Summary: Katniss goes to the Feast and gets saved by an unexpected person. She learns about the real story behind the bread.

I began sprinting towards the pack but I heard the wiz of an approaching knife which I deflected. I turned and sent an arrow towards Clove's chest but she turned and it only gave her a slight puncture in the arm. I kept moving grabbing the pack when she sent her second knife that gashed my forehead and nearly blinded me. I tried to shoot her but the blood made it hard to see and I missed. Then Clove jumped me pinning me down and grinning evilly down at me.

I knew it was over. There was no way I would be able to fight Clove. I hoped Prim and my little cousins weren't watching. Especially Prim. I had broken my promise to her. I hoped Clove would do it quickly. But Clove seemed to savor the moment. She knew she had Cato to ward off Thresh. She taunted me about Peeta as she selected a thin little knife from her jacket. I tried to pretend that he was out there searching for Cato. But she saw through my lies as soon as he didn't materialize.

Then she said the one thing that made me want to kill her even if I died in the process, "We're going to kill you just like we killed the pathetic little ally you had. The one that went in the trees. First Rue, then you and we'll let nature get ride of Lover Boy. How does that sound?"

I tried biting her and then I spit on her to her disgust. I refused to close my eyes. No matter what she would see me staring her down defiant to the end. I would die as much as possible undefeated. I waited for the pain of her knife cutting my face. But it never came. Instead, I saw her yanked up as if she was a child and heard her screaming. I didn't know what had happened. Then I saw Thresh holding Clove like a doll towering over us until he threw her to the ground as if she weighed a feather.

Then he shouted at her. His shout was doubly impressive considering I had never heard him speak above a quiet rumble. "Did you kill the little girl?"

Clove started scrambling backward like a terrified child, such a contrast to her bravado of just a moment earlier. She denied killing Rue. But Thresh's face was full of rage, rage that had been reflected on my own face. "You cut her up like you cut up this girl?"

"No, I didn't…" But it was too late. She saw the stone and began to scream for Cato. But Cato was too far away. I could only hear the echo of their voices. Thresh brought the rock down on her skull and she slumped to the ground. She wasn't dead but she soon would be.

Then Thresh turned to me. I didn't try to run. He could catch me without breaking a sweat. And I didn't have any arrows. Then he said, "Were you Rue's ally?"

"Yes, we teamed up. Blew up the supplies. I tried to save her. But I didn't get there in time. District 1 got there first." I hoped that my allying with Rue would at least merit me a quick death. He didn't strike me as the type to kill like Clove had attempted. His blow to her had been relatively clean and precise.

"And you killed him?"

"Yes, I did. And I buried her in flowers. And sang her to sleep." I felt tears come to my eyes. Rue, the pain of my injury and the fact that I was up right next to death.

"To sleep," Thresh muttered gruffly. His face had softened.

"To death. I sang until she died. Your district sent me bread." I wiped my eyes and said, "Do it fast, please."

I saw the range of emotions pass over Thresh's face. Indecision, sadness, pity and maybe even respect. Then he said almost angrily, "Just this once I'll let you go. For the little girl. Then we're even. No more owed. Do you understand?"

I nodded. I understood all about owing. I understood how it hurt to owe people. I understood how people would react to him letting me go. His District already thanked me. Then he did the same thing. Maybe it was Rue who had the effect on people.

I heard Cato calling for Clove and I was surprised by the pain in his voice. Thresh said urgently, "Better run, Fire Girl."

I took off just as Thresh grabbed both of the remaining backpacks and disappeared. I paused and looked back to see Cato kneel beside Clove and beg her to stay with him. I didn't wait around to see him realize it was too late. I kept running trying to wipe away the blood streaming. I heard the cannon fire and knew that Cato would be after either me or Thresh. The only thing that comforted me was that Cato would probably follow Thresh who had his backpack. I tried hard not to wonder if there had been something between Cato and Clove. Perhaps they had been friends or even lovers? The only time I had ever heard Cato behave like a human and not a beast was about Clove. But there was no time to think.

