Hello my sweet humans.. Sorry it's been a while. My life has been a bit crazy and I have also been working on a original story of my own, so my fanfiction has taken a bit of a back burner (put off but never forgotten). I hope you enjoy this chapter. It's a long one.

Disclaimer: I do not own The Hunger Games or the characters associates with it. That honor belongs to Suzanne Collins.

Chapter 3:

"Oh, for god sakes Effie!" I shout, jumping up to my feet. "This is supposed to be a simple wedding. We don't need thousands of dollars worth of fireworks."

"I don't think I'm asking for too much," she complains, her voice sounding extra whiny through the phone. "Just a couple?"

"No, definitely not," I say with an air of finality.

She sighs with more frustration than the situation warrants. I knew this would be a challenge for her, keeping the wedding simple. After the excitement of getting engaged wore off I soon realized that I haven't the slightest idea of how to plan a wedding. I was tempted to just tell Peeta that we should just have a small ceremony, just the two of us and an officiant. I knew Peeta would do it for me. But when I looked at him, I knew I owed him a proper wedding. It's still going to be very small, only our closest friends, but still, the thought of having even that many people watching me walk down an aisle is intimidating. Because I had no idea on how to plan such an event, I turned to the one person I knew I could count on to plan it.

"Hi, Effie. It's Katniss," I say, voice wavering a bit. It's the first time I am going to tell someone that I am getting married without Peeta here to say it for me.

"Hello dear! I was going to call you at the end of the week. Is everything alright?" She asks, her chipper voice faltering a bit.

I gulp, and take a deep breath. "Yeah, I actually was calling because I have some news…" Another deep breath. "Peeta and I are getting married."

I cringe and pull the phone away from my ear when Effie let's out an ear-piercing screech, along with a jumble of words I don't understand. It takes her a minute to pull herself together enough to get anything coherent to leave her mouth.

"I'm so happy for you two! You deserve so much happiness after all you have been through," she cheers, her voice finally at a normal volume, and I can put the phone back to my ear.

"Thank you, Effie," I say, genuinely happy that I'm able to bring her joy with this news. "But I actually have a favor to ask of you."

"Of course, darling," she encourages.

"Seeing as I have no idea how to plan a wedding, I was hoping that you would help me?"

Another round of loud squeals ring out through the receiver and I have to pull the phone away from my ear briefly. I have to smile at her exuberance, even through all that we have been through, sometimes it's like a breath of fresh air. Though, it even took her awhile to get back to her positive attitude after the rebellion. I sense she experienced more in the Capitol that she would ever let on.

"How can I say no? I have only been dreaming of this day for years!" She says, and I can almost see the tears in her eyes.

"Thank you, Effie," I say. "But I do have some rules for you if you are going to be my wedding planner."

"Rules?" She says with a sniffle.

I sigh before lining out my boundaries for her. "You are going to be the wedding planner, but I still want to make most of the decisions… Mostly because I want a very simple wedding. Nothing extravagant, nothing like anything you'd see in the Capitol. The wedding will be here in District Twelve, and I will make the guest list. No cameras, no news, no magazines. Just a normal wedding."

"But you are the star-crossed lovers from District Twelve!" She complains. "You don't think Panem would like a happily ever after?"

"No, Effie. If I am going to do this, it's for me and Peeta. No one else."

She sighs. "Okay, it's your wedding I suppose. When do I get to start planning?"

"Fine, no fireworks…" She sighs. "Though we do have one more thing to discuss, and I want you to be reasonable."

"What?" I ask, suspicion thick in my voice.

"I was talking to Plutarch, who is just delighted to be invited by the way," she adds. "And I think he may be right. I know you said no cameras, but the Capitol should get to know that you and Peeta are getting your happily ever after."

"Effie, no-" I start.

"Just listen for one moment, Katniss," she scolds, cutting me off successfully. "I was thinking we could have a compromise that will satisfy the Capitol, but also not too overwhelming for you. I was thinking of having a photographer come and just take a few photos, mostly for your personal use, and we can choose one to release to the public."

"I don't think they really care at this point, Effie."

"Nonsense. I know many who would be just delighted to see you and Peeta finally wed," she reminds me. "It will be simple, and no fuss. I can even choose the photo to send so you don't even have to think about it."

I groan imagining the news coverage of Peeta and I's nuptials. I thought the days of being in the public eye had passed, yet I am still batting off media coverage. I have been hoping that after what I did to Coin my days in the public eye would have ceased. I'm coming to the quick conclusion that that will never happen.

"Fine. One photo," I agree reluctantly. "But no interviews, and no propos."

"Very well," she says, sounding much too satisfied. "On that note, I think we have everything covered. I will be there in two days. Until then, get plenty of sleep so the prep team won't have to cover up dark circles."

"Yeah, yeah," I say, rolling my eyes. "I'll see you soon."

"Just think!" She gushes. "In just three days you will be a married woman!"

Anxiety pumps through my veins wildly, causing the room to spin slightly. As my wedding day comes closer and closer I get more nervous about it. I know Peeta will be a good husband, the best really. I just don't know if I will make a good wife. It's not like our lives will change significantly, as we already live together. We are merely making our living arrangement a legal obligation to each other. If you think about it, it's all a very silly event. It's a rather big occasion for merely signing papers saying you will spend the rest of your life together.

We hang up and I remain sitting on the couch, gazing out the window. It's still warm out even though the leaves are beginning to fall from the trees. Both Peeta and I decided to keep the engagement rather short, not seeing the point in prolonging it. He slipped the ring on my finger just over two months ago, somehow convincing me to break all the promises I have made to myself over the last decade. I was never to be married, it was too dangerous at the time. I still don't quite understand how he convinced me so quickly to marry him. But I remember the joyously victorious look in his blue eyes, and the way he kissed me with so much passion… It was the day he had been waiting for his entire life. I couldn't deny him that.

I look down at the band around my left ring finger, twisting it with my other hand so the emeralds in it catch the light coming from the window. I had assumed that this ring was just another one of those belongings lost over the years… I just thought maybe she had sold it at some point. But it also doesn't surprise me to find out that she has kept it with her all this time. I remember her telling me the story of how she received the ring from my father all those years ago. It was his mother's ring, given to her by my grandfather. It's probably good I didn't know it still was in my mother's possession, I would have pawned it long ago in exchange for food. It's probably the most valuable thing that anyone in my family owned. The money I could have made from it would have fed us for half a year.

