Taiya and Finnick returned to their compartment that night still wrapped in the buzz of the party. They couldn't keep their hands off each other and had been giggling the whole way back to their compartment. The victors had all been the last to leave the party, it'd been even more enjoyable after some of the District 13 citizens had left. It'd just been giggles and nonsense amongst their victor family.
As they came down the hallway to their compartment, Taiya flung her arms around his neck and pushed herself up against him, embracing his lips with hers.
"I love you," she whispered before he quickly reattaching his lips to hers.
Buck would not have been happy if he walked down this corridor. Finnick was guiding her into a kiss that was full of tongue and teeth, his hands were running all over her body. Then he lifted her up by her thighs and she wrapped her legs around his waist.
"I'll always love you," he groaned.
"Bedroom, bedroom," Taiya instructed against his lips. No one was going to interrupt them this time.
And he was all too eager to oblige as he hurried them into the compartment, only removing his hand from her to open the door, before quickly returning it to her behind.
Finnick wasn't messing around, he raced them straight over to the bed, lowering her down so he was hovering over the top of her.
He pulled back and looked into her eyes, studying the one person he knew he would do anything for. Her eyes were always the true marker of what she felt. She was a good actor. But he'd known those eyes since they were 8 years old. They couldn't fool him. Looking into those eyes now, he beamed. Pure happiness was what he saw, and he knew his eyes were reflecting the same.
But then she froze, and her fingers that had been working at the buttons on his dress shirt stopped.
"Love?" he brushed some of her wayward hair back into place.
Taiya looked at him and she knew what she wanted. "We should get married."
"I agree," he chuckled. "And I'm pretty sure you did as well. That was the purpose of that engagement party," Finnick tilted his head in confusion.
"No. No. I mean like now. We should get married now."
Finnick just blinked at her. "Now?"
Taiya grabbed his face and moved so they both were sitting up.
"I love you. I don't want to spend any more time not being married to you," she shook her head.
"I… I thought you didn't want to get married in 13," he smiled widely.
"I mean it's not my dream venue," she smiled coyly as she grabbed his hand and began playing with his fingers. "But I mainly just didn't want it being filmed," she smiled sweetly at him. "I want our wedding to be for us. The way we want it. With our family."
"Okay, okay," he smiled eagerly, kissing her. "Right now?"
"Yes! Right now," she grabbed him and pulled him in for a kiss, both of their smiles were beaming bright enough to power the entire of Panem. "Bucks ordained," she pulled back to look at him. "He can marry us!"
"Bucks ordained?" Finnick frowned.
"Yeah," she nodded. "The why's not important right now," she dismissed so they didn't get sidetracked.
Finnick immediately jumped up from the bed, pulling her with him before grabbing her by the waist and pulling her in for a deep kiss.
"Mm, mm, don't get distracted," she groaned before grabbing his hand and racing to the door.
They were sprinting through the corridor to reach compartment D.
And then Taiya was smashing on the door with both fists while Finnick stood behind her just about bouncing up and down on his toes.
"What in the goddamn hell is wrong with you!" Buck yelled as he opened the door. "Oh for god's sake Finnick! Do up your buttons!"
Finnick's eyes widened as he looked down, he hadn't redone up the buttons Taiya had undone.
"Tyler!" Taiya yelled into the compartment. "We need you."
"What happened?" Tyler instantly appeared worried something had gone very wrong with how loud she was being. It took only one look at Finnick's beaming smile for his tension to ease. "What the hell Tay!"
"Marry us!" Taiya grabbed Finnick's hand, pulling him closer to her.
"Huh?" Buck shook his head in confusion.
"We want to get married," Finnick smiled.
"Right now," Taiya nodded, clasping onto his elbow. "With just the people we care about there. Buck you can marry us."
"Wait, why does Buck get to marry you?" Tyler instantly complained. "That's not fair."
"Because he's ordained and I want you to walk with me. Please?" she bit her lip as she looked at Tyler.
Tyler looked in between them. "You two are being serious? You aren't just being pains in the ass? You want to get married right now?"
