DISCLAIMER: I OWN NOTHING!
Chapter Three
The 72nd Hunger Games: Just Call Me an Overachiever
After the 71st Games, Katniss expected to receive scorn and hatred from the people of her district. However, she was surprised to see them smiling softly at her and she was completely blown away by Godfrey and Irene Winthrop when they greeted her with a hug.
"Thank you, for trying to save them. We don't blame you, Katniss. No one here does because our children were the first tributes from District 12 to receive sponsors in living memory. They wouldn't have made it as far as they did if it weren't for the water you sent. In the end, they died together which given the circumstances they were given, that was a mercy for them. Dante and Ember were practically twins they wouldn't have been the same without one another." Godfrey said hoarsely. Katniss' body shook with silent sobs with tears in her eyes.
"I am so sorry that I couldn't save them. The guilt of their deaths will never leave me, I will never be able to forget them. I can't begin to understand your loss. I can't imagine what I would do if it were Sia, Prim, or Tel. I'm just so sorry" Katniss blubbered. Irene smiled at her warmly and wrapped Katniss in a fierce hug. The grieving mother kissed the younger woman on the forehead and whispered in her ear.
"From one mother to another I sincerely hope you never have to experience the nightmare of losing a child." Irene released Katniss from the hug but not before tucking a stray hair behind her ear.
"Thank you for not blaming me." Katniss croaked out. The Winthrop parents smiled sadly at the only other person who can feel the loss of their children as deeply as them.
Katniss decided to give up on school since as a Victor it wasn't required of her. She really didn't fit in with her peers they all were so….young. Katniss spent most of her time hunting, visiting the Winthrop's, and doting on her siblings.
Before Katniss knew it, Reaping Day had arrived once again. "Freesia Everdeen"
Katniss briefly went into shock. No, she thought, this can't be happening she has one slip.
"NO! I volunteer as tribute! I volunteer!" Katniss screamed furiously. Everyone looked at her shocked, but the citizens of District 12 looked at her with admiration and respect. Effie looked at her nervously.
"Katniss, dear I don't think you are eligible." Haymitch snorted, gaining everyone's attention.
"Of course, she's eligible. She's 14, anyone from 12-18 can volunteer. Even, a Victor but normal victors are sane enough not to volunteer." Haymitch slurred sarcastically with slight anger in his voice but his eyes showed compassion and respect towards Katniss, who for once looked at him gratefully for his help.
Effie cleared her throat, "Alright, how about applause for your female tribute. Katniss Everdeen!" The crowd didn't clap, they just shook their head in silent disgust and anger.
"Time, for the boys then. Ted Holder!" Katniss looked at the short skinny 17 year old Seam boy from the community home, his eyes were already dead. He had no hope which Katniss knew is a dangerous thing when going into the area. The key to surviving the Hunger Games is to have the strongest will to live out of all the tributes. This boy didn't have that but Katniss does.
Katniss paced the room, waiting for her visitors. Her family came first, Prim and Tel climbs on her lap, Prim's arms around her neck, head on her sister's shoulder, just like she did when she was a toddler. While, Tel cuddled into her other shoulder.
"Don't go, Katniss" Prim begged crying.
"Please, stay. Stay, mommy." Tel whimpered.
"Hey, no crying little duck. Come on, little monkey I will always be with you even if we aren't in the same room." Katniss cooed into their ears rocking them to calm them down.
"Promise? Promise, you will come back?" Prim pleaded. Katniss took the three green ribbons from her braid, and placed two of them in Prim and Tel's hand.
"I promise to try and I promise to always watch over you. I'll forever protect you." Katniss said this while looking directly into Sia's eyes. Freesia was sobbing and shaking.
"Why, Kat? You shouldn't have volunteered for me. It should've been me, you taught me how to hunt and how to use your bow. You can't die. We need you, Momma Kat" Freesia cried hysterically.
Katniss had to hold back the tears in her eyes that began forming at the nickname Sia gave her after Gale told her family excitedly about Katniss getting into a fight with a bear over honey. Katniss ended up shooting the bear in the eye with her bow and arrow. Katniss and Gale talked Darius into helping them carry the hide to the Hob. Katniss let Gale have the earnings for the kill but kept the fur and honey for her family. Sia jokingly referred it as the fight between a Momma Bear Vs. a Momma Kat.
"Oh, little butterfly. You're hopeless with a bow and arrow. You might make a better hunter then Prim but not enough to be in these Games." Prim and Sia blushed. Prim because it was a complete disaster when Katniss tried to teach her hunt. Sia because her aim was dismal and once ended up shooting Gale in the foot. Both experienced hunters teasingly called her 'Scary Sia with a Bow' afterwards.
