As always thank you so much to those you have taken an interest in this story, it means a great deal and I am forever thankful.
Thank you to SheepAmongstWolves12 for Beta-ing for me while Wildharp was on vacation. Ellen you are already one of my favorite fangirls. Love ya nerd from the other side of the pond.
Notice: There are Sexual and Violent Situations in this chapter. Please Be A Responsible Reader.
Chapter Eleven
The smell of rain had already begun to hang in the air, the wind twisting around his body as he settled into the tree behind him, and with a resounding sound the storm clouds begun to roll in announcing their presence.
He could feel the tremors run through his body as it reacted to the chill forming in the air; however his mind was detached with only a sense of loss hanging above him.
His bare feet stretched before his body, his toes burying themselves into the cold dirt below him. Blond bangs hang in front of his eyes obstructing his view of his now dirt covered feet.
His chest rose slowly in rhythm with his deep breathing, his pulse now steady, and a definite difference from before when he had felt his heart may burst from his chest.
In a peculiar way, Peeta missed the frantic intensity, yes it was off putting not to feel in control, but to be able to feel anything, and even pain was assurance that he wasn't entirely numb.
He had become accustomed to losing pieces of himself through the years, after his father had died and as a small boy he would lay by his side until he was taken from the bed, a piece had stayed by the body that had once housed his father.
Another part of him was left at the steps of the orphanage where he had seen his mother for the last time, her eyes hollow and hard as she pried the fingers of an eight year old boy from hers, turning her back on him as a house mother dragged his body inside.
Ever so slowly pieces of him were lost, but none were so great than the part of him he had left behind inside a cold cement room where he had cared for a striking young girl with piercing grey eyes and dark curls that would rush down her back and surround her face.
Peeta was certain now in this moment that he had never truly left that room, there was still a young boy with shaggy blond hair and gangly limbs that he hadn't grown into just yet, huddled in the corner; his knees drawn to his chest, waiting for the girl to come back…to save him.
However, the piece that had left the orphanage, the one that allowed itself to be sold; to be used as amusement for those with wicked intentions, the piece that suffered in blissful, ignorant, silence had sent her away.
He had driven her to the edge, forever tearing her from his life. Peeta had betrayed the young boy who wanted nothing more than to slay dragons with the girl who had the grey eyes.
He could hear the trickling of rain hit the leaves in the trees perched above his head before the beads of water slide down to the dirt, rain surrounding his body.
The fabric of his clothes had already begun to cling to his chest and legs as the rain filled the threads, the heat from his chest slightly cooled from the chill of the rain.
Tiny spots of mud appeared on his hands as the rain hit the ground, the force of the water sending wet soil onto the back of his hands below the knuckles.
Peeta raised his left hand up studying the dark spot as the brushed back the wet strands of hair from his eyes. It felt almost odd that something as insignificant as mud on his hand was interesting, but something about the pale skin covered with the wet dirt was somewhat of a metaphor for his life.
Dark spots had appeared on his soul marring the light he had as a child, when after awhile all he could feel was cold and detached, that is until he had seen her again in the alley, the pure spite she had to fight back had given him some of his strength back.
Peeta could feel the weight of the rain on his body as defeat washed over him with the water falling from the sky. A sharp sound from his left caused him to stare to the ground; a pair of muddy boots standing on top of a broken branch came into view.
Peeta intakes a quick breath before his eyes travel up her body, her clothes have begun to cling to her subtle curves, he stops at the dip between her hips and stomach before finally landing at her face.
Her hair which had been free around her shoulders once, now presses into her flushed skin, the structure of her cheek bones are even more apparent as the dark strands cling to her face.
It takes him a few more seconds before he meets her eyes, afraid of what the deep grey will hold for him, more than anything he fears indifference so much more than hate or betrayal.
The color almost swallows him whole before he makes himself study them closely, there's a fire there, Peeta assumes anger, but behind it is something more, worry perhaps.
She shifts her feet around the broken branch, her left foot kicking it to the side, out of the way of the path, before she folds her arms over her soaked chest.
