Rated Adult for Violence,Language and Character Death.

009A

The stack of files hit the wooden desk with a thud, almost causing the vase sitting perpendicular to tip over. Soft white buds of roses shook for a few seconds as the water at the bottom settled. Snow looked up from the top of his glasses to peer up at the younger man standing at the front of his desk. Thread nodded towards the tan folders.

"The files you requested sir."

Snow gave a sharp nod as he slipped his hands under the stacks, his thumb pushing the cover back to look inside. He flipped through the papers scribed with black ink, which also held faded photos of the files representatives. Thread kept his back straight as his arms were held behind his back, his fingers wrapping around his wrists. He watched as the older man read through the papers, at times he would skip through a stack to observe the next.

Snow's voice was indifferent but slightly tense," Anything interesting?"

"I transferred all the files to your handheld, sir," Snow reached for the clear plastic beside him, his fingers tapping quickly," I ran DNA sequencing of all codes we have in the camps, and one especially perked my interest."

Snow rose a brow," Hmm?"

"It should be at the front," Thread leaned forward as Snow moved his hand over the screen," She's his child, sir."

Snow's hand stopped in midair," How did this get past us?"

"It may have been we weren't looking for it at the time or there's someone on the inside."

"If there is a spy I want them punished and incinerated."

Thread nodded," It's being dealt with sir."

"Tell me I am not alone in thinking how curious it is for us to have the children of two high ranking resistance leaders in our camp at the same time."

"It's more than curious sir. The girl and the Mellark boy have been seen together more than once. She's also the one from the yard."

Snow leans back, the screen still at hand," The girl who almost shot?"

"Yes. She's what ultimately convinced him to compete."

"Do you think there's more to them than acquaintances?"

Thread nodded," There may be. Another interesting piece of information is that we use her as a courtesan. That may refresh your memory on the girl."

Snow lips began to curl," No, it can't be. I thought we killed her."

Thread shrugged," I thought she would have been more useful in a submissive capacity. She's quite fetching, and I saw it as almost poetic seeing how her father paid his tribute to the Capitol."

Snow tried to stifle his laugh but failed," Yes, it was quite clever of you, Lucious," Snow ran his hand over his jaw," Am I wrong in remembering you having a sorted affair with a courtesan when you were a younger man?"

This took Thread by surprise before he composed himself," No, sir you are not. The thrill of youth I suppose."

Snow laid down the screen as he pinched the side of his glasses, sliding them off slowly," Oh I believe it was more than that, Lucious. You were involved with her until she married a council member, and had three children with him. Then years later you killed her spouse and two of her sons, while the other gives me a daily headache."

"If I'm permitted to do so sir, may I ask why this is relevant?"

"The relevance is, how indebted do you feel towards this woman? The boy would have been her grandson."

"I have none sir. She was merely a means to an end. She was easy to manipulate and I kept her around for as long as I saw her as valuable."

Snow stood up from his desk, clapping his hands together," Good."

Thread cleared his throat," There is the matter of the boy and his familiarity to the girl, sir."

Snow nodded, as he let his fingers linger over the petals of a rose," Keep a close watch on both of them, and let me know if anything arises."

"Already on it, sir."

009B.

The glass was slick from the rain fall, making her wish for bricks instead; at least she could find her footing. Her fingers dung into the edges as she pulled herself up the twenty feet she needed to reach the window.

She sighed as her biceps began to burn; this was so much easier to do when she was ten years younger. Her forehead lays against the glass before she pulled her body the last few inches to the ledge of the window. She was thankful it was dark, to hide her from spectators.

It also helped most of the debauchery done in the Capitol was done so behind heavy curtains, or it would have been pointless to scale the glass formed building. Her braid hung to the side as she slid her body in between the ledge and the top of the window opening.

She reached into the pouch attached to her arm, bringing out the small device Beetee had designed for Peeta to override the Capitol code boxes. The tiny gadget clicked into place making a stream of beeping sounds before turning off.

Katniss looked up praying to the spirits before sliding her fingers underneath the window, sliding it up. The smell of perfume hit her before her body was fully inside. She fought back the urge to vomit as she ever so gracefully stepped down onto the silk couch, her other leg following suit.

Katniss caught her reflection in a mirror opposite of her, the black of her long sleeve shirt and pants looked out of place in the bright pink shades of the ladies powder room.

Water seemed to run all over the room with glass blocking its path to the room, Katniss had to roll her eyes at the Capitol's idea of decorating. The door opening alerted her to move the opposite wall, as she peered around to see who had entered.

A woman with bright purple hair walked in, Katniss observed her dress closely. It was deep red with straps of material hiding the center of the breasts, but still allowing a good amount of skin to be found. It was skin tight with the bottom of the skirt stopping just at mid thigh. Katniss groaned to herself, the heels weren't any better with three inch heels, covered in black leather as lace covered the top of the foot.

This was one of the times Katniss wished the women of the Capitol just liked to wear sensible pants. She leaned back further as the woman stepped into the powder room further, her hand bag hanging from her two fingers. Katniss waited until she was inches in front of her, before giving a small whistle to get her attention.

The woman's eyes became wide as Katniss wrapped her arms around her neck, increasing the pressure. Hot pink painted nails went to Katniss' arms before falling to the side. Katniss let the woman's body down gently, before kneeling down beside her.

She reached into the pouch to take out a syringe of a medication; she placed her teeth to the cap pulling it off, before plunging the needle into the woman's bare thigh. Katniss pushed the plunger down, allowing the liquid to fill her bloodstream. She needed the woman to sleep for a long time, not being able to afford for her to wake up.

