Katniss sat on the bed with her arms crossed, her feet dangling off the side. Peeta had said he would be right back… and that was nearly 20 minutes ago. What was he doing down there? She glanced at the papers beside her and sighed. She knew he would need some time. But why was he avoiding her specifically?

She started to hear more familiar voices and released a huff. Ok, if Peeta wasn't going to come back up and get her…

She contemplated calling Gale for half a second but decided that would probably make Peeta more upset.

"Um, Finnick?" She heard the Victor's laughter trail off, then he just appeared in the doorway. She blinked and cocked her head.

"You're fast."

"Well now that you have Peeta back, it's like you don't need me anymore," he said dramatically, putting a hand to his head in mock horror. Katniss stifled her laughter and shook her head.

"Can you carry me downstairs? I, um, I'm still not ok on my ankle."

"You got it, Sunshine," he whisked her off the bed and carried her down the steps. Katniss was immensely grateful for him. They had gotten quite close in 13 and now, here he was, assisting her without asking any questions. No "why can't Peeta help you" or "you should stay up here and rest". He gently carried her and set her down in a chair at the table, between Johanna and Haymitch. Peeta, who was in conversation with Rye, did a double take, his brow furrowed, but he didn't say anything or come over, so she turned to Haymitch.

"Are all of the soldiers really coming here tonight for a war talk?"

"Sweetheart you really get right down to it, don't you," he grunted. "It was Tigris's idea actually. She thinks the soldiers deserve a nice meal. Leo just agreed because it's a good time to talk to everyone about the plans." Haymitch glanced from her to Peeta with a raised brow.

"Everything ok with you two? He came down here looking pretty angry."

"We've just been reading papers from Snow's office," she lowered her voice. "He was pretty upset by some of them."

"And how exactly did you get papers from Snow's office?"

"Aurelia Snow brought us some files and blueprints to go through." Haymitch grunted again.

"Leo told me that Aurelia Snow is on our side now and I was pretty skeptical. But I guess it's nice to have allies in higher places. How's your ankle doing?"

"Doctor Everett gave me something to speed up healing. I won't risk it and walk on it yet. Didn't think coming down the stairs would be a good idea."

"Glad to see you're finally developing some sense." Katniss's jaw dropped while Johanna cackled beside her.

"I mean, he's not wrong," she held her arms out.

"Whatever. I wonder if there's anything I can do to help."

"You just said you're not going to risk it, Brainless, so just sit here and charm everyone with your smiling, hopeful face."

"I'm not smiling. And I don't feel very hopeful right now."

"Yeah, I can see that," Johanna rolled her eyes. "But can you at least TRY for the troops? Even though Peeta is now Colonel, everyone's got their eyes on YOU, Mockingjay." Haymitch nodded in agreement and Katniss exhaled deeply.

"Just smile and look alert. Look, here come a few soldiers now. Be nice!" Katniss's smile widened when the two young boys from earlier approached the table.

"Mrs. Mellark, ma'am. It's such an honor to finally meet you! The Mockingjay! I can't tell you how… well, how nervous I am but how honored I am to meet you."

"No need to be nervous, I'm just a soldier like you," she extended her hand forward. "Call me Katniss. What is your name?"

"I'm Blaze, and this is my mate, Max."

"These two gentlemen helped Rosalie escape from District 2 and got her to 13 before she went into labor," Haymitch said jovially.

"Yes, my husband has told me a lot about you. Welcome to the team. I'd like to thank you for your loyalty toward my husband. And for helping an old friend. Rosalie has been through a lot and I'm so thankful she was able to have her baby in a safe place."

"It's our pleasure, Mrs. Mellark, truly," Max stepped forward. "We both want to let you know that we will fight to the death to protect you and Peeta. We will not abandon you."

"Let us hope that it will not come to that. But I thank you for your loyalty." She smiled as they bowed their heads to her and scurried off. Haymitch leaned in close.

"Nicely done." She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye and bowed her head for a moment.

"Mrs. Mellark?" She turned back as another soldier was kneeling in front of the table, his hands trembling violently.


"Just look at her, Peeta," Rye grinned broadly. "She looks like a queen that people have come to worship. Look how those soldiers are looking at her. She looks like a leader." Peeta glanced back at his wife and smiled as he watched Katniss give the soldier in front of her a kind smile. There seemed to be a line forming, of soldiers coming to speak to her. Haymitch sat on one side, his arms crossed and a broad smile on his usually-grumpy face while Johanna sat on her other side, looking like Katniss's bodyguard.

