And now onward, to chapter six! I hope you all enjoy it!
Please review! I love to read them all! Each one matters! Thank you!
Disclaimer: I don't own "The Hunger Games" or "Naruto," they belong to their respective owners.
Collapsing Views
Both 17-year-old teens were snuggling into one another as they slept. They were currently in Naruto's house and lying in bed.
It took a while before Naruto awoke and groggily opened his eyes.
Waking up, he also shook Katniss awake. She rubbed her eyes and assessed the situation, calming down after seeing her fiance's face.
"Good morning sweetheart," he teased.
She just kissed him.
The two then lay there in comfortable silence, lost in their thoughts. The uprising in District Eight had been on Katniss's mind for some time now.
Katniss hadn't thought a rebellion was even remotely possible before, now, she wasn't so sure. The Capitol just seemed so absolute in its power.
However, the uprising in District Eight only confirmed her thoughts that some people were trying to cause an uprising.
Thinking it over, she turned over to look at Naruto who had his eyes closed, "Ruto… what would you say if I wanted to run away from everything? Just pack up and leave this all away?…"
Surprised at hearing this, Naruto cracked open his eyes, "I would love to… but why? What about your family? Haymitch?…"
"They could come with us… I just don't think it's safe here anymore…"
Not used to his girlfriend looking so meek, he kissed her on her head. "Is there something you want to tell me?"
She shook her head, "Just some thoughts I've been having lately…"
Seeing that she didn't want to talk about it any longer, Naruto decided to change the topic, "Are you ready for our wedding shoot?"
Both victors were going to be having a photo shoot for their engagement. Katniss would be having her photos taken while Naruto would be prepped separately. Their photo shoot was supposed to take place in a few days.
Katniss nodded in content, happy to share these moments with her partner.
"Well, how about we go into town today and see if we can't buy anything for our shoot? I'm thinking maybe some accessories, makeup, anything you might want?"
"Are you offering a shopping trip for a girl? You know that's dangerous for your wallet, right?"
Naruto laughed, "I don't mind. I have enough money… just don't go overboard or I'll have to stick with sandwiches for the next month."
Getting dressed into clothes that would be better suited for going out, both victors walked out of the house. Naruto made sure to lock his house behind him when they left.
As they walked into the District, Katniss leaned her head onto Naruto's shoulder. They were truly in love and tried to survive this cruel world together.
Coming into town, both individuals noticed it was rather quiet. Vendors were not at their booths nor were the customers. It seemed empty around the town.
Looking further down, they both noticed a crowd assembled around the main square. As they got closer, they heard sounds of pain and shouting.
Locking hands so they wouldn't be lost in the crowd, they pushed to the front and were greeted with a grim sight.
There, in the center of the town square, was a shirtless Gale hunched over. He was on his knees and his hands were strapped to a wooden pole. His back showed countless gashes that were bleeding.
The person inflicting the pain was the new Head Peacekeeper of District Twelve. He was holding up a long, black whip that had flecks of blood on the tip. He held a face of fury.
"Oh fuck…" Naruto thought in surprise at seeing Katniss's friend in distress. He still had no idea that Gale had kissed his fiance, otherwise, he may have not had the same reaction. For all he knew, they were still close.
Glancing over to the right, he also notched a turkey nailed to another wooden pole. It was clear that Gale was being punished for hunting illegally.
"Gale…" Katniss thought in surprise, seeing one of her friends being tormented.
This kind of punishment would normally never happen, but due to Snow trying to quell any signs of a rebellion, increased security was not lax in their punishments.
Not standing for such an unruly sight, Naruto rushed forward, breaking free from the crowd. He ran towards both individuals.
Seeing her fiance rush forward, Katniss also joined in, not wanting him to be alone.
Naruto arrived first on the scene. With arms raised to the side, he stood behind Gale, essentially shielding the man.
"That's enough commander," Naruto barked out, "He's had his fair share of punishment."
Based on Naruto's guess, it looked like Gale had been whipped at least twenty times.