"We want nothing more," Finnick confirmed.
"Our family is here. The only one missing is Kenna. And I'd love to have her here, but we want to get married now. We've waited long enough as it is."
Tyler's eyes filled with tears as he looked at them.
Buck instantly noticed his emotional turmoil and took over.
"We're in," he nodded. "You two go and get everyone else. We'll meet you in the cafeteria."
"No," Tyler shook his head. "We'll meet you in the birdhouse. It's prettier there. You can get married there."
"Birdhouse?" Taiya frowned.
"You wouldn't have seen it," Tyler shook his head. "It's secure. But Beetee has the key. District 13 scientists are studying the aerodynamics of certain birds down there. There are trees and plants. You'll love it. Beetee can let us in. I'll get him," Tyler stepped out of his compartment. Neither he nor Buck had the chance to change out of their party clothes before Taiya came smashing on their door. They were ready to go.
"I'll get Mags and Annie," Buck volunteered.
"Let's go wake up Gloss!" Taiya cheered before she grabbed Finnick's hand and began dragging him down the hall.
"Great. Gloss is coming," Finnick grumbled. Taiya really was the only one that could stand him.
"Lip Gloss!" Taiya yelled, flinging his door open and sticking her head in. "Do you know where the birdhouse is?"
"Yes I do!" he leapt up from his bed excitedly. "Are we trashing it? Letting the birds loose in the kitchen? Burning all the plants?"
"None of the above. There's no time for pranks," she shook her head like a disappointed parent. "We're getting married right now. Meet us there, or be square."
"Married?" he smiled at them. "That's cool as well. I'm in."
Taiya didn't even say bye. She was dragging Finnick off to the next compartment.
"I have whisky," Taiya half whispered at the door, not even bothering to knock.
The door immediately opened.
"What was that sweetheart?" Haymitch asked.
"I don't have whisky. But Finn and I are getting married right now. Birdhouse. Head down there or you're off my 'never-prank' list."
"Well congratulations kiddos," Haymitch smiled at the two of them. "Although I will say…"
"Buzz, buzz, time's up," Finnick interrupted him, knowing Haymitch was leading into an insult.
"Hey! That was my line," Taiya whined as he dragged her along.
"It was cool," Finnick shrugged. She'd been so proud of that line after her therapy session with Mrs Everdeen and she'd told him, Tyler and Buck immediately. Tyler sighed melodramatically, but Buck went for a fist bump. "Do you think her mom and sister will be asleep?" Finnick nervously, not wanting to wake the Everdeen's who'd left the party slightly earlier.
"You could try summoning Katniss by doing that bird call thing everyone does at her," Taiya suggested.
"The rebellion whistle?" Finnick frowned.
"Yeah, that one."
"I'm not going to do that!"
"Guys," a small voice interrupted them.
"Prim," Taiya smiled at the girl standing in the doorway. "Didn't see you there."
"Are you two ok?" she frowned as she looked between the smiling couple. "I could hear you whispering."
"Well little Miss Primrose," Taiya smiled. "Is your sister in?"
"Katniss," Prim turned around. "Your friends are here."
"Finnick?" Katniss greeted in confusion, immediately suspicious. "And Taiya?"
"We're getting married right now," Finnick excitedly told his friend. "Down in the birdhouse, we want you to come."
"You're what?" Katniss' eyes lit up, a wide smile coming over her face.
"Getting hitched," Taiya swung Finnick's hand up in the air. "Saying I do. Tying the knot."
"Yeah. Meet us there. Got to roll. Bye!" Taiya raced Finnick back down the hall. "Now to get the trauma bros!"
Finnick's eyes widened and he was very glad she couldn't see. There was no way Peeta and Katniss could handle being in the same room together without a guard. But at least he was reassured by the idea that it was very unlikely she'd be able to get him out of the hospital. Peeta was locked up pretty securely.
You'd really think he'd know better by now.
