Peeta did not want to move. The bed was comfortable and the arm draped over his chest felt even better. He glanced down to see the love of his life, snoring away in his arms and he tightened his hold. He finally had her back. With her, all of his memories had returned. He remembered things from his childhood, of his training in 2, his brief time with her after they had toasted. It was all there, as if she had been the key to unlocking his mind. He could remember the excruciating sting of the whip on his back, Katniss's screams, and his father's gentle whispers. Things that he had forgotten had come flooding back last night. He was grateful that Katniss trusted him but he could tell the others were still wary. He couldn't blame them, really. Gale and Rory and Rye had seen him in the Capitol after he had been poisoned again. They knew of the venom in his blood and how easily he had forgotten his wife. He wasn't sure what it would take for them to trust him again but he hoped they could push it aside long enough for them to fight together.

Katniss stirred and his eyes flew back to her. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"Morning beautiful."

"Mm. Hi." She grinned sleepily up at him and he brushed her hair out of her face.

"My god you are a vision."

"I think you're still asleep." He chuckled and cupped her chin, leaning further in to kiss her lips. Her eyes fluttered shut and shot open again when he pulled away.

"I need to get dressed and get downstairs. I'm sure Leo wants to talk about what will happen next. You should stay up here."

"No way, I need to be a part of the discussion."

"Doc Everett told you to stay in bed all day. Which reminds me," he grabbed the salve and bandages, before turning back to her.

"We didn't do this last night. We really need to listen to him, Katniss. I am not joking with you, if you cannot walk properly, I will tie you to this bed until the fighting is over." Katniss had no doubts he was telling the truth.

"I'll let you carry me," she huffed. "But I want to be part of that meeting." Peeta hummed in acknowledgement but said nothing else.

Katniss sighed unhappily as she sat up straighter.

"I had a dream that the war was over," she said in a wistful voice, making Peeta tear his eyes away from her injured ankle. "We weren't in the Capitol. We were living somewhere in the forest and no one called me Mockingjay. And we…." she trailed off, her hand hovering over her stomach. Peeta swallowed as his eyes followed her hand, resting on her belly.

"But I woke up and realized it was all a dream."

"We will have that, Katniss," he finished wrapping her ankle and sat beside her, tugging her hands into his lap. "If you want to live in the forest, then that's where I'll build us a house. And we won't ever talk about the war and I'll bake for you and you'll sing to me and we will… we can have a family, love. If that's what you want." She cocked her head.

"Is that what you want?"

"Give me a little girl who looks just like you," he said softly, pressing his forehead to hers. "With your eyes and hair. I'll teach her to bake and draw. You can show her the woods and how to hunt. And we can tell her what we did. How we fought for a world she could safely grow up in." Her smile was almost sad as she stroked his cheek.

"It's a dream, Peeta." He frowned as she bent and reached for her uniform.

"It doesn't have to be."

"I can't think of anything beyond killing Snow. If we survive that, then we can talk about a future." Peeta opened his mouth, possibly to argue, but she brushed past him to use the bathroom.

"I'll go get breakfast started, and you call me when you're ready to head downstairs." She didn't answer.

Sighing, he ran his hands through his hair as he walked as softly as he could. Leo, Gale, and Finnick were sitting at the table, digging into a bowl of porridge.

"Where's Katniss," Gale asked.

"Getting dressed. The others still asleep?"

"Tigris and Rory stepped out for some supplies. We figured Rory would be ok since he's the least recognizable."

"Have a seat, Peeta. We need to go over some plans."

"Might want to wait on the war talk until the others join us," Finnick suggested. "Johanna would be pissed if we discussed without her."

"Katniss too," Peeta nodded.

"You're right. Peeta, want something to eat?"

"I'll just make some toast, thanks." He rose but heard his name being called. The other men glanced up as well.

"The doctor told her no walking today so I told her if she wants to be a part of these talks, I will be carrying her everywhere. Excuse me." He trotted back up the stairs and Gale shook his head.

"She doesn't need to be a part of the fight if she's injured."

"Have fun telling her that," Finnick snorted. Gale shot him a glare but said nothing as he shoved another spoon of porridge into his mouth. Peeta reappeared on the stairs with Katniss in his arms. Finnick gave her a wink, which made her stiffen in her husband's arms.

