This is a fanfic. The original work belongs to the marvellous Suzanne Collins and any other co-owner. You want to read a good story? Start with the original. This is merely my bad take of the story I've fallen in love with.

I make no profit...

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Chapter 24

When I regain conscious again I'm lying in a curled position on a cold and hard surface. I can't remember how I got here or why everything's moving. To make matter worse everything's dark and I'm fairly certain that my eyes are open. One thing is certain; the careers' are hunting me.

I try to rise and cramps washes over me. I grit my teeth to prevent a scream. Bile rise in the back of my throat and I feel helpless in this darkness: The bile has an odd taste to it - like fish oil. It brings back the memory of the Ealmutts. Their bites could have been poisonous, explaining the memory loss and cramping limbs. The thought calms me. Ignoring the pain I stick two finger in my mouth and make myself sick. I spew until I'm dry heaving. It smells horrible, but I feel better afterwards; the cramps dissipate.

Everything feels raw, but now I can move. Shaking my head weakly I rise into a sitting position. My breath is strained at first, but as I lift my torso the pressure eases allowing fresh air into my lungs. The first thing I do is stroke my finger over my eyes, searching for an explanation to the darkness. I can't feel any bumps or cuts but I'm certain that I can sort of see my fingers. With new hope I look around me in search for a light. It doesn't take me long until I spot my first star and a smile breaks out over my face. The reason why I couldn't see anything is because it's night.

Relieved I carefully stretch, letting the bones crack into alignment. Still stiff I get up on my feet. My legs barely supports me, but I manage to remain standing. My clothes are soaked, smelly and clinging uncomfortably to my thin frame. I sigh. With the night being chilly I can't remain in the wet clothes. It might send me into shock. I don't get far in the disrobing, all I can manage is the removal of my boots, socks and T-shirt before it becomes too much. I'm left with a thin sports-bra and a pair of wet pants, both which have seen better days.

Holding the other pieces in my lap I try to figure out what to do with them. The river is right next to me so I move over to try washing the pieces clean. Leaning over the edge I begin dipping the clothes. I don't waste much energy on it, only so the stench is lessened before leaving them to dry. Now I set out to explore. Slowly moving towards what looks like trees, holding out my hands for extra protection. The unforgiven stone bites into my bare feet so I try to step lightly along the surface.

I've hardly walked ten steps before coming across something soft, which moans in pain as I stumble over it. When the sound register as human all my memories starts flowing back. RUE. I hurry to look her over; crying out for her to wake up as I kneel at her side. Rue's wet and cold, surrounded by a stench of copper and bile. My guess is she threw up while unconscious. I quickly turn her over to the side, remembering my mother's lessons about blocked airways. When I'm certain her breathing stabilizing I start feeling her over, dragging my fingers over her face and hair in search for trauma.

Her black hair is plastered over her face, but I can't feel any bumps or open wounds. Worried I bite my lip while smacking her lightly on the cheek. Calling out her name in a soft tone, trying to get her to wake up. I get nothing out of her. I start to crawl over to her other side in hopes of a better position, but I glide on a sticky liquid which makes me nosedive into her chest. She screams in pain. As I rise I can feel blood covering me, the taste getting into my mouth. I gag in disgust. Rue is haemorrhaging blood. My mind almost shuts down when the realisation sets in. It's only the sudden surge of adrenaline that keeps me focused. I quickly set out to find the cause, knowing that her life is on the line.

Her neck and upper torso is fine, some minor scratches and bites. I can't find anything around her sides or stomach and her legs is uninjured to. While I work a thousand thoughts flimmer by in my mind; why there is so much blood? Is it the poison? Will she live? What am I to do? The thoughts stops cold when I find the fiend to her pain. It's located on her back, right below the left lung. A long and jagged wound where hot blood gushes at every beat. Rue whimpers as I touch it and I have to force myself to breathe. From the amount of blood an aorta must have been hit. If I don't stop the bleeding Rue will die.

With no time to spare I unzip her jacket and remove it with some force. The moment it's off I start ripping it apart; trying to make compresses. When I have enough I hurry to apply pressure. Trying not to think about the bacteria that's on every piece as I struggle to stop the bleeding. It becomes apparent that I'm not strong enough to stop the bleeding when a small trickle leaks from the corners. I can't apply the right strength; my hands are weak and trembling, but I don't stop trying. To make matters worse Rue starts waking up; soft noises of pain and fear coming from her as she tries to move. I shush at her while patting her hair with my free hand.

