Chapter 3 – A Spark

AN: This chapter will have Haymitch and Katniss POV. This story is rated M - content suitable only for adults ages 18 and up. Will include scenes of intense violence and will contain graphic sexual content in future chapters. If you offended, it's best to turn back now. All rights and characters belong to Suzanne Collins.

Haymitch POV ––

I opened my eyes to find blue eyes staring down at me. "Fuck, Jimmy. Get your ugly mug out of my face," I winced as I covered my eyes from the light hitting my face. I was sitting up in someone's back porch. Which one? I assumed it was his bakery since he was wearing his apron. It was smeared with flour and dough. The smell of yeast and sugar lingered on his fair skin. He had a wide smile on his face. I wanted to smack him but lacked the energy.

"Hey, Mitch," James 'Jimmy' Mellark greeted me in a cheerful manner. I despised him and his brood all perky in their disposition. Heck, all four Mellark men were cheery in disposition. It was disgusting. I think it was morning or afternoon. It's hard to tell since my brain hasn't caught up yet and my body ached from sleeping on the hard ground all night.

"Mom is at the front, Dad," someone whispered. "Rye will keep her busy." His eldest son, Graham appeared at the back door. "I thought you said he went home. What is he still doing here?"

"I guess, he passed out," Jimmy assumed. I don't remember much but that I had joined Jimmy and a few guys at his bakery to play 'cards' the night before.

We met once a week and playing a card game as ruse in case Peacekeepers barged in catching us unaware as we talked about the rebellion. Last night we met at the bakery. There was strife and mayhem in Districts 3, 5 and 7 as MockingJay's words instigated riots and chaos. Even with the hangover, the conversation stuck in my head.

Flashback –– the night before

"You cheated, you bastard," Jimmy blurted as he threw his cards on the table in disgust and amusement. Graham smirked at his Dad. Gordon Meyer and Heath Undersee held back their smile.

"I did not," I defended myself. "You're just a horrible poker play." I grabbed my 'chips' towards me. Not that it had any value. The black lacquered pebbles with the painting of the MockingJay were used as chips. Red for 100, blue for 50 and yellow for 10 were the monetary denominations. So far I won…400 chips in value. It didn't matter since I wasn't going to collect my winnings. It was just a matter of principle.

We were playing in the front reception area at the Mellark Bakery. His wife was out visiting her sister while Rye was at his fiancee's home for dinner. Peeta, well, h'se supposed to be upstairs but I bet you he snuck out as soon as he could to avoid staying home.

Graham stood up and peered out the window. He watched four Peacekeepers patrol as they past the building. "All clear," he stated then sat back. Jimmy stood up and removed a painting from his wall. Behind the painting was a map of District 12. On the map were lines indicating paths to none other than District 13. He placed the painting on top of the table.

"The snow should be melted along this ridgeline," Gordon said as his finger ran along the lines on the map. "It would take about two to three weeks to cross it before you reach the boundaries of District 13." Besides me Jimmy bit his nails. He was nervous as his eyes flickered at the window every few seconds.

"This area right here," Jimmy added. "We don't know if the pass has cleared, there could still be snow and ice blocking the path."

"We have to take the chance that it's cleared," I suggested. "Listen, if it's going to take three weeks to reach that point, the snow should have melted by then. It's spring and we're not going to have any snowstorms."

"That's true but there still a chance for heavy rainstorms. The area could also be flooded if the weather changes abruptly," Graham spoke his two cents. "If that's the case it'll take another week or two to bypass it."

"So what are you suggesting that we wait until summer," I sighed in frustration. District 13 were the first wave of rebels that fought against the Capitol. Snow retaliated and his Peacekeeper bombed and ravaged 13 leaving no survivors. Or so we thought. There were rumors that District 13 was alive and well. If they still existed, we wanted their numbers and their help. Their leader Alma Coin was rumored to still be alive and regrouping her soldiers. Rumors of their survival were rampant all over the districts. MockingJay and his rebels needed confirmation that the small group existed. So someone had to go to 13 to find out.

"People all over Panem are restless," I started. "We have to unite all the small groups of rebels into one army with one person to follow. The MockingJay was right. We're fractured. We don't have a united front. The small scrimmages are being decimated. Snow knows this. Why do you think he's taking control of the media? Not one district is aware of each other's movements. We have to act now."

Timing was critical. Seventy-five years of subjugation under the Snow family was enough. One thousand six hundred and seventy-nine children have been murdered under their reign as they used them for their entertainment. The games needed to stop. It was only two more months before the next reaping.

"What if who ever goes to 13 finds nothing?" Heath Undersee spoke. "Then what?"

"And what if he does find something or someone?" I debated. "We should at least have someone check it out. We have nothing to lose by trying."

"I get that it needs to be done," Jimmy commented. "My question is…who's going? You have any volunteers?" I shook my head. I haven't thought that far ahead.

"Well, it has to be someone who can go unnoticed," I surmised. "Someone who can slip under the radar with the Capitol."

"We don't even know if anyone would volunteer," Graham added. "None of us can go, we're too visible. Someone would notice if any of us was missing for 2-3 weeks."

I sighed. "Let's table that idea for now…I need to know if we're doing this so I can report back to MockingJay."

"I say go for it," Gordon agreed.

"Me too," Heath concluded.

"What about you, Jimmy?" He looked at his son, Graham.

"If we're going to do this, we can't know whom you're sending," Jimmy stated. "It's a big risk, we have to have deniability incase something happens." He was right the only people who should know were MockingJay and myself. Everyone was at risk but it was worth it if we could confirm District 13's existence.

"But you agree that we're doing this?" I inquired. His decision and support was important to me. I've known Jimmy for most of my life. We were schoolmates together. When I returned from the arena, he and a handful of people befriended me. At seventeen, I came back hard, angry and difficult to deal with. My years as a mentor was…painful as thoughts of suicide permeated my mind, but through it all he remained my friend. Just like Garret Everdeen, who stuck by me as I drank my life away. I drank to disguise the self-loathing and guilt I felt for sending children to their deaths year after year. I couldn't save them; I couldn't save any of them. I couldn't face the parents of each child that died from my mentoring. The responsibility weighed heavily on me as their faces haunted me.

