This had to be the most perfect day of Finnick's life. He had never pictured his wedding as a grand event with hundreds of guests, but he could not imagine being any happier.

"Everything is so beautiful," Annie murmured as they waltzed in front of the crowd.

Finnick had to agree. Heavensbee had truly outdone himself with the wedding plan. The dull, drab surfaces that made up District Thirteen had been brightened by adding colorful paper lanterns and fresh flowers. Now, the austere subterranean chamber looked almost cheery. He looked down to see a pair of sparkling green eyes gazing up at him. "Especially the bride, right?"

Annie blushed. He knew that she usually would have gently pushed him away, but they were in front of four hundred guests, so she was on her best behavior. "You're a flirt, Odair. I'll have to keep an eye on you." She leaned up on her tiptoes to kiss him, taking any sting out of her words.

"Why would I want to wander when I've got the woman of my dreams right here with me?" Finnick smiled as he led her through a spin. "Really, though, you're gorgeous today – even more so than usual."

"Thank you. You're looking very handsome." Annie glanced around the room. "Everyone looks so happy."

Finnick followed her gaze. As usual, Annie was right. Both District Thirteen's residents and the refugees from the other districts were mingling with food and drinks in hand. People talked and laughed with each other, and only a few watched the bride and groom as they danced. This was the first time that Finnick had seen District Thirteen look truly alive.

"I'm so glad that this day came. I thought for years that it never would." Annie rested her cheek against his chest as they swayed in time with the music.

"Me too." He kissed the top of her head. The song, one he'd often heard whistled on the fishing boats in Four, began to come to an end. "Care for another dance?"

Annie squeaked as he stepped on her foot. "I think we'd better not. I'm not certain my toes would survive another round."

"I'm sorry. Do you need to go sit down?"

"No, it's not bad. Let's go talk with everybody. I don't want our guests to feel neglected." Annie didn't wait for a reply before she led him over to the first group of people.

Finnick smiled. Now that they were married, he would never have to let go of her hand again. Yes, it would be nice if Annie wouldn't take advantage of that and drag him wherever she wanted to go, but he was more than willing to follow just to be close to her.

Together, they circulated through the crowd, thanking each guest for coming to share their special day with them. Only after several kisses, dozens of hugs, and more good wishes than Finnick could count did they finally say their goodbyes.

As soon as they reached the hallway, Finnick swept Annie off her feet and into his arms. "Alone at last," he breathed before pressing a firm, passionate kiss to her lips. Annie sighed into the kiss and wrapped her arms around his neck. When she started undoing the buttons of the crisp white shirt he was wearing, Finnick stilled her hands. "We should probably get back to our room now. Otherwise, I think we might just end up doing this in the hallway."

"Who cares about public decency anyway?" Annie peppered his neck and chest with kisses, and Finnick wanted nothing more than to give in to her and finish this in the hallway. He moaned, and she giggled. "Ready to give up so soon, Odair?"

"Almost. I don't usually give a damn about decency, but I must admit that I don't really want Coin walking in on us."

Annie paled and pretended to heave at his comment. "And that's probably the best argument I've heard for a very quick walk back to our room. Onward!" She patted Finnick's back as though urging on a horse.

He laughed and carried her back to their cubby-like room, stopping for a quick kiss every once in a while. Looking down at his beautiful wife in her green wedding dress, Finnick had never felt more content. He was grinning like a fool as he opened the door to their shared room. If every day had even a portion of the happiness, laughter, and love that he'd experienced today, marriage would suit him well indeed.

This was what happily ever after was supposed to feel like.

"Hush, love, don't cry," Annie scooped Ronan out of his crib and tried to rock him back to sleep. The baby fussed at first, but eventually his cries faded and he drifted back to sleep. She gently set him back down in his cradle, hoping that this time, he would stay asleep for more than five minutes.

She admired her sleeping son for a few minutes. Especially when he slept, Ronan reminded her so much of Finnick. He had the same bronze hair as her husband, though Ronan's still consisted of just a few curls. Annie could already spot Finnick's strong jawline beneath her baby's chubby cheeks. Even the way Ronan slept, on his back with his right arm tucked under his head, reminded her of Finnick. Sometimes, having such a tangible reminder of her husband worsened the pain of Finnick's loss, made it feel as though she had just found out again that he would not be returning from the Capitol.

Tonight, it seemed, was one of those times. As the sun set, deep red light streamed in through the open windows. The light leaked into Ronan's crib, and her baby was covered in blood.

You're mad, Annie Cresta, the woman whispered. She covered her ears, but the woman refused to leave. You're nothing, Annie Cresta. You're mad. There's no one left to care about you.

Annie wanted to scream, to run, to snatch Ronan up and hide him somewhere that the woman would never find him and whisper her terrible thoughts in his ears. She could not allow anything to happen to Ronan, but there was so much blood already that he must be dead.

Another voice, this one deep and male, spoke next. No, Annie, you aren't mad. You're a wonderful mother, and you've protected Ronan well.

"Finnick?" Her voice was shaky, even to her own ears.

Look into the cradle, Annie. Watch his chest.

She followed her husband's instructions. Sure enough, she could see the steady rise and fall of Ronan's chest as he breathed. He wasn't dead. She hadn't failed him. Annie waited for a cruel reply from the woman, but none came. Instead, she contented herself with watching Ronan sleep. "He's beautiful, Finn."

This time, she hoped the voices would reply, but again, no words disturbed the silence in her bedroom. Annie placed a kiss on Ronan's soft cheek before readying herself for bed. She slipped under the covers and hoped for a restful sleep devoid of nightmares. Annie let the rhythm of Ronan's breathing lull her to sleep.

Just before she gave up her last bit of consciousness, a voice whispered to her, sleep well, Annie. I love you.

No terrible dreams woke her that night. She always had a piece of Finnick to protect her from her demons.

A/N: This concludes Metamorphosis. Thank you so much for sticking with this story! It's been a lot of fun to write, and I'm sad that it's ending. It's lovely to see how many people have enjoyed Finnick and Annie's journey. Special thanks to bsmj, The Honey Crisp, Nola, and anyone else who has reviewed, favorite, or followed this fic. As always, any feedback is much appreciated. Thank you again,

~finnicko-loves-anniec