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Interlude: Through a Mentor's Eyes V
74th Hunger Games Part II
Dean looked at Haymitch and Peeta's slightly scared faces in amusement
"I have a feeling you two are in for it" Dean snickered.
Haymitch glared at him
Little smug fucker. Why did the Sweetheart save him again? Haymitch thought to himself.
Next, thing Haymitch knew was that he was pinned to the wall.
Oh, shit. Sweetheart does not look happy. Fuck! Have her eyes always been that terrifying?
Everyone else took a step back from the dark haired fiery grey eyed girl whose expression was deadly and fierce.
Haymitch Abernathy couldn't help but think, I think Sweetheart could give that Career from my games, Azurite Hewlett, a run for her money in the deadliest women I have ever encountered. At least I don't look like I am about to piss my pants like Bread Boy over there.
"Would you two like to help explain to me what that the hell that was tonight?" Her voice deceptively sweet.
"That, Sweetheart. Was him making you desirable to the Capitol." Haymitch said without thinking, he instantly regretted his words.
Katniss hissed at him like an angry cat, before throwing another knife at his head.
I shouldn't have said it like that. Shit!
"Try again, Sugar. Seeing as how you were the one to tell me how I made myself desirable to Capitol you're gonna have to lie hellva lot better than that." Katniss snarled at him, her grey eyes blazing with a wild fire.
Haymitch didn't answer, Sorry, Sweetheart. I shouldn't have been that careless with my words. I know you try your hardest to forget how desperate the people in the Capitol are for you.
Peeta gulped before speaking, "It really has nothing to do with him, Katniss. What I said wasn't an angle like you're assuming it is. Haymitch realized how I felt about you and he has that mentor mind-set like you do. So, Haymitch like you could see that would be a successful angle for sponsors, and it would help keep you alive. My feelings for you are real; I know I have no chance in these Games. But you're a survivor, Katniss and if I'm going to die soon I want to spend my last moments doing everything in my power protecting you. You know the last thing my mother said to me, 'Looks like District 12 is winning again, she's a survivor that one. It'll be interesting to have the same Victor for the third time.' Even my mother, who dislikes you because of your Seam heritage, is rooting for you, Katniss."
Damn, kid's got balls for trying to reason with the Sweetheart when she's like this.
Katniss spluttered searching for words that never came
That's my Sweetheart. Not really good with sentimental feelings unless they involve her kids.
Katniss fled from the room
Oh, how I pity Pretty Boy. The poor bastard has his work cut out for him with Sweetheart. She's not going to make it easy on him.
Hopeless lovesick fucker. Haymitch thought darkly amused at that doomed romance.
Finnick approached the group of Mentors in the Main Viewing Room.
Chaff and Haymitch were naturally already drinking.
Seeder, Cecelia, and Johanna were softly talking to each other. It was Annie and Dean that caused Finnick to stare in shock because they were in a middle of a passionate embrace.
I'm gonna kill him.
Finnick roughly grabbed Dean's shoulders yanking him away from Annie.
"Keep your hands to yourself, Deanie Boy or I'll pull a Hell Kat and threaten to castrate you with knives. Only difference is if I see you take advantage of Little Annie again I'll follow through and I'll make sure your demise is more gruesome than any death I've ever caused in my Games." Finnick glared at Dean, who gulped nervously.
Chaff, Haymitch, Johanna snickered in the background.
While, Seeder and Cecelia tried to hide their smiles.
Annie smacked Finnick hard causing him to look at her in shock.
"Dean isn't taking advantage of me Finnick Odair! And you will not threaten him!" Annie said annoyed.
Everyone, besides Dean, gaped at her stunned they've never seen sweet, shy, slightly insane Annie speak so fiercely or so clearly.
Johanna let out a little snigger before she thought, I don't think Fish Brains ever expected his precious little Annie to talk back to him. But I don't blame the girl, if he tried that protective older brother bullshit on me I would castrate him no if and buts about it.
"Annie, he is taking advantage of you. You're not ready for that kind of relationship." Finnick said stupidly.
Dean and Annie glared at Finnick before they both replied at the same time.
"Just 'cause Katniss hasn't realized you love her Odair doesn't mean you can pry into other people's relationships!"
"Just because Kat hasn't realized you love her Finn doesn't mean you can pry into my relationship!"
The couple blushed and smiled shyly at one another for practically saying the same thing at the same time.
The other Mentors laughed loudly at them as Finnick continued to gape at them dumbfounded.
Cecelia thought to herself, I wonder if Finnick will realize Annie is the most lucid when she has Dean by her side and that the boy is good for her.
The District Eight Mentor decided to break the growing tension between Annie and Finnick by reminding them that the Games were about to begin.
Annie snuggled into Dean's lap looking pointedly at Finnick as she did so.
Dean avoided Finnick's heated glare by hiding his face in Annie's hair, causing the redhead to giggle at her boyfriend
Finnie's harmless he just wishes he had his Kat to snuggle with. Annie smirked mischievously at Finnick, catching him off guard.
Okay, maybe Deanie Boy isn't that bad….Annie seems like her old self with him. However, I will destroy him with my trident if he hurts her.
With that pleasant thought, Finnick smirked at the new couple.
Ladies and gentlemen, let the Seventy-fourth Hunger Games begin!" Katniss let-out the most shrill ear-piercing bird call her father taught her to lure birds, as she ran towards the bow and arrow.
The all stared at the screen in awe.
"Genius. I can't believe no one thought of that before." Johanna said deeply impressed.
Dean and Haymitch looked at each other realizing this was the plan Katniss thought up after the scores were released.
"Only, Hell Kat could think of something like that!" Finnick said proudly not paying attention to the laughter that followed his comment.
All 23 tributes fell to their knees in agony trying to futilely cover their ears to stop the ringing. She continued the bird call to grab an orange back-pack, the Careers and Thresh were the first to start to recover from the noise. Katniss blocked Clove's knife with her backpack. As, she turned around to smirk at Clove; Katniss saw Rue and Peeta both being targeted by Ray Wilder from District 4, she launched her bow quickly at hit him square in the throat.
Attention turned towards Annie and Finnick to see their reaction to their tribute being killed by Katniss.
Neither, Victors from District 4 seemed to be bothered by it.
Seeder and Chaff looked at Haymitch and Dean relieved.
"Thank god, for the little angel. We hate that little Rue is in these games, she's well known in District 11 for her Mockingjay signal." Said Chaff.
Dean looked thoughtful, "Katniss was like that too before her Games everyone still knew who she was and everyone admired her devotion, love, and strength. Naturally, Katniss never noticed."
Haymitch snorted, "I didn't know what her name was until she threw a knife at my hand."
Everyone laughed, but Dean shook his head at the older Mentor from 12. "That's because you were too drunk to notice your surroundings, Old Man." Dean smirked at him.
Haymitch rolled his eyes and ignored the truthful remark.
"That does sound like Sweetheart to not notice how people feel about her." Haymitch said this smirking at Finnick who surprisingly blushed at the teasing comment.
Rue and Peeta looked at her in surprise and gratitude. In the corner of her eye she saw Opah Niles getting ready to throw a spear at Vixen Ripley her arrow pierced the throat of Opah from District 4. Vixen looks at her with wide eyes, nods her head and scampers off.
"What is she doing? She's being Brainless! If Kitty Kat wants to help Loverboy and the little girl okay that's fine but why on earth would she save the cunning girl from 5? Is trying to lose?" Johanna glared at the Screen.
Haymitch's expression turned dark.
"That's exactly what Sweetheart is trying to do. She seems to be under the delusion that she won't be surviving these games."
The other Victors stared at him stunned but Finnick looked at him with a sense of sad understanding.
"It's getting to her isn't?" Finnick asked Haymitch softly.
