The last chapter.
I do not own the Hunger Games.
The days following the festival were quick and hectic.
Monday morning when they opened there was a line of women from the seam ready to purchase the tesserae bread. It was so good that even some Merchant families with tougher budgets were able to afford the inexpensive bread.
The bakery was doing well.
The Hawthorne's however were not doing very well. The trial took place on Tuesday morning as they were provided counsel for the defense. The evidence was overwhelming. Katniss's injuries were undeniable. Along with the dozens of eyewitnesses who saw Gale and his gang attack Katniss verbally and then try to attack her physically was the nail on the coffin.
Gale's council tried to get Gale to plead guilty. However, Gale stubbornly refused. He maintained his innocence. He kept on blaming Katniss for everything.
Gale was sentenced to five years hard labor in District Ten. Katniss found it ironic that a hunter was going to raise animals.
She wished him well.
Gale's gang didn't fare well either. They had multiple infractions, amongst them being theft, disorderly conduct, armed robbery, coercion, arson, harassment, assault, assault and battery. Orville took the same stance as Gale, he claimed to be innocent, despite his Council's advice. Axton pleaded guilty to some of the charges, while others he denied. Slate pled guilty to all and collaborated with the Peacekeeper in identifying when the criminal activities took place.
They were sentenced to different districts. Orville was sentenced to eight years in District Seven. Axton, the mastermind, was sentenced to nine years in District Eleven, and Slate, their lookout, was sentenced to four years in District Six.
Hazelle was in shock about the path that Gale's friends were leading him down. Katniss was told she was in tears at Gale's sentencing. Without Gale, Hazelle once more had to sustain her family by herself.
Peeta and his family reached out to Hazelle. She didn't want any charity. Eileen told Hazelle to get over herself. She offered Vick a job. Hazelle was surprised by the kindness bestowed upon her by the Mellarks. Vick would work in the bakery before classes began and one hour after classes. And on Saturday half a day.
The money they were paying him was what Gale would have earned in the mines. Vick was grateful, but his twin brother Rory wasn't. Katniss was worried because Rory was acting out in school. Rory looked up to Gale. Yet nothing Hazelle did got to Rory.
Katniss took to passing by Axton's family and providing them with game meat. They were surprised by Katniss's kindness. Katniss explained that she wasn't going to take it out on the family because of Axton's actions. The food was welcomed by Axton's family who were in need of help because of their youngest's medical bills.
The goodwill that Katniss and Peeta and the Mellarks bestowed upon those who did her wrong spread amongst the residents. The bakery was thriving because of it.
On Thursday morning, three days after the Festival, it was their one-month anniversary. Thirty days ago Katniss and Peeta had agreed to marry and start their trial. It only seemed natural for them to have their Toasting on the thirtieth day.
Although it was a Thursday, they closed down the bakery. Everyone thought it was romantic. Katniss had gotten many well wishes from the patrons, both from the Seam and from the Merchant side. It was sweet because many people brought them tokens the day before. Dried fruits, fresh fruits, pretty ribbons, dried herbs, some brought pressed lavender and roses. Someone gave Katniss homemade soap that smelled like lavender.
Katniss woke up draped on top of Peeta. It was colder outside. Greasy Sae said the winter was coming early. Katniss was attempting to go into the woods as much as possible to get meat so that she could make jerky or freeze it. They had a freezer at the bakery. A luxury she didn't have in the Seam.
Katniss was excited about what she could hunt now that she knew she could save meat. Making jerky was a smelly, but delicious process. Prim hated the smell, Katniss loved the process. This year she had a plan to make jerky and sell it at the Hob alongside her mothers's poultices.
They had many plans but none more pressing than the one they had for today. Katniss felt Peeta stir next to her, and she wrinkled her nose. She didn't want to get up this morning. She wanted to lounge about in bed.
"Good morning," Peeta greeted her.
His voice was deep, and she could hear the traces of sleep in his voice.
"Morning," she sleepily smiled back at him.
"Are you nervous about today?"
"No," Katniss muttered trying to get closer to him. He had the window open and a very cool breeze was entering through it.
"Really?"
"We're already married, Peeta."
"It's true, I mean the Toasting is only just me heating up a piece of bread and feeding it to you."
Katniss laughed at his description. It was true, the Toasting ceremony consisted of that, but for some reason in their district, the act held a great deal of gravitas.
"We have to get up."
"mmmmppphhh…." Katniss moaned.
"Come on…" Peeta said.
Katniss shook her head, hiding in the blankets.
"I'll make you cheese buns," Peeta whispered in her ear.
