Chapter 53 –– The Winner of the 74th Hunger Games

AN: Thank you for your patience. A special thanks to those who alerted, favored and reviewed the last chapter [jroseley, B Dizzy, LACR, pumpkinking5, Cassie Sharpie, Browniangel, kelmikmag, Nai1987] Your constant comments and support inspire me to continue writing. Bless you. The Hunger Games belongs to Suzanne Collins. This chapter contains Prim and Peeta's POVs and is rated R for strong language and violence. Any mistake found are my own. So on with the show...


Prim POV ––

All day Dad I mean, Mockingjay had been nervous and agitated––characteristics I never seen or experienced before. Dad was usually calm and level headed. Now, he was stern, hard, and unapproachable. I had to remind myself that at the camp he was The Mockingjay not my father. He didn't even look my dad wearing the signature Mockingjay outfit, all black battle fatigues––boots, pants, shirt, leather gloves and hood. He hadn't shaved in days so he had gruff look about him. This man was…scary in a way––he was my dad but he acted and spoke like someone else.

I sighed long and wistful feeling alone since the moment Shane and Maddy left. After the reaping, I was certain that I was going to die. I was resigned to my fate as I said goodbye to my family. Then, the train incident happened. My life was no longer in my hands as I participated and became involved with Mockingjay's rebellion. I really had no choice. Then to discover that the Mockingjay was my father was another shocker that turned my world upside down.

'I wished Katniss was here, I wish mom was here.'

Having Rye at the camp was a small relief since he was from back home, but with his appearance I missed my family and my home amongst living with strangers. In the end, he too ended up going back to District 12. I had never imagined that my life would take so many turns.

And the ultimate shocker was seeing Gale as a prisoner, someone who betrayed Mockingjay. I never thought he would ever do that. Gale had looked up to him as a leader. He was eager to join the rebellion only to betray him. The world around me was changing and people who I thought I could trust were not trustworthy.

Granted, I met a few great people, Shane, Maddy, Effie and even Amelia Snow. But discovering that the Mockingjay was my father was hard to swallow. I love my dad––he was kind, patient and someone I turned to in time of need, support and comfort. Now, I was afraid to approach him He…was different. I remembered the first time I realized that he wasn't just my dad but the leader of a revolution.


Flashback ––

The atmosphere around the camp was one of excitement. The camp was alive with kinetic energy I never felt before. I didn't know why. "Shane, what is going on?" I asked as I noticed him cleaning his rifle.

"Mockingjay is arriving," he informed me. "He's never…we've never met him before. He's coming here, Prim. To this camp."

"Oh," I said in surprise. "You never met him?

"I've heard of his transmissions but no, I've never met him in person."

"Wow, really," I said in a stunned tone. "You joined the rebellion, not knowing who the Mockingjay is?"

"Well, to be honest. No one knows who he is. His real identity," Shane continued, "only the higher ups, not even the commanding officers knows who he is."

"But you follow and obey his orders?"

"Yes, anyone who wants to knock Snow off his throne I'll follow," he said. "He's been fighting for a long time, and fighting against all odds."

"That's a lot of faith and trust for someone you never met," I stated.

"I've been listening to his transmissions back in District 4," Shane muttered. "For a long time, I just listened and kept it from my parents. They didn't believe in his cause. When they found out, they were…livid, furious for listening to him because they didn't think anything could happen. The districts are too weak to fight the Capitol. That what I wanted to fight for was a dream. It would never happen. Then my sister was reaped. They were devastated. I couldn't stay home. I didn't want my future children to go through what they went through."

Then, Mockingjay arrived and reveal his identity to me––he was my father, Garrett Everdeen. I had thought my world changed then it did again. Mockingjay was not only my father––he was a man who had the world on his shoulders. I should have expected him to be who I needed to be even when he revealed his secret to me. In my mind and in my heart he was…Dad.

The night he arrived, I had sought out my father after I had a nightmare. Usually I sought comfort from my sister whenever I had a bad dream and needed relief. Just like any child with the expectation of needing a parent for comfort, I depended on him but not realizing that not only I needed him but the people around him as well.

Dad was in another tent, talking to his men. I barely acknowledged them, as the images of my nightmare were fresh in my mind. "Dad," I called out to him.

"Prim. Why are you up?" he stated as he noticed me.

"I…I…had a bad––" His men and women around him look uneasy. It was obvious that I needed my father for comfort not the man standing with his head elsewhere. In his mindset, he wasn't Garrett Everdeen but the Mockingjay. He was the iconic figure everyone knew him for––to me he was my father.

"I'm sorry, Prim but I'm really busy right now," he stated, his eyes stern and hard. I had interrupted them. "Why don't you wait in our tent and I'll be there as soon as I can." I sniffled, tears tracked down my cheeks. "Prim, I'm in the middle of doing something important. I'll be with you in a while." I finally noticed a map on the table. There were marking all over Districts 2, 5 and 8.

