Peeta

My name is Peeta Mellark. My home is District 12. Was. My home was District 12. I won the 74th Hunger Games along with the love of my life. I was rescued from the 75th Hunger Games. Katniss was left behind. She is in the custody of the Capital.

I sit looking at Haymitch, Plutarch Heavensbee, and someone introduced to me as President Alma Coin. We're in some sort of control room, and it's dark. We're sitting around a large oval table, and Haymitch sits close to me. He looks like he wants to reach out and touch me, and he looks like he wants to say something. I can hear soft beeping, and low whispers but I can't make out what they are. How long has it been since Katniss was left in the arena? A week? 8 or 9 days?

I've just been informed I was rescued to lead a rebellion. A rebellion against the Capital? District 13 alive and well? Haymitch puts his hand on my shoulder. I shrug him off. I'm angry. Furious I'm in this situation. Forced into District 13, forced to talk to people who actively chose to leave Katniss behind. Nothing Haymitch can say will pacify me. Did these people honestly believe I can even function without her by my side?

"You've rescued the wrong person," I sneer. "Katniss is the defender of the weak. The leader. The person who sacrifices herself to help others. The one who would do everything she could to make a world where the people she loves will be safe. The only person I have ever or would ever try to change the world for? Is the person you've left behind."

I'm a painter. I'm a baker. I like to sleep with the windows open. And I double knot my shoe laces. I'm not a fighter. I'm not soldier. I wasn't even meant to live after the reaping of the 74th Hunger Games. Everyone knew I was meant to die in that arena. The only reason I'm alive is because of my girl on fire who can sing so beautifully even the birds stop to listen. I definitely did not intend to live through the Quarter Quell. I shouldn't be here.

"Peeta. There was no choice. It was either rescue you, or leave you both behind," I'm not even aware of who is speaking to me. It doesn't matter. No one in this room is worthy of my attention, not after what they've done.

"Then you should have left us both. She and I protect each other."

I get up and leave the room as quickly as I can, before anyone has the chance to stop me. No longer interested in hearing anything Haymitch has to say. He and I had a deal. He owed me. We would save Katniss Everdeen, making sure she went home from the Quarter Quell. Instead, she's in the Capital. I'm in District 13, and I'm expected to lead a rebellion I was unaware existed until Katniss blew the force field in the arena. Most of all, I wish I could take her place. It makes me sick to think about what she could be going through.

I slowly make my way back to my room, currently in the hospital as I heal from wounds I accrued in the arena. Finnick knocked me out and cut out my tracker, causing a concussion and the need for 23 stitches. My body remained weak after hitting the force field. My leg, once whole, is sore from my prosthesis. None of it mattered. None of it. Not without her.