Hello. This is my first Fanfic, so I appreciate anyone who's taken the time to read it. No hate please, but constructive criticism is welcome! This is just a short story, with bits from the book but mainly an alternative way that Rue died. Hope you enjoy it! :)

A moment lasts forever.

A moment. Everything freezes. Almost in slow motion a spear comes hurtling through the air and hits her. Rue. My little ally. I hear someone screaming, and realise it's me. I run to her, and cradle her in my arms. She knows, as well as I, that it is too late. My eyes well up, I blink, and a single tear splashes onto Rue's cheek. With her remaining strength, she reaches up and brushes the tears away.

"Don't cry" she whispers, so quietly it's almost inaudible "I'm safe now."

I look at the little 12 year old, and see her eyes fluttering shut. She is fading. As her last breaths near, I hug her to me and tell I'll try to win- just like I did to Prim. When her last breath has escaped her lips, I close her eyes. The canon booms, the signal that Rue is dead. I stand up, frustrated yells building up inside me. I try to stop them; knowing it'll do me no good, but I can't help them.

"Are you happy now?" I yell to the heavens, "She was only twelve! Now your stupid games have killed her! Now she's dead. DEAD!"

I scream with anger, and drop myself to the ground, sobbing. As the clearing darkens, I get up and look around. As the anthem plays, Rue's face illuminates the sky. Then, almost as if she is speaking to me, I hear her voice, telling me I have to beat the Capitol, and win. I must do it for her. Even if I don't win for anyone else, I have to win for her. Rue. I have to win.