I nodded my head and left the tent. I've been trying extremely hard to be accepted with the rebels as being one of them. I'm only 14 years old and I wanted them to take me seriously, but I had expectation when my father arrived. He was family. I bit my lip and tried not to burst into tears as I lay on the cot feeling the wake of my nightmare.

End of Flashback ––


That night I knew I couldn't rely on my father. He was a different man outside of District 12. He was the Mockingjay and I had begun to treat him accordingly. For the first time since leaving 12, I really felt alone and lonely. Shane and Maddy had been my friends and companion, treating me like I was one of them, but they were gone. They had left to rescue Peeta and Katniss from the arena. Then Mr. Abernathy arrived with Dr. Carlyle, her daughter Amelia, Ms. Trinket and her stylists. They weren't like the soldiers who were hard and rough not knowing how to engage with a 14-year old girl.

I liked Ms. Trinket; she was…unusual as she and her Capitol friends stuck out from the group with their high heels, platforms and bright wigs and shiny clothes that shone in the sun. They were definitely out of place in the middle of forest. They were friendly enough but protested to the conditions. They first griped about the clothes.

"Humph, there is no way you are getting me to wear that…that monstrosity you call a uniform," Effie huffed as they handed her a pair of pants, shirt, socks and boots––all brown/green color camouflage. "It goes against my complexion." She eyed the boots with disgust. "Those are atrocious––"

"They are worn for comfort and not style," Flavius surmised as he examined his own set. I tried not to laugh as he picked up his size 12 boots with his two fingers as if they were about to explode. "I do agree that this is hideous. What happened to contrast? I expected black boots but this…" He shivered, "Who's the idiot who designed the boots to match the pants and shirt?"

"Oh, how I wished I brought my makeup kit," Octavia whined. "At least add some color to our face." They had begrudgingly accepted their new clothes with much protest.

Then our new companions were appalled of the living conditions and arrangements. Octavia and Venia were assigned to one tent and the hilarity ensued.

"This is where we will be living?" Venia asked as she spotted the tent. Once inside they examined their living quarters. "What is that?" She pointed to the tent as we walked towards it.

"That is what they call a tent," I explained. Venia looked stunned. "That is where you will sleep."

"We're supposed to sleep in that?" The tent was tall enough for them to walk in. They both gasped in horror, their mouths opened and eye wide. "Where are the beds?"

"There are no beds," I started, "you will be sleeping on the cots." I pointed to the two long rectangular beds.

"Oh, I heard about those," Octavia stated. "This was not at all what I expected when we decided to leave the Capitol. Oh, my goodness." Venia sat down one cot and nearly toppled over.

"This is…I…this is…" Flavius started but stopped. "Cinna never mentioned any of this." 'Who was Cinna?'

"Oh, dear," Octavia said as she shook her head. "Where are the pillows? And the sheets and comforter? And where are the restroom facilities?"

"Where's the damn mattress?" All of us ran out of the tent to find Effie in mid-rant. "These are unacceptable conditions. Who can live like this?" She pinched the bridge of her nose and closed her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes again. Her blue orbs met mine. "You're very brave young lady, Ms. Primrose Everdeen to be living with these heathens. And in these conditions. It's no wonder you're not infected from the bugs and wild animals from their disease. Where's the commissary? I need a cup of coffee to steel my nerves." A few soldiers around us snorted from her comment.

A female soldier pointed to a large open pit. The resident cook was roasting a couple of wild boar. Hours before the smell of bread permeated in the sir. Suddenly, my stomach lurched remembering Rye's bread that I ate earlier that day. He had already been gone for a few hours and I miss him. Before he left, he baked a few loafs of bread for the camp. His parting gift as a thank you to the camp.

"What is that smell?" Venia asked. "What is that?" She pointed to the pigs speared on the skewers. It's skin caramel brown and their heads still attached.

"That's wild a pig. They caught them this morning and have been roasting them for a few hours," I explained. I had never eaten a lot of pork which was considered rare and expensive meat in District 12. Living in the forest and eating the game that was available to us, I discovered that roasted pork on a open pit was delicious.

"But I must protest. It wasn't as if I volunteered to be here," she sighed. "I didn't ask for this." I recalled her encounter with Mr. Abernathy. How he whisked her away from the Capitol without her permission. I hoped his eye didn't swell too much. It was a hard punch she threw at him. Ms. Trinket rubbed her knuckles a few times to ease the swelling and bruises she sustained from slugging him. Though I do admit, he deserved it. She sat down on a fallen tree with her hands on her head. She muttered something under her breath. I swore I her say, 'I'm going to kill him' over and over. I knew to whom she was referring to.