The drunk mentor nodded, understanding what Finnick was really asking. Most of the others looked confused but some understood their eyes growing in sadness.
"She puts on a good show but Sweetheart won't be able to handle it alone, she'll need someone who understands to help her heal." Haymitch said meaningful look staring at Finnick.
From one popular Capitol sex slave to another, of course I want to help Hell Kat. But the little flower is too closed off and stubborn to ask for help….I guess I will have to force my way pass her walls somehow, someway. I'll never give up on loving my Hell Kat.
Now, only Annie and Dean didn't know what they were referring to, being to innocent and naïve to fully understand the horrors that Victors are put through.
The boy doesn't even know that, Sweetheart saved him from Snow selling him too by agreeing to take on more appointments. That fucking girl is too self-sacrificing for her own good and my own sanity. Now, because of her saving Dean from the same fate it will destroy her spirit even quicker than it already was. Sweetheart's nobility will be the death of me I fuckin swear.
Haymitch then studied the sickeningly adorableness of Dean and Annie and he couldn't help feel a rush of respect for the fiery brave girl from District 12. Also, towards Pretty Boy who also took on more appointments to save Annie when the heartless bastard Snow wanted to sell her despite her fragile sanity.
Those two really deserve each other, if Sweetheart ever lets it happen. Poor hopeless lovesick fucker.
Before settling down, Katniss takes the wire from her pack and sets two twitch-up snares in the brush. Katniss walks another five minutes before making camp, she picks her tree carefully. Katniss climbs up, sticking to the stronger branches close to the trunk, and find a sturdy fork for her bed. It takes some doing, but she arranges the sleeping bag in a relatively comfortable manner. Katniss places her backpack in the foot of the bag, then slides in after it.
"Glad, I don't have to pretend to care about my tributes wellbeing over Hell Kat's" Finnick confessed.
Johanna scoffed as she saw both her tributes fill the sky
"This is getting ridiculous at how weak my District is getting. I mean some of the kids we get as tributes can't even handle an ax! How do you live in the lumbering District and not know how to use an ax? Pathetic! Oh, well it works in Kitty Kat's favor!" Johanna said tactlessly.
Finnick, Dean, Haymitch, and Chaff laughed at her.
Cecelia sighed, "I'm surprised Pashmina made it through the bloodbath. She's not… very clever. However, she said her plan was to try to track and ask for an alliance with Katniss. I didn't try to talk her out of it because I didn't think she would last that long."
Her fellow mentors looked surprised at that before Finnick, Dean, Haymitch, and Johanna busted out in loud laughter.
"There's no way Sweetheart would ally with your girl. Peeta told me about his observations of all the tributes, apparently your tribute was gossipy and chipper. Sweetheart, doesn't like frivolous behavior in others unless they're one of her kids." Haymitch guffawed.
Cecelia grimaced, "I figured that."
Peeta ran smack dab intro Thresh and Bantu in a tall wheat field. The three male tributes from Districts 10, 11, & 12 studied each other.
"Spitfire saved Rue during the bloodbath. I'm willing to spare you, Loverboy." Tresh said taking Peeta by suprise.
Peeta grimaced at the nickname before smirking at the larger boy amused, "Spitfire?"
Before, Thresh could respond to Peeta's inquiry Bantu interrupted baffled "How can you not know her name? She's the Katniss Everdeen?"
Thresh rolled his eyes at his crippled ally, "Of course, I know her name. However, 'Katniss' doesn't really fit her. There's the Katniss flower which is very fragile, the petals break off very easily and there's Katniss tubers which are very bland and forgettable. I don't see how Spitfire could've been named after something that's fragile or forgettable, do you?" Thresh asked Peeta, who smirked, before laughing at Thresh's observations of Katniss.
"Well, when you put it that way….Spitfire Everdeen does have a nice ring to it." Bantu and Thresh chuckled at Peeta's comment.
As did the Mentors watching.
"Now, that it's been mentioned I don't know what the Everdeen's were thinking naming her Katniss." Dean chuckled.
"She mentioned she was named after an Aunt who died in the Games." Seeder explained to the young Victor who wasn't there when Katniss told them about her Aunt.
Dean nodded thoughtful.
"So, I got ask have you and Everdeen done it? I bet she's really wild in bed." Bantu pried his voice eager for details about the famous beautiful Victor of District 12. Thresh and Peeta stared at him incredulous for his crass words not having thought that the seemingly shy boy would be so forward in his questions.
Bantu rolled his eyes, "I'm crippled not blind and I'm just asking what every teenage boy in Panem wants to know." With that he shrugged his shoulders carelessly at their distasteful glares, not letting it bother him one bit.
Finnick scowled as the others either sniggered or giggled at the brash boy from District 10.
Johanna smirked, "That kid's got balls! Loverboy looks like her wants to pummel him for his vulgar remark but Kitty Kat."
Finnick glared before saying darkly. "He should."
I would, I don't care if he's disabled no one talks about my Hell Kat like that.
"Aww, is poor little Fish Brains wanting to defend his precious Hell Kat's honor." Johanna teased him, causing the others to laugh.
Finnick glared at her but the effect was ruined by the darkening of his cheeks.
God, I think I love this girl! Just by mentioning her I can get the Finnick Odair to blush, Johanna smirked.
"I don't want to know. I might be able to appreciate Sweetheart's beauty and spirit like everyone else but I got my own girl waiting for me. Her name is Zephyr Yucca, and she's pregnant with our little girl. We want to name her Vallota, after the fire lily. Not only because Zephyr, which is the rain lily, but because my girl thinks Vallota is what Spitfire should've been named. Zephyr was Haulm's best friend, if we weren't having a girl, there's no doubt we would be honoring him instead of Spitfire." Thresh explains wistfully with a fond smile on his face. The other two boys looked at him surprised for two reasons, they were shocked that Thresh was sharing personal information and because of what he was telling him.
"You must really want to survive for them." Peeta said softly.
Thresh raised his eyebrows at the baker's kid, "They are my family. Of course, I want to live for them, don't you want the same?"
Peeta shrugged, "Not really. I'm not like you or Katniss. There's no one depending on me, I'll miss my father but I'm not close to my brothers Rye and Brioche. My mother told me she was expecting Katniss as Victor." Peeta laughed humorlessly causing his allies to wince.
The Mentors besides Dean and Haymitch winced along with Thresh and Bantu.
"Damn, that's cold. I don't even think I would say something like that." Johanna said uncharacteristically sympathetic.
The others shook their heads at heartless this woman must be to say that to her youngest son.
"It's just must me and my grandparents. They know not expect me back, everyone knew as soon as my name was reaped I was done for. And that's okay I've already accepted my imminent death but that being said I'm not going without a fight. Not in my nature to give others that type of satisfaction. Only, satisfaction I give is to girls in the bedroom." Bantu said with a small smirk playing on his lips. Thresh and Peeta laughed lightly at the gutsy crippled boy.
The male mentors plus Johanna snickered, while the female Victors looked disapproving.
"That's my type of kid. He's got the right attitude." Chaff chuckled.
"So, how about allies until the sign of first trouble from the Careers or until the final eight whichever comes first?" Peeta asked the other two. They looked at him thoughtfully before nodding their heads in agreement. Then the three of them set up camp for the night.
Everyone glared at the screen then looked at Cecelia annoyed, "Your dumbass tribute better not get Sweetheart killed, CeCe." Haymitch said gruffly. Cecelia looked embarrassed at her tribute's stupidity for starting a fire and leading the Careers straight towards Katniss.
Seeder looked at her in sympathy, "It's not her fault besides Katniss is smart and resourceful she will be able to escape the Careers if they do notice her." Seeder defended the younger women.
