Epilogue

I didn't really want to have another wedding. After the beautiful ceremony Peeta and I shared in the wilderness, I did not want the Capitol to ruin my memory. But the newly-reformed city insisted, since we are still Panem's Star-Crossed Lovers – with or without the Hunger Games.

The reception is lively, though, and we had a lot of say in what we wanted for our "official" ceremony, as Haymitch likes to call it. What remains of District 12 are all guests and they still know how to have fun, even after the rebellion and war.

Our fellow, surviving Victors are here, too. It is the least Peeta and I could do, since they had to return to another arena with 22 victors total on our account. Off at one table, I can see Peeta, Haymitch, Finnick and Beetee laughing and joking. Haymitch is plastered, as usual, but the other men are also a little tipsy. Finnick raises a glass of champagne, and his voice carries over to me in what sounds like a drinking song. Oh, great….

"I may not live to see our glory!"

"I may not live to see our glory!" Haymitch and Beetee echo.

"But I've seen wonders great and small."

"I've seen wonders great and small….."

Finnick throws an arm over Peeta's shoulder. "Cause if the Bread Boy can get married….."

"If Peeta Mellark can get married….."

"There's hope for our ass after all!"

"Raise a glass to freedom!" Haymitch slurs before wagging a finger at Peeta. "Something you will never see again!"

"No matter what she tells you!" Beetee chimes in with a chuckle.

"Let's have another round tonight!" Haymitch calls.

"Raise a glass to the four of us!" Beetee agrees. All four chorus: "To the newly non-poor of us!"

"We'll tell the story of tonight!" Haymitch vows. "Let's have another round…."

They are interrupted by another figure coming late to the party. Peeta brightens.

"Well, if it isn't Mister Gale!"

"Mail!" Gale Hawthorne calls, holding up a wedding present.

Peeta embraces him. "I didn't think that you would make it!"

"Not in snow or hail!"

"Gale?!" the other victors stare in disbelief.

"I came to say congratulations!"

"Thought you turned tail, Gale!" Beetee protests, though still happy to see him.

Gale snickers. "I see the whole gang is here…."

Haymitch's mouth deflates into a resting bitch face. "Why don't you bail, Gale?"

Peeta chuckles, slightly embarrassed. "Ignore them. Congrats to you, Lieutenant Colonel! I wish I had your command instead of manning bread and kernels!"

"No you don't….."

"Yes, I do!"

"Now be sensible," Gale admonishes. "From what I hear, you've made yourself indispensable!"

"Well, I heard a tale, you've got a special someone on the side, Gale…." Finnick teases, sidling up to him.

Peeta turns back to Gale, laughing. "Is that so?"

"What are you trying to hide, Gale?"

Gale shrugs away from Finnick, awkwardly smiling. "I should go…."

"No, these guys should go!" Peeta orders. There is an instant uproar.

"What?"

"No!"

"Leave us alone!" Peeta commands.

"Man!" The three victors head to the dance floor.

"It's all right, Gale. I wish you'd brought this girl with you tonight, Gale."

"You're very kind, but I'm afraid it's unlawful, sir."

"What do you mean?"

"She's married."

"I see…."

"She's married to a former Capitol officer."

Peeta blinks. "Oh, shit…."

Gale just laughs. "Congrats again, Peeta, old friend."

Peeta just shakes his head. "I will never understand you. If you love this woman, go get her! What are you waiting for?"

Gale smiles sadly. "I'll see you and Catnip and the children soon."

He leaves, and Peeta turns back to find his wife. What a journey they have all had!

A/N: Yes, the last bit was based on The Story of Tonight (Reprise) from Hamilton. I thought it might make for a funny coda!