Katniss spit the top out of mouth, placing the top back onto the syringe and putting it back into her pouch. She placed her hands on her hips as she sighed looking down to the woman.

"Sorry, but I need a dress."

Katniss began to unfasten the woman from the dress when movement behind her, made her turn around her hand going for the blade she kept in her braid.

Peeta held his hands up," Don't throw it."

Katniss let out a breath, her eyes narrowing," What are you doing here?"

"Watching your back," Peeta pointed to the woman on the floor as Katniss turned around returning to disrobing the woman," You know that whole choke out thing was pretty hot."

Katniss looked over her shoulder," You're very troubled."

Peeta walked over crouching next to Katniss," That's why you like me."

Katniss tried to fight back a smile as she pulled the last of the dress from the woman's body. Peeta stared at Katniss until he glanced down at the naked body in front of him.

He jumped back quickly," Woah! Not something I wanted to see."

Katniss shook her head, as she pulled the shoes free," What did you think it would be like after I took her clothing?"

Peeta turned his back to her," Maybe a little less purple. Is it true they dye their whole body," Peeta turned his head slowly around whipping it back abruptly," Apparently so."

Katniss rolled her eyes as she laid the clothing in a pile to grab the naked woman by the shoulders," Peeta get her feet, we need to move her before anyone comes through."

Peeta turned around but he was sure to keep his eyes to the side as he bent down blindly, grabbing the woman by her ankles. The both of them lifted her body easily, as Peeta backed up toward one of the stalls. Katniss couldn't help but snicker, as he became red.

"I know you're not turning red because she's naked."

Peeta kept his head to the side," I've only ever seen one woman naked. What you think I just go out and banged a bunch of woman?"

"I think it's cute you're nervous around a naked girl."

"Well good. Can you please stop flirting with me so I can put her in here?"

Peeta backed into the stall, as he rotated himself enough for Katniss to enter. They set the woman down gently before backing out, the door closing behind them. Katniss began to lift her shirt over head before she turned back towards Peeta who was watching her.

"What are you doing?"

Peeta held his hands up," Nothing."

Katniss moved her finger in a circle," Turn around."

"Katniss, I have seen it before."

"Yes, but not for a very long time."

"Katniss in that dress everyone will see it."

Katniss narrowed her eyes as she walked towards Peeta turning him around, he couldn't help the laugh escaping his lips as she stormed back to the center of the room to undress. Katniss quickly removed her own clothing and went to work trying to understand the mechanics of the dress.

She slipped it up her body, before fastening the material over her chest. She looked up quickly when she remembered the mirror from before.

"Peeta are you watching me in the mirror?"

"No," he snorted quietly before nodding," Yes."

Katniss smoothed the dress down before slipping the heels over her feet. She took the blade out of her hair placing it with her clothing; unfortunately the dress was far too tight for her to hide anything with in it. She unbraided her hair tossing it back as she combed her fingers through.

Dark curls flooded down below her shoulders, as she knelt down opening the woman's handbag. Katniss pulled out the makeup as she applied eyeliner and raisin colored lipstick. When she was ready she stood up holding the bag to her side as she cleared her throat, signaling for Peeta to turn around. He turned around slowly, his eyes widened as he took her in.

She looked incredibly gorgeous, as the dress clung to her curves. Her olive skin complimented the color of the fabric and Peeta gulped quickly.

He shrugged his shoulders as he walked past her," It'll do."

Katniss shook her head," Thanks for that."

"What you want me to say I want to make another baby with you?"

"Eww."

Peeta laughed as he opened the door slowly, the sounds of the party filtered through. Katniss looked down to her arm, as Peeta scanned the crowd.

"What about my barcode?"

Peeta looked to her arm," Don't worry, it's not unusual to see former codes prostituting."

Katniss held back the urge to strike him, as she pushed him out of the way," I think I'm ready."

"Ok, Finnick will be moving around the room. He's your back up; just remember to get the council member somewhere secluded. It shouldn't be hard with that dress. Grab the code from the box and slip out the back. I'll be waiting with your clothing. Unless you want to keep the dress?"

Katniss looked at him with a pointed glare," No thanks, I can barely breathe."

"I don't think breathing is a priority with a dress like that."

"Peeta-"

"Ok," Peeta placed his hands on the side of her face," Be careful."

She nodded mutely before walking out of the powder room. The door closed behind her, as she walked into the foyer further. Katniss breathed out slowly, before she walked further into the main lobby. She tried not to seem affected by the behavior or appearances around her.

She kept her shoulders back and made a point to exaggerate her chest. She wasn't an expert when it came to men but she knew most were compliant when met with a pair of breasts. Katniss scanned the crowd, as she kept an eye out for Finnick.

He would most likely be on the outside of the crowd, ensuring him a visible advantage. It took her a few seconds to spot him at the back; she had to applaud his ability to blend in. She assumed it was one of the many reasons Peeta had kept him around all these years.

Katniss made her way around the crowd of which most were already highly intoxicated, she caught a few looks her way, from both sexes, but she kept her eyes forward as she willed herself to make it to the far wall without tripping over her own feet.

Finnick had seen her coming, he positioned his body against the wall, but faced the opposite end, Katniss followed suit.

She ran her fingers through her hair, as she tried to seem nonchalant," Peeta's here."

Finnick ran his fingers over the lapel of his dark suit," Yes, I know. Most the time he at least considers my opinion before he disregards it and does his own thing. But when it comes to you, he doesn't even try to placate me."

"Yes, well it's very complicated with Peeta and me."