"Where do you think the lovely Katniss Everdeen is hiding?" Marvel asked the other Careers with a leer in his voice.
"Trees, most likely don't you remember her first Games?" Cato sneered at the idiotic question.
"Not everyone is as obsessed with her as you are, Cato. Clove, told me how you use to brag back in District 2 that you would say how you were going to win the 74th Games and then 'wow' Katniss Everdeen and marry her. Which, I don't understand she's not even that pretty." Glimmer said childishly. Katniss rolled her eyes.
Everyone scoffed. "Hell Kat has a natural exotic beauty and that girl is all artificial. Any beauty that she does possess is far too common for her to even to begin to compare to Katniss." Finnick pointed out.
Johanna snickered, "She really has you whipped doesn't she Fish Brains?"
Finnick didn't let their laughter bother him, he just smirked at Johanna.
"Was that supposed to upset me, JoJo? You're losing you're bitchy touch? If, Hell Kat has me whipped then she turned you into a softy." Finnick retorted smirking.
Johanna glared at his cocky attitude, as the others howled in laughter.
Marvel scoffed, "Get your eyes checked, Glimmer. Firegirl Everdeen is fucking smokin' hot. It's a shame she has to die, but maybe I can have some fun with her first." Glimmer huffs in disgust. "Firegirl Everdeen is my kill and I'll be the one who enjoys her before her death." Cato said forcefully.
Everyone glared hatefully at the Screen.
If they so much as touch my Hell Kat I'll personally make sure their deaths are painful as possible. Finnick scowled.
"Was she dead?" asks Cato. "No. But she is now." Clove said sadistically.
Haymitch grimaced, "Sweetheart was right that girl is a psycho. At least she'll know to stay away from her."
"In their fucking dreams, they'll be dead before they can even reach me." Katniss growls under her breath. With that she moved and gave the cameras an evil smirk.
Finnick and Haymitch smirked. Out of everyone they knew what Katniss temper could be like if you pissed her off enough. They knew she definitely wasn't someone you wanted to anger….she could make it deeply unsettling for you if she decided to extract revenge.
She empties her snares to find a rabbit she cooks it on the warm stones from the fire that got Pashmina Hughes from District 8 killed. Then, Katniss sets out on camouflaging the orange backpack and trying to find a water source.
"I'll never stop being amazed at how resourceful that girl is." Cecelia said awed.
Dean looked at Haymitch questioningly, "Why don't we send her water? She's dying without it!"
Haymitch shook his head, "We can't waste sponsor money on something Sweetheart is close to finding herself."
Finnick glared at him, "Cut the crap! Send her some god damn water! Hell Kat is probably the most sponsored out of all the tributes! You can afford it!" He yelled at
Haymitch who raised his eyebrows at Finnick before taking a drink and answering coolly, "Sweetheart will understand she's close to finding water. Quit worrying your pretty little head over it, Fish Boy."
Finnick shuddered, "Never call me that again. I think I'm going to have nightmares now."
Haymitch, Dean, Chaff, and Johanna guffawed.
Seeder, Cecelia, and Annie giggled at Finnick's reaction.
After what seemed like forever, Katniss finally found mud which eventually led her to a water source.
"See, there Pretty Boy. Sweetheart understood why I wasn't sending her water." Finnick decided to ignore the gloating older Mentor in favor of watching Katniss on the screen.
Katniss found another tree to fall asleep in. A few hours later, the stampede of feet shakes Katniss from her slumber. She looks around in bewilderment. It would be hard for Katniss to miss the wall of fire descending on her.
"Oh, shit" Finnick, Haymitch, Chaff, and Johanna cursed angrily.
Annie, Seeder, and Cecelia gasped horrified.
74th Hunger Games Part III
They all stare at the screen anxious and desperate for Katniss to survive.
When the first fireball blasts into the rock about two feet from the Girl on Fire's head, Katniss springs out from under the ledge, energized by renewed fear. The fireball hits a tree off to her left, engulfing it in flames. Katniss was barely on her feet before the third ball hits the ground where she was lying, sending a pillar of fire up behind her. Katniss muscles react, only not fast enough this time. The fireball crashes into the ground at her side, but not before it skids across her right calf.
"Fuck!" Haymitch, Finnick, and Chaff curse. Dean and Johanna wince.
Annie, Seeder, and Cecelia gasp horrified.
Without thinking, Katniss rips away the remaining fabric with her bare hands; she sits on the ground, a few yards from the blaze set off by the fireball. "The girl who was on fire. Indeed" Katniss said sarcastically, grimacing at the pain in her calf.
"Now isn't the time for your smartass quips, Sweetheart!' Haymitch yelled pissed at the Gamemakers.
"Would you expect anything less from the Hell Kat?" Finnick grimaced, Even in pain, she's still a hell cat.
Johanna slighty smirked impressed. Damn. Kitty Kat is even mouthy when she is in danger of becoming a deep-fried Kitty Kat. That's my kind of girl.
Dean tried to calm Annie down, she was becoming too hysterical and Finnick was too busy worrying about Katniss to help.
The moment Katniss awakes, as the Careers head towards her, she is fast though, and by the time they've reached the base of the tree, she's twenty feet up. For a moment, the Careers and Katniss stop and survey one another. Katniss smiles causing Cato and Marvel to gasp stunned.
Finnick glares at the screen causing the others to laugh at him.
Pretty Boy is fucking hilarious when he's jealous! Sweetheart is entertaining too she is so clueless to the effect she has on people. Haymitch chuckles.
"How's everything with you?" Katniss calls down cheerfully, with a huge smirk plastered on her face. The Careers look taken aback.
Everyone shakes their heads and laughs lightly at Katniss' guts.
"Sweetheart always knows how to surprise people." Haymitch says with a fond grin. Everyone chuckles at the truth of that statement.
That's my Hell Kat, Finnick smirks smugly.
"Well enough, Beautiful." Cato said with a cocky grin on his face. Katniss grimaces at the term of endearment leaving his mouth.
So does Finnick causing more chuckles at his expense from the other mentors.
"Yourself?" He asks.
Katniss' grey eyes sparkle with mischief as she answers, "It's been a bit warm for my taste."
Haymitch, Finnick, Chaff, Dean, and Johanna chuckle loudly. Seeder, Cecelia, and Annie giggle lightly.
"You got to admire the little angel's spunk." Chaff sniggered.
Haymitch smirked, "That's what I've always said about Sweetheart."
Then she smirks before continuing, "The air's better up here. Why don't you come on up?"
Cato leers at her before answering, "Think I will." Cato says arrogantly. Katniss gives Cato time to hoist himself into the tree before she begins to climb again.
"Now, now, little squirrel. There's no reason for you to run I won't hurt you…well not without making sure you enjoy yourself first." Cato said the leer obvious in his voice. Katniss scoffed in disgust.
Finnick glowered at the screen, He's dead! If Hell Kat doesn't kill him then I will! Everyone else also looked at the screen displeased with the Career.
Cato hits the ground hard and then he gets back to his feet, swearing like a fiend. Katniss couldn't help but snicker at the arrogant boy from District 2. Cato glares at her, but there's an obvious red tint on his cheeks.
Everyone laughs at the cocky Career.
Serves the bastard right, Finnick grins triumphantly.
The dumbass should have known better than to underestimate Sweetheart, Haymitch smirks darkly.
Glimmer scales the tree until the branches begin to crack under her feet and then has the good sense to stop, by the time Katniss is at least eighty feet high up in the tree. Glimmer tries throwing a knife at Katniss and fails so miserably both Clove and Katniss let out scoffs of disgust at Glimmer's so-called 'attempt' at knife-throwing. The girl from 2 and the past Victor from 12 give each glares at having the same reaction. But, then a smug grin blooms on Katniss' face, "Hey, Clovie-ikins? I never did thank you for the knife, I appreciate it. It's been real useful." Katniss taunted her voice cocky.