"And who are YOU to decide what I can and can't do?" Shouted back the Peacekeeper with a snarl.
Katniss then arrived, standing beside her fiance with a fierce look.
"Begin unstrapping him," whispered Naruto to his partner. Looking torn between doing it or doing nothing, Katniss decided to unstrap Gale.
The Head Peacekeeper then lowered his whip and pulled out a small handgun from his waist. He aimed it directly into Naruto's head.
"You will do no such thing unless you both want to die for interfering in a Peacekeeper's justice."
At this point, Haymitch emerged from the crowd. He had been in the crowd while all of this was happening.
"Hey, hey, hey," Haymitch said while appearing on the spot.
The Peacekeeper aimed his gun at Haymitch.
"Let's not do anything rash commander," Haymitch spoke, "They weren't trying to stop a Peacekeeper's justice, they were just looking out for one of their friends. Besides, you got a few good licks in, can't we call it fair?"
"NO!" He shouted back, "They deserve to face my wrath for interfering,"
"Don't you recognize them commander?" Haymitch asked while keeping his hands up, "They're the sweethearts of the capitol. Katniss Everdeen and Naruto Uzumaki, both darlings of the people."
"I don't care who they are!" the Peacekeeper yelled, spittle flying out of his mouth.
"But the people will, they'll care if their sweethearts are murdered. Do you want that political pressure on your shoulders? President Snow may even personally pay you a visit for killing the most recent victors of the Hunger Games."
All heads turned to see a new voice enter the argument. It was Naruto's personal teacher and mentor, Edwin.
"Ed!" Naruto thought in surprise, not expecting to see the man here.
The commander chuckled at the sight of the man, "So they have you here now, huh Edwin? How the mighty have fallen. Looks like you've been reduced to this cesspool of a District."
"Let's just say I chose to stay here and leave it at that, Thread."
It looked like both men had a history with each other.
Seeing that everybody's eyes were on him, the head Peacekeeper turned to Naruto. Slowly placing his firearm away, he spoke loud enough so everybody could hear him.
"CLEAR THE AREA! YOU ARE ALL OFFICIALLY UNDER CURFEW! ANYBODY CAUGHT WILL BE EXECUTED ON THE SPOT!" Shouted out Thread with a red face.
Thread then looked into Naruto's eyes, "Consider yourself lucky boy, you just happened to make friends in the right places. Otherwise, there would be a bullet in your skull right now."
The man then turned and walked out, rounding up the rest of the Peacekeepers. They had order to keep in District Twelve after all.
"Thanks Ed, you saved my ass… again," chuckled the blonde.
Edwin laughed, "I can't keep doing that kid, just be careful out there. It's getting more and more crowded here lately with Peacekeepers. My connections can only last for so long."
The history between both men did surprise Naruto as he wanted to ask about it but kept the thought stored away for now.
Giving the blonde a squeeze on the shoulder, Edwin disappeared into the crowd. He had a few errands to run before the District was on lockdown.
Turning around, the blonde saw Katniss struggling to hold up Gale's body. It looked like the man had passed out during his lashing session.
Putting one arm over his shoulder, Haymitch helped by supporting the other.
"Where do we take him?" Naruto asked.
Katniss bit her lip, conflicted on what to do. After some time, she spoke, "Let's take him to my mother, she's good with treating wounds. She can help."
Nodding their heads, Naruto and Haymitch escorted the unconscious Gale to Katniss's house. After some time, they had arrived.
Opening the door for the men, Katniss stood aside as they placed him onto the nearby couch.
Coming into the room at all the commotion, Katniss's mother was shocked at the sight.
"We need your help, Mrs. Everdeen, please," Commented Naruto while looking at the mother of two, "Gale's hurt pretty bad."
Looking over the boy, Katniss's mother responded. "Please bring me my sowing kit, alcohol for sterilization, bandages, a bowl of warm water, and a towel."
Katniss then went in search of the items in the house, determined to help her mother.