It still makes my heart happy to know that this is the ring that Peeta chose to give me. He could have very easily purchased something new, something with a large stone, a modern style… However, he knew how much this ring would mean to me. Most likely trying to ensure that I would say yes to his proposal. This ring has become the symbol of love that has been carried down from generation to generation. It's very simple, but it's also the most beautiful thing I own. I probably would have loved anything that Peeta gave me, but the fact that gave me this is so perfect. I can't imagine it any other way.

Peeta has been working long hours at the bakery, giving Sequoia a much needed time off since we will be leaving for a honeymoon after the wedding. I thought that the idea was rather silly, but Peeta was insistent on taking me somewhere special to commemorate the occasion. We will be spending the two weeks in District Four, right on the ocean. Neither of us have spent much time there, but we have heard that the views are spectacular. Annie was more than willing to help us find a place to stay during our visit. It's actually her old Victor's House, much like the ones here. Though instead of having a square like us, they have houses on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific ocean. She never went back to the house, though it still remains in her possession, so she was excited to let us use it.

I end up in the kitchen, cooking dinner for Peeta and I. I settle on making chicken with rice, one of Peeta's favorites. The days are still relatively long as summer isn't quite behind us just yet, so it is still daylight when I hear Peeta arrive home.

"Katniss?" He calls from the hallway.

"In here," I call back, placing our two plates on the table, along with silverware and two glasses of white wine. Neither of us drink excessively like Haymitch, but we do enjoy a glass of wine every now and then. Peeta comes into the room, his footfall as loud as ever.

"That looks great," he says, coming over to place a kiss on my cheek. "You are such a wonderful housewife."

I roll my eyes and smirk. "We aren't married quite yet, dear," I say in a mockingly sweet voice.

He laughs quietly, and pulls out my chair for me to have a seat. He takes his own seat and reaches out to grasp my hand. "I missed you today."

"I know, I had some wedding planning with Effie to do, plus I had to clean the guest rooms for visitors," I say, a slight frown on my face. My mother, Annie, Fynn and Johanna are planning on staying here with us, though they won't be arriving until the day before the wedding. We have never had so many people in one house, so it has me a little frazzled.

"It was slow anyways. I just missed you," he says, pulling his hand from mine and digging into his meal. "How did wedding planning go?"

I grumble, and pick up my fork. "You wouldn't believe the ridiculous ideas that woman has. She wanted to have a whole fireworks display."

He laughs. "Wouldn't that be something?"

"I was able to talk her down on that account," I say, plopping a piece of chicken in my mouth. "But she is sending a photo to the Capitol. Apparently it's important to see us finally get married."

"Really?" He asks, raising an eyebrow. "You'd think they would have forgotten about us by now."

"One would hope," I sigh, sipping on my wine.

"Are you okay with that?"

I frown, but nod. "Yeah, I guess. It's better than having a bunch of cameras here to capture every second of it. I don't think I could handle that."

"It will be okay. One photo won't be so bad," He says, always seeing the bright side of things.

"We're just lucky that they don't want to record us consummating the marriage," I half-heartedly joke.

"I wouldn't mind having that on video," Peeta smirks. "Though strictly for personal use."

I pick up a green bean and throw it at him, and he lets out a booming laugh. We eat in restful silence for a few minutes, the faint sound of Haymitch's geese honking in the distance. He promised to be sober for the ceremony since I asked him if he would walk me down the aisle. He complained a little, but I sensed a small amount of joy in his tone when he finally agreed.

"Hey," I say as I approach Haymitch sitting on his porch. He watches his geese parade around the square, a deep frown on his face. From the looks of it, he's out of booze.

"Hi there, Sweetheart," he grumbles.

I climb the steps and plop down next to him, trying to build up the courage to ask him what I want to.

"Can I help you with something or are you just here to bug me?" He asks, leaning his head against the railing, looking pale.

I roll my eyes. "Yes, I have something to ask you, but you need to be nice. You can say no, but don't be an ass about it…" I hesitate, suddenly feeling my stomach turn with nerves. "Um-"

"Just spit it out, kid," he demands, lifting his head up to scowl at me.

"So, Peeta and I are getting married in a couple weeks," I start. He nods and gets a small smile on his face briefly before trying to hide it. "We all know my Dad can't be there for that, as much as I wish he could. That being said, as much as you annoy the hell out of me, you are my mentor, and have kept me alive all these years…" I blush, not comfortable talking to him this way. "I would never say you are quite a father-figure, but you are close enough… So, I was wondering if you would walk me down the aisle."

After many seconds of awkward silence I force myself to look over at him. He's not looking at me, but out at some unseen object, his lips pursed in thought. I watch as several emotions flutter across his grey eyes, and I try to decipher them.

"You really want that?" He finally asks, a little wary.

"Yes-" but then pause for a second. "But you would have to be sober. For at least the ceremony. I don't care how plastered you get at the reception."

He scoffs, and growls in a muted tone. "Oh, so you don't want me to enjoy the ceremony at all."

"No, I want you to be able to walk me down the aisle without falling on your ass."

He frowns, but gets a spark of some emotion in his eye. "Fine."

I smile at him, and reach over to pat his back before rising to my feet without another word.

"Getting cold feet yet?"

I shake my head as Peeta's question pulls me away from my thoughts. "Huh?" I ask.

"Cold feet. You getting them?" He asks again, an amused grin on his face.

I shake my head, and rise to my feet to walk over to him. I sit down on his lap and wrap my arms around his neck. "Nope. You?"

"Not in the slightest," he says surely.

"I can't say I'm not nervous though," I sigh. "Not about marrying you, that will be fine. It really won't be that different than now. We will just have rings, and a legal obligation to take care of each other…"

He laughs. "Okay, so what are you nervous about?"

"Everyone looking at me. It's such an intimate moment between you and I… It just makes me nervous to have everyone watching."

He nods, and starts to rub soothing circles on my back. "I get that. But I think you will end up enjoying it more than you think. Besides, after everything, you'd think you would be used to having everyone's eyes on you."

I frown. "I may be used to it, but I never enjoyed it."

"This will be different, I promise. This time is just for you and I. It will only be the people we love there," he says gently. He places a kiss on my forehead. "It will be okay."

I lean my head down on his shoulder, and we remain there in silence for a long time. I try to slow my heart to the steady beat of Peeta's I can feel radiating through my palm on his chest. It's something I have learned to do over the years when I feel my anxiety coming on. Usually at night after a nightmare, when he pulls me into his arms, murmuring soothing things in my ear to make the monsters go away.