In the meantime, our other guests Dr. Carlyle and Amelia were inside their tent. After introducing them to the rest of the camp, the rebels were not happy to have them with us. They begrudgingly accepted Dr. Carlyle, as she was medical doctor who we could put to good use once the fighting started. We needed all the medical help we could get and it would be a good training experience for me to work beside her.

After Shane and Maddy volunteered, Dad was so focused on his plans and I felt hurt that he almost left without saying good-bye before he headed to his own mission. "Jay, where are you going?" I asked as he led Rye to the hovercraft. He gestured to Rye to enter the ship after securing Gale inside the ship. Shane and Maddy had already left so I was alone.

"Primrose," he said as he turned to me.

"Where are you going, sir?" I repeated as I tried to conduct myself as an adult not a child saying good by to her own father. He looked troubled and I didn't know why.

"I'm going away for awhile," he said. I gasped and bit my lip. 'Don't cry, don't cry,' I recited in my head.

"How long are you going to be…away?" I wrapped my arms around me and bowed my head as to not look at him.

"Listen, Prim," he insisted. "I know that I've been hard on you. That I haven't been paying attention."

"It's okay Da…Jay," I started, "I understand that people need you. And you are doing something really important." Like rescuing my sister and Peeta from the arena. I couldn't fault him for not paying attention as he forgot about me. "But you should at least said goodbye before you left."

"I'm really sorry, Prim," he said soft and low. "You're right. I've been so preoccupied that I should have taken time to say good-bye." I wasn't going to cry in front of him. He opened his arms. I didn't know what to do. He was the Mockingjay in his black attire but his attitude confused me. "It's me, Primmy. I'm still your dad even if I haven't been acting like one." He knelt down with one foot grounded to the floor with his arms wide open.

I walked over and wrapped my arms around his neck. "Please be careful," I sniffled as I tried to contain my tears. "And don't get hurt."

"Hey, I'll be back before you know it. I promise," he swore as he kissed my forehead.

"Don't make promises you can't keep, Dad," I said.

"I know that you've been very brave and strong," he said. "So I have a surprise for you. Or at least you will be getting one once Mr. Abernathy comes back from his mission."

Mr. Abernathy? What could be possible surprise me with? It was too much to hope for so I held my curiosity and tongue. I didn't want to jinx it.

So when Mr. Abernathy arrived with Dr. Carlyle and Amelia Snow I wasn't too disappointed. Hours later, with Amelia to keep me company I wasn't concerned or cared when another hovercraft arrived because I was too busy helping everyone else pack the camp up. Mockingjay ordered us to pack up and be ready to be moved to another location. I was excited the first time I travelled in the hovercraft but soon discovered it wasn't as fun as I thought it would be. I felt sick and nauseous all during the trip from District 12 to District 3. It was a good thing I had some mint leaves with me or else I would have been sick afterwards.

That night I continued to have nightmares about Peeta and Katniss. I dreamt that Snow caught and returned them to the arena. It was a recurring nightmare that plagued my sleep since Katniss was chosen. It didn't help that was I truly alone with no friends or family to comfort me. So you could imagine the joy and happiness I felt when I heard her voice.

"Prim," Mom called out to me as I was packing my backpack and had my back was turned. I blinked twice before I turned around. "Prim?"

"Mom?" I cried. This time tears tracked down my cheeks unabated. "Mom!" I turned around so fast that I fell on my knees. Mom ran and picked me up, her strong arms around me. She was also crying.

"My baby, my baby," she wept. "I missed you so much."

"Mom, mom." I was too stunned for words, too happy to speak for several seconds but once I was over the shock I couldn't stop talking. "I missed you too, I missed you, daddy and Katniss. I was so scared I'd never see you again. I missed you so much. I missed our home. I'm so happy you're here."

She pulled back at looked at me, hands to my face as her thumb brushed the tears off my cheek. "Look at you? So grown up. Have they been taking care of you? Did you see your father?"

I nodded my head. "Dad was here for awhile but…he went away again leaving me alone." I never knew how much pain, loneliness and stress I was holding back as I burst into tears. "I've been so scared here by myself. Everyone has been nice but…I missed you, dad and Katniss. Why didn't he let me go with him?" With my loneliness, anger and frustration followed. I appreciated Shane and Maddy's friendship and company but nothing compared to family. "And dad came but left again, mom. He left me alone again. Why did he do that? Why didn't just tell me you were coming? I've been here by myself working and living alongside with the rebels and he wouldn't say anything."

"Prim," she interjected.

"No, I've been away from home for weeks. Then he just arrives for a day, tells me he's the Mockingjay then leaves again. Even when he was here he wasn't…dad. Did you know he was the Mockingjay?" Of course she had to have known. They didn't keep secrets from each other. Now it made sense, how they acted and how we lived in District 12. Many Seam folks looked up to my dad. I wondered if they too knew he was the Mockingjay?

