Author's note: The last chapter! Cannot wait to hear what you have to say about it!

Many thanks to LavenderVanilla for helping out with this story. Go read her stuff.

Happy reading!

Trigger warning: There is still a battle raging in the start of this chapter. Physical violence included. People have guns aimed at them. Also talk of dead and wounded people and burial of the dead.

Chapter Twenty-Three

It took Peeta nearly two days to find Katniss in all the chaos. A retreat was called on the first day and most of the Capitol's men were off in the distance. He could still hear the battle raging in all directions.

Are the rest of my family safe? He wandered as he searched every face for Katniss.

There were injured men all over the field he slugged through. Every form was male so he felt relief mixed in with the fear that he may never find her at all. He wasn't sure what Caleb Everdeen looked like anymore, but he still looked among the injured and the dead for familiar faces. He didn't know what he'd do if he saw one.

He paused over several men who called for help, not knowing how to do more than to say assure them that it would be all right and then move on. Katniss was the one with medical knowledge. He promised that he would get help to them as soon as he found it.

A few of the men died as he spoke to them. Peeta said a prayer for their soul and then asked forgiveness as he took their ammunition and continued his search for Katniss. Though the main fighting had moved on, Peeta saw more than one skirmish nearby. He decided it was best to be armed. The dead didn't need it anymore.

As he stood from his latest search, he felt a pistol pressed between his shoulder blades.

"Don't make another move." A hoarse, exhausted voice said.

"You can have everything on me." Peeta said. "I even got extra ammo." He pointed toward his hip. "It's all there."

The man reached into Peeta's pocket and took out a handful of ammunition. Then he shoved Peeta's shoulder hard and moved off in the opposite direction.

Peeta rolled over and let out a groan. He'd fallen on a rock near his hip. The pain took the breath out of him for a moment. There were more shouts nearby and he noticed a few men looting through the bodies, shouting triumphantly when they found money. Peeta kept as still as possible so that they wouldn't notice him. He held his rifle in a white knuckle grip until they finally moved far enough away for him to feel confident getting up.

After narrowly avoiding several skirmishes, Peeta spotted Katniss standing on a slight rise with Gale Hawthorne and Caleb Everdeen at her side. She held a rifle, but she definitely wasn't as comfortable with it as she was with the bow.

"Katniss!" He called, fighting his way to her. He knocked several men aside, some with the aid of the butt of his rifle. He begged forgiveness every time.

"Peeta, get down!" Katniss called, aiming right for him.

Without hesitation, Peeta dropped to the ground.

The man behind Peeta held up his hands. He was unarmed, holding a piece of paper. "Cease fire." He said loudly enough for everyone in the vicinity to hear.

The three on the hill hesitated. Peeta's heart pounded in his chest. He got to his feet and held his gun at the ready just in case it was a trap.

From off in the distance, someone called out, "Cease fire!" It was echoed all around and slowly weapons were lowered.

Caleb Everdeen took the paper and read it. His eyes went wide and he breathed, "Snow's dead."

"What?"

All across the battlefield, men started fleeing in all directions. Some took their weapons, but many dropped them. There was an eerie silence as the massive group broke up.

But all Peeta could see was that Katniss was there and she was safe. He pulled her into a tight hug and he felt her return the embrace. He heard her shuddering breath against his ear.

"I'm so relieved you're safe." He said into her hair.

"Me too." She pulled back. "I was so worried."

He smoothed hair away from her face. "I got Finnick back, so he's in good hands with Mags and Prim."

She smiled and nodded. "Thanks."

Caleb stepped over to them. "Is Prim okay?"

Peeta nodded. "She's fine, sir. I can bring you to her."

There was relief written on Caleb's features. "That would be great."

Peeta looked around. "What's going to be done about all these people?"

Caleb looked at the devastation left in the wake of battle. Several people were already searching through the bodies. A few of them had paper writing down the names of the dead. "We can try to help identify them. Especially the officers. Their families deserve to know their fate."

"That's going to take a while." Gale commented.

Caleb sighed. "Yeah." He looked around and then got everyone's attention. "Stop what you're doing and write a note to your families that you're safe." As everyone sat down, Caleb cupped Katniss's cheek. "You should go back to Prim. This isn't a place for you."

"Daddy, I fought alongside you for two days. I think I'm perfectly capable of helping around here." She turned when someone called out that there was a survivor.

