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Part I

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The original work belongs to Suzanne Collins and her publishers or any other co-owner. I'm merely borrowing her epic work to make my own spin; the idea of a time-travel simply refusing to leave me alone, so I had to write it.

I'm making no profits from this and the story isn't that good, if you haven't read Collins magnificent work I suggest you do. My messy fanfic is but a gnat in her shadow. If anyone is offended I'm very sorry.

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Chapter 1

I'm looking around, feeling cold without Peeta by my side. My fingers are numbed from gripping the wineglass to hard and my posture is stiff and slightly unfriendly, but not in the aggressive sense since that would be dangerous.

Peeta left me an hour ago, but it feels like a lifetime since people won't stop bothering me. The curse to bear when you're a surviving tribute and a war hero. I hate being here it; these things always make me feel dirty. I'm stuck in a room full with judgmental rich people, the so called winners of the war; the new high-shots of the districts.

This time it´s a formal function to celebrate the revolt against the old regime, held at the same time every year. Still not used to them.

Anyone that's anyone is here tonight and since I'm the 'Girl on fire' I suppose I have a place amongst them. Even the killing of the hag Coin can´t stop that fact, though I don´t play a central role in the celebration; that role is for the other tributes, famous officers and rebels.

A fact for which I am grateful for, the political climate isn't my turf. As it is I feel like a fish caught on dry land. So what if it´s about ten year since I entered the Hunger Games and became their freedom-symbol? I don't want any part in celebrating it. I did what I had to do to survive; *in the process destroying district twelve, causing Prim´s and Finnick's deaths and so much other horrible things*, nothing to be happy or proud about.

But Peeta is the socialist and charismatic one of us and if he says we have to attend every year to keep our family safe, then I will attend and look overjoyed about it. At least for the first half hour when everyone seems to only have eyes for us. So here I am three hours later and bored to death, irritated and alone; dinning with the elite in a mock gesture of unity. Not that the new rule-system is that different from the old one.

The district's war against the Capitol left one to twelve weak and vulnerable. Even now there is still rebuilding being done in large parts of the different districts; an attempt to consolidate Panem into one united nation. It is as president Snow said. If we turn against the capitol Panem would start dying. The Panem we had and the Panem we got wasn't what we fought for. What I fought for.

District thirteen now has the gun power and main resources - thus giving them jurisdiction and power to take a leading role in the rebuilt of a new government. Strange how they had managed to be the least war torn district and no one realizing it. District thirteen has used us to win their war and we love them for it.

To voice that thought out loud would lead to death and I have a family to think about. Acting on my own have already lead to my sister's death, and many others. I'm not doing the same mistake again. So I smile cold and stiff at the mingling crowd and wish Peeta quick return before I do something stupid.

Another hour passes.

I can't stand this people for much longer, not alone anyway.

At time like this I mourn the fact I'm not like Johanna. She is standing in the middle of the party, insulting anyone who dares to approach her. Her wife Enobaria egging her on. Johanna never really changed, she will forever look like a pissed of warrior-god, ready to take on the world and anyone who wrongs her. Enobaria completing her with her fierce temper, bloodlust and stubbornness. I still don't understand why it took so long before they found each other.

However, unlike Johanna and Enobaria if I would speak my mind chaos would follow because I'm the 'girl on fire' and when I speak city falls and people die. So for years I have held my tongue and bore the idiocy of the people around me. Still a puppet with strings, only the controller shifted.

Suddenly I get goose-bumps along my arms and a familiar smell fills my nose. Gale. I close my eye and leave my face blanker than before. Knowing that I can´t allow him to discovering my real thoughts or feelings.

Many years have passed but the pain Gale causes me with his mere presence has never lessened, mostly because of his part in my sister's death. His love for district thirteen further hurting our bond; The last time I confided in him he reported me to the new leaders because he was concerned off my behavior. Within three days of that event I was collected, in the middle of the day in front of my own house.

For seven months I was subjected to everything president Casipor and his party could think off. Mostly for my earlier crime concerning Coin, as well as the threat I could be to the new regime. All in the name of making me well. Saying to everyone that I had snapped and needed care. Peeta and Haymitch was the sole reasons I was freed, they coached me until I could lie my way out of there. For the first time ever I really learned how to make a convincing act. Though Peeta and Haymitch still say I'll never be a pro.