"Be nice to each other, children," Peeta admonished them both as he carried her into the kitchen. He gently set her atop the counter before opening the fridge.

"Let's see, what can I make for you?"

"I'm not really hungry-"

"At least have some toast. Tigris will be back soon with more food, I'm sure she will fix some lunch later."

"Toast is fine, then," she nodded, swinging her legs. Peeta grabbed the jar of preserves out of the fridge and held them up for her to see.

"Strawberry preserves?"

"My favorite," she nodded again. "I would always pick strawberries for Madge and she would make these delicious jams out of them. We would be lucky if I'd traded with your father that day, and Prim and I would fill up on bread and jam." Peeta grinned over at her but his smile faded when she saw hers had gone completely.

"I miss her."

"I'm sure she misses you too. But at least she's safe in 13. Far away from the fighting and from Snow." Katniss nodded and Peeta handed her the spoon to lick. She raised her brow but smiled and brought her tongue to the spoon. Peeta had to force himself to look away as she had noticed how her writhing tongue was affecting him. She stifled a giggle as he shoved the jar back into the fridge.

"You're a little tease, do you know that?" Her lips curved upward as she popped the spoon out of her mouth and Peeta saw her tongue rake across her own lips, finishing off any remaining strawberries. He started to turn but her legs darted out and wrapped around his thighs. She pulled him closer and cocked her head, pouting her lips teasingly. His eyes narrowed at her cheek but he leaned down to press his lips to hers. He moaned at the taste of strawberries and her. His tongue darted across her lips, to make sure the preserves were gone, before he slid into her mouth and searched her tongue. She reached up to wrap a hand in his hair and he jerked his hips at the tug on his curls. She tore away and leaned forward to rest her forehead against his chest.

"Tease," he panted, though he was smiling. He turned back to plate the toast and handed it to her. He was on the verge of picking her up again when there was a soft, swift knock at the door.

"Mockingjay," a voice hissed. Katniss gave Peeta a confused look but he opened it and hastily ushered the person in.

"Hi," Aurelia said breathlessly, unwinding her scarf from around her face.

"You're mad," he shook his head. "This is getting more and more dangerous. You do know soldiers are marching on the Capitol at this very moment?"

"And soon it will be time to declare sides," she said firmly.

"It's too early for that," Peeta's voice was anxious. "Come in and talk to Leo before you make any hasty decisions." Aurelia's eyes fell on Katniss, who was watching her closely.

"Hello," she said, suddenly shy. "We didn't really get a chance to be properly introduced. I'm Aurelia."

"I think everyone in the country knows who you are," Katniss said bitterly. Aurelia cast Peeta a quick glance before taking a step forward.

"I just want to tell you that I think you are so brave and I admire you so much. You and Peeta have done so much for this rebellion and it won't go unnoticed. I know I don't deserve it but I would really like for us to become friends and figure out a way that we can all live in peace."

"How about killing the man who has killed so many of us?"

"Katniss," Peeta whispered.

"No, it's ok. She's right. My father has to die. I know he does. Along with many others. He has advisors, board members, game makers, and they are all responsible for horror and death. But I would like a chance to help make things better for people. Turn Panem around. Has Peeta told you about their hopes to help me take office?"

"He has," Katniss cast Peeta an irritated look. "And I don't think you should get too used to the idea. There are others, more mature and more experienced, who would make excellent leaders. I bet you've never known an empty stomach or a bath with cold water. What makes you think you deserve to lead Panem?"

"Oh I certainly don't think I should be given the position. We decided there would be a vote, to give the country a say on who their next President should be. I'd run against whoever else wants to step forward. There will be campaigns and such, to show the people why we think we would make good Presidents." Katniss rolled her eyes and it didn't go unnoticed to Aurelia.

"Listen," she said gently. "I know my family is responsible for many years of hardship and suffering. And another Snow in charge is the last thing you want. But don't you think I have lived with the same fears and desires that you have? My grandfather wanted me to take his place and I know the Minister advised my father to have me killed. I have lived in fear for years, that my own father would murder me. I want to see him gone too, Katniss. I want to help you get the life you've always dreamed of, a life that was just handed to me because of who I was. It's not fair and I want the people of Panem to know a life of full stomachs and access to medical care and education and higher wages. There is absolutely no reason why people in the Capitol should have more than the people of the districts." Katniss did not look convinced.