Everyone laughs.
"Only Katniss would taunt a pack of Careers as they have her outnumbered and cornered." Dean says with admiration.
"It's the Hell Kat. She'll manage to escape this." Finnick said with proud confidence.
Clove's expression was murderous
"Why you little bitch-"
Katniss cut her off with smug laughter, "Oh, little one. You are three inches shorter than me and a year younger than me. That makes you the little bitch and me the big bitch in the Arena. If I do die in the Arena I doubt you'll be the one to kill me. Keep dreaming, kid." What, Clove does next causes Katniss to howl in laughter.
"Oh, little one. You're adorable when you pout." Katniss taunts. Clove glares at her fellow Careers as they snickered behind her.
The collected group of mentors howl in laughter.
"Okay its official Fish Brains has competition, I am in love with Kitty Kat." Johanna declares smirking.
That caused an increase in everyone's amusement except for Finnick who glared lightly at Johanna before smirking slightly and saying,
"Why would the Hell Kat want you, JoJo? When she could have this body of perfection?" Finnick boasted vainly.
Johanna rolls her eyes at Finnick's never ending ego.
"You're right about one thing, Beautiful. She won't be the one to kill you," Clove pouts again as Cato addresses Katniss, he continues, "That will be my pleasure and only mine. You can count on that, Firegirl." Cato smirks, but Katniss rolls her eyes unimpressed.
"What I can count one is my track record with District 2 tributes. You know the fact I'm the one who finishes them off." Katniss smirks at him, Cato glares.
Everyone smirks at Katniss' comment,
Then, the Careers regroup on the ground and she can hear them growling conspiratorially among themselves, furious that Katniss has made them look foolish. Finally, Clove says harshly, "Oh, let her stay up there. It's not like she's going anywhere. We'll deal with her in the morning.".
"I have a feeling Katniss is going to surprise them come morning." Cecelia said with a small smile.
The others nodded their heads in agreement.
For a while the two girls hold each other's gaze. Then, without even rustling a leaf, Rue's little hand slides into the open and points to something above Katniss' head, Tracker Jackers' nest.
"Shit!" Haymitch, Dean and Finnick curse. Seeder and Chaff exchange pleased smiles as their tribute helped Katniss. They both knew Rue was hoping for an alliance and by doing this she could get one from Katniss.
Katniss drags herself out of the bag, make sure her knife is secured in her belt, and begins to make her way up the in itself is dangerous since the branches are becoming precariously thin even for Katniss, but she perseveres. When she reaches the limb that supports the nest, the humming becomes more distinctive. With that resolve, Katniss takes her hair out of her braid so her face will be better covered, she takes the pair of leather gloves from the backpack and slips them on for protection. The seal of the Capitol shines above her and the anthem blares out.
Everyone looks impressed at her plan.
"Nice job, Sweetheart. I'm going to go send her some burn cream." Haymitch smirked before leaving.
"It took you my third games for you to finally send a sponsor gift, huh, Sugar? Guess, we know who's the better mentor is, don't we, Sugar?" Katniss chuckles softly before opening it to find burn ointment.
Everyone laughed at Haymitch when he returned rolling his eyes.
Dean smirked at him, "She does have a point there, Old Man." Haymitch glared at him annoyed,
"Tell me again, why the Sweetheart saved you?" Haymitch snarked at Dean.
Dean rolled his eyes as everyone laughed besides Annie, who glowered at Haymitch.
"Oh, Haymitch," Katniss whispers. "Thank you."
"Now, that's more like it Sweetheart." Haymitch smirked smugly at the screen, causing the others to laugh lightly at him.
She treated her burns and wrapped the pot in the parachute, then she nestles it safely away in her pack. Now that the pain has eased, it's all Katniss can do to reposition herself in her bag before she plunges into sleep.
Everyone sighed relived
"She's going to be alright. Won't she Finn?" Annie asked softly.
"Of course, Annie. It's the Hell Kat." Finnick reassured her even though he and his worries about Katniss' safety from the Tracker Jackers.
"Rue!" Katniss whispered, pointing to the nest and made a sawing motion. Rue nodded and began leaping from tree to tree gracefully, like she was flying. Katniss stared at her in awe, "Whoa, deju vu. If I'm a little squirrel then she's a little bird" Katniss comments before finishing sawing at the nest, she manages to only get stinged once on the neck. She pauses it to witness the chaos she caused, she smirked before pulling out the stinger, quickly took off the gloves so she could scamper from tree to tree. When she was a good distance away, she tied herself to another tree before the Tracker Jacker venom overtook her.
Seeder and Chaff sigh relived. "I'm glad the little angel decided to warn little Rue about her plan." Chaff said with a soft smile.
Haymitch grimaced
Sweetheart is going to get too close to the little girl. Why does she have to be so motherly? Haymitch took a hug gulp of his drink.
"You know, they're not the only ones who can form alliances," Katniss says softly. For a moment, no response. Then one of Rue's eyes edges around the trunk. "You want me for an ally?" Rue asks surprised. Katniss smiled softly at her, "Of course, I wouldn't have offered if I didn't mean it little bird." Rue grinned at the nickname before shyly asking, "Why?" Katniss grinned at her sweetly before saying, "Not only do you remind me of my little duck but you remind me of myself during my first games. And besides, why not? You saved me with those tracker jackers. You're smart enough to still be alive. And I can't seem to shake you anyway" Rue grins a little at that, "You saved me first during the bloodbath." Katniss shakes her head, "I put you in danger with my birdcall in the first place." Rue bounces on her feet, "That's okay, that birdcall was totally awesome. The Careers were so baffled it was funny." Rue giggles, causing Katniss to laugh in return. Rue's stomach growls, "You hungry?" Katniss asked with a soft smile. Rue nods tentatively.
Seeder and Chaff internally cheered at the alliance. Dean, Annie, and Cecelia smiled softly. Haymitch and Johanna grimaced not liking it. Knowing that Katniss is going to get too close to Rue and knowing what affect that will have on Katniss.
Hell Kat was born to be a mother…where the hell did that thought come from? Finnick was lucky no one noticed his light blush they never would have let him live it down.
Katniss hears another twig snap and sees a flash of red hair. "I've already had two kills today, I have more than enough to share. Come on out, Foxface. There's a rabbit for you, too." Rue and Foxface stare at her in shock. "You aren't going to kill me?" Foxface asks surprised. "After, I saved you in the bloodbath? Why, would I do that?" Katniss smirked at the younger confused girl. Vixen Ripley aka Foxface studied the infamous fiery girl before her critically. "The question I want to know is why did you save me during the bloodbath?" Foxface asked perplexed. Katniss sighed, "Here, you two sit down and eat. You two are the smallest and the youngest and need your strength."
Johanna glared at the screen.
"What the fuck is Brainless thinking? Not only is she allying with a kid but she's allying with someone who is clearly smarter than her!" Johanna said angerily. Finnick glared at her, not liking the way Johanna was talking about Katniss.
"Calm down, JoJo. Hell Kat knows what she is doing." Finnick defended Katniss. Johanna scoffed at him
Fish Brains is so whipped, she thought rolling her eyes.
"I'm sure you two know I have sisters your ages, but what you don't know is I have no plan on winning these games." They stared at her in shock. "Why?" Rue asked upset. Foxface looked intrigued.
"She's really starting to piss me off with this brainless behavior of hers!" Johanna said darkly.
Katniss smiles sadly at them, "I've already won twice it's highly unlikely to win for a third time. I volunteered twice for my sisters to protect them from this. The two of you remind me of them, how could I win and survive the guilt of little girls like you dying?"
