Author's Note: yes I know it's not as action packed as other chapters I have put up, but considering that she can't volunteer, and she can't out herself this is as low a profile you can go. Don't worry dear readers, action shall come in due time. Patience!

Thanks go out to my reviewers: EWD, HL and JB

Chapter 37

Sacrifice

We're about to turn in for the night when we hear the television go on. It can only mean one thing.

Something big is happening.

I race down in a light pajama, Prim isn't far behind in shorts and t-shirt and Mrs. Everdeen in behind her in nightgown, we get to the couch just as Flickerman fills us in on what has happened between the tune out and now.

Katniss figured out the spile, Tracker and Tracer are closing in on the careers of Two.

And now Katniss and crew are running for their lives.

"What's going on?!" Prim is worried she's trying to figure out the camera angles, and they are shaky right now.

"I don't know I can't get a good idea" I tell her, Finnick has Mags on his back and is leagues away from our two.

The camera finally stills and we get what's going on. The fog that they are running from is killing the plant life for one. And they show that Peeta's face looks like he had a stroke, he's limping badly and keeps falling behind despite Katniss urging him on.

She calls for Finnick who doubles back. They switch charges and Katniss carries Mags while Peeta is carried by Finnick.

They make some distance but we all know whatever this fog is, it's having an effect on them now as well as the plant life. Katniss' limbs are spasming, Finnick is looking much more worn than he should and Peeta is having trouble breathing already.

"What is that stuff?" Mrs. Everdeen looks at me like I know, I shrug and give my best guess.

"Has to be attacking their muscles somehow, either than or nerves, either way it's the only reason their limbs would be acting like that" I reply

Prim isn't talking, she's looking at the screen fear very clear in her eyes, and Mrs. Everdeen is following suit.

My mind is going thru possible ways of crucifying Plutarch.

It seems Mags is too much weight for Katniss to carry after a few yards. Her legs are almost immobile and Finn again doubles back.

They exchange looks. Katniss is upset, she can't help anymore she asks if Finn can carry both and he shakes his head.

What happens next both upsets me and horrifies Prim and her mother.

Finn looks at Mags, he tells her he can't carry them both.

It seems Mags understands all too well what it means, she kisses Finnick gets up and walks into the fog.

I keep watching but I cover Prim's eyes. It's something I wouldn't want a kid to see, and Seneca did this with me when I was little. I feel protective of Prim right now. Seeing Mags loose herself to the poisonous fog as it takes over her limbs and causes her to go into seizure before their eyes, like some macabre marionette.

No, no one should see that.

They make it out of the fog and get to the beach. Mrs. Everdeen takes Prim to bed as I stay up. When Prim is finally asleep about five minutes later she comes downstairs. I haven't moved from my seat as I am watching Peeta and Katniss figure out that sea water is helping their acid eaten skin heal somewhat.

"Did you know her?" she asks as she sits with me, she means Mags.

"I knew her a bit, she was a really nice lady" I say softly, "didn't understand half of what she said most of the time. But Finn was her tribute, I know if I lost Tracker like I lost Hellen I would be hurting right now"

"She did a very brave thing, she volunteered for the games and then sacrificed herself for them" she looks at me, "it was a very honorable way to go don't you think?"

"To be honest Mrs. Everdeen there is no honor in games that kill for the entertainment of the few" I cover my face with my hands, "it should have never happened"

I feel her place a hand on my shoulder, "it shouldn't have dear, but it did and we can't turn back the clock no matter how much we want to. We have to accept it and be grateful for her sacrifice, it meant Peeta and Katniss are still alive"

"I guess you're right" I mutter.

She heads of to bed but I stay up, they find a way to take the poison out of their skin, and heal themselves and Finnick.

Flickerman doesn't bother with anyone else right now the focus is on this trio.

Gale and I do our morning run the next morning. I had stayed up until my eyes couldn't stay open any longer and then I went to bed. I tossed and turned the whole night and into early morning before I got a few short hours of actual sleep under me. I saw Katniss and Peeta revive Finnick by dousing him in sea water until he could do it himself. After that the show cut out but my mind was feverently thinking of ways to punish Plutarch for loosing Mags.

Gale actually passes me for a first time and stops dead. I'm exhausted and he sees it.

"Ari did you sleep at all?!" he looks worried, I've known Gale for just over two months and as much as I feel protective of him and Peeta, he feels more for me in spades. So I don't lie, I shake my head.

"Barely got a couple hours, my brain wouldn't shut off" I catch up

"Nightmares again?" he asks and I nod

"Among other things" I add

We get to the bakery where we buy some loaves to give out to some seam residents and a couple for his family. Harry looks concerned, and when Ryen sees me he gives Gale a solid glare.

"It's okay" I say, "it's my fault, I couldn't sleep" I say softly

"Gale" Harry starts but Gale interrupts

"Don't worry we are heading for my mom's, she'll rest there" he puts an arm over my shoulder and steers us out just as Mrs. Mellark comes back with ingredients. She doesn't say anything but glares at us.

"Ari you look dead on your feet" Hazelle says as she welcomes us in. She doesn't put on a kettle but steers me to her bed, "you have a lay down, the kids are just outside, try and sleep a bit alright?" she passes Gale as he comes in. He sits on the edge of the bed as I try and stay awake, its not that I'm not grateful but I don't feel okay with this. I'm so caught in my own head when Gale touches my shoulder I start.

"Easy" he says as gently as I probably said the first time I said it to him, he seems to realize it and looks at me, "just relax Ari, we'll watch the games in a couple hours"

I shake my head because despite the bed being somewhat comfortable, and Gale stroking my hair I can't wind down. It's when I shut my eyes tight I feel him leave the bed then I feel the bed dip again then strong arms, one across me and one under my neck.

"I'll stay here until you drift off okay?" Gale says softly to me, "I do this with Posy when she's having nightmares, she's called me her teddy bear more than once" I can feel the smirk on his mouth. But he is right, I feel myself relax, and although my brain is still whirring my body relents and I pass out.

A/N #2: PG 13 here people, minds out of the gutter please!