A/N: THANK YOU InLoveWithAFictionalCharacter 7 (She isn't supposed to realize it just now. She would have to complicate her thoughts more, and that's what she shouldn't do at the moment. But I guess she will, evetually), journey4eva, TheSkyDriverz (Not really flirt. I'll do it differently:)), DancingDP (I'm glad you got it figured out:) Don't worry, it's supposed to be confusing at times {more like I'd be worried if it wasn't. My mind is far too complicated for anyone to understand everything immediately and since it influences my writing style greatly...I guess it's bound to happen:)}), Aloha-Pinkly (This one has fluff. Really), Sparksfly23, MtnDew26 (Haha, you didn't creep me out at all:D Actually you just made me happy XD), DandelionOnFire (Yeah, it's kind of, like really damn annoying, isn't it? And a yay! for your right guess:P Though I'm sure there was one before:D), KMloveya, mrspatrickdempsey (Nope, they won't. Katniss doesn't have the power to be treated like she was in MJ {scratch that. She doesn't have any power}, but on the bright side, she's not as scarred{mentally}. That's gonna change though...), The-Teeny-And-Amazing-Abby (You'll get to like her more. She's annoying, but she's fun to write and I'll give her character more depth because I can work with her so well:D), kms96 (Actually, I won't go into too much detail with technology. Simply because I'm not good at it and what I know is what I got from my grandpa. Then again, he's great with technology. I'll concentrate a bit more on strategy {of course with action, too}, cuz that's something I actually know something about:)), Husky2014, PeetaLuver1, maryclumsy (Oh, she's going to get less annoying:)), FlamingArrows (That's my excuse for being so bad with fluff:)), dgeeky23 (You'll see:D Not with flashbacks, because I intend to stick to Katniss's POV, but you'll get to know more about them:D), mspacman1, Mockingjay272(You'll get to know more about them, I mean, if I make up two OCs, I have to give them a good character, right?:)), Caarooo, Kiss Peeta (More fluff in this one. I'm sorry, but I kinda can't put in so much romance in general. 'NE' was for the romance part. But I'll try:)),Emmy (You're welcome:D) and Samlicker19 (Thank you for reviewing 4 chapters in this and 2 chapters in 'NE'. And thank you for those kind words:D They really mean a lot to me:))

Disclaimer: Do I have to do this every chapter? I don't own the Hunger Games

Chapter 11:

And waste time, we did not. Although, looking back on it, practically it would have been smarter to head to Thirteen from the very beginning. We've been walking in the other direction, away from the hovercraft which, how Prim pointed out, must have been flying to Thirteen. Seeing it now, this was the wrong decision.

"Yeah, we have seen them, too. More like heard. It made so much noise when they arrived we were able to duck under a bush before they had a possibility to see us. I didn't know if it was the one sent out to find me though."

I only nodded at Cann's words. I had mentioned the fact that we'd seen the hovercraft while keeping watch with him yesterday. Since I had to spend half the night with him I figured testing the story Peeta and Prim believed in was a good pastime.

I had told him about us seeing the hovercraft, but not about them landing next to us, fixing said noise issue and murdering my mother. But what he said only confirmed my suspicions of him being the one they were after, and, to be honest, calmed me a bit. It also made the idea that all of this was a trap more ridiculous. Sure, that had been my idea, but for once being wrong didn't bother me.

"Katniss!" A hiss snaps me out of my thoughts. "Katniss!" I sit up with a start. OK, so maybe it weren't just my thoughts. Maybe I really was asleep. Or half asleep. I don't know.

"It's your turn to watch. Now go. I'm tired." I'm tempted to groan, but I don't. Sylvia's mood is bad enough without me doing anything, and I don't need her to be upset right now, in the middle of the night. I can't help the glare I shoot at her though.

So I rise and, rubbing my eyes, make my way over to where Peeta is sitting. "But then again, you're entirely different.

I recognize her voice, but it isn't directed at me. It's also not as rude as it usually is. It's more like a far-away voice. But when I turn around to look at Sylvia, she's already at the ground, eyes closed, looking sound asleep.

Since there is only one other man awake, only one she could have been talking to, I direct my question at Peeta. "What was that about?"

He looks at me. "What do you mean?" My eyes must mirror the confusion I'm feeling. Why would he ask? Isn't it obvious?

"Her." I point at the girl's sleeping form. "What she said. About you being entirely different." Understanding flashes in his eyes.

"Oh. That. Yeah well, we talked about someone she knew in her home District. She told me I reminded her of him a bit. But apparently, we're not as similar as she must have thought in the beginning. That's it."

I bite my lip. I know I shouldn't, but I can't prevent myself from asking, "Who is it you remind her of?"

It's not that I'm really interested in Sylvia. Not in gossip, either. I'm just curious. Yesterday she had to keep watch with me. There was a silent agreement between us not to talk to each other. We knew it would only cause arguments and anger . Well, actually, it's been that way since we formed this…how to call it? Group? No, that sounds wrong. Alliance. It's what they call confederations like this in the Hunger Games, but although we're not trapped in an arena, we're still fighting for our lives together. Only there isn't any emotional bond between us and the other two.

