Wow, I have to admit I have never had so much fun watching all of the speculations and debates about this one. So here you are, to calm your anxious minds and to give you what you've been waiting a LONG time for ;)
XOXOXO
Peeta wasn't gentle; instead, he behaved like a rabid mutt, his fingers wrapped around her neck, yanking her toward him. Katniss gasped as his lips crashed down onto hers, his hand moving from her throat into her hair and gripping her braid tightly. He broke away with a shaky breath, angling his head to lick at her throat. The way his teeth scraped against her skin made her think he might easily be able to rip out her throat if he wanted to. She whimpered against his assault though she made no real move to remove his hand from her throat nor move away from his grip. Her mind swam as his tongue pried open her lips and explored her mouth thoroughly. When they were both breathless, he pulled back but pressed his forehead to hers.
"Shit, I'm… I'm so sorry, Katniss. You don't deserve to be ravaged like an animal. Forgive me, I'm… I'm just so elated to see you-"
"Peeta," she whined, throwing her arms around him and kissing him again. He let her take the lead this time, her tongue prodding his and moving her hand up to grip his hair. Their moans echoed off the walls and their hands refused to stop moving. It was as if neither of them believed the other could be real.
"You're here," she said over and over. "You came back to me."
"I'm here," he assured her, caressing her face with both hands. "You're even more beautiful than I remember."
"I can't believe… you didn't forget me! Everyone said you had forgotten me."
"Never," he shook his head, pulling her hands to his lips. "They tried but they could never completely wipe you from my memory, my love." She moved even closer, drawing a sharp gasp and a pained moan from him, making her pull back immediately.
"What's wrong?"
"A mutt attacked before I could make it to the sewer. Tore a chunk out of my leg." He hastily buttoned his pants back up.
"Here, sit down." She helped him sit and lean against the wall so she could sit beside him. She moaned in pain when she moved her ankle the wrong way and Peeta's eyes widened.
"You're hurt too?"
"I fell. I don't know how far but I missed a step and injured my ankle when I fell into shallow water."
"Aren't we just the perfect pair," he gave her a pained grin as he reached for his bag. He started to pull gauze and other medical supplies out and stretched her leg out so he could work. She shook herself from staring at him to ask the question that had been at the front of her mind ever since he had spoken a few moments ago.
"Peeta, what are you doing down here?"
"Looking for you," he said without looking up. "I'm staying at Rebel Headquarters and Commander Cretus received word you were making your way to HQ under the city. I volunteered to come down here to find you and escort you there."
"Your commander really let you leave HQ? When your face is on wanted posters everywhere."
"Ok, he didn't WANT me to come but he didn't stop me from leaving. He knows how important it was for me, to get to you. And it was after midnight, no one saw me on the streets."
"Except for mutts," she pointed out.
"I triggered a pod and it came out of the wall. Luckily it was only one but I managed to get down here before more came. The good news is, HQ is right next to a sewer grate so if we can find the right one, it takes us right up to Tigris's porch. Look, I know it was stupid of me but I didn't care. I just... I don't think clearly when it pertains to you!" She raised her brow and scoffed.
"I don't think Boggs knew that you would be down here."
"We weren't sure your radios were secure so we've had to limit communication with your Colonel. Believe me, as soon as I found out you were in the city, I wanted to scream how much I love you through the radio. Commander Cretus didn't think that was a good idea," he smiled weakly. "But our intel did inform us that someone had spoken to Colonel Boggs and let him know I would be meeting you down here to escort you the rest of the way. Coin, I think it was?" He finished spreading salve on her ankle and started to wrap it while Katniss's mind swam. Did Boggs know Peeta was down here? Why wouldn't he say anything? Or was Coin up to something? Both choices made her uneasy.
"Did you see Rosalie in 13?" Her head snapped up.
"Rosalie? She's...?"
"She's been through a lot with me. I sent her ahead to 13 with some friends but didn't know if they had made it. She'll give birth any day now, I just didn't want it to be anywhere near here." Katniss chewed on her lip. Why was he asking about Rosalie?
"I haven't seen her but it's been awhile since I've been in 13. We were on a different mission, before we came here." Peeta finished wrapping her ankle and put the remaining gauze in his bag. She glanced up at him and sighed.
"Rye told me you forgot again." Peeta winced and looked at the ground.
"I suppose I did. Their poison worked. For awhile, at least. Snow tried to convince me that I was married to Rosalie." Katniss felt her heart sink but didn't say anything.
"He gave us new names and told me I was supposed to bring down the Mockingjay. I was a good soldier and obeyed orders for some time but then you came to me in my dreams, where I couldn't escape you. I started hearing your voice and Rosalie started to help me regain my memories. And one night… I remembered." Katniss's brow furrowed.
