Chapter 11: An End, and a Beginning

The wait for this day had seemed to take forever. All of the seniors' college friends had long since finished the school year and were back home, asking to do things and enjoy time together, but the seniors had to tell them that school was still going on. It dragged on and on.

Sure, it was only mid-June when graduation came along, but it felt like they ate up their whole summer sitting in class and doing nothing at all. Some classes watched movies, some played games (and Rue burned Skeeter's ass at Trouble every single day), and some just had nothing planned. It was torture, sitting there and knowing that they could be at home for summer.

The main highlight of the day was definitely glee club, where Mr. Everdeen let the kids sight-read some really fun songs. It was amazing to see how much everyone had grown.

The freshmen had become more relaxed and at-home, and the maturation of them was amazing. Gaylen was talking to a boy from Liberty named Verz, who he'd met at Halloween. Vardaman was much more comfortable in his position, and continued to be his pleasant self, giving smiles to people and adding a youthful energy to the group.

Ashley and Priscilla, the sophomores, were sitting a row closer to the front, instead of hiding in the back. Their hands were laced together and they sang all the cheesy love songs to each other, laughing.

Bonnie and Posy had gotten past their crushes on Kelley, mostly, and were content to be friends with him. They both held his arms, still, and laid on his shoulders. What can they say, Kelley is still adorable and comfortable. He hasn't been singing much, though, as some of the side effects of being on testosterone have started affecting his voice. He was looking more grown-up now, and starting to act like it. Of course he was still sunny and cheerful, but at the same time he wasn't quite as hyper and spontaneous.

Kuzey had matured so much over the course of this year alone! He had found a group of lifelong friends that supported him and will stand by him. Abriella had started detaching herself from her crush on Locke, knowing that they both have new futures ahead of them. He was even going on a date with Pax, that was scheduled for the day after graduation.

Edward was still his quiet and shy self, but he seemed to have this life figured out. He and Artelind were going on dates officially, and he was much happier than he'd ever been in the past. He was miles different from the boy that had come to America so long ago.

Primrose had matured, too. She was no longer the quiet and awkward girl she had been. She had matured and got into nursing school. She was full of love and compassion, she would definitely make a great nurse. She was ready for her future, and no longer was bashful or shy. She knew that she could succeed.

Rory was so much more grown-up now, too. He had grown out of his angsty attitude and was much more relaxed. He took classes that were challenging and did well in them. He was ready for his future and had long-since stopped his fuck-it-all attitude. He put everything into what he did and was ready for his future.

Locke had matured, too. Even though it seemed he could be independent as a freshman, he had a different air about him now. He was more independent, he learned how to deal with failure and get back up and dust himself off. He learned plenty of life lessons. His smile was even brighter than ever, and he had a new light in his green eyes.

Then there was Jason. Skeeter wouldn't have been able to recognize him if he didn't watch Jason maturing. Jason was miles more independent, and he got rid of the resting bitch face and smiled much more often. He was slightly more rational (though not by much). He had made friends, he had Santana now, he was free. Skeeter couldn't help but feel proud of him.

And, of course, the growth that surprised them the most was their own.

Rue was so much more mature. She was ready to go out into the world, separate from her family and be her own person. She was ready to study and never stop singing, never stop performing. She was inspired and she knew that she had an extremely strong support system behind her. She was ready to tackle the challenges beyond, but promised to never forget her roots. High school had definitely gone fast for her, just like a blink of memories, good and bad, tears and laughter, friends and family. She felt ready for it, though.

Skeeter's memories of freshman year were slightly fuzzy around the edges, but the suffering and the rough times were still crystal clear, and with the help of friends, he'd made it. It seemed like a million years ago, the fear and depression that had washed over him. Thinking back on it still brings some of those feelings back, of course, those feelings of loss, but he had gotten past them. He'd made it. He learned how to smile again and how to enjoy his blessings, because he was more blessed than he ever would've imagined. He definitely wouldn't have believed that he could be smiling like this when he was a freshman.

Sure, there were things he would change, if only he could. He's not denying that. He suffered, a lot. But, with how fate had to be, he was nothing but thankful for his new family and especially his friends. He definitely wouldn't have made it if Rue hadn't stayed up with him all those nights. He was here now, though. Sure, sometimes the scars put him off and reminded him of those times, and it was always unsettling when people asked about them, but he knew that he'd overcome it. And he could never express his gratitude to Rue. Even if they don't end up getting married and having adorable children named after food (which didn't sound all that bad to Skeeter, but he knew not to rush things), he could only hope that they would always be friends. He never wants to lose her, and would do anything for her. For now, things were perfect between them.