"What about the Hunger Games? You watched them, didn't you?"

"Katniss," Peeta sighed, exasperated.

"No Peeta, it's ok," Aurelia assured him. "She has a right to ask and I'll answer whatever questions I can. Yes, Katniss, I watched them. Growing up, I knew nothing else and didn't understand how horrible they were. Now that I have had contact with rebels, my eyes have been opened to so much more. My first step, though, would be to abolish the Hunger Games. There will never again be a parent watching their child die on live television."

"Contact with rebels? You mean meeting Peeta?"

"Peeta was certainly open to talking about his life back in 12, so that I could understand. But no, I was referring to others, before Peeta. I grew up around

Avoxes, who I was told were traitors to the Capitol. I was curious and asked them questions. I had a maid I grew very fond of. She taught me sign language and that way, we could talk away from the cameras. She told me about life in her district and how horrible conditions were. What my grandfather was responsible for. Imagine an 11 year old girl being told that the way things were, because of her family, was so wrong. She turned my world upside down that day."

"My father was murdered when I was 11. He was a rebel and the best man I knew. Your grandfather had him killed. My life was turned upside down too." Aurelia hung her head.

"Peeta has told me all about what you lived through and what you did to save your family. I'm sorry for all of the pain we have caused you. I hope you will let me aid you in the fight to come." Katniss opened her mouth to speak but Johanna entered the kitchen and froze.

"Umm… ok. Interesting gathering we have here."

"I've just come to speak with Commander Cretus, Victor Mason," Aurelia said hastily. "If you'll excuse me." She gave the Victor a little bow before hurrying from the room. Johanna looked incredulously at Katniss and Peeta.

"Don't ask," Katniss snapped. "We were just discussing what could happen after we defeat Snow."

"Well, since she is a Snow as well, she should technically be imprisoned."

"Hey, Aurelia has been a friend to the rebels for a while now," Peeta held up his hand. "And she's been very helpful. We don't need to imprison her."

"I'm surprised you are defending any Capitolite, Peeta," her brow raised high in her hair. "The way they have treated you. For YEARS. Did that venom make you forget what they've done to you?"

"No Johanna, I haven't forgotten," he said through gritted teeth. "I just don't blame people for who they're related to. She shouldn't be punished just because she's a Snow." Johanna scoffed and moved to the counter to find a mug.

"Is everyone still sleeping?" Katniss attempted to shift the conversation, as she was seeing how tense Peeta was.

"They were starting to get up when I was getting dressed. Think Rye said something about a shower. Cretus said that Rory went out with Tigris." Katniss looked shocked but Peeta nodded.

"Rory isn't as recognizable as the rest of us. Tigris needed some help with supplies, they should be back soon."

"How you feeling, Brainless?" Johanna motioned toward Katniss's injury.

"Sore. But my doctor here is taking good care of me," she smiled at Peeta, who returned it. Johanna turned away so they wouldn't see her rolling her eyes and pretending to gag in her cup.

"Ok, here is our cold toast," he handed Katniss the plate again and lifted her off the counter. He carried her into the dining room and sat her down beside Gale. She nibbled at the toast Peeta had fixed, glancing sideways at Gale.

"How are you feeling," she asked softly, inspecting the bandages on his neck.

"The doc said he would be back today to change the stitches but I'm fine. It was my first experience with actual mutts."

"First and only, you'd better hope," Peeta said from the other side of Katniss. Gale held up his cup toward him. Cretus had disappeared from the table and Finnick was devouring the rest of his porridge. Aurelia was hovering near the table, looking too nervous to sit down. Peeta rose and pulled out a chair for

her.

"Aurelia, you don't have to stand over there to wait for Leo. Come and sit down." She cast everyone a nervous look but no one said anything, so she took a seat a few seats away from Finnick.

"Everyone, this is Aurelia. She is helping us in the revolution and has provided a lot of useful information for us."

"I've come with updates but I can't stay long," she glanced back to see if Cretus was returning yet. "The Minister has messed up again, Peeta."

"What's he done this time?" Peeta looked calm as he took a bite of toast.