Naruto, Haymitch, and Katniss were upstairs as they awaited Gale's recovery. Currently, Katniss's mother is treating him with the help of Prim.
The three were talking as they waited for Gale to wake up.
"I can't believe it," Naruto shook his head as he sat next to his fiance, "Why is the Capitol so fierce lately? First, they executed those poor people in the Districts on our tour and now they're cracking down on us. What did we do?"
Haymitch answered, "I'm not sure, but we need to find out soon. Things are getting dangerous."
Katniss stayed silent.
"Anyways, I'm going to head out and speak with Ed. I want to thank him for bailing us out earlier."
Naruto then gave a kiss to Katniss before getting up and making his way out of the room. He clicked the door behind them before walking downstairs.
As Naruto walked down the stairs, he noticed Gale's form. He was slowly breathing as indicated by his chest rising and falling.
Katniss's mother was feveriously patching up what she could, while also grabbing some painkillers. Prim was right by her side, helping along each step of the way.
Hearing footsteps coming down the stairs, they both looked over.
"Ah Naruto," Said Katniss's mother, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing at all," Naruto waved off, "I'm just going out for a bit. I'll be back soon."
Walking past the three of them, Naruto could only look at Gale's form. "Damn, I couldn't imagine going through that…" he grimaced.
As he walked out the front door, he instantly felt the cool of the night. The air was prickling his skin from the temperature dropping.
"Okay," Naruto thought while walking back inside, "I am wearing my coat."
Naruto had left his coat in the room with Katniss and Haymitch earlier. He didn't think the temperature would drop so rapidly in such a short amount of time.
"Something the matter, hun?" Mrs. Everdeen said while pausing her movements. She had come to love Naruto like another son, due to his closeness with her daughter. Their engagement was just another reason for him to become part of the family to her.
"Nothing Mrs. Everdeen," Naruto began, "Just forgot my coat, I'll be gone soon."
Walking back up the stairs, Naruto placed his hand on the doorknob. Just before he could turn it, he heard something that caught his ears.
"-the rebellions are getting out of hand. First, it was District Eleven, then Eight, and now more people are revolting. They're even using the Mockingjay symbol to symbolize the resistance." Katniss said on the other side of the door.
"Rebellions? They're… rebelling?" Naruto thought in confusion, "… is that why… those people died back on tour?"
Images flashed in his mind of the old man and others dying when they were on their victory tour. The people taken away and executed all made sense now.
"And Kat… knew about this? Why would she hide this from me?"
Naruto's stomach was turning at these revelations.
It all made sense in his mind now. The reason security was being buffed in each District was because people were rebelling. A revolt was on the horizon… and he had been blinded by his love to notice any of it.
"Has Snow made any more visits?" Haymitch could be heard saying.
"What? What is going on?.." Naruto felt like his world was spinning, "Why are they both keeping so much from me?"
First, it was Katniss keeping information, now apparently Haymitch was in on it too. How long had both of them been hiding secrets?
His grip on the doorknob tightened.
"No," Katniss responded, "He came up to me at the mansion to tell me he wasn't convinced my love was pure, but that was about it."
Now Naruto was getting in his head at hearing everything. Snow was visiting with Katniss privately and told him nothing about it. It seemed like Snow was making Katniss prove to the world their love was genuine.
"Does she not…love me? Is this all for appearances?…" Naruto hoped that wasn't the answer, but he didn't know what to believe at this point.
Was his marriage false as well? Was it all built on a lie?
"The marriage wasn't enough?" Haymitch asked.
"It wasn't."
Now he felt shattered, hollow, and betrayed at this. It seemed like his love was being manipulated from the start.
Hearing enough, Naruto busted through the door with a betrayed expression.
"So was any of it true?"
Katniss and Haymitch were startled at the sudden entrance.
"Huh?" Katniss asked, genuinely curious.
"Was any of it true? I heard everything through the door."
This made Katniss's stomach drop and for Haymitch to get a solemn expression.
Naruto directed his anger towards Katniss first, "Did you ever love me? Or was it all for the cameras?"
