Chap2

We arrive at the Justice Building momentarily. To my surprise, it's been completely transformed. It looks amazing, definitely wedding ready. I shake in my outfit. Haymitch put his hand in mind and says "Sweetheart, I don't understand why it's getting to you. But you and peeta get this moment today and everything will be fine. I would know, since I'm great at screwing things up."

I glance at him. He is obviously sober, and I'd bet he hasn't had a drink in at least two weeks. Especially when he told me that he'd don't it for me.

"Done what?" he sighed.

"Quit drinking. I couldn't take the chance of ruining this for you. Peeta told me how I've made you feel. Kid, I'm sorry. I thought you knew I was teasing, and I never really realized that you thought I hadn't liked you at all. The truth is kid; you're the closest thing I've got to a kid. I don't have any, and you're just like me. And I figured that teasing you would help you see that I love you like a daughter. I just hope you know that."

"Oh, Haymitch, of course I do. And I shouldn't have taken the things you intended to be jokes as insults. I'm sorry. But now you can show me how much you love me by being there."

He smiles. "Anytime Sweetheart. Anytime. All you gotta do is call me."

He walks me to the hall where I wait. The music starts. My maid of honor is Effie; my bridesmaids are my prep team. Well, two out of three. Flavious is my 'brides' man'. I mean, he is gay, so I figured he adhered to the rules of being a bridesmaid. So I call him my brides' man. There's a spot next to Effie for Prim, courtesy of Cinna. I miss her so much. If she had only been here a while longer. But she was killed exactly 5 months and 11 days ago. So was my mother. But she probably wouldn't have been very approving of my marriage, so I'm not as worried as I am for Prim. She would've loved this.

My cue. I hear it. Haymitch and I make our way down the aisle. As I see his face, I have the urge to run to him. Nut I can't, because this is a wedding and Effie would've been horrified. So I contain myself. Haymitch places my hand in Peeta's and I cry.

We say our vows and then I hear what I've been waiting for all day. "You may kiss the bride."

It's like peeta know what I'm thinking, because he says "I thought he'd never say that." And he kisses me while our audience cries out to us.

"Congrats, kids." says Haymitch.

"Oh katniss, you were amazing!" coos Effie.

"My girl was certainly on fire tonight, wasn't she?" says a bright eyed Cinna.

"Yes she was." I reply with an enormous grin.

"I love you Katniss." says a glowing Hazelle Hawthorne. "I'm so happy for you both."

I smile. "Thanks Hazelle, for everything."

The reception then proceeds on. I keep Peeta's hand the whole time and everything is perfect. The cameras flash as we feed each other cake. I don't believe my eyes when Peeta swallows the entire piece I shoved at him. I take a few bites so that I don't choke on frosting.

Then comes along our first dance. Cameras roll on and we tune everyone else out.

We kiss, and he says "You know, I like being able to call you Katniss Mellark. It has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?" his lips trail down my neck.

"Yes." I giggle. "It's wonderful. I love you, Peeta Mellark. Now and forever." Then hesitantly, I add, "Will you promise me something?"

"Anything, love." I stare into his eyes. "Don't ever let me go."

He smiles. "Never ever." He picks me off my feet and spins me, and I find myself giggling and grinning so hugely that everyone else just has to smile.

We get into our limo and wave goodbye to our friends and family. We only drive for five minutes though, because the driver screeches to a halt and starts yelling at someone. I think its some paparazzi, so I snuggle into peeta and kiss him passionately. Until the driver cant contain this person anymore.

And then I hear Gale yell "Damn it, how can you do this Catnip?" I'm shocked that he knows I'm in this limo, and the n I realize that were in the only limo in district twelve that is running. Gale runs over to my side of the car and opens the door. He's obviously been crying, and still is, I think. "Why did you choose him, Katniss? No one would've forced you to marry him, except maybe him. I've loved you since I met you. You have another choice. Me. I can be better than him. Please Catnip, come home to me."

"Gale," I start, "I love him."

He doesn't get it though. "But you love me too!"

I sigh. "Gale, not like you're implying. I love you like my big brother. I had honestly thought you'd realized that. And besides the fact that I want to be with Peeta, we're already married. So there's nothing you can say that would change my mind."

He goes to grab me, but I get behind Peeta. "Gale," I whisper, "Please. Stop. If you love me then stop. I love my husband. I don't want anyone but him. And you are intruding on my happiness. You said you love me? Don't you want me to be happy?" He nods. "Then make me happy and let me go."

He slumps his shoulders in defeat. "I guess you're right. I'm so sorry Katniss. You too, Peeta. And I didn't mean to scare you Catnip. But I was mad… it's no excuse. But I needed you know I love you."

He strides off, and it's painful to watch. Except before he leaves he stops. "Catnip, I hate to say it, but I can't – no I won't ever see you again. If you don't want me then we can't be friends. I couldn't take that close proximity to what I want knowing that I can't have it." He stares and I return the gesture. "And as for you, Mellark… well, guy Mellark," he says with a grimace. "I will undeniably hate you for the rest of eternity. You can't look at her and tell her she doesn't love me. And when you screw it all up, I'll be there. Waiting for her to be open. And then I'll do what you did to me. Take away the only thing you truly love."

He flips him off, then looks at me and says, "Miss you, Catnip."

I just stare at him like he's insane.

And just like that, he's gone.

That is the last time I expect to ever see Gale Hawthorne again.

Except now, I don't mind so badly.