Author's Note: Thank you for being patient with me. I had a lot going on in my life, got a lot of bad news. I'm happy to say that things have gotten better and I got a few nice surprises as well. I would like to thank Horsecrazy141 and SilentMockingjay for PMing me and helping me out during the tough times. I would like to thank Littlemissartsi for being the only person who left a review telling me what they thought of the last chapter. I would also like to address a review. To the guest that commented "gadge 4 ever" I do not find your review offensive at all but I just want to let you know that "gadge" is not my thing and leaving reviews like yours will not change my choice. Anyways thank you again for staying with me and reviews are great. Author's note at the bottom. :P

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! This is kind of my Thanksgiving gift to you all, because I am thankful for the readers who stick by me and the lovely reviews and of course those who put aside their problems to help those around them.

Disclaimer: I do not own The Hunger Games, 'Begin Again' by Taylor Swift, 'A Thousand Years' by Christina Perri, or 'Amazed' by Lonestar.

Chapter 12: Begin Again and Amazed

~Take a deep breath in the mirror

He didn't like it when I wore high heels

But I do

Turned the lock and put my headphones on

He always said he didn't get this song

But I do, I do

Walked in expecting you'd be late

But you got here early and you stand and wave

I walk to you

You pull my chair out and help me in

And you don't know how nice that is

But I do

And you throw your head back laughing like a little kid

I think it's strange that you think I'm funny cause he never did

I've been spending the last 8 months

Thinking all love ever does is break and burn and end

But on a Wednesday in a cafe, I watched it begin again

He said he never met one girl

Who had as many James Taylor records as you

But I do

We tell stories and you don't know why

I'm coming off a little shy

But I do

But you throw your head back laughing like a little kid

I think it's strange that you think I'm funny cause he never did

I've been spending the last 8 months

Thinking all love ever does is break and burn and end

But on a Wednesday in a cafe, I watched it begin again

And we walked down the block to my car and I almost brought him up

But you start to talk about the movies that your family watches

Every single Christmas and I won't talk about that

And for the first time, what's past is past

Cause you throw your head back laughing like a little kid

I think it's strange that you think I'm funny cause he never did

I've been spending the last 8 months

Thinking all love ever does is break and burn and end

But on a Wednesday in a cafe, I watched it begin again

But on a Wednesday in a cafe, I watched it begin again~

Katniss POV- 10 Months Later (March 2016)

"Ewww, its Katniss."

"Stay away from her; I heard her dad is a murderer."

"You're not pretty enough Katniss."

"He deserves so much better than her."

"Bitch. Whore. Slut. Rat."

As I stare at my reflection in the full-length mirror, I remember all the names I have been called in the past and all the things I've heard people say about me. Johanna, Kaylee and Clove keep telling me how pretty I look in the wedding dress I chose a few months back. It's hard to believe them when I'm so use to being told the exact opposite. When my mom was still alive and I told her all the names the kids called me she used to say that they were just jealous of me. She said that the perky, blonde girls who made fun of me were just being mean because they were insecure. But years of being told I wasn't good enough made me insecure.

"Oh my god, that dress looks absolutely perfect on you!" shrieks the dress shop owner, a woman by the name of Portia. My friends all agree, shooting me big smiles. I try and smile back but my smile is guarded. My friends notice something is wrong but they try and push it aside so that we can finish up here and get some lunch.

I change out of the dress and back into my tank top and yoga pants and head out to pay for my dress. When we leave the dress shop we head to a little café down the road. My friends pile into the booth, and just for a second it feels like were back in high school. I think back to all the times the three of us would pile into a car and drive to a café or the movies for a girl's night out. It's hard to believe that was approximately five years ago. Almost five years have passed since I lost my mother and sister. Looking back to the teasing I endured when I was high school was depressing but now thinking back I was lucky enough to have wonderful friends, family and years of wonderful memories with the people I love the most.

Thinking about it all brings a small smile to my face and Clove taps me on the shoulder to pull me back to reality, "You looked depressed and now you're smiling. Whatcha thinkin' about?"

I smile at my friends, "the bad memories, the good memories, and the past. I'm thinking about everything." They all smile as we reminisce, all temporarily forgetting that we are grown up. We sit there for hours crying, laughing, and talking about anything and everything. Johanna leaves a little early saying she had to go get ready for dinner with Gale and Kaylee left with her. Eventually Clove and I leave for our own houses or hotel in Clove's case.

