Mockingjay: Broken Wings

by Jamie Sommers

A/U Katniss and Peeta are married, expecting a baby. Peeta's unsure of Katniss after the things he's seen while being held prisoner. Is she still trustworthy? With a traitor in the rebellion who can Katniss turn to? Haymitch, after all the secrets he's kept? Gale, who's loyalty lies with President Coin? Or will Peeta open up his heart to her again? Sequel to CF: Rekindling

16. The Past Catches up to the Future

Mockingjay: Broken Wings

By: Jamie Sommers

Chapter Fifteen: The Past Catches up to the Future

Previously, Peeta was sent to District Two. Effie came out of her stupor, and the women of District Thirteen have been keeping the home fires burning bright.

Yes, it has been a long time since I updated, and if you follow me on tumblr you know why, but just in case you don't... That horrid flu I had never went away and turned into pneumonia. Between the holidays, packing and moving and being put in the hospital, the story had to wait. Though I am home now, I am still having a serious battle with this illness and find myself spending a lot of time trying to rest so I won't have to be checked back into the hospital. Sorry, but my health must come first.

Thank you all for waiting so patiently. Thanks to S and A for their hard work and I'm sorry if I missed some stuff in this chapter, but I will admit, my brain is foggy, and I'm having a difficult time crossing my t's and dotting my i's.

What do you all say we take a journey into...

Mockingjay: Broken Wings

Times like these were the worst. Katniss lay on the hard mattress in the quarters that had been provided for her and Peeta in District Thirteen, a barrage of emotions…memories swarmed over her as she stared at the shadows playing on the ceiling. Her hand roamed over her swollen abdomen and something in the back of her mind wished she could brave the Mockingjay uniform and go to District Two. Not joining Peeta and Gale in the fight against the Capitol was weighing heavily on Katniss' heart. "Fighting side by side is our specialty, isn't it?" Once again she had taken up having silent conversations with Peeta during his absence. "I couldn't stop thinking about our first Games after I got off the phone with you tonight." The same feeling of hearing her sister's name being called on Reaping Day, which started when Effie was having a conversation with Prim during dinner, socked Katniss in the gut.

Prim had quietly made a comment about the journals they had found hidden amongst the medical records from a Dr. Marc Lucius, and Effie had said, "You are a very bright young lady, Primrose Everdeen."

Hearing Prim's name in Effie's affected Capitol accent flashed Katniss back to that day in Town Square. Seeing Gale and Peeta waiting amongst the cluster of boys in their age groups for Effie to call out a name. After that Katniss snapped at Effie during dinner several times over. She wanted to blame Effie for all of this. She had thought, 'None of this would have happened if you had just picked two other names out of those damn reaping bowls.' And before Katniss retired for the night she actually yelled that very thing in Effie's face. "You could have just moved your fingers! Picked another piece of paper! Better yet, not picked one at all!"

"I know," Effie's forlorn tone and expression didn't faze Katniss one bit. "I regret my actions every single day of my life."

"Well your regrets don't do me a damn bit of good! My best friend and my husband are fighting for their lives right now because of you!" Katniss had been furious when she took her vexations out on Effie, yet the Capitol escort stood proud and accepted her responsibility without question, without argument, further pissing Katniss off. She continued to yell at Effie in the woman's hospital room, since she hadn't yet been released. "If you hadn't picked Peeta's name, I wouldn't be standing here in this Godforsaken district married and pregnant! Do you know what you've done to me!?" She stormed out of Effie's room when she heard her own violent outburst and went straight to her quarters which were adjacent to her father in laws and her mother's. She had expected someone to come to her and lecture her on the things she had said to Effie, everyone had been in Effie's room discussing the fact that the rebels were about to attack the Nut. No one knew any specifics, but Katniss was terrified just the same. She hadn't felt this type of fear since she was sitting in a luxurious room in District Twelve's Justice Building. The unknown horrors of the Games were waiting for her, but she combated those thoughts back then by telling herself she could hunt, and killing the other tributes would be a lot like hunting for game. 'Take out your prey before they take you out,' she had thought to herself over and over again while sitting on the Tribute Train. The entire time she had planned on ending her relationship with Peeta. It was for the best, but then he came to her room and the thought of losing him was too much for her heart to stand.

Katniss sucked in a breath and ran her hand over her stomach. "Good God, what did I say?" She buried her shame covered face between the mattress and the pillow Peeta would have been sleeping on. 'If he had ever come here.' It was the reason she was sleeping in that room now. She could no longer be somewhere…anywhere Peeta had been without seeing him…smelling him…feeling him…and it always hurt.

The little bubbles were exploding inside of her abdomen, a sign that the baby was moving, and once again Katniss felt plagued with the guilt of wishing she had never gotten married and pregnant. It wasn't that she wasn't happy with Peeta and their child, but their future seemed to be doomed, and Katniss feared what lay ahead for her family. "It was only Prim I had been worried about back then," she spoke to Peeta without sound. "Prim was the only person I thought I had to protect until you came into my life."

She had spent her entire day fretting over Peeta silently to herself, petrified that his mother had done something horrible to him when she saw what the witch did through the bakery window that morning after bringing his father squirrels. Would the injury be visible like the black eye he had when they were eleven, or would it be hidden underneath his clothing? When she went up to the oak tree for lunch she was relieved to see him waiting there for her. He hadn't been in any classes that morning.

She had tried to convince herself his absence was the reason why she was worried, not that his well-being had become of importance to her now. Only hours earlier she was persuading herself that she needed to break up with him. 'Break up. You make it sound like you're a couple,' she had thought to herself. 'You are,' she hated when her brain was on high alert and kept her on her toes. When she had gone into the woods after seeing Peeta's mother hit him with a baking pan, she had cried her heart out. She went to school that morning, her eyes puffy and ringed in red. Prim had asked her several times what had been wrong, and Katniss just said, "Nothing."

Now the object of her morning obsession was standing there, under their oak tree, waiting for her. Delly and Madge hadn't been there when Katniss arrived. She hadn't asked Madge to go just in case Peeta hadn't shown up. As he stood with his hands in his pockets looking around, avoiding eye contact with her, Katniss walked right into his arms for a hug not realizing that she had just initiated their first one. "Hi," the second he grimaced she knew he had been hurt by the witch. In that moment she had to make a choice. Either tell him that she had been witness to some of what happened or play dumb and let him open up on his own. "What's wrong?" Her choice was made automatically.

"Nothing. I just fell…on some stairs."

That was the moment she discovered that Peeta had been just as damaged as she was. The death of her father had left wounds that were beyond repair. Katniss had cut herself off from society…from emotions…from life. "Stairs?"

"Yeah," He sat down and took her hand in his, never once making eye contact with her. Katniss could tell that he was trying to hide the pain. Not the pain of his injury, but the lingering affects being hit by his mother had left on him. She had spent years perfecting this art of hiding her feelings, so she understood why he lied to her.

He had been so kind to her, had spent so much time telling her about the things he wished for in his life. The things he would do if they had lived in a different world, and all of them included allowing Katniss the freedom to hunt without worry. It may have been a stupid thing to say if he had said it to any other girl, but to Katniss, it was perfect. It took a few minutes to convince him to show her the reason for his wince, and when she looked at it, seeing a lump and terrible bruise, she pitied Peeta. "My God, Peeta. What happened?" Katniss already had a good idea about what happened in the bakery when people weren't looking, but she wanted to give Peeta a chance to tell her on his own.

"I told you. I fell down the stairs." Peeta turned away from her saying, "It's not that bad."

Katniss had been looking down the back of his shirt at the bruise, lifted his garment back into place and placed a kiss just above the area he had been injured. Again she had initiated a first without thinking twice. "It looks painful."

"Yeah…well…" Peeta took her hand and pulled her around to sit next to him. "It feels better now that you've kissed it." He smiled.

"My mother might be able to help with it. She's a healer you know."

"I know, but don't worry about it, Katniss. I've had worse."

She wondered if he realized what he had said. Again she saw him as a child with a black eye, a vision that had constantly plagued her since starting up a relationship with Peeta. Her parents had never lifted a hand to her or Prim, and doing so to a child seemed cruel to Katniss. She wanted desperately to let him know she understood even if she didn't. "Peeta?" The tone in her voice said she was worried, and needed to know more.

"Katniss please don't ask." As Peeta's head hung down, Katniss felt her heart cracking in two. "Can we just enjoy our lunch together?"

For a second she thought about hounding him, and then she asked herself how she'd feel if he did that about her parents, and Katniss let it drop. She lifted his chin so his eyes could meet hers. "I brought you some goat cheese." The corners of her lips lifted in a shy grin.

"I brought you some stale bread," his smile matched hers.

"Stale bread, huh? Bet it still tastes better than that stuff we make at home." She laid out their brown bags so they could use them as plates. "Oh, and I brought rabbit and basil and tea." She emptied out her bag and split their food.

"I don't feel right taking this from you," Peeta's expression turned to one of guilt. "This is too much food."

"Gale and I had a good day yesterday, and I did a little hunting before breakfast."

"I know," Peeta sat back against the tree without touching his food. "I saw you talking to my dad earlier."

"You did?" Katniss spread her cheese over some bread and put a basil leaf on it. "Why didn't you say hi?" She knew why, but she hoped he'd answer her just the same.

"I was kind of taken by surprise when I saw you. I had just been thinking about you, and the next thing I knew I dropped a baking sheet full of cloverleaf rolls on the ground." Peeta let his head hang back against the bark of the tree. "It was an accident. God I'm so stupid," he muttered to himself.

"You dropped the pan…because you saw me?" When Peeta nodded, he confirmed that for the second time in their lives, he had taken a beating due to her. "Oh, Peeta."

"It's my own idiotic fault. I should have held onto the pan. Guess I was just happy to see you," he rolled his head towards her, lifted his hand to her cheek and brushed his thumb across her cheekbone. "I stayed home this morning and made some more."

"So that's where you were," she exclaimed, glad that the mystery of his disappearance had been solved.

"Yeah," he gave her a timid grin. "Why? Were you looking for me, Miss. Everdeen?"

"Maybe," she moved her face away from his touch because it was causing her stomach to flop around. "I thought maybe you were sick or something." She noticed he wasn't eating, spread some cheese across the bread and put a piece of rabbit on it for him then held it up to his mouth for him to take a bite.

Peeta chomped at the piece of bread and said with his mouth full, "Mmmm, and you're feeding me now? I could get used to this, Katniss."