"Yes." They all voted in a unanimous decision. It was done. Our path was set as we committed our lives and our families to send men and women to war. We could no longer wait as our children died year by year. Families fractured and torn apart while the Capitol thrived in our misery. We were going to fight Snow and the Capitol. May God have mercy on our souls for what we're about to do? We were setting Panem on fire and there was no turning back.

End of Flashback ––

"I need a drink,' I mumbled under my breath as I closed my eyes. I felt my eyes ball throb sending lances of pain to the back of my head and down my neck.

"How about you tr..try this in..instead, Mr. Abernathy" a soft voice permeated my fogged brain. I smelled the aroma of coffee in the air. I opened one eye to see Jimmy's youngest, Peeta holding a mug in his hands. I looked down to find an orange blanket covering my legs. I winced as the bright color assaulted my eyes. The color was offensive to nature. It was too bright to exist in our dark and dreary district.

"Kid, how many times do I have to tell you to call my Haymitch," I winced as pain exploded in the back of my head. "And get this thing off of me." I grabbed the blanket wrapping my hand around the cloth. I had no energy to lift the offensive thing off me.

Peeta chuckled in response as I returned a dirty look back at him.

"Be grateful, old man," Graham scolded me. "Peeta found you last night and was kind enough to cover you up. You could have frozen to death."

"Yay, Peeta," I said with enough sarcasm I could muster. "You're my hero…or my mother."

"It's a good thing that he found you instead of my wife," Jimmy spoke, his voice loud and booming in my ears. "Who knows how she would have reacted."

"Can you please not yell." Jimmy smirked while Peeta and Graham held back their laughter. I raised both hands to cover my ears. Shit, my lobes were cold as I realized that my beanie was missing.

"Mitch needs more than coffee, Peeta," Jimmy said. "He needs a plate of bacon, eggs and oh, I know potatoes with lots of butter. No, wait. It's past breakfast time––" My stomach lurched as the image of his hangover cure invaded my head.

"Stop, Jimmy you're making me sick." This time, he laughed a big belly laugh that reverberated in my head. The sound was deafening as the pain in my head multiplied around my eyes and ears. The next thing I knew the world turned black.

I woke up in my bed at my house in the Victor's Village. How I got there I don't recall? I sat up and noticed that the room was sheathed in darkness as moonlight filtered into my bedroom window. It was cracked open letting a cool breeze into the room. My eyes felt heavy and my throat parched. My body felt numb as if someone had been sitting on my chest while I slept. Suddenly the smell of bread permeated the air. I stood on wobbly leg and descended down the stairs.

I followed the aroma of fresh bread radiating from my kitchen.

"Hey, kid," I greeted a blond head young man washing dishes in my sink. "What the hell are you doing in my house?" The kitchen counters and table were wiped clean. I don't recall hiring a maid. "Does your dad know you're here?"

He stopped what he was doing as dishes rattle inside the sink his hands submerged in bubbly, soapy water. "I snuck out," he admitted then continued to wash the dishes.

"Hell, Peet. What am…how am I going to explain you disappearing and coming to my house to your…Dad?" I was exhausted and hungry. I couldn't remember the last time I ate a real meal. The fragrance of the bread was tantalizing to me, so I sat down and tore a piece off and shoved it into my mouth. The soft buttery bread melted in my mouth. I tasted cheese and a hint of garlic. It was Cheese Buns. A cheese bread that Peeta created. It was a hot selling item in their bakery. No one couldn't get enough of it. I could see why. It was delicious.

A cup of hot coffee was placed on the table. "Thanks, kid." Suddenly the sound of my front door opened. "Peeta, hide," I ordered him. Without any hesitation, he hid in the pantry hands dripping with suds and water. "Stay there and don't make a sound."

I took a deep breath as Peacekeeper Darius appeared in my kitchen. "Do you guys ever knock before barging into people's homes?" I asked in a nonchalant manner. Sweat beaded my forehead. I sipped my coffee only to find the hot liquid burn my tongue and the inside of my mouth. "Fuck that's hot." I glanced towards my pantry as I inwardly cursed at Peeta.

"Listen, Abernathy," Darius started then looked around him. "Is anyone in the house besides you?"

"Look around the place, Darius. Who in hell would want to live here besides me?" My home was a mess. It hadn't been cleaned or dusted in…years. Decades, actually. There strews of empty bottles and clothes everywhere. "Well, I mean besides the kitchen. I like to eat in a neat and tidy place." I covered myself.

"You didn't hear this from me, understand?" I zipped my lips with my fingertips. "Cray is sending Peacekeepers to…inspect everyone's home during the celebration on Friday."

"What celebration?" I was confused. Celebration? What the hell was Darius talking about?

"You'll find out tomorrow." He was cryptic. I was still too hung over to figure out what he was saying. I could care less at the moment as his words trickled into my head. Celebration, Cray and inspection was all I managed to hear.

"Holy shit," I muttered to myself. Cray was the head Peacekeeper for District 12. No one messed with him. He was brutal and cruel. If caught hunting or speaking against the Capitol and Snow, you were dealt with quickly. He executed judgment swift and with no argument. There was no such thing as mercy in his vocabulary. It didn't matter the sex or age. If you broke the law, you were punished severely. Punishment was slow, painful and humiliating. Death was his preference. The less he had to watch over the less responsibility he had. We were nothing to him but a nuisance. He hated being in District 12 and its' inhabitants. We hated him back with equal measure.

"So you need to let everyone know that they're homes will be invaded while they're at the celebration."

"Okay and you're telling me this because?"

"I happen to like this god forsaken district. I have a good set up here." When Darius was assigned here for the first few months, he bellowed and complained over his assignment. There was nothing here but trees and the coal mine. Summers were boiling hot with suffocating heat and winters were blistering cold with snow up to your neck. And one should never forget about the hail during a rain or thunderstorm. It hailed one winter knocking a man unconscious with snow pellets the size of berries. They hurt like a bitch when pelted. District 12 wasn't like District 4, which had the beaches and mild temperate weather. Or Districts 9 and 11 which had beautiful farmlands with valleys.

Darius was easily swayed or bribed with game, food or drink. Life was pretty cushy for him as long as we kept to ourselves and didn't fight him and his Peacekeepers.

