Hunger Games - Extended epilogue

Chapter Ten

Weddings in District 12 are relatively simple, no one really feels married until after a special toasting we do. Old fashioned, but been traditional ever since I've been alive.

The woman usually rents a white dress that's already been worn hundreds of other times by other brides.

Men wear something that's not dirty mining clothes, which isn't Peeta's case.

Family and friends are supposed to gather around for a piece of cake, if it can be afforded, and sing a traditional song as the couple crosses the threshold of their home.

The toasting includes the guests and the couple to have their own ceremony where they make their first fire and toast a bit of bread to share.

It's somewhat the norm in our district, I have no knowledge of what other districts may do.

Renting a dress would be expensive, hence why your marriage would have to be a good decision you're willing to keep.

I don't have any wedding dresses of my own, and since the town of District Twelve still isn't high standards, there aren't any shops I might be able to pick up a fancy dress.

The wedding dresses I was delivered years ago, just before I entered the clock arena, we're taken back to the Capitol. But I seem to remember I still own dresses and gowns I was dressed in when I made my Victory Tour, right after my first Games.

To get those dresses requires a visit next door, to the home I shared long ago with my mother and Prim.

I go over to Peeta's dresser, covered in clothes and whatnot and find the small box sitting on the surface and take the key from its grasp.

As I make my way down the steps leading to the first floor of Peeta's home, I contemplate whether I should tell Peeta where I'm heading.

My head argues with itself on what's right.

I end up leaving the decision in his hands, if I find him downstairs, I won't have a choice but to tell him. But if he's somewhere around town, I won't know where he is and can't tell him.

And the latter happens. No sight of the boy.

I try to make this seem right in my head, but somewhere, something's urging on that he should be alerted.

A pang of guilt stabs me. He has the right to know, I know that. So many reasons pop into my head, why this is wrong and such a big step in my recovery that probably will never end.

Considering what happened the last time I visited that house, Peeta's protective side would shift into gear and he'd do it for me, no doubt.

But something urges me on, I need to collect more from that house.

I walk up the old, ghostly steps of my old home that haven't been stepped on for what feels like lifetimes.

I reach inside my breast pocket for the familiar dirty gold coloured key, and unlock the cold handle of the front door.

My feet wander in on their own accounts. Trying to look away. Ignoring every feature of the house, I slowly make my way up the screaming stairs, hanging my head down and watching my old hunting boots with every step. I clutch the railing that grips the stairs and hold on for support.

Suddenly, I become aware of how loud I'm walking. I try to quieten down my heavy steps, very cautious and slightly paranoid not to awake the ghosts living in every corner of the house.

Ghosts of the ones I killed.

I rummage through my old closest, virtually empty. Easily finding the green dress I wore in 5, the one Annie Cresta wore for her wedding, the dress Cinna's hands so carefully crafted.