It was a surprise when the other alumni showed up as visitors to glee club that day. The freshmen and sophomores weren't really as excited, but Rue and Skeeter were the first to greet old friends.

Prim was used to seeing Katniss around, and she only had good news about her boyfriend Peeta, and Rory about his brother Gale, who was working hard in college. Edward had new of his close friend Marvel, who said that Cato and Clove were engaged and currently making wedding plans. As for him and Poppy, they had broken up and saw other people, but were still really close friends that talked often. Poppy was thriving in art school, and working hard to pay off her loans. She still had that teddy bear Marvel got her all that time ago, though.

When Rue saw the blonde girl standing with her twin brother, she ran over and gave Nathalia a huge hug. She'd not seen the girl in a while, but they'd been in contact.

"Can you believe you're going to graduate!?" Nathalia gushes. "I feel so old!"

"I'm ready for it," Rue smiles as the junior in college ruffles her hair.

"How is it? Being a performance major?"

"It's everything I wanted. I'm working really hard to succeed."

"Wouldn't expect anything less," Rue smiles.

Skeeter shakes Theo's hand but is soon pulled into a tight hug.

"I wouldn't have recognized you," Theo says, "You look so…"

"Healthy? Happy?"

"Rejuvenated. And you've matured a lot. I'm glad for you."

"Thanks," Skeeter says, smiling. "I'm ready to graduate."

Theo just laughs and ruffles his hair. "I know how that is. You're going to be successful no matter what you do."

"Thanks," smiles Skeeter.

They sit and catch up, talking about college and relationships and friends and laughter. Nathalia's boyfriend Mason is studying science and has an internship he's currently at, preventing him from being there in the moment. Theo is very close to his girlfriend Athena, who's a year younger. They broke up, but got back together because they didn't like being apart.

Luckily, none of the seniors report of hearing anything about Glimmer, who successfully tore people apart through their time in high school.

Nate McIalwain comes arm-in-arm with his girlfriend Daphne, along with Nate's best friend Elijah Crowly and his boyfriend Linus. Santana is with them, rolling her eyes when they all say stupid things.

"Hey there kids!" Nate greets cheerily, with a loud laugh. "I feel so old coming back here."

"Me too," Daphne says, detaching herself from Nate to hug Locke and Jason and ruffle their hair. As soon as he can Jason excuses himself to tell Santana hi and take her hand, which causes a whirlwind of teasing from the others. Elijah is tackle-hugged, almost knocking Linus over with him, who laughs. Everyone chatters at once, but is nothing but attentive when Elijah talks about his time in college as an English major, and Linus majoring in photography. Nate is going into robotics. They all have stories, and smile widely, surviving amongst the bumps in the road. Linus gives news about his best friend Arrow, who was also involved in glee club, and his relationship with Cor, a boy that went to Capitol Academy.

Marvel did decide to visit, to see Edward and Kelley. He was impressed by how much Kelley had matured, remembering when he was still trying to find his place and stealing Edward's clothes. Now his voice was deeper and he was starting to grow into himself some more. He was nothing but happy to see Marvel there, who immediately got to teasing Edward about Artelind, laughing.

Tanner Cooper also comes to visit, dragging Ben Hoffsteader along with him. Ben doesn't exactly seem excited about this, but anything to make Tanner happy. Ben kind of had some bad blood with some people. When they went in, Ben hesitating, Tanner was met with a tackle-hug, even the sophomores joining in.

"Hey Ben!" Daphne says, waving to her ex.

"Uh, hey," he says, putting up a hand awkwardly.

Tanner looks much healthier and happier than the last time the others had seen him. He was living with Ben's family after being kicked out by his own when he came out. He looked at Ben with such affection in his eyes that the awkward tension didn't last for long. Santana just keeps Jason far away from him, and everything is just peachy.

Finally, Crawley Archer decided to stop by. Everyone quickly sat him down and demanded to know about how Aerobyna was, and about his romantic situation. The sunny boy just smiled and said that he was still single and hasn't heard much from Byna after all that happened between them, but he and Holden were still in close contact. He gave hugs all around, and ruffled hair.

It was really amazing, to have them all in one place. Rue was bouncing back and forth, talking to alumni and exchanging stories about the craziness that had happened while they were away. Skeeter felt very at home, talking and laughing. He even got Ben to smile, though things are still tense between them.