"Remembered what?" He glanced up and pushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Our first time together. What it felt like, to be with you that night. My mind just… replayed every detail. And you stayed with me when I woke up. It's like, that one memory brought me back to myself and reminded me of everything I had forgotten. You, me, my family, my past... everything."
"They do say sex heals everything," Katniss shrugged, trying to appear indifferent, but Peeta shook his head and moved closer, taking her hand in his.
"It's more than that, Katniss. You gave yourself to me that night. Your body, your thoughts, your soul...that's what you told me. That you were mine. And you know I've always been yours. That's why I was able to come back. I'm not certain how much but I know they used more venom on me that's ever been used before. They even put me in a cell with live tracker-jackers, hoping the poison would be more effective if not diluted in a vial."
"They- did- what?!," she growled, her eyes flashing angrily.
"I did my best to hold onto you but they made me forget everything. You never left my heart though. Because I started to think, the night before we were separated… do you remember I asked you about what I'd heard on the train?"
"Yes," she said immediately. "You wanted to know if I meant it." He nodded, his eyes searching her face. She took a deep breath and reached for his hand, bringing it to rest on her chest, right over her heart. She had sworn for months that she would tell him as soon as they were together again. So what if it was in a leaky sewer and they were both likely to be caught or killed? She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her forehead to his.
"I love you, Peeta." His eyes fluttered closed as he inhaled a shaky breath.
"Say it again," he whispered. She smiled, kissing his forehead.
"I love you." He pulled her into his lap, spreading his legs and allowing her to wrap hers around him. That was it. He could die happy now.
"Again."
"I love you," she giggled as she left sweet kisses all over his face. "I love you. I love you." She promised herself she would say it whenever she could. He knew he would never get tired of hearing it. Their lips crashed together, his hands in her hair and all over her back while she wrapped her arms tighter around him, daring anyone to try to take him from her again.
"God I love you," he breathed in her ear, his voice low and husky. She shivered and he noticed immediately. He moved his lips to behind her ear and she inhaled sharply. His kisses trailed down her neck and his tongue left a trail down her throat. It wasn't the same as a few minutes ago; the desperation and
ferocity was gone and instead, it was her passionate Peeta being tender and loving with her, as he always was.
"Peeta," she moaned, her hand fisting his curls. Her other hand moved down to the button of his pants. He growled and nipped at her neck, releasing a yelp when her hand dove into his pants and closed around his hot flesh.
"Oh my god, Katniss," he whined, his hand tugging at her wrist. "We can't-"
"Peeta, look around. Neither of us can walk properly and we have no idea where we are nor how to get out of here. If not now, then when?" His teeth dug into his lip, his heart racing. He wanted to be the voice of reason. He wanted to tell her they would find a way out and not to give up hope.
But he was consumed with thoughts of her, as she assaulted every one of his senses. The way she clung to him and the words she had professed made him even weaker.
He scrambled to pull her closer, his hand pulling and pushing at her uniform. He found the silver clasp of her belt and pulled it loose, flinging it into the wall. He didn't bother to remove the pants altogether; as soon as he caught a glimpse of her black underwear, his fingers pushed past the band and he groaned at the feel of her.
"You get wet so easily for me," he muttered, taking her earlobe between his teeth.
"I need you so much," she panted, grinding down in his lap. He sat up and pushed his pants down his hips, his other hand squeezing her hip. He helped her settle in his lap, her injured leg spread out while her other wrapped around his waist. As soon as she saw his dick was free, she hovered over him and took him in her hand again.
"Oh fuck Katniss," he gritted his teeth, his eyes darting down to his cock in her fist. Without a word, she sank down on top of him and wrapped her arms
around his neck. His hands went to her hips, waiting for her to move. It took a moment for her to adjust, but she moved almost immediately and his forehead dropped onto her shoulder.
"You feel so good," he moaned, his fingers digging into her hips. "I would dream of this, Katniss. I dreamed of being with you like this again." He braced his good leg on the ground and thrust upwards, both of them crying out at the intense pleasure that wracked their bodies.
"Me too," she moaned, moving her hands under his shirt. He cried out and tilted his head back as her nails raked down his flesh.
"Katniss," he panted. "I can't… oh FUCK, please don't stop." He tried to work the buttons of her uniform top but he gave up, grunting in frustration before he moved his fingers to where they were joined. She screamed when his thumb tapped her clit and she started to bounce even harder. They were both sweating at this point, the fire had gone out, they were consumed by pain and pleasure, and the tunnel smelled like sex. Peeta wanted to know what it felt like, for her to finish around him and he doubled his efforts.
"Cum for me, sweetheart," he whispered filthily. "Cum on my cock. I need to feel you." As her walls started to spasm around him, he leaned forward and sank his teeth into her neck. She cried out and tossed her head back as he throbbed inside of her.