Katniss keeps her lips pressed together in a tight line as she watches him, studying the broken man, his body sinking into the earth of the forest.
His skin has begun to pale underneath the chill of the rain, but it only causes his bright blue eyes to shine more, even with the abundance of pain they now hold.
Katniss takes a small step forward before the rain begins to fall harder around their bodies and the space between them. Peeta could see the rain weighing her shoulders down as she steps towards him, closing the gap between their bodies. He keeps still, watching her from his place against the tree, large drops of water fall from her hair to land at her bottom lip, causing her to dart her tongue out in reflex.
Peeta felt himself flinch slightly as Katniss lowered her body to the ground, her knees sinking into the soft earth, her hands resting just above the knee caps of her legs.
"What are you doing out here in this weather," she reached out tugging at his nearest arm," Do you want to get sick? I can't imagine many high society Capitol females that could handle a grown man vomiting on them," Katniss laughed to herself snidely," Not that they haven't had much worse on their bodies."
Peeta watched her, his body unyielding as she tugged at his arm," Everything I am, any kind of happiness I feel is wrapped up in you," Katniss' efforts stilled as she looked up into his face, as Peeta shook his head," I don't know how to feel any different. I don't know that I'd want to."
Katniss brought her hand back from his hand, her nails digging into the fabric of her slacks," Then why are you sending me away? Why are you pushing me into another man's arms?"
Peeta closed his eyes before finding hers again," All I saw was pain for you if you stayed. The best I could ever offer you was being my mistress, and even then it can carry a sentence of death. I wanted you to have the life you deserved, and brokering a union between yourself and Lord Darius was the only way I saw fit," he took in a deep breath as the rain gathered around them," But it wasn't until I saw you back at the manor that I realized my mistake. Because now I know that when you leave, you'll be taking a piece of me with you, and I'll never completely be whole again."
Katniss reaches up brushing the drops of rain from her face, her shoulders tense," I don't need you to protect me, or to push me away by saying hurtful things, and I certainly don't need you to tell me how much you care for me."
A small smile forms at his lips, as he watches her wipe the tears from her eyes," You know even when I first saw you through that grimy window in the orphanage; I knew you were something special. You were different than anything or anyone I had ever seen. You had so much fire and strength, even when all you were was big grey eyes and a mass of dark tangled hair."
Katniss pushed herself up, turning away from him," Peeta-"
He ignored her plea," I never saw anything so beautiful, and I knew that I couldn't stay away. I came back each time, trying to feel that rush that you made me feel when I first saw you. Even if it was only for a second. And then I kept going back to just catch a glimpse of a chance of a future with you, where we could be together, and I never would have guessed that I would have given it away to save my own life. I know now that I've never been strong enough for you, you were always the one with the strength."
Peeta watched her back, the slight bend of her spine suggested she was in the middle of crying before she spun around, dark hair flying in the air, her eyes bright and furious," So Peeta, what happens when you regret all of your kind words again? Am I supposed to bounce back with all the strength I'm supposed to have? Have you ever entertained the thought that perhaps I'm just better at hiding my pain than you are," her hands bury themselves in her drenched dark hair," Maybe I need you as much as you need me, but I refuse to be pulled either which way, just because you can."
He nods slowly as he uses the tree behind him to bring himself up off of the ground," I shouldn't have done what I did," she turned her body away, now only her profile was visible," After wards all I could think of was how it should have been you and me, how it always was. How it should be my sons that you bring into this world, our family."
Katniss begins to tremble as the rain falls onto her skin the flesh already risen in bumps," Peeta, please-"
Peeta could feel the ground rise up around his ankles as his feet sunk into the mud, his legs heavy from the fatigue of his emotions and the weight of the rain, Peeta closed the gap between them as he reached for her.
His hands covered with fresh rain and mud grabbed hold of her arms turning her towards him, her face now staring him down. He looked down into her eyes; red rimmed her bright grey eyes as unshed tears joined the rain rushing over her face.
