SPOILERS. I haven't seen the movie yet but I know what happens and there was a gif of it in the hayffie tag and… I HAD TO.

SPOILERS

AGAIN : SPOILERS

Goodbye

Goodbye is nothing new for them.

She is used to the heartbreak of it, to the lingering pain each time she watches him walk away from her. She is always a little hurt when she sees him so happy to leave the Capitol behind, to leave her behind. It feels different this time though and when Katniss walks a little further to give them privacy, she can't help feeling nervous. This time, there is no certainty he would ever come back.

"Effie…" he smirks, moving to take Katniss' place in front of her. "Don't be a stranger."

The small smile on her lips is in part forced because she is sad and in part happy because this is more than he has ever give her. He moves toward her and she turns her head so he can kiss her cheek. Kisses on cheeks in public have been rare but they have happened in the past and it seems to be the expected answer to his leaning in. The familiar hitch of his stubble burns her skin as his lips linger. He draws back but not enough. She's confused because this is not a behavior they have ever adopted in public but when he leans in again she instinctively offers her own lips, her eyes closing.

It's a short kiss, certainly not their best or their most passionate, but it's sweet and so full of meaning she can't help smiling, her eyes lingering on his mouth for a second before she looks up at him.

He's smirking, so proud of himself she can't help but smile even more before ducking her head a little.

"Take care of her." she demands. Take care of you, she doesn't say but it's implied.

"I will." he promises.

She watches him walk away from her for what feels like the thousandth time, their girl at his side, and fights her tears. The lump in her throat is too big to swallow, watching them leave is probably one of the hardest things she has ever done.

This is a goodbye but not a farewell, she reminds herself.

They are a team, a family, and they all love each other too much for it to be otherwise.