She didn't say it, but she could get used to it too. She enjoyed watching him eat the rest of his meal with such gusto, and wished his mother could appreciate how spectacular he was. She blew out a little sigh when they were through eating and rested her head against his shoulder. "I used to hate coming to school," she admitted to him.

"I've always loved it." He turned his face to hers and they were about an inch apart. "Coming to school meant I got to see you."

Her heart was racing at the feel of his breath on her skin. "Why did you wait so long to tell me how you felt?"

"Why were you so unapproachable?" His hand cradled her cheek and hers mirrored his. She wondered if he would kiss her…waited for it with bated breath, but he only brushed his lips against her ear and whispered in it. "I needed you so badly today."

Her head fell slightly backward as a tiny burst of air came out from between her lips. She needed him too, though she didn't say it, she felt it. Peeta's hand began skimming up and down her back, and her chest began to tighten. "Peeta," she said his name on a breathy sigh and brushed her lips across his earlobe and down part of his jaw.

Their eyes were closed, their hands were slowly taking liberties they never had before, and Katniss was certain she would get her first real kiss. It was never something she had thought about. She probably could have lived her entire life without entertaining the thought, but in that moment, all she wanted to feel was Peeta's lips against hers.

"Katniss," Peeta said her name against the crook of her neck, and felt his hands tracing the shape of her shoulders…collar bone…his fingers took hold of the sides of her throat as his thumbs began drawing patterns across her jaw and her lips. "I want to kiss you so badly right now," he confessed to her, and her heart pitter pattered in delight.

She had no clue if she was supposed to say the same thing or just let him take his time. She was truly enjoying what he was doing to her. Katniss swore she felt Peeta's lips crawling at a snail's pace across every inch of her face with the exception of her mouth where his thumbs were still having their way with her. 'Kiss me,' her head was screaming. She had been tempted to just pull his lips to hers, but she was lost in a dream world. Captured by the sensations Peeta was causing deep within her. Again she heard him say her name, and when he did the hair on the back of her neck stood on end. Was it desire she was feeling? If so, she had never experienced it before and felt a strange curiosity as to where it would lead. Her hands ran down his chest and rested at his waist as Peeta dragged his lips up and down her neck. "Oh God," the words just seem to come out of her.

"Katniss, I shouldn't be doing this," he said as he rested his parted lips against the side of her neck. "Tell me to stop," she could hear him gently begging her to put an end to their first foray into physical temptation. Ignoring his request seemed like the best thing to do at the time. "Please, Katniss," the way Peeta said it she wasn't sure what he was begging her for, but at that moment she was willing to say yes to whatever he asked. He clutched her to his chest and buried his face in the crook of her shoulder. He began to speak in a low and throaty tone, "Have you ever felt so alone all you want to do is cry? Just crawl under the covers, pull the blankets up over your head, and let the emptiness consume you?"

"Do you feel alone, Peeta?" she pressed her nose and lips up to his ear.

"I did," he lifted his eyes and looked into hers. "All morning long I felt like…like I was someplace I didn't belong and then I came here."

"You were waiting for me." She ran her hand down the side of his cheek and held his gaze. "I was so afraid you wouldn't be here."

"I was afraid you wouldn't show." He twirled the end of her braid though his fingers. "Thank you for coming."

She gave her head a little nod in acknowledgment. "You are not alone, Peeta." She pressed her forehead against his. "I'm here."

"Don't leave me, Katniss," Peeta's eyes filled with tears.

"I won't," she said to him and came to a conclusion, one that she had been avoiding all day. "I can't leave you, Peeta. You're a part of me now."

They clutched each other in a fierce embrace maneuvering their legs and bodies in a way that had their legs wrapped around the others, and their bodies pressed tightly together. They spent the remainder of their lunch avoiding their first real kiss, brushing their lips here and there on the other person. A hand. A nose, but never on the cheek and never on the lips, and though their mouths had been familiarizing themselves with the other person, the only kiss that had been given was the one Katniss placed on Peeta's injury. When the school bell rang they both stood up and hugged the other so tightly, for neither of them wanted to let go. They started apart when Delly's voice interrupted them. She hadn't been there that day for lunch, but she checked the tree anyway. Katniss noticed Delly blushing when she came up on them and saw them in the midst of a passionate embrace. It was a bit embarrassing for Katniss as well considering she had never thought she'd be sharing one of her first experiences with a boy…with another girl.

"See you later, okay?" Katniss was the first to pull away.

"Sunday," Peeta said. "Meet me, Sunday morning?"

"How?" She whispered as though just talking about it would get them caught. "What if someone sees us?"

"There's a group of cottages, they're all worn down. No one lives there anymore. Meet me there?"

"Cottages?" Katniss thought for a second and asked, "You mean those run down shacks by the fence?"

Peeta grinned softly and said, "They used to be cottages." Katniss was slightly amazed that he could see a cottage where she saw an old dilapidated shack.

They had gone back and forth with one another, Peeta wanting her to meet him, and Katniss wanting to keep him safe and not risk it. "The middle one?" Peeta asked so desperately, Katniss couldn't turn him down. "I've got to make a delivery and I rarely make them, so please, Katniss? Please say yes?"

"Yes," she whispered. "What time?"

"My delivery is scheduled for six, so just after. I'll race right to you," he captured her face in his hand.

"Yes," she whispered again. "Please hurry," her eyes closed. Leaving him for class made her feel like she was having a bandage ripped from a wound. "Sunday," she said it to make their parting easier for both of them; they'd only have to wait a day and a half to see each other, then she turned and ran for the school building.

As she stared at the ceiling, avoiding sleep at all cost, Katniss heard the light tap at her door. She looked up at the clock wondering who would come to her quarters in the wee hours of the morning other than Haymitch who was in Two. "Prim," she said in a quiet surprise. "Is everything all right? Is it…"

"No one's heard anything about the fight at the Nut. Effie's gone to the command Center to have a word with Coin." Prim walked past Katniss into the room and took a seat. "I hope you're proud of yourself."

Katniss closed the door to her quarters, hung her head and let out a breath of air. "I expected mom or pops, not you."

"So you knew you acted like a total jerk to Effie?" Prim's condescending tone ate at Katniss.

"Yes," she snapped her head towards Prim. "And I don't need some child to come in here and lecture me."

"Some child?" Prim's brows rose.

"You know what I mean," Katniss sat on the edge of her bed in a huff. "I'm tired Prim, you should go." 'Cranky is more like it,' she thought to herself.

"Fine. I'll leave," Prim walked towards the door then paused. "Don't you think it's strange that the two people Effie called on Reaping Day could forgive her, and you can't seem to stop throwing it in her face?" She slammed the door behind her causing a pang of guilt to smack Katniss in the conscience.

…..

…

…

…

…

"Miss. Trinket," Coin eyed up Effie's new attire. "I see you've made some alterations to your designated uniforms."

"Yes," Effie prepared herself for an argument. "It is my responsibility to keep up a proper appearance while fulfilling my position and now that there are so many victors in need of my service, I felt I should get back to work immediately. I realize my duties will be altered, but the needs of Katniss and Peeta...all of the former victors, must be met, and I am the only one qualified to do such a thing."

"It's my understanding that you're still under medical care."

"I have been released, and will require some quarters located next to my victors," Effie wanted to stay as close to Katniss and Peeta as possible. After Katniss' outburst, she knew the girl needed her now more than ever. "If you do not have any available, I suggest we find someplace where we can all reside on the same floor." Haymitch had a room about five doors down from Katniss and Peeta, and close to the staircase Katniss often used to make her escape from the guards. Effie had almost suggested using his, but that wouldn't have been proper etiquette.

"I'll have someone look into it," Coin glared at Effie. "Miss. Trinket, is there another reason you're here? Or have you decided to come into my Command Center merely to flaunt your lack of respect for our uniforms, make assumptions as to your role here in Thirteen and demand specific living quarters?"

"As a matter of fact there is another reason," Effie looked at the soldiers trying to avoid their conversation and decided if she was going to make an impression on the people of Thirteen she may as well start now. "It has come to my attention that you have crossed an exceptional amount of boundaries with Katniss and Peeta," Effie accentuated it with a vicious look, "and I am here to inform you that as their escort, any other requests to use them to benefit the war effort must first go through me."

"Escort? Miss. Trinket, District Thirteen has no need for escorts," Coin's stone face morphed into one of complete shock. "That is a position the Capitol created for the Games."

"On the contrary, the position of escort was created for newly appointed members of government. A person to show them the ropes, so to speak. It wasn't long afterward that escorts were provided to each district for the Games." Effie pursed her lips. "You may look upon the position of escort as unimportant, but I assure you, keeping track of Katniss and Peeta, making sure they are doing their jobs to the best of their ability, is not something I take lightly and I would appreciate it if you would treat my career with some modicum of respect."

"You're demanding respect from me?" Coin glared. "Give me one reason why I shouldn't arrest you for your behavior?" Coin's voice reeked of hatred.

"I can give you several," Effie said in a sing song voice. "For starters, my boy…Peeta," she gave Coin her trademark smile knowing it was infuriating the woman. "He told me about your private meeting," Effie gave Coin a conniving arch of her brow, "…he relayed all of his intentions to me, and I do believe his last…let's call it a request, shall we?" She flitted her hand in the air. "His last request before leaving you in this room about putting his wife and child in danger was ignored on your part." Effie took a seat, crossed her legs and folded her hands on the table. "I have an enormous amount of influence with Peeta, well you must know this. The darling boy refers to me as his mother," Effie gave Coin a grin and batted her lashes.

"Get to your point, Miss. Trinket," Coin snapped.

"My point is quite simple, I am their escort and their engagements go through me, Ms. Coin," Effie stated.

"It is President Coin," the woman barked.

"President?" Effie asked innocently. "I was of the understanding that this was being run in the same manner as the history books dictated." Her fingers went to her chest. "Was there an election I was unaware of? What was the name of the candidate who ran against you?" The expression that crossed Coin's face pleased Effie to no end. "Did it occur while I was at the Capitol undercover as Snow's assistant? Killing the traitor in the rebellion?"

"I was given the position by the people of this district," Coin leered. "You will address me as President Coin or Ma'am."

"In that case, I was given a position in the Capitol as an assistant to the president; shall I assume my role here is the same? Will I be at your right hand?"

"Absolutely not!" Coin finally let her voice rise.

"Pres…" Effie gave her head a shake and a little lift of her eyes, "…ma'am, who is in charge of the districts that have been won by the rebels?"