"He's given the orders for the scientists to dilute vials of tracker-jacker venom, and made them into bullet form. They can fire them at anyone and the bullet remains inside you while the venom flows into your bloodstream. I'm sure you can imagine who their intended first target is."

"Why is the Minister giving scientists orders, and not your Father," Johanna scoffed as she took her seat.

"Antonius has been sneaking behind Father's back for ages, going against his wishes. He was the one who ordered Peeta to be poisoned so many times and my father was furious. Father banned any future hijacking to be used on Peeta."

"And why would your father want to help Peeta," Katniss asked bitterly.

"It's more that Father doesn't want Peeta to die, and with the amount of poison inside him right now, by all rights, he should be dead. Father is convinced that Peeta wouldn't be able to take much more."

"Hang on, how many times did they inject the venom into you, Peeta?" Peeta glanced uneasily at Finnick.

"A few times," he muttered.

"In the past two months, he has been injected approximately twelve times. Not to mention he was held in a cell with live tracker-jackers for a brief time." Peeta shot Aurelia a look and she pursed her lips. Finnick gaped and Johanna dropped her spoon.

"TWELVE times?"

"LIVE tracker-jackers?"

"Look, I'm fine now," Peeta held up his hands. "Doc says I'm completely recovered. I was able to overcome the poison."

"That makes no sense," Johanna argued. "I was stung once in my Games. I didn't recover for two days. And that was ONE mutt. The girl's right, Peeta, you should be dead."

"Well, I'm not," he bit back heatedly. "Thanks for your concern!"

"For you to be able to recover from that, there has to be something else going on inside your body," Finnick said dubiously.

"Maybe I've just formed a resistance to it," Peeta shrugged. "They started injecting me when I was 16, when I was first taken to 2. They wanted to wipe my memories."

"OK, I'm sorry to bring this up but... we saw you in the Capitol, Peet. Not very long ago. You had no idea who you were, who Rye was, who Katniss was! Your memories were wiped!"

"Right, and we didn't want to risk taking you back to 13 with us," Gale nodded. "You were a different person. A Capitol soldier."

"Look guys, I'm not denying I have a lot of venom in my blood. But I remember everything. I started to remember a little more everyday and when I was reunited with Katniss… it's like it all came flooding back. My mind is clear and I feel stronger than ever. So don't worry about me, alright?"

"We're not," Gale snapped. "We're worried about what you could do to Katniss."

"Gale," Katniss hissed, shaking her head.

"I'm getting pretty sick of you implying that I'm not good enough for Katniss," Peeta's hands started to shake. "That I can't protect her, that I'm too weak and injured to help her, or that I could snap and kill her at any second. That will never happen!"

"Hey," Johanna said, more gently than anyone expected. "Mr. Tall and Brooding isn't saying you aren't good enough, Peeta. He's just saying that he's worried, as we all are, that the Capitol may have a way of triggering you so that you do something you'll regret. You may be totally fine now but that venom is still in your blood." Katniss raised her hands in the air as Peeta was about to speak.

"I get that everyone is worried about me. But I love and trust Peeta, and you should all respect my judgement and decision. I don't want to hear anymore of this about Peeta turning on me, alright? Gale, you gave me your blessing, you said you wanted me to be happy. And you know he is what makes me happy."

"I know, Catnip," he mumbled. "I can still worry though."

"OK Aurelia, go back to what you were saying about Antonius disobeying your father. Your father doesn't want Peeta dead. Why is that?"

"Um… well... " her wide eyes locked on Peeta's and he gave a little shake of the head.

"He just… thinks Peeta would make a better weapon than wind up dead." Peeta grimaced, which told Aurelia it was the wrong thing to say.

"I'm going to say something and I don't want you to take it the wrong way, Bread Boy. Why does Snow think Peeta would make a good weapon? He's a soldier from District 12. With no real talents, except maybe he's strong. Again, no offense Peeta. So what is all of this about turning him into a weapon?"

"Um… I was speaking… metaphorically?" Aurelia said lamely and Peeta grimaced again. Johanna's brow raised and even Finnick was frowning at her.

Luckily for her, Cretus chose that moment to return to the room. It was also when the bathroom door opened and Madge and Rye both entered the room, their faces flushed from the hot water.

"God did that feel good," Madge sighed happily, plopping down in a chair.