They spent the next several days taking down names of those they could find. Some men had no identifying papers on them, so they wrote down identifying features. Katniss and a few others patched up survivors as best as they could and they were loaded up in a borrowed wagon to be taken to the next town for care in a proper hospital. Some would probably die on the journey.

Caleb, who had taken charge of the process relatively easily, sent several men with the same list off in all directions to bring the news to the families. A local preacher came and did a service as they dead were buried. The graves were marked as best they were able. The living that stuck around finally dispersed.

Gale looked around. "I need to get back to Madge."

Katniss looked him over. "Maybe you could use a home cooked meal first. I know a couple people who wouldn't mind you sticking around for another day."

Peeta nodded. "Annie will be glad to feed you, I'm sure." He felt a pang of regret as soon as the words left his mouth and he saw Katniss's face cloud over.

Caleb asked, "How close are we to your home?"

Peeta looked around. "Should only be a few hours walk. But it's almost dark, so it would be best to wait for first light."

Katniss patted Gale on the shoulder. "From there you can take a train. It'll be faster than walking or trying to get someone to give you a ride."

Gale gave a reluctant nod. "It'll probably be best."

As they sat by the fire their first night, Peeta dropped to the ground beside Gale. The other man had a weary, worried look about him.

"How's it going?" Peeta asked.

"I'm ready to be back with Madge and Katy." Gale admitted.

"Yeah, I hear you. I got a baby at home, too." Peeta said. "How long you been on the road?"

"We left out three months ago. I got Madge to her family and I went back to try to get mine out. Caleb convinced me to fight."

"You've helped make the world better for your child." Peeta said.

Gale nodded. "You too." He locked eyes with Katniss and backed away. He mumbled about going to talk to someone and left.

Katniss scooted closer to Peeta. She picked up a stick and poked the fire.

Peeta lifted a finger and trailed it down Katniss's arm. "I kept thinking every night since you showed up that I was dreaming."

She looked over. "Not a dream."

"Good." He slowly slipped his hand into hers. "So what happens now?"

She slid her fingers between his and squeezed. "I'd like to go back to Twelve. Do you want to stay here?"

"Annie and I decided it would be best to raise our son in Twelve." He swallowed around a lump in his throat. "I'd like to court you again. In public this time."

"And what about Annie?" She leaned against him.

"A divorce."

"People are going to talk about us." Katniss pointed out. "Marriage swapping and all."

"We were forced to marry others. I wanted to marry you." He raised his hand and turned her head to look into her eyes. "I'm going to marry you when we're ready."

"I don't want to talk about getting married yet. Let's leave that out of it."

Peeta leaned in and whispered, "I want to kiss you."

With a smile, Katniss whispered back, "Are you sure that's a good idea?"

He brushed his thumb along her cheekbone. "Most of my good ideas used to go out the window where you were concerned."

"That was a lifetime ago." She leaned her head closer. Her voice was still soft. "You haven't touched me much since I came back."

"I wasn't sure you wanted me to." He murmured.

She swallowed and moved in to press her lips to his in a soft kiss. "I've missed you so much." She whispered desperately.

"I miss you, too." He pulled her closer and kissed her again.

Caleb cleared his throat. "Probably should get some sleep. I'll take first watch."

Katniss pulled away and moved toward Gale.

Caleb towered over Peeta. His voice was soft but intimidating when he said, "My daughter deserves to be happy and feel safe. I know she can take care of herself, but she needs a man who can be an aid in that."

"I'll do my best to make sure that happens, Mr. Everdeen." Peeta tried to assure him. "I know Finnick must have done his best too. Katniss is a hard person to love, but it's worth the effort."

Caleb gave a quick laugh. "You should have seen them fighting the first year. It was hell on everyone. Finnick hasn't made her happy. And I've never seen her relax as much as she just was." He leaned down and said, "You fuck this up, Peeta, it's on you."

Caleb straightened up and walked away, leaving Peeta alone with his thoughts.

Katniss was sure that if she never walked a long distance again, it would still be too soon. She was about to collapse as the house came into view early the next afternoon. She could see the situation was the same for her companions. Well, except maybe her father. He didn't look tired in the slightest, despite spending the last several days getting only small amounts of sleep.

They'd passed many people going in the opposite direction. And there were also many makeshift graves along the way.

"I didn't know the fighting stretched this far." Katniss commented. She glanced over to Peeta and saw the worry in his eyes as he kept them trained on the house in the distance. He said nothing.

