Once we've taken the initial photos, I go inside, not wanting to waste any more time.
"Let's get this show on the road!"
Katniss' uncle Haymitch is the one who walks me down the aisle. He's had a rough time. His first real love died, then he had to watch his friend-girl Maysilee (Madge's aunt, this is a really small town) get murdered, and all he could do was hold her hand while she passed, because what else can you do, really? After that, most of his life was spent at the bottom of a bottle. Nevermind he was more loaded than a 100 new credit cards. He eventually married Ms. Trinket, (My group's old English teacher) and she's currently pregnant with fraternal twins, already named, Cinna and Portia. He has annoying nicknames for everyone, which to him, are really affectionate pet names.
The crowd stands up as I do my cake walk down the aisle. I've waited for this day for so long, I'm sure there's nothing that can go wrong. I feel all eyes (and cameras) on me. Cato finally gets a proper glimpse of me, and I swear his heart stops. I've seen that look so many times, like when his team wins a game, or when he found out my parents had died. Today, it's the happy one, and I've never seen his crooked smile so wide.
"Nice job, Clover" He whispers as he lifts my veil and kisses me on the cheek before handing me over to a very scared Cato. Because right now, Haymitch Abernathy is giving him a glowering death stare. "I'm warning you now boy, from here on in, she's yours. But don't think for one second we can't take her back if you ain't treatin' her right." Cato just nods quickly, wide eyed, and we climb the steps of the altar.
"Welcome, brothers and sisters..." Begins our minister, Father Caesar Flickerman. He's been at our parish for as long as I can remember, so it was only fitting for him to be present now.
"Hey," Cato whispers "I come bearing Crunchie's." He says, as he reaches into his pocket and flashes me the chocolate bar, taking me back to how we met so may years ago. He grins and I giggle, which Fr. Flickerman doesn't notice.
Holy shit, she looks beautiful. Her pink lips, just begging for me to kiss them, her pearl earrings, and her dress suits her figure perfectly. Her hair is tucked into a bun, making her look so old-world Hollywood that even Cashmere would be jealous. Wow.
Go, Cato! Yeah, man, you scored big time! Shut up, brain.
I know Clove must be absorbing every word, but the rest of the ceremony is a blur to me. I remember hearing something about 'ashes to ashes' (or is that funerals?) 'sickness and health' (well that's no problem, I make a killer chicken soup...pun not intended... )'till death do you part?' I look at Clove and know she's thinking about her look in here eyes says she's been distracted for now.
I'm pretty sure I say something along the lines of 'I promise to love and honour', because it's all too much, I can't wait for Clove to be my wife, I can't wait I can't wait I can't wait.
"I do," I say quickly but surely.
"And do you, Clove.." Blah blah blah-
"I do," She says, and I honestly think either mine or her face will crack. Maybe both.
"You may now kiss the bride!" Fr. Flickerman smiles at us, mostly Clove, because he's known her for like, ever, and he must be so proud. I take her hands and we pull into eachother, sharing our first kiss as husband and wife. And that's one of the best kisses we've ever had. Encouraged by all the applause and cheering, I place one hand on her waist, one at the back of her head and dip her, kissing her again. She's taken by surprise but she's kissing me back.
"WHOOOO! YOU DA MAN, CATO, YOU DA MAN!"
Even though we know who it is , we break the kiss in time to see Marvel fist-pumping the air. I know Fr. Flickerman doesn't mind all the kissing, which is good. Clove cups my face in her hands and plants her luscious lips on mine again, and I carry her up by the waist, spinning her around.
I carry her, bridal-style (pun not intended) out of the church and under the clear blue skies.
The day is still young.