"I don't doubt it," Finnick rubbed his knuckles over his jaw bone," Alright you need to make sure to get him somewhere quiet, that way it's easier for you to copy his coding box. Steal something like his jewelry, this way it'll be more than a couple of days before he realizes what happened, he'll just think you nicked his watch."

Katniss nodded slowly," Ok, so I need to convince him to follow a complete stranger into a dark room?"

Finnick looked over his shoulder," Use the dress, make it work for you."

"Alright."

"I'm here if you need me, otherwise I'll meet you out front in twenty minutes."

Katniss nodded as she propped up her breasts, before circling around the wall to make her way over to the bar. It wasn't difficult to notice a council member, they were usually the ones surrounded by Keepers.

She could feel her heart beat faster, but she took in a slow breath before placing her hands on the bar. She glanced to the council member to her right, he was a foot shorter than average and his bald head was reflecting the light.

She whipped her hair to the side as she bit the bottom half of her lip, while looking over to him with wide eyes. He balanced his glass in his hands as he noticed her, his eyes starting at her ankles to travel up to her lips. Katniss jutted her tongue out quickly licking her lips, before bringing her right hand up to her bottom lip, to trace her pointer finger there.

She tried to seem indifferent when in reality she felt like vomiting. She had only been comfortable having one man watch her so closely and it wasn't a short balding man. Katniss smiled as she leaned back, making her chest show clearly. Her dark hair fell down her back, as she used her left calf to push her skirt up her right leg further.

She batted her eyelashes at him before speaking," Hi."

The bald man leered at her suggestively," Hello," he looked around her," Are you alone?"

She shrugged," I was," she began to swing her right leg," but I'm not anymore. Am I?"

He shook his head," No, you're not."

She turned her seat to the side, as she leaned over, her fingers reaching out to his hand as he set his glass down.

"Why don't we go and not be alone together."

The man nodded before stepping down from the stool, Katniss waited for him to take her hand before stepping down herself. He began to lead her to the far side of the room, where curtains were used as partitions. He stopped them mid way, as he turned to the Keepers waving them off.

Katniss held in a sigh of relief, she knew she could handle to idiot beside her, but Keepers were another issue, especially if she was unarmed. They walked through the curtains, to a small room with a single velvet couch.

The man pulled the curtains together, while Katniss sat on the couch. He walked over to her slowly before sitting down beside her, patting his lap. She giggled, before swinging her leg over his own. She slides her hands behind his neck as he roamed her bare legs.

He opened his mouth to speak and she almost vomited from the smell of alcohol," Tell me what does a woman like you want with a man of my standing."

She threw her head back, before leaning toward him, their lips inches apart," Well you have to have something I want," he closed his eyes as she back up," and believe me it's not between your legs."

His eyes flew open as she pinched the nerves at his neck, causing him to pass out instantly. Katniss sighed as she crawled off of his lap, and reached into the band of her panties pulling out the encoder device.

She reached into his pocket, as he leaned back snoring. She rolled her eyes as she placed his coding box to her device. The lights flashed quickly before the box released, signifying the process was finished. She slipped it back under the dress, before taking his ring encrusted with precious jewels.

She leaned over giving him a light slap to the face.

"Thanks, sweetie. It was good for me too."

Footsteps outside alerted her to the Keepers presence, she ran through the back curtain as she came to a concrete wall. She followed it out near the exit, where more Keepers were waiting, before they were notified to rush inside the building.

She assumed they had found her handy work, Katniss knew she had to get out of the building before it was locked down. She hung to the wall, as a group of Keepers ran past. She took a deep breath before rounding the corner in a sprint; she looked behind her as she ran.

She wasn't ready for the brunt force she felt, almost knocking her over. A pair of hands latched onto her and she tried to raise her hands to break free, when Peeta's blue eyes met hers.

"You ok?"

She breathed relief as small smile appeared on her lips," Yes," she rose her brow," I thought you were meeting us at the rendezvous?"

Peeta looked her up and down," And miss you in that dress? Never."

Katniss let out a short laugh before Peeta dragged her behind him as they finally exited out the building using the service quarters. She held onto him, until they were safely out of the city. Her feet were beginning to swell, and the latch from the dress was digging into her skin. She pulled the top up, before her breasts spilled out.

"Why did you come Peeta? It was too dangerous."

He stopped walking and turned toward her," I couldn't let you go in there alone."

"I wasn't alone, Finnick was there."

"It's not the same and you know it!"

"How?"

"Because Finnick isn't in love with you!"

"And you are?"

Peeta stepped toward her as he pushed a strand of hair behind her ear," It's always been you. I needed to be there."

Katniss ducked her head as his hand lingered at her cheek," It's never going to be simple with us, is it?"

Peeta shook his head," No, I don't think so."

Katniss nodded as she looked up," How much did you want to hurt the council member when I was flirting with him?"

Peeta shook his head as she tried not to laugh," A lot."

009C.

Daria

The silk dress against my skin sickens me more than the stiff material of the code uniforms. I almost have to laugh at the thought of my wishing for the awful clothing I've had to endure for the last few years. I push my hair back behind my ears, while I slid the sandals off and on my feet.

There isn't much to do in the courtesan quarters, and I keep worrying about the younger girls back at the barracks. Giggling from the other side of room, grabs my attention as well as my annoyance as I look behind me to find a few of the older girls talking behind their hands.

I'm not paranoid in thinking their talking about me; it was quite the scandal when I was forced to stay in the courtesan quarters a day ago. Most of them keep a good distance from me, which is more than agreeable for both parties.

I'm seen as a cautionary tale for the newly appointed courtesans, the way I defy the Elective is popular scandal. None of the others can fathom why I would rather live day by day in poverty with the codes from the camp, than live in luxury while I wait to be auctioned off to the next pervert with a proclivity for young girls.

