Chapter 10: Together At Last
I frown into the mirror as I adjust my veil one way, then the other. Once I am satisfied that I have it just right, I bend down towards my niece.
"Winnie, can you get my bouquet please, sweetie?"
My youngest niece fetches it, while my oldest niece prepares to bunch up my bridal train in her arms. Winnie presents the bouquet to me.
"Thank you," I kiss her cheek warmly. "You two are going to be the best flower girls!"
"Yeah!" Rory grins, eyes shining. "And Ben will help carry the rings!"
"Daddy has to help hold him, though," Winnie shrugs. "I don't know if it counts."
"Of course it counts!" I laugh. "Your brother is going to be the cutest Ring Bearer in all of Panem!" I check my reflection one last time. "Come on, girls. Let's go get your aunt married!"
"And get us our Uncle Peeta!" Winnie cheers as we exit.
This time, I am proud and unapologetic as my family guides me to the Justice Building. As we go along the streets out of the Seam and then into the Merchant sector, I can see people peering out their windows, whispering. I don't have to hear them to know what they're thinking and saying. They know of my impending marriage to a Merchant. The breaking of class lines. When the news of Peeta's and my engagement broke, it caused quite a stir. My nieces must notice the attention, too, for they glance up to me nervously.
"Ignore them," I whisper to both little girls. "This is our moment. Our family's moment."
We hurry inside the Justice Building through a side door. Guided down some twisty halls, we arrive in the small chapel off in one corner. It's smaller than when Peeta and I first wed in my living room, but nevertheless feels more... appropriate. I have eyes only for the man who will soon be my husband - again! He is smiling at me like I am an angel.
Hazelle passes me off to Peeta when we reach the end of the aisle. I know it is customary for a man to do the escorting, but Gale already has his hands full with Ben, and Ben himself is way too small for the task. The thought makes me smile.
The same clerk who married us nearly a decade and a half ago officiates. Peeta and I exchange vows, then the rings presented by Gale and Ben; the Hawthornes are our only witnesses. Then, Peeta adds an extra something special, presenting gifts he found to Rory, Winnie and Ben before hugging each of them in turn.
At last, the Clerk pronounces Peeta and I as husband and wife. We kiss passionately, and I am heartened when I hear my relatives applaud and cheer... even Gale.
"I love you," I smile up at my husband.
Peeta flashes a gentle, tender grin. "I love you back," he whispers. We kiss once again.