It had taken a lot of will and a heavy dose of self-preservation to be able to talk normally to Gale again. But it had been one of the conditions to get my freedom, so I had made amends with him. At least as far as they know.

I turn around and force a bigger smile to my face. Pretending to just notice him. His smile is wide and warm and I'm suddenly desperately for Peeta's presence; the man in front of me never approaches when we are together, thus preventing my mask from cracking.

"Catnap." A baritone voice says cheerfully, a pair of similar grey eyes as mine looking at me with soft warmth. He is so alike me in looks, but where he's warm I am cold. Like it has always been.

"Gale." I say back, I clear my throat when I notice the coldness in my voice."How are you? Still enjoy leading the science-department in thirteenth?"

His eyes bore into mine as if he tries to find something. I repeat the mantra Peeta taught me so long ago: smile until you truly are smiling, be pleasant until you truly are pleasant and no matter what never let them see any truth but the truth you want them to see. I try to broaden my already wide smile and relax my body language a bit more.

Whatever Gale is looking for he doesn´t find it and his smile is back within seconds. His mood betrays him, he's buying my act and I can breathe easy. Gale gets more aggressive in his ways and his smile a stiff grimace when he suspects someone of lying, whilst Peeta is the opposite; he gets calmer, withdrawn and more charming.

"I´m good Katniss, still bossing my little minions around and enjoying my life. You should come and visit sometime, you would surely love it. It has really sprung out of the ground…" He says and laughs.

Sure, like I would love shooting of an arm. I will never set my foot in district thirteen again. They were lucky as it was that the majority of the parties was in district one or the former Capitol or Peeta would never get me to come.

"Sounds like fun. The district finally coming up into the light and spreading their seeds above ground." I say in a mock jester and laugh to take the sting off. After all I can´t be too positive, that would be unlike me. "Must be much ruckus going on, a place where there's always something to do, someone in need and new discoveries." I continue in an admiring tone, adoringly looking into his eyes.

"A far cry from boring district twelve and well here… After all we are using an 'old place' to have a party in." I finish. Sweeping my hand to direct Gales gaze to the room surrounding us.

As it was this year's party were taking place in former presidents Snow's residence and the white walls of the ballroom and the lingering smell of roses is making me nauseous. Together with my current bootlicking I soon will puke for real. I hate this house with every fiber of my being but I have to swallow my disgust and bare it. It's only for a couple of hours anyways and then I'm on my way home again. Far away from the Capitol, the party, the people, the city, the regime, the pain and Gale.

Biting my tongue I force my smile wider, swallowing my nausea, taking a step closer. I let my perfume surround his senses, knowing that he will get aroused and enticed. I have always had this power over Gale and now use it shamelessly to my advantage. The only way to be sure that Gale doesn't look any closer; for me to have control in our dealings with each other.

For a while we small-talk and drink our wine, pretending to be Gale and Katniss from the gutter of district twelve; not two war-torn survivors whose twentysix years old. During this time I laugh, joke and behave like were friends. Even though I despise him for his actions, a bitter anger shimmering below the surfaces. Forever tarnishing our friendship.

If not for the lessons learned during the Hunger Games I would have crack under the pressure of maintaining my mask. the easy banter being the hardest. Gale eventually starts talking about more serious and darker subjects. Unknowingly confiding in me his secrets, mostly do to the closeness we once shared. Most of it centers around the new outbreak of the pox in district six. How they're working for a solution.

"So you must be working on something good, after all I have hardly seen Beetee; or heard from you guys in several months…" I inquire with a curious tone and just as I thought he jumps at the chance to tell me about his new project.

"No, nothing insignificant like that, that is for the other teams. Beetee has a much more vital project: new weapon-prototypes and upgrading the army's safety-gear. The old standard equipment was outdated… He's also trying out a new prototype that is very exciting." Gale exclaims excitedly. He clearly believes that I will find this project as fascinated as he does.