"With extra cheese?" her voice was muffled.
"And a cup of hot chocolate so that you can dip it inside," Peeta said.
"Mmmm, I don't know," Katniss mumbled, her stomach however, growled loudly, betraying her false skepticism.
"And there are marshmallows."
At the word marshmallows, Katniss popped out her head. "Marshmallows?"
Peeta laughed, "The way to your heart is through your stomach."
She sat up, her hair in total disarray. Katniss pushed it away from her face as she watched Peeta stretch. His back muscles flexed, his forearms bulged, and Peeta looked tempting. She grew warm all over. She couldn't understand how he always elicited such naughty hunger.
Peeta turned to her, his blue eyes filled with warmth and love. He smiled as he kissed her. He pulled back his eyes twinkled. "Why don't you go first? I'll make us some breakfast."
"Okay." As she stood up, she wrapped herself up in the blanket even though her nightgown covered her from her neck to the tips of her toes.
"You know I've seen you naked…"
Katniss turned her head to see Peeta wiggling his eyebrows suggestively. Katniss felt the flush growing on her cheeks.
Peeta found her modesty endearing. He called her pure, and at first, she didn't like the word. Katniss thought it was a weakness. However, once she understood it wasn't a debility, she realized that it was something desirable to him. Her vulnerability and naivety about things were something he genuinely liked about her and did not try to shame her, instead, he celebrated.
Cheekily, Katniss turned to Peeta and gave him a playful look, and said, "Don't forget hot chocolate, with marshmallows and cheese buns, buster…"
"I promise," Peeta said with a chuckle.
She then walked into the bathroom and closed the door almost all the way before she removed the blanket and threw it into the room.
Peeta's chuckle turned into a full belly laugh.
She sighed to herself but then looked at her image and grimaced. Today she was going to get married and it occurred to her, she wanted to go back to bed.
Katniss reluctantly got ready and when she approached the kitchen the heavenly smells of melted cheese and piping hot chocolate filled her nose.
"You do realize there is nothing for us to do today. We could have breakfast in bed."
Katniss stopped dead in her tracks and walked right back to their room. "I'll be in bed, thank you!"
Peeta laughed at her antics.
It wasn't every day that she slept in or lounged about in bed. This was their day and she wanted to lounge in bed with her husband for as long as possible. Time, though, had a way of catching up. By midday, they were both dressed and waiting for the barrage of family and friends to arrive.
"Nervous?" Peeta asked again.
"As long as River doesn't bring any food, we're good," Katniss said, smiling at Peeta.
They had weathered the worst. Now all they had to do was to have a Toasting.
"Hey, sister!" River was the first to arrive. He ran up the stairs and looked around. "Has Adeline arrived yet?"
Katniss shared a look with Peeta, no one else had arrived.
"Not yet," Peeta said.
"Oh," River said, then said, "Well this is for you guys."
"River you didn't have to cook," Peeta said, taking the casserole.
"Don't worry I didn't cook it – Delly did," River smiled.
Katniss and Peeta shared a smile of relief.
"Katniss, dear," Maggie called from downstairs.
"Yea?" Katniss leaned over the railing. Her mother was climbing up the stairs.
"Where do you want the stew?" Maggie asked.
"Put it in the Kitchen, Mrs. Everdeen," Peeta said.
"Peeta, you know you can call me Maggie. We're family."
"Sure Mrs. Everdeen, I mean Maggie," Peeta said charmingly.
"Katniss! My Dear Girl!" Eileen exclaimed dramatically as she walked onto the landing.
"Eileen," Katniss said warmly. She was swallowed by Eileen's hug. The woman wore an abundance of perfume that tickled Katniss's nose.
"Where do you need me?" Eileen said.
"Now dear, I'm sure Katniss has everything under control," Lionel said from behind Katniss.
"Nonsense, I am willing to help."
"You can help organize the dishes, and make sure the table is set." The moment Katniss uttered the words, Eileen shot to the kitchen.
Lionel raised his eyebrows.
"Peeta's idea." Katniss lowered her voice, "It's part of the plan to keep her out of people's way."
"Good idea." Lionel winked, before walking away.
Prim and Delly arrived next, their arms were ladened with dishes. "Hey Katniss," Delly greeted.
"We're helping Mathea and Carlton bring up food," Prim said.
"My brother is coming up," Delly said.
"Head to the kitchen, Eileen is directing traffic…" Peeta said, coming up beside Katniss. He placed his hand on the small of her back.
"Be right back," Prim said as she ran back down the stairs.