Peeta breathed in slowly before speaking," I love you, Katniss," he could feel her falter in his hands as he held her up," And not just in the way that your books express, in the way where I always want to have you near or how I look forward to midday when the sun shines through the windows because it's then that I can see the light freckles on your nose. I love you in the way where I have to have you lying beside me, your dark hair covering my chest. I love you in a way where you're the only woman I want to have my children with," he could feel her knees give," I love you in a way where you're the only one I've ever wanted to slay dragons with."
Peeta barely had time to react before he saw her crane her neck up, her lips crashing into his. She tasted warm and salty, the rain washing over their bodies as they melted into each other.
The morning light filtered through the curtains casting onto her bare skin, sheen of sweat still visible, causing her body to glow. Peeta tried to memorize every curve, every dip of her structure; his hands explored her fully for what seemed to be hours.
She would keep her eyes closed, her bottom lip between her teeth as his touch elicited quiet moans and deep smiles.
His stomach was in knots as his fingers glided over the exposed skin at the curve of her breast. The chill from the rain had disappeared from her skin, now only the heat and perspiration from their latest intimate encounter remained.
Peeta grinned as she lifted her back from the mattress, his soft touches tickling her sensitive skin. Dark hair gathered around the top of her head and right shoulder, the ends tangling beneath Peeta as he held himself up with the bend of his arm.
Turned on his side he slid closer to her, as Katniss began to squirm and laugh underneath his finger tips. He watched her face closely, the lines deepening as she giggled lightly, her chest rising rapidly causing the sheet to fall beneath her breasts, exposing them fully.
Peeta's eyes traveled down her body, he was in absolute awe of her beauty. He loved how simplistic she was. There wasn't any underlining agenda or conditions, Katniss was merely to be taken as she appeared, with grace and great courage.
Peeta almost didn't notice the shift in the mattress, as Katniss scooted closer to him, her chest now pressed into his, naked skin meeting naked skin.
Peeta lowered his face to hers, his lips lightly brushing against hers, the contact sent shivers down his body and he could feel the same reaction coming from Katniss, as small tremors worked down her body, a throaty moan escaping her lips.
Katniss leaned back a few inches to speak," Do you think it's wise that we're in bed together, while Hazelle and Haymitch are down stairs?"
Peeta shrugged as his free hand, the other now trapped between their bodies, worked through her tangled hair," Why shouldn't we? We aren't hiding it anymore."
Katniss let out a small laugh," I'm sorry to say this Peeta, but I don't think we were ever able to hide it from those two," Katniss down casted her eyes, her voice steady but quiet;" besides they aren't the ones we should be careful around."
Peeta unraveled his fingers from her hair to place his hand underneath her chin, lifting it up to face him," The Capitol will never hurt you again…I promise."
A small smile formed at her lips, her eyes glistening from a few unshed tears, Peeta raised a brow, curious and concerned.
"What?"
Katniss shook her head, causing her dark hair to fall between them," Nothing. It's just that at this moment I'm reminded of how much you look like the boy I remember from the orphanage," her hand went to the stray pieces of hair that now hung in front of his blue eyes," and I've always loved the way your bangs fall into your eyes."
Peeta catches her hand as she pulls away, bringing her fingers to his forehead, causing the hair there to tangle in their joined hands," I want to be that boy for you. I was so different than I am now, I've lost my way, but I think I've found it now, and I want you to be the one traveling beside me…always."
Katniss sighs before gently pulling her hand from his, her body scooting a few inches to the other side of the bed," Peeta, it means so much to me that you would be willing to be with me, but saying so is so much different than actually being able to do it."
Peeta shakes his head, mussed blonde hair gathered around his face as he closed the gap between their bodies," Katniss these aren't words or empty promises I'm spitting into the air," his free hand goes to her flushed cheek," I want you and I to leave this place, for us to run as far as we can. I want for us to have a family someday, for you and I to share a bed as a union," he looks down to the tangled sheets at their feet before bringing his face back up to hers, tears in his eyes," You are the only good thing in my life, the only one I would throw myself on the fire for."
