The Song of the Mockingjay Chapter 1, a hunger games fanfic

Author's Note: Hello brand new fandom! I know, a bit late to the party, but better late than never I guess. Anyways, this is my first Hunger Games story, so if there characters are too far off, than please let me know. I'll try to make adjustments to keep them going in the right direction. Just remember that this is an AU, so I am going to play with some of their characteristics since I am messing with their backgrounds as well.

Please enjoy!

PS: I have no beta. If anyone would like to help out or could suggest someone, I am all ears!

Dislcaimer: The Hunger Games and all the characters belong to Suzanne Collins.

The Song of the Mockingjay - Chapter 1

Katniss Everdeen stared out over the clear water of the lake. It was beautiful summer day. It was early enough that the humidity hadn't settled it making the day was pleasantly warm. She dangled her feet in the water of the lake as she sat on a large rock. Her father, John Everdeen, was fishing. He said he wanted to catch enough for dinner and to sell. Fish isn't something that you get often in District 12, so it goes for a higher price than the three rabbits they had caught earlier in the day.

It was getting late in the day, and she knew that they would have to leave soon. It was a long walk from their lake back to the fence, but she had gotten good at it. The first time her father had brought her here she had to be carried part of the way. That had been almost a year ago. She was eight now and had a bit more muscle on her. Running around the forest would do that.

"Come on Katniss." Her father called out. "We should be heading home."

"Alright." Katniss said, standing and pulling on her boots.

"Grab some plants before we go." He said, pulling up all the fishing lines. "Your mom loves katniss root with fish."

Katniss nodded and began hunting around the edge of the lake. The Katniss plant, for which she was named, was fairly abundant in the area. It was tall with arrow shaped leaves and pretty white flowers. She picked the flowers, saving them for her mother and dug out the bulbous edible roots that grew in the mud around the lake.

When she had an armful, she ran back to her father. "Is that good?" She asked. He nodded and put them into his game bag.

"You're getting good at finding them." He said. She beamed. Over the last year her father had been teaching her all about edible plants and where to find them. It was hard to remember, but he often would make songs about them. Katniss could remember anything if it was sung to her.

She wondered if that was because of the beat or because she loved listening to her father sing.

Her father had such a beautiful voice. It was so lovely that even the birds stopped to listen when he sung. Every night, when he returned from the mines, Katniss and her sister Prim demanded a song before bed. They refused to go to sleep without one, even if he was coming home late due to an extended shift. Prim often would still drift off, but Katniss would stay up. There was something soothing about knowing he would always be there to start her dreams with his songs.

Sometimes, she even heard him singing to her mom. Once she snuck out of bed and say them wrapped in each other by the fire, swaying softly to a song that her father was singing. It was the only time she ever saw her mother completely at ease.

They stopped by the small concrete cottage by the lake to pick up a few things and quench the fire before they left. The little house was their secret, just like the lake, and just like the path to get here. She knew other people hunted in the woods, but there were only a handful since it was so dangerous.

Some plants were dangerous to eat. Some animals were dangerous to touch. Some trees were dangerous to climb. Danger, danger, danger. Her father never let her forget that there were reasons that the district was separated from the woods.

But he also showed her all the beautiful things in the woods too. He got the birds singing. He found berries as sweet as her little sister. He found her meadows of wildflowers that she took home and braided into her mother's bright blonde hair.

She never did as good a job as her mother, but the woman never denied her messy attempts, rewarding her with a kiss and hug. Sometimes Katniss wanted to bring her mother out here, to show her all the pretty flowers and tasty berries, but she knew her mother wouldn't like it - not like she and her father did.

From her dark hair to grey eyes, Katniss was her father's daughter through and through - and she loved it that way. Prim, her younger sister was the spitting image of her mother with straight, golden hair and blue eyes. She was also quiet and shy where Katniss was often doing something that got her in trouble.

And almost every time she came home dirty and bruised from an adventure, her father would smile at her and say "That's my girl."

He said it was why he brought her to the forest. "You're just like me Katniss. You need some place to be free for a while."

And here she was free. There was no soot, no strict teachers, no stupid boys who pulled on her braid - just her and her father.

"Dad," Katniss said as they walked home through the forest. It would be mid afternoon when they got back which gave her mother plenty of time to cook the fish while they went and bartered the rest of the game. "Sing me a song?"

