Hope for the Songbird

by Blue Flame33

Naruto had almost given up on life ever since his difficulties from being raised in District 12. However, he had his friend to pull him back and now he repaid him by saving him from a sadistic death game. The only issue is finding a way to come back alive and victorious alongside his fellow tribute. Nonetheless, he's determined to ensure District 12 keeps its hope.

10. Chapter 10 - Everything Falls Apart

Now we have some interesting things going on! Hope you all enjoy it!

Please review! Thank you!

Disclaimer: I don't own "The Hunger Games" or "Naruto," they belong to their respective owners.

---

Everything Falls Apart

"Is that all you got…" Naruto spat out a wad of blood, "I know old people that hit harder than that!"

The blonde was currently shirtless with only his pants on. They were in the process of beating him for his disobedience. He was in an empty room that only housed him, two guards, and two shackles. Both of his wrists were chained, leaving him to kneel on the ground.

"You were warned," A Peacekeeper said in a serious tone, "You were warned to cooperate, but instead you decided to go off-script with Mr. Flickerman. Be thankful Snow did not order your execution."

"Oh yeah," Naruto said with a bloody grin, "I'm very happy the man who murdered my father figure hasn't decided to kill me yet, feeling very lucky."

This earned him another fist across his face. Jerking his head to the side, the blonde saw stars as his vision was blurry. These hits were starting to stack up.

However, the blonde didn't care so much about the damage he was sustaining. He knew after they were done, these Peacekeepers would send him to the medical ward to get healed. Afterward, they would most likely send him back to his cell, just like they did before. He wouldn't be scarred physically from this, so they were trying to do it mentally.

After all, they couldn't have their poster boy damaged while on national TV. It would be bad for the Capitol.

Naruto felt a cool splash of water wash over him, as he was doused by a bucket of water. It was freezing and made his jaw chatter. They would splash it on him occasionally, he assumed it was a part of their torture techniques.

One of the Peacekeepers loaded up their handgun, before firing a dart into the blonde's left shoulder.

"HMPH!" The blonde gritted his teeth in pain, feeling his nerves twitch.

"Like that?" One of the Peacekeepers said with a sadistic smile, "That's our newest invention, a bullet dart. Simulates the pain of a real gunshot without needing the bullet."

The same guard then fired two more darts, one into Naruto's right pectoral and another into his right bicep.

"FUCK!" Naruto clenched out, closing his eyes to bear the pain. It was tough to keep his composure with these techniques.

"Easy," the other Peacekeeper warned, "We can't have too many of those in him or he'll go into shock. The last thing we need is Snow killing us because we gave him a heart attack."

The Peacekeeper responded with a grunt, obviously unhappy at having to restrain his bullet darts. He put down his handgun and pulled out a baton instead.

The next few minutes passed with one guard hitting the blonde with repeated blows to the face, bare-handed. The other smacked his sides with his baton, eager to inflict as much damage as possible.

"I endured…I endured…I endured…" Naruto thought while breathing in deeply. "I endured…I endured…I endured…"

The two guards kept on attacking the chained warrior, eager to do Snow's bidding. They had no remorse or regrets about their actions.

The two Peacekeepers then stopped, seeing as how the blonde had his head slumped forward. It seemed they had beaten him into unconsciousness. One Peacekeeper put away their baton while the other called on their radio.

"I need the medical evacuation team, the prisoner is ready for transport and treatment."

"Affirmative, ETA is three minutes."

The two Peacekeepers than began picking up the various items in the room. They had to ensure everything was put away and stored properly. Their fun was short-lived as Naruto had passed out, so it was time to finish.

They needed the medical team to arrive, transport the blonde, and heal him back up for his next interview. It was a rinse-and-repeat process.

To their surprise, they heard the blonde move. Looking over, they saw the fighter look at them in the eyes with a bloody smirk.

Naruto felt a small trail of warm blood slide down his forehead. It seemed the skin had been cracked by one of the Peacekeepers during their attacks. He tasted blood in his mouth and his sides were aching in pain. He did momentarily pass out, but he regained consciousness soon after.

Raising his head slightly, the blonde smirked, "Are we done already, ladies? I hardly felt any of that."

"You fucker!" yelled out the Peacekeeper before grabbing his handgun. Raising it, he shot the blonde multiple times in the chest, specifically around the heart. "What about now? Feel that?!"

Naruto tried his best to keep a calm expression, but the darts simulated the pain of being shot multiple times in the chest. That, accumulated with the beating he had already taken, made him start convulsing. He slumped forward and blacked out, the last thing he felt was his body going cold.

"NATHAN!" screamed out the other Peacekeeper, "You put him in cardiac arrest! If he dies, Snow will kill us!"

Seeing as how the blonde was shaking in his restraints, Nathan cursed under his breath. He might have just signed his death warrant. "Contact medical, tell them to hurry NOW! It's an emergency."

Nodding his head, the other Peacekeeper radioed the orders while Nathan uncuffed the blonde. They would need to have him transported right away to avoid his death.

He just hoped the blonde lived, or else he was dead.

---

Naruto didn't recognize where he was at first, seeing as his eyes snapped open to see nothing but white around him. This was similar to when he passed out during the 75th Hunger Games, but there was no darkness. There was nothing but pure whiteness all around him, with nothing in sight.

Standing up slowly, Naruto walked around. He couldn't hear his footsteps and didn't see his shadow.

"…uhh…am I dead?" The blonde asked himself as he looked around. "Is this heaven?" he wondered.

"Thankfully, you are not dead, just near it."

Turning around, Naruto's eyes nearly bulged out of his head. There, floating, was an old man with a staff in his hand. His legs were crossed and he wore a white robe with black markings all around him.

The most shocking thing about his appearance was that of his eyes. They were ringed and purple, with a small red eye located in the middle of his forehead. His hair spiked in every direction and was dark brown. He had a long beard as well, reaching well below his waist.

"AHH!" Screamed out Naruto in fright, "WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU!?"

The being chuckled with a fatherly smile. "I am Hagoromo Otsutsuki, however, you may call me Hagoromo."

The blonde blinked a few times with wide eyes, not understanding what was happening. "Okay…now what are you?"

Hagoromo smiled, "I am a Shinobi, but just think of me as a ninja. We have a lot to discuss, Naruto Uzumaki."

"Oh great…" The blonde thought with a sweat drop, "…now he knows my name…"

"Uhh… I have about twenty questions right now…" Naruto said with caution.

"Only twenty?" the man chuckled, "It seems you matured more in this lifetime."

"Okay, I need to know, where am I? How do you know me? Why are you here? What… are you?" the blonde asked again.

Setting his staff to the side and letting it float on its own, the man answered. "I'll answer each question in order, so please do pay attention."

Hagoromo then cleared his throat and began his explanation.

"You are currently in the spiritual realm inside your soul. I believe you may have dealt with your mindscape previously, this is just another version of that. You were sent here because you were close to dying earlier."

"My mindscape?" the blonde questioned, "…was that the place with the big cage? Where darkness was everywhere?"

The mystical man nodded.

"I see…"

Hagoromo continued, "Now the reason I know you, is because you are a reincarnation of Naruto Uzumaki. The 'original' Naruto was a warrior in my home world, and I left a piece of my spirit deep in his soul. After his death, I decided to follow him to ensure he would succeed in other lifetimes."

"…What the fuck is a reincarnation?" the blonde asked in amazement. All of this information was blowing his mind.

"A reincarnation is the rebirth of a person's soul. This is how you were born here, in this world. Your parents, Minato and Kushina, were also your parents in my world. It is comforting to know they follow you as well, however, it is a shame they were forced to meet their same fates. Neither lived long enough to see you become an adult."

Naruto nearly collapsed to his knees at this information, it was overwhelming to think about. He stared at his hands for a few minutes before asking, "So none of my choices mattered? I don't matter? I'm just some… clone of the original?"

Hagoromo shook his head, "No, you are special because you are Naruto but not Naruto at the same time. Yes, you share the same spirit as the original. However, you are a new person altogether. Your life experience, personality, character, and choices are of your free will. No one is forcing these things upon you. The person you are today was built on your decisions, not dependent on the experience of your previous lifetime."

"So I'm me…but I had a previous life…" The blonde clenched and unclenched his fists, "… I think I can deal with that…"

"Wait," the blonde spoke out, "So what's the reason for that cage in my… mindscape?" He said the last word as a question, still getting used to the term.

"That was meant to house one of my children, Kurama, who spent his time with you. He was a manifestation of power, but to you, he was a close friend." Hagoromo then waved his hand and a small image appeared. It showed a huge nine-tailed fox with the power to wipe mountains. However, instead of being malicious, it showed…him and the fox fist bumping.

"So if were best friends in my previous life… why isn't he here too? I mean, do you know how powerful I would be if I had him this entire time? I probably could have overthrown the Capitol by now!" the blonde said exasperated.

