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KILL FOR YOUR LOVE.

a collection of 'unopened letters' from over the years that are collecting dust in a spare room in district seven.

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Dear Juniper,

You never fail to amaze me. I always think I know you, but you somehow always surprise me. 

I should have known you were never going to book a train to Twelve and I was an idiot in thinking otherwise. I suppose I was too blinded by my hopes for the future to see that you were obviously lying through your teeth. 

So, you aren't coming to Twelve. I get that. But you can't stay in Ten. Don't stay in Ten. Your father is coming back soon and we all know how that is going to end. Just please go somewhere else other than that district. Go to Four with Annie, or Seven to Johanna, or even Twelve to me and Haymitch. Anywhere but Ten. 

Juniper, for once in your life, just please listen to me. 

Lucy Stevens. 

Dear Miss Hale,

Miss Stevens told me what happened, but I'm not in the least surprised like she was. If you weren't going to listen to me, then you weren't going to listen to her. 

However, I must warn you. Your father remains in the Capitol, but he's due to return back to District Ten in a few months. If you're still there, I suggest you leave. Encountering your father again, after everything, is not a good idea. It will bring up old memories and it will destroy you. Please, leave District Ten. Go elsewhere. Panem is a free country now. Enjoy the freedom. Don't become shackled to your old home. Spread your wings. 

Though, I can predict you are not going to listen to me considering you never have, so I write bearing news. 

Plutarch has been appointed Secretary of Communications, which means he sets the programming for the airwaves. The first big televised event is going to be Miss Everdeen's trial, in which I am set to be a star witness. Commander Paylor of District Eight has been voted in as president amongst the emergency election. Dr. Clampitt was found dead in her quarters. Starvation. Suicide. Her execution has been called off, for obvious reasons. 

That's it for the time being. I am sure more news will arise. 

Also, you are still my patient, Miss Hale, so I would appreciate it if you picked up the phone. 

Dr. R. Aurelius. 

Dear Juniper,

I know we left things in a bad state, but I am determined to fix that. I heard what happened with you and Lucy, therefore I think it would be best if you moved here to Four with me and my unborn baby.

Finnick spoke too highly of you just for you to leave. You were his best friend. You were his sister. It would be an insult to his memory for you to have no part in this baby's life. And I want you to have a part of this baby's life. I consider you a friend, Juniper, and whilst I think you need the company, I do too. 

The woman down at the market is splendid and she's doing the best she can, but I need a face who knew Finnick the way you did. I don't trust anyone else more than you to be here for me and this child. 

Think it over, please. 

Love, 

Annie O. 

Juniper, 

For the love of those above, come to Twelve. Please. 

I don't beg often, but I am on my hands and knees asking you to come here. I swear Lucy has been growing grey hairs worrying about you. She's been staring at the phone and all that nonsense. She's tried to call you, but you haven't picked up. She can't come to Ten because the rail-lines have been messed up because of the war.

Juniper, she thinks you've killed yourself, but I know you haven't. So get off your ass, put your difficulties aside, and come here. For her sake. 

Thanks. 

Haymitch. 

Dear Miss Hale,

Pick up the phone. I can't keep covering for you and pretending we're talking. Mr. Heavensbee keeps asking how you are and the others' are asking if I've heard from you.

I can't keep lying. 

Pick up the phone. 

Dr. R. Aurelius. 

Dear Juniper,

How are you? Aurelius said you've been under the weather, which is why you haven't been answering anyone's letters or calls. Never mind that, I'm sure you'll feel better soon. 

Katniss's trial was the other day and it was perhaps the biggest televised event in Panem history. Other than the Hunger Games, of course. Anyway, me and Aurelius were star witnesses in the girl's defence. The head doctor presented Katniss as a hopeless, shell-shocked lunatic and one condition of her release is that she'll continue under his care, through phone, however, because he'd never live in a forsaken place like Twelve. She's confined there until further notice. 

I just thought you would like to know. 

P.S; I'm launching a singing program in a few weeks. Something upbeat would be good. Are you interested? I can send a crew to Ten. 

Plutarch Heavensbee — Secretary of Communications. 

