A Dandelion In The Sun {Watty Awards 2012}

Chapter 3: Moments Of New Beginnings

I paced around the spare bedroom waiting for my mother to bring the wedding dress in. We had discovered from my old prep team that Cinna had created a dress for me – one I had never known about – for my wedding day. It would have seemed presumptuous, but he had known me pretty well. I had felt the flicker of pain that came with the happiness over wearing something he had made for me.

She came in carrying a garment bag over her arm. I paused, swallowed hard, and my mother smiled gently. "There was a note with it."

I stared down at the folded square of paper.

I carefully unzipped the garment bag, keeping my eyes closed until it was fully exposed. When I opened them, I couldn't help the little gasp. It was a simple white strapless gown, but the dress had criss-crossing lines of green in the shape of a willow tree. Upon closer inspection, they were reflective little jewels and flashed a beautiful forest-green in the light. There was a small button sewn into the inside of the dress and when I pushed it the dress emitted a soft green glow.

It was stunning. Cinna knew how much I loved being in my forest at home and created a wedding dress that showed that. I opened the letter and read:

Katniss,

Maybe it's a bit presumptuous of me, but I had this idea for a wedding dress that would suit you and I had to create it. I don't know what choices you will make in the future, but my bet is still with the girl on fire; to live and to live the best way you know how. I hope this comes in handy for you one day. Remember… chin up.

Your friend,

Cinna

I stared down at the letter, a lump in my throat, thinking of my Capitol friend who supported me through everything. Cinna was remarkably talented, and I was excited to wear his creation today in memory of him.

My mother helped me into the dress, and then she stood behind me and did my hair the way she had done for the Reaping.

"You look beautiful," she said quietly.

I smiled. My mother and I had a rough relationship in the beginning, but it had eased and softened recently, especially after the loss we had suffered. She lived in another district, but it had helped us grow closer in some ways.

"Thank you," I said accepting her hug.

When she left, my mind wandered, and I couldn't stop thinking of Prim. I felt the misery welling up, and I tried to dispel it. She should have been here with me. When Haymitch came in, he took one look at my face and said, "I'll get Peeta."

I didn't want Peeta to see me like this on our wedding day, but he was the only one who could calm me down. When he came in, I went right into his arms. His hands rubbed my back, his lips pressed against my temple, as I tried to rein in the grief.

"She should be here," I said angrily as tears slid down my cheeks. "She should be here for my wedding day. I miss her so much, Peeta."

He kissed me and brushed my tears away. "She should be," he agreed.

He let me cry against his shoulder, and I glanced up at him after a few moments. I could see the loss and sadness on his face and felt guilty.

"You miss your family, too, don't you? I'm sorry, Peeta."

He gave me a small smile. "I do. I miss my father especially. I wish he was here."

We hugged each other, awash in our shared grief, until Peeta pulled back. "Let's get married, Katniss," he said firmly. "Let's get married and have a good time for them."