Hagoromo gained a sad expression, "I do not know for sure, but I have my speculations. Since Kurama is made of chakra, our homeworld's power, he cannot survive without it. Given that your life here doesn't have a single trace of the energy, he cannot exist here. I cannot know for sure if that is the reason why, but it is my best explanation." The man truly missed his son.

"I've never met the fox in my life… but…" Naruto looked at Hagoromo and smiled, "I feel like we would have been the best of friends here too."

"I'm sure you would have," Hagoromo said while closing his eyes in content.

Naruto thought about what he wanted to say before deciding to go through with it, "Can I…can I see the memories of my previous life? How I was before?"

Hagoromo took a deep sigh, "I can only show you bits, as I do not have access to my full power given that I am also a fragment of my original form. However, I can show you glimpses and memories."

"I'll take that," Naruto nodded.

Grabbing his staff, Hagoromo gently placed its point on Naruto's forehead. In an instant, Naruto felt a rush of memories enter his mind.

He saw his parents, looking slightly different than he remembered, holding back a claw from killing him as a baby.

He saw his academic prowess or rather the lack of it. That was something he found interesting, seeing as he did rather well back in District Twelve.

He saw his match and ultimate defeat at the hands of his best friend, Sasuke Uchiha. In his mind, Peeta was one thousand times the better friend, given that he had never tried to kill him.

He saw his victory over the enemy, Pain. He was surprised to see the power that Chakra granted him.

He saw his wedding to a woman named Hinata Hyuga, which made him confused. He thought it was weird he was attracted to such a mild-mannered woman while he preferred women who spoke their minds. While Hinata was certainly beautiful, he found Katniss far more attractive.

Finally, he saw his crowning achievement as Hokage, a goal he persisted in since his childhood. He wondered if he could also achieve his goal of taking down the Capitol in this lifetime as well.

Stumbling backward, Naruto shook his head. He came to terms with everything that he was shown. It honestly made Hagoromo's claims much more believable now.

"That felt… weird," the blonde chuckled, "I felt like I remembered everything shown… and yet…like it was all foreign at the same time."

"That is because you are yourself, but you hold a light connection to your previous life," Hagoromo answered.

"This is all still so weird to me… but I'm managing," Naruto said. He was learning much more about himself than he ever thought he would.

Naruto then felt the world around him collapsing, similar to when he awoke in the arena with Katniss. He saw his own body begin flashing, almost like his time here was up.

"You are a brave and courageous person Naruto," Hagoromo smiled, "Live your life as you have."

"Wait!" Naruto screamed out, "Will I remember everything we talked about? Will I remember the memories you showed me?"

Hagoromo shook his head, "No, nothing of what we discussed will follow you. You were only supposed to see me if you died, however, you were near death before the world outside resuscitated you. I used up my remaining energy throughout our conversation, so I will also disappear. The next time you see me will be in another life."

"So I'll never remember any of this?" Naruto asked in shock.

"For now, you won't. However, you have been known to cause surprises so perhaps that could change. You may remember this in another near-death experience, living day to day, or never again until your true death," Hagoromo also began flashing, nearing his end. "Continue to surprise me, Naruto Uzumaki."

With a final smile, Hagoromo vanished from sight while Naruto felt his end coming soon. It looked like the Capitol was able to revive him, which was no surprise. Their medical technology was too advanced to allow him to die from something like cardiac arrest.

Feeling his consciousness begin to fade, Naruto clenched his eyes shut. He hoped he would remember this one day.

"I'll continue to fight… for you, Kat." Even if he didn't remember this conversation, he would always remember what he was fighting for.

He then awoke to a bright light, seeing that he was in a medical room.

"Mr. Uzumaki," said a nurse while scribbling on a clipboard, "You scared us for a second, are you feeling alright?" She asked in a non-caring voice, showing that she was asking because it was her profession.

Naruto winced in the slight pain in his ribs, but he nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. I don't remember anything after going out, but I'm fine."

The nurse nodded and scribbled some more notes before walking out. She needed to get a team to escort him back to his cell soon.

"I'll continue to fight… for you, Kat," the blonde thought while looking up at the ceiling. He would make it back to her.

---

Katniss was still reeling in from Coin's announcement. Coin had abided by her terms, now it was up to her to keep the promise. She would be the Mockingjay, but she would not do it for free. Her fiance was far too important to her.

She was at dinner, sitting down at a table with her tray untouched once more. She didn't have much of an appetite these days.

"Yoohoo," said a female, "Is this seat taken?"

Looking up, Katniss sported a wide smile at seeing Effie again. It was refreshing to have somebody near her that she knew. "Effie!" She said in surprise, giving the Capitol woman a big hug.

"Oh!" Effie gasped when hugged, "I missed you too darling!"

Smiling, Katniss gave a final squeeze before allowing the woman to sit next to her.

"How did you get here?" Katniss asked in wonder.

"Plutarch managed to… rescue me," Effie said with a sigh, "At least that's what he calls it, I call it being doomed to wear nothing but bland clothing the rest of my life."

Giggling at the woman's remark, Katniss smiled.

"At least she's doing alright… after all she's been through too…" Effie thought in sadness, gazing upon Katniss.

"So you've been adjusting to life here?" Katniss said while picking up her fork.

"Oh no sweetie," Effie said, "I've been surviving here. It's so dreadful that I can barely live. We can't wear wigs, I can't show off my stylish clothing, and I even miss coffee!"

The two then joked back and forth, happy to see each other. They caught up on good times and memories shared.

Taking a drink from her glass of water, Effie cleared her throat, "Now I did want to show you something important, sweetheart." Reaching down, Effie retrieved a black folder from her bag. Placing it on the table, she slid it over for Katniss to open.

Unbuckling the straps, Katniss was greeted by the sight of many beautiful drawings. They were drawn eloquently and had her image in all of them. She shifted through the many pages, amazed to see the complexity of the drawings.

"Effie…" Katniss began, "…Are these Cinna's designs?"

Effie nodded, "They are. Cinna made Plutarch swear he would not show you these unless you agreed to be the Mockingjay willingly."

Holding up a certain page, Katniss whispered, "They're so beautiful."

"They have it here," Katniss looked over in confusion at what Effie was talking about, "They have the Mockingjay outfit here."

Nodding her head in understanding, Katniss continued to rifle through the papers. As she came across a striking image of her, she asked, "…Cinna's dead… isn't he?"

Effie bit her lip at this question, wondering how to answer it. However, her silence was all the answer she needed. Cinna's death was just another reason to hate the Capitol.

---

"There you are sweetie," Effie said while pinning a black Mockingjay pin on Katniss's outfit, "Cinna's final touch."

Thanking the woman, Effie walked off the platform Katniss was standing on. She was dressed in her Mockingjay outfit and was ready to shoot the first propaganda video for the rebellion. It was time for her to hold up her end of the deal with Coin.

"We'll start in a few seconds, so take a few breathers," Plutarch announced over his microphone. He was in the control along with two other staff members. They were going to control everything involving Katniss's first 'propo.'

Standing up straight, Katniss prepared herself for a long day. She needed to get this right, for the rebellion and the tributes captured in the Capitol. Their rescue relied on her shoulders.

She clutched the prop stick in her hand, anxious to get this over with.

"Okay, go ahead and pull up the background," Plutarch commanded. A set of blue lights lit up behind Katniss as they were activated. She assumed that even though she couldn't see the background, Plutarch had it edited in the control booth.

"Now give me some light wind," Plutarch said, "I want her hair flowing."

Three separate wind fans were then activated, causing a small breeze to fly by Katniss' face.

"Okay, I want you starting off kneeling on your right leg and then rising. When you rise, hold up the staff in your hand, it'll be edited later on as a flag. So hold it proudly."

Katniss nodded, getting herself into position.

"Do you remember your line?"

"Yes," Katniss answered back while trying to keep the annoyance from showing in her voice, "I'm ready."

"Okay," Plutarch said before he fidgeted around with some buttons, "Now… go!"

Rising from one knee, Katniss shouted, "People of Panem, we fight! We dare! We end this hunger, for justice!"

There was a brief pause of silence before Plutarch said, "That was good… but I need to see more passion, more fire. Show your spirit in the words you say. Now let's take another shot at this."

Nodding her head, Katniss knelt once more. Hearing Plutarch give the go-ahead, she rose, "People of Panem, we fight! We dare! We end this hunger, for justice!"

Plutarch sighed, "Okay, show me the energy! You're coming out of battle and you need allies to rally to your cause! One more time, from the top."

Barely keeping herself from rolling her eyes, Katniss knelt again. Rising, she announced, "People of Panem, we fight! We dare! We end this hunger, for justice!"

"YOU'VE JUST COME OUT OF BATTLE! ACT LIKE IT!" Plutarch shouted over the microphone.

Katniss cocked her head in confusion, wondering if Plutarch had just yelled at her in such a manner. She could hear him clear his throat over the microphone.

"Sorry, sorry," Plutarch said, "I didn't mean for that outburst, let's try again."

Kneeling, Katniss let out a deep sigh. She rose and said her line again, "People of Panem, we fight! We dare! We end this hunger, for justice!"