They didn't have to be subtle when they got Johanna though. They just walked up to her and Taiya smacked her head with a pillow, making the girl jolt up in a rage. She was no longer a patient of the hospital, so they didn't have to sneak her out covertly.
But Johanna and Taiya immediately banded together in a corner to discuss getting Peeta out, using Finnick as a lookout.
"Stupid idea," Johanna shook her head.
"It is not!"
"He's locked in his room! Locked with a key card. You know this. We can't just walk up and demand to be let in. So, like I said. Stupid idea."
"Ah, but I have one of these," Taiya smirked, waving a keycard in the air.
"How the hell did you get that?" Johanna's eyes widened.
"I 'tripped' coming into the hospital. Finnick caught me the first time, so I had to do it again to get the nurse to come over and check on me. Then I swiped it off him."
Johanna smirked as she took the key. "Leave it to me. Don't start without me. And get Haymitch to come meet me out front of the birdhouse. If you get Wonder Girl to stand at the front, Haymitch and I can keep an eye on Peeta in the back."
"Thank you!" Taiya hugged her.
"Don't tell your Fishstick though," Johanna shook her head. "He can't be trusted not to sabotage us."
"Got it!" Taiya nodded before racing back to Finnick.
"No Peeta?" he asked nervously as they quickly made their way out of the hospital. "I'm sorry sweetheart."
"Jo's bringing Peeta," she confessed. "Don't worry though. We have a plan to make everyone happy. There shall be no violence at this wedding!"
"Oh no," he hung his head.
They were racing to the entrance of the birdhouse when they were spotted by Buck.
"There's the happy couple!" Buck smiled widely, throwing his hands up excitedly as he saw them approach.
Taiya and Finnick both instantly stopped and frowned at him. It wasn't a very 'Buck-like' greeting.
"Tone it down?" he asked, and Taiya nodded. "Got it," he pulled out a serviette he'd written a few notes on and crossed a few lines out. "Alright Finnick, come inside with me. You're not meant to see the bride before the wedding," he tapped the boy's shoulder and turned to walk in.
"I just want to say…"
"Now Odair!" Buck cut Finnick off.
"Don't trip," Finnick winked at Taiya before he darted off inside.
"Now why would he say that?" Taiya turned to Tyler with a sulky look on her face.
"Meh, you picked him," Tyler just shrugged. "Katniss is waiting for you in that room," he pointed out a door on the side. "She has a surprise for you."
"I hate surprises," Taiya grimaced.
"No," Tyler shook his head. "You hate Annie's surprises. You'll like this one."
Taiya took a couple of steps forward before turning back. "Oh yeah, can you get Haymitch, please? Johanna and Peeta will be here soon. Don't worry, Johanna has a plan," she smiled before quickly spinning back and racing towards the room Katniss was in.
"Wait, Peeta… what? Taiya!" Tyler yelled after her, but she kept speeding away.
"Boo!" Taiya yelled, slamming the door open and making Katniss jump slightly. "What's up Mockingjay?" she shut the door behind her.
"I, umm…" Katniss hesitated, feeling a bit uneasy. "When you were in 12, I noticed you staring at this dress. A wedding dress."
Taiya's expression shifted from her smirk to one of surprise. This was not what she'd been expecting. She knew exactly what dress Katniss was referring to.
"I don't know, I just thought, why not grab it, you know?" Katniss held up the lovely lace dress, the delicate fabric glimmering in the light. "I know you have your blue engagement party dress on, and if you want to keep it on, there's no obligation to wear this," Katniss shifted uncomfortably, uncertain of how Taiya would react. "But I just thought maybe you'd be interested."
Taiya felt her eyes moisten slightly. The wedding dress Katniss held resembled one her mother had worn at her wedding. The fact that there was now an almost exact replica of that dress overwhelmed her.
With a heartfelt smile, Taiya walked forward and gently took the dress from Katniss, running her fingers down the fabric's length.
"Thank you," she managed to choke out, her voice thick with emotion. "Could you help me, please? I mean if you don't mind."
