To Save Them All

by CrazyGirl92

A small revamp of a story posted previously. Have you ever wondered if you could change it all? The rebellion has been over for years. Katniss and the other Victors have been sucked into being pawns for the new regime. What if President Snow had a back-up plan if his rule fell? Just what would Katniss do to change everything?

29. Chapter 28

Chapter 28: Times Run Out

Haymitch and Katniss stood with their tributes as the two finalized getting ready for the arena. The two victors shared a look knowing that has hard as the two pushed them, the main attraction their tributes had was Penny's ability to attract other tributes. Neither had much outside skill prior to attending the games. Their livelihood depended on if other tributes would be willing to kill for them.

Katniss knowing what the arena would be, focused on survival in ruined cities. Haymitch on get away tactics. Penny managed to get some information about the specialties of most of the districts, the only hold outs being the career tributes who wanted every advantage they could. Haymitch went to see Sage off while Katniss said goodbye to Penny. Katniss tried to hide the tears knowing how particularly brutal these games would be.

"Whatever you do Penny, do not let them see you cry" Katniss offered subconsciously fixing the girl's braid.

"I threw up over Caesar's shoes, I got some of the worst scores in the training . I'm not going to do well am I?" It wasn't a question.

"You did something out there Penny. You made friends sometimes that makes all the difference" Katniss smiled softly.

"We are on our own out there. I doubt anyone I talked with would spare a thought for me" Penny said despondently, knowing that physically she did not have much to work with. Penny had her mind, if she could escape the bloodbath then maybe she could have a shot.

"They will send you all into the cornucopia first, Penny. It's going to be tempting but I will need you to run away from it, forget the supplies. We can provide supplies but not if your dead okay?"

Penny nodded not trusting herself to reply as Katniss hugged her one last time before allowing the girl to enter the tube that would push her out into the arena. Katniss waited until she could no longer see her tribute before dashing towards where she knew Haymitch was waiting.

"This one does not end well does it?" Haymitch asked seeing the intensity in her shoulders.

"The winner kills his opponent with a fucking brick" Katniss snarls, hightailing it far away from him straight into the computer center, logging onto their station without a word.

"Guess I'll be the one schmoozing the assholes" Haymitch muttered to himself, slowly walking the opposite way towards where all the donors were conjugating with celebratory wine until the start of the games.

Meeting the eyes of Johanna, Finnick and Chaff, the male victor grabbed a glass from a passing waiter. Haymitch raised a glass to his friends taking a sip. This would be a long year.

XXX

All she could see was mountains of rubble that reminded her of the images of District 13, taught in schools as a warning of what happened to those who rebelled. Fucking bastards had the nerve to place them in a city of rubble.

The countdown appeared in the sky, causing Penny to look around trying to spot Sage. She finally found him almost out of her eyesight, but it was him. Penny felt ball of anxiety turn to dread as the clock slowly ticked down. Sage was too far away for her to try and signal where they should meet. The only thing she could hope for was that they would be able to find each other.

28

27

26

Penny heard a sob from the tribute next to her, recognized her from the play back of District 7's reaping. Penny offered the girl a small smile, which the fellow tribute returned.

"Don't go into the cornucopia, okay? Just run far away from it" Penny whispered, raising her voice just loud enough hoping that the girl would be able to hear. The tribute's eyes expanded enough that Penny thought her eyes might pop out of their sockets.

25

24

23

Every tribute started to get into a position to run, Penny thought that it reminded her of the young children in the seam who would run from one end of the sector to the next, the winner would get called "Victor." The children far too young to truly understand what these games were.

Would they be cheering her on?

Penny watched as the clock struck further down bending down to ensure that she would be able to move quickly when the clock struck zero.

3

2

1

XXX

Meanwhile Haymitch was whispering with Chaff and Seeder on their way towards gathering that awaited them with the donors. Haymitch had just finished explaining a shortened Katniss approved version of the story. The man did not have a death wish as much as Effie liked to harp on about.

"You said they pulled out" Seeder whispered harshly.

"Yet Plutarch is still hanging around, do you want to bet against Katniss?" Haymitch challenged.

Chaff snorted at the way Seeder rolled her eyes smacking the victor, "Haymitch Abernathy you are a jackass."