Effie cringed at this attempt, finding it to be the worst of them all. Plutarch mumbled under his breath to the other staff members, "We're gonna be here all night."

Katniss herself also sighed, knowing that one was probably the worst of them all so far. She then heard the sound of somebody giving her sarcastic claps.

Turning her head, she saw Haymitch appear with a rag in his hand and a smile on his face. He kept clapping until he was only a few feet away from the girl.

"Not the best way of leading a rebellion," Haymitch joked, "But it's a start."

Katniss didn't respond to the man, instead choosing to glare daggers at him.

"What?" Haymitch said with hands up, "Don't recognize an old friend?"

"Go to hell, Haymitch." Katniss spat out, furious at seeing the man who left her lover behind in the arena. She still hadn't forgiven him for such an action. She didn't know if she ever could forgive him.

"Listen," the victor said in a serious tone, "I understand if you hate me for the rest of your life, I do already. But, let me help you fix this mess. You don't have to trust me, just listen to me. The quicker we get things in order, the quicker we can bring Naruto home."

Katniss examined the man from up to down, contemplating his words. She ultimately decided to accept his help, however, she would be keeping a close eye on him.

She nodded her head at his words, ready for his advice once more.

"Perfect," the mentor said, "Let's get to work then."

---

Naruto awoke from his slumber with a groan. He was back in his cell after being transported from the medical wing.

It was late at night with the area being shut off. However, he quickly realized what had awoken him. It was the screams of Johanna, from the cell next to him. It seems like she was being tortured in her cell, unlike the blonde as he was always taken somewhere else.

"GET AWAY FROM ME!" She screamed, "I WILL FUCKING KILL YOU!"

He could hear the sound of hair clippers buzzing, meaning they were likely shaving her head bald. This was disturbing for the blonde as he heard her screams.

Banging on his wall, Naruto also screamed out, "GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM HER! IF YOU WANT TO HURT SOMEONE, COME TO ME!"

The guards in Johanna's cell didn't respond as they finished their work. Soon, the hair clippers were turned off and he could hear them dunk Johanna's head repeatedly in some body of water. She was gurgling and coughing erratically.

"Once again we'll ask, what was the rebel plan?" said one of the Peacekeeper calmly.

"Go to hell!" Johanna choked out, "I told you, I know nothing about that!"

"Dunk her again," the guard commanded.

Johanna was then drowned again, before being brought back up. He could hear them occasionally laugh, obviously enjoying her distress.

"GET AWAY FROM HER!" Naruto screamed while banging the wall with his shoulder. "LEAVE HER ALONE!"

They didn't.

Johanna had trouble staying awake if she was being honest. The constant dunking and drowning were making her nearly pass out.

She was trying her best to stay awake, to stay alert. She could vaguely hear Naruto's screams for them to stop before going back under the water.

Feeling fed up at the non-successful attempts to stop their torture, Naruto thought outside the box. Putting his head near the bars, he screamed out, "Okay, I'll give! I know everything about the rebel plan, but leave her alone!"

Now this did earn the attention of the Peacekeepers. They weren't prioritizing Naruto at the moment, but learning anything about the rebel plan had been direct orders from President Snow. If this was true, they couldn't pass up this opportunity.

Dropping Johanna's head, the two guards released her restraints before walking out with a large basin of water. It seemed that was what they were using to torture the girl before.

"Huh...wha…" Johanna thought in confusion, wondering why the two guards had suddenly left her cell. She was still reeling in from the water torture she had been assaulted with. That was when the blonde's words had caught up to her.

Walking back in, they grabbed the deactivated electronic hair clippers and swept the hair out of the cell as well. They didn't want to give Johanna any opportunity to use anything in an attempt to escape. Ensuring the cell was clean of any weapons or tools, they closed her door and locked it.

Walking over to Naruto's cell, one of the guards got right up to the bars.

"Speak," he commanded.

Instead of responding, Naruto reached out between the bars with both hands. Grabbing the Peacekeeper by his chest piece, he yanked back hard with all of his body weight. This caused the Peacekeeper to slam into the bars, causing momentary dizziness.

Now that he was slightly dazed, Naruto shot his hands behind the helmet of the man and pulled back once more. He slammed him into the bars five times before dropping the man who crumpled to the ground.

This occurred in about five seconds, showing just how fast the blonde was. His reflexes hadn't dulled in captivity.

"You rat!" The second Peacekeeper yelled while dragging his partner away. Pulling out his radio, he gave his commands, "I need reinforcements to the cell block housing the tribute prisoners. The criminal acted violently and injured a guard."

Soon enough, five more Peacekeepers entered the area. Pressing a button, Naruto's door opened and they all rushed in at once.

His actions earned him an extra beating, but at least they had forgotten about Johanna.

---

Katniss sat around as everyone in the room discussed her first attempt at making a propaganda video. It was not going great so far.

They viewed her stance, speech, and background in the video. Effie was the first one to say anything.

"Well…" she grimaced, "…that was rough…"

The other occupants in the room agreed, nodding their heads.

Haymitch then stood up, garnering the attention of everyone in the room. Grabbing a sylis from the electronic board they had, he erased what was already there. Turning back around, he began talking.

"So we all know that video was pretty bad," Haymitch began, "But what if we've been looking at it wrong this whole time?"

Coin sat back in her seat with interest, "Go on."

Giving looks to everyone in the room, Haymitch continued, "What's a moment that made you like Katniss? And I'm not talking about her archery skills, or on stage because that's how Naruto made you like her. I'm talking about a moment that she alone, made you feel something genuine."

Katniss looked down upon hearing her fiance's name, feeling a sharp stab in her heart.

"Ooh! I got one!" Effie raised her hand. Haymitch pointed at her, ready to hear what she had to say. "The time that she volunteered for her sister, that was touching."

"Very good!" Haymitch exclaimed while writing it down on the board behind him, "What else do we got?"

Beetee then spoke up, "I enjoyed when she picked Rue as an ally in her first Hunger Games. That was very noble."

Gale, who was sitting beside Beetee, nodded, "Her song for Rue as well, that was special."

Haymitch wrote that down as well, "Anything else?"

"When she fired that arrow into the arena's barrier," Plutarch announced.

Finally done with the suggestions, Haymitch looked around the room, "And what did all of these things have in common?"

"They were done in the heat of the moment," Commander Briggs answered.

"Exactly!" Haymitch nodded.

Coin then crossed her arms while examining the board, "So you're saying the best moments of Katniss, are when it's unscripted?"

"I can see it now," Plutarch interrupted, "Haymitch is right. We can't force Katniss to say or do anything, it has to come from the heart. That's how we'll reach the people in the Districts."

"So what?" Coin crossed her arms, "We throw her into combat?"

Plutarch nodded, "Yes, that's the best way to get the reactions we need."

"Absolutely not," Coin snapped back, "We have no way to guarantee her safety if she's out on the field!"

At this point, Katniss finally spoke up, "President Coin, with all due respect, you'll never be able to guarantee my safety. I want to go, see what the Capitol has done, and I'm sure the Districts do as well."

Coin bit her lip in frustration. "Where would we even send her?"

Beetee answered, "She could go to District Eight. They reported heavy artillery strikes last week, the place is more rubble than building. That leaves no military targets left for the Capitol."

"Send me to eight then," Katniss said.

"What if you're killed?" Gale asked in worry.

"Then at least I'll see my dad again."

Leaning back in her seat, Coin contemplated the action. It was true that she could send Katniss off, but the risk was high. However, she knew that a high risk means a high reward, and that couldn't be more true at the moment.

Taking a deep breath, Coin gave her final judgment, "You leave in two hours, Boggs will be the team leader."

With her piece said, Coin stood up and exited the room. Plutarch followed closely while Beetee and Gale went down to the armory to load up for the mission.

Katniss stayed in her seat while Haymitch remained in the room as well, erasing the board.

"You coming?" Boggs said as he exited the room, "We have to load up for the mission."

"I'll be there," Katniss waved off. Nodding his head at her answer, he walked off.

Effie saw that Katniss and Haymitch wanted to speak in private, so she also left the room to attend to her duties. Once gone, there was only Katniss and Haymitch left in the room.

Haymitch was the first to speak, "So kid…how are you holding up?"

Katniss bit the inside of her cheek to prevent a curse from slipping out. Taking a deep breath instead, she replied, "I'm a mess…but I'm holding it together for everyone here."

Haymitch nodded and sat down across from the girl, attentive to her words.

Katniss then looked down at her hands while keeping the tears from flowing, "I hated you so much Haymitch… so much…" her lip quivered, "…but the more I think about it, the more I realize you didn't mean to leave Naruto behind…"

Haymitch looked away in shame, "I always meant to rescue him… it's just not how the cards fell. We didn't expect the final events to happen like they did…"

"But why?…" she asked, "…why did you lie to me? Why didn't you save him instead? You promised me!"