Over the last few months of wedding planning I have wondered how he has remained so calm about everything. But then again, I am not really that surprised either. He has no qualms about marriage, kids or the future… At least not that he expresses out loud. This is all so natural for him. Yet it's all so foreign to me. I was never the little girl who thought about what her wedding would be like, or picked out names for her future children. Even if I didn't have the background I did, I don't think it would have ever been my focus in life. Now I wish I had thought about those things growing up- That way I would have some semblance of an idea of what I want in a wedding.

At some point I must have fallen asleep in Peeta's lap, with images of white flowers, lace dresses and centerpieces spiraling around in my head. I wake up much earlier than normal, but that must be because I fell asleep right after dinner. Peeta must have carried me up to bed. The sun is just starting to make its appearance through the large window when I sit up.

I look around the room, my mind a little muddled and confused.

"You're awake early," Peeta says gently, walking into the room out of the bathroom wearing nothing but a low-hanging towel around his waist. His blonde hair is dark and wet, hanging in his face.

"I went to bed early," I say, not even attempting to hide my ogling.

He smiles at me sweetly and walks over to the bed to give me a soft kiss. But instead of letting him keep the kiss chaste, I reach up and lock my arms around his neck, holding his lips to mine. I am very rarely the aggressor when it comes to our intimate relationship, Peeta usually takes the lead. However, sometimes I get caught up in the moment, something Peeta always seems to enjoy. He leans his knee on the bed, the intensity of the kiss increasing. I grab his arms and pull him down on top of me as I fall onto my back.

"Katniss…" Peeta mutters against my lips. "I have to go to work."

I pout against his lips and he lets out a low chuckle as he pulls away, placing one last kiss on my lips. "Can't you go in later?"

He stands up straight and turns to walk over to the dresser. "If we are taking a couple of weeks off for the honeymoon I really do need to take it easy on Sequoia for the next few days."

"Fine," I sigh, rolling over onto my side, burying my face in Peeta's pillows, inhaling his scent. It's comforting to me, the smell of him on our bed. Sometimes early in the morning after he leaves it's what keeps my anxiety at bay.

"Any plans for the day?" Peeta asks.

"Not really. I was thinking about just finishing cleaning the house for visitors and relaxing a little before everyone comes to town," I say and then laugh. "Although it seems a bit selfish with you heading off to work."

He smiles at me reassuringly. "No, I think you need a day. I love being at the bakery. It hardly feels like work. Relax, take a bath, nap all day. You need it."

"Yes, because I work so hard," I say a little sarcastically.

He buttons his pants and shoots me a disparaging look.

"You work plenty hard, Katniss," he chides.

I throw my hands up in mock surrender and smile at him. "Okay, okay… I'm the hardest worker you know."

"I wouldn't go that far," he teases as he pulls a t-shirt over his head.

I glare at him briefly, but can't hold it for long. He makes me smile more than I thought possible after all we have been through in the few years. He is like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day, the brightest color of yellow, the cheerful song of a mockingjay- He just makes me happy when I really shouldn't be.

He walks over to me one more time and I sit up. He sits on the edge of the bed and reaches over to push my hair back behind my ear.

"I'll see you tonight, okay?" He says, a small crooked grin on his face.

"Yeah, tonight," I whisper. I lean forward and press my lips gently against his, and then add, "I love you."

"I love you too," he whispers back against my lips before rising to his feet and exiting the room.

I do end up cleaning a little throughout the day; dusting, polishing and straightening things up. But that doesn't take long, so I do end up relaxing a bit. I took a long bath, and even splurged a little and put some of the nice smelling oils and bubbles Effie sent me from the Capitol in the hot water. I soaked, thinking about my upcoming nuptials until my fingers and toes began to prune. I at some point crawled back into bed and dozed off for a couple of hours. I always enjoy days like these but I don't do them often because I feel too much guilt when I do nothing productive with my days.

When I wake up, I dress in a pair of shorts and think about putting on one of Peeta's shirts but opt out for another gift from Effie. It's what she called a bralette- It's black, lacey and a little risque, but covers up enough so I don't feel totally exposed. I blush a little at the thought of parading around the house in such a lack of apparel, but it's hot from being a summer day, and I have to admit the thought of Peeta coming home to me dressed so little sends a flush of excitement coursing through me. I smirk a little as I close the drawers, imagining his face when he arrives home.

It's around dinner time when I make it downstairs, and I know Peeta will be headed home soon. I decide that cooking over the stove while practically naked isn't the best idea, so I decide to make cold turkey sandwiches and chips. I am cutting up the tomato for the sandwiches when I hear the front door open.

"I'm in the kitchen," I call without turning around. I smile wickedly, anticipating seeing Peeta's reaction when he walks in.

But it's not quite what I thought it would be when I hear a snort and a lout catcalling whistle come from behind me, not something Peeta would do. I whip around to find Peeta and Haymitch standing in the doorway with two very different expressions. Haymitch is smirking wildly and shaking his head, while Peeta stands wide-eyed and mouth agape.

"What the hell?!" I shriek, reaching for the hand towel on the sink to cover myself with. I don't give either of them a chance to respond before I am shoving past them and bounding up the stairs. I slam the bedroom door open and stomp to the drawers and pull out one of Peeta's shirts, and replace my shorts with baggy sweats with holes in them.

That's one way to kill the mood.

I stomp back down the stairs, praying that Haymitch would pretend like nothing happened, but instead I am greeted with Haymitch bent over, practically wheezing with laughter.

"Your face-" a loud laugh. "Ha, ha, ha!"

"Shut the hell up," I growl, reaching out to shove his shoulder roughly. He stumbles into the table but continues to laugh.

Peeta too has an amused smile on his face, but when he looks over at me scowling at him, the smile drops immediately.

"You didn't think about announcing Haymitch was coming in?!" I shout in annoyance.

"I've never had to," he says, trying desperately to keep a straight face.

I roll my eyes and walk over to the counter and pick up the knife to finish cutting the vegetables for the sandwiches. I ignore the two of them until Haymitch's laughter subsides a few minutes later. By then I have three sandwiches prepared on plates, and I think about spitting on the one I made for Haymitch.

I shove the plate into his chest, and place mine and Peeta's on the table. "Stuff your mouth before I stab you in the neck."

"Feisty and slutty," Haymitch says and reaches over to pat Peeta on the back. "You're a lucky man."

"Seriously, I'm going to stab you," I warn.

"Oh, c'mon, Sweetheart!" He says. "Even you have to admit it was a little funny."

I roll my eyes and sit down. Peeta and Haymitch follow suit. "I do not."

"Well, don't worry, I'll eat, talk to you about what I had to and get out of your hair," he says taking a big bite out of his sandwich. "I'm sure Peeta is a little disappointed I'm here after coming home to that."