"I'm just saying between Katniss's appeal with crowds" Haymitch and the others chuckled envisioning the twitch the girl would get in crowds, " and our mutual hatred enemy I decided to take the risk."

"Are you sure it is worth it?" Chaff asked seriously.

"Our little flame thrower said that they were our only shot at having the manpower and technology to even attempt what we want" The victor responded, "Katniss knows her history, but I know how people."

Seeder laughed, "Good at pissing people off you mean."

The lighter skinned victor stuck his tongue out as Chaff had to lean against the wall as he got his laughter under control. His two companions standing a few feet apart as they continued to bicker.

"What is with all the women in my life saying cruel things about me?" Haymitch whined pathetically as Chaff wrapped an arm around his shoulders. Patting the man sympathetically as their female companion shook her head in exasperation.

"It's the way of the world my friend. These women I tell you are not to be trifled with" Chaff chuckled.

"I know, did I tell you about the time Effie threw a knife at me because I put my feet on the table?"

'Was this before or after you started drinking?" Seeder mused.

"I was on my fifth drink!."

"How do Effie and Katniss not murder you, I will never understand" Seeder sighed as the gentleman laughed heartedly.

XXX

Penny dived down using some of the ruins on the ground as cover just as an arrow sailed past her. Rather ironic that she almost gets killed by the weapon her own mentor prefers to use.

"Bitch" The tribute muttered glaring as the female tribute from One winked at her before taking aim again. She could see her partner, Sage fighting off the tribute named Prospero from the third district. Penny was so busy watching as Sage managed to stab the tribute in the arm before running towards the edge of the cornucopia that she did not hear the tribute coming up behind her.

"Duck!" Came the familiar voice of the District 7 female tribute causing Penny to turn around while tucking her head under her arms as she pushed herself away. The tribute managed to. use a knife stabbing the attacking tribute in the back.

The male career tribute from District 2 lay at their feet. Grabbing the girls hand Penny dragged the girl out of the mass grave, refusing to look at the bodies on the ground. Penny swore she heard a crack of bones on something she stepped on, but she refused to look down at once. Keeping a tight hold on her savior the two managed to spot Sage hiding under the cover of an abandoned building, a good hour's walk from the Cornucopia.

"You survived" Sage beamed pulling the girl into a hug.

"Yeah I watched as Prospero almost killed you" Penny punched the boy in the arm.

"I don't think I earned myself any brownie points" Sage shrugged.

"They are going to ream us aren't they?"

Penny sighed at the boy's question, "Well I doubt Haymitch and Katniss are going to be throwing us any parties."

The tribute from seven snorted, "Your complaining? I can hear Johanna already."

Sage chortled, "I'm sorry I don't remember meeting you, I'm Sage" the boy introduced himself holding out his hand. The girl took it delicately shaking it with calloused hands, "I'm Claire."

"Nice to meet you Claire, hopefully we don't die tomorrow" Penny smiled ruefully.

Sage shook his head, "Nah we will last at least a week!"

"The two of you are so morbid" Claire laughed as the two squatted down in their little hideaway. Claire followed suit keeping her back to the wall, allowing her eyes to keep a close look at the opening in case any of their fellow tributes decided to show up.

"I'll take first shift" Claire offered.

XXX

Camera's flashed at her dulling her senses to the point the only thing she could focus on was Finnick's arm around her waist. Katniss kept one arm around his waist taking the opportunity to lean into the man at her side her nose catching his smell offering her a touch stone as the paparazzi floated around them. The victor did as she was told earlier that night, keep a smile on face and allow Finnick to handle the press. Luckily for her they mostly had questions directed at Finnick and not herself.

"Mr. Odair, how long have you and Miss. Everdeen been seeing each other in private?"

"We understand that you are official. How does it feel knowing that all of Panem is rooting for you?"

Finnick chuckled looking down at Katniss with genuine fondness causing the brunette to roll her eyes and nudge him playfully. A click of the camera could be heard but the brunette focused on Finnick's answer.

"As I told the guests at Miss. Snow's fabulous birthday party. Lovely girl by the way" Finnick winked at the camera as if waving to the girl who would be watching this, "I had only taken Katniss here on a few private dates before feeling the need to ask her for a more permanent solution."

