Summary – Peeta Mellark is the Winner of the 74th Hunger Games after Katniss Everdeen sacrifices herself to save his life. But as Peeta will soon discover not all fallen tributes stay dead.

Disclaimer: These are all Suzanne Collin's toys. They're just in my playground.

A/N: Hey Guys, I'm really sorry for the delay in uploading I've not been very well lately, nothing to worry about I've just been a bit run down with a cold and my head had been a little too foggy to edit and post. But here I am back again with a new chapter. Please show me some love, enjoy!

Haymitch gripped my arm tightly as he dragged me away back to the train, he broke into a sprint as we went and as he was holding on to me I had to match his speed. I'd never seen Haymitch run before outside of footage from his time in the games, surprisingly he was quite nimble despite the high volume of alcohol that was usually flooding his system. He was trying to put as much distance between us and the District as fast as he possibly could.

When we climbed aboard he led me to the dining cart, where I listened in to that private conversation last night, and he threw me down into the nearest seat.

"What the hell were you thinking?" he yelled at me, "Did you want to get yourself killed, boy? Your family? Friends? That little girl you swore to protect? Not to mention that man out there!" He pointed towards the District, "You know, the one who did just get killed! I warned you that you were playing with fire!"

I remained silent, I was still reeling from the horrific scene I had just witnessed back there. I got a man killed. He's dead. It's all my fault.

"You have no idea what you have done!" Haymitch continued, he was about to pour himself a drink when he quickly gave up on the idea of using a glass and drank straight from the bottle. The trained pulled out of the station and sped away from District Eleven.

"I- I- couldn't…" I stutter trying to find my words, "I d-don't know…"

"You were stupid. I would have expected Katniss to have pulled that kind of crap, but you?"

My eyes flared up at him and I quickly found courage from the spell of her name, "What can I say, Haymitch? She inspired me. You know she wouldn't have read that stupid speech I was given. How could I face the District with everything going on and feed them the same rubbish that they get every year? I don't want them thinking I was just another product of the Capitol, they deserved better. They deserved a spark." I told him giving him a knowing look.

Recognition flared in eyes and he groaned, "You overheard our conversation last night," he rubbed a hand over his face. "You weren't supposed to hear any of that,"

"You should have told me sooner, Haymitch!" I yelled at him, "There's a war coming anyway, right? I will protect Prim. And if for some reason I can't, Gale can,"

"You are a fool to think you can protect anyone right now, it just proves how naïve you are about this whole situation," Haymitch growled, "you can't protect them from this. From what Snow can and will do!" he knocked back another serving from the bottle containing his precious amber liquid.

"You should have told me all of this sooner, Haymitch!" I shouted, "If you had equipped me with what I needed to know I could have helped without screwing it all up!"

"I wanted to keep you out of it!" he yelled

"Why?" I asked

His froze a second as if my question was completely unexpected and then his face softened, "I've become... rather fond of you," he said it awkwardly, like it was difficult for him to admit. It probably was, after all, he told me that he tried not to keep any friends at all. He and Katniss were so alike, it was no wonder they fought so much when she were alive. "I was trying to protect you,"

I sighed, and pleaded with him, "Haymitch, I'm a victor. I'm already in this. You should have told me. I want nothing more than to make things right, so please, let's not make what I did be in vain."

"The man has spoken, Haymitch," I turned to see a man I didn't recognise, but I most definitely recognised the voice, it was Plutarch, the third person talking with Cinna and Haymitch last night. He walked towards us and clapped slowly, "Bravo, Mr Mellark, bravo."

"Did they air it at least?" Haymitch asked, resigned

"They tried to cut the feed but we hacked in and kept it rolling, all the way up to and including the live execution. I believe this is the wake-up call the Districts needed," I flinched at his words and the way they fell from his lips so carefree as if we weren't just talking about a man's death.

