Runaway With Me

by AULOVE

Imagine for a moment Katniss had to say "Run Away With Me," to Peeta. Snow is upset at the berries and when Katniss learns about it she has a choice to make…and there is talk of rebellion in the districts all because a girl loved a boy so much she didn't want to live out of the arena without him. AU characters are a little OCC - Canon Divergent

I wrote this story as a Valentine's for my friends it's a fluffy story rated T for some

Imagine for a moment Katniss had to say "Run Away With Me," to Peeta. Snow is upset at the berries and when katniss learns about it she has a choice to make...and there is talk of rebellion in the districts all because a girl loved a boy so much she didn't want to live out of the arena without him. AU characters are a little OCC

"You've got to make a break for it!"

"I'm sorry what," Katniss sputtered.

Haymitch had brought her to the rooftop. She thought Haymitch was going to tell her something about Peeta. She wanted to see him and was anxious about his health. She still didn't know how he was faring. The last time she'd seen Peeta alive they'd been separated by the medics in the hovercraft. His heart had stopped beating. In the arena, Peeta had torn off his tourniquet and was bleeding out.

The decision to eat the berries was one made from pure consternation at Peeta's action. He needed to survive before he bled out.

"Is your implant not working?" Haymitch growled. He looked from side to side before lowering his voice. "Listen sweetheart. You're going to have to run away with the boy."

"Haymitch?" Katniss was confused by what Haymitch was telling her.

Haymitch rubbed his face tiredly, "I need a drink."

Katniss's heart sank to her stomach. Something wasn't right for Haymitch to be acting this way. He looked paranoid, his brow was sweaty, and his hands shook. Normally these were the signs of someone going through withdrawals, but Haymitch's breath did not smell like alcohol. His clothing lacked the familiar brewery smell. "What are you…"

"You're in danger." Haymitch shook his head then took a deep breath before speaking, "The Capitol ain't happy with the berry stunt. They think you and the boy made the Gamemakers and Snow look foolish. You and the boy you've got to run."

Katniss couldn't believe what Haymitch was telling her. He was her mentor, the person who was supposed to give her sage advice. Yet here he was telling her that they were going to have to run and hide.

"Don't look so dumbfounded kid. There have been rumblings. I've seen this before. When I won, I used the forcefield to beat my opponent and win the Games. Snow made an example of me. He had my mom and my brother killed. He even killed my girl. He took everything I had loved; even my best friend died in a mining accident."

Katniss gasped as she put it together. Her father and Haymitch were once friends. "But that was a mining accident."

"Your dad was my best friend, he wasn't supposed to be on that team that day. Everyone who died that shift was a warning to those who opposed Snow's rule that he is in control. There are more ways to keep people in line than whippings and beatings."

Katniss had no idea that Snow was capable of such things. But if he could control an arena and cause whole sections to burn at whim, he could cause a minor collapse of a mine shaft.

"I tried to stay away from your dad, but they got him. I tried to keep you safe, but I failed. Snow reaped your sister as a way to continue punishing me. And when you threatened to kill yourself with the berries in the arena I knew it was a matter of time before Snow would react. You're in danger, Sweetheart. Snow will kill everything that you care about as he did to me."

"Prim…my mother…Peeta…" the names stumbled out of her lips. Tears sprung up in her eyes, her hands shook at the news. All of the people that she cared about were in danger because of the one-half-crazed stunt she pulled to save a good soul.

"The only way I can think of keeping you safe is for you guys to run away."

"What about my sister…my mother...Peeta's brothers...his father?" Katniss stumbled with her words thinking quickly about who else the Capitol could hurt if they could run away.

"I've got it all figured out, even that kid you hang out with, the one the Capitol interviewed as your cousin."

"Gale?"

"Yeah, I've got an idea," Haymitch said. He lowered his voice, then pulling her close he said, "It'll work but you've got to trust me, sweetheart...the way you did in the arena."

Katniss nodded.

"You'll see the kid before me, tell him...he'll help you…"

"What do you mean?"

"The kid, Peeta, he's good with the cameras and stuff...you on the other hand...you've got the personality of a slug."

He was right; she wasn't good with people or the camera. Just thinking about going out on Caesar Flickerman's stage made her knees weak.

"Come on, let's go downstairs."

Her knees were still shaking as she stood on stage with Caesar. The roar of the crowd and the blinding lights didn't help. Although she'd seen the Games on television, nothing prepared her for what she had experienced. The Capitol under Snow was a frightening place. She discovered rather quickly there were no winners of the Games.

They were capable of murdering innocent people. As Katniss faced the crowd Katniss thought of the berries and of her sister, how her sweet and innocent Primrose would suffer at the hands of the government. All she wanted to do was save Primrose's life and keep Peeta alive.

The lights blinded her. The room spun. Her chest began to feel tight and she could feel her pulse skyrocketing. Katniss put her head down, she didn't want them to capture her panic.

Suddenly the cheering became wilder, and she turned her head to see him.

"Peeta," she mouthed, her heartbeat so loudly it drowned the crowds. The glaring lights no longer bothered her as tears streamed down her face. Her feet acted on their own. She raced toward him.

Peeta opened his arms and she gratefully ran into them. She trembled and cried seeking his warm lips. She nearly knocked Peeta down. He held on to his cane, bracing himself, for the force of her body. Despite him missing a leg Peeta was still that strong boy she'd survived the Games with. She was glad to see him alive. See him full of life. She pressed small kisses on his face and kissed him deeply.

The crowd cheered at her innocent reaction.

Two hands gripped her shoulders. In confusion, Katniss looked to see their mentor. Haymitch broke them up, he raised an eyebrow letting her know that was enough. Katniss felt her cheeks burn from embarrassment. She'd forgotten for a minute about the threat.

Everything from there was a blur, Peeta did most of the talking. Katniss couldn't take her eyes off of him; she looked like a besotted fool. He looked healthy, not like the starved pale boy she'd left behind in the arena. Peeta turned to her and smiled. Haymitch's words coursed through her veins, and whispered, "run away with me." It was the only way to keep him safe, the only way to ensure their loved ones were safe.

"Katniss, now that you have him, what are you going to do with him?" Caesar asked.

"I am going to put him in my pocket and keep him safe," she answered and she could see Peeta's eyes warm.

The audience awed and oohed.

When the President came out with the crowns, his snake-like eyes settled on her. Katniss sensed his calculated coldness. She'd seen this in animals that were hunters, leaders of a pack of wild beasts when they stared down an opponent, looking for a weakness. Her nerves amplified and she couldn't keep the emotions at bay. The president looked surprised when he saw the unshed tears in her eyes. Peeta squeezed her hand as a solitary tear streaked down her cheek.

"It's okay," Peeta said in a moment of tenderness.

Katniss nodded.

The President took his handkerchief and handed it to her. It smelled of roses and a scent she knew all too well - blood.

"Thank you," she muttered, shifting her eyes to the ground.

"Keep it, as a reminder."

The President's words were an admonition that she was under the Capitol's control now. President Snow would never let her escape. Katniss clutched the handkerchief as he walked away and gave a short speech about the significance of the Games and how wonderful it was to see two young people proudly representing the Games, much the way Finnick Odair did when he became a Victor.

Katniss didn't like what the President said; his words felt ominous and as much as she wanted to stare at Haymitch, she kept her eyes forward until the ceremony was over. Soon they were released and were whisked to the presidential mansion where a banquet was being held for the sponsors of the Games.

As the night progressed, Katniss could feel the President's eyes on her. She was being carefully observed. She bravely kept a happy appearance, laughing and trying to calm the fear, anxiety, and stress of having to be perfect. She was forced to dance with one Capitol sponsor after another. She was afraid to glance at Haymitch or the President, however, her eyes kept on seeking Peeta. He couldn't dance as his mechanical leg was cumbersome to get around on. He needed to learn how to use it properly.