"It suits her. The Mockingjay IS a powerful force. But it's nice to see her interacting with the soldiers. They need hope, and there is no one better to provide it than Katniss herself." He forced himself to tear his eyes away from his wife and turn back to Rye. His brother had been chatting his ear off for nearly 20 minutes and he had been surprised to see Finnick bringing her downstairs. He'd done a double take when he'd realized she was in Finnick's arms and had immediately felt guilty for leaving her upstairs. But he was grateful that she had asked for help rather than try to make it down herself. Even if she hadn't called for him.

"Have you seen Bing yet?" Peeta blinked in surprise.

"You saw Bing? He actually came here?"

"I didn't get a chance to talk to him, he was cleaning weapons with a few others but I told him we can talk tonight."

"Did you get a chance to meet his baby before you left?" Rye's eyes widened then softened.

"Oh yeah. He's perfect, Peet, he looks exactly like you did when you were born."

"Another boy," Peeta muttered. "Bet Mom was happy."

"Yeah, well. You know how she is," Rye shrugged. Peeta swallowed thickly. Yes, he did know how she was.

"Dad was sobbing, of course. His first grandchild. I kept expecting April to kick him out of the nursery. Even Katniss thought he was adorable and held him."

"What do you mean, even Katniss," Peeta frowned.

"I just thought Katniss wasn't really into kids."

"Where did you hear that?"

"Gale," Rye shrugged. "He said Katniss never wanted kids. Course, he said she never wanted to get married either so I took it with a grain of salt." Peeta's brow furrowed even deeper.

"Katniss and I both want kids. After all of this is over. We are planning to start a family."

"Wow Peet, that's so great! That's awesome to hear. You guys will make terrific parents!" Peeta found his smile returning as his brother slapped his shoulder

"What about you and Madge? Have you discussed it?"

"Not really. I mean, it hasn't really come up. I think she wants them eventually but I think we're going to wait a few years."

"Hey Rye, I've been meaning to ask but… I didn't really want to ask Katniss, you know, I'm afraid she may… overreact…"

"Just ask, Peet," his brother said gently.

"Delly," he said. "I... haven't heard anything about her. Did she make it out of 12?" Rye's smile disappearing was enough of an answer for Peeta.

"Shit," he finally said. "I mean, I sort of assumed but… I was still hoping…." he trailed off and inhaled sharply.

"I'm sorry, Peeta. I know you guys were good friends." When was the last time he had seen her? At his wedding? He felt a stab in his heart as he remembered her joyous face when she'd found out he was marrying his longtime crush.

"Well," he cleared his throat. "Thanks. For telling me." Rye nodded, looking solemn.

"We lost a lot of good people. Madge was pretty broken for awhile." Peeta winced.

"Both of her parents?"

"And their maid," Rye nodded.

"Was it…. I mean, how...terrifying was it? The bombing? I haven't asked Katniss. I haven't really thought about it until recently, to be honest. But now it's all I can think about."

"Well, luckily, Madge and I were already in 13, but Gale and Rory have told me about it. But you went back there, didn't you?" Rye cocked his head and Peeta's brows raised high into his hair.

"What are you talking about?"

"When you were… you know. I'm pretty sure you were given orders to hunt Katniss down in District 12. You weren't far behind us."

"You…. you went back to 12?" Peeta's head was spinning as he searched his memories.

"Katniss wanted to show Panem what had happened to 12," Rye said softly. "Cressida and her film crew, they are from the Capitol and ran away to join the rebellion. They came with us, Haymitch and Gale and Rory, we acted as Katniss's guards, and walked through the district with her. Katniss stopped next to the stump of the old apple tree and… she told the story of how you saved her life, when mom hit you for burning bread. I'd never heard the whole story…." Peeta stared at his brother with wide eyes.

"The bakery? You saw the bakery?"

"All that's left is an oven," he said quietly. "Thank the stars they all got out of there alive. But there are literally hundreds of skeletons and bones laying there in the streets where the Capitol dropped firebombs on them. It was… really tough to see. Your girl, though, your girl was so strong. And she just… she looked at the camera and spoke directly to Caius Snow and just spoke about declaring her freedom. I was awe-struck, Peeta. I knew right then that I was on the right side. That she will lead us to victory." Peeta glanced off, far-away, into space. Yes. He had been there too. He had seen the video footage.