"So tell everyone if they have anything illegal…any contraband, get rid of it before Friday."

He left quickly. I sighed. The heat in the district was hot and ready to explode. People were unsettled and unhappy. This was the time to strike. Unfortunately, we need the people of Panem to stand behind us.

"You can come out now, Peet," I ordered him. "Go home and don't say a word to your Dad."

"But––"

"I'll tell him after the announcement. It's obvious that Darius knows that there will be a telecast tomorrow for a 'celebration' on Friday. Beside, if you told your Dad, how are you going to explain it to him? How did you know before anyone? I'm not going to lie to him for you."

"My Dad knows I sneak out of the house sometimes."

"Yeah, but does he know about you hiding in my house?" I challenged him. "By the way, how did you get in my house?"

"It's not as if you lock your door, Haymitch," he snickered back then sighed. "I feel safe here." How odd that a young man of 16 felt safe in my house. A house filled with haunted memories of young children that I mentored and led to their deaths. "It's quiet."

"Listen, kid. I know that your life back home isn't…perfect but you still have a home and parents who care about you." Peeta scoffed. Everyone knew that his mother, Evelyn beat him on a regular bases. Not now as much since he grew bigger and taller than her. Peeta was a sweet kind boy who never struck back. He was too much like his father, Jimmy. I saw so much of his father in him. You never heard an unkind word from him. He abhorred violence of any kind but when push comes to shove jimmy would protect his sons.

"Go home and hide whatever you need to hide." Peeta eyebrows lifted, his eyes wide as saucers. "I know about your hobbies. How you get your supplies especially the paint, I don't want to know or need to know. Just hide it and don't get caught." He nodded his head. "And don't do your 'errands' for a while, Peeta. Don't get caught. You're Dad will be heart broken if something happens to you." He hesitated for moment as if there was something else he needed to say but stopped himself.

Peeta cleaned up after himself putting away pots and pans, measuring cups and baking supplies. Since when did I have those items in my house, I don't remember? I'll inquire about it later when my head wasn't throbbing and my mind was clearer. He's a good kid, too good despite having Evelyn Mellark for a mother. I wondered what the future holds for him. He didn't deserve the life he had, no one did.

Katniss POV ––

"I really hate school assembly," I mumbled under my breath as I followed pack of my classmates into the school gym. The roar of everyone's voices echoed into the corridor as the smell of old wood and sweat smothered my senses. I felt like cattle being led to a slaughter. It was loud in the hallways as we approached the gym. We filed into the large room in mass reaching our designated area. Despite the large size, I felt claustrophobic as all of us squeezed in together.

"At least it got us out of Ancient History," Madge stated as she sat beside me. "The subject is so boring." I actually found Ancient History interesting and was irked that we were interrupted. Before the Dark Days life in Panem was free and wondrous. Men and women had cars, jobs and the technology was shared with everyone. TV wasn't controlled like the way Capitol monitored everything. There were places like museums, amusement parks, libraries and theatres. Why couldn't Panem now be like then? It sounded great to be alive and having that kind of life back then. I sighed in resignation as I sat next to Madge.

The gym had the capacity to seat everyone in the school. Kindergarten and 1st grade sat on the floor and the classes seated in rank from 2 – 12. It was tight fit. It was also the only time when Seam sat together with Merchant. I craned my neck looking for Prim. I spotted her blond little head, her hair in a single braid tied with a bright pink bow. She was easy to spot amongst her classmates of dark haired Seam. She turned her head catching my eyes as she waved her hand. I waved and smiled back.

"Katniss, are you listening to me?"

"What? Sorry, Madge," I apologized. My eyes caught a flash of golden blond hair seated three rows below me. I flinched hearing his boisterous laugh. He was seated next to a girl, a girl with dark brown hair. She was Seam. He looked at eased talking with her. His classmates beside him looked annoyed and shocked. They talked for a few seconds until Principal Maurtagh, walked inside the gym. He greeted a few of the teachers as he headed towards the center of the gym, which had a microphone on a stand. At my line of sight, I caught Rory seated across the gym, his eyes directed towards Prim.

Last night after the broadcast I watched as a smiling Prim walked home beside me. I asked her what brought on her happy demeanor.

"You look happy," I prompted her to explain herself. I wondered whether something happened while she was with Rory as they kept Posy and Vick distracted. The broadcast wasn't that long as I recalled. For some time now, she's been quiet and…secretive. It was unlike her to keep something from me. How come I never knew she was friends with Peeta Mellark and how was that I never knew he was in her class as a teacher's assistant?

"Why wouldn't I be?" she returned. "I'm happy to be alive, not starving and living on the streets. Dad is alive and we're all together. It's more than what most people have in our situation. What's not to be happy about?" I wrapped an arm around her small waist. Prim was always the good-natured one and looked to the good things in life, even though we lived in the Seam barely making ends meet. I loved that about her. She wasn't bitter or jaded from the life she was born into or the circumstances around her. As for me, I saw nothing but strife, desolation and poverty. There wasn't anything good in District 12 to be happy about.

"Posy's cake was so delicious and so pretty. It was amazing," she added. "I can't believe Aunt Hazelle…could afford to buy that for her, you know?" I understood her surprise since what Gale made in the mines provided only enough to feed the five of them. With two growing boys and a 7 year old, the money Gale made barely kept them healthy. He managed to go scrounging for food and hunting for game a couple of days a week. The mine kept him busy. The birthday cake was a luxury that even we couldn't afford since I was the only stable provider for my family. Mom managed with the herbs and healing tonic she made to add to our income. Dad found work doing odd jobs, fixing roofs or handy work. His disability limited his ability to find stable work anywhere. I didn't mind hunting in his place. It provided the freedom I longed for being out in the woods.

"Good Morning everyone," Mr. Maurtagh greeted us as his voice piped into the speakers in the gym. He was a portly man in his fifties with a large bald spot on his head. "Mr. Undersee had received a message from President Snow this morning. In honor of the birth of his grandson, I am pleased to announce that the Districts will be having a celebration this Friday. Supplies and provisions for the party will be delivered tomorrow and the next two days. Preparations for the party will begin immediately. We, as District 12 citizen are grateful for President Snow's kind gift in allowing us to join in the celebration of his grandson, Atticus Cornelius Snow's birth with his family and with the Capitol." I rolled my eyes as others oohed and ahhed in appreciation. I'm stunned by his 'generosity.' There had to be a catch.