Katniss took in a staggering breath," And that's what scares me. I don't want you to risk yourself for me."
Peeta slid his body down a few inches before lying down on the pillow beside her, their faces now inches apart," Wouldn't you do the same for me," Peeta brushed his bottom lip against hers, his lips still on hers when he spoke," I know that you would."
Katniss pulled back enough to part their lips," Be that as it may, is it right to pull everyone else into this? You know how the Capitol operates and I don't want Hazelle or even cankerous Haymitch to be caught in the middle."
Peeta leaned forward, his forehead pressed against hers," I promise you that I will take care of everything."
Katniss sighed," But how sure are you that you can just up and leave everything and everyone you've known? This is the life you made Peeta, and yes terrible things have happened, but are you ready to leave it all behind on a whim?"
It was Peeta's turn to pull back, an inch gap between their faces," As long as I have you beside me, I will be forever content. And wanting to be with you has never been on a whim, Katniss. You are the only constant thing in my life; I've known I've wanted to be with you since we were children. Being with you is the purest decision I've ever made."
Katniss averted her eyes, her face flushed from forcing the tears away," I can't help but be fearful of what trouble such a decision will bring you."
Peeta tilted his head to the side so that he was now in her eye line," As long as it brings me you, I will be peaceful."
Katniss closed her eyes, causing a few tears to escape," What if I'm not worth it?"
Peeta sat up pulling her body with his, the sheet falling from their bare bodies," Katniss, don't you know how much you mean to me," she pressed her body into his solid chest allowing his arms to surround her," Every scar, I've had to endure, all of the pain I've felt has brought me to this place. Where I'm holding you against me in a bed that we've shared together, everything I've gone through was worth it, because you are here."
He could feel her smile into his chest, before her warm lips pressed into his bare chest, earning a peaceful sigh from Peeta.
Slowly, he could feel her beginning to relax, her body settling into his. The air in the room was warm as the sunlight graced their joined bodies. Peeta turned his head leaning his cheek onto the top of her head, the stray strands there tickling his nose and lashes.
He felt at home with her against him, the feel of her naked skin pressing into his for reassurance was intoxicating, and for the first time he felt completely whole, he was now the man he was destined to be all along.
Peeta wasn't positive of how long they had been holding each other, his eyes had closed and he assumed he had fallen into a light sleep with her still holding onto him.
Booming voices rung through the lower half of the manor traveling up to his room through the closed door, Peeta could feel Katniss stir against him, her left hand going to her face to rub the sleep away.
The volume of the commotion was only rising as Peeta laid her down beside him, her arms stretching out to the sides.
He watched her for a few seconds before he rolled off of the side his feet plating onto the wooden boards.
He looked over to Katniss who seemed to notice the noise now, her body sitting up frantically pulling the sheet over her exposed skin, dark hair risen up in every which way, as Peeta tried to suppress a laugh at how much she looked like a wild animal.
Searching the floor he found his light colored pants from the night before, Peeta bent down pulling them to his feet, and eventually up his legs and to his waist where he began to button them.
Katniss swung her own legs over the side," What do you think it is?"
Peeta worked his hands through his hair, combing his fingers through the ends," Probably just Haymitch drunk and delirious."
Katniss stood up reaching for a flannel of Peeta's, before slipping her arms through the soft material and buttoning up the front," I'm coming with you."
Peeta shook his head as he rounded the bed, closing the gap between them," No, you just stay in here," he leaned over to kiss her temple gently," it's probably nothing. I'll be back soon."
Katniss began to protest as she watched Peeta walk to the door," But what if-"
Peeta glanced behind him as he neared the door," Stay here," Katniss rolled her eyes," I mean it."
He could hear her complaints as he shut the door behind him, holding onto the frame of the door for a few seconds before booming voices from downstairs grabbed his attention.
Peeta reluctantly stood to his full height, less than willing to help Haymitch when he drank himself hysterical, but it wasn't until he heard the addition of another male voice, that Peeta took off in a run down the stair case.