Also my actions from when I first arrived to the camp is well known by most, not most female codes have stricken Head Keeper Thread and lived to tell about it. I would assume most would see this admirable but courtesans sharing the room with me see it as merely idiotic.

I stand up with a sigh, the scent of perfume is nauseating as I walk pass them to the hallway. Their snickering increases as I make it to the door, my hand is on the knob when I hear the ringleader call my name. I reluctantly turn around, her bright red hair is spilling around her face in curls, and I fight back the urge to rush up to her and tear every strand from her swelled head. She sneers at me before opening her mouth to speak.

"We're all very glad to have an orphan trash like you sharing our space. Maybe next time you could just do as you're told and stay at the designated functions."

I want to strike back, to inform her of how mistaken she is, because if anyone is trash it would without a doubt be her. However I only nod, before turning back to the door opening it, as the laughter fills the room. I shut the door behind me before leaning my head against it.

I can feel the tears falling down my face, as I push the dampness from my cheeks. I ball my hands in fists, as I dig my nails into my palms. I sigh before pushing myself off from the door to walk down the brightly decorated corridor.

The sandals almost slip of my feet as I briskly walk past the courtesan quarters, needing to be somewhere quiet where I can let myself think. I walk for a while, but I don't realize where I am until I see him standing a few feet in front of me. I look around recognizing the competitor quarters; I turn my attention back to him as he continues to watch me.

I'm furious with him, but I also want for him to take me in his arms. His hair is brushed back, causing his face to be clear from his bangs, which only allows his blue eyes to shine even more. I can feel myself beginning to sink further into his stare, before I shake my head and turn back toward the courtesan quarters.

I make it only a few inches before I can feel a tight grip on my bare arm. His fingers are warm and tender on my skin and I close my eyes for a few seconds relishing in the sensation before I turn toward him. I can imagine how angry I look, but he's unflinching, the resolute clear on his face.

"Let go of me, Brenton!"

He shakes his head, causing a few pieces of bangs to fall around his face," No. Not until you talk to me."

I try to pull from him but he pulls me closer," You let me know how you feel about me very clear."

His eyes fell shortly before finding mine again," Please just talk to me."

I drop my gaze," What are you doing at the competitor quarters anyway?"

"I could ask you the same?"

"I came from the courtesan quarters. I have to stay there from now on; it's punishment for leaving the party early. Apparently my company was missed by council man Crane."

He nodded," Same with me. They want to keep a closer eye on me."

I pull away again, this time freeing myself," Which is why you and I shouldn't be seen together."

Brenton lets out a frustrated growl as he latches onto my arm again, pulling me forward. I try to plant my feet firmly to the ground but he's stronger than I am, however I still try to fight him off for a couple of seconds before I cede.

He stops at a door, which I assume are his quarters and I can feel the panic rising in my gut. I'm not accurate if it's from the fear of someone seeing us together or the possibility of not being able to control myself if we're alone. He turns the knob quickly before opening the door and dragging me through. I pull from his grasp when we're finally inside as he closes the door

. I take in my surroundings; it's out of habit, as I observe the room. It's larger than the training area, and the ceiling reaches high as dark blue curtains hang over the barred windows. It's a bit more toned down than the Capitol but not by much. I can feel him watching me, as I turn toward him.

He's standing still with a pained expression. I can feel my anger ebbing which only infuriates me more.

I cross my arms over my chest, as I begin to tap my foot impatiently," You wanted to talk. So talk."

He takes in a deep breath as he advances towards me," I shouldn't have reacted that way. It wasn't fair. And leaving you there with those people was wrong, I should taken you with me so I could have-"

I drop my arms to my side, as I seethed with anger," Protected me?"

He nods slowly, his voice is soft and gentle," Yes."

He continues to walk towards me, as I begin to close the gap," I don't need you, Brenton Mellark! I don't need your concerns or your kisses! I was fine before you came here!," he's feet from me as he watches me closely," I was fine with being closed off and then you had to come and make me feel for you!," he places his hands at my arms as I try to push him off, but he keeps steady," I started to open up, and I hate myself for letting you effect me so much. I can't be who I am; I can't live in this world and be vulnerable, because I won't survive."

I don't fight him off as he pulls me into him; I press my cheek hard against his chest as his fingers tangle in my hair. My body begins to shake as the crying takes over, but he only holds on tighter. I bury my hands in between our two bodies, my hands balling the material of his shirt in my fists.

I use him as a lifeline while I'm lost in the tears. Brenton leans down placing his lips to the top of my head.

His voice is so quiet I almost don't hear him over my crying," When I saw you there, all I felt was grief. Not because of you, but because I felt… I feel you're the only good thing that has come from all of this. And when I saw you there waiting to be abused by some stranger, all I could think of was how the Capitol took you too. I've lost everything to it, my father, my freedom, my freewill, and I felt losing you was the worst."

I breath in him slowly as I choke back the tears," But they don't have me, not like you. And that's why it hurts worse with you."

He strokes the hair down my back and I can feel his finger tips graze the bare skin there," I know."

"I fought back at first, when I came here. I fought and fought, until my body was broken and I pushed back even more until one day I was just too tired."

"Why didn't you live in the courtesan quarters willingly?"

I shrug in his arms," I think it's like you and your name. I held back something from them, something I kept for myself. My own small act of defiance."

Brenton pulls away from me, I start to question him until I can feel his hands on my raw cheeks pulling my face up to meet his," Daria, I can't promise you I'll never disappoint you again, but I can promise you'll always have me."

I shake my head," You can't promise something like that."