Peeta nods and winks at me. I narrow my eyes at him and he chuckles quietly.

"Can we please stop talking about it?" I beg, my face a horrifying color of crimson.

"Fine, fine," Haymitch says. "I did have a reason for coming over her, beside to see you try to seduce the boy-"

"Haymitch!"

"Okay, okay!" He says with eye roll. "You seriously need to learn to take a joke. But I suppose I will get to my point. I got a letter today from President Paylor. It seems she is a bit miffed that she didn't receive an invite to the wedding."

"Really?" Peeta asks, surprised.

"Why would she want to come? Isn't she busy with her presidential duties or something?" I ask, a little annoyance from the previous disaster seeping into my tone.

He shrugs. "Everyone wants to see you two get hitched. And to be honest I think she's excited to see the woman who made it possible for her to be president get her happily ever after."

"Oh, yeah, I'm sure she is just thrilled I shot Coin," I deadpan. "It's not like it's treason or a terrorist act or anything."

"Whatever," he says, waving his hand dismissively. "But I think you should extend an invitation to her. I wouldn't want to piss off another president if I were you."

I glower at him. "If she comes, that means her detail comes. Not to mention the people that follow her around like puppy dogs attending to her every need."

"We can ask her to keep it to a minimum," Peeta suggests, always the peacemaker. "I'm sure she would understand."

"The wedding is in two days. You think she can just flip her schedule like that?" I ask skeptically. In honesty I was nervous enough having even my closest friends and family there to see me walk down the aisle, let alone the president of Panem. It's not that I don't like her, she always seemed nice enough, but I really don't know her that well. But how can I say no to her? Last time I tried saying no to a president a lot of people died.

"Even if she doesn't come, it wouldn't hurt to send her an invite," Haymitch says around a mouthful of food.

I groan and lay my head on the table. "Fine, but you do it. And tell her not to bring her laques."

"Alright," Haymitch says, rising to his feet with the remains of his food in his hand. "On that note, I will be taking my food and be on my way. I'll be sure to cover my eyes and announce my presence loudly next time I enter."

I crumple up my napkin and throw it at him. It hits him in the face and he laughs. Without another word he stumbles out of the house.

"Well, that was humiliating," I whine, picking at my barely touched sandwich.

"It wasn't so bad."

"For you!" I shout, throwing my arms up.

He laughs and moves his chair closer to mine to pull me into a hug. "Well, as embarrassing as it was for you, I thoroughly enjoyed walking in to see such a sight."

I smack his chest lightly, but bury my face in his neck.

"S'not funny," I mumble into his skin.

"Okay," he chuckles, rubbing circles on my back. "Did you have a good day? Were you able to relax?"

I sigh and lean back. "Yeah, I was very unproductive today."

"You smell really good," he says, leaning forward to nuzzle my ear with his nose and planting a kiss on my jaw.

I take a shaky breath before replying. "I, um, used the bath oils Effie sent me."

"Mmm…" he mumbles. "I'll have to thank her later."

He pulls my chair around to face him, his eyes dark and sultry. He wraps my hands around my waist and pulls me forward. He doesn't even have to encourage me to kiss him before my lips are suddenly on his. His tongue darts out to trace the shape of my lips and I shiver despite the warmth in the kitchen.

"I think I'd like to see you in that outfit again," he says as he leans down to trail kisses down my neck.

"How about now?" I ask, pushing any memory of Haymitch out of my mind completely.

I wake up in the morning with the bed empty, and I frown a little. Only one more day until we are married and I have Peeta to myself for two whole weeks. Even though I thought the idea of a honeymoon was a little silly at first, I have to admit I am looking forward to it. Once again Peeta was right and I was wrong.

My eyes start to drift closed again, not nearly ready to get out of bed yet when a loud rapping on our front door snaps me awake. Anxiety swells inside me as I realize my first guest must have arrived for the wedding- Although earlier than I would have thought.

I roll out of bed and grab my rarely used robe hanging on the back of the door and pull it on. I rush down the stairs, and reach the door just as the person knocks again. I whip open the door to see the ever extravagantly dressed Effie Trinket along with Flavius, Venia and Octavia perched behind her. I get a strong sense of déjà vu, not necessarily a welcome feeling.

"Oh, Katniss!" Effie cheers. "You are positively radiant!"

All of them glide past me, either kissing me or patting me in various places on my body.

"Why are you all here so early?" I ask a little flustered, shutting the door behind them.

"To get you ready of course!" Octavia says, grabbing my hand to drag me back up the stairs along with everyone else.

As usual the time passes in a blur as they pluck, wax and lotion every inch of my body. I remind them time and time again that Peeta doesn't really care about these kinds of things, which is met with snide remarks. Effie goes over the itinerary for the weekend, effectively overwhelming me, while the prep team continues to buff and shine.

After a couple of hours I hear another knock on the front door, and when I begin to stand to go answer it Flavius pushes me back down in my chair and Effie bounces off to answer the door. I hear her cheerful Capitol greeting as she welcomes my guest into the house.

"Why doesn't Peeta have to be tortured like this?" I grumble as Flavius pulls a brush through my damp hair.

"He's not the bride, silly girl," Venia retorts, which is met with laughs from Flavius and Octavia. "Besides, we will get our hands on him sooner or later."

Suddenly I get a pang of sadness as I begin to wish Cinna were here to keep these three in check. The only thing that brings me hope is that the dress I picked out was designed by Cinna many years ago. It wasn't designed for specifically me, but Effie was able to track down several dresses from a collection he released many years ago. He may not be here in person, but a part of him will be.

I hear my mother's voice intertwining with Effie's as they come into the room. Tears spring to my eyes when she enters the bathroom, but I refuse to let them fall. She comes over and wraps her arms around my shoulders quickly before she is shooed out of the way by my prep team. She looks slightly better than the last time I saw her, her skin not quite as sallow, her figure a little fuller.

"You are going to be a very beautiful bride, Katniss," she assures me, her voice full of emotion.

"Thanks," I mutter, smiling a little at her.

To my relief half of my prep team ascends on my mother, insisting that the mother of the bride be almost as radiant as the bride herself. I hear them complain as they take in her unkempt appearance, gasping at the apparent way the people in Thirteen have butchered her hair. The only one who continued to gush over me was Octavia as she filed and painted my nails a soft blush color. I had instructed Effie ahead of time that I did not want anything extravagant, and I'm glad they have kept to that.

