It was a calm ride until they reached the train station. Katniss could see Purnia stiffen and pull out her gun.

"What's going on, Purnia?"

"I'm not sure. Pickens, you and Burns get the Captain on the train. I'll see what the trouble is."

"But Soldier-" Purnia leaped out of the cart before Burns could protest. Peeta tried to lift his head.

"What's happening?"

"Mrs. Mellark, why don't you take yours and the Captain's bags to the porter?" Katniss nodded but slung the four bags over her shoulder and stood next to the cart while Burns and Pickens decided the best way to lift Peeta.

"Soldiers, I'm too heavy. Let me try-"

"Don't you dare," Katniss hissed before he could get up. "Let me set these bags in our compartment so I can help." She jogged up to the platform and presented hers and Peeta's tickets. She quickly found an empty compartment near the back of the train so it would be easier to help Peeta on and off. She pulled the compartment closed and jumped off the platform, nearly screaming when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Easy sweetheart, it's just me."

"Haymitch," she gasped. "What are you doing here?"

"Making sure you and the boy make it out of here safely. We need to hurry. Purnia won't be able to hold off Thread's cronies for long."

"What?" The sound of gunshots behind them made her jump and her eyes widened.

"Haymitch!" He threw his arm around her just as she started to turn back.

"You and Peeta need to get out of 12 right now. Soldiers, I'll take it from here. You go help Peacekeeper Purnia." Pickens cast a weary look at his Captain.

"Safe travels to you both," he murmured as he pulled out his gun and ran to join Purnia.

"Brace yourself, Peeta. This is going to hurt." The Victor flung Peeta over his back like a sack of potatoes and Peeta let out a cry of pain. He beckoned for Katniss to follow him and hurried up the platform. Katniss pushed ahead of him to show him their compartment and Haymitch set Peeta down on the bed as gently as he could. Peeta was gritting his teeth and sweating profusely. Katniss immediately started to wipe at his face with a blanket and he curled up on the bed with his head in her lap.

"Duartyr will meet you at the station. Don't speak to anyone else and don't leave this compartment. There are spies everywhere and we don't know who to trust."

"But we trust Duartyr?"

"Yes," Haymitch nodded solemnly. "He's risked his life for Peeta before. He's one we can trust. We messed with the passenger lists so we could throw Thread off but he had people set up and waiting, so he knows you're on this train. He's been ordered to keep you and Peeta from making it to the Capitol. Just stay in here and go straight to Duartyr when you reach the Capitol. Understand?" Katniss stroked Peeta's curls and nodded.

"Haymitch, take care of my family."

"I promised your dad I would get them to 13 safely and that's what I'm going to do. You be careful and watch out for yourself and for him," he gestured to the broken boy in her lap. "I'll see you soon, Katniss."

"Be careful, Haymitch."

"And kid?" Peeta glanced up at him. "I'm really proud of you." Peeta closed his eyes for a moment, finding it too painful to move anything else, before resting his cheek on Katniss's thigh. Haymitch smiled at the young couple before closing the compartment door behind him and jumping off the platform.

The conductor called for last minute passengers and Haymitch's eyes scanned the streets. Purnia was supposed to make the journey as well but she was nowhere to be found. Pickens and Burns were missing too and Haymitch felt his heart plummet. He buried his hands in his pockets and started to walk back to Victor's Village as swiftly as he could. He still needed to pack and make sure everything was ready for tonight. One way or another, the rebellion would begin very soon.


Prim handed her mother the last vial and Violet set it into the bag with the others. They had been sorting through the herbs, deciding which ones were the most important to take. She hoped she would be able to carry two large bags the whole way. One bag held her clothing and the few heirlooms she possessed, along with the few things of her husband's that she couldn't bear to part with. The other was her medicine bag, with as many supplies as they could carry.

"What do you think 13 is like?" She glanced at her daughter, who looked eager and smiled enthusiastically.

"I imagine it's much like any other district in Panem. The people have jobs to tend to, and there isn't enough food to go around. I can't imagine how they have survived this long without anyone noticing."

"Why did Daddy want Haymitch to take us there?"

"He said you would be safer. He was convinced they would come to our aid. But if they have sat by and let the Capitol kill us for this long, why should they worry about us now?"

"Well maybe that's why Katniss has to get there. So she can show them that we deserved their help and recognition." There was silence as they packed their bags.

"You and Peeta have grown awfully close." Prim frowned.

"Aren't we supposed to get along?"

