The Mentor Chapter 7 The Truth about the Games, a hunger games fanfic

You watch me bleed

Until I can't breathe

Shaking, falling onto my knees

Chapter 7: The Truth about the Games

Katniss and Gale were standing next to the doorway of the roof and listened to their mentor talking to a mentor from district four, one that they learned to be Finnick Odair.

Peeta always came up to the roof whenever he was particularly stressed or angry and now was certainly one of those times. Katniss' words had stung and it still felt as if she had said the words many times over as they echoed in his head.

"Hey," Finnick stated as Peeta came up and stood next to him. The breeze relaxed Peeta slightly and he wanted to think about anything but Katniss; it would only make everything worse.

"Have Snow given you any?" asked Peeta with some contempt in his voice, it was the first thing that came to mind and he was genuinely curious. If it was Snow going against his word or just trying to terrorize him.

"One," Finnick stated and Peeta nodded. "You?" asked Finnick.

Peeta's head rose and looked over at Finnick. "Three," said Peeta in a dead voice.

Finnick nodded solemnly and placed his hand on Peeta's shoulder. Peeta's head dropped back down and he looked at the railing. Finnick removed his hand and stared out at the Capitol skyline.

Finnick and Peeta's friendship had first started over their mutual hatred of Snow and it grew when the two men were able to get along. For each of them they were the only other that understood what the other was going through. It helped that both men got along naturally despite their gruesome similarities that were forged through the games.

"Congratulations on your tributes scores." stated Finnick. Peeta could tell that Finnick was trying to get him to think of anything else rather than Snow.

Peeta let out a bitter laugh and Finnick turned towards him quickly.

"They're great." stated Peeta taking a deep breath. "They resent Haymitch and I." added Peeta.

Finnick nodded. "Several of my tributes have been that way. They assume the worst of you from what they've heard. They all think that we would enjoy being around Capitol women and men; not that its forced." said Finnick bitterly. Peeta agreed with him, almost all of District 12 assumed that he enjoyed going to the Capitol often.

"We're just damned prostitutes." stated Peeta lifting his head and staring out at the colorful Capitol skyline. Finnick remained silent refusing to confirm or deny anything.

Calling themselves 'prostitutes' made Peeta feel worse about himself. Yet it was the truth. He refused to tell many others of what Snow had made him do, as he didn't need the pity, pity didn't do him any good and he wanted to keep it that way.

Neither victor knew that the two District 12 tributes had heard every word of their conversation.

Peeta stood still as Portia worked on his hair. She was attempting to pull back the curls in his hair but was unsuccessful at that point.

A light knock on the door interrupted Portia's attack on his hair and she muttered a soft "Come in,"

Cinna walked in and looked over the scene; he chuckled quietly at the look of mock agony on Peeta's face as Portia went back to her work.

"It's time to go," said Cinna as he walked over. Peeta mentally thanked the man as he didn't understand why he had to look perfect when the focus should be on the tributes.

Portia slowly stood and walked in a circle around Peeta to check her work. He smiled dazzling at her and her features lit up at his actions. He stood and started walking towards the door; he turned back and waved at Cinna and Portia, vowing to see them later that night.

Peeta left the room and walked towards the elevator, where he hoped most of the others were waiting. As he walked closer he found himself wondering what Katniss would be wearing and he tried to shake the thought out of his head as he shouldn't be focused on what one of his tributes were wearing.

When he walked out only Haymitch and Effie were standing by the elevator, waiting for the others. Peeta walked up and stood beside them as he waited for the two tributes; that would have to undergo the interviews.

He stood staring at his feet as he waited for the tell tale footsteps to give away when one of the tributes were approaching. In a moment of what he would later see as weakness, he looked up only to meet Katniss' gaze. He was not aware that she had even walked up and he stood breathless at what he saw.

Katniss was walking towards him and she looked beautiful. She was wearing red dresses that lead down to look as if the jewels on the end were in fire. He was in awe and was reminded why he was in love with her.

She walked towards them and silently stood next to Haymitch, as they waited for the male tribute to arrive. A few quiet moments later they heard Gale walking down the hall. Peeta watched as Gale came up to them and stood on Katniss' other side and they all spent a moment in silence before any words were said.

"Let's get going!" said Effie enthusiastically as she started ushering them all into the elevator.

Peeta led Katniss and Gale backstage as Haymitch had figured that Peeta could take care of the tributes. Peeta had thought that he just wanted to have a longer time to access his flask. Most of the other tributes were already backstage and waiting for the program to start. Peeta noted the glares sent at Katniss from District Two and he tried to get rid of the fear in his mind. The tributes from District 2 were both larger than Katniss and were most likely upset over her having a better score than them.

