Everlark- Family, Love and Happy Ever After

Save The Date

Four weeks it's taken. Four weeks for Effie to organise and prepare everything, all myself and Peeta had to do was sit back and watch it take its course. Willow had helped me pick my dress from a small boutique one of Cinna's brothers owned. It wasn't Cinna, but it was close enough. Oakley and Willow had dresses, and Rye a smart suit. No bridesmaids, no maids of honour, because as Peeta said, this wasn't a wedding- it was a declaration of love. The ceremony was in two days' time, Effie had sorted everything...but I still had one more thing to do. And one more person to see. Early morning, before I knew he'd set off for work, I left the house and walked through the square, the early morning Spring breeze blowing gently through my hair. I was in a t-shirt and leggings, my hair scraped back messily into a braid and my face free from makeup- I was the split image of my 16 year old self. We'd agreed to meet where we'd sat the morning of the first reaping, up high on a hill in the woods. As I tread through the leaves, I noticed he was already there waiting, picking at a blade of grass. I walked over and sat down beside him. ''Gale.''

''I'm allowed to come this time then?'' He said. He sounded mournful, but maybe it was just me over-thinking it. Two weeks ago, I had visited their new home once I knew that they had settled in. I wanted to personally invite them myself, I didn't think a fancy invitation would suffice and anyway, this way I knew that he couldn't say no. His children were ecstatic. ''A wedding, a wedding.'' Pr-Rosy said, clasping her hands together.

''It's not an actual wedding dummy.'' Jenson said dryly.

''Yes but I get to wear a dress.'' She said sticking her tongue out at her brother.

''Mummy, can Sumwer wear a dress. A pwink one.'' Their daughter lisped. Summer. She was the exact image of Cressida, but with Gale's dark hair.

''Of course you can. Jenson don't wind your sisters up.'' She scolded, before winking at him. She was still stern, but she'd mellowed and grew softer. My mind flickered back to the present, where we were sat in silence, Gale awaiting my answer.

''You know you're the most welcome Gale.''

''Hmmm.''

''What is it?'' I asked.

''I don't know if Peeta would want me there.''

''Of course he does. Gale he confided in you. The talk you both had, he wants me to be happy. He wants you and your family in our lives.'' I said.

''I guess. Does that mean I have to dress us?'' He said, smirking a little.

''Yes it does.'' I said nudging him.

''Katniss, I love Cress so much. I do. But I'm not going to pretend it won't be odd seeing you together, I doubt I'll enjoy watching you tell each other how much you love one another.''

''I know, it was the same when I found out you'd married Cressida.'' I laughed slightly.

''What is it?'' He asked.

''We were always meant to end up together weren't we? Everyone thought it would be inevitable.''

''Yes, I hoped we would. But you never were one to do what was expected were you?'' Gale chuckled.

''I guess so.''

''I should go, I have a council meeting in an hour.'' He said, standing up.

''I need to be back to take the kids to school anyway.'' I said following him. We made our way back through the forest, walking back through the village. Before he turned off I stopped us in our tracks. ''You really will come?''

''I wouldn't miss it.'' He gave me a quick hug and turned around. ''See you later...Catnip.'' He shouted back.

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