Her father smiled at her. "Only if you sing with me."

"Alright." She said, blushing. Her father said she sang as sweetly as he did, but she didn't believe him.

"What do you want to sing?" He asked.

Katniss thought about this for a moment. "The Trees in Winter." She said. It was one of her favorite, especially the simple tune that is easily echoed by the Mockingjays.

Her father laughed. "How did I know you were going to choose that one?" Katniss blushed but looked at him pointedly. He sighed, over dramatically, but started to sing anyways.

The trees in spring, they blossom and bloom

They smell so sweet and they look it too

They blossom and bloom and all too soon

The trees in spring have gone to ruin

My love is like the trees in spring

He makes me glow like a diamond ring

He makes my smile blossom and bloom

Shaking off my darkest gloom

My love is like the trees in spring.

The trees in summer, they grow so high

Reaching out to towards the sun

They grow so high to touch the sky

The trees in summer, why do they try?

My love is like the trees in summer

He makes my heart beat like a drummer

He makes me stand so up so tall

That I can see above it all

My love is like the trees in summer

The trees in fall, they never stay

They catch the light and burn so bright

Then their colors fade and they slip away

The trees in fall they turn to gray

My love is like the trees in fall

He makes me want to give up my all

He makes me blush just like the rush

My love is like the trees in fall

The trees in winter, they rest their soul

They close their eyes against the world

Sleeping through the nights as dark as coal

The trees in winter, they rest their soul

My love is like the trees in winter

He makes my heart want to splinter

He makes me wait through the cold dark night

My love is like the trees in winter.

When he started, Katniss and the birds hushed to hear him sing, but by the second verse she had been unable to hold back her own voice and by the fourth the birds had joined in as well. Even after they stopped birds continued, sending the tune farther and farther out through the forest.

She couldn't keep the smile from her lips and the forest sang for her and she reached up for her father's hand. This, here with him and the woods full of song she was completely happy.

They dropped half the fish back at the house with the katniss roots and a few other edible herbs they had picked up at Katniss' mother's request. She wasn't running low but she liked to stay stocked up. Camille Everdeen was the closest thing that the Seam had to a doctor and she had to be ready a moment's notice.

Katniss was proud of her mother. She had seen her mother helping out a poor man with a broken leg. She heard the loud pop as her mother set the leg and bolted from the room, looking as green as the man did. Her mother however just soothed the man and gave him food and special herbs for the pain. Katniss couldn't do that, and somehow she thought that most people couldn't.

"Anything you need from the Hob Cami?" John asked as he kissed her cheek. Camille smiled at him as she looked at the two large fish and roots.

Camille shook her head. "No, but I will need a few things from town if you could swing by the shops afterwards."

"Of course. What do you need."

"A loaf of bread and some more bandages. I ran out this morning. One of Mrs. Klinnens kids was helping her cook and cut herself with a knife pretty bad. I stitched her up, but she ran through the bandages."

John kissed his wife again, the look on his face was as proud as Katniss' whenever her mother talked about her work. Not only was it a necessity for the Seam, but her mother refused to take one coin in payment. People would sometimes bring them food or other small items as payment, but her mother only accepted them if she knew her clients could afford to give them away.

Katniss leaned down to hug Prim, "Our parents are good people." She whispered into the toddler's downy hair. "Don't ever forget that."

"Let's go Katniss." Her father called. Katniss squeezed her sister one more time, kissed her mother's cheek and ran out the door behind her father.

The Hob was technically the black market of the District, but for many is was the only market they could afford. The Market in town sold many lovely things, but the only people who could shop there were the other people from town. Compared to the miners in the Seam, they lived in relative luxury. Katniss didn't hate them for this because while they had dresses and ribbons, she had freedom and the woods.

Most of the kids in town start working in their parents shops when they are young. The baker for example has three sons, the youngest, a blond haired blue eyed boy, was her age. She has seen him learning to work the counter with his brothers when she has come to trade squirrell with her father. Technically that was illegal, but the baker loved squirrell so much that he gave them a loaf anyways.

