Disclaimer: All characters and things associated with The Hunger Games belongs to Suzanne Collins and Lionsgate. This writing is for pure entertainment only.
Summary: Peeta's lie about Katniss' pregnancy is tested by the Capitol, leaving the Lethal Lovers only one option going into the Quarter Quell.
CHAPTER 9
KATNISS POV
The world seems to stop moving around me. Bombs could be dropping all around me, my neck could be to someone's sword and I wouldn't know it or care. Only one thing matters right now, and it is the version of Peeta, laying unusually still on the ground, smoke from his brunt hair rising.
He hasn't moved since he hit the force field.
"Peeta!" I suddenly realize I am shouting and lunging toward him. I can't lose him. I realize that now. If I lose him, nothing else matters.
I throw myself nearly on top of him, grabbing at his face, checking for any sign of life. "Peeta! Peeta!"
He isn't breathing.
I shake him again, but it doesn't bring life back to his cheeks.
"He's not breathing! He's not breathing!" I am screaming it but I don't know to who.
And then Finnick rushes to my side and is nearly throwing me away from Peeta's body. I grab my bow, certain Finnick is only trying to make sure Peeta is truly dead.
I pull to aim at the tribute from District 4 when I realize he is in fact not attacking Peeta, but rather doing something I have only seen my mother do on a few occasions. He is giving Peeta CPR. He is trying to save his life.
I crawl back over to the two of them, well aware I am sobbing out of control.
"Please, Peeta!" I beg him. I need him to come back to me, to our baby. I need him more then I need anything else, and I know I have figured that out too late. But I do. I need Peeta Mellark.
"Come on, Peeta!" I hear Finnick growl as he pumps hard on Peeta's chest.
It seems like this is going on forever. How Peeta could come back after losing his heart beat for so long seems unreal. Yet, after a long minute, I hear a coughing sound.
Peeta. He is alive.
I nearly throw Finnick off of Peeta and crush down on him, kissing Peeta's forehead, pushing his hair off his face, searching him for more signs of life.
"Peeta!" I cry.
"I'm okay…" Peeta manages out, a small smile on his face, but his eyes still closed. "And…be careful…I think there is a force field."
Peeta laughs at his awful joke and I can't help but laugh too. He is alive. He is okay. He came back to me.
"Your heart stopped…you left me…" I tell him, almost accuse him.
Peeta's eyes flutter open and he searches my face. I watch my own tears fall onto his cheek.
"I would never leave you," Peeta tells me, and then his hand falls to my flat stomach, and I know he isn't just talking about me. He is talking about the baby as well. "I'll never leave you."
I throw my arms back around him and pull him up into a sitting position. We stay like that for a long moment, and I know I cannot do this without him. I almost lost him and my world almost fell apart. I need Peeta more then I need a single other person. I need his smile, his calmness, his hope. I need him like I need air. I love him.
PEETA POV
I hear Katniss yelling my name and I know there is panic in her voice, but it seems distant, as if I am dreaming. I fight to open my eyes but its as if my eyelids each weigh a hundred pounds, as if I am trapped below them.
I take a deep breath, not even realizing how much I needed the air. It was as if I haven't been breathing in years. How long has it been since my last breath?
Suddenly, the reminder of the shocking sensation of a force field is the last thing I remember.
Katniss is calling my name louder now and I manage to open my eyes. They take a second to focus and when they do she is throwing herself on top of me.
It is hard to understand everything at first. She is telling me my heart wasn't beating; that I was dead. That I almost left her.
Suddenly, my hands fly to her stomach. I almost left her and I almost left the baby.
"I'll never leave you," I tell her, and I mean it. Come hell or high water, I will get her and my child out of this arena, and even if it costs my life, so be it. She will always have a part of me with her as long as our child lives.
Katniss smiles down at me and then helps pull me up into a sitting position and I grab onto her. She hugs me back and I am grateful she doesn't realize I am not just hugging her, I am holding onto her to keep my head straight. I feel weak, and tired. The force field took more out of me then I would have liked.
"Do you want to stand?" Katniss asks me after a minute.
I nod because I do not want to seem weak, and I try my best to get up without her help, but once I am standing I already know I am in trouble. My legs feel unsteady, and this is not how I want to be right now. I need to be able to think clearly and protect Katniss.
"You alright?" Finnick asks, looking concerned.
I nod at him, but I know he sees what Katniss does not yet. He can tell I am weakened.
"We should get going," I tell them all. I don't want to give anyone anymore time to look me over and see I don't feel as strong as I should. "Just…try and stay clear of the force field."
"Katniss saw it when you were about to strike it. How?" Finnick asks Katniss.
"I…um…I can hear it," Katniss says, but I can instantly tell she is lying. To me, she has never been a good liar. "From this ear…the one the Capitol reconstructed."
I study her for a moment as I try my best to steady myself on my feet and I know whatever reason she has for lying, so I play along. "Well, then the Capitol helped us."
"You lead the way then…" Finnick tells Katniss.
She nods, but continues to hold my hand, which surprises me. Her eyes search mine for a long minute and for a second Portia's words come to mind. Maybe Katniss does have feelings for me, or maybe she was just scared because of what happened to me. Whether she loves me or not, we are friends.
