-Chapter VIII-

Katniss can't help but feel helpless and mad at herself. She's mad, because she can do anything to help Cato. It hurts her to see Cato in this situation, where there's something attached to her husband. It hurts her that it is the only thing that can keep her husband breathing. She can see Cato suffering. And she don't want that. She's practical enough to know that by this kind of system, she's just prolonging the agony that Cato's feeling.

It's been a month now since the accident, from the first time Katniss saw Cato, nothing has changed. His brain is still dead. Dr. Plutarch told Katniss that they can't do anything about it. That this system is the best one they can provide. And for Katniss, this is the worst.

From the moment her father told her the situation Cato's in, Katniss wants to cry for her husband, but she can't.

She's sad, depressed, weak, tired, and lonely, but can't seem to shed even a single tear for her husband. She stayed looking at her husband through the window for another few minutes and head for the office of Cato's doctor.

"Ah, Mrs. Hadley. Good to see you're well." Dr. Plutarch greet her. "Please, have a seat."

Katniss head for the chair in front of Dr. Plutarch's desk, "Thank you. I'm here because I want to tell you that I've already made a decision."

Dr. Plutarch focused on Katniss and stayed quiet. Katniss continued, "I decided that it's time."

"Are you sure Mrs. Hadley?"

Katniss lowered her head and nod, "It wouldn't be fair for my husband to let him live this. He doesn't deserve this."

Dr. Plutarch sighs, "Very well then. I understand."

"Thank you." As Katniss was about to leave, Dr. Plutarch called her, "Yes?"

"I actually want to talk about something with you Mrs. Hadley."

Katniss return to take a seat, "About what?"

Dr. Plutarch sigh, "If I may, and please understand that this won't be easy for me assuming that this would be inappropriate. But I was wondering or rather hoping if you would let me take your husband's heart for transplant."

Katniss furrowed her eyebrows, "What?"

Dr. Plutarch exhaled harshly, "It's just that I have a patient that is in need for a heart transplant, and your husband's heart is perfect condition and the perfect match to support this man. His family is willing to give a reasonable amount to the donor."

Katniss don't exactly know how to respond, but she can't easily neglect the fact that she can save another human just by accepting the offer. She thought hard and can't shake the fact that her husband can save another man's life. She knows that Cato would want that, and for her, the life of her husband would be for nothing if he's able to help another man live his life to the fullest.

"But I feel that this is an intrusion to not discuss it with you much early. So, it's completely understandable if you won't agree at all." Dr. Plutarch said.

"I'll let it." Katniss said, "I think there wouldn't be better to help than to help another man continue his life. I'm sure my husband would also want that."

"Wow! Thank you, Mrs. Hadley!" Dr. Plutarch shook her hands, "I'll guarantee you that it wouldn't go to waste. Peeta is a great man. He's about the same age as Cato. He-"

Katniss cut him off, "I'm sorry but, I don't actually want to know the information regarding the one who's needing my husband's heart. Actually that's my favor doctor. I'll donate my husband's heart but I don't want to have any connection with them. Knowing that it won't go to waste would be enough."

"Of course," Dr. Plutarch letting go of Katniss' hand, "But would you be willing to meet his father? For negotiations and formality."

Katniss sigh and nod, "I'll go now. Thank you doctor."

Dr. Plutarch smiled at her, "Thank you Mrs. Hadley, very much!"

Katniss just nod and left.

The next day, Cato's doctor called her for an appointment with a Mr. Mellark. They are about to meet at dinner at a restaurant near the hospital. Katniss is getting off for work when Johanna called her.

"Hey."

Katniss smiled at her friend, "Hey Jo."

"So, um, how are you doing?" Katniss can see that her friend is slightly hesitant.

"Jo nothing's changed."

Johanna sigh lowered her head, "Everything changed. It seems like you're not the same Katniss we knew and loved." Johanna reached for her friend, "Don't be like this. Don't contain yourself. Let us help you Kat."

Katniss just looked at her friend and smile, "I'm seriously fine. Whatever it is that you're worried about. Stop okay?" She looked at her watch, "I have to go. I'm supposed to meet someone in half an hour."

Johanna let go of her shoulder, "You'll call us right? You'll call us if you need us?"

Katniss nod, "Of course." She exited the building and hail a cab.

Katniss got to place on time, she immediately see Dr. Plutarch waving at her. She makes her way to him and see him not alone. There's a man seating beside the doctor, Katniss immediately notices the man's blonde hair and blue eyes.

"Ah, Mrs. Hadley. Come seat", Dr. Plutarch rise from his seat and assist Katniss to seat.

"Thank you Dr." She smiles and look at the man seating in front of her.

"Okay then, Katniss this is Mr. Mellark. My patient's father."

Katniss offered her hand and the man shook it, "It a pleasure to meet you Mr. Mellark."

Mr. Mellark smile and Katniss can't help but think of her father, "The pleasure is all mine Mrs. Hadley."

"Please, call me Katniss."

"Katniss it is." said Mr. Mellark and chuckled, "Anyway, if I may, I want to tell you how much I'm grateful that you decided to give my son a second chance of life."

Katniss was slightly taken aback by the sudden honesty of the man in front of her, but it made her feel happiness that she can't imagine, "To be honest, I just want to make sure that my husband's heart would not go to waste."

Mr. Mellark smile, "Oh- it won't. I promise you Katniss. Peeta is a great man. I couldn't ask for a better son."

Katniss nod and smile, "Yeah, Dr. Plutarch told me he is great."

"Would you like to see him?" Mr. Mellark asked.

Katniss looked at Dr. Plutarch who is busy reading the documents he's holding and back to Mr. Mellark. She sighs. "Actually I think, I'd rather not." She saw Mr. Mellark's smile fell, "I mean don't get me wrong. I would like to meet him. But just, not anytime soon. I have to take care of my husband's um-"

"I, ah, I totally understand Katniss. I'm sorry if it looks like I'm forcing you. It's just that, I know he'd want to thank you personally. I know, that this is hard for you."

Katniss nod and lower her head, "No worries. As long as me and my husband can help, so that your son can have a second chance to live his life to the fullest. I hope, he can be happy."

Mr. Mellark reached for her hand and give a check, "I can't tell you how much this means to me. To Peeta. I sincerely hope that you stay strong and continue to live your life. Continue to do things that makes you happy. I'm sure your husband is looking after you."

Katniss but her lower lip as she tries hard to fight her tears from falling. She took a last look of Mr. Mellark and smile at him, "Thank you."

The three of them ate dinner and bid good bye.

The moment Katniss closed her apartment door, for the first time she cried for her husband.