Part Three: Victors

I'm floating on air; I can see Rue, smiling at me. She has the same innocent look, her brown eyes dancing with delight as I move towards her. I feel happy, I feel free. I feel as if no one can touch me, hurt me, or betray me here. I must be in heaven; I look to my left and see Peeta standing there with a smile, my father next to him with open arms. This is it, I am finally home.

"I will not do this! I will not pretend to love her for some sick Capitolites!"

"You have no choice Cato! The districts are in an uproar because they no longer have the star-crossed lovers! If you both don't do this we'll all be in danger!
Hell, Snow is pissed already that the two of you came out alive! But Seneca Crane believes that having you and the Girl on Fire together will make all the districts
happy and the Capitol. So do as I say boy!"

"I don't have to listen to you Brutus! I am a victor now! Not your tribute in training anymore!"

"Listen here brute, if you don't do this, Snow will kill your family, he will kill Katniss' family, and he will make both of your lives a living hell. Now,
I'm not saying you have to marry her, or have kids with her, but you damn well be ready to show her every bit of affection you can muster while you're in public.
You may be a victor, but if it wasn't for Brutus, you wouldn't be here. Now, since she is your co-victor, I am you co-mentor, and Brutus is her co-mentor as well.
So shut up, man up, and get this done and over with!"

I am back in District Twelve; I can see Prim, my mother and Gale. They are waiting for something or someone as they stand stoically. I call out to them, waving my arms frantically so they could see me. But they never move, never acknowledge me.

"Prim! Primrose!"

But nothing; that's when I see it, the pine box covered in the same flowers I was named for. Carrying the pine box passed them, is Thom, Darius, and a few other Hob members. Behind them, Peeta's brothers and friends carry another pine box, much larger than the one before it, covered in several different wild flowers.

Prim begins to cry as the pine boxes pass her; her innocent face stained with tears as my mother pulls her closer, her own tears streaming down her thin face. That's when I realize they can't hear me because they can't see me that I no longer exist. I get closer to the meadow only to see two headstones placed side by side, with epitaphs that send chills through my body:

PEETA MELLARK

16 YEARS OLD

74TH HUNGER GAMES TRIBUTE

KATNISS EVERDEEN

16 YEARS OLD

74TH HUNGER GAMES TRIBUTE

THE GIRL ON FIRE

I am dead. I no longer exist. I see Prim fall to the ground next to my grave, screaming out my name as they lower my coffin into the ground. I want nothing more than comfort her, tell her that I'll always be with her and that I still love her. I look up, my own tears starting to form when I see him.

"Peeta…"

He smiles sadly at me as I approach him, my arms extending to touch his face.

"Katniss… We're better off here. They're safe now, they always will be."

Suddenly there's a bright light and I look into it, to see beautiful blue eyes bear into my gray ones.

"Peeta… Don't leave me please."

He stays silent, unsure of what to say next, but what he does say, leaves me feeling relaxed and comforted, knowing he would never lie to me.

"Always."

I'm running from the mutts, heading as fast as I can towards the Cornucopia to safety. I can feel their claws scratching at me as I climb the sides, only to be met with Cato's piercing stare and insane smile.

"You're as good as dead Fire Girl!"

I reach the top and freeze, panicking as I realize there's nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. I take a step back and reach for my bow and arrow only to realize I no longer I have it. I look down to see it on the ground, gleaming in the moonlight while the mutts circle around it. Suddenly, I'm pushed to the ground, my hair dangling over the edge of the Cornucopia with Cato's hands wrapped around my neck.

"You are worthless Katniss Everdeen. You couldn't save your precious Lover Boy or your precious little Rue from us. You can't even save yourself.
You are nothing; you are worse than the bacteria that inhabit Panem."

I begin gasping for air as the tears stream down my face as I realize the truth to his words. I was worthless, I was weak for not saving Rue and Peeta.

I can feel the mutts attempting to grab at my braid when he flips me to stomach, my face facing downwards to the mutts. That's when I began to truly notice them; some of them with dark fur, one with red, and a few with golden fur. I notice the collars on their neck, and that's when I feel myself getting sick. One was labeled in a coal black leather collar, with gold TWELVE embroidered into it. It's coat was soft waves of gold, the eyes, a calming blue that clashed with the anger in its features. It was Peeta, except this Peeta wanted to kill me.