When I get back to the house Peeta and I just started renting I see Peeta's beat up old pickup parked in the driveway. As I make my way in the house I smell flowers, and look to the dining room table where my step-father, my aunt Hazelle, both my uncles and all my cousins, including Posy, Vick, Rory. Gale, Johanna and Rose are standing with them as well. Peeta's family is sitting in the living room with Kaylee but the most surprising visitor is the man standing next to Kaylee. Still dressed in his Marine uniform holding a very happy Brayden in his arms is Patrick. I run towards him and embrace him in a hug surprising everyone; he hugs me back and then I run into Peeta's arms, tears of happiness threatening to spill out of my eyes. The wedding is in two days and we decided against a rehearsal dinner so having everyone come for dinner is amazing especially having his older brother home to see our wedding.

We all sit down around the dining room table and kitchen table which have been pulled together to make more room. As dinner is served we all hold hands as we pray, something we normally wouldn't do. As we eat, everyone talks about the wedding and about what has been happening in their own lives. Memories of Peeta and I as children are shared and stories of how they were all so sure that someday Peeta and I would get married. We're all laughing and cleaning when I hear a knock at the door, I get up to get it and Peeta trails after me. I open the door completely surprised to see nothing but a package waiting on the porch. I pick up the package and bring it to the table. I almost pass out when I open the package because inside the box is huge wads of cash and a letter addressed to me.

counts out the money and turns to me completely flabbergasted, "Katniss, there is million dollars in here. Who sent this?" I open the letter and read through it, surprised by how short and to the point it is. Then read it to everyone else.

Dearest Katniss,

I'm so terribly sorry I am unable to make it to your wedding. I wish the best for you and Peeta and hope that sometime soon I will be able to congratulate you in person. I have sent you in this box a million dollars. I am sending this because you see I am in a bit of sticky situation and I would rather have my money go to someone who deserves it. Don't try and return the money it is yours now. You will know when you need to spend it. Someday you will see me again, when I do not know but do not look for me. Have a wonderful wedding, happiness and love to you and Peeta.

Sincerely,

Volt

I set the letter and money in the safe we bought and spend the rest of the night with our families, or soon to be one big family. When everyone leaves Peeta and I retreat to our bedroom, hand in hand. We lay in bed and I turn on my side, "Peeta?"

Peeta looks back at me, "Yes love?"

I smile and scoot myself closer to him, resting my head on his chest, "I love you."

He whispers an I love you too into my ear. I fall asleep quickly thinking about my future because in two days I will fall asleep in the arms of my husband as Katniss Mellark.

Two days later…

"You ready for this Sweetheart?" Haymitch asks as I link my arm through his. I nod and he kisses my forehead before we start to walk slowly down the aisle. I see Peeta at the end of the aisle dressed in a perfectly tailored suit with the biggest smile I have ever seen. I start to rush down the aisle and Haymitch lets out a laugh as he pulls me back to slow me down slightly. So we walk down the aisle and when we get there I happily stand beside Peeta as we turn to the Pastor.

The Pastor starts, "Friends, we have been invited here today to share with Peeta Mellark and Katniss Everdeen a most important moment in their lives. In the time they have been together their love and understanding of each other has grown and matured. Now they have decided to live their lives together as husband and wife."

Everyone sits down in their seats, some wiping tears and others smiling happily.

The pastor smiles, "We have been invited to hear Peeta Mellark and Katniss Everdeen as they promise to face the future together, accepting whatever may lie ahead. For the world that God has created for them, with its beauty and grace that is all around, with the strength that it offers and the peace that it brings makes them truly grateful. Peeta and Katniss, nothing is easier than saying words and nothing harder than living them day after day. What you promise today must be renewed and redecided tomorrow. At the end of this ceremony legally you will be man and wife, but you still must decide each day that stretches out before you, that you want to be married. Real love is something beyond the warmth and glow, the excitement and romance of being deeply in love. It is caring as much about the welfare and happiness of your marriage partner as about your own. But real love is not total absorption in each other; it is looking outward in the same direction together. Love makes burdens lighter, because you divide them. It make joys more intense because you share them. It makes you stronger so you can reach out and become involved with life in ways you dared not risk alone."

Haymitch stands, and the pastor asks him if he gives my hand to Peeta. Haymitch agrees and sits back down wiping tears of happiness from his eyes.

"Peeta Mellark, will you take Katniss Everdeen to be your wife? Will you love and respect her? Will you be honest with her always? Will you stand by her through whatever may come? Will you make whatever adjustments are necessary so that you can genuinely share your life with her?"

