Summary: What if Cato had taken Peeta with him when he fell off the Cornucopia in the first book? What if Katniss had shot them both to put them out of their misery? How would everyone react? Don't worry, she'll still become the Mockingjay and such.

Disclaimer: I OWN NOTHING

I sat in a daze, I couldn't believe what had just happened. Mentally I went through the facts of the past few minutes. Fact: I'd shot Peeta. Fact: he was dead. Fact: I was going home. Fact: Peeta wasn't and it was all my fault.

"Hey Sweetheart." It was Haymitch. I wondered if he had any booze on him right now. I really needed some alcohol. "Katniss, we're gonna get you cleaned up but first the medics want a look at you. You're all cut up and your hearing might be affecting your balance and aim-." I stopped listening.

My aim. My aim is what got Peeta killed. If I'd been able to shoot Cato in the hand like Peeta had told me to he'd still be alive. I should have listened but instead I aimed for Cato's eye. I didn't want to look into his eyes when he died so I decided to get rid of them.

"Katniss are you listening to me? The medics want to clear you before Cinna and Effie get you ready for your interviews okay? In a few days we'll be able to go home and you can ignore me all you want but for now I need you to cooperate."

I just looked blankly ahead and let the medic and prep teams do their jobs. I didn't care anymore.

When the hovercraft that took me from the arena lands I realize that we're on the roof of the Training Center. I wonder what will happen next when suddenly I feel a prick at my neck and my world goes black.

I wake up back my room; it's my Capitol given tribute room, not the one I have at home in Twelve, but it's not the arena and for that I'm grateful. I close my eyes again and take inventory of what I notice around me. Though I'm clean and polished for the interviews that will come in the following days, I still have the scars I gained in the Games. I listen to what's around me and have to do a double take. I move around and realize that I can hear again from my left ear.

I notice a band around my waist that keeps me from raising off of the bed and I begin to panic. As I get more and more agitated the door opens to reveal the red-headed Avox that was here when we arrived to the Capitol. She gives me a tray with some broth and applesauce then presses a spoon into my hand. I sigh and try to eat but I just throw it back up.

The food must have been laced with something because I pass out again not long after I've emptied my stomach. When I wake again it's the same routine and eventually I give up. They must be giving me fluids somehow because I'm not dehydrated.

At some point, I've stopped keeping track of how long its been, I notice that my scars are fading, the restraint is gone, and that I can stay awake after I eat. They aren't drugging me anymore. I carefully slip into an upright position and get out of bed. I stand there for a moment before noticing the clothes on the chair in the corner of the room. I put them on and make my way to the common area where I heard people talking. I see Effie speaking with Haymitch and Cinna and I barely keep the tears at bay. They all turn to look at me and despite the fact that I know this is being filmed, I launch myself into Haymitch's arms first. He is warm and familiar and smells like home. When all of this is over and the others are gone I know he'll still be there.

"You're okay Sweetheart" he says. I just bury my face into his chest until Effie pulls me away and pushes me towards Cinna. "Cinna's going to get you ready for your interview tonight okay Katniss?" "C'mon Katniss, I've got the perfect outfit for you." I look back towards Haymitch silently asking if he'll come with me. He shakes his head but gives me a smile. "Gotta get ready myself Sweetheart. Go with Cinna, I'll see you backstage."

I follow him to the room where the rest of my prep team is waiting. They pull off my clothes and instruct me to stand on a pedestal so they can help me redress. I look down at my body as they flit around and see that I can easily count my ribs. I haven't been this underweight since last winter when game was scarce and money was scarcer.

I turn as Cinna brings out a yellow dress and when I put it on I look like a candle's flame, innocent but bright. The added padding around my chest and hips is hidden by the gathering at my ribs and when I spin in front of the mirror I look like a child near Prim's age instead of the messed up teenager I am. I realize suddenly that the Games aren't over, that there's more to play.

I'm led backstage before Caesar's interview where I can hear the thundering audience. It's so loud that I don't hear Haymitch come up behind me. When he lays a hand on my shoulder I flinch and spin around to shoot him with my non-existent bow and arrows.

"Easy Sweetheart, its just me. Remember, when Caesar asks you how you feel about Peeta you play it up. I don't care about your actual feelings up there. You are heartbroken and just want to get home and see your family, got it?" He hugged me after his spiel as I nodded into his shoulder. He kept me in the hug until it was time for me to go on stage and the real Games began.