Haymitch thinned his lips, "I'm sorry. I tried but I know it wasn't good enough…I'm sorry."

Katniss felt herself shake at hearing the man's apology. It was easier to be angry at somebody who didn't feel remorse.

"You don't understand… Haymitch…" Katniss had tears rolling down her face at this point, "Naruto has done so much for others, for me. He helped Finnick with Mags in the arena, he protected Gale from further whippings, and he even protected me in the arena the first time we fought… and how did we repay his kindness?" she choked on some tears, "…we left him to die…"

"I understand if you never want to see me again…" Haymitch said, "But until then, I will do everything in my power to bring that kid back. He doesn't deserve his fate, none of them do."

Responding with a harsh whisper, Katniss only said three simple words. "Thank you, Haymitch."

---

Capitol – Underground Medical Wing

"Is the sedative ready?" Asked a doctor as they looked over their notes.

"Yes," a nurse responded while tapping a needle.

"Good, and the venom?"

"Also ready."

"Perfect. Everybody on standby," said the doctor while looking over everything one last minute, "Once we start, we need to make space just in case the patient gets violent."

Naruto was strapped to a medical bed with thick leather straps. He was surrounded by five Peacekeepers who were armed. There were a few medical professionals in the room as well, likely to make sure everything went according to plan.

His head was also strapped to the bed, forcing him to look up at the ceiling. Attached to the ceiling was a built-in television. It was turned on but it didn't show anything quite yet. He felt some metal tubing near his arms as well. It was cold to the touch.

His eyelids were pulled back, making sure he would see everything. A nurse was near him with a solution for his eyes to make sure they wouldn't be damaged. She was ready at all times, periodically dropping eye solution every few seconds.

"Everyone in position?" ordered the head doctor. Everybody in the room nodded.

"Dim the lights, it's best if the patient believes they are alone in a dark room."

A nurse near the light switches flicked a few off, leaving very little light in the room.

"Inject the sedative." A nurse walked forward, injecting the syringe into the blonde's arm. It only took a few minutes before Naruto began to feel inebriated.

Ordering another nurse, the doctor exclaimed, "Inject the tracker jacker venom."

Coming up on Naruto's other arm, the second nurse injected a different syringe. This time, however, Naruto began seeing hallucinations and deep fears.

"Ready the television please," the doctor stated. A flare of images came to life on the TV, making Naruto look at whatever they had ready.

Seeing that everything was good to go, the doctor finally ordered, "Everybody step back, let the venom do its work."

The only people who didn't step away were the nurse periodically dropping eye solution into Naruto's eyes and the Peacekeepers.

Naruto felt extremely fatigued, tired, and weak physically. He assumed it was thanks to the sedate they gave him, hoping he wouldn't try to escape. However, mentally, he was seeing some very scary things.

The TV above him flared to life, showing the Peacekeeper standing over Edwin's body. However, slowly, the image of the Peacekeeper flared to show Katniss instead. She had a sinister smirk on her face while Edwin was slumped over, killed.

"She didn't do it…she didn't do it… she didn't do it…" the blonde repeated to himself.

The tracker jacker venom was making him hear Edwin's screams, calling for Naruto to kill Katniss. He yelled in his mind about how she had murdered him.

"Mr. Uzumaki," began the doctor towards the back of the room, "Do you remember Katniss killing Edwin? She did it without remorse or care."

"Fuck you!" Naruto spat back, "Your little mind games aren't going to work on me!"

As he said this, he could hear whispers of people who had long since died, claiming that Katniss was the one to murder them. He could hear Rue, saying how Katniss was the one to murder her and nobody else was there.

"Increase the voltage," ordered the doctor while a nurse flipped a switch on a nearby panel. Shocks of electricity ran through Naruto's body, making him clench his teeth in pain.

"Mr. Uzumaki," the doctor said with a sick smile, "Now do you remember Ms. Everdeen causing the deaths of your loved one?"

Hearing no response, the doctor barked out another order, "Flash to the next image."

This time, Naruto saw something completely different. He saw his father going down to work in the coal mines, taking the elevator down. Katniss showed up only moments later. She was still a kid in this video, but she had a pair of steel clippers with her. It showed the young girl clipping away each elevator cable until the elevator itself crashed down far below. He could hear the screams of the workers trapped inside, including his father.

"No, that wouldn't make sense," Naruto shook his head, "Katniss's dad was on the same elevator, she wouldn't even have the strength as a kid to do that!"

"Induce the shock."

Naruto was then hit with streams of electricity running through his body. His muscles twitched and tensed up at the action.

"Don't you see now, Mr. Uzumaki? Katniss has caused the death of everyone you love, including your father. She is just a menace to society, and now she's doing the same thing in the Districts. Why else would she abandon you in the arena, left to rot?"

Huffing from the shock, Naruto responded, "Fuck…off…"

"Not a wise thing to say, Mr. Uzumaki."

The event was long, with Naruto's pained grunts being heard down the hallway. He refused to break, even while under such intense pressure.

More images were flashed before the blonde's eyes. The electricity he was shocked with along with the hallucinations caused by the tracker jacker venom made everything much more vivid. He had a hard time remembering what was real or not.

"I endured… I endured… I endured…" the blonde whispered to himself. This was going to be a long night.

They were programming him slowly but surely. They were programming him to see Katniss as a threat, as a beast, as a creature.

They were programming him to kill her.

---

District Eight – Safe Zone

Katniss exited the hovercraft as it flew away behind her. She was finally in District Eight and ready to see the atrocities of the Capitol.

Her bow had been outfitted with an upgrade thanks to Beetee. She now had incendiary arrows along with others. They were even color-coded according to the specific purpose they had.

Her team was all around her, ready to begin their march through the ruined District. Accompanying her were Gale, Boggs, Cressida, Castor, Pollux, and Messalla. She had found out that Pollux was an Avox when she tried to start a conversation with the man, only for Cressida to warn he didn't have a tongue.

These three newcomers were her apparent camera crew that Plutarch assigned her. They had fled the Capitol on their own to join the rebellion cause.

Finnick had tried to come as well, claiming he was ready. However, his shaky stance and darting eyes made Katniss know that he was still suffering mental trauma. Deciding to be a voice of reason, she convinced him to practice with his new trident that Beetee made him. This calmed the man down and he reluctantly stayed behind.

"Okay let's move people," Boggs yelled out, "We're on a tight schedule."

Following his lead, the group stayed close behind the man. They walked over debris, rubble, and the occasional casing of a missile. It was clear that this place had been a warzone for the past few weeks.

Suddenly, the group saw five people energy from building down the road. Boggs met them in the middle, stopping to announce his group, "Commander Paylor, this is Katniss Everdeen. Katniss, this is Commander Paylor of District Eight."

The two women spared glances at each other.

"Katniss insisted on seeing the state of the people," Boggs said while looking at Paylor.

"We have nothing but wounded or dead here," she said while turning around, "But follow me, you can see the people we have in recovery."

Katniss and the others then followed, weary about what they were going to see. The only person who looked different was Boggs, as he had a look of empathy on his face.

Pacing down a corridor, Katniss saw many dead bodies lining the floor. They were placed side by side, some were even placed on others. It was clear to see that this place was overfilled.

The flies buzzing around their bodies along with their scent made Katniss hold back a gag. She wanted to desperately cover her nose from the smell but didn't want to be seen as disrespectful. She felt nothing but sadness for these people.

"Right through here," Paylor announced to the group, "We have our wounded located here."

Pushing aside a hanging plastic cover, the group from District Thirteen was greeted with a horrendous sight. People were dying in each square foot of this room. Doctors and nurses were running around, but they could only help so much.

Looking to the far left, Katniss saw two people drag out a dead body to make room for another wounded individual. It was a nightmare to see all of these people suffer in such a manner.

Taking a step back, Katniss nearly hyperventilated, "I can't do this, I can't help anyone in there."

Cressida saw the worry on Katniss's face and helped her out, "All of have to do is let them see you. They just need to know the Mockingjay is on their side."

Nodding her head slowly, Katniss began walking through the middle of the room. People dead or dying were surrounding her.

To her left, she saw a father crying over the loss of his baby boy. To her right, she could see a little girl in shock from losing her left arm. Ahead of her, she could see a woman holding a thousand-yard stare as she looked at the wall.

These people were broken, they were crushed. They needed a pillar of support to rely on.

One by one, she could see that others were recognizing her. They stood up in shock, while others remained seated due to their injuries.

"Katniss Everdeen?" asked a little girl, "Is that you? What are you doing here?"

Turning to the voice, Katniss tried to put on a brave smile, "I came… I came to show my support, to see everybody that lives in District Eight."

"And the babies?" asked an older woman, "What about them?"

Facing the old lady, Katniss bit her lip in nervousness. She had forgotten the lie Naruto and her had shared on live TV.

"I…I lost them." Despite her never being pregnant in the first place, she felt a certain hollowness fill her soul after uttering those words.

"Are you here to fight with us, Katniss?" Asked a teenage boy, holding a gaze pad to his neck.