Plutarch turned to me and held out his hand, "Plutarch Heavensbee," he introduced himself, I accepted his hand and shook it, "it appears we have a lot to discuss," he grinned

Cinna joined us then, he asked if I were okay again. I managed a feeble head nod. Together, the three of them filled me in on the details of the rebellion. They told me District Thirteen was still alive and thriving underground, ran by a woman named President Alma Coin. She was building an army of rebels to take back Panem from Snow's reign of terror. Plutarch was one of the head game makers, second only to Seneca Crane. He was working hard to recruit people to the cause from within the Capitol and using his status and connections to gather intelligence and find ways to take Snow down. They told me that they had recruited a large number of past victors of the Hunger Games to the cause. Not so many from the Career Districts but some of the names involved still surprised me.

He continued telling me about how they have been trying for years to get things off the ground, but it had been difficult as they didn't have the numbers to invade the Capitol. People in the Districts had been too afraid to fight back. But recently, something changed. They explained to me how the actions of Katniss and myself in the arena begun a movement. How it started with Katniss volunteering in place of her sister, furthered by our "love" story and our willingness to die for each other. Katniss's respectful goodbye to Rue. It made people angry and want to stand up for what's right.

They then told me that my homecoming speech further fuelled that anger and my speech today "sparked it" just as they had hoped it would. A fire had ignited, and it was catching across the Districts.

"Those people out there were willing to die for this cause," Plutarch told me in an attempt to alleviate my guilt, "They are ready to make change happen at any cost."

"So, what happens now?" I asked finally

"Snow will inevitably see you as a threat and suspect your involvement in the Rebellion." He said, "We obviously don't want that, what you have done so far has been enough. Behave like the scene in District Eleven scared you into submission, continue on with this tour, read the speeches Effie gives you. Stay safe, because we need you now, more than ever. You've become a symbol of hope for the people." His eyes have fallen onto Katniss's Mockingjay pin that I wear in her memory every day, "Our Mockingjay," he says thoughtfully.

"How would reading from Effie's speeches from now on continue to inspire that hope?" I asked him, "Surely, It'll do the exact opposite? They'll see me as Snow's puppet."

"You can't put out this fire now, believe me," Plutarch grinned, "besides we will give you the chance to publicly stand up to the Capitol again so that the people know you've not bowed down to them. I'll make sure of it, but for now just play the game."

Whose game? I was always playing someone else's game, never mine. I am more than just a piece in their games.

"Jesus, Plutarch, you haven't even asked him if that's what he wants." Haymitch said then, he looked right at me, "Kid, you don't have to do this. This is a lot to ask of anyone and I can't guarantee anyone's safety if you say yes,"

It was a lot to ask but I really wanted to do it. It would finally give me a purpose. After all, this is what I wanted wasn't it? To find a way to end the Games for good and this was my chance, I now had more of an opportunity to get it done than anyone else ever had. I wanted to do it for Katniss and all the other children who had lost their lives in the Games. For all the Victors who still had to live with the trauma of their Games every single day. For anyone else Snow had wronged or killed.

But was the cost of doing that too high? There was the greater good to consider, the theory that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few but how could I willingly put anyone I cared about in danger?

Plutarch could sense my dilemma, "What if I can guarantee their safety?" He asked me

"How?" I ask

"I have a plan. Seneca Crane thinks he runs the show as Head Gamemaker, but I can promise you that most of his ideas do not come from him." He rolls his eyes, "I promise you that if you help us, I'll be able to get your family, the Everdeen's and the Hawthorne's to safety."

"How?" I asked him

"Don't worry we'll work out the logistics of that soon. But what I do know is that Snow has far too much going on with the riots and uprisings in the Districts. Killing off your friends and family isn't going to be a priority for him right now, especially if you start playing by his rules and stick to the scripts. If you do that they should be safe for the time being until we can get them out," He holds out his hand, "So, Mr Mellark. Are you in?"