Ten feet from the door, it burst open and Prim ran out screaming, "Daddy!" She threw herself into his arms. Katniss could see the tears sparkling in her father's eyes just before he closed them.

"Oh, hey, look who decided to come make sure I'm alive." Katniss looked past her father to see Finnick leaning against the door frame.

Just past him, Annie looked out anxiously.

Katniss paused to kiss her sister's cheek before she made her way up on the porch. "Too bad I can't be a long-suffering widow." She commented, grabbing his head to examine the wound.

Finnick hissed. "Not so rough."

"Sorry." Katniss said quickly. "Looks good."

Annie said, "Mags and Prim have kept a good eye on him."

Peeta walked up and pulled Annie into a warm embrace. "I was so scared for you." She whispered as she returned his embrace.

Johanna walked out of the back of the house with Adam on her shoulders. "Oh, looks like you were right, Adam."

"Dada!" The baby exclaimed, reaching for Peeta.

"What did you say?" Peeta walked over and lifted the baby into his arms.

"We've been working on it for the last week." Annie said. "Finnick mostly. Showed him that self-portrait you drew and just kept repeating, 'That's Daddy. There's Daddy.'"

Katniss gave Finnick an impressed look. "How about that?"

Finnick shrugged. "These ladies wouldn't let me do much."

"You were trying to do too much with your injury." Prim said as she walked into the house. "We were concerned for you for some reason." She smirked and patted him on the shoulder.

Caleb and Gale followed. Prim made all the introductions. Mags then sat everyone down and insisted on examining and cleaning all their wounds.

Peeta hugged Adam close as he talked to everyone, getting caught up on all the drama of the last several days. They all took turns washing up in the spare room.

Gale moved close to Peeta and held out his hand to Adam. "How are you, little one?"

"I think he's good." Peeta said. "How old is yours?"

"About this age." Gale said, tickling Adam under the chin. "She was so tiny when I left."

"Will they be back in Twelve?" Katniss asked.

Gale shook his head. "I'm going to have to get them back from Eleven. But we'll all be together again soon." He looked around the room. "Or are you all staying here?"

Annie shook her head. "It's time to move on. We're going to Twelve, too."

Gale nodded and then rubbed Adam's head. "Then you and Katy can be friends."

"Oh, I'm sure they will be." Peeta said with a proud smile.

They day grew late. Annie passed out extra blankets and everyone was asleep within a few minutes.

Gale left the next morning on the train. Katniss was sad to see him go, but she knew they would see each other again very soon.

Peeta and Annie started making the arrangements to move from Four. There really wasn't much they wanted or needed to bring with them. Mostly Adam's things and a few of Annie's mother's things.

"What are you going to do about the bakery?" Finnick asked over supper later in t week.

Peeta sat his fork down and leaned back in his chair. "Well, I guess they only choice is to sell it." He looked a little distressed at the thought.

"You don't have to do it right away." Katniss suggested. "You still have other things to take care of."

Peeta shrugged. "It would be best to just get it done. I'll go to the bank in the morning." He stood and scooped Adam up off the floor before he left the room. "Bed time, baby boy."

Katniss followed him. "You want me to come with you?"

Peeta leaned against the wall, cradling Adam close to his chest. "I'd like that."

She smoothed her hand over Adam's hair. "You'll be home with your dad and brothers soon."

"I'm scared, Katniss." Peeta admitted softly. "I was thrown into it and I made the best of it. But did it change me?"

"For the better." Katniss gently squeezed his upper arm. "You've become a stronger version of the Peeta I knew back in Twelve growing up." She smoothed a hand over Adam's hair again and smiled. "You're a great man, a great father. You're able to hold your own. And I'm so happy to know you now as the man you are now."

Peeta kissed Katniss's cheek. "I should get him to bed."

"Good night, Adam." Katniss rubbed Adam's back.

Adam gave her a little wave, his eyes half-lidded.

Peeta kissed his son's head as he moved down the hall. Adam fell asleep just a few minutes after he was placed in his bed.

Peeta returned to the kitchen.

Prim leaned against her father. "Daddy, will you show me the constellations tonight?"

Caleb chuckled. "It's not quite dark enough yet. But sure." He stood and pulled Prim to her feet.

After they left the room, Peeta sat down across from Katniss. She smiled and patted his hand as he rested it on the table.

Annie and Finnick leaned against each other.

Katniss said softly, "Let's build a big house for all of us to share."

Peeta gave her a confused look. "All of who?"