"FUCK!" She felt warmth spread through her as she unconsciously continued to squeeze him. He was panting, wrapping his arms around her and resting his chin on her head. She hid her face in his shirt and shifted uncomfortably. Peeta grimaced and helped her off of him. As she moved, his essence dripped from between her thighs and she went red with humiliation. He pulled a shirt from his bag and wordlessly cleaned her up. He lifted his hips to pull his pants back up and Katniss quickly did the same. He leaned against the wall and held his arm out, smiling when she immediately curled into him. It was then that she remembered his wound and she gasped.
"Peeta! We should not have done that! Your leg-"
"Haven't I told you before that your kisses can heal me," he said as he pressed a kiss to her hair. "I'll be fine, love. And you're injured too, you know."
"At least let me take a look. You tended to mine." She moved down to inspect the wound. "I can't see it properly. Take off your pants again."
"Eager little thing aren't you," he winked. She went pink but crossed her arms.
"Peeta, I need to see it and make sure it's not serious." The way he grimaced when he slid his pants down to his ankles told her it was indeed serious. She gasped when she saw the wound, a gaping hole in his thigh.
"Peeta," she looked pale.
"Look, I've stopped the bleeding and put some salve on it. I should be fine to make it back to HQ. If we can find a way out of here."
"How long have you been wandering around down here?"
"I'm not sure. Couple of hours, maybe? When I heard the workers start coming in for their shifts, I decided to hide."
"You're pretty far from the top." Peeta looked up at the ceiling and nodded.
"I figured your squad would be traveling on the lower levels, to avoid being seen. I couldn't go that far, with my leg."
"Do you think we can find our way back to the main tunnel?" He looked doubtful.
"I mean, we might but that's where the workers are."
"Wait… your radio!" Peeta picked it up and wrinkled his nose.
"I couldn't get it to work before you came in. I forgot all about it when you ambushed me." She crossed her arms and smirked.
"Are you complaining?" He jerked her forward for a kiss.
"Not in the slightest."
"Let me see the radio." Peeta handed it to her and she grimaced as she stretched her leg out to get comfortable. She adjusted the channel and punched in the code Boggs had shown her.
"Colonel Boggs, come in Colonel Boggs." Silence.
"Star Squad, come in. Mockingjay One to Star Squad." There was static and her eyes lit up when a beep was returned.
"Where in the hell are you, Soldier Mellark?" Katniss bit her lip as she looked around the tunnel.
"Umm… well you see, Colonel…
"Boggs is going to kill me," Katniss said for the hundredth time as she leaned against the wall for a moment. Peeta huffed, moving out from under her arm and resting against the wall as well.
"He can't kill the Mockingjay. And you said you only took like 6 steps before you fell. Pretty sure it's not your fault." He wiped his forehead, hiding his pain from Katniss. He knew if he made it back to HQ, he could use some of the serum to heal himself. WHY hadn't he brought it with him? Dumbass, he inwardly cursed himself.
"Regardless, I'm sure they're all pretty pissed. I should have woken them up or something."
"Didn't he say the light would be on our left?" Katniss glanced to the left and nodded.
"Yeah, I think so. Anyway, I heard voices and thought I heard my name, so that's why I stepped away from the group." Peeta's ears went red.
"Shit, I'm sorry."
"That was YOU?"
"I was trying to be quiet but was sure I had heard your voice, coming from above me. I was moving through the tunnels pretty fast until I heard workers. That's when I found that hiding spot."
"Boggs says the workers are all Avoxes."
"Some of them," he pushed off the wall and slid her arm around his shoulder again. "Some of them are Capitol citizens with very low status. That's why we need to stay low and hidden. Look, the main tunnel is just ahead."
"None of this makes any sense," she said through gritted teeth. "It's all a maze of tunnels!"
"I studied a map of the Underground a little before I left HQ, which I have here if you want to see it. The main tunnel is what we need to stay in, because that's where the ladders are. There are at least 10 levels, maybe more, the further you go down. Cretus warned me that Snow might have added pods to the lower levels but he would likely keep them away from the upper levels, since that's where the workers are."
"Can't really see him caring much either way," she scoffed.
"Ok, we have to be careful with this," he indicated the first ladder they came to. "I'll go first to make sure there isn't anything up there and you stay right behind me, ok?" She nodded.
"Boggs said he would try to get a few of the squad a few levels down. We just have to stay connected."
"Alright, here we go." He hoisted himself up onto the ladder and let out a grunt of pain as he steadied himself with his bad leg.
"OK Katniss, come on up." He looked below him and held out his hand to help her. She managed to get herself up but cried out when a sharp pain overtook her ankle.
"I know," he said weakly. "Mine too. But we have to keep going. We're finally together, sweetheart, I am not letting us die in this sewer. Now let's go." He kept a close eye on her as they climbed. When they made it to the next level, Katniss radioed Boggs to let him know. She did the same with the next two.
"The problem is, we don't know how far up we were when I fell," she puffed behind him.
