Katniss was doing her best not to fall asleep in her bowl of broth. The ride back to 13 had been tense, as they were afraid of being discovered, until Boggs had assured them that the Capitol hovercraft was too far out to even notice their retreating aircraft. Boggs predicted the Capitolites had probably landed several hours after their departure. Katniss couldn't help but wonder if Peeta had been on it. Boggs had said their intel detected that the Minister of Defense had given orders to bring in the Mockingjay alive. Katniss was fairly certain she already knew who those orders had given to.

"Katniss, please eat something," Prim whined, lifting her head off Rory's shoulder.

"Not hungry," she said through a yawn.

"You haven't eaten anything all day," her sister continued. Katniss shot Rory a look, and he merely shrugged.

"Dating your sister changes things, Katniss."

"What, like it's ok to be a snitch now?"

"Nobody's snitching on you. We all care about you and we're worried. Just eat some bread."

"Yeah cause that's packed with nutrients," Gale scoffed at the end of the table.

"It's sustenance, at least," Prim shot back.

"What I wouldn't give for some fish right now," Finnick sighed, spooning up his broth.

"The only fish I've tasted came out of the lake," Prim said thoughtfully. "Does it taste different if it's from the ocean?"

"Oooh Prim, you and Rory have to come visit us in 4 when this is all over," Annie said cheerfully. "The best seafood you'll ever taste!"

"Oysters and clams and swordfish and tuna and calamari and seabass," Finnick rattled off, looking dreamy. "I miss being near the ocean."

"I've never even seen the ocean," Prim said wistfully. Finnick playfully tugged on the girl's braid.

"Annie and I live right on the beach. You can go swimming every day."

"I don't even know how to swim!"

"We can teach you. Annie was a mermaid in another life."

"They call Finnick the god of the sea," Annie scoffed, shaking her head. "What about you, Katniss? Can you swim?"

"I've swam in the lake in the woods. My father used to take me."

"He never took me," Prim pouted.

"It was too dangerous, Prim."

"Katniss never took me into the woods after our dad died. She was really brave, going under the fence every week."

"The alternative was starving to death," Katniss shrugged off the compliment. "I told Dad I'd always protect you. That includes keeping you fed."

"I've heard about your lush forests in 12. I've never really seen anything like it. On my Victory Tour, I wasn't allowed to venture out of town. I told Johanna I wanted to see the lumber yards but my escort refused to let me leave the Justice Building." Katniss was quiet, not being able to imagine not having trees around. She remembered Peeta showing her around the Capitol and the fake grass they had in the center of town. She shook her head.

"Maybe we'll all take a big trip around Panem after the war ends," she said softly. The group remained quiet, most likely thinking about what that would be like. To be free to travel around the district as they chose. To decide for themselves where they would settle down. Katniss had never allowed herself to think about living somewhere other than 12, until Peeta had started to talk about it.

She imagined he would like 4, with the ocean. Or 7, with all of the trees. She just knew returning to 12 wasn't an option. It was now nothing more than a graveyard.

Maybe he could build a bakery, wherever they settled. He would never have to be a Peacekeeper again. Would they even have Peacekeepers after they won the war?

After. Not If. She wouldn't allow herself to think otherwise.

Because the alternative meant she would lose Peeta forever. If she hadn't already.


The hallway was silent as she made her way to her compartment. Everyone was still at dinner but she managed to shake off Prim by telling her she just needed sleep. She flung her coveralls to the side and pulled on a night shirt, one of Peeta's she had found in his bag. Sighing, she fell onto the bed and reached over to the bedside table, pulling something to her chest. It was one of his sketchbooks. She hadn't opened it so she had no idea what was inside or how old it was, but holding something he'd loved made her feel close to him. She'd already felt guilty for going through his things but the shirt smelled like him so she didn't feel too bad.

She ran her hand over the bound leather and swallowed. She knew she shouldn't but she flipped the book open and held it up to the lamp.

