Prologue - Sacrifice.

It's a human sign

When things go wrong

When the scent of her lingers

And temptation's strong

Into the boundary

Of each married man

Sweet deceit comes calling

And negativity lands

Cold, cold heart

Hard done by you

Some things lookin' better, baby

Just passin' through

And it's no sacrifice

Just a simple word

It's two hearts livin'

In two separate world

But, it's no sacrifice

No sacrifice

It's no sacrifice, at all

-Elton John, Sacrifice

Peeta's POV

"Peeta Mellark."

I'm already getting ready to make my way to Katniss when I hear the o-so-familiar voice yell the words I don't want to hear.

I freeze. What is he doing? This is not how I planned it. It's not right. I should be the one going in there with her. She needs me.

The whole aspect is just surreal, them going into the arena together. It's just... All the colour that's left, drains from my face. If Haymitch is going in with Katniss, one of them will have to die in order for the other one to win. Is Haymitch willing to sacrifice himself for her?

I mentally slap myself. I can't expect that from him. I'm the one unconditionally in love with Katniss, not him.

But why, in heaven's sake, did he volunteer then? It's not like he had to. Hell, I even begged him not to. How could he betray me like that?! He promised me he would let me go into the arena so I could protect Katniss. He knows that's what I want. I can't imagine one good reason, one thing that he'd say that would change my mind about his decision.

I then make the mistake of looking up, my eyes have been fixated on the ground since Haymitch volunteered. Katniss' face is filled with anger, sorrow, pain and something I don't immediately recognize. And then I do. It's guilt. Why is she feeling guilty? It's not like it is her fault. Not at all. Except, maybe… No, she wouldn't do that.

Would she?!

I mean, maybe she has asked Haymitch to volunteer. I already know she can be stubborn as hell. She promised me she wouldn't talk Haymitch into going to the arena with her, so I could protect her. She's a really bad liar, but I should've known better. The last time I accused her of not being able to lie, she got me passed out while she went and risked her life for me.

But Haymitch would never agree to that. It's not like he owes me… Or her, for that matter. We owe him, now that I think about it.

As my mind wanders, my body's still frozen on the exact same place. Then, I'm finally able to move and run to the stage, as if trying to stop what's happening. A bunch of peacekeepers hold me back though. I yell at them to let me go, but of course, they don't. It's too late, I realize. If me stepping in would've made any difference, it won't anymore. Once again, I've proven my mom right. I'm a coward.

All I can do is watch as Katniss and Haymitch are escorted to say their final goodbyes. And then it hits me. Of course, it makes sense but I've never really taken the possibility into account. I always thought it would be Haymitch' responsibility.

I'm their mentor.