"Prim, I'm here now," Mom said. "I'm not leaving you. And I'm sorry that you father has been preoccupied and has left you feeling abandoned. But I'm here, Prim and I promise I'm not going anywhere." I felt relief and anger. I love my dad, but hated Mockingjay. He turned my life upside down. How do I reconcile my father and the Mockingjay? On one hand he was someone I loved as my father and the other the man who had ripped our lives apart. I'm just so confused.

"I'm sorry that you have been lonely, alone and scared," mom said. "But there was nothing your father and I could do to not make any one suspicious if either of us left 12. But we knew that you were strong and could handle yourself. I give credit to your sister for your strength and courage."

"I miss Katniss," I sobbed. I was happy that mom was here with me but I missed my sister the most. "Dad…Mockingjay, is he bringing Katniss back to us?"

"I don't know what your father has planned," she returned. "I knew that he made arrangements but didn't give me any details. He never does. I am sorry, Prim." I held onto mom for a few seconds then remembered myself. I'm no longer that innocent girl that left District 12 week ago. I'm different now. Wiping my nose with my sleeve, I took a step back and squared my shoulders.

"So what now?" I asked. Mom looked around us noticing that the camp was packed. "We're moving to another location, someplace safe and far away from here."

"And the Capitol and the upcoming war, you mean?"

"Yes."

"Shouldn't we be staying, mom?"

"What do you mean?" she inquired. Mom looked tired.

"I mean, we're healers. We help people. Shouldn't we be someplace that needs us?" Mom smiled. She placed a hand on my cheek. I remembered when I was young she often did that but she stopped when dad got hurt. "Mom?"

"I'm very proud of you, Prim," she said. "You've grown up to be a remarkable young woman." It wasn't the answer I was expecting but it was nice to hear. "But for now, we must do as your father…the Mockingjay ordered. We are moving to a new location." I nodded my head and agreed since I really had no choice in the matter. But at least I had my mom with me and I wasn't alone anymore.

"Mrs. Everdeen," Effie's voice startled me. "I would to like to introduce myself." With our reunion, I had forgotten about everyone around us.

"I know who you are Ms. Trinket," mom said in calm manner, but underneath her tone was anger. "It is very nice to meet you."

"I must tell you what an amazing and remarkable daughter you have. You should must be very proud of Katniss," she complimented.

"I'm very proud of both my daughters, Ms. Trinket."

"Please, let us not be so formal," Effie gushed. "You can call me Effie."

"And my name is Lily," mom returned as she shook Ms. Trinket's hand. "I do need to know how my daughter Katniss was doing? I mean I assumed you know by now that she and Peeta were rescued from the arena."

"Yes, I was told," Effie said. "I'm so relieved that they were rescued as well."

"Oh, that's a very odd thing to say for a reaping escort," Mom returned with a bit of bite in her tone. "Your job is to send children to their death." Effie took a deep breath.

"It's true that Peeta and Katniss were my responsibility when they were in the Capitol," Effie started. "I do my job and I do it well. I have done it for years but I have in all my years as a reaping escort…never met two young people like them––so sweet and charming though a bit on the wild side but truly remarkable young adults. I can see why they were both loved and adored. It truly broke my heart that they were selected."

"Peeta volunteered for Prim," mom reminded her. "Snow chose Katniss."

"Yes, that is true and that is why I too adore Peeta and Katniss. You may not believe me but I would have done anything for them." Mom looked skeptical like she was ready to argue with her.

"Mom," I interrupted. "Don't be mad at Ms Trinket. She was doing her job. Please don't fight."

"I'm sorry, Prim," mom apologized as did Ms. Trinket.

"Yes, please let us not fight between ourselves. We must make a united front for Peeta and Katniss. We may be…we were born under different circumstance, but we do agree of one thing? The games must end and Snow must be judged for his crimes against Panem, do you not agree?" Ms. Trinket surprised me. I never thought a Capitolite would agree or wanted the games to end. This was her source of employment. Peeta and Katniss must have made a very huge impression on her to change not only her livelihood but her life as well.

"I agree," mom stated. "That is all that matters."

The security around my mom was heavy with ten soldiers boarded in the hovercraft. I felt safe but scared at the same time since now my family is also a target––thanks to my dad's announcement. I wished Maddy and Shane was here to meet mom but…oh well. Thinking about them made me wonder how they are doing. I hoped that Katniss didn't give them too much grief since knowing how protective and suspicious my sister could be amongst strangers. Peeta, Katniss, Shane and Maddy, what a sight they must be.

