The Fallen

Summary – Peeta Mellark is the Winner of the 74th Hunger Games after Katniss Everdeen sacrifices herself to save his life. He soon finds himself in the middle of the rebellion as their beacon of hope, their Mockingjay. 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: Hi guys, we're back again for the next chapter. We're back to Peeta again, if you can recall we last left him returning to Twelve finding out that Gale had been whipped in the square. But as I promised you he has not forgotten about Katniss, lets see what happens.

Please review/follow/favourite. Enjoy xx

"How is he?" I asked Prim and took a step into the softly lit room

"Still in a lot of pain," she replied softly, "It was pretty bad, it could take some time to heal properly,"

Prim and her mom had been working on Gale's back for the last 4 hours, he was sprawled out face down on my kitchen table as Mrs Everdeen's nimble fingers worked on stitching him up, she was nearly finished. I felt useless so I kept making sure that they had everything they needed at hand.

Gale wasn't whimpering much at the moment, I couldn't tell if he had passed out from the pain again or whether he had just become numb to it. I asked them why weren't they using much morphling to help ease his pain but Prim told me that they were running seriously low on all medical supplies. But it wasn't just us. It was a problem across the whole district.

His back was not a pretty sight. The Everdeen women were doing a good job helping him with the minimal supplies they had here in Twelve. "He's lucky we have you and your mom to help him." I said to Prim as I looked over at a Gale's still form on the table, "Is he awake?" I asked

"Just about," Prim answered, Mrs Everdeen tied off the last off the stitches. "We're finished stitching now, so I was about to give him the last dose of morphling we have to help him sleep."

"Last dose? Is there's no more morphling in Twelve?" I asked, "At all? Let me know where I can get some, I can go buy some more," I knew the district was running dry but surely there was some, somewhere.

Primrose shook her head and lowered her voice so that Gale couldn't hear her, "With all the whippings going on lately, we've burning through the stuff and the Capitol seems to be slowing down our shipments. We only got this far because Mom had stockpiled some away. The apothecary in town has been cleared out, even the Doctors surgery has run out. After this one, he's on his own." She glanced back at Gale with a look of concern, "Did you want to try talking to him before I give him the Morphling?" she asked

I nodded and muttered a thanks, Mrs Everdeen followed her daughter out of the room, sensing a need for privacy, I sat on the chair beside the table and leaned forward, careful not to jostle him and cause him any more pain.

"Gale, are you awake?" I murmured near his ear. He opened his eyes slowly. "How are you doing, buddy?" I asked him

"Fantastic. Ready to head back down the mines," he croaked, I cracked a small smile. "Where were you, Peeta?" he asked me, there was almost a look of disappointment on his face.

I knew he was referring to my prolonged stay in the Capitol. I couldn't tell him much here, not with so many bugs, but he deserved some truth. This wouldn't have happened to him had I come home when I was supposed to.

I looked him in the eye with a meaningful look and glanced around the room, hoping that it conveyed to him that it wasn't safe for me to talk properly, "I had some business I needed to take care of," I explained, hoping that was a good enough answer for now, "I'm going to need you to get better soon, okay?" I told him, "Because there are some really important things that I'm going to need your help with,"

He nodded slowly and I could tell it caused him paid to do so. I could tell he wanted to know more, and it looked like he was going to ask, but I shook my head. I couldn't give him any more than I already had, not right here, not right now, it wasn't safe. I wasn't sure what he took away from my few words, but it seemed to appease him for the time being.

"I'm sorry this happened to you, Gale,"

"It's not your fault, Peeta," he mumbled

I wasn't so sure, was this for the reasons Prim had said? That the peacekeepers were just waiting for an excuse to get Gale for the suspected hunting? If I were back in time, I probably could have prevented it.

Or was this Snow sending me a message about my speeches? Planned perfectly in time with my return to the District to bear witness. Was this a warning to get me to stay in line? Either way I felt like I was somehow at fault.

Prim breezed back in carrying a sealed plastic bag containing a needle and a small bottle of clear fluid which I assumed was the last dose of morphling in District Twelve, "Shall we move him first?" I asked, "Before we let him get some sleep we can move up to my bedroom lay him on my bed and make where he'll be more comfortable."

