Oh boyyyyyyyyyyy. i need some feedback for this one. i can't wait the see the comments
To prepare I start to teach Peeta, Prim and Rory snares and other different types of traps. Prim, despite being squeamish, is doing well. Rory has mastered the traps with ease, even improving mine. Peeta is not so lucky. I give him words of encouragement as to not hurt his feelings when his trap falls apart within seconds of making it. He is patient and willing to keep going. It's me who as to remind myself to keep calm when he doesn't get it right. Every time the trap collapses I feel my shoulders tense, and I have to look away.
I manage to get almost everything we need for the long trip. With my mother along things will be a bit easier. She will know what to do if someone were to get sick. Prim is also a plus. After realizing Peeta isn't made for traps. I send him to my mother to learn her herbal and healing techniques. He takes to it naturally, mixing the herbs perfectly and receiving praise from my mother.
One of our biggest problems is Haymitch's withdrawals. I try to think of ways to bring liquor with us so we can wean him off it slowly, but years of drinking doesn't get cured in a couple of days. He needs a proper hospital to detox. It is Hazelle's idea to put a bottle of white liquor in everyone's bag. I know it will not be enough, I've seen haymitch go through more bottles then I can count in a day but it's worth a shot. I will try to bring more in my bag for him.
I begin to worry about myself. My belly has made itself known since that day with Madge. Not too much but enough to have people stare at me. I have always been very skinny. So with a little bump sticking out people can't help their eyes. I try my best to ignore it, hoping the novelty would die down. It's Greasy Sae eyes locked on my stomach in shock, that keeps me in Victor's Village, I can imagine what people are saying. I am young and dumb enough to get myself pregnant in a time like this. No one would expect me to be the with child. I certainly didn't.
I try to eat as much as I can throughout the days, hoping to put on some weight, and I do. It's only a few pounds. Peeta bakes as much as he can for me. With everyone learning and working together we barely have time for anything else.
In my kitchen I sit on a stool as Peeta pulls out a hot tray of garlic bread. The smell is amazing, filling the room with its strong aroma when there is a knock on the door. I get up making my way to the door when Peeta pulls me into him with arms around my waist and his lips at my neck. I feel my cheeks flush with his hot breath at my shoulder.
"I love you," He whispers softly, kissing the spot where the words caressed.
"Peeta, I have to get the door," I say, trying to pull away from him. He smiles.
"Can't we have a couple of minutes alone?" He says chuckling as he let's me go. I open the door still looking at Peeta. Turning my head I see Madge in a lite jacket, and Gale standing a few feet behind her on my porch steps. I'm glad he is keeping his distance. His eyes meet mine for a moment and then he looks away. Madge brings me into a hug. Stepping inside, she turns around looking to Gale.
"Come on, you brat!" She calls to him and I'm a little shocked by her ease with him. It's strange to think of Gale and Madge as a couple. He shakes his head at her and starts to walk off. She takes a step out the door.
"Gale!" She calls and he's gone. She crosses her arms, peeved by him and stomps back in the house.
"A damn handfull," She says rolling her eyes. And the moment is so out of character that both Peeta and I are standing there, mouths wide. Peeta scoffs in the kitchen at the comment. I hear him say "I deal with the same thing," and I turn to scowl at him. His implication that Gale and I are alike, and a problem, leaves me vexed.
"I have news," she says low and this pulls me back from my irritation with Peeta. I grab her hand walking out the house, not bothering to put on a jacket. We don't get two paces from the porch steps before Peeta is out the house yanking on his boots, holding our jackets. It isn't cold out, just breezy but when the wind stills it's almost warm. Peeta drapes my jacket over my shoulders, takes my hand and walks beside me as I pull Madge along. I want to shrug the jacket off and pull my hand from his, still irritated by his comment in the kitchen, but I don't. I'm making an effort to be nicer to him and less selfish. When we are at a good spot she speaks in whispers.