"It's okay Rue. I'm here. You are safe." My words helps to calm her a little.

I try to apply more pressure, but it only result in a scream and my hand slipping. Cursing I try to find the wound again and at the same time keep Rue still. She's trying to crawl away from me so I have to curl my body around hers in a hug. She's too weak to fight me. It feels horrible to be causing her so much pain. I try to remain strong, but my own panic is growing.

"You are wounded, but I've stopped the bleeding. You just need to rest now." I whisper to her. "Everything will be just fine." I trying to sound convincing, but the blood flowing underneath me tells another truth.

"Ka..." She tries to speak, but I shush her while changing the blood-soaked compress for a new one. She flinches as I press it over her wound. "... Birds?" She mumbles.

I have no idea what she means until I start listen. It's a soft melody in the air, singed by a flock of mockingjays. They're curious creatures and our screams must have lured them close. Frustrated I shout for them to be go away, but they have no fear so the singing continues.

"Beautiful." Rue manage to get out.

"Rue, you just stay with me."

"Katniss." She whispers, her vocals breaking as she struggles to form words. I take up a new compress and press it against the wound.

"I need you to be strong for me. Just stay awake and everything will be fine" I bring our foreheads together, almost feeling her life slipping away.

"I wish… wanted... see my mother..." She stutters. Her words cutting me to the soul. "I to… to say good..." Blood comes out of Rue's mouth as she starts coughing from her efforts. I have to force myself not to flinch away at the sight.

"You will be okay. I promise. I will get you through this, you just have to stay with me. I will get you home. I just need you to live." I can feel Rue's stare, it's like a world of dying people are asking why I'm not stronger.

"Stay with me." I moan.

"She… sang to me… sick." Rue gets out. Tears falling for her mother. Probably seeing her as she stares into the night. I look to the sky for help.

"Haymitch." I scream. "Please." I mimic, knowing he won't answer. Not for her. He's too pragmatic to waste time on the dead. Still, I try.

"You... win." Her voice is so soft that I barely hear the words. A broken vail breaks free from my soul as I take them in.

"No, no, no, no. It won't be me; it's you. You just need to stay awake." I bite back, ignoring her as she tries to argue. In the end she closes her eyes and gives me a nod. I change the compress again, not even looking at the mess.

"It hurts." She mumbles. I take her hand in mine, latching our finger together.

"That's good. It means you're alive." I mumble back. She starts shaking. It takes me a moment to realise she's trying to laugh.

"What did you mother sing for you Rue." I ask when she quiets. I can feel her trying to speak, but the energy is gone. So we just sit there, embracing one another. Then a blipping sound is heard and a gift sails towards me. Joy break out and I happily shout to Rue that help has arrived. She manage to open her eyes when the noise penetrate her daze. I release my hand to catch the gift, struggling with the hatch. All hope dies when the two pieces falls apart and the content is revealed.

"Katniss?" Rue mimes, but I don't answer her question; too busy trying to understand what this means. I'm quick to hide the content when she tries to feel for it, being too weak to lift her head.

"It's a shot." I manage to press out. "I hate needles."

"Not… f… you." She gasps as spasms sets in. Her last energy spent on those two words.

"No. It's not for me." I nod solemnly. The lie almost destroys me. There's no needle; there's no medicine: only a small note. One that meant nothing to me. I school my face from showing the truth, pretending to be mixing with something. I talk about anything that comes to mind. Keeping us both distracted while trying to stall for time. *What did it mean?*

[~I'll keep you safe~]

Safe from what? For who? Not even Haymitch was this obstructive with his messages. I can't make heads or tail of it. That is until Rue cough again and an old memory stirs. The song... her mother's song must be "I'll keep you safe." But I don't know the lyrics - or do I? A weak memory sneaks up on me. Of me walking down a street in Eleven with Rue's little sister. Of a mother that had sung it for her sick baby as we passed. I can barely recall the words, but I remember being enchanted by its beauty. Slowly few of the verses comes to me and I find myself humming softly.