"It´s a handgun that can for a couple of seconds stop or slow down whatever is in front of it. We are hoping that it will work in a bigger form later on, but it has shown great potential in the test runs." Gale states, getting lost in the success of his new creation and dives into a long and boring description of his new project.

I can only feel sick the more he talks. It's clear that the prototype is meant for war. To incapacitate an enemy without casualty. The question being as to why they would need it? The land is in peace and no-one is in a hurry to start a war. There´s no enemies. Or so I'd thought anyway.

"That´s a good! It will be a good thing to have at parties." I say, laughing a bit nervously and stiff. "Just imagine stopping fruits in the air, or drinks. Can be the perfect party-gadget." I exclaim, hoping to stop Gale from talking more about it. The thought of more war or fighting is bringing back terrible memories. Memories best left in the past to be forgotten.

Gale looks at me with disappointed eyes; he doesn't appreciate my laughter even though he´s smiling, keeping up the appearance for the other guest.

"That a good idea!" He tries to say in a cheerfully tone, failing miserable. He soon tries to find another topic to talk about. I don´t come to his aid. "… But moving on. What are you wearing! Wasn't it suppose to be formal wear today?" Gale say says in a teasing voice, bringing attention to my clothes in an attempt to move away from the former topic. I let him.

I look down at myself. I had forgone the formal dress-wear command and was dressed in a high-waist forest-green ankle-length skirt that followed my curves and a long-sleeved sweater with a high collar, decorated with forest-leafs, that ended just under my bosom.

Where Gales and the rest of the party had their hair combed back and tamed, I had forgone the usual braid and had left my hair down and flowing wild. I had decided that if I couldn't speak I could still make silent protest in other ways. I thought that my use of fashion was a good way to go since it honored Cinna and showed that I was not yet tamed.

I gave away a snicker; my hair billowing in front of my face as I move my shoulders in a fake jester of laughter.

"Oh! So that was why Peeta gave me such a strange look before we left home. I didn't remember. Oh well, at least I'm an original tonight." I said to Gale and gestured at my clothes. He soon joined me in the laughter and the few bystanders we had gathered laugh weakly with us but soon walks on.

I in turn study him. The Gale before me is far from the boy I used to know; in front of me is a tall, built and proud man dressed in an expensive two-piece-suit. The suits long black pants, four button jacket with a left side breast-pocket and midnight-blue shirt brings out his charisma and strength. Every single women and men in the room clearly wanted to be associated with him. Gale had taken to the attention from the start and clearly tried to dress the part.

"Well! You have at least dressed the part. That suit looks amazing on you Gale. Who is your tailor?" I ask in a serious voice. Looking truly interested but not really. He takes a quick look at himself and looks pleased.

"I got to use president Casipor´s private tailor since it was such a big event; That man has really become a mentor towards me. By the way, don't you think it's time you get proper help for Haymitch? His drinking will soon kill him you know." Gale looks really worried.

Understandable since earlier today Effie had been, together with Cesar, commenting on the event; at least until a drunken Haymitch had stumbled into the party. Dressed in an ugly old suit, seemingly made out of three older ones. The reaction had been instant as Effie had marched down from her screen-room and forcibly dragged Haymitch away to get changed and somewhat sober.

"Yeah! Probably, but Haymitch is not interested in becoming sober so I don't think that will go over well."

Haymitch had already been forced into three rehab-programs by me and Peeta. He had escaped from all of them and giving us the cold shoulder for months after.

"By the ways… Where is Beetee? I haven't seen him yet." I inquire when the laughter dies. Gale gives me an odd look and shrugs his shoulders

"He is back at the thirteen, too tired to come along and enjoy the evening." Is his evasive answer. I just nod and take a drink from my half-forgotten glass.

Gale is obviously lying and with his eyes flickering to the northern windows my best guess is that Beetee is at the local science lab; playing with his toys. It's no secret that thirteen's development successes is all thanks to the genius bright mind.

Beetee had been in touch with me these past few days, wanting me to come see him at the next get-together. I have to drop in before I go home. Firstly for Beetee's sake and secondly to mess with Gale a bit. I may not be able to speak in public, but I can make a little chaos behind the scene.