As for my old prep team's appearance, they don't have the same expensive garb and outrageous styles that had once been popular in the public. They certainly have more style than I do, but it's a pleasant change to see them in more ordinary clothing. Even Effie has had to dial down the appearance she had once donned; no more pumpkin orange wigs or outrageous heels. Instead she has on a more neutral colored wig, an icy blonde, which is still curled and styled to perfection. Now that the people living in the Capitol are equal to those living in the districts, their wardrobes have taken a hit. Although, I have to admit I enjoy their more natural appearances.

Around two in the afternoon Annie and little Fynn arrive, and I have to hold back tears as I look at the little boy that looks so much like his Father. He really is the spitting image of Finnick. Annie is just as loopy at times, but it seems motherhood has done her good. She fawns over him endlessly, and I am certain that he will be the most spoiled boy alive.

After my team finishes torturing me I am able to sneak off to play with Fynn, something I enjoy much more than playing hostess. My mother has taken up that role gladly, showing everyone to their rooms and making sure that they are comfortable. Fynn and I end up outside, him giggling as he tries to catch Haymitch's geese, while I make sure none of them turn on him. From time to time I catch Haymitch peeking out his window at the two of us, but he never makes an appearance. He is probably working through his withdrawals so that he is coherent for the wedding tomorrow.

"Hey, Brainless!" Johanna's familiar voice calls out just as Fynn and I corral the geese into their pen for the evening.

I turn to see her with her bag slung over her shoulder as she walks through the gates of the Victor Village.

"C'mon Fynn. Let's go say hi to Johanna," I say, reaching my hand out to him. He grabs it quickly and we make our way across the grass to her.

"Hey," I reply. Neither of us go in for a hug, which suits us both fine.

"I can't believe you convinced me to come to this shithole," she says crassly, continuing to walk towards my house.

I widen my eyes at her meaningfully and nod towards Fynn, "Johanna!"

She glances down at Fynn and rolls her eyes before correcting herself, "Fine. Crap hole."

"It's good to see you too," I say, though a little humor in my tone. I can't say that I have particularly missed her over the years, but her bluntness has always been a bit amusing.

"So, lover boy finally convinced you to marry him, huh?" She asks.

I nod. "Apparently."

We make it inside without much more conversation, but I am assuming that is her rendition of a congratulations.

The house is full of babbling women, even after Effie and the team leave for further preparations. It's much more energy than I am used to, so I leave the inane conversations to them and spend my evening listening and tending to Fynn. My mother and Annie insist on preparing dinner so Johanna, Fynn and I go to the living room to play some board game Peeta bought at the market a couple of months ago. Both of us are losing intentionally, satisfied to see Fynn bounce joyously as he defeats us.

"I win, I win!" He sings as the front door swings open. Without thinking I jump to my feet and rush to the door to meet Peeta as he walks in. He smiles at the overwhelmed look on my face, and pulls me in to place a soft kiss on my cheek.

"Hey," he whispers. I lean my head against his shoulder.

The house erupts in greetings as soon as everyone notices his appearance. He keeps an arm wrapped around my waist even when Annie and my mother pull him in for hugs.

I hadn't paid much attention to what they had been cooking until my mother called everyone to the kitchen to retrieve our meal. There isn't enough room for everyone at the dining table, so it will be more of an informal dinner. I get oddly emotional when Peeta hands me a bowl of lamb stew with dried plums. Apparently he had mentioned to Mom at some point that it was my favorite.

"Thank you," I mouth to Mom before digging in. She smiles and nods from across the room.

I am grateful that Peeta is usually the life of the party, he keeps everyone entertained so I can just sit and observe. Him and Fynn end up having a sword fight with some sticks next to the fireplace, which he promptly forfeits when he lets Fynn stab him in the gut.

No one mentions the age-old tradition of not having the bride or groom see each other on the night before the wedding, and for that I am grateful. I have become much too dependent on him to keep my nightmares away. I retire before everyone else in order to get my beauty sleep, but everyone has had a long day so it isn't long before the house is quiet.

When Peeta comes to bed after ensuring everyone was in their rooms comfortably, he comes over to where I lay out on the bed. He flops down next to me and pulls me into his arms.

"You'll never guess who came by my work today," he says, sounding amused.

"Who?"

"Octavia, Flavius and Venia. They dragged me into my office at the bakery and insisted on getting me ready for the wedding tomorrow," he says, shaking his head.

"Oh, that's where they went," I muse. "They had mentioned getting their hands on you at some point but I had no idea they were going to show up at your bakery."

He laughs. "You should have seen Sequoia's face when those three came barging in like they owned the place. He didn't know what to think."

"I bet," laughing as I imagine his expression seeing such an ordeal.

I wrap my leg around his hip and nuzzle into his side. I breathe in the familiar scent of cinnamon and dill, sighing happily.. We remain cuddling in silence for a few minutes, letting the memories of the day sink in.

"How are you feeling?" Peeta eventually asks.

"About what?" I ask, a little sleepily.

"About the wedding."

I smile. "Oh, that. I'm feeling good. So far."

He turns his head to look down at me and raises his eyebrows at me. "So far?"

I smile at him and reach up to caress his cheek. "I'm waiting for the nerves to truly set in. How about you?"

"I've been waiting to marry you for as long as I can remember."

I lean up and kiss him gently. I don't say anything more, my thoughts drifting to young Peeta. It's hard for me to imagine that he had feelings for me even when we were children, especially since I tried my best to pretend like he didn't exist. It always bothered me that I owed him for saving my life. After all these years I still feel like I owe him somehow. I've told him this in the past, which he promptly reminded me of all the times I had saved his life.

I wrap my arm around his waist and lay my head on his chest, listening to the thump of his heart. I try not to let the nerves get to me, but the night is a restless one. I toss and turn, twisting the sheets around my legs until I am fed up and rise from the bed before the sun even has a chance to make an appearance. Fortunately Peeta seems to be able to sleep through my restlessness, peacefully snoring quietly. I watch him for a few minutes, trying to imagine calling him my husband, but I shake my head when I start to feel dizzy. I turn and walk out of the room, closing the door gently behind me as to not wake anyone so early in the morning.

As I come around to the living room I am shocked to see my mother sitting on the couch, gazing into the fire she must have started. She startles a little when she sees me standing in the dark archway.

"Oh, Katniss," she whispers, but smiles mutely. "What are you doing awake?"

"Couldn't sleep," I mutter, shifting from one foot to the other awkwardly.