"He means he wanted to make sure no one else could ask me on a date" Katniss replied smacking him on the arm, remembering Effie's advice to show off a playful side to the cameras. When the brunette tried to refuse, Effie reminded her that the people would gossip no matter what they did but by playing along they could get the media on their side.

"You have to remember the politics of all this dear" Effie said soothingly, " you may dislike it but why not use it to your advantage?"

Hence why Katniss vowed to say as little as possible allowing Finnick to handle the press, unless she did something to ruin their cause. She had come to far to be seen as a genuine human being, with clout in these stupid walls to allow her temper to ruin it. Which is why she was grateful when Finnick kissed her on the lips after she finished speaking, earning a coo from the reporter.

"Katniss is right, I couldn't allow her to fall for a tribute now could I? They can be so pretty after all."

"How are your tributes?" The reporter asked.

"Scared as we all were to enter the arena, but I have no doubt they will each do their home districts proud" Finnick answered, tightening his grip of his girlfriend before she actually performed the eye removal her glare suggested was on her mind. Judging by the rough grip her own hand had on his, Finnick was right on the money.

"You okay there, love?" He whispered into her ear, bowing respectfully to the reporter and maneuvering them away.

"How much longer?" She whispered back, fighting to keep the smile in place.

"Thirty minutes then we can focus on the big wallets" He vowed.

XXX

The next morning the trio woke up to the sounds of someone screaming for help. Claire woke up first, hearing the heavy footsteps that resembled more of a giant than a group of bloodthirsty teenagers. The district seven tribute quickly crawled over to her two companions shaking them by their shoulders until they woke.

Before either of them could get a word out, she hissed fearfully "Careers."

Sage groaned getting onto his knees, slowly going to the sides of their hideaway. He motioned for the two girls to do the same. Penny stood next to Claire watching in anticipation as Sage looked towards the outside. The screams continued to echo throughout abandoned city, until the canon released signaling a death of the tribute.

"How many?' Claire asked hesitantly.

"They got at least ten during the blood bath" Mentally Penny did the math, remembering a string of canons last night.

"Half-way already?" Sage blinked, " it's day two!"

Penny glared at her partner, "Remember what Katniss said? Careers are ruthless. But it seems like they really are on the hunt this time."

"Do you think that they were told to go after someone?" Claire asked.

Sage shook his head, "Not surprising. I mean ever since Katniss won her own games with a second victor, then Johanna almost getting away with the same thing… the games have increased the violence towards it's tributes."

All three shivered remembering what happened during the last games. She remembered Johanna's games and how some of the tributes had started to form actual alliances, friendships only for those to be torn down once it became clear Johanna would not play by their rules. Penny's thoughts shifted towards her own actions, of how she had intentionally talked and tried to connect with as many tributes as possible. At Katniss's request, the need to form alliances paramount.

She believed it. Her mentors were trying to keep them alive. But it did not stop Penny from realizing how much of her own actions reflected the actions of the very victors whose tributes have been punished.

The way to keep her alive was becoming her one-way ticket to death.

XXX

Chaff winced as the screen turned away from the trio towards the careers who had walked away from the corpse they left behind.

"Where are they?" Prospero yelled, clenching his fist thinking about that male tribute from twelve that they were ordered to take out as soon as possible. The Gamemaker Seneca Crane came to them himself telling them of a job he had for them in the arena.

For the glory of their districts, for the good of Panem district twelve cannot have any more victors. Seneca Crane told them it was vital that the district learns its place, how the president himself would reward them greatly once a victor is announced. Even greater glory for their district if they take out the threats to Panem.

"Don't worry, they can't hide forever" His friend, the male tribute from district two clapped him on the back.

Chaff looked over to Seeder who subtly pointed her head towards where the mentors for district twelve sat clearly in a heated discussion. He watched as the little spitfire pointed a finger sharply into his friend's chest, her grey eyes alight. It was only when Katniss stood up abruptly walking off towards Johanna and Finnick.

Walking over Chaff sat in her empty seat, "They are after yours aren't they?"

