One Last Game -Haymitch Abernathy-

Chapter 66

The days go by slowly, at first. Amelia didn't stay in the mansion long. Effie helped her relocate to an apartment while she received treatment. The mansion brought back the memories of Snow, and those were what she wanted to forget.

It's not easy at first, but Amelia pushes through. She spends her days readjusting to reality and navigating through the pain of the past. It takes her longer than expected. The Victors leave one by one—Enobaria, who nobody missed, left right after Haymitch, Katniss, and Johanna. Beetee stayed for a while, but then he was gone. Off to help wherever he was needed. Annie returned home as well, wanting to have her baby at home.

Peeta left a few weeks later. He was cleared but not entirely healed. However, he wanted to go home. Nobody stopped him. Amelia went with him to the train station but never joined him. She wasn't ready. They said their goodbyes, made promises to reunite, and then separated.

Amelia wanted to return home entirely healed. It wasn't fair to Haymitch, who would have to watch her. The war was over. Peace was finally possible. Haymitch deserved to rest, to recover without the burden of her mental health issues. So that's why she waited. Amelia waited until she was ready.

It wasn't clear when that would be. She feared it could be years. But she would know when the time was right.

It was seven months after the execution of Coin and Snow that she knew it was time. The sun rose over the horizon. The nightmares still happened, but they were less frequent. She walked around the Capitol, bidding soft hellos to strangers without fear. That's when she knew. It was time to go home.

Amelia packed her bag the following morning, preparing to catch the train home. It was a long train ride, but she didn't mind. Descending on the stairs, she noticed Effie waiting for her. It was expected. Effie was her only friend left in the Capitol. Saying goodbye would not be easy.

"Ah, there you are," Effie smiled. Her lips were painted blue. "Late, as usual."

Amelia chuckled at her words. "Some things never change."

Effie refused to let her emotions show. "Take care of yourself, darling."

"I will," she promised. They embraced in a hug. It was warm and inviting. The weather was starting to get cooler. "Goodbye, Effie." Amelia walked away with a sad smile knowing in her heart the two would never see each other again.

The train ride was long, as expected. Amelia stayed in the lounge the entire time. There were many memories associated with the train. Some were good. Others weren't. But the memories are no longer painful. The ache in her heart is gone. She doesn't cry when she thinks of Finnick or any of the others. She no longer feels the same sadness.

Amelia only feels gratitude. For she is alive, and that's finally enough for her.

She sleeps most of the train ride. When she arrives in District 12, it's the afternoon a few days later. Amelia holds her bag tightly, walking towards the Victors' Village. The leaves are red. Some have already fallen. More and more people have returned to District 12. She passes by several faces. Some she knows, others she doesn't, but they all smile. Amelia always smiles back.

She never saw the aftermath of District 12. That's for the better. The houses on one side of the Victors' Village are destroyed, including hers. That's okay, she thinks. She wants to be with Haymitch anyway. There is no longer a sign to welcome people to the Victors' Village. Again, Amelia doesn't mind. She never liked being called a Victor anyway.

On the way to his house, she's stopped by someone. "Oh my god," Katniss whispers. "Amelia."

Amelia grins at the sight of her. Katniss hasn't changed. She's still beautiful, with perfect brown wavy hair and piercing blue eyes. "Hey." Katniss approaches her quickly, embracing her in a hug.

It's a much-needed hug. They never had a chance to say goodbye before. "It's good to see you."

"You too." Amelia pulls away first, eyeing the dead birds in her hand. Her bow is thrown over her shoulder. "Hunting again?"

"Yeah." Katniss grabs one of the birds, handing it to her. "I doubt Haymitch has much to eat."

Amelia takes the bird from her. "I'll make something for dinner. Why don't you stop by tonight?"

Katniss smiles at the offer. "That sounds wonderful. I'll have Peeta bake some bread." Amelia is happy to hear that Peeta is baking again.

"Wonderful." She's thrilled. "I'll see you very soon."

"Okay." Amelia steps past her. "Oh, Haymitch is out."

That confuses her. Haymitch never leaves the house. "He is?"

"Yeah," she confirms. "I saw him down by the stream."

"Okay, thank you." They part ways. Amelia walks up the steps of Haymitch's house, which will now also be hers. She knows Haymitch won't mind.

When Amelia enters the house, she's met with a familiar smell. His smell. It's a mess, but that's expected. Haymitch never cleaned up after himself. It was nice to see that some things never change.

Amelia gets to work cooking dinner. She decides to make stew. With the bread Peeta will bring to dinner, she knows it'll be a perfect mix. Luckily, Haymitch has enough ingredients to get by. Her movements are natural. It's a meal she's made hundreds of times before. It's easy, simple, and perfect. Soon, the house smells of spices and broth. While the food cooks, she cleans. Picking up things and organizing. Then, she goes back to cooking.

It isn't too long before Haymitch returns home. He knows immediately that she's there. The house smells like the stew she made on cold winter days. It's also cleaner than when he left it. There's a smile on his face. He slips off his shoes, making sure to put them away.

Amelia hears him before she sees him but doesn't turn around. She waits for him by the stove, adding a few more ingredients to dinner. Finally, she gazes at him over her shoulder. Haymitch stares at her, a smile on his face. His hair is longer, but so is hers. He's wearing a loose dark blue long sleeve shirt that buttons in the front. "Hey," she greets him casually, like she used to. "I'm making stew for dinner. I ran into Katniss and invited her and Peeta over for dinner. I hope that was okay."

"Yeah," he responds. It's more than okay.

"Good." Amelia sets down the spoon. He watches her fondly. It had been seven long months since he had last seen her. She's different now, happier. Her eyes are no longer void and full of sadness. Now, they're vibrant, like they used to be. She doesn't think twice about her next actions. She embraces him. "I missed you."

He hugs her back. "I missed you too."

Amelia glides her fingers through his hair. "Wow, you need a haircut." He laughs in response.

From there, everything is entirely normal. It's simple, easy. Peeta and Katniss come by for dinner. They eat the stew and make small talk. Amelia gives them updates on things going on in the Capitol they don't know about. Katniss talks about how much the meadow has changed. Peeta talks about how much District 12 has changed. Haymitch talks about the geese he's trying to raise.

It's perfect.

Peeta and Amelia do the dishes. They chat between them, making a few jokes. Every time she laughs, Haymitch smiles. The house feels alive for the first time.

They part ways soon after, making promises to do this more often. None of them will say it aloud, but eating together is more healing than anything else.

Amelia cuddles under a blanket while Haymitch starts a fire. She reads. He sits beside her. They enjoy each other's company, knowing they have it forever.

Not too long after, they go to bed. It's been a long day for Amelia. She's journeyed far to be back home. As she lays in bed, the memories of her life replay in her mind. The good: Taking her brother to the Hob, seeing Haymitch for the first time after leaving the games, reuniting with Peeta and Katniss after they won, meeting Finnick, and marrying Haymitch. The bad: Losing her family, watching Tyler die, being reaped both times, and listening to Finnick as he died.

Only this time, the memories don't haunt her.

That's when Haymitch whispers in her ear about how everything will be all right. Only this time, she believes him.