Phill came up quietly up the stairs. He smiled and headed toward the kitchen. He was followed by Carlton and Mathea. They both headed to the kitchen; it was the place to be.
Prim came up speaking with someone. Katniss peeked over the veranda and saw it was Vick.
"Hi Mrs. Mellark," Vick said. His cheeks were red. Vick had started calling her by her married name.
"Hi Vick, just call me Katniss," she said for what seemed like the hundredth time.
"Yes, Ma'am."
Katniss rolled her eyes, as Vick made his way into the kitchen.
"I invited him," Prim said. She gave a nervous look, "is that okay?"
"Make sure he takes home some leftovers," Peeta said.
Katniss stood back to watch everyone in the Kitchen. She watched her sister interact with Vick. There was something about the way that Prim reacted to him that Katniss knew Prim had a crush on Vick. Whenever he was in the bakery Prim made it her business to do homework there. River often said they were like baby chicks chirping away. It looked as if Prim's crush on Vick was mutual.
River was standing next to Delly. Katniss could see the longing on his face. Delly had a pretty blush on her face.
She wondered how long it would be before River asked to court Delly. She saw Lionel and Carlton sneaking looks at the unknowing couple and snickering. Poor River was going to be teased. Katniss wondered if she could do something to help those two along.
"This is our family," Peeta said quietly as he wound his arms around her middle.
Katniss smiled as she glanced at the group. This rag-tag group was her family. She leaned back in Peeta's arms and sighed. The biggest surprise was Eileen. The woman wouldn't hear anyone speaking poorly about Katniss and her family. She was currently angling the Mayor to allow Maggie and Prim to open up a storefront to sell teas and other medicinal concoctions.
At midday, their family gathered around the fireplace. It wasn't a lavish affair, a private Toasting that suited both Katniss and Peeta. Everyone gathered around them was happy as love filled the room. Katniss stood before Peeta smiling, her sister and mother stood by crying silent tears as Peeta finished toasting the bread.
Katniss decided to wear her wedding dress for the occasion and Peeta dressed in his wedding garb.
"I Peeta, take you Katniss, to be my wife in scarcity and in abundance."
"I Katniss, take you Peeta, to be my husband in scarcity and in abundance."
They each ripped off a piece and fed it to the other. They didn't need the bread because they were already committed to each other, ready to have their better tomorrow.
A month after she had her Toasting with Peeta, Katniss was still trying to figure out a way to get River and Delly together. They were like a jabberjay and a mockingbird circling each other in the sky. Both River and Delly were attracted to the other but didn't know how to make it work.
In a stroke of genius, Katniss asked River and Delly to meet her in the meadow. She was hoping that by forcing them together they would flirt and maybe nature would take its course. It was cold outside and getting colder. Lionel was convinced it was going to snow.
Peeta wanted her to stay in, but she was determined to go to the woods. She shot a few squirrels and the traps yielded a few rabbits. As the morning slipped into the afternoon Katniss didn't know what excuse she would use for why she asked them to meet her. Thankfully fate stepped in when she was able to hunt down a stag.
She was so excited she made a makeshift stretcher from some material she kept at the lake house. She tried to drag the felled animal to the district border, but she couldn't.
Katniss exited the woods and found Delly and River speaking at the large tree. Delly was twirling a curl around her finger as River leaned close to her as they spoke. It was so obvious those two were into each other, that she thought about leaving them be, but it was getting colder and it was overcast. Katniss hadn't expected to have such a successful hunt. She needed their help.
"Katniss, we were getting worried," River said when he saw her.
"Are you alright?" Delly asked.
"River, I need help carrying the stag I shot down."
"A stag?" Delly and River said at the same time. Both looked shocked.
"Yeah, male deer. River, do you think you can carry it? I made a stretcher, but I need someone to help me bring it through the fence."
"Of course," Delly nodded and looked up at River. "He's strong."
Katniss watched River's chest puff up. His voice sounded deeper as he spoke, "Between all of us we can do it."
It took them some time to get the deer from the spot she'd left it in the woods, through the fence, and into town. Thankfully it was growing dark early. Katniss did not have to worry about running into the Peacekeepers. Hunting was still illegal. It was one thing to hunt for rabbits and squirrels because she could hide that evidence in her game bag. But a deer she could get in trouble for, she could not hide an entire stag in her small game bag.
By the time they made it into town, it was snowing.
When they arrived at the bakery Peeta was worried, and the entire family was present.
"Katniss!" He hugged her fiercely. "Are you okay?"
The moment she was in his arms the cold settled into her bones and she began shivering.
"Where have you been?" Lionel asked.