Katniss smiled softly at her sisters' blushes. "I couldn't let you go, Sia. You're too young." Katniss whispered, her voice tense with sobs she wouldn't let escape and handed her sister the last ribbon. Freesia scowled, or tried to. She definitely couldn't do it as well as her older sister. Her scowl ended up looking like a cute pout.
"I'm the same age as you were when you won the games." Freesia tried to say scathingly, but it came out as a whine instead. Katniss laughed lightly, scooping the three of her little ones into a bear hug. Katniss looked over their heads, to glare at her mother who had tears running down her face.
Alana Everdeen watched her eldest comfort her siblings in a way that she couldn't, she knew Katniss despised her for giving up on them. Alana knew that both Freesia and Telstar replaced her with Katniss as their mother figure. Only, sweet forgiving loving Primrose still called her 'Mom' but despite knowing this Alana Everdeen couldn't bring herself out of her disconnected state of mind.
"You're their mother act like it." Katniss snapped at her.
Alana jumped startled.
"Katniss…" Prim pleaded with her eyes for Katniss to let it go. Katniss sighed, never one to deny Prim anything.
"No, I'm not. You're more of their mother then I will ever be." Alana said her voice thick from years of disuse and tears.
"I'll try while you are gone. I will never be as good as a mother as you but I will do my best until you get back. And you will come home, you're a survivor just like….your f-fath-er. You are so much like…him…that it…hurts to…see. H-h-he… would be so proud of the person you have become." Her mother whispered brokenly.
Katniss and her siblings stared at the women who gave birth to them in shock. They never heard her talk so much at once. She only talked when working with patients or with Prim. Katniss always figured she could never talk to her other children because they had her father's eyes. Their mother especially never talked about their father.
Before, Katniss could respond the Peacekeepers took them out and brought in her last visitors. The Hawthorne's barged in next. Katniss laughed as Rory, Vick, and Posey tackled her into a fierce hug. Hazel smiled softly, tucked a stray hair of Katniss behind her ear and kissed her cheeks.
"You will return to us, no arguments." Hazel demanded in a no non-sense voice. Katniss smirked slightly. Hazel Hawthorne wasn't a woman to disagree with, especially for Katniss since the strong women has been her mother figure for the past three years.
"No arguments" Katniss smiled at her. Hazel looked over her shoulder at her eldest son, then looked back at Katniss with mischief in her grey eyes, and chuckled under breath.
"Well, no arguments with me at least, darling. Come on, you three. Let's leave these two….to talk." Hazel smirked at Gale, whose face was a comical mixture of anger and panic.
"God damnit, Catnip! What the hell were you thinking? That's right! You weren't thinking at all! Were you? Nope, it was all 'why don't I volunteer myself like a lamb to slaughter?' Obviously, you don't see how much I-We all need you! Well, Katniss what do you have to say for yourself?" Gale screamed at her with a panicky edge in his voice. Katniss blinked at him in shock but after his words finally processed through her brain, her shock quickly turned into righteous fury.
"What the hell, Gale? What was I thinking? I. WAS. THINKING. ABOUT. FREESIA. DYING. WHAT WAS I SUPPOSE TO DO? LET HER DIE? LET HER KILL? What would you do if it were Rory? Or Vick? Huh? Can't answer that without saying you would do the same as me, can you?" Katniss yelled at him, with a blazing fire in her eyes. Gale sighed heavily, remorse showing in his body language.
"I'm sorry. You're right. I just can't imagine losing you." Gale said quietly.
Katniss' glare softened slightly, "Yeah, well I can't imagine losing Sia" She said defiantly.
Gale chuckled quietly, "Katniss, I think I-"
They were interrupted by the peacekeepers, Katniss exhaled, somehow she had to pull another victory, everyone was counting on her survival.