"Well, did you all take any ladders down at any time?" Her face fell and she sighed.
"I don't remember."
"Its ok- HEY," he leaned down to cup her chin. "It's ok. We'll make it. Come on." He helped her up the rest and they paused when they heard voices. They waited for the voices to retreat and he cleared his throat.
"Ok, next one."
"Peeta." He looked up to see why Katniss had turned so pale and he wanted to faint himself. The next ladder went up at least two stories. It looked slick from all the dripping from the ceiling. When he hoisted himself onto the rung, he nearly slipped. He took a deep breath and glanced down at her.
"Be very careful. You can do this, now come on." Peeta fared well because of his Peacekeeper training. He couldn't count the amount of hours he had to climb ladders and ropes and buildings, in heavy thunderstorms. But Katniss, unfortunately, had not had such training and kept slipping.
"Peeta," she sounded exhausted and defeated and Peeta refused to look at her. "I don't think-"
"Don't think," he said firmly, displaying his Peacekeeper authority. "Keep climbing." They went on, until he heard a faint scream below him and threw out his hand. He barely managed to hold onto her as she scrambled for the ladder. Perspiration poured down his face as he gritted his teeth and swung her toward the ladder.
"Katniss, you have to grab on."
"I'm trying!" Peeta looked back up and saw they were only halfway up. But that meant a long fall below them.
No. You swore to protect her. So PROTECT her.
He hooked his injured leg into the rung and turned. Like a spidermonkey, he swung from the ladder and grabbed her other hand with his. Her face was white
as she stared up at him.
"I've got you," he spoke with determination. "Swing yourself and grab onto the ladder." She did as she was told and he breathed when her hands closed around the rung.
"That's my girl. Come on."
"Star Squad to Mockingjay, come in Mockingjay."
"Mockingjay here," she managed to hook her arm underneath the rung so she could hold the radio.
"What's your position?"
"Four levels up. Trying to climb a ladder of 2 levels. We're exhausted, Boggs. And we're both injured."
"Both? Soldier, who is with you?" Katniss rolled her eyes. As if that was important right now.
"Katniss, come on," Peeta urged above her.
"Four levels, Colonel. What is your position?"
"Katniss!" Katniss looked up and her eyes widened. Finnick was leaning over the ledge, high above them. Rye came into view and his eyes widened.
"Peeta?!"
"Keep climbing, Katniss," Peeta yelled down to her. "We're nearly there!"
"Peeta, be careful! It's really wet right there," Finnick indicated the ladder across from him.
"Let's get to the other side to help," Rye said, jumping to his feet. Peeta looked up and saw they had disappeared. He breathed out, hoping they had gone for help. His leg was on fire and he knew Katniss was struggling too. All he could do was yell out words of encouragement, declarations of love, and even orders to keep going when it felt like she was close to giving up.
Finally, Peeta made it to the ledge where he could hoist himself over. As soon as he reached his hand out, someone grabbed it and yanked him off the ladder. He wanted to cry out in relief but as soon as he turned back to help Katniss, arms grabbed him from behind and held his hands behind him.
"What- let go of me!"
"Quit struggling, Mellark," a voice said in his ear. His eyes flashed angrily.
"Let me go! I need to help- Katniss! Someone help her!" He saw Rye and Finnick rush past him and lean far over.
"You're almost there, Kat," Finnick yelled, climbing out onto the ladder. Peeta yelled when he saw Finnick slip a little bit but he managed to steady himself.
Finnick looked down and held out his arm.
"You're doing great, Sunshine. Come on." She grabbed his hand and he wrapped his arm around her.
"This ladder isn't big enough for us to climb up together. So you go on ahead." He helped her pass him and watched her struggle up the remaining rungs. Her leg was hanging sort of awkwardly and Finnick hoped it wasn't anything serious. Boggs and Rye grabbed her hands and helped her onto the ledge, where she collapsed on her stomach. Peeta fought against his captors but they held tight. Rye leaned over and grasped Finnick's hand, helping him off the ladder before he could slip again.
"Move out," Boggs snapped, standing up and leading the way off the ledge.
"Peeta-"
"Move out, Soldiers," Boggs snapped, leading the way.
They took several turns and Katniss heard her name being cried. Madge ran to her, throwing her arms around her.
"I was so worried!"
"I'm fine," she said faintly, even though it was an obvious lie. Johanna shook her head.
"Goddamn it, Brainless, can you not go and do something idiotic for like, five minutes?"
"Yes Jo, I'm fine, thanks." The Victor rolled her eyes in disgust.
"Ok, now that we have you back. Get behind me, now." Finnick and Rye pushed her behind the Colonel and she shook her head.
"Wait! Don't-" Gale and Rory, who held onto Peeta, forced him to his knees, his arms held behind his back.
"Let go of him, dammit!"
Boggs and Gale pointed their rifles at Peeta, who froze and lifted his eyes to meet Katniss's.