Pages upon pages of smoothe hands, grey eyes, and katniss flowers. There was a drawing of a meadow full of yellow dandelions. The bakery, with fancy cakes and delicious looking pastries. She could practically smell the fresh-baked bread. Near the back, she found several of a child cowering in the corner, with a dark shape rising overhead. The child had his head lowered and covered by his hands, but she could see bruises on his tiny arms. Her hand shook with anger as she flipped the page. Her eyes widened at the next one.

It was done with such incredible detail that she didn't immediately feel a blush coming on. It was her, with her braid draped over her bare shoulder, a blanket clutched to her chest. She was naked under that blanket, her legs slender and bare, the top of her left breast exposed. It was drawn like the artist had happened upon her while she was dressing, as she looked surprised but calm. Indeed, the look in her eyes and the way she was biting her lip in the drawing made her wonder if Peeta had always seen her as a seductive creature. She ran her hand over the drawing, something Peeta had poured passion and time into, these lines made by his own hand. She wanted to stare at the drawing all night, but she wanted to know if there were more.

The next made her inhale sharply, a stab of longing in her heart. Peeta had drawn them together perfectly- was he some sort of fortune teller?

No, she smiled. He'd just wanted this for so long. Wanted her for so long.

She knew him to have more muscles than this drawing, remembering the way his strong arms held him up so he could thrust into her. His chest was much more built in reality, his abdominal muscles clenching when she ran her tongue across the edge of his underwear. Even his jawline was more defined now, and she closed her eyes, her mind replaying how he had watched her the entire time he trailed his tongue down her chest and between her thighs.

She released a little moan and squeezed her legs shut. She studied the way his head was thrown back, recognizing the look of ecstasy that decorated his face. The way she clutched his forearms signaled he had succeeded in making her come undone. Of course he would draw out her pleasure before he had his own. That was how he was in real life too.

She slammed the book shut and sniffled, setting it beside the lamp. She felt uncomfortably tingly below but she knew Prim would be along shortly. Besides, she only wanted his fingers on her. She knew not even her own could satisfy her now that they'd known pleasure from him.


"I'll talk to Minister Antonius tonight and we will develop a plan of what to do next," Peeta told his troops as he jumped out of the truck. "Go home and rest, soldiers."

"Good night, General." Peeta hoisted his bag over his shoulder and entered his house.

He knew immediately that something was wrong. The air was tense and he reached for his gun, the bag sliding off his arm.

"Lavinia?" There was no answer and he grew even more anxious. He approached the closed bedroom door and leaned in to listen. Hearing nothing, he tapped the door with his gun, then pushed it open.

His eyes widened and he pointed his gun at the man who held his wife's arms behind her back. A sound of surprise and disbelief came from the back of his throat as the Minister of Defense came into view. Behind him, President Snow sat on the bed. Lavinia was on her knees, while the Minister clutched her chin roughly.

"What's the meaning of this," he said, his voice much too warbly for his own liking.

"Your wife is a traitor, General Mellark," Snow said lazily. She whimpered in the Minister's clutches but Antonius clapped a hand over her mouth.

"What are you talking about? Lavinia is as much of a Loyalist as I am."

"I'm saddened to say you're wrong. We thought so too. Until we found out she was passing information on to the Rebel army. She warned them that you were coming for the Mockingjay. That's how they were able to get away before you arrived." Peeta's eyes searched Lavinia's. He'd never noticed how stormy grey they were. He hadn't seen eyes like that in the Capitol. She blinked back tears and shook her head.

"That's not true," she said against Antonius's palm.

"Silence, girl," Antonius yanked her hair back and she whimpered in pain.

"Minister, that's my wife. I'll thank you not to manhandle her like that. Not to mention, she is pregnant. Can we just calmly talk this out?"

"She has been passing information to the rebels for weeks now, General," Snow said heavily. "We had recording devices installed in your bedroom when we first started to suspect that we had a traitor in our midst."

"You bugged my house?" Peeta sounded appalled.

