A/N: Brighton, here. I'm updating on a sad note. A senior at my school, Katy J., passed away this morning. I didn't know her that well, but I knew her younger sister and it's just horrible that she didn't get a chance to live the rest of her life. So, here's the chapter, In memory of Katy J.

I'm not Suzanne Collins, if I was I would not have a constantly broken computer.


"What are you going to name him?" I ask Annie after we finish our dinner. The television is on in the background as we wait for the verdict of Katniss' trial.

She considers this for a moment. "I want to name him after his father. Finnick's a good name, but..." She pauses and wipes away tears in her eyes. "I don't know if I can call him that without thinking about him."

"I know." I really do. Finnick was my best friend, the only bit of family I had left and now he's gone. I will always expect him to walk through the door, plant a kiss on my cheek and attend to Annie. We told each other everything. I can't even say his name without getting a lump in my throat. "What about Finn? It's a cute name, kinda like a fish. You know he'll be a good swimmer."

Annie considers this for a moment and smiles. "Perfect. Finn. I'll think of his middle name later. Thanks." She reaches out her hand and I take it. Sometimes we all need a little support.

"Now, live coverage of the people vs. Katniss Everdeen with one count of murder in the first degree..."

I look up and motion to Annie to turn up the volume.

"...The client is unfit to stand in the courtroom today, but is represented by her attorney, Mr. Claude and her neurological physician, Dr. Aurielus.

"Counselors, please deliver your closing arguments." A lawyer stands from the table across from Katniss' defense team.

"Your honor, Murder can be justified for many reasons, but not all are legal. The defense has the argument of mental disease. They say she had Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for possibly months. If this is true, why was she not labeled unfit for battle? She was in combat, under the assumption of a normal mental state. I say, there was no post traumatic stress disorder. No record that Miss Everdeen ever had any mental disease. She is capable of murder. And she showed her abilities under no threat to herself or others." Katniss' lawyer now stands up.

"My client, despite the prosecutor's argument, is not guilty. Her mother was a victim of post traumatic stress disorder, after her father's passing. She has a family history and, frankly, I'm surprised she has managed to withhold her symptoms after the recent events of the past two years. In her mental state, she saw the deceased as a threat to the innocent and the state of her country. My client is only guilty of trying to protect the future of others." The camera pans back to the judge, who declares a recess before his verdict.

30 minutes. That's how long it takes the judge to make a decision. When he finally comes back, I swear you could hear a pin drop in the courtroom and in our house.

"I have reached a decision... I find Miss Katniss Heather Everdeen... Not guilty, by mental disease or defect. She will be remanded into the custody of the District 12, with regular visits and notifications to Dr. Aurielus. This court is adjourned."

We sit there in shock, not knowing what to say. Happy? Yes. At least Annie is. She's about to fall off the edge of her seat in excitement. Me? I don't know what to even think. I am happy for her, she shouldn't go to jail and no one like her deserves that. She was a friend, I guess. I still have the parachute of pine, even though they're all dead. I guess I'm not that excited because I know what price she had to pay after the war. That it's not over for her.

Drenched in sweat, I walk back into the house after my morning run. 2 feet from the ocean, getting better everyday. That doesn't mean l'll go swimming anytime soon, but it's a start. The phone rings as soon as I set foot in the kitchen. I know Annie's awake, her doors open and I can see her pregnant form out on the porch, reading.

"Jo?! Can you get the phone?"

"Oh, sure. No good morning, but I'm noticed when the phone rings! You're on thin ice, Tubby!" I bellow this at the top of my lungs, but she just laughs. Finally, I pick up the damn phone.

"What!" I make sure I use my customary greeting, in case it's Plutarch. Exclusive interview, my ass.

"Oh, hi Johanna."

"Peeta." It's been two weeks since the trial and I'm sure Katniss is back in Twelve by now. Annie sent her a letter, asking how she is, but we are yet to hear back. I don't even know where the hell Peeta is, probably some Capitol hospital. "How are you? What've you been doing?"

"I've been stuck in the Capitol, undergoing major psychotherapy treatment. So I'm very well." I laugh. This is the old Peeta. Sarcasm with a genuine smile, as I call it.

"Where are you? I haven't heard from you since you left Thirteen."

"I'm in Twelve right now, actually." There's an awkward silence that follows, because we both know what the next slew of questions will be.

Finally, I ask to get it over with. "Have you-?"

"No."

"Did you watch the trial?"

"No, but I heard about it from Dr. Aurielus. Good for... Her."

I just come out in say it. "You can't avoid her forever. Even if it turns out to be awkward silences passing by each other in the square turning into only an acquaintanceship. I personally believe it will be small hellos that escalate into you mounting her like a lion. You're tied to her, Peeta. You guys can't stay away from each other, no matter how hard you try." Peeta is laughing hysterically on the other end.

"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind." Someone says something in the background. "Hey I gotta go, I need to help move into my house."

"K. Bye. Mwah!" I do the most obnoxious air kiss just for kicks before I hang up.

After I make some coffee and eggs, I head out and sit next to Annie on the deck. We sit there for a while until I finally speak up.

"2 feet."

"Good, only two more days."

"Joy." Annie looks down at her stomach and sighs.

"Lorraine referred me to a psychiatrist."

"Are you going to go?"

"Should I?"

"I think you need closure and maybe it will help." She smiles sadly.

"You think so?"

"I know so."

Annie looks back at her paper and I drink my coffee and look at the district Four beach.

Without looking up, "Mount her like a lion?"

"Just stating the inevitable and obvious."


A/N: Please read and review!