While the Market relied on coin, the Hob relied on goods and favors. This is where people came to get game, fur, herbs and many other things that were illegal, but necessary for basic survival in the seam - and some that was not so necessary. She had seen Haymitch Abernathy here often buying liquor. He stunk of it and often swayed on his feet. She didn't understand why he liked that stuff so much.

Her father and her barter the two fish for five coins a piece, an excellent price since the fish were fresh, then took their rabbits to the back. For two coins and a rabbit, her father got Katniss a new set of leather boots, since she had almost outgrown her last pair. They could sell her current pair off, but they kept most of her old clothes for Prim.

The other two rabbits they took to Greasy Sae's. Greasy Sae always bought meat for her stews and usually gave them a bowl for their troubles. Katniss liked Greasy Sae and she knew Greasy Sae liked her too. It was part of the reason that her father kept bringing Katniss to the Hob - he always got a better price for his meat when she was around.

"Sae." John said, sitting down. He placed the two jack rabbits on the counter. Greasy Sae picked them up and began to examine the rabbits. Katniss watched her intently, pushing up on her toes to see how she poked an proded the animals. She wanted to make sure she knew exactly what the old woman liked so they could keep the choice meats for her.

Greasy Sae caught her staring and winked. "Well, these two have a bit of meat on them. I could part with one coin a piece and a cup of stew."

Katniss snorted and Sae looked insulted. John just laughed, ruffling his daughter's hair. "Clearly Katniss thinks that's too low. Two coins and two bowls of stew. We worked up a hunger getting those for you."

Sae bent over Katniss, staring her down. "You drive a hard bargain child." She snapped, but pulled out two coins and handed them to her father. "I'm only giving you the food because she's all skin an bones as it is." Sae put down two large, steaming bowls of stew down in front of them.

"I am not!" Katniss said, grabbing the food and shoveling the how soup into her mouth. It was a thin broth with cabbage and less meat than Katniss would have liked, but it filled her empty belly and warmed her as much as a hug from her father. She swallowed a chunk of meat. "I'm just growing."

"Too fast." John said. "She'll be as tall as you soon Sae."

Sae put her hands on her hips. "Are you calling me short John Everdeen?" She made a half hearted attempt to pull the bowl back, but John just smiled and scooted out of her way.

"I would never insult you, Sae!" His voice was dripping with sweetness. Katniss knew he was teasing the woman. It was the same tone he took with her when they played at night.

"Yeah," Katniss said in the same voice. "He just thinks I am going to be really tall!"

"Exactly!" Her father said, pointing his spoon at her. "Katniss is going shoot up like a tree soon. I don't know if I'm ready for that!"

The three laughed before falling into an amicable silence. Katniss was so absorbed in her food that she didn't see the other two approaching the stand until they were on top of them.

Sae grunted a greeting and took the game they offered her.

"Racoon?" Greasy Sae said, pushing her salt and pepper locks out of her eyes. They were more salt now and less pepper, but that didn't mean she still didn't drive a mean bargain.

"I know it's your favorite." The man said. Katniss stared at the man and the boy over the edge of her bowl as she slurped up the last of the soup. The man was tall, and the boy, perhaps a few years older than her was probably going to be the same. It was clear that they were related. They had the same Seam grey eyes and tan skin, but their square jaws and defined cheeks certainly set them apart. She would have found them intimidating if not for the twinge of humor in curve of the boy's lips and deep creases around his father's eyes from years of laughter.

Greasy Sae gave a deep huff as she eyed the racoon critically. Katniss knew the game she played well enough by now, and clearly so did this new pair of hunters.

"It is a large one, but I just got in two rabbits. I don't know if I need the extra meat."

John Everdeen elbowed his daughter and sent her a smile. He knew that Greasy Sae never passed up meat, but enjoyed the shocked look on the boy's face.

"From who?" The boy said. Katniss raised an eyebrow. Did he seriously think he and his father were the only hunters in the District?

Greasy Sae pointed one finger over at the Everdeens with a smirk. The old woman had a mischievous streak a mile wide. Katniss would have to remember that. Her father waved brightly at the two of them making the boy frown as his eyes settled on her.

"John?" The man asked, laughing. "You hunt?"

John shrugged, shoving another spoonful of Greasy Sae's stew in his mouth before standing. "Yeah," He mumbled and swallowed. "The extra coin goes a long way and it's a chance to spend some time with my daughter." He placed a warm hand on her shoulder and Katniss beamed up at him.