"That was lovely, Victor Katniss." The Gamemaker named Plutarch Hevansbee said.

"Thank you, sir," Katniss replied. She could not look the man in the face. She remembered the shock of purple hair when she shot the arrow through the apple in the pig's mouth.

"I will escort you back to your young man," Plutarch commented.

Peeta was holding court, women and men flocked to him, and they were laughing at something he was saying.

"If you excuse me, I believe I need a word with my fellow victor," Peeta said.

"Gamemake Hevansbee," Peeta greeted.

"You know I can have someone make you a better leg if you want. Something more dynamic than the one you currently have," Plutarch said.

"I couldn't…"

"No, no…it's no problem," Plutarch said.

"Thank you Gamemaker; it will be a privilege," Peeta said.

When the Game maker left, Katniss sat down but she didn't get a chance to speak to Peeta because Effie spotted her and was on the way with yet another sponsor.

Katniss smiled politely as she was introduced by Effie to her next dance partner. This man smelled of garlic and was dressed in the same shade. She laughed at jokes she didn't understand and thanked him for his support during the Games. Her feet were beginning to hurt.

When the dance ended Katniss was grateful to be rid of the pungent man. She searched for Peeta but found Effie heading to her with another man and sighed.

"Oh Katniss, this is going to be a treat. May I introduce you to Finnick Odair."

Katniss blinked as she recalled seeing him on the television screen. Finnick was the youngest Victor in the Hunger Games history. He was much taller in person than on the screen back home. He was athletic looking with bronzed gleaming skin, a smooth smile, and sparkling teeth. He looked like a Capitol advert, and Katniss instantly disliked him.

"How does it feel to be the new darling of the Capitol?" Finnick asked.

"I don't know, you tell me," she uttered through her closed teeth. Her face hurt from fake smiling.

"Now, now little kitten, put away those tiny claws," Finnick said as he maneuvered her expertly through the crowd on the dance floor.

His hands slipped lower on her back and Katniss purposefully stepped on his foot. He grinned through the pain she caused.

"I like a girl with fire," he laughed.

Finnick spun her around and she shivered as she felt that familiar snake-like gaze. They were being watched. Katniss forced a smile on her face before saying, "Preening peacocks should never get close to a fire, feathers are highly flammable."

Finnick laughed. It sounded fake to her ears. "Well we'll see, won't we," Finnick winked at her, and brought her back to Peeta.

Those gathered started whispering as if sensing Katniss's dislike even though she smiled placidly at Finnick Odair. Katniss was relieved when Finnick brought her back to Peeta.

"Are you okay?" Peeta took her hand.

Katniss nodded, though she still had to speak to Peeta about the conversation she had had with Haymitch. She couldn't talk to Peeta, not now. Not in the middle of the presidential mansion. She desperately wanted to get him alone. "Do you want me to get you a plate of food...something to drink?"

"Sure," Peeta answered.

"Okay, what do you want?"

"Anything, but no sweet compote."

Katniss grinned at his joke. In the arena, she'd given him mashed-up berries with the sleep syrup to get him to go to sleep so that she could go to get his medicine. "Hardy-har-har."

Leaving him, she meandered to the table with food. She selected a few different rolls of bread she had never seen before, hot cocoa, and some tender cuts of meat. Katniss was looking for some vegetables to add to their plate when she spotted Finnick by the broccoli. Finnick grinned and started her way, but Katniss was spared when Effie stepped in between them.

"Oh good. I am glad you have some food for Peeta," Effie said. "Every time I was going to get him something to eat I was stopped to be congratulated." She pulled Katniss along with her, but Katniss saw the briefest annoyance in Finnick's eyes before it was covered up by that trademark mischievous glint of his. "We have to get back to the training center."

"Is it okay if we take this with us?" Katniss asked unsure.

"Of course, a doggy bag," Effie said. With a wave of her hand, an Avox came forward. "Please, for the ride home." They left as soon as the Avox came back with the bag of food.

Once Katniss was lying in bed in the privacy of her room, she found she could not sleep. Katniss tossed and turned.

There was a slight knock at her door. Katniss opened it and was relieved to see Peeta.

"I wanted to thank you for the food…" Peeta said. He rubbed the back of his neck.

"I was going to bring it to you but Effie found me. Was it alright?"

"The different types of bread were interesting…" He opened his mouth then closed it, before doing it again.

"You know when Prim can't sleep she just climbs into bed with me."

"Really."

"Yup. If you can't sleep…. I wouldn't mind…I don't even smell that bad anymore…"

Peet laughed. "As opposed to me, who smells like the Capitol?"

Katniss sniffed the air and wrinkled her nose. "I think I can tolerate this. Now if you were to smell like that stew…"

"Hmm, I think I found a chink in the armor of Katniss Everdeen."

Katniss couldn't help but smile goofily at Peeta, as he moved past her and settled on the bed. She locked the door and then climbed in next to him. Peeta took her hand in his. A combination of his scent and the nearness of his warmth lulled her into a restful state, and her eyes slowly closed. When she opened them next it was to find Haymitch staring at her with a pointed look.

"Where's Peeta?"

"With Portia getting some therapy for his leg. You've got one more interview before we head back to our district."

The look on his face asked if she had spoken to Peeta. Katniss lowered her lashes to indicate no. It felt as if she was deliberately being kept away from him. Haymitch huffed, "Come on, I've let you sleep too long."

Katniss nodded. Within moments Cinna and her Prep team entered to get her ready. As they worked, her shoulders became taught as she thought of having yet another interview with Caesar Flickerman.

"Now remember," Effie said as she escorted Katniss to the interview studio. "Smile, you are a Victor."

Katniss couldn't smile; her nerves were getting the best of her. When she arrived she saw Peeta and the tension in her shoulders melted away. He was sitting on a loveseat. It was odd to see the two-seater sofa, but then again, this was the first year the Capitol had two Victors. They were known as the star-crossed lovers. After last night and the warning by Snow, how he followed every move she made, Katniss knew she had to be careful.

Sitting down, Katniss smiled and relaxed next to Peeta. Caesar Flickerman glided into the room and after a few pleasantries, he began the interview. Katniss found she was on edge and was grateful when Peeta did most of the talking. Until Caesar addresses her, "Katniss, when did you realize you were falling for Peeta?"

Katniss lowered her lashes and shyly glanced at Peeta, though on the inside she was panicked. She couldn't answer the question. She didn't know if she loved Peeta. She didn't know what she felt for him, but she knew he was important. She knew for sure if he died she wouldn't have made it out of that arena. Even now as she sat on the sofa next to him she was afraid of losing him.

"Was it when you called out his name when you heard the announcement?'

She was grateful for Caesar's response, "Yes."

"I didn't hear the announcement," Peeta added. "Though I'm glad she did."

Katniss was brought back to that instant when she was grieving Rue's death. She relived Rue dying and the way the arrow embedded itself in Marvel's chest. When the special announcement about the two winners was broadcast, she called out his name and then became afraid she'd given away her location. After she'd recovered she ran to the river to where Rue said he was hiding.

Katniss glanced into his intense blue eyes. Peeta put his arm around her and then took her hands; he could feel the way her hands shook. "He risked his life to save mine."

"You needed to live, to win…"

"No," the thought of anyone sacrificing themselves for her was so scary. Katniss wasn't sure what to do about Peeta's willingness to die for her. Katniss always prided herself in being the protector and the provider for her family. Despite this, she hadn't felt safe since her father died. Only Peeta caused Katniss to feel safe in the middle of the Hunger Games. Overwhelmed with unidentified emotions she called his name, "Peeta…"

He cupped her face and kissed her tenderly. Her hands grasped his shoulder as his sweet kiss left her breathless.

When he pulled away, Caesar Flickerman was beside himself. Half of the people in the room were sighing. Their impromptu kiss was deemed the perfect ending for the interview.