Prim looked unsure, "I don't think the 3 of us would be able to move him now," her mom said as she came back into the room, "And I think the movement will be too much for him for now. We'll try and make this table as comfortable as we can for him and we'll see if he's up for moving when he wakes,"

I ran upstairs and grabbed some extra pillows and blankets from my bedroom, Mrs Everdeen was gently covering Gale's back in some gauze. While I propped a thin pillow under Gale's head. With him laying face down I didn't want it to be too thick as it might be a bit suffocating for him. I helped him turn his head to the side, he groaned at the movement, but seemed to be much more comfortable when he was settled into the new position.

Mrs Everdeen covered him with the blanket once all the gauze was in place, it too was also thin as I thought anything heavier would hurt his tender back. But it was too cold a night to leave him exposed to the air.

"This is the last bit, Gale, so enjoy the most of it," Prim said somberly as she administered the Morphling. It wiped him out almost instantly.

I retired to bed on Prim's orders. She said there wasn't much else I could do for him now, they just had to let him rest. They were staying to tidy the mess away and take stock of the supplies they had left. The number of stitches needed to piece him back together was shocking. The peacekeepers really did a number on him. Mrs Everdeen believed they must have almost completed the full 40 lashes judging by the state of his back.

My worry for Gale faded knowing the Everdeen women had taken good care of him, but I lay on my bed my thoughts circled back to the lost Everdeen woman and that damn rumour. I just couldn't let it go. Forgetting about her like this wasn't sitting right with me.

If she was really out there how could I sit back and wait? What if I found the proof that they needed to for them to agree to help her? Though admittedly, I had no idea where to start. Even Finnick in all his experience tried and failed. And two of Plutarch's men are missing - presumed dead, just for looking into this.

When we discussed it in the hub, I could see that Finnick looked torn, like he wanted to help me but didn't know how to without any leads. He had already exhausted all of his. And I knew that Haymitch had developed a soft spot for Katniss, judging from the look on his face at the time, he didn't seem completely okay with Plutarch's orders either.

Like me, both Finnick and Haymitch had their own reasons to want to help Katniss. But they had been soldiers in this rebellion a lot longer than I. Plutarch outranked them and they both felt bound to the orders he gave us not to pursue this.

To an extent I understood Plutarch's reasoning, but I didn't think it was entirely impossible to at least try to find some proof without disrupting the plan or exposing the rebels.

I understood where his orders came from and I understood why Johanna got so upset. Because of their past experiences and because of everything they've got riding on this plan, they are prioritising the mission over the rumour of one girl. It was easy for them to think that way, they don't know Katniss. They're not invested in her the same way that I was.

But Plutarch was still a stranger to me, and I wasn't invested in him the way the others were, I didn't share the same sense of duty towards him. My duty was to Katniss and I wasn't going to let her down again. If she is alive, I was going to help her. But it wasn't just Katniss on the line here, who knew how many others there might be stuck there with her.

Saving these people could even be the key to bringing down Snow. Exposing his biggest kept secret of the evillest nature could be what turns all the Districts against him.

I got up off the bed and headed downstairs, Prim shot me a confused look as I flew past, "I'll be right back," I called on my way out

I headed straight to Haymitch's, praying that he hadn't had enough time to get himself too drunk to hold a conversation yet. I let myself in using the key he kept hidden under the mat for use in emergencies and found him sat in his usual armchair.

"I figured you'd show up tonight. You can't let it go, can you?" he said as I entered the room, sparing us any pleasantries.

"Can you?" I challenged him

He rubbed a hand over his face, his other hand nursing a glass of bourbon, still untouched, "No, not really," he groaned, I wasn't entirely surprised.

I looked around the room wishing I could speak freely with him. Why did I think coming here would help? "It's okay we can talk in here," he replied as if he sensed my frustrations, "When Snow had security tighten here in Twelve, as you know already he had most of the District bugged," he said, "However, Plutarch showed me a map of the dark spots where he had managed to sabotage a few of them. The one in this room is one of them," he answered

Now it made sense. I understood why Haymitch spent most of his time cooped up in here these days instead of using the main living room. This purpose for this room was supposed to be an office space, the layout was exactly the same as mine. But Haymitch had turned it into his own sanctuary, he had brought his big armchair and TV in here. The bookshelves had been cleared of most the books save for a few, and the empty shelf space had been filled with bottles of his precious liquor.

