Real...

Chapter 13

I wake up to the most stressful but at the same time, the happiest day of my life. The wedding. The day where I become Mrs. Mellark. I'm only 20 years old. I feel too young, but I'm continuing on with my life because it's going to end eventually. I invited a few people to come to our wedding. But of course, cameras will be there, along with Caesar Flickerman. I made Effie be my maid of honor because she earned it. I had Greasy Sae, Johanna Mason and Annie Cresta be my bridesmaids because they were the only people close to me that were women. Except for Octavia and my mother. Octavia is my stylist while my mom is living her final days. She's here, but she's in critical condition. She was put on strict bed rest, so I'm bringing the bed to the wedding. I saved her the seat/bed that's closest to me when I'm exchanging my vows. I want her to watch me grow up and be a grandmother before she passes, but I'm afraid we are too late. I also invited Gale and his wife. Surprisingly, they showed up. I thought Gale would still be mad at me, but I guess his hormones kicked in again and what do you know? He's here. But I still don't know what his wife's name is. And finally, since my father couldn't be here, I asked one person to take his place while walking me down the aisle. Haymitch Abernathy. He's not only been my mentor, friend and protector, but he's been like a father to me. When I asked him, he immediately accepted the honor. I couldn't ask for anyone better.

As for Peeta's side, he has his brother, Rye, as his best man, while his dad and other brother are in the audience. Flavius is his stylist of course and shockingly, Plutarch Heavensbee is our officiant. He's not worthy for it, but we have nobody else who's eligible except him. He looked like an officiant, so he will be the officiant. Peeta's mother sadly, won't be attending. She's not sick. She would just make the wedding worse. Peeta was upset, but he knew it was the truth. We also have Annie and Finnick's son, Finn, as the ring bearer. He's so adorable, and I couldn't ask for anyone more adorable. As for the flower girl, we have Buttercup. Don't ask why. She loves spitting up grass and flowers, so we made her eat Primroses before the wedding so she could vomit them. It's either that, or we would have Haymitch be the flower girl, and that is not a pretty sight. Beetee is here as well, but just as the wedding planner. President Paylor was invited, but she will probably be fashionably late or just won't show up. We don't care what she does.

I wish a lot more people could be here. Like my dad, Prim, Cinna, Rue, Thresh, Finnick and so many others. I bet they're all looking down on me, telling me congratulations. As for President Snow, Coin, Cato and Clove, I sort of wish they could be here too. They've never heard of love before, so I want to show them. But they could also be looking down at me as well. I don't know. They were negatives in my life, and I try hard not to think about them as much.

I only wanted to wear one dress, and that was the dress that Cinna designed for me during the Quarter Quell. Somehow, Effie recovered it after my twirling. I was beyond pleased. I haven't seen Peeta since we've gotten up because we wanted to surprise each other. We are having our wedding in the center part of District 12, aka, the Hob. Of course, there will be people watching us, with cameras as well. But as long as the wedding goes smoothly, I'm perfectly fine with it. I'm in hair and makeup with Octavia until suddenly, Effie walks in. "I'm so proud of my victor."' She says. "Thank you." I reply. She slides her hand over my shoulder and says, "Let's go show them what real beauty looks like." I gave her a smile and walked into the dressing room. I slipped on the dress and it fit perfectly. I guess that means I'm still healthy. I walk out and see Octavia and Effie crying. I nudge them and see Haymitch. He sees me and starts shedding a tear. "Are you ready?" He asks. "Ready as I'll ever be." I exclaim, and we walk up to the door of the reaping building, behind Buttercup and Finn. That's when it's their cue, and they walk out. Buttercup vomits beautifully, which means it's gross but the flowers came out nice. I'm glad it didn't come out of her butt. Then the bride music comes on, signaling for Haymitch and I to walk out. We link arms, and Haymitch slowly opens the door and we see everyone outside cheering for us. I see Peeta's expression of joy and wonders. I guess he liked the dress after all. It took Haymitch and I about thirty seconds to walk down the aisle. I catch everyone's faces before I had to go up and exchange my vows. I heard Gale mouth the words, "You picked the right one." I started crying. Then I saw my mother, who was bawling her eyes out. When I pass her, I stroke her hand and start crying. "I love you." I say. "I love you," she says. "Thank you." I turn my head and hear whistling and chants coming from the background. We finally reach the podium. I took one last look at Haymitch and ask for any last advice. He said, "Don't cite your vows like you are citing from a drilling manual. Oh and don't cry either. You'll ruin your makeup and Effie won't be happy." I chuckled, and he started crying. "I guess I didn't take your advice to seriously then." I started crying again. "Thank you for everything Haymitch." I said, and I give him the biggest hug while he plants a kiss on my cheek. Surprisingly, he is sober. I smelled no alcohol on him. I stroke his arm and slowly turn my head. I see Plutarch smiling at me and then I see Peeta. I see Peeta mouth the words to Haymitch, "Thank you." I turn and see Haymitch who slowly nods and says, "Stay alive."

Peeta asks for my hands, and I reach them. He then asks, "We aren't star-crossed lovers anymore right?" "No," I reply with a chuckle. "We are much bigger and this is the beginning of our love story." He smiles and I look down at our entwined hands, knowing that in a matter of minutes, my whole life and my last name will change. I am marrying Peeta Mellark, the love of my life.