The Epilogue

I do not own the Hunger Games

One Year Later

Today was the coronation day.

Haymitch watched as people rushed back and forth in the throne room preparing for the celebrations. This new future was still being written. Righteousness and reasoning once more reigned in the land. The evil done by Snow was slowly being unraveled.

Today's procession was a formality, no one doubted the validity of Katniss's claim to the crown. The noble Lords that once fought for Snow swore fidelity to Katniss. She could have been vengeful as Snow had been, but instead, she was magnanimous in her forgiveness.

Laughter echoed in the hall. Haymitch smiled to himself as he turned toward the window, going over the events of the past. Even though they had won there were things he wished had come out differently. The spell he cast to create the time loop had been broken the moment Snow and Crane died. Everything was complete, the circle was closed. It was his time to slip away.

Haymitch headed toward the back exit of the castle hoping he wouldn't be spotted.

The Capitol was once more a gleaming city on a hill, with the center gleaming white castle made of white stone. The walls that surrounded the castle were decorated with banners heralding a new peaceful reign. Today they were hanging flower garlands and bright greenery in honor of the coronation.

Merry music and singing could be heard in the streets. Hope once more entered into the lexicon of the people. The world was once more filled with magic and the non-magical again.

After the great battle at Los Olvidados, Katniss's fame spread throughout the land. The land flourished and its inhabitants began to heal under her rule. The gem of Panem glowed as she flew from above on her winged horse. People lined the road as she traveled the land shouting, "Long live the Queen."

A tapestry of Katniss's launching the arrow into the air was made and was hung in the justice hall in the Capitol.

For today's procession, another tapestry was made in her likeness with her mate and husband Peeta by her side. It was currently being hung outside the castle wall. Haymitch knew how much Katniss loathed the attention.

Katniss was happiest hunting in the woods.

Haymitch shook his head, as he recalled the small fearful girl he encountered in the woods all of those months ago. Amid the pain of losing her mother, Katniss had the wherewithal to remain strong and stand up to him. The girl had tremendous pluck, she wasn't easily persuaded by flowery words. She was shrewd in all her business dealings. Katniss offered Prince Ryder to be her Kingdom's emissary of trade. He and Peeta worked side by side. Ryder was cunning, brokering negotiations between Panem and other Kingdoms.

King Daniel and Prince Ryker became her closest allies. The kingdom benefited from the trade between the two nations. Wealth flowed easily and it was distributed to the people as roads were fixed and a program to house grains for the poor was erected. Poverty and hunger were slowly being eradicated.

"Haymitch," Eragon called.

"Eragon," Haymitch greeted his oldest friend.

"Have you seen Finnick?" Eragon asked.

"I have not," Haymitch responded.

"Ever since the battle that boy has done nothing but chase women," Eragon sighed.

"He is young yet Eragon, or did you forget how you were when you were his age?"

Eragon grunted.

"Eragon," Haymitch began, "I wanted to apologize, once more."

"For?"

"I did not save your wife and youngest," Haymitch said.

"Haymitch old friend," Eragon said, putting his hands on Haymitch's shoulders. "You've already apologized."

"But," Haymitch said, still feeling guilty he couldn't save them.

"You lost your Maysilee and I could not save her."

Haymitch did not expect Eragon to mention his soul mate. He cleared his throat to dampen his emotions, "Well…it's."

"You did the best you could. I do not fault you for the death of my youngest or of my wife. We lost many, unjustly, to Snow's sword. "

Haymitch nodded recalling the heroics of Goodwine Chaff or of Jasper Darius and countless others who died during the battle. For those who survived Katniss granted titles and land. Dolphus was knighted and his father's lands were restored.

"The rebuilding goes well," Haymitch said, looking toward the city.

The destruction and mismanagement of the land by Snow was great. Katniss set up a council to rejuvenate the land.

"The smoke surrounding the burned forest lifted. Haymitch, I have seen the new saplings. The program to give loaves of bread to all of the citizens for a year to allow for the land to rest and for new fields to be planted worked perfectly. The taxes coming have filled the coffers that were emptied due to Snow's many campaigns."

"She is wise, and still young."

"She needs you Haymitch," Eragon said.

"She has her soulmate, she has Ryder and Finnick. Katniss has many around her who will give her great counsel. Most importantly she has you, Eragon. You are a stalwart of truth and righteousness. You will help her and the newer generation."

"Newer generation?"

Haymitch smiled, and his eyes twinkled. "Yes, your grandchildren."