Katniss glanced around the room before answering. "Yes, yes I am. I'm here to fight, to show the Capitol they can't get away with killing us!"

Showing his support, the same teenage boy used his other hand to hold up the three-finger salute. Following his stance, others in the room began displaying the same salute. Soon, everyone in District Eight was in support of the Mockingjay.

"Get this on camera," Cressida whispered to her assistants. The camera crew fired up their equipment and began recording.

The moment was nice for the girl on fire, seeing so many support her as well. Once people had begun returning to their previous duties, Boggs laid a hand on Katniss's shoulder.

"C'mon," he stated, "We have to go."

Nodding her head, he followed the man out. Command Paylor joined the group, wanting to be there to send them off as a gesture of goodwill.

As they walked out of the hospital and into the rubble once more, Boggs heard some radio chatter. Picking it up, his heart dropped at the news.

"We got trouble," he spoke up for the whole group, "I've just been informed we have bombers coming in from the North."

"There's a bunker down this building and to the left," Paylor said, "You all go ahead, I need to help my people."

Giving one final nod, the woman disappeared to fulfill her responsibilities as a leader. Following Paylor's instructions, the group ran down a flight of stairs and to the left. As they ran, nobody saw a silo begin to fall towards the building. It was going to crush them all to death until Boggs saw it moments before it hit.

"SILO'S FALLING! GET TO COVER!" He shouted out.

Katniss and Gale both looked to their left to see the structure heading for them. With a jump, both individuals flew forward and narrowly missed being crushed to death. As for Boggs, he held back the camera crew with his arm, effectively stopping them from running ahead and getting crushed.

The silo kicked up an enormous amount of dust and debris, but it eventually faded. Looking back, Katniss and Gale could see they had been split off from the rest of the group for now.

"We're separated," Gale said in concern.

Katniss got back on her feet and ran, "Nothing we can do about it for now, let's keep moving!"

Running together, the duo eventually made their way to an opening in the brick wall. Peeking outside, Katniss could see several District Eight fighters shooting at the jets bombing their home. She wasn't ready for the flash of flames and debris to be flown back at her.

Covering her face, Katniss moved her arm away to see the fighters that were previously there were gone. The bombing laid out by the Capitol had killed them. It was surreal to the girl on fire, seeing as how this was the first time she saw the Capitol's bombing firsthand.

Hearing the roaring noise of the aircraft, Katniss realized something quickly. "They're circling the District…" looking around for a better vantage point, Katniss saw a small structure ahead. "Follow me!" she yelled.

Pushing through the gunfire and smoke, both people managed to make it across unharmed. They had run to a concrete structure with a metal staircase. Running up, they were greeted by the sight of two dead District Eight fighters.

Hearing an explosion, Katniss turned her head only to be greeted by a terrible sight. "They're targeting the hospital! They're going for the wounded!"

Two jets circled back around, ready for another bombing run on the medical building. However, Katniss wouldn't have that happen again. As the two jets circled back, Katniss withdrew one of her incendiary arrows. Meanwhile, Gale readied his explosive crossbow bolt. They were ready.

"Closer… closer… closer…" the girl on fire thought, waiting for the right moment to let the arrow loose. She felt bullets spray at them both, with some coming very near her head. All it took was one bullet to pierce her from the jet's gattling guns and she would be dead.

"….closer… closer…" The right moment appeared. "Now!" Shooting her arrow, Gale also shot his crossbow bolt. Both targets were hit, causing the jets to go down in a flaming pile of rubble. However, Katniss heard the sounds of steel creaking and bending. Turning around, she saw the hospital collapse in on itself due to the damage caused by the bombings.

Running downstairs, Katniss sprinted through the fiery debris all around her. She ran and ran until coming across the hospital. Boggs, Paylor, and the camera crew were already standing around.

"We have to help them!" Katniss begged, "We need to get them out!"

Boggs looks at the girl sadly, shaking his head. He understood there was no way of helping anyone trapped inside, they were all dead.

"No…we have to… we must… we…" Katniss nearly collapsed to her knees as she saw the hospital roar with flames. She knew deep down that everyone had been killed in the attack.

"Katniss, can you please tell us what you're seeing right now?" Cressida asked while pointing at a camera atop her assistant's head. She wanted Katniss to know where to look.

Feeling anger, rage, and hate bubble up inside her, Katniss looked directly into the camera. She clenched her bow tight in her hand.

"I'm seeing the death of hundreds of men, women, and children. I want the world to know that I'm alive and well, here in District Eight where the Capitol just bombed a hospital." Katniss pointed at the burning rubble behind her, "THIS is the death and destruction the Capitol brings. If we want to stop this senseless slaughter, we need to step up NOW!"

Katniss held back tears of anger, "We will NEVER be treated fairly by the Capitol, never! We need to fight back, and show them that this is not acceptable any longer! We won't be thrown around in fear!"

Turning around to look at another camera, Katniss spoke in a serious tone, "I have a message for President Snow," she gestured to the chaos around her, "You can kill us, murder us, and bomb our homes. But the fire here is spreading and soon it'll be at your doorstep. You cannot control us any longer!"

Collapsing to her knees, Katniss looked at the burning hospital in front of her. She hated the Capitol.

---

Katniss sat alone in her living quarters, lying in bed. She had just come back from Coin's announcement to the District of her first propo. People were fired up and others were eager to join the rebellion.

She could only wish that Naruto would be saved soon, scared as to what they were doing to him. She didn't have any idea, but she knew it couldn't be anything good.

Hearing her stomach rumble, Katniss decided to go to the cafeteria. Nobody would be there as lunch had long passed, but she would stop by to grab a quick snack.

Pushing the blanket off of her, the girl on fire began her walk to the cafeteria. Her footsteps were the only thing she could hear as they walked. Turning the corner, she opened the front door to the cafeteria only to be greeted with something surprising.

It was another interview, with Naruto. Nobody was in the large room… except Gale. He was watching the broadcast with his arms crossed, intent on listening to every word being said.

Running up to the screen, she listened in on what her fiance was saying. She was only able to catch them as they were mid-conversation.

"-and that's the most astonishing thing about this," Caesar said, "She was beloved here in the Capitol, and now she's inspiring such violence across the nation."

The camera then switched over to Naruto and Katniss gasped in shock. He was thinner than in his first interview and had a slight bruise near his temple. It looked to be covered in makeup, which was likely because they couldn't heal the injury in time before the interview.

Unlike his first appearance in all white, he was now dressed in all black. He looked alright visually, but Katniss could see a slight tremor appear in his foot. He was clearly under a lot of stress.

"No… what have they done to you…" Katniss whispered in horror, sad to see her lover's appearance.

"That's the funny thing about love, Caesar," the blonde began, "I still adore Katniss, even despite her 'acts' of violence."

"Well that is remarkable because I do not think I could forgive her if I was in your position," Caesar claimed.

Naruto chuckled, but even that sounded hollow.

"I wanted to ask," Caesar said with a straight face, "Do you think Katniss is being manipulated? Forced into doing these things?"

Naruto leaned back in his chair and Katniss could see a white rose that was placed into his breast pocket. A token of Snow's to be sure.

"She could be," Naruto conceded, "She could be getting manipulated or tricked, I have no way of knowing. But I know this Caesar, just like she was our sweetheart, she is now the District's darling."

"Hmm… I see your point," Caesar nodded, "Now if you could say one last thing to Katniss Everdeen, one final thing, what would it be?"

Putting his hands out of view, Caesar pointed at the camera so Naruto knew where to look while answering this final question.

"If you're seeing this, Kat," Naruto said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes, "I want you to think for yourself, don't let anybody influence your decisions if they don't feel right."

Not hearing anything else, Caesar asked, "Is that all? Do you have anything else to say?"

Snapping his fingers, Naruto nodded, "You're right Caesar, I do have one final thing to say."

Caesar nodded, glad that Naruto would stay full on the script this time.

Leaning into the camera, the blonde let out a genuine smile, "Say hi to your family for me."

Instantly, the feed was cut off. The TV showed static before being shut off by Gale.

"That was him…I saw him for a split second…" Katniss thought in joy. She had seen a glimpse of her old Naruto at the very end of that interview.

"What a coward."

Turning around with a glare, Katniss stared at Gale, "What did you just say?"

"I said he's a coward!" Gale pointed out.

Katniss clenched her hands into fists, "You have NO idea what he's being forced to say! He is trying his best to make the most out of the situation!"

"I don't care," Gale said, "He's saying you're being manipulated! What kind of crap is that! I would never say that!"

"Yeah?" Katniss snarled out, "Well you haven't gone through one percent of what he has. He's had to kill others and even defended you at the whipping post when you kissed his girlfriend!"

Gale closed his mouth at that, having nothing to say at the moment.

Feeling a buzz on his radio, Gale picked it up.

"We have to go, Coin's called a meeting. She wants us to respond," Gale said while walking out of the room.

"You and Coin now huh? I didn't know you two were so close."