Finnick stared at the screen softly in understanding.
Foxface pouted, which caused Katniss' lips to twitch in amusement. "I'm not little, I'm two years younger than you." Foxface protested. Katniss smiles, "Whatever, you say little fox." Vixen smiled. "My brother, Crevan calls me that" Vixen said wistfully. Katniss smirks, "You're family must loves foxes. Vixen and Crevan both mean fox." Foxface beamed, "They are the most intelligent animal there is, we have two as pets." Rue and Katniss looked at the District 5 girl like she was insane. "Hey, if you know my name, why do you call me Foxface?" Vixen asked. Katniss shrugged, "It suits you" Vixen/Foxface smirks, "Of course, it does. I'm the smartest tribute here." She stated proudly. Rue giggles at her arrogant behavior. Katniss just laughs, "I believe that Foxface. So, allies?" Foxface nods. Rue beams, "I was hoping to be your ally, it's why I followed you during training." Katniss stared at the little girl with interest. "Why'd you want to be my ally little bird?" Foxface snorts at the stupid question, "You're the Katniss Everdeen! Why else?" Katniss rolls her eyes.
Everyone laughs at Katniss' obvious discomfort at the reminder of her fame.
"That's not why though! Haulm, was my cousin! Our whole family loves you! His little brother Hugo has a crush on you, he's my age. Haylee and Henlee, his twin sisters are nine, they really adore you. The whole family gets together on Reaping day to sing the song you sang to him." Rue gushed out, smiling softly at Katniss. Her eyes began to water, "Oh, Rue. That means a lot little bird."
Johanna groaned, "Damnit! Brainless is letting that girl manipulate her feelings!"
Annie, Cecelia, Seeder and Chaff glared at the callous District 7 Mentor.
While everyone else rolled their eyes at Johanna but Haymitch couldn't help but silently agreeing with her assessment.
"Katniss, would you sing for me?" Rue asked shyly. Katniss looked up at her teary eyed, "It's settled for Haulm, I'm making sure you are going to win this. I'll sing something to encourage you and you shouldn't count yourself out, little bird. I was your age after all when I won the first time." Katniss started singing before Rue could respond.
Everyone even Johanna couldn't help but smile softly with fondness at the scene of the three girls dancing with each other as Katniss sang a song that Haymitch personally thought of as Katniss' way to show Snow that he'll never break her.
Gemma Stine from District 5 startled everyone by making her presence known.
"That girl of yours Haymitch is really somethin' else." Gemma said suprising the group of Victors.
They all looked at her in wariness.
"Yeah, Sweetheart is one of kind." Haymitch said neutrally.
Gemma smiled, "Relax. Vixen isn't just my tribute she's my great niece and Katniss offering her an alliance caused Vixen to finally get sponsors."
No one knew how to respond to that, so they went back to watching the screen.
Rue gasped in awe, "You're voice is more amazing in person." Foxface looked amused as Katniss blushed at Rue's compliment.
Everyone laughed at Katniss being so uncomfortable that she decided to change the subject.
"So, besides the two of you, there are two others that I want to win. Peeta and Thresh, speaking of Peeta, do you guys know where he is?" Rue was the one who answered, "He's in an alliance with Thresh and the crippled boy from 10. I think both of them wanted to give Bantu from District 10 a fighting chance." Katniss smiled.
Gemma also smiled before she looked at the District 11 & 12 Mentors and said, "You four should feel proud of your tributes. It's not often when tributes don't let the Games take away their compassion."
The other mentors looked at her thoughtful realizing the truth of that statement.
The girls decided to get some sleep, since Foxface couldn't climb trees she decided to head back to her previous hiding spot with the promise to meet them there in the morning. "Be careful, little fox." Katniss said softly. Vixen smiled from ear to ear at that and responded with a, "You too, Firefly." Katniss and Rue laughed, "Gotta say haven't heard that one before." Katniss said amused. Vixen smirked before taking off.
"Firefly. That's cute." Johanna smirked evilly.
Gemma laughed lightly, "That was Vixen's second greatest way of showing Katniss respect the first naturally would have been giving her a fox name in return. But Vixen greatly admires fireflies. Never really understood why though, my niece's mind works in ways the most of us will never understand."
Everyone stared at the District 5 Mentor in deep thought.
As, Rue and Katniss settled in Katniss' sleeping in a tree, Rue whispered, "Katniss?" Katniss smiled with her eyes closed Rue sounded like Prim. "Yeah, little bird?" Rue giggled softly. "Thank you, Katniss." The older girl swallowed thickly before responding with a, "You have nothing to thank me for, little bird."
"Aww" Annie, Seeder, Cecelia, and Gemma all cooed at the cuteness of the two.
Everyone else rolled their eyes.
"You know the funny thing is that my Aunt Gemma sent my first sponsor gift after I decided to ally with you. Isn't that an interesting coincidence, huh, firefly?" Foxface asked with a sly smirk. Katniss rolled her eyes but Rue looked at her curiously.
The other Victors stared at Gemma curiously.
"What did you send her?" Cecelia asked what everyone was wondering.
"A sleeping bag she was freezing to death." Gemma answered. They nodded their heads that made sense.
Katniss smiles darkly. "That seems how it works in families, it seems like an Everdeen curse to be reaped at twelve." Katniss said bitterly. Rue and Foxface exchanged uncomfortable glances but didn't say anything in response. The girls were silent as they watched Katniss hunt, both younger girls were both awed and intimated by the deadly grace Katniss possessed when holding a bow in her hands.
Damn! Hell Kat looks so stunning when she's hunting,….like a goddess. Finnick thought his eyes never leaving the screen drinking in her beauty.
"Katniss, even if you could get to the food, how would you get rid of it?" Rue suddenly asked. "Burn it. Dump it in the lake. Soak it in fuel." Katniss pokes Rue in the belly, just like she would with Prim. "Eat it!" Katniss joked, trying to get a smile out of the younger girl. Rue giggles. Foxface smiles. "Don't worry, I'll think of something. Destroying things is much easier than making them." Katniss said getting serious once more.
Everyone smiles or laughs at this.
Foxface snorts, "Especially since Alden from District 3 retriggered the mines. All you need to do is shoot at something in the pile that will set of all of the mines at once. I'll come with you but from another direction to show you were they are located and besides I would like to steal some supplies before you destroy them." Foxface smirked at her allies' stunned faces. Katniss grinned, "Nice, little fox. They don't stand a chance without their precious supplies."
Everyone smirked deeply impressed.
"Damn the Careers don't stand a chance against the three little angels." Chaff smirked.
The others nodded still awed by their plan.
"I'm not a fighter like you, firefly. My plan is pretty much to hide until the remaining imbeciles get their idiotic self's killed out of sheer stupidity." Katniss chuckled lightly at that and Rue giggled.
Hell Kat's giggle is so adorable, Finnick couldn't help but think.
Dean, Haymitch, Chaff, Gemma, Johanna, and Finnick chuckled.
Annie, Seeder, and Cecelia giggled.
Johanna smirked, "That's someone even I could get along with."
Gemma laughed lightly, "Vixen is well aware how everyone isn't smart as she is, which she loves reminding people."
Sounds like me, Johanna smirked.
"Little fox, listen to me I didn't fight the other tributes during my first games and I won by outsmarting them. There's no reason you or little bird can't do the same thing." Foxface huffed, "It's not like I can trick them with poisonous berries, and I'm terrible at identifying plants because well I don't like admitting it but I'm color blind so berries look the same to me." Rue looked at her quizzically, "So, you can't tell the difference between a blond or brunette?" Foxface smirked, "Sure, as long as I talk to them, it's pretty obvious when someone is blonde." Vixen said snidely.