She pats the seat next to her, and I quickly walk over to sit next to her. I hesitate a moment when I sit, but then do something I haven't done in a very long time- So long, that I don't remember ever doing it… I lean into her side, tucking my head under her chin and pull my feet up to my chest. She stiffens momentarily, taken off guard by my sudden display of affection, but recovers quickly and wraps her thin arm around my shoulders.

"Nervous about the wedding?" She asks, her hand gently rubbing up and down my arm.

"A little," I say with a shrug.

"You want to talk about it?"

I have the quick-fire answer of no prepped on the tip of my tongue, but I hesitate and nothing comes out. I'm not used to being so open with my mother. Yet, a larger part of me longs to form that connection with her.

It takes me longer than it should to be able to form a sentence, but I eventually get out, "I said I was never going to get married."

A beat of silence passes.

"When?" She asks gently.

I sigh. "Back before the rebellion, and even after for a while."

"And what about that bothers you?"

I gnaw on my lip before answering, not a hundred percent sure of the answer myself. "I guess it feels strange to give up on those decisions… I never expected to have a future, especially a happy one. I had always assumed that Panem would always be a dangerous place, and I couldn't afford to love anyone."

"I see," she muses. "You are used to living in a battlefield and now you have to adapt to a peaceful existence. One where you can be in love and not have to worry that it puts a target on Peeta's back."

I think about her words without responding, pondering their meaning. Up until three years ago my loved ones lives were constantly at risk- It took every ounce of my being to keep them alive… And I failed miserably.

Images of Prim, Finnick and Cinna flash through my mind. I should have taken better care of them.

I can't help but fear that somehow we will return to that, and my deep love I have for Peeta will be his destruction. I couldn't live with myself if something happened to him. It has always been easier to push aside personal attachment so that when something happens I don't fare as badly. In my darkest moments I found myself wishing that I hadn't cared for Prim so much, wished that I had pushed her away as I did with my mother…If I hadn't cared for her so much, maybe she would still be alive. But those thoughts quickly formed into debilitating guilt. How could I wish such a thing?

It goes against every belief system I have established over the decades to let attachment build enough that I would consent to marrying Peeta, not out of obligation, but out of desire. Peeta seems to float seamlessly into a peaceful existence, able to look forward to our long future together, without the dread of impending doom. He can put aside those horrible things that we have been through… He still has his flashbacks, but it doesn't seem to phase him that there is the slimmest possibility that we could be thrown back into that arena. He just looks at me and sees a beautiful future ahead of us.

It's not quite so easy for me to reconcile our past with our future.

"Peeta seems so sure, so calm… I wish I could do the same," I eventually say. "No matter what happens to him he is so sure of himself and of me."

"I'm sure there are things that make him nervous," she replies. "I just think he is better at pushing them aside and focusing on the positive."

I shrug. "I don't know. He doesn't seem to have any nerves about getting married," I pause then modify my statement, "Well, besides that he is afraid I am going to change my mind."

"Are you?"

"No," I answer immediately, with surprising finality. "I may be nervous, but I am sure that I want to marry Peeta. I just have a strange underlying current of guilt running through my mind that I might be putting him at risk by tying myself to him in such a significant way."

It feels foreign to expose so much of my psyche out loud, especially to my mother. I have only really ever open up to Peeta, and maybe Haymitch, but in a way it feels good to talk to her.

"I wish I had some great advice for you, but I think you just give it time. Over the years you will eventually come to terms with your past and be able to look forward to your future," she says. "And what you're doing is great. You are stepping outside of your comfort zone, and letting yourself feel something. I'm not sure there is a sure-fire way to move past this. You just have to let yourself heal, and let Peeta help you."

I sigh and nod.

"Thank you," I whisper.

"I love you, Katniss," she whispers back.

My mouth opens to return the sentiment, but I snap it shut realizing I need more time for that.

Around six-thirty footsteps started bounding down the stairs, and the house was thrown into happy chaos. My midnight fears tossed aside for the time being. Annie and my mother insisted on preparing a decadent breakfast of pancakes, bacon, eggs and freshly squeezed orange juice for everyone. I could barely get down any food as less meaningful nerves began to kick in. My hands jittery and my leg bouncing against the wood floor in anticipation.

I wasn't surprised to hear Effie and the prep team barge through the front door, game faces on. They practically threw Peeta out the front door, telling him that he was to get ready at Haymitch's house. He was barely able to peck me on the lips quickly before Effie had him by the arm, towing him out the door.

All of our house guests, save Johanna, became hushed before the force that is Effie Trinket. They all found places in the house to remain unobserved as Effie had her sights set on me. Johanna was the only one who had no problem with inserting herself into the frantic whirlwind, poking fun at Effie, fiddling with the various instruments set out to prepare me for my wedding, and making crude jokes about my wedding night.

As most of the preparations were done yesterday, there wasn't much plucking and waxing to be done. Most of the efforts were on curling and styling my hair and doing my makeup. Several times I had to remind the team not to be too heavy handed with the makeup, as I want a more natural look. There were a couple grumbles and complaints, but they overall kept in mind my wishes. Still, they managed to cover my face in makeup, but in a way that looks natural and dewy, just as I had imagined. My eyes are lined in gold and pearl tones, framed by a dark set of lashes. And I convinced them to use the peachy-nude lipstick instead of the crimson red alternative they were so excited about. They used hair extensions to add length and body to my hair, curled it, and topped it off with a crown braid. They wove pearls and gold leaves through the braid, and I even have to admit that they did a spectacular job. I don't think the hair extensions were necessary, but it does look very nice.

"You look angelic!" Octavia gushes, beaming widely along with Flavius and Venia.

"Yes, yes, she looks stunning," Effie says very business-like. "But our work isn't done. We still have to work on the Mother and then go get Peeta ready."

She turns to me, a stern look on her face. "You're done for now. We will put your dress on when we get closer. Go sit somewhere and don't mess anything up."

She pushes me out of the bathroom and moves past me to go find Mom. I wander down the stairs, following the voices down there. I am met with many ooh's and ah's as I enter the living room. I settle on the floor with Fynn and pull out a deck of cards so we can play Go Fish. Several hours pass and around noon, an hour before the wedding, Effie re-enters the house, coming back from Haymitch's. She signals for me to follow her up the stairs.

"Time to put on your dress," she cheers, and I catch a glimpse of emotion in her violet colored eyes.

She pulls a white silt garment bag from my closet, lays it on my bed and unzips it promptly. The dress has been sitting at the back of my closet for a few weeks, but I couldn't bring myself to look at it. Apparently it was one of the more reasonable gowns that Cinna had designed for me back when Peeta and I were engaged for the Capitol. Effie had shown it to me a few months ago, I assured her it was perfect and promptly left the room. I was taken off guard by the level of emotions I felt seeing the dress. I haven't looked at it since. Effie requested I send her my measurements, and she assured me that it would fit perfectly for the wedding.