"The celebration will begin at 6:00 pm,' he paused. "All citizens of District 12 are welcome. Everyone is invited." Silence greeted his statement as everyone looked at one another. There was to be a party for both Seam and Merchants to celebrate together. It was…unfathomable. In school, it was expected for both Merchant and Seam to congregate whenever there was a dance or school event but never the whole district with adults and children combined.

"Wow," Madge commented. "That was unexpected." I barely heard her voice as we walked back to our class. Everyone was shocked, not knowing how to react or say.

At the end of the school day, I'm exhausted after having awoken before the sun rose to hunt game. I came back with two rabbits, a wild turkey and a round pheasant. It was bounty that would last us three days at least until the celebration on Friday. I debated trading one of the rabbit for bread. The thought of confronting or seeing Peeta…unsettled me. I wasn't prepared to see or talk to him much to Prim's dismay. I didn't know why it bothered me since I traded with his father but the thought of being near him…well I admit that I'm ashamed of how I reacted. I still couldn't find the courage to confront him.

I waited outside of Prim's class. After a few seconds, I lost patience and decided to track her down as paranoia filled my mind with images of her hurt. I ran to her last class and found her leaning over a desk with…Peeta standing right beside her. They talking low that I couldn't hear what they were saying. "Katniss," she cried out as she turned her head. "Look what Peeta painted." I had forgotten that her last period was her art class.

I walked towards them making sure I stood next to Prim. "Isn't this the most beautiful thing you've ever seen?" I rolled my eyes at her exuberance over a painting. I'm still shocked by her interest in art. It never dawned on me when this interest started or how it began. I gasped in surprise. On the canvas was my meadow. It was my place of sanctuary and refuge where I hid from the world and away from everyone. How Peeta found and painted it boggled my mind.

"How did you…? I'm speechless to continue as I inspected every tree, plant and foliage that was painted on the canvas. It was beautiful. The colors were vibrant and bright. It wasn't a large painting but it was painted in such detail that it would take hours for me to look at it. He even added small woodland creatures amidst the grass and behind trees. There were birds in the air amongst the clouds. It was breathtaking.

"Listen, you two are the only…on…ones that…knows I pa…pain..painted this," he started as he rubbed the back of his neck. I noticed there were green, red and blue specks of paint on his hands and in between his nails.

"This is…" I'm dumbstruck by the beauty of his vision. "How do you know this place?"

"I've only been there a couple of times," he started.

"You're not suppose to go outside the fence." Prim stated in disbelief. "That's…that's dangerous, Peeta. You could get caught."

"Yes, I know that…we're not sup…suppose to ggo…go past the fences, but…" he stopped for a second as he took a deep breath. I never knew Peeta stuttered. I never knew he existed not until he and his Dad showed up when he was 5 years old at our doorstep seeking medical attention. I felt sorry for the curly haired boy who sported a bruise on his left cheek and burns on his arm. He had tears in his eyes as he clutched onto a light brown toy horse. It broke my heart seeing him as he cried in his father's arms while my mother attended to his injuries. Every few weeks they would show up on our doorstep with a new affliction and injury. It wasn't until he starting to grow taller than his mother and he joined the wrestling team that they hardly darkened our doorstep.

I cringed as I stared at the small scare right above his left eyebrow. It was two inches long. He received it when he was 10 years old. His own mother came after him with a rolling pin. Peeta's dad managed to wrestle it out of her hands before she could do any more damage. I may not like Peeta but I wouldn't wish that kind of abuse on him. He was too sweet and…

"Ever since then I haven't been able to forget about it. So in my spare time, I painted it. I want to be able to see if whenever I can." He looked at the painting with awe. "I wish I could live here." He voiced what I had been thinking since I found the place.

His presence as usual unnerved me. His hair was long as his bangs covered his eyes touching his long lashes. His blue eyes reminded me of cornflowers that grew in the meadow. "Prim, come on. It's time to go home." I grabbed her hand and led her out of the classroom leaving a puzzled and disappointed Peeta behind.

"Bye, Peeta," Prim yelled back. "Katniss, let go of my hand." She struggled, as my grip on her hand grew tighter.

"Prim. We need to go straight home now."

"Katniss, that was so rude," she seethed in anger and frustration.

"I told you not to hang around him."

"He was only showing me his painting…he was sharing something very personal and important to him. You didn't have to be so mean with him, again. You're always so mean to him."

"Prim. I told you we need to go home," I clarified. Prim yanked her hand from mine. "Prim?" She was angry with me. Prim was never quick to anger so I was shocked with her reaction.

"I don't understand why you're so mean to him all the time," she stated. "And don't tell me because he's Merchant because you forget that I'm your sister who has blond hair and blue eyes just like him." She stalked ahead of me leaving me behind as we head to the Seam. "I understand that some Merchants are mean to us, but Peeta? He's never been anything but nice to me and you."

"Prim, I'm––"

"Leave me alone," she spat as she walked away. Her head was down as she clutched her schoolbooks into her chest. Her behavior frightened me. We hardly ever argued with each other. The silence between us was deafening as she ignored me while we walked back home.

Mom greeted us as we walked inside the house. "Where's Dad?" I asked. He usually was home by now. Whatever work he found was done by time school was over.

"He's in town helping to prepare for the party on Friday," she answered back as she continued to work. The dining table was littered small vials, bowls, plants and roots.

"What are you doing?" Prim asked, her eyes huge with curiosity. She picked up a knife and cut plants in small pieces copying Mom as she made a pile for each plant and root.

"I'm preparing herbs and medication for after the party."

"Huh," I said confused with her explanation.

"There will be drinking on Friday," she stated as matter of fact. That's one thing about Mom; she was never much for long conversations or discussions. She wasn't that way with Dad though. I noticed there were times when they spoke to each other in shorthand; a few words or a look between them was all they needed sometimes. It was a language developed by two people who knew each other's secrets, weakness and strengths. A relationship based on love, devotion and years of experiencing hardship together.

