Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, welcome to another Chapter of A Way with Words! Seems like only yesterday I started writing this thing... Actually, no it doesn't. The amount of motivation I've needed to write this chapter is embarrassing, but I have an excuse! I've been working hard, and now I have a bit of time to write again. Yay! Thanks as always to all the fantastic reviewers!

Warnings: Angsty goodness!

Disclaimer: I don't own the Hunger Games, it'd be cool if I did. Not for you lot obviously, but it'd be cool for me!

Chapter Ten: Guilt

We walk – with Castor and Pollux carrying Gale - back to the entrance to District Thirteen and it looks like Beetee's already informed someone of what had happened. There are a few Medics that greet us then move Gale onto the stretcher, they get into the elevator before us and we're told to wait while it comes back up.

The Soldiers stood at the entrance don't seem too bothered about us being here. As far as they're concerned the quicker our group gets into that elevator the quicker they can get back into the safety of their bunker.

We're all crammed in when the lift comes back up. Typical. The Commander gets the whole thing to himself and two other medics. Now there's eight of us all squashed together, two of our party are wearing large camera suits. And the Soldiers smell like they've been on duty for a while.

I'm more than happy to be back underground though; compared to the elevator this place is airy and comfortable, although it's still got nothing on the wilderness that lies just a few hundred feet above my head.

The Soldiers slink off before we can say a word to them and I'm glad to just have our team alone.

"We did it," I say. Somehow being back in Thirteen makes the whole thing seem a bit more real. Maybe because I now know we haven't been locked out for high-treason, something I know Coin wouldn't be above at this stage.

"Sure did," Castor agrees.

"Do you really think it'll work?" Messalla asks. I shrug.

"I hope so," is all I can really commit to at the moment.

"Me too," he replies.

"Well, I'd best be getting off. It's been nice working with you all again, best of luck," Cressida nods to our group then turns and leaves, we say our goodbyes and wave. She didn't seem to have had that great a time with us though. There was a glint of nervousness in her eyes when she turned away.

"I'd better get going too," says Messalla before I can think more about Cressida. "Promised a few friends I'd drop by to let them know I'd got back safely,"

Castor and Pollux also leave shortly after Messalla leaving Peeta and I alone.

'What now?' he asks.

'I don't know. All we can do is wait,' I reply.

'We could go see Finnick and Annie,' Peeta suggests.

'I'd rather not,' Peeta gives me a puzzled look. 'I don't want to be in the same room as Gale in case I punch him,'

'You'd have to get in line,' Peeta grins. 'Well, that plan didn't work,'

I laugh and so does Peeta. This is ridiculous. Using Finnick and Annie as a ruse to go hit Gale while he's down. Peeta's definitely been spending too much time with me and Haymitch. But I don't really mind. I know Peeta wouldn't really go any further than glare at Gale if he passed him in the halls, and not just because he'd be carted off into the wilderness before he could get his second punch in. He wouldn't attack Gale because that's not the sort of person Peeta is.

He's a protector. He keeps an eye out for his friends, like Finnick. But he's better than Finnick. Because Peeta's my protector. I'll always be his top priority and he'll always be mine. Sure we'll look out for other people, but when push comes to shove, the only ones that matter are me and him.

Peeta's waving a hand in front of my face and I snap out of my daydream.

'You okay? You look a bit... far away'

I smile and close the gap between us. I then lean up slightly and kiss him, not for very long and not particularly passionately. He doesn't really have time to respond, but that's okay. I rest my head on his shoulder, he rests his face in my hair, every now and then he'll plant a kiss on my scalp.

I don't know how long we're stood like this for. But suddenly I'm jolted from our comfy solitude by a voice I haven't been hearing much of lately.

"You two lovebirds should come and eat something that's not each other's faces!" It's Prim. I whip away from Peeta and frown.

"You know that barely makes sense, right?" I say. Prim makes a funny 'pfft'ing sound, sounds a bit like an annoyed mule.

"Whatever. Our Mother's working and I can't find anyone from class. Please Katniss? I don't want to eat on my own," Oh the guilt trip. I sigh.

"Fine!" I tut. "We're coming,"

I can hear Peeta chuckle behind me and I'm about to turn around and rant about annoying relatives. I thank whatever part of my brain that reminded me of Peeta's family and to keep my mouth shut.

Losing my Father was awful, I got on with it, but that didn't stop it from hurting. I'd never seen much love between Peeta and that witch of a Mother of his, but I'm pretty sure he'd had a good relationship with his brothers and his Father. To lose them all at once. I imagine losing Prim and my Mother. It hurts just to imagine.