He ignored them and focused back on his tributes. Gale had a mask on with a slight sneer on his lips, and Peeta hoped that he would play his part to perfection. Even if he wanted Katniss to win he wouldn't fully condemn Gale to death in the arena. Katniss had a determined look on her face and he knew that she would work hard at her interview and succeed.

"Any other advice?" asked Gale as he glanced at the other tributes.

"Remember how you're supposed to act. All they want is a good show," said Peeta as he stuffed his hands in his pockets. They both nodded and Peeta was thankful that they at least understood.

Peeta looked down at the other tributes and caught Finnick and Johanna walking down after talking to their tributes. They were smiling and laughing at each other as if they weren't in the midst of a teenage death match. Peeta missed the blush that spread on Katniss' face and the way Gale looked down at the ground at them approaching.

"What's up Mother-" yelled Johanna until Finnick put his hand over Johanna's mouth to stop her from using any profanity in front of the younger tributes.

Finnick pulled his hand away from her mouth and wiped it on his pants. "Did you have to lick me?" asked Finnick as he looked in disgust at Johanna. She smiled deviously in response and Peeta chuckled lowly.

Peeta walked up to them and Finnick clapped him on the back. Peeta chuckled and looked over at his two friends as they laughed at each other. He knew that the tributes were looking at them strangely as victors from different districts were not always known for being friends as it was rare when they saw each other.

Their friendship was built on them all having several clients. When they had been in the Capitol one night all three of them had decided to visit the roof at the same time. And the rest was history as they took to talking to each other during the games and when either of them were in the Capitol.

Peeta walked with them through the backstage area and towards their seats. They exchanged short stories of their tributes before having to separate at their seats. Peeta went and sat in his seat next to Haymitch. Haymitch took a swig from his flask and offered it to Peeta. He declined and looked up at the stage as Caesar Flickerman was getting prepared for the first interview.

The interviews passed slowly and Peeta was frightened for his tributes after the Careers interviews. The girl from District 5 caught his attention, she seemed sly and that she would have a pretty good chance in the games. Soon it got to District eleven and he noticed that the girl was no more than twelve and the angel dress she wore easily showed the image that was being used and Peeta thought that it was being used well. He felt a small twinge in his chest as he realized her similarities to Prim, Katniss' sister. The boy from eleven could easily be a career and his angle certainly portrayed him of the ability.

They announced Katniss and he held his breath as she walked out. She was even more stunning and quickly looked around him to make sure that no one had noticed him staring. She shook Caesar's hand and plastered a smile; Peeta hoped that he was one of the only few that could tell that it was fake.

"So, Katniss, the Capitol must be quite a change from District Twelve. What's impressed you most since you arrived here?" asks Caesar and Peeta is thankful for the simple question. He crossed his arms across his chest and looked down at his lap. When Peeta didn't hear an answer he looked up to see that Katniss seemed to have spaced out.

"The lamb stew," said Katniss, Peeta knew that she would have a good response. Caesar and a majority of the audience joined in, Peeta let out a chuckle at her honest answer.

"The one with the dried plums?" asks Caesar leaning slightly towards her. I nod. "Oh, I eat it by the bucketful."

Caesar turned to face the audience in mock horror and places his hands on his stomach. "It doesn't show does it?" He asked. Peeta let out a sigh of relief at Caesar helping Katniss out. He wanted, no needed her to do well.

"Now, Katniss," he said confidentially and looking over at Katniss, "When you came out in the opening ceremonies, my heart actually stopped. What did you think of that costume?"

"You mean after I got over my fear of being burned alive?" asked Katniss, and Peeta can't help but chuckle. She was doing wonderful and if she kept it up sponsors would be fighting to sponsor her.

"Yes. Start then," said Caesar motioning for her to continue.

"I thought Cinna was brilliant and it was the most gorgeous costume I'd ever seen and I couldn't believe I was wearing it. I can't believe I'm wearing this, either." gushed Katniss as she looked down at her dress. She spreaded the dress out so the audience can get a better view and they ooh and aah at the design. Peeta has to admit that it looks amazing and could not believe the extent to Cinna's ability.

Peeta glances over at Cinna to see him lift his hand and make the smallest motion of moving his finger in a circular motion. Peeta's brows furrow in confusion as he takes in the action. He quickly turns back to Katniss to see what they had planned.

She spun and Peeta saw a hint of flames on her dress. At first he was worried for her at the sight of fire, but then remembered the Opening Ceremony costume and his worry decreased.

"Oh, do that again!" said Caesar gleefully as she paused. Peeta resisted the urge to roll his eyes at Caesar's actions. She starts to spin letting the dress be engulfed in flames. After fifteen seconds she stops and clutches Caesar's arm. Peeta sighs as he watches the display; knowing that the sponsors will not be as hard to acquire for her.