"You kept calling him big brother. He isn't your brother, Primrose, he's your brother-in-law."

"I know that. I really like him, Mom. He's good to Katniss and he's good to us. What's wrong with us being close?" Violet didn't say anything but Prim watched her mother with narrowed eyes.

"You've been acting weird around the Mellarks." Violet's hands froze over her bag.

"What are you talking about?"

"I noticed it at Rye's and Madge's wedding, but I feel like it's been happening a lot longer. You're just...nervous around them. Especially Mr. Mellark."

"Don't be ridiculous, Primrose. I'm not nervous around them. They're Merchants. We're not. You know how Merchants treat us."

"No," Prim said slowly. "I know how they treat Katniss. You and I have never been treated like that, because we look like Merchants. Your blonde hair and blue eyes keep the snarls and insults away. But Katniss looks just like Daddy… dark hair, dark skin, stormy eyes. Seam. Outsider. Even though half the people in this district look like that. Why don't I have darker skin or darker hair?"

"You take after me," Violet said dismissively.

"You know, in school we learned about dominant and recessive genes. How the father typically has dominant genes, especially the eyes and hair. So technically, I should have Dad's dark hair and grey eyes."

"You're speaking nonsense. I learned from the same science books as you did. Biology is complex, Prim, and both the mother and father pass on the same amount of DNA. You inherited my Merchant genes. Katniss inherited Ash's Seam genes. It's as simple as that." But it was anything but simple to Prim. She now remembered the longing looks Bran Mellark had cast her mother that morning before they had left, and how he had offered to escort them both home after Rye's wedding. He was rarely seen with his wife (though Prim hardly blamed him for that- she knew what a witch Mrs. Mellark was)

"I forbid you from speaking about this again, Primrose. To anyone. Do you understand?" Prim heaved a sigh and plopped her bag onto the kitchen table.

"I think I'm all packed. I'm going to put Buttercup in this bag so I can carry him." Violet looked startled.

"Prim, you can't take a cat to 13."

"Why not? I'm not leaving him behind. I couldn't live with myself."

"Sweetheart," Violet's voice softened. "We will be walking for quite awhile. What if he makes noise and we get caught?"

"I'll keep him quiet! Don't make me leave him, Mom. Please." Violet sighed and glanced down at the cat, who was purring and winding himself around Prim's legs.

"Ask Haymitch when he gets here." She was fairly certain the Victor would tell Prim no and she'd rather Prim be angry with him than with her. But she didn't expect Prim's next question.

"Why do you hate Haymitch so much?" Violet's eyes darted to her daughter.

"What?"

"Why do you hate him so much?"

"We have a long, complicated history."

"Uncomplicate it then."

"Prim," she sighed. "I don't want to go into this right now. We don't get along. End of story."

"That's far from the end. I know you don't like him because you blame him for Dad's death. But there's something else. What is it?"

"Nothing. He was your father's best friend. I tried to like him and I just didn't. He was snarky and crude and it irritated me that Ash spent so much time with him. When I learned about the secret meetings, it didn't surprise me that Haymitch was in on it too. He was probably the one who dragged Ash to the meetings in the first place."

"That's not true," Prim said softly. "Dad was the one who asked Haymitch to go to the meetings. Haymitch had just come home from the Games and was angry about his district partners. Dad had been a part of it long before Haymitch joined."

"And who told you that? Haymitch?"

"Yes," she said sternly. "And I trust him. So I hope you can get over whatever it was that happened between you two and listen to reason. Haymitch is going to get us out of 12. We need to be ready to help Katniss. Are you ready?"

"You don't understand how hard it is to leave, Prim," Violet looked around their sad little house.

"I was born here. I understand. I know you and Dad had some good memories here but it's time for us to make new memories, in a new place, with new freedoms.

I'm ready to live life, Mom. Aren't you? Aren't you tired of the way we have been living?"

"Yes," Violet sighed. "Yes I am. I just need to pack a few things from my room. Heat some of that soup for us for lunch, will you? I'll be right back." Prim tended to the stove while Violet wandered into her room to fetch the last of her things.