"We don't need to know how Mellark made you smile so much," Johanna said with a grimace. Madge shot her a scandalized look while Rye chuckled as he kissed his wife's cheek.

"A hot shower is just what the doctor ordered."

"Glad to see everyone rested and refreshed," Cretus nodded to the group. "There are some things for breakfast in the kitchen, and Tigris will be making lunch when she returns. In the meantime, we need to discuss some things." He nodded to Aurelia at the end of the table.

"Aurelia, I'm assuming you have some developments?"

"Just that Antonius is in trouble with Father, and is working closely with the scientists to develop new weapons for the soldiers."

"Yeah, tracker-jacker venom bullets," Johanna said bitterly as she leaned back in her seat.

"Among other things," Aurelia nodded. "There are also reports of hovercrafts approaching Capitol borders but then disappearing from airspace. Antonius wants to send out squads to find the rebels before they can make camp."

"Then we haven't much time to secure the border. I've just spoken to President Coin, and a hovercraft from 13 will be arriving after lunchtime. She has asked for us to send soldiers to assist with setting up camp. There will be two more hovercrafts tomorrow, she says, with more soldiers aboard. Other districts have taken control of the trains or stolen Capitol vehicles. Madame Coin says that we should have a full army in two days time."

"I'll develop a way to jam the cameras this afternoon so you can make it safely to the border. Remember, this part of the city has been evacuated so peacekeepers aren't patrolling much. And Tigris is still considered "essential" to the Capitol, so no one has suspected her or her shop."

"A fashion shop is considered essential?" Gale snorted. Aurelia bit her lip but lifted her chin.

"In the Capitol, fashion IS essential." Gale rolled his eyes and Cretus cleared his throat.

"Tigris and I discussed clearing out the shop more, so more rebels can come back here if needed. I'm told that a young nurse is aboard the first hovercraft and is in charge of setting up medical stations and standing by for injured soldiers. It might be a better idea to set those up here rather than out in the open. I will leave that decision with her."

"That would be very good to have," Aurelia nodded. "Ah- I have to go! I will bring more information as it comes available. It's lovely to meet you all and I wish you the best." She went back toward the kitchen and they heard the back door slam. Peeta jumped up to make sure she wasn't being followed, then locked the door again. She had left a bag of notes and blueprints, which he carried into the sitting room.

"We can expect Snow to have his gamemakers develop new threats for the upcoming battle," Cretus sighed. "I can't imagine he will just make his army face the rebels alone."

"He won't," Peeta said, placing his hands on the table. "And I remember mention of developing new weapons when I was on my last mission for him. He said he wanted his soldiers to be… more than soldiers." Peeta trailed off, his jaw dropping and his eyes going wide. "Oh my god."

"Peet?" Rye asked uncomfortably. "What's going through your head?"

"I… I think I know how Snow is going to arm his peacekeepers."

"Great! How?" Peeta was silent as he tapped his fingers on the table.

"Soldier Mellark?"

"Hm?" His head shot up and Cretus's eyes shone bright.

"Should we speak privately?"

"Hell no," Johanna jumped up. "No more whispering behind our backs. We are here now and we're ready to fight. We need to know what the Capitol is planning so Peeta, if you have any secrets, now is the time to share them with your TEAM." Peeta swallowed nervously.

"Right… they're right, Leo. I-I told Katniss last night but if Snow has developed serum for the peacekeeper army, we are in a lot of trouble." Leo heaved a great sigh as he sat down, his chin resting on his folded hands. Katniss reached over and squeezed Peeta's hand, as if to say, it's ok, I'm here. He squeezed back and nodded.

"Ok. OK, this… this is a long story but it will also answer your questions, Finnick and Johanna. Ah… ok, here goes."


He launched into the story of the super-soldier experiment and the two serums they had injected into him. He told them about the after-effects and how the two serums counter-acted one another. When the talk of torture became too much, he paused to take several deep breaths and Katniss's hand on his encouraged him to keep going. No one interrupted him and he could feel many eyes boring into his soul but he didn't dare look up at anyone. Katniss had moved closer to him and he basked in her warmth and light. When he finished, the room was silent. Tigris and Rory, who had come in earlier when he had first begun his story, were gaping at him from across the room. Peeta chanced a look up and was angry when he found looks of pity. He didn't want their pity. He wanted their dedication to this fight. He wanted their promise that they would fight alongside him, despite the fact that he had just revealed to them that he was a monster. A Capitol mutt, that's what he felt like. A living science experiment.