"Come on Katniss, what's the hold up?" I'm vaguely aware of Prim's voice a few feet up ahead.

But it's not until Peeta's stood in front of me, lifting my head so our eyes meet that I realise I've stopped walking.

"Katniss?" Prim has stopped now too. She looks concerned and so does Peeta, I'm not sure why. "Why are you crying?"

Oh. That's why.

Crap!

"Err, I'm not," I wipe my eyes with the back of my hand. There's not a lot, in fact I think only one eye was enough of a traitor to let a tear fall, the other is damp though. "My eyes are just stinging a bit, I'm tired and being out in the sun all morning and-"

"You're a lousy liar, Katniss," Prim tuts. She's walked back over to us and taken me in her arms. When did she get so big? We're nearly the same height now. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," I sniff. She's right, I am a lousy liar. I look to Peeta, hoping he can come up with some excuse to get Prim off my case. "Seriously, I'm fine. Just, hormones you know?"

"Hmm," Prim doesn't look overly convinced but she turns to Peeta instead. "Make sure she goes to bed; come get me if she's playing hardball,"

"I'm not five!" I protest but Peeta's already given Prim a quick salute. He then signs for me to go with him; I do as I'm told.

We don't sign or speak on the way back to our room, I'm glad that Peeta appreciates privacy. I just keep my head down until we're at our door.

I plonk myself down onto the bed and bring my arms across my face in embarrassment. My tears have gone but my face feels warm and the space behind my eyes is starting to throb.

I feel Peeta's weight shift the bed slightly and I'm soon being held by him, those big arms – finally back to how they were before the Games – keeping me cocooned.

When I'm ready, I push up slightly so I can look him in the eyes.

'Sorry,'

Peeta shakes his head.

'What's wrong, Katniss?' He asks, straight to business.

I take a deep breath, I have no plan for what I want to say, but then, what else is new?

"Aren'tyousadyourfamily'sdead?" I garble. I can barely understand what I'm saying myself and when Peeta raises his eyebrows at me I know I need to slow down. I raise my hands; if anything can slow me down it's having to sign alongside speaking. It also gives me a few moments to form a slightly better worded question. 'Do you miss your family?'

He's not expecting that, I can tell. But I have to give him credit, he doesn't look away, he's just looking at me with a slightly far off gaze he sometimes gets when he's thinking. I've seen that look on his face before when he's been painting something from memory.

He nods. Of course he nods; I can't believe how stupid a question I just asked. Did I miss my Father when he died? I still miss him now!

I'm ready to apologise but Peeta raises his hands before I can speak.

'I miss them. I miss my Father most, he was kind, he cared for all our family. I feel bad my brothers will never have families of their own to care for. And my Mother... She was my Mother, I have to miss her,' he shrugs at the last part and I can kind of understand how he feels. His Mother would have never mourned if he'd been the one to perish, we both know that. She'd never been openly pleasant with anyone, especially not her own family. I know not to raise the subject any further. 'Is this why you were upset?'

"Maybe I can blame a bit on hormones?" I try, he doesn't buy that. 'Fine, yes,'

He leans in and plants a kiss on my lips; I can feel him smile just before he pulls away.

'You don't have to be upset, Katniss. I'm sad my family is gone, but I'm also relieved,' I look at him, puzzled. 'I know they're at peace now, nothing can hurt them. Now, all I have to worry about is you,'

I start to speak; start to tell Peeta that he doesn't need to worry about me but he places his index finger to my mouth. Nice, being told to shut up by the guy who can't talk.

'I will always worry about you, Katniss.' I would roll my eyes, but Peeta's holding them with his gaze. 'I used to worry about my family, they're gone now. I still have you though, my last bit of family,'

'Peeta, I'm not-' he cuts me off again with that damn finger then takes it away to continue.

'You could be,' he signs. It takes a few moments for his words to sink in, and then.

Wow.

'Are you-'

'Yes,' he signs. 'Marry me? For real this time?'

I can't move. Maybe I got the translation wrong? But I know I remember Thim teaching the signs for 'Married' and 'Marriage' mainly for Finnick and Annie's benefit.

And even if I hadn't been one hundred percent on the translation, the look in Peeta's eyes is enough for me to know what he means. He's waiting for my answer. Come on Katniss! Yes or no question, we can do this.

"Not yet," I hate my brain.

Peeta looks stung and I feel ashamed, I bring up my hands to explain, I'd been in too much shock before to move them.

'Not yet,' I repeat. 'Anything could happen now. If we win this Rebellion, my answer's yes,'

Peeta ponders this for a few moments, he looks less upset but there's still something bothering him.