I truly begin to cry as the realization sets in. The night before the rooftop where I spent with Cato and told him I didn't love Peeta in that way, I was wrong. I did love Peeta, and I had only said it out of spite for him using it as a ploy to get us sponsors in the Games. It took me losing him, seeing him in mutt form at my imminent death that I realized I loved Peeta Mellark. And I could never be with him again.

"Times up Fire Girl."

His sadistic smile as he snaps my neck makes me scream.

I am screaming; sitting up in the bright room, needles and tubing attached to my arms as I cry. How long had I been out for? Was I truly dead? Was I alive in the Capitol? I shook slightly as the sobs racked my body when I heard the one voice I had longed to hear since the arena.

"It's alright now sweetheart. Everything's okay."

Haymitch sat on the edge of my bed and hugged me as I cried. He was the closest thing to a father figure that I had, and it was nice to see a familiar face.

"H..How long have I been out for?"

He snorted a bit, pulling away from me to reach for a flask in his suit pocket.

"About two weeks. We weren't sure if you were going to make it or not. Your mental state wasn't at its peak…
and your neck was badly bruised by the time they got you into the hovercraft."

I sat there taking in all his words. So I was alive, but was I victor of the Hunger Games? Why was I saved? None of this made sense to me.

"But why Haymitch? Cato had me pinned. He was going to kill me. They only needed one Victor."

Haymitch sighed and took a large swig from the flask, staring at the ground before answering me in a more than serious tone.

"When Peeta was killed by that idiot Career girl from One, many people lost a bit of interest in the Games when the star-crossed lovers could be no more.
However, when you mourned over that little girl from Eleven, then gave up willingly to Cato, professing your love to your sister, things got out of control.
Eleven tried to rebel, things got a little heated in Twelve and Three, Four, Five, Seven, and Eight went crazy. Seneca Crane, being as genius as he thinks he is,
decided last minute to qualm the districts from getting a martyr by letting both you and the brute from Two be crowned as co-victors.
Snow however is pissed. People in the Capitol are happy, because they are under the impression that you and Cato havea secret romance with each other."

I look away from Haymitch as he finishes; how could this happen? Why would they make me look like I am in love with the boy who tried to kill me?

"What if I don't want too Haymitch? I can't even look at him, let alone pretend to love him."

"You have too sweetheart, or Snow will kill us all."

It had only been a few hours since Haymitch had broken the news to me about Cato and I. What was Seneca Crane thinking when he devised this little scheme? Was he trying to save himself, or was he trying to save his precious Games? I heard a knock at the door and straightened myself up in bed when the door opened, only to reveal the last person that I wanted to see right now.

"What are you doing here?"

Cato had a cold look etched into his features as he ventured in, closing the door behind him. I immediately pulled my legs closer to me, my eyes wary of his presence in my room.

"I just wanted to see if it was true, that you were finally awake. We have an interview with Caesar Flickerman tomorrow evening.
I assume that your drunkard of a mentor has informed you of our situation."

I nodded once, letting my gaze venture to the window on my right. Even in our "situation", I wasn't sure I could handle pretending to be in love with him.

"I came to see you a couple of times while you were out. You woke up once, called me Peeta, and passed out again."

I looked back to him, my face emotionless as I let his confession sink in.

Had I really done that? Had I really called him Peeta?

"You set me up. You told me all those things on the rooftop to mess with my head before the Games. You made me think that I couldn't love Peeta that
someone like you did. You're the reason I stayed away from him. You used my own anger against me. You are nothing like him."

He shakes his head, a small laugh escaping his lips. I watched him closely, anger building up inside me as he laughed at my pain.

"It worked didn't it? You know, I could have won these Games if it wasn't for Seneca and his stupid ideas. Did you really think I could love someone like you?"

His words sting like a thousand tracker jackers. Had I really thought that someone like him could truly love me? No, of course not; then why did it a hurt so much?