I nod immediately, "Yes," I take his hand and shake, "let's put an end to this barbaric world,"

Haymitch put a hand on my shoulder, "You need to understand the weight of this choice," he said, "Do you know what will happen if you agree to this? It will start a war, people will die. If your conscience can't handle that then this is not for you, Peeta,"

He knew that I was a pacifist and was trying to plead to that side of me. Part of me agreed fully with him, I wasn't sure if I was strong enough to be partially responsible for people going to their deaths, willingly for a good cause or not. I sighed when another realisation hit me, "I know that, Haymitch" I replied softly, "Believe me, I do understand what starting a war will mean, the idea of it is truly terrifying. But there are people dying now, adults and children, for absolutely no reason at all. The knowledge of that weighs even heavier on my heart than the idea of war. At least then, people are willing to die to make things better, to help change the way things are, to stop these needless deaths. I know that I am, and I know that Katniss would too."

"I'm glad to hear it," Plutarch clapped his hands together, "So it's settled then, Peeta's in. When we get to the Capitol, I will start putting things in motion."

"Peeta, when we get to the Capitol there is a chance that Snow will confront you about the events in District Eleven, they will suspect you as a rebel, they might even resort to torture. Believe me he is not above that sort of cruelty," Haymitch warned, "If that happens you put on that love sick puppy routine that you do so well and tell them that all you could think about was Katniss and that you were trying to honour her memory. You cannot let slip that you know anything about the rebels otherwise this won't work, and it would have all been in vain,"

I nod in understanding, "Of course. I promise." And for the first time in a long time I actually felt good about something. We were going to change things. I wished Katniss were alive to see it happen, to see what her actions in the arena has begun. I knew that things were going to get much worse before they got better, so I mentally began preparing myself for that and hoped that everything would work out the way we wanted it to. It had to, we had no choice. We could not afford to lose this.

I continued the victory tour on my best behaviour, I listened to everything Effie told me, read out her speeches robotically. The other Districts booed my Capitol fed lies. Districts Eight and Five and Seven all began riots in my presence but not directly caused by anything I said or did. They were probably angry that I was being forced to read something they knew I didn't believe in. That they didn't believe in.

More people were shot down and I swallowed the bile down my throat, ignored the pit in my stomach and reminded myself that they were a part of the cause and they signed up for this. But that knowledge didn't mean that it affected me any less.

I needed to stay strong. Haymitch told us that Plutarch managed to keep everything on the air. I still worried that my apparent submission to the Capitol and seeing people being shot down dead might do the opposite of what we were trying to achieve and scare the supporters away but I saw the fire behind the eyes of the people in the Districts and they are ready for this, just like Plutarch said, there was no putting out this fire now.

When we finally reached the Capitol my first appearance was to attend a party hosted by Snow at his mansion. Portia and her prep team turned me into a perfect Capitol creation, I even allowed make-up this time. I had to play the part in front of Snow, I was a victor now. Luckily it was subtle, and I didn't feel too much like a peacock.

The party was so much more elaborate than anything else I'd ever seen so far in the Capitol. People went out of their way to meet me and congratulate me on my victory. Still I played my part to perfection. Women made obvious attempts at flirting with me at the same time as telling me how sorry they were about Katniss, still I played my part. I heard no one mention anything about the events they have seen unfolding in the Districts and they pretend things are still normal and okay. And still I played my part.

I felt Snow's eyes on me most of the evening. He reminded me of a coiled snake, waiting to pounce. I needed to get out of here. When I thought no one was watching I stepped out of the ballroom and found a quiet corner to collect myself for a moment. I knew I couldn't disappear for long someone would come looking for me. Unfortunately it was much sooner than I anticipated.

"Peeta Mellark," his voice triggered something in me that made my skin crawl, I took a deep breath, plastered on a brilliant smile, and turned to face him.

"President Snow," I greeted him politely.

"Is there a problem with your party?" he asked me,

"Not at all," I smiled, "It's all beautiful and more than I could have imagined," I sounded as grateful as I possibly could, "I was just missing her, I wished that she could have seen all of this. It just made me feel a little sad is all, so I took a moment to gather myself," I knew that Katniss would have hated all of this, so that part was a lie. But I really needed to spread it on thick so he would see that my actions were all because of her and not an act of rebellion. But in many ways, it really was because of her. Everything I was doing was all for her, So I didn't really need to pretend anything. There was no "lovesick puppy" part to play here.

I truly loved Katniss. I missed her more than anything. I wanted to make her proud and help create a new, better Panem in her name.