"I can do it,"
I let out a sigh in relief. All this training is not for nothing. We will be able to get out if we have to. I swoop her into a hug. Peeta is right behind me pulling us into a even bigger hug and in this moment I am truly hopeful.
—
Completely packed for anything, we wait. Hazelle takes a up a job with Haymitch to keep her and the children close by. I watch Vick and Posy through my kitchen window, playing in the street of the Victors' Village. The sight warms my heart and I'm put at ease watching them laugh, and run, playing a game I do not know.
"Katniss, take this over to Haymitch and Hazelle," Peeta says, handing me cookies and kissing my cheek swiftly before turning back to the kitchen island. The sun is low in the sky casting an orange glow on to the houses. The cool air touches my cheeks as I walk to Haymitch's.
"Katniss!" Vick calls to me, waving. I turn to greet him.
"Come play with us," Posy calls out,running to me.
"I'm sorry Posy, I can't at the moment, maybe you both can ask Peeta to make some cookies. I'll tell your mama you're in my house. Go on," I say. Their faces light up at the mention of cookies. Vick is off running, not waiting for Posy. She flusters but decides to run after him. When I'm in Haymitch's house the smell of vomit, mouse droppings, and liquor are gone. The house radiates warmth and comfort. Broken dishes are no longer on the floor. Puddles of bio cleaned. It feels as if Haymitch has moved out. When I reach the kitchen I see Hazelle preparing dinner. I set Peeta's cookies on the table.
"What are you making?" I ask, startling her. She gives a yelp turning around, a bit upset.
"Katniss, goodness, you scared me half to death!" she shakes her head, moving to a loaf of bread next to her.
"I'm sorry Hazelle, I didn't mean to scare you," I say rubbing my neck. She cuts into the bread and serves me a slice. Only when it's in my mouth I notice this is not regular bread. It is salted and has a green tint to it and a strong fish smell.
"Is Peeta trying out new bread?" She asks. And I'm a little confused. Peeta most definitely did not make this bread. Haymitch's footsteps on the stairs pull my attention. Showered and shaved Haymitch looks like a new man. His brown messy hair now trimmed. I am convinced Hazelle is the best thing to happen to Haymitch. A mother's touch would help Haymitch with his drinking problem.
"Wow Haymitch, don't you look like a keeper? " I joke. Hazelle is chuckling serving soup.
"Ha ha, you sure you're not having twins?" He says harshly, plopping down next to me. I roll my eyes at him. A weak blow, but something to think about. I didn't want to think about the threat of twins, but the idea sticks to me like glue. I ponder it for a couple of seconds. "I got those maps that you asked for, Sweetheart," he says handing my a folded piece of paper. I nod. This map will help us get through the woods and to District 13 if we needed. Hazelle cuts a slice of the green bread and places it in front of Haymitch. There is a pause as Haymitch grabs the bread in his hand. Looking at it Haymitch's eyes widen.
"Where'd you get this?" Haymitch shouts. Jumping out his seat.
"It was on the porch this morning," Hazelle says, hands on her waist.
"This morning?" Haymitch is over to the window in seconds and I'm out my seat.
"What's wrong Haymitch?" I ask.
"We had a whole day to get ready! It's time! This is District 4 bread! We need to get ready now! You know where to go!" He yells, running his fingers through his hair. We have to go to the Meadow, but I'm stuck. I can't move my feet even though my heart is racing with adrenaline. District 13 is coming.
"Everyone, meet at my house!" I yell to Haymitch and Hazelle, running out of his house. I know we are ready. We have prepared for days. But my anxiety is hitting full force. I need to get to Prim and Peeta. Once they're in my sight, I'll be able to think straight. I barge into the house.
"Peeta!" I call.
"Katniss!" He calls back from the living room. When I reach him he is sitting on the sofa with Posy in his lap, Vick at his side. As soon as he sees my expression he is out of his seat.
"It's time, where is Prim?" I ask.
"With Effie, Katniss my father and Rye! I need to get them," He says hastily putting down Posy. She clings to his leg, frightened by the tone of our voices.