"We took necessary measures for many Peacekeepers. We suspected there was a traitor in the higher ranks. After you left for your mission in 12, we were alerted that she contacted District 13 and told them you were on your way to 12. This is the utmost betrayal."

"She has to be punished, General Mellark. You are a man of the law. You must understand."

"She's pregnant, President Snow. Surely you can't be thinking of arresting her. My child won't be born in a prison."

"We won't punish the child. But you know how we punish traitors in the Capitol." Antonius threw Lavinia to the ground and she remained curled into herself, sobbing into the floor. Peeta watched the two men with narrowed eyes and when Antonius produced a sharp blade, he took a step back.

"No."

"General Mellark, as President of Panem, I order you to punish the prisoner." He took another step back, shaking his head.

"You can't… you can't ask me…"

"She is a traitor to Panem, Mellark," Antonius growled. "To you. She is helping the Mockingjay."

"Peeta," she sobbed from the floor. Peeta's eyes darted to her trembling form. "Peeta, remember! You have to remember!"

"Get him out of here," Snow growled in Antonius's ear.

"General Mellark. You're under arrest for insubordination."

"Don't touch me! Don't touch her!"

"I need back up," Antonius yelled into his communicator.

"Mellark, don't do anything stupid," Snow hissed. Peeta's eyes flashed and he ducked under Antonius's outstretched arm.

"Get out of here, Lavinia! Go!" He yanked her to her feet and pushed her toward the door.

"Peeta, you love Katniss! Please remember!" Peeta let out a cry out outrage as Antonius back handed his wife, sending her to the floor. Peeta punched the Minister hard and ran to Lavinia. He knelt beside her, cradling her head. Her eyes were hazy, unfocused.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you when you asked," she whispered. "You're Peeta Mellark. Your home is District 12. You're in love with Katniss-" Peeta heard yells from the outside and Snow ran to the door. Peeta slammed it shut and stood in front of it, his gun pointed at the president.

"She's telling the truth, isn't she? You hijacked me again."

"And it sounds like it's time for another dose of poison," the Minister snarled from the floor. "You're so much more obedient when you've got poison boiling your blood." Peeta looked back at Lavinia and bit his lip.

"The baby? It's not mine, is it?"

"No. My husband was killed. By them." Peeta's usually kind eyes blackened with hatred.

"You sons of bitches." There was pounding on the door behind him.

"General Mellark, open the door!"

"Mellark, don't be stupid," Snow barked. "You were much happier when you were oblivious. You lived a life of wealth. You were happily married."

"To a woman who is a stranger and in a life that's not mine," Peeta spat. "I'm done playing your game." Antonius swiped his blade across the back of Peeta's leg, making him drop the floor with a cry of pain. The Minister pulled something from his pocket and he stabbed a needle into Peeta's neck. Peeta grunted and fell on his side.

"No," Lavinia wailed, rushing to him. The door burst open and the soldiers eyed the General and his wife anxiously.

"Arrest the General's wife and deliver him to the Laboratory," Snow ordered, yanking his suit in place.

"No! NO," Lavinia writhed and spit when they pulled her to her feet. Peeta started to writhe where he lay and one of the soldiers knelt to help him.

"Soldiers, do as I say." Two of them dragged Lavinia out of the room while the others tended to Peeta. When they were gone, Snow slammed the door shut and turned on the Minister.

"President Snow, sir-"

"Shut up. I should never have listened to you. I told you he would never punish her himself. I ordered you to do it yourself and you were too much a coward. You wanted to make someone else do it. What's the matter, Antonius? After all this time, afraid of a little blood?"

"If Peeta made her an Avox, there's no way Katniss would ever take him back after that. Don't you see, sir? We just-"

"You are a fucking moron, Antonius. If he came back to find her an Avox, he wouldn't be questioning everything again. She wouldn't have been able to remind him of her. Why do I listen to you? Why don't I just get rid of you?"

"Sir," Antonius yelped. "You need me. I helped you kill—"

"You've helped me kill a lot of people, Antonius. That doesn't necessarily mean I need you. What was in that needle?" Antonius fell silent and Snow's eyes flashed.