"I see," he said,

I wanted to kill him. Right here, right now. I wanted to wrap my hands around his throat, wipe that sickly smile off his face once and for all and drain the life out of him just like he has stolen countless lives year after year.

My eyes fell on the bodyguard stood behind him and I knew that if I tried, I would fail horribly. But I wasn't stupid, I knew now wasn't the right time for him to die, we needed the support of all of Panem so we could get the right person to take over before another one of his Capitol monsters has a chance to step up. First, we needed to rise up properly. We will end you. I thought.

That thought gave me a boost of strength, I had still had a part to play, so I had to play by the rules and grovel. "I wanted to apologise about what happened in District Eleven," I said quickly. It would be stupid for me to pretend that I didn't know I had made a terrible mistake, especially when I had purposely gone against his wishes. "I guess I didn't take your warning seriously enough. All I wanted to do was make Katniss proud, I never meant for any of that to happen. I felt the speeches Effie wrote didn't pay her the respect I thought she needed but now I can see why it had to be that way. I'm so sorry I hope you can forgive me." I pleaded with him.

His face was like stone. I couldn't tell what he was thinking or tell whether he believed me. I knew that I sounded genuine, it was rooted in too much truth for it not to. I could only hope that he bought every word I said.

Finally, he spoke, "What to do with you?" he pondered aloud.

I made myself look terrified of him, from everything I knew about him, I knew that he gets off on that kind of power, he revels in being feared. Although, to be honest, it wasn't all that hard to act this way. He was genuinely terrifying, to the point where I didn't believe that I was pretending. "I'll not cause any more trouble, I swear,"

"It's already too late for that," his voice cold, "If you were anyone else, you would already be dead for your treachery."

"I'm sorry," I whispered again, his threat sent a shiver down my spine and made my voice tremble,

"So I see." he clipped, "Return to your guests," he ordered and then stormed off down the corridor, away from the party.

I released a breath I didn't even realise I was holding and I returned to the party. My confrontation with Snow was playing on repeat in my mind and I picked apart all of my responses hoping that they were believable enough. I second guessed everything I said and did, wondering how Snow truly took it, wondering how I might have handled it better. As soon I stepped back into the ballroom, I collided with someone. "I'm so sorry," I mumbled automatically.

I look up and I am greeted by a bright smile, "Peeta Mellark, as I live and breathe!"

"Finnick Odair," I recognised him immediately, he won his games at 14 years old about a decade ago. He also happened to be one of the victors Haymitch named as being part of the rebellion. We give each other a knowing look.

"You look like you've seen a ghost," he told me then,

"Pretty much," I answered, "I've just had a run in with Snow," his smile faded, replaced with concern, I didn't need to say anymore. I knew that he would be up to date on what had been happening, which I was grateful for because we weren't exactly in a place where we could discuss it.

"Let's get you a drink," he said leading me to the bar, as we walked across the room, several women called his name and he returned their affections with a charming smile or a quick wave, he even blew some of them a kiss. He had been in this world a for a long time he had worked on playing his role to perfection. You would never guess he was a rebel, on the outside he looked like a typical playboy enjoying the luxurious life that being a victor had granted him. Appearances were most certainly deceiving.

Finnick poured a bright green liquid into a glass and handed it to me, I didn't ask what it was before I tipped it down the back of my throat, it burned as it went down and I made an involuntary gasp at the reaction. He laughs, "Not a drinker I take it?" I shake my head, "It's probably for the best," he said as he tipped his back expertly.

The adrenaline I felt while facing Snow had begun to wear off. Now I was feeling a bit shaken up and I wished that I were able to discuss the interaction with Finnick properly. Hell, I begun to wish Gale was here and that he knew what was really going on. It was a shocking twist of events when it occurred to me that Gale had become my closest companion.

A woman came over snaking her arm around Finnick, "Hello handsome," she drolled in a thick Capitol accent, "I have been looking for you, I thought I had lost you," she pressed kisses to his neck and cheek.

