You Only Live Once

Epilogue

August, 2046

"Why do we always have to listen to the same songs every single time we make a car trip? I'm sick and tired of listening to this outdated band!"

Christine's complaints are the same as usual, and although I am already used to her insulting what has been my favorite band for over three decades, today I feel a little more on edge than usual.

"For your information, missy, 5 Seconds of Summer aren't old, they're a classic!" I pipe up "Plus, I'm the one driving, so I think I have the right over what song we listen!"

Christine huffs loudly, and I can hear Peeta chuckle beside me. He keeps telling how much my daughter is like me and, in moments like this, when she huffs loudly and complains about barely anything, never fail to make him laugh. 'It's your fault she's so hard headed.' he usually tells me.

"Hei, come on, let's not argue today. There's enough time for that during Christmas." Peeta states jokingly.

Not once, has ever Peeta failed to put a smile on my face, even in our darkest moments, when matters with his health seem to be taking a bad turn, an ocurrence that happens for more times than it should, it doesn't take much from my husband to make me laugh.

Over the years things were never perfect for my family, Peeta's well being sometimes decaying a little, result of disease he had when he was younger, from which he never recovered entirely, but that fact can be easily ignored when looking at what both me and Peeta have accomplished. Christine and little Luke, our kids, and the meaning of my whole life.

First came Christine, who undeniably takes after me, with her dark her and stoic attitude, she reminds me of myself back when I was in college, when I first met Peeta. Luke is a different story, incredibly smart for his young age, and with big blue eyes, is exactly like his father. Unlike my husband, I wanted to name our little boy after Peeta. Of course, he blalantly refused and we ended up settling his name after the musician whose underwear Peeta and I tried to steal during our very first adventure. With the time passing, this story never really grew old, Peeta loves telling it to our kids and insisted on framing the pair of boxers in our dining room, right above our fireplace. 'It's a great conversation starter!' he had argued back when he placed the frame there. This happened when we first moved in to the house we live in now, when I was pregnant with Christine and the tiny apartement we owned in New York suddenley grew too short for our growing family.

"I can't believe Chris is going to college before I am!" Luke mumbles, making me laugh out loud and Peeta chuckle weakly from the passenger's sit.

"Honey, you're only twelve." I tell him "Of course your sister is going to college before you, she's older."

"Well, I'm still smarter." Luke points out in a superior manner.

"Oh, shut up, you dimwit!" Christine grumbles.

"Chris!" scolds Peeta "Come on, don't be mean to your brother, he's just going to miss you. Now, come on, love each other!"

Huffs and grumbles are heard from the back seat, and although I need to keep my eyes on the road, I watch Peeta from the corner of my eye turning around towards our children, while demanding them to love each other repeatedly.

"Kids just hug, so your father will shut up." I advise them, half mockinly, but still meaning every words I said. The car is quite for a few moments, as Peeta turns back around, and rests his back tiredly over the back of the seat. I gleefully welcome the silence, like I always do, knowing that it's only a matter of time before Christine and Luke start bickering again. Being a parent has certainly not been an easy ride, but I don't think I'd have it any other way.

Sometimes it feels like things never really changed, that I'm still the same girl I was 30 years ago, when I first met Peeta and , eventually, fell in love with him. The moment we arrive the very same train station Peeta and I first spoke to each other, I have that exact same feeling.

"And here we are!"

Saying goodbye to Christine is harder than I'd think it easy. It seems like part of my life is ending, and I have to remind myself that that is not true, my children will forever be a part of my life, everlasting, just like Peeta.

"Well, I guess we'll see you on Thanksgiving." I say hugging my daughter one last time. "Don't forget to call every day!"

"Don't worry, mom. I will." Christine says, as she accepts her father's hug.

"Have fun in college." he tells her "History was made in the train your departing on, I first met your mother there."

Christine rolls her eyes "I know dad, I've heard that story a million times."

Peeta chuckles and kisses his daughter's forehead. "Make some history of your own."

"I love you guys!" my daughter says as she turns around to catch her train. I stare at her longingly, recalling the times when she was small and wanted to be just like her mother, and sigh deeply. Peeta holds my hand as we walk back to the car, where Luke, who was walking ahead of us, as already got in and put his seatbelton, waiting patiently for us.

"And now what?" he asks excitedly, probably hoping we'll stop for ice cream on our way back home.

I smile, before giving him my answer. "The world keeps spinning."

AN:

So, this is the actual ending. Yes, this story is finished. It's hard to believe it, its been around an year since I published the very first chapter...

I hope you guys have liked this story as much as I loved writing it. It's been the hell of a ride!

Also, I'm so sorry it took me this long to just publish the epilogue (specially when I sai I'd do it within the week I published my last chapter), but I've just been so busy.

Well, if you guys liked this story don't forget to vote, and give me feedback!

See you soon!

~Claire