Turning around, Gale lashed out, "Everybody has a role to play in this, Katniss. And if Naruto can go on TV and defend the people who murdered everyone in District Twelve, then I can't support him!"

"You're right…" Katniss whispered, "District Twelve is gone, but he doesn't know that! We have to show him! Show him that the Capitol's murdered everyone back home!"

They would be going back to District Twelve.

---

Katniss sat along the riverbank in District Twelve, slinging rocks across the water. She sat next to Pollux while Gale, Cressida, and the other camera crew members sat further down.

They had flown back to District Twelve and let Gale recount the night of the bombings. Cressida had made sure to film each sentence uttered by Gale while Katniss walked off. They had spent a good amount of time surveying the area with the camera, following Gale as he talked. They had filmed nearly every portion of District Twelve besides the Victor Village.

Mockingjays flew all around, happy to be in the sky. Pollux whistled a few times, making the birds repeat his tune.

The group ate and drank, deciding to relax for the time being. It was then that Pollux grabbed a nearby stick and began to write in the gravel. Once done, Katniss looked down at his work to see the word, "Sing?"

Looking over at Pollux, Katniss pointed at herself, "You want me to sing?"

Pollux nodded with a smile.

Clearing her voice, Katniss began to think of something to sing. She remembered the song her father used to sing to her as a child, a dark ballad of sorts. Looking into the sunny sky, she began her song.

Are you, are you comin' to the tree?
Where they strung up a man, they say, who murdered three
Strange things did happen here, no stranger would it be
If we met at midnight in the hanging tree

Are you, are you comin' to the tree
Where dead man called out for his love to flee?
Strange things did happen here, no stranger would it be
If we met at midnight in the hanging tree

Are you, are you comin' to the tree
Where I told you to run, so we'd both be free?
Strange things did happen here, no stranger would it be
If we met at midnight in the hanging tree

Are you, are you comin' to the tree
Where necklace of hope, side by side with me?
Strange things did happen here, no stranger would it be
If we met at midnight in the hanging tree

Are you, are you comin' to the tree
Where I told you to run, so we'd both be free?
Strange things did happen here, no stranger would it be
If we met at midnight in the hanging tree

Are you, are you comin' to the tree?
Where they strung up a man, they say, who murdered three
Strange things did happen here, no stranger would it be
If we met at midnight in the hanging tree

Are you, are you comin' to the tree
Where the dead man called out for his love to flee?
Strange things did happen here, no stranger would it be
If we met at midnight in the hanging tree

Finishing her song, Katniss looked over to see that she was being filmed the entire time. It did make her slightly embarrassed but she didn't dwell on it too much.

"This is perfect," Cressida said while putting away her camera. "We'll shoot this propo right away."

---

Katniss was in the cafeteria along with her sister and mother. She wasn't eating, but both of her loved ones were.

As Katniss sat there, she thought about her song. They had filmed her and Gale walking through District Twelve while overlaying her song. It was a powerful promo if she was being honest.

It had caused some change if what Plutarch had told her was any good. Districts were rising and doing their damage to the Capitol.

She contemplated this war, this battle that had raged on for so long.

"Katniss."

Hearing her name, she looked over to see Commander Boggs.

"Coin wants you in the Command Center. It's Naruto."

Hearing his name, Katniss jumped out of her seat and ran to the command center past Boggs. She opened the doors and was greeted to Naruto, however, he looked the worst this time. He was dressed in all gray and had two red puncture marks on his neck. It looked to be needles, the Capitol wasn't even trying to hide their atrocities at this point.

He looked tired, defeated, and exhausted. His appearance from the first interview to the third was chilling. Everybody could see they were slowly breaking him down. Whatever they had done to her fiance, it had been horrible.

"No, no, no…" Katniss sobbed, "I'm so sorry Ruto… for not being there…"

"-night, we've received reports of multiple District uprisings. The hydroelectric dam in District Five has been attacked, resulting in power outages here in the Capitol. We've received reports of wheat fields being set ablaze, causing food shortages. These are-" Naruto's speech was interrupted by Katniss's footage of being in District Twelve.

Katniss and Gale could be seen touring District Twelve, with Katniss's song being played in the background.

"Yes!" Beetee cheered, "I got us in!"

Katniss didn't care about that, however, as she focused her attention on the screen.

"Are you… are you… comin to the tree?…"

Katniss gazed upon the ruined runes of her home in the propo. The camera followed her as she looked far into the distance.

"Where they strung up a man, they say… who murdered three…"

Gale came into the picture, strolling through the Seam. The camera followed him as he walked.

"K-Katniss? Is that you?" Naruto monetarily broke out of his monotone voice in shock. He was seeing his fiance once more.

"He sees our footage!" Coin alerted out. "He sees it!"

Katniss clenched her heart in sorrow, seeing her partner in such as beaten state.

The footage then fizzled out, leaving only Naruto and Caesar once more. "I believe you were reporting on these savage attacks, Mr. Uzumaki. Could you please continue?"

"I-uhh…" The blonde stammered, "Yeah… yeah okay…"

Before he could continue, Katniss appeared on screen once more. This time, the camera followed her going through the Merchant section of District Twelve. Nothing but rubble and debris filled the view.

"Strange things did happen here, no stranger would it be…"

This time, however, Naruto's eyes widened in shock. He didn't say anything but instead chose to lean into the camera, trying to get a better look.

Katniss walked over a destroyed building that had the sign "Bakery," over it. She didn't even notice as she walked on, but Naruto did.

"If we met at midnight… in the hanging tree…"

This only confirmed the blond's suspicions. There, underneath the rubble, was Peeta's family. They had all been wearing the clothes shown when he was first captured…

They had long since killed his friend and his family. They were lying to him. The TV flashed back to Naruto, showing his shocked expression. His eyes were wide and his mouth was agape.

Feeling an unbridled rage, Naruto finally snapped. Grabbing the camera so they couldn't take it away, he placed it directly in his face.

"If you're listening Katniss, the Capitol plans to bomb District Thirteen, they've-" Two Peacekeepers rushed into the room, ready to detain the blonde. One of them grabbed Naruto's left elbow.

"Get the fuck off of me!" Naruto screamed while elbowing the guard in the neck. Grabbing his gun on his waist, he shot the guard in the leg and chest. It was only a bullet dart gun, likely meant to suppress him.

Collapsing to the ground with a groan, Naruto shot the other guard to his right in the chest with the remaining bullets. He also went down.

Caesar Flickerman looked on in fright, clutching the sides of his chair so tightly his palms turned white.

"Listen Katniss, they're coming. They're going to bomb District Thirteen NOW! They're on their way! Survive Kat! Sur-" The feed was then cut off.

Katniss looked on in worry, seeing that her lover was in trouble. He had just turned the entire interview on its head for the nation to see.

"That's a warning," Coin pointed out, "The only problem is if it's credible."

"Trust me, I know the kid," Haymitch said, "He wouldn't lie about this. We're about to be under attack."

"It is likely he overhead others planning in the mansion," Plutarch added on.

Contemplating her actions, Coin barked out, "I want everyone underground now! Boggs set off the air raid alarm. We need to make sure everyone's evacuated before the bombings."

Everybody then split off, knowing what their respective tasks incurred.

"C'mon, we got to go," Effie said to Katniss softly as she was staring at the blank TV screen. Everybody had already fled the Command Center, leaving only the girl on fire and Effie.

"I know…" Katniss said while choking back her sobs, "…I'm going to see him again Effie. I need to."

Effie nodded her head, "You will sweetheart, you will."

Together, both women walked downstairs to seek shelter.

---

Naruto scowled seeing the camera's light shut off, they had just cut the feed. Throwing the piece of equipment to the ground, he looked over at Caesar.

It was the man who was scared of him, clutching his seat and gazing at the gun in his hand.

Knowing that more people would look for him soon, Naruto spoke up, "Listen, Caesar, I don't think you're a bad person. Just forced to play your part, like the rest of us."

Naruto then dropped the gun onto the floor. It was useless anyway, he had used up the remaining ammo. Looking above Caesar, Naruto locked his eyes on the jar placed behind the former host. There, just out of view for the camera, was the decapitated head of Edwin floating inside. Snow had used it to remind Naruto of his actions, how they could get Peeta killed. But it didn't matter anymore, he knew Peeta had been dead this entire time now.

"I'm sorry… Ed…." Naruto whispered mentally in sorrow. He needed to run while he still could, so he couldn't take Edwin's head or bury it.

Pushing the doors open, Naruto began to run. He didn't have a plan, but he knew he needed to make some space. He could already hear squads of Peacekeepers running down the halls to chase him.

Bursting another set of doors open, Naruto realized he had entered Snow's office. While the man wasn't inside at the moment, he could see a variety of jewels, possessions, and valuables stored. Paintings lined the wall and velvet carpet lined the floor.

Just as he was about to run back out, he saw something on the wall. It was a case storing a single piece of jewelry. On closer inspection, he saw it was a slightly bent earing, long past its prime. There was a single inscription at the bottom of the case, which read: "Lucy Gray Baird."

