Vacation of a Lifetime Chapter 10: The Wedding, a hunger games fanfic

So…I know many wanted a sequel for this story…well…I am not confident that I could write a sequel to do this story justice…but…I have come up with a compromise. Here's the true final chapter. What's it about? Well…you'll just have to read…or you could see the chapter title and that'll give you all you need to know.

For those reading the Peeta POV story "Vacation That Changed His Life", I am also posting the next chapter of that story for your enjoyment as well.

There are pics for this chapter! Unfortunately... 'I can't post the links. If you want to see the pics, let me know and I'll think of a way to make them known to you...

Review Replies:

Maiden Alice: Well…my intention was to write this as the true finale, but the last chapter seemed better if called the "epilogue". Hope this proves to be a better ending for you.

rochay97: This is about as close as I've got to a sequel. I know it sucks, but I just don't think I've got enough to do a sequel for this one.

mockingjay5225: Thanks. Here's one more chapter, but after this one, all that's left is the rest of Peeta's story…which will also have 10 chapters.

PurpleQueen981: Thanks. Here's just a little more.

xprincesserinx: It's not much, but here's a little more for you.

peetame: Thanks for your support throughout this story.

InuYasha'sLoveKagome: I feel so creative in replying, but...thanks for your support and for reading. … Maybe I should learn to be more creative. Haha.

Fanficlover1413: Thanks again for inquiring about the stories. I just wish I had more time. Thanks for all the compliments. It really does encourage me to keep writing for this fandom. Also, these stories are unrelated to Austin. Although, I am hoping to write some more stories based around the same storyline as Austin.

Now…time for the final (for real this time) chapter. Please enjoy.

The Wedding

Together they had planned. Everything had to be perfect; Peeta, the perfectionist, wouldn't have it any other way. In the midst of their planning, Katniss and Peeta had moved into their own small apartment in New York City. It wasn't the best and it wasn't ideal, but it was home because, as they always say, "Home is where the heart is". Throughout their planning, Peeta continued to insist that he be the one to decorate their wedding cake since he was the expert, but Katniss refused to allow it. "This is a celebration. Don't do any more work than you have to do," she had insisted. Playfully, he had huffed, telling her that the cake just wouldn't be perfect then.

Finally, all had been set in place and the date approached. As they counted down the days together, Katniss began to wonder about the new experience coming up. She was not having second thoughts; there wasn't anyone else she'd ever want to be with if his name wasn't Peeta. However, she was nervous. Was this the right thing? What if things didn't work out? Was Peeta having thoughts like these too?

The two had decided that they wanted a simple ceremony, one with only families and close friends. Katniss had invited Gale and Peeta had invited Delly. He was certain that Delly would attend, but both were unsure about Gale. It was worth a try, though. When it was confirmed that Gale would attend, Peeta surprisingly, even though he had two older brothers, offered Gale the position of best man; an offer which Gale felt as if he couldn't decline. Katniss knew she had no choice but to choose Prim for her maid-of-honor, but she offered Delly a position as a bridesmaid. She had eagerly accepted. Katniss's other bridesmaids, since Peeta had no sisters, were some of her closer neighborhood friends from back home.

Time continued on, and, before Katniss knew it, the big day had arrived. Standing in front of a full-length mirror, she allowed her mother to help her into a simple wedding dress. Katniss, along with Prim and their mother, had picked out the dress and given Peeta no opportunity to see it. It was to be a surprise.

Once Katniss was wearing the dress, her mother fixed her hair and make-up while Prim handled the jewelry. After all was said and done, Prim and Mrs. Everdeen stepped back, leaving Katniss to stare silently at the mirror. She couldn't recognize herself and she knew that Peeta wouldn't be able to either.

Prim approached slowly and Katniss turned to see her sister who looked older in her bridesmaid dress. Katniss and the bridal party had chosen simple dresses, sky-blue in color with a white tie across the middle. The color had been Katniss's idea; she loved how it matched Peeta's beautiful eye color. Caught up in the moment, Katniss did not hear the words that her sister had spoken. Apologizing, she asked her little sister to repeat whatever it was that she had said. "Ready?"

It was time for the bridesmaids to leave the dressing room; the procession was beginning. In only a short amount of time, Katniss Everdeen would become Katniss Mellark. As the bridesmaids left, Katniss's mother approached to tell her that she was leaving to return to the crowd. Squeezing her daughter's shoulder, Mrs. Everdeen congratulated her and told her how proud she was of her eldest daughter.

The dressing room cleared out and Katniss waited. Would this all just be a dream and she would wake up back in that little Pennsylvania suburb in a time before she had met Peeta Mellark? She waited for the room to fade away into blackness, but it never happened. Leaving the room, she silently thanked God that this moment was real; she could never imagine a life without Peeta.