With the interview over, they were escorted to the train. In part, Katniss was relieved to be leaving the Capitol and Snow's ever-present snake-like eyes. Nonetheless, it was also worrying, she hadn't found time to speak to Peeta about Haymitch's warning.

They were once more surrounded by stylists and other people who were accompanying them home. She couldn't speak to him. She felt like a caged animal. Peeta glanced at her. When the train made an emergency stop Katniss leaped out of the train needing the fresh air.

Katniss sat on the track, her mind in turmoil.

"What's going on Katniss?"

She looked up to see Peeta standing by her.

Katniss saw a dandelion. It reminded her of the hope that evolved from his sacrifice to give her bread.

"You've been acting weird since our last interview."

Peeta was smart; she knew he could piece things together quickly. "The capital is mad at us," the words tumbled from her mouth like rocks falling off the side of a cliff.

Peeta frowned. "Why?"

"It's the berries."

"Why would the Capitol be mad at us for the sleeping syrup you mixed in with the berries?"

She got up and began pacing. "It wasn't those berries, it was the nightlock berries. The President looked at me with fury during the ceremony. He was mad, Peeta."

"Why would he be mad...unless...it was all faked…"

She blinked rapidly, "No."

"No…everything you did was faked or no…everything was real?"

Her heart pounded. Her words were dry up like a riverbank where the water stopped flowing. She opened and closed her mouth several times. It came down to Caesar's question. "Peeta."

"The truth, Katniss, tell me the truth, have you been using me?" He took her hands, they were warm and gentle.

"No," she shook her head violently. But then she couldn't lie to him either, she wasn't a good liar. "Maybe in the beginning. I knew I had to pretend and they were watching us all of the time." As she spoke she could see the pain and hurt on his face.

He dropped her hand, but she quickly grasped his hand and embraced him.

"Let go of me." He was angry, his voice was a growl and he was stiff.

"No, I can't lose you, please."

Hearing her torn confession his body lost its tension. She glanced up into his face, but she couldn't read him.

"Katniss…" Peeta questioned.

"I…if you'd died in that arena I wouldn't have made it out. I wouldn't be alive. I'd be half alive looking for a way to end the pain." Katniss wanted to kiss him but she refrained because she needed to tell him the truth. She stepped away needing space, though she kept his hand. "In the beginning, it was all fake. I was trying to get us out, but now I can't lose you. I'm scared Peeta."

Peeta took her other hand.

"President Snow can hurt you and our families. They did it to Haymitch, he told me to tell you right before we were reunited." She gently squeezed his hand to remind him how important he was to her.

Peeta sighed. "Why doesn't Haymitch talk to me?"

"I don't know, but every time I tried to bring it up, we've been surrounded."

"And last night?"

"I was so scared and just so glad to have you there. I think Snow was listening to our conversations in the training center. And Effie doesn't leave us alone."

He shook his head and gave her a grin, "It's only a matter of time before she comes out here looking for us." His face changed, "Is there anything else I should know?"

"Will you run away with me?"

He stared at her open-mouthed.

It was ironic she was asking him this. Gale had asked her the very same question the day of the Reaping and she gave him a resounding no. "Haymitch said he would help our families."

"Are you sure?" Peeta touched her face. His was filled with concern.

"I trust him." Katniss drifted closer to Peeta.

"Okay, If you trust him, I'll run away with you," Peet whispered as his hot breath fanned her lip.

Her lashes closed and his lips brushed hers twice before he kissed her. Her heart rate increased. Just like that kiss in the cave that made her feel hungry she once more felt that hunger. Katniss kissed him; she didn't understand the source of this ravenous need. Or why the warmth came from her chest and spread out to the ends of her being. He tasted of home and so many other good attributes.

"Children!" Effie scolded.

They broke apart, unable to face Effie.

"I told you they were out here," Haymitch said, coming out from behind Effie's shadow. Her heels were stacked as high as her wig. "Effie go inside."

"They are children, they shouldn't be behaving in such a way," Effie harrumphed as she stomped away, her wig swaying as she did.

The sight of Effie leaving caused them to giggle.

Haymitch gave them an expectant look.

"Sorry Haymitch, it's not as if we're going to leave. We just wanted to talk."

Haymitch raised an eyebrow, he gave them the barest of nods. He growled, "Get your butts back inside of the train."

Katniss spent the rest of her time with Peeta, instinctively not wanting to let go of him. Perhaps her reason for staying close to Peeta was because he was her boy with the bread. Maybe it was because he saved her so long ago and she was still subconsciously trying to repay that debt. Or it could be simply that she was afraid of letting go of him. She did not want to go through the trauma of having him ripped from her side immediately after the Games.

Sometime after dinner when they were seated on the sofa, Katniss fell asleep. She fell into a dreamless sleep, but as the night wore on she dreamt of muttations, dead children, and blood. She woke up sweating, a scream on her lips. Sitting up she glanced around the room. Sometime during the night, she was brought to her bedroom. She was alone in the darkened room, the sound of the train as it moved along the tracks the only sound. Tears fell from her eyes as she sat in her empty bed.

There were so many deaths, Rue died because she couldn't get to her on time. Gale was wrong, killing a human being was not like killing an animal. She could still see the look of surprise on Marvel's face as he registered the pain of the arrow embedded in his neck. The way his eyes dimmed as life left his body. Her hands shook, her tongue felt heavy, and her heart palpitated rapidly. She took large even breaths until she calmed the fear coursing through her body.

Getting up, she splashed water on her face, deciding she needed a walk. When she stepped out of her compartment she saw Peeta doing the same. Katniss recalled the nights in the cave and how secure and warm she was with him. Their eyes met and wordlessly she beckoned him. Peeta walked across the hallway and let him into her room.

They held the other tightly under the blankets.

"Are you going to," she pointed to his leg.

"You want to see it?"

She nodded.

He sighed and began to roll up his pants. It was a foreign-looking metal and plastic that whooshed air as he moved his foot. "Can you take it off?"

"Yeah." Peeta nodded and he pressed two buttons on either side and it slipped off.

She carefully set it on the side of the bed. Before slipping in beside him. They laid down like when they were in the cave, her head pressed against his heart, his hand hovering over the small of her back. During the Hunger Games, she and Peeta became impossibly close. They slept in the same sleeping bag, and she had grown accustomed to falling asleep to the sound of his heartbeat. She felt safe in his arms, even in his weekend state. Logically Peeta wouldn't have been able to defend her if Cato or Thresh found them. Yet there was something unexplainable about being wrapped up in Peeta's arms.

Katniss relished the way he held her protectively, the way his large hand would gently rub her back. The way he whispered comforting words to her even though he was feverish. Katniss hadn't felt so protected since her father passed away. Peeta was important to her, but Katniss couldn't pinpoint what she felt. All she knew was that she didn't want to lose her boy with the bread. She quietly sighed as his cinnamon and dill scent wrapped around her, and within moments she was asleep.

The sound of screeching steel woke her up.

"PEETA," she cried as she was thrown from the bed. Glass shattered around her. She felt warm familiar arms wrapping themselves around her. Peeta had the foresight to wrap them up in a thick blanket. She closed her eyes as their bodies rolled as the train derailed. They landed on the mattress, the blanket fell haphazardly on top of them.

She looked up to see he had cuts on his forehead. "You're bleeding!"

"It's okay-I'm okay," he said. "Are you okay?"

"My ankle feels funny," she said as she tried moving her ankle.

Peeta moved the blanket a little and Katniss could see hanging wires and sparks around them. They heard metal tearing before a bright light flooded the room. Katniss could hear the unmistakable sound of the mechanical claw being lowered from a hovercraft. During the games, they used the claw to remove the dead bodies of the Tributes from the Arena. She wrapped her legs and arms around Peeta. This time she was determined to hold on to him.

"Hold on," Peeta shouted, holding on to her as they were lifted in the air.

All Katniss could do was hold onto Peeta, her eyes shut tightly as the air changed the moment they were inside the belly of the hovercraft. They were gently deposited onto the cold metal floor.

