They Rescued Peeta

by cjstardust

What would have happened if Peeta was rescued from the Quarter Quell, and Katniss was left behind? This story will be told from the perspectives of both Peeta and Katniss, of moments in time after the rescue, and throughout the war. *Please note: may be suggestive of adult themes/situations. Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games

7. Chapter 7

Chapter 7: Peeta

The crew has safely entered the tribute center. They search floor by floor, releasing a gas that puts peacekeeper after peacekeeper to sleep.

The lights are bright. I cannot imagine they can possibly get away with successfully infiltrating the enemy camp and bringing my girl back alive. Something is bound to go wrong. The gas will fail. A peacekeeper will remain awake and aware, able to alert others as to what is going on. President Snow himself will be present. They will have a chemical agent in the air that counteracts the effects of the gas. I don't know. But I do know, that despite being in two Hunger Game arenas, I have never felt more scared. Before, I knew Katniss could take care of herself. She had her bow and she was smart and I never worried about her to the point of panic. Now, however, my heart is pounding so hard and my head is so light I think I might pass out. She doesn't have her bow with her now, and even if she did the peacekeeper weapons are faster. How will they make it out of this?

"We've found the victors," one of the soldiers says. I think his name is Corporeal Boggs. I hold my breath, waiting to hear if they found her alive. "Everdeen is here. She's unconscious, but her breathing is normal, heartbeat steady. Found Odair. There is another occupied room here. It seems to hold Miss Effie Trinket."

Next to me, Haymitch stiffens. I look at him, surprised. "Why would they take Effie?" I ask softly.

"They might have thought she knew something," his voice is strained.

"Did she?"

"Never. I never wanted to expose her. I knew she was sympathetic to you and Katniss, but I had no way of knowing if she was trustworthy concerning this." Haymitch sounds like he's struggling with an emotional lump in his throat. For Effie?

"Effie," I hear him mutter under his breath. I see her then. It's the first time I've ever seen her without an elaborate wig, or ridiculous dress. I imagine that she would be very upset to know what we've seen her this way. I go to turn away, but then I catch sight of her. Katniss.

I see Katniss lifted into the arms of a soldier. I'm not surprised the soldier holding her is Gale. Her face shifts toward the screen and I see that her lower lip is coated with dried blood. Her face is swollen. Both her eyes are surrounded with bruises. Oh God.

"Katniss," I whisper, before I give in to my panic. My vision goes black and I fall to the floor.