Peeta and I adore the crazy scientist so I know he join me, even if he hates labs. And thinking of… I can see my husband making his way towards our corner. Smiling and chatting as he goes. The smoothness in which he moves through the crowd is amazing, the people part for him without thought.

Everyone that meets Peeta instantly loves him; he has a charisma that only beasted by Finnick. Luckily my anti-social skills have put a stop to any misuse of his natural skills and so I have speared my husband the political climate that constantly surrounds us. A fact that pleases me.

In a cream-white suit, pastel green shirt and dark green shoes he dominates the room, making the people in outrageous dresses inferior to his presence. True warmth fills my gaze. Our first years together had been hard and cold, but Peeta had slowly managed to heal me; in the process given me a wonderful life, filled with love and laughter.

Gale has not yet seen Peeta´s approach and continues the conversation.

"How long are you in town for anyways? Perhaps you want to join me for coffee tomorrow?" He looks hopeful, but the last thing I want is to spend more quality time with him. I give him an apologetic look and shrug my shoulders.

"Won´t have the time, the kids are home and I want to get back as soon as possible. But perhaps you can come home to us for dinner sometime." Knowing that Gale will never take the invitation. He has left district twelve behind him; the place hold too much pain and dark history for him. He only visits to see his family, luckily living as far away from me as possible.

"Yeah, perhaps someday if I'm close by." Gale says hesitantly, taking a step closer and invades my last bit of personal space. He leans in as if to say something more, but it's too late now. Peeta has arrived and easily slips an arm around my waist and gently pulls me into his arms. He is claiming me loud and clear. I decide to let him.

"Hello Gale, nice to see you again. I hope you are well? How is your girlfriend?" Peeta says with calm ease, smiling wide at him. I can feel how tense he is, he dislikes when Gale is to intimate, especially knowing how uncomfortable it makes me.

Gale takes a step back, anger entering his eyes and making becomes more formal. I hadn't realized how relaxed we had become with each other. Gale has a way of getting under my skin and which is dangerous for my safety. If he is relaxed I know it will be the matter of seconds before I follow. My body and mind still responding to him; even after all this time.

It takes Gale a few seconds before he collects himself and his smile reappears, which I use to take control over myself again. It's an effort for the both of us to get into characters again.

Soon I'm back portraying a cold aristocratic lady whilst Gale becomes more military centered. The image disgust me, memories of my sisters burning body re-appearing before me. I can almost smell the stench of burned flesh.

My body starts trembling and I have to take deep breaths to stop the rising panic. Peeta tips my chin up and gives me a soft but firm kiss. I calm instantly, cold anger filling my veins. He knows that I hate public affections, but I realize he has successfully distracted me from a flashback. I will give him an earful later for that stunt, but for now I'm only thankful.

Someone makes a fake cough, redirect our attention on Gale. He looks irritated, but I can't find it in me to care. Peeta and I may not be married for real, but our relationship is true. I refuse to apologize or look contrite for loving the man behind me.

"... I´m fine. Enjoying the party and the food." Gale says, getting the conversation started again, holding up his purple drink in a salute. "And as for... we broke up a while back, but I'm seeing a new girl that is lovely." Gale continues and takes a sipp.

I remain silent while Gale and Peeta starts a contest on who can keep up the smalltalk the longest. I soon get irritated, it's just polite bullshit and I much rather sneak out of here. I especially want it all to stop when Gale ask about my children. I always get a cold feeling when anyone inquires about them. Everything that concerns my treasures are off the table, not for the public knowledge and that is what Gale is in my eyes when it come to this. He has no reason to bring my babies into this façade.

"Yes. The kids are fine, they are little grumpy at the moment since they recently had the flu. But they getting better each day and running all over the place much to their mother's annoyance." Is Peeta's joyful reply. I complete the picture by rolling my eyes and huffing. At the same time I signal to Peeta to get us out of this by pinching his arm around my waist.

"Unfortunately we are heading out, I have grown tired of this party and want to get an early night. Hope you don't mind." He says to Gale, turning us towards the exit and is ready to walk towards it.

Unfortunately Gale doesn't want to let us go quite yet. He grabs my right hand in his and pulls gently.

