Here's chapter 2. So glad you guys like this. I have big plans!
None of the following original Hunger Games belong to myself, but to Suzanne Collins.
Enjoy & Review - EffieMockingjay xoxo

The journey home was tense to say the least. The train was sure to be bugged with cameras and listening devices. No matter how much I wanted to talk to Haymitch, for him to help me, I knew it wasn't possible.

Before boarding the train, Haymitch cornered me behind the tracks where a low row of conifers were growing. They would mostly camouflage us whilst we spoke.

A deep crease appeared on his forehead .
"Listen Peeta, no matter what you do, don't talk about the Quell or Snow or anything to anybody until I say so, okay?" He looked stern, and yet was wobbling slightly.
It wasn't even lunch and Haymitch had already had 4 liquors. I felt sorry for him, even though I barely knew him. He had no family, nobody at all. I didn't know why, and I'm not sure I wanted to know.

I nodded in response and started, "But—"

"No buts, boy," he said shaking his head, "If you don't cooperate for the Quell, it will give Snow an excuse to hurt you. That's what I did. He wanted to sell me as punishment. I also found a loophole in my game.. I found a force field, and let's say.. I used it to my advantage, like you did with those berries..", he said smirking in thought.

I had to admit, it really was a brilliant idea of mine. Those berries were there in the forest as a means to kill us, yet those small berries, not much different from ones at home were used as a weapon against Snow. A weapon. I'd torn a piece of his games away from him, and like a spoilt child, he wants it back, and wants me to suffer.

Haymitch' smirk suddenly faded, his expression turned cool and eyes grew distant. Thoughts clouded his mind. "I'm being serious now Peeta. I lost everything the day I didn't cooperate. And boy, I truly do mean everything. My parents, friends and my girl.", he looked down, and Peeta could have sworn he saw a tear escape from the corner of his mentors eye.

Haymitch looked up. His face pinched in concentration."So you listen to me, okay? I promise you, once we're home, and in a safe place, we can talk. Johanna is coming up to see you in a few weeks, she's doing her best to spy on the gamemakers for the Quell. We can tell you more then. I don't want you to end up like me Peeta. I want you to be happy."

"Thank-you Haymitch, I appreciate everything you have done for me. If not, I'd be trapped in the Capitol, and my family would be in danger", I spoke softly, truly thankful for all this weary aging man had done for me.

But I couldn't end up like him. So drunk I couldn't even remember what day it was. At least my parents and brothers are safe though right? They won't share my pain. They will be safe and sound….

"Boy, you and your family are always in danger now. Until we know more, I'd say you and your family have never been in more danger than ever in your life! Just be careful." he said, tapping the side of his nose. On that note, Haymitch pushed through the conifers that did so well to conceal us and plodded back onto the train.

I stayed sat there on the Capitol grass, hidden. It felt nice to be alone, with no-one able to see me or hear me. For the first time since I came to the Capitol, despite the forthcoming circumstances, I felt free. I laid back on the lush green grass feeling content for what seemed like forever before I heard Effie shouting in her ridiculous accent "Peeta! Hurry up! We're going to be late!" I pushed up from the ground, away from my peaceful moments of concealment and boarded the train.

We'd been on the train several hours. Effie was being her usual self, running around bossing everybody in her pink and green striped suit and that ridiculous orange wig of hers. I hated Capitol clothing with a passion.

"I can't believe I finally have won! Maybe next year I'll be moved to a higher district! How splendid would that be Peeta!" Effie gushed, clearly not thinking of anyone else but herself.

She didn't win. Nobody won. Even mine and Leila's title was 'Victors', not 'Winners', because we had truly won nothing except for pain, brutality and agonising nightmares that would last for eternity.
But this was Effie. Lovable, sweet Effie. No matter how hard I tried to hate her, I know deep, somewhere very deep, she did care for us.

"Yes Effie, maybe, if you're lucky!", I said, smiling, trying to put on a brave face for her. I got up, and announced, "Look Effie, I'm just a bit tired. I think I might go and have a lie down in my room for a while."

The last thing I needed was for her to realise something was wrong and for her to find out about the Quell. She probably would think it would be a fantastic idea. Finding me a wife. A life partner. I truly think Snow wants control, complete and utter control over the rest of my life.

I yawned, slumped forward and made my way to my room where I fell, crumpled, collapsed into my bed..

