so, tell me how to be in this world
tell me how to breathe in and feel no hurt
tell me how 'cause i believe in something
i believe in us

here's a mini playlist for this fic, if the code doesn't work, comment and i can send the link!

...

It's been a week since the Games ended. It's been a week since I lost my best friend. She's still here, but she isn't the same.

It was hard to see her after the Games. Venus shut down. I don't want to think about it, but I'm not sure what I'll do if it happens again. Seeing her like that broke my heart. I haven't left her side since. She stayed in the psychiatric ward of the hospital for a few days, then she had her shoulder surgery. I don't know what kind of medication they gave her after the procedure, but it drained the life out of her. I'm glad it's made her physical recovery better, but I miss Venus.

Just a week ago, she was normal. She was so full of life, but when Treech died, he took part of her with him. I should have wanted Coral to win. Yet I found myself silently rooting for the curly-haired boy from District Seven. I shouldn't be mad at him for dying, but yet, I am. He was so close to winning, all of the mentors thought he would be victorious. But Coriolanus cheated, and now Venus is gone.

Coriolanus got shipped off to the districts. Serves him right. He was my best friend, but I'll always resent him for cheating to ensure a victory for Lucy Gray. Maybe not even for her, probably just for himself.

Venus is supposed to go to District Seven next week. I offered to go with her but she told me not to. She said she needed to go alone to get closure, and to apologize to Treech's family. She has nothing to apologize for, it wasn't her fault. I know she thinks otherwise, but it isn't true. I hope she'll be alright on her own, but I think being with Treech's family is the best thing she can do for herself at this point.

...

Venus and I have moved in together. Before, I was staying at the Abernathy's. I know I don't have to, but I want to take care of Venus. Our parents are still set on the wedding, but I'm conflicted. Venus is in no position to get married right now. I want to take things slow, like we would if we were in a real relationship. I'm clinging to the hope that if we do it right, maybe things will become real.

My first step is to wean her off of her medication. I think she's addicted to it. She says it takes away the pain, so she can't feel anything or think about her emotions anymore. There are therapists at the hospital and the University who can work with her, but she refuses to go. She doesn't seem to realize that they can help her more than the pills can. I just want the old Venus back. But she doesn't seem to want that for herself.

My other concern is Persephone. She wanted to start a relationship. I told her I couldn't, though it broke me to say it. I love Persephone, I have for years. But my love for Venus transcends that. I don't love them in the same way, yet I care for Venus more. It's always been her, just not in a romantic way. She will always be my priority, even if putting her first means I can't be with the woman I love. Persephone will be alright. She's strong on her own. And she's wonderful, she could be with anyone in the Capitol. They'd be lucky to have her. I think Persephone's a little mad at Venus about all of this. It isn't her fault though. It really isn't anyone's, at least not solely. I hope they can eventually figure out their differences, they used to be such great friends. And besides, Venus needs more people to love in her life.

...

It's been about six months since everything went down. Almost every day, I wake up and wonder why I'm still doing this. I love Venus, more than anything else, but sometimes I wonder what would happen if I left. No one talks about it, but it's really difficult when someone you love is going through a hard time, especially when there's nothing you can do to help them. Or in my case, when you try to help them, but they don't seem to want to.

I've been trying to keep things as normal as possible for us. We both go to class at the Univeristy. Both of us are studying communications. I plan on going down the broadcasting route, and Venus seems more interested in journalism. At least, more interested than she is in anything else. We go on walks together in the park every afternoon, even if the weather's bad. The Capitol has been undergoing renovations to make the city more presentable. One of their measures has been to renovate all of the parks in the city. It's really nice to be able to get outside with Venus, and to keep things consistent. The doctors hope that keeping a schedule should help her, though I'm not really sure why. We also cook dinner together at least twice a week. From the outside, we seem just like a regular couple. I wish that were the case.

This morning starts off like any other. I wake up early and carefully disentangle myself from Venus. One thing I've noticed since we've started to live together is that Venus is a cuddler. Every morning I wake up with her practically on top of me. It's kinda cute, but I have to be careful not to wake her when I get up to make breakfast.