"Maybe I did. But I realize now that you will never take Peeta's place. He was twice the man you are, and you are the one who is worthless."

I felt the heat rise to my cheeks as the words spilled out of my mouth. I could tell he was entertained at the idea of playing with my head again, and I couldn't let that happen.

"Whatever you say Fire Girl; just let me do the talking tomorrow night. We both know you suck on camera."

That was it; I couldn't contain my anger much longer. I grabbed the knife from my lunch tray, whipping it straight as his head, missing only by an inch as the knife protruded from the wooden door.

"GET OUT YOU FILTHY MONSTER! GET OUT! YOU ARE NOTHING WORSE THAN THE CAPITOL'S MUTTS!"

And with that, an angered look crossed his face as he exited out the door, slamming it behind him as he left.

My prep team had spent the entire day preparing me for tonight's interview with Caesar. They had doted on me, telling me that they had told anyone who would listen that I would become victor of these games, and that they always believed in me. I tuned out most of their conversation as they waxed, plucked, and trimmed away at any body hair, leaving me hairless with a soft glow. I was dreading tonight, having to spend it acting like I was in love with someone who was definitely incapable of loving someone other than himself. Before long, the prep team left, and Cinna entered, still the same as ever. A smile crept into my features, and I before I knew it, I had thrown myself at him wrapping my arms around his neck.

"I told you I was betting on you Katniss."

His words comfort me in a strange way, knowing that he still believed I was the same girl who volunteered for her sister at the Reaping. Maybe I still was.

"I don't know if I can do this Cinna. I don't know if I can pretend to love him. I feel like I'm betraying…"

My words trailed off as I began to think of the Boy with the Bread, tears filling my eyes up as I attempt to choke out of his name.

"You aren't Katniss. Before you know it, it will all be over with. Just remember, I'll be out in the audience if you need reassurance. Haymitch and Brutus have been
coaching him on it since you both came out of the arena. Everything will be fine, my Girl on Fire."

I smile lightly; Cinna always knew how to comfort me, and maybe that's why I trusted him so much.

"Come on now, I have something for you tonight that is fit for a queen."

Cinna was truly amazing; the dress for tonight's interview was just as, if even more amazing than the one from the tribute interviews. Soft golden silk clung to every curve, the neckline swooping down without showing too much skin, the sleeves at a three-quarter length while gold material pooled around my perfectly manicured toes. Effie couldn't stop making a fuss over my appearance; tucking a stray curl into place, dabbing a pale pink lip gloss over my lips. As we boarded the elevator down to the lobby, I couldn't help but to feel nervous. What if all of this blew up in our faces? What if Snow decided to kill our families anyhow, as a warning that we were still in his control? Haymitch took a quick swig from his flask as the elevator descended, swallowing loudly before beginning to speak.

"Now, Brute boy has the floor tonight. You follow his lead. Brutus and I have been working closely with him to make sure everything goes according to plan. If he places
a hand on your leg, don't flinch. If he grabs your hand, don't pull away. We have to make this look believable sweetheart. If you can't convince yourself,then convince me."

I looked over to him, fear evident in my eyes as he spoke. How was I going to do this? We all knew I was the worst actress in the world, so how was I supposed to convince the nation of my love affair with Cato?

I didn't have time to respond as the doors to the elevator opened, revealing the doors surrounded by camera crews and reporters. I stepped out of the elevator, my breath hitching in my throat as I saw him. He looked regal as ever donned in a dark blue suit with gold cufflinks and golden tie to match me. I walked over to him slowly, keeping my face clean of any emotion as he noticed me.

"Ready darling?"

He scoffed at my words, shaking his head lightly before taking my arm and escorting me through the doors and into the limo waiting for us. I swore I could hear Haymitch laughing, knowing that tonight was going to be a long night.

"I now introduce to you ladies and gentlemen, this year's 74th Hunger Games victors: Cato Martin and Katniss Everdeen!"

The crowd went wild as Cato and I emerged onto the stage, hand in hand as we made our way over to Caesar. Cato had my hand clasped tightly to his, as if to say he was in control tonight and not to screw it up. As we sat down, I smiled lightly, looking at him with as much affection as I could muster up. I looked around the stage to see mine and Cato's prep teams, our stylists, district escorts and mentors seated on the stage with us. I smiled to Cinna, knowing as long as he was there everything would be just fine. That's when they started the replay of the Games. That's when I lost all control.