He smiles faintly at me, "Yes I can," his right thumb begins to stroke my cheek, as he stares into my eyes," I never wanted to be the cause of your pain. And I do want to protect you."

I can't control the tears spilling from my eyes now, his hands are warm on my face and I lean into his touch.

"I'm just so tired."

I can see the tears beginning to fill his own eyes, as he nods leading me to the bed at the other side of the room. His hands leave my face as he slides his hands down my arms, as he walks backwards, never breaking our stare. My hands fold perfectly into his, and I feel safe and calm.

Brenton backs onto the bed as I follow him, the bed spread is soft and inviting. He lets go of my hands to lay on his side as I back up into his chest. He takes my hands in his as I fold into his body. I begin to cry even more as soon as my cheek lands on his forearm, I can hear him consoling me from behind and in this moment I'm acutely aware of how much I love him, and this frightens me.

009D.

Brenton

The corridor of the competitor quarters is surprisingly quiet as I walk toward the training area. I'm aware my paranoia has heightened but it seems eerily suspicious. I take in a deep breath trying to clear my mind, knowing that having convoluted theories about a conspiracy against me will do nothing but certainly get me killed.

My hands graze my t-shirt, and I can't help but think of Daria. She had laid there in my arms for nearly two hours before she had fallen asleep, I couldn't stop watching her. It's odd to be in a place like this where your very identity is stripped away and to still feel absolutely whole by another person.

After she had fallen asleep I continued to run my fingers through her hair, and the thought of loving this girl felt more real than anything I've ever felt. To have such strong feelings for another person frightens me, I needed some space, some time to think, because if I don't survive the arena, I'll just be another person who leaves her, and I don't want to break my promise.

I decided piercing a few dummies through the heart with arrows would help me. When I reach the doors, I'm acutely aware of the presence of another person. I mentally scold myself for not bringing a weapon, especially since Serkan and his cronies are still out for my head.

I turn slowly, my fists at the ready, when I see his lanky form coming towards me. He seems just as surprised to see me before he smirks, and I have to roll my eyes.

Carr holds his arms out," Well look who is, The Boy on Fire!"

"It's the whelp from the laundry room."

He lets out a laugh as he places his hand over his chest feigning pain," Ouch," he walks up to me pointing his finger at me," You know you're getting better, someday you may just be almost as clever as me."

"I can only hope."

He nods as he smiles," Yes. Yes you can."

I reach for the door when something strikes me, I turn back to him," What are you doing here, Carr?"

He almost seems caught off guard before he recovers," Oh, I was just dropping off some linen."

"Don't you have the younger codes do your dirty work for you?"

He nods," Yes, usually but not when the delivery is to the courtesan quarters. They think I'm funny."

"Speaking of courtesan-"

He sighs as he becomes serious," Did she tell you?"

"I saw her at a party."

"You know Daria is the most genuine person I know. She's put through hell, and she never complains."

"I know, Carr."

I open the doors to the training area, before I walk over the threshold waving him in. He finally complies, as he walks in behind me closing the doors. I almost have to scoff at his wide eyed fascination with the room. Carr walks to the center of the room; his head leaned back as he looks to the skylight. He places his hands on his sides, as he looks to me.

"Holy shit!"

I laugh a little," I know."

"Maybe Peeta Mellark should have been my father, and you could have been the one waking up at three in the morning to work the fields."

I sit down on the bench against the wall as Carr joins me," Fields? You were a farmer?"

He tilts his head," Well, the son of a farmer. But yes, my family owned the last remaining district citizen piece of free land. It was simple, but it was my life."

"Where's your family now?"

He leans his head back against the wall," They're waiting for me. I'll find them when I leave this place. What about your family?"

"Well I would think everyone would know by now."

"I didn't ask about the shit Snow pushes down everyone throats. I asked about your family."

I try to smile, but it falters," I grew up with just my mother. We moved around a lot, I never knew why, until now. But things were always good, she took care of me. It wasn't until a few years back I found out the man I thought was my father wasn't, and instead I'm the son of a man who left us."

Carr leans over, placing his hands in each other," I wouldn't try to understand why things were done. The real issue is that you need to either come to the conclusion that your father left you and that he's a good man, or not. But it's something you need to work through."

"How do you even know if my father is a good man?"

"I think anyone who is selfless enough to give up his own happiness to help others is a good man."

I breathe in slowly before looking to Carr," Does this mean we're kind of friends?"

He sits up," I guess so," he holds his hands up," but don't think it's an invitation for you to hug me or anything."

I laugh loudly as I nod," Alright, no hugs."

"No offense you're just not my type."

We both begin to laugh, until there's silence. I'm starting believe there might be more for me than surviving.

009E.

Brenton

My anxieties are beginning to rise as I make my way to Master Heavensbee's office. As he was helping me into my arena outfit, Cinna had informed me of Plutarch's request to see me before games began again. I had silently nodded, as he helped me strap the armor to my chest.

I move my hand over the mockingjay pin above my heart; it gives me a sense of security, if such a thing is attainable. After I had said goodbye to Carr, and he made his way back up to the camp. I went back to my quarters, assuming I would find Daria still asleep.

However the room was empty, the bed spread had been straightened and I debated going to the courtesan quarters to find her. The thought of her having to go to the Capitol caused panic to rise within me, but I told myself she most likely had to get back before she rose suspicions.

So, I sat in my room for almost an hour until Haymitch came in to tell me it was time to prepare. His eyes were more vacant than before, and he didn't smell of his usual combination of liquor and vomit. He led me to Cinna's in silence and his behavior worried me.