He remembered, even when he was her enemy, he thought she was the most fierce and most beautiful creature he'd ever seen.

"I do remember," he said, his lips barely moving. "I was there." Rye nodded.

"I figured you were. Boggs didn't know for sure but we saw a Capitol hovercraft in the airspace, and he figured you were on it. We got back to 13 safely, and Katniss gave Finnick's wife a gown you had bought for her." Peeta looked confused and Rye chuckled.

"That was another reason she wanted to go. To find Annie something nice to wear for her wedding. She said you had bought her some nice dresses and maybe something had survived. We went to your house and looked around. It was burned pretty badly but a green dress was totally untouched. She took it back with her."

"Oh," Peeta replied, his eyes downcast. "I'm glad someone could use it." And that Finnick had finally married his love. He remembered speaking to the Victor in the Capitol about being a prisoner and still thinking of Annie as his wife, even though he'd feared it would never actually happen.

"Hey, speaking of things at your house, I went looking in your drawers… well, looked everywhere for that thing you asked me to keep safe. But I… I couldn't find it. I'm so sorry, Peeta." It took a moment for him to understand his brother's words but he shook his head, suddenly remembering one of the last conversations he'd had with his brother, just after he'd been flogged.

"I've been holding onto it."

"Wait, really? All this time?" Peeta nodded and Rye let out a low whistle.

"I'm impressed, baby bro."

"I will kick you if you call me that again, Soldier Mellark."


"Thank you, Soldier," Katniss shook the man's hand and gave him a grateful smile. The soldier rose to his feet and went to join a group of men huddled in the corner.

"Hey Katniss." Her eyes widened at the soldier who had knelt in front of her.

"Vick. I'm… well, I can't say I'm glad to see you here but… it's good to see you."

"I just wanted to apologize," the younger boy muttered. "I was, uh, I was a real asshole back in 13, you know, when Peeta was missing. Actually, I've been an asshole a lot longer than that, but, uh… I just wanted to say I'm sorry. I have a lot of respect for you for doing this, and being someone for everyone to look up to. The whole hovercraft ride I kept hearing people mutter, "I can't wait to meet the Mockingjay, she must be so wonderful, she must be so powerful"." Katniss grinned and shook her head.

"You've known me your whole life, Vick."

"Yeah, I have. And that's the thing. You have always been powerful and inspiring. Even when I was angry with you for choosing a Peacekeeper over my brother, you were still so kind to Posy and tried to keep us safe. You've always been like that. I just wanted to thank you. Other people know you as the Mockingjay, but you'll always just be Katniss to me. And that's no less powerful than the Mockingjay." Katniss was surprised by the emotion she felt at the boy's words.

"I can't tell you what that means to me, Vick. Thank you."

"Is my baby brother giving you a hard time over here, Miss Mockingjay," a teasing voice said from behind him. Vick shrugged off the large hands cupping his shoulders.

"I'm just complimenting her, Gale, leave me alone."

"I didn't say anything," another voice said behind him. "But yeah, I agree, what's my baby brother got to say to the powerful Mockingjay?"

"Leave him alone, boys," Katniss rolled her eyes as the Hawthorne brothers started to wrestle. "You are all ridiculous."

"Get off me," Vick yelled, smacking his brothers. "Rory go bug your girlfriend!"

"Already did that. Now I'm bugging you."

"Ugh. See you, Katniss," Vick quickly waved and ducked out of Gale's grasp. Rory followed him and Gale laughed as he watched them wind around the room.

"I'm surprised you're ok with him here, Gale," she said softly. Gale's smile faded just slightly.

"He's a big kid. And he has always wanted to follow his brothers. We've never really let him come with us anywhere because he was still Ma's baby. I know fighting with us means a lot to him."

"What about Posy? Who is looking after her?"

"Vick made friends with an old woman in 13 who absolutely adores Posy. She is going to keep an eye on her while we're all here."

"Thank you," she said softly. "For your loyalty. For all three of you being here."

"Is that what people are lining up over here for? For you to thank them and then they pledge themselves to you?" His lips curled as he dropped to his knees and reached for her hand.

"I pledge my eternal loyalty to you, Katniss Mellark, oh powerful Mockingjay."

"Oh shut up," she smacked his arm, nearly sending him backwards. He laughed as he struggled to hold onto the table and stay upright.