The gong sounding as the Games began, zooming in on Cato and I as I grabbed the bow and arrows, running towards the woods only to be tackled by another tribute. Cato throwing the knife into the boy's back, giving me the nod of release as I ran into the safety of the woods. Him killing all those children in the blood bath; him snapping that little boy from Four's neck as if he was nothing but garbage. The blazing inferno that the Gamemakers had created to drive the tributes closer together with my leg being badly burned in the process as I ran from the blaze. The Careers' treeing me afterword, while they tried to climb up and drag me down. Peeta, my Peeta, suggesting they camp out because I couldn't stay up there forever and would have to come down at some point. Clove teaching Glimmer how to throw knives, with Glimmer failing miserably to hit the targets on the tree, but only to send the knife straight through Peeta's heart.

I began to shake slightly, watching it happen all over again, when I noticed the reassuring squeeze from Cato as we watched. I turned to look at him to see that he was fixated on the screen. I turned to see myself shooting Glimmer through the head with an arrow and blood spilling over the forest floor. I gripped his hand back, unsure of my emotions as they continued the recap. Could I really do this without giving it all away? Would I really be able to handle it all? I had my answer once they showed Rue and I as she was dying, and I completely lost it. The tears I had been holding back finally released themselves against my will. I could feel the sobs building up inside of me and I wasn't sure I could handle it much longer. I turned to look at Cato only to see that this time he was gauging my reaction. I finally let out a small sob and buried myself into his chest, unsure of my actions at this point. I couldn't do this; I couldn't handle all of this. Not here, not now, not ever.

When the recap was over, I stayed glued to Cato's side as if he truly was my only lifeline. My eyes were slightly swollen from crying, my mind drained from all the emotions that had swept through me all at once.

"Cato, Katniss, when did you two first realize you had feelings for each other?

I was thankful that Haymitch and Brutus had worked with Cato on this, because at this point, I was useless.

"During the tribute parade. I couldn't help but notice how beautiful and strong she was, and I would have done anything to get to know her."

There were a chorus of awe's from the crowd, and I too found myself falling for his words.

"When did you two actually admit feelings for one another?"

I looked up at him and knew instantly what his answer would be for that one.

"The night of the tribute interviews, after Peeta Mellark confessed his love for her, here on this very stage. I was mad at him; he had tried to take her away from me,
even though I knew in the end it wouldn't work out. So, that night we met up on the rooftop of the Training Center and I told her I would do anything to have her
make it out alive."

Another set of awe's washes over the crowd, and I find myself spacing out as Cato and Caesar continue the interview.

"Katniss, you aren't very sociable tonight, is everything alright?"

I snap out of my trance and smile lightly towards Caesar, even though I wanted nothing more than to bash his head in for such a stupid question.

"I'm fine, thank you, just a bit tired is all. I find that I can't sleep at night because I'm afraid it's all a dream, and if I wake up, Cato won't be beside me."

Caesar awes at me and I smile a bit more, turning to see that even Cato has a small smile plastered to his face. If this is what the game was between us, then two could play that way.

"Cato, tell me, now that you have the girl of your dreams to yourself, what do you plan to do next with her?"

Everyone seems to lean forward in their seats, as if anticipating another Cornucopia scene. I even find myself wondering on what those three have planned, as if I had much of a say in anything that would happen.

"Well Caesar, all I can say is, I plan to spend every moment next to her, never letting her go until my dying breath."

Caesar smiles as the crowd erupts into awes and cheers of joy. We did it, we convinced them that we were in love, that everything was as we planned it.

"Ladies and Gentleman: The victors of the 74th Hunger Games Cato Martin from District Two, and Katniss Everdeen, The Girl on Fire from District Twelve!"

Sitting on a beautiful throne on Snow's balcony, I could feel the tension that radiated off our leader, and I knew that we had not convinced the one person we should have. He turned to us after making his speech, Cato and I standing stoically, waiting to be crowned as victors. He strode towards me, his snake like eyes radiating with malice and contempt towards me as he placed the gold crown on my head.