Katniss had called for a cup of tea and had poured a few drops of sleep syrup into it before she helped Peeta drain the whole thing. He slept peacefully with his head in her lap, his arms draped over her legs. She sat with her back against the wall, staring up at the ceiling. They had been traveling for several hours now and there hadn't been any disturbances. She hoped they could make it to the Capitol undetected and it wouldn't take long to get Peeta to the hospital. She had helped him remove his shirt so he would be more comfortable; he complained that the material stuck to his wounds and he agreed to sleep on his stomach so he wouldn't further aggravate his back. Katniss's fingers gently tugged at his golden locks, loving the way the curls clung to her skin. She remembered his hair being much longer, almost hanging in his eyes. She knew Peacekeepers kept it trimmed short, but she hoped he would let his grow out. She could just imagine wrapping her hands in his hair and tugging sharply when they were being intimate. She knew he liked it from the few times she had experimented with gentle pulls. What she could do with a handful of hair.

She scoffed and shook her head, scolding herself for thinking such things. They were riding towards known danger and then they would be joining a revolution. Katniss would be lucky if they were ever intimate again. She watched him sleep, his long eyelashes resting on his fair cheeks. The freckles sprinkled across his nose that she personally found quite adorable (and she'd never used that word in her vocabulary before) and his strong jaw that she longed to trail her tongue across. How could this man incite such a reaction in her, all the time? He was injured for god's sakes, she rolled her eyes. Stop thinking like a school girl. Start thinking like a Mockingjay.


Katniss had fallen asleep and Peeta couldn't find it in his heart to wake her. He needed to use the restroom though and he wasn't sure how much longer he could hold it. He was surprised he hadn't needed to go before this. Or had he, and someone had helped him when he was unconscious? His cheeks burned at the thought.

And the most embarrassing thing on the list of embarrassing things to do in front of the love of your life would be wetting the bed they were both sleeping on. He used the strength in his arms, surprised that he had any left, to lean up as far as he could.

"Katniss," he whispered, not wanting to startle her. "Katniss!" He sighed and shook his head, moving his hand to her knee.

"Katniss," he whispered louder, shaking her leg.

"Hm?" Her eyes fluttered open and she gasped when she saw him leaning up on his arms.

"Peeta, what are you doing?"

"I'm really sorry to wake you. But um, I really have to use the bathroom and I, uh… I need some help." Katniss blushed but nodded. Of course he would need help. He couldn't walk but she couldn't carry him either.

"Let me, um, go ask the Conductor and see if he has anything we can use."

"If you let me lean on you, I can probably make it down the hall." She didn't think it was a good idea for him to walk and Haymitch had told them to stay in the compartment. But he needed to go and she was determined to help him without embarrassing him further.

"Ok. Here, put your shirt back on." She pulled it over his head, ignoring his wince, and sat beside him on the bed.

"How do you want to do this?"

"Just… pull my arm around your shoulder and see if you can help me sit up. My legs aren't injured, so I should be ok to walk." It took a lot of strength and she grimaced at his gasps of pain. But he managed to sit up and leaned into her side.

"Ok. Let's try this." Katniss stood and wrapped her arm around his waistline, looping her fingers through his belt loop so she wouldn't touch his injuries. He couldn't

stand up straight but he could stand so they hobbled to the door and Katniss asked the attendant to point them in the direction of the bathroom. When she saw how small it was, she bit her lip and turned back to the attendant.

"Do you have a larger bathroom we can use? He's severely injured and we just need a little more room. I can't leave him," she added. The attendant bit his lip.

"Come with me." Peeta squeezed his eyes shut but hobbled along with her towards the back of the train. The attendant unlocked a door and pushed it open.

"It's the crew bathroom but you're welcome to use it, Miss."

"Thank you so much," Katniss nodded gratefully, pulling the door closed and locking it behind them. Peeta glanced at the toilet and exhaled deeply.

"OK, how do you-"

"I think I can manage," he said weakly, reaching toward the wall. She let him go but immediately stepped forward as he started to fall.

"Peeta, let me help you," she said gently.

"Can you…ugh, just unzip my jeans for me and I'll… take care of the rest." Katniss's nimble fingers worked the button and zipper and she pulled at the waistband just a bit to make it easier. When she turned away, attempting to give him some privacy, she heard the sound of liquid hitting the bowl.

"This is so humiliating," he muttered with a pained sigh.

"It's just me," she reminded him while staring at the wall.

"Exactly. It's you. The girl I've been in love with since I was a kid. Helping me pee because I can't fucking stand up on my own. Oh Jesus, I can't reach the bowl to flush."

"I've got it," she said quickly, leaning forward and pressing the handle. Peeta zipped his pants and she helped him wash his hands before they hobbled out of the bathroom and back down the hall. She shot the attendant a grateful smile as she closed the compartment door again. Peeta buried his face in the blanket and sighed loudly. She sat next to him and rested her hand on his arm.

