Katniss :

Her plan was perfect. She finally understood what Peeta said the other night, on the roof, about dying as himself. They were going to die as themselves, ruining their inhuman Games. Or maybe the Gamemakers would back off, and crown them both victors. That was an option, but she knew she shouldn't put too much hope in it. She was ready to die, with Peeta. Dying here, together, it was better than playing the Capitol's game.

She drew the berries from her pocket, slowly, her eyes gleaming while she difficultly held her tears back. For one second, she considered eating them and be the only one dying. Maybe paying her debt to Peeta.

Then, there was a bright flash of light, a sharp sound, and her face was covered in blood. At first, she didn't even feel the pain. She just realized, terrified, that it was her own blood covering her face and also Peeta's face. Then she saw her hand. Or more exactly, she didn't. Her left hand, it wasn't there anymore ! The pain began now. Her arm was on fire. As she began to shout, she could feel her muscles and bones torn, melting where the laser cut her hand. She could see through her teary eyes that her hand wasn't there anymore, but she could still feel it, and it was filled with pain and heat. It was as if her hand was plunged in lava. All the nerves in her arm were stinging, as if a thousand tracker jackers were stinging her.

She was barely aware of Peeta trying to calm her down. How could she calm down when she just lost a hand ! He was trying to keep her arm still to examine her wound, but she couldn't help rolling on the floor in pain.

Suddenly, her pain eased, as if cold water was running on her arm. She lifted her head and saw Peeta applying something on her wound. The burn medicine ! How much would she still owe him before the end ? She tried talking.

"Shhhh… don't move now Katniss" Peeta said. "I know it hurts, but just wait."

"Peeta… the berries…"

"Shhh… Your wound isn't that bad. I mean, except for your missing hand… There isn't even too much blood, since the laser cauterized your arm.

"Peeta, listen…" she pleaded.

"With the surgery in the Capitol, you'll have a brand new hand, don't worry."

"Shut up Peeta !" she shouted weakly. "The berries, they destroyed the berries !"

"I know Katniss…" She didn't realize when he started to cry. "It doesn't matter, you're gonna get out of this arena."

"I'm going nowhere without you..."

"Don't be ridiculous" he said. "They must have a victor. And it will be you."

"Peeta, no…"

"I'm too badly wounded." he said. She almost forgot that he was in far worse shape than her. "You can do it Katniss, you can win ! If it weren't for you, I would be already long dead. You deserve it." Why was he telling her all that. "Think of your family. You have to win, for them. If you don't do it for me, do it for Prim !".

She knew it was the only possible issue. Killing each other, that was the essence of the games. She was a fool to think she could avoid it. But she couldn't accept it. She couldn't just kill Peeta like that ! Not after everything !

Peeta was still telling all the reasons why she should win, sobbing. She knew he was right. Only one of them could leave the arena alive. She thought about home. The Seam, the woods. Gale. Prim. She wanted more than anything to see Prim again. But not at the expense of the baker's son !

An hour had passed, maybe more. Her wound was still hurting, but she could manage it, with the help of the medicine. Peeta's state, however, was deteriorating. She knew he wasn't going to make it. After a while, he had stopped talking. Then he had just laid here, next to her. His breath had become heavier. Katniss thought he fell asleep, but when she checked he was sweating and his teeth were clenched in pain.

"Peeta…" she murmured, her right hand brushing his sweaty hair.

"Please Kat… Katniss…" he said, his voice so weak. "Do it…"

"No… No…" she was crying again.

"Please end… my suffering…" he swallowed hard. "Do it for me."

"Peeta…" she said again, watching his eyes full of sadness.

All her body was shaking with tear as she took off her vest and put it on Peeta's mouth and nose, making sure to hide his eyes too. She didn't want to see him die. Soon his body was shivering, and his arms tried weakly to free his mouth. But Katniss didn't release the pressure. It was too late anyway. His arms fell around his body, and he remained still. Then, she heard the last cannon fire.

"Ladies and gentlemen" said the loud voice of Claudius Templesmith "I am pleased to present the victor of the Seventy-Fourth Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen ! I give you the tribute of District Twelve !"

As the anthem played, she took back her vest from Peeta's face. His eyes were still opened. She saw sadness in them, but also gratitude.

"Oh Peeta… I'm sorry" she whispered, closing his eyes. Then she gave him one last kiss. "I'm sorry Peeta… I love you…"