"Why don't you head out alone? If you tired that is, Katniss can stay here with me and I can escort her home." He says with authority. I look towards Gale and force myself to squeeze his hand in a friendly gesture.

"Peeta is to kind Gale. He is not the tired one, I am. Truth is I only came along to make an appearance and appease the masses. I´m dead on my feet and all I want is to get some sleep."

I try to make myself look tired and worn down. Somehow I manage to convince Gale for he releases my hand and takes a couple of steps back. He puts his hands in his pockets and shrugs his shoulders. He looks like a scolded pupil.

"I only want to spend time with you Katniss; you always too busy, not there or preoccupied. Why can't you stay? it's like I've lost you." Gale is pleading, but I feel nothing. I don't even grace him with a smile as I start walking towards the door; saying as I go that perhaps next time we can spend some alone time together, just him and me.

I can feel his eyes following me, but shake it off. I have had more than enough of him for the evening. Peeta wraps his arm around my shoulders and steers us through the crowd and manages to get us out of the ball-room without being stopped.

When we finally are outside the mansion and I breathe in the cold night air. I already feel better and freer. The stars are blinking down at me and I raise my face up towards them. I can feel Peeta's eyes on me and I smile.

"Close your eyes." I whisper. I don't have to open my eyes to know that he has done as I ask. We stand on the white marble-stairs and just enjoy the silent world for a few precious seconds whilst the stars shine down upon us.

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Chapter 2

Our car pulls up in front of us and the driver gets out, Peeta beats the driver to the car-door and holds it up for me and mock bows. It's a beautiful car; it's a crystal white scrib-car with blue colored leather-seats and cold metal panels. While I collect myself Peeta discreetly shoos the driver away with a hand wave.

"Your ride my Queen." He says teasingly. I give him a real laugh, the first this evening and feel myself relaxing. As I step into the car I lean over the door and give Peeta a kiss. His lips are warm and soft and they steal my breath away. I give him a warm look as I break the kiss.

"Thank you." I whisper softly before I disappear into the car and sit down on the sky-blue seats. Peeta soon follows me.

As the driver starts the engine I stop Peeta from giving him direction to the hotel. Our transport home awaiting us. Peeta wants to get home as fast as me, but I still want to see Beetee.

"Do you know the way to the Unity Science laboratory? We have a friend there that has invited us for a nightcap." The driver doesn't give a verbal answer, only nods and starts to drive down the lane. It takes me a couple of second before I realize that he is mute, a former Avox and I have stopped the making of Avoxes, but those with removed tongues still work as service-personal. Not much other choices for most of them. Two of them are close friends to us and are in fact home babysitting the brats.

"Who are we visiting?" Peeta inquires in a low voice, interrupting my thoughts.

"Beetee" I answer in a low voice." It seems he was prevented from attending the party tonight and I just wanted to say hi." Peeta only nods, he don't say anything more. I can see that he is eager to see Beetee again, but at the same time nervous. He hates labs even more than me; I hope he will get through this without getting flashback or nightmares from his time imprisoned by the former government.

I hate seeing him in pain.

We don't speak during the ride, instead sit close together with our hand claps with one and other, trying to just enjoy the others presence.

I hope we can get in; I have never been to this lab, but from what I have seen from the news its structure is similar to former training-facility of the 74th Hunger Games. The mere thought of us walking similar corridors make me edgy.

After a twenty minutes drive we're almost there. The building is even larger than I thought. Towering over the city it looks like a sharpened blade; the clear glass-panels glowing in the darkness, like a blade being forged in fire. It hides nothing to the naked eye; floor upon floor open for insight, all to give people a sense of openness I presume. How they get any research done I don't know, it can offer little privacy.

The car stops, Peeta tells the driver to stay put as we're not staying long. I get out of the car and look up. On one of this floor Beetee is hiding. I almost get a giddy feeling; from what Gale has told me Beetee is working with some fearsome firepower of a whole new caliber. Us coming knocking and snooping is going to make a few people nervous. I want to laugh, it's not often I and Peeta get to be a thorn in the side anymore.