I guess if I had a room free from being constantly watched or listened to by Snow's cronies in the Capitol, I'd want to spend the majority of my time in there too.

"How can I help her without getting caught by Snow or alerting them to the Rebellion's plans?" I asked him

"To get Plutarch on board to help you need to show him concrete proof of this place existing and give him a location... even then we still wouldn't be able to make a move until..." he trailed off thoughtfully, I saw where his train of thought was going.

"...Until the Games air, and we use the same distraction to break her out that we will use for our own escape?" I finished for him, he nodded.

That still wasn't soon enough for me, but it was certainly much better than the alternative. I was not prepared to wait until the end of a war to rescue her.

"Okay so what do I do?" I asked my old mentor, hoping he had some life-saving advice for me

"You can't do much from here," Haymitch said, "You're going to have to go back to the Capitol."

"Where do I even start?" I asked him

He shrugged, "Beats me, boy. But if you're so determined to do this, you're going to have to figure that out. You can't just start asking people questions about it though, you're going to have to be smarter than that,"

"I don't really know the Capitol, would you come with me?" I asked him

"Sorry," he muttered, "Not this time. I've just left the place and I don't think I could stomach another visit just yet. Besides I won't be much help, we both know that,"

"I don't know if I can do this alone, Haymitch," I don't ask him for much, his eyes were apologetic when they met mine.

"Sorry, Kid." he said again, a strange look crossed over his face and for the first time I realised that the Capitol effected Haymitch more than he let on, "But if you insist on doing this you have to be back before the reaping." he continued, "If you can dig up some proof by then it'll be easier to persuade Plutarch to help. But he'll be pissed if he catches you meddling out there and if he does I don't know a damn thing, you hear me?"

I nodded, "I won't incriminate you," I said understanding the point he was making. I knew the odds were impossible, but I was determined to at least try. The problem was, I didn't have any idea where to start. I knew that I couldn't do this on my own, and if Haymitch couldn't help me there was one other person I knew I could ask.

A few days later, Gale was back on his feet and moving around again. He was healing well but not fast enough for Gale's liking. He was determined to build his strength back up as soon as possible.

Knowing Gale, I knew he was pushing himself for a number of reasons, the first was that he desperately needed to get back to work in the mines so he can afford to keep his family fed, and even though I assured him they wouldn't go hungry and I would help them until he was back on his feet. His pride was yet again propelling him forward, he didn't want to rely on my help any longer than necessary, it was surprising to me that he even accepted it in the first place.

This leads me to the 2nd reason. Gale didn't like to look weak.

It was in the smallest of movements and the occasional grimaces on his face that told me he was still in a lot of pain. I suggested one morning that he come take a walk with me. He was just happy to get out of the house and use it as a physical therapy opportunity, but I had ulterior motives.

We headed in the direction of the meadow, I was leading him to one of the dark spots on the map Haymitch showed me the other night indicating the broken bugs. When we were almost there, I pulled a small tube out of my pocket and handed it to Gale. "What's this?" he asked

"Just a little further," I replied. Gale shot me a curious look, but I continued walking and he followed my lead.

When we got to the border I relaxed a little, this was it, the safe spot away from listening ears. "What's going on, Peeta?" Gale held the tube up, "What is this?"

"I'm sorry I've not been very forthcoming with you, Gale. But ever since Thread and his new peacekeepers came to town, this entire District was bugged with Capitol listening devices. There's only a few places where it's safe to talk, luckily for us, Haymitch and I know where they are and this spot is one of them,"

"I figured something like that must have happened," Gale said thoughtfully, "are you going to tell me what's going on?" he asked

I nodded, "First of all, you should know that the night of your whipping I got a message out to some friends in the Capitol and told them what was going on with our medical supplies here in Twelve and what had happened to you. They sent me a box of extra medical supplies that came on this mornings train, I've already given it to the Everdeen's but I kept this for you," I pointed to the tube in his hand, "The medicine in the Capitol is nothing short of miraculous. This stuff should heal your back in no time," I explained,

Relief crossed his face, "Thank you," he replied, "Why would they do this for us? For me?" he asked, always sceptical of anyone remotely related to the Capitol

"I told you already Gale, I need your help. I need you to heal up quickly because we have a lot of work to do," I told him, he handed me back the tube, took off his shirt and turned his back to me.