"Don't stop!" said Caesar.

"I have to, I'm dizzy!" She exclaims and Peeta can't help but chuckle. The giggle that escapes her lips seems to have rarely been there in the first place. Part of him wished that he could have done more for her so that a smile could light up her face more often.

"So, how about that training score? Eleven. You want to tell us what happened?" asked Caesar. Peeta smiled good naturedly at that as he remembered exactly how she got her score.

"Um . . . all I can say, is I think it was a first." said Katniss as she glances up at the Game makers. Unconsciously Peeta looks up to see the Game makers laughing and nodding along. Caesar chuckles at this and Peeta was feeling happier than he had in a long time.

"Let's go back then, to the moment they called your sister's name at the reaping," said Caesar swiftly changing the mood from happy to somber. "And you volunteered. Do you want to tell us about her?"

Peeta saw the look of apprehension that was on her face for only a second. She had something working with her as to let her be herself in front of these people and Peeta just wondered what it was.

"Her name's Prim. She's just twelve. And I love her more than anything." said Katniss and Peeta sucks in a breath. It was silent and the slightest cough would be heard.

"What did she say to you? After the reaping?" asked Caesar and Peeta saw the tears in many of the Capitol citizen's eyes. Peeta resisted the urge to smirk as they were playing right into their hands; Peeta was learning the correct buttons to push to get the sponsors to support Katniss.

"She asked me to try really hard to win."

Peeta freezes up and is sure that the rest of the audience did too. They were hanging on her every word and mesmerized by the story she was telling. Peeta wouldn't lie in saying that he was interested in what had happened.

"And what did you say?" Caesar asks quietly as if to fit the mood that was radiating off of almost every person there.

"I swore I would." She says with such a conviction Peeta starts to doubt the need for sponsors.

"I bet you did," said Caesar squeezing her hand affectionately; the buzzer went off signaling the end of their time. The buzzer goes off. "Sorry we're out of time. Best of luck, Katniss Everdeen, tribute from District Twelve."

The applause is thundering and Peeta is hardly able to hear Gale's name being announced. Gale swaggers out as if the audience is not in front of him and Peeta has to give him props for that. Caesar slowly is able to calm the crowd and Peeta is sure that it took thirty seconds of Gale's time before the audience realized the last tribute was up.

Gale's interview was perfect and Peeta was sure that he had managed to rope in several sponsors. He answered the questions with the perfect angle that they had given him. Women and men had fawned over him as they had to Peeta and it had worried him slightly. If Gale was to live through the games and Katniss didn't he would be highly likely to have clients.

Yet if things worked out how Peeta wanted them to then he would be sent back to District 12 in a pine box.

Gale had been asked about if he had a girl back home and luckily replied intimidating effectively shaking Caesar off of that pathway.

Peeta looked out over the railing of the roof; looking down at the several colors he saw below. Every year he tended to go up there it was a way to calm him and stop anything from affecting him. He needed the calm as the whole week had been chaos for him. The breeze blew through his face and he closed his eyes in relaxation.

The sound of the door opening caused his eyes to open wide. Katniss Everdeen was walking onto the roof in just a thin nightdress and Peeta used all his power not to look any further than her face.

She had a look of surprise on her face as she saw that he was up there before her.

"I can go back-" said Katniss quickly and Peeta held up a hand to stop her.

"It's fine, it gets lonely up here sometimes." said Peeta, as any more time to spend with her would be welcome to him. She nods and walks closer to where he was standing. Peeta glances at her out of the corner of his eye to see her looking down at the Capitol street.

"How could they party at times like this?" she asks. Peeta looks up at her and several memories of the year before when he had to work on that night before the games.

"They see it as a TV show not human lives." said Peeta simply as they had said this to him. She looks at him questioningly for a moment before looking back down at the Capitol streets.

"Uh, what were those envelopes this week?" asked Katniss and when his head snaps up to look at her, he can see her recoiling and preparing to take it all back. Peeta felt as if he couldn't breathe as if a stone had been tied around his neck and he was thrown into the bottom of a river.

"It's fine," said Peeta taking a deep breath. She looked to be slightly on edge at his reaction to her question. He crossed his arms over his chest defensively and sighed as he tried to figure out how to say it.

Peeta found almost no point in not telling her as if she does win the games; it would be a possibility of what could happen to her. He almost felt sick at the thought of what would happen to her if that happened. He might as well just tell her and if she ran in disgust he figured that he would try and find a way to get over it.

"Being a victor is not one filled with peace and wealth as the Capitol advertises it," started Peeta as he furrowed his brows trying to figure out how to tell her the rest. Saying 'Hey, a lot of the victors are forced prostitutes!' would probably not go over the best with her.