"What's your name, Soldier," Boggs's voice was stern.
"Peeta Mellark," Peeta replied, his eyes never leaving Katniss.
"What are you doing here? How did you find us?"
"I'm staying at Rebel Headquarters and Commander Leo Cretus received word you were making your way to HQ under the city. I volunteered to come here to find you and escort you there." Katniss smacked Rye's hand, which was closed around her arm, but his grasp merely tightened.
"And how did you find us?"
"I heard her voice and later, found her injured. And if you didn't notice, I also helped her climb five levels on a wet ladder. We're both injured, if you even care."
Rye lifted his rifle as well and Peeta's eyes locked on him.
"State your rank and district."
"Rye, quit pointing your fucking gun at me. I'd expect it from the others but not from you. I'm Rebel Soldier Peeta Mellark of District 12. Formerly First General of Panem, within the Peacekeeper Ranks. And that's my wife you're holding onto, whom I haven't laid eyes on in months, so I'll ask you to please, please, let me pass. I've been alone with her for an hour, don't you think if I wanted to kill her, I would have done it already?" Boggs glanced back at Katniss and nodded. As soon as Rye released her, she pushed past Finnick and Boggs and ran straight into his arms. He managed to limp toward her and lifted her off the ground. He buried his face in her hair and blinked back tears. Now that they were together and safe with the squad, he could let the emotions from seeing her again, being with her again, and being terrified for their lives again, all overtake him. Her body was shaking and he held her close.
"You need to sit," he said soothingly, helping her slide down against the wall.
"No time for rest, we need to move."
"Did you not hear me," Peeta asked angrily. "She's hurt. And she just climbed the equivalent of like a thousand stairs. Let her rest a moment." Finnick dropped to his knees beside her.
"Where are you hurt?"
"It's just my ankle. And Peeta already took care of it. It just hurts." Finnick nodded and stood up, facing Peeta.
"What about you? How bad is your injury?"
"Not bad," he lied. "Got attacked by a mutt above ground. I wrapped it up as well."
"Well, you two have had quite the adventure," Finnick smirked in a way that made Katniss wonder if he knew exactly what had transpired between them. He held out his hand for Peeta to shake and after a moment, Peeta clasped his hand.
"It's good to see you again, Peeta."
"Yeah. You too. Thank you for watching over her."
"Peet." Peeta turned to face his brother and Rye's head hung.
"I'm really sorry, Peeta. I just… I didn't know… I mean-"
"It's alright, Rye," Peeta said quietly before pulling his brother into a strong embrace. Rye's shoulders shook.
"Thank god you're ok," he tightened his hold around his brother. "You found your way back to us. I knew you would."
"A love like Katniss's is pretty powerful," Peeta replied, pulling away and looking around at Katniss.
"What happened with Snow? And how did you get your memories back?"
"We can talk later," Peeta mumbled. "Right now I just want to hold onto my girl." Rye clapped his brother's shoulder and Peeta limped back over to Katniss. He sat beside her and she leaned into his side.
"I know we're not out of trouble yet but I feel like I could sleep for a thousand years." He chuckled and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Not yet, my Sleeping Beauty. When all of this is over, though, I will buy you the most comfortable bed ever made and we won't leave it for a week."
"A month," she looked up at him with puffy eyes. He chuckled and draped his arm around her.
"As long as you're there with me, I'll stay there forever." She closed her eyes and nuzzled against him.
"Stay with me, Peeta."
"Always," he promised her, kissing her temple.
Boggs decided to give them a few more minutes of rest before he called the squad to stand.
"Mellark, you said you were at HQ. Did you see maps of the sewers?"
"Yes sir. I have it here," he reached into his jacket and unfolded the map, passing it to Boggs. "There are exits all over but there is a grate next to Tigris's shop. It's past the control panel, on the first level."
"We're only down three levels. Let's get moving and see how busy the first level is." Peeta helped Katniss to her feet and let her lean on him.
"You're hurt too," she shook her head, moving off of him and he huffed.
"Katniss, no offense but I'm a lot stronger than you. Let me help you."
"Why? Because you're a manly Peacekeeper and I'm a little girl?" His brow furrowed.
"That's not it at all. Look, I need to tell you something. Actually…. Well, we just have a lot to talk about but it will have to wait until we get back to HQ."
"More secrets?" He frowned down at her and shook his head.
"I've never tried to keep secrets from you. And if I did, it was to protect you. We're a team, so I want to tell you everything I know. And if you know something, I'd hope you would tell me."
"Of course I would."
"Ok then. We can talk when we get to Tigris's. Do you need something to eat? Tigris put some nutrition bars and such in my bag before I left." Her eyes lit up and he pulled the bag off his shoulders, smiling.
"Here," he pushed one of the bars into her hand and watched her tear into it, wondering when was the last time she had eaten.