"Congratulations, your family must be very proud of you Miss Everdeen."

I looked him in the eyes, showing that I would back down, that he did not frighten me.

"Thank you, I could only hope that they are."

He takes a moment to stare at the mockingjay pin that Madge had given me after the Reaping, a look of recognition filling his cold features.

"My, Miss Everdeen, what a lovely pin you have."

I nodded curtly, my face emotionless.

"Thank you, it's from my district."

He smiled coldly, moving onto Cato and placing the second crown on his head. After their exchanged pleasantries, President Snow moved towards the podium once more, announcing us as the official victors of the 74th games, and that as a token of the graciousness, would present us with a gift from the Capitol.

"Miss Everdeen and Mr. Martin are hereby granted citizenship to the Capitol and will henceforth reside here before and after the Victory Tour of districts.
As a symbol of our gratitude, Miss Everdeen and Mr. Martin will also be granted their own private building."

I paled immediately at his words, knowing that I would not be able to see Prim other than the Victory Tour, or attend Peeta's funeral. I would be stuck here for the rest of my life with Cato.

"Citizens of Panem, I give you our star-crossed Victors: Cato Martin and Katniss Everdeen."

After the ceremony, Cato and I were escorted by Peacekeepers back to the limo, and we were driven to our new home. I stared out the tinted windows, my mind racing with different thoughts, memories, and emotions. How would I do this? How could I do this to Prim; to Peeta? How could I throw it all away for some stupid Capitol people? I felt a hand on my arm and I shied away, giving the person a cold look for thinking they could touch me. Cato stared at me, his hand raised slightly above where he touched me and scoffed.

"I asked you if you wanted the bedroom or not. I'm as happy as you are about this and I refuse to share a bed with you."

I looked at him blankly, comprehending his words as he spoke. The anger began to build inside of me and I found myself shutting off from him.

"Like I would want to share a bed with a brutal monster. Whatever you want Cato, if you want the bedroom take it. I don't really care."

I didn't care; everything I had cared about was ripped away from me, and I had to shut myself off from the world.

The limo slowed down and I braced myself for the cameras. Couldn't they just leave me alone? I didn't care that the tabloids wanted a story; I didn't care that people just wanted to see the Girl on Fire. I just wanted to get away from it all and grieve in peace. The door opened and I climbed out, Cato closely behind me as several Peacekeepers escorted us into the building while several reporters called out our names as their photographers tried to get as many pictures of us as we could.

"The second floor is the living area, the basement a workout center, the third floor sauna, and fourth floor is your rooftop terrace. Enjoy."

The Peacekeeper motioned for me to step onto the elevator, Cato following in behind me and pressing the two button. I sighed a bit, ready to just change out of all of this clothing and just lock myself away. As we reached the second floor, the elevator dinged, the doors opening to reveal the apartment. It was gorgeous; marble flooring, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, mahogany cupboards. Beautiful leather furniture neatly arrange around a stone fireplace, with a matching fur throw rug and several accent pillows adorned the chairs. I took it all in, knowing that this kind of luxury would keep District Twelve running for several years. I swallowed hard, striding to the bedroom to see that mine and Cato's things had been moved there.

"Are you done Fire Girl? I'd like to take a shower at some point."

I turned to see Cato in the doorway, his tie off and the first few buttons of his dress shirt were undone. I grabbed a change of clothes and headed to the living room. There had to be another bathroom in here, and sure enough a small door off the kitchen proved to be a beautiful guest bathroom and I was able to change in peace. Once I finished, I made my way over to the couch and sat down, staring off into the fire place. My beautiful Prim, what was she doing right now? Was she happy that I was alive? Were her and mom starving or had they gotten my winnings? My thoughts were interrupted when Cato strode in, fresh from the shower with a towel wrapped around his waist.

"You can have the bedroom."

I nodded once, picking myself up and shutting the door behind me once I got into the bedroom. I sat down on the bed, the silk sheets a beautiful burgundy with matching comforter adorned with gold accents. The same color as blood and Peeta's hair. I shook my head lightly; I shouldn't think of these things right now. I laid back, closing my eyes only for a moment. I hope Peeta didn't hate me for this. Before I knew it, sleep had overtaken me.