I have been working up the courage to see the dress without having an emotional reaction, squashing my reactions. However, when Effie pulls the dress from the garment bag it is a laborious struggle to keep the tears at bay. It is absolutely perfect- Simple, understated, but timeless. It reminds me of dresses that I have seen in photos from before Panem was established.

It's a rich, creamy ivory silk gown, adorned with intricate lace details. I barely notice Venia stripping me of my robe and helping me into soft lace lingerie, as I can't take my eyes off the dress. Before I know it Effie is helping me step into the dress and she is buttoning up the long line of pearl buttons in the back. She turns me to face the full length mirror on the back of the door, and I gasp in surprise.

It's even more exquisite than it was on the hanger. Sure enough, it fits like a glove, not too tight or too loose in any area.

It is a relatively fitted dress, flaring out at the top of my thighs, resembling an opening flower. The edges were trimmed with swirls of lace that climbed up the skirt like vines. The off-the-shoulder tulle sleeves, embroidered with lace trumpets out at my forearms and falls in delicate waves down to my wrists. I can tell it is made with the highest quality silks, Cinna never would have done any less.

I state when I feel someone's hands pull back my hair to place a necklace around my neck. I let Effie pick out the jewelry to accompany the dress, because the few suggestions I made were met with horrified gasps.

"You're ready," Effie sighs, circling around me, her dainty hand over her heart and tears in her eyes. "Turn, turn- You must look in the mirror." She spins me around so I am facing the floor length mirror on the back of the bathroom door.

It takes a few seconds for me to comprehend what I am seeing in my reflection. The woman staring back at me looks so adult, so happy… How could this person possibly be me?

I step closer to examine the necklace around my neck, and automatically tears spring to my eyes. It's a simple silver woven chain with an intricate crystal pendant adorning the apex of the necklace. It's two mockingjays flying together, escaping a shattered circle. It is reminiscent of my mockingjay pin, but this time the birds are breaking out of their cage and flying away together. My fingers come up to touch the pendant, a small smile on my face.

"I thought it was fitting," Effie says. "I had it made special for you. I do hope you like it."

I turn, dabbing the tears out of my eyes before they have a chance to fall. "It's perfect. Thank you."

She reaches out and grabs my hand, and squeezes it.

I hear several gasps and I turn to see my mother, Annie and Fynn bustling into the room, various expressions on their faces.

"Katniss!" Annie gasps. "You look like a dream!"

I shoot her a grateful smile, and then turn to my mother. I can tell she is trying her best to hold back her tears.

"You are a beautiful bride, Katniss," she says, coming up to give me a hug. "I wish Prim were here to see you."

I choke back a sudden sob, trying to hide the rush of emotion. I bury my face in her neck and whisper, "Me too, Mom. Me too."

I pull back when I feel a little tug at the skirt of my dress. I squash my emotions and turn to Fynn who looks strangely mystified.

"What's up, Fynn?" I ask.

"You look pretty," he whispers, blushes and turns to bury his face in his mother's dress. We all let out laughs, and my heart warms a little.

"Thank you, Fynn," I say.

Annie leans over to whisper in my ear, "I think he has a crush on you."

I chuckle, and shake my head.

"Damn! You look hot," Johanna calls out as she enters the room. "Someone is getting laid tonight!"

"Johanna!" Annie warns, her hands flying down to cover Fynn's ears.

Johanna just rolls her eyes and goes to plop onto our bed. She is already dressed, wearing a forest green satin pants suit, which is buttoned up in the front, but she isn't wearing anything underneath. It's fairly risque, but it's fitting for her.

"You're man is bouncing around like a rubber ball out there," she says. "Seems a bit eager to get things started."

I am tempted to look out the bedroom window, knowing that I would be able to see him if I did. The ceremony is being held in the plaza of the Victor's Village. Peeta wanted to get married amongst the primroses which have spread and bloomed over the years. It seemed odd at first to marry in the Victor's Village, but it seemed as good of a place as any. It's where Peeta and I grew back together, it's where Prim was able to flourish for a short time. It used to have a dark connotation, but over the years it has become a sort of refuge for me.

"Okay, everyone!" Effie shouts clapping. "It's almost showtime! Let's get downstairs."

With help from my entourage, we parade down the stairs, voices excitedly bouncing off the walls. We round the corner into the living room and find Haymitch lounging on the couch.

I snort when I get a good look at him, which is met with a glare from him. I have never seen him like this before. His hair has been trimmed and groomed, he is clean shaven and is wearing a tuxedo.

I can't hold back the laugh as I look at him.

"Oh my god, Haymitch," I laugh again. "Is that you?"

He pulls himself to his feet with a groan. "Watch it, sweetheart, I am this close," he holds up his fingers for dramatic effect, "to walking out. Those fiends go ahold of me, and wouldn't back the hell off."

"Alright, alright," I say, smiling at him. "You look good though. You might even find yourself a girlfriend tonight," I say with a wink.

He grumbles something unintelligible and shakes his head. He then looks me up and down and smirks. "You clean up well yourself, kid."

"Thanks," I say. I hadn't noticed, but the gaggle of women had disappeared at some point in our interaction. "Where'd everyone go?"

"No clue. Just enjoy it. It won't be long before that woman comes prancing in to yank you out to your wedding."

I nod.

It is awkward for a few seconds, and I see Haymitch shift from one foot to the other. I can tell by his expression he has something he wants to say, but isn't sure how to start. I just stare at him, waiting for him to begin.

It takes several moments, but eventually he pulls himself together enough to get the words out. "Listen, I'm not good at this mushy stuff, but I have something I want to say before we go out there…"

He hesitates, and I raise my eyebrows at him.

"You know, when I first met you you were a skinny little screwball kid from the Seam, with a hell of a temper-"

"Good start," I snort.