Katniss just nodded and stepped forward to help Taiya change out of one gown and into another.
"Just be careful around the flower crown please," Taiya requested. "I love it."
Katniss was zipping up the wedding dress when Taiya nervously chuckled, breaking the silence.
"So, um. I should definitely tell you this, but Peeta is coming. But don't worry, you can stand at the front, and he'll be safely tucked away at the back with Haymitch and Jo. You won't even know he's there. I promise it won't go wrong."
Katniss felt a pang of tension in her jaw, but she was resolute in not letting her emotions interfere with Finnick and Taiya's wedding.
"It's fine," Katniss agreed, trying to keep her tone composed. She understood the significance of Peeta and Taiya's mutual support during their recovery; it wasn't her place to decide who should or shouldn't attend their wedding.
Taiya beamed with relief, grateful that Katniss understood. "Thank you," she said sincerely, a mix of emotions swirling within her. "It's really important to me that he's there," she added softly as she adjusted her flower crown.
Taiya took a deep breath as she spun in her dress.
"How do I look?" Taiya struck a pose, looking at Katniss for approval.
"Like a great match for Finnick," Katniss smirked. "You look really beautiful," she smiled, genuinely impressed by Taiya's appearance. "Are you ready to get married?" she asked.
Taiya's eyes sparkled. "I've been ready for a long time," she confessed, her excitement and nerves blending together in a mix of emotions.
Katniss opened the door to reveal Tyler, who'd been waiting patiently outside.
"Oh my god," he exclaimed with a broad smile, his eyes welling up with tears. "You look lovely, Tay."
"Thanks," Taiya grinned at him.
"I'll meet you in there," Katniss smiled at the pair before making her way into the hall everyone else was waiting in.
Tyler approached Taiya, his eyes moist and pulled her into a tight hug.
"I can't believe this is happening," he whispered, his voice slightly wavering. "You look all grown up," he moved back so he could look at her again.
Taiya let out a dramatic sob before she pulled him back in. "I'm so excited," she whispered.
"You should be," he nodded. "I always wanted this for you."
Taiya pulled back as she looked at him. "I know I go out of my way to annoy you most of the time, but the truth is I don't know where I'd be without you. Honestly, you're the reason Finnick and I both survived the Games and the Capitol. We'll never be able to thank you enough, Ty. We're here because of you."
Tyler tapped her chin gently. "Hey, I was always going to look out for you kiddo. If I didn't you might have just destroyed the whole of District 4," he joked. "I'm like your guardian angel."
Taiya's smile faltered. The last person who called themselves her guardian angel died. Theo.
"You okay?" he asked, sensing a shift in emotions.
"I've never been better," she nodded.
"Alright then," he turned and held his elbow out for her to hold. "Finnick's waiting for you."
"Let's get me hitched," Taiya smiled widely, grasping onto his elbow and allowing him to lead her into the birdhouse.
She zeroed in on Finnick immediately. It was as if the entire room melted away, leaving just the two of them in a timeless moment. Her heart raced at the sight of him, and a surge of emotions overwhelmed her.
Finnick's breath caught in his throat as he laid eyes on Taiya in her unexpected wedding dress. His composed facade immediately disintegrated and was replaced with a mix of awe and adoration. His eyes widened, and a soft smile spread across his face, struck by her beauty and the profound moment they were about to share. A moment he previously hadn't even been sure they'd be able to have. He felt a rush of overwhelming love and appreciation for the woman walking towards him.
As Tyler and Taiya reached the end of the aisle, Tyler wiped a tear from his face. He took Taiya's hand and placed it gently in Finnick's.
"I don't even need to warn you," Tyler smiled at Finnick. "I know you'll never hurt her."
Finnick's eyes never left Taiya's as he took her hand, holding it firmly, yet tenderly. He briefly glanced at Tyler and gave him a wide-grinned nod before he quickly turned his attention back to Taiya.
"Now where did you get that?" he asked quietly.
"Katniss grabbed it for me," Taiya shot the girl in the front row a quick smile.
"I love it."
