AN: So I know this plot is overused. Sorry about that. But I think my version will turn out different. The story takes place when Katniss suggests she and Gale run away in Catching Fire (around pg 95). She doesn't let it slip that there are uprisings, so Gale agrees. And he convinces her that Peeta and Haymitch will be alright being left behind. Hope you like! Peace!

BTW, I don't own HG or CF or HG3. Yeah.


I creep through the mansion, picking around at things to take with me. I get to where Mom keeps her medical supplies, and choose a few bandages and some of the life-saving medicines we might need. I choose some of the longest lasting Capitol foods I can find from the kitchen, and take a bit of Prim's cheese for breakfast. Then I walk back upstairs to my room, pulling out plenty of clothes and blankets to take. I also bring two of the expensive sleeping bags, and a few pairs of boots. I throw a hairbrush and a few toothbrushes in for good measure.

Then I sit down at my desk and write the letter. The letter that will explain to everyone close to me why I've left.

Everyone,

I'm sorry. I'm sorry I've left. But I have to. I can't stand it anymore. I can't stand seeing myself become a work of the Capitol, their pride and joy. And I can't stand Snow being on my trail constantly. It's become too much. So I left. Below are a few more messages I need everyone to know.

Mom. You can't leave again. I know I told you this before the Games, but it still counts. I'm gone. I can't take care of you and Prim any longer. And if you leave now, she'll be sent to the community home. You can never, ever let that happen. I love you Mom. And Dad did too. I'm sorry I haven't showed it since he died.

Prim. You're such a great little girl. You help people, you care, and you can take care of yourself. I volunteered for you because you're too good of a person to be killed in the ruthless killing machine the Capitol seems to think will teach us a lesson. Take care of yourself, and mom. And Buttercup.

Hazelle. Just wanted you to know how amazing you are. You're like a second mother to me. And you were able to hold it all together even after the explosion. Anything else you need to know, Gale will tell you.

Haymitch. Thanks. Thank you so much for making sure we survived the Games. I'm just sorry I won't be there to mentor the next poor unfortunate souls who are forced into the Games. I want you to make sure one of those kids come back alive, like we did. Don't. Let. Them. Die.

Peeta. I'm sorry I could never love you the way you loved me. I'm sorry I lied in the Games. But I had to. Thanks for the bread.

I'm sorry this wasn't enough. But I could never say enough to any of you, for anything. Thanks for being there all my life. But now I need to go. Gale and I will be fine. We'll find somewhere to stay. Don't worry. Make sure to thank everyone else not included in this letter. And once everyone's heard the message they need to, burn this. There are too many reasons why.

-Katniss

I don't dare mention that they needed to avoid the Peacekeepers. I don't dare say that they might die because of me.

I walk downstairs and set the note on the counter. Then I leave to meet Gale outside the fence.

He's already there, leaning against a tree with his bag slung over his shoulder.

"Hey Catnip," he says. I smile.

"Are you sure about this? Completely sure?" he asks. I think for a second. Do I really want to leave? Abandon everything I know? I decide I have to. It's either run away or let the Capitol control every aspect of my life until I die.

" Completely." Gale smiles, and pulls me into a hug. We break apart and look at District 12 one more time, until we start walking, leaving everything we know behind.

Like it? Hate it? Think I should give up writing altogether because I suck so much (say that and I will hunt you down and spam your email to no end)? Review and I'll continue.