Dear Miss Hale,

This is getting ridiculous now. Please answer the phone. 

Dr. R. Aurelius. 

Juniper,

Are you still in Ten? I swear, if you are.

Look, I know we've never been close. I know we never would have met each other if it wasn't for the Games, but I care for you. You were my tribute and I love you, Juniper, despite how hard you can be. 

Just come to Twelve. Me and Haymitch are happy here. Katniss barely comes out of her house, you probably won't even see her considering we don't. Everything is going to be okay if you just come to Twelve. 

Also, I know Aurelius is covering for you. It's obvious. 

Lucy Stevens. 

Dearest Miss Juniper Hale, 

I write this letter to you in the hopes of becoming aware of your wellbeing. Everyone is certainly worried, especially as it clocks into a month now. Dr. Aurelius said you're feeling under the weather, however there is no known sickness that will have you feeling like this for over a month. 

Anywho, my inventions are coming along nicely. With the stress of the war gone, my ideas are coming back. I can now walk a good distance without fainting. 

Wish you the best.

Beetee L. 

Dear Juniper,

I'm a month along now and whilst I am still not showing, I can definitely feel my pregnancy. The dreaded morning sickness hasn't been too bad, but I feel more tired than I have before. There is also certain odours and flavours that aren't quite appealing to me as they used to be, which is a shame because I've always liked shrimp. 

Anyway, I still have not heard back from you about my offer. In fact, no-one's heard from you in well over a month. People are beginning to get worried, especially Lucy. I can always hear Haymitch grumbling in the background that you're probably hiding yourself away, but for that, I do not blame you. 

However, to accept what has happened, you need to surround yourself by people who you love. That is detrimental. I know you're mourning Finnick, I am too. I know you loved him, I did too. But he's gone and the war is over. The Games are over. 

You are allowed to move on, Juniper. 

Love, 

Annie O. 

Dear Miss Hale, 

I have required to come up with some fictitious disease to keep Mr. Latier off of my tail. He'll figure it out soon enough.

Pick up the phone. 

Dr. R. Aurelius. 

Dear Juniper,

Well, you're still not here in Twelve. I know Annie offered for you to come to Four and yet, she still hasn't heard from you. My only bet is that you're still in Ten, which is against what me and Aurelius said. 

Will you ever just listen, Juniper? 

Anyway, Peeta's back from the Capitol. Aurelius didn't let him leave until yesterday. I think, with him back, Katniss can get back to her normal self. If she does have a normal self. 

Lucy Stevens. 

Hale. 

I don't care for you. I never have and I never will. I never even thought I would be writing you a letter, but here I am. 

I am so sick of getting phone calls from golden boy's baby mama and Loony Lucy asking if I've heard from you. Of course I haven't. Why would I? Stupid women. 

Just answer their calls, Hale. It isn't that difficult. 

Enobaria. 

Dear Juniper,

I've done this letter over a million times now and yet, I can never perfect it. I don't think I ever will. However, it's from the heart so I suppose that's all that counts. 

I've always liked you, Juniper. You had this mystery about you that caused me to be sucked in. I may not remember much, I may not have a recollection about what is real and what is not, but when it comes to you, I am always certain. You seem to follow me in my dreams. The Capitol never touched any memories about you and for that, I am grateful. 

I've heard from Lucy and Haymitch that you haven't been answering anyone's calls and I understand that. But Juniper, you aren't alone. You never were and you never will be. I owe my life to you, my sanity. I was consumed by darkness, but for some reason, your face was the light I needed. Your soft words. Your apologies. Even your sharpness. 

The only thing that kept me going, truly, was the District Ten prayer. It's a beautiful prayer, I must say. 

Juniper, to be truthful, I don't know the reasoning behind this letter. I'm rambling. But I guess what I am trying to say is I think it would be best if you came here to Twelve with us. I know you don't like Katniss. I know you feel betrayed by her. But she's coming around and if you put your difficulties aside, I am certain we can grow.

Don't become a ghost, Juniper. You're too filled with light to become such a thing. 

Peeta Mellark. 

Dear Miss Hale, 

I'm not sure how many times I have to say this, but PICK UP THE PHONE. 