"And what are you doing, Jo? You look like a fierce knight sitting so close next to Katniss."
"Fierce knights need pledges too," the Victor said with a smile. "You can stay on your knees just like that, you know."

"Oh my god," Katniss covered her face with her hands while Haymitch and Johanna both burst into loud laughter. Gale struggled to his feet and cleared his throat, his face reddening more each second. Katniss startled at the feel of hands on her shoulders.

"You all are making quite a scene over here," a deep voice said laughingly.

"Leave me out of it," Katniss lifted a hand. "Make Johanna stop being so… so…." Peeta raised a brow and looked at Johanna, who merely shrugged.

"She's just mad that I can make the boys fall to their knees," she indicated Gale in front of her, who was pulling himself up with the table.

"WHY would I be mad about that," Katniss scoffed. "I have a husband. He's the only one I want on his knees." Johanna burst into another bout of laughter and leaned far over her chair, while Haymitch's face went red and he leaned back in his chair, hiding his face in his hand.

"That's not what I… I didn't mean it like that!"

Peeta was blushing but he cupped her chin to make her look up at him and gave her a smirk. DAMN him for that smirk, she internally screamed. He was so good-looking and he KNEW it. He knew exactly what he did to her. And that boyish blush made him even more good-looking. She shivered as his hand trailed from her chin down her throat.

"Alright Katniss," he lowered to one knee and leaned in close to whisper in her ear. "I will gladly get down on my knees and worship you for the queen you are. Just tell me when and where. I'll obey your every command."

"Gahhhh, I need a drink," Haymitch shot out of his chair and took off toward the kitchen.

"Oh… wow, that was… yeah, I needed that," Johanna gasped as she wiped away her tears. "You two have about an hour before dinner and war talks. I'm sure you can get a couple of "pledges" in, in that time," she continued to laugh as she walked away. Peeta turned back to her, looking bemused.

"Pledges?"

"Never mind," she shook her head. "Gale was teasing me and then Johanna started teasing Gale and then you all started to tease me, so-"

"I wasn't the one who told our friends you want me on my knees," he said with a wink. She rolled her eyes and shook her head.

"Can I tell you a secret, though?" He leaned in even closer, his lips touching the sensitive flesh of her ear.

"Right now, that's what I really want too. To worship you on my knees."

"Peeta," she shivered as he took the tip of her lobe between his teeth.

"Jo's right. I can get lots of worship done in an hour."

"And you'll have to carry me back upstairs, and then everyone will know what we are doing," she protested, trying not to whine as his hand moved under the table and into her lap, squeezing her knee.

"I have an idea," he whispered, his eyes darkening with lust.

"Peeta, you're the Colonel, I'm the Mockingjay. We… ah! We shouldn't…." His lips moved from her ear to her neck. He needed to get her away from this spot. He knew people could look over and realize what was happening but he was too far gone to care. His hand moved between her legs to cup her gently and she hastily tried to cross them.

"Nuh uh, keep them open" he breathed, pushing her legs open. "Fuck Katniss, I can feel you seeping through your clothes. You want me to do this here? I'll gladly let everyone in this room know that I belong to you. That I'll obey your every command. Can you stay quiet?" He licked her ear again and her eyes slammed shut.

"No. Take me upstairs." He grinned and scooped her out of the chair.

"We'll go grab those files for you, Haymitch, and be right back down," he called across the room. Then he proceeded to carry Katniss up to their room. No one else seemed to notice but Haymitch looked over, rolled his eyes, and muttered "fucking horny kids" before downing the rest of his drink.


Peeta couldn't see where he was walking but he wasn't about to tear his lips away from Katniss's. He carried her into the bathroom and shut the door behind them. Setting Katniss on the toilet bowl, he ripped his shirt over his head before dropping to his knees in front of her. Her arms wrapped around his neck as her nails raked across his back. His erection was throbbing as he leaned forward to pull Katniss's pants down her legs. He kissed his way back up, his tongue lavishing the flesh of her inner thigh, before burying his nose into her clothed center. She arched her back and grabbed onto his hair as she bit back a cry. Peeta pulled her panties down as well and tossed them aside.

"Damn I could literally make a home between your thighs and never want to be anywhere else," he groaned as his nose nuzzled against her folds.

"Ah! Peeta please!"