"Katniss is sure of it," Haymitch shrugged the only sign that he was troubled were the cloudiness of his eyes. It was a subtle sign one that only those who spent real time with the man would be able to detect. Chaff sighed, "You agree with it."

"Snow's angry at us, they took things into their own hands. He cannot touch them personally now not without the hassle of dealing with an upset public. This also gives him the chance to stomp on the districts, so no one gets any ideas."

Chaff chuckled, "Too late for that."

"My ideas are harmless" Haymitch waved him off.

Chaff snorted, "Yeah keep telling yourself that."

"You look better bald, man."

Chaff's voice turned serious, "What are you going to do?"

Haymitch voice vibrated it was so low, "We do what we always do, we play the game."

XXX

Madge, Peeta and Gale were sitting together starring at the screen, as Gale's younger siblings were huddled out with Prim at the head. Prim helping Mrs. Hawthorne prepare food while her mother was working in their clinic.

"They are going directly after Penny and Sage aren't they?" Madge questioned turning towards the boy's fear all over her face. Gale wrapped his arm around the younger girl, pressing his lips to her hair. Peeta offered her a friendly smile before nodding solemnly.

"Why isn't Katniss doing anything?" Madge cried.

"She can't do much. But she really dislikes talking about being a mentor" Peeta sighed.

"I'm sure she is fuming as we speak, we might get a break and have to watch as Katniss beats someone to a pulp" Gale joked earning a gasp from Madge and an eye roll from Peeta.

"I hope not" Madge whispered closing her eyes as Gale rubbed her back softly.

"Look they turned it back towards Claire" Peeta informed them leaning into his knees as his eyes stayed glued to the screen. All the background noise of the children slowly lowered to a hum as the trio watched Claire out in the city, on a scouting mission to see where they could find more supplies.

Madge cried out when Prospero jumped down from one of the wrecked buildings. Peeta cursed silently as the male tribute wrapped his arm around Claire holding his hand over her mouth. He pulled her close, cutting off any screams. They watched as the tribute fought against him, as the fellow tribute clearly tried to pull her towards the opposite direction of where she had come from.

"Bitch" He cursed when she bit his finger loosening his grip long enough that Claire tucked her head under his arm and ran. He glared after her before he grabbed a brick and ran after her. Claire did not look back turning into a wrecked building, racing up the stairs and looked out the window.

Prospero looked up at her and grinned as he entered the building. Claire quickly looked around trying to find a weapon or if she could easily escape to another building. It was then that she noticed how close the building next to her was. Claire would struggle to jump, but when she heard the other tribute calling for her she knew that time was running out.

"Come out and play! I just want to know where your friends are?"

XXX

Safely locked away in the control room, Seneca Crane loomed over his employees watching the screen as the dots of each of the remaining tributes popped up like blinking lights. He frowned; the man had been certain that the tributes from district twelve would be dead by now. It was now day two, and those tributes were still nowhere near death.

He watched as the male tribute from three chased after the remaining tribute from seven. Seneca growled when the girl jumped from the window just as Prospero ran towards her, allowing her to hear him groan as he hit the windowsill hard, half his body now out of the opening. Claire having enough momentum safely landed into the next building. Even if her entire left side hurt like hell.

Seeing Prospero struggle to get out of the window was worth it. Knowing that she had very little time, Claire made her way out of the building and raced back to the hideout only after ensuring that Prospero did not follow.

"Stats" Seneca Crane commanded.

"Claire Donovan, female tribute from District 7 aged 15. Her ratings have been average, no special skills of note."

"Send the mutts after her" He ordered.

"Already, sir?"

"Do it" Seneca Crane growled disliking the uncertainty on the faces of his subordinates. He could not any doubts of his subordinates getting to the president, he could not fail.

"Yes, sir. Right away" With that every member in his vicinity began typing furiously as they released the hounds straight towards the girl.

A soft smile spread across his face as the howls could be heard as the hounds raced across the arena grounds. Crane watched as the girl's face whitened in realization as the howls got closer to her location. The smile widened considerably as the girl pushed herself further.

The faces of her companions could finally be seen as the hounds got closer encroaching on their prey. Seneca had to stop himself from grinning just he was sure his hounds were going to pounce on the girl. She was only a few yards away, when Penny cried out seeing the hounds right behind her.