"Festus?" Venus groans, rolling over when I get up.

"Did I wake you?" I ask.

"It's alright," she says, sitting up and rubbing her eyes. "I'm up now."

"Alright, I'll start breakfast," I say. I lean down to kiss her on the cheek before exiting the room.

As I'm slicing a loaf of bread for toast, I realize Venus is taking too long to get ready. Typically, she takes her medication, gets dressed, then eats. It only takes a few minutes. She could have just gone back to sleep, but that doesn't feel like Venus.

I walk back into our bedroom and knock on the bathroom door. "Venus? Are you alright?"

There was no answer. I debate on waiting for her, but I have a nagging feeling that something is terribly wrong. I slowly open the door.

Venus is lying on the floor, her body completely still.

"No," I breathe. "No, no, no. This can't be happening." I drop to her side, pulling her into my arms. "Venus? Venus, please, wake up."

She stirs in my arms, her eyes rolled back. Her skin feels cold and clammy. I check her pulse. It's sluggish.

"Festus?" she asks, her voice barely a whisper.

I stroke her hair with one of my hands. "I'm here, V. Don't worry, you'll be alright."

"I'm sorry," she whispers. "I didn't mean to."

"It's okay. You're okay, Sweetheart." I choke on my words as tears threaten to leave my eyes. "Will you be alright alone for a moment? I need to make a call."

Venus nodded weakly, her eyelids fluttering. I squeeze her shoulder and gently lower her to the ground, her red hair fanning out around her head like a halo.

I hurry out to the hallway, immediately going over to the phone and dialling Venus's mother's number.

"Venus?" she asks when she picks up.

"It's Festus," I say, hoping my voice won't reveal my state of panic.

"Oh, good morning, sweetie," said Edaline. "How are you?"

"I'm fine," I lie. "Can you please send Marion over as quickly as you can? And meet us at the hospital. Tell Benedict," I say.

"Of course," said Edaline. "Is everything alright?"

"I'll explain when you get there," I say, my voice breaking slightly. "And please, tell Marion to get here fast."

"I will," promises Edaline. "I'll see you soon, Festus."

As soon as she hangs up, I join Venus in the bathroom again.

"Hang in there, Sweetheart," I say, pulling her into my lap. She feels small in my arms, almost frail. I hadn't noticed how much weight she'd lost recently. "We're going to the hospital, you're going to be alright, okay?"

"Okay," says Venus. Her eyelids flutter as she fights to stay conscious.

"Stay with me, V," I say, taking one of her hands. "Here. Can you squeeze my hand?"

She weakly squeezes my fingers, but the concentration required to do it keeps her awake.

"Just stay awake, Sweetheart," I say, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "Only a few more minutes."

"I'm so sorry," says Venus. "I'm so sorry, Festus."

Tears flow down her cheeks. I brush them away with my free hand. "Relax, V. Don't be sorry. Just focus on me, everything will be okay."

"Are you sure?" asks Venus.

"I'm sure," I lie. "I'm with you. I'll take care of you."

But all of this happened, despite trying to take care of her. This happened because of me. I'll choose to blame myself for this.

"I love you," says Venus quietly.

I don't know if she really means it, but I also don't care. There are bigger things to be concerned about. "I love you, too, V," I say.

Venus closes her eyes, her head dropping to my chest. I pull her closer to me, holding on to her like a lifeline. "Please Venus, stay with me. Marion's on his way. He's going to drive us to the hospital so you can get help. I know it's hard, but if you stay awake for a few more minutes, you can rest."

"I'm tired," mumbles Venus. "And really cold."

"I know," I say. "I know, Sweetheart."

I gently rub her arms, hoping the motions will warm her up. I don't want to leave her alone to get a blanket.

"Is that better?" I ask.

Venus leans her head against my chest. Her breathing is shallow, but the tempo is steady. If we can get her to the hospital in a timely manner, I think she'll be okay.

The bell at the front door rings. "That's Marion," I say. "Let's go."

I start to pick up Venus, but she squirms in my arms. "I can walk," she says.

"No, you can't," I say. "I'm not even going to let you try." I pick her up as carefully as I can, trying not to jostle her too much. "How's that?"