"I am."

Effie could sense the eyes on her from the soldiers in the room. "Have they given you the honor of being their leader, or have you simply assumed the role?"

Coin's entire face began to flush, "Miss. Trinket, I am leading these people in a war. Obviously I am their president."

"That's not how the history books, which we are supposed to be following, have it designed. Well, the Capitol's history books perhaps…" she tapped her finger against the side of her lip. "Did I mention my father was a historian? It's where I learned about our nation's past. He spent many hours of his life pouring over documentation, literature, music…why that's the reason he was chosen to work for the Capitol."

"Then he must be responsible for the false teachings in the districts," Coin said accusingly.

"My father interpreted historic documents. He did not write school books nor did he influence the Education board on what to teach in the classrooms." Effie defended her late father. "He told me about this country's past, present and possible future."

"Effie," her father had played a music chip full of songs from hundreds of years earlier while they poured over books with other languages in it. Effie had found several of them unique and asked her father if there was a way she could learn one. He taught her five. French and Italian were her favorites. Her father began teaching her about the Capitol's government, drilling into Effie how important supporting the President of Panem was to her future, but he also taught her secrets about their nation's past. "You must promise never to speak of this outside of our home, my darling girl." Her father gave her chin a little nudge with his knuckle. "There are some things we absolutely must keep to ourselves."

"It will be our little secret, father," Effie loved having something so precious to share with her dad.

"Tis a shame really," Her father patted her hand and said, "but most people would look upon these history books as treasonous."

"Are they, father?" Effie asked.

"I suppose having them could be considered an act of treason, but I have been asked to read them…to make sense of them. Which means, my having the books is not an act against our government."

"But my looking at them is?" Effie was a little confused.

"Yes," her father stated. "You are not a historian."

"Then why have you taught me so much, father?"

"Because one day people like me will be…history," he grinned at Effie, "pardon the pun."

Effie smiled at her father's little joke and said, "Do you think I'll make a good historian one day, father?"

"My precious child, you are much too beautiful to worry about working in a field that requires intellect. As long as you take pride in your appearance, dress to the nines, and keep your knowledge to yourself, you will never have to strain that pretty little brain of yours," he said to her with pride in his voice. "You must remember never to speak one of our secret languages outside of our home though, dear. We wouldn't want our fellow citizens to think ill of you."

"Not to mention it would be impolite on my part to show my superior intelligence," she gave her dad a little giggle. "Croyez-moi, père."

"Mon enfant chérie, tu me fais la fierté."

"And I'm proud to be your daughter." She gave her father a kiss on the cheek.

"One day, perhaps you will have a child of your own to share our knowledge of French with." Her father said with a hint of hope in his tone.

"If I share it, would it still be a secret father?" Effie teased him.

He let out a little chuckle. "There you go using your brain again darling." Her father gave her a winning smile. "I would have never taught you to speak in different tongues, but I hate to think such beauty would be lost." He sighed and gave her hand a pat. "One day you will leave a mark on this world. You will achieve great things in your life and make an impact on people in a way you could never imagine. Until that day, we must keep certain things to ourselves."

"Like the recordings that taught us how to speak in German and French?"

"Yes my dear child," her father's expression changed to one of concern. "Maybe I should never have broadened your horizons, Effie. I would hate to think my love of knowledge could quite possibly cause you harm one day."

"You worry too much father. It will make you old before your time."

"Yes," he chuckled, "I suppose it will. Perhaps I should ask Caesar who keeps him looking so young in case I am in need of a little work?" He teased.

"You look smashing, darling," Effie's mother entered her father's office. "Effie, it's time for you to head to your lessons with Mrs. Parish."

"Yes, mother." Effie gave her mom a quick hug and made to leave.

As she stepped out of the room she overheard her father speak. "Quintina, have you had any luck with the attendants?"

"No my darling," her mother sounded concerned. "If they did take your memorabilia, they know better than to admit it."

"I do not understand how an entire shipment of historical documents, art… How does it simply go missing?" Her father asked.

"Petru darling, Effie is correct. You worry too much. I'm sure once you explain that your offices were pilfered the Capitol will immediately place a security detail on the job and locate the items." Effie knew it was in poor manners to eavesdrop on her parent's conversation, but she was a little concerned after hearing that her father's offices had been burglarized.

"Yes," her dad said, "we have never given President Snow a reason to doubt our loyalty. He is a superior leader, and I have the utmost faith in whatever steps he chooses to take to locate the missing artifacts."

"Dear," her mother paused, "I've been thinking it may be for the best that you keep her private studies to a minimum. Share your love of languages, but maybe not the government's former structure. Besides," her mother paused and Effie could hear a smile in her tone, "we all know it's Effie's looks that will take her far, not her brains." Effie stole a peek at her reflection in the wall mirror, tugged on the hemline of her neon green blouse and fluffed up the large bow at her collar. She turned her cheek to the left…to the right, applied a touch of neon pink lipstick to her bottom lip and took pride in her stunning appearance. Her parents were absolutely correct. Effie was certain that her features would get her exceptionally far in her life. It would be a couple of years before she could apply for a position in the Capitol, but when she did, she was certain she'd get an outstanding job. She would do everything her parents had asked of her and make them proud. A month later Effie stood by her parents grave mourning their deaths. She was old enough to live on her own, and quite wealthy considering her parents had left everything they owned to her. She never had to work a day in her life. It was her choice to apply for a position with the Games only two years later, and her father's old friend Plutarch had helped to get her in.

Since meeting Katniss and Peeta, Effie hadn't allowed herself to think of her parents or their untimely death for fear that they'd find her actions against the Capitol a disappointment. She thought of the history books she had seen, as well as the artifacts Katniss had shown her in the warehouse and knew where they had come from. "Ma'am," Effie didn't have it in her to call the woman president. "I wonder how you learned about the way the former government worked."

"Plutarch provided us with some very informational documentation."

"Plutarch Heavensbee…" Effie lips pursed. "Are you aware that Plutarch and I have known one another for years? He was a close friend of my father's. One must ask themselves, how Plutarch could have gotten his hands on such documentations without the aid of a historian."

A flash of recognition went through Coin's eyes. "That's something you should take up with Plutarch."

"Oh, I plan to," Effie said in a matter of fact tone. "As far as the issues I have brought up with you. I feel we must come to an agreement now. I will be an escort for the remaining victors until I feel they no longer need me. I am sure you are tired of caving into their every whim, and being an escort, I have become accustomed to it." Actually, Effie never really had to cave to anyone's whim. Her victors never demanded anything ridiculous from her. An occasional perk like art supplies and china, but never anything unreasonable. Most of the items Effie sent them were things she thought they might need or appreciate.

"As a matter of fact, I am," Coin agreed. "Do you feel you will be able to control their unreasonable requests?"

"I can keep them in line. You must understand they are unique individuals that have suffered a great deal. Laden with guilt for all they have done to keep themselves alive. A few paltry signs of good faith will help them to keep their minds off of their previous acts. Art supplies for Peeta are limited, but we can always figure out something. Perhaps allow him to decorate a cake for special occasions? Such as a wedding," Effie thought of Annie's upcoming nuptials. "I imagine we could accomplish quite a bit with this wedding."

Fulvia, who had been listening to the entire conversation from her work station at the end of the table spoke up, "It would make a great propos. Something for the country to root for after we take over Two."

"Yes," Effie stood up and began her little pace. "A moral boost for our soldiers as they prepare for their final battle in the Capitol. We could invite the residents of Thirteen…oh, but there are an awful lot of them," Effie began speaking to herself as she often did when she got into this mode of thought. "Perhaps we can select a few…a handful really. Maybe three or four hundred."

"Is that your idea of a handful Miss. Trinket?" Coin asked.

"It is a small percentage of your citizens. I am sure you will find this beneficial in the end." Effie walked to Fulvia. "Annie has already tried on a few of Katniss' old gowns, so we're fine with wardrobe, and Finnick can wear one of Peeta's suits. It'll have to be altered since Finnick is a bit taller, but he'll look smashing."

"More alterations?" Coin gave Effie an arch of her brow. "How much of my resources will you be wasting?"

Effie looked down at her little pencil skirt that Venia had made out of her pants and said, "Actually we had material left over when this was completed and made a few alterations to Katniss' and Regina's uniforms considering the only thing they have to wear is oversized gray sacks. I am proud to say we started off with six pieces of clothing and now have eight."

There was no argument Coin could make except, "You should have asked my permission first."

"These are the decisions an escort must make for her victors. Someone in your position shouldn't be wasting their time over such frivolous things." Effie held Coin's stare. "Don't you think?"

"If there are any more decisions of higher importance, I will want to be informed before you make them."

"Of course," Effie let her light laugh fill the air. "Why I would never send them out to battle when they don't belong there or anything of the sort." She went back to her conversation with Fulvia. "Have you told Plutarch about the wedding yet?"

"No," Fulvia answered. "I was planning on it though."

"No, dear. Those men have more important things to worry about." Effie made yet another decision for Coin. "If only there was a way we could open up a line of communication with them to find out how the fighting is going."

"There is," Fulvia said. "We use the computers to speak. Beetee has found a way to link them up to some antiquated phone lines beneath the surface, and the Capitol hasn't been able to detect us since."

"Why how wonderful," Effie exclaimed. She knew the computers had the ability to link communications, but this was better than anything she could have imagined. "If you wouldn't mind, ma'am, I'd like to find out the status of Peeta and Haymitch," she asked Coin.

"All I ask is that you don't run back to the others and get them riled up," Coin gave Fulvia a nod of permission.

"Thank you," Effie stared down at the computer screen then looked upwards when Fulvia gestured to the large console on the wall.

"You can see them there. It's a live feed."

Peeta's image caused Effie's stomach to churn. Seeing him surrounded by the fires and smoke of the Nut, his hand plunging through his hair, his body rocking back and forth, made her feel like she was watching the Games all over again. "He's not well," she said softly.

"He has his medical issues under control," Coin stated. "As you can see they have accomplished their mission, and we are now waiting for the Nut to fully collapse."

"Who are those people?" Effie asked when a camera shot in the corner showed stragglers making their way out a train tunnel.

"Survivors," Fulvia said quietly. "They were going to block off the tun…"

"Miss. Cardew, Miss. Trinket does not need to know the specifics of our attack."

"Yes, ma'am," Fulvia answered and shared a look with Effie once the president turned her face towards the screen.

"Is there volume?" Effie asked and was answered with the sound of Peeta's voice.