"It's like my mom's," Taiya giggled excitedly.
"I thought I recognised it," he gave it a better look.
Taiya glanced to the other corner, straight to the back to see Peeta smiling at her. She poked her tongue out at him quickly before turning back to Finnick.
"I said it earlier tonight, but I'll say it again," he whispered. "I can't wait to get that off you later."
"I will knock your head off," Buck threatened darkly and they both jumped. They'd sort of forgotten he was up there with them.
"Sorry Buck," they both grumbled.
"Alright," Buck cleared his throat. "You two ready?"
"Ready," they smiled at each other.
"Good evening," Buck spoke louder. "And welcome to this extremely last-minute ceremony. I'm Buck and I'll be your host for the evening."
Taiya slowly turned to look at him with a smirk. He'd been watching too much Caesar Flickerman over the years.
"You are here today as guests to witness the joining in matrimony of Finnick and Taiya, who would like to thank you all for coming to celebrate the beginning of their new life together as husband and wife.
I know I speak on behalf of all District 4 victors when I say it means a great deal to us that you could be here with us today to share in their happiness and witness their marriage vows. No one deserves this kind of happiness more than they do.
Finnick and Taiya, the purpose of marriage is that you may always love, care for, and support each other, through the joys and sorrows of life.
Marriage means committing to developing and maintaining cooperation, friendship and mutual respect.
It calls for trust, understanding and encouragement. But more than this, marriage is also intended to provide the love and friendship, help and comfort, that each ought to have for each other.
However, if there is any person here present who knows of any lawful impediment to this marriage, then they should stay silent and shut up."
"Buck," Taiya smiled widely.
He just winked at her. "We have come to the part of the ceremony where you are about to make your marriage contact with each other. Please repeat after me: 'I Finnick Wade Odair, take you Taiya Marina Ambersnow, to be my wedded wife. I promise to be loving, faithful and loyal to you for the rest of our lives together, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer. I will cherish you forevermore.'"
"I, Finnick Wade Odair, take you Taiya Marina Ambersnow, to be my wedded wife. I promise to be loving, faithful and loyal to you for the rest of our lives together, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer. I will cherish you forevermore."
"Now Tay; 'I, Taiya Marina Ambersnow, take you Finnick Wade Odair, to be my wedded husband. I promise to be loving, faithful and loyal to you for the rest of our lives together, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer. I will cherish you forevermore.'" Buck instructed.
"I, Taiya Marina Ambersnow," she squeezed his hands excitedly. "Take you, Finnick Wade Odair, to be my wedded husband. I promise to be loving, faithful and loyal to you for the rest of our lives together, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer. I will cherish you forevermore.."
"Oh crap," Buck groaned. "Did you two have time to write any vows?"
They both nodded at him. They'd had their vows written for years.
"Alright," Buck turned behind him to grab a net woven from long grass.
"Where'd you get that?" Taiya's eyes widened. This was a traditional District 4 wedding touch, there was no chance he could have done it in the 20 minutes it took to get everyone down here.
"Well when Plutarch was talking about a wedding I thought you might come around so Mags and I made it," he shrugged as he gently laid it over them.
"Thank you, Buck," Finnick thanked him sincerely.
"Don't mention it," he shrugged. "Finnick, if you would."
"Tay," Finnick smiled at her, trying to hold back tears. "From the very moment I bumped you into the water when we were just kids, I knew my life would never be the same. You hated me then, but even then, I knew I loved you. And every moment since has only strengthened that love.
The best thing that's ever happened to me was managing to weasel my way into your heart. Your smile, your energy, your very essence - they've been the guiding stars of my life. You've brought a light into my world that I never knew existed.
Today I stand before you, promising to love you endlessly. I promise to love you for every laugh shared, for every tear shed, and for every adventure we embark upon. My love for you knows no boundaries or limits, and it will only grow stronger with time.
I promise to cherish every moment we share, to support you through every challenge, and to celebrate every triumph. I vow to be there for you, through thick and thin, through sunshine and storm.