Haymitch gave me a sharp nod before he muttered something about luck, as he walked back the other way.

The heavy doors to Plutarch's office are wide open, which rises my curiosity. I walk up to the threshold as I stick my head through, my body still firmly in the hall.

I spot him sitting in one of the velvet chairs set in front of his desk. His back is hunched, unlike his usual stature, which causes my anxiety to rise even more. I walk through without an invitation, and proceed to stand in front of him. I keep my voice low and quiet, as he cradles his face in his hand.

"Sir, I was told you wanted to see me."

He almost jumps out of his seat which startles me in return; I approach him as I would a wounded animal. His face relaxes a bit when he notices it's me, but the bruise marring his face gets my attention. He waves me to sit in the chair beside him and I comply.

His complete demeanor is one of a broken man, and I'm afraid to question the cause. When he doesn't speak to me for the longest time, I initiate the conversation.

"Sir, what happened to your face?"

He seems almost confused by my question, when he remembers the bruise, his hand going to where it lies.

"Oh yes," his face falls as he places his hands in his lap," You shouldn't concern yourself with such things, when you have much more immediate concerns."

"You wanted to see me?"

"Yes," he turns in his seat towards me," There are things that have been set in motion, most before you were even born. And I'm afraid they're about to come to head."

I shake my head," I'm not following."

He nods quickly almost as if he's rushed," I know. And it's not fair for a child of your age to be placed in such a position, and I take full responsibility for my part."

I furrow my brow," Sir?"

"I saw no other way, the war had been going on for so long, and both sides were equally balanced. I needed something to tip the scales, something that people could latch onto… a purpose," he's rambling now and I stay silent as he works through his own words," The people of the districts needed a reason to rebel, they needed a face to connect with the resistance. Peeta's image had been marred by the Capitol and Snow through all of the propaganda. We needed someone seen as innocent, a warrior to carry us through," I feel sick as his words begin to make sense to me," We needed a child, someone who was carrying on the Mellark blood line."

I nod slowly," You brought me here, that's why you were at the gate when I arrived, and why I had access to most of the grounds. Haymitch's tapes, my grandfather's mocking jay pin, it was all what to make me more sympathetic to the crowd? How long had you been watching me?"

"I did this all for the greater good."

I'm furious as I jump out of my seat," The greater good? How could you have been sure Snow wouldn't have killed me the first second after he knew who my father was?"

"Because he needs you. He wants to make an example of you, but every time you come back stronger. I had to end this war for my friend. I knew of the kill order on your father's family, but I was too late to stop it, and by the time I arrived in District 12, your father had already escaped."

"Why would you tell me all of this, when you could have kept it from me?"

"I needed you to know how close you are, how close we all are. There's already been revolting in some of the lower districts. They're inspired by the Boy on Fire."

"I never wanted people to die because of me."

He stands up next to me, his suit wrinkled and torn," Snow knows of my deception, he's going to make an example of me."

"You work with my father don't you?"

"Yes,and I've seen him and your mother."

"My mother?"

"Yes. They need you to hold on a little longer."

"Plutarch we both know the reality of me getting out of the camp alive is slim."

He places his hands on my arms," Brenton do you know why Snow is so terrified of you," I shake my head silently as he goes on," Because you embody everything he can't afford. You give hope, and you're a decent brave young man, and he can't risk losing control over the country, and you're the one person who can jeopardize everything he's ever worked for."

"What am I supposed to do? I'm only one person?"

"You fight until you're not able to. It's the best any of us can do."

009F.

Brenton

There's no procession this time, as I'm pushed into the stall from before, my bow hangs from the wall beside me, and I slip it over my head along with the quiver. The arrows knock from side to side as I adjust the strap, and I take in a deep breath as the door begins to open, revealing the presence of a Keeper.

He keeps his eyes on me as he waves me forward, I slip pass him walking up to the doors which lead to the arena. The silence is troubling, the air still without the deafening shouts of the crowd. I close my eyes picturing the arena in my mind; I try to piece every detail together hoping it'll give me some kind of advantage.

The Keeper places his pointer finger to his ear, as he receives information from the other end of the device. I close my eyes, as I move my hand over to my heart where the pin lies. I give myself a few minutes of panic before I open my eyes, and will myself to be brave. The doors begin to open, and the stench of blood and dirt hits me.

I try to breath from out of my mouth; the Keeper pushes me through with the barrel of his rifle. My feet miss a few steps before I right myself, I look up but see the same sky from before, but I know I'm being watched. My mind goes to the condition that I found Plutarch in and I'm automatically worried about Daria, and the others.

I mentally shake myself to concentrate, I need to be focused because if I'm accurate about anything, I'm willing to believe this time around it'll be more challenging for me. The sound of the announcers voice almost makes me flinch when it fills the arena.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Brenton Mellark, The Boy on Fire!"

I can imagine the cheers from the crowd as well as the negative reactions. My hand goes behind me to pull my bow over my head, my fingers wrap around the riser as my fist finds its place around the grip. I'm prepared for anything as I survey the area around me.

The ground around me begins to shake as other competitors come up from the ground, the sand and dirt separating from the metal landings. I reach back into my quiver, pulling an arrow free, finally securing it at the nock. I keep my arms relaxed and the bow and arrow pointed downward.

I'm once again in the middle of the circle and I curse my luck as well as my stupidity to be so predictable. The announcer's voice once again fills the air, and I can't help my annoyance.

"Let the Vanquisher Games begin!"

Most of the competitors don't waste any time attacking each other but I know I may have a better advantage if I can somehow get to higher ground. I search around midst the slaughter, I spot a few landings where the bricks jut out from the wall.