Will I ever dare to let myself fall for someone and have that kind of connection? It wasn't worth the risk and heartache while living in Panem where your children are taken away from you, I reminded myself. Besides, the only boy I knew was Gale and I had never thought of him that way.

"That's a lot of work, Mom," I said to her.

"I need to make sure I have enough for anyone who needs the tonic," she explained.

"They made the announcement in school," I told her. She nodded her head.

"I know."

Whenever there was an announcement in the Seam they gathered at center of town to watch the video. Viewing was mandatory. Everyone was expected to be there if you didn't have a monitor in your home. Which in case most Seam didn't have one. We were lucky or unlucky if you thought about it since our home had a monitor. During the games, our District watched until our own tributes were 'eliminated' then no one cared who won.

"Prim, you need to finish your homework first," she commanded. "Once you're done you can help me." She turned to me. "You too, Katniss. Finish you schoolwork and go see if Dad needs any help in town." I was shocked that she would permit me to go to town to help. Normally, she asked that I minimize my time in the Merchant area. I didn't need her to tell me that. I stayed away on my own never lingering unless I needed to trade with Mr. Mellark in the morning or visit the Hob.

Homework done within the hour, I left Prim with Mom as she helped her prepare tonics for Saturday morning. I walked into the center of the town feeling eyes on me. The men folk both Merchant and Seam worked together building food and drink stations. The majority of the Seam men were still working in the mines, but those who were done for the day were present.

Around them were Peacekeepers making sure that there was no trouble amongst them. I found my Dad building long rectangular tables alongside the Mellarks brothers. It was odd seeing them together as I realized that the tables were being stationed in front of the bakery. Peeta, I noticed was nowhere in sight to my relief. Since he was the talented baker in the family, it was obvious that he stayed behind to work alongside his father. Even our own Victor, Haymitch Abernathy was there to help in any way he could. I found him working in the refreshment area. Not that I was surprised.

I knew the real purpose of why Mom sent me after Dad. She wanted to make sure that he was okay, to keep an eye on him since he was in the Merchant area.

The streets were filled with people milling about getting the District ready for Friday. The women were sweeping the pathways as others wiped down the windows of the shops. There was so much work to be done. During the preparation and the celebration, a group of media and camera people were assigned to film us. It was demanded and ordered by Snow. They were to arrive tomorrow to show the progress of all the districts in preparation for the event.

Suddenly, the sound of men yelling caught my attention as Peacekeepers ran towards the commotion. Two grown men were on the ground wrestling with each other. They weren't doing it for fun or horsing around I assured you. The lead Peacekeeper named Darius pulled the men apart.

"What's going on here?" he demanded.

"He stole my hammer," Wayne Herlihy accused as he pointed to Joe Paine, a Seam miner. Herlihy was the owner of the tool and equipment shop. All the equipment and tools were bought or rented at his store. Paine was an adult in his early 30's who worked at the mine. He was out early since he worked in the day shift.

"I was only borrowing it so I could fix the broken step to his store," he explained. Everyone looked at the step realizing he was telling the truth. Mr. Herlihy looked ashamed and embarrassed.

"He should have asked instead of just taking it then," he grumbled.

"Then you shouldn't have hit me and let me explain first," Joe returned.

"It was a misunderstanding, Wayne," Haymitch interrupted them. Both Mr. Paine and Mr. Herlihy looked at him. "No harm done, right Joe?" He nodded his head in reluctance at Mr. Herlihy. Haymitch advocated for peace whenever there was trouble between the Seam and the Merchants. There were many who didn't follow him but they respected him. "Joe is going to help fix your steps, Wayne." He said to the Merchant as he handed the hammer to Joe. Mr. Herlihy grumbled to himself.

"All right," Darius' voice boomed in the air. "The party's over. Everyone get back to work." I noticed that there were more Peacekeepers in our district. It was probably in preparation for the celebration on Friday. I guessed that their number tripled in size.

I looked for my father when a Peacekeeper blocked my path. "Hi," he greeted me. His light brown hair was slicked back into a ponytail. "What's your name?" He looked greasy and dirty despite the fact he wore the Peacekeeper uniform with a rifle in his hands.

"Uh, um…,excuse me," I stuttered back feeling uneasy as he stared into my eyes. The look he sent my way made me feel uncomfortable. I looked around me wondering if anyone was watching us.

"My name's Ivan," he said as I tried to walk pass him. "What's the hurry?" He stepped into my way blocking my path. "I'm just being friendly."

"I need to––"

"Katniss, it's time to go home," Dad shouted to me. I noticed that Peeta was standing in next to Dad his face etched with concern. "Mom needs you to help out with dinner." I nodded my head as I ran turned towards him.

"See you around, Katniss," Ivan yelled as I ran to my Dad in relief. "Go home and don't stop to go anywhere, do you hear me?" I nodded my head.

"Peeta, can you walk Katniss back to home?" he addressed him.

Before I could let him reply, I spoke, "No, I'm okay, Dad. I can walk back on my own." I turned around and ran. My heart beat against my chest from relief and fear. I didn't stop until I was safely back in my own home. The encounter with Ivan shook me. I didn't like the attention or the look he gave me.

During dinner Dad stated, "There are more Peacekeepers in the District so I want you two to be careful." He mentioned my incident with Ivan to both Prim and Mom. "You stick together and do not go anywhere alone. Until they leave I want you to tell your mother or me where you go from now on. Never leave the house without telling us where you're going." I knew he was directly talking to me. Times were precarious with the rebellion reaching our district and the new group of Peacekeepers watching us.

Prim nodded her head. "Do you think they'll be staying long?"

"I don't know, Prim," Dad responded. "This party is just…to convenient."

"What do you mean?" I asked him.

"President Snow has never been this generous, providing us with supplies and food for the birth of his grandson or for anyone," he added. "Since the last broadcast there were reports of uprisings and riots in District 5 and 7. Snow is losing control and wants to make sure that the other districts doesn't know what's happening."

"How do you know all this?"

Dad looked at Mom as she nodded her head. "I know you both heard of the MockingJay. He's been around for a while now, trying to get all the districts to join him."

"Does anyone know who he is?" I inquired.

"No one knows but we do know that he exists."

"How?"