His bare feet padded on the wooden boards, as he forced his legs to take him quickly. He was able to attain a view of a peacekeeper positioned at the back door, his weapon held against him tightly.
Dread rushed through Peeta as he made his way into the dining room, where the voices were clear now.
He skidded to a stop when he recognized the armed man pressing the barrel into Haymitch's chest accusingly, as Hazelle tried to keep her voice calm and steady while Haymitch seemed to irritate the man further, very much on purpose.
His voice had turned patronizing," I have no idea about any girl, but if you're unable to complete such a simple task on your own I'm sure some clueless fool could help you out."
Hazelle tried to quiet Haymitch down as the Peacekeeper narrowed his eyes, his gun pushing further into Haymitch's chest," I have specific instructions to claim the girl and bring her back to the Capitol, and not even an old drunk like you with a smart mouth will deter that."
Peeta cleared his throat announcing his arrival, his hands going to his hair nervously," Can I help you sir?"
All eyes turned to Peeta, causing him to feel instantly self-conscious, his hands going to his chest reminding him of how acutely undressed he actually was.
Haymitch rolled his eyes at Peeta's lack of dress while Hazelle looked troubled, and the Peacekeeper merely sneered.
It was then that Peeta placed the face of the man to a recent memory; a scar was now permanently marked beneath his eye, a wound that had been given to him by a defiant young woman, the same woman Peeta loved.
Peeta nodded in his direction, as the keeper closed the space between their bodies," Peacekeeper Thread, it's a pleasure to have you in my home. What can I do for you today?"
Thread looked down Peeta's body, clearly enjoying the moments to follow, before he looked back to the blonde young man," The thief you escorted away a few weeks back is being called to the Capitol."
Peeta struggled to keep his composure as his body threatened to fail him," On what business may I ask?"
Thread gripped his gun securely," Soliciting. Although I'm sure district trash like her has more than one felony against her."
The muscles in Peeta's back tensed," Well I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but she's no longer here," Peeta worked his hand through his hair turning his back to the man, a vain attempt to hide his emotions," she ran away a few days ago. I didn't see the logic in searching for her in such vast woods. I'm assuming the conditions, like weather and wild animals have already brought her to death," Peeta turned back to Thread," I'm afraid you've wasted a trip."
Thread tilted his head, causing a few strands to escape the hair grease used to hold his hair together," Is that right?"
Peeta could feel sweat form at his brow and beneath his arms," Yes."
Thread narrowed his eyes," You do know the penalty for lying don't you, Companion?"
Peeta swallowed hard meeting the man eye to eye," I believe it's death."
Thread shook his head for before breaking sight with Peeta to nod to the keeper posted at the door. Peeta began to pivot back when Thread pushed him to the adjoining wall where Haymitch and Hazelle stood.
His back burned from the contact of the wall, he could already feel superficial cuts form, the ache in his body rising, however when screaming and the sounds of things crashing to the floor erupted above, any momentary pain Peeta had been feeling was now replaced by panic and anger.
He was helpless as the sounds of footsteps could be heard coming down the stairs, Peeta forced his legs to move towards the doorway, where he could see Katniss fighting every step, her hands lashing out to her side as she fought around the rifle pressed into her, her small hands going to the keepers face.
He leaned back out of her grasp, as she struck out towards him, her legs loosing balance causing her to trip the rest of the way. Peeta couldn't help reacting, his body seizing as she flew into the air before colliding with the unrelenting ground.
Katniss heaved on the floor, clearly out of breath by the sudden impact before rolling onto her back, her dark hair fanned out around her onto the wooden boards of the first floor.
Thread approached her, stopping inches from her head, his boot stepping down onto her long dark hair, capturing her. He turned to Peeta who was now a few feet from them, deep lines of worry etched into his face.
"I thought you said she had left."
Peeta's chest tightened as his eye connected with Katniss'," I was mistaken."