But still, I haven't talked to Sylvia much other than a comment here and there. It made it easier for us to live with each other. I still don't trust her, and for her it's the other way around, I can tell. Overall, she seems to avoid talking in general. And the only person I have seen her being at least kind of friendly to is Prim, who she still calls 'the little one'.

How did Peeta get her to talk?

"I don't think I'm supposed to tell you. But this person must have been very close to her, from what she told me."

I sigh. That isn't a surprise, really. It's probably a secret, and Peeta isn't one to go around babbling secrets. Neither his nor other's. Otherwise I would probably despise him. And never have told him anything.
"You're right. Only…she's always so cold . How come she told you?" At that, he chuckles, earning an unnerved look from me. I really don't get what is funny about that.

When he sees my scowl, he quickly stifles his laughter, and his face becomes serious, although I can still see amusement in his eyes. "I'm sorry. It's just, she used the exact same word to describe you. Cold. It's funny because I know you aren't, but she's right, you act as though you were. Around her, at least."

I glare at him, although it's more directed at Sylvia, actually. "I don't get why I should treat her differently. After all, wasn't she the one to attack me?"

He is, much to my annoyance, still smirking to himself. "Yes, and I didn't say it wasn't justified, did I? But either way, she asked me if I really hadn't known about Thirteen. Of course, I hadn't, and I told her exactly that. She then wanted to know if I was sure I could trust you."

He smiles at me, this time not laughing at me. He pushes a strand of hair behind my ear, but I'm not really paying attention. I want to know what he has to say. "And I am sure. I didn't answer the question as to the reason why I do. And even if I did, I wouldn't need to tell you. You should know."

That stings me. Yes, I should. Probably. But I don't, not really. Why does Peeta trust me? Thinking back, I have more like given him a reason not to trust me. I run away once. Broke his heart, as much as it hurts me to think that. Sure, I came back. Sure, there was also a time where I wouldn't run away. There still is that time, actually. But isn't that only a reason to distrust me? What have I done to gain his trust?

"I don't." I didn't intent for that to come out. I mean, he can trust me, yes, I'm not going to betray him. Or, more like, I don't want to. I don't need to hear why he does. Or do I?

He looks surprised. "Well, you've never told me," I justify. Or try to.

He's still confused, his eyes tell as much, but also relieved. His smile is back. "Yes, that's true. My bad, apparently. But I didn't think I need to." He runs a hand through his hair, suddenly somehow nervous. "Actually, I don't really know. It's just a feeling. And that you're the worst liar I've ever met. Don't worry, that's not meant to be an offense. It's quite a good feature, if you ask me. Who'd want to have the reputation to be a good liar? No one would believe them one word."

Well, that's not entirely true. I do believe him, and he's the best liar I've ever met. But maybe he isn't aware of his talents.

"I guess it's like I told you. You can never be one hundred percent sure, but you just know you can trust someone. My brothers used to tease me about being easy trusting. Maybe that adds to it, too."

So he's just relying on his feelings. He seems to be doing that very often. I should probably tell him that's naïve, not the right way, but then again, what do I know about feelings? Only that I can't rely on them, that they can be beautiful as well as devastating. I know that sometimes I can't help them. Maybe it's like that with his trust, too.

"Sylvia told me to be careful," Peeta suddenly says, reminding me of our original subject. "She told me she'd known someone who put his trust in the wrong person, too."

He smiles at me. "But you are not wrong. Neither false nor pretend."

I touch his hand. "No, I'm not." He should never doubt that. I don't want him to ever think of me like that.

"I know." He then lowers his gaze to our hands. "You're shivering."

I look down and see that my arm is covered in goose bumps and my arm is draped across my stomach, lightly pacing up and down to warm me. Only then I notice how cold it really is. It shouldn't surprise me, since it must be November by now, but it does. Why haven't I felt it before, correction, why hasn't my mind felt it before, when my body apparently has?

"Come here," he says, opening his arms. And I obey, for once without hesitating. He opens his jacket and puts it around both of us. "You shouldn't make yourself uncomfortable for me," I tell him. It's his jacket, his source of warmth, after all.

He chuckles for a reason unknown to me. "You seriously think…I have the world's most beautiful girl in my arms and I'm uncomfortable? Quite the opposite, actually." He grins down at me.

Although his comment makes me blush and turn my head so he won't see, I can't prevent the corners of my mouth from lifting up to a smile against his neck. He hasn't held me like this or called me beautiful in a while. I can't say I've really missed it, since it always makes my cheeks heat up and of course I had other things to concentrate on, but it does feel very nice.

"Why, are youuncomfortable?" The smile in his voice is evident, but I'm not sure what to say. I don't feel uncomfortable about our arrangement, but I don't know what I'm supposed to do now. I'm not good at giving compliments like Peeta is.

"No." It comes out as a whisper against his skin. But he doesn't seem bothered by my lack of affectionate words. Maybe he's used to it by now. After all, he knows I'm not the affectionate type overall.