"Mr. Abernathy is…well he knows who he is and is in contact with him. He's the contact for the rebellion." Haymitch Abernathy, the well-known town drunk and Victor for District 12? It was…impossible to believe had my father not told me that Haymitch was the MockingJay's contact with District 12.

"So he's from our district? " I waited for my father to supply or acknowledge which district he came from.

"The less you know, the better off you'll be," he commented. I opened my mouth to contradict him when my mother interjected.

"You're safety, both you and your sister is our priority," Mom added. "Don't be reckless and do anything foolish. The next few days are going to be difficult…we don't want any trouble. Keep your head down and stay together."

In school I kept a look out for Prim making sure she was safe. As for me, since I was able to provide food for the next few days, I stayed away from the forest. Much to my relief, Ivan was nowhere to be seen. At least not in the Seam. However, on Thursday, a girl and her father appeared at our house. I didn't know her name but I knew she was Merchant. Her father showed up carrying her in his arms. She was unconscious with her dressed ripped and her face bloody.

"What happened?" my mother asked in concern. Mom treated everyone whether they were Seam or Merchant. The man placed his daughter on the dining room table.

"One of the Peacekeepers…" her father spat in disgust as he placed her gently on the wooden table where we ate our meals. I felt sick to my stomach. He was so enraged that he couldn't continue to explain what happened to her. It was obvious that someone beat her.

"Prim get me towels and a bowl of hot water," she instructed her. Prim, calm and serious stopped doing her homework and ran into the kitchen. The sight of blood didn't faze her.

"I'm sorry Lilly," the father spoke his voice low but hard with anger. "I…didn't know what to do but I found myself carrying her over here."

"It's all right Gordon," she returned. My look of surprise caught my mother's attention. She knew him. I found out later that Gordon Meyers worked in the Justice Building and was an old school friend of hers.

"You're welcome to bring Celia," she said with a smile on her face. It boggled my mind. We seldom received Merchant visitors in daylight but lately they were seeking Mom's help. Dad was working in town making finishing touches or working last minute details for the party.

"Do you know who did this to her?" my mother asked as she wiped Celia's face with a soft, wet towel. I gulped back the vomit that rose from my throat at the sight of blood and injuries she sustained. Her lip was cut and swollen. A dark bruise formed in her right eye. Prim wiped down Celia's hands, arms and legs from dirt and debris.

"One of the peacekeepers, I don't know his name but he has his hair back in ponytail." I gasped in horror. It was Ivan; he was the only guard that wore his hair in ponytail. "He's been harassing Celia for days. I went to Cray but he just laughed it off saying that I should be pleased that one of them was paying attention to my daughter."

"You should report him to Cray's superior officer," I interjected with disgust and anger.

"Katniss," Mom spoke, her tone scolding me abd telling me to mind my own business.

"You think I didn't? Whom do you think he'll believe?" he spat back in fury. "He's going to say that Celia was flirting with him and it was her fault. That she was asking for it. No one would believe her."

"Katniss, can you take Mr. Meyers outside," she instructed me.

"Why?" I blurted back with irritation and impatience.

"I need to examine her fully and I can't have you both here." She picked up the bowl filled with bloody water and placed it on the table. "I don't want her to wake up with you two hovering over her." Celia's dress was ruined as Mom took a pair of scissor and cut it in half. Large, dark bruises appeared on her arms after Prim wiped them clean.

"You have to tell me…Lilly…if he…if he," he stopped himself. We all knew what he was asking but was afraid to acknowledge. Fat tears formed in his eyes. Another ball of bile lurched from my throat as I swallowed it back. I appreciated the fact that it was not safe anywhere outside District 12 but now it seemed with the new batch of Peacekeepers, both Merchant and Seam were not safe even in our own district.

The wait was unbearable as Mr. Meyers' emotion ranged from anger to sadness. He felt helpless not knowing the condition of his daughter. Twenty minutes later, Mom appeared with news. Her hands and her apron were smeared with blood.

"Celia has as mild concussion," Mom started. "Besides all the bruises and abrasions, she fine's. No broken bones or fractures." She paused. "She wasn't…he didn't hurt her. There wasn't any tearing in her private area so…" Mr. Meyers sighed in relief.

"Lilly, Gordon. What's going on?" Dad spoke as he walked up the stairs. He looked worried and scared. "Where's Prim?"

"She's okay, Garrett. Gordon bought his daughter, Celia," Mom answered him. The next few minutes Mom rehashed the whole incident.

"Garrett, we have to do something," Gordon uttered, his voice raspy and broken.

"Listen, there's nothing we can do right now," Dad told him. I wondered how men like Gordon Meyers got along with my father as though they had been friends for years. Their behavior and interaction surprised me. I knew that the talk of the rebellion was something they all wanted to happen; a common factor that bound them together. Gale wanted it that was a certainty. "What we all need to do is watch over our women and children. Keep them close. We don't know these new group of Peacekeepers."

"Daddy," a female voice whimpered inside the house. It was Celia calling out to her father. Gordon ran inside disappearing into the house as Prim walked out.

"Give them a few minutes alone," Mom said her voice weary and tired. The incident with Celia brought new fears and worries in our lives. I realized that could have been me and because of it I grew paranoid never letting Prim alone and out of my sight. In school we were safe, but out and about it was unsafe for everyone.

The night of the party we wore our best clothes. Dad wore a suit for the first time in years. He looked handsome with his hair combed back. Mom wore a dark blue dress and comfortable heels. I haven't seen them dressed since we all went to the Justice Building to register Prim's birth. I was only four then but the memory stuck in my mind. As for Prim, she wore a light pink dress that I handed down to her. I wore a dress that Mom altered from one of her old dresses. It was dark red with cap sleeves with a matching belt. The hem stopped right above my knees. My shoes felt uncomfortable since I wasn't used to wearing heels even though they were only two inches high. Prim insisted I let my hair down and not braid it like I usually do when I'm at school. I looked different and felt uncomfortable but I humored her.

The town was alive with music and laughter. It was sight behold and never seen before as Merchant danced next to Seam. Peacekeepers walked amongst the crowd while people ate and drank merrily. At the corner of my eye, I spotted Gale with another girl in his arm. I rolled my eyes and shrugged my shoulders as Prim pointed them out to me.

