Companion

AN:

The award ceremony and everything that follows.

Trigger warning: Depictions of violence.

Special thank you to my dear friend, GinnyGinervaWeasley, for betaing my story.

P.S. I love the Hunger Games. Suzanne Collins owns everything!

CHAPTER 13

District Three is packed full of media, tourists, and national guards. President Paylor's appearance drew people from all over Panem, and it feels like a national celebration. Traffic is the worst anyone has ever seen, and all the hotels are fully booked. The amount of people is good for business, but not for Peeta's nerves. He has accepted his responsibility and will be appearing before Panem to receive the plaque of honor for his team. Several others will go before him as his project is the most anticipated because of its benefits to all the districts. Several of his machines are already being used in Districts Two, Four, and Six. They will show a touching video montage for it before Peeta receives the award.

The town hall is brimming with people, tech booths, and camera crews with insect-like backpacks. Aspiring reporters and old-timers interview the crowd and district officials, broadcasting them live all over Panem. National guards and soldiers in plain clothes pepper the open hall. General Gale Hawthorne is always seen beside President Paylor. His chiseled face and stature match his high-rank status gallantly.

President Paylor takes the stage and gives an emphatic speech. She powerfully recalls the time of the rebellion before focusing on the vast improvements that Panem has gained in just seven short years. She looks to the future to where Panem could be in just a decade, and the crowd roars in excitement for the possibilities that their hard-fought freedom brings. It's invigorating to look forward to a future that one could contribute to. She starts the roll call of awardees, giving each one their time on the podium. The last to be accorded honor is Peeta's team.

"It is with great honor that I call the whole Biotechnology and Medical Department of the Beetee Latier Scientific Institute. Their contribution is already being utilized in four districts and is being distributed in all of Panem as we speak. Please join me in honoring them here on this special occasion. Their contribution is invaluable to our continuing progress." The whole team enters the stage, Peeta rounding things off at the tail. The impressive video montage plays, then the President speaks again. "To receive the plaque of honor is their leader, Mr. Peeta Mellark!"

Peeta anxiously steps forward in his classic gray suit and burnt orange tie. He looks dashing and charming as his team cheers and whistles for him. He has truly inspired them and has become good friends in the process. Peeta shakes the President's hand and does an odd wiggle after, earning raised eyebrows, especially from General Hawthorne. Gale still remains very guarded and suspicious of Peeta and his overall intentions.

"It's a secret handshake the children from District Twelve wanted me to do," he whispers to President Paylor's ear. He repeats the odd handshake again then laughs. It was good for his building anxiety.

She nods and smiles in understanding. "I have grandchildren too," she replies back, remaining poised.

Peeta gives his heartfelt speech, remembering the words from pure memory. He calls every single one of his team members, giving a short remark for every one of them. He thanked his dear mentor, Beetee, last, and the crowd gave the Panem genius wild applause. Peeta is endearing and natural, and the audience loves him. His words encapsulate his gratitude and hope for the future. President Paylor then approaches him beside the podium, General Hawthorne carrying the plaque of honor and a bouquet of flowers a step behind her.

"Your father would have been so proud of you, Peeta," the President says discreetly, away from the microphone. "His sacrifices during the rebellion are not lost because of you. In time, we will pay honor to your whole family." Gale overhears the President's comment then glances at Peeta. He shifts to hand President Paylor the plaque and flowers, then he clenches his jaw regretfully.

"Thank you, President Paylor. That means a lot to me," Peeta replies humbly after receiving the award. President Paylor shakes his hand once more, and Peeta returns to his team, passing by Gale, who gives him a thoughtful nod. Peeta has already changed one person's mind.

Dinner was hearty and comfortable. Gone were the days of extravagant and wasteful celebrations like in the Capitol. Everyone enjoys their share of food without being wasteful. It's almost midnight, and Peeta needs to catch a late train in an hour. He says goodbye to his team, who is happily staying on to keep celebrating, then takes Haymitch, his orange Belton English setter, for the walk home.

"You sure, I can't offer you a ride, Peeta?" Connor asks with a grin.

"No, I'm okay. I need some quiet after all the partying. Besides, I have Haymitch here to accompany me," he replies and ruffles Haymitch's hair. The furry dog eagerly takes to his hand, wagging his tail side to side and rubbing his body on Peeta's leg. "I'll see you after one month!"

"Enjoy your vacation!" his friend shouts, then gets the whole team to cheer in unison. They're a little drunk but still in good spirits. "Peeta! Peeta! Peeta! Woohooo!"

