Mr. Mellark watched his son on the television in the bakery, his family next to him. His other two sons and wife were watching intently, though for other reasons than Peeta's survival.

Katniss had found him, and is giving him a fair amount of romantic attention.

His boys would snort at something Peeta would say, deeming in 'sappy', and his wife sat completely still, a permanent frown on his face. He was proud of his son, though. He had managed to capture the love of his life, even if it was only for a little while. If he dies, at least he'll have that before he goes.

But he can't allow himself to think like that. Peeta will be fine. Both he and Katniss were going to get out, especially when she has access to a bow and arrows. He knew that she was beyond lethal with those. He has bought enough of her squirrels, after all.

Peeta started telling her about the day he fell for her, and Mr. Mellark's heart began to pound. Peeta always had a remarkable memory, and he was hoping to God that the boy would not bring up Katniss' mother.

He said it. The exact conversation that took place on that day.

Mr. Mellark refused to move his eyes from the television, not wanting to see the expressions of his family, especially his wife. He didn't want to think about what would happen that night when they would prepare for bed.

His mind turned back to the games, though, when he heard Katniss speak. When she kissed him this time, it seemed different than the others. More passionate, desperate. He couldn't help but feel proud of his son, despite the situation. He had also lasted much longer than Peeta's brothers had predicted.

ooo

The end was here. He watched his son climb the Cornucopia with Katniss, the District two boy already up there.

They all wrestled while keeping their footing away from the Mutts that were below them, and he felt his hands go clammy while he bit his lip almost to the point of drawing blood. This would be it. The last act, the time he would end up with either a healthy son or a wooden box.

Then the District two boy had his son in his clutches in a choke hold, Katniss holding an arrow poised to shoot. He was beyond thankful that she cared for Peeta, or else his son would be dead for sure. Still, the way Peeta's lips were turning blue was really pulling on his nerves, making small tremors move throughout his whole body.

The arrow shot through the boy's hand, and Peeta was freed. They had won.

But no, the Mutts were not killing the other boy, rather putting him through a gory misery. They dragged him under the Cornucopia, out of Katniss' shooting range.

He watched as Katniss made a tourniquet for Peeta's leg, an injury that he hadn't taken complete notice of until now. Once he was able to get a decent look in the screen, he felt his stomach drop. If they didn't find a way to kill the other boy soon, his son could die of blood loss. He mentally thanked Katniss for the help, though he was sure that if Peeta came out, it would be minus a leg. Still, better broken than dead.

After what seemed like hours, the boy was dragged back out and Katniss was able to get a shot. He felt elation, a smile on his face. He heard his other boys whoop at Peeta's victory, though no reaction from his wife. He didn't even think she cared, which would have bothered him greatly if he wasn't so filled with pride and joy for his youngest son. Peeta wouldn't just come back alive, but with the girl he had loved all his life. He was accomplishing what Mr. Mellark wasn't able to.

Then the announcer came on. His stomach dropped once again when the announcement came, and now he knew for sure his son would die. Because there was no way that boy would allow Katniss to die; he simply loved her too much.

Then there were berries. It took him a second to realize what they were, but then his mind went back to when Peeta was picking the exact same thing. They were not going to come out with one victor, but instead none.

He felt tears at the corners of his eyes when he watched them both put the berries into their mouths, his heart breaking. He knew that was the end.

Until there was another announcement.

He wasn't sure what to feel. He was happy that he would have his son back, but at what cost? Everyone knew how the Capitol handled such rebellious acts, so all he had was to hope that it will be played off as an act for love.

Only time would tell.