She pleaded her case, "I do love you! That's why I agreed to marry you!"
"But it wasn't 'enough,' right?" Naruto said sarcastically with raised fingers, quoting what she said earlier.
"No, that's not what I meant!" Katniss cried out, "Please, let me explain!"
"Then explain," Naruto said with his gaze locked.
"...He's never looked at me like that before…" Katniss pondered, "… I never realized how much love he looks at me with…"
She would need to explain thoroughly if she didn't want to lose her fiance.
Katniss then let out her feelings, "Snow visited me personally, before our Victory Tour. He told me some people saw my act of risking my life with you at the end of the Hunger Games as rebellious. Because of this, he needed me to convince the other districts that our love was true and not an act of defiance."
She let it all out, no longer wanting the burden of keeping this secret from her partner.
"And you didn't tell me any of this? Why?" Naruto said with a firm stare.
"Because I didn't want to risk you being hurt, Snow threatened to hurt anybody I loved if I didn't convince him. I didn't know what to do…"
Naruto then shook his head, "So all the times I asked if everything was alright and you said no, you lied to me?"
"Not to hurt you, I swear!" Katniss cried out in her defense.
"Kat… people died because I didn't know any of this, people I tried to speak out for on tour died. I donated my monthly winnings to District Eleven, do you know how that looks with the information you've given me? The information that rebellions were breaking out?"
Katniss avoided his gaze by looking at the floor, not having a rebuttal at the moment.
The room was then filled with a hollow chuckle by Naruto, "So none of it was real then? The marriage was for appearances and the love was to cover up the act of defiance? Was that it?"
Katniss shook her head adamantly, "NO! I do love you! I grew to love you after seeing your kindness, your smile, your warmth, and your love!"
"….But none of it was enough for you to tell me the truth this entire time?…"
Katniss choked her words in her throat, not knowing what to say.
Naruto then directed his gaze to Haymitch, "And what about you, huh? Putting the idea of marrying Katniss when we reached the Capitol. You were in on this, happy to keep up the image?"
Haymitch just looked away in shame. That was all the answer Naruto needed.
Naruto's hair covered his eyes as he gave a sad smile, "What a fucking joke, I gave my father's ring to a girl that doesn't even love me."
Giving up on talking to both individuals, Naruto grabbed his coat roughly from the rack it was on and yanked it. A small black tape then rattled on the ground, falling out of the coat's pocket.
However, Naruto didn't hear this as he was already making his way down the stairs and out of the house.
"Did I let my love for Katniss blind me to the world? Did my adoration for her blind me to the suffering happening around me?" Naruto thought while rushing out of the home.
Hearing the front door shut, Haymitch and Katniss could only look at each other in silence.
It was Haymitch who spoke first, "You know what the worst thing about that was?"
Katniss didn't answer.
"I liked him better."
The times that Naruto visited Haymitch due to both occupants having nobody home was plentiful. Whether it was to hang out, socialize, or just be a friend, Naruto visited him much more than Katniss ever did.
And how did he repay his kindness? By plotting behind his back of course.
Naruto softly knocked on Edwin's door, hoping the man was home. Luckily, at least something was going Naruto's way today as Edwin opened the door.
"Hey kid," Edwin said with a smile before it turned into a frown, "What's wrong?"
Edwin could tell that something was bothering Naruto.
"Nothing for now," Naruto said softly, not quite reaching Edwin's eyes, "Can I come in?"
"Yeah, sure thing," Edwin moved to the side. Both individuals then walked inside and sat on Edwin's dining room table.
"I came to say thank you, for today. You saved my ass back there with the Peacekeeper."
"Oh, that?" Edwin laughed, "Don't worry too much about that."
The two slowly leaned into a conversation, however, Edwin could tell that something was wrong with the normally cheerful blonde. It was unlike the kid to go so long with a sad look in his eyes.
The day turned to night as both got lost in conversation. At some point, Edwin had made them both some hot coffee.