Peeta weaves through the crowd. He tugs at Haymitch every now and then because he gets distracted with food on the floor. When he reaches the lake two blocks from his place, he stops and takes in the quiet and the dark surrounding. The city had been too loud and too bright for him all day, overstimulating all his senses, making him tired. He breathes in the cool breeze blowing from the side of the lake, carrying the scent of freshwater over his nose. He stays under the stars with Haymitch. There is no moon tonight, and the stars are more visible without its bright light. He thinks of Katniss and her promise to take him to her cabin by the lake.

"You'll love District 12, buddy," he says to his English setter. "There's so much nature there your nose will go ballistic." Haymitch barks happily, his tail wagging fully in return. But just then, the back of Peeta's head takes a heavy blow. His mind whirls as the ground spins beneath him, he hears Haymitch's loud whimpers and tries to reach for him, but there's another blow on his back, rendering him flat on the ground. He tastes the soil as another jab hits his nape and makes his ears ring loudly. There is grass and dirt on his teeth as he vomits his own blood. Peeta curls his body, protecting his head and vital organs, but his actions are useless. The people beating him senselessly are using stick batons, lashing him repeatedly while kicking him with steel toe shoes. He grunts and groans at every blow, spewing more blood and saliva when two batons hit his ribs simultaneously. He felt them crack, shooting pain all over his body.

He was certain that he was going to die.

Deep and hateful voices curse at him, calling him a "Capitol mutt" and a fake, incessantly, then they all spit thickly all over his face. They beat him until he doesn't respond anymore.

"Katniss, someone wants to talk to you," Lindy says, then whispers, "It sounds like Beetee Latier!" Katniss walks towards the phone, putting down the decoration she was about to hang over the windows. Peeta will be in Twelve in two hours, and they are busy preparing a celebration for him. Annie and Elrick had thought of surprising him, especially since he was such a good sport following through with their secret handshake with President Paylor. They couldn't help but repeat the wiggle amongst themselves after watching the live broadcast.

"Hello," Katniss answers lightly, it's a happy day at the orphanage.

"Hi Katniss, it's Beetee."

"Hi Beetee, congratulations on your company's success. We were all cheering here at the orphanage."

"Thank you, Katniss. That's very kind of everyone there."

"What can I do for you?"

"It's Peeta, Katniss. He's not well," Beetee's voice seems normal, but there is an edge to it that makes her uncomfortable.

"What do you mean?" Katniss utters, and her blood thickens from Beetee's pause. "How is he?"

"It happened on his way home last night. Peeta was walking with his dog to get his bag from the house before catching the midnight train to Twelve. Three radicals followed him from the celebration, and when Peeta stopped at the lake, they started beating him," Beetee says with a logical tone, then waits for a response from Katniss. When it doesn't come, he continues. "They caught the three men. A passerby heard Peeta groaning and called the police. They're being held right now for further questioning."

"And Peeta?" Katniss says almost without emotion. She's in shock from what she just heard.

"He's alive." This jolts Katniss. Peeta wasn't just beaten up, he was attacked with the intention of killing him. "He's in surgery right now. They're fixing his broken bones. He has several cracked ribs, a broken arm, a broken leg, and … "

"And what, Beetee?" Katniss says strongly.

"He might not wake up for a few days, maybe weeks. The doctors really don't know yet. His head was hit pretty badly."

"Oh god," she cries, imagining Peeta's body bloodied, bruised, and broken. "I'm going there."

"I'll send a car over to the train station to pick you up."

"Lindy and Timothy will tuck you in at night for a few days, Annie," Katniss says while brushing her hair. She gives Annie a lingering hug. She's trying her best to calm her shaking body.

"Will you give this to Peeta for us? We drew it for him as a gift," the young girl replies with a sad voice.

"Of course. These are lovely, Annie."

"Here, bring these as well," Elrick adds and hands Katniss a few pictures of them at the orphanage. "To make him happy."

"Thank you, Elrick. I'll call you when it's okay for you and Sae to visit."

"You go on now and take care of him, dear," Sae says. "Hug him, kiss him, tell him you love him. It's the best medicine of all! Love! That's what my Jonathan always says."

Katniss smiles at Sae, and they hug each other like they've been the oldest of friends. Katniss thinks how Sae's mind had remained strong, but her body had weakened from old age. "I will," she whispers in her aging ears.

Delly, Christa, and Lindy all give her a hug, brushing the tears that threaten to fall off Katniss' eyes. She has to be strong now.