"No!" Peeta yelled into his communications device. "I'm fine. Just leave me alone!"

"Come on, Peeta," Gale stood above his crouching form. "We should get back to base."

"Just go," Peeta lifted his eyes. "I need a few minutes."

"Flashback?" Gale asked.

"No," Peeta shook his head. "There are a ton of soldiers here to watch me, Gale. I don't need you hanging over me," he said when Gale hadn't moved. "Please go away."

"I made a promise to Catnip that I'd keep you safe."

Peeta let out a burst of air and stood toe to toe with Gale, "And I made a promise to her that I wouldn't kill you, so I'd suggest you get the hell out of my sight," Peeta said in a clipped tone. "Get out of here," his low growl had Gale walking away. "God," Peeta turned away from Gale and ran a hand through his hair. "What the hell did we do?" He fell to his knees and buried his face in his hands. "I'm sorry," there was a catch in his breath. "So sorry."

"Oh, Peeta," Effie spoke and Peeta lifted his face.

"Mom?" Peeta looked around.

"My God, can he hear me?" Effie asked Fulvia.

"Guess I hit the two way communications when I turned on the volume," Fulvia said innocently, her expression on the other hand said she knew exactly what she was doing.

"Mom is that you?" Peeta's voice was shaking.

"Yes dear. I'm here." Effie answered and asked Fulvia, "Does he know I can see him?"

"No," Peeta smiled a little. "I didn't know that." Then his face turned to one of horror. "You didn't see it did you? What we did to the Nut?"

"We haven't televised that yet, soldier," Coin answered.

"But you're going to?" he asked.

"When we've created a propos that won't give away too much information in regards to our plans in Two, yes," Coin spoke in her no nonsense voice.

"Great," Peeta let his head drop back. "Mom, does Katniss know? Does she know what we did?"

"All she knows is what the rest of us do. That you're doing your best to win this war," Effie said proudly. "Would you like to speak with her, dear?" Effie offered, turned to Coin and said, "I'm sure our president would have no problems with a request like that considering all you're going through out there."

Peeta was quiet for a moment and Coin was glaring at Effie. "No. I mean I want to talk to her, but…I can't right now. Not after…" he wiped a hand under his nose. "How would I explain what I did?"

"You wouldn't have to explain a thing to Katniss," Effie said reassuringly, "she'd simply understand."

Peeta nodded his head. "Yes. I guess I would like to hear her voice."

Effie jumped on his request. "I'll send someone for her now."

"She's got a film crew outside of her bedroom in case we had to do a live shot after the battle," Fulvia said. "I'll let them know they should bring her here."

"Thanks," Peeta said when heard Fulvia's suggestion. "Guess I'll head back to camp in the meantime. Hey, mom, does Haymitch know you're talking to me?"

"Yeah, I do," Haymitch's voice came over the speaker. "How ya doin' Trinkie?"

"I will admit I have been better. Knowing you're all in danger does not sit well with me, but I do understand we all have a job to do and you will both be happy to know I am now able to do mine again. You are now speaking to the first, and only, escort of District Thirteen."

Haymitch let out a guffaw. "Nothing keeps you down does it?"

"Of course not." Effie gave them a smile regardless of whether or not she could be seen.

"You look good, Effie," Haymitch said and surprised her.

"He can see me?" She smiled even brighter as she asked her question to Fulvia.

"Course I can see ya. You're right here on my computer. When the girl gets there we'll let the kids have a chat. It'll be good for the boy."

"The boy is fine," Peeta added in a breathless tone as he made his way down a hill. "Don't get Katniss worried over nothing. In fact, I don't want her knowing about this attack. We'll give her the basics. No details. I need to tell her that face to face. President Coin, I'm assuming you're still listening in and I'm asking you to honor this request."

"I see no reason why your wife will need to be informed of details."

"Thank you," Peeta said. "Mom?"

"I don't know the details, but no matter what they are, I have no fear that you did what was necessary." Effie was petrified after listening to Peeta fret. "Why don't we take this time to update one another on the goings on in our different locations?"

"Well, you know what's happening here," Haymitch said. "What's going on out there?"

"Our leader and I have come to a working understanding of my position here for the time being," Effie said proudly hoping Haymitch would understand that she still didn't put her trust in the woman. "I am sure I can fill you two in on the tedious details upon your return. Katniss has quite the little stomach showing, Peeta," Effie grinned. "She has yet to feel the baby other than the bubbling sensation, but we're all waiting patiently. Personally, I think your little Maysilee is waiting for her father's return."

"Yeah?" Peeta stopped walking and turned to face the lens that was filming him with a thoughtful look in his eye.

"Yeah," Katniss' voice spoke from behind Effie. "Hey."

Effie saw Katniss' lip begin to tremble and tugged her in front of the computer. "They'll be able to see you if you sit here." She knew Katniss would put on a brave face once she heard that, and wasn't disappointed.

"Hey," Peeta said on a sigh. "Do me a favor?"

"Anything," Katniss answered.

"Let Effie and Haymitch talk to one another while I run back to base. I can't see you yet and I don't want to miss a thing."

"Sure," Katniss grinned. "How long will it take you?"

"Longer if you keep talking," Peeta began his quick pace, leaving the camera crew in his wake. "I'm not waiting on you slow pokes," he called out to them then saved his breath for his travels.

"Hey, Trinkie?" Haymitch asked. "How's Johanna doing?"

"Better. She's anxious to get out of the hospital. I don't think she likes having people helping her. However I've been thinking of a little project for her, though I will need to speak with Fulvia in regards to it. Oh…" Effie touched her throat, "…I don't suppose Plutarch is within hearing range?"

"Yes, I am," he answered.

"Plutarch, I understand you provided the district with various amounts of historic memorabilia, and I was wondering where you obtained it." Effie knew the answer. He stole it from her father.

"You finally figured it out, haven't you my dear?" Plutarch asked. "I wasn't sure if I should tell you or not."

"I'm assuming he didn't give it to you." Effie fought the tightness in her throat.

"No, he did not," Plutarch answered.

"Who gave Plutarch what?" Katniss asked from her spot.

"My father was in possession of the historical documents Plutarch gave to Thirteen," Effie answered. "Thank you for not deceiving me, Plutarch."

"Mom? Does this mean we don't have to keep it a secret anymore?" Peeta paused on his journey.

"No, credo che non abbiamo più." Effie answered in Italian.

"Che è bene sapere," Peeta answered back and laughed when he heard Katniss' gasp.

"What the hell was that?" Haymitch asked.

"French?" Peeta said as a question then corrected himself, "No. Italian."

"Very good, my dear," Effie said and smiled. "I've been teaching Peeta since his return from the Games. He picked up Italian and French quite rapidly. My two favorite languages."

"What the hell is Italian and French?" Haymitch asked with an exasperated voice.

"Oh, darling, you'll know soon enough when we win this war. Everyone will know of this world's great history and the languages of those that came before us." Effie smiled down at Katniss who was staring up at her like she had two heads. "Close your mouth, dear. You're not catching flies." Effie gave Katniss' jaw a little tap and pointed to the computer screen. "He's almost there." She could see Peeta making his way through the cluster of people on the screen. "Plutarch," there was one last thing she needed to do. "I'll be needing access to my father's possessions. Now that he is no longer with us, I will be the best thing you have to a historian on hand."

"Of course, dear. Fulvia," Plutarch barked. "You'll take Effie down to the archive as soon as we're through here."

"And Katniss," Effie said. "It's important for us to pass on our heritage."

"Of course Katniss can go with you," Plutarch sounded thrilled. "She may find it quite interesting."

"Peeta, I can't wait until your return so I can teach you even more," Effie smiled. Her plan worked perfectly. Coin hadn't said a thing, and how could she now that she knew about Effie's childhood? Their new president was going to have to allow Effie access to the books that could bring down Coin's version of democracy.

"Can't wait," Peeta's face filled the screen along with Haymitch and Plutarch. "Hey," He looked at the image of Katniss on the computer screen. "I got here as fast as I could."

"You ran to me…again," she smiled softly and the group of people around Peeta slowly departed. "I was thinking about you earlier."

"I was thinking about you too…your dad was actually on my mind quite a bit." Effie turned away from the conversation playing out before her. There was no way she could ask Coin to dismiss the staff so her kids could have a private conversation, but maybe she could…

"Fulvia?" Effie whispered to her. "Is there a way Katniss can communicate with him without the rest of us listening in?"

"Headphones," Fulvia took hers off and placed them on Katniss without asking, then switched the volume button and the room went silent but for the sound of Katniss' voice.

"Thank you," Effie gave the girl a pat on the shoulder. She lifted her eyes to Coin's and said, "How lucky are you to have such a valuable escort in your reach?"

Coin's eyes narrowed in a deadly glare. "I'm almost afraid of what you're planning next."

"Why a wedding of course," Effie smiled brightly and took a proud stance. 'Yes,' she thought to herself, 'I do believe our prospective president can read the writing on the wall. You should be very afraid of me, Ms. Coin.'

…

…

…

…

…

"Primrose Everdeen," the sound of the instructor's voice had Prim snapping to attention.

"Yes, Miss. Groonum."

"We're all waiting for an answer, young lady." The teacher's foot was tapping up and down, her hands were gripping at the edge of her desk, and Prim could tell the woman was about to lose her patience completely if she didn't say something.

Prim looked at the math problem written on the chalkboard, quickly figured out the answer and said, "Y= 5 and X= 8," her voice exudied confidence, yet inside she was petrified that the teacher had asked her something completely unrelated to the algebra problem on the chalkboard.

"Very good, Primrose," Miss. Groonum gave Prim a small nod of approval and moved onto the next victim in their classroom having them explain how Prim came up with the answer. Fortunately the obnoxious buzzer that signaled the end of class saved Rory Hawthorne's skin.

"Gosh, Prim," Rory caught up with her after class. "I could've sworn you had no clue why Gruesome Groonum called on you today."

"I didn't," she admitted behind a light laugh. "I just guessed she was asking about that problem."

"Where are you off to now?" Rory asked her, slowing down his pace in order to keep time with her.

"Dr. Valero's lab," Prim said with a huge smile. "I get to spend the rest of my afternoon there, plus my mom is working a shift tonight which means I can work with her if I want, or I can hang out with Bing or Katniss or Effie…" Things weren't so bad in District Thirteen. "What about you, Rory?"

"They're starting some sort of new history class today and because Gale's one of their best soldiers, I got chosen to attend it," Rory said proudly, and Prim wondered what the class was about.

