Gale had got the job.

Johanna wasn't sure if she had ever been so excited for another person in her whole life, but she was beyond thrilled for him.

Within 2 weeks, the house that was far too big and empty for just the two of them was up for sale and they had living arrangements settled in District 12.

Victor's Village had stood empty sans two houses for years and when Katniss had received the news that they were moving to 12, she had suggested they take one of the empty houses. Gale had not liked the idea at first and quite frankly neither had Johanna, but it did make sense. The house was fully furnished, so they wouldn't have to drag anything huge from one side of Panem to the other and they would be close to everyone. Eventually they had agreed it was the best decision for them. At least, for now.

They were assured it would take minimal preparation to move into, as Effie was determined to make the place clean and bright and it was already an unspoken rule that everyone was going to prevent Johanna from doing much of anything when she finally got there, no matter how much of a fight she would put up.

It wasn't hard to pack up the house in 2. It was rather plain with very little personal touches besides a picture of Gale's siblings and mother and a full "family" picture from Peeta and Katniss' wedding on the mantle, a few drawings from Finnley, and clothes and other such things. It took the couple exactly 4 suitcases and a medium sized box to pack up their lives.

An offer was made on the house, a decent offer by a wealthy ex-Capitol woman and her 3 adopted children, and the sale had been closed. The amount of money that big bland house was apparently worth would have given 16 year old Gale Hawthorne heart palpitations. Even at 27, the sheer amount of money baffled him. He made enough from his job to comfortably support an upper-middle class family of about 6 and that didn't even include what Johanna got in a Victor's Stipend or what he got occasionally from the government for being a rebel soldier. Unsure of what to do, Gale and Johanna had simply stuck the money in the bank and called it a day.

Their last night as full-time residents of District 2, Gale and Johanna found themselves sitting on the roof.

"You can see more of the stars in 12," Gale thought aloud, looking up at the sky. "Especially in the woods."

"You're gonna take it into the woods, aren't you?" Johanna asked. "The baby I mean."

"Of course I am." He replied, glancing at her. "Even though we don't need the forest like we used to anymore, it would be kind of sad if the tradition stopped with me, in my opinion."

Johanna smiled. Even if she didn't quite get it, she knew the woods in 12 meant a lot to him. She could almost see a small, grey-eyed child tagging along with Gale and Katniss into the woods and coming back grubby and giddy from exploring. The thought made her feel warm. But it didn't last forever.

"What do you think… how will we explain… the Games, the War… everything? Do you think this kid will think any less of us once they learn about it all?" Unspoken question hung in the air: Will is be scared of me? Will it hate me? She had killed people, she was a murderer. And, Johanna supposed, so was Gale. Intentionally or not, they both had blood on their hands, blood that left a stain that would never leave.

Gale looked away from her. He hadn't really thought that far ahead. He didn't know. "I don't think I can answer that. I don't think we'll know until it happens."

"It's all so much more… fresh in 12. More alive and vivid." Johanna continued. She was right. Each district had a memorial for their fallen tributes. The Capitol had a massive fountain that turned into a small fountain in remembrance of the Rebellion because of an old song about having peace like a river. But 12 had extra things. Mockingjays, though tasteful, were in the monument to the District 12 bombing, the Games, the Rebellion, everything. District 12 was still the home of the Girl on Fire and they were very proud of her. But it kept things a little more present than was always welcomed by the survivors.

"We'll cross that bridge when we get there." Gale suggested finally.

Johanna nodded, then after a pause she asked: "Are you going to miss this place?"

"To be honest? Absolutely not."

"Not even a little?"

"I thought I would, but I think I've missed 12 so much all these years that this place doesn't even really matter to me. This isn't my home. It never has been. I was just… here."

"Your home is District 12." Johanna said in understanding.

"Yeah."

"I'm glad you get to go back."

"Me too."

The next morning, they loaded themselves and their lives onto the early morning train to District 12. Johanna curled up next to him and eventually, they started chatting to a few friendly people that had joined their car. It was easier to socialize with others when they were all on a long-haul journey across the country.

The people were kind, and if they knew who was sitting across from them, they hid it very well. The topic of why everyone was traveling came up, and when Gale said he had taken a new position that required them to move to 12, but that it came at a good time considering their loved ones were in 12 and it would be nice to raise a kid around family, one woman's eyes immediately darted to Johanna's hands which were folded on her lap, and the woman looked a bit displeased when she noticed there was nothing there. As if that was any of her business.

Johanna shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She had noticed the woman looking too. Gale reached over and took Johanna's hand. She smiled at him. No, they weren't engaged or married or whatever that woman thought they should be, but he still loved Johanna. And she loved him too.

That night, when everyone had moved into their sleeping cars, Johanna fell asleep curled up on her side with the blanket up to her chin.

Gale slipped into the bed beside her, careful not to disturb her. He leaned over and kissed her hair softly, and he could've sworn she smiled in her sleep. And he was happy.

It was then he realized that his real home was wherever Johanna was.

A/N: I'm sorry to say that unfortunately, this happiness is not permanent. There will be some sadness and angst. There will probably be a happy ending though! i hope you stick around to see how it all plays out!