Thread laughed out loud, as he observed their state of undressed," It looks like you've been more than mistaken, Companion Mellark. It looks to me you've been conducting actions unbecoming of a man in your position."
Peeta straightened his back," Any position I chose is none of your concern, Peacekeeper."
Thread nods to the other who is now standing above Katniss, her eyes panicked and almost feral now, as the keeper bends down to pick her up, Thread leaves the pressure there at her hair causing to pull; a scream comes from her mouth before he relents, and she is held firmly in the grasp of the armed man.
Katniss kicks out violently, her entire body struggling, desperate to flee from the man's grasp. Thread yells at her to calm down but it isn't until he whistles loudly to gain her attention before she opens up her eyes to see the barrel of his rifle pressed against Peeta's temple that she quiets down and stops resisting.
"Girl if you keep giving me trouble I will paint the floor with his blood."
Peeta grits his teeth pressing his forehead further into the barrel," Go ahead, shoot me! Because if you take her I swear, I will come after you!"
Katniss' legs almost give out, causing the keeper to hold her up," Peeta! No," she takes in a deep breath before standing on her own," Please I'll go with you just don't hurt anyone."
Thread nods to the other man who begins to escort Katniss out, she glances back at Peeta tears in her eyes as she walked to the door.
Pleased with his progress, Thread pulls his gun from Peeta, turning to proceed out the door, positive no threat against him exists. Katniss now walks beside the younger Peacekeeper, her hand reaching out to the door for leverage, when she hears the sound of rushing footsteps behind her, the breath catching in her throat.
Thread turns when she does his gun aimed to fire, Peeta charging with abandonment, when out of nowhere a fist collides with the side of his temple sending him hard to the ground and unconscious.
Haymitch still has his fist poised when he looks to Thread," No more problems here, keeper. He's just a foolish boy."
Threads nods before pushing Katniss forward but not before she can give him a quick nod of gratitude, before her eyes drift over to the body lying on the floor, his limbs sprawled out around his form.
She tried to imprint the structure of his face into her mind, the way his strong jaw blended into his cheek bones. Before long she could still feel his strong arms around her body, the way his hands would roam her body discovering every curve every inch. Time was standing still as she lived in her memories, it was difficult to decipher the past from the future, until a strong tug at the end of her hair brought her head back forcibly, and with that she is dragged from the only home she's known and the man she had planned to spend the rest of her life with.
She had expected the smell to be the same that she had experienced living in the tunnels, but the surprising lack of odor troubled her. It wasn't as if she missed smelling the rancid decay, but at least it signified that something had existed, instead of apparent absence.
This only reminded her of how they were erased here, not even the stench of her death would be remembered. Her head lulled back once more against the cold stone, her shoulders hunching over once more, as her hair fell to her face.
It was odd for her to not feel the ends of the strands catch between her arms as they crossed over her legs tucking her body into itself. She had grown accustomed to feeling the dark waves down her back, but now they barely reached below her shoulders.
Katniss was aware of how ridiculous it was to mourn such a thing as hair length, but it was only another reminder of how her fate wasn't her own.
The chill in the air is almost strangling as the lack of warmth stings the bare skin of her arms and legs, she thankful that the dampness of her hair and skin had dried before the temperature dropped.
Katniss was curious as to how a room could be so cold when there weren't any windows or vents to allow the temperature to change; she assumed it was another one of the many ways the Capitol used to break those they looked down upon.
At the very least she hoped for a window because then the sunlight could help to regulate the conditions of the room. Instead, the room was voided of any color, a dull blank canvas to seize any type of defiance and fight a person may have.
It was chilling to her how she had ended up in yet another prison, but the difference was there wouldn't be a kind boy to wrap his arms around her and protect her from her nightmares.
Katniss knew she was truly alone now, and the only thing she had to hold onto was hope, strangling hope that could be more harmful than any weapon, or even hate itself.
She had seen in the orphanage and on the street how hope could drive someone mad, the promise of insanity it held was gripping, and Katniss felt herself in its grasp.