"WHAT was in that needle?"

"Tracker-jacker venom, sir. He remembers too much now! We have to act quickly, to make sure he doesn't revert to his old self."

"Take care of the girl, Antonius. Then meet me at the laboratory." Antonius held his breath while Snow opened the door and stomped out of the house. He questioned Snow's suddenly calm demeanor but he followed the soldiers who had taken the girl.

He would rather kill her and be done with it. It's what they had done with her husband, though that had actually been an accident. He'd been too weak to handle the poison in large amounts, like Mellark had. His heart had given out, to Antonius's disappointment. He wanted more Peacekeepers from other districts. He needed more people Mellark knew, to help keep him in line.

Speaking of Mellark, he wondered if they would have to start all over now. Would Mellark remember, or would it be a fuzzy memory at the back of his mind? If it were up to him, they would have killed Mellark ages ago. They had kept him alive for years, for what? All because of one stupid promise Corialianus Snow had made to a peasant… well Corialianus Snow was dead. Caius Snow had killed his own father, so Antonius couldn't understand why he was still worried about his father's promises.

He rapped on the door where they were keeping the girl and a soldier bowed low as he entered. The girl watched him, a horrified look in her dark eyes.

"I did warn you, Mrs. Murphy. I warned you to toe the line and keep to the story."

"I didn't contact the rebels," she cried. "You made that up! I didn't tell them anything!"

"But you tried to remind him of who he was."

"No-"

"You told him he hadn't always been like this. That the Snows twisted him. We weren't lying about bugging the house. You should have just played the part of a devoted wife."

"Please," tears streamed down her cheeks as she clutched her pregnant belly. "Please don't hurt my baby."

"Oh it's Mellark's baby. And we will make sure to remind him of that when he wakes up." She frowned, looking baffled.

"We can't kill you, Mrs. Murphy. We still need you. You may have set us back slightly but we still have him under our control. Especially with more venom." She shook her head, looking sick.

"You, however, we can make sure you will never be able to remind him of his real name again," Antonius took the knife from his pocket, twirling it between his fingers. She screamed in terror when he bore down on her.


Katniss felt a smile tugging at her lips as Finnick leaned in to kiss his bride. She joined in as the rest of the room clapped and cheered for the couple. Finnick led Annie out to the middle of the floor and the musicians from 12 started up a lively tune.

"Ugh, weddings," Johanna said as she sank into a chair next to Katniss. "Gag me."

"Clearly you've never had one," Katniss said nastily, not removing her eyes from the couple. To her surprise, Johanna chuckled.

"You're right about that. Love is weird." Katniss was wondering why the Victor had come to sit next to her, when Johanna spoke again.

"That last propo you filmed was… interesting." Katniss frowned but didn't say anything.

"I never met your dad but I heard a lot about him. It sounded like he was a good man." Surprised, Katniss glanced sideways.

"He was."

"Haymitch showed us some of the videos of him and you. You used to be pretty cute." Katniss rolled her eyes and shook her head.

"I didn't understand until I watched those videos. He did have a voice that could inspire. You inherited it from him. I think you can do some good things for this country, Katniss." Katniss swallowed anxiously.

"Th-thank you." Johanna nodded and leaned back in her seat.

"Strange though, not to see your sister on any of those videos."

"Prim was too young and Mom didn't want her in any of them. She didn't want me in them either but I guess Dad got away with having me with him. It's what Haymitch said anyway."

"You don't think there was any other reason?" Katniss scowled.

"What are you talking about?"

"I mean the fact that your sister looks nothing like you or your father. Wasn't segregation a huge thing in 12 back then? Your blonde sister looks like your mom and you inherited your dad's dark looks. It just strikes me as interesting that he never used her for the propos."

"What are you getting at, Johanna?"

"Cut back on the defensiveness a bit. I'm merely pointing out an observation." Katniss went silent and watched Annie and Finnick dance.

"I like Annie's dress. You let her borrow it?"

"Yeah."