Eragon became slack-jawed. He stammered, "You mean she's…that she will?"

Haymitch said nothing, allowing his old friend to draw his own conclusions.

"Thank you, old friend."

Haymitch nodded as he watched Eragon walk away. He began making his way out once more when he ran into Finnick. He was hidden behind some crates.

"Whoever you are hiding from will find you. You're not hard to miss," Haymitch said.

"Go away Haymitch, if she finds me my life as I know tis' over," Finnick hissed.

"Who are you hiding from?"

"Lyme," Finnick whispered.

Haymitch began to laugh recalling the tall, muscular, short-haired formidable woman who survived Crane's attack at the battle. She fought against King Snow during the great battle. She had pretended to be a man to get close to Snow's inner circle and reported to Jasper Darius. The discovery of her sex was shocking but no one dared speak against her as Katniss took her on as one of her ladies in waiting.

"Stop laughing," Finnick hissed.

"You, my dear boy, need to find a woman to settle down with instead of recklessly flirting with random women."

"Stop admonishing me and help me!"

"I'm giving you sage advice, boy," Haymitch said.

"Haymitch…"

"Find a young maid to settle down with instead of fluttering about like a butterfly…"

"Haymitch, I'm not a butterfly." Finnick hissed once more, sounding desperate.

Haymitch was having great fun. "A peacock then."

"Fine, fine I'm a peacock!" Finnick sounded desperate, "-here she comes! Please take her off my trail."

Haymitch watched as Lyme came forward.

"Haymitch," Lyme grunted.

"Lyme," Haymitch greeted.

"Have you seen Finnick?"

"I have," Haymitch said, clearing his throat.

"Do you know where he went?"

"Lyme, you should not be wasting your time with Finnick," Haymitch tried to keep his voice steady. He did not want his mirth to be misconstrued.

"Why do you say this?" Lyme asked in a quiet voice.

Haymitch raised an eyebrow.

"Finnick is the only one that has shown interest in me."

"Finnick's flirtations are known throughout the land." Haymitch thought of another he had witnessed who paid close attention to Lyme. "He is not worthy of your attention."

"Perhaps you are correct," Lyme sighed, her head bowed. "I just want a love like that of Queen Katniss."

"Have you given thought to Hilarius," Haymitch broached the topic carefully.

"Hilarius, Plutarch's nephew?"

As if Haymitch himself had conjured the man appeared with his uncle in tow.

"L…L…Lady Lyme," Hilarius stammered, his face becoming flush.

"Lady Lyme," Plutarch said bowing, before saying, "Haymitch."

Haymitch noticed the way Hilarius's eyes swept Lyme's body hungrily.

"Hilarius," Haymitch winked at Lyme, as he addressed Plutarch's nephew. "Did you know Finnick has taken an interest in our sweet Lyme?"

"Finnick," Hilarius uttered angrily.

"That man is a charlatan, he will lead you to ruin," Plutarch said to Haymitch before turning to Lyme. "A woman such as yourself should be courted and merrily wed."

Lyme's cheeks reddened.

"True indeed," Haymitch said. "A man like Finnick would break her loving spirit. Lyme is strong, courageous, and virtuous. She deserves a man who can be her equal. Just imagine her progeny."

"True," Plutarch said, nodding. "She will strengthen the house of Heavensbee."

"Alas, I do not know if Hilarius is worthy of such a lady," Haymitch said.

"I am a worthy man," Hilarius spouted, standing straighter.

"You?" Haymitch questioned.

"I would lay my sword at your feet sweet Lyme, for a gentle smile," Hilarius said, bowing before Lyme. "You are worth so much more…"

Lyme batted her lashes and smiled prettily, and with the softest of voices she said, "You find me worthy?"

"I would snatch the moon from the night sky and present it to you as a betrothal gift if that is what you should desire." Hilarius took her hand and placed a tender kiss on her knuckles. "Would you Lady Lyme do me the honor of letting me court you."

"I would like that very much…" Lyme said, blushing.

"Well done nephew, Lyme is a prize!" Plutarch said, slapping his nephew on the back.

Hilarius was pushed forward into Lyme's arms. They stood there staring fondly into the others' eyes.

Haymitch cleared his throat. "I think all of you need to tell the Queen."

"Oh yes!" Plutarch said. "Come on nephew, let us bestow the happy news to our Queen."

No sooner had the trio left than Finnick jumped out of his hiding spot. "Thank goodness. Haymitch old man thou art a lifesaver."