I made it back to the cave and with trembling hands opened the bag and took out the needle containing Peeta's medicine. I inserted it into his arm as my mother did and pressed the button. I put my hand on my face and saw the blood smeared across it. Then I collapsed seeing a lovely green and silver moth land on my wrist. But I couldn't be sure I didn't dream that up.

I awoke thinking myself at home. I could hear the sound of rain on the roof and the feel of the blankets keeping me safe and warm. I felt a headache and wondered if I was sick and my mother had kept me home from school. I felt my mother's hand touching my face and I didn't resist. Sometimes I used to long for her touch to remind me that I could trust her and love her. But the voice was wrong. It wasn't my mother's and I panicked.

I opened my eyes and home slipped away. I looked around me and saw the cave, the blood all over and the pale, gaunt face of the boy. Peeta. I felt disappointment rise in me. The dream had been so real.

"Good to see you awake." He told me a smile touching his face.

"How long have I been out?" I asked.

"I'm not sure. I woke up and saw you lying there in a pool of blood. I think it stopped now but I wouldn't sit up or move." I felt the bandage but even the smallest gesture made me feel sick and dizzy. Peeta gave me some water and I drank it eagerly. I remembered from a time that Rory got a gash on his head that head wounds bleed profusely even if they aren't serious. As long as the bleeding stopped and we kept it clean it wouldn't be too bad.

"You're better," I commented. Peeta still looked pale but the feverish flush had left his face and he seemed much more coherent.

"Much. That shot cured me. The swelling is nearly gone."

I noticed he didn't seem angry and I hoped that would stay. Perhaps he felt sorry for my appearance and was reserving the lecture for a time when I was better. But he was all gentleness now. It was nice being taken care of for a change. It rarely happened unless I was sick. Peeta fed me groosling and raisins and forced water down my throat. Then he rubbed my feet and wrapped his jacket around them before tucking the sleeping bag around me as if I was Prim. It was comforting but strange.

"I know Clove's dead. Did you kill her?" he asked.

"No, Thresh did."

"Lucky he didn't catch you," Peeta told me.

Then I remembered everything and I felt sick. I told Peeta the whole story. I even added things I hadn't been able to tell him such as the alliance with Rue and my killing the boy from 1.

"He let you go because he didn't want to owe you anything?" asked Peeta in disbelief.

"Yes, but you won't understand. You've had enough. But if you live in the Seam you would understand." I said. Even Gale, who wasn't known for being generous, would have understood. Thresh did the honorable thing. Debts must be paid no matter what.

"And don't try. Because I'm clearly too stupid to get it." Peeta sounded annoyed and I sighed.

"It's like the bread. How I can't stop owing you."

"From when we were kids? Can't we let that go? I mean you just saved my life."

"But that's different. You didn't know me. Besides the first gift was always the hardest to pay back. I wouldn't even be here if you hadn't helped me."

"But you put yourself in more danger helping me. Therefore I owe you. And regardless of you, I would still be here but I would be dead." He replied. I considered that for a moment. It was true but what I said had been also true.

"So, Cato and Thresh? Is it too much to hope that they'll kill each other?" He was changing the subject and I went along with it. The Capitol didn't need to hear our personal stories. But the thought of Thresh's death made me sad.

"I think Thresh might have been our friend if he was back in District 12," I said. I thought of Rue climbing trees and being taught how to use a bow and arrow and setting snares. I thought of Thresh and how much like a Seam man he was. There was something about being from the two poorest districts that made things different.

"Then let's hope Cato kills him, so we don't have to." Said Peeta. I suddenly felt a wave of grief pass over me. I didn't want anyone to die anymore especially Thresh. But I couldn't go around saying that. The Capitol would hate it. I felt tears start to form though I fought them. Peeta was all concern wondering if I was ok.

I gave him the only safe answer, " I want to go home, Peeta." I sounded about as young as Posy.