Disoriented Katniss closed her eyes as she held onto Peeta. She felt a pinch on the side of her arm. She blacked out. When she opened her eyes again, she wasn't with Peeta. She looked to a bed near hers and screamed as she saw the scarred burnt body of a boy with blond hair in a dome. Two people were dressed in white hazmat suits wheeling the body away.

"Peeta," she screamed.

"Over here," Peeta said from across the room.

Hearing his voice, Katniss turned to see him on a bed across the room. He was sitting up with a white bandage on his forehead. Standing on wobbly legs Katniss ran to him and climbed on his lap and touched his face making sure she wasn't losing her mind. The pain in her ankle was forgotten. Tears slipped from her eyes.

"I'm okay," Peeta said, pulling her hands away from his face.

It took her several seconds to see he was fine.

"Katniss," Peeta whispered. The door of the room slid open.

Turning around she found a puzzled-looking Finnick Odair. "You!"

She lunged at Finnick. Her fingers reached his cheek, he looked surprised by her attack. But as she reached to cause further damage, she was pulled back. As she opened her mouth to insult the District Four Victor she felt the pricking of a needle before everything became blank.

Katniss woke, her eyes adjusted to the dim lights that surrounded her.

"Peeta," she whispered, looking around at the interior.

This time she was alone in the room again. The medical beds were empty. She could feel the sharp pinch of the IV needle in her arm. Getting up she winced when her foot hit the ground. "PEETA," she called in a strangled whisper. The needle in her arm poked her as she bent over in pain.

The door slid open as Katniss snuck out of the room.

Her guard was up not knowing who or whom she could trust as she moved around the hovercraft. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Peeta. She stood up incorrectly and pain radiated from her ankle up to her stomach. "Peeta."

He caught her, "What are you doing out of the medic bed?"

"We have to get out of here," she whispered.

Peeta gently carried her. "Trust me."

Those two words caused her mania to quiet. She had said those words to him in the arena. "What's going on?"

He gently placed her on the bed. "The rebels, they're taking us to a safe location where Snow can't touch us. They are going to do the same for our families."

Katniss grasped his shirt. "What if it's a trick?"

"Katniss," Peeta said as he got in the bed next to her. "They had a spare leg for me." He pushed up his pajama bottom to show her his leg.

Katniss looked down and it finally dawned on her that Peeta was calm and had carried her back to the bed. His mechanical leg had been left on the wreckage.

Peeta looked so real, her adrenaline slowed down and everything around her began to grow hazy. This had to be some sort of dream or hallucination. She was on the train or even perhaps back in the Capitol in that cold room. "Please don't leave me."

"l won't," Peeta said.

Her body was trembling and she sought out Peeta's warmth.

"Let's try to get some sleep." He settled them so that her head was on top of his chest, just like they were in the cave. She could hear the rumbling sound of his voice as he spoke, "Finnick tells me we have quite a ways to go. We're going to be off the map. He said they were placing us on an island. Mags, his mentor, is living there already."

Katniss wasn't sure if this was a dream, though her vision tunneled and the gentle beating of Peeta's heart and the way he held her protectively caused that safe feeling she had in the Games. Soon she was sleeping a dreamless sleep, one without the death of Rue, or Cato's screams as he was being mauled by the mutts.

She dreamt of a field and children laughing and singing. She dreamt of sweet honey and dandelions. Katniss woke up to a strange but familiar sound. She'd heard it once before when she was younger. Her father had taken her to the lake, and Katniss marveled at the sound of swishing water as it pushed up against the shore.

The sound was magnified and soothing. The room was filled with light and it was warm. "Peeta?"

This time she did not have a needle inside her arm. She was in a house, the window was open, the bed was soft and she could hear laughter. Sitting up she found a note.

"I am in the kitchen-Peeta."

Her heart rate slowed but she wasn't sure if this was real. She pinched herself, "Ow!"

Getting up she gingerly put her foot on the ground. Her ankle didn't hurt like before, but it was wrapped up. The door swung open and Peeta walked in with a tray. "You're up."

"Where are we?"

"We're on an island hundreds of miles away from Panem."

"Won't the Capitol find us?"

"No, there's a force field around the island. It sends out a jamming frequency that makes us invisible to Snow."

It came back to her then the conversation Haymitch had with her before she was interviewed. "The train crashed."

"That was part of the plan."

"They had two bodies that were badly burnt to replace ours. You woke up as they were transporting my er…twin."

That made sense, her memories were chaotic. "What about our families? Haymitch said he was going to take care of them?" Speaking of Haymitch she wondered if Haymitch was alive. "What about Haymitch and Effie and Cinna?"

"Finnick said he and Effie are alright. Portia didn't make it and Cinna was badly injured."

"Finnick, you trust that…"

"Yes I do," Peeta said, cutting her off. "He promised he would bring our family and friends."

Katniss was still not convinced and in her mind, this was another type of arena, cruel punishment set up by Snow to quietly dispose of them. "What do we do? What if this is a trap, something created by Snow?"

"I don't think it is. Mags, Finnick's mentor, is here. She's pretty old. Why would Snow send her here? He would send Enobaria or Brutus to kill us, or even a squadron of Peacekeepers." Peeta's logic was sound. "Finnick said he brought her here to keep her away from the Capitol. He and some of the Victors are planning a rebellion."

"A rebellion," the word felt heavy on Katniss's lips as she spoke it out loud. Rebellion was a forbidden word, anything could be considered rebellious to the Capitol. Her hunting, for example, and the songs her father sang were considered rebellious and punishable by death. Using the berries to deny them a Victor was unforgivable. Katniss could recall the cold hatred in the President's snake-like eyes.

"Finnick is trying to figure out a way to bring the woman he loves here too. Finnick and a few of the Victors are rebels, there are even Gamemakers who are looking for ways to stop the Games."

Katniss was dubious about what Peta was telling her. There was a knock on the door, Katniss eyed the butter knife. She could use it to defend them if necessary. She hid the knife in the bed sheets.

Finnick walked into the room. "I have to be going but take care of Mags. I figured with you two here she'll be fine."

Katniss watched Finnick's every move after all he was a deadly killer in his Games.

"I understand you don't trust me. I wasn't forthcoming at the party but I had a role to play. This might not be what you wanted but this was the best solution for both of you. Running away while in your district wasn't an option. Even though, given your abilities, I'm sure you both could have made it far. But Snow would have found you both."

"How…" Katniss began to ask but Finnick put his hand up.

"We've tried it before. The two who volunteered were caught by Peacekeepers in District Eleven. They were made into Avoxes. Snow can reach you anywhere within Panem. You're thousands of miles away from everyone you care about, but at least you guys are safe." He turned to leave but stopped. "I thought your story was all made up for the Games. Seeing you both in the hovercraft, it's real, isn't it?"

Katniss felt her cheeks become inflamed.

Peeta took her hand.

She glanced at Peeta and things didn't seem so scary. "How do I know our families will be safe?"

"I promise," Finnick said. "We're working on a plan to slowly get them out."

He left and Katniss sat back on the bed.

"Well, what do you think?" Peeta asked once Finnick was gone.

"I don't know what to expect Peeta; how are we supposed to live and eat?"

"Finnick left you a quiver of arrows and a bow so that you can hunt for food. I've got enough supplies here to make bread and other food for us. Plus Finnick said Mags knows how to fish."

At the sound of the other woman's name, Katniss frowned. "Who is this Mags?"

Just as she asked, an elderly woman with feathery white hair and a gentle smile came into the bedroom. She smiled and pointed to Katniss's ankle. She held a bag of ice in her hand.

"Mags can't talk anymore; she's had a stroke. She's like a mother figure to Finnick," Peeta explained.

Katniss watched Mags put the bag with ice on her ankle, it was cold and she took a cloth and wrapped it around her injured ankle. Mags smiled and touched Katniss' cheek.