"Nice of you. I know she didn't want to get married in these god-awful coveralls." She plucked at her clothing to demonstrate her disgust.

"I'm glad Finnick could have this," she lowered her voice. "He deserves some happiness after all of the shit he has been through." Katniss couldn't say anything. She hadn't known the Victors for very long but she knew of the lifestyle they had been forced into. She, too, was happy for him.

"Hopefully he and Annie will have some peace now."

"Not for long," Johanna scoffed. "If Coin gets her way, Finnick will be celebrating his honeymoon in the Capitol." Katniss turned toward her, her brow furrowed.

"What?"

"You didn't know? Coin wants Boggs to put together a mission to the Capitol. What is they are calling it? The Star-Squad, I think. Basically just wants to put the attractive people on TV and show Panem that the Victors are supporting the rebellion."

"You can't make a propo video doing that here?" Johanna shook her head.

"Coin thinks it's best for the country to see you in action. Apparently we can't leave the Mockingjay's side. If a bullet is aimed at you, I'll be sure to jump right in front of it, Mrs. Mockingjay! It's everybody's job to keep you alive, afterall."

"Is that why you hate me?"

"Partly," the Victor admitted. "Jealousy is certainly involved. I also think you're a little hard to swallow. With your tacky romantic drama and your defender-of-the-helpless act. Only it isn't an act, which makes you more unbearable. Please feel free to take this personally."

"You should have been the Mockingjay. No one would've had to feed you lines," Katniss shifted in her seat.

"True. But no one likes me," Johanna looked back at the couple, who were now pulling others out onto the dance floor.

"Here, maybe. In the Capitol, you're the one they're scared of now." Katniss snorted. No one was afraid of her. And they certainly weren't afraid of using her own husband against her. If they thought for a second that his memories would return, they wouldn't be using him in such a way. She knew that.

She knew that he was most likely lost to her. For good. She was tired of going and forth, hoping and then losing hope. She was just tired.

"This handsome stud isn't afraid of me though," Johanna jumped up from her seat and ran her fingers up and down Gale's arm. "Are you, gorgeous?" She chuckled to herself as she slinked away into the crowd. Gale watched her go and shook his head as he turned back to Katniss.

"Terrified," he said with a serious face. Katniss laughed and Gale took Johanna's empty seat.

"Not joining in the dancing?"

"Not much of a dancer," Katniss shrugged.

"I don't think that's true. Rory and Posy said you were quite the dancer at Madge's wedding. And your own, for that matter."

"I had a dance partner at both of those events." Gale sighed.

"Well I know I'm not your husband, nor will I ever measure up to him, but I could be your partner for one dance." Katniss glanced at his outstretched hand.

"Gale-"

"Just dance with me, Catnip." Sighing, she took his hand and he lead her over to where Prim, Madge, and Annie were dancing. Gale pushed her toward the girls and Prim threw her arms around her sister. Katniss shot Gale a grateful look as Annie tugged on her hand. Gale laughed and clapped along, while the women started to huddle in the center of the room. Finnick and the other men formed a giant circle around the perimeter of the room, joining hands and circling the women. Annie shrieked and giggled, which made Katniss smile.


The couples' joy was infectious and the party lasted all night. Katniss and Rory supported a sleeping Prim as they made their way back to the bunkers. Rory pushed the door open and they draped Prim across the bed. Katniss turned and out of the corner of her eye, she watched Rory tuck her sister in and kiss her forehead. She hid a grin as she turned back around.

"Where's your mom?"

"Probably with the other nurses."

"But I saw her with Mr. Mellark at the wedding."

"Really?"

"Yeah, they were talking in the corner of the room. I figured she would be back here already." Katniss glanced at the clock. It was definitely later than she thought.

"I'm not sure then. You should get going yourself. I'm glad Coin bent the rules for lights out tonight."

"I imagine it's been awhile since people have had something happy to celebrate," Rory shrugged. Katniss nodded as she followed him to the door.

"Hey Rory, what's this about a mission to the Capitol?" Rory paused.