"Comfortable," murmurs Venus, leaning against my chest and closing her eyes. Even though she's way too pale, with sweat shining on her brow, she looks cute. I smile and kiss her forehead. Venus's lips turn up into a tiny smile.

I carry her outside and send the elevator up. I anxiously tap my foot as I wait for the machine to ascend. It's taking too long. I'm always impatient, but the waiting feels even longer than usual.

Finally, the elevator arrives. I hit the button for the ground floor. Once I'm there, I carry Venus outside, where Marion is waiting by the car.

"What happened?" asks Marion, holding the car door open for me. I set Venus in the backseat before joining her.

"I think she overdosed on her medication," I say, breathing heavily. "I'm not sure. Please, just take us to the hospital."

"Of course," says  Marion, closing the door and getting in the driver's seat. He looks at me through the rearview mirror as he pulls into the street. "Breathe, Festus. This isn't your fault."

"I know," I lie.

"I can see it on your face, boy," says Marion. "Don't blame yourself. This is her own doing."

Deep down, I know he's right. But yet I still feel like all of this could have been prevented. If I had been a better friend, a better partner, to Venus, maybe none of this would have happened in the first place.

"Festus," murmurs Venus.

"I'm here," I say, gently rubbing her arm. "What is it?"

"I don't know," she says. "I guess I just want to hear your voice."

I lean over to kiss the top of her head. "Oh, Sweetheart. You are absolutely delirious right now."

As we drive, I keep talking to her, assuring her that she'll be alright. I point things out the window as we drive past them. Venus tells me she can't really see them, which is incredibly concerning, but I try to keep my voice steady. I can't let her know how terrified I am.

As soon as we get to the hospital, a staff of nurses meets us at the car with a stretcher, immediately taking Venus inside. I'm forced to wait in the waiting room while they treat her.

Venus's parents are already there when I arrive. Edaline, Venus's mother immediately gets up and approaches me. She pulls me into a hug. I break down into tears, crying into her shoulder as I return the embrace.

"I'm sorry," I say. "I feel like I've failed her."

"It's not your fault," says Edaline in an attempt to soothe me. "You did what you could. I'm glad you were there when it happened. Now she's getting help, and she should be alright."

"Thank you for being there, Festus," says Benedict. "I know it doesn't feel like it, but you've helped her a lot. It's been hard for you, but you're doing great, son."

"Thanks, Ben," I say.

The three of us wait anxiously until Venus is allowed to have visitors. The time spent in the waiting room is excruciating, but eventually, a nurse brings us down a long, white hallway to Venus's room.

She's sitting up, propped up against a stack of pillows. She has an IV drip in her arm, pushing some sort of fluid into her body. She's wearing a hospital gown that reveals just how thin she's gotten. She's still incredibly pale, but her skin has a bit more color to it than it had before.

"Hey guys," says Venus weakly when we walk into the room.

"Hi," I say, taking a seat in one of the chairs near her bed. A nurse steps out to talk to Venus's parents about what happened, leaving me and Venus alone.

"I'm so sorry, Sweetheart," she says. "I didn't mean to do it. Well, I did, but I didn't think this would happen."

"Why did you do it?" I ask.

"The pills start to wear off at night," admits Venus. "I have weird dreams. I thought if I took more medicine, it would make them go away."

I reach out to take Venus's hand. "Sweetheart, I love you, but that was really stupid."

Venus cracks a smile. "I know. I promise I won't do it again."

"Good, because you scared the hell out of me, Venus," I say. "I don't want to lose you."

"I know," says Venus. "I don't want to lose you either."

"Sweetheart, you are not getting rid of me anytime soon."

"Good," says Venus. "Anyway, the doctors say I can't take the pills anymore. They think it might kill me. I'm starting therapy to see if that will help. The withdrawals are supposed to be bad, though."

I squeeze her hand. "We'll go through it together, V. I'm not leaving your side."

Venus squeezes back. "Good. But what about after?"

"After what?" I ask. "Once you're better?"

"Yeah. We'll still get married after this, right?" she asks, absentmindedly playing with my fingers.

