I can't believe it's finally over! Thank you so much to everyone who has read, followed, favourited and reviewed this story. It has been a pleasure to share my imagination with you.

As mentioned in the last chapter, The Long Road may be over but I still plan to continue with the sequel. In the mean time you can get a sneak peek of Peeta and Katniss's future by reading my oneshot 'In Loving Memory'.

This epilogue is short but hopefully it's satisfying to read. I hope you enjoy it. Thank you again for all your support.

Sometimes you have to look back to see how far you've come.

When I count back one, two, three years ago to the end of the war it's hard to picture myself as that burnt out girl who'd given up on living. That period in my life feels like one huge nightmare, and trust me, I'm used to nightmares.

Things are better now in comparison, not just for Peeta and me but for Panem as a whole. Paylor's government has made many changes to improve living conditions in the Districts. People are free to enjoy the fruits of their labour instead of handing everything over to a corrupt and greedy Capitol. The coal mines in District 12 were shut in favour of more sustainable energy sources. As a way of creating more job opportunities a new medicine factory was built; its focus being on herbal remedies due to 12's abundant plant life. My mother, now a fully trained nurse in District 4, is called up frequently to lend her expertise as a healer. She visits at least once a year.

Inter-District travel is common now. Reformed Capitolites were keen to see for themselves the golden sandy shorelines of District 4 and the mysterious forests of District 12. Some in 12 have started new businesses, opening guest houses and small restaurants serving 'local' cuisine. It seems odd to me that our once poverty-stricken district is now considered a holiday destination; a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities.

The President held local elections and appointed Representatives in each District along with a small team of law enforcement officers. I hadn't been shocked to hear that Peeta's name had made its way onto the Representative Candidates list. People in 12 adore him. However the position was granted to Thom Quarrie due to his extensive involvement in the clean up and rebuilding work. He took the job reluctantly but has so far proved more than capable of fulfilling his role.

Peeta' health has improved remarkably. He hasn't had a single episode in three years and once again Dr Aurelius has begun to question the accuracy of his diagnosis. He is hesitant to suggest a full recovery but for now Peeta is enjoying the peace that comes from having a clear head and complete memory.

His bakery finally opened and acquired huge interest immediately. The District people were thrilled to have a Mellark providing bread for them once more and word spread across Panem that The Boy with the Bread was back in business. The bakery has become quite a tourist attraction.

As for me, I suppose I'm still the same girl. You'll see me most days in my boots and hunting jacket, bow slung over one shoulder and my braid draped across the other. Only these days I hunt less out of necessity and more for self-sufficiency. I smile more despite the ever-present reminders that I once lost someone very dear to me. The sight of the primrose bushes by my house still pulls at my heart but it's less painful than before. I still have nightmares and days where getting out of bed seems like too great a task. But with Peeta at my side I no longer feel like giving up.

When I overheard him practising a speech in the backroom of the bakery I told myself to be patient and try to act surprised when the time finally came. There were several moments thereafter when I thought he was preparing to get down on one knee or pull a little box out of his trouser pocket. Our eyes would meet and the seconds seemed to drag as my heart skipped a beat but then the moment would end and I'd be left blinking in confusion. We carried on like this for almost two weeks until one night I turned to him in bed.

"I promise I'll say yes. So just ask me already!"

My impatient outburst had Peeta laughing and shaking his head as if he had predicted things to happen this way. He didn't ask how I knew; he simply rolled onto his side, smoothed the frown from my forehead with a gentle kiss…and asked me.

We married that autumn, Peeta's favourite time of year. There was no big ceremony like the one planned for our original wedding. We filled in the marriage licence forms at the Town Hall in the afternoon and that very evening we toasted bread by the open fire in the living room before making love for the first time as husband and wife.

"You love me. Real or not real" He asked, initiating a game we no longer had to play.

"You know I do," I replied with a roll of my eyes. He smiled and kissed my nose.

"Indulge me," He insisted, rolling me onto my back and pinning his bare chest against mine. He kissed me with such tenderness that tears sprang to my eyes.

"You love me." He said again, his blue eyes staring deep down into my very soul.

"Real," I breathed. "I love you."

The end. Fin. Complete!

I hope you have enjoyed reading this as much as I have enjoyed writting it. Remember to follow me as the sequel will hopefully be posted soon.