I wasn't planning on starting a new story, but when I get an idea in my head I have to go with it! Thank you for taking the time to read and review. It means the world to me. Big thanks to my editors joshs-left-earlobe and Court81981 for helping me and easing my fears with this story. You can find me on tumblr jushutcherson

xoxo Kelly

I open my eyes and all I see is darkness. There isn't a hint of light to be found. Where am I? This isn't the arena. I don't smell the fresh saltwater from the beach anymore.

The lightning. The tree. Peeta screaming my name over and over again.

All these jumbled memories swirl around in my brain, and I can't make sense of it. My head is throbbing with a pain I've never felt before. It radiates throughout my entire body. My muscles burn from the last few days in the arena.

When I shot my arrow at the forcefield, everything fell apart instantly. His name was the only word that left my lips. I needed to find Peeta. He needed to survive.

Did I find him? I remember stumbling blindly through the smoke, desperately searching for him.

I wish I could remember, but this damn headache makes it impossible. Am I dead? Is this what it feels like? I feel dead. If Peeta didn't make it then I hope I am dead.

"Katniss?" I hear Peeta's frantic voice from across the dark room. "Are you here?"

Instant relief washes over my battered body. Peeta. I feel the tears well up in my eyes. He's safe. He's alive. He's here with me.

"I'm here, Peeta. Are you okay?"

"I think so." He pauses for a second before continuing, "My head hurts and they took off my prosthetic."

"I can't remember anything, Peeta." My memory is so foggy right now. Was I drugged? It feels like it, but I can't know for sure. "Can you come over here?"

"I can't." His voice trembles in a way that is so unlike the Peeta I know. He's strong and protective, but now he sounds like a terrified child. "I'm — they have me handcuffed to the wall."

My hands are free. I'm able to move, but why can't Peeta? I stand up slowly, my legs still shaky from being immobile for however long we've been here.

"Stay right where you are, Miss Everdeen."

President Snow. His voice sends a shiver down my spine. I was right when I wished for death. It would have been kinder.

The room illuminates with a bright, blinding light. My eyes sting from the unfamiliarity of it. Peeta's in the corner looking around nervously.

I slide back down the wall and curl up in a ball. This can't be happening. The crackling of the intercom makes me want to throw up. All I want is to escape Snow, but now I'm his prisoner.

"The Star Crossed Lovers of District Twelve are now citizens of the Capitol," he chuckles to himself. "I hope you enjoy the welcome party that I have planned for you."

It's Peeta who speaks first. "Kill me and let Katniss go home."

"You are home, Mr. Mellark," President Snow reminds him. I can almost see the snide smile on his lips. "I always knew you would be a wonderful asset to the Capitol, but having Katniss Everdeen by your side will make this all the more... pleasurable."

Peeta lunges forward, yanking on his restraints. I've never seen him like this. The crazed look in his eyes terrifies me. "You won't lay a hand on her! I'll fucking kill you."

"Surrender yourself to the luxuries of the Capitol, Peeta."

I can't stop shaking. We are prisoners of the place I hate the most. They took us from the arena, and now we are their property.

"Please, just let her go." His crystal blue eyes fill with tears. Haymitch was right. I don't deserve him. I'll never be good enough for someone like Peeta.

"Sleep while you can." The lights dim in our room. "I look forward to speaking with you again."

The darkness consumes me once more. I close my eyes and let the tears fall. This wasn't supposed to happen. How did I end up here?

I hear Peeta's cries, and I slowly crawl over to him. No one stops me this time. I curl up in his lap and rest my head on his chest.

"I won't let anything bad happen to you." He kisses my forehead, and the gesture brings a calming warmth to my bones. "I promised myself that I would protect you, and that's what I'm gonna do."

I quiet him with a kiss. It feels so natural now, our lips pressed together. The idea used to feel so foreign to me, but now I crave his kisses and gentle touch. Especially know when I'm not sure what the future holds for us.

"We're survivors, Peeta. It's going to be fine. We are going to be fine."

I'm not sure I believe my own words, but I need to tell Peeta that it's going to be okay. He can't die for me. I won't let him.