", she added.
"What?" I asked thinking I didn't hear it right.
"Yes. It's with you and the kids and the people that I love so much. Home isn't a place. It's the people. You guys are my home, especially with you", she answered.
I gently brushed her face with my fingers.
"I love you, princess", I said.
"I love you too, Haymitch", she replied.