"You're cold," Maggie said. Her mother moved to check on Delly and River. "They're all cold too. Prim go get blankets."
Prim quickly ran upstairs to get blankets.
"Peeta, quickly take off her jacket and boots…" Maggie ordered as she washed her hands. "Mathea, help Delly with her coat, her hands are trembling. Lionel help your son."
"Eileen get some tea in the kettle," Maggie ordered as she grabbed two buckets and began filling them with hot water.
Eileen rushed upstairs to make the tea.
"Why did you stay out all day!" Peeta asked. He gently pushed Katniss into a chair. Peeta removed her boots and socks and he began to rub her feet.
"She shot down a stag!" Delly squealed when her feet were dunked into the warm water. "And we helped River carry it from the woods into town.
Prim came down with the blankets and helped Maggie wrap them around Delly and River's shoulders.
"A stag!" Lionel said as Prim began to rub Delly's hands.
"Ohh, I can't wait to tell the ladies, they're going to be so jealous!" Eileen cackled, as she brought tea to the trio.
"It's outside," Katniss said chattering.
"We'll have to get it into the freezer," Carlton said.
"Can I help carry?" Phill shouted.
"Sure come on," Carlton said, as he opened the door. "That deer will feed us all winter."
After they'd drunk the tea and ate some stew, Peeta insisted Katniss change into warm pajamas. River had some clothes upstairs and he lent some to Delly. The rest of the family was in the kitchen. While Katniss was sitting diagonally from Delly and River who were furtively glancing at the other.
They longed for the other, and it was like a rooster's crow, annoying. Katniss wondered if this was the way she and Peeta looked at each other. River glanced at Delly as if she'd hung the moon in the sky. Katniss had enough. She didn't want Delly and River to go through the same angst she went through.
"River, do you like Delly?" The question was blunt.
River's eyes widened, and his mouth opened and closed.
"Well, do you?"
River turned his head to stare at Delly. His lips formed that same goofy grin he sported whenever Delly was around. "Yes," River answered.
"Good!" Katniss then turned her attention to a red-faced Delly. "And do you like River?"
"Yes," Delly whispered.
"Great, you both like each other and I'm tired of you both sighing and acting like you couldn't spell your ABC's when around the other. Apparently, this has been going on for a long time, so it's more than a crush. Right?"
Both nodded.
"Start courting or I'll shoot you with my arrows!" Katniss demanded.
Eileen burst out a cackle. "That's my daughter!"
Katniss grinned to herself. Delly and River were married before the New Year. River found he liked the quiet work of fixing shoes. And was surprised that the Cartwrights worked with the Orphanage. They did a lot of free work with the children's shoes. Delly was committed to helping the orphaned children.
Soon after marriage, Delly became pregnant, and when she announced her pregnancy, so did Mathea. They both delivered boys. Eileen loved her grandchildren, but she longed for a girl.
It was after this that Rory was caught trying to steal shoe laces from the shoe shop. Delly caught him and grabbed him by the ear. Rory pretended to be stoic and uncaring. That next Sunday, Delly and River took an unrepentant Rory to the Orphanage.
When Rory saw all of those children who had nothing and were grateful for what little they did have, it changed his young life. Rory changed and began volunteering alongside River, Lionel, and Delly at the Orphanage. Posy loved going with her brother to play with the other kids.
Eileen and Maggie opened up another apothecary shop in town. Prim began studying to become a doctor. Surprisingly, Phill also studied to become a doctor. He enjoyed helping others. Vick had a knack for all things electronics and math and was given a scholarship to study under Beetee Latier the Old Hunger Games Victor. All three were bound for District Three, where they would attend schools. Rory stayed behind to work at the Orphanage.
It was that Christmas that Katniss, surrounded by her two nephews decided she was ready to have a child. She became pregnant rather quickly. Prim came home from her schooling to be present for the birth. She was surrounded by her family when they welcomed Melody into the world.
Peeta was overwhelmed by the sight of the littlest Mellark. However, no one was more excited than Eileen when she discovered she finally had the little girl she'd always wanted.
And they lived happily ever after, as well as they could with Eileen. After Katniss had her daughter, she became a permanent fixture in their lives.
The END
This is the last chapter. I'd like to thank everyone who patiently waited for me to finish updating the story- and who followed, took the time to hit the like button, sent kudos, and for all of the lovely comments. They made my day. I always wanted to expand this story and I am so glad all of you took the journey with me.
I also wanted to thank my beta and bestie Norbertsmom who faithfully reads all of my crazy ideas and makes them legible - she's the real brains of the operation and for that, I will be forever grateful.