"Peeta, please don't feel embarrassed around me. We've seen each other at our most vulnerable, remember? You've looked at every inch of me. You've touched my skin, you've… put your mouth on places I would never have imagined… you've been inside me! I never… Peeta, I never thought anyone… I didn't think I would ever… ugh, damn it, why can't I actually put two sentences together?" Peeta peered out of the blankets and gave her a weak smile.

"You're doing just fine."

"Just… let me help you, ok? I want to help you. I want to be here for you, the way you always are for me. Don't feel awkward, alright? Can you promise me that?"

"I always feel awkward around you, Katniss," he mumbled. She moved to her stomach and propped her feet up against the wall so that her face was just inches from his. She reached for his hands and he allowed her to intertwine their fingers. She pulled his hand to her lips and cocked her head.

"Why's that?" He leaned up on his elbows, wincing when his back arched.

"I already told you. You were always so beautiful. And you intimidated the hell out of me. If you were at one of my wrestling matches, I would lose all concentration. My brothers constantly teased me about it. When you came into the bakery with your dad, I dropped a whole tray of cookies. Mom hit me as soon as I got back to the kitchen but Dad just smiled at me, knowing what my problem was. Our first Reaping… I couldn't look away from you. I just prayed and prayed that you would be spared. I just… I haven't been able to stop watching you, Katniss." He propped his head on his hand and smiled.

"I used to read about these… dark creatures from mythology. Sirens. Mermaids, really, but sirens were supposedly darker and more mysterious. Their song lured men to their deaths, you see, so it was really dangerous for sailors to pass their home. I used to wonder if you were a siren in disguise. Your song captured me, and we were five, Katniss! Then I started to wonder if you were some kind of witch. A witch who can cast magic spells. How can a five year old cast that powerful of a spell?"

"You make it sound like I'm not even human," she wrinkled her nose and he chuckled. "Maybe you're just really easy to lure."

"I must be, because my little five year old heart is still under your spell, almost fourteen years later. You're the only one who has this kind of power over me."

"So the Capitol should have no effect on you," she gripped both of his hands. His smile faltered and she leaned in close.

"Peeta, I know you're still afraid of your flashbacks. The things they put in your mind. But just remember, when you feel like you're falling apart, my song pulling you back together and back to me. Remember that, ok?" He nodded and kissed her palm.

"Sing to me?" She obliged and he lowered his head to the bed and closed his eyes as her sweet melody surrounded him and lulled him to sleep. His lips curved upwards as she lay her head beside his.

"Thank you, my sweet siren," he mumbled sleepily. She kissed his cheek and pushed his damp hair off his forehead. She knew he was still feverish and silently willed him to stay strong until they reached the Capitol.

"I love you, Peeta," she whispered as she joined him in sleep.

Peeta's heart hammered so loudly that he tried to move his hand to his chest to muffle the sound. It was clear as day, though whispered so softly, he knew she hadn't meant for him to hear it. Like before, she was drifting off to sleep but the first time he had heard her say anything about it, she had used the words "falling in love with you". Now, she just said "I love you". Should he say something back? Should he wake her up and beg for her to say it with her eyes open? Should he lie here and pretend she hadn't said a word?

She only said it because she pities you, came that voice. He squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head.

No. She loved him. He knew it was true and she had just confirmed it!

Then why does she only say it when you're hurt? It's not love she feels, it's pity. She feels sorry for you. Guilty, even. It was her fault after all.

No it wasn't. Neither time was her fault.

The first time you were attacked, was because you married a Seam slut. The other men liked you, until you married her.

That is definitely not true, he argued with himself but the cold voice continued as if he hadn't interrupted.

The second, you literally traded yourself for her. You took her whipping. And nearly died for it. How is that not her fault?

Because I chose it! I chose to take her place, because I love her.

But she doesn't love you. She just feels obligated to stay with you. Why won't she tell you she loves you when you're awake? Both times, she has been asleep and

she thought you were asleep. It doesn't matter how many times you save her life, she will always see you as a Merchant Peacekeeper, a marriage of convenience. She could never love you. Peeta covered both of his ears, as if he could block out the voice. But it continued to hiss inside his head and he blinked back tears.

"Please," he whispered. "Please go away."

Remember my song pulling you back together and back to me. Remember.