"Huh?"

"Johanna mentioned a mission to the Capitol, to see me in action. You don't know anything about it?"

"Colonel Boggs mentioned something a few days ago but he said it wouldn't happen any time soon. More like an end of the war thing. Our rebel forces haven't even been able to rise up against the Peacekeepers yet. This war is far from over." Her shoulders slumped and the sadness in her eyes made Rory reach for her hand.

"That doesn't mean we can't get Peeta back, Katniss. We can keep trying."

"Coin isn't going to waste any more resources on trying to rescue him," she said softly. "I'm afraid he's really gone, Rory. It's been months… he's actually forgotten about me."

"No," he said firmly. "I believe Rye when he says that's impossible. Peeta loves you. Deep down, he knows who you are. He just has to get past the poison and remember. And he will. When he sees you again, he'll remember how much he loves you."

"I wish I could just fly to the Capitol and find him. I'm tired of waiting around. Coin keeps saying we have to wait for him to come here but he's not stupid. He won't come here. He will wait for me to come to the Capitol, because those are his orders. Snow is still controlling him."

"You can't just go off on your own, Katniss. That's what Snow wants. You'd be playing into his hands and if he has the chance, he'll use Peeta to capture you. Just wait for Boggs to come up with a plan. Keep making those propos and hope Peeta is watching them. He'll come home to you soon." He squeezed her hand and closed the door behind him. Katniss rested her forehead against the wall, before hurriedly removing her coveralls and climbing into bed.

"Katty," her sister said tiredly.

"Mmhm?"

"I really love Rory." Katniss lifted her head off the pillow and stared at her sister.

"I think that's really great, Prim."

"You'll be my maid of honor?" Her brow shot up and she watched Prim for a moment before answering.

"Has he asked you to marry him?"

"He will," she said, smacking her lips. "We're going to have a great big cake and I'm going to wear really tall shoes, like the kind Effie Trinkett wears." Katniss snorted and shook her head.

"Ok Prim. Whatever you want. It's your wedding."

"Will Peeta make the cake?" Katniss's heart stung.

"I'm sure he will. What kind do you like?"

"Lemon."

"Ok," she agreed. "A lemon cake for my baby sister. He'll be thrilled.

"He's a good brother," she sighed. Katniss chuckled and lay back down, her braid spread across the pillow.

"Katty?"

"Yes Prim?"

"You're a good sister."

"You are too, Prim."

"I love you, Katty."

"Love you too, Primrose." Her sister's snores came only seconds later and she knew Prim wouldn't remember the conversation in the morning. She smirked, wondering how Rory would feel about what she had said. Had they talked about marriage? They were young but the country was at war. She knew how it was, the desire to be with the person they loved.

She closed her eyes and slipped into uneasy dreams.


"Katkin. Come here, my flower." Katniss looked up from the dandelions she was braiding together and hurried over to climb into her father's lap. He had been singing and she loved to listen, gently swaying from side to side as his sweet melody filled the air.

"My sweet little rosebud. What are you making?"

"A dandelion crown," she held up the almost-finished product.

"That's lovely. Who is the lucky recipient of said crown?"

"You're the King, daddy," she giggled. "You get to wear it."

"So that makes you Princess Katkin, does it?" Katniss spread her arms.

"All hail the Princess Katniss! Bow down to me!" Her father hurriedly flopped onto his stomach and pretended to grovel before his daughter. Katniss shrieked with laughter and fell back into her father's strong arms. There was a rustle in the tall grass and her father stiffened.

"Stay down, Katniss." He pushed her behind him and reached for his knife. The grass parted and a small blonde boy tumbled forward.

"I'm sorry," he gasped, throwing his arms in front of his face. "I didn't mean to sneak!"

"It's alright, boy," Ash sheathed his blade. "You're the baker's youngest, aren't you? What are you doing out here?"

"I'm sorry," he said again, stammering. "I heard singing and- it was lovely, I just had to come closer. Your voices are… I could listen to you both all day." Ash glanced at his daughter, who peered out from behind him.