"New history? That's kind of an oxymoron isn't it? Like jumbo shrimp."

Rory gave her a shrug. "Don't know what an oxymoron is, so…" He made a little grunting noise. "Well, gotta go or I'm gonna be late."

"Hey, Rory," Prim called to him. "Do me a favor and pay attention in class. I'm kind of curious about this new history." But right now the hospital was waiting for her, and so was the mystery surrounding P Zero X. Between Prim and Regina they had been able to unearth a decent amount of information regarding the scientist that had created it. A single man that had spent his life dedicated to science and technology. He stumbled upon a chemical compound while trying to create a serum to help maintain a person's youthful glow that had peaked the president's curiosity. From his work he began running tests on lab animals but the results never turned out the way he had planned. By the man's fourth attempt at creating a weapon from the chemicals the president had deemed his studies a waste of time and resources. Today Prim and Regina were going to listen to some of the journal entries they had discovered, and Prim couldn't wait. "Good afternoon, Dr. Valero," Prim said in her sing song voice. "Anything new and exciting happen today?"

"Well," the physician turned and gave Prim a very serious expression, "Johanna Mason has declared herself fit and no longer needs medical services."

Prim let out a squeak of a laugh. "I said new. Johanna says she fine every day and throws a fit so she can get more morphling. How's weaning her going?"

"As good as can be expected." Regina sighed. "The poor girl has gone through so much, but we cannot allow her to throw her life away on drugs."

"So where is she now?" Prim set her school books on a shelf in the closet and put on her white jacket.

"Effie stopped by and took her on a walk." Regina faced Prim. "How about you? Anything new and exciting happening in classes today?"

"Not really except…Rory Hawthorne got asked to go into some sort of 'new history' class because his brother is such an exceptional soldier," Prim rolled her eyes. "I didn't have the heart to tell him while he was studying history, my brother and sister are making it," she giggled and Regina joined in.

"What does Gale's position as a soldier in the rebel's army have to do with history classes?"

"Got me," Prim gave her shoulder a shrug. "I told him to pay attention and tell me what happened in class. So," Prim glanced around the room making sure no one was there, "are we going to listen to those journals today?"

Dr. Valero gave her head a little nod. "Thought we might give them a listen before sharing with the rest of the women. What do you think?"

"Good idea. Knowing Katniss she's going to want answers right away, and if we don't have some for her…"

"That's exactly what I was thinking." Dr. Valero headed for the door. "Let's give your mom a quick visit, then we'll head on out."

"Sounds good." Prim was thrilled with the idea of an adventure. Today they'd be sitting in the dusty room that held the records of the dead. Since coming across that room she and Dr. Valero had found a lot of information that Effie said was, 'hidden in plain sight.' Prim had first thought it odd when they came across medical reports on microchips. Regina assured her that it was common for a physician to dictate a patient's status onto a chip. It provided the doctor with more time to take care of their patients, but normally a nurse would transcribe them into a file which wasn't the case in this instance. They had found the first five recordings placed sporadically throughout various files, and then Regina came up with the idea to have the computer do a search of all the medical records and look for specific keywords the physician had used in his recordings. Within days they had compiled hundreds of journal entries.

This day was getting better and better as far as Prim was concerned. Her mother gave her permission to work with her until midnight, she hadn't gotten busted for daydreaming in Gruesome Groonum's class and she and Regina were just about to listen to the first of the journal recordings now that the computer had organized them by date.

"This is Dr. Marc Lucius. I have been in District Thirteen for just over a week now, and find the residents here to be quite friendly, but also very suspicious of me. One young father asked me how I escaped from underneath Snow's power. I do not believe they know how I came to their district or why. None of them are aware of their president's hand in my leaving the Capitol. I have kept this bit of information under wraps, a sort of unspoken agreement between myself and President Coin. Normally I would put up a fight, however she has provided me with something my home city has taken away. The ability to continue my research and create a biological weapon that will take as few lives as possible."

Regina paused the recording and said, "Prim, I know this doctor. He's from the Capitol." She gave it some thought and said, "It was years ago, but I remember him looking for a group of up and coming physicians to help him in his research."

"Were you one of them?" Prim was literally sitting on the edge of her seat.

"No," Regina answered. "I was asked to apply because I was at the top of my class, but Justus was just finishing up the hideouts in the Capitol, and trying to build up a base of rebels out there. If I had applied for a position with Dr. Lucius I would have had to have a background check, and I'm certain they would have bugged our home."

"Do you remember what he was working on?"

"It was supposed to be an anti-aging serum. One shot and it slowed down your aging process by years." Regina remembered when she was approached about the program. "I recall thinking there was something exceptionally flawed with the physician's ideas."

The doctor started playing the recordings again and they listened as Dr. Marc Lucius slowly broke down what it was that had happened to him. "Six weeks in, and I am still being treated like a guest by most of the residents. I often wonder at times if they are aware that I am a hostage. Does it really matter? At least I am able to continue my work here unlike the Capitol where I was told my theories on biological warfare were antiquated and outdated…a waste of money." There was a long pause before the doctor went on. "Tomorrow we will begin creating the virus and placing the Petri dishes under quarantine. Perhaps I shall make a request during the cultivation period to go outside. I do so miss walking through the parks and watching the birds fly about. That sense of freedom is one none of us human beings will ever be blessed with."

"Dr. Marc Lucius. I have now been in District Thirteen for three months and find this place to be more than interesting. I no longer consider myself a hostage of President Coin's, but rather a colleague. We have had many conversations pertaining to her child's curiosity, and her husband's willingness to indulge the girl. I have told her on numerous occasions that I too would encourage the child's whimsy. Why, how else would one expand their ways of thinking and grow if not for wild imaginations. As far as my work goes, everything is right on track. In less than a week we shall perform our first test by injecting some mice with the pox." There was a quiet humming sound in the background. "I wonder at times how President Coin found out about my work. Very few people were aware of the actual study, and they were under the impression that I was in search of the fountain of youth. She has told me about a young rebel at the Capitol who calls himself Justus Rules, and has built up a group of people under Snow's regime that are willing to fight for the Districts freedom. I do not know him, but President Coin has mentioned his physician wife, and I do recall hearing about her while starting my research. After speaking with President Coin in regards to this young man, she has sparked a question within me, is it possible the person that informed her about my work may also be affiliated with this fellow? I think I shall wait a little while before asking our president how she received her information. Perhaps it was his wife Dr. Valero? Though my research was private, there are those in the medical profession that cannot hold their tongue and may have spoken with her in regards to it. We shall see. We shall see."

"Wow," Prim gave Regina a surprised look. "Did you ever think you'd be listening to someone talk about you and Justus on these?"

"Not at all," it had come as quite a surprise to hear their names in the scientist's recordings. "Perhaps I shouldn't be shocked at all considering how relevant Justus was to the rebellion."

"Still," Prim said with eagerness in her eyes, "I think it's sort of cool to hear."

"Dr. Marc Lucius. This is week seventeen in my new home, and one of the most glorious days. I have been given permission to work with a group of horticulturists in developing a large scale room with plant and animal life. In short, I will be creating an outdoor park underground. The trees have been in place for many years, but the group here never saw the need to expand on the areas surrounding them. What a thrilling task I have at hand."

"Dr. Marc Lucius. Week twenty-one. With the failure of our most recent test the mood amongst my staff has been morose at best… "

They listened for hours until one recording brought understanding as to why the doctor hid his journal entries. "During my time here in Thirteen it has come to my attention that President Coin's affiliate within the Capitol may not have been to benefit the rebel's side after all. I am taking precautions with my work and hiding many of my personal journal entries in the hopes that she does not discover them, or learn that I have this new knowledge. I shall still keep up appearances and remain a dedicated colleague of hers. You know the saying; keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Though I will admit, after spending so much time with President Coin, I am finding it difficult to think of her in such bad light."

"Dr. Marc Lucius." There was a long pause followed up by a sigh. "Something quite disturbing has happened. I believe President Coin has a working relationship with President Snow. That she has been striking bargains with him for years. Both sides have nuclear weapons, yet they are well aware of how precious the remaining lives we have here on earth are and have both agreed to refrain from use…"

"Dr. Marc Lucius. Yesterday I was thrilled about our progress with P Zero X, and made my way down to President Coin's private office in order to fill her in. It was then that I heard the familiar Capitol voice I had been listening to for years. She was in a private conversation with President Snow. Arranging a trade of sorts. There are still areas here in Thirteen that are capable of being mined. President Snow is in need of graphite, and District Two has been coming up short. He has arranged for a group to come in and mine in one of the deserted shafts. During that time he will allow a designated official from District Thirteen to travel to District Three and acquire much needed technology. Once they struck a deal with one another I overheard President Snow ask her how her new scientist was fairing, and she answered, much better than your first Capitol born rebel."

"Oh my God!" Regina called out. "She turned in Justus!"

…..

…

…

…

…

Katniss ran as fast as she could for the Command Center. One of her cameramen had to tell her to put on a robe and some slippers. The robe was thrown on inside out and she was stepping on the heels of her slippers in lieu of pulling them onto her feet. "You're sure he has more than five minutes?" She didn't believe it when the new cameraman told her that.

"Positive. They're using the communication device Coin has been using to keep in touch with the rebels in Two."

"You better be right," Katniss pressed her finger into the chest of their cameraman the second the elevator doors closed. "If I miss him because you gave me a load of crap…"

"Katniss, he's not lying to you. Coin doesn't have to limit her time with the rebels. How do you think we've been keeping in touch with Plutarch?" Messalla commented.

"Why the hell haven't they been letting me and Peeta talk that way instead of this five minute bullshit!?" Katniss was furious about this new bit of information.

"They weren't keen on the idea when we proposed it, on several occasions, before. I have no clue what brought on the change," Messalla's statement had Katniss wondering the same until she entered the Command Center and saw Effie.

The sound of Peeta's voice saying, "Yeah," when Effie told him banana nut was waiting on his return before she kicked brought a lump to Katniss' throat. Just the sound of his voice made her want to jump through the computer screen.

"Yeah," Katniss tried to hide the tremor in her voice, but her bottom lip started to quiver when she said, "Hey."

"They'll be able to see you if you stand here." Effie guided her in front of the computer and Katniss knew she needed to be brave for Peeta, so she took control of her raging hormones, damning them to hell for the millionth time, and stood tall.

"Hey," Peeta said on a sigh. "Do me a favor?"

"Anything," Katniss answered.