The trip was longer than I expected. It didn't help that I didn't know where we were heading nor had they ever told me. The air inside the compartment turned cold that we were given thick jackets to a warm ourselves. The coats were plush and heavy with wool inside as lining. And of course, it was black.

During our trip, Effie and her friends chatted amongst themselves. "Thank God, we don't have to sleep in the tents anymore," Venia stated. "I hardly slept a wink on that contraption." She shivered for emphasis and dramatic effect.

Flavius snorted, "You think the next place will be any better?"

"What do you mean?" Octavia chimed in. "Anywhere was better than that place."

"Pfft, you both are delusional if you think our living arrangements will get any better," Flavius said as he rolled his eyes. "It'll be the same only in a colder climate." He tugged at his coat around him. "We'd be lucky if we get a heater." Effie was unusually quiet since we first boarded the ship. I wondered what she was thinking. Maybe planning bodily harm to Mr. Abernathy once he returned. She was not pleased.

Dr. Carlyle and Amelia kept to themselves, not wanting to draw attention. I was surprised how they adjusted so easily to our living conditions. They didn't complain but did what was expected and asked of them.

A few minutes later, the monitor in the craft turned on. Dad's face appeared. Mom gasped in shock. My mouth hung opened.

'Greetings, Panem,' the Mockingjay started. 'You're all wondering what is happening since my last broadcast. Many of you have heard the rumors that WE have infiltrated the Capitol and destroyed the Cornucopia thus ending the games. It is NOT a rumor but a fact.' The screen displayed the explosion inside the arena as tributes reacted from the explosive concussion from the bombs. Then the images switched to District 5. "We have disabled and destroyed the Gamemakers' programming. They will never again plan and strategize how to murder innocent children, ripping them from their families to certain death.'

Dad stopped and took a deep breath. 'I admit that I am not good with words. I'm not a polished politician or witty host that can deliver happy repartee to amuse and entertain the public. I am only a man––a husband and father whose main purpose in life were to keep my family safe and happy. Like all men in Panem, it is our duty provide for our families––to feed and clothe our children, to watch them grow.

Many have asked me, why I became the Mockingjay. Why did I take up this mantle to fight against the Capitol? Ten years ago I would tell you it was out of necessity and desperation, wanting a better life for my daughters. Those were my reasons. They were enough for me.

Today, they are my reasons still but now, there is more––I fight for love for my friends and neighbors, I fight to see that every child will have no fear of turning 12 because their names would be added into the lottery. No child should be herded like cattle and chosen to be slaughtered for entertainment. Today, I dream of world where any citizen can live in Panem, free from oppression, starvation and the Hunger Games.

You wonder how can I dream of this? Why would I ask you to place your life in danger for a pipe dream? You have to ask yourself, why not? There are days and months that I struggle with myself asking men and women to fight for me, to follow me to certain death as any child chosen in the lottery. But something happened. Something so unexpected that I cannot deny that fate brought me here at this moment and time.

You wonder what it is? It is not what but whom? Who do I find inspiration when dark thoughts enter my mind and I doubt myself? Who do I see hope as I struggle to ask men and women to fight beside me. As I said, words fail me so I will let this video speak for myself.

On the screen was the image of Katniss running from a view from the air. She ran and stopped drawing her bow at something or someone. It was hard to tell at first. Then, everyone gasped. The compartment was quiet that only the loud whirring of the engines filtered the air. Mockingjay was right that no words where necessary as Katniss chased after Peeta and a bear. Then suddenly, the images changed, as Peeta stood by a ledge with the bear ready to charge at him. Katniss is seen yelling and screaming. We all exclaimed in horror as the bear charged at Peeta. Someone screamed in the compartment as he and the bear toppled over the edge.

"Peeta, no!" Amelia shouted to the screen. "Mom, the bear killed Peeta." Tears ran down her face. I was too shocked to react at first as my mind tried to accept what my eyes saw on the screen.

"Oh my god," Octavia bawled. Then we had breathed out loud in relief as we watched Peeta climbed over from the ledged where he landed.

"He's okay, mom. Peeta is still alive," Amelia screamed with glee. Mom had a hand covering her mouth as tears brimmed her eyes. Once Peeta climbed from ledged we could see Katniss searching for injuries. Her face was stern as she displayed no emotion. Then she grabbed his and kissed him.

"Woohoo."

"Yes!"

"Fucking, hell!"

"You go girl." Shouts of happiness and relief filtered into the compartment. Dad's face once again filled the screen. He had a big smile on his face.

'That is who I fight for, for my daughter Katniss and for Peeta Mellark. I have freed them from the arena as they are running for their lives. They fight for their freedom, their survival and for their love for each other. I fight for them for there is no greater reason or inspiration but love and hope. They are my hope and dreams––my inspiration to fight when I find nothing to aspire to. My reason to continue when my energy to fight has left me.