"Us." She indicated everyone in the room. "It'll be easier for you and Annie to raise Adam together if you're under the same roof."

"I think that's a very good idea." Peeta smiled over at Katniss.

"Me too." Finnick gave Katniss a pointed look. "And I can keep you in line."

Katniss laughed. "Sure, you can try."

Annie laughed. "I think it would be so Katniss can keep an eye on you, Finn."

"That's exactly right." Katniss said with a grin.

"We should put the kitchen in the center and have two separate homes on both sides." Peeta suggested.

Finnick nodded. "We should have a room up top that connects them too."

"Two floors?" Annie asked. "Lots of room for more babies."

"Oh, will there be more?" Finnick asked, feigning surprise.

"I sure hope so." Annie said. "I hated not having siblings."

Katniss grinned at the two. "Definitely need a second floor. And a large porch to watch the kids play in the yard."

Peeta reached over to the counter where he'd left his sketchbook and opened it to a fresh page. He started drawing as they all made requests.

Peeta sold the bakery rather quickly. They were also able to find someone who wanted to buy the house. They were able to purchase a wagon and some horses to get them and their things from District Four to District Twelve.

Two weeks after the war officially ended, they were finally on their way.

Adam had bonded so strongly with Finnick that he was reluctant to sit with anyone else on the journey. Peeta was jealous, but Annie assured him that it was good that the pair were so close.

"Once we're settled, he'll need to feel comfortable with Finnick." Annie explained as she sat with him by the fire their first night.

Peeta looked across the flames to where Katniss and Finnick sat and played with Adam. "I guess it's good he's attached to Katniss, too."

"Really good." Annie twisted her hands. "Finnick says he thinks there will be rooms in the apartment building where he and Katniss lived. We can be close until we get the house built."

"Yeah, I heard that." Peeta stood. "I guess it's my watch." He walked over and kissed the top of Adam's head. He grabbed Katniss's hand to drag her to the edge of their camp.

"I guess I'm going with him." Katniss giggled, waving at the others.

Peeta leaned against a tree and pulled Katniss down beside him, wrapping his arm around her waist. "I can't wait to see my dad."

"He's going to be so relieved to see you." She said as she settled close. "He's missed you."

"I've missed him." He kissed her temple. "My cheese buns have never been as good as his. Nothing of mine tastes very good."

"I think you're just as talented." She assured him.

He kissed her smiling lips. "Thank you." He looked back toward the fire to see everyone was starting to settle in for a while, Adam cried softly. "Do you think he'll remember this?"

Katniss shook her head. "Do you remember anything from when you were that small?"

Peeta thought a moment. "No, I don't guess I do." He looked down. "Do you think he'll understand?"

"I think that you will always find the words to answer his questions. Better than any of us." She yawned and moved to rest her head on his lap. "Wake me when it's my turn to watch."

He brushed his hand over her hair for the rest of his watch and then switched places with her when it was her turn to watch.

Caleb went off to the bed roll that had been laid out beside the wagon. Mags and Prim were underneath.

Finnick helped Annie to her feet. He banked the fire and the pair walked to the opposite side of the wagon from Caleb. Finnick waited until Annie settled down with Adam before he reclined on the other side of the baby. Adam fussed a little and Annie rubbed a hand over his back.

"You'll be okay." Finnick whispered to Adam. "You'll have a comfy bed soon."

"How much longer do you think it will take?" Annie continued to rub slow circles into her son's back.

"It took us a month on foot." Finnick said. "The wagon can go a little faster. So maybe only a couple weeks."

"That'll be fine, I guess." She moved a little closer. "Do you think the war is over for good?"

"I hope so."

"How is your head?" She asked, reaching up to brush her fingers over the wound.

He winced. "It still hurts. And I get dizzy walking around. But I think I'll be okay."

"Good thing we have the wagon then." She rested her hand on his cheek. "I'm so sorry, Finnick."

"You don't have to ever apologize to me, Annie. Not for any reason." He rested his hand on top of hers. "I love you. And my love for you holds no grudges. We have a future." He ran his hand over her arm and then leaned over. "Can I have a have a kiss, Ann?"

"You sure can, Finn." She pulled him in for a deep kiss.

Finnick moved away, pressed a soft kiss to the side of Adam's head, and then stretched out on his bedroll. He fell asleep quickly. He was still so easily tired out by too much activity.

Annie draped her arm over Finnick's waist and drifted off to a light sleep, listening and feeling for Adam to wake up.