Haymitch and Dean laughed. "Sweetheart isn't going to like that. Her little girls are blondes."
"That's not a correct or nice thing to say little fox. Both of my sisters are blondes and they are the smartest little girls their ages." Katniss said sternly. Vixen blushed, "Sorry." Foxface said her voice contrite.
Everyone laughed freely, but Gemma's was the loudest.
"I've never seen that niece of mine apologize for someone without her mother forcing it first." Gemma said impressed.
Well, Sweetheart. Might as well be a mother with all of her experience. Haymitch chuckled.
"Let the Seventy-fourth Hunger Games begin, Cato. Let them begin for real." Katniss said out loud a smug grin on her face.
Everyone grins smugly at that.
Never, change, Hell Kat, Finnick thinks fondly.
"Nice going, Sweetheart." Haymitch smirks.
Katniss begins her walk back to their meeting place, own her way she lets out Rue's signal. Her smile is quickly wiped off her face as she hears Rue scream, "Katniss!" The older girl panics, and breaks out in a run, screaming out Rue's name. "Rue! I'm coming!" Katniss screamed. When Katniss breaks into the clearing, Rue's on the ground, hopelessly entangled in a net. Rue just has time to reach her hand through the mesh and says, "Katniss" before the spear enters her body. Without second thought, Katniss releases and aims her bow at Marvel's neck.
Everyone stares at the screen in horror.
"Oh my god, Rue" Foxface cries out as she enters the clearing. Katniss reloads, shifting her aim from side to side, while she shouts at Rue, "Are there more? Are there more?" It takes both Rue and Foxface a while to convince Katniss to calm down. "You blew up the food?" Rue whispers. "Every last bit," Katniss croaks. "You have to win." Rue said looking at Katniss pleading with her. Katniss holding back sobs just nods. "Don't go, either of you." Rue begs. "I'm not going anywhere, little bird. We're staying right here aren't we little fox?" Katniss looks towards Foxface who nods, silently crying. "Sing for me?" Rue asks her voice weak yet thick from pain. "Since you love music so much, little bird. I'll sing you eleven songs for the District that gave us you." Rue smiles softly at that.
Seeder and Chaff smile sadly at this, as everyone is crying by now and no one is trying to hide it.
Katniss exhales heavily, her voice thick with sadness but still so enchanting.
…..Blackbird singing in the dead of night take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life you were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise, you were only waiting for this moment to arise
"That really does fit Rue." Seeder said softly crying.
"Love…you….Katniss….always…wanted a….older….sister" Rue croaked out through the pain. Foxface sobs noticeably in the background. Katniss' voice became thick with emotion but she continued to sing.
…..Like never before and I wish you all the love in the world, but most of all, I wish it from myself.
And the songbirds keep singing, like they know the score, and I love you, I love you, I love you
Like never before, like never before…
"She won't be the same after this will she, Finn?" Annie cried.
Finnick just looked at her sadly.
….Oh, this could be the end of everything
So why don't we go somewhere only we know? Somewhere only we know
Somewhere only we know
"Wow" Gemma whispered stunned.
For all this, there's only one thing you should know I tried so hard and got so far but in the end
It doesn't even matter I had to fall to lose it all but in the end it doesn't even matter
"Oh, Sweetheart." Haymitch whispered gruffly.
...There's no need to go and blow the candle out because you're not done, you're far too young
Katniss voice broke on the last line but as Rue squeezed her hand for her to continue singing Katniss voice grew strong again.
And the best is yet to come so just give it one more try to a lullaby if you can hear me now
I'm reaching out to let you know that you're not alone and if you can't tell, I'm scared as hell
So just close your eyes oh, honey here comes a lullaby, your very own lullaby
"She really is special…the way she sings….you can tell it's easing the pain for Rue." Cecelia said sadly.
The others nodded their heads in agreement.
…..So give me reason to prove me wrong, to wash this memory clean, let the floods cross
The distance in your eyes give me reason to fill this hole, connect this space between
Let it be enough to reach the truth that lies, across this new divide
Chaff sighed heavily at the meaning of these words.
…..Against the grain should be a way of life, what's worth the prize is always worth the fight, every second counts
'Cause there's no second try, so live like you'll never live it twice
Don't take the free ride in your own life if today was your last day and tomorrow was too late.
Could you say goodbye to yesterday? Would you live each moment like your last
"Whoa… that's pretty powerful." Dean said in awe of Katniss' voice.
That's really going to have a profound effect on the Districts watching, Haymitch thought with a small sly smirk.
….I've had just enough time if I die young, bury me in satin, lay me down on a bed of roses,
Sink me in the river at dawn, send me away with the words of a love song
"This song really expresses how wrong these games are." Finnick whispered softly.
Way to go, Hell Kat. Haymitch smirk grew despite the tears he showed for the death of the little girl.
"I think that's what Sweetheart wanted."
The others looked thoughtfully at this.
…You and I'll be safe and sound, just close your eyes, you'll be alright, come morning light
You and I'll be safe and sound
This caused everyone to cry a fresh set of tears.
Deep in the meadow, hidden far away, a cloak of leaves, a moonbeam ray
Forget your woes and let your troubles lay, and when again it's morning, they'll wash away.
Here it's safe, here it's warm, here the daisies guard you from every harm
The final lines are barely audible.
Here your dreams are sweet and tomorrow brings them true, here is the place where I love you.
Everything's still and quiet. Then, almost eerily, the mockingjays take up her song. For a moment, both Katniss and Foxface sit there, watching each other's tears drip down on their faces. Rue's cannon fires.
Annie, Seeder, and Cecelia sob loudly.
Johanna, Haymitch, Finnick, Dean, and Gemma cry silently.
Chaff throws his drink at the wall in rage and grief.
Rue's allies gather up an armful and come back to Rue's side. Slowly, one stem at a time, they decorate her body in the flowers. Covering the ugly wound. Wreathing her face. Weaving her hair with bright colors.
Everyone gasps stunned.
"We'll need to thank Katniss for this." Seeder rasped.
Chaff nodded still in awe of Katniss' actions.
Katniss realizing she never sang an eleventh song starts to sing
….I came to win, to survive, to prosper, to rise, I believe I can fly, fly, I believe I can touch the sky
I believe I can fly, fly, I believe I can touch the sky
"Well, if that isn't a being fuck you to our dear president I don't know what is." Johanna said stunned. Everyone chuckles very weekly at this.
"Goodbye, little bird" Katniss presses her three middle fingers of her left hand against her lips and holds them out in her direction. "Bye, Rue," Foxface whispers, and copies the older girl's gesture out of instinct. Then they walk away without looking back. "You want to break the alliance, don't you little fox?" Katniss asked emotionlessly. Vixen looked at her sadly, "It would be for the best, firefly." Katniss doesn't voice any objection just nods her head in agreement. "Try to win, little fox." Foxface stares at her intently, "You have to win, Rue would have wanted it….be safe, Mockingjay." Katniss looks at her bewildered at that. "Mockingjay?" Vixen Ripley smirks in a sad way and quotes Katniss, "It suits you." Katniss yanks her into a rough hug and kisses her forehead, with that the two part ways.
Dean comforts Annie as she cries. Seeder and Chaff leave to compose themselves and to send Katniss something. Gemma also leaves now that the alliance is over. Finnick, Johanna, Cecelia and Haymitch exchange covert glances thinking what this means to the rebellion.
Mockingjay? That does suit, Sweetheart. Haymitch ponders thoughtfully.
"My thanks to the people of District 11." Katniss said with a small smile that showed her grief and gratitude.
Seeder and Chaff look touched.
Haymitch chuckles lightly, "The only reason Sweetheart knew that was because of Bread Boy."
Dean shook his head, "I still can't believe he tried flirting with her while discussing bread."