"I wondered what happened to Sadie?" Prim wondered. I could care less what went on in Gale's private life. But, I was sad for the loss of our friendship, which meant a lot to me. I knew he was hurt by my rejection but I couldn't give him what he needed and wanted from me.

In the center of town was a large video screen with three Peacekeepers surrounding it. On the screen were images of other districts celebrating. Everyone once in a while, I looked to see if Ivan was around. Since Celia's incident, there were reports of other girls complaining about his behavior as he harassed both Seam and Merchants. No one was standing up to him, not even Gale. We couldn't do anything since we were outnumbered and they were armed.

I spotted Ivan as he roamed around the town with two other Peacekeepers. As long as I knew where he was and I was with Prim or with my parents I knew I was safe. Surprisingly, I had a good time. The food was delicious and plenty. It felt odd like we were being served with our last meal before an execution. I didn't trust Snow's kind gesture. I stood at the periphery of the dance floor as I watched Prim dance with Rory. Mom and Dad were seated with Hazelle and Posy. Vick was running around chasing his friends.

"Hi, Katniss." I jumped in place. The voice startled me as I turned around and found Peeta smiling at me. He looked handsome as he wore a dark blue dress shirt and khaki pants. The dark color of his shirt made his crystal blue eyes stand out, mesmerizing me. His wavy hair was combed back revealing his flushed face. Two buttons on his shirt were opened revealing a bit of blond chest hair. He smelled of vanilla and cinnamon. Everyone and every sound faded into the background as I lost myself staring into his twinkling eyes. No man should have eyes as pretty as his with the long brown lashes surrounding the deep blue orbs.

I was dumbstruck for a few seconds. Words failed me as I tried to open my mouth to respond. At the corner of my eye, I could see Prim watching us. I flinched when I remembered her words. How angry she was at the way I treated Peeta.

"Hi," I blurted back, my voice raspy as I swallowed saliva down my throat. My hands felt sweaty as I rubbed them together. My knees literally shook.

"Are you enjoying the party?" he asked low and husky.

"Yes," I answered back my mind trying to figure out what else to say.

"You're not dancing?"

"Don't like dancing." Fuck, what I meant to say was I don't like to dance in public or in front of people…strangers. But my tongue felt heavy to continue. When did the air get cold all of the sudden?

"Oh, I see." I watched his face, his brows lifted. "I don't know how to dance." I shivered at the timber of his voice as it sent tingles in my arms and down my spine. We were quiet as we stood next to each other. "Are you cold?" His brows crinkled in concern.

"Huh? What?" 'Great, Katniss,' a voice muttered in my head. 'I sound like an idiot. Find words, Katniss. Say something that doesn't make you sound like mindless schoolgirl.' Then, I remembered him giving the cookies to Prim. The extra ones she found that I didn't pay for.

"You're shivering. Do you want me to get you a sweater?" He saw the goosebumps in my arms. I felt…I don't know or recognize what I felt but…anger brewed in the pit of my stomach.

"I'm fine," I snapped at him. Ouch. I flinched realizing that I lost my self-control again.

'"Katniss?"

"I said I'm fine." I stated, cold and firm with no tone of gratitude and appreciation for his kindness and concern. I folded my arms across my chest. My knees wobbled.

Peeta raised his hand in surrender. "I meant no offense, Katniss. I was just––"

"Leave me alone," I said to him in a bitter and resentful manner. "Why do you keep bothering me?"

"I don't mean––"

"I don't need your help. I'm fine." He stood staring at me. "Don't just stand there? Why are you even talking to me?" I fumed. "Why can't you just leave me alone?" Peeta blinked a few times. He grimaced and bit his bottom lip. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he lowered his head.

"Sorry," he said. "I'll leave you alone for now on." The look of hurt on his face bothered me. It shouldn't mean anything to me but it did as my heart fractured at the sight of pain on his handsome face. "I…um…"

He turned around and walked off. I sighed in frustration and in anger. I'm angry with myself. I turned to find Prim shaking her head in disappointment and resignation. 'Damn, damn, damn. You're a piece of work,' my mind scolded me as I watched Peeta disappear into the crowd.

The music and laughter continued well into the night. After a long boring speech from Mayor Undersee, a large four-tier cake was presented. Looking at the intricate design of swirls and floral arrangements, I knew it decorated by Peeta. There was even a bed of katniss flowers on the first layer in a soft orange color. It was a masterpiece just like his painting. I savored the last of my cake, relishing the flavor in my mouth. It wasn't too sweet or dry. It was perfection. As I expected it was also delicious.

I couldn't find Peeta anywhere, as I wanted to tell him that the cake was beautiful. It was something I have never seen before. He wasn't at the table where his family served dessert and cake. I felt bad for treating him the way I did. Prim was right; he didn't deserve my hostility just because he was Merchant. Maybe she was right and all he wanted was to be a friend. I could use a friend since my relationship with Gale was tenuous. Peeta seemed like a nice guy. Not someone who would make demands on you unlike Gale who insisted on things that wasn't there. To my dismay, I couldn't find Peeta anywhere.

During the course of the evening I watched as Ivan approached several girls talking to them. They were uneasy, as he stood a little too close to them. Their boyfriend or parent would pull them aside away from him. Ivan laughed each time. Gale and his new girlfriend was out of sight that he startled me when he whispered in my ear.

"Dance with me," he demanded as he pulled my hand that I couldn't refuse him. Once on the dance floor, he wrapped his arms around my waist. The music was slow and steady. Gale didn't know how to dance but he managed with slow music to hide his inability to dance free style.

"What the hell, Gale?" He was tipsy. I could tell by the look in his eyes. "Ask me. Don't yank me on the arm like some cave man." I turned my head to find Dad, Mom and Hazelle watching us. Dad had a frown on his face while Mom looked…pleased. Hazelle looked concern.

"As if you'd agree to dance with me," he scoffed back. "Would you have allowed it?"

"You're damn right I wouldn't have allowed it," I seethed back in frustration. "Where's your girlfriend? Why don't you dance with her?"

"She pissed at me," he explained.

"Gee, I wonder why?" I turned my head to find her latest girlfriend hovering with her friends giving me a dirty look as if I stole him from her. "Maybe if you didn't get drunk she wouldn't be mad at you."