I assume I can pull myself up enough to use it as an advantage point. I take a deep breath before I run through the crowd of the other competitors, while I keep my body close to the ground weaving through. I look up and see a rather large male career coming towards me with a raised mace, I stand up to my full height gaining my stance as I pull back the bowstring, the arrow resting at my finger tips. I count the seconds as he finally steps into range, releasing the arrow allowing it to find its home in his throat at the jugular.

I reach back into the quiver, depositing another arrow at the nock before running to the wall. I make it to the wall without injury but the shuffling of sand alerts me to another presence. I turn around to find a lean muscular boy armed with an array of throwing knives, I swallow hard as he sends one my way, but I reflect it with the recurve.

The arrow falls to the sand sinking into the ground, I quickly hunched down as I blindly search for it. I suppose I can reach back into my quiver but I don't want to waste anymore arrows than I have to.

The boy is running towards me and I have to give up my search, begrudgingly I stand up and hold my bow by the upper and lower limb, using it as a shield and weapon.

He launches another blade at me, I shift the bow to block but I miss and it buries into the meat of my upper bicep. I don't have enough time to concentrate on my pain before he's feet from me, his arm raised with a serrated blade raised.

I grit through the pain as I knock the blade from his hand with my bow, the action not stopping there as the bow makes contact with his jaw bone. I throw my bow down to the ground as I shift my body and plant my feet, my fist making contact with his temple.

His head whips to the side but he recovers quickly to reciprocate, as the force of his punch is heavy and felt. I'm knocked dizzy, which gives him the opportunity to grab me by the throat; he's stronger than I would have assumed. His fingers crush at my throat as he uses his other hand to reach for another blade.

This one is curved slightly at the tip, and he grins as he aims for my gut. I stomp down at his knee cap, a crushing sound being heard before I collide my fist with his wrist, causing him to release my throat.

He loosens his grip on the blade, which gives me enough opportunity to hit the body of the handle with the heel of my hand to make it fly into the air.

I reach out, catching it firmly as I quickly force the blade up under his jaw to plant itself up into his brain. He sputters blood onto my face before falling to the ground, his body in a heap. I let out a strangled cough as I pull the blade from my arm, the blood running down my bare skin.

I reach down for my bow picking it up quickly even though I'm losing most of the grip in my right hand the side where my wound lies.

I slip the bow over my head and proceed to climb up the wall as blood travels down my side. I almost lose my handle, as the blood and sweat make my grip slippery.

I scream through the pain of pulling myself up the last few inches until I reach the small landing. There's barely enough time for me to hunch down, but I make it due.

I use the back of my hand to wipe the sweat and the competitor's blood from my face. I survey the arena as I reach into my quiver to place an arrow at the nock, my hand is beginning to become numb, and I try to pose myself accordingly.

Most of the competitors have already ridded themselves of each other, though at least ten remain. I quickly release my arrow, causing it to find its home in another's throat before I take down another competitor the same way.

I'm busy trying to find another arrow when I hit with the sensation of falling. My body hurls through the air and I hit the ground hard, the air in my lungs escaping. A career I remember from before is standing over me, after my head clears I come to the conclusion he must have climbed up halfway to pull me down. He's dark skinned with braided hair, and he has about a hundred pounds on me.

I roll onto my stomach scrambling for my bow, the knees of my black pants are torn and I can feel the sand and gravel tear into the flesh there. My arm is now fully covered in blood from my wound and the salt from the sand and my sweat stings.

I make it to my bow but his foot comes down to it, breaking it in half. I don't have enough time to morn until he does the same to my right hand, stepping down on fingers. I hear the crunching and breaking before I feel it.

A guttural cry escapes my lips, and I feel almost helpless for a few seconds, before I use my good hand to reach into my waist and pull out my own blade, planting it in his thigh. He lets out his own cries, but it gives me enough time to scramble to my feet.

I'm on shaky legs as I make my way to one of the many dead bodies, I reach down into the palm of the corpse and pull free the sword there. I have to use my non- dominate hand as my right one is almost useless now and hangs at my side.

I turn towards where the larger competitor had been, but I'm more than startled when he's inches from me and easily knocks the sword from my grasp. I utter a sharp curse before he rears back and kicks me in the gut sending me backwards.

I land over the corpse who I had taken the weapon from, I quickly roll off, the sand and blood making a solid material on the right side of my body. My broken fingers are painful and I try to push the senses out of my mind. I can feel my pulse race, as I hunch over my knees firmly planted in the ground, I can feel the quiver still at my back and I pray that there's at least an arrow left, since I've lost all of my blades after being thrown to the ground so many times.

I reach behind me, my fingers roaming the container when I finally feel one. I pull it out and jump to my feet, but not without wavering for a few seconds. He steps over the corpse as I step back, the arrow raised, if I'm going to die I'm going to go down with a fight.

He's advancing on me, and I begin to see everything flash before my eyes. But most of all I see Daria, and I feel sick for breaking my promise to her. I hope she's not watching right now, but I assume it's mandatory. The larger boy is inches from me, I rear back to try to plant the arrow in his neck but he easily knocks it from me.

He reaches at my armor and picks me up like a rag doll. My feet leave the ground and I tuck my fingers into my palms and strike the heels of my hands to his temples, he's disoriented enough as I dig my nails into the flesh behind hid ears to plant my thumbs into his eyes, animalistic cries escape his lips as saliva runs down his chin.

I keep pressing until blood begins to spill; he drops me abruptly as he tends to his eyes. I land hard on my back, halfway landing on my already broken fingers. I let out my own cries, as I look up and see the sword he now wields. He must have searched for it while I had the air knocked out of me; I begin to rear my legs back, hoping to take his knees out before he has the opportunity strike, when a blade slides across his neck.