Approaching the church sanctuary, her heart raced. Now she could hear the music. It was slow and melodic, a perfect beat for the procession. As she walked slowly to the open church doors, glimpses from inside become visible. The church was small and, where there were normally pews, there were fold-up chairs. On the right side of the sanctuary, Katniss saw members of her own family and on the left, there were members of Peeta's family. She had not yet met some of them and looked forward to getting to know them someday.

Taking a breath to calm her nerves, Katniss linked arms with her father at the door and together they entered the sanctuary. As they walked down the aisle, the two families in the crowd stood up, silently admiring Katniss. Her attention was not focused on them, though. Instead, she gazed up ahead to where he stood waiting. His blond hair had been slicked back and he wore a simple tux with a sky blue tie to match the bridesmaids' dresses. Locking eyes with Peeta, they both confirmed, with their gazes, their desire to go through with this ceremony.

When Katniss and her father reached the end of the aisle, he silently gave her a quick hug before returning to the seating area. She knew what that meant. Her father had gone through this very same ceremony years ago and now it was her turn. Only alone could she walk this path now. Walking to the altar, she stepped up to Peeta, taking his hands into her own. She could tell that he was stunned and that was exactly why she had held off showing him her dress; she had wanted to know what he really thought.

In a soft whisper, he told her, "You look beautiful." Her reply was a quick whispered "Thank you."

The rest of the ceremony flashed by before Katniss could even realize that she and Peeta had both agreed to their vows. However, it didn't feel real until Peeta's vows had concluded and he learned down to share their first kiss as the new Mr. and Mrs. Mellark.

Everyone in the crowd cheered and the new couple received a standing ovation from their families and close friends. Once the cheers had quieted down and everyone in the crowd had again taken their seats, the preacher concluded with "Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. Peeta Mellark!"

Applause from the crowd combined with music to create a memorable scene for the procession out of the church. The bridesmaids and groomsmen led the way followed by Peeta and Katniss Mellark, who had linked arms while the rest of their bridal party had begun to walk out of the sanctuary.

Once the bridal party had all left the sanctuary, the guests followed them out and everyone met outside the church building where there was an abundance of picture-taking and bubble blowing. Peeta had arranged the spot for the reception, so he made sure that everyone, especially Katniss's family, knew how to get there. After that was taken care of Peeta joined Katniss in their white limousine.

Time slowed down and sped up all at once. Katniss didn't know her way around New York City on any average day, but today she especially had no idea how to navigate The Big Apple; she was lost in the ocean of her husband's eyes. Husband. That's right. Peeta was her husband and she was Mrs. Mellark. She had to keep reminding herself that this was not just a dream. Everything had actually happened.

All too soon the limousine pulled up in front of the place Peeta had chosen for the reception. By this time, the guests should be situated and ready for their grand entrance. Upon entering the building, Katniss and Peeta again met up with their bridal party. They would enter one-by-one into the next room.

Just like at the church, the bridesmaids and groomsmen entered first. Once Prim and Gale entered, it would be Katniss and Peeta's turn. Slowly they approached the door, waiting to hear the song they'd chosen; that would be their cue to enter.

The soft drum beats and guitar sounds of their chosen song played out and the two newlyweds stepped into the room as the overly-sweet lyrics began:

Maybe it's intuition
But some things you just don't question
Like in your eyes
I see my future in an instant
And there it goes
I think I've found my best friend
I know that it might sound more than a little crazy
But I believe

I knew I loved you before I met you
I think I dreamed you into life
I knew I loved you before I met you
I have been waiting all my life

The song continued, but Katniss stopped listening as she looked around the small room which was filled with people she knew and others that she hoped to get to know. After a few minutes, Peeta led her to their table where the others in the bridal party had already taken their seats.

Before the meal was to be served, there was to be a toast to the new bride and groom. The speeches would be led first by the best man and then followed by one by the maiden-of-honor. Gale stood up to begin and the room grew silent, wondering what he would say. Katniss herself was nervous about this speech; Gale and Peeta had never actually gotten along that well.

Clearing his throat, Gale looked out to the small gathering of people. "Well…to be honest, I don't really know what to say. I don't really know Peeta Mellark all that well, but I do know how much Katniss feels for him. When he asked me to be his best man, I really did not know how to respond. A part of me almost declined, but…still…I did choose to accept the offer. Just seeing these two together, I've come to learn that…there really is no perfect pair than these two right here. I wish you two all the best in your new life together." Upon finishing, he raised his champagne glass to his lips and drank half of its contents. Those in the audience and those around the bridal table followed his lead.

