When morning came; I decided I wanted to just stay in bed until time to get ready for the final interview. I wasn't really that excited but Gale and I had won and after this; he and I would be able to start our life together in the newly rebuilt District 12. I was about to drift back off when I heard my door open and Gale asked "Don't you want breakfast?"

"Not hungry" I replied, rolling over to go back to sleep. "Phoenix; I know how you're probably feeling right about now. Surviving the bloodbath and a deadly snake bite in one games and you're still here. Now; you and I can have the peace and happiness anyone wishes for" Gale replied, sitting on the edge of the bed and making me lay my head on his chest. At that second; all my fears melted away as I listened to his calming heartbeat.

"I know victors say that the time in the arena is something you can't forget but I hope that together, you and I can try to rise above these horrid memories and I will do all I can to love you like you deserve to be loved" he vowed. I smiled a little as he gave me a calming kiss. In that moment, we both drifted back to sleep.

I don't know how long we were both out until I heard my dad call "Lunch time! You two have been holed up in there all morning. Now, come eat." Reluctantly; Gale got up and left me so I could get dressed. I threw on some loose capris and a comfortable tunic like top and a pair of flats. I wouldn't mind letting these clothes be incinerated when I would be worked on in preparation for the interview.

After eating my lunch, I was taken by my prep team and they got to work starting with a good scrub down and touching up my fiery hi-lites. When all was done; Cinna took me to get dressed. The second I saw my dress, I was shocked that I was going to be allowed to show that much of my legs.

"Is it too showy Phoenix" Cinna asked. "No and it's time I learn to embrace how I look. I love my dress. Let's get my dress on" I replied. I slid the dress on and then the shoes. When I was ready; the team did my makeup and before long; it was time for the final interview and crowning ceremony.

I left the dressing room and Gale was waiting for me. He froze in surprise as he looked at me. "Phoenix; you look even more beautiful as if that's possible" he finally told me. "And you're extremely handsome" I told him. We were led to the wings to wait for the big moment. As we were waiting; we could hear the audience chattering away and then the music swelled grandly before we heard Cesar say "Ladies and gentlemen, our victors of the final hunger games: Gale Hawthorne and Phoenix Abernathy of District 12!"

Gale led me out and we took our place on a loveseat designed to look like a throne. "Well; I think we knew you two would be sitting here today. You two were incredible in the arena" Cesar commented. "Well; for one moment, it came close to us not coming back together. I almost lost my angel of fire after a cobra appeared" Gale replied, holding me close. "But I'm here and we have each other. That's all that matters now" I told him. He leaned in and kissed me which earned us a huge awe from the audience before we had to let go to breathe and continue the interview.

"I think we can tell you two are excited about getting married tomorrow" Cesar commented. "It's something that hadn't crossed my mind before but now that we have the opportunity to move forward together; I'm just relieved that I'll be spending my life with someone who has come to mean so much to me" I answered. Just then; Cesar said "I welcome to the stage Plutarch Heavensbee for our final victor's crowning ceremony."

Plutarch walked on stage with a pillow that held two elegantly crafted crowns with designs like fire on the front. He sat the pillow on a table and picked up a crown and said "Ladies first" as he turned to me. With that; I stood up and Plutarch placed the first crown on my head and then Gale received his crown.

Finally Cesar said "That's all for tonight. Tune in tomorrow for the coverage of the hottest wedding Panem will see this year. Also; congratulations to our other District 12 sweethearts, Peeta and Katniss Mallark and the birth of their daughter earlier this week. Now, be here for pre wedding coverage and interviews." With that; we got up when the cameras were turned off. Tomorrow would be a day I would never forget.