Mag's put her thumb on her chin. Then swiped her fingers across her face, from the dominant side to the non-dominant side, until all of her four fingers join the thumb in front of the chin area.

"She said you're beautiful," Peeta translated.

Katniss couldn't help but smile at the older Victor. "Thank you, Mags."

Mags removed a small container from her pockets. She made several signs for Peeta to smear the slave on her ankle.

"I will," Peeta said. "Thank you, Mags."

Mags bowed and smiled at Katniss before leaving the room.

"See, we're going to be okay," Peeta assured. "Now shut up and eat your pears."

Katniss gave him a swift look recalling when she'd told him that in the Arena. Peeta winked at her, handing her a bowl of sliced pears.

After they ate breakfast, Peeta brought her to the sofa. It was her first real look at where they were staying. The house was unlike any she'd seen before. There were massive windows that gave a stunning view of a path and then a sandy beach in the background. Behind her was another window revealing a deep forest. The furniture was comfortable but made of wood she'd never seen before. The house had high ceilings and an airy feeling, unlike the modern opulence of the Capitol.

"This house is built to withstand storms, flooding, earthquakes, flying trees, and…" Peeta stopped; he looked angelic.

"What?" Katniss expected him to say snow squalls.

"An attack of squirrels."

She'd fallen for another one of his jokes. She grabbed a pillow and threw it at him.

He laughed, then sobered, "Look, it's just going to be us three on this island for a long time, so you're going to have to get used to my corny jokes."

"Shoot me now," Katniss grumbled.

"If I shoot you, you'd never taste my cheese buns."

"Cheese buns?" Katniss asked.

"Yep," Peeta grinned, wiggling his eyebrows at her mischievously.

"Fine," Katniss stuck her tongue out at him.

As time passed by she slowly let her guard down. She and Peeta kept a calendar, by marking a line on a piece of paper to mark time. The island was hot. Peeta couldn't spend much time outside without getting red and sunburned. Katniss got darker. Mags found a plant and made a salve to put on Peeta's skin.

Daily, Katniss worried about her family; wondering if Prim was doing well. Had Haymitch told them or did they believe she died on that train?

Their nights were filled with conversations. Katniss had nightmares, they both did, and they clung to each other and tried to comfort each other. When Peeta had a nightmare, he didn't thrash about as she did. He often became stiff and held her tighter after an ugly dream. Tonight, she was comforting him by telling him stories about her and Gale in the forest.

"So the squirrel threw a stone at him?" Peeta asked, laughing.

"Yeah that little sucker was mean," Katniss said. She loved Peeta's laughter. It was like hearing the gentle patter of rain at night or like feeling a cool breeze when she was hot and sweaty. "Gale couldn't get him…"

"I would have thought Gale was as good a shot as you are?"

"Gale takes too long setting up his shots." Katniss was sitting with her back pressed up against the headboard. Peeta was leaning on his side, his shoulders shaking as another bout of laughter overtook him.

"How many squirrels came out of the tree?"

"I don't remember, but it was a few of them." Katniss shrugged. "All I know is that Gale had to hightail it out of that section of the woods."

"Wow." Peeta wiped the tears from his eyes. "I can just picture Gale running away from squirrels."

"He does not like to speak about it at all. We never mention it…and he never goes into that spot of the forest." Katniss grinned.

Peeta settled on his back as he contained his laughter. After a bit, he took her hand and laced their fingers together. "You know I always thought Gale was a tough guy."

"He can be…he can also be hot-tempered."

"That I can believe. Even my mother is scared of him, and she's not scared of anyone."

Katniss snickered.

"What?"

"Hmmm."

Peeta let go of her hand and sat up.

"You know your mother is known as the witch."

"Yeah, I know," Peeta said.

Katniss felt her skin heat as a blush spread throughout her body. "I always pictured myself confronting her if she ever hurt you again."

"Really?"

"Yeah, I thought it would be a way to thank you for giving me that bread." Katniss couldn't help feeling shy at her confession.

"I always felt guilty about throwing the loaves. I would imagine myself handing you the bread. Starting a conversation with you, becoming your friend." He looked into her eyes. "Do you think we could be friends?"

"I thought we were."

"As horrible as the Hunger Games where they were my lucky break."

Katniss could feel the warmth radiating from the center of her soul. After this, they began taking walks on the beach, to exercise her ankle. Peeta, she discovered, was diligent about exercise. She was now able to run and jump. Mags gave her the thumbs up and Katniss was allowed to hunt.

Time seemed to slip by slowly. Mags was a dear motherly figure who taught Katniss how to make the best hooks and nets. Katniss appreciated her soft ways with Peeta who bloomed before her eyes.

Katniss wished there was someone she could speak to, who understood what was going on with her. Every day spent with Peeta was eye-opening. He was thoughtful. She watched him as he worked with Mags in the kitchen or as she taught him to fish. Peeta was gentle with her and patient in learning what each of her movements meant.

Mags caught her staring at him as he baked bread. Katniss felt like a storm was brewing within her, something was just out of reach. She clung to Peeta at night as the horrors of the Hunger Games began to feel like it was in the distant past.

Mags patted her cheeks and pushed her toward Peeta. Katniss thought she saw Mags wink at her.

One chilly wintry evening they were playing a truthful game. Mags was sitting by the fire content in watching them.

"I'm not surprised your favorite color is green. You get happy when you're in the jungle behind us."

"I like nature, it reminds me of my father." Katniss grinned. "Okay, it's your turn."

"Bring it, Everdeen." They had begun to call themselves by their last names when competing.

"What's your favorite color?"

"Orange, but not bright like Effie's hair…"

Katniss pictured Effie's hair and a bright ball of orange entered her mind and she began laughing.

"You expect me to believe your favorite color is orange like Effie's hair?" Katniss laughed.

"Not like Effie's hair," Peeta grumbled good-naturedly. "…more muted like a sunrise or sunset. What's so funny Everdeen?"

"You're the one who mentioned her hair."

"I said it was orange, but not bright like Effie's hair."

At the mention of Effie's hair, Katniss dissolved into a fit of giggles.

"Okay, okay, Everdeen…" Peeta huffed but his cheeks were tinged and he was smiling.

"Okay," Katniss nodded. "I'm ready, Mellark."

"What's one thing you love most about yourself?"

Katniss was stumped. She didn't think she was a good person. She wasn't good like Peeta or her sister. She couldn't save Rue and she'd taken a life.

"Earth to Katniss," Peeta said. "Come on, Everdeen."

Katniss blinked and looked at him.

"I lost you there," Peeta said, grabbing her hand.

"I just couldn't think of anything good about myself."

"Why?"

Katniss had no words to explain herself.

"I can list at least five things about myself?"

She furrowed her brow, at his audacious claim. "Really?"

"Yeah." Peeta lifted his hand. "I love that I am an exceptional baker. I love that I'm a phenomenal wrestler. I love my super strength. I love my great body," he winked at her and gave her a cheesy smile. "And I love that I'm good at multitasking." Peeta began to rub his belly and blink.

Katniss couldn't help but laugh at his ridiculous gestures.

"Okay fess up Everdeen. What do you love most about yourself? Is it your cute pert nose, your ability to shoot prey right through the eyes? Or is it your ability to sing?"

Katniss shook her head; a thought came to her and she grinned. "I think I'm going to choose that I love my ability to make a berry compote."

"That's a low blow, Everdeen."

Katniss stuck her tongue out at Peeta, all the while laughing. He lunged at her and she quickly got up and ran. She threw a pillow at him and it struck him directly on the chest.

"Ugh I've been struck," Peeta said, sinking to the ground. "You got me!" He threw his hand up in a dramatic fashion.

Katniss dove and took his hand.

"Are you here to finish me off, Sweetheart?"

"Yup," Katniss said and surged forward to press dozens of little kisses on his face before tickling him. He laughed until he snorted.

"You snorted!" Katniss exclaimed, laughing and falling by his side.