"Mmm, I have a better idea." His hands slipped under her legs and held her on his shoulders. He turned them around so that he was sitting on the toilet bowl and the wall behind her supported most of her weight. Peeta moved her forward so that he could slide his tongue between her folds. She was dripping and her hands in his curls made him even harder. His hands moved to grip her hips as he moved closer to devour her. Katniss clapped a hand over her mouth to stifle her screams but Peeta was relentless, moving his head from side to side. He moaned into her center, as her arousal dripped down his chin.

"Fuck Katniss," he tilted his head to look up at her. "What do you want? Tell your willing servant what you want. You are the Queen of my heart, Katniss, the Queen of my soul. Tell me what to do."

"Make me cum, Peeta," she said through gritted teeth. "Please! Make me cum!" He went back to devouring her, his fingers digging into her hips. His tongue was deep inside her while his teeth scraped against her clit. He pulled his tongue from her and made rapid flicks around her clit, feeling her legs start to shake around him.

"Cum for me, Katniss," he pulled one hand from her hip to push a finger inside her. "You are so damn beautiful when you cum. I want to watch you fall apart for me." She threw her head back against the wall, her breathing erratic. Peeta added two more fingers as his lips latched onto her clit. Luckily she had the sense to stifle her wails, as her entire body continued to shake. Peeta pulled his hand from between her legs and steadied her against the wall, until her tremors passed. He pulled her down into his lap and sucked her tongue into his mouth. She shuddered into the kiss, still gasping for breath.

"That was… oh my god," her head dropped forward, resting on his shoulder. He hummed in agreement as he held her close, lazily stroking her back. She leaned back, before surging forward again and kissing him. He responded eagerly, his eyes shooting open when he felt her hand dive into the front of his pants. She fumbled for his cock, pulling it out and stroking it quickly. Peeta nearly cried out against her mouth as he felt her rise up and lower herself over him. He scooted forward so she could wrap her legs around his waist and he sat up straighter as his hands moved to her hips. He pulled her into him and she met him thrust for thrust. She watched his face tighten, his teeth digging into his lip, his head tilted back as he moaned her name. She leaned forward to lick at the drops of perspiration that had broken out below his jaw. His hands started to shake against her thighs and her hips were now slamming into his.

"Oh shit Katniss, I'm going to-" Katniss jumped up and quickly dropped to her knees. She gripped him tightly, squeezing his shaft and closing her lips around his head. He released a long groan, his teeth drawing blood from his bottom lip. Katniss swallowed around him and when she leaned back, she looked quite pleased with herself.

"Holy shit," he gasped, leaning back over the toilet. "I was not expecting that."

"This queen is lucky to have a king by her side, to love him as much as he loves her." Releasing shattered breaths, he leaned back up and gripped her face in his hands.

"God I love you."

"I love you too. Now we need to clean up and get back downstairs, before Haymitch rats us out." Peeta wetted a cloth and cleaned them both up before they adjusted their clothes and Katniss quickly re-braided her hair.

"Do we look presentable?"

"Yeah but you know Johanna is still going to tease us," he grinned, pulling her hand to his lips.

"That's what she does best," Katniss replied, rolling her eyes.


"Did you forget about those files again," Haymitch said loudly, smirking at Peeta as he set Katniss at the table. Peeta threw him a dirty look and made sure Katniss was ok before he made his way around the room, welcoming the new troops. He recognized some faces from 12. Many others, he didn't. They could have been from any district really. He knew District 13 had accepted refugees and many of them had volunteered to fight.

"Peeta?" He turned at the sound of his voice, his eyes widening as they settled on the speaker. The person didn't give him a chance to respond; he pulled Peeta into a tight embrace and held onto him for dear life.

"I thought I'd never see you again," his brother whispered into his shoulder.

"Aw come on, Bing, you knew I was tougher than that," he responded, pulling back. A grinning Rye launched himself into the embrace and Bing clapped his little brothers' shoulders.

"I can't believe we're all here, about to take on the Capitol."

"Take them down, you mean," Rye said sternly.

"Bing, I can't believe you're here actually," Peeta said, a little sadly. "You're a papa now."

"April understood that I didn't feel right, hiding out in 13 while my brothers were at war. I want to help fight for a world I'd be happy and feel safe raising my son in." Bing withdrew something from his pocket and handed it to Peeta.

"Kisra can't wait to meet you." Peeta gaped at the photo in his hand.

"He's so tiny. And look at those curls! Was this right after he was born?"