His eyes shot open as he heard her singing in his head. It drowned out the other voice until he could hear nothing but her sweet song. He lay his head back on the bed and closed his eyes again, willing her voice to stay with him and chase away the nightmares.


When Katniss woke, she ached all over from falling asleep in a weird position. She sat up and lowered her legs to the floor. She rubbed circulation into her knees and twisted her neck, feeling the cramps all over. She reached around for a pillow and gently slid it under Peeta's head, so he could rest comfortably in her lap. He had turned onto his side but kept his back rigid, his legs tucked under him. It didn't look very comfortable after all, but Katniss didn't want to wake him. She felt his forehead and gasped at how hot he felt. She wondered how far they had to go before they reached the Capitol.

When he woke again, she was stroking his hair and humming softly. He blinked several times, wondering if he was still dreaming. He didn't move, for fear she would stop. But he heard voices outside the compartment and she started to move.

"Peeta," she said gently. "I think we've arrived."

"Ok." He tried to sit up but gasped in pain and lowered his face to the blanket.

"Don't try to move. I'll find Duartyr and get some help for you."

"Don't leave me," he gasped, his hand flying to hers.

"I'll be right back," she said soothingly, kissing his forehead. "I promise."

"Katniss-" She pulled her hand away from his and he released what sounded like a sob. She pulled the compartment open and motioned for the attendant to come near.

"Sir, will you please watch over him until I return? We're meeting my uncle and he will have to carry my husband." The attendant peered past her into the compartment and his eyes softened.

"Of course Miss. I'll watch him."

"Thank you. I'll be right back, Peeta."

"Katniss, wait-" He tried to sit up but couldn't and fell forward on his face again. Katniss shoved past people and jumped off the platform, her eyes searching for Duartyr. He rushed toward her, his face shining with worry.

"Where's Peeta?"

"Inside. He can hardly move, General Duartyr." Duartyr jerked his head and two soldiers stepped onto the train.

"Wait. Let me go first. He will freak out when he sees soldiers." Duartyr nodded and Katniss hurried ahead of them, ignoring angry cries from the passengers who were trying to get off the train. Katniss lead them to the compartment and her eyes widened in horror at the sight of Peeta sprawled in the floor.

"Peeta!"

"I'm sorry, Miss. He tried to follow you and wouldn't let me help him," the attendant stammered. Katniss knelt next to her husband and touched his shoulder.

"Oh Peeta," she sighed.

"You left me," he panted.

"I'm right here. Look, General Duartyr is here and he is going to help."

"Look at me, Peeta," Duartyr knelt in front of his soldier. Peeta's eyes were glazed, his face pale, and it was clear he was holding back tears. Duartyr hated seeing him in such pain.

"We are going to get you out onto the platform and then into my car, alright? Are you ready?"

"Katniss?"

"She's right beside you, Peeta," he said gently. Katniss reached for his hand and squeezed.

"Soldiers, help the Captain to his feet. Try not to touch his back or jostle him too much."

"Yes sir." The Peacekeepers crouched low and allowed Peeta to drape his arms over their shoulders. Katniss grabbed their bags and stood in front of him so he could clearly see her.

"Mrs. Mellark, allow me to help you with those," Duartyr took two of the bags and slung them over his shoulder. He lead the way off the train and straight to a large black car. He sidled up to Katniss and his lips barely moved when he spoke again.

"Get into the car immediately. Don't look around you, just look straight ahead." She did as she was told and jumped into the back seat. Duartyr tossed the bags into the trunk while the two soldiers helped Peeta into the back seat beside Katniss. She pulled him in and helped him stretch out so his head was resting in her lap.

"I don't feel so good," he muttered, hiding his face in her leg.

"I know. Just stay with me. We will be there soon." Katniss took notice that Duartyr wasn't driving and she frowned at the driver.

"Who's he?"

"A friend," Duartyr said quickly. "Let's go, Alex."

"Home, sir?"

"Wait, home? He needs a hospital."

"I have medical care waiting at my apartment. We can't risk checking him into a hospital, Katniss. There is too much going on right now. He will be safest at my place." Katniss's brow furrowed and she glanced at her husband.

"He's not doing well, Felix."

"The doctor is an old friend of mine. He will take good care of Peeta, I promise." Katniss fell silent as they drove through the city but this time her eyes weren't locked on the windows and the passing sights; they were locked on her husband, silently pleading for him to stay with her.