"I will."

"Katniss Everdeen, will you take Peeta Mellark to be your husband? Will you be honest with him always? Will you stand by him through whatever may come? Will you make whatever adjustments are necessary so that you can genuinely share your life with him?"

"I will."

"Peeta, what token do you give of the vows you have made?"

Peeta repeats after the pastor, "A ring. With this ring I thee wed."

"Katniss, what token do you give of the vows you have made?"

I repeat the same line Peeta just did, "A ring. With this ring I thee wed."

"Peeta Mellark and Katniss Everdeen, we have heard you promise to share your lives in marriage. We recognize and respect the covenant you have made. It is not a minister standing before you that makes your marriage real, but the honest and sincerity of what you have said and done here before your friends and relatives in the sight of God. Forasmuch as Peeta and Katniss have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, by the authority committed unto me as a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I declare that Peeta and Katniss are now husband and wife, according to the ordinance of God and the law of the State of California: in the name of the Father, and the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Whom therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. Peeta, you may now kiss your bride."

Peeta lifts the veil from my face and we both lean forward, our lips meeting in a short but passionate kiss.

The pastor clears his throat and turns to the two of us, "Now the ceremony is over and the experience of living day by day as married people is about to begin. Go forth to meet it, gladly, love life so it will love you. May blessings of God be with you." The pastor smiles at us before turning to the crowd, "I now present to you all, Mr. and Mrs. Peeta Mellark."

Later at the reception…

I stand at the front of the reception venue looking out into the crowd with a smile as they wait for Peeta and I to cut the cake. As we cut it together cheers are heard but the cheers really erupt when Peeta and I shove cake in each others' faces. After we wipe off our faces we eat our cake with everyone around us. When everyone is finished Peeta and I finally get ready for our first dance. As we step out onto the dance floor, the crowd goes quiet except for a few sniffles here and there. As the music starts, I lean my head on Peeta's shoulder.

Heart beats fast, Colors and promises, How to be brave? How can I love when I'm afraid to fall

But watching you stand alone? All of my doubt suddenly goes away somehow. One step closer…

"I love you so much Peeta."

I have died everyday waiting for you, Darling don't be afraid I have loved you for a thousand years; I'll love you for a thousand more. Time stands still, Beauty in all she is, I will be brave, I will not let anything take away what's standing in front of me. Every breath, every hour has come to this. One step closer...

"Not as much as I love you Katniss."

I have died everyday waiting for you, Darling don't be afraid I have loved you, for a thousand years; I'll love you for a thousand more. And all along I believed I would find you, Time has brought your heart to me, I have loved you for a thousand years and I'll love you for a thousand more. One step closer, one step closer...

"Well Mr. Mellark, I'll love you forever."

I have died everyday waiting for you, Darling don't be afraid I have loved you, For a thousand years, I'll love you for a thousand more. And all along I believed I would find you, Time has brought your heart to me, I have loved you for a thousand years and I'll love you for a thousand more...

"I hate to break it to you Mrs. Katniss Mellark but I've loved you for a thousand years and I'll love you for a thousand more."

We kiss quickly before an upbeat song starts and we dance around with different people. Eventually I sit down to rest my feet. Little Rose climbs into my lap resting her head on my chest. "Hi Auntie Katnith." She says with a lisp, being four she has a missing tooth and the result is the most adorable lisp I have ever heard.

"Hi sweetie, you tired?" I ask as I smooth down her hair.

"I've been danthing thince we got to thi party and now I'm all pooped out." She says with an exasperated sigh. I chuckle at my niece's choice of words and we talk all about the wedding reception and the cake she apparently loved. Rose turns to me with a serious look, "Auntie, are you and Uncy Peeta gunna have a baby?"

I choke on my drink and try to regain my senses, "Maybe someday sweetie but not anytime soon, okay? But if we do you will be the first to know."

She smiles and hops off my lap giving me a hug, "Otay. I gunna go find mommy and daddy. Wove you." I tell her I love her too as I kiss her forehead and watch as she dances off into the crowd looking for Gale or Johanna. It seems like only seconds later when Peeta sits down next to me. We laugh when Cato pulls a table to the middle of the dance floor and proceeds to stand on it. Clove is yelling at him to get down before she divorces him but he stays on the table. That's when the music starts; the background music to the once popular Korean song, Gangnam style fills the venue. Cato starts to dance, and I think Clove is about to die of embarrassment. Soon more people join in on the dance. Gale joins Cato on the table and they yell for Peeta to join them. I look at Peeta who just shrugs and walks towards them joining in on the dance. When the song ends Jo and Clove pull their husbands off the table and demand the table be carried back. They look defeated but they do it anyways. Peeta comes back and stands beside me, leaning in to kiss my cheek.