Katniss hasn't taken the train in six years, and her dislike of it hasn't diminished. She sits uncomfortably in her private compartment, focusing on the letters that she holds. Peeta had been a big part of the orphanage in just a few months, and the children's love for him pours out in their drawings and colorful cards. She smiles at the pictures Elrick has taken, capturing candid moments during dinner, on the playground, and in the snow. Her favorite is Peeta happily sitting on the swing, munching on a pink, juicy apple freshly plucked from the tree in the front yard. Her arms yearn to hold him close, and she brushes her hand over his picture as she ponders over how much Peeta means to her. He had come to Twelve only to do some repairs but ended up staying for a week, then being coerced to returning every weekend. She laughs at Sae's words, practically putting Peeta on the spot to ask her on their first date. He has been a wonderful friend - supportive, funny, generous, kind, truthful. He had unknowingly fixed her heart as he helped her with her home. In some ways, he had become her home. She feels safe around him, encouraged, loved. He had seen her at her worst right on the first night, and he didn't back away. In fact, he even drew closer, holding her hand the whole night while sleeping uncomfortably on the hardwood floor. He understood her fears of adopting Annie and reflected to her the love she has for the red-haired child. He is a voice of reason and a wealth of understanding. And most importantly, he had confessed that he loved her.

Peeta thought he was playfully talking to just Buttercup over the phone when he poured his secrets out. First, he was purchasing a house in Twelve to move in permanently. The second was that he loved her. As in truly, crazily, inexplicably loves her. Katniss kept silent then, not letting Peeta know that she was listening. She wasn't fully open, she was not prepared to let him in, and the thought of loving him with all her insecurities and fears had her trapped. She was afraid of loving him completely. The old habit of thinking of all her inadequacy and stubbornness, playing over and over in her head. She had grown up Seam, fierce in surviving, but looked down on by merchants in a district forgotten by the Capitol. The trauma of her youth haunts her. But this very morning, when she realized that she could lose him, her mind and heart shifted, no, opened up unimaginably to let Peeta in. She loves him. She realized that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. It was a strange feeling, being so sure in one's heart.

The station is filled with people, and the media crews had somehow caught wind of a victor arriving. Beetee's personal driver approached Katniss in her private compartment, giving her a company hoodie and a district cap to cover her face. She takes her bag, an ordinary backpack left by Peeta on one of his visits, and walks out of the train. They pass the media uneventfully and drive off to the hospital, where Peeta is in a state of induced coma.

"How was your trip?" Beetee asks as he receives her on the elevator. "You've never left Twelve in years."

"I still couldn't swallow it," Katniss answers. "Where is he?" she asks thoughtfully.

"He's right down the hall. Paylor has him under guard, 24/7. Nobody is getting in or out of his room without passing through security."

"Gale?" she utters as she sees him outside Peeta's room.

"Catnip," her best friend says and opens his arms, welcoming her for a hug. She morphs right into him, feeling the familiar reassurance of his embrace. "I'm so sorry, Catnip."

She nods against his chest in answer. "I want to see him."

"Go on, he's right there. You should be the first person he sees when he wakes up."

The sight of Peeta had her rushing to his bed. She studies him, scanning every part of his body. His whole face is swollen, and he is unrecognizable. His eyes are completely shut, and a big violet bruise spans from his right cheekbone to his ear. His lips are cut in two places and are sporting a bruise on each corner. He has several stitches on his face and head. Peeking out from under his hospital gown are more dark black bruises. He is attached to a ventilator, and his chest rises and falls with the machine. His heartbeat, echoed by the monitor, is slow and far apart, suggesting hibernation and sleep. He is in an induced coma for a few days due to sustained blows to the head.

She looks for his hand, the one that he always entwines with hers in bed, and finds that his whole left arm is in a cast. His left leg is also encased in plaster, and the sight pains her so. She studies his chart, knowing how to read them from seeing her mother do it before, and finds that four of his ribs are cracked. She knows the pain well, having been shot in District 2 with a gun. Morphling kept the pain away, but it had left her dull and empty. She hopes that Peeta is not feeling any pain right now. At the end of his chart, she reads that his liver and kidneys are also damaged. Thankfully, his other internal organs are unremarkable. There's a note for another brain scan in the afternoon.

"How could anyone do this to someone?" She finally breaks her silence. She's beyond broken now and is fuming mad.

"Don't go there, Catnip."

"Don't go there?!" she hisses and turns to face Gale. "Look at him! They almost killed him!" she screams, then the loud hysterics follow. She doesn't care how loud and frantic she is shouting. The one person she cares for will not hear her because he almost died and is now comatose.