"Hazelle will be here in a minute. I have to get Prim," Peeta nods taking the kids up the stairs. Running across the road to Peeta's house, I practically rip the door open. "Primrose! Effie!" I yell into the house. They are in the kitchen. "Come on, it's time Prim!" I wave for them to hurry. Prim grabs Effie's hand dragging her along.
"Time for what?" Effie questions Prim
"Rory! What about Rory? He's picking Gale up from the mines! Katniss, I need to get him!" Prim is shouting as we run across the road. Ignoring Effie.
"No, Prim you stay here!" I shout at her. When we get back to my house, Haymitch and Hazelle are dressing the kids. Haymitch is bent over tying Posy's boots. My mother is packing the herbs.
"I can't Katniss!" Prim rips her hand away from mine and stomps towards the door.
"Prim, no, don't worry I'll get Rory and Gale! Effie needs you to help her get ready!" I shout pulling her back. "And… what about Buttercup? You have to get him ready too." I say and she freezes. She looks around the room but Buttercup is not here.
"Promise me!" She shouts back. Looking me in the eyes. She held my fight. This made me proud but it could be problematic. I don't need her running out there look for Rory and Gale.
"Prim, I promise. Tell Peeta I'll be right back."
"Peeta just left to get his brother and father, he has their stuff with him. He'll meet us at there," Haymitch calls and my heart drops.
"Damn it, Peeta!"
"Katniss, you have to get ready," Haymitch says handing me my gear. I kick off my boots and gear up.
"Prim will you take my bag? I can run faster without it," I say making my way to the door.
"Yes, I'll take it!" She says. I take one last look at my beautiful sister. When our eyes meet, we share a last glances of goodbyes, and with that I'm out the door. I can pass by the mines on my way to the bakery. There is no way I am leaving without Peeta. The air is thin and with my mind on the escape, I trip a few times. The sun is gone but the sky is still light enough to make it. My heart is pounding when I make it to the mine. "Rory!" I shout over the murmuring of the other miners leaving their shifts. "Gale!"
When I see them they are walking towards me. Smiling softly. Gale's arm draped over Rory's shoulder. "Gale!" I shout. He looks up. Meeting my eyes. I nod. His face falls.
"Katniss!" Rory calls to me with a smile but it falls when he meets my gaze. Gale turns to Rory putting both hands on his shoulder, speaking to him.
"No!" Rory shouts and grabs at Gale. Gale pries him off but Rory is trying to leach onto him. When I reach them, Rory is crying.
"I need to get Madge. Rory, you need to go take care of Prim," Rory stops his struggle.
"Yes, Rory, Prim has been asking for you. She needs you, go to her," I say to Rory. There's a small pause before he nods.
"Gale, please come back," He says, starring Gale down.
"I will Rory," Gale says, embracing him.
"I'll meet you both there. First go to my house. I have to get Peeta," I say to them. Rory nods and is off running. But Gale lingers, looking at my with wary eyes.
"Don't be late Katniss," Gale says stiffly. I nod, because that's all I can do. I turn and head to the bakery. Making it through the streets, trying not to push too hard. I pace myself. Arm wrapped around my belly as I run. I am not as fast as I use to be. All this running makes me feel like I could keel over, but I don't dare give into the exhaustion, I need to get to Peeta. When I turn the corner of the bakery. I see the lights on. Through the window no one is manning the register. I walk in and hear the screams.
"You piece of shit child!" I hear Peeta's mother scream.
"Mom, please come with us!" Peeta yells. I hear steps on the stairs. Rye is fully prepared with his boots ready, backpack on and completely unfazed by the conflict upstairs. He looks at me and shakes his head.
"It's a mess up there," He tells me. I walk up the steps. Behind me I hear Rye's warning. "I wouldn't do that if I was you," The stairs lead to a small living room with a fireplace. old paint chips around the corners of the room. I see Peeta's mother come into view. She picks up a lamp near her and throws it.