That was slightly unprofessional and I apologise, but it is true. Just pick up the phone, Miss Hale. 

P.S.; Mr. Latier caught onto my fictitious disease.

Dr. R. Aurelius. 

Dearest Miss Juniper Hale, 

A lungotomy-starex disease is not a real thing. I am now aware of that. 

Beetee L. 

Dear Juniper,

I am now three months along. I am showing now as well as feeling it more. 

I still have the awful morning sickness and whilst some say it disappears during this month, mine has not. The woman down at the market requests I eat bland foods such as bananas or sip on some ginger tea that she has made to soothe my stomach. I am also more fatigued and more cautious of my ever-changing body. 

However, I am also terrified. 

No-one has heard from you and I need you more than ever, Juniper. I can't raise this baby by myself. That notion is absurd. Not only can I not do this by myself, the baby needs someone else other than me. Another figure in his/hers life. It needs you. 

Please think my offer over again and please pick up the phone. 

Love, 

Annie O. 

Juniper,

This is getting stupid. Aurelius can't keep covering for you. You need to pick up the phone. You either need to go to Four to Annie, who needs you, or here to Twelve to Lucy, who I swear has a whole head of grey hairs because of you.

I know Peeta sent you a letter. He's willing to make up his mistakes and get rid of bad blood with anyone. Katniss not so much, but she'll come around.

Just come to Twelve. Please. 

Thanks,

Haymitch. 

Dear Juniper,

The singing contest is a hit! We're in the semi-finals now, but I'm sure you've watched it on the television. I am certain that purple-haired man is going to win. Something about his so-called opera is really intriguing. 

Anyway, Beetee has told me that lungotomy-starex disease is not a real disease, which makes me believe that Aurelius has been covering for you. I can confirm that with concerns from Annie and Lucy. 

It's nearing four months now. You have to move on. Hey, you can be part of the judge panel if you want, whatever gets you out of bed. 

Also, your father is coming home next month. Just so you know. 

Plutarch Heavensbee — Secretary of Communications. 

Dear Miss Hale, 

Your father is leaving the Capitol. He's coming home to Ten. If you're still there, please leave. Go to Four or Twelve. The choice is yours. Just don't stay in Ten. 

It will kill you. 

Dr. R. Aurelius. 

Juniper,

Why, out of all people, did your father call me? He's a complete wreck. I couldn't even make out what he was saying. All I got was that you had run off. But never mind that. 

So you have been in District Ten this entire time. You never listen and I'm not surprised. But where the hell have you run off to? Please say it's Twelve or Four. 

Don't be an idiot, Juniper. 

Lucy Stevens. 

Dear Miss Hale, 

Your father has gone completely berserk. He's been calling everyone up, asking where you have run off to. What did I say about seeing your father again? 

Never mind that. No-one knows where you are and everyone is started to become worried. You could be dead for all we know. Your father did say you looked on the verge of death. 

You aren't in Twelve. You aren't in Four. You aren't in Seven, but even then Miss Mason hasn't been answering. And you aren't anywhere else. 

Where are you, Miss Hale? 

Dr. R. Aurelius. 

Dear Juniper,

I know you don't want to hear from me. I understand. I do. But you need to know why I killed Coin and not Snow. 

It was to avenge my sister.

You knew Prim. She spoke very highly of you. And you know she was killed. She was one of the medics sent after the first wave of bombs and she died during the second explosion. And everyone was told it was Snow who ordered it. 

But it wasn't. It was Coin. She sent the bombs in the aircrafts that had the Capitol seal to turn the last of his supporters against him. She killed Prim. She sent Prim out there. Who would have the authority to send a little girl out into a war zone other than Coin? 

I suspect Coin deliberately sent my sister to the frontline in hope that her death would push me over the edge and make me an unsuitable choice for a leader, which is idiotic because I was never a good one to begin with. Nevertheless, Coin killed my sister and she needed to pay for it. I only voted yes for another Games to gain her trust. 

I killed Coin to avenge my sister and also to put her reign of terror to an end before it could even begin. She was showing signs of being as ruthless as Snow, which was dangerous for the future of Panem. Not that I was thinking about such things during the moment. 