"So… what I'm hearing is that we all just need to hide behind Peeta and let him take out the army," Finnick was the one to break the silence and everyone tittered at his joke.

"Wow, Peeta. I knew you had faced some challenges but… I had no idea," Gale said in what seemed like awe. Peeta bowed his head to him.

"So Aurelia was saying that Snow is going to inject all the soldiers with this same serum? That means we are fighting an invincible army?" Madge had gone pale.

"Not invincible," Peeta assured her. "I still got severely injured yesterday, remember? But… well," he stood and pulled at the waistband of his pants, just

enough to show them his injury. Or lack thereof, as there was only a small scar left.

"That's your mutt attack wound?" Rory asked in shock. "Your mangled thigh?"

"The serum is powerful and helps with healing as well as strength," Peeta replied as he quickly buttoned his pants again. "But there's a lot I don't understand. For one, from what I've been told, that serum was mixed with my blood. It was made especially for me. I was the first experiment since the Dark Ages. So I don't know what they are injecting those soldiers with. My blood? I'm not sure how that will affect them. Secondly, I was told that the experiments before me didn't last long. The soldiers died shortly after they were injected. I was the first to stay alive. And I know it's because of that serum that I survived the tracker-jacker venom. So I wonder if Snow has followed through with his plan, or if he is still planning on it."

"It's certainly something to ask Aurelia when she returns," Cretus nodded. Gale held up his hand.

"Ok, I get the experiments and everything you endured when you arrived in 2. But my question is… why? Why did they think you could survive the experiment, when no one else did? Did they think there was something special about you? Sorry but that would be a first for anyone from 12." The squad nodded in agreement and Peeta met Katniss's eyes. She gave him a small smile. Peeta didn't want to go into the whole question of his so-called magic, especially with his older brother sitting right there.

"I'd rather not go into it."

"Peet-"

"It was some stupid rumor my mom started about me and apparently Snow found out," his voice shook with rage. "There wasn't anything special about me, I was just used to getting hit and thrown around. I was stronger than they expected, and when they started to mix the serums, they counter-acted each other. I lost my memories from the venom but the super serum helped bring them back. I was quickly able to rival the strongest peacekeepers in 2. They even brought in a Hunger Games Victor to fight me and I finished him off pretty fast. They wanted to turn me into a weapon, and they did. Except now it's backfired, and I am fighting against them."

"OK, no offense Peeta," Johanna held up a hand and Peeta rolled his eyes.

"Johanna, that seems to be your mantra today." She merely shrugged.

"If you're so hyped up with this strength potion… why didn't you kick any of our asses yesterday? Gale and Boggs took you down fairly easily. You didn't… well, I'm sorry to say, but you didn't seem like much of a super-soldier to me."

"Thanks for pointing out my flaws, Jo," Peeta stated drily. "To answer your question, though, a mutt ripped a chunk out of my leg. I'd lost a lot of blood, trying to find you all. And I hadn't had an injection in several days. The doctor left some for emergencies but I wasn't taking it regularly, like I had when I was first brought here. Right now, though, I feel like I could lift a train."

"Ok," Finnick jumped to his feet and made his way to the center of the room. Peeta's brow furrowed.

"What are you doing?"

"Come fight me. Let's see if this strength serum really works."

"I don't want to fight you, Finnick," Peeta said warily, though he reluctantly rose to his feet. Madge and Rye hurriedly jumped up and started to push the table to the side of the room. Johanna moved the chairs and Cretus stood by with his arms crossed over his chest.

"Try to get me on the ground," Finnick said with a smile. "I haven't had anyone be able to tackle me before. See if you can."

"He was the best wrestler in 12, Fin," Rye called out with a laugh. Peeta circled the Victor, sending images back to Katniss. She remembered sitting in the front row of his wrestling matches, chewing on her nails while she watched Peeta slam his opponent to the floor. She supposed she'd even had a crush on him then. Johanna propped her feet on another chair and folded her arms behind her head.

"No real punches," Finnick grinned. "Just try to get me on the ground and I'll do the same."

