The Hunger Games: Extended Epilogue

Chapter 1: Real

"Real" I say.

At that moment, Peeta just stares at me, in me. I can tell he believes me this time, he knows that I mean it.
And I do, I love Peeta Mellark.
A smile come to his lips, then immediately meets mine. His embrace has been something I have been longing for ever since I lost him. Now, here we are, closer than ever, and I know that every loving emotion I have towards Peeta will present itself tonight.
And it does.

I open my eyes, and wake up to Peetas arms around me and the morning sun pouring through open window with brisk air filling the room. Peeta has grand windows in his house and always prefers them to be open. He tells me that at night, when he wakes up thrashing from his nightmares, looking out the window calms him in a way he never knew possible.
I look out the window and see the meadow that backs his house. With the morning light, the colors of the primrose and greenery are even more vibrant than I have ever seen. And not because of sadness or anger, for that has passed, but out of longing, tears slip through my eyes and down my cheeks.
Not because I lost of my sister, or the fading memories of twelve, but because I know, in this moment, I am safe. Here, in Peeta's embrace, nothing can hurt me. I know that I love Peeta and I know that he loves me.
I know that we will get through anything as long as we are together.
Peeta begins to stir so I wipe my eyes and turn towards him, burying my face deeper into his chest.
He is awake now and I feel him look down at me. But I pretend to be asleep because I am not ready to leave his warm body yet.
He holds me tighter and lays his head on my head, and I fall back asleep.