I pulled his dressing back and quickly analysed his wounds. They still looked so raw but at least they were healing nicely without any signs of infection, a rare quality in this District. The Everdeen's did an amazing job.

I squirted some of the pink goop into my hands and started to gently rub it over his back. He flinched at my first touch, I knew it must have been exceedingly painful for him but other than that he showed no signs of being in pain.

"These friends of yours in the Capitol?" Gale started slowly after a moment, "Are they the reason you came home late?"

"Gale, these new friends of mine are involved in a rebellion against the Capitol," I felt his back stiffen under my fingers, "And I've joined them. We're going to take down the Capitol, take down Snow. Big things are going to happen when the next games start and I need your help,"

Gale pulled down his shirt after I finished redressing his wound, then he turned to face me, "You've surprised me so much over the last few months, Mellark. You've got bigger balls than I could have ever given you credit for." he smiled, "Absolutely, I'm all in. What do you need me to do?" he asked

"First of all, I've got to go back to the Capitol," I said, "I'm taking a train out to the Capitol in 5 days, I'm working on a few leads,"

"Leads for what?" Gale asked

I still didn't think Gale was ready to know what I knew about Katniss, not yet, anyway, "The less you know about it, the better," I replied, "I'm not sure how long I'll be gone though. But when I get back, if there's still time before the reaping, I want you to train me,"

"Train you?"

"Yes, a war is coming, Gale and I need to be ready. After losing my leg I know I've let myself go a bit, but I was never really any good on my own in the arena anyway. I need to be able to protect and defend myself and the people I care about. You can fight, Gale, and you're good with bows and knives, right?"

"Sure," he said, "That's not a problem, I can help you,"

"Thank you, Gale." I said, "But that's only one part of what I need you to do for me,"

"What else is there?" he asked, "Name it and it's done,"

"The games this year has been rigged, the tributes are all rebel volunteers." I explained, "They are going to cause a distraction in the arena. We will also be hacking into the feed with our own distractions. One of which will give you an obvious signal. Wait for that signal Gale. That is when you need to get your family, the Everdeen's and my family out of Twelve."

"We're going to run away? Escape from Twelve?"

"Once the Games start, Snow will know of my involvement in the rebellion and it'll paint a target on all your backs. I can't let that happen, I need to make sure you're all safe. Get them all out of Twelve and I'll come find you,"

"Where are we going to go, Peeta?" he asked, "You make it sound so easy. You think Katniss and I never talking about running away before?"

How much do I tell him now? Do I explain about District Thirteen being alive and well. That they are behind this rebellion? This is all information that would have to wait. I would need to keep Gale on a need to know basis only. It was the only way to keep him safe.

"Don't worry about that," I told him, "Just get them out of the District, take them far into the woods and we will come for you,"

"How will you find us Peeta?" Gale asked with a raised eyebrow, "You know nothing about the woods,"

"Don't worry about that either, I've already thought about that." I told him, "Give that cream a day to work. By tomorrow you should be fit enough to manage a walk through the woods with me, together we'll find a spot where you should head to so that I know where to find you when we come to get you."

"How long will that take?"

"I'm not sure, it could be a couple of hours or a couple of days. I'm hoping it's not the latter, but just in case I'm going to need you to start hiding stuff out in the woods so that you're all ready to run and survive out in the forest."

A lot could go wrong, but I was counting on Gale, survival was his strong suit. "In fact we should probably pick a couple of spots," I added, "A main base camp where you will plan to head for first, it will be the first place that we will go to look for you. But just in case something goes wrong and you need to move on, or if you are blocked from getting to the first place for some reason we should pick another 2 or maybe 3 back up spots,"

Gale looked me up and down, and with a sad look he said, "I was so wrong about you," he ran his fingers through his hair, "You would have been so good for Katniss, you are more than worthy of her," he blew out like he was holding in a breath.