I'm running through the woods, my bow in my hands as I follow the pitiful screaming of my name.

"Rue! I'm coming Rue!"

I reach the clearing to find Marvel holding Rue at knife point, an evil smirk plastered on his face.

"Don't you dare touch her!"

I load my bow as quickly as I can, only to see them both morph into others. Peeta had Prim with the knife against her throat, her blue eyes swimming with tears and fear.

"It's your fault I'm dead Katniss. It's your fault that Glimmer killed me. You are selfish Katniss Everdeen and you don't deserve to live."

I begin to panic. I can't kill Peeta, not again. But I can't let him kill Prim either.

"Peeta please… Don't hurt her! Kill me instead! You're right! I deserve to die!"

Peeta laughs, the crazed look in eyes ever more evident. I lower my bow and arrows, inching closer to them only to see the fear heighten in my little duck's features.

But I'm too late; as I get closer Peeta slides the knife against Prim's neck and she falls lifelessly to the ground. My eyes go wide in fear and I rush over to her. My hands are shaking and I can feel the tears streaming down my face as I look over her lifeless body.

"Prim? PRIM?! Prim you have to wake up! You can't do this Prim! PLEASE!"

It's futile; my sister is dead and it's because of me. It's all my fault that she is dead. I grip her body and I begin sobbing. I've lost her, I can't do this anymore. I can't lose the only thing that has kept me going all these years since our father died. Peeta's laugh echoes through the arena, and I cry harder. All my fault… this is all my fault.. Peeta… Rue.. Prim… Glimmer… I should have just let Cato kill me when he hand the chance.

I'm yanked up by my braid, looking into Peeta's cold, dead blue eyes as he presses the same knife, drenched in my sister's blood to my neck.

"You are worthless Katniss Everdeen. I never loved you. I only said it because I felt sorry for you. You're nothing but a Seam rat, district trash. You are not worthy
the title of Victor. You only won because they felt sorry for you. You let me die because you were selfish."

He grips my braid a bit harder and I cry more, my body shaking in fear and grief.

"Peeta please… I do love you… You saved my life… I'm sorry I let you die… I didn't know… Cato had tricked me… Please Peeta…"

But it's useless; he pushes me to the ground, sitting on top of my chest with his legs pinning my arms to the ground. He laughs lightly, a sadistic glint in those once kind, gentle blue eyes.

"You are incapable of love. If you loved me you would have went to my funeral. You wouldn't have let me died in the first place. And I think it's time that you are
punished for your wrong doings"

Before I can protest I feel the blade on the knife digging into my wrist, slowly and painfully. I let out a scream, fresh tears streaming down my face as he moves to the other arm. Please, please… don't let this happen to me.

"I'm sorry, Peeta… I'm so sorry…"

He only smiles more as he places the blade against my throat yet again, his eyes widening in adrenaline.

"Say goodbye Katniss."

He slices across my neck as I scream out his name—

"DAMMIT FIRE GIRL WAKE UP!"

I wake up thrashing around the bed, the sheets a tangled mess around my legs, my forehead with a sheen of sweat, my cheeks stained with fresh cheeks.

"Peeta… Peeta… PEETA!"

I cry harder as I feel a strong pair of arms around me, whispering comfort into my hair as I cry into the rock hard chest. Peeta; Peeta had killed Prim. Then he had killed me. It was my entire fault… all my fault…

"It's my fault. My fault, my fault, my fault… He's dead because of me!"

My body shakes more and I feel the arms wrap around me a bit tighter.

"It's not your fault Katniss… You didn't kill him… Glimmer did remember? You were in the tree and she missed the target and killed him instead."

I sniffled lightly, looking up to see who was comforting me. It was Cato: the brutal monster from Two, the leader of the Career Alliance, the one who radiated warmth and comfort. What I say next shocks even myself, and his response, throws my mind into a whirlwind.

"Cato… Don't leave me tonight."

"I won't Fire Girl… I'll always be here."