All I could think about was my sister. If it was your brother, wouldn't you have done the same thing?

I hope you are well, Juniper. We may never have gotten along, but you were a good ally. Please answer Lucy, as well. 

P.S.; me and Peeta are starting a memory book and considering no-one knows if you're alive or not, we've decided to include you. 

Katniss. 

Juniper. 

Everyone thinks you're dead. Are you dead? I hope you're not. I really hope you're not. 

Peeta and Katniss are thinking of adding you to their memory book, which is yet to start. I'm not sure what they're going to put in there, but they've requested me and Haymitch's help. 

Oh, and about me and Haymitch, we're talking about raising geese to pass the time. Well, more like Haymitch wants to raise geese to pass time until the next liquor train gets here.

Love is a weird thing, isn't it? I hope you get to experience it, wherever you are.

Lucy Stevens. 

Dear Juniper,

The purple-haired guy won! Forgive me, I don't remember his name, but the grand finale was magnificent. I'm sure you watched it on the television. It's hard to miss. The man is expecting money for his winnings so he's going to be slightly disappointed when all he gets is just a firm handshake. 

Anywho, where are you? It's like you've gone off the grid. No-one knows where you are and some are saying you're dead. That would be very unfortunate if you are and I hope you're not because your father keeps calling me up and it's getting tedious now. Surely you can tell him to stop?

I wish you the best, wherever you are. 

Plutarch Heavensbee — Secretary of Communications. 

Dear Miss Hale, 

You have appeared to become a ghost and I can't say I am surprised. I thought this would come around sooner or later. I've been preparing myself for this, but I don't even think decades of preparation could have readied me. 

Plutarch has told me that you've been let go as my patient because of your missing status. He says it's time I let you go. He says it's time everyone lets you go.

But I am not ready for that. I don't think I am. You have affected me more than any patient ever has and I'm not sure of the reasoning for that. There is a certain something about you, Miss Juniper Hale. 

Well, due to you being let go as my patient, I am not required to send you letters or call. As a head doctor, I won't. As a friend, I will still do such things. 

Please be safe, Miss Hale, wherever you may be in Panem. 

R. Aurelius. 

Dear Juniper, 

The baby is set to come next month. What am I supposed to do? I am beyond petrified. I can't do anything. I can't visit anyone. My phone isn't even working anymore, which I must get fixed. All I am able to do is write and even then, my swollen fingers can't take it. 

I really need you, Juniper. I can't do this by myself. 

Love,

Annie O. 

Dear Juniper, 

The memory book is being worked on. I told Aurelius about it and a large box of parchment sheets arrived. 

I got the idea from my family's plant book. It was a place where we recorded things we could not trust to memory. And the legacies of those who have passed are things me and Peeta cannot trust to memory. The pages begins with the person's picture, either a photo if we can find one or a painting done by Peeta. And then, in my most careful handwriting, come all the details it would be a crime to forget. Not much has been done, but it's well on its way. 

Also, me and Peeta are all right now, I think. We keep ourselves busy when we're not doing the book. He bakes. I hunt. Haymitch and Lucy raise the geese. We're growing back together. I am lucky to have him still. 

District Twelve is also changing. There's talks of closing the mines and plowing the ashes into the earth, to start fresh. We all think it's a good idea. 

Anyway, I do hope, wherever you are, Juniper, that you're happy. You, out of everyone, deserve it the most. 

Katniss. 

Dear Juniper, 

After twelve-excruciating-hours and much sweat and blood, Malik Finnick Odair was born. He's the tiniest thing and only a few days old and yet, he reminds me so much of his father with his sea green eyes and bronze tuff of hair. 

The woman down from the market is staying in the house temporarily to help. Malik is a cryer and a fussy little boy already. Oh, Juniper, he is just adorable. I wish you could be here to see him. I wish Finnick could be here. I wish you both to be here. 

Wherever you may be, Juniper, just know you always have a home here with me and Malik. There's an extra room and the woman from the market isn't going to stay here long. You're always welcomed here. 