Peeta and Finnick continued to circle, until Finnick jumped in to knock Peeta off balance. Peeta held steady and made a grab for Finnick's arms. Finnick slipped out of Peeta's grasp and knocked his head backwards, aiming for Peeta's nose.

They continued to circle, feinting and blocking. Moves and countermoves. Suddenly, Peeta dropped to the ground and thrust his leg out. Finnick was knocked onto his back with a yell and Peeta immediately wrapped his arms around Finnick's head and arm. At the same time, he threw his body on top of the Victor's, holding his legs down as well. Finnick choked in Peeta's hold and held up his arm in surrender. Peeta helped him to his feet and Finnick cast him a look of horror and awe.

"Shit. I'd like a helping of that super serum too, please."

"I was seriously about to come down and offer it to you all last night," Peeta wiped the sweat from his forehead. "But since it was made for me, I wasn't sure how it would affect you. When Doctor Everett returns, I will ask him. If the other soldiers are being injected, I'd want the playing field to be even."

"I'll take my chance with the serum," Gale nodded.

"Even if Peeta is the first to survive it, in who knows how long?" Madge asked anxiously. Gale dropped his hands to the table.

"It's suicide to go up against soldiers who have it in their veins if we don't. But I agree with Peeta, let's ask the doctor." Peeta nodded as he reached for his glass of water. Finnick was still rubbing his throat and staring at the table.

"Well now that that's done," Cretus stood at the foot of the table. "We need to head out to meet the first team from 13. I have the coordinates of where they are supposed to be. Katniss, you should stay here since you can't really walk properly. Peeta, Gale, and Finnick will go around this side to meet them," he indicated the route on the map. "While Rye and Johanna will go around this way. Madge and Rory will come with me to stand guard and divert peacekeepers if needed."

"Now hang on," Katniss's eyes narrowed. "I won't be the only one left behind. I can stand guard too."

"Sweetheart, you're really not in any condition-"

"Don't "sweetheart" me," she snapped, holding up her hand to stop Peeta. "I'm not staying behind."

"Why don't Katniss and Peeta stay here with me and help me to make more room for the medical stations," Tigris stepped forward.

"Uh, I'd prefer to have our super soldier out there in the field," Rory said, looking at Katniss apologetically.

"Madge, why don't you stay with Katniss, while we-"

"NO!" Katniss leaped to her feet, startling Peeta and everyone else for that matter. "You are not leaving my side again."

"Katniss-"

"I said NO. They took you away from me, for over 2 months. I won't be separated from you again. Either you stay here or I go with you. I'm not leaving Peeta's side," she snapped at Cretus.

"I will go with Finnick and Gale to greet the soldiers, and I'll arrange for Chaff to meet us there. Tigris, could you radio him please?" She nodded and hurried over to the radio. Cretus nodded to Katniss.

"Peeta and Katniss will remain here and prepare the medical stations. We will bring the nurse back here and see what else she will need. When night falls, Katniss and Peeta will rejoin the squad and can help set up camp. I'll arrange for Doctor Everett to bring some crutches to help Katniss get around. This evening we will- yes Tigris?"

"Sorry Commander, there is a call for you."

"Excuse me," Cretus said as he rushed forward to take the call.

"Mockingjay One, this is Hovercraft-13."

"Go ahead Hovercraft-13. This channel is secure."

"Cretus, it's Abernathy. We are ditching the hovercraft and making our way to the border. Are your soldiers standing by?"

"We're on our way, Haymitch! Stand by." Cretus handed the radio back to Tigris before rushing back into the sitting room.

"Haymitch Abernathy has landed with the squad from 13. We need to move out. There are weapons in the basement, if you don't have any or need more. Peeta," Peeta moved closer to him and he lowered his voice. "Stay close to the radio. We may need backup and I agree with the boy, I'd prefer you out there with us. But I also understand Katniss. Do your best to ease her worry."

"Thanks Leo," Peeta replied softly. Cretus nodded and pulled on his holster and reloaded his rifle.

Katniss and Peeta waved them off at the door, and when they were gone, Katniss sank into his side. He gently pushed her back into a chair and he moved into the shop to start clearing. Katniss hated sitting there, being useless. She knew her team was upset with her, and probably Peeta too. She jumped up and insisted on helping Tigris clean up.