"You will, I promise." He gave me a kiss.

"But I want to go home now," I said. I was definitely sounded like Posy now. Hazelle would be scolding me for whining.

"You go to sleep and dream of home. And before you know it you'll be there for real." I felt his hand pass over my other cheek gently. I fell asleep quickly.

When I awoke I was starved. I think Peeta was just as hungry and there wasn't much left. I resolved that tomorrow I would hunt. When we saw the projection there were no faces. Cato and Thresh were still alive. Peeta told me where Thresh was hiding but added that he hadn't wanted to go into the field for fear of the wild things.

I thought about the warnings about not going past the fence for fear of the wild animals. In that way, Gale and Thresh were very much alike viewing the field as a source of sustenance. Peeta wasn't soft nor a coward but he had learned not to question things. His house was always full of food. But for us in the Seam we questioned everything. Would he be shocked by our laughter as we broke the law? Would he find Gale's tirades against the Capitol excessive?

"I wonder what we have to do to get some bread," Peeta questioned. I realized belatedly that he didn't know about Haymitch's message and I could hardly say it right out. The audience couldn't know the romance was fake. But I had to get it on track. I could hear Haymitch complaining about how dull everything was.

"He probably spent a lot of money on the sleep syrup," I said impishly.

"Yeah, now that you mention it. Don't try that again." He took my hand.

"Or what." I challenged.

"The problem is that we both survived. That makes you think you did the right thing."

"I did the right thing," I said.

"No. No, you didn't." He gripped my hand so tightly I felt actual pain and I could hear the anger in his tone. "Don't die for me. You won't be doing me any favors."

I didn't understand why he was saying all this. It didn't make sense but it would help us get food. "Maybe I did it for me. Maybe you aren't the only one who …worries…about…"

I stumbled through my speech wishing I was as smooth a talker as Peeta. And while I was speaking I realized that part of it was true. The idea of losing him hit me and I realized how much I wanted him to live. It was more than the sponsors or how people would treat me at home. It isn't even about not wanting to be alone. It's him. I didn't want to lose the boy with the bread.

"If what, Katniss." He whispered.

I wished we were alone. I wished all the cameras would disappear even if it meant we lost out on food. This was my business and mine alone. "That's what Haymitch wanted me to avoid." In reality, Haymitch was probably yelling at me to stop hiding and say it.

"Then I'll just have to fill in the blanks myself." He said and moved in on me.

This was the first kiss we were both fully conscious of. This was the first kiss that I felt stirring in my chest and a warm, curious feeling spreading through me. This was the first kiss that made me want another. Suddenly I understood a little why people were so mad about kissing. But I didn't get one.

"You're wound's bleeding again. You better lie down and try to sleep."

It was so cold we huddled together in the sleeping bag. I was struck by his immediacy as we settled down with my head resting on his arm and his other arm wrapped around me protectively. I hadn't been simply held in a long time. Not since my father died no one's arms had felt this safe. Even then it felt different. There was something intimate about being held this way.

The next day the rain continued and we were beginning to get very hungry. It was useless to try to hunt as I could barely see a foot in front of my face. The only hope was Haymitch but he didn't seem to be willing or able to help. Perhaps he found my end of the Star-Crossed Lovers act lacking. It was true we were pretty boring huddled together for warmth and sleeping. The kiss was nice but it would take some work to sneak another one. Some of the girls at school did this sort of thing easily. But I had never had the time or desire to do any of it. And clearly, the kiss wasn't enough or Haymitch would have sent something. Perhaps Haymitch wants some sort of personal story which was the very thing I most struggled with. Peeta, on the other hand, excelled on that sort of stuff.

"Peeta. When you said you had a crush on me forever when were you talking about?"

"It was the first day of school. I think we were five. You had a red plaid dress and your hair was in two braids. My father pointed you out and said, 'See that little girl? I wanted to marry her mother, but she ran off with a coal miner."