"Just hear me out…" he says. "You had fire, a natural instinct to survive and an attitude that could put an eye out." I roll my eyes. "You annoyed the hell out of me, but in the best way possible. I knew somewhere deep down you were a survivor, and for the first time in decades I knew I had a chance of seeing one of my tributes make it through. You are a fighter, through and through. But you were also tough as nails… And I saw how that boy looked at you, and I wondered how he could ever break through that shell. But one thing I have to give him is that he is persistent. And after the first games I saw how scared you were to feel anything for the boy, and boy did I pity him… But then I started to see him worming his way into your heart, even if you didn't see it. You went into that Quell willing to die for him. I knew then how hard you fell for him, but you were in denial. I don't think it was until he was taken away that you truly saw how much you needed him. Somehow that boy broke through your barriers, and you fell in love with him. I think he could see it too, but was scared it wasn't true. Again and again you two have made it through trials and torture, and came out stronger than before. But I gotta say… I have never been more proud of you than when I saw you let your walls down and let him in. Not when you defied the Capitol, not when you took down Snow… No, your shining moment was when you let your walls down. And as disgusting as it sounds, I'm very happy to see you two kids together. I'm glad you figured it out."

I don't respond, but I stumble forward and pull him into a tight embrace. He doesn't know what to do for a moment, but soon enough wraps his arms around me and accepts the hug.

"Thank you, Haymitch," I whisper into his neck. "For everything."

He pats my back. "Anytime, Sweetheart."

Someone clears their throat, and automatically both of us jump back as if we were doing something we shouldn't have. Neither of us are comfortable showing affection when it's just the two of us, let alone in front of others. Effie is standing in the doorway, an expectant look on her face.

"Time to get married!" She squeals excitedly.

My pulse quickens, and my palms begin to get sweaty.

"Deep breaths," Haymitch mutters in my ear, noticing my panicked expression.

He grabs my arms and tows me towards the front door which is still closed. I hear delicate music playing, our signal to make our way down the aisle.

Effie positions us at the door, fixing the train of my dress and Haymitch's tie. He bats her hand away and she shoots him a glare.

"Okay, chins up, smiles on!" she chirps, and then winks at me.

I take a deep breath as someone on the other side of the door opens it for us. I close my eyes for a second to ground myself, letting the sun soak into my skin.

"Ready?" Haymitch whispers.

I nod. "Let's do this."

The music swells as we make our way down the stairs. I breathe a sigh of relief when we make it to the bottom without tripping. I try my best to avoid the eyes of the crowd watching me walk down the aisle. We follow the make-shift aisle made of flower petals which curves around until we reach the rows of chairs with our guests. I lift my eyes up to find Peeta, excited to see his blue eyes.

I smile when I see his expression… So full of emotion. I can feel the exultation and joy radiating off him from twenty feet away. He smiles back at me and takes a step forward, then stops himself. He purses his lips and steps back again.

We walk too slowly down the aisle, the pace Effie had made us practice hundreds of times. With a sigh of relief we make it to Peeta who reaches out for my hand. Haymitch places my hand in Peeta's and pats his back before turning to take his seat next to my mother.

"You look so beautiful," Peeta whispers just low enough for me to hear.

"You too," I mouth silently. He is wearing a black tuxedo with a ivory silk vest, a white shirt and a matching tie. He beams at me as we turn to face the officiant.

I am barely able to register the words said during the ceremony, being so focused on the man in front of me. Both of us repeat our vows, our eyes never leaving each other.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife," the officiant smiles at Peeta. "You may now kiss the-"

But before the man is able to finish his sentence, Peeta has pulled me into a passionate kiss, the kind of kiss where the rest of the world drops away. I vaguely hear the crowd laughing at his exuberance. His arms wrap around my waist, holding me to him. After a moment we pull our lips away from each other, but our foreheads are still touching.

"You love me, real or not real?" I whisper, a little breathless.

"Real," he vows with conviction.

The reception goes off without a hitch, much more enjoyable than I would have ever thought. With the assistance of some alcohol, Peeta even got me out dancing on the dance floor. Haymitch of course got hammered, but that was to be expected. People ate and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Effie really went out and above to make it beautiful.

At one point I realized President Paylor had actually appeared at the wedding.

She approached us, fortunately with only one body guard.

"Congratulations, Peeta and Katniss," she had said. "I am so glad to see things worked out for you two."

"Thank you President Paylor," Peeta said graciously. "Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to attend. We are honored."

She waved her hand. "I'm glad I could be here to see it with my own eyes. I hope you know that your story gives all of Panem hope."

"How so?" I asked.

She smiled at me. "It's like watching a flower bloom among fire and rubble… It's breathtaking."

"Thank you," Peeta had said before Sequoia and his wife came bounding up to us.

By the time the party's over I am exhausted, Peeta is practically holding me upright. My feet are sore from standing and dancing all night. I am so tired I nearly forget the most important part of the whole event.

Peeta pulls me into the living room and settles me on the couch. Someone created a fire for us at some point and next to it is a tray with two skewers and a slice of bread.

"Oh!" I gasp. "The toasting."

Peeta smiles at me and settles next to me. "We can do it in a moment. Let's catch our breath for a moment."

"Okay," I sigh, leaning to lie my head on his chest.

"You look spectacular, Katniss," he says, his hand rubbing up and down my arm. "I couldn't believe how radiant you looked when you walked down the aisle. I thought I was dreaming. I had to stop myself from running down the aisle to you."

I laugh lightly. "I saw that."

"I knew Effie would have my head if I messed it up," he says. "Fortunately I came to my senses quickly."

"I was so nervous," I whisper. "But then I saw how excited you looked."

"Excited doesn't cover it."

We lounge in silence, staring at the fire for a long time, just enjoying each other's embrace. But as the minutes pass I become anxious to begin our District Twelve ritual of the toasting. It's what makes it real.

"Can we do the toasting now?" I ask, leaning up.

"You're ready?" He asks.

I nod and grab his hand to pull him off the couch. We sink to the ground next to the fire, and I pull the tray with the bread closer. Peeta picks up the bread and carefully tears it into two pieces and puts a piece on each skewer. He hands me one and takes one for himself. We make eye contact, share a smile and then nod. We in unison put our bread into the outskirts of the fire to toast it until it is a golden brown, careful not to burn it. Once both pieces are finished we pull them back and take the pieces off the skewers.

We cross arms, my piece of bread near his mouth and his near mine.

"You first," I whisper.

He smiles and begins his vows, "With this bread I vow to stay, through trials and heartbreak, through joy and celebration. And on this night I take you as my wife, to love and cherish for the rest of our days." I touch the toast to his lips, and he takes a bite, chews and swallows.

"Your turn," he says.

I nod. "With this bread I vow to stay, through trials and heartbreak, through joy and celebration. And on this night I take you as my husband, to love and cherish for the rest of our days." I take a bite of his toast.

We set the bread aside and Peeta pulls me into a gentle kiss. The fire crackles next to us, and in this moment everything is right, everything is perfect.

"I love you, Peeta," I say.

"I love you, Katniss."