Be safe, Juniper. And wherever you are, I hope you find something that completely changes the idea of being human. 

We love you, 

Annie and Malik O. 

Dear Juniper, 

Annie gave birth a couple weeks ago. His name is Malik. I think it's cute, but Haymitch keeps grunting at it. He thinks it's a stupid name. 

We all miss you. We all wonder where you are. Though, I am ashamed to say that none of us have ever thought of finding you. Knowing you, Juniper, that would be an impossible feat. You always did know how to slip away. 

Me and Haymitch are going over to see baby Malik whilst Katniss and Peeta stay here. Firstly, they are determined to add to the memory book and secondly, Katniss still can't leave the district. They did ask Haymitch to add his own touches to the book, but he keeps denying it. I think it would be a wonderful idea if he added to it. 

Well, that's that. I'm sure more news shall be coming. 

Lucy Stevens. 

Dear Juniper,

I heard Mrs. Odair gave birth to a baby boy a few weeks ago. I believe his name is Malik. It is such joyous news and I do wish her the best. 

But, Juniper, where are you? You should be with them. You should be there with that baby and with Mrs. Odair. You both went through a great loss with the passing of Mr. Odair. You should be with her. She needs you and you need her. 

Anyway, Mr. Heavensbee is bored as of current considering his singing program has ended for the year. I do believe he's thinking of creating a cooking competition. He asked me if I want to be on the judge panel with him. 

I think the man is becoming desperate.

Be safe, Juniper. 

R. Aurelius. 

Dear Juniper, 

We've added more to the memory book, which I am sure you're aware of. Odd details and such. 

Prim's goat licking her cheek. Katniss's father's laugh. My father with cookies. The colour of Finnick's eyes. What Cinna, Katniss's stylist, could do with a length of silk. Boggs, Coin's second-in-command back in Thirteen, reprogramming something called the Holo. You don't know about that, do you? 

Anyway, we've also added you. I tried to paint you as best as I could. Lucy pitched in to help. It's perhaps my most favourite drawing I've ever done. It's a painting of you looking into the distance, your lips slightly pursed with your eyes narrowed. You're in the midst of concentration. There's more paintings of you such as you sitting next to Finnick or one with a small smile on your face as you spoke to Aurelius. But the one where it's just you, where you're so caught up by the thoughts in your head, that I like the best. Because it's just you. 

Katniss added some details about you. She's speaking in past-tense, which I couldn't help but notice. She added the callouses on your hands from wielding swords. She added your loyalty. She added your mystery. She added the prayer. She added a lot of things about you. 

She misses you and so do I. Come back to us, Juniper. 

Peeta Mellark.

Juniper. 

Katniss and Peeta are finally together. Thank the heavens. 

I'm not sure why I'm telling you, but someone should. Lucy's gone to Four to help out with Annie and Malik. 

Malik. That's such a stupid name. 

Thanks. 

Haymitch. 

Dear Juniper, 

The singing competition is back up and running again. We've got a whole bunch of contestants this year, but most of them make my ears ring.

I've also started up a cooking program. I asked Aurelius to join the judge panel, but he muttered something about it being improper so I guess that's a no. 

We still haven't found you. I've sent some people out to see where you are, to follow your tracks, but they've always come back with nothing. It's like you're a ghost. 

Anywho, better get back to it. I've got some pies to taste. 

Plutarch Heavensbee — Secretary of Communications. 

Dear Juniper,

Lucy has been helping me with little Malik. It's like the years have flown by. He's already one. And yet, he reminds too much of his father. Too much. 

I've started losing hope in that I'll ever see your face again or hear your voice. I think everyone has. Rarely anyone speaks about you, which I think is an insult to your memory. 

People are starting to think you died. Maybe you have. Maybe we've just all been writing letters to a ghost. 

But I hope you're not dead. I really do. 

P.S.; I've attached a photo of little Malik at the beach. You can see he looks much like his father. One day, I'll tell him about Finnick and you. 

Love, 

Annie and Malik O. 

Dear Juniper,

I've been busy so I apologise for the lack of letters. Years have passed now since the last time I saw you. Sometimes, I stare out of the window, almost wishing I'll see you walk down the path. It's stupid, I know. 