Who do you fight for?' The Mockingjay's last words echoed in the air.

"Geez, Louise," Venia wheezed. "Those two took ten years from my life. I really thought we lost Peeta."

"Me too, I so scared for the both of them," Octavia added.

"They're fighters," Effie muttered and sniffled seconds later. "As long as they are together, they will make it. I know they will." I was impressed and encouraged by her faith in Katniss and Peeta to survive.

The video continued as we watched images from several districts were displayed. The narrative was the same as families are living in the streets, their homes burned. Then, stockpile of food, clothing and daily necessity such as water, canned goods and grain are packed and stored inside warehouses and trains. We watched as they are delivered and distributed to stores and homes in Capitol and Districts 1 and 2. Then the images switched to broken down homes and businesses struggling to survive. Poverty versus wealth. Beautifully designed homes versus shacks with broken windows covered with wood. The differences were obvious.

The screened darkened signaling the end of the transmission. There was so much to absorb––seeing Katniss and Peeta fighting for their lives, dad as Mockingjay on screen, and the districts in turmoil while the Capitol continued to thrive.

Our new companions were solemn reflecting amongst themselves. I admired their courage and sense of justice to fight against Snow and to oppose their friends and family. I turned to mom. She had a look of pride on her face whether it was for Katniss or Dad. I was pretty proud of both of them myself.

In perspective, I realized that Garrett Everdeen was not only a husband to Lily Everdeen and father to Katniss and myself, but he was also The Mockingjay, the leader of a rebellion. He was one and the same. It was selfish of me to make him chose who he was, as if he was two different people. I needed my father as any child would but he was more than the man who brought me into this world. He was a leader and guiding force who was fighting for a better life, a life without the Games. My father is fighting for a future where a blond hair, blue-eyed boy from the Merchant town was free to love and one day marry a dark hair, gray-eyed girl from the Seam.

I hope their firstborn child is a girl with dark hair and blue eyes. Wouldn't that be something to look forward to?


Peeta POV ––

'Calm down, calm down,' the words repeated in my head over and over. I was far from calm as Cato continued to aim his rifle at Katniss and me. Then, I snorted at his attempt of humor. He thought he was being clever. "Welcome to the 74th Hunger Games. The odds are not in your favor!" he announced. 'Was he kidding me? Really?'

I laughed. The words swirled in my head as Katniss's grip on my waist tightened. Cato had a look of confusion and anger on his face. I laughed again as my body doubled over. "What's so funny, Mellark?" he sneered. "I have a rifle aimed to your head and you're laughing?"

"Peeta?" Katniss's soft voice disrupted my moment of hysteria. With my head bent over I smelled dried blood on my shirt as I had my zipper on my jacket opened. I recalled my encounter in the woods once Katniss and I parted––she hunted while I searched and gathered berries. I touched the bloodstains on my clothes. I was too focused to remember to wash it off me when we filled our canteen with water. We had other pressing needs to consider. So the blood remained on my shirt.

"Welcome to the Hunger Games? You got to be fucking kidding me, Cato," I chortled. "Does it look like we're still in the arena? That we're going to get sponsors and gifts?"

Cato looked stunned but continued to aim the rifle at us. "It's you and your girlfriend's damn fault. The cornucopia was destroyed because of you. You're the cause of––"

"You can't be serious? Cato, The games are over. We're free. We don't have to kill each other," Katniss commented.

"Shut up, you slutty whore," Cato screamed. "I've been training since I was 8 to participate in the games. I volunteered. All the years of training and hard work and you two come along. The both of you ruined my chances––"

"We didn't ask to be in the games, asshole," I spat back. "I didn't want this! To be a victor. To kill anyone to get the title or life that comes with it."

"But I did. I wanted it all my life. You ruined everything. I wanted to be victor. And you come out of …District 12? Out of nowhere and people love you. Why? You're nothing. You're beneath me; we are superior. The men in District 12 are weak, the women born to bear more children for the games so we can slaughter them."

"We're not nothing nor are we born for your games," I spat back. I never angered easily but to say that we were nothing, something broke inside me. I felt for Katniss's hand; it was warm, sweaty and dirty but I needed to feel her alive and well. "Just because we were born in 12 doesn't make us less than you. That's Snow talking." This is what is taught in school. That districts 1, 2 and 3 were taught to look down on the rest of us. And, this is what Mockingjay was fighting for––freedom, justice and equality.

"You are nothing, you come from a poor district of nothing," Cato lectured me of things that were taught to us to divide the nation.

"You have two arms and two legs, blond hair and blues eyes," I listed his characteristics. "I'm the same as you. You are no better or lesser than me. I wouldn't trade my life for yours. I have everything I want or need." I never envied the other districts because all I wanted was in District 12 living in the Seam.

"I'm done talking," he voiced.