"Anyone else hungry?"
He passed the bag around so everyone could help themselves and he silently thanked Tigris for thinking of food for everyone. Madge closed her eyes as she ate.
"Is it just me? Or is this the most delicious thing we have ever eaten?" Peeta laughed and Katniss's heart warmed at the sound of it.
"I guess it depends on when the last time you ate, Madge. I think they're dry and tasteless but they're perfect for situations like these."
"Oh yeah, how many times have you found yourself stuck underground, Peeta," Rye teased. Peeta opened his mouth to respond but he caught sight of Katniss's face and his smile fell. She brushed her tears away but kept her head lowered. Rye gave him a panicked look.
"Oh… Katniss, I'm sorry, I didn't mean-"
"C'mere Katniss," Gale marched forward and gave them a dirty look before wrapping his arms around Katniss.
"It's ok," Peeta heard him murmur in her ear. "It was quick. They didn't starve, they didn't suffocate. It was quick and painless." Katniss nodded and hid her face in his chest. He patted her back and caught Peeta's eye. Sighing, he glanced down at Katniss and gently pushed her into Peeta's arms. Peeta released a surprised gasp and his eyes flew back to Gale.
"Your wife needs you," he muttered softly. Peeta glanced back down at Katniss, then back at Gale. He gave the taller man a grateful nod and Gale moved back to his brother. Katniss buried her face in Peeta's shirt, noting that despite how long he had been away from 12, he still smelled like cinnamon. Was it in his pores or something? How could a man permanently smell like cookies?
But it was a comforting smell and she sank into his embrace, feeling safe. He cupped her chin and pressed his lips to her forehead.
"I'm so sorry, my love. We weren't even thinking."
"We should… we should get going," she said with a croaky voice.
"I need a word with the Mockingjay, please," she heard Boggs call from behind them. She sighed and squeezed Peeta's hand before she slipped to the back. Peeta, Rye, and Finnick took the lead while Johanna and Madge walked behind them. Rory and Gale followed, while Boggs and Katniss brought up the rear.
"Katniss… how do you know that's really him?" Katniss startled and her eyes flew to her husband at the front of the line, who was laughing with his brother. He looked more care-free than she had seen him in months.
"It's him, Boggs. He got his memories back."
"I just don't feel comfortable with you being too close to him until we can be sure."
"What are you going to do? Torture him for information, just like the Capitol?"
"Of course not. But don't you think it's strange that he just happened upon you down here, when he was kidnapped just days ago?" She scowled.
"I happened upon him actually. And he was kidnapped by the Rebel HQ, which is where he heard we were down here."
"Heard from whom," he asked impatiently.
"He said Coin made the call. He volunteered to come meet us."
"Why would President Coin inform HQ that we were down here but not reach out to me to inform me she had spoken to them?" Katniss stopped and crossed her arms.
"Peeta said that Coin called them and assured them that you knew that Peeta would meet us down here." Boggs's brow furrowed even further.
"I don't like it, Katniss. Someone is lying here."
"Well forgive me for believing my husband over the woman who has given instructions to kill me," she snapped angrily. Gale and Rory glanced back and Katniss fell silent.
"Your husband forgot about you," Boggs said firmly. "I asked him about you. I saw the blank expression in his eyes. This would be a remarkable turnaround, if that really is him."
"He loves me," she argued. "That was enough to bring him back."
"Katniss-" but she was finished with the conversation. Not caring that she was walking away from her superior, she returned to the front of the line and Finnick gave her a grin as he moved to the side so she could walk beside her love.
Though she was still angry, Boggs's words echoed in her head.
"How do you know that's really him?"
He HAD scared her when he had been so aggressive earlier, it's true, but he immediately apologized for it, in true Peeta form. He had been honest with her about losing his memories and regaining them again. He had known about the day on the train.
Her eyes moved up to him, smiling when she saw a broad smile on his face. Of course it was him. The one she didn't trust was Coin. But why would she have told Peeta that Boggs was expecting him?
She continued to watch him, her mind racing, searching for answers. She slipped her hand into his and he flashed her a bright grin before going back to his conversation with Rye. He squeezed but didn't let go.
"He's not going to disappear, you know," Finnick said slyly beside her. She frowned.
"What are you talking about?"
"Peeta. The way you keep staring at him, as if you'll blink and he'll disappear. He keeps doing the same thing too. Watching you to make sure you're still beside him." Katniss blinked and her scowl returned.
"I've seen that expression on your face an awful lot, when you're with Annie." Finnick shrugged.
"I don't deny it. After years of being with her without really being with her, my eyes would automatically remain locked on her until she left the room." She wanted to tease him but found she had no words. She was truly happy for him, and for Annie. She saw how Annie looked at him too.
So instead of a witty comeback, she nudged his arm and smiled.
"I'm happy for you, Finn." Finnick blinked in surprise and held up his hands in a time-out gesture.