"Of course," I say.

"Good," she says. "I want to marry you."

I know it's the drugs in her system that are making her talk, but I still feel my heart skip a beat when she says it. And then I realize. I'm falling in love with Venus. I didn't see it before, but now it's clear as day. Somehow, in our time living together, she's gone from my best friend to something more. She's easily the most important person in my life, and I'm not sure how I haven't figured it out sooner. I can't lose her to the pills again. That would mean losing everything.

"Festus," says Venus gently. "I know this isn't how we wanted things to be, but we're going to be okay."

"I know, V," I say. "Come here."

I lean over to wrap my arms around her, careful to avoid the tubes in her forearm. Venus rests her chin on my shoulder.

"I'm proud of you," I whisper.

"Why?" asks Venus. "I almost killed myself."

"Not for that," I say, smiling a little at the attempted joke. "For getting help. And for being so strong through all of this. I know it hasn't been easy for you."

"Thanks, Sweetheart," says Venus.

She leans against me a little more and I can tell she's exhausted.

"Get some sleep, V," I say. "You deserve some rest."

"You'll be here when I wake up?" she asks.

"I'm not going anywhere," I promise.

...

Venus has been struggling with withdrawal symptoms for months. She wakes up in the middle of the night, pale and drenched with sweat, having dreamt of memories that don't exist, but feel impossibly real. I've been there for her every single time, and I will continue to be for as long as her symptoms persist. I'll always be her shoulder to cry on, a pillow to rest her head. It's the least I can do for her. It's been difficult to be patient with her, I'll have to admit, but knowing she's out of harm's way is worth the late nights.

This morning, I wake up earlier than I usually do. I go into the kitchen and heat up some water to make a cup of tea. I take a few eggs out of the fridge and find a pan. Then I check the clock and realize it's only four. I can afford go back to bed for a few more hours. Besides, getting to cuddle with Venus is always a good thing.

I carefully open the door, making sure the hinges don't creak. But there's no need. Venus is already awake. She's sitting in the middle of the bed, curled into a ball. Her head is buried in her arms, her body racked with sobs.

I take a seat next to her on the bed, careful not to startle her.

"Hey, V," I say gently. "What's wrong?"

"It hurts," Venus says without looking at me.

"What does?"

"Everything," she sobbed.

I move closer to her, tentatively wrapping my arm around her shoulders. She tenses for a moment, but eventually collapses against my side. I pull her closer to me, kissing the top of her head and rubbing her back.

"V, I know it hurts now, but it will get easier," I say in an attempt to calm her.

"How do you know?" she asks.

"I don't," I admit. "But I'll help you through this. You aren't going through this alone."

"I feel like I'm alone," Venus says softly.

That felt like a punch to the gut. I know she most likely didn't mean any harm, but it hurts that she implied I couldn't help her. Maybe I can't. But I can at least try.

"What would help?" I ask. "Is there anything I can do?"

"Don't talk about what happened," says Venus. "We can talk about it now, but after-"

"Of course," I say. "Whatever you need."

"I feel like it's my fault," says Venus, her voice constricting in her throat. "I noticed Coriolanus was acting suspicious but I didn't figure it out until it was too late. Maybe if I had noticed, Treech would still be alive."

"It wasn't your fault," I promise her. "Nothing that happened in that arena was because of you. If anything, it's Coriolanus's fault for being a lying, cheating asshole."

"I just hate that I had to fall in love with him," says Venus. "If it wasn't for this stupid project, everything would be okay. But instead, everything hurts because I fell in love with the one person I couldn't have."

"You can't control who you fall in love with, Sweetheart," I say. "And I know it hurts. I also know how much you loved him."

"Did I even though?" she asks. "We only knew each other for a few weeks. Is that long enough to fall in love with someone?"

"Sweetheart, I saw the way you looked at each other," I say. "That was love, there was no denying it."

"And I'm sorry for being a burden," she says. "I'm sure it's hard to have to help me all the time."

"Venus, you aren't a burden. Not at all. I know everything's up in the air right now, but I'm here. You can trust me. I'll be there for you, whenever you need me to be," I say.

