Thanks for the amazing response to this story! You are all wonderful. Thank you to Court for being an amazing beta and friend. I adore you. xoxoxox Kelly

It's all a game,I repeat the mantra over and over again as Caesar makes his introductions. This is survival. Peeta holds my hand, but I feel as if he's a million miles away. I don't feel the same warmth radiating from his skin. He feels cold and distant.

"Peeta, did you think that once again you and Katniss would both make it out of the arena?" Caesar asks softly.

Peeta chuckles, shaking his head. I noticed that not one piece of hair is out of place. "Honestly, I hoped that we would get lucky again, but I was prepared to die for Katniss and our baby." Peeta rests his hand on my flat stomach. My breath catches in my throat.

I forgot all about his lie. Peeta wanted to stop the Games, but even the idea of me being pregnant couldn't convince Snow to put an end to the Games. Peeta wanted to save my life but it's going to be my downfall. Snow's cruelty knows no bounds.

Caesar nods his head and I swear I see tears forming in his eyes. "How are things, Katniss? Are you ready to be a mother?"

I look to Peeta, who only can give me a slight nod of his head to indicate that I need to answer and be survival depends on how well I answer these questions.

I say, "I can't wait to hold our baby in my arms. I didn't think this was something I wanted, but with Peeta...I want everything." I choke back the sob in my throat. My tears aren't for show. I'm crying because I realize what will be expected of me. I'm going to need to have a baby. Peeta's baby.

That would be the ultimate punishment from President Snow. I can't imagine anything more horrible than bringing a baby into this world. I'm sure Peeta never expected this would happen. He wouldn't have told that lie if he knew what President Snow was going to do.

Caesar pats my arm, in some feeble attempt to comfort me, but I know he's thrilled about the idea of a baby from the Star-Crossed Lovers. "You've been through so much, Katniss."

I sniffle. "It's been tough, but the Capitol has showered Peeta and me with such wonderful hospitality."

Peeta gives me a reassuring nod. "Katniss and I have been so lucky. We're happy to be here."

I try to find comfort in Peeta's words, but his hollow tone and vacant expression leaves me terrified. What did they do to him while we were separated? I need someone, maybe Effie, to tell me what is going on.

The rest of the interview is a blur. Peeta does most of the talking while I sit and listen, nodding my head occasionally to show that I'm paying attention and that I agree. Hopefully,Snow is happy with us and that I don't have to be locked back up in that cell, but with the Capitol you never truly know where you stand.

After the interview finishes, Peeta rests his hand on my cheek, a smile dancing on his pink lips. "Are you okay? I know you hate these interviews."

"I'm fine, Peeta," I reassure him, with a pathetic excuse for a smile. "How about you? What happened when they took you?"

His eyes flash with anger as he presses his finger to my lips to silence me. "Katniss, we can't talk about that here." I bite my lip, almost drawing blood. "I promise that everything will be explained, but you need to stay quiet and listen to the instructions that are given to you. President Snow is always listening and watching."

I nod wordlessly. Two large Peacekeepers stand behind Peeta, waiting. "The President needs to see you, Mr. Mellark," one of them says.

Peeta presses a soft kiss to my forehead. "I'll see you later?" he asks hopefully.

"Come find me. I'll be waiting." I watch with a pain in my heart as the Peacekeepers escort Peeta out of room and away from me. No one can tell me where he's going. I've given up asking. They want me to be kept in the dark. He goes quietly this time—they don't have to drag him out kicking and screaming.

Effie appears almost out of nowhere, with her usual bright, happy smile. "Katniss, you did absolutely wonderful," she tells me excitedly. "You and Peeta really are such a darling couple."

I want to hate her for how she behaves, but it's just Effie and she's doing a job. She might be my only ally here and I need to find out what else she knows, if she even know anything at all.

"Am I really going to have a baby?"

The thought alone terrifies me, but maybe something can be done. I can't have a baby. I won't.

She sighs loudly, a frown forming on her face. "Why don't we go back to your room and I'll explain to you what I can?"

I can barely stand when I see him sitting on my bed, nursing a bottle of white liquor. "Haymitch? I thought...how?"

He takes a sip from the bottle, chuckling. "I've been asking myself that since I got here. Thankfully, they provide me with plenty of delicious refreshments." He holds up the bottle, with a grin.

Effie huffs behind me. "You are unbelievable!" She scolds him with her best attempt at a scowl. "You were always a terrible mentor."

Haymitch ignores Effie's outburst and continues to drink his liquor. "I saw your interview," he finally says. "Once again, Peeta had to save your ass."

"I don't know what I'm doing here!" I yell back in defense. "One minute Peeta and I are locked up in some kind of prison and then we are being interviewed by Caesar like nothing even happened." I want answers. Someone needs to tell me what's going on. I need to know that Peeta is okay. "I can tell you what I know," he tells me. "The rest is just speculation."

"Why am I still alive? Why didn't President Snow kill me?"

He lets out a deep breath, frustration showing on his face. "You were supposed to be the face of the rebellion, but Snow got to you first. He's going to use you and Peeta to form a new, improved Capitol. Peeta's going to be in office and you will stand by his side...the faithful wife and mother."

"He can't...I don't believe you,"I stutter. "They can't make us do this. Peeta...he wouldn't."

Haymitch rests a comforting hand on my shoulder. "I'm afraid Peeta doesn't have a choice and neither do you."

"Why are you here? Are you supposed to make sure we do what we are told?" I spit back angrily.

He shrugs, sipping his liquor. "I'm here for moral support."

"They are doing something to Peeta," I say softly. "I'm sure of it. He was so distant today. There's something wrong."

All I want is for Peeta to be safe and unharmed. I need to know that he's going to be fine. "I don't know anything, but I'll try to figure out what's going on," he reassures me. "We are going to get through this. I promise."

I blink away the salty tears as Haymitch embraces me in a tight hug. I'm so thankful that he's here and that I'm not alone. We victors always suffer together.

"Will Snow really make me have a baby?" I almost vomit at the thought of it.

Haymitch says nothing but continues to drink more. I guess that's my answer.