Anyway, Katniss and Peeta are together. I think he's going to ask her to marry him. That will give her a good shock, but she'll say yes. I'm sure she'll say yes. 

As for me and Haymitch, we're happy and in love. We've both agreed not to get married. We don't need some golden band to represent our love for each other. Also organising a wedding is tedious. 

I hope you've found someone, Juniper. I wish you've fallen in love with someone. You deserve to experience that feeling. 

I am sorry for the lack of letters.

Lucy Stevens. 

June, 

Please come back. 

Love, 

Your father. 

Dear Juniper, 

Your father wrote you a letter. He called me up and asked if I could send it to you. Don't worry, I hung up the minute I heard his voice. 

I think he lives alone in Ten in Victors' Village. That's what people say anyway.

Anyway, thought I would tell you that. 

P.S.; your father is something I would class as an 'ugly crier' 

R. Aurelius.

𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐑 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐏𝐄𝐑 𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐄:

𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐟:

𝐊𝐀𝐓𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐒 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐄𝐍 & 𝐏𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐀 𝐌𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐊

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝟐:𝟎𝟎𝐩𝐦 𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐖, 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐓 𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐕𝐄.

𝐀𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐒' 𝐕𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐆𝐄.

Juniper, 

Well, the two kids got married. Who could have guessed? Well, Lucy apparently. You know, that's the drunkest I've ever seen her.

Anyway, they sent you an invitation. You obviously ignored it or didn't get it because you didn't show up. Not that I blame you, I half wish I didn't show up.

But it's Katniss and Peeta. After everything, they deserve to be happy. 

Thanks. 

Haymitch. 

Dear Juniper,

Katniss and Peeta got married last week and it was brilliant. I must say I did cry a lot and so did Lucy. Malik looked at me with those big eyes as if I was crazy. 

But the wedding was magnificent. It was small and intimate despite Plutarch's requests to have it broadcasted. I think you would have enjoyed it. I certainly did. 

P.S.; Johanna was missing, which was unusual. I thought she would have loved to see them get married. I suppose she hasn't put her differences aside just yet.

We love you, Juniper. Remember that, wherever you are. 

Love, 

Annie and Malik O. 

Miss Juniper Hale. 

It is with a saddened heart that we must tell you that your father's body, Orion Hale, was found in Victors' Village in the early hours of the morning. A group of kids wanting to cause havoc discovered him. 

Following the autopsy, we can tell you that he passed at the beginning of the week due to a purposeful overdose. We are terribly sorry for your loss. 

Therapy can be provided with a professional head doctor and a funeral director can be contacted. They may arrange the funeral if you reject such responsibilities. 

If there is anything we can do to support or help you in such a troubled time, please contact us at the number imprinted on the business card that came with this letter. 

Kind regards,

Mrs. Betta Bexley — Head Coroner of District Ten. 

Dear Juniper, 

Your father passed away. I got a letter sent from the Head Coroner. A purposeful overdose. I would say I am sorry, but I know you wouldn't care in the slightest. 

And I must say, with the death of your father, it brings me with hope that you will return to society. Maybe your encounter with Mr. Hale was what drove you away. Well, he's gone now. So you can come back. 

Please come back, Juniper. 

R. Aurelius. 

Dear Juniper,

Your father is dead. You can come home now. 

Lucy Stevens. 

Dear Juniper,

The years just fly, don't they? It will be Malik's fifth birthday soon, meaning that my little boy is growing up. I'm starting to tell him about Finnick and you. He's too young to know about the Games, but one day he'll know. 

We miss you. 

Love, 

Annie and Malik O. 

Dear Juniper,

Peeta wants children. He wants them so badly, but I'm not sure if I can give them to him. Not just yet, anyway. I'm not that ready. 

Katniss. 

Dear Juniper,

It's been years since I've seen your face, heard your voice. I miss you, Juniper. 

You know, it was the anniversary the other day. Plutarch did a whole speech and so did Paylor. They unveiled a new memorial. I think that's the fifth one in three-years. Nevertheless, it's the thought that counts. 