"A few days," Bing nodded. "I managed to find an old camera, to take this. He basically had those curls when he was born, though. And his eyes are as blue as yours." Peeta grinned down at his hand.

"He's so beautiful, Bing. I'm happy for you."

"Kisra," Rye repeated, looking exasperated. "You did give him a bread name after all?"

"April was the one who suggested it. If it was a girl, we were going to name her after her mother. But I think we both knew it was going to be a boy."

"I think I want a boy too," Rye nodded, looking thoughtful.

"Not me," Peeta said immediately. "I want a little girl who looks exactly like her mama."

"Why, so you can be wrapped around two different fingers," Bing snorted. Peeta stared across the room, his lovely wife helping arrange blueprints around the table. She had her serious face on, stern and powerful, and Peeta loved seeing how quickly she switched to a warrior. To the Mockingjay.

"C'mon, Peet, you need a little boy who looks just like you. All blonde curls and rosy cheeks." Rye joined in the laughter while Peeta's smile grew.

"I'd like a son too. But I've been dreaming of a daughter with Katniss since… forever," he shrugged. "How are Mom and Dad?" He snapped out of his fantasies and turned back to Bing.

"Dad has been really… upset. Ever since Rye came back from the Capitol and said you were lost, Dad hasn't spoken much. He spends a lot of time with Violet Everdeen, actually, just helping out in the hospital."

"Is that so?" Peeta's brow quirked. "How is Mom… taking that?"

"To be honest, something must have happened between them. I don't know when or what it was but I've noticed them drifting apart. I mean, more than usual. She gives him glares and he gives her the cold shoulder. It's different than when we were growing up. He always tried, you know? He put up with her moods. But lately… it's like he's over it. Like he just, he eats dinner with her and they share a bunker but other than that, I don't see them touch or really talk." Peeta stared at his brother.

"Good for him," he finally said. Bing looked surprised. "What? Dad has been miserable for years. I hope he finally told her off and I know he's still in love with Mrs. Everdeen, I mean, have you seen the way he looks at her-"

"Peet," Bing held up his hand. "Are you suggesting our Dad leaving our Mother?"

"She is not a good person, Bing. There's…. There's a lot you don't know. But I promise you, she is not a good person." He shook his head and turned to leave, but Rye grabbed his arm.

"Peeta, does this have something to do with why you were taken and experimented on when we went to 2?" Peeta inhaled sharply. Both of his brothers were watching him with concern.

"No," he shook his head. "No, of course not. It's just… you know how she treated us as kids. That's all." With that, he turned on his heel and stalked away.

"What did you mean," Bing asked quietly. Rye sighed, watching his baby brother try to relax his face but he could read Peeta well. He saw the tension surrounding him, the nervous twitch in his hands, and the fake smile he presented.

"Peeta told us a bunch of things yesterday, so I'll try to catch you up later. But something we didn't tell you… Peeta was experimented on when we were taken to 2." Bing's eyes became clouded and wide with terror.

"What does that mean?"

"Exactly what it sounds like. They separated him from the rest of us, said he needed extra training. By the time I figured what was going on, he was starting to forget everything. He no longer recognized me. Our Colonel ordered him to beat me… and he followed orders. He didn't know who I was."

"Ryen," Bing said in horror. "Why didn't you ever tell me this?"
"I didn't know how to! I was a failure as a brother. I wasn't able to keep him safe from Mom and I wasn't able to keep him safe from the Peacekeepers." Bing stared at his brother, who hung his head and had his shoulders squared. Bing could clearly see that Rye blamed himself.

"We got Peeta away from that lab," Rye was whispering now. "Our Commander rescued him and hid him away. We helped Peeta remember more every day. And when he finally came back to himself, I just wanted to forget about it. I swore to myself I would never speak of it again." He took a deep breath and ran his fingers through his hand.

"They turned him into a weapon, Bing. A super soldier. It was an old experiment, from the Dark Days, where they injected a serum into him. At the same time, they were injecting tracker-jacker venom to wipe his memories. It's what happened to him again, recently. He's twice as strong as a normal man."

"That sounds like a good thing, then," Bing offered. "It will be an advantage for us."

"But Gale asked a question that actually makes sense. Why would District 2 even think of doing those experiments on a kid from District 12? We aren't exactly known for the strongest people or anything. Peeta just said it was a stupid rumor that Mom made up and that Snow heard about it. That's why he chose Peeta." Bing quirked his brow in confusion.