Not understanding why Snow would keep a random piece of bent jewelry from this "Lucy Gray Baird" person, Naruto ran off.

Ducking behind pillars and corners, Naruto slowly made his way to the back of the mansion. Crawling out of an open window, he ran. He made it past the gates surrounding the mansion by climbing over them and kept on running. He had made his way past several blocks before an image lit up in the Capitol.

Every TV screen flared the same image, which was Snow sitting at a desk with two tributes beside him. Both Johanna Mason and Annie Cresta were on their knees with a handgun pointed at their heads.

"Greetings Mr. Uzumaki," Snow began, "I know you've escaped, but I also know you haven't gone far. If you return within the hour, these two live. If not… well then we can guess what will happen to them. That is all."

"Don't come back! RU-" Johanna was cut off.

Just like that, each screen went back to its normal production.

Stopping in the back of an alleyway, Naruto clenched his fists. He didn't know what to do. He could run, and finally be free of this torture, but Annie and Johanna would die.

Clenching his jaw, he made his decision. With a heavy heart, he began his slow trek back to Snow's mansion. Johanna and Annie's lives were too much to bargain with for the blonde.

They ordered him to freeze when he made it to Snow's front lawn. They cuffed him as he sat on his knees. The last thing he saw before being knocked out was the crying form of Annie and the sympathetic look of Johanna. They had felt guilty for his capture.

With a rifle butt to the back of his head, Naruto was knocked forward. The last thing he heard was, "Transport all three to the Tribute Center. We have direct orders from President Snow to turn his hijacking up to five, we need it complete."

The blonde then blacked out, feeling the lawns' grass tickle his face.

---

Katniss sat with Finnick underground, as they talked all night. The bombings had stopped a few hours ago but they had rumbled the entire District. It was scary for everyone.

The bombing had gone on for three straight days. Some people walked around the rows of bunk beds, checking for any damage sustained to the ceiling.

"Snow's taking sick pleasure in using Annie to punish you," Katniss said, "And he's doing the same thing to me. We're both still being played in his little game."

Finnick looked at the picture of Annie in his hand. "I sometimes wish she was dead, so she wouldn't have to suffer anymore. It's not right that she's being punished because of me."

Katniss nodded, agreeing with her fellow tribute.

Putting the picture away, Finnick looked over at Katniss, "You know, when I first saw you in the Games, I thought the love between you and Naruto was fake. Played up for the cameras," He chuckled, "It wasn't until I saw you cry over his near-death in the arena that I realized it was pure. You both had each other's backs each step of the way…"

Finnick looked down in shame, "I'm sorry for having you and Naruto split up at the end of the Quarter Quell. I didn't think that would happen and then I couldn't move… and then I…"

Finnick felt a hand atop his shoulder. Looking over, he saw Katniss give him a soft look, "Finnick, it's okay. I forgive you."

Those magic words made Finnick feel like he wasn't underwater anymore. He no longer felt like he was drowning. Thanking Katniss, Finnick felt a single tear slide down his left eye. He truly appreciated the sentiment.

Suddenly, they both heard the voice of Command Boggs.

"Katniss, please come with me."

Looking up, they saw the man staring at them both. Giving her farewells to Finnick, Katniss stood up and followed the man.

They came across Coin's Command Room, with multiple staff members working on their own devices.

"How are you holding up?" Coin asked as soon as Katniss entered the room, "Mother and sister alright?"

"Uhh…yeah, yeah they're fine." Katniss stammered out.

"Good," Coin nodded. The woman then gained a serious expression, "I was wondering if you could do something for us. I was wondering if you could show the Capitol that we survived a bombing with no casualties. That we are alive and well here in District Thirteen."

"I can do that," Katniss snipped back.

Coin then walked over to the girl and placed her hands on her shoulder, "I also wanted to let you know something important. Thanks to Naruto's warning, we were able to gain an extra fifteen minutes of evacuation time. That's not something that I'll forget."

Thanking the woman, Katniss walked out with Boggs. Together, they met up with their camera crew, Effie, and Haymitch. Everyone then walked outside the District to look for a spot to film.

Finding a small crater filled with white roses, Cressida spoke up, "This is perfect! We can film here!"

However, Katniss didn't hear the woman due to the shock she was in. There, in the middle of the crater, was a single red rose. Walking over, she picked it off the ground and took a closer look. Tapping her finger gently on the pedal, Katniss saw some of the red residue on her hand.

"Is it dyed?" Katniss thought in confusion. She rubbed the substance between her fingers.

"We're going to film this over here," Cressida pointed out, "And it'll be just like District Eight. Remember to say your line!"

"No…" Katniss realized what it was. "… this is blood. This was coated in blood… this is my warning…" She finally understood what this was. Back before the 75th Hunger Games, Snow had visited her house and dropped a single white rose. It was the same kind of rose that was in Naruto's breast pocket during his second interview. Now, this rose was dipped in blood.

"He's going to kill Naruto… He's going to kill him…" She whispered, "This was my final warning… he's going to kill him…" she started to hyperventilate. For all she knew, Naruto was already dead since his final interview. It had been three days after all, a lot could have changed in that time.

"We can't hear you, please speak up!" Cressida said while turning on the cameras, "One more time: District Thirteen is alive and well and so am I!"

Seeing her state, Effie spoke up, "Cressida, we should take a break for now. Cut the cameras."

Haymitch then walked over to the girl on fire and hugged her. "Are you okay kid? What's wrong?"

"He warned me, Haymitch. He warned me and I didn't listen…" Katniss said while holding back tears, "He's going to kill Naruto… He's going to do it… to punish me…"

Separating from the mentor, Katniss began to walk off. "I can't do this... I can't do this…"

"Katniss, please," Cressida said in annoyance.

"I CAN'T DO THIS!" Katniss snapped back while walking off.

The crew looked around at each other worried.

---

Katniss awoke from her bunk a few hours later. She was drowsy and sleepy, but somebody had shaken her awake.

"Psst, wake up," Haymitch said while shaking the girl.

"Haymitch?" Katniss rubbed her eyes, "What are you doing here?"

Taking a seat next to her, Haymitch began, "Well, I wanted to give you some good news for once." The man then took a deep breath. "We sent a team to go and rescue Naruto. He and the other tributes are targeted for extraction."

This almost made the girl on fire scream in joy. This was what she had wanted for a very long time now, and it was finally coming true.

"I need to be on the team," Katniss said while pushing the blanket off of her. Her need to sleep had long forgotten.

"Woah, calm down," Haymitch waved off, "We already sent the team out. It was a volunteer group only, it ended up being six brave soldiers."

"Anybody I know?" Katniss questioned.

Haymitch nodded, "Yes, Boggs and Gale are on the team. They should be on their way into the Capitol by now."

Feeling ecstatic, Katniss asked another question. "So why now? Why is now the perfect time to rescue them?"

"Well their power's out, so their defense systems are a no-go right now. Plus, Plutarch got a tip from a reliable source that they're in the Tribute Center at the moment. We want to grab them before they can relocate."

"That's wonderful!" Katniss realized how much thought had been put into this, "What can I do to help?"

"Well…how do you feel speaking about Naruto?"

With a determined gaze, both tributes walked off. They met with Finnick, the camera crew, Coin, Plutarch, and Beetee in the Command Center.

Beetee was the first to speak from his position at a nearby communication station, "If we can get two separate interviews, with the both of you, we can fill the Capitol with noise. They don't have many communication channels open right now due to their lack of power, but the ones that remain operational will be filled with your voices."

"Most people will think it's another propo and could join the fight," Plutarch said, "But that's not our main goal with these. Our goal is to jam their internal communications until our team gets out."

Katniss looked at the screen in the Command Center and realized each deployed squad member had their camera activated. She could see from their perspective.

"Understood," Finnick said, "Let's get started. The quicker the better."

Going back to the previous location with the roses, the camera crew quickly got to work. They set up their equipment while Katniss sat down on a nearby boulder. She would be going first.

"Remember Katniss," Cressida said, "The goal is to talk for as long as possible, the more the better. Speak about whatever you want, just keep it going."

Nodding her head, Katniss saw the camera's light turn on. She was now being recorded.

Clearing her throat, the girl on fire began, "This is Katniss Everdeen, coming to everybody who hears this from District Thirteen. I want Panem to know we were bombed for the last three days straight, but we survived. We are alive and well here in District Thirteen."

Cressida nodded behind the camera, happy to hear those words for the propo.

"I wanted to share with all of Panem one thing today. That is my fiance, Naruto Uzumaki. He has been held in captivity since the end of the 75th Hunger Games against his free will. They have done things to punish him to hurt me." she held back tears at this point, "When we first met, I didn't know what love was. It was foreign to me, I didn't think I could love."

The camera switched to another angle, "Then he comforted me on the train to the Capitol. He held me at my lowest, comforted me at my weakest… he even wrote me a song…" she clutched the black disc she retrieved earlier from her bunk, "He showed mercy to others in the arena, even when I didn't think they were worthy of it."

