Stay Alive, Little Duck

by Birchius

This starts a little ways into "Catching Fire" after Katniss comes home from the Victory tour. For the 75th Quarter Quell President Snow has announced that the rule this year will be "NO VOLUNTEERS" But to Katniss this seems too weird...she knows something else is up. The story is from both Katniss and Prim's point of view... rated M...for language/violence/sexual content

1-Katniss

I lay in my bed...wide awake...there has to be more to the quarter quell than just "no volunteers" ...but what...

The next day I find out from Gale's little brother Rory that Gale is waiting for me in the woods... I thank him. And run off towards the woods...I find Glae, sitting in our spot, eating an apple.

"Hey Gale." - I say quitely.

"Hey Catnip." - He smiles at me and stand up, his arms wrap around me . I burst into tears...

"Gale...they're gonna take Prim...I just know it! And I'll have to mentor her! " - I can't stop crying as he hold me.

"Why do you think they'll take Prim?" - Gale wipes my eyes and presses his lips to my forehead.

"To destroy me. Snow is after me...they're going to try to destroy me through someone I love...it makes sense Gale!" - I take a deep breath and try to gather myself.

"Maybe they won't...Maybe Snow is just messing with your head."

"No he isn't Gale! President Snow isn't someone who "messes with your head" he's someone that will cut off your head!" - I'm mad now, mad that Gale thinks I'm being crazy thinking this. Mad that I might be going crazy.

"Katniss, calm down...it's okay!" - Gale tries to pull me to him again but I push him back.

"Damnit Gale, it's not fucking okay! It's okay for you...you're 19! Prim is 13! I saved her life last time...and this time no one can...even if it isn't "rigged" to pick her name. I'll have to mentor her!"- I screaming at him now,
which is something we know NEVER to do in the woods...especially now.

He stands there and says nothing, I turn my back and walk away.

While walking home I pass through the Market, I find a beautiful yellow dress for Prim, for reaping day. Tomorrow.

I will be sitting on that stage watching this years kids...watching and hoping it won't be Prim or Madge...or anyone I know.

Peeta agreed to take Haymitch's place as mentor, we both thought Haymitch had "served his time."

I run though the victors village and up the stairs to my house.

"Prim! Primrose! I got you something!" - I walk into the kitchen where her and my mother are cooking dinner. I hold out the dress, to her, smiling.

"For you, little duck." - I say and I lean down to kiss her forehead.