The man raised an eyebrow. "You take your daughter out past the fence? Is that safe?"

"Now you sound like Cami." John grumbled. Camille Everdeen hadn't been thrilled at the idea of her eldest going into the forest but her father had convinced her mother that it would be fine - and so far, he had been right.

Katniss was learning that her father could convince her mother of most things - with a few kisses. Her mother really liked it when her father kissed her. She didn't really understand why.

"She's fine. In fact, she's loves it out there. Don't you sweetheart."

Katniss smiled and nodded her head. "I like the birds the best, especially when they sing."

The man crouched down to Katniss' height. "You must be very brave then. What's your name."

With him looking at her so directly, Katniss felt a wave of embarrassment come over her. She swallowed and mumbled, "Katniss Everdeen."

"Catnip?" The boy said. Katniss glared, finding him a lot less overwhelming than his father - and a lot more annoying.

"Katniss." She hissed louder. "Like the plant."

The boy didn't look impressed which made Katniss more annoyed.

The man stood up and ruffled his son's hair, making the boy frown more. "Well I am Marcus Hawthorne and this is my oldest son Gale."

John nodded to the boy. "It's a pleasure Gale. Your father talks about you often. I hear you are going to be an older brother soon."

"I'm already one with Rory, but yeah, Ma's pregnant again."

"I am hoping for a daughter this time." Marcus said. "Hazelle has a hard enough time keeping the boys in line, I think it would be a nice change."

"Don't be too sure." John laughs. "Katniss and Prim are a handful in a completely different way."

The two men kept chatting about children and pregnancies but Gale kept staring at her. Katniss fidgeted but glared back.

"What?" She finally snapped.

Gale frowned more. "You're a girl."

"You noticed that, huh?" She said. This boy was a real genius.

"You shouldn't be outside the fence. It's too dangerous." He said it in such a matter of fact was that Katniss knew that he believed it. He was having such a hard time wrapping his head around the fact that her father had let a girl outside.

She felt her face flush red in anger. She always did stupid things when she was angry, but she couldn't stop herself, she just wanted to punch him in his stupid idiot face!

Since that was not lady like and her mother would yell at her, Katniss did the next best thing. She kicked him in the shin as hard as she could.

"I can take care of myself!" She yelled and stormed away, knowing her father would catch up with her.

She heard him yell out a 'Sorry,' before reaching her. It was amused so she knew that he wouldn't be mad with her. Katniss was glad he apologized for her, because no matter what she wasn't going to do it.

"Let's not tell you mother about that one." John said, laughing all the way home.

Gale's shin still ached as he ate the bowl of stew. What was wrong with that girl.

"You're pouting Gale." His father said. He glared at the man too. His father had just laughed under his breath as Gale grabbed his injured leg. It wasn't funny! That girl had just randomly attacked him for no reason. She is certifiably crazy.

"I am not." Gale grumbled into the soup. He wasn't, really.

"Look, I promise not to spread around that a little girl got the better of you."

Gale's anger rose along with the flush of his cheeks. "She didn't. I was just surprised! I only said that girl shouldn't be putting herself in that kind of situation. Did you see her? She looked like she would break if the wind blew too hard."

Greasy Sae snorted. She was cleaning the two rabbits, trying to look busy, but Gale knew she was listening. She was always listening.

"So you were trying to be a gentleman." His father said, his voice soft. Gale nodded. He was. His mother told him that women should be treated with respect and kindness - hadn't that been what he was doing.

"Yeah." He had been the one in the right. Clearly, not that deranged girl. Perhaps that was why her father took her out to the forest, to keep her away from the rest of the district.

"Katniss doesn't need a gentleman." Greasy Sae said, wiping her hands on her apron as she turned around. "And she doesn't need protection. That girl is just like her father - tough as nails."

"But-" Gale started, but Greasy Sae cut him off.

"No buts! She is what she is, and you just need to accept it."

Gale looked at his father for support, but the old man just smiled at him. He wasn't going to give him any support. Great. Attacked by a girl, attacked by Sae and abandoned by his father to their mercies. This was not a great day.

At least he wasn't going to have to deal with the devil girl again anytime soon.