She thought back to when Naruto could have killed Cato by throwing a knife into his back but instead allowed the man to grieve over Clove. She didn't understand the gesture fully at the time, but now she knew it was in his nature to be kind.

"Some people think our love is purely for the cameras, for the show… but it's not," She raised her hand to the camera, "This ring symbolized the love we have for each other. He may have loved me first… but I loved him more."

She remembered the times he helped her family out. The time he defended Greasy Sae from those lowlife thugs back in District Twelve. The time he defended Gale at the whipping post. Even the time the two made love.

"He has always been a loving person, and the Capitol is trying to take that away from him. President Snow visited me before my Victory Tour and warned me of uprisings taking place. He warned me that if I didn't convince him of our love, he would hurt my loved ones…and he has…"

She picked up the bloody rose on the ground. "This system of government that Snow has created is a fragile one. If it can be threatened by two people in love, then it's not worth controlling the lives of thousands."

Standing up, Katniss finished her speech, "Know this, President Snow is a person who doesn't care who he hurts, so why should you defend his actions? Remember who the real enemy is!"

Walking off, Pollux and Cressida gave Katniss a quick smile. They seemed pleased with her performance.

Stepping up, Finnick got ready for his speech. He held the picture of Annie tightly in his hand, ready for this moment.

Katniss decided to walk back into the Command Center. She left as soon as Finnick started talking.

---

Opening the doors into the room, Katniss asked her question, "Any updates?"

It was Coin who talked first, "The extraction team has entered the Tribute Center, they're currently looking for the victors as we speak."

True to her words, Katniss could see they were scanning the Tribute Center around every corner. They were only a few rooms away at this point.

"Clear!" yelled one soldier.

They went one by one, checking each room they came across. Just as they were about to check another, a bright flash went off, blinding the camera of each soldier.

"What happened?" asked a worried Katniss. Beetee began typing away at his computer.

"The power's be turned back on," Beetee exclaimed.

"President Coin, we have to consider extracting the team," a random military official said in the room. "The Capitol's air defense system is coming back online."

"We can't!" Haymitch pointed out, "This is likely our only shot and we're already in so deep!"

Coin bit her lip in frustration while wondering what to do. She could either go through with this plan or pull back now to ensure their safety. Thankfully, she didn't have to make the decision.

"Patch me through," Katniss said, "If Snow is watching, he might let our signal get through just to speak with me."

"Alright," Beetee said, "It's our best chance."

Nodding her head, Coin stepped aside so that Katniss could walk towards the microphone. Adjusting it so it was near her head, Katniss stood straight ahead at the static TV screen.

"President Snow… can you hear me?"

No response.

"President Snow… President Snow… this is Katniss Everdeen… can you hear me?"

Again, no response.

"He's probably not even watching this broadcast," Plutarch mumbled.

"President Sno-" Katniss was interrupted by the sounds of static turning into a voice. Soon enough, President Snow appeared on the Command Center's TV with a sinister smile.

"Ahh… Mrs. Everdeen, what a pleasure to see you once more," Snow said sarcastically.

Taking this moment, Beetee sat in the corner and tried to connect to the squad. He was whispering as to not attract attention.

"I must admit, I was wounded at hearing you say such nasty things about me live," Snow added on.

"It wasn't anything untrue."

Snow nodded, "I suppose that roses didn't make it any easier for you?"

"You know I never asked for any of this," Katniss said, "Being the Mockingjay, being put in the Games, all I wanted was a quiet life with my loved ones."

"You said you didn't want a war," Snow interjected, "Yet here we are, at each other's throats."

"I'm not the one who started this war," Katniss snapped back.

"You're right," Snow said with a nod, "You're simply the symbol of the rebellion. A person who has evoked more acts of violence in the past year than I've had to deal with in fifty. Truly such an innocent person."

"If you hate me so much, then why take it out on Naruto? Why inflict pain on him if it's me that you want?"

Snow shook his head in amusement, "You don't seem to realize Ms. Everdeen. When a person loves something so great they would be willing to die for it, then you have them by their heart. I would know, after all, I've experienced the same myself."

"Naruto has nothing to do with this," Katniss said with passion, "He's another victim of your Capitol!"

"On the contrary Mrs. Everdeen," Snow smiled, "He's a victim of love. A victim of loving you."

Straightening out, Snow continued, "When you love Mrs. Everdeen, you must also be ready to risk loss." Smiling so wide his teeth showed, Snow finished with, "I know your little team is in the Tribute Center. I hope you can deal with your consequences, Ms. Everdeen…" Turning off the camera, Snow said, "Cut the feed."

The TV then buzzed to static, with Snow no longer being on screen.

"Beetee, what's the report?" Coin commanded.

Beetee kept on jamming a button on his receiver, "No signal from Boggs. I had them for a while, but it just cut out."

"No… he knew we were coming…" Katniss whispered to herself. "He knew! He knew we were there!"

Seeing her deteriorating state, Haymitch hugged the girl on fire.

"HE KNEW HAYMITCH! HE KNEW!" She screamed into his chest. She was sobbing and yelling at the same time, "I LOST HIM DIDN'T I? DIDN'T I!?"

"Shhh… we don't know any of that…" Haymitch comforted the girl.

"HE'S DEAD! HE'S DEAD HAYMITCH AND I KILLED HIM!" Katniss cried so much it began to leave a big water stain on Haymitch's shirt. The man consoled the crying girl while everybody around them tried their best to contact the squad.

Exiting the Command Center with Katniss, Haymitch decided to sit her down. But first, he would find her family to help.

---

Katniss sat with Finnick in silence as they awaited any update about the deployed squad. It was heartbreaking to them both.

"I hope they made it back alive…" Finnick said, "I don't think I could handle more false hope…"

Katniss nodded, messing with the wedding band on her finger. She hoped they would arrive back.

Suddenly, the door busted open to reveal Haymitch with a wide smile. "The team's back, and they brought the tributes!"

With a grin wider than ever before, both Finnick and Katniss ran past the mentor to see their respective partner.

Busting open the doors to the medical center, both Finnick and Katniss looked around. They saw many doctors bustling around with clipboards and medical equipment being moved around.

Noticing a few doctors huddled up around a patient, Katniss ran over with Finnick in tow. They hoped it was one of their lovers.

To their surprise, they saw Johanna instead. She was extremely thin, had no hair, and had slight bruising around her body. Yanking out the IV bag needle they placed in her arm, she gave a sarcastic grin at both tributes.

"Thanks for the save," Johanna muttered, "I'm glad you remembered we were still alive back there."

"N-No, it wasn't like that," Katniss stammered, "We tried to rescue you all at the earliest opportunity."

"She's right, Johanna," Finnick added on.

"Hmph, whatever," the girl said while lying back down in her medical bed.

"FINNICK!" Hearing a shout, both tributes turned their heads to see a red-haired girl ripping off a needle in her arm.

"ANNIE!" Finnick shouted back in happiness. She ran and jumped into Finnick's arms. The man picked her up and both shared a kiss of passion.

Katniss viewed the sight with longing, wishing she could do the same with her fiance. As she began to walk away, Annie spoke up.

"Wait!" She said. Katniss turned around and even Finnick looked confused.

"Your husband," Annie said, "He went through the worst torture imaginable. Much worse than us."

Pushing the curtain aside, Johanna piped in, "She's right, he stuck up for us multiple times back in the Capitol and earned extra beatings for it….also, it's fiance, not husband."

Katniss bit her lip at this, anxious to see what her lover looked like now.

"He even escaped at one point," Johanna said with a frown, "The only reason he came back was because Snow threatened to kill us. I didn't see him again after that until early this morning when they dropped him off at the Tribute Center with us."

Johanna then took a deep sigh, "Whatever they did to him, Katniss, it was extensive. They messed with him for the past two days straight…"

Finnick felt even more guilt at the moment. Even when tortured, even in captivity, the man went out of his way to look after his partner. He didn't know if he could do the same.

Gale then walked into the room, looking for Katniss. After seeing her, he paced over and spoke, "Katniss, we brought him back."

"Thank you, Gale," Katniss whispered with a smile, still worried about her fiance's state. Both girls had said that he was treated the worst out of the three, and considering how Johanna looked, she was scared of what they did to him.

"I just don't understand…" Gale said softly, "We flew out of there no problem. They had their guns on us but didn't fire. We were let go…" Stopping his explanation, he pointed over his shoulder, "He's in there…"

Thanking Gale, Katniss took a deep breath. With confidence and nervousness filling her system, she slowly opened the door to Naruto's room.

She clenched the jewel necklace in her hand as she entered.

---

AND NOW WE'RE DONE! This is my longest chapter so far with it being around 15k words!

So sorry for the cliffhanger, please don't get too mad!

I hope you all enjoyed the multiple little things I put throughout this chapter.

I enjoy reading these reviews, so please comment! Let me know what you think!

Anyways, cheers!