'And if we don't win?'

'It won't matter,' I reply. Peeta shakes his head.

'It will to me,' he signs. I rub my temple. This should be easy to answer, would I still want to marry Peeta if the Rebellion failed? Of course I would. But I know that would never work out.

'Peeta... I love you,' I try to gulp but my mouth has gone completely dry. It takes a few seconds for me to find my words. 'I will love if we win the Rebellion, I will love you if we don't. Marriage is just a ring and some bread over a fire. It can't last through a war,'

He looks at me with those blue eyes, I can see he's not completely satisfied with my answer but what else can I say? The only reason I would marry would be if I thought I was going to have children. If we end up losing to the Capitol, I couldn't even dream of bringing a child into the world. I probably wouldn't even survive long enough to think about having a child.

Before this can get any more awkward the door to our room slams open and Haymitch storms in.

"What the hell kind of prank did you two pull this morning?" he shouts. Oh great, something's gone wrong.

"What's happened?" I ask.

"Scouts are reporting mass activity in the Capitol," Haymitch explains. "All accounts are saying that whatever's happening over there, happened less than an hour after Beetee sent over your Propo. A few officials are watching the shoot now,"

"What kind of 'mass activity'?" I ask, everything sounds pretty vague. I wasn't even aware we had 'scouts' in the Capitol, but I suppose that makes sense. Coin's not stupid; she must have a few people in the Capitol working as spies.

"I don't know, but Coin's really not happy," Haymitch sits down on a nearby chair and holds his head in his hands. "What have you done?"

I tell him. I tell him about Peeta's painting, I tell him about how we've called for a ceasefire, I even tell him what really happened with Gale on the understanding that he doesn't breathe a word of it to anyone else.

By the end of me running through the Propo, my old Mentor looks ready to break down in tears.

"Do you two have a death wish or something?"

'It's a better plan than fighting,' Peeta signs and I translate.

"Are you kidding me?" Haymitch nearly screams at Peeta. "What made you think this could work? Huh? You've given our whole game plan away,"

"Not really much of a game plan," I say. "I mean, the Capitol must be expecting something,"

"Well... yeah," Haymitch sighs, he knows we're right and there's no way he can deny it. "I know just as well as you two that the Capitol aren't so stupid as to not have expected an attack, they've been on high alert since we took Two. But that's not how Coin sees it. You're both going to have to do some serious grovelling, otherwise your heads are gonna be on her chopping board,"

"There's not much we can do now," I shrug. "The Propo's out there, nothing Coin does to us is going to matter now,"

"It'll give her a bit of satisfaction," Haymitch replies and I know he's right. She'd take great pleasure in getting back at me and Peeta purely out of spite.

I don't really know what to say, I just hold my head in my hands and I feel Peeta's arm slip around my waist in support.

I hear the door open again.

"President Coin wants to see you all now," it's Commander Moya. His face doesn't tell me anything. "She's waiting in the Command,"

He leaves without another word to any of us. I look to Peeta and he gives me a reassuring smile.

'Come on,' he signs. 'What's the worst that could happen?'

My Father used to forbid us from using that phrase because of the bad luck it usually brought with it. But then I guess Peeta and I have had bad luck since we first entered the Hunger Games, it's not really anything new.

We're in the Command in less than ten minutes.

Apparently Coin wanted an audience for this because when we get in a few dozen people are crammed in facing Coin. They're people I vaguely recognise as being quite high ranking officials, Moya is there along with all the other Commanders bar Gale.

Coin's stood up at the front and when we enter her eyes fall on me. The whole room is almost silent as we walk towards her; the only things making noise are our footsteps and Peeta's crutches.

We're stopped just in front of Coin by two armed Soldiers; they're carrying guns that are almost the same length as my bow. They make the handguns I was given whilst out on Propo shoots look quite insignificant.

"Everdeen, Mellark," she acknowledges us first then turns to Haymitch. "Abernathy, please take a seat, I wish to speak with these two without you being here to fight their battles,"

Haymitch looks to us both, nods quickly as a way of saying 'good luck' or maybe 'it's been nice knowing you' then goes to take a seat with the other officials.

"Now," Coin folds her arms and rocks back onto her heels slightly. "Haven't you two been busy this morning,"

Peeta shrugs but I know Coin isn't expecting an answer from me.

"People of District Thirteen," Coin addresses the others in the room. I look around and notice a camera stood on a tripod near Coin; this is probably being broadcast throughout the District. "These two people could well be the reason for the failure of our Rebellion tomorrow. They have acted without regard for your lives; they have broadcast our intentions to the entirety of the Capitol. This has compromised our slim chance at freedom. Everything that has been worked for up until now, potentially wasted.