Katniss throws a flower vase to the wall, and it shatters completely, water and petals flying all over the floor. Gale wraps Katniss in his arms, hugging her like a bear as he lifts her to the bathroom. She protests wildly, elbowing Gale with might. He thought of bringing her outside but thought better than to expose a furious Katniss to the hospital staff. Once inside, he lets her scream and curse, the sounds muffled by the closed door and the tiled walls. She snaps at him when he tries to touch her, so he lets her yell out profanities until she finally gets tired, only to break down and sob on the floor. Gale stays with her, sitting across from her on the cold tiles, aching to comfort her best friend. After about half an hour of silence and staring at the white wall, Katniss closes her eyes and pulls herself up, using the sink as leverage for her shaking form. She allows Gale to hug her before quietly leaving the bathroom to hold Peeta's bruised hand. She studies him with tired and sad eyes, listening to the heart monitor and the ventilator that fills his lungs with air. She's thankful that he is alive.

"When will you wake him up, Doctor?" Elrick asks as the doctor takes Peeta's vitals. The kind doctor is dark-skinned with a steady and sincere voice.

"Hopefully, in two more days. After we do another brain scan."

"What will happen when he wakes up? Will he be in a lot of pain?" Elrick has been reading about induced comas in the past few days, ever since he found out about Peeta's medical state. He and Sae arrived this morning to visit Peeta and to bring Katniss more supplies. They also carry a box of hand-drawn cards from the children in the orphanage.

"There will be pain because he sustained a lot of injuries," the doctor answers frankly. "But we will manage it."

"Oh," he says sadly. Elrick read this much but still hoped for something better. "Thank you, Doctor."

"You're welcome, young man," she replies and asks for a moment to speak with Katniss outside. Sae follows them, nosing her way to listen to everything the doctor says.

"Hey, Elrick," a pleasant voice greets him, and he beams at his friend.

"Hey, Dice," he welcomes her and moves a little to give her space to come to Peeta's side.

"How is he?"

"Could be better," he begins and glances at her. "The doctor said they might wake him up in a few days. It's been six days that he is under an induced coma."

Dice stays silent, absorbing the sight of her friend and mentor. She had cried in her room when she found out what happened to him, wanting to visit him sooner, but her mother had kept her away. It was for the best as she would have broken down had she seen him several days ago.

"Let's do something for him then," she says convincingly. "Let's draw on his cast." And they do, coloring and putting encouraging words where he could easily see them. They devise a code for Peeta to break and write an equation to solve. They are not complicated equations, but they will bring a smile to Peeta's face.

"How about a heart with 'K+P'?" Elrick suggests grinning.

"Yes!" Dice answers with a charming smile. Elrick becomes a puddle.

After drawing, they find their hands entwined with one another as they sit and study the numbers in Peeta's chart. They make predictions and share their pretend prognoses, teasing how Peeta will end up even smarter than he already is after resting his brains for so long. They weigh the possibility of a bionic arm and leg and quickly dismiss the option, agreeing that keeping his regular limbs is still the best decision. Elrick shows her his newly developed photos and the drawings he brought from the orphanage. They had a laid-back conversation, laughing and teasing, making the room feel lighter with innocent young love. Sae returns, and they let go of each other's hand. They both smile at Sae with a toothy grin.

"Don't let me keep you from kissing. I had my first kiss when I was just twelve," Sae banters before sitting between the two. "So, you must be Dice then?" she says and reaches to shake her hand. Dice ignores it and gives her an enthusiastic hug instead. "You must be Sae. Pleased to meet you."

"I like her," Sae comments to Elrick with a wink.

"Thank you for coming, Sae," Katniss whispers in her ears. She hugs her for a long time.

"He'll be all right, don't worry so much, dear. He has a strong heart," Sae replies, then moves to lean on Peeta's bed to whisper in his ear. "Don't keep her waiting for too long, dear. You're going to miss the train. Bring her some flowers," she suggests to a sleeping Peeta. Katniss eyes her carefully. "My Jonathan will show you where to find katniss flowers in the woods. They grow near the water. Water is life, Peeta, remember that," she finishes, then kisses his forehead.

"Where's your tall friend, Elrick?"

"She'll meet us at the train station, Sae," he replies eagerly and steps forward to hug Katniss. "I'll make sure to give everyone the chocolates after lunch. Annie will jump with joy."

"Thank you, Elrick. Take care of Sae."

"I'm eighty, not blind," she banters, then heavily slaps Peeta's right arm before walking away. She looks at the monitor for any changes. "Well … it was worth a shot!"

I feel really bad for hurting Peeta! I hope the succeeding moments compensate for it. The threats to his life are very real, being the son of a famous arena engineer and being an arena engineer himself. It's something he has to live with despite his significant role in the rebellion. Thank goodness he has a strong support system and now *hearts* Katniss by his side.