"You've had Peeta back maybe an hour, and you're already more pleasant than you have been in months?"
"I am pleasant," she rolled her eyes. "Didn't I help you with your wedding?" Finnick chuckled and wrapped his arm around her neck.
"You really are the annoying little sister I never wanted."
"Get off me," she batted at his hands. Peeta glanced at them out of the corner of his eye and his brow raised. Since when were Katniss and Finnick so chummy? And when did she let other people start touching her?
Voices started going off in his mind, whispering horrible things that he never wanted to think again. She doesn't really love you, she was fine without you, Finnick and Gale kept her satisfied, after the war is over, she'll leave you.
It was still a contract.
Peeta froze and his hand flew to his head. Rye stopped and set a hand on his brother's shoulder.
"Peet? You ok?"
"Yeah," Peeta grunted. "I'm fine."
"Peeta?" He glanced down to see his wife pressing against his chest, her wide eyes blinking up at him with concern. He swallowed and pulled her hands to his lips.
"I'm fine," he repeated. "Let's keep moving." He did his best to suppress the cruel voices in his head and instead, focused on Katniss's hand in his.
The remaining ladders they had to climb were fortunately dry and had large rungs. Johanna went first and called down that it was clear. Gale pushed Rory up, before following him.
"Let's get the injured soldiers up next, so we have some above them and some behind them." Finnick nodded in agreement, and moved to the side so he could help Katniss climb.
"I hate ladders," she growled loudly as she made her way up. Peeta laughed and Boggs instructed him to follow her. As soon as they were all up, Boggs paced the tunnel to try to remember his surroundings.
"This is the first level. If we can find the grate Mellark was talking about, we can have an easy path to HQ."
"Listen," Rye held up his hand, frowning. Voices echoed all around them and those who had rifles lifted them into the air. Katniss gripped her bow as her eyes darted around the tunnel.
"Yeah, I don't think getting back up and to Tigris's is going to that easy," Johanna said with a frown. "The Capitol is probably crawling with citizens at this time of day."
"The city has been evacuated, for the most part," Boggs sighed. "Why there are still workers down here, I don't know."
"So are you saying you want to wait til their shifts are over," Finnick asked, casting Peeta and Katniss an anxious look. "Two of our soldiers are hurt, we need to get them above ground as soon as possible." Peeta wanted to argue that he was fine and he had more strength than any of them but he knew was weak. Pain was shooting from his injury all over his body, and he didn't think Katniss would be able to make it much longer on an injured ankle.
"Here's an idea," Rory raised his hand tentatively. "Why don't a few soldiers go with Katniss and Peeta back up top and make sure nothing happens? Then the rest of the squad can join them after nightfall." Boggs glanced at each of his team members, then at Katniss's ankle.
"It's not a terrible plan. Mason, you'll escort them aboveground. Mellark?"
"Yes?" Boggs rolled his eyes as Peeta, Rye, Madge, and Katniss all stepped forward.
"Madge Mellark, you go with Mason and… the other two Mellarks. Ryen, Rory, Finnick, and Gale, you'll stay down here with me."
"Hold up. You want the men to stay down here with you while the women- no offense ladies!- go up there by themselves? That's insane." Boggs glared at Rye.
"Fine. Odair, you go with them. I'll feel better with two Victors to help out if needed. The rest of us will come up after dark."
"Be careful," Peeta said solemnly. "I triggered a pod and that's how the mutt attacked me. Watch your step and try to stay on the white circles."
"Alright, let's get to that control panel." They headed down the main tunnel until they started to see more light and hear more noise. Rye peeked his head around the corner and flew back, his eyes wide.
"Can we get to the exit?"
"There's gotta be fifty workers in there," he whispered. But when Boggs peered around, he saw the workers all rushing out of the tunnel. Some were climbing the ladder, some were climbing a rope, several were even scaling the wall.
"Ok, I don't like the looks of that," Finnick said, bemused.
"Ten seconds! President Snow called ten seconds! Everyone go, go, go," the man in charge was yelling at the workers. He tucked his radio in his coveralls, and followed his workers up the ladder.
"Alright," Boggs shrugged. "Let's just follow them, and-"
"Shh," Katniss hushed him, her eyes widening. One look at the group and she knew they had heard it too. It was a hissing sound, but not one extended sound. More like multiple exhalations that form words. A single word. Echoing throughout the tunnels. One word. One name. Repeated over and over again.
"Katniss."
Everyone's wide eyes fell upon Katniss as she stood frozen.
"Katniss." Another voice joined in and she jumped at the proximity. Gale was the first to lift his rifle, followed by a reluctant Finnick. They were pointing them at Peeta, who looked dazed and confused.
"Katniss." His lips were barely moving. Johanna lifted her rifle as well.
"What the hell is going on?" The hissing seemed to be getting closer and Katniss watched Peeta carefully.
