The layers of cobalt blue material shimmered with the inlaid silver sparkles. Twirling slowly, Wiress watched amazed as the fabric fell in layers to create a full-length skirt. Her pale skin stood in contrast with the shoulders that came to a V neck in front and back. Silver pins held her hair in an intricate up-do. "Beetee." A smile played on her lips imagining Beetee in his perfectly tailored tux and black tie. She hadn't seen him since get morning, but his absence heightened her anticipation to see him at the ceremony.
Staring into the mirror, she was reminded of an eleven-year old girl in a purple dress twirling as her older sister prepped her for the Engineering Academy Dance. As Wiress danced with Terrin, her twelve-year old best friend in the school gym during her fifth-grade spring dance, she had hoped one day she would face the man she loved and say the words "I Do." At eleven years old, Wiress imagined marrying Terrin or Beetee.
"Well, one of those came true." She whispered to her reflection. Yet a tear trickled down her face. Yes, she was living her childhood dream of marrying the young inventor she admired, however, in between her eleven year old fantasy and the present moment, were excruciating moments of loss and pain. Beetee was her rock and her comfort, her love through it all.
"Wiress! Oh, Wiress, my darling, are you crying?" Olivia gasped as she burst into the room. Sniffling, Wiress was aware of the tears coursing down her cheeks. "
"Oh, don't cry, darling, don't fret about your dress or anything!" Olivia sang as she burst into the room. "Why - why you look sad!"
"Yes." Wiress whispered.
"What's wrong? Is your hair not suitable? Your nails?" Olivia asked frantically seeing her Victor's tearstained cheeks and the beginnings of red rims around her large eyes.
"I - my looks are fine - I just - Beetee has been there when I - during my saddest moments." Wiress explained. "I - I'm happy - but - remembering -"
"Sit, my darling, sit." Olivia chirped. Taking deep breaths, Wiress sat on the stool and allowed Olivia to re-powder her face. Memories of Beetee's smile filled her heart causing her to smile. "There, now, no need to be nervous."
"No. My Beetee will be there." Wiress agreed allowing Olivia to take her hand and lead her from the District Three suite to the lobby of the Training Center.
Music swelled as Olivia opened the double doors into the large room. Chandeliers sparkled with various colored lights and dozens of Capitolites rose to their feet eager to see the bride.
"Here you are, dear." Wiress took a small contraption consisting of a light bulb attached to a battery. The whole thing was wrapped in electric tape with a gold fabric covering save for the bulb. Wiress held the bulb in front of her as a symbol of her love lighting Beetee's life. She smiled knowing her parents and Beetee's parents had used this common symbol of love in District Three.
Beetee gazed at his bride-to-be, her face illuminated by her light bulb, the radiant excitement out-shining the small electronic device. Looking under his glasses, he smiled as he held a small wire in his hands, shaped into a model of a gear. He would offer it as his token to her. "Oh, Wiress, you're beautiful!" He breathed as she approached the steps to the stage built for them.
"Beetee -" Wiress gasped as he reached for his hand. Not caring that her makeup might smear, she allowed tears of joy to course down her cheeks.
"It's real." Beetee whispered kissing the tears from her cheeks. "Today is our day." The crowd sighed lovingly as they could hear every word said onstage.
"Greetings Capitol guests, and greetings, citizens of Panem!" Caesar Flickrrman announced. "Welcome to the wedding of Beetee Tesla and Wiress Carpenter! This ceremony will be conducted by Federal Patent Judge Watanabe!" The audience applauded as a judge came forward. His black robe was made of fine silk. He carried a large Panem Federal Code statute book and opened it.
"By the powers granted to me within the Panem Federal Code, I, Judge Makolius Watanabe, will act in official capacity to make this marriage legally binding." He smiled at the couple before them. "This couple before us has served Panem with their inventions brought to the Federal Patent Office and have chosen to begin their union in the nation's Capitol. Miss Wiress Carpenter, your love has been a light to Betee, and his love has given you victory in your Games." Beetee caressed Wiress' hand as it trembled in his. "Beetee, your love has been close to Wiress' heart." Slowly, Beetee pulled the wire gear out of his pocket. It was on a bright electric yellow ribbon.
Wiress gasped. Her large eyes focused on the ribbon in Beetee's hand. "Wendy -" she whispered remembering finding the ribbon in her box after Beetee's first parcel day.
"That's right. It's the electromagnetic current' ribbon Wendy said you loved." Beetee said lovingly as he tied the ribbon around Wiress's neck like a necklace. "And you recognize that gear."
"Your district token." Wiress whispered as she fingered it gently.
"Yes." Beetee breathed before taking her fingers from the pendant and kissing them one by one. "You were with me. Always."
"Wiress Carpenter, you love Beetee very much." The judge said smiling at the young couple. "Do you take this man to be your lawful wedded husband?"
"I do." Wiress announced clearly and strongly.
"Beetee Tesla, this young lady has lit up your life for a very long time. Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do. With every fiber of my being, I do."
"Then it is my honor to pronounce you husband and wife, Mr. Beetee Tesla, you may kiss your bride, young man."
Wiress was oblivious to the roar of the crowd as her lips were pressed against Beetee's. Laying her lightbulb on a table behind them, she wrapped her arms around Beetee, savoring his kisses and the way he held her close. "Beetee!" She yelped giggling as he swept her off her feet and twirled her around for the crowd.
"Couldn't resist, my love, my sweet Wiress!" Beetee laughed before kissing Wiress one more time for good measure. Caesar Flickerman, Olivia, and the judge laughed.
"I present, for the first time in public, Mr. and Mrs. Beetee and Wiress Tesla!" Taking her light bulb in one hand and her husband's warm hand in the other, Wiress smiled at the crowd as they cheered.
"Now let's give these brilliant newlyweds the reception of the year! We're headed to the Presidential Mansion" Caesar Flickerman cheered as numerous cameras flashed to capture the young couple exiting the Training Center.