Finnick was known for being a womaniser, but I knew better now. The reality was far more sinister than that. Finnick was used and sold as an escort in the Capitol. I watched bewildered as he pulled her in for a passionate kiss. I was amazed at how he could play along so well, so convincingly. If I didn't know any better, I would say he was enjoying every second of it. But now I knew that Victors had to continue using their survival skills outside of the arena too, this was just one of Finnick's.

When he finally broke off the kiss, he turns back to me, "Peeta, I'd like to introduce you to my date for the evening. Helena meet Peeta Mellark our latest victor," she eyed me up hungrily. I found her repugnant, but I knew that I too, had to play my part.

I took her hand in mine and placed a chaste kiss upon it, "Charmed,"

"Likewise," she purred, she looked over my shoulder her eyes widened in hunger again, "Oh!" She gasped, "Look there's Seneca Crane!" she cried, "Seneca!" she called him over

"Helena, my dear," he slurred, "How are you?" they kissed each other on both cheeks

"I'm perfect! Thank you for asking. I am having such a wonderful evening and my date, Finnick has been nothing but chivalrous." She ran her fingers across Finnick's chest caressing him carelessly and turned back to Seneca, "but he doesn't need to bring that with him to the bedroom tonight if you know what I mean!" she cackled, it seemed like she was trying to make him jealous. Finnick flashed me a knowing, amused smile.

"Indeed," Seneca's smile faded just a bit. There was definitely some unresolved tension between the two but Seneca was far too drunk in this moment to do anything about that.

Finally, he seemed to notice I was stood there, "Peeta!" he cried, "How are you enjoying your party?" he asked me

"It's wonderful, thank you,"

"Well get used to it. Your life will be filled with beautiful parties and beautiful women from now on," he tried to wink at Helena, but it ended up being a wonky blink.

"Ah, well. As grateful as I am. I'm not ready to move on just yet, I'm still grieving," I told him

Seneca rolls his eyes, "Are you not over that yet?" he groans, he puts an arm around my shoulders. "Look around," he told me, "You could have any of these women you want, they will just throw themselves at you,"

And then as if to prove a point he grabbed the nearest passing girl and pushed her into my arms, "Oh!" she cried in surprise, "Hello Peeta," she giggled and twirled a lock of her wig hair

"I'm not interested," I said firmly to Seneca, the woman in my arms pouted and looked devastated by this.

I flash her a smile, "I'm so sorry, I really am truly flattered. You are a beautiful woman but I'm still grieving for Katniss, it's too soon for me to move on just yet,"

This seemed to melt her, "Aww, Peeta you are so sweet!" She wrapped her arms around my neck and gave me a hug so tight my eyes almost pop out of their sockets, "When you're ready, call me!" she giggled and walked off, she was a woman in her mid to late twenties and I was barely 17. This was so wrong.

Seneca snorts, "You know Katniss just used you, right? To her you were just a tool to survive. The whole romance was a lie."

I looked at Finnick in confusion, why was Seneca saying all this in public? Surely he would be trying to protect the love story angle to keep Panem in line. He was a very drunk man and was treading on dangerous territory. Neither of us knew how to respond in front of Helena.

"Helena, I'm pretty sure I saw Cinna over there by the champagne fountain and I heard he was looking for a new model his new fashion line," Finnick told her,

"He is?" Helena was very invested in this information

"He is, oh and it looks like he's about to leave. Go quickly before he disappears, he's a dear friend of mine, tell him I sent you," the vapid woman thanked Finnick with a kiss on the cheek and hurried over to find Cinna.

"I loved her," I said strongly, replying to Seneca, "It doesn't matter what you believe, what I felt is real,"

"She thinks you're a pathetic little boy," he slurred and laughed mockingly, "She's a wild one, she will never settle for someone like you,"

"Thinks?" I raise my eyebrows,

"Will?" Finnick queried. We steal a quick glance at each other.

A strange look crossed the head game makers face, "Thought, would whatever," he waved his hand dismissively, "What does it matter? She's dead. Move on with your life Peeta." He warned me and then turned and stumbled away.

Finnick looked deep in thought, "What is it?" I asked him

"Not here," he mouths, I nod in understanding. "It's getting late we'll talk soon," he said