"I'm okay," I tell Katniss.
She hesitates for a moment and then slowly nods, reluctantly letting go of my hand and leading the way deeper into the jungle.
I follow her, but the second her hand left mine I regretted it. I loved feeling that close to her, and I know my time to hold her hand is only growing shorter.
We walk a few minutes and I realize I am in no shape to move. I am tired and my breathing is labored. The electric shock took a lot out of me and the dehydration is not helping.
"Are you okay?" Finnick whispers to me a few minutes into the walk.
I give him a weak smile. "I don't have a choice."
Finnick pats me on my back as I continue to focus on Katniss in front of me.
"She loves you," Finnick tells me.
"What?" I ask, unsure if I am hearing things now too.
"I wasn't sure what was an act with you two or not…but the baby is real…and how she feels about you is. I saw it…when you went down…when we lost you for a minute. She needs you," Finnick says, speaking about Katniss before he drops back and accompanies Mags.
I stumble on, trying to keep pace with Katniss as Finnick's words dance in my head. I thought Katniss looked at me slightly different after I came back from the shock, but I also think her desperation could have been out of the simple fact that we have always been there for each other in these circumstances. She is my whole world and I know, as far as the arena goes, I am the only one she really trusts. That's the only logical reason I can come up with for her reaction to my electrocution.
KATNISS POV
I reluctantly lead the way through the forest, tossing nuts to avoid the force field. I wish someone else would come up front, so I could keep an eye on Peeta but I know, given my lie about my ear, I have to stay in front.
Every once in awhile, I glance over my shoulder to see Peeta struggling along and I worry. He isn't moving as fast as he should be, and I wonder if he is hurting more then I think he is. He has to be; he was electrocuted and is now dehydrated.
Suddenly, I realize how dry my own mouth is again. I guess, with all the excitement from earlier, I forgot how thirsty I really was, but now it hits me like a thousand pounds. We are all dehydrated.
Without realizing it, my hand slips to my stomach. The stomach that houses the life I still am getting used to; the life who almost lost its father today.
"Is everything okay, Katniss?" Peeta asks, though his voice is labored.
I glance over my shoulder to see his eyebrows stitched together and his gaze on my hand that sits on my stomach. I know he has not seen me make the new gesture before and I quickly realize he thinks something is wrong.
"I'm okay…just thirsty…" I admit, though I think the constant glances over my shoulder have made me a little dizzy and therefore nauseous as well.
"We need water," Finnick says.
I want to roll my eyes at him for stating the obvious but I don't. I owe him one; he saved Peeta's life.
"We should take a break…we could set our backs to the force field…we will be safe then," Peeta says, but sits down before any of his respond. I know now he is more tired then I thought he was.
And so we silently settle into camp, using the force field as our shield to our backs. There isn't much to set up anyway. We have no belongings aside from out weapons and the sun is setting too quickly for us to find any real protection.
I silently sit down next to Peeta, who is sprawled out on the ground, his eyes closed. Finnick and Mags are a few feet from us, and are just as silent.
"Are you okay?" I ask Peeta quietly.
Peeta opens his eyes and sits up so he is next to me, though I can see it takes a lot of energy out of him.
"Fine…are you?" Peeta tells me.
I think he is lying, or at least, I don't believe he is truly fine. He seems tired, and I am certain he needs water just as much as I do now.
I nod as he opens his arms up to invite me into his chest. I do so gladly, putting my head on his chest, hearing his heartbeat. I close my eyes to its rhythm. It is the best sound I have ever heard and I shutter at the thought that a few hours earlier, that sound was not present in his chest.
"You need water," Peeta whispers into my hair.
"I'm okay," I lie. I am parched and I know the lack of water is a very real problem, but there is no point worrying Peeta with it.
"No, its not good for you or the baby," Peeta reminds me of the other life depending on me.
"We all need water," Finnick speaks up again, and I shoot him an angry glance for eavesdropping on us.
Peeta sits up more straight now and I am forced to untangle myself from him.
"I can climb a tree…see if there is water around here," Peeta offers.
"No," I say quickly. I can tell Peeta is weak, and I don't need him climbing trees right now. He is not the best climber to begin with. "You aren't in any shape to climb. I'll do it."
"I'm not going to let you climb a tree in your condition," Peeta's eyes drop to my stomach.
"Peeta, please…" I try.
"No, Katniss—" Peeta grabs him arm.
I glance down at his dirty hands wrapped around my arm. His skin is cut and the distinct mix of blood, dirt, and sweat only make it look worse. It is just a reminder that we are pawns in the Capitols Game; we can't even get ourselves cleaned up if we wanted.
I glare at Peeta and I know that my look is enough for him to know he has lost the fight. I am going climbing.
"Katniss, I just…I don't want anything to happen," Peeta says, his eyes still fixed on my stomach, on the life inside of it that he put there.
"Well, we need water…and I can climb. Nothing worse can happen, Peeta…its not like I have been taking good care of myself anyway," I roll my eyes and I know my words had hurt him because he instantly lets go of my arm.