Everyone laughs at this.
Finnick smirks cockily thinking, Hell Kat definitely enjoys our sexual banter way more than she could with the baker's kids inept attempts at seduction. I totally turned Hell Kat on, when I nibbled on her ear during Deanie Boy's Games.
Johanna rolled her eyes at him.
Judging by the arrogant look on Finnick's face Johanna knew he was thinking something flattering to his huge ego that she doesn't want to know.
"Under the new rule, both tributes from the same district will be declared winners if they are the last two alive." Templesmith announces. "Peeta!" Katniss cries out.
Everyone stares at the screen dumbfounded.
"You here to finish me off, sweetheart?" Katniss beams extremely relieved. "Peeta! Oh, thank god you're alright… uh where are you? And never call me 'Sweetheart!' Haymitch calls me that, it's disturbing hearing you say it." Katniss said, her pretty face screwed up in disgust. Peeta let out a pained chuckle.
Everyone besides Haymitch chuckles at this
Only I get to call her 'Sweetheart' god damn stupid Bread Boy.
Johanna smirks at him, "Aww! Is drunkface upset that someone used his name for Kitty Kat?"
He glares darkly at her as the others laugh.
"Well, don't step on me. And you got it, now that I know that I can't use 'sweetheart' as a term of endearment, I'll have to think of something else." Peeta joked weakly. Katniss rolls her eyes. "You know something Katniss? I find it amazing that while the rest of us look like crap you look flawless as ever. That being said, if you don't watch your feet not only will I have to deal a fatal sword wound but I'll have to worry about a broken nose." Peeta's teasing voice was right under her feet.
Finnick scowls as Peeta flirts with her.
"Alright, but just so you know the best medicine for leg wounds is actually kissing not washing out the bacteria." Peeta says flirtatiously.
Johanna snickers, "He kinda sounds like you, Fish Brains."
Finnick glares at her, "I have much more skill that that kid, JoJo."
Johanna smirks at him, "Oh? Is that why you are already with Kitty Kat then? Wait…that's right you aren't, Fish Brains."
His glare darkens as everyone even Annie laugh at his expense.
Katniss lets out a groan before irritably saying, "Geez, Peeta. Keep talking like that and I'll start confusing you with Fish Boy."
Everyone even Finnick chuckles at this, at least before he stopped when Johanna said, "Told you so, Fish Brains." She gloated at him, Finnick just scowled in response.
Peeta looked at her baffled, "Fish Boy?" Katniss blushes.
Finnick grins smugly causing everyone to laugh.
"Finnick." She explained not meeting his eyes. Instead, Katniss decided to focus on treating his wounds to the best of her ability, she may have many skills but she nowhere near being as talented of a healer like her mother or Prim. Peeta's eyebrows rose, "Finnick Odair?"
Finnick's cocky expression grows.
Yeah, I'm that awesome and Hell Kat wants me not you baker boy, He thinks smugly.
"How do you even know him?" Peeta asked failing to hide the jealousy in his voice. "We're both Victors, Peeta. We've mentored together." Katniss drawled out slowly since it was obvious, she couldn't believe he'd ask such a stupid question. Peeta blushed embarrassed. "Oh, right. Of course. Right." His blush deepened as she started laughing.
Everyone laughs deeply.
"Looks like Bread Boy is jealous of you Pretty Boy." Haymitch guffaws.
Finnick smirks, "He should be it's obvious I have Hell Kat's heart."
Johanna snickers, "You wish, Fish Brains."
Finnick decides to ignore this because he's too busy feeling elated that he was on Katniss' mind.
"You know how in the interview I said that I had a crush on you forever. Well, it was the first day of school and we were five. You had on a red plaid dress and your hair . . . it was in two braids instead of one. My father pointed you out when we were waiting to line up," Peeta says. "Your father? Why?" Katniss asks perplexed. "He said, 'See that little girl? I wanted to marry her mother, but she ran off with a coal miner.'" Katniss' eyes widen, "What? You're making that up!" She exclaims." No, true story," Peeta says. "And I said, 'A coal miner? Why did she want a coal miner if she could've had you?' And he said, 'Because when he sings . . . even the birds stop to listen.'" Katniss gapes at him before softly saying, "That's true. They do. I mean, they did," Katniss says stunned. "So that day, in music assembly, the teacher asked who knew the valley song. Your hand shot right up in the air. She stood you up on a stool and had you sing it for us. And I swear, every bird outside the windows fell silent," Peeta says. "Oh, please," Katniss says laughing slightly blushing. "No, it happened. And right when your song ended, I knew — just like your mother — I was a goner," Peeta says. "Then for the next eleven years, I tried to work up the nerve to talk to you."
All the females besides Johanna of course, "Awwed."
Finnick grimaces.
"Alright, I'll give it to the kid I don't blame him for falling for the Hell Kat." Finnick says sourly.
Katniss suddenly kisses Peeta.
Dean, Haymitch, Chaff, and Johanna smirk at Finnick's furious jealous face. Annie, Seeder, and Cecelia look at him in sympathy.
"If it makes you feel better Pretty Boy this will help with sponsors." Haymitch says with a slight smirk on his face.
Finnick glares spitefully at the drunk before saying annoyed, "It's the Hell Kat she won two Hunger Games before without any help from sponsors."
Johanna snickered before saying evilly, "Wouldn't that make her out of your league? Seeing, as how you only won your Games because of Sponsors?"
He scowled at her but didn't answer knowing that was mostly true.
Johanna smirked smugly.
Peeta smiled widely at her, "The only way this moment could get better is if you were to sing to me right now." Katniss sighed but a tiny smirk crossed her face very briefly before she began singing.
…..I set fire to the rain and I threw us into the flames, where I felt somethin' die
'Cause I knew that that was the last time, the last time, oh, oh, no, let it burn
Finnick was the only one not amused by Katniss' song choice still being upset about their kiss.
Peeta beamed at her, "I really do love you." Katniss kisses him passionately.
"She didn't say it back, Finn. That means something." Annie said softly trying to comfort Finnick. Her attempt was only half successful.
Doesn't change the fact she's kissing him, Finnick thinks bitterly.
They were interrupted by Claudius Templesmith, and he's inviting the tributes to a feast. "Now hold on. Some of you may already be declining my invitation. But this is no ordinary feast. Each of you needs something desperately." Peeta looked at Katniss' determined expression in horror, "You're not going." Peeta pleaded. "I am. You would do it for me. In fact if it wasn't for you I wouldn't have even been alive to have been reaped the first time." Peeta looked confused before realization hits his eyes. "Are you talking about the bread when we were kids? Katniss this isn't the same." Peeta protested. "I owe you more than you'll ever know. You didn't save just my life when you gave me that bread, you saved my whole family. You gave me hope that I could survive, you reminded me that I couldn't just think about myself. Everyone, knows how much I love Sia, Prim, and Tel. They wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for you and I'm not going to let you die, Peeta." Katniss vowed passionately. He looked at her awed. Just as he was about to protest more she cut him off with a kiss and before he could argue anymore she knocked him out using pressure points. It'll only buy her an hour but he won't be able to interfere. "Sleep tight, Peeta."
Everyone sighs at this not liking that she was putting herself in danger.
"She should just let him die." Johanna says carelessly.
I agree, JoJo. Finnick thinks darkly.
Clove knocked her into the ground. Katniss shook her off annoyed, as she danced away from Clove's attempt to stab her with a knife. "Looks, like I get to kill you after all, huh, Firegirl? Just like we killed your little ally. What was her name Rue? Shame I wasn't there for it, I bet you cried. Too bad that little ginger ally of yours took off before I could torture her in front of you. Oh, well she's next after you." Katniss glared at Clove.
So does the Victors watching in the Main Viewing Room.