Mags sighed as she watched them from her corner.

"Okay," Peeta said breathlessly. "It's your turn…you better make it good!"

Katniss grinned sitting up, she grabbed one of the pillows and sat on top of it. She steepled her fingers as she thought of her next question. "What's the biggest secret you've kept from anyone?"

"I let my brother win the wrestling competition."

"I knew it!" Katniss stood up triumphantly.

"Were you watching me, Everdeen?" Peeta wiggled his eyebrows at her.

Her cheeks instantly became heated as blood rushed there. "Maybe," she said in a strangled voice, as she ungraciously plopped on the pillow she'd been sitting on.

Peeta's indelible blue eyes sparkled. "If I had known you were there I wouldn't have thrown the match."

"Liar," Katniss said.

"True, it was my brother's last tournament. He's never been able to win, he isn't agile enough."

"You sacrifice a lot for the people you care about."

"I do," Peeta said, looking at her.

Katniss's heart raced. Things between them were different. They weren't strangers anymore. The more she got to know Peeta, the more she felt drawn to him. He wasn't just a boy from her district, she needed to protect him and bring him back home safely. Peeta wasn't just someone she felt safe with. He was someone she wanted to share things with. Katniss wanted to open up to Peeta and tell him about her nightmares, and her dreams. Katniss wanted to hold Peeta's hand and never let go. "I like that about you."

"I like that about you too," Peeta said.

"I'm not that way."

"You are. You snuck into the woods, risking getting caught by Cray. If he caught you, who knows what he would have done." Peeta took her hand in his. His thumb gently brushed her knuckles. "You sold everything when your dad died to feed your family. You've sacrificed all of the stuff most girls do to devote yourself to providing for your family, like helping your mom raise your sister."

"I," Katniss said. She leaned closer to Peeta. They hadn't kissed in a long while.

"You're amazing and I'm lucky that you would want to be around me."

Katniss had no words. Peeta was the one who was amazing. He was the one who baked her fresh cheese buns in the morning. He was the one that made sure she had a cup of tea waiting for her when she came in from hunting. She moved closer to him and her eyes were drawn to his lips. She watched eagerly as he licked his lips. Just as their lips were about to touch, Mags banged the fire poker against the stones of the fireplace. The moment was lost.

One night, a few weeks later when they were snuggled into bed, Katniss turned around and looked into Peeta's eyes. "I miss my sister, and I think about her all of the time."

Peeta nodded.

"Do you miss your family?"

"I don't think my family needs me."

"What?"

"I'm not needed. I was an extra mouth for them, a burden really."

"What about your dad?"

"My family isn't like yours Katniss. I know they care about me, and I know they love me…but it's different amongst the Merchants. The firstborn gets the bakery…if he or she doesn't make it then you have another child. I sometimes think I was a mistake."

Katniss grasped his face and stared him in the eyes. "You are not a mistake," she enunciated each word. The words came tumbling out of her mouth like a torrent. Fostered by the emotions that were steadily growing for these many months. "Without you, my family would've died. Without you, I would've died in that arena. Without you, I wouldn't be me. I need you."

His eyes were filled with unshed tears. "You do?"

"I do."

"Thank you, Katniss."

He didn't need to thank her. It was she who needed to thank him. His was the one debt she could never repay. Because Peeta did so much for her. She kissed him and gently caressed his face. This was not a kiss given out of gratitude or to take away his pain. Katniss wanted to show Peeta how much she cared for him. When she moved away from him she was breathless.

"You really care about me?" He said with awe. His face was flushed and his eyes were like deep pools of water.

Katniss nodded.

Peeta sighed happily and hummed.

Katniss placed her head on top of his chest, and she listened to the sound of his heart. His warm arms wrapped tighter around her. She fell asleep this way.

Winter ended and spring brought rain. The tropical forest blossomed with many exotic plants. Katniss and Mags explored, finding many different plants that could be used in different manners. When the heat became intense, they took to the water. Mags taught Katniss to fish, and Katniss taught Peeta to swim. Peeta found a path that led to two large buildings; they were both greenhouses, but one was a hydroponic greenhouse. He spent the summer trying to learn how to grow plants in both.

As the lazy summer days slipped by, they fell into a comfortable routine. In the early mornings, Katniss would hunt for some game meat. Peeta would bake. In the afternoon, Mags and Katniss would go to the beach to fish, while Peeta headed to the greenhouses.

By the time the weather started to become cooler, Katniss had mastered how to speak to Mags. The elder lady was a delight and she reminded Katniss of her father's mother. When winter came, Katniss and Peeta found that they missed the sun.

They found themselves walking on the shore on sunny days in the afternoons. Today the sun was weak, and it was overcast, but they needed the outdoors. They were holding hands as they walked along the beach. Peeta stopped to tuck an errant hair behind her ear. "You're shivering?"

Katniss nodded.

Peeta took off his sweater and wrapped it around her shoulders. He looked down and kissed her.

"Katniss," Peeta whispered.

"Peeta," she called out looking into his eyes momentarily. His eyes were a swirl of blue hues.

"You're precious to me."

"I told you I need you, Peeta. Only you…" Katniss rose on tiptoe to kiss him back. Katniss moaned as she let loose the emotions she felt for Peeta.

Together, they sunk to the sand, kneeling and kissing. The kiss was unbridled and passionate. It felt so much stronger than the kiss in the cave. She was burning with a need so bad, she was ravenous.

"AHEM!" Someone cleared their throat and Peeta and Katniss sprung apart. There stood Finnick, grinning.

Finnick looked thinner and he had bruises on his face.

"Finnick!" Peeta said.

"Sorry to interrupt, but you have visitors," Finnick said moving to the side. Over the dune, Katniss spotted a familiar blonde.

"PRIM!" Katniss shouted.

Next to Prim stood Peeta's father.

"DAD!" Peet cried.

Instantly they were running to their families.

"Katniss!" Prim shouted and launched herself at her sister. Prim was taller and very slender. But she still had that sweet round baby face.

Peeta's father pulled him into a tight embrace.

"Oh, Katniss, I knew you weren't dead. I knew it!" Prim cried.

Katniss hugged her sister fiercely.

"Where is our mother?"

"She stayed behind…she wanted me to be safe. Things have gotten worse in Panem. The president is dying. And the country is upside down."

"I don't understand?" Katniss turned to Finnick.

"After the train wreck. People started getting really sick. Mom found out it was the tesserae. It was being poisoned. It was a plan to purge the districts. A lot of people got fed up and they rebelled. District Thirteen joined in the fight. Gale and Delly Cartwright led the districts against those who believed the Capitol's rhetoric. Madge betrayed us," Prim sighed.

"Madge?" Katniss didn't want to believe it, but she understood how easily anyone could turn into a killer. She couldn't wholeheartedly hate her former friend.

"Yeah, in one of the battles, her father was killed, and she blamed Gale. Madge and Gale had a falling out and she took her father's side. She was leading the Peacekeepers. The whole country is at war. Finnick came to get us; mother decided to stay behind. She wanted to help heal the wounded."

"We could…"

"No," Finnick said. "No, I need you to stay here. You're better off. I need you to take care of one more person for me."

"Who?" Katniss said. In the distance she saw a willowy figure standing, watching them.

"That's my Annie. We're, well, expecting. I need you to take care of her for me." Finnick gazed into Katniss' face.

"I promise."

That night as they settled in for the evening, the house didn't seem as lonely. They ate a small meal. Finnick was all smiles and he looked relieved knowing that Annie was safe. Katniss caught Finnick as he came back from the outside.

"Are you going back to fight?" Katniss asked.

"I have to," Finnick said.

"Why won't you let us…"

"Katniss. You did so much to rally the district. Your supposed death has helped us. It's best that you live in peace. I can live knowing that I've saved a handful of people. Knowing that you and Peeta are alive and well. Knowing that you'll take care of my Annie and my baby."