Everyone settled down to watch the recap of the reapings:
District One Tributes: Azurite Hewlett, 18 years old 5'11 blue-eyed blonde Career*Emmett Owen, 18 years old 6'3 brown-eyed blonde another Career
District Two Tributes: Asi Callahan, 17 years old 5'9 brown-eyed brown haired Career*Talwar Elden, 18 years old 6'6 green-eyed brown haired Career
District Three Tributes: Thremalite Holtz, 14 years old 5'6 brown-eyed brunette*Avraamov Grant, 15 years old 5'7 blue-eyed brunette
District Four Tributes: Inanga Finn, 16 years old 6'1 green-eyed raven haired Career*Galjoen Ackley, 17 years old 6'4 blue-eyed blonde Career
District Five Tributes: Joule Edson, 13 years old 5'2 green-eyed red head*Kilo Harris, 15 years old 5'5 hazel-eyed brunette
District Six Tributes: Shim Judd, 14 years old 5'3 blue-eyed brunette*Camshaft Kilburn, 13 years old 5'1 brown-eyed brunette
District Seven Tributes: Sitka Prescott, 17 years old 5'5 blue-eyed brunette*Larch Mackay, 16 years old 5'9 green-eyed red head
District Eight Tributes: Duvetyne Nash, 12 years old 4'6 brown-eyed brunette*Haberget Olson, 13 years old 5'2 blue-eyed brunette
District Nine Tributes: Quinoa Norris, 17 years old 5'4 green-eyed brunette*Bulgur Kraus, 14 years old 5'3 brown-eyed brunette
District Ten Tributes: Ancona Pryde, 16 years old 5'5 hazel-eyed brunette*Clydesdale Royce, 16 years old 5'7 blue-eyed blonde
District Eleven Tributes: Guava Young, 13 years old 4'10 brown-eyed brunette with dark skin*Bale Vance, 17 years old 5'11 brown-eyed brunette with dark skin
District Twelve Tributes: Katniss Everdeen; It was surreal seeing all 5'6 of my 14 year old self as a tribute again, my grey eyes were blazing with a never ending inner fire, my long dark hair mixed with green ribbons in an elegant braid, and the expression on my face was deadly.
Ted Holder; I couldn't help but pity the 17 year old dark haired grey eyed boy who was three inches shorter than me and was all bones with no muscle tone.
Haymitch broke the silence with a snort.
"Well, sweetheart. I hope you know what you're getting into the Careers are bigger this year. Plus, that boy next you won't make it five minutes into the Games." Haymitch slurred carelessly. Katniss glared at the drunk, as she rubbed the back of the shaken form of her co-tribute and gave his hand a comforting squeeze.
"You know what, Haymitch? Why don't you do everyone a favor and go pass out already or so help me I'll chuck another knife at you. Only, this time I won't miss." Katniss snarked at him. Effie and Ted broke out in giggles. The Avoxes made their gurgling noises that show their laughter. Haymitch gaped at her, then smirked and started chuckling.
"Still, got spunk, huh, sweetheart?" Katniss glared at him.
"Still, a drunk, huh, sugar?" She smirked at him.
Haymitch just guffawed.
For the opening ceremony Katniss was dressed in a breath-taking orange gown that resembled fire. Ted was in a suit that was of the same theme but once again the flames didn't fit his personality.
Training came and went without any major problems, except the fact every move Katniss made was watched by every tribute. Katniss just ignored them.
Everyone gathered around eagerly waiting for the releasing of the private training scores:
District 1- Emmett Owen-8 Azurite Hewlett-8
District 2- Talwar Elden-10 Asi Callahan-9
District 3- Avraamov Grant-6 Thremalite Holtz-5
District 4- Galjoen Ackley-10 Inanga Finn-8
District 5- Kilo Harris-5 Joule Edson-5
District 6-Camshaft Kilburn-4 Shim Judd-4
District 7- Larch Mackay-7 Sitka Prescott-6
District 8- Haberget Olson-3 Duvetyne Nash-1
District 9- Bulgur Kraus-2 Quinoa Norris-4
District 10- Clydesdale Royce-5 Ancona Pryde-3
District 11- Bale Vance-6 Guava Young-2
District 12- Ted Holder-6 Katniss Everdeen-9
Everyone congratulated Katniss but she congratulated Ted pointedly, then everyone started rushing out 'congrads' to him too except for Haymitch.
He just smirked at Katniss who glared at him, "Sorry, sweetheart. I used all my congratulations on you. After all, you might survive once again and doesn't that earn you a huge 'good going'." Haymitch slurred sarcastically. Katniss scowled at him before throwing a pillow dead on, and smacking him in the face. Effie, Ted, and the stylists all cracked up in hysterical laughter. The Avoxes made their gurgling laughter noises. Haymitch had a shell-shocked expression on his face.
Katniss got up to leave but parted with a scathing comment, "Be glad, Effie confiscated my knifes earlier today." Katniss heard the increase of everyone's laughter but she didn't see the huge fond grin break out on Haymitch's face.