"I must apologise on behalf of these two to all the Soldiers and Commanders who have worked tirelessly for months, in some cases years. Your efforts are still very much appreciated but it must be understood that in light of these new conditions our mission will be much harder. If we don't keep to our attack plan District Thirteen will likely be bombed into oblivion before we can mount an alternative attack. But with the Capitol's defences now at an all time high the battle will be much riskier.

"I also offer condolences to the men and women who have worked on weapons, armour, tactics and anything else to benefit the Rebellion. While we will still be in need of all your works they may be wasted thanks to Peeta Mellark and Katniss Everdeen," Coin is talking with a sick sort of sincerity that's almost painful to listen to. "You're all probably wondering two things, much like I did when I first was made aware of what had taken place. How and why? How and why did Everdeen and Mellark manage to pull this frankly heinous act? Well the 'How' is quite easily answered. For they did not act alone,"

Coin lifts one hand and flicks it in a gesturing motion. A door opens to her left and some people walk out and stand between us and Coin.

I recognise half the people in the line-up: Pollux, Castor, Beetee, Cressida, Messalla and Plutarch. They all look a little worse for wear, Pollux has a black eye as does Beetee, Castor's nose is bent and bleeding, Cressida and Messalla seem flustered but otherwise unharmed and Plutarch looks like he got the worst of whatever punishment they went through, his lip has swollen, his nose is bleeding and I'm pretty sure I can see where a tooth has gone missing.

I can guess what caused my accomplices dishevelled appearances. The other six people who are stood behind them are Soldiers. They're all carrying guns like the ones who stopped us getting too close to Coin only these new Soldiers have their guns pointed at their marks.

I look to Peeta, he's gone white as a sheet, he can see where this is going just as well as I can.

"These six District Thirteen members have played vital roles in aiding Everdeen and Mellark. They have gone behind my back and even stooped to lying-" Coin shoots Plutarch a look when she says this "-to me about what their intentions were,"

"I told you, I didn't know what Everdeen had planned," Plutarch argues but is quickly silenced when the Soldier marking him shoves the back end of his gun into his ribs. He doubles up and I can see the others cringe.

"Some have denied their knowledge of Everdeen and Mellark's intentions, others have told me they were well aware of what was going to happen," I can guess who said what. "This leads me to believe that some of these people you see before me are lying. And those who lied directly to me are the ones I'm less likely to believe on this occasion,"

I can see Plutarch actually gulp. There's sweat on his face, probably from stress and pain.

"Therefore I am inclined to believe that these citizens worked directly against me and in turn against all of us," Coin explains. "So we know how they pulled it off. Now for the why,"

There's a pause and Coin looks to Peeta and I, I half expect her to allow us to explain ourselves but then she starts to talk again and I remember that this is Coin. She wouldn't want us to voice our reasons in case people actually agreed with them.

"My guess is as good as any, but I don't think that asking either of these two would really help. After all, why would they tell the truth? So here's my theory; Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark have been embittered towards District Thirteen's efforts against the Capitol. They never actually chose the Rebellion themselves. Had they won the Hunger Games for a second time they would have simply gone back to living a life of luxury that the Capitol had given them, even if just one had survived, they would have carried on without a word against the Capitol,"

I want to scream and shout and scratch at Coin's face for her words, but I know it would only mean trouble for those stood in front of me. I keep quiet.

"We rescued these two from possible death and all we asked for in return was support in the Rebellion. Instead they do this. They give away our plans to the enemy, they tell the Capitolists that we wish to cease fighting and make friends. This might seem like a good idea Citizens of District Thirteen but don't be fooled! The reality is that Everdeen and Mellark don't care about what happens. They miss their easy lifestyles; they begrudge us for taking that away in order to try for a freer world. This is their chance to get back to Snow and back to their happy lives. They don't care about us Ladies and Gentlemen, they are just a product of the Capitol.

"And if you want more proof," Coin continues. "Simply look to those in front of me. Plutarch Heavensbee; born in the Capitol, came to join the Rebellion when he was young and still had potential, but his time as an insider in the Capitol poisoned his mind, that is his real home. Pollux and Castor, two brothers born into the Capitol, Pollux seems to believe that as he was made a slave by the Capitol he could stand a chance against them, but the reality is he and his brother can't bear to fight against their home. Cressida and Messalla, again, brought up in the lap of luxury, only came to join the Rebellion when they were asked to join. They did so out of cowardice and nothing else. And Beetee, much like Mellark and Everdeen, not a Capitol native but intoxicated by Snow's treatment of his precious victors,"

"All of the people you see here have conspired against our District. Normally I would suggest imprisonment for these sort of crimes, but I think that given the heinous nature of their actions, prison would be too easy. I see this to be the only other alternative," Coin raises a hand and the Soldiers marking our allies raise their guns to their heads. I can see tears running down Cressida's face, and Messalla looks fit to do the same. The rest are stony-faced, I can see a muscle in Plutarch's jaw twitch.