Even the clothing she had been changed into didn't hold any sense of identity, with its white material that ran down her body ending at the ankles.
The absence of sleeves didn't help with maintaining her body temperature in the frigid room, her hands leaving her knees to rub up her biceps frantically.
She missed the warm soft fabric of Peeta's flannel, the way it hung from her body reminded her of his broad size and the way it felt when he held her against his strong body, however this only filled her with longing and then eventually grief.
The button up had been forcibly ripped from her body when she had arrived, her arms instinctively covering her bare chest, having Thread guard over her didn't ebb the feeling of dread she was feeling.
He leered at her with dark eyes, which only made the presence of his scar even more noticeable, reminding her of their last encounter, except now there wasn't Peeta there to protect her from his cruelty.
The cotton slacks she had pulled on before venturing downstairs were still on as she watched the other keeper leaving the room, leaving her alone with Thread, the top half of her body still bare and vulnerable.
Katniss could only imagine the horrible moments about to pass, but she was sure of one thing that if he tried to violate, take a piece of her that was only Peeta's, she would fight back with every ounce of strength and will she had left in her body.
It wasn't long after she heard the door shut that she felt the contact of the back of his hand landing against her cheek bone, the force alone sending her body to the floor, her arms left her chest attempting to brace her body for the fall.
However the impact was hard enough to tear a few of her nails, causing one to detach permanently, and a puddle of blood forming.
She didn't have enough time to react to the pain before she felt the weight of Thread above her, turning her over.
A deep blush rose up her body, but the embarrassment of her state of dress was outweighed by her will to fight, with fierce fists she lashed out frantically.
Thread settled down onto her stomach, momentarily taking the breath out of her, as her arms tired from hitting muscle that was stronger than what her petite form could produce.
With what seemed like a frozen moment in time the first fist came down onto her face, making contact with her nose, Katniss could feel the swelling already rising, before the second assault make its presence known to her lip and then a third and forth.
She assumed she had passed out because what felt like a whisper in time, she awoke to Thread being pulled from her body, her slacks still fastened and zipped.
It was apparent he only wanted to pay her back for the wounds she had caused him before, he had no interest in violating her sexually and she prayed for small miracles, because she knew that broken bones could heal but some wounds never would.
There was also a part of her that only wanted Peeta to be the one to know her in such a way and to have a monster like Thread understand was more sickening to her than any beating.
Her eyes had already begun to swell, and Katniss was positive she had a broken nose, she could feel someone pull her up from the ground, all of her energy had been spent on protecting herself from before, not to mention the beating had drained any strength her body had, making her compliant.
She was brought to another room where her wounds had been tended to; it wasn't until then that she realized her chest was still bare from before.
Her petite arms went to her chest, as her pants were pulled from her body causing her to fall to the ground.
The impact made her body ache due to her injuries, the material being yanked from her body by an unnamed assailant dressed in all white, her hair pinned to her head securely.
Katniss sat there shivering and completely naked, as her head was yanked back, a firm hand securing her hair, she prepared herself to feel the sharp end of a knife to her neck but instead it found itself to her hair, and with a swift movement most of her dark hair laid on the white tiled floor beside her.
It wasn't until she felt the hair tickle her fingers that she began to cry, the woman in front of her seemed unaffected by her emotions, as she tugged a white gown down and around her neck, forcing Katniss' arms through, until eventually the dress slipped down pooling around her body.
Katniss didn't have long to sit there until she was escorted down a hall and into the cold cell, her home until her death.
A sound from the other end of the hall grabbed her attention, her neck stretching out to catch a glimpse, but as soon as it started the noise stop.
Katniss assumed she had already begun to hallucinate, she had heard it could happen to those who were imprisoned and there were times in the orphanage when she wasn't sure if the feeling of the boy holding her was dream or reality.
Defeated Katniss lowered her head onto her knees, the material of the gown coarse against her bruised forehead.
The wounds on her face were throbbing as they begun to heal, and Katniss wished that the pain would subside of only for a second.