They played a recap of the Quell. Well, not a recap, but little shots. The television froze on you and Peeta sitting on the edge of the Cornucopia, staring out at Cashmere.

I don't think I've cried that hard in years.

Lucy Stevens. 

Juniper,

You're destroying Lucy, I hope you know that. 

Thanks. 

Haymitch. 

Dear Juniper, 

I think everyone has started to accept the fact that you're gone. Forever. It's been years. A good decade since. Mr. Heavensbee says you're dead. Mr. Latier thinks it too. Mr. Abernathy as well. 

I don't want to believe it. I can't. 

Don't be dead, Juniper Hale. Don't do this. Just come home. Please. 

R. Aurelius. 

Dear Juniper,

As Malik grows and reminds me every day of his father, I've come to realise something. 

If you wanted to be here, then you would be. You don't listen others, Juniper, you never have. You do what you want to do. 

So either you're dead or you don't want anything to do with us. And I understand you being the latter. If you are the former, then I will mourn you, Juniper. 

We all miss you. We do. But we have to move on. 

We have to move on. 

Love, 

Annie and Malik O.

Dear Juniper,

They say you're dead. I don't want to believe that, but maybe I should. Haymitch tells me I need to stop writing letters now, that maybe it's time I let you go. But I don't want to let you go. 

Juniper, you are part of me. You were like a sister to me, or a cousin, or something. I'm not sure how to explain it. There's something about you, Juniper, and I just can't let that go. 

I failed you before and I don't want to fail you again. 

But I think it's best if I let you go. 

I loved you, Juniper Hale. 

Lucy Stevens. 

Dearest Miss Juniper Hale, 

I think I will mourn you until the rest of my days. It was an honour knowing you. 

Beetee L. 

Juniper, 

People are letting you go now. I think it's for the best. 

I do miss you, kid. I always will. 

Thanks, 

Haymitch. 

Dear Juniper,

Haymitch and Lucy say you're dead. They're probably right and if they are, I am so sorry. About everything. You never deserved any of this. You never deserved any of this pain. And I'm sorry you had to go this way. 

You never should have been alone. Lucy never should have left you. If someone was there, maybe they could have prevented this. I'll regret that until I die. 

We've dedicated more pages to you now in the memory book, odd little memories that Katniss had remembered. I think it had something to do with Finnick and Annie's wedding. 

Peeta Mellark. 

Dear Juniper,

We're all letting you go now, but I hope you know that your memory still lives on in the book. 

I remembered a moment the other day when it was you and me on the outskirts of Finnick and Annie's wedding. I tried to apologise to you, but you wouldn't let me. It's an odd memory, but it reminds me of how you always took everyone's faults as your own. You always blamed yourself for things and never let anyone else take the blame. 

I admire that about you, even if it wasn't such a good trait to have. 

I'll miss you, Juniper Hale. Perhaps, in another life, we could have been better friends. 

Katniss. 

Hale. 

I heard you were pronounced dead. That's a shame, I think.

Thanks for killing my tribute in the Seventy-Second. I hope Leona haunts you in hell. I remember my tributes just as much as you remembered yours. 

Enobaria. 

Dear Juniper,

You've been pronounced dead. It had to happen sometime. I prepared myself for it, which is becoming a repeated action when it comes to you. But yet again, nothing could have prepared me for this. 

With your absence, there is a hole in my heart. There is a sadness I cannot explain, a sadness you left. When I knew you, when I was your head doctor, my soul seemed lighter. Perhaps it was your presence. I will never know. 

But tonight, as I write this in one final attempt to bring you back home, my soul is feeling heavier. It drags me. It ills me. It makes me frail. 

I miss you and I will forever miss you, Miss Juniper Hale. I hope you are now resting, wherever that may be. 

R. Aurelius. 

Juniper, 

If you're watching from up there (or down there, considering where you went), don't tell Lucy I'm doing this. We all agreed to stop sending you letters.

I thought I should just tell you that we lost Beetee the other day. His old age got the better of him and I think it will happen to me soon. All I see is wrinkles and grey hair now. Peeta and Katniss's kids make fun of me.

