This is a Hunger Games A/U.
A/N. This is the sequel to FireGirl. It starts at noon on September 11, 2001. If you can read FireGirl. s/8604635/1/FireGirl you should. I admit it is a tough read because of the subject matter. If you can't read it you can start here. Firefighter Katniss Everdeen and Battalion Chief Emma Dever are just leaving Saint Vincent's Hospital after being treated for minor injuries received in the collapse of World Trade Center Tower Number One.
"When we get back to the firehouse. Check the new work schedule and then you can go home." Emma instructs me.
"I'm not sure how I'll get home. Gale drove me in. My car's in the shop."
"I'm going home, I'll drive you."
Gale had been on my mind. I don't know if he's okay. When I get to the house I'll call Rescue Two's house and check.
When we get to the house I check in. Tell them about Bear. Then I'm told that except for the chauffeur the entire engine company is missing. It's overwhelming.
I try calling Rescue Two, my mom and Peeta but all the circuits are busy.
"Katniss, let's take a shower before leaving." Emma says.
We go up to the showers and put the women sign on the door and I essentially hose myself down. I'm covered in dust. After my shower I dry myself off. I just sit there on the bench and the images of the people falling out of the building flash through my mind. Oh shit, I can't think about that. It's too horrifying. I have to occupy my mind with something else. Peeta. That's better. I'm worried about him. Right now he doesn't know if I'm dead or alive.
I put my hair in a ponytail instead of my normal braid. Still wet. And get dressed in my jeans and polo shirt.
"Ready?" Emma asks. She's dressed in a pale blue sundress. I don't remember ever seeing her in pants except when she's in uniform. She always tries to show she's a woman.
We start to drive home in silence. Through the Lincoln Tunnel and up the Jersey Turnpike. I finally ask "How do you do it?"
"What?"
"Not cry."
"Why shouldn't you cry?"
"Well, being a girl, I guess I'm expected to act like one of the guys."
"Bullshit. You cry if you want to. We're going to be going to a lot of funerals and grieving. The boys will be crying. Believe me."
I look over and see the tears going down her face.
"I've been to a few firefighter funerals. But my Dad's was the only one for a line of duty death. I remember it like it was yesterday." I say.
"I remember it too."
"You were there?"
"Yes. You were dressed in a navy dress with your hair in a braid. Your sister was also in blue. She had blonde hair."
"Wow. You have a great memory."
"You remember things that have an impact on you. It was my first funeral also for a line of duty death and the thought of two girls growing up without a dad hit me."
We finally get into my town. I direct her to my mom's house. I'm sure Peeta is there. As we turn the corner I see my mom sitting on the porch. She see me in the passenger seat and she runs towards the car I get out and she wraps her arms around me. I don't think she intends to let me go. Ever.
