Peeta's POV

I'm awake and I see Johanna lying on the ground panting and out of breath. She's a mess, with nothing but rags over her body. I remember what happened before, and I feel sick from guilt. There she was, Cato doing what he pleases and me not doing anything to stop it. I feel like shit.

She turns her head to me, and gives me an amused look on her face.

"Will you stop worrying?"

"He…"

"Look. I don't care what happens to me. I lost everything. I have nothing. Nothing matters anymore."

"You can't just give in like that! You can't! Whatever happens, you can't let them change you. Show them that they can't own you, that you are more than just a piece in their games."

She smirks. "You haven't been here as long as I have. Mark my words, they will take your sanity and turn you into a monster."

"I won't let them."

She doesn't respond, and just stares at a wall.

"Snow lacks his sanity, that's why he took mine."

"Huh?"

"He is hell bent on capturing a mermaid. He believes in fairy tales. He's insane, see?"

"Why?"

"He believes mermaids are the key to immortality or something. The past months I've stayed here, I've heard things…very disturbing things. His mouth…he kissed me with that foul, rotten, bloody mouth. His breath stinks because he eats mermaids. He still doesn't look immortal to me. Just some ugly, loony, old man. He's a sick man. Very sick. Made me sick too. He infects everyone with this mental disease of his. He'll get to you too. Just you wait."

I'm shaking. This can't be real. Not real. Not real. Not real.

"I don't know what's real anymore. Every single fucking day, they touch me. Fuck me. Hit me. Whatever they can to bring me pain and bring them pleasure. I'm just a fucking toy."

"Have you ever attempted escape?"

"Yes, and I was close too. I was going to jump overboard even though I can't swim. I rather drown than be subjected to this torture."

"We'll get out of here. I just know it. We have to. I have to."

"Good luck with that."

Johanna scares me. Will I end up like her? Will I die insane? Will I never see Katniss again? No. I cannot afford to think like that.

"Who's she? The girl Cato mentioned."

I am a bit taken aback by her bluntness, and I struggle to find the words to speak. Talking about her is too painful.

"Your girlfriend?"

"Yes."

"What's her name? Is she pretty?"

"Katniss. She's beautiful."

"Do you love her?"

"Yes."

Why is she asking me this?

"I wish I loved someone in that way. Before I was taken."

"I'm sorry."

"At least you had the chance."

"You'll get the chance. We're busting out of here."

"Ok, tell me, what brilliant plan have you come up with?"

"I'll think of something."

"Well hurry the hell up. Everyday these bastards come in and fuck me. I can't take it anymore!"

Just then, the door flies open, and Snow and Clove enter. Snow looks down at Johanna, licking his lips.

"Had fun?"

I just want to puke right there. She remains silent, glaring at him.

"Good evening Mellark. You've been unconscious for a while. I hope you enjoyed your first night here."

"Fuck off." Spat Johanna.

"A little feisty now?" He then leans down to smack Johanna across the face. Johanna spits at his face. Snow retreats.

"I'll have Cato deal with you later. Anyways, tell me about Katniss."

"I rather die than tell you."

"I can't have you die…yet. You know what…forget it. I have a better idea. Clove, dear." He leans in and whispers something in her ear. Clove widens her eyes, but smirks right away, her eyes darkening.

"I'll leave you three now, and Clove, be a good girl."

He closes the door, leaving just me, Johanna, and Clove in the dark room. Clove is holding something behind her back. She then changes her expression to a more, innocent one. Her grin disappears, and her eyes stare at me in much of a similar manner like…

"Peeta."

I just stare at her, confused. What's going on?

"Oh Peeta."

She leans down and straddles me, and our noses touch.

"I've missed you so much."

She then proceeds to kiss me tenderly on the lips and tightly grabs my hair. She moans under my breath. I find this torturous. Is she going to…NO! Clove notices my panic, but ignores it and slides her hand down my chest. She then reaches my pants, and removes it, exposing myself. This can't be happening. Not real. Not real. Not real. She grabs my manhood and strokes it back and forth. At that moment I just scream.

I just want to die. Right here, right now.

"What's the matter? Peeta...what's wrong? We've done this many times before. I…thought you loved me. We mated and I thought that meant we were to stay together. Forever. I thought you loved me! Don't leave me, don't you dare!"

Then the object she's been hiding is revealed. A whip. She whips me. Over and over again.

"I gave up my virginity for you! All of it to you! And you reject me!"

What is she talking about? Why is she talking like that?

As she continues the torture, I thought I saw her. The room is dark, but the moonlight that enters the room reveals a familiar face. This must be my imagination…but there she is. She's right in front of me. Whipping me. Touching me. Kissing me forcefully. She's there.

Katniss.

Is this real?