"My songbird has quite the voice, doesn't she?"

"Yes sir," the boy's blue eyes seemed to sparkle. "Will you sing again?"

"You'll have to ask her," he gestured behind him. The boy swallowed and took a step forward.

"Will you sing for me, Katniss? Please?" She glanced up at her father, who smiled down at her.

"Ok." She sat down and started to sing sweetly. Her father joined in and the little boy plopped down in front of them. He closed his eyes, convinced he had never heard anything so sweet. When they finished, his eyes shot open and he swallowed.

"Thank you. That was lovely." He reached into his basket and withdrew something wrapped in a napkin. "For your song." Katniss reached for it, and gasped at the warmth. She glanced up at her father again, who merely nodded. Katniss tore into the warm pastry, letting out a delighted moan as the cheese oozed into her mouth.

"It's so good," she moaned, her mouth full.

"Don't be rude, flower," Ash laughed.

"Fank you," she said, shooting the boy a smile.

"You're welcome. Thank you for the song."

"PEETA!" The boy gasped and jumped to his feet.

"I-I have to get home. Thank you… again! Good night!"

"Wait," Katniss stood and fingered the dandelion crown. Looking resolved, she stepped forward and placed it on the boy's golden curls. He gasped and reached up, his hand hovering over his head.

"Thank you," she said again. The boy swallowed and looked like he wanted to touch her.

"PEETA MELLARK, WHERE ARE YOU?"

"I have to go," he said miserably. "Good night!"

"Good night, Peeta," Ash smiled as the boy ran through the meadow. Katniss stuffed the rest of the treat into her mouth and sucked on her fingers.

"I wanna marry a baker one day, Daddy."

"Is that so?"

"He can make me bread and cheesy buns every day!" Ash chuckled as he lifted his daughter into his arms.

"By my reckoning, that will happen one day. And he will treat you like a princess. Are you ready to head home, flower?" She nodded and wrapped her arms around his neck as he carried her back home.


Katniss's eyes shot open and she frowned at the ceiling. She remembered her dream vividly but… was it just that? Or had it actually happened? She couldn't remember speaking to Peeta when she was younger. She certainly had never wanted to get married when she was younger. But it seemed so real…

She tossed the covers off and padded over to the bags in the corner. Peeta's sketchbooks rested on top of the bags and she sat on the floor, her legs crossed. Her mother grunted in her sleep and she glanced back at the bed, where her mother was hanging off the edge while Prim took up most of the bed. Katniss smiled and shook her head as she flipped the book open. She flipped through the pages, her eyes searching. Shaking her head, she reached for another one, then another. She sighed heavily and closed the book. She didn't know what she was expecting, really. She reached for the last one and flipped it open. Her hands clapped over her mouth at the first picture. A little girl standing in front of her father. A little boy holding a basket. The little girl draping a crown of dandelions on his fair curls. The look on the boy's face was one of disbelief and adoration. The girl's father watched with a smile.

Katniss clutched the book to her chest as silent tears streamed down her face.


Peeta's eyes fluttered open, the dream still lingering in the furthest reaches of his mind. He tried to grasp at it, to remember if it was just a dream or an actual memory. He had a feeling he knew the little girl, but from where, he wasn't sure. The girl's father, too, looked familiar. And their voices. He wanted to hear more. But the dream was leaving as he found himself waking up. He sat up and groaned, running his hand through his hair. He glanced around the room, baffled.

"Where am I now?" It looked like a hospital. There were trays of medical tools nearby and he was attached to some sort of machine. He fingered the arm strap and glanced up at the machine. For all he knew, it could be pumping poison into his bloodstream.

"It's monitoring my heart," he scoffed at himself. He pushed the blankets off and inspected the bandage around his leg.

"What the hell happened," he wondered aloud. His face screwed up, trying to chase the memories. He remembered coming home and talking to Lavinia… and that was it. What else had happened? Why was he here?

The door burst open and his eyes widened.

"General Mellark, something terrible has happened!"