At this point, Katniss wasn't even nervous she was just incredibly bored. The interviews were pure torture at this point no one was particularly interesting they all were as expected, poor Ted was a stuttering mess. Finally, it was Katniss turn.
Caesar: It's great to see you, again. So, Katniss I must ask you. What was going through your mind when your sister's name was called at the reaping?
Katniss: A lot of cuss words.
Caesar and the audience broke out in laughter. Caesar chuckled before getting back to the interview.
Caesar: Yes, I would assume so. How does it feel going back into the arena?
Katniss: Indescribable. All I can say for sure is that I feel relief that it's me and not my little butterfly.
The audience 'awed'. Caesar smiled before asking a serious question.
Caesar: How did your sister Freesia feel about you volunteering for her?
Katniss laughed freely, the enchanting sound caused everyone to smile on reflex.
Katniss: She didn't take it well, of course. She even tried to scowl and lecture me but her efforts came out as a pout and a whine.
Caesar and the audience broke out in loud laughter again.
Caesar: Katniss I must ask you about your score, a 9 that's even better than last time. What can you tell us about how you earned it?
Katniss smirked mischievously.
Katniss: You know I'm not supposed to say but I will say this I always have more tricks up my sleeve then one would think.
Caesar leaned towards her intrigued.
Caesar: Well, I have to say once again you have me hooked. That answer reminds me of something you said in your last interview. During, your last games you said that 'killer instincts' helped you receive your score. What did you mean by that?
Katniss: I just meant, my greatest assets will always be my instincts or intuition whatever you want to call it. I will always survive, in ways I am like a phoenix. For those that don't know phoenixes are powerful mythical fire birds. No matter what a phoenix experiences they will always rise from the ashes. I will always be there to protect me family. *the buzzer goes off*
The 72nd Hunger Games has begun. Katniss looked at the arena and shook her head. She knew this was going to be a short Hunger Games. Because the path to the Cornucopia was blocked by a small ocean, Katniss was surprised the Gamemakers would pick this arena after the 69th Hunger Games where Annie Cresta from District 4 won just because of her swimming skills and no kills on her hands, which is frowned upon by the Capitol.
This game was no doubt going to be one of the least bloody Games in history since most of the tributes were already drowning. Katniss looked behind her and saw Asi Callahan from District 2 and Inanga Finn from District 4. Katniss felt a little smug that she was a better swimmer then someone from District 4.
However, that feeling was short lived when she spotted Galjoen Ackley from District 4 and Talwar Elden from District 2 already at the Cornucopia looking at each other unsure if they should attack each other already. Katniss stopped to look back behind her to witness everyone drowning.
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"That's nineteen" Katniss whispered to herself. She heard two high-pitched girly screams and turned to see the female Careers from 2 & 4 trying to drown each other. Katniss rolled her eyes and continued swimming.
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Katniss stilled in the water before the male Careers spotted her, she dunked her head under the water. Katniss popped her head back up in time to see the last Careers fighting, never noticing Katniss in the water.
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Talwar Elden looked down at Katniss in surprise as she exited to the body of water. He chuckled darkly. "Well, well, if it isn't little Katniss Everdeen, Victor of the 70th Hunger Games. Looks like I get to kill you, after all I'm not going to fall for the-whole-healing-berries-trick. But before I kill you, I'm curious where did a District 12 rat such as yourself learn to swim?" Talwar looked at her in dark amusement.
Katniss licked her lips before she responded, "I have many skills. Wanna see?" Before he could even react, she pounced gracefully at him like a cheetah, and killed him by pressing down on his pressure points in his neck.
BOOM
Claudius Templesmith shouts rang out through the arena, "Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to present for the second time as a winner of the Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen. Victor of the Seventy-Second Hunger Games, — tribute of District Twelve!"
Once, everyone was done eating. Haymitch decided to break the silence.
"Pressure points and swimming? You're just full of surprises. Aren't you, Sweetheart?" Haymitch asked sarcastically, yet his eyes showed relief and happiness. Katniss just smirked at him before throwing a knife at his fingers.
"Always, Sugar." Katniss answered sassily.
Haymitch smirked, before nonchantly saying, "I don't know about that, Sweetheart. You're getting kind of predictable, there." Katniss rolled her eyes before smiling softly at him. Effie, Portia, and Cinna all exchanged 'they-are-insane-looks' without the two Victors of District 12 ever noticing.
AN: Two references from Xena in this chap the pressure points is one of them this Katniss is NOT a Mary-Sue shes a badass like Xena and Buffy :)
Rd, Enjoy, & Review!