"Yeah, that was my expression too. I feel like he is lying. I feel like Peet is hiding something. And I think it's about Mom."

"You can't be suggesting Mom knew what would happen to him!"

"Think about it, Bing. The night we were taken. The look on Mom's face. Like she knew something was going to happen. She wasn't surprised when Peacekeepers said they were going to take Peeta. She only spoke up when they said they were taking me too."

"This is crazy, Rye. Mom might be... a bit of a... witch... but she wouldn't have… what? Sold Peeta or something?"

"I didn't say that," Rye protested, shaking his head. "But I think she knew what was going on. I want to talk to him about it but I can't get him alone. He wants to be with Katniss, which is completely understandable."

"We can try together, after the war talk tonight."

"He just… seems pretty closed off, Bing. And I can't blame him. I dunno if he will talk to us, but we can try-"

"Rye," Madge waved to him from across the room.

"Hi honey! I'll talk to you in a bit, Bing." Bing nodded and smiled as his brother made his way over to his wife. When he looked around, he saw Peeta was next to Katniss, surveying blueprints. Bing studied him for a moment. His baby brother looked much older than he was. His face was lined with worry, his lips, which were usually curled into a kind smile, were thin and tight. His normally bouncy curls were cut short, like a soldier's, and his eyes were sharp and cold. Bing sighed deeply. He hated that he'd never known what Peeta had endured. He could understand why neither of his brothers had said anything when they'd returned to 12, but it was still torturous, to know something terrible had happened to the little boy he had once looked after.

Could Rye be right? Could their mother have something to do with his kidnapping? Bing knew his mother had not been kind to Peeta, but would she really go so far?

His thoughts were interrupted by his own brother, who cleared his throat and stood on a chair.

"Welcome, troops," his steady voice echoed around the room. "We are pleased and thankful that you have come to fight with us. Tonight, you will feast, courtesy of our generous host Tigris, and we will discuss the plans for the invasion. Tomorrow, we start moving further into the Capitol. As your Colonel, I will be right by your side. General Leo Cretus, who most of you met this morning, will help with weapons and supplies. Lieutenant Jackson will take over patrol and will schedule many of you for an around the clock watch. And we are very grateful to have this powerful woman, the very symbol of the rebellion, the Mockingjay!" The room erupted into cheers and applause and Katniss lowered her head in respect. Peeta waited for the room to calm down before he spoke.

"For the first time in our lifetimes we're standing together with 13 districts. From what I see here, we've already made history. But history doesn't stop to celebrate. And we're facing an enemy that will not change and will never surrender. Caius Snow murdered his own father and arrested myself and our former General, Felix Duartyr for the crime. Felix died bravely for the cause, never once betraying our revolution. Caius Snow is now terrorizing Panem worse than his father ever did. We must remember who the real enemy is.

President Snow has pulled back Peacekeepers to fortify the center of the city. He's evacuated residents from the outer blocks. If you encounter one of these civilians, you are under orders not to target them. To slow our advance, President Snow is building a minefield of traps and lethal devices called pods. They are the sadistic inventions of gamemakers meant to make sport of our deaths. If our armies make it past Peacekeepers and other defenses, we'll converge in the center of the city at Snow's mansion where we won't just unlock his gates, but unshackle all of Panem." He paused while the room burst into cheers again.

"If we die, let it be for a cause and not a spectacle. If we succeed, let it be for all of Panem and let it be forever. Yes, you've already made history. But the future… our future starts, the day after tomorrow, at dawn, when we march together into the Capitol." He raised his hands into the air amidst the cheering and clapping, and he stepped off the chair only to help Katniss take his place in the chair.

The volume got louder as she spread her arms as if she was spreading wings.

"We will fight, and we will free Panem," she cried out. The soldiers were raising their hands, crying out their loyalty to the Mockingjay, and banging on tables. If any of the noise bothered Tigris, she didn't let on. Katniss lowered her hands, attempting to lower the noise. Peeta helped her down and wrapped his arm around her waist.

"Dinner is nearly ready! There is a bathroom in the basement, if you all wish to wash up! Let's remember to thank Tigris again for this meal!" Peeta helped Katniss lower into the chair again while the soldiers all rushed about. Peeta went to help a few others bring extra tables and set them all up around the room. It was clear that they would have to expand into the next room but as Peeta told the soldiers, they could get rid of the tables and have soldiers sit on the floor when it was ready to present the war plans.


