Epilogue

Sixteen years later…

District Ten

It had been a year since the Capitol had been defeated. Not everything was completely settled but they were getting over their horrors. At least there were no Games or tyranny. They had the freedom to live anywhere they'd want to. There was no restriction in travelling. Maybe that was the reason Cress had decided to move to Ten.

He was a man now, thirty two years old. He was unmarried and didn't regret it. He needed some time alone. It had been a long journey and he had helped the rebels as well as he could. And he kept his promise to Edith.

His cottage was small but nice and had a warm feeling. Dawn lived next door and he was glad of it. She bore him no grudge and had willingly accepted his offer. Even though she was only three years older, she was in a way motherly to him. And that was what he needed.

Often Haley visited him. Her house was right in front of his own. They had become really great friends over time. He could share anything with her and that was something else he was thankful for.

It did not mean that the pain wasn't fresh anymore. Sixteen years had passed since he had won but he still saw the other tributes in his dreams, many of those whom he had not killed, not even spoken to. And the dreams had gradually ceased to be sad. Many times he had nice dreams, him and Virgo and Devon having a party together, telling their stories, all of them happy. Sometimes they were really horrible, and Cress would wake up drenched in sweat. But that was slowly decreasing.

He stared at the paintings of all the tributes his year. Haley was good with art and she had painted them for him. A smile adorned his face when he looked at Virgo's painting. He wished she was still there, with him. In all these years there had not been one day when he had not missed her. Not one single day.

"Cress," he heard Haley's voice. He looked at her, a fine woman that she was now.

"Hi," he replied in a manly voice. It held none of its childish pitch from before and was quite deep now.

"Just wanted you to invite you for dinner," she said.

Cress laughed. "I have dinner at your place at least five days a week anyways," he said. Haley grinned at him as he came closer.

"Here Haley, a rose for you," he said, bringing forward the flower. She smiled at him and took it. She brought it near her face to smell it when it suddenly shot water on her face.

Cress let out a hearty laugh and ran, Haley chasing after him. "STOP RIGHT THERE CRESS WOODS JUNIOR!" she yelled in mock fury but her voice held a mirth. It would appear strange that two people in their thirties would behave in such a childish way.

But they never had their childhood and it was never too late.

Here it is. Officially over. I loved writing this and it is one of my favourite stories yet. It was a pleasure to write and I hope it was fun for you to read as well. Your support was what drove me forward and brought this to completion. For that, I thank you.