"Rue, I will give you the shot now. You might not feel it since you are weak, but it will heal you." I lie to her while gathering my courage. Her answer comes in the form of a small nod. "You'll feel better soon." I mumble before pinching her leg hard. She gives a twitch, meaning that she felt it. I want to cry, but I won't allow myself. I can do that later. For now, let the girl think she's going to live. That her family will see her again. After all somebody paid a heavy price for it.

"I have a song I can sing while it's working." I whisper before glancing at the note one last time. *I can at least give Rue and her mother this.*

"I think you might like it." I continue before humming the tune louder. My voice is thick with emotion as I start, but soon the rhythm takes me over and I lose myself in the words.

I'll keep you safe

Dear little child

There's no need to worry

So hold out your hand

Can you feel the weight of the world you hold?

Rue's eyes glister in the pale night light. Happiness and sorrow combined. I don't stop singing.

My heart and my soul is yours

Don't be afraid

For love is great and wonderful

I promise you

...

I'll keep you safe underneath the Rosen gate

I can't remember the whole piece, but I just continue to hum at the blanks. Letting the melody tell what I can't. The tune is slow enough that some of the Mockingjays joins in on the singing. Making the verse even more powerful for its lone listener.

Darkness may come but I'll chase it away

For the world is yours

And it's light and safe

The bitterness of winter will give way for you

The sweetest of springs

...

You are a jewel

And I'll keep it safe

Rue smiles as she closes her eyes, her breath slowing down. She is slipping away. I continue to sing.

As you glimmer in this world and gives it light

I be your shadow

Guarding you day and night

...

My sweetest spring

You are masterpiece and I'm your knight

...

The song ends, I can't remember anything more, but I don't need to - Rue is lying dead in my arms. Still. Heavy. Silent. I finally allow myself to cry. The Mockingjays have picked up the song and carries it onwards, it's sweet and tragic melody flowing over the river.

I hope her mother hears it: taking comfort that her daughter heard her even miles away. I look to the sky, letting the darkness absolve me as I scream. I only stop when her cannon goes off, the boom echoes over the arena. A signal that another tribute has fallen. Soon her Image hangs in the sky, her dark and scared eyes gazing over the arena. With tears still flowing I get up, looking around for something to do: a purpose.

I should leave, but can't bring myself to. The thought of her last image being this bloody corpse is unbearable. She and Eleven deserves more, no matter the risk. I slowly walk over to the treeline and start searching for material. It takes some time to find the fern, flowers and moss needed, but once collected I set to work; using the fern to create a forest-floor around her and the Marigold-flowers into a halo place over her forehead. To cover her bloodstained clothes I use the moss, giving her a dress that Cinna would envy.

Knowing that the Capitol is forced to show every minute I make another trip, this time to collect small glowing flowers growing amongst the rock-cracks. As I lay them around her it creates an illusion of clouds. It brings a sad smile to my face, one that quickly dies. I try not to think about the people responsible for her passing, the anger is still too fresh and raw. In the end I just stand over her while saying my goodbye. Then I turn my back and leave, only pausing to pick up my wet boots. Soon the forest has swallowed me and I welcome its dark embrace, feeling dead inside.

It's not long until the anger catches up with me. It bring me to my knees and feels like hot lava in my veins. It's strangely soothing to feel so much hatred while appearing numb out-worldly. Rolling onto my back I stare at the stars above. There isn't much else to do and it's the only way I can deal right now. These last few hours has been the hardest ones since coming back and I just need to feel everything and nothing all at once. I lie there for hours, without caring. Only getting up when one memory slowly takes presidency over the rest: The image of Clove, Glimmer, Marvel and Cato laughing as Rue is swallowed by the river; their satisfied smirks wakes my will to fight. They had no idea what terror they brought forth. I will make them pay for this.

What would happen if you took all their security away? We had done that once before; Rue and I. I could do it again as a tribute to her. I pause at the thought. It's dark and familiar. Isn't this what lead to the rebellion last time? Do I want that? I give a sigh while shaking my head. The questions has layers of meaning, but one thing is certain: I can't let the careers' get away with this.

An idea take shape, one that will give the careers' a pause and play by the rules. All I need to do is find them and I know where they headed. Right towards me since they would have followed the river, unwilling to let us get away alive. I get up and look around, I can see my footprints in the dirt and with care I follow them back towards Rue.

It's time for a Game.

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Many of you might be upset over me changing the song, but to me it felt natural. This is another timeline, Katniss has no real reason to sing the song if Rue had a special request; so I found another one.