You don't know, do you? Yeah, Peeta put some bread in Katniss's oven twice. They have two little squirts, though they aren't that little anymore. Willow and Rye are the perfect combination of their parents that it terrifies me sometimes. 

Anyway, I hear Lucy coming. If I want to survive a scolding, I better go. 

I miss you, kid. 

Thanks.

Haymitch. 

Dear Miss Juniper Hale, 

You don't know me and perhaps you never will. My mother told me you were pronounced dead years ago now whilst others say you're simply missing. I'm not sure what to believe, but I do believe my mother's stories. 

As I have been told, you knew my father. You were perhaps the only one who really knew him. I wished I had known him. He seemed like a great man from the stories, photos, and clips everyone tells and shows me.

I saw a video of you and him the other day. It was during the Quarter Quell. It was right after that jabberjay attack and you were comforting my father. You were holding him more tightly than I had ever seen someone hold another person. And my father, he seemed very shaken, which I'm not surprised at. He had just heard the love of his life screaming in pain. But after only a few words from you, his best friend, his sister, he calmed. 

It was remarkable and I knew, instantly, that you were someone special.

I wish I could have gotten to know you and my father. It's odd because I miss you two more than ever, but I never knew you. I wish I did. Stories, photos, and videos can only do so much. 

Wherever you are, Miss Juniper Hale, whether you're with my father or somewhere in the depths of Panem, I hope you know that I love you. Even if I never knew you. 

Well, you are my godmother after all. 

Malik Odair. 

Juniper, 

We lost Aurelius a few days ago. Cancer. 

At least he'll be with you now.

Haymitch. 

Juniper, 

Plutarch died yesterday. Heart attack. Probably too much pies from that cooking competition. 

They're holding probably the biggest funeral yet in the Capitol. 

Haymitch. 

Juniper, 

I think I'm the only one who's sending you letters now. Lucy doesn't dare write your name. Peeta and Katniss are too busy with their squirts. Annie is determined on getting her son to do upper schooling, but I'm not sure where that would get him. 

Everyone's okay here, by the way. I like to think you're watching over us with Aurelius. He always loved you. 

Haymitch. 

Juniper,

You know what I realised? None of us had heard from Johanna in a while. Did you have anything to do with that? She sent us one letter and that was it. 

Haymitch. 

Juniper,

Lucy is a full grandmother now. She's knitting. That's so stereotypical. 

Haymitch. 

Juniper,

Are you okay up there? Do you need anything? Are they taking care of you? 

Haymitch.

Juniper, 

Willow and Rye asked about you. They went through the memory book. Katniss and Lucy started crying. Peeta and I had to leave the room. 

Haymitch. 

Juniper, 

I can really feel this age thing coming on now.

Haymitch. 

Juniper, 

Haymitch went in his sleep. I found his boxes of letters to you. There's a whole stack of them. 

Lucy Stevens. 

Juniper,

We didn't even know Haymitch was still writing letters to you. Bless that man. May he rest in peace. 

Lucy is taking it hard, but she's got us. I think Katniss is taking it harder, though. 

Peeta Mellark. 

Juniper, 

The anniversary was last week. They showed another clip from the Quell. The television in Lucy and Haymitch's house is really rubbish because it froze on the scene where you held onto my hand as the Cornucopia spun. You saved my life. Did I ever thank you for that? 

Lucy started crying. I think it's her old age. She's well into the elderly stage of her life. 

She misses Haymitch.

Katniss.

Dear Juniper, 

We all miss you. We hope you're okay up there with Haymitch and Aurelius.

Peeta, Katniss, & Lucy. 

To Johanna, 

We haven't heard from you in a while. Are you okay? Do you want one of us to come over? 

We've only gotten one letter from you in years. 

Katniss. 

To everyone, 

June is dead. Stop sending letters. 

Johanna M. 

⇢ ˗ˏˋ matz 🎧 !

— idk what to say. it's over. it's done.

i want to say thank you to everyone who ever voted, commented, or even read the book. it really means the world to me. i love this book more than anything and i love you all more than anything 💗 thank you for those who stuck with me and followed june's journey 

'till next time 🫶