The two guards who halted us when we first entered the room are now holding their guns to our heads as well.

I want to reach over to Peeta and take his hand but he's just a bit too far away for me to make a move.

So this is how we die. In front of hundreds, maybe even thousands now that those from the Districts have moved to Thirteen. Finnick and Annie are going to have to watch this in the Hospital I'm sure. Watch their friends die with the knowledge that there's nothing they can do to stop it. Maybe they'll try to rebel, I wouldn't put it past them.

Haymitch is going to have to watch us die first hand. I just hope that if they do win their Rebellion there'll be a way for him to get his hands on a large supply of white liquor. He shouldn't have to remember something like this. No one should.

I feel guilt like never before as my eyes scan over the people before me. All innocent no matter how I look at it. Sure they could've walked away at any time, they chose to help us instead of Coin, but then I realise none of them really knew what was happening until it happened. And Plutarch and Cressida, I'd basically blackmailed them into this. That thought makes me feel a bit ill.

My thoughts finally drift to Prim and my Mother. That's more painful than any other thoughts I've had. They've already lost my Father; at least they didn't have to watch his death. They're going to watch my brains getting blown out. Maybe they'll look away before the trigger's pulled. But I know my family, they'll watch until the broadcast is over. Frozen like I am now. Their eyes glued to the projection.

"Do any of you have some last words?" Coin asks; I know that's just a nasty little dig at Peeta. There are so many things I want to say. I want to tell the whole of Thirteen how manipulative Coin is and how she will cause ruin no matter what happens. But I don't speak up, I fear that if I do my life will just be cut even shorter.

The rooms silent. I hear each gun being cocked and I lower my head. In a few seconds I'll be with my Father.

I don't say anything but in my head I just repeat over and over again I'm sorry, to no one in particular.

"WAIT!" I tense quickly when I hear Haymitch's voice boom through the Command. From the sound of a chair scraping I can tell that he's on his feet but I don't turn to look at him. I'm mentally urging him to shut up and sit down, one wrong word and Coin will make sure he'll be joining us.

The room is quiet and I'm guessing Coin has gestured for Haymitch to continue.

"I think I know a better way of doing this." Well, can't say I was expecting him to say that. But then given my Mentor's general opinion of me I can't say I'm overly surprised. "Think about it Coin. Do you really want these people's blood on your hands? They are still Thirteen citizens after all,"

"Citizens who don't wish to be here," Coin corrects and for once I agree with her.

"All the same," Haymitch replies. "Wouldn't it be easier to just send them into battle? Strategically it's probably the best we've got. Send them down let's say twenty minutes before the main attack. Capitolist Soldiers rush out to deal with the Mockingjay and her crew, absolute pandemonium. Then while that's being sorted and they're celebrating the death of their main targets send in the real enforcements,"

Part of me wants to argue about being used as bait. But then I think there's a slight chance to redeem myself. I could help our friends get away. Get them to run while I get annihilated, after all they're only interested in me.

And Peeta, a small voice in the back of my head corrects. Which is true, and I know Peeta wouldn't run anyway. He'd want to stay with me until the very end.

Coin is mulling this new plan over and I can hear a murmur of assent from the people behind me. Apparently they think more to this idea than Coin's public execution. At least this way they can blame the Capitol for our deaths. And there'll be fewer brains and bits of skull to mop up.

"I can see your logic, Abernathy," Coin must have waved the Soldiers down because the gun barrel is no longer pointing at my face. "Very well. Guards, take these men and women to the holding areas for tonight. Tomorrow we take back our lives,"

I sneak a look at Haymitch before I leave. His face is completely unreadable but before I turn away I see one eye close on its own, it's an almost imperceptible wink, but I got it.

Again, I don't know if he's saying 'good luck' or 'it's been nice knowing you'.

Another Chapter for you readers to get your teeth into. Originally this was going to be the last Chapter with a bit of a different ending. But then inspiration arrived and thus you get another Chapter, you poor things! As always stay tuned and if you want to leave feedback it's always welcomed. Reviews mean previews!