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3 years later
An aurora of colours spread across the evening sky as Athena and Finnick Odair peacefully relaxed, and watched their 3 year old son play happily in the ocean. It turned out that the sickness Athena was experiencing wasn't nerves, but instead the much-better blessing of a baby boy. As soon as he was born, the new mother stared tearfully into the new-born's eyes, complete replicas of his father's, and named him Caspian. She just had to after what he had done for the pair, even if it resulted in his unfortunate death.
From the moment she visited on her victory tour, Athena had always admired District 4, with its stunning coastline and kindred inhabitants, but she never thought at that time she would end up living there. But here she now was, and she couldn't be more grateful.
It had been three years since the rebellion died out, leaving its final sparks in the hearts of the two contrasting presidents, courtesy of Katniss Everdeen herself. Speaking of whom, the woman had been taken to her home district with her mentor, to lead a calm life after her unexpected killing of Alma Coin. Peeta Mellark soon came to join her, and two years after that, they were married, for real this time.
Johanna Mason had gone to District 7 to slowly recover from her tortures in the Capitol. She still had her phobia of water, but by now, she had nearly overcome it like the fighter she was. When Finnick and Athena left, after Snow's execution, the woman had promised with a smirk she would join them as soon as she could.
As for the current state of the Capitol, its hierarchy had been dishevelled, but the actual city's iconic structures and buildings had been kept in tact, with the guarantee that anyone, from any district, could visit or take residency there.
President Paylor now governed the country, even though her time in the role was originally meant to be short lived, until they found a true leader. But Paylor proved herself in that time, and everyone unanimously agreed that her choices were correct, and kept her in the position.
"It's so surreal to think that just over three years ago, we were both stood on the platforms of our Justice Buildings, awaiting what seemed to be our imminent deaths." Athena mentioned, gazing out into the sunset, locked in a loving hold with her husband.
"But we survived those Games, we survived the revolution, and out of it, we found each other." Finnick replied, as he smiled down at his wife.
"I remember when I hated you so much, but now when I look back, I can't believe how naïve I was." She laughed, the memoirs of her first meetings with Finnick rushing back to her, similar to the waves that calmly lapped against the shoreline.
Watching the calmly repetitive movements of the water, Athena was taken down the path of remembrance over how her downward spiral commenced; when her name was plucked from the fateful reaping bowl by her escort, Clio. It continued when she saw the crimson blood run nonchalantly down Azora's throat, confirming her victory.
After an endless cycle of public appearances, interviews, meetings, and even a rebellion, Athena thought she would never live to see true happiness again. Yet here she was, living out a utopia with the love of her life and perfect son, and nothing could be better.
Athena Odair had found peace at last.
Yes, there had been highs and lows along the way, and no victor, strong or weak, would ever be able to forget the terrors that had once plagued their lives, but the woman from 8 had reached her reward, that no matter how hidden, was always at the end. It was what she deserved. It was what they all deserved.
The cracks in her heart had began to heal for definite, but some would remain open, to serve as a permanent reminder of the deaths that tore her apart. Acacia, Clementine, her parents, Mags, Boggs, Cecelia, Woof, and most of all, Caspian. Athena would never forget his name; her son would always leave an indication of the man's benevolent sacrifices.
Athena's chest now held the warmth of her new, everlasting love, but she would always know, deep down, what used to be in the same place:
Her ice cold heart.
————————————————————— A/N: so that's the end! not going to lie i cried a little writing this; it's all over now :( if you've got this far, thank you so so so much! your support means the world to me, and i hope you have enjoyed reading this story as much as i have writing it! goodbye xx :)
