Sorry it took me so long to post again.

Chapter 2: Gale to the Rescue

"The Guide says there is an art to flying," said Ford, "or rather a knack. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss." – Douglas Adams, Life, the Universe, and Everything

"So you have Katniss Everdeen to deal with," said Finnick leaning against the wall in the break room. He worked with Peeta on many case to compensate for Haymitch's condition and could be a complete pain in the ass sometimes. The innuendoes never ended with that guy.

"Something like that," said Peeta pouring a cup of coffee. Katniss had left a message on his work line early that morning saying she had to speak with him right away. Peeta did not know what it was about, and he did not care. She was going out of her way to see him.

"Are you going to confess you've had a serious hard on for her since you met?" asked Finnick.

"Don't be so crass," said Peeta taking a sip of his coffee. It tasted terrible. Worse than yesterday. Why couldn't the FBI invest in at least mediocre coffee? "And I do not. She's someone I helped a long time ago. It was no big deal."

"It was to you," said Finnick.

Finnick might not be the most mature person, but he was wicked good at his job. Finnick could read people. He had a sixth sense about who lied and lead the interrogation in a direction that exposed that. Plus, people always wanted to share their secrets with Finnick. They told him things they had never shared with anyone before. Especially women. Peeta would bet his bottom dollar that Finnick had dirt on everyone in the city.

Do you want me to work my usual charm or are you going to wait for Haymitch to stumble in?" asked Finnick.

"I think I can meet with Katniss alone," said Peeta.

"Suit yourself," said Finnick with a shrug and left the room. He was probably going to hit on the new girl, Clove, with her artfully displayed assets. Peeta put down the coffee and went back to his desk. She was waiting for him.

He wondered what Katniss wanted to talk about. Maybe she had finally noticed him at last month's meeting to encourage the sharing of information between the federal and local levels. Like that would ever happen. He had seen her there sitting with Gale and Madge. Maybe she wanted to ask him a question only an FBI agent could answer. He could be her contact. Then they could get to know each other better. Stop it. You can't think about that while she's near. Peeta was almost to his desk when he noticed someone else was sitting her with her. That was strange.

"Hello," said Peeta taking a seat behind his desk. "What can I do for you?"

"Good morning," said Katniss her eyes darting around the office filled with cubicles. The words came out raspy. She cleared her throat. "This is my sister Primrose."

Peeta turned his gaze to the other woman who sat beside Katniss. She had blonde hair and baby blue eyes. She must be Katniss' younger sister because she looked like she was still in high school.

"It's nice to meet you," said Peeta reaching over the desk and shaking her hand.

"You too, Special Agent Mellark," she said.

"You can call me Peeta."

"You can call me Prim."

"Show him Prim," instructed Katniss. She would not meet Peeta's eyes.

Prim pulled out a small note in a plastic bag. Peeta opened the bag and used his pen to fish out the note and let it fall open.

Hush a bye Primrose; you have my love,

My eyes have seen beauty from above,

Forsake me and my love shall be no more,

But thy heart I will keep forevermore.

The Hunger Killer had picked his next victim.

"It's a good thing you came straight to me," said Peeta to Prim. "We've never had someone come in this early before."

Prim nodded, but she still looked scared. Katniss looked like she would collapse from fear.

"You should expect two more letters," continued Peeta speaking to both of them. He decided to not ask Katniss how she knew he was working this case. "This letter is your first chance in the killer's mind to show your devotion to him. Only I'm guessing you have no idea who it is."

"I've been trying to figure it out," said Prim shaking her head. "I really have no idea. The letter came on Sunday night. It was waiting for me in my dorm."

"That means he probably broke in when no one was looking," said Peeta. "I'll have to check to see if your dorm has cameras in the hallway."

"I can't believe this is happening," whispered Prim.

"I know it's stressful," said Peeta. "I'm not going to lie to you. This man will try to kill you. He's done it before, and he won't stop until someone catches him."

"Am I going to die?" asked Prim twisting her fingers.

"Of course not," said Peeta. "I want to place you in protective custody right away. We'll send you somewhere safe."

"I can't do that," said Prim. "I'm in college and this is my last year."

"Prim, you can take an incomplete for the semester and start again next year," snapped Katniss. "Don't be stupid."

"I'm not stupid," said Prim. "I'm being practical. I will be just as safe at home with Mom as anywhere. We all know the Hunger Killer has left the city to find his victims. Plus, Buttercup will keep me safe."

That comment made Katniss livid.

"I can't make you go into protective custody," said Peeta quickly before Katniss started yelling at her sister. "But you are seriously mistaken if you think hiding at home will be safe."

"Couldn't the police come to our house?" asked Prim. "I don't want to leave my mother alone at a time like this. She's… sensitive."

"Prim, this isn't about Mom," said Katniss. "I'll take care of her."

"You want me to assign a police detail to your house," clarified Peeta. "That is a plausible option."

"Great," said Prim. Some of the tension left her face.

"I still recommend you going away, but this will work," said Peeta nodding. "And you can't wander off from the officers protecting you. They'll be with you day and night."

"I won't," said Prim. "I promise."

Peeta kept an eye on Katniss. He could tell she was beside herself with worry for her sister. Peeta wanted to take her hand in his. He wanted to tell her everything would be alright, but he stopped himself.

"We've never had this good of a lead," said Peeta instead. "Every other victim has shown up after the third letter arrives. And that was if she even told the police. You were right to come immediately."

Katniss nodded absently standing up. Prim stood with her.

"Thank you so much, Special Agent Mellark," said Prim. "I have complete faith in you.

He turned to look at Katniss, but he noticed she was unsteady on her feet. Her eyes were unfocused. She was going to faint. Peeta caught her right before her head hit the desk and gently laid her down the rest of the way.

Prim shrieked. Peeta knew he should be panicking too, but he could only think about how peaceful Katniss looked.

"Prim?" came a voice. "What are you doing here?"

"Gale," she said. "Katniss passed out."

Gale Hawthorne hurrying over to them. He lifted Katniss in one fluid motion. "I'm taking you two home."

And just like that Katniss was gone. Peeta was out of the picture since Gale had swooped in to save the day.

This was not how he imagined his first real conversation with Katniss in two years going at all.

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