"It's like he's programmed to join in with whatever that thing is," Madge said, looking horrified.
"I'm sorry, Katniss," Boggs's voice was gentle and Katniss screamed when she realized what he was about to do.
She jumped in front of Peeta, shielding him and glaring down the rest of the squad.
"Don't you fucking think about it," she snarled. Johanna lowered her gun, looking slightly impressed.
"Katniss!" She spun around just to see Peeta shaking his head and blinking his wide eyes.
"Katniss! Get out of here!" He was short of breath, his face flushed. Katniss hesitated, reaching for his hand.
"Why? What's making that sound?" He blanched, grabbing both of her hands.
"I don't know. Only that it has to kill you. Run! Get out! Go!" Katniss was about to answer, when they heard strangled screams coming from below them. Rory looked sick and Peeta went pale.
"The mutts found the rest of the workers."
"So they're not just after Katniss," Finnick said, glancing from side to side.
"They'll probably kill anyone. It's just that they won't stop until they get to her," said Gale gruffly.
"Let's go," Katniss tugged on Peeta's hand. "We can all go up-" She gasped and screamed when her husband fell to his knees, choking.
"Masks on," Boggs ordered. Katniss adjusted hers and fell down beside him.
"Peeta, what is it?"
"It's ok," he gasped, holding his throat. "Snow. Roses. It's for me." She didn't fully understand but she pulled him to his feet and clapped her own mask over
his face.
"Let's go!"
They turned the corner and Madge pointed to the ladder next to the console.
"Go!" Finnick went first, followed by Madge. Finnick stayed on his stomach to help everyone out while Madge surveyed the street. It was empty and quiet, which disturbed her. But right in front of them…
"Tigris's shop! It's right there!"
"Katniss!" Finnick spotted one of the monsters turning a corner and his eyes widened in horror as the thing came into full view.
"Everyone climb! It's behind you!" But he let out a strangled gasp as he saw more approaching from the other side.
They were trapped.
He pulled Johanna up and she crouched and aimed her rifle.
"I've got a shot."
"If you get a clean one, take it! Climb faster, Rory! Come on Peeta!"
"No! Katniss, you first!" Rye was gripping the ladder, trying to get Peeta to climb but Peeta was trying to get to Katniss.
"Boggs!" Finnick looked over to where Boggs was face to face with the mutt. He felt sick to his stomach as the gigantic lizard-like thing smacked the Colonel with its tail and Boggs went flying into the wall. Katniss ran over to him and Peeta yelled her name again. Gale was backed against the ladder, shooting at the mutts.
"Mellark, go!"
"Not without Katniss!"
"Katniss, get your ass over here!"
"But Boggs-" Peeta rushed over to Katniss just as the mutt's teeth tore into their colonel. Katniss screamed in rage and Peeta picked her up and flung her over his shoulder.
"Can't help him! Can't!" He pushed her toward the ladder. "Climb, now!" Finnick grabbed her hand and hoisted her up.
"Come on Peeta!"
"Rye, go on."
"Peeta, get up there NOW," Gale grunted, throwing him a glare over his shoulder. Rye scurried up and Peeta stared at Gale.
"Gale-"
"Katniss will die if anything else happens to you. I won't have that on my conscience. So get your ass up there and take care of that girl with your life!" Peeta leaped onto the ladder and flung his hand down toward Gale. Johanna and Rye were shooting at the mutts from above and Katniss's arrows were flying.
But the mutts had multiplied and Gale was nearly out of arrows.
"Gale, come on!"
"Just go!" Finnick yanked on Peeta's arm, tugging him up the rest of the way.
"GALE!" Katniss gripped the ledge. Finnick started climbing back down but Katniss grabbed him from behind.
"I can still-" Gale's anguished cries from below made him wince and he shook his head.
"I have to."
"Finnick, come back!"
"Katniss, fire another explosive arrow!"
"As soon as you're clear," she yelled, gripping her bow. Finnick climbed down and cried out as a mutt was about to chomp him in two but he saw two arrows fly right into the mutt's eyes. He clung to the ladder as he grabbed the back of Gale's shirt.
"Gale, climb!" The Hawthorne boy grabbed the ladder with a bloody hand and Finnick pulled him up.
"Katniss, now!" As Finnick and Gale were pulled out of the sewer, there was a loud BANG and smoke seeped out the grates.
"Let's go!" Finnick supported a mangled Gale while Rye had thrown Katniss over his back and Peeta led the way. As soon as they reached the shop, they made their way around and knocked frantically.
"Mockingjay," Peeta gasped. The door flew open and the squad tumbled in, over one another. Cretus, Aurelia, and Tigris all stared down at them, twisting their heads to see them properly. Peeta peered up at Cretus, his chest heaving and his lungs desperate for air.
"So, I presume the mission was successful?"