Their student teacher Platinum even showed up, his two-year-old son Dutch on his shoulders. He was a student teacher when Rue and Skeeter were sophomores, and greeted them warmly. He and his now husband Mario, who had student taught at Capitol Academy, were both graduated and had been job searching. Dutch waved his little arms and giggled. He gave news that their student teacher from last year, Drake, was officially dating the much sunnier teacher from Capitol Academy, Champagne. "It was really about time," laughs Mr. K, giving them all a bright smile.

Mr. Everdeen smiled as he guided his alumni and current students in their favorite songs, allowing Nathalia to show off what she learned in performance school and laughing as Tanner waltzed Ben around to some love song that was in three. Tanner gushed over the sophomores, giving lots of hugs, even to the freshmen, who just "looked like they needed one."

Forty-five minutes just didn't seem like enough time, really, so the alums decided to go out for ice cream, the seniors and juniors accompanying them. It was a time of gossip, fellowship, and laughter. After everything they'd been through, Rue and Skeeter were just happy to be there, with friends and family, enjoying their time together as a group. Also, ice cream was just an added bonus.

~.~.

The next day was the day. Rue and Skeeter met up, caps and gowns on, ready to graduate.

"Well, here we are," Rue says, "The end of an era."

"Sure, maybe it's the end of this era. But it's also a new beginning for us. We have many great things to do before it's truly the end, right?" Skeeter gave her a big smile.

When Rue was a freshman, she never would've imagined him saying those words. In fact, he had almost just ended it there. She threw her arms around her best friend, and he hugged her back, surprised.

"I'm so glad we made it here together. Never leave me. Ever."

"Wouldn't dream of it." Skeeter kisses her forehead. "I have to go now, because I don't have distinction like you, Smarty."

"Hey, graduating with honors is still an achievement!" She had never imagined not graduating next to her best friend, but he didn't seem too bothered. His grades had dropped freshman year, and he'd worked hard to bring his GPA back up.

He laughs. "I know. I'm really proud of you though."

Rue grins at him. "Thanks. I'll see you after!"

"See ya." Skeeter walks to the meeting place for honors students, and Rue goes to talk to some people. She hears a familiar laugh and goes to talk to Locke, who is talking to Prim.

"Hey!" Locke smiles and waves when he sees her.

"Congrats," he says.

"Thanks," Rue giggles. "Congrats to you too!"

Suddenly Locke is plowed into by a very frantic-looking Jason. "Hey, so I was with the honors kids and it turns out that my name isn't on their list so they sent me to the office. What if-"

"Jason. Snap out of it. I'm sure it's fine."

Jason takes a breath. "Right. Okay." He nods a bit and walks into the office, looking nervous.

"Some things will never change," says Locke lightly, and Rue laughs, adjusting the honors cords around her shoulders and the distinction medal.

"I'm just ready to be done with it," Locke says.

"It still hasn't sunken in with me," says Prim. "I keep thinking I'll have to wake up for school tomorrow."

"I can't believe we're graduating already. Call me cheesy, but it feels like just yesterday we were stepping foot in high school for the first time."

"Yeah, I get you."

Jason comes back out just then, a medal around his neck and beaming with pride. "Hey guys! Turns out my GPA got bumped up last-minute and I hit 4.3!"

"Really!? That's amazing!" gushes Rue, and Locke hugs his friend.

"I'm so proud of you!"

Jason laughs, giving them all a smile that could almost rival Locke's. "Thanks."

Soon, the group lines up and goes out to the stadium for graduation.

Rue thought she would be more emotional about this, more sentimental of her time in high school. She expected to cry at it all, leaving her home behind, becoming more independent.

But, the reality of it all, is that Rue felt ready. She was ready to go out into the world and see what there was to see. She was ready to go out into the world beyond, never forgetting where she came from. She may be leaving, but she was never going to forget where she came from. This is her home, where she originated from. She isn't going to let go of her family or her friends. She is ready to grow and mature, and mature into the woman she was meant to be. She knows that with her friends by her side, anything is possible.

She holds her head high as they switch the tassels, signaling that they've graduated.

They've made it this far, and there's no looking back now.

A new road lies ahead, and Rue is ready to take the first step into her future.

~.~.

A/N: That's it, it's over. Thank you so much to reading and sticking with me, the whole two people that did. I have to say that this is really bittersweet, truly the end of an era.

I give one last thank you and giant bear hug to Wetstar/Jess and Legend for letting me use your characters. This story wouldn't have been the same without them, and I thank you for helping me grow as a writer. You two are my best friends and though I'm not sure what I did to deserve you, I thank you so much for your advice, support, and love. I couldn't be more thankful for you guys. We made it!

Thanks again for reading and for the support and for the memories. Can't wait to see what the future holds for all of us!