"Let Effie and Haymitch talk to one another while I run back to base. I can't see you yet and I don't want to miss a thing."

"Sure," Katniss grinned. "How long will it take you?"

"Longer if you keep talking," Peeta began his quick pace, leaving the camera crew in his wake. "I'm not waiting on you slow pokes," he called out to them and Katniss smiled. Her first real one all day long. She watched him as he made his way through trees, down a steep hill…noticed the smoke on occasion wafting through the air, but Peeta never put on his mask to help him breathe so she was sure whatever fire there was had to be far enough away for him not to worry about it.

Katniss had ignored the conversation Effie was having until she heard her say, "I'm assuming he didn't give it to you."

"No, he did not," Plutarch answered.

"Who gave Plutarch what?" Katniss asked.

"My father was in possession of the historical documents Plutarch gave to Thirteen," Effie answered. "Thank you for not deceiving me, Plutarch."

"Mom? Does this mean we don't have to keep it a secret anymore?" Peeta stopped briefly, and Katniss wondered what they were keeping a secret.

"No, credo che non abbiamo più." Effie answered in some sort of code no one would be able to understand.

'Probably some secret Capitol language,' Katniss thought to herself, but when Peeta said something back to her in the same garb, she gasped for air, not even noticing Peeta's chuckling.

"What the hell was that?" Haymitch asked what Katniss was about to.

"French? No. Italian," Peeta quickly corrected. Katniss was tempted to say something snarky like, you can remember some stupid language but not me, then stopped herself because Peeta remembered their language too.

"Very good, my dear," Effie said. "I've been teaching Peeta since his return from the Games. He picked up Italian and French quite rapidly. My two favorite languages."

"What the hell is Italian and French?" It was like Haymitch was reading Katniss' mind.

"Oh, darling, you'll know soon enough when we win this war. Everyone will know of this world's great history and the languages of those that came before us." Katniss let her head fall backwards while she was in her chair to stare up at Effie's smiling face. "Close your mouth, dear. You're not catching flies." Effie gave Katniss' jaw a little tap and pointed to the computer screen. "He's almost there."

The second Katniss heard this; she stared at the computer straight on in wait. Once again she ignored Effie's conversation. It wasn't her business anyway. Then she heard her name and her ears perked up, "Of course Katniss can go with you," Plutarch sounded thrilled. "She may find it quite interesting."

"Peeta, I can't wait until your return so I can teach you even more," Effie smiled.

"Can't wait," suddenly Peeta's face was in front of her and thoughts of everyone else went to the back of Katniss' head. "Hey, I got here as fast as I could."

"You ran to me…again," a soft smile lifted at the corners of her lips. "I was thinking about you earlier."

"I was thinking about you too…your dad was actually on my mind quite a bit." Peeta scratched absently at the back of his head. "What do you mean I ran to you again?"

"What do you mean you thought of my dad?" Katniss countered.

"You go first," Peeta smiled. "Wait. Before you do anything, I want you to stand up for me. Let me see banana nut."

Katniss grinned and jumped when Fulvia put headphones over her ears. "Stand, huh?"

"Mmm hmm," Peeta couldn't stop grinning.

"I suppose I could do that," she leaned closer to the computer and dragged out the word, "dad." She stood up and gave him a profile shot, opening up the robe and clasping the maternity dress Effie had given to her earlier to her stomach. "So, what do you think? She's getting big, huh?" Katniss looked over her shoulder at Peeta's dropped jaw.

"Holy cow! You popped!" He laughed.

"You're telling me. I don't fit into normal clothes anymore." Katniss stayed that way when she noticed the look in his eyes that said he was memorizing her so he could sketch her at a later date. "Let me know when I can sit back down."

"Almost," Peeta's eyes scanned up and down her body. "Wish I could get a better angle of you two."

"What do you need? Longer? Wider?" Katniss asked. "Better not say wider," she quickly warned.

"No, just…a head to toe shot of you. Actually, I'd really like a shot of you like my last sketch," Peeta said flirtatiously.

"You're going to have to wait till you get home for that." Katniss gave him a playful smile. "Are you done staring at my gigantic stomach yet?"

"It's not gigantic. It will be, but it's not yet," he chuckled. "Wow, I feel like I've missed so damn much."

"I know," Katniss' face lost all vestiges of humor. "You've been gone two weeks, but it seems like a year." She watched him as his eyes continually swept up and down her body with an intensity she hadn't seen in a long time. Something inside of her said that he was doing more than just sketching a mental picture of her. "You okay?" He continued to look at her, but didn't answer. "Peeta?" Again he didn't say a word. "Hey!"

Peeta's head snapped to attention. "Sorry. I was just thinking about something." There was no camouflaging the pain and anguish in his demeanor. "Sit down if you want."

Katniss moved her hand towards the computer screen and ran a finger down the image of his face as she took her seat. "You want to talk about it?" She asked in regards to the troublesome expression on his face, and his tense posture.

Peeta nodded absently, "Yeah, but not until I get back." He briefly paused. "This is something I need to explain when we're face to face."

"You're starting to worry me here, Peeta," she gave him an inquisitive look.

"No. No, don't worry." Peeta gave her a brief explanation. "I'm just having a hard time with this stuff…you know, the killing."

"Bringing up some bad memories?"

"Actually, it brought up a good one earlier." His mouth lifted slightly, but the rest of his face was a complete contradiction.

"What memory?" She hoped by asking him about it, his spirit might perk up. "You weren't remembering all of your old girlfriends, were you?"

Katniss straight face caused Peeta to let out a laugh. "Yes, I can see how devastating it is for you too," he said sarcastically.

"I might be pregnant, but I'm pretty sure I can find it in me to kick your ass," her scowl automatically formed.

"Thank you," Peeta said quietly. "You have no clue how much I miss that scowl."

"That's because you're a sucker for punishment. You actually like my bad moods." Katniss gave her head a shake. "Hey…what was that french thing before?"

"Effie taught me how to speak in two different languages," he answered. "She used to send me music chips with songs on them and somewhere in the middle of it she'd record a language lesson. I can't write or anything like that, but learning to speak them wasn't that hard."

"Why didn't you tell me about them?"

"I have no idea. She gave me my first chip the night she went back to the Capitol after the Games." Peeta scratched at his jaw. "You'd think I would have told you right away."

Katniss remembered that time period in their lives and said, "After our first Games we were apart for several months, remember?" Katniss could see him digging through his brain for this bit of information

"Oh," he gave her a befuddled look. "You told me this already, didn't you?"

"I may have mentioned it," she had done more than mention it. Katniss had explained in great detail why they had been apart, but when she told him he had just had a flashback and asked her a million questions as to why they had to sneak around the woods, and was she sure it was him and not Gale that went to the woods for picnics with her.

"Guess I forgot."

"We were both pretty miserable, so maybe it's best that you forgot," Katniss said seriously. "It was one of the worst time periods in my life."

"Was it my fault?" He asked sheepishly.

"No," she shook her head. "Peeta, consider yourself lucky you can't recall what happened between us back then."

"I can't do that, Katniss." His tone was a little hard. "I want to remember it all. Good times and bad."

"Then I'll tell you about it again when you get home, but don't get mad at me when I call you names for being such an ass back then," she gave him fair warning.

"I promise I won't get mad." Peeta let out a tiny laugh. "So, you want to hear something I do remember?"

"Yes, I would," she answered.

He gave her a strange look then asked, "Do you know a song," he scratched at his chin, "not sure what the name is, but there's a line in it that goes, are you coming to the tree where I told you to run, so we'd both be free?"

"Sure," she hadn't heard that song since her father was alive. "It's called the hanging tree." Katniss wondered how Peeta had heard of it. "Why do you ask?"

Peeta gave her a strange look and began explaining a memory about Katniss' father coming to the bakery when Peeta was a little boy, and how he listened to hear if the birds would fall silent. Katniss paid close attention as Peeta told her something she never knew about him and a discussion he had with her dad. Listening to the sound of Peeta's voice brought Katniss a sense of calm that had been missing the entire day. She had been downright cruel to Effie, pitying herself, and said some things she truly regretted. By the time Peeta was in the middle of his story Katniss came to the conclusion that the person she was acting like that day was the same stubborn, hard headed girl she had been her entire life, and not the woman she was growing into. She told herself that she'd apologize to Effie the moment they had a second alone. The woman had done nothing but help Katniss and Peeta since she met them. It wasn't her fault Prim and Peeta were called during the reaping. Effie was at the mercy of the Capitol just as much as Katniss was, yet she risked it all in order to bring her and Peeta home from the Games. She was in complete shock by the time Peeta finished telling her about the day he heard her father sing the Hanging Tree. It caused her to miss her dad like crazy, but Katniss was grateful Peeta had shared it with her.

Katniss wasn't sure how long they had been talking, but she was certain they'd have to end their conversation pretty soon. "Any idea how much longer you'll be out there?"

"Don't know," he said. "Ask Coin."

Katniss made a slight growling noise. "I'll ask when I hang up with you."

"Good. I'm kind of curious about the answer." He let his head fall slightly backwards and rolled it from side to side causing his neck to sound like popcorn being popped. "I'm spending my nights with a small family out here, and the bed I'm using is about as comfortable as a bed of nails. Can't complain though. They've been very kind considering what can happen if they get caught with me."

"Peeta?" Katniss had been wondering for a while now, but she always forgot to ask. "How's Gale doing? Are you two getting along okay?" From the way Peeta's face morphed, Katniss had a feeling there was still a lot of tension there. "Forget I asked."

"He's fine," Peeta said curtly.

Katniss hated ending their conversation this way considering it had been so wonderful only a few minutes ago. "Is Haymitch driving you insane?"

"He always drives me insane," Peeta's answer wasn't as short, but there was still an edge to his voice. "How about you? Anything happening with you? She really hasn't kicked yet?"

"I'm fine. I'm having a hard time hunting because my equilibrium is sort of off kilter, and no. She has not kicked yet, but I am getting those fluttering, bubbly kind of things." Katniss tried to explain it for Peeta. "It's like…remember when we had our victory dinner and they gave us that sparkling wine."

"No, but I remember the sparkling wine," Peeta answered.

"Remember how the fizz spritzed against your skin when you held the glass up to your lips?"

"Yeah."

"That's what it feels like when banana nut moves." She tucked a stray hair behind her ear. "I suppose we shou…"

"I hate to interrupt Katniss," Plutarch entered her line of sight. "I must speak with President Coin."