"I just miss him," says Venus.

"I know you do," I say.

"Do you ever miss Persephone?" asked Venus.

"Sometimes, not often," I admit.

"What's going to happen with her?" she asks. "If we get married, that is."

"Never mind her," I say. "It's just you and me now."

As soon as the words leave my lips, I know it's over. It's only Venus now. I knew I loved her before, but now I know more than anything. I would go to the ends of the earth and back for the young woman in my arms.

"Can we not talk about this anymore?" she asks. "I think it's something I need to deal with on my own."

It stings a bit, but if that's what Venus wants, I'll respect her wishes.

"Of course, V," I say. "But if you need to talk about it with someone, I'm here for you."

"I know," she says. "Thank you."

"Of course, Sweetheart," I say. "Do you want to go back to sleep? It's early."

"I'm awake now," says Venus. "I might as well get up."

"Alright," I say, kissing her temple. "I'll make breakfast."

Venus got up and started to walk over to her dresser.

"Don't worry about it," I say. "We can have a day inside today. Stay in your pajamas."

"But I'll be cold," complains Venus.

She was only wearing a tank top with shorts. She would be cold in the kitchen. I grab a blanket from the bed and bring Venus into a hug, wrapping the blanket around her bare shoulders. I kiss her on the top of her head.

"On second thought, can we lay down for a bit longer?" asks Venus.

"Of course," I say.

I lay down, letting Venus curl up against my side. I wrap my arms around her waist, letting her hide her face in the crook of my neck.

"I feel like I don't show my appreciation for you enough," mumbles Venus against my skin. The sensation sends shivers down my spine. "But I do appreciate you."

"Thanks, V," I whisper into her hair.

I pull her closer to me and run a hand up and down her back until she falls asleep once more.

"I love you," I whisper into the silence. Maybe one day I'll be able to say it to her face.

...

Venus has become more of her old self. I'd forgotten how much I'd missed her. She isn't the same, and I don't expect her to be, but at least she's smiling again. In my opinion, her smile is her most beautiful feature. I remember how she used to walk into a room, and the space would light up with her. It may not happen to the same extent anymore, but Venus is still a light in my life. All that matters to me is that she's happy. And she is.

The symptoms have gotten better. Every day Venus wakes up acting a little bit more like she used to. Everything feels brighter again, like the sun rising after a long, dark winter. This morning, she wakes up in a particularly good mood.

"Morning, Festus," she says, laying her entire body on top of me and kissing my cheek.

"Venus," I complain. "What are you doing?"

"Sorry," she says sheepishly.

"Don't be," I say. "You seem like you're in a good mood."

Venus smiles. "I am."

"Good," I say.

"Can we do something today?" asks Venus.

"Like what?" I ask.

Venus shrugs. "We could go to the market and then bake something."

"Do you have anything in mind?" I ask.

"Peach cobbler?" she suggests.

I smile. She knows that's my favorite dessert. "You read my mind, V."

We return from our outing at the market. with ingredients for the cobbler and tonight's dinner, as well as a bouquet of pink carnations as a gift for Venus.

"I'll start making the batter if you cut the fruit," suggests Venus.

"Sounds good," I say.

I start to peel the peaches before cutting them into small cubes, occasionally sneaking a piece to eat.

"Festus, are you eating all of the peaches?" asks Venus.

"No," I lie.

I can feel Venus arms wrap around my middle as she moves to stand behind me. Her chin rests on my shoulder as she watches me work.

"You are such a liar," she says.

"Want one?" I ask, holding up a slice.

Venus opens her mouth. I feed her the cube before licking the juice off my fingers. Venus laughs and presses a soft kiss to the space where my shoulder meets my neck.

It's all too much too fast. The jokes, the touches, the kisses. It feels too real. All of a sudden, I'm overcome by a wave of emotion caused by the idea that things can't be real with Venus. By tomorrow, things could be back to the way they used to be. With her cold and closed off, unwilling to give me the time of day.

"I'm going to change my shirt," I say.

"Why?" asks Venus, adjusting the hem. "It looks fine."

"I don't want to get flour on it," I say. It's a lame excuse, and I know Venus agrees, but she doesn't question me further.