Gale, Prim, Peeta and Bing helped serve the food, as Tigris stood at the small stove and filled the dishes. Rory poured everyone glasses of water and Finnick set bowls of bread in the middle of the tables. Tigris had really outdone herself tonight.

"This is very kind of you, Tigris," Prim said as she passed out plates of food.

"There is not much I can do for the war effort, child, but I am still able to provide food and hospitality."

"We're very grateful," a soldier from 13 said, bowing his head as he accepted his dinner from Prim. Tigris smiled at him and took another dish out of the oven.

"I'm going to take a plate to Katniss," Peeta reached for one and Prim pushed it into his hands.

"I could never get her to eat in 13," she sighed. "I hope you have more luck."

"She's doing much better, Prim," Gale spoke up, giving Peeta a pointed look. Peeta nodded gratefully and carried the plate into the dining room. He set it in front of his wife and kissed her hair.

"Peeta, I can wait until the soldiers are finished."

"No, you can't," Haymitch said as he plopped into one of the chairs across from her. "Doc Everett said you needed food soon so that medication can keep working." Peeta held out his hands.

"There you have it. Doctor's orders." Katniss sighed and took a small bite. The flavors exploded in her mouth and she couldn't help but moan at the taste.

"Guess I better get some before it's all gone," Peeta chuckled. He turned, nearly slamming into Gale. Gale reached out to grab his arm, steadying him, before pushing a plate into his hands.

"We're about finished serving so I thought I'd go ahead and bring this out to you."

"Thanks Gale," Peeta replied.

"Don't have to sound so surprised, Mellark. I can be a nice guy if I want to be." Katniss snorted.

"That isn't often."

"Hey, I've had plenty of reasons not to trust this guy," Gale's eyebrows scrunched up. Peeta and Katniss both frowned but Gale held up his hand.

"But I also know when to admit that I'm wrong. Today, hearing what you've been through, Peeta... You have my utmost respect. And my apology." Peeta stared at the man, shock and interest and gratitude all swirling around in his eyes.

"I thank you for both, Gale." He held out his hand for Gale to shake. Katniss watched as the man struggled with himself. It must have been so hard, deciding to finally trust the man she called her husband.

But it didn't seem so when Gale took Peeta's hand. They gave each other nods of respect before Gale turned away. Peeta blew out a breath as he sat in the vacated seat beside Katniss. She gave him a smile and leaned in to kiss him before going back to her meal. Looking around, they saw the room full of men and women, hungrily digging into their meals and smiling at their neighbors. Some were laughing and carrying on conversations. Katniss felt something in her heart stall.

"You can't think about it, Katniss," Peeta whispered as he picked up his bread. Katniss looked startled.

"What do you mean?"

"I see these soldiers and think about what will happen when we move on the mansion. How many faces will be missing from this room. I know you're thinking it too. But we can't. We have to focus on this mission and think about the billions of lives we are saving around Panem."

"They look so… care-free right now," she said softly.

"And tonight, we will let them. Every person here knows what they signed up for. It's the way of the world we live in, love." She met his eyes.

"You're right. I just-"

"I know," he nodded, tenderly cupping her chin. Katniss was about to return to her meal when she felt Peeta stiffen beside her.

"Aurelia, what are you doing here? You know this isn't a good idea-"

"I had to come," she said breathlessly, unwrapping her scarf.

"The soldiers could react badly if they recognize you-"

"Peeta," she said urgently, placing her hands on the table and leaning forward. "This is urgent. I need to speak to you before you and Leo do war talks."

"OK," Peeta nodded. "We are doing it right after dinner."

"Plans are changing. You have to attack tomorrow." Katniss's eyes widened.

"What? Aurelia, we can't just push everything forward like that. We need time to prep and-"

"LISTEN to me," Aurelia's eyes flashed. "My father intercepted some kind of message from District 13. He knows you're here, Peeta. And he has given the armies orders to search every building until you are found." Peeta swallowed heavily while Katniss's eyes widened in horror.

"And Katniss? Does he know about her?" Aurelia could only nod.

"What's his plan for her?"

"He knows you're together. While he wants you alive, he plans to execute her on his front lawn, on live TV. He plans to burn her alive." Peeta winced and squeezed Katniss's hand.

"So when are they starting their search?"

"Tonight," Aurelia said solemnly. "They will be here at dawn."