"She'll live," he muttered in return. I didn't want to cause any more harm to our delicate friendship. His presence in my life was important to me. I also didn't want to alienate the rest of the Hawthorne family either. So for a few minutes I let him relax hoping to ease the awkwardness and tension between us. He's my friend and fighting with him was difficult and painful. I miss him, our friendship and camaraderie. He pulled me closer into his embrace. I gasped in shock as I felt him his hard length on my stomach.

"Damnit, Gale. What the fuck?" I yelled at him hoping that the loud music muffled my scream as I shoved him hard with both hands. "Really?"

"It's a normal reaction––"

"Well, to you it is but to me…damnit Gale. Stop pushing me. I don't feel about you that way." I turned and stalked off the dance floor with him right behind me. He pulled at my arm.

"Please, Katniss," he begged. His eyes were bloodshot and I could still smell the liquor in his breath. I hated seeing him like this. He followed me to the edge of town. "Why don't you…I can't understand what I did wrong?"

I sighed, "You didn't do anything wrong, Gale." I took a deep breath. "I just don't…what can I say to make you understand that I don't see or feel for you that way."

"You didn't even give us a chance."

"Gale, had I any feelings for you in that way. Wouldn't I have felt it already? I've known you since I was 12. We're gone through so much together. Shouldn't I already felt something for you by now?"

"How would you know if you wouldn't even let me take you out on a date? See if you have feelings for me other than friendship?" he retaliated. It was his old argument, we date and I'll madly fall in love with him. Was he right? Maybe if I gave him the chance––"You're working so hard to deny it that––"

"Are you serious? You think that I'm in…denial? That I have this deep and profound love for you that I'm…stopping myself from falling in love you?" I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. "I told you, I've been telling you that I don't want…to get married or have children. That's not the life I want."

"So you're determined to live alone, lonely and unhappy?" he said in disbelief.

"Who said that I'd be lonely and unhappy? Did it occur that maybe I want to be alone and maybe that I'm happy being alone? That I don't need someone in my life?"

"Right." he snickered back. "You've convinced yourself that you rather be alone…"

"I don't need convincing. I have a mind of my own," I stated with finality. He moved forward. "Don't. Whatever you think you're going to do won't make me change my mind."

"Yeah, right," he returned. "I need a fucking drink." He stalked off leaving alone. I held back the tears that threatened to fall. My friendship with Gale was…lost. I can never regain the companionship we had. He wanted more than I could offer. Could I compromise my feelings by succumbing to his demands? I couldn't do that to the both of us. It wouldn't be fair. In time we'd grow to resent each other.

"Well, hello there beautiful?" I flinched in aggravation as Ivan appeared in front of me. Damnit, I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't see him until it was too late. "What are you doing here all by yourself?" His tone was lecherous as he looked over from head to toe. I felt violated like he was undressing me.

"Excuse me, my family is looking for me." I took a step and he blocked my path.

"I don't think so," he stated. "I've been looking for you."

"Move aside." I felt a rush of fear and something else on the base of my spine. "My…my boyfriend is looking for me."

"You mean the drunk that left you here alone?" Shit, I should have followed Gale back to the party but lingered and leaving me open for Ivan to follow me. "You two having a lover's spat. He shouldn't have left you alone."

"No…he's––" He pulled my arm and shoved me against a wall. "Stop," I screamed hoping someone would hear me.

"Yell all you want," he whispered in my ear. With his close proximity I could smell liquor on his breath. Suddenly, loud cackling sounds of firecrackers filled the air. "Don't fight me, I know you want this. I've been wanting you since the first time I saw you." I shivered in disgust and anger. I struggled as he yanked both my wrists and placed them above my head. He licked the side of my neck causing me to gulp in revulsion.

"Help me. Someone help me," I screamed from the top of my lungs. My cries were muffled as fireworks continued to explode hiding my pleas for help. I tried to kick him but it was useless as he pinned my lower body with his. The armor plates he wore bruised my skin pressing my legs back into the wooden wall.

I scream as he ripped the top of my dress with ease exposing my camisole and bra down to my waist. I couldn't believe this was happening to me.

"Scream, bitch. Tell me you want this," he pressed his filthy mouth against the side of my neck. "I know you want this." His hand grabbed my breast and squeezed hard as his other hand pinned my hands above my head. I screamed in pain as he bit into my shoulder. I felt his canines pinch my skin his tongue wet and warm.

Then his hand reached under my skirt. I closed my eyes and waited for the inevitable as he reach down and tore my panties. I cried in anger and in fear. I was so stupid. I left the party knowing the danger I was in because I was upset with Gale. Ivan rubbed his filthy, cold hands up and down my upper thigh. I felt sick, disgusted and scared because there was no one to help me. I heard the sound of his belt buckle fall onto the ground.

Just when I was resigned to my fate, the pressure from his body and his hands were gone. I opened my eyes to find a figure holding Ivan in a headlock his strong muscular arms around his neck. He had wrestled him onto his knees. I gasped in relief and shock.

I turned to my savior as he looked up and his eyes clashed into mine, his blues eyes red with fury. It was Peeta. He was an angel raging in fire rescuing me from hell.

Ivan struggled as Peeta added pressure around his neck Ivan's face turned pink as he fought to breath. I saw Peeta open his mouth but the sound of firecrackers filled the air muffling his voice. There was a moment as the explosions stopped enveloping us in silence. "Run, Katniss, run. Go!" he screamed. Spit flew from his mouth. My feet were frozen to the ground. "Go." My heart raced in my chest and so did my mind. I didn't know what to do or say so…I…

Stay tuned for the next chapter… ;)

AN: Thank you for reading this chapter, I hope you enjoyed it. Also, I want to say thanks to my reviewers [Neenah, wonderishome, LACR, brattypapita, ykickamoocow111 (love the name btw lol), pumpkinking5 and IcyPinkLemonade] and for all those who favored and alerted Destiny. You're reviews and commented are appreciated. For those who are new and enjoyed reading this story, please read my other fanfic 'The Weary Heart." It took a year and three months to write, but it is finished. I think you'll enjoy reading my epic. Lol Have a great weekend.