I pull away from her, perhaps a bit harshly. I close the door behind me and take a seat on our bed, leaning my head against my hands. My breaths come out harshly as I try to hold myself together. I don't know what I'm supposed to do.

The door opens quietly.

"Sweetheart, did you get-" starts Venus. "Oh, Festus, what's wrong?"

She's at my side in an instant, wrapping her arms around my shoulders.

"I'm sorry, V," I say. "It was supposed to be a good day."

Venus tightens the embrace. "That's okay, Festus," she says. "Please just tell me what's going on. I'm here to help you."

"I'm sorry," I say again. "I just feel like tomorrow, we'll wake up and it will be the same as always. Oh God, that sounds bad. I swear I'm not blaming you, it isn't your fault at all."

"I know," says Venus quietly.

"I just want you to get better, Sweetheart," I say.

"I want to get better too," she says. "I'm sorry things have to be like this."

"V, don't apologize," I say. "Don't ever apologize for that. You're doing well today. Hopefully, that means you'll be even better tomorrow."

Venus rests her chin on the top of my head. "Thank you for trying to stay positive," she says. "I know it's hard."

"Thanks, V," I say. "But you're worth the hard times."

Venus squeezes me tightly and kisses the top of my head. "Now, is that all that's been running through your head?"

I pull away from her and lean against the pillows as I stare up at the ceiling. I think if I meet Venus's gaze, I'll tell her everything. Venus rests her hand on my arm. It's a comforting act.

"If you aren't ready to say anything yet, you don't have to," she says gently. "But you've been here for me for months, it's the least I can do to repay you."

"Repay me?" I ask, turning my head to look at her. "Venus, you're my best friend and favorite person, you don't have to repay me for anything. This is how a relationship works, Sweetheart."

"Relationship?" asks Venus.

"We're at that point, aren't we?" I ask, testing the water to see how she'll react. To my surprise, she blushes.

"I guess," she says.

I'm not sure what I should say to her. That I think I'm falling in love with her? But if I tell her that, I could lose everything. So I do the most natural thing and I kiss her.

I gently cup her face and press my lips against hers. They're soft against my own as she kisses me back. I'm so shocked by the reciprocation, I immediately pull away.

"What's wrong?" asks Venus.

"Nothing," I say.

I lean in again, slowly, so she can pull away if she wants to. But she doesn't. My hand goes to her waist. I maneuver us so we're chest to chest, the top half of my body over hers. Venus's fingers tangle in my hair, bringing me closer to her.

"I'm sorry," I say when we break apart.

"Why?" she asks softly.

"I don't know. That's just not something we usually do," I say dumbly.

Venus laughs. "Would you like it to be something we do?" she asks.

My face heats up to an uncomfortable temperature. My entire body feels like it's short-circuiting. Venus smiles at me.

"I think we need to talk," she says.

We sit up and face each other. One of my knees presses against Venus's. She takes both of my hands in hers, holding them gently.

"What's going on with you?" she asks. "Or with us?"

I take a deep breath. I guess this is the moment. "Venus, listen. I'm not sure how to say this because I feel that what we have is really special, and I don't want to ruin it by saying the wrong thing. But I'm falling in love with you, for real. You're someone I want to spend the rest of my life with, and not just because I have to. I mean, you've always been that way for me, but it's different now. You're everything to me, V. The last few weeks, I've been acting weird because I didn't want you to push me away. I can't lose you again," I say.

I'm embarrassed by the tears in my eyes. I'm a little surprised to see that Venus is crying too. But she doesn't look upset. In fact, she's smiling, wider than ever. She squeezes my hands.

"I know," is all she says.

"Know what?" I ask. "Venus, you're going to have to give me more than that."

"I know you've been developing feelings," she says. "You've been acting weird since I was in the hospital. And Sweetheart, you read like an open book."

I laugh. "I know I do. I'm sorry, Venus."

"Don't be," she says. "I think-" she pauses to take a deep breath. "I think I might be falling in love with you, too."

"Really?" I ask.