The bruising over the bridge of her nose stung as it connected with the lacerations beneath her eyes, she begun to shake as the memory of the beating cleared.
She assumed she had been unconscious for most of it, but there were still flashes of the situation that were beginning to filter through.
Katniss wanted to weep, but she decided against it remembering how the salt of her tears had stung the deep cuts on her face, but more than anything she longed for Peeta to hold her body to his to feel the warmth of his skin and his toned muscles as he kept her safe.
The sound of footsteps alerted her to someone's presence, she assumed it was Thread coming back to finish what he had been interrupted from completing, Katniss rose her head up from her legs to stare into the deep green eyes of Lord Darius.
His suit was cleanly pressed as usual, a pleasant blue color that set off the auburn of his hair, his shoulders were straight, his posture as pristine as normal, but his eyes held worry, not the normal mirth she was used to witnessing.
He stood there watching her huddled in the corner like a frightened animal or child, her fractured nails resting against the skin of her ankles. It wasn't until the glass separating them disappeared that Darius began to speak.
"It's troubling to see such a beautiful creature in such a dreary place."
Katniss smirked her head leaning to the side," Dreary? I would have chosen crippling," she stood up on shaky legs using the cold stones of the wall as leverage," How were you able to see me?"
The muscles at his jaw clinched as he watched her walk towards him shakily," I do have some influence," his eyes moved to the side and then back to her," but unfortunately not enough to free you."
Katniss shook her head," I would have never asked you to."
Darius looked back to her as she approached him, her battered body fighting to keep upright. His slender fingers reached for her, catching in her splintered strands.
Her voice was thick and low," Apparently they think that executing me would be easier if my hair was shorter," she tilted her head as his fingers touched the severed ends," but in all honesty I think they did it because they could."
He nods before drawing his hand away, as Katniss searches his face," I'm so sorry that deceived you, it wasn't right to pull you into all of this," she swallowed hard," I should have told you my involvement with Peeta."
The auburn haired man reached out touching her battered face softly before withdrawing his hand," Perhaps it wasn't my secret to know," but I do wish you could have confided in me."
Katniss breathed in deep, her bruised ribs reminding her of her wounds," Part of me wishes I could have loved you, and maybe this wouldn't be happening."
He shook his head," No you don't Katniss, but thank you for saying that."
Katniss nodded, the tears collecting in her eyes threatening to sting her cuts," Do you know they're planning on killing me?"
Darius shook his head while adverting his eyes," No, I don't but from the whispers I'm hearing it's going to be soon and public," he exhaled slow," the government wants to make an example of you and Companion Mellark."
This catches her attention, her eyes more desperate than before," Do you know what they plan to do to him?"
Darius looked at her with pain," No, I don't," he pursed his lips before speaking again," I'm sorry."
Katniss gently moved the hair from her face careful not to touch her deep bruises and cuts," Can you do something for me?"
He lifted his brow," What?"
Her eyes fell before meeting his again," I need you to watch out for Peeta. I know it's a lot to ask and I have no right-"
Darius cut her off his hand gently against her busted lower lip," I swear to it, I will."
Katniss murmured thanks against his hand, as she watched him lean into her, kissing her softly careful not to fully injure her fragile lips.
The feel of his lips were warm, noticeable different than Peeta's, as they kept their mouths closed and chaste but Katniss could still taste the salt from his tears as they joined.
He pulled back and it was over as quick as it had begun, he kissed her cheek before gently brushing the back of his fingers to her bruised face.
Darius swallowed hard before backing up, the glass wall taking its place once again," Goodbye, beautiful Katniss."
She nodded her farewell to him, before watching him make his exit, as once again she was alone. Hope once more formed around her threatening to swallow her whole, as she imagined her hero slaying the dragon and rescuing her. Katniss was more than aware of how foolish she was, but the truth was in here all she had were fantasies.
A/N: There are only two more chapters left in this story. I'm wanting to finish it soon so I can move on to my other stories so expect to see updates very soon. Please Review!