Once Gale had again taken his seat, Prim stood up next. Her voice, softer and lighter than Gale's, did not carry as well through the room, but it was okay because it was a small room."I knew from the moment I actually met Peeta that he would be the best choice for my sister. He's one of the sweetest guys I've ever met and I can't imagine my sister's life without him. It's my honor to be here today to give my congratulations and best wishes to the new couple." Prim, because she was still not yet 21, had a glass of sparkling white grape juice (as did all the other younger attendees in the crowd). Just as Gale had done, she lifted her glass and finished the remaining half. Everyone else followed and, thus, the toasting ceremony was complete.

Next, it was time for dinner. Peeta and Katniss together (but mainly Peeta) had chosen what was to be served. Peeta's father helped to organize the catering of food from his bakery, such as dinner rolls and the wedding cake. Everyone took their time eating dinner because the cutting of the cake was to follow.

When Peeta and Katniss had finished eating their own dinners, they walked to the table where the cake sat, just waiting to be cut. The cake, despite Peeta's protests that he should design it, had been designed, instead, by his father. Katniss thought it was perfect and did not care which Mellark had made it.

The newlyweds stood behind the table where a cutting knife lay on top of a pile of thick formal napkins. Both looked at the knife before Peeta urged Katniss to be the one to cut the cake. In response, she gave him a small nod and picked up the knife. As the gathered crowd cheered, Katniss carefully cut through the layers and until she had freed a perfectly-sliced piece. Passing the knife to Peeta, he did the same.

Peeta was the first to pick up a fork from the table and slice a smaller piece from his own piece of cake. He fed that piece to Katniss. She then did the same for Peeta, but, before he could react, she smirked and playfully smashed the rest of the piece of cake into Peeta's face. The boy did not immediately wipe the icing from his face. Instead, he smirked back. Katniss recognized that smirk. "This means war!" That's what it meant. There was no time for Katniss to react before Peeta repeated Katniss's own moves, this time smashing the rest of his cake into her face. The scene that played out was ludicrous. Katniss and Peeta, both covered in icing, laughing uncontrollably while the gathered crowd broke out in applause and laughter.

The bride and groom each grabbed a napkin and cleared the icing off of their faces. Peeta and his father continued to cut the cake and serve pieces to everyone. After eating the cake, the rest of the reception was dedicated to dancing. As was tradition, Katniss and Peeta were automatically awarded the first dance. Together, they had chosen the perfect song and they were eager for this moment.

Peeta stepped up to the dance floor and held out his hand which Katniss graciously accepted. Time slowed as the guitar chords began.

I guess the time was right for us to say
We'd take our time and live our lives
Together day by day
We'll make a wish and send it on a prayer
We know our dreams will all come true
With love that we can share

With you I never wonder-will you be there for me
With you I never wonder-you're the right one for me
I finally found the love of a lifetime
A love to last my whole life through
I finally found the love of a lifetime
Forever in my heart
I finally found the love of a lifetime

The two swirled in time to the ballad and there was not a sound in the reception hall. All eyes were glued to this moment. Katniss's eyes, however, were glued only to Peeta's soft blue ones. In his eyes, she could see his silent enthusiasm. He had been just excited for this moment as she.

With every kiss, our love is like brand-new
And every star up in the sky
Was made for me and you
Still we both know that the road is long
We know that we will be together
Because our love is strong

I finally found the love of a lifetime
A love to last my whole life through
I finally found the love of a lifetime
Forever in my heart
I finally found the love of a lifetime

The song drew to its close and Katniss laid her head on Peeta's chest as the dance ended. At the end, they shared another soft kiss before breaking apart and turning to face the crowd who applauded the wondrous sight before them.

Following this were the specialty dances. Peeta had opted out of a mother-son dance due to him having strained relations with his mother, so Katniss and her father shared a dance. It had been planned after this dance that the rest of the night would be time to just openly dance to the playing music, but, of course, it just wouldn't be right if Peeta didn't plan in a secret surprise.

About halfway through the open dancing period, Peeta arranged to take the microphone from the DJ. Katniss was taken completely off-guard when Peeta's voice rang through the room. "Hey, so…I think Katniss should sing something for us all. If you haven't heard, she's a great singer."

Katniss immediately blushed as all eyes turned to her. She started to back up to leave the room, but before she could, guests started a steady chant that consisted of one word. "Sing." She debated her options, but the chant continued. "Sing! Sing! Sing!" Finally, she gave in.

Slowly, Katniss walked up to the stage where the DJ booth sat. She whispered to the DJ and told him her selected song which she would perform for the audience. It took him a minute to find it, but once he found it, he turned it on so that Katniss would have a beat. The rest was up to her.