"You should heed my warning Finnick, find yourself a partner not just a body to warm your bed."

Finnick wrinkled his nose, "Where would I find a good woman."

"There are good women everywhere, Finnick. You just have to open your heart." Haymitch tapped the spot where Finnick's heart was located. "Though the woman who will love you with all of your eccentricities will be slightly mad."

"Are you suggesting I marry a mad woman?"

"I am saying that no woman wants to tie herself for an eternity with a man who she cannot trust. You want a woman to be trustworthy but you yourself cannot be trusted. In order for a marriage to work it must have equal parts respect and trust, from both parties. Else it is a disaster."

"What of love," Finnick asked.

"Finnick, love is at the center of trust and respect." Haymitch placed his hands on Finnick's shoulder. "Do not tarry about, life is tenuous at best. You have witnessed how quickly it can change for the worse and for the better. Find a good woman who fills your heart with glee."

"I shall," Finnick said. "Thank you, Haymitch."

"Good," Haymitch said, stepping back.

Finnick left and Haymitch was left alone. He continued on his journey to leave the castle. He made it out of the castle without any more interruptions.

As he stood at the drawbridge, he paused to look at the castle one last time.

It was then he heard his ward call out to him.

"Haymitch," Katniss called.

Haymitch turned his attention to Katniss. She stood there dressed in a gown fit for a queen. It was a rich golden brocade, her underdress was a deep red. She was resplendent, her rich dark tresses fell around her shoulders, and her gray eyes shown with worry.

"Where are you going?" Katniss asked, walking toward him at a brisk pace. Her dress fluttered in the wind.

"Sweetheart, it's time for me to leave."

"Leave!" Katniss's eyes widened and her face became pale.

"Katniss, child, I must make my leave," Haymitch said tiredly.

"But your place is here, besides me. You are my mentor."

"Katniss, you do not need me."

"I do, I do need you Haymitch."

"It's time for me to go, Sweetheart," Haymitch reiterated.

"Haymitch."

"Sweetheart."

"You can't leave me…" She said, quietly.

"I must. My time here is done, I have completed my mission."

"But…" Katniss said.

"You will be fine. You have your father by your side. He is a great statesman and he will guide you all better than I could."

Katniss lowered her head. Haymitch had caught the way her eyes had filled with tears.

"I know this is hard…" Haymitch didn't get to finish.

Katniss swiftly moved and embraced him tightly. "Can't you stay?"

"I can't, my soul needs to be with Maysilee."

"Katniss let him go," Peeta said behind her. He gently pried her from Haymitch.

"I don't want to lose someone else," Katniss said, looking away.

"I know but it is unfair to keep him here, Katniss. His soulmate has gone to the realm of the beyond. You and I both know soulmates cannot live without the other. The only reason Haymitch has lasted this long is because Maysilee's essence was trapped by Crane. Haymitch stayed this long because he loves you dearly. But now it's time for him to go and join his other half."

"I understand," Katniss said, looking up whilst wiping her face. She stood straighter, her chin lifted. "Thank you."

Haymitch marveled at the wealth of her strength. "I shall never forget you."

Katniss said. "You plucked me from the ether of nothingness and set me on the course I was destined to march. You've instructed me in all matters. I shall never forget you Haymitch of Abernathy."

"Rule with a gentle heart, my Queen." Haymitch bowed his head, before looking to the heavens. He felt his body begin to lose the ties that bound him to the earth. Everything became light. He looked down to where Katniss stood in the shelter of Peeta's arms.

His body became light and as he floated away he knew that the Kingdom was once more in the hands of Fletcha the Queen of Panem.

THE END

This is the end - of this wonderful magical story that I wrote for my bestie for her birthday a hundred years ago. But I'm so glad that I finished it for her. I want to spoil her and let her know how much I value her friendship.

My inspiration was the saying "city on a hill," and my mind took off and imagined a white castle with Snow and a terrible Crane and Katniss is a girl who can open doors that are closed. It's a metaphor for the doors we think are closed and time has finished, in reality, your future is unwritten and a door or window can be opened - it's never too late.

Thank you to everyone to reblogged, commented, liked, and gave this story kudos. Also special thanks to all of the beta's and proofreaders. Javtits, Lemonluvgirl, Somme, and last but not least Jrosely.

Jrosely thank you for reading, and helping me sort out the story. it was wonderful working with you, as my idea board. Thank you so much for lending me your time for all of these months. Hugs!