"What? You're making this up." I couldn't believe it. My mother was once beautiful but I hadn't ever thought that she had a boyfriend before my father. And I wondered why she had married my father. Her life would have been much easier as the Baker's wife. But then again I guess her love for my father had been so deep she was willing to give up everything for it. That was the very thing I wanted to avoid.

"No, honestly. I asked him why she would give up him for a coal miner and he said it was because when he sang the birds stopped to listen."

"That's true. I mean it was true." I exclaimed. I began to wonder if my dislike of singing wasn't about time but about the memories of my father.

"Then later that day in music assembly the teacher asked if anyone knew the valley song and your hand shot up. You stood up on a stool and sang it. I swear all the birds outside fell silent."

I rolled my eyes. Peeta was laying on so thick even the Capitol must be thinking it was a ruse.

"No, it happened. And when the song ended I knew just like your mother that I was a goner. I spent the next eleven years trying to talk to you."

"Without success," I added. Why had he been so afraid to talk to me? He wasn't shy. He had a lot of friends and lots of girls who looked at him with admiration. I was a poor Seam girl. Perhaps it was his mother.

"Without success. So I guess being reaped was a stroke of luck in a way."

For a moment I was foolishly happy and then I felt confusion sweep over me. This was supposed to be an act. We weren't really in love but pretending to be in love. But then parts of his story did add up. I did have a red dress, I did sing on the first day of school and the birds did fall silent when my father sang. Was that why he had given me the bread?

"You have a remarkable memory," I said struggling to find words.

"I remember everything about you. You're the one who wasn't paying attention."

"I am now."

"Well, I don't have much competition here."

I wanted to pull away again and shut out the audience. But I could hear Haymitch yelling at me so I said, "You don't have much competition anywhere." And then I leaned in for a kiss.

I could hear the sound of the silver parachute outside just as our lips touched. Inside was rolls, goat cheese, apples and a bowl of lamb stew with rice. Peeta commented that Haymitch must have taken pity on us. But I knew it was because of what I said. I began to feel a little guilty. If Peeta was really honest about his feelings I was deceiving him for food. Women in the Seam went to the Peacekeepers especially Cray all the time and no one really judged them. But Peeta was a different sort. He didn't deserve to be deceived. But then again who's to say he wasn't playing just as much of an act as I was.

The food was so delicious and we were so hungry it took a lot of willpower not to eat the whole thing. Peeta ended up filling the hour between our servings by flirting with me. I blushed but hoped that the cameras didn't pick it up. We sat next to each other in the sleeping bag with his arm around me. He talked about how none of the other girls held a candle to me. We even made a few jokes at Haymitch's expense which would definitely play well with the audience. And as much as it offended me to be compared to Haymitch we did seem to understand each other. Perhaps it was because we were both from the Seam.

The anthem began playing as I dished out my second helping. I had heard no cannons so I expected that there was nothing. But Peeta went to look. He called to me but I kept ignoring him. Then I looked up.

"Thresh is dead." He said soberly.

"He can't be," I said. I almost didn't believe it and then I looked up and saw his face. I sank down on the ground. I ought to have been happy but all I could think of was him saving my life and Rue. But I couldn't show my emotions. Rue had been young but Thresh was a fierce warrior and no one expected me to mourn him. That night I hid my face and silently said goodbye to Thresh and thanked him for saving my life. I promised to do my best to help his family if I could. But it was hard to remember the life I used to live if I ever got out of here.

Chapter Note: You may notice I implied that Cato and Clove were close, maybe even friends or lovers. I don't really ship them as I find the glorification of the Career mindset a little creepy. That being said they are teens and I wanted to show that even Cato had a human side. I always really liked Thresh. I think he might have been a Victor if he hadn't been up against the Star-Crossed Lovers (who had to win for the story to continue). We also get the cave kiss. I find it interesting how often Katniss refers back to this. Until the Beach, it remained the only kiss she really cared about. I have always liked the story of how Peeta fell for her. Poor Katniss isn't sure what to think and is starting to feel guilty.