"You must rest," the woman said gently but firmly.

"Look, I'm barely on my ankle. I just want to help."

"You can help by not being a stubborn ass," Peeta said as he swooped into the room to move the table.

"Peeta-" He pursed his lips as he carried the table into the shop and Katniss's shoulders fell. Tigris gave him a condescending look as he moved things into the shop and when he glanced out at Katniss, he saw how miserable she looked. Sighing, he reentered the room and dropped to his knees in front of her.

"Hey," he took her hands and brought them to his lips. "I'm sorry. I'm just worried for the squad. I feel like I should be out there with them." He moved his hand to her cheek and stroked her soft skin with his knuckles.

"But I completely understand your insistence on us staying together. If the roles were reversed, I would probably throw a fit too."

"I didn't throw a fit!"

"You kinda did, Katniss," he said with a small smile.

"Can anyone blame me," she threw her hands into the air. "I thought I'd lost you forever, Peeta. I didn't know if I would ever see you again. And a day after being reunited, you want to leave again. I can't… I cannot lose you again." He cupped her cheeks and kissed her nose.

"You won't lose me," he assured her. "I'm here. I'm not going anywhere."

"Then don't get upset with me when I want you near," she said weakly, blinking back tears.

"I'm not upset with you," he said tenderly. "I'm upset with myself for making you feel guilty for wanting me by your side."

"That makes no sense," she sighed, leaning forward to rest her chin on his shoulder.

"I know," he chuckled. "Can I please carry you to bed so I can move these chairs to the basement? I promise I'll come up when I'm finished clearing space in the shop."

"I- I want to help."

"I know, love, but you're hurt. And I don't want it to get any worse. We need you to fight with us, and you can't do that if you're injured. You know that."

Finally, she gave in.

"Ok," she said in a defeated tone. He nuzzled her cheek and gave her a quick kiss.

"I have a way you can help." He shouldered the bag that Aurelia had left, lifted Katniss into his arms, and carried her upstairs.

He set her on the bed and propped a pillow under her ankle. Then he pulled the bag over to her and pulled out stacks of notes.

"These are from Aurelia. I imagine they are notes from her father's office, possibly about the super soldiers or some other kinds of weapons. Go through them and set aside anything you see about new weapons being developed. Can you do that?"

"Yes." He kissed her forehead and jogged back downstairs to finish clearing the shop. Tigris directed him where to put the clothing and accessories, and soon, he had more than enough room for ten pallets on the floor and five medical stations.

He wanted to stay busy, to keep himself from thinking of his squad out in the open. Katniss was safe, he told himself firmly. She was right upstairs and out of harm's way.

Peeta finished organizing the weapons, putting groceries away, and sorting through Cretus's notes. Sighing, he ran his fingers through his hair as he stood and made his way upstairs.

Papers were scattered all over the bed and floor. Katniss was hunched over a stack and Peeta could immediately see that she was pale.

"Katniss?" She looked up at him and he saw her eyes were glassy. He rushed to her side and pulled her into his arms.

"What is it?" She set the pile of papers down and shook her head.

"Katniss, what's wrong," he asked urgently.

"I found pages from a journal. About you."

"Me? What about me?"

"An account of Subject 290856 experiments, super soldier serum a success. Today he was able to lift three Peacekeepers over his head and threw them into a brick wall. Will continue to track progress and strength." Peeta swallowed and took the paper from her. Without looking at it, he set it behind them.

"Hey, I told you. It's over and I'm ok. I'm here with you."

"You've been through so much," she said thickly. "More than I ever knew. I want them all to pay, Peeta. Every single one of them."

"There will be discussions on how to proceed with trials and punishments against Snow's staff. Like Aurelia said, people will be calling for a lot of blood. Oh Katniss, please don't cry. I'm alright, I promise." He cupped her chin and kissed her forehead. She shot the papers a glare before sinking back into his embrace and closing her eyes as he left kisses on her hair. For a brief moment, the notes were forgotten and Peeta allowed himself a few minutes to cuddle and kiss his wife. The war could wage on outside, but in here, holding her in his arms, he could just pretend and hold onto her for dear life.


Bit of a longer one for yall, and not so cliff-hanger-ish, lol. Have a great week/weekend everyone!

XOXO