I wanted to tell Gale what I knew so bad. A part of me believed that he had a right to know there was a chance she was still alive. But my mouth wouldn't open to say the words. I knew that it was probably for the best.

I knew exactly what that belief was doing to me. It was eating me up inside. I couldn't put him through it too. I just hoped that by doing all I could to help her would be enough to make up for not telling him, I hoped he wouldn't be too pissed with me when he finds out. One way or another, he would know soon enough. In a little under three months to be exact.

Instead of spilling the secret, I said, "Thank you, Gale. But worthy or not, that would have been her call to make," I shrugged off the pain and tried to clear my head.

"What are you two doing out here?" we both turned to the voice which belonged to a peacekeeper who appeared at the edge of the meadow. He was one of the new peacekeepers that Thread brought in.

"We we're taking a walk for some fresh air to help Gale recover from his lashings the other day, they need him back at work down the mines," I said thinking fast on my feet

"The meadow is off limits," he snarled

"Since when?" Gale challenged him, straightening out his shoulders which I knew would have hurt his back, but again, his face never betrayed that.

"Since now," the peacekeeper stalked closer towards us, "Do you want to end up back on the post?" he threatened

"No sir," I spoke for Gale, "We'll go," I pulled at Gale's shoulder and whispered, "It's not worth it," to him. Reluctantly, Gale loosened up and followed me, as we headed back to the victor's village.

Over the few days, Gale and I ventured out into the forest every day before my trip back to the Capitol. His back was almost healed after one day of using that cream making it easier for him to get about.

We found a spot 6 miles out that was perfect for them to set up camp and we picked out 3 back up spots. Navigating forest terrain wasn't one of my strong suits, but Gale helped me find my bearings and taught me how to find my way. He helped me memorize different routes to each spots and how to pick out familiar points.

Knowing where all these selected spots were paired with Gale's expert advice would be a massive help when the time came to rescue them. It would greatly reduce time spent looking for them.

Gale and I brought out some supplies in a wooden crate, to the main base camp. we covered it over with a plastic sheet to protect it from any animals trying to get at it and buried it under the soil. Gale said he was going to add to this one over the coming weeks and bury smaller ones at each of the other three sites as a precaution.

Each day while we were out in the woods, Gale also used the time to show me some exercises that helped build up my own strength again.

He taught me basic survival skills, how to hunt, how to walk quietly. I was once told that I scared everything away with my heavy footing. Now, I just liked to blame the leg. But with Gale's help I was improving.

He showed me how to use a bow and arrow but it just wasn't my forte, no matter how hard I tried I just couldn't take to it. Instead, he worked with me more on throwing knifes and using a knife to defend myself in a fight. I was making good progress there.

The 5 days wasn't enough time to get me to where I wanted to be and I knew that it wouldn't be. But we made a good start. I just hoped that my task in the Capitol wouldn't take too long and rob me of the chance to do more.

That night I boarded the train bound for the Capitol. Trains only passed through the Districts once a day. Passenger cars were added to the supply trains as there wasn't much need for regular passenger trains, especially out in the poorer Districts.

It wasn't nearly as impressive as the Tribute train. This one had two passenger carts, the first had with a seating area with a tv screen. There were drink and snack dispensers that you had to put money in to get what you want.

There was a menu for breakfast lunch and dinner, by Capitol standards it was pretty basic, but it was still more of a meal than what anyone else in the District Twelve would ever see. If only they could afford a ticket for such things.

The seats had pull out tables where you could sit and eat the meals provided. Almost like a school desk but much more comfortable.

The second passenger cart was divided up into bedrooms, there was 6 in total. Each room had a small double bed, a place to store your luggage and its own adjoining bathroom complete with toilet, basin and shower.

After my chat with Haymitch, I made a call to Finnick under the guise that I had a lot of fun exploring the Capitol with him and I was wondering if we could do it some more before the chaos of the Games started again. I suspect he knew that wasn't the true reason, but still he agreed willingly. He was due to get on board when we stopped in District Four.

When we finally arrived in Four it was really good to see Finnick again. I was so glad he agreed to come with me and I wondered if he had any idea what it was really about. Unfortunately we were unable to discuss anything about it until we got to the hub.