"Okay," Katniss didn't think she'd be able to say anything else to Peeta after the president got on the phone so she quickly got out an, "I love you, Peeta."

"Love you too. Tell nut daddy's thinking about her."

"You just did." Katniss took off the headset and said, "President Coin, Plutarch needs to speak with you."

Fulvia unplugged the earphones and Plutarch's voice filled the room. "Madam President. They're starting to make their way out, and the shooting has begun. I know what your order was, but Beetee has run some figures he'd like to make you aware of."

"Go ahead," Coin said.

"Ma'am," Beetee squeezed into the picture from out of nowhere, "Peeta had brought up an excellent point when he commented on how there's not enough of us left to populate the nation during his interview with Caesar Flickerman. We must try to preserve as many of these lives as possible."

"Will it make that much of a difference?" Coin asked.

"We won't become extinct over the deaths of the survivors, however, it would give us a more solid foundation when building a future," Beetee answered.

Coin paced leisurely around the room with her hands behind her back, "Your answer is no." Coin stopped walking and said, "Soldier Mellark."

Both Katniss and Peeta said, "Yes," in unison.

"Take your team and finish the rest. Dismissed."

With that one word Peeta's entire persona changed."Yes, ma'am," Peeta said it with a heavy heart.

Katniss and Effie didn't bother leaving the Command Center after Coin dismissed Peeta from the room. They stayed quietly next to Fulvia's work station and watched what was being played out on the screen. The sky was filled with an unending stream of black smoke that spread out into a charcoal colored cloud. The flames that had consumed the Nut from the inside out were spreading at a rapid rate across the mountain, filling its caverns with a dark dense smoke. What few survivors there were left inside, were slowly making their way out of the mountain through the train tunnel that had been built to transport the graphite District Two had mined. Peacekeepers that had once been dressed in a crisp white uniform were now broken and beaten. Their clothing had turned to various shades of gray. Gunfire rang out, from which side neither Katniss nor Effie knew. "There," Katniss pointed at Peeta who was on the television screen. "He's in front of the Justice Building. Or what used to be the Justice Building."

Effie gasped when the fighting started. Sparks from the weapons being discharged were glowing in the night from both the rebels and the Capitol's soldiers. Her hand flew up to her throat as a horrific feeling of déjà vu swept over her. "It's like I'm watching the Games all over again," she said quietly to Katniss.

"He needs to take shelter," Katniss said of Peeta's walking out in the open.

When Peeta came upon an injured man and he had a gun pointed at him, Katniss began to shake uncontrollably. She was certain she would be watching her husband be killed right before her eyes. Then Peeta did exactly what Coin told him not to do, he showed the world why he was the Jabberjay. Katniss and Effie clasped hands when Peeta spoke to the people in Two. The feeling of humility swept through Katniss as she listened to Peeta's words. She gasped when the man lay down his gun and accepted Peeta's hand. The Command Center exploded with a cheer, even Coin's tough shell had been chipped. When the lone gun fired and Peeta crumpled to the ground, Katniss let out a bloodcurdling scream, "PEETA!" She sucked in a breath, clasped the side of her stomach and dropped to her knees at the sight of her husband being murdered.

…..

…..

…..

…..

…..

"Do you know a song," Peeta scratched at his chin, "not sure what the name is, but there's a line in it that goes, are you coming to the tree where I told you to run, so we'd both be free?"

"Sure," Katniss answered. "It's called the hanging tree. Why do you ask?"

"I remember your dad singing it," Peeta answered then began telling her about a memory that came to him right after Gale laid out his plan on how to bring down the Nut. "I'm not sure if I was five or six when it happened. Six I think." He let his eyes float to the side then back to the computer. "Your dad came to the backdoor of the bakery to make a trade with pops, but a customer came in and my dad had to go up front." Peeta released a gust of air and gave his head a little shake. "You're not going to believe me when I tell you this."

The banging on the backdoor of the bakery had Peeta running towards his father and announcing the arrival of Clayton Everdeen.

"Good to see you, Clay," Peeta's dad gave the man a genuine smile. "How many did you get today?"

"Four, but you don't have to take 'em all. I can sell some or trade at the Hob," Katniss' dad said.

"Why don't I take a look at the sizes," Peeta's dad rubbed his chin between his thumb and index finger. "If they're on the small size, I'll probably take three."

Peeta hid behind a stainless steel counter and watched as Katniss' father opened up a big bag he had slung over his shoulder and pulled out a long rope with four squirrels on them. "What do you think?" Clayton asked Bing.

"I think I'll take three of them."

"Go ahead and point out which…"

"Papa! Someone came in the store," Peeta tugged on the back of his father's pants. "Should I go help?"

His father looked down at him and gave his head a playful scratch. "No, Peeta, I'll take care of it. Be right back, Clay," Bing said as he left Peeta behind and Clayton standing outside.

Peeta walked backwards towards his hiding place next to the table and stared at Katniss' dad. He was going to follow his dad to the front of the store, but then Peeta heard Katniss' father start to sing and his jaw dropped. "Wow," Peeta's six year old mind was running a mile a minute at the sound of the music man.

Are you, are you

Coming to the tree

Where they strung up a man they say murdered three.

Strange things did happen here

No stranger would it be

If we met up at midnight in the hanging tree.

Peeta snuck up to the door as quietly as his tippy toes could take him and peeked out at Katniss' father. His curiosity was getting the better of him. Peeta had to find out if the birds fell silent when he finished singing like they had done for Katniss. To Peeta's complete amazement, they did. There were only a few birds outside, but once the mockingjays started to sing more of them joined the flock and picked up on the haunting melody. Peeta quickly felt a wave of panic shoot through him when Katniss' dad finished singing. If he was going to do this, it had to be now. He licked the palms of his hands and used them to brush his unruly mane of curls and then dried them on his pant leg. He cleared his throat took a tentative step outside and said, "Excuse me. Mr. Everdeen sir?"

"Well where did you come from?" Katniss' dad bestowed a friendly smile on Peeta. "I didn't see you hiding in there."

"I wasn't hiding, sir…Mr. Everdeen…sir." Peeta tried really hard to overcome his nerves. He stuck out his hand and introduced himself. "My name is Peeta Mellark."

Clayton reached out a hand and shook Peeta's. "I'm Clayton Everdeen."

"Yes, sir…Mr. Everdeen, sir…I know who you are which is why I came out here." Peeta took a deep breath and then did what he had been waiting to do since the day Katniss sang in music assembly. "Mr. Everdeen, sir, um…I know your daughter and I wanted to tell you…" his voice began to quiver, "…not tell you sir, I meant to say I wanted to ask you…aaaaask," he clarified, "not tell."

"Thank you very much for clearing that up for me," Mr. Everdeen gave Peeta a serious look. "What would you like to ask?"

Peeta held his chin up high and looked the man in the eyes. "Sir…Mr….Sirverdeen…Everdeen. Oh no," Peeta hid his eyes behind his hand in embarrassment.

"Why don't you call me Clayton? Or Clay if you like," Mr. Everdeen suggested.

"That wouldn't be polite since you're my elder and all, but maybe I can call you Mr. Everdeen?"

"Peeta, you are a very polite young man. I think Mr. Everdeen will do just fine."

"Goody," he breathed out a sigh of relief. "If it's okay with you Mr. Everdeen I'd like to start all over again so I won't mess this up so badly."

A little cough came out of Clayton Everdeen's throat in an attempt to hide his laugh. "You go right ahead Peeta."

Peeta turned around, went back into the bakery and gave himself a little pep talk. "Don't mess this up." Once he was sure he could get through this without calling Katniss' dad a weird name, Peeta flattened his hair down again, stepped outside, stuck his hand out and said, "Mr. Everdeen, my name is Peeta Mellark."

"Nice to meet you Peeta Mellark," he said as he shook Peeta's hand.

"Thank you. It's nice to meet you too." Peeta was cheering himself on inside of his head for making it this far without a mistake. "Mr. Everdeen, first I'd like to start off by saying, I'm not mad at you at all. Not even a little teeny bit."

A curious expression crossed Clayton's face. "Is there a reason you should be mad at me?"

"Nope," Peeta shook his head. "I'm glad you married Katniss' mommy because otherwise she'd be my sister, and that would be kind of gross since I want to marry her." Clayton's eyes flew open. "That's why I wanted to introduce myself to you. Mr. Everdeen, I want to marry Katniss."

"Aren't you a little young to be thinking about marriage?"

"Do you have to be twelve...like the Games?" Peeta's sincerity caused Clayton to smile.

"No, but how would you support yourselves at such a young age?"

"Oh," Peeta hadn't thought about that. "Pretty smart thinking Mr. Everdeen." He rubbed the back of his hand underneath his nose. "Since I'm not allowed outside by myself, Katniss and I should probably wait until my parents give me permission to go past the edge of our alley."

"Now that's some pretty smart thinking too, Peeta."

"Okay, since I've decided to wait on the wedding, Katniss and I will have to be engaged for a while. If you say it's okay." Peeta began to list off all of his redeeming qualities. "Since Katniss is such a special girl, I'm sure there are a line of boys wanting to marry her." A thought suddenly struck Peeta and panic filled his voice. "I hope someone else didn't ask you for her hand in mattressmony yet."

Clayton let out a snort of laughter and said, "You're the first."

"That's because I'm getting in early. Mommy always says early bird catches the worm. I'm not sure why she thinks I want worms, but I look for them anyway when I'm outside in case my mommy wants one." Peeta's face distorted. "Don't tell her though. I want to surprise her when I get one."

"My lips are sealed." He made a motion like he had locked his lips closed.

"Thank you. Now, back to me and Katniss getting married. First I would like your permission to marry her, and since I asked first, I'm hoping that means you'll choose me over the rest of the boys that will ask. Second, I want to tell you that I promise I'll take care of her for always and forever, and I'll give her lots of love. Not a little," he shook his head then opened his eyes really wide, "I'm talking about a whole…" he thought of one of the biggest measuring cups they had and said, "A whole gallon full of love."

"That's a lot of love."

"And it's all hers too," Peeta said proudly. "Plus I'll make sure I always put the toilet seat down. Mommy's always yelling, about leaving here and living with a bunch of women that don't make such a mess, so I promise," he held his hand up, "I will always put the seat down." Peeta was sure that that alone would entice Katniss' dad into letting her marry him. "Third, I promise I'll always give her most of the food. I'll only eat enough to stay alive so she can have plenty."

Clayton worried a bit, "We wouldn't want you to starve, Peeta. I would suggest you share the food equally."

