The Hunger Games: Extended Epilogue

Chapter 5: Coats

It doesn't take long to get dressed and leave.
Though appreciative of Peeta's efforts to prepare for the trip, I have to convince him to only take half of what he originally packed. And when we leave, we only have to carry a small shoulder bag of some nuts, dried fruits, and only one loaf of bread. Though, getting dressed for Peeta was more of a challenge.
When we went up stairs, I immediately changed into a long sleeve and my fathers old hunting jacket, along with a some mittens and a scarf, and I put my hair into a braid and put a beanie over it.
I had experience with snow out in the woods. My father and I would go hunting more when it would snow because of the lack peacekeepers who would stay indoors on the cold mornings. On those days, we would be allowed more time with less risk of being caught.
When I turn the corner, I see the once neatly stacked piles of coats now tipped over and wrestled through. And when I turn around, Peeta is standing there with layers over layers that make him double the width that he is.
I can't help it, a huge burst of laughter comes out of me and I can't seem to make it stop, and he laughs too. We both laugh harder in that moment than we have in what seems like forever.
Once I finally catch my breath, I have to make him strip at least two layers off and then we leave, hand in hand.
When I open the door, the frigid air feels good on my face. The long days, after days, of sitting in front of the fire made me used to the heat and stuffiness inside. And now, finally outside after weeks, the open cool air makes me feel free and refreshes me of my sorrows.
With Peeta, I find myself excited to show him the woods, a place so sacred to me for so many years.