My love for you is boundless, and I promise that it will never diminish. I will love you for as long as I live, for every breath I take and every beat of my heart.
With all that I am and all that I have, I give you my eternal love."
"That was actually pretty nice," Buck smiled as he tried to stop his eyes from tearing up. He did not want to cry in front of everyone here. Especially not in front of Haymitch. "You're up T."
"Seaweed brain," Taiya smiled widely at him. "When you first bumped me into that water I wanted nothing to do with you. I mean, come on, jerk move babe. But after I realised you are a very difficult person to hate, you became one of my best friends. And then, somewhere along the line, you managed to creep up on my heart. And when you finally found your way in, I knew there was no escaping it. My heart became permanently attached to yours.
We started as best friends, and even back then I knew I never wanted to lose you. I hope this never ends. If I could live forever with you, I would happily do so. I promise to love you even when you're all old and pruned up from sun damage," she giggled. "Although for now, I will more than happily look at your pretty face.
You're the peanut butter to my jelly. The cheese to my macaroni. The cake to my icing. The net to my little fishies. You're the king of my heart, and the key to my happiness.
You're the most thoughtful person alive. Almost to an impossible standard. From planting my mother's old sunflowers in our yard to the little things like holding my hand when it starts to shake. You've always been there, understanding me in a way no one else does.
You're stuck with me now, my love. I promise to laugh with you in times of joy, support you in times of trouble, and cheer you on in every single thing you do. I'll keep trying to train you to make tea the right way, and I promise to make you smile even on days when you feel your darkest.
No one knows me like you do, and I'm eternally grateful for that. I vow to walk with you, hand in hand, and face whatever comes our way. I'm sorry, but I'm never letting you go."
Finnick mouthed 'I love you', which she very quickly returned as Buck lifted the net off of them.
"The wedding ring is an unbroken circle, it has no beginning and no end. It symbolises unending and everlasting love and is an outward sign of the lifelong promise you have made to each other. Now obviously we don't have any rings, but Mags made you these two paper rings," he handed Finnick one.
"Please repeat after me:
'Taiya Marina Ambersnow, I offer you this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion. May it remind you always of my vows to you today'."
"Taiya Marina Ambersnow," Finnick repeated as he lifted her left hand and slowly slid the paper ring Mags had made onto her ring finger. "I offer you this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion. May it remind you always of my vows to you today."
"Here you go Tay," Buck handed her the other ring. "'Finnick Wade Odair, I offer you this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion. May it remind you always of my vows to you today'."
"Finnick Wade Odair," she beamed as she placed the ring on his finger. "I offer you this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion. May it remind you always of my vows to you today."
"Finnick and Taiya, you have now both made the declarations required by the laws of District 4 and have made a solemn and binding contract with each other in the presence of your witnesses, guests and the registrar of marriages.
To confirm this wedding, we will now use this makeshift sea water," he held up a cup that they'd mixed some salt from the cafeteria in with some water. "And you will touch it to your partner's lips to confirm your commitment."
Taiya and Finnick dipped their fingers into the water before swiping it across the other's lips.
"It gives me great pleasure, to pronounce you are now husband and wife. Congratulations kids! You may now kiss the bride!"
Finnick didn't even hesitate, and neither did Taiya. He grabbed her waist, and she wrapped her arms around his neck and they immediately connected their lips in a tender and excited kiss.
All the victors clapped in excitement as they watched the ecstatic couple share their first kiss as husband and wife. They all knew how much this meant to them after all they'd been through.
Finnick and Taiya slowed moved their hands, and trailed them across each other to clasp their fingers together, squeezing each other's hands three times.
Taiya let out a giggle and they pulled away to look at their family, pressing their cheeks together as they beamed at them.
She'd never felt happiness like this before. This was a kind of high she was sure she'd never forget. She couldn't.
They just wanted it to stay like this forever.
Ok, so for all you people who've been bullying me for some smut, I will put a smut chapter next. Legit just for you guys, because I do cave to peer pressure haha!