"Margery, stop this now!" Mr. Mellark yells. I step into the room and everything stops. Margery Mellark is looking at me with rage. Peeta and Mr. Mellark are fully dressed with backpacks on and ready to leave while Margery still lingers in her robe and socks.
"Peeta, please, we don't have time," I say and look Peeta in his eyes. He has the start of a large bruise from his right cheek up to his temple. He glances at his angry mother who is speechless by my presence. I can see his eyes water up and I know this hurts him more than I can imagine. Shaking his head. He walks to me and takes my hand.
"Fine! You want to stay here and die, be my guest, I love you mom, but I won't jeopardize my family for you. Father if you choose to stay I won't blame you. I blame her," and with that Peeta pulls me out the living room door. We are about to leave the bakery when I hear Mr. Mellark steps on the stairs. He's decided to come with us. When we walk outside the sky is dark. We may be too late. Too much time has passed and we might not make it.
"We have to go to the meadow now!~," I say grabbing Peeta's hand as we run. Rye is at our flank but Mr. Mellark is falling behind. Peeta looks back to his father and let's go of my hand.
"Peeta!" I call.
"I have to help him!" He calls back and grabs Mr. Mellark's hand.
The run is agonizing with Peeta not beside me. I hold my belly tightly to not let my movement impact the baby too much. We make it out the Merchant Quarter and into the Seam. We are just down the road from the meadow when all the birds become quiet. Just as they did in the Games. I can see a gathering of people in the middle. Prim, my mother, and Madge's blonde hair sticks out from the group. Then I see them. Three hovercrafts with the number 13 on their underside, lowering to the crowd. Rye begins to run faster. I turn just in time to see Mr. Mellark trip and fall, twisting his ankle. I hear a crunch of bone. And I know he just broke his ankle. This is the worst timing ever. He lets out a scream of pain. I run over to them and try to help Peeta lift Mr. Mellark. We keep moving. Mr. Mellark hops on one foot as the other dangles, lifeless, the boot dragging it down.
"Rye!" Peeta yells for his brother's help, but Rye never looks back. Rye is in full sprint for the hovercraft. We are almost there when I hear the first gunshots. We are in the meadow making our way to the light of the hovercraft when Gale catches sight of Peeta and I dragging Mr. Mellark.
"They're here!" I hear Gale yell. Prim turns around and catches my eyes there is a limp Buttercup in her arms. Oh no. Prim no! Prim goes to take a step towards me when Haymitch pulls Prim into his arms and drags her onto the hovercraft just as armed soldiers in gray come running out of the hovercraft. She's screaming and kicking when I hear more gunfire. I don't know who's shooting. A Capitol hovercraft swoops down shooting at on of the three District 13 hovercrafts. Hazelle rushes the children inside but Vick puts up a fight. Rye lifts him up, dragging him into the hovercraft. We are only a few yards away when the Capitol hovercraft plummets to the ground in the Seam and explodes, I scream. The fire takes to the Seam fast, as the coal dust fuels the flames.
Gale is running towards us Rory and my mother follow behind. I hear the gunshot and feel the hot blood spatter on my face.
Mr. Mellark goes limp in our arms.
I'm still dragging along the dead body with Peeta. I hear his screams. Bloodcurdling. I am in shock. There is more firing, Gale yells in pain, clutching his arm. I hear the sound of another body fall to the ground behind us. I can't turn around to see who it is.
"We have to go!" Gale shouts at me. I nod, trying to get to my feet. Peeta is hysterical over his father's body. A bullet exit wound sits right between his father's eyes, Mr. Mellark has been shot from behind.
"Peeta look at me!" he doesn't. He just shakes his head and grabs his father tighter. I grab his face. Blood paints his face and neck, his blue eyes are piercing with the contrast of the red.
"Peeta, stay with me!" I shout looking him in the eyes. His is torn from hurt. Tears are streaming down his face, he chokes back a sob and says "always."
The hovercraft takes off, leaving us behind.
omg i knowwwww. . whyyyyyyyyy! a few mins earlier and the would have been on that Hovercraft.