Author's Note: I realized I posted this opening chapter, earlier on today. But the final product wasn't finished. So if you're seeing this, yet again: I apologize. Anyways, I hope you all enjoy this first chapter. I felt inspired, after reading about Peeta in Mockingjay. For those of you who haven't yet read the third installment in The Hunger Games trilogy, you may not want to read this. HOWEVER, I shall try my best to steer away from spoilers.

Now on to the story! I'd love for you to review it after reading the chapter.

I A M T H E G A M E S.

I stare in the mirror, afraid of what I see there. On the outside, I look perfectly fine. They've been keeping me well fed. I have my own room here and even a few people that wait on me. So why do I feel so damaged and irreparable on the inside?

Because of her.

I glare at him, as his lips move. He's speaking to me. But I don't care for hearing his words. But then something he says brings me to attention. "You'll make sure to do this right. Or it'll be her life on the line, Peeta Mellark."

I have no choice but to pay close attention at this point. I have to do what President Snow is telling me. If I don't, Katniss will be killed. And I will be left with no purpose in life to live; no desire to carry on.

I vowed to never become a piece in these barbaric Games. But I've been forced to become an importantly played piece, despite that fact. I'm no longer a part of the Games. I am the Games.

"Are you ready?" Corvelle, dabs at my face with a brush. I assume she's applying a fresh face of makeup, to cover the slight bruising my face shows. She may work for the Capitol, but she's the closest thing to a friend I've had since my arrival here after the Quarter Quell. In some ways, she appears to be a creation of the Capitol. But after some time of getting to know her, I've come to realize that she isn't all that bad.

"Do I have any choice?" My voice sounds coarse, but I manage to speak that out clearly. Corvelle offers a small sad smile. I can tell she wishes to say something comforting. But it isn't of the Capitol's way. So she stays quiet. "How long have I been here?" To that, she opens her mouth and answers.

"Three days."

Three days. I feel like I've been here longer than that. It's been 72 hours since I've been retrieved from the Games' arena. Time has flown by slowly.

It's no secret that I am disliked here at the Capitol. But Snow has plans for me. Exactly what, I am unsure of. But he made sure I was aware, that even as important I am to his cause, he wouldn't think twice about having me hurt- or even tortured to the near brink of death. The bruising he left on my cheek from the sudden lash was proof of that. It was just a taste of what would come if I were to get out of line.

"Are you read?" Corvelle asks me, yet again, bringing me out of the shadows of my thoughts. I glance at myself in the mirror. The bruise is no longer visible. I look normal. Almost. But my eyes tell a whole other story. I nod my head slowly.

"As ready as I'll ever be."

The interview came and went. Snow didn't look pleased, even after I spoke every word he recited for me to say. I did as he asked. And yet…

I stare at the blood gashes along my arms. I feel the warmth poor from my body in a crimson-colored liquid. My eyes feel swollen. I can barely see, but I see my reflection in the mirror either way.

I am a piece to the Capitol. A battered pawn that could either overcome other pieces, or be demolished while trying.

Either way, anything I do, will be for her. For the Girl on Fire.