"Penny, No!"

Seneca Crane never thought he would have ever seen such a sight in his lifetime. Penny raced out of the safety of her building racing straight toward Claire. In her hand was a flimsy knife, the hounds were just far away enough that Penny was able to grab onto the other girl pulling her straight towards the building where Sage was waiting. Pushing the tired girl out of the hound's way, Penny's foot hitting the face of a hound. Claire was pushed into the arms of Sage who quickly pulled her up, encouraging her to run up the stairs.

The two winced hearing Penny's cries, her arms slamming down the knife in hand into the hound. The beast whimpered. Sage sighed in relief when the hounds fled the scene, leaving a heaving but alive Penny behind.

XXX

Penny stumbled into Sage's arms, a large bite in her leg as Claire knelt down to examine it. Claire frowned, not daring to touch it, "That does look bad. Do we have any bandages at least?"

A small buzzing sound could be heard, as the trio stiffened turning around to see what made the sound. Penny relaxed back into Sage when they realized it was just a messenger, someone had sent them something.

Try staying alive, alright? You're going to give Katniss a heart attack!

-H

Sage laughed reading it out loud to the group. Penny laughed wincing as a pain shot up through her leg. Claire took the package opening it up quickly and smiled as inside was fully equipped first aid kit.

Sage whistled, "Now I know that cost them."

Claire shrugged, "But we need it. Alright Penny this is going to hurt" she warned before tearing away cloth that stuck to her skin. Penny winced but managed not to scream as Sage moved her slightly so she would be more comfortable. Claire focused on wiping away the blood to get a better look at the bite. Masking her face into one of indifference when she saw bone, it would not do to let them worry. There was nothing they could do from inside the arena. She carefully put some pain relief and antibiotics on the wound, at least to help stave off infection until the games were over.

"There all done" Claire smiled.

Penny took one look at her and laughed, "You are really a bad liar."

"Trust me best not to think about it" Claire shook her head as Sage carefully picked up Penny. Who snarled, " Where are you taking me?"

"Near the wall so at least you can rest more comfortably."

As Penny was forcibly made to sit still and actually rest, the other two members of the trio made plans on how long each of their shifts should be, so Penny could rest. They ignored all her comments about being able to take a shift, much to her chagrin.

"Penny, shut up before I knock you out."

XXX

Haymitch Abernathy needed a drink after the day he had. He silently watched as Finnick grabbed Katniss, nodding his head towards Haymitch before leading his girlfriend away. Haymitch made his way alone towards the penthouse, nodding at his fellow victors on the way. Once the elevator doors opened up, Haymitch quickly entering the small box before pressing the number 12 button.

He doubted that he would get much sleep tonight unless he was able to get a nightcap in. Luckily Finnick would be keeping his little menace away for a while, hopefully long enough Haymitch could get drunk enough to sleep. It never occurred to him that Katniss might have thought this through and recruited a few others into keeping Haymitch from a total binge.

Exiting the elevator at the top floor, the victor quickly entered into the penthouse. He spotted the liquor cabinet, Haymitch immediately went straight towards it. It was not until he reached down to open it that he noticed the lock. Hearing the swish of the door, Haymitch turned to see Effie walking over to him with a frown on her face.

"Katniss warned me you would try to get into the liquor" She sighed.

"I just want a little" He wheedled. Effie smirked at him leaning into his chest poking her finger into his chest. He bent down to place a kiss on her lips when she walked up her fingers to his lips and pushing him away by his forehead.

"Nope" She said with a pop, "I agree with Katniss. You need to watch your alcohol intake."

Haymitch groaned as she laughed at him, "But I've been a good boy" he whined pouting. Every move Effie made to put some extra space between them, Haymitch maneuvered his way to match. If she turned left, then Haymitch followed suit after a few attempts at trying to get away Effie couldn't hide her laughter.

"This is not going to work Abernathy" She teased, leaning against the counter as his arms tucked her in between them. She raised a brow at him humming, "Tell me Haymitch why should I allow you even a sip of that whiskey I know you hide behind the beer."

He leaned his forehead into her shoulder, "Effie…"

She patted his head softly, "Let's go to bed."

"But the whiskey…."