Those facts also scares me, because I am still pondering why they would need new weaponry when there is peace. Is district thirteen not satisfied? Do they want to more? Or is it just Beetee doing what he does best; create and experiment. After all he can't shut down his brain, he has never been able to. That was why he became so mentally unstable after the war, his brain is constantly repeating the entire event and coming up with different scenarios.

Peeta and I don´t speak, he just takes my arm and together we walk towards the entré. I can see the desk-guard eyeing us carefully and speaking into an earpiece. He doesn't look happy to see us and he is becoming more and more nervous. I get a feeling that no one knows what to do with us. I smile wide as the glass-doors opens up for us.

It´s about five meters to the desk and Peeta makes us walk slowly. He wants to agitate the guard. When we finally reach the silver-colored desk we remain silent, waiting for the guard to speak. I can see sweat at the base of his hairline. The guard finally cracks after a minute.

"Good evening, what can I help you with." His voice is dark, but shaky. He is a young guard, probably only worked here for a couple of days and don't know what to do when two of the most famous war-heroes comes knocking.

I speak before Peeta; this guard poses no problem and will respond faster to my coldness then Peetas. He's a newbie and easily manipulated. We will have time before anyone can get confirmation to our presence. Forcing the guards to act independently, not their strong suite.

"We are here to see Beetee. Take us to him." I say detached, not dignifying him with a look.

"I.. well.. you se. I.. well.. can´t." The guard stutters. I roll my eyes and direct my most fearsome glare at the guard.

"Silence." I demand with a ice-cold voice. The guard almost jumps where he stands. "You will take us to Beetee, and you will do so without speaking or delaying." The guard just nods and with nervous gestures takes out a disk and starts walking down the long corridor that was to the left of the metal desk.

After several minutes of walking we are come before three elevators. The Guard nervously presses the button on the middle and waits. I huff impatiently and the guard pushes the button again. AS we step in we are met by black glass and a soft musical tone. I realize as the elevator starts moving that it's going down instead of up. They have a underground lab.

Leaving the elevator we move down a white corridor and countless black, red and green doors. They all have different numbers and codes. Reminding me of presidents Snow, the old rule and the once colorful capitol. It makes me long for my home. The two-story house painted soft-yellow, the inside decorated in blue-tinted wallpaper. A home made for safety and relaxation.

The guard brings me back from my musings when he stops. He glances over his left shoulder, still nervous. His willing us to change our minds. Peeta takes over as the disapproving authority and demands the guard to open. The guard sighs and lifts a red-balck disk, slipping it into the lock. After the door open we enter quickly before closing it in the guards face.

Once alone we take a look around. We find us standing in a industrial warehouse. The walls hidden behind rows of shelves, gadgets and trinkets. I can see how this would be a safe haven for someone like Beetee. Everything electronical or mechanical at close hand. Peeta take a couple of step in and we can hear his footsteps echoing of the walls. As we walk down the path I start to hear the sound of metal against metal. We cautiously move in that direction.

After passing a couple of racks,containing water-containing backpacks, we enter an open area. Finding Beetee sitting in his wheelchair before a table. Twinkering winkling with some sort of hand-device. He is covered in grease and oil. No one else is around. Peeta is the first one to speak, trying to get the man's attention. "Beetee?"

The genius doesn't answer, but that's hardly surprising. After several attempts I finally had enough and take a cup of cold coffee from the table and throw it at Beetee. His scream echoes in the space. He swirls around; troves off his head gear and glare at us. It takes a few seconds recognition springs to his face. I can't stop my laughter at his affronted glare, joined by Peeta

"Harh, harh. It is understandable that people of few brain cells would find such primitive action rewarding." Beetees snarks in a gruff voice,"I would be more welcoming if you would, in the future, sustain from such means of entertainment and rude gestures." He raises his eyebrows. Trying to wipe the coffee of with a rag.

"Hi Beetee. How are you?" Peeta asks.

"I´m well, my body is experiencing a stiffness but then I have been sitting here in about…" Beetee pushes around things on the table. He soon locates en old wristwatch and holds it up close to his face. As his habit he lifts his glasses since he is far sighted. "… Twelve hours; stands to reason that I missed the party?!"