"What'd you do to that little girl? You kill her?" Thresh demanded furious. Clove is scrambling backward on all fours, like a frantic insect, too shocked to even call for Cato. "No! No, it wasn't me!" She screamed frightened. "You said her name. I heard you. You kill her?" Another thought brings a fresh wave of rage to his features. "You cut her up like you were going to cut up Spitfire here?" He glared at her in absolute loathing and disgust.
Some of the Mentors chuckle lightly at the nickname for Katniss it seemed out of place in this situation.
"To sleep? Like Haulm?" Thresh says thickly. "Yeah. To death. I kept singing until she died," Katniss whispers. "Your district...they sent me bread." Thresh smiled softly, "Doesn't surprise me, Spitfire. You're precious to my District. You aren't my enemy. Go! Run, I'll take care of Cato." Thresh told her forcefully.
Seeder and Chaff looked proud at their tribute while the others look stunned and awed as Thresh lets Katniss go.
Katniss presses her three middle fingers of her left hand against her lips and holds them out in his direction. Thresh's eyes widen at the gesture recognizing it from her Reaping, he nodded towards her in acknowledgment before running off with his and Cato's pack. Katniss grabbed hers and ran back to Peeta.
"This has to be the most emotional and noble Hunger Games I've ever seen." Cecelia says shell-shocked at the events that have taken place.
Katniss makes it back to the cave in time to see Peeta awake, he whispers "Katniss." Then Peeta's eyes suddenly flutter. Katniss Everdeen stares at Peeta Mellark in shock as she watches him die right before her eyes, "No, no, no…" She chanted horrified. Katniss took his body in her lap, it was true, she failed the boy with bread, he was dead. Katniss cried into the dark of the night. Katniss reaches in her bag for the rest of the bread that District 11 sent her. Katniss laid the bread on his chest and crossed his arms over it. She lets the tears fall down her face as she pressed her lips to his forehead, cheeks, and finally his lips one last time. Katniss stood up and backed away from Peeta then she presses her three middle fingers of her left hand against her lips and holds them out in his direction. "Bye, Peeta." With one last sorrowful look, she walked away from the cave so the hovercraft could collect his body.
Everyone stares at the screen in sadness and sympathy but no one says anything. Haymitch takes a huge gulp of his drink.
Chaff comforts Seeder as Thresh is killed by Cato.
"Goodbye, little fox. Look after little bird and try not to tease Peeta too badly by calling him my 'boy toy'" Katniss whispered sadly with a week smirk on her face before she gave Vixen Ripley the District 12 goodbye.
"At least she didn't have to face Thresh or Foxface." Cecelia says with tears running down her face. No one says anything but they all agree with her assessment of Katniss' situation.
Katniss starts to head toward the Cornucopia when Cato suddenly smashes through the trees but he has no weapon. In fact, his hands are empty, yet he runs straight towards Katniss. She then on instinct aims her arrow at him it hits his chest and inexplicably falls aside. He quickly smirks at her, "As glad as I am it's just the two of us left and not your ginger ally. Now's not the time, Beautiful."
Finnick scowls.
Johanna scoffs in disgust
"He gives me the creeps. Kitty Kat needs to kill him already." She says bluntly before everyone lets out horrified faces as they spot the mutts.
Cato let out a moan, "You squirming underneath me isn't really a smart idea little squirrel." Katniss stilled her movements in revulsion. Cato trails his hand down her face to the curves of her body.
Everyone glares at the screen in anger and disgust.
I wish I was in that Arena just so I could kill the bastard for touching my Hell Kat like that! Finnick thinks hatefully.
"You really are more beautiful in person, Katniss Everdeen. It wasn't supposed to end like this, Firegirl. I really don't want to kill you but I have to." Cato whispered regretfully, his eyes full of remorse.
Finnick's glare darkens even more.
Katniss rolled her eyes before taking advantage of his slackening grip on her to knee him in the crotch. Cato let out a pained groan before Katniss used both of her legs to kick him in the stomach to send him over the edge and in the reach of the mutts.
Everyone lets out sighs of relief.
"That's my Sweetheart." Haymitch smirks.
"Please." Cato pleads brokenly. Katniss sends her arrow flying into his skull mercifully. Katniss takes out the Nightlock berries and puts them to her mouth but before she could sallow them the Gamemakers send in a hawk to steal and fly away with the poisonous berries.
"Oh thank god. I never thought I would be grateful to a Gamemaker." Johanna took everyone by surprise when she whispered this, usually she doesn't like to show that she cares.
Finnick smirks slightly, "Hell Kat really did turn you into a softy, didn't she JoJo?"
Johanna scowled at him as the others laughed softly.
Katniss lets out a growl of frustration before sending an arrow at the bird that stole her chance of freedom from her.
Everyone chuckled weekly at that.
"So feisty." Dean smirks.
Claudius Templesmith shouts rang out through the arena, "Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to present for the third time as a winner of the Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen. Victor of the Seventy-Forth Hunger Games, — tribute of District Twelve!"
Everyone let out relieved happy sounds, they really wouldn't know what they would've done if Katniss had died.
Katniss runs for them and launches into Haymitch's arms first, he whispers in her ear, "Nice job, sweetheart."
Thank god, you're alive! Sweetheart doesn't even realize she just sparked a rebellion.
Dean, Annie, Seeder, and Cinna just hugs her tight and but they don't say anything.
Johanna, Chaff, and Cecelia either smirk or smile at Katniss. Everyone distances themselves from Katniss so Finnick can greet her.
Fish Brains greeting her should be entertaining.
Finnick comes up to her beaming at her with happiness, "Glad to see you alive, gorgeous."
Finnick leans towards her starring meaningfully at her lips but then hesitates and looks in her stormy fiery grey eyes
Oh, Hell Kat just let me love you.
Katniss grabbed his hair pulling him towards her crashing her lips to his in a sudden passionate kiss.
Finnick is unresponsive at first completely stunned
Holy Shit! My Hell Kat is finally kissing me! She feels so good…
He placed one hand on her waist dragging her closer to him and placing the other hand on her face to deepen the kiss. Finnick felt like his whole body was on fire, that he was finally complete.
It's about god damn time! I've wanted this for so long! This is even better than I imagined it's real, her body, mind, and soul is melting into mine. To the point where I don't know where she begins and where I end. Hell Kat is like a never-ending inferno against me. She's mine. I'm hers. There is no questioning it. It just is. She's my Hell Kat. I'm her Fish Boy.
Finnick and Katniss were startled out of their haze of passion by cheers and giggles from the others in the room.
I wonder if Kitty Kat realizes it looks like she about to bang Fish Brains right here in front of us, Johanna thought with a smirk.
Finnie's in love, Annie thought beaming at the two.
Damn, Sweetheart! Don't fuck Pretty Boy in front of us! I don't think I'd be able to rid my mind of that disturbing image if you did, Haymitch thinks smirking at the two.
Katniss backs away from Finnick
Hey don't stop now Hell Kat.
Katniss blushed embarrassed, then she runs from the room leaving everyone gob smacked.
"What just happened?" Finnick asked in a daze, still breathing heavily from the kiss.
Johanna looks down and smirks, "Might want to take a cold shower there, Fish Brains."
Dean, Chaff, Haymitch, and Johanna snicker at his predicament.
Annie, Seeder, and Cecelia giggle as Finnick blushes beet red.
Oh, yeah….Hell Kat definitely was worth the wait. She may have ran away but she did kiss me!
As, Finnick thought of this kiss again he couldn't help the silly grin that bloomed on his face.
AN: Man! That was such a long chapter but now the mentor pov is finally caught up with the rest of the story! Tell me what you guys think! Poll on profile!
Rd, Enjoy, & Review!