"Does anyone besides Haymitch, Peeta's brothers, or my mother know we're alive?"

"No, no one else. I will try to come back hopefully when this is over."

Katniss sighed and nodded. She walked to her bedroom, and Peeta too was entering the bedroom.

"How's your dad?"

"He's in shock." He rubbed his face. "What about your sister?"

"Mags is staying with her tonight. They took to each other like a bird to the air."

"I can't believe my brothers are fighting against the Capitol."

"What about your mother?"

"My mom died in a Capitol-led raid. It's why they decided to fight against the Capitol. Can you imagine Rye and Gale working together?"

"They hated each other in school," Katniss said.

"Yeah, apparently, they're giving hell to the Peacekeepers. They blew up the train lines."

"Gale always liked setting up traps." She climbed into bed and she was enveloped in his arms.

"Things in Panem have changed a lot."

"I'm in shock about Madge," Katniss said.

"I know," Peeta replied. "She was your friend in school, but it doesn't surprise me that she chose to follow the Capitol. She's the mayor's daughter and if her father died by the hand of a rebel, she would want to avenge her father."

"Who is Delly again?"

"She's my best friend back home and she always wanted me to talk to you."

"Hmm I think I like her already," Katniss whispered.

Katniss felt him take a deep breath. "Do you think that we would be together if we had gone back?"

"Yes."

"I thought you would've taken your time answering that?"

Katniss sat up and pointed between them. "This was always going to happen, Peeta. No matter if we had gone back to the district, or become slaves of the Capitol. We would have always happened."

Peeta smiled, satisfied with her question. "Okay, so tomorrow we make a plan, if Annie is pregnant she's going to need plenty of food. Thankfully Finnick brought more supplies including some livestock and seeds. So we can be self-sustaining."

"Prim is going to be able to help deliver the baby," Katniss yawned, feeling sleepy. "My sister is good at that stuff."

"Okay…"

Katniss nodded off to sleep.

Over the following five months, they cleared a plot of land to plant the crops that did well in the tropical heat. They tended to the livestock which provided milk and eggs. Katniss hunted and Peeta tended to the greenhouses with seeds Finnick had left them. He was going to be able to have a greater harvest for them, including wheat, barley, and rye.

Mags, Prim, and Annie tended to the garden. Annie fished with Mags and Katniss until she was too far along in her pregnancy. The changes in Annie's body indicated the passage of time. Growing up, Katniss had never wanted to get married or have children. Seeing Annie's hopefulness was eye-opening. They were all waiting for Finnick's firstborn. Annie was a quiet woman, but insightful. Katniss liked working side by side with her. She reminded Katniss of the way Madge used to be.

She still couldn't reconcile the shy quiet girl who Katniss shared a table with, the girl who gave Katniss her aunt's Mockingjay pin in desperation. Madge's father was the one person her friend looked up to. Madge's mother was an addict who drank or injected herself with morphling.

"How do you think the rebellion is going?" Katniss asked one evening when they couldn't sleep. Annie was having false alarms. Prim called it Braxton-Hicks. Tonight was such a night.

"To be honest, I don't know. The Capitol has a lot of power and resources the districts don't have."

"I hope that the rebellion survives."

"Snow is not a forgiving man," Peeta wrapped his arms around her.

"He will punish everyone involved. I was so scared when we were going back home on that train."

"I was scared too, knowing what you told me about Snow being mad about the berries."

Katniss shivered. "Let's get some sleep, we don't know when Annie is going to have the baby. We should make sure to be well rested."

Katniss yawned and fell asleep shortly after their brief conversation. For the next following days, Mags and Prim were constantly watching for signs. Annie was calm and serene. Having a child made her less afraid of losing Finnick. She told Katniss the baby was like having a piece of Finnick for life. Katniss had never thought of it that way.

When her father died, her own mother died too. Katniss' mother gave up on life and became a vegetable for nearly a year. Her mother did make herself an herbal supplement that helped with her balance. Seeing how her family fell to pieces forced Katniss to think that having a child, or getting married would make her weak. For years, she refused to entertain the idea of having children or getting married.

Seeing Annie's clear devotion toward Finnick and how much she loved her unborn child was forcing Katniss to see things differently. Perhaps having children wasn't that scary.

On the night that her water broke, Peeta must have baked enough bread to last two weeks. Katniss had taken to cleaning and straightening. When they heard the small wail Katniss's heart broke and she cried in Peeta's arms.

Finnick Odair the second was born at a healthy eight pounds. Holding him was a revelation to Katniss; she loved his baby scent and the way his little fist clung to her finger. Her insides squeezed in disappointment when she handed him to Prim who had to finish checking on the baby.

That night she dreamt of curly-haired blonde children with bright blue eyes calling her mommy. She loved all of them. Even sang for them. She woke up with a smile on her face, after that dream of Peeta's kids. That question of whether she wanted children did not relent. A few days later, she was up early thinking of babies and marriage.

Katniss sat with a cup of tea in her hand.

"You look like you've got a lot on your mind," Prim said, sitting in the chair next to hers.

"Shouldn't you be sleeping?"

"No, I can't sleep. I'm too hyper…" Prim shrugged. Her sister then fixed a look on Katniss. "Have you changed your mind about, you know, kids and having a partner?"

"Prim," Katniss gasped.

"Katniss I'm not twelve anymore. I'm turning 14 in two weeks."

"Wait what?" Katniss blinked. She and Peeta had lost track of time, she couldn't believe she'd been on the island for nearly two years.

"The last time you saw me I was twelve, you volunteered as Tribute for me. And then they told me you were dead in a train accident. The entire nation mourned your death. They paraded your caskets around the districts as a day of mourning for the tragic deaths of the star-crossed lovers."

Katniss opened her mouth and shut it, unsure of what to say.

"You know you don't have to be afraid," Prim said, pouring herself a cup of tea.

"I don't what?"

"You don't have to be afraid of wanting to have a life with Peeta. As far as the world knows, you both have passed away. You are living in this paradise until you can come out of hiding. And who knows if we'll be able to. The chances of us leaving are very slim."

"Prim…" Katniss began.

"Just think about it," Prim said. "I mean you'll be eighteen in a few days. We still have the rest of our lives."

"Okay."

"At least you and Peeta are a couple. Gale and Delly are so attracted to each other, but they won't take that step."

"Gale and Delly?"

"You can feel the tension when they're near each other." Prim sighed.

"Morning ladies, what are we talking about?" Peeta asked placing a chaste kiss on Katniss' cheek.

"Gale and Delly," Prim answered.

Katniss frowned. "Prim says they are attracted to each other."

"How can they be attracted to each other, they're so different?" Peeta said going to the refrigeration and pulling out some of the cinnamon rolls he made the night before.

Prim giggled. "Gale is too stubborn, all he thinks about is winning the war and Delly is so afraid of rejection."

"Poor Dells," Peeta answered.

"They work so well together," Prim said. "Delly has a way of making Gale calm down, and she takes his ideas and makes them work."

"Really." Both Katniss and Peeta said together.

"Though, you should have seen how jealous Delly became when Johanna Mason flirted with Gale. Poor Delly combusted into tears. It was tragic."

"Johanna Mason, the district seven Victor?" Katniss questioned.

"Johanna came to the district to deliver weapons, she was flirting with Gale the entire time she was in the district."

"Man, I know Dells, that must have hurt."

"Gale was flirting until he saw Thom tell Delly he thought she was cute. Gale did not appreciate Thom coming onto Delly."

Peeta whistled.

"Gale's like me, we don't like sharing what we think is ours," Katniss said.

"Oh really," Peeta said, putting a cheese bun in front of Katniss.

"Yup, I'd bite my own sister's hand for one of these," Katniss said, taking her cheese bun and biting into it.

Prim giggled once more, before saying. "I'm going to get some sleep." Standing up she winked and said, "Sis, just think about what I said."