He was much worse by the time the car had pulled in front of the large Capitol house. He was shaking and had sweat through his shirt. Katniss pushed his damp hair off his forehead and chewed her lip.

"We're here, Peeta. Just hold on." He tried to focus on her but his eyes rolled to the back of his head and he choked back a gasp.

"I've got him," Duartyr said at her side, gently pulling Peeta up and draping him over his shoulder as Haymitch had done. The driver helped Katniss with the bags and they followed Duartyr inside the house.

"Doctor Everett," Duartyr called as he made his way toward the stairs. "Doctor Everett, quickly!"

"Bring him in here," the doctor appeared out of nowhere, making Katniss jump. She followed the men into the room and watched with wide eyes as Duartyr placed Peeta on the bed. Duartyr was able to easily maneuver the bed around so that the doctor could have easy access to his patient. The doctor had two assistants who were placing various tools on a tray.

"I need everyone out please," the doctor said, opening his bag. Duartyr wrapped his arm around Katniss but she dug her heels into the ground at the sound of her husband's cry.

"Katniss!"

"Peeta, I'm right here."

"Katniss!" Peeta thrashed around on the bed and the doctor huffed.

"Restrain him!"

"No! Don't!" She rushed forward but was blocked by the driver.

"Get out of my way!"

"Doctor Everett, please allow his wife to stay with him. He will panic without her." The doctor fixed his violet eyes upon Katniss.

"Make him stay still." She nodded and hurried toward him.

"Hey," she said softly, kneeling in front of him and squeezing his hand. "You're going to be ok. I'm right here."

"Katniss," he squeezed his eyes shut, blinking back tears. "Don't leave me."

"I'm not. I'm staying right here. Right by your side." Doctor Everett moved around her and pressed a thick needle into Peeta's vein. His eyes started to flutter and Katniss squeezed his hand again.

"Don't leave me," he whispered, his head falling forward.

"Mrs. Mellark, I need you to leave the room, please. I promise to fetch you when he wakes. But I am going to need the area clear to operate. These wounds run deep and I need to work quickly." Katniss nodded but couldn't move. The doctor patted her shoulder.

"Your husband will be alright. I will let you know when I am finished."

"Come along, Katniss," Duartyr murmured, tugging Katniss from the room. The door closed but there was a window big enough to peer through. She watched as the doctor and his assistants moved around Peeta, working quickly to heal his injuries and erase any signs of infection. Katniss didn't realize she was crying until she tasted salt on her lip. She impatiently wiped at her face and watched the doctor work.

"Katniss," Duartyr said gently, pulling her into the living room. He told her to rest while he made her some tea.

"We just need to let the doctor work," he said as he sat across from her. "Doctor Everett is one of the best in his field. He's even helped Peeta before."

"It's so unfair, Felix," she said as she stared into her cup. "He didn't have to be tortured like that. It wasn't supposed to be him."

"Please don't take this the wrong way, Katniss, but you would not have survived such an ordeal. Peeta is strong and his training has made him stronger. He knew he could take the pain whereas you… ten lashes would have left you paralyzed, my dear. Twenty would have killed you. I know the soldiers who Thread has appointed. He did what he had to do. He swore when he joined the rebellion that he would lay down his life for the Mockingjay. Nevermind that you are the love of his life and he would do anything to protect you anyway, rebellion or no."

"Is it safe here? I mean, to talk about-"

"Oh this house is quite safe, I assure you. I had a Victor from 3 inspect it thoroughly and he found no signs of bugs or tampering with. It has been a safe house for some time now." Katniss's eyes darted around the room.

"Is this where you kept Peeta while he was recovering from the poison?" Duartyr sipped at his tea.

"Yes. I hid him in this very house for several months. Other soldiers just thought I had assigned him to another district. We had to keep him restrained for a time. He was angry with everyone. He threw things. He raged for days. He was a little calmer when his brother visited but we had to be careful. I know we were being watched."

"So what is happening now? Why would Thread order Peacekeepers to beat their own Captain? And why-"

"You have to be exhausted, dear," he cut her off. "Why don't we talk later and you get some rest while you can? I've arranged for the guest room to be ready for you." Katniss wanted to argue but she could barely keep her eyes open. He showed her where they would be staying and their bags had already been left there.

"You'll wake me as soon as the doctor is finished?"

"I promise," Duartyr's hand rested on his heart and he bowed his head. Katniss nodded in thanks and fell onto the bed. She didn't even take her shoes off; as soon as her head hit the pillow, she was fast asleep.