More blood escapes his lips as he drops the sword, his hands gong to his throat. I have to roll out of the way before he falls onto me, his heavy body causing the ground to shake as it hits down.

I grab the sword ready to attack from my back, when a familiar face gives me a slight smile before extending his hand to me.

My surprise isn't hidden, my eyes wide," Carr?"

He grabs me by the wrist, trying to miss my wounded fingers," Hey, buddy. How's it going with you?"

I have to laugh at his nonchalant behavior," Oh, nothing just trying not to die."

"Sounds fun."

I shake my head," It isn't."

"Yeah."

I look around us and I can spot a few other competitors on the far end, there's plenty of movement and I half way hope they kill each other off so I can at least get out of here with one working hand. I look to Carr, who still holds the blade in his hand. He has a wound to the chest, and a deep cut to the side of his face. He's checking our surroundings also, and I have to question his presence.

"What are you doing here?"

"I guess the council members thought that you competitors needed some more code goodies to play with," he motions across to a similar cage from before," They slaughtered most of us but I was able to get through and then I saw that big fucker beating the shit out of you, so I thought I'd save you."

I raise an eyebrow," You fought off careers?"

Annoyance and hurt comes over him," Hey just because I work in the laundry room doesn't, it doesn't make me a pussy. I can hold my own."

I nod toward the corpse of the large competitor," Clearly."

He gives me a toothy grin, as he slaps my on my good side," What do you say we get this over with? Are you good, because if you're not, I can just do it on my own-"

"Screw that," I nod through intense pain," I'm good."

"Ok. But I hate to say it; you may have to use the right hand. Because you suck at using the left hand."

"So, what now you're an expert on combat?"

"You know I love it when you get all sassy."

I roll my eyes at him as we run over to where the last two careers, are slicing their way through the last remaining codes. I mentally note to myself to watch for the ground to begin to open.

Carr makes it to the crowd before me, as he pushes the few young codes out of the way to slide his blade against the face of the career. I run up behind the career burying the sword in his back, blood spilling out around my feet as I slide the blade out, the pain from my arm and fingers is almost blinding, and I push the pain away.

I can drown myself in the pain after I'm out of the arena. When the sword is finally free, I glance to the far side where Carr has gathered the remaining crying children. I can hear movement behind me, and I spin around and thrust my sword without thinking.

The careers eyes are wide as the blade is hilt deep into his gut, although I wasn't quick enough as I scream out from their own blade sinking into my wounded shoulder. I use my foot to push his body from sword so that I can remove the blade from my body.

The blade slips out as his body falls in a heap, and I fall to my knees. I feel sick and I can't help the bile that rises up my throat to mix in with the sand. I stand up and wipe the bile from my mouth with the back of my hand.

A loud gong much like the one from before goes off, and I look over to Carr who joins me. I look up to where the crowd is, it's almost pandemonium as the Capitol citizens cheer, and I can hear the mantra roaring through the arena.

"Boy on Fire! Boy on Fire!"

I wait for the announcer to sound over the arena, but I begin to worry when I look up and I can see Keepers surrounding the arena from above. Carr's looking toward the codes; I assume he's not seeing what I am as he begins to walk toward the crying children. AS if on cue each Keeper positions their weapons to the arena.

My voice is raw from my bruised throat," Oh, no."

Carr doesn't have enough time to react to my statement before the Keepers fire freely into the crowd of children. Their bodies begin to riddle with bullets as the force of the assault throws them around easily. Carr makes a move but I hold him back, the pain in my right side unbearable.

"Carr, no! It's too late!"

"We can't just stand here!"

"I'm sorry, but they're gone."

He begins to open his mouth, as I watch as if in slow motion as the bullet tears through his chest to exit out his back, I try to catch him before he falls to the ground. I look ahead and I see Thread string back at me, tipping his gun to me as he smiles. I drop to the ground moving Carr's body onto my lap, as I try to push my hands onto his wound.

The blood rushes out and I can't even make out the shape of my own hands. The tears begin to fall down my face, and I grit my teeth trying to stop my own sobbing as Carr's eyes well up.

"I'm sorry, Carr."

"Don't- don't let them-them- break you," he reaches up to grab my good shoulder," Your father would be proud of you."

I can't stop the tears as his hand drops to his stomach, and the light goes out of his eyes as the remaining tears fall down his face. I drop my head, my body wracking with tears, I ball his bloody clothing in my hands as I lean my head back, facing up to the sky.

I release a guttural scream which forces the arena quiet, the doors to the arena open. I face forward and reach for the sword, all I feel us rage and grief. I stand up gripping onto the handle, I must look like a madman, and almost inhuman covered in blood and sweat, my eyes dark and menacing.

I leave Carr's body on the floor of the arena as I stalk toward the crowd of Keepers. They point their rifles at me but I proceed to advance, I can hear them warn me off but it's almost as if their voices are far off. One of the Keepers fires off a warning shot, but I'm too far off to feel fear now.

It's not until a bullet buries itself into my leg that I drop the sword, my body falling to the ground. I'm picked up by a couple of Keepers who take each side of me, as I struggle against their grasp.

I'm screaming until my lungs burn, my body pulling at each side. They almost lose their grasp more than once as I'm taken out of the arena and through the doors.

My body is slick from the blood and wounds and I wish to be laid down in a pool of it to end the pain. I hate myself for being so naïve to think I could beat Snow and the Capitol at their game. I'm nothing but an idiotic child who lucked out to be the son of a resistance leader, nothing more.

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