I don't know what it is that makes me love you so
I only know I never want to let you go
'Cause you've started something
Oh, can't you see?
That ever since we met
You've had a hold on me
It happens to be true
I only want to be with you

It doesn't matter where you go or what you do
I want to spend each moment of the day with you
Oh, look what has happened with just one kiss
I never knew that I could be in love like this
It's crazy but it's true
I only want to be with you

You stopped and smiled at me
And asked if I'd care to dance
I fell into your open arms
And I didn't stand a chance
Now listen honey
I just want to be beside you everywhere
As long as we're together, honey, I don't care
'Cause you've started something
Oh, can't you see?
That ever since we met
You've had a hold on me
No matter what you do
I only want to be with you

Oh, oh, you stopped and you smiled at me
And asked if I'd care to dance
I fell into your open arms
And I didn't stand a chance
Now hear me tell you
I just want to be beside you everywhere
As long as we're together, honey, I don't care
'Cause you've started something
Oh, can't you see?
That ever since we met
You've had a hold on me
No matter what you do
I only want to be with you
I said no matter, no matter what you do
I only want to be with you

Once Katniss finished, there was a quick moment of silence while everyone stared in awe at her talent. Peeta, always the gracious man, began to applaud and everyone else quickly followed suit until the room roared with cheers.

When the applause and cheering died down, Katniss took the microphone. "Thank you," she began, taking a minute to gather her thoughts. "Thank you," she spoke again before continuing, "Music has always been a big part of my life, a cherished gift I got from my father. I think I can be certain that it is because of this talent that I am here today…and I know Peeta can attest to this." She spared a glance at him and saw him smile; he knew exactly what was meant by this comment. "I am super excited to begin my life as 'Katniss Mellark' and, in addition to music, I can thank my trip aboard The Royal Caribbean Enchantment of the Seas. It was on this very trip that I met a very special friend who became the love of my life. So…thank you to my litter sister Primrose. If not for her nagging, we may never have booked that trip and I would never have come to know Peeta Mellark. Thank you, Prim, this truly was the vacation of a lifetime!"

…..

[Donna Lewis]
We were strangers starting out on a journey
Never dreaming what we'd have to go through
Now here we are and I'm suddenly standing
At the beginning with you

[Richard Marx]
No one told me I was going to find you
Unexpected, what you did to my heart
When I lost hope, you were there to remind me
This is the start

[chorus]
And life is a road and I wanna keep going
Love is a river, I wanna keep flowing
Life is a road, now and forever, wonderful journey
I'll be there when the world stops turning
I'll be there when the storm is through
In the end, I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you

[both]
We were strangers on a crazy adventure
Never dreaming how our dreams would come true
Now here we stand, unafraid of the future
At the beginning with you

Knew there was somebody somewhere
Like a light in the dark
Now I know that dreams will live on
I've been waiting so long
Nothing's gonna tear us apart

And life is a road and I wanna keep going
Love is a river, I wanna keep flowing
Life is a road, now and forever, wonderful journey
I'll be there when the world stops turning
I'll be there when the storm is through
In the end, I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you

Life is a road and I wanna keep going
Love is a river, I wanna keep going on
Starting out on a journey
Life is a road and I wanna keep going
Love is a river, I wanna keep flowing
In the end, I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you

First, I want to thank all those who read this story. I really did look forward to updating this one because it was loved. All those who reviewed (I've thanked you by adding the replies section in the opening A/Ns [I never used to do that]). Thanks also to those who faved and all that. You've all made this trip aboard The Enchantment of the Seas a memorable experience.

This journey may be at its end, but Peeta's is still going. I invite you to check it out if you so choose. I've never written a parallel story before, so it's quite the experience. Lastly, a "credits" section would not be complete without listing the soundtrack, so here it is (in order of appearance):

Opening theme: "Somewhere Out There"—Linda Ronstadt and James Ingram

"How Do I Live?"—Leann Rimes

"Time, Love, and Tenderness"—Michael Bolton

"Crash and Burn"—Savage Garden

"Get This Party Started"—P!nk

"The One"—Backstreet Boys

"Livin' La Vida Loca"—Ricky Martin

"Chasing The Sun"—The Wanted

"Glad You Came"—The Wanted

"I Want You"—Savage Garden

"Hero"—Enrique Iglesias

"Perfect"—P!nk

"When You Say Nothing At All"—Allison Krause

"Hero"—Mariah Carey

"Unchained Melody"—The Righteous Brothers

"Safe and Sound"—Taylor Swift

"I Knew I Loved You"—Savage Garden

"Love of a Lifetime"—Firehouse

"I Only Want To Be With You"—Samantha Fox (originally by Dusty Springfield)

Ending Theme: "At The Beginning"—Donna Lewis and Richard Marx

Soundtrack in stores now…(gotta have some humor, right?)

All credit given where credit is due. Nothing and nobody was harmed in the production of this feature.