"You did, but it was a boring one so it wasn't a loss." I say and take the clock from him. "… Except for Gale explaining about your new success. I got to say I´m a bit curious, what exactly do you want a time stopper for Beetee?" I ask with a hidden tone of disapproval in my voice, but Beetee notice it as always.

"Ah! that one. It´s merely a prototype which Mr. Hawthorne very well knows and shouldn't be speaking to you about." Beetee says half-irritated. I get the sudden urge to defend Gale, knowing how pride can get the better of you.

"Everyone wants' to show what they can do. I can remember a man's pride in creating the hovering crib; intent for his goddaughter." I say with a soft smile, willing Beetee to remember the event. It's name still makes me laugh; the bird-napper.

"Ah! So it is, well played my lady." A small smirk gracing Beetee's face before he gets serious again.

"I'll never be a lady." I respond in short tone. I would never use the definition lady to describe myself.

"I don't know Katniss, to me you look like a nobel." Peeta says and kisses me on the cheek. For a long time we joke, converse and enjoy eachothers company. Falling back in familiar comradeship. It's not until Beetee comments on the time that I remembered what I had asked before we got sidetracked.

"Gah! You almost got me, now spill Mister. What is it you've been working on!" I say snappishly and cross my arms and level a `mother` glare at Beetee.

I get a shrug and scuff in reply.

Before I can get him to talk we hear loud voices, it's coming from the entrance. It seems that the guards cavalry is here. Soon people start to emerge from the the different aisles, amongst the new arrivals is Gale and he doesn't look to happy.

When they finally see us they start to surround the work-table; Gale seemingly in command of the unit.

"KATNISS WHAT THE…" Gale bellows, his grey eyes burning into mine. I just shrug and give a wave.

"Oh! Gale hi, look I found Beetee. Isn't that wonderful!" I say in an acid-dripping voice and give him a smile full of teeth.

I can see Gale flinch, but he's not slowing down. He is aggressively moving towards us, clearly pissed off. He is red in the face and his suit looks crinkled. He must have rushed over here in quite the temper. I wonder who is going to take it out on; me or the boys?

"… Youre not allowed down here." Gale grits out through clenched teeth, coming to a stop before the table. "This is a closed of area, in a secret part of the building. Nobody is supposed to be down here except employees. So why my dear Katniss is it that I get a call that you are here?!" He finishes off in a shout. Taking an angry step towards us. Peeta steps in front of me, silently telling Gale to back off.

Gale ignores it and gets right up in Peetas face, challenging him. The two men's aggressive behavior and cold stares soon morphs into an outright fight; Peeta forgoing a diplomatic solution when Gale make to reach around him to grab my arm. He throws the first punch, sending Gale stumbling into the table.

This sets off a chain reaction. What happens next seems like an eternity, but are in truth only seconds. I don't even have time to register where the situation was going.

As Gale and Peeta struggle the content on the table starts falling off it: A bad thing if Beetee's panicked look is to be believed. He shouts out in terror when I'm showed backwards by the fight, hitting hit the table behind me hard. He screams and the men's fighting spooks the accompanied guards. They raise their weapons and point them at us.

Gale and Peeta are to focuses on each other to see what happening. Beetee is trying to save what he can; leaving me to realise the danger we are in. The guards are reacting like typical soldiers; shoot first react rational later; they will squeeze the trigger if the fight doesn't stop.

I throw myself to the side, trying to knock Gale and Peeta of balance, whilst pushing Beetee off his wheelchair. The fallout is the boys falling to the ground whilst I get pushed back by Peeta. Several guns goes off due to my actions, I can feel one hitting my leg. I'm falling backwards over the table, my left arm smashing into the device Beetee was working on.

The weight of my arm presses down on a blue button at the same time a bullet hits glowing orb to my right. I'm suddenly in the middle of two beams that shoots out of the devices. I only have time to think *Oh shit* before all I know is a unimaginable pain. I can feel how the skin on my body melts away and my muscles burn up. I can't even draw a breath to scream, for I have fire inside my body and my brain is boiling.

All there is in my life is pain and nothing but pain.

The last I see before my eyes are destroyed and I cease to exist is lightning of every color of the universe and more flashing around me and then darkness.

I am dead…