Green eyes penetrate mine.
Cato looks down from above me.
One of his huge monstrous hands is grasped at my neck, choking me. I feel my vision blurred, oxygen deprivation.

Suddenly he begins laughing his sadistic laugh, and I feel pain.
Excruciating pain in my right leg, that runs up and across my entire body like it's on fire.
He's enjoying this.
Watching me suffer.
Watching my pain.

I'm screaming, "No! Stop! Please!", but no sound comes out. Not even a whisper. I can't scream for help, for sweet little Leila to come and help me. I'm going to die, I suddenly realise. I scrunch my eyes together and wish that this is quick. But it's not…..

Another stab…..
Another.….
Another. …..
Another….
Another.…

Till I can scream no more. Then suddenly…
… it's gone.

I feel his weight move off me. The pain, still excruciating, but no more stabbing. I gasp, trying to fill my oxygen starved lungs, trying to breathe.

Opening my eyes, I expect to see his, Cato's, glaring at me, smirking. But he's no longer there.
It's like he's vanished into thin air.

Leila comes running to me, screaming, crying, helping me sit up, hysterical.

"Peeta! Peeta! Peeta, please!", she sobs. Why does she sob so much?, "He's back Peeta! He's a mutt! Quick, run!"

I'm up in a flash, staggering. My legs dripping with my blood. Looking around me I stop it. Not him, it. It's not Cato anymore. It's a huge monstrous beast about 8 feet high on the opposite side of the forest. His green eyes stare into mine. It's teeth snarl into a grin, they look as sharp as daggers, ready to pierce me to pieces.

Why didn't he kill me before?

He comes towards us, not running. Not even sprinting, for he's over towards us in a split second.

I brace myself and try to find Leila to shield her. I expect to hear my cry. My cry of pain and utter agony.

But I don't.

No, I don't. Because it's worse.
A million times worse.
I hear the scream of a child.
.. Leila.

"Peeta!" she screams. Her voice echoes and shatters my heart.
I look to her, grasping at her tiny child sized hands, desperate to grip onto her, to hold her.

Cato is snarling, biting, ripping her, limb from limb. And I can do nothing.

Nothing at all.

My legs can't move. The blood loss is too extreme.

Seeing my sweet Leila being tossed like a doll in the air, the look of pain and sorrow etched on her face.

I scream towards her, "Leila! Leila! No! Nooo!"

"Noo! No! Please no! Leila!" I scream, twitching into my pillow.

"Peeta! Wake up! Peeta!"

I'm suddenly awake with a jolt. Back into this world.
Panting and covered in sweat, I look up towards the voice that woke me from my nightmare.

"Portia?", I mumble, before screaming and crying to her open arms

I'm a lost cause. A ruined teenager whose life has been wrecked by the Sadistic Capitol.

"Oh Peeta darling", she brushes through the top of my blonde hair. Why does she put up with me so much? She's a better mother than my own, I think quietly. She cradles me like a toddler. I feel like a toddler. No more than 5 years old, begging to be held. I want to stay like this forever. Safe.

After a few moments she looks to me. Concern is written throughout her eyes, wondrously looking, scanning my own. "Do you want to tell me?"

I think, and honestly answer. "No, no it's fine Portia, thank-you. Haymitch said it's to be expected. I know she's alright. I know Leila's alright."

"If you're sure Peeta…", she trails off, looking up over her shoulder at Cinna.
He looks emotionless, unsure as to what to say to me. I feel ridiculous. I'm 17 and I'm having nightmares.

"What time is it?", I ask, hoping we are not too far from District 12, from home.

Cinna steps forward, looks at his golden brass watch briefly and meets my eyes. "About an hour or two away now Peeta. You'll be home with your family soon.", he spoke slowly and calmly.

So, what did you guys think?
This was mainly a link/history chapter. I needed to establish Peeta's winning background, Haymitch's background etc, so I can promise Chapter 3 and beyond will be full of a lot more action.

I am *still* looking for a Beta reader!PM'd a few people yesterday, but no replies, so if you love the Hunger Games and are interested in becoming my Beta, please do PM me, or write it in a review!

I am overwhelmed with the response to this. 16 followers already and 10 reviews! You guys are amazing. Thank-you for all the kind, positive messages. Much appreciated!

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Much love - EffieMockingjay xoxo