Her sister's cryptic message stayed with her for days. They were safe; they didn't have to think about fighting or killing. Everywhere she looked, she was surrounded by life. Mags had blossomed with the arrival of the baby. Her sister's youth and exuberance spurred Katniss forward. Peeta's father Bing was smiling and had gained some color since his arrival.

"What is on your mind?" Bing asked on the evening that Peeta had surprised her and Prim with a guava-flavored cake.

"I just," Katniss began but couldn't put what she was feeling into words.

"You're good for my son," Bing said. "I've never seen him so happy."

Katniss nodded.

"You're a lot like your mother at this age."

"I am?" Katniss was surprised.

"She was in love with your father, Mark. But she was hesitant to take the chance."

"I never knew, I mean I just assumed she.."

"Rushed into the relationship with your father?"

"Yeah," Katniss sighed.

"Nope, your mother was conflicted for years. She loved your father but there was a contract between our families. I convinced her to take a stab at happiness."

Katniss looked at Peeta's father's eyes and saw the same sincerity she saw in Peeta. "I never knew. My mother…"

"Was mourning, not just the loss of your father, but also all of the years she spent foolishly deciding whether or not to marry your father." Bing's eyes turned to Peeta. "You two are meant to be together. Don't waste time worrying about the future; just be together."

Katniss nodded at the sound advice.

That night as they were laying in bed, Katniss was waiting for Peeta. He and his father were walking around the complex making sure it was secured at night. It was a chance for both men to talk in private.

"You're up late," Peeta said when he came into the room.

"I wanted to talk to you," Katniss said, bringing her legs up to her chest and wrapping her arms around them.

Peeta took off his slippers and slipped into the bed. There was a tense moment between them. The first since the entire affair began.

"I want to have a toasting with you," Katniss blurted out before she could change her mind.

Peeta's mouth hung open momentarily. "Are you proposing?"

"Yes."

"Where's my ring?" He pointed to his ring finger.

She looked at him, wondering why he mentioned a ring. Rings were something done in the district. They were done in the Capitol or District One as they discovered while at the Capitol.

After a moment, he laughed.

His happiness caused her to laugh. "I guess I'm going to have to make you one."

"Good, I want everyone to know I'm taken," he winked and then pulled her into his arms. After looking deep into Katniss' eyes, his lips descended upon hers. The kiss was so intense, Katniss knew she made the right move by asking him to toast with her.

Katniss fell asleep with a smile on her face.

The next morning Katniss made the announcement.

"This is wonderful," Annie exclaimed.

Prim squealed something unintelligent. Bing hugged them both. And Mags was clapping happily.

Plans were made for the toasting. Prim, Annie, and Mags helped Katniss make a simple gown out of fabric Finnick had brought with him.

Bing and Peeta were in charge of the food and the decorations.

Two months later everything was set. Peeta and Katniss stood before a roaring fire. Bing came to stand before them.

"In District Twelve, we use bread to signify that the marriage will be bountiful and full of love, fire to toast the bread to signify that no matter what trials they undertake, it will always be easier when done together. The couple feeds each other as a sign of the union. We wrap their hands and the bread to show the unity of the two lives and that of their families."

Bing handed them a loaf of bread. They each held an end. Bing took a white long cloth and wrapped their hands and the loaf.

"I welcome you into the family," Bing said.

Prim stood next to Bing smiling, she said. "I welcome you into the family."

Prim stood behind Peeta, and Bing stood behind Katniss.

Katniss and Peeta knelt before the fire and set to work. Together they sliced a piece of the bread, skewed it, and held it over the fire to toast it.

When done, and properly cooled, Peeta held the toasted bread to Katniss's lips, "I take thee Katniss as my wife, flesh of my flesh. You are now my family."

Katniss bit into the toast then once she was done she did the same to Peeta, "I take thee Peeta as my husband, flesh of my flesh. You are my family."

Once finished they shared a simple chaste kiss.

Both smiled and embraced.

This was a new beginning for them. That night they celebrated as man and wife.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Peeta asked.

"Yes," Katniss murmured sleepily. It was slightly awkward and yet sweet and tender. She loved Peeta more.

As the days slipped by, they survived on the island. There were some storms but they overcame them. Finnick's son had just turned three and Katniss had discovered their little family was about to grow. Soon her stomach rounded out and Prim and Annie began to make a list of the names they could possibly give to the baby.

It was a lazy summer day when Katniss noticed the hovercraft over the horizon. "PEETA!"

Peeta and his father came bounding out of the house.

"Katniss are you alright…is it the baby?"

"No, Look!" Katniss pointed to the horizon.

They watched the hovercraft land on the beach. Annie came out running with her son. They stood there waiting to see Finnick.

"My goodness!" A blonde woman shouted when she saw them. "Peeta! Katniss…"

The woman wasn't alone. Katniss saw Finnick, Gale, and two blonde men exit behind the woman. As they neared, Katniss hoped everything was fine. She didn't see her mother.

"Delly, Rye, Graham?" Peeta called. He was embraced by his brothers and Delly. Bing had joined them.

Gale was more standoffish. He nodded at Katniss. Finnick was embraced by Annie and Mags. The small boy stared up at his father.

Delly stepped up to Katniss. "I couldn't believe it when Finnick told me, but it's true you're alive and growing!"

Rye whistled at the sight of Katniss. "I'm guessing that's the newest member of our family?"

"Catnip." Gale nodded at Katniss. He then looked between Peeta and Katniss. "I thought you didn't want kids?"

"I changed my mind Gale," Katniss said.

"Is it done, the war?" Peeta asked.

"We won," Gale said.

"Not before I discovered Alma Coin was going to try to take over," Delly said.

"That woman was a snake in the grass," Graham said.

"She had her uses," Gale said.

"Of course, you'd defend her," Rye said.

"She…"

"She wanted to continue with the Hunger Games, Gale," Delly said. "She would have continued had we not stopped her."

"Dells is right Gale, it's time to learn to live in peace," Rye said.

"Will you guys come back?" Graham asked.

Katniss and Peeta shared a look. They would have to talk about this.

"Where is my mother?" Prim asked.

"With Haymitch in the Capitol. She's helping to rebuild the government," Gale responded.

That night, Gale kept on glaring at Delly and pouting. Katniss pulled him aside. They were standing outside, by the shore. "Okay Gale, what's got you madder than a beehive disturbed by a bear?"

"You and Mellark," Gale ground out.

"Are you upset that our deaths were faked?"

"No," Gale shook his head. "It's that you guys look so happy. Like you're together and I just didn't…"

"Gale I said those things when I was a scared 16-year-old girl. I'm a different person, just like you're a different person." Katniss put her hand on her belly. "I discovered while living here that I could let down my guard and let myself fall in love with Peeta. That it was okay to want more out of life and that included Peeta and a family."

"I'm guessing you're going to stay here?" Gale asked.

"That's a decision Peeta and I are going to make together. We're a team he and I…well actually we're about to become a trio."

Katniss saw Delly standing by the door. "I think you need to make some decisions about what you want for your own future."

Gale glanced toward the door, and a small smile played on his lips.

Katniss walked away from Gale and as she passed by Delly, she gave her a gentle push.

"I saw that you know," Peeta said as he wrapped a throw around her.

"I have no idea what you're talking about Mellark," Katniss said.

Peeta maneuvered her to their bedroom. "I heard what you said to Gale about making the decision together about whether or not to stay on the island."

"Would you mind if we did?"

"No this is where we came together. This is where our family got started. And this is where we'll live for the rest of our lives. Besides your sister and my brothers want to stay as well."

"What about Finnick, Annie and Mags?"

"They want to stay too," Peeta said. "I think that Finnick wants to bring a few more people to stay here."

"I'm guessing we're staying on the island." Katniss was elated about their decision.

Peeta chuckled. "Okay let's get you to bed."

"Always trying to get me into bed," she pouted.

Peeta waggled her eyebrows. "That's always my plan."

The End