Venus nods. "Really," she confirms. "You've been here for me in a way no one else has. You easily could have left, but you stayed. That was really admirable, Festus. I think it will take me a while, I need to figure out my problems first, but when I'm ready, I want to marry you."

Her words are like music to my ears. "V, I'd wait my entire life for you if that's what you need. Take your time, and I'll be here for you until then."

Venus throws her arms around my neck. The movement is such a surprise, I fall back on the bed, her on top of me.

"I love you," she says. "For real this time."

"I love you too, Venus."

She lowers her head to kiss me. "You taste like peaches," she murmurs against my lips. As much as I'd like to stay here with her for the rest of the evening, it's nearing dinnertime and I'm starting to get hungry.

"Do you want to help me finish the cobbler?" I ask. "Once it's in the oven we can start dinner."

Venus flushes. "I almost forgot about that. But we should."

I prop myself up on my elbows in an effort to get up but Venus doesn't budge. "Five more minutes?" she asks.

I roll my eyes. "You know I can't say no to you, V."

"I know," she says innocently, before leaning down once more to kiss me.

...

Venus and I got engaged about a year and a half after we started dating. It was earlier than I expected, but the timing felt right. I took her to the park near our apartment, the one that we take walks through every day. It wasn't necessary to propose, considering our unique circumstances, but I insisted on attempting to make our relationship as normal as possible. Venus said it was very romantic. I have to admit, I was a little skeptical when she told me she loved me for the first time, but now I know it's true.

We were married when we were twenty-two, in the fall after our graduation. It was a small, yet intimate affair, with just our friends and family, but it was a lot of fun. Venus looked absolutely ethereal in her white gown. I'm glad I can call her my wife now. And I'm glad I enjoy it as much as I do.

I went on to become a broadcaster for the Capitol News, and Venus works as an editor for the newspaper. We decided against having children, which I know both of us are upset about. Both of us wanted children, but it just never felt right for us as a couple. However, we adopted a stray cat that Venus named Twig. She loves him dearly, and I love her, so he's stuck around. I won't admit it, but he's a sweet cat. However, I chose to ignore the name's resemblance to a certain boy from District Seven.

Speaking of Treech, Venus has been coping well. She bakes lemon cookies every year for his birthday, which I can't complain too much about because they're incredible. She writes letters addressed to him whenever she needs to get something off her chest, which has been really helpful. Sometimes I think it's easier for her to write her feelings down instead of expressing them, though I'm always there to listen when she wants to talk. She also writes to Millie, Treech's younger sister. I think she's around fourteen now. I'm glad the two met; it seems like Venus has met a lifelong best friend. The two constantly exchange letters, learning about what life is like for the other. Even four years later, Venus still sees her therapist. I think it's partially due to me now. I know she loves me, but I also know I annoy her.

Venus gave me the letters she wrote during the Games, the ones addressed to Treech that gave updates about what happened on her end. She hasn't shown me the one she wrote after he died. She keeps them in a journal I got for her birthday. She says writing letters to him or herself helps her cope with her problems. Sometimes she writes to me, leaving folded-up sheets of paper on my pillow or my seat at the table if she's upset about something. She even writes them when she's really excited, and doesn't know how to get the words out otherwise. I guess she still doesn't understand that I'll listen to her, no matter what. She could talk to me about her problems for hours upon end, and I'd listen. Anything if it makes her happy.

I think we both have finally gotten closure for what has happened. I know Venus misses Treech, but I know how much she cared for him. She loves him in a way that she'll never love me. And I'm content with that. Our love story is a unique one, but it's entirely our own.

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memes! i've wanted to make these for venus but i'm not very creative. thanks to disk4rte for the first two!

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an: first off, this short fic is dedicated to seungielovebot , venus and festus's biggest fan, i hope you liked your new bedtime story! also dedicated to the ig group chat girlies, y'all are the best! and thanks for reading this! it felt kinda weird to call it a festus fic, but that's what it is. it was kinda nice to write from his pov for once, so now we have the full trio's pov. i hope this was a satisfactory conclusion to venus's story, and i'm sad to say that it's finally over. have fantastic day and be sure to check out my other fics (i have a new treech one coming soon!) -willow <3