"Hmmm," he gave his head a little scratch. "Okay…fourth, I'll make pictures of her. Really pretty ones, and she can give them to whoever she wants. Ooooh, and I won't hit our kids. Shucks," Peeta made a tiny fist and gave it a pump against his leg. "That should have been my second one." He paused briefly then said, "If it's okay with you, I'd like to switch the, not beating up our kids to number two."

Clayton crouched down and made eye contact with Peeta. "Children shouldn't be hit, so I'm very glad to hear that's important to you."

"But sometimes children spill tea or eat too much and then their mommy gives them a spanking, but I won't. I won't ever do it because spankings hurt," Peeta said innocently.

"I appreciate that Peeta." Clayton's features read concern.

"Mr. Everdeen," Peeta thought it would be best to tell him everything about his feelings for Katniss, "I love Katniss very, very much. She's just like you and makes the birds fall silent when she sings. And also she has pretty hair too." He thought it would be best to wrap things up because he didn't want to confuse Katniss' daddy. "So," Peeta began to count with his fingers, "These are the reasons I think you should let me marry Katniss. One, I asked first. Two, I'm not going to hit our kids. Three, I'll share my food. Four, I'll put the toilet seat down all the time, and five, I can make pretty pictures of her and best of all, I love her a gallon full. Two gallons full!" He gave Katniss' dad a huge smile so he could show him what a good job he does when he brushes his teeth. "Do you think you can give me a blessing for our mattressmony?"

"Peeta, does Katniss know you want to marry her?"

"No sir," Peeta shook his head slowly from side to side. "I couldn't tell Katniss. She doesn't even know my name." There was a little sound of laughter coming from behind Peeta and from Katniss' dad. Peeta turned to see who was behind him and saw his father watching him have a talk with Mr. Everdeen. "Papa, I'm going to need you to allow me to go outside by myself one day, okay?"

"Sure thing, Peeta."

"See?" Peeta said excitedly, "My papa's going to let me go outside so I'll be old enough to marry her soon." Peeta turned to his dad again, "Papa is twenty too young to be allowed to walk alone?" To Peeta, twenty sounded old so he was pretty sure he'd be able to go outside by himself.

"Nope," his dad stood next to him. "I think twenty is a great age."

"Well, Peeta," Katniss' father said. "If you promise to love my Katniss with every ounce of your heart, and if she falls in love with you too, then you can have my blessing."

"Really!?"

"Really."

"Wow," Peeta stuck his hand straight out and shook Katniss' dad's hand. "And you won't tell Katniss, right? I don't want her to get mad at me or anything."

"I promise I'll keep it a secret just like your search for a worm," Clayton answered.

Peeta threw his arms around his dad's torso and hugged him. "I told you I was going to marry Katniss, papa."

"You most certainly did," his dad gave him a little nudge on the shoulder. "Why don't you go on back inside so I can finish things up here, okay?"

"Okay, papa." Peeta practically skipped back into the bakery. His good fortune was remarkable. "I'm gonna make Katniss a picture. A really pretty one." Peeta waved to his future father in law. "Bye Mr. Everdeen."

"Bye Peeta." Clayton called out to him.

As Peeta scrounged up an old piece of paper and a pencil he thought of all the things he could draw Katniss. He went through item by item in his head and decided on drawing a bunny since that was his favorite food in the whole wide world. As he drew the pointy ears he said quietly to himself, "Peeta and Katniss Mellark," then let out a whimsical laugh. His life was going to be perfect.

"You did not do that!" Katniss placed her hands on her cheeks to hide her blush. "You made that up."

"I most certainly did do that ," Peeta told her. "I still have that sketch of a rabbit somewhere. I think I put it behind another picture in a leather binder. It's probably at our house. When we get back to Twelve, I'll find it and prove to you that I did not make this up."

"You definitely have to find that picture."

"Consider it done," he said to her, hoping he could remember where he put the childhood sketch.

Peeta could hear some commotion behind him, and knew that his conversation would have to come to an end. Within seconds Plutarch asked to speak with Coin and the second part of Gale's plan to finish taking down the Nut was being put into place. He had hoped that Coin would follow Beetee's advice about not killing anymore people. She ordered him to continue fighting, and Peeta knew it in the deepest recesses of his heart that he could no longer play the role Coin had been expecting him to. He had hurt so many innocent people that day, and when he saw Katniss' new baby bump Peeta felt unworthy of her love. Wondered how he would explain his actions to Katniss, not to mention their child. How could he tell his daughter about the lives he took? The murders he committed? It didn't matter to Peeta what his orders were, all he knew was that he could no longer take the lives of innocent people.

The group of rebel fighters, Gale included, walked towards the train tunnel to stop the residents were hidden within the mountain's caverns, from escaping.

"No more," Peeta's voice sang out over the sounds of battle and gunfire. "No more fighting. No more death," he hung his head down. When he lifted it he took notice of a badly injured man dragging himself out of the tunnel and collapsing onto the ground. "Stop this!" Peeta lifted his hand to call for a cease fire and yelled out, "STOP SHOOTING!" He slowly made his way towards the man, half of his face was covered in blood, his back scorched from the fire, his weapon being used as a crutch. Peeta reached to help him, and the man aimed the gun right at his unprotected head.

"Give me one reason I shouldn't shoot you," he said to Peeta.

In his entire life, Peeta had never felt such hatred towards himself. He knew none of this was his fault, yet the people there blamed him. He was, after all, the Jabberjay. "I wish I could," Peeta said softly. A tiny breath of air burst from between his lips. "I can think of a million different reasons why you should kill me." He saw the confused expression on the man's face and said, "It would be easy enough to beg for your mercy, but why should I? I can't seem to understand why you and I are killing each other." Since the orders were finalized in the destruction of the Nut Peeta had been filled with remorse…guilt. "I destroyed your mountain," he paused. "You burned my district to the ground." A befuddled expression was painted on Peeta's face as he asked, "Why?" He dropped to his knees in front of the man and disengaged his gauntlets. "Kill me if you want, but I'm done committing murder for the president." At that point, Peeta wasn't sure if he was talking about Snow…Coin or both. "I can't do this anymore," he said to himself as his throat got thick and tight. He asked the man with the gun, "I'm so tired of being a slave, aren't you?"

"I'm not a slave," he answered.

"Really? Because I am." Peeta motioned to the gun with his chin. "Was it your idea to kill people? I know it wasn't mine." He rested his palms on his thighs. With sincerity in his voice, he said, "We are in the middle of a war not because of you…not because of me, because our president pitted us against each other. Not only in the arena, but in life as well. My whole life I was told that you were my enemy, but you're not. The Capitol made that decision for me, and now we're killing each other off to benefit the people that kept our basic rights just out of reach our entire lives." Peeta gave his head a shake and began speaking to those around him. "Aren't you tired of doing the dirty work for these people?" A crowd started gathering around Peeta as he spoke in a trance like tone, "I set up Cato…Clove…all so Katniss could live." A huge lump formed in his throat as his eyes began to burn. "I did that because I was told my entire life that you people were the enemy, but there's only one enemy here. The Capitol." His stomach began to churn when he thought of all the needless deaths that occurred in his lifetime, and the people behind them. "We were all told to hate each other, but I don't hate you…" he looked around at the group of people, "any of you! I have no qualms with you. You've done nothing to me. Aren't we all in the same boat here?"

Peeta lifted his eyes towards the crumbling mountain and felt a surge of shame rush through him. "A man entered my life not too long ago. He was by no means a rebel. As a matter of fact he was a Peacekeeper," Peeta spoke to the crowd in a loud and clear voice, "from District Two. He went to the Tribute Academy, trained to be one of Snow's soldiers, and worked as a personal guard to Effie Trinket. This man was the epitome of what a Peacekeeper should've been. He believed in the oath he took to protect Effie's life more than anything, and he died getting her to safety regardless of her position with the rebels. Not because he liked her, or he was on the rebel's side, but because he believed in the commitment he made to her."

"What's your point?" The man with the gun asked with a confused look on his face.

"My point is Steven Tanner, the ultimate Peacekeeper, spent his entire life walking down the same path that was put in place for all of us to follow." Peeta held his hands out in front of him and made a motion with them as if showing the road. "District Two must spend their lives learning how to be exceptional killing machines for the Games and then for the government, or they have to dedicate their lives to mining. District Twelve's children must be unprepared when they step into the arena so they'll be easier to slaughter, or they must spend their entire adult life being a coal miner. District Eleven has to grow and harvest food, but do they reap what they sow? Do you?" Peeta pointed at a man in the crowd. "I know I spent many nights freezing from lack of coal regardless of the twelve to fourteen hour shifts our miners work. And there's no excuse for it except that all of the coal went to the Capitol. Other than the reasons the Capitol has given us to hate one another, do you know why you and I are fighting?" He asked as though he was desperate to know the answer. "Or why you're fighting your own people?" Peeta said in disbelief. "These are your neighbors…family…friends. Why are you trying to kill them?" He looked up at a man standing on top of a building, a rebel from District two who was following Coin's orders to kill the survivors of the Nut. "Why are you all fighting against Leg? She was your victor!" Peeta let out a burst of maniacal laughter. "I was crowned a victor, but don't ask me what I won. As far as I can tell there aren't any winners here. None that I can see anyway, but there are people who have won their entire life, and they sure as hell don't live in the districts. So I'll ask you again," Peeta's voice grew louder, "Why are we trying to kill each other?"

The man's gun was slowly lowering, "I don't know."

"Me either," Peeta stood back up and spoke to the people around him. "We all have a chance to turn things around. To follow the example one of your own set. To follow your own path in life, not the one the Capitol forced upon you. If we are to succeed in this war we must stop fighting each other and put an end to the Capitol's power." Peeta tightened his fists and gave them a few hard pumps, "We need every man, woman and child to stand up for themselves and declare in one voice, I am not your slave! I am not going to stand by and watch as my neighbor starves to death! Feeding and providing medical care for my family will no longer be a privilege! It is a basic human right that I will no longer allow you to keep from me!" He turned in a circle and spoke from his heart, "I'm begging you all to join us so that we can stand up for ourselves and scream from the top of our lungs, my life is not what you make it! It belongs to me! My life is bigger than what you've deemed it to be President Snow!" Peeta held out his hand to the wounded man and said, "Join us!" The man's hand had barely slipped into Peeta's when the gunshot went off striking him in the chest. The world went to black as Peeta sucked in his last breath of air.