"That's all you do, Cato," I started, "you're all talk. You had you big bad friends behind you. Four against two. You say you trained since you were eight yet you have your friends to gang up on Katniss and me. You don't fight fair. I may come from a poor district but at least I have honor."

"You're a big man in your district. But Peeta came along and made a fool out of you," Katniss taunted him. "You know you can't beat Peeta without your friends to help you." Pointing a gun at Peeta because you know without it he can beat your ass." I smiled. Katniss knew our chances to get out of this was for me to fight Cato.

"Put the gun down, Cato," I said as I took a step forward. "If you want to fight, just you and me––arena style hand-to-hand. No distraction or interruptions." I sized him up like I did during my wrestling days. Cato was tall, 6' 3" over 225 pounds. "You want to earn your title as victor, come and get me."

"I don't need to prove anything to you," he sneered back. "Marvel was right, all I need to do is bring you back with me––dead or alive. Preferably dead and President Snow will crown me Victor for the 74th Hunger Games." He aimed at my head. "Then when you're dead I'm gonna fuck your girl before I strangle her to death." I saw red imagining Cato raping Katniss.

"You're the coward. You'd shoot Peeta. It's not a fair fight," Katniss goaded. "I wonder what the rest of the your district will think if they knew you didn't fight fair and square."

"They'll never know," Cato boasted and laughed.

Then, a drone hovered above us. I tensed at its appearance. It was rebel designed, the same drone that found us after the bear incident. "See that?" Katniss pointed to the drone. "That's not a Capitol drone. It's watching us. Probably recording everything. Snow wants Peeta alive. I wonder how he'd feel if you killed him right now. Remember what Marvel said, you'd receive a reward for capturing us alive."

"Come on, Cato," I challenged him. His eyes looked feral like he was trapped and didn't know what to do. So I goaded him some more. "Like Katniss said it's recording us right now. You want me dead. Come and get me and fight like a real man and not behind the gun in your hand." I stepped to the right away from Katniss.

"I can handle you fine. Tell your girlfriend to put her bow away. We'll fight your way. I won't hurt you much. I'll kill you fast and easy."

"Katniss, please?" I implored her. "I'll be fine. Just take care of your self incase…" Cato stared at Katniss.

"You better run, bitch once I kill your boyfriend," he sneered.

He threw the gun aside and unsheathed a knife in its stead. "I'm going to enjoy cutting you." The knife was long, the blade at least 5 inches and 2 inches wide. My heart pulsed and raced. Cato swung the knife left and right. "I'm going to gut you in the stomach, make all your insides fall out of you. Then I'll cut your ears off for souvenirs."

Katniss drew bow and arrow. "No, Katniss. Fair and square." 'Please run if he kills me,' I silently said in my mind. Cato and I circled each other for a moment wondering who was going to make the first move. He swung his arm pointing the tip of the knife at my stomach I stepped back. Katniss moved behind me my left hand towards her. 'Please don't interfere and do something stupid.' I gently pushed her back away from me.

Cato lunged at me again but I evaded him. "Stop moving. You're like some irritating bug I want to squash."

"You talk too much."

He stepped forward again but I sidestepped him grabbing his wrist that held the knife forcing him behind me. With my left hand I pinched the inside of his upper arm, the soft underside of his bicep. If not exercised for muscle building, it's one of the softest spots on the human body. It's very sensitive when pinched with the right pressure and specific spot between the thumb and forefinger.

"Argh," Cato screamed as I pinched his arm harder forcing him to let go of the knife. And, with a quick turn I yanked his wrist downward causing him to fall on his back. He quickly regained his equilibrium and stood up looking for his knife.

I took a few steps looking for Katniss. To my relief, she had the knife in her hand. My eyes didn't linger as Cato charged me again and when he neared me I stepped sideways and placed my foot in his way causing him to again fall on his face.

"Fuck," Cato screamed. "Fight me." He beat his hands to his chest, his eyes wild and face red. "Come on." I kept moving sideways leading him away from Katniss. I couldn't think about her now and tried to focus on Cato though in the back of my mind, I can hear her. I was tired from lack of sleep, my back twinged from sleeping upright. But I ignored my pain knowing I had to protect Katniss.

My heart raced that I could feel it in my chest. My breath was ragged and harsh as I swallowed air through my mouth. Cato stepped closer, his fists clenched as he swung his right and left hand hoping to land on my face. But because of my height I was able to dodge his punches. And as he lunged with his right hand, I landed a punch to him stomach from under him. His stomach was rock hard feeling the impact on my knuckles.

"Omph," he wheezed between clenched teeth. "Not bad, bread boy. I didn't know you had it in you. I expected you to punch like a girl."

"I have…had…two brothers," I informed him. "They taught me to defend myself from bullies like you."