I don't make eye contact with him as I move toward one of the trees nearby and begin my climb. I know he feels responsible for my condition and the fact that I haven't been able to take care of my body, the vessel for his child, very well so far, but he can't hold himself responsible for that. I know he will, but I wish he wouldn't because he certainly can't control it.
PEETA POV
I watch Katniss effortlessly make her way up the tree and although I may not show it, I am furious with myself. I am angry I am letting her risk her life, our child's life right now, but more then that I am angry I can't protect them both. Hell, I can't even get them water.
"She is quiet the climber, isn't she?" Finnick asks.
I just shake my head, annoyed at the entire situation until Katniss finally descends the tree. I feel better once her feet are on the ground, though she seems out of breath and I can't imagine that is good for the dehydration or the baby.
"No fresh water anywhere…" Katniss says.
Finnick sighs in frustration and tosses himself down on the ground like a child who has not gotten his way. "The capitol is planning on killing us all…"
"There has to be water somewhere…they can't kill us all by dehydration," I say.
"Or they could just want these games over fast. Few days without water and we are all dead," Katniss rolls her eyes.
"Good point," Finnick agrees as Mags sits down next to him.
I feel helpless. We just need some water. I wish a sponsor would be willing to help us, or at least Katniss, given her condition.
"Come here," I say, wrapping my arm around Katniss and pulling her to the ground so she can lay next to me. She needs her rest.
"I'll stay up for the first watch," Katniss offers.
"No, I'll do it," I say quickly. "You need to rest."
"You need to rest more," Katniss argues.
"I'll take the first watch," Finnick offers.
"Not a chance—" Katniss starts.
"I said I would do it. I'm fine," I tell Katniss.
Katniss is about to argue with me, but I cut her off. I know I can make her feel guilty if I need to.
"Please, for the baby, Katniss. You know I'm worried," I tell her.
Whatever argument Katniss had she quickly drops and gives me a small nod as he eyes drop to her own stomach. "Fine. For…the baby…"
I know she is struggling with that sentence, but I am grateful she s at least being conscious of the child she is caring; the child that will live if I have my way.
I smile gently and give her a small kiss on the cheek before I settle in a few feet from the group, my sword in my hand.
Within minutes I can hear Katniss snoring slightly and I am glad I got her to take some time to rest. She needs it. The arena was tough on all of us today, and she is fighting for two now.
I think everyone else is asleep as well, so I am startled when I hear Finnick's voice.
"We need water or none of us will make it," Finnick says the one thing we have already discussed a million times.
"I know that," I say simply. "I just…don't know what to do."
"I don't think its up to us honestly," Finnick says, and he looks up to the sky, as if asking a sponsor for something.
Nothing comes.
I turn my attention back to Katniss, watching her even breathing. She looks at peace while she sleeps, even though I know she will be wracked with nightmares.
"Its admirable," Finnick says.
"What is?" I ask.
"You willing to die for her," Finnick says.
I am confused by his comment because, essentially, he is willing to die for her as well. Haymitch told me the plan, and I know Finnick agreed to fight for Katniss at all costs. I wonder if he is just speaking for the sponsors now, and I so I play along.
"Yeah well… I love her," I say, and its not a lie, its not be playing along. I do love her.
"I know that. She is lucky to have you…and that baby would have been too," Finnick says.
I shrug. "As long as Katniss lives…it doesn't matter. She and the baby will be fine without me."
"But you wouldn't be fine without her?" Finnick asks.
I shake my head. "No…no without her, I don't have anything to live for. Without her, I have no reason to exist."
"Well, hopefully we will find her some water soon then," Finnick says.
I nod, swallowing hard, because I know that is important. She needs water or both her life and the baby's life are at risk.
I plunge my sword into the ground, frustrated, when suddenly I hear a small beeping noise. I quickly look up to see a parachute landing.
Finnick and I look at each other for half a minute before we quickly scramble for the sponsor's gift. Finnick reaches it first, and I am left patiently waiting. Suddenly, he tosses it at me.
"It's for Katniss," Peeta says.
I glance at the gift, and it is for Katniss, from Haymitch. I grin madly and quickly move toward Katniss, lightly shaking her awake.
"Katniss?" I say softly.
Katniss jumps up, nearly screaming and trying to find her bow until she realizes it is only me waking her.
"Relax! Relax! I have something fro you!" I try to calm her down.
Katniss calms herself down and then sees what is in my hand. She looks up confused. "What is that?"
"Its from Haymitch. Its for you," I tell her.
Katniss nods and opens the gift. She pulls out a small metal object and holds it up in the moonlight.
Instantly, I am disappointed. "What is that?"
Finnick just snorts, clearly thinking what I am thinking, Haymitch drunkenly sent us a useless gift.
But Katniss' expression brightens and her rare smile can be seen. "I know what this is…"
"What is it?" I am confused as I watch Katniss scramble to her feet and run toward the nearest tree, driving the metal object into the tree trunk.
Within seconds, I can hear Katniss' rare but infectious laugh as she steps aside to show us all water flowing from the metal spigot and onto the ground. Instantly, I know what this means. The trees are full of water, and we are all going to survive another night.