"I've booked us two rooms at the Romanian Grand," Finnick told me, "It's the fanciest hotel in the Capitol,"

I pulled a face, I didn't care for such things but I suppose Finnick had appearances to keep, "You'll love it! It's the only place worth staying," he said for the sake of listening ears.

"Why not just stay at the Tribute centre?" I asked

Finnick then explained to me that we only got to stay there if we're either a Tribute, on the Victory tour or returning to the Games as a mentor. We didn't have free rein to come and go as we please. When in the Capitol for other reasons, we had to arrange our own accommodation.

This oversight made me feel a little intimidated. If I overlooked such a small detail like this, how could I ever begin to even know how or where to start to get the proof I needed to help Katniss. I was in way over my head.

Despite the time I spent in the Capitol with Finnick the last time I was here, I was still very inexperienced about the way their world worked. Without Finnick's help, who knew how many other things like this might crop up. Things that I couldn't have foreseen and things that I wouldn't have even thought of.

Without him, I knew I didn't stand a chance at all. I tried not to over think it though, dwelling too much on the possibility of failing her could get in the way of our successes. So instead I made small talk to take my mind off it.

"Will there be many others getting on this train when we pass through Two or One?" I asked Finnick conversationally. I knew that the career Districts were the closest allies to the Capitol. I expected there to be a few passengers getting on from those Districts.

"Perhaps, but it's the quiet season now," he said, "The tour is over, and the tributes won't be reaped for another 3 months, so I doubt it'll be busy. Judging by the fact that there's only two passenger carts on this train it doesn't look like many tickets were booked."

As the journey progressed, Finnick and I kept to ourselves in our corner of the train as we were joined by two men from District Two who looked like Peacekeeper Generals of some kind and a woman from District One, a past Victor called Symphony, Finnick whispered into my ear. Apparently, she was becoming big in the fashion world in the Capitol.

When we arrived in the Capitol, our first stop was at the hotel where we checked in and put our bags away in our adjoining rooms. I freshened up and got changed as Finnick advised and then I met him out in the corridor when I was ready.

We headed straight for Tigris shop. She looked surprised to see us as we entered the store, but she had a customer with her. I started to head for the back room for the hatch, but Finnick grabbed my arm quickly stopping me.

"Do you have any private fittings available today?" Finnick asked her from across the room

"I have an appointment free in 5 minutes," she smiled, "You are free to browse my collections until then," she turned back to focus on her customer. Great, another oversight. I thought. One that could have really screwed things up.

"Hello Finnick!" the customer smiled standing on her podium as Tigris made adjustments to the garment she was wearing.

"Ah Flora, I thought that was you. How have you been my lovely?"

The woman giggled, "Wonderful thank you, I'm just getting my dress ready for first day of the games," she said, "I wanted to get in first before the rush,"

"I always knew you were a clever girl," Finnick smiled at her

"I didn't expect to see you around the Capitol at this time of year," she smiled

"Not usually no," he agreed, "But it's Peeta's first year and he has become so attached to the Capitol and its people he wanted to stick around a little longer. Who could blame him?"

For the first time she noticed me, as she was so focused on Finnick, she gave me a little wave but set her sights straight back on Finnick, "Who indeed?" she giggled. I could see she was besotted with him. I almost wanted to call out to her telling her that he was spoken for. But that would do more harm than good. We're not supposed to be making a scene.

Finnick then turned and pretended to browse as I watch Tigris work at expertly pinning the dress in places, making adjustments to it around her customer's body. I'm surprised she didn't prick her with one of those pins by mistake at the speed she was going.

Tigris was done a few minutes later, she allowed her customer change back into her normal clothes in the changing cubicle and then has a quick discussion with her afterwards about coming back in to select sash colors and accessories when the garment is ready for collection.

When the customer exits the shop, Tigris quickly put a sign in the door that read, "Private Consultation"

"I didn't expect to see you back so soon," she purred,

"Sorry to disrupt your working day, Tigris," Finnick apologised, "Hopefully we won't be too long,"

Tigris smiled softly, she helped us down the secret hatch and closed it behind us.