"If a victor does anything that makes him mad he kills a member of your family," said Peeta. He watches as Katniss' face turns white with a greenish tinge. He couldn't blame her for her reaction as he had one of similar.

"Would that mean that you haven't done anything that would make him mad? Your family isn't dead." said Katniss and Peeta nods slightly.

"No, he realized that going through my family wouldn't get to me and he has several other methods of getting to a person." said Peeta as he took a deep breath.

"He can easily cause an accident traveling to the Capitol or an 'accident' of any sort in the District and he doesn't care who else's life that he ends up taking along with it." said Peeta bitterly.

"One of the things about him is that he needs to keep the Capitol happy or else another rebellion might start. Most Capitol citizens find the victors interesting," said Peeta as he felt a lump in his throat, as he realized what he had to say to her next. He stared at the ground as he wanted any way to avoid her eyes.

"He will sell the victors to the Capitol citizens for a night." said Peeta and heard her intake of breath. The tension could cut the air with a knife and Peeta refused to lift his head and he had the feeling that she was putting it all together of why he had been going out and why a lot of the victors were known for being with Capitol citizens.

"He sells them?" she asks as if to get a confirmation and he nods. Peeta can hear her walking closer to him and how she puts her hand on his shoulder. He tenses as a natural reaction before relaxing at her touch.

"Does he?" asks Katniss and Peeta instantly knows what she was asking. She wanted a confirmation or not on whether Snow had sold Peeta before. He took a deep breath and lifted his head.

Blue met grey and he nodded slightly and then hung his head once more.

He was not surprised by her surprised intake of breath and it wasn't the first and likely wouldn't be the last.

"That's terrible," She said and Peeta heard the mix of despair, pity and sadness in her tone. She must have thought that victors had it easy as it explained her and Gale's slightly hostile behavior on the train.

Peeta was surprised when he felt small hands on his shoulder and another below his chin lifting his head upwards. He looked up to see that she had moved closer to him in the time that he had looked down. She was inches from him and if he wanted he could touch her. Yet the feel of her hands on him made him feel different than whenever a woman had touched him before. Her touch held such innocence, proving that she had not been tainted whether it was any type of abuse.

Her hands made it so his face was inches from her own, he glanced down at her lips for a moment and could not help but wondered what would happen if he leaned forward. Luckily for him he did not need to wonder as Katniss took the initiative and pressed her lips to his.

Peeta felt as if he was floating on cloud nine. As he had gotten older he had assumed that the elusive Katniss Everdeen was one that would be impossible to even speak to, yet here he was kissing her.

Peeta responded to her enthusiastically and slowly moved his hand down to her waist and not daring it to move at all. Her lips melded against his and he matched her unpracticed movements. It caused him a little bit of pride that she had either never done this or had rarely done this with anyone else. One of the things that got to Peeta was that he was relatively skilled in that area as he had to have done so too many times.

He felt all the air leave his lungs as she pulled away from him. Katniss looked at him with wide eyes and he hardly believed what had happened between them. She backed up slowly and quickly fled from the roof.

Peeta sighed and put his hands in his hands as he felt like they had taken two steps forwards and three backwards.

Peeta walked into the room where all of the victors tended to watch the games. Sponsors were often there were the mentors could convince them to spend money on their tributes.

Laughter was high in the air as Peeta walked in. The alcohol was already flowing and many different colored smokes were in the room. Peeta spied Haymitch at the bar with Chaff and he saw Finnick, Johanna and Annie sitting in a booth in the corner. Peeta walked up to them and sat beside Johanna.

She cackled and smacked his cheek lightly as he sat down. He smiled half heartedly and half listened to their conversations and what Caesar Flickerman and Claudius Templesmith were saying.

Peeta turned to the television on the wall as he heard the countdown from sixty starts. He took a deep breath as the arena is shown for the first time. Peeta was relieved that it was a forest arena, Katniss and Gale would be able to live off of it easy enough; with their personal experiences.

The countdown slowly lowered to ten and then it reached five.

The look on her face as she said goodbye.

The feel of her hand in his.

When her eyes met his when they were younger.

The sound of her voice when she learned of his work in the Capitol.

The feel of her lips on his.

"LET THE SEVENTY FOURTH HUNGER GAMES BEGIN!"

A/N: Thanks for the reviews on the last chapter. Though could you guys review a little more, I want to know what you're thinking about the chapters. If you didn't notice I deleted my other Hunger Games stories because I couldn't see myself updating them any time soon and I lost my plans for both. The song is Stitches by Shawn Mendez (you guys should really check it out).

Warning, school is starting on the third and I am going to have a harder time being able to update consistently so bear with me.

Pleas follow, favorite and review.

Disclaimer: I own nothing, only the plot and my imagination.