A good majority of the reception passes by in a flurry of congratulations and hugs. When it comes time for me to throw my bouquet all the unmarried women stand behind me. I launch the bouquet into the air and then turn to see who catches it. A very surprised Annie Cresta stands there with my bouquet in her hands. I'm still surprised her and Finnick haven't gotten married but whatever she caught it looks like Finnick will have to go ring shopping now. Peeta claims its time for him to remove the garter from where it has sat on my upper thigh all night and throw it out to the unwed guys. I sit on a chair and Peeta carefully uses his teeth to remove the garter and then throws it out to the guys with a flip of his head. To reinforce my idea of Finn going ring shopping the garter lands right in his hands. Annie slaps him on the back and gives him a sneaky smile.

Things start to clear out after that until its mainly family there and a few friends. The DJ plays a few more upbeat songs before he announces it is time for the last dance of the night. Everyone couples off and surrounds Peeta and I on the dance floor. Peeta pulls me close and wraps his arms around my waist.

Every time our eyes meet, this feeling inside me is almost more than I can take. Baby when you touch me, I can feel how much you love me, and it just blows me away. I've never been this close to anyone or anything, I can hear your thoughts, I can see your dreams…

I don't know how you do what you do, I'm so in love with you; It just keeps getting better. I wanna spend the rest of my life with you by my side, forever and ever. Every little thing that you do, baby I'm amazed by you…

Peeta whispers in my ear, "I know I've said this a million times but I'll be saying it until the end of time so I guess you better get used to it… I love you Katniss Mellark."

The smell of your skin, the taste of your kiss, the way you whisper in the dark. Your hair all around me, baby you surround me; you touch every place in my heart. Oh it feels like the first time every time, I wanna spend the whole night in your eyes…

I don't know how you do what you do, I'm so in love with you; It just keeps getting better. I wanna spend the rest of my life with you by my side, forever and ever. Every little thing that you do, baby I'm amazed by you…

I bring my lips to his ear, "Good thing I love you too Peeta Mellark. We have all night to celebrate our love."

I don't know how you do what you do, I'm so in love with you; It just keeps getting better. I wanna spend the rest of my life with you by my side, forever and ever…

Peeta kisses my neck, "We have forever. I will love you always." And his voice drops to a whisper, "Always."

As we lean in and kiss the world disappears and for a moment it's just the two of us standing there, time stands still as our lips move together. The perfect beginning to the rest of our lives.

Every little thing that you do, baby I'm amazed by you…

Chapter Note: To anyone wondering about the whole Volt thing and Katniss kind of blowing off the money. That will play into the story soon enough, you shall see. ALSO JUST A REMINDER: Rose, who is mentioned a few times is Gale/Jo's daughter. Rose calls Katniss auntie since Gale is Katniss' cousin and Brayden is the son of Pat/Kaylee meaning he is Peeta's nephew and now Katniss' as well.

Author's Note: So after leaving you guys chapter-less for a month I am back, hopefully for good. As I have said before I was going through a lot of personal issues. It was one thing after another and things have gotten better. I had actually planned on having this chapter up sooner but then I got sick and I'm going to be honest, I skipped class and came home so I could drag my mother and my best friend from back in HS to go see Breaking Dawn: Part 2. Sometimes I swear I act like a big kid but whatever, it keeps me young and sane. Especially when I feel like I'm so much older than everyone, although I know there are a few people on this site who are older than me. Okay I'm done ranting and going on and in now… for the most part. PM me for details on life, on this story or if any of you need someone to talk to. Just a little side note: the song Amazed by Lonestar was actually the song my parents had play for their first dance and the song that will be played for my first dance as well. I really love the song and have had it on replay the whole time I was typing. And thank you again to the two people who PM me when I was going through a tough time, you guys are the best.

You can follow me on my new twitter dedicated to my FanFic account: THGgoddess4ever or shoot me an email at: thggoddess4ever . Obviously the replaced with the actual symbols, haha.

So let's make my Thanksgiving great by giving me some nice reviews. :) Have a great day everyone, you guys are the best.

Love you all. -THGgoddess4ever.