When I found myself at the spot I was planning my next move, Cato ran towards me again but I was ready as I hunched downward, his chest contacting the side of my head and shoulders. And with the last energy I had left in me I grabbed his waist and used his forward momentum to throw him over my shoulders like sack of flour. I turned around quickly to find him on the ground, groaning in pain from landing on his back. I aimed his fall to land on top of a rock pile, his body lay slanted with his feet upward on top of the pile.

"We don't' have to do this, Cato," I implored him. "We're not enemies. I'm sorry if I embarrassed back at the training center." I guess I chose the wrong things to say as he stood up looking furious than ever.

"Fuck you," he yelled. "My own district laughed at me." I winced.

Injured and in pain, Cato stood up with fire still in his eyes. He looked wild as ever with more fury in his veins. "I've spent my life training to be a victor…or die trying. You will not take my hard work and sacrifice away from me." He lunged again but his time I was prepared to do what needed to be done––to end this. He wasn't going to stop until one of us was dead. There wasn't any choice but to defend myself and end this once and for all. If I didn't Cato would hunt us down, never relenting or letting go of his …obsession with Katniss and me. It was me or him. And him winning would cost Katniss's life as well.

Without a second thought, I took him down, as I once again lifted him over my shoulder and slammed backwards he onto the forest floor of dirt, branches and leaves. I heard a crunching sound of bone breaking and prayed it wasn't my own.

I sat up and flinched as pain shot through my arms and legs. My ribs sore and my shoulders ached. Cato turned on the floor onto his hands and knees crawling towards Katniss. "Peeta," she cried out as she backed away.

"Cato, stop," I yelled. Pain radiated to my lower back. "Stop."

"You took everything away from me," he said between clenched, tears brimmed his eyes as he breathed hard through his mouth. "I'm going to take one thing that means most to you." I didn't realized that he managed to reach for the rifle he threw on the ground earlier.

I quickly ran towards him, his back to me as he picked the rifle off the ground. I managed to ignore the pain I felt as reached over and yanked Cato by the neck. My arm was tight around him, squeezing hard that he dropped the gun onto the floor. Katniss quickly picked it up.

"Stop," I said as we both knelt on the ground. "Cato, just stop. It's over."

"No," he wheezed. "It'll never be over. You know the rules. There can only be one winner. One victor."

"Cato, the games are over," Katniss reminded him. "Just listen to Peeta and stop."

"I have nothing left but the games," Cato admitted. His finger dug into my forearm trying to free him from my choke-hold on his neck. "My friends are dead, my family and district are embarrassed because of me." I tightened my hold not giving an inch. He fought me and wouldn't stop. "I'm going to kill you, Mellark." I breathed through my nose finally smelling the scent of dirt, leaves and sweat. And with the scent was the acrid aroma of blood that permeated my shirt.

"Please stop," I begged as I whispered into his ear.

"Never, until there is one left. I won't stop," he stated.

I closed my eyes. "Peeta. Peeta." Katniss's voice swam in my head. My arms ached from holding onto Cato as my knees dug into the floor. I had no choice.

I yelled loud feeling my throat strain as I squeezed hard, harder onto Cato's neck. He struggled against me; he struggled to free himself his face turning blue as I continued to squeeze his windpipe. I thought of the life I was taking but then remembered Katniss. How her life meant more than Cato's. I couldn't stop.

Katniss screamed as if she too felt my pain and agony of killing Cato with my bare hands. "Peeta!" The pounding in my head accelerated and heart beat so hard I felt it against my chest.

I didn't stop until I felt Cato softened in my arms, his life force leaving his body. I relaxed my arms and felt the weight of Cato's body fall to the ground. It was over.

"Peeta, Peeta?" Katniss crawled to me just as I fell back on the ground and my eyes still closed. I didn't want to look. I was tired and in pain. "Peeta," she sobbed.

I opened my eyes. There was a look of relief on her dirt-smeared face. I smiled. "Katniss?"

"It's okay, Peet. You're going to be okay," she comforted me.

"Congratulations…"

"What?" Katniss asked back, startled and confusion written on her face.

"…to the winner of the 74th Hunger Games," I continued as I extended my hand to Katniss. She grabbed it tight and placed the back of my hand onto her chest. She gently rubbed her other hand to the side of my head. Her touch calmed and soothed me for a few seconds. With a heavy heart and weary body I closed my eyes. "Can we rest now, Katniss?"

"Not yet, baby. Not yet." Her soft melodic voice lulled me to sleep as the world turned black before me.


AN: Thank you for reading this chapter. I hoped you enjoyed it. Please leave a review at your leisure. I would like to know what you guys think so far. More to come as Peeta and Katniss fight their way to safety. Where are Mockingjay, Shane and Maddy? Find out in the next following chapters. Hope you have a great weekend.