It makes me feel bad, though. As if I'm not enough. As if he should have someone who could give him beautiful words like the ones he gives me. Someone who knows what to say. He's done so much for me; he has saved our lives, he has promised my mother to fulfill her dying wish, and he is here, with us, making the greatest sacrifice overall, leaving his family, his friends, his home, just to help me and my sister. Just like the thing with the bread. Sure, back then he took a beat from his mother, which was too much already, but now…he's given up everything. Somehow both situations seem to have the same value, though. And I can't even give him words as a thank you.

"I'm sorry," I tell him. Well, at least I can apologize. But he is surprised, as I can tell from his voice as he speaks.

"For what? You don't have anything to be sorry for, or is there something you haven't told me?" And with that he has hit the nail right on the head. Not the way he thinks, but he has.

If only I could tell him, tell him what exactly I mean, but I can't. I curse my inability once more before I figure there is something I canactually do to show him how thankful I am.

I lift my head to look at him, find his curious eyes, and press my lips right to his. He is surprised at first, but returns the kiss, lightly. Somehow, that doesn't satisfy me, and I begin to loose my arms around his waist so I can wrap them around his neck.

Only he won't allow it, as he pulls away and eyes me carefully. I'm not about to let it bother me and lean in again, but he holds me back.

"Katniss, what is this about?" I sigh. Of course. I confused him. Not that it should surprise me, but somehow I have a feeling there are quite a few things that surprise me today and wouldn't any other. I mean, how would I feel if someone apologized to me, I didn't know what for, and then kissed me? I suppose I would react a lot worse than Peeta.

"I don't know how to explain. It's just…after everything you've done for me…I just…I feel guilty because…" But he won't let me continue, and maybe that's better. I'm stuttering either way.

"So…you kissed me because you felt guilty? As payback?"

"Yes." Only then do I realize what that sounds like. "I mean, no." He raises his eyebrow. "Not the way you're thinking right now. I didn't do it because I thought I needed to, I wanted it, too, I…" I trail off. I have a feeling I'm blushing furiously again, but I don't break eye contact this time. I know, for some reason, that that would be the most stupid thing to do at the moment.

Peeta still looks confused, but not as skeptical anymore. "I'm just not good with words," I tell him, hoping he'll understand.

And actually, the wanted emotion flashes across his face. "So instead of saying something…Oh Katniss! That is what you apologized for? That is not your fault. That being said, I don't mind your way of expressing yourself," He gives me a peck on the lips to emphasize his point, "at all. Actually, I kind of really like it."

And with that, he leans in again and starts kissing me, properly this time. I quickly wrap my arms around his neck before he changes his mind and pulls away again.

But he doesn't. Maybe because this time, it's not aggressive, I'm not aggressive. This time it's gentle and warm and makes my stomach flutter. I haven't nearly had enough when he breaks away, panting heavily. Only after a few seconds do I realize I'm doing the same, because I'm out of breath.

He catches his first and smiles at me. "Enough payback?"

I would scowl at him for this because a few kisses can't make up for all he's done, but the amusement in his voice prevents me from doing so. He isn't serious.

But I am when I say, "Nothing will ever be enough."

I then realize there's already a faint orange at the horizon. It signalizes that beginning of the sunrise. I didn't even notice how quickly time passed.

"I guess we have to wake the others, don't we? Yesterday we left around this time, too." He agrees, opens his jacket for me to slip out of it, and both of us stand up to arouse them from sleep.

They are up in no time, and we gather our stuff, which isn't exactly that much, since Sylvia and Cann only had one backpack each, and together with the one we had we have three. Plus my bow and my quiver.

And right when I pick up the bow it happens. A loud bang rings though the air, almost immediately followed by another. I whip my head around to see where it is coming from, and I don't need to search long, as I see Cann shoving Prim behind a tree and dropping to the ground himself´.

Without thinking I do the same. Prim is out of view, and whoever is doing is can't have seen her, because she had been hidden by the tree already.

I don't dare looking up, but I have a feeling I know who is doing this. Gunshots ring through the air and the bullets fly, I can hear them hitting the gournd around me. There's only one person I am aware of having a gun; The one who shot my mother.

Panic rises in me as I feel myself overcoming the first frozen state. It's like a déjà vu, like being back in the house. I can't do anything but stay here, hoping I won't get hit. They've seen me, and that's the difference. There's no chance of escaping this time. I can only hope Prim knows what to do. Thirteen is her only chance now.

I don't know who else has made it to hide behind a tree. I can't look around, can't move. That would be the wrong tactic.

When I hear a loud thud I know it's the hovercraft. I don't know how they managed to make the hovercraft land without any noise except for this thud, but I don't really care. All I care about is my near death. A pair of feet comes out. And suddenly I feel a wave of pride fill me. I want to see my murderer, look him dead in the eye when he kills me. So I do what I wanted to avoid doing; I lift my head.

Only to see a gun pointed directly at my head.

Haha, don't tell me there wasn't fluff in this one;) Don't wonder about Katniss's behavior, btw, she has been very stressed in the last chapters, she was kind of really exhausted in this one:) I thought she needed a bit rest:)