"So Ed," Naruto said while looking around his house, "How come I never see any family photos?"
Edwin then gained a pained expression on his face. "It's a long story kid, one that's painful."
Naruto nodded his head, "I understand if you don't want to talk about it."
After thinking it over, Edwin shook his head, "Actually, I think it's best if I talk about it. It's been long since it's happened, I'll be fine."
Setting his coffee down, Edwin stretched before begging his story.
"Back when I was in my early twenties, I joined the Peacekeeper program. I was from District Two and joined the academy we had at the time. I was able to pass the test given and joined as a Private."
Realizing he was about to get the full background of his mentor, Naruto keyed in.
"After a few months of being a Private, I was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. A few months after that, I was promoted to Major. You could say I was rising quickly in the ranks."
Edwin then chuckled, "I even managed to pass the officer candidate test they had. But my real goal was becoming the Head Peacekeeper of my District. I had yearned for that rank since I was a young kid and I was almost there."
Edwin then leaned back in his chair, "That was until I met a woman named Anabel, she would later become my wife." Edwin smiled at that memory.
"How did you meet her?" Naruto asked curiously.
"It was actually after I had taken my officer candidate test, she was part of the examining staff. I thought she was beautiful with her auburn hair, so I took her out on a date. She declined of course, but I kept trying. Eventually, she gave the fool a chance."
Edwin then smiled thinking about the woman, "I called her Ana for short. She hated it, but I loved it. I always thought her name was pretty."
"Did you become Head Peacekeeper?" Naruto said while crossing his arms.
Edwin shook his head, "I didn't. It was surreal at the time, but I abandoned my goal to become Head Peacekeeper after getting serious with Ana. She was my everything, the light of my life."
"Wow… they were truly in love…" Naruto remarked at seeing his mentor smile at the memory.
"That's actually about the time I met Thread. Back then, he was just aiming for the position like I was, but I gave up on it. I don't know if he ever got it, but I didn't care. We butted heads for a while fighting over it until my focus shifted to Ana."
Edwin then scratched his wrist. "I didn't realize the power of a woman at the time, but love can make you do strange things."
"...Strange things… huh…" Naruto pondered.
"We got married a few years after we began dating. A few more years after that, we had two sweet children. A boy and a girl, aged five and two respectively… it was beautiful…" Edwin said.
"…what were their names?" Naruto whispered back, seeing his mentor emotional.
Edwin answered, "Our son was named Alexander and our daughter was named Celestina. They had their mother's hair but my personality. For a while, we were a happy family. My income alone could support us comfortably."
"Then...then…" Edwin clenched his jaw, "I came home one day to find President Snow in my house. He had multiple guards around him. When I arrived, Ana was tied up in a chair. She had been beaten and bruised. Our kids were already dead on the floor."
Naruto could only gasp in shock at what he was hearing. This was sickening to hear.
Edwin then let out a few tear droplets, "He then killed Ana in front of me. He left her alive long enough until I returned home so I could see her die."
"...why did he do that?…" Naruto said softly.
"When you become a Peacekeeper, even at just the Private level, you take an oath. Part of that oath explains that we're not allowed to have spouses or children for twenty years minimum, explaining that we should have no other loyalty but to the Capitol…" Edwin's smile turned sad, "And for that, Ana was killed. Alexander was killed… and Celestina was killed."
"…Ed…" Naruto thought in sadness, looking at his mentor's emotional state.
"Snow then gave me an ultimatum. Either I could go to District Twelve and live the rest of my days here, or I could kill myself." Edwin chuckled, "Wasn't a choice, but nothing ever is with the Capitol."
"So I'm guessing you chose to come here?"
Edwin nodded, "I did, but it was so hard. I wanted to give up and die, knowing I would see my family once more… but I couldn't. I couldn't face them in the afterlife and tell them I had given up. It wouldn't due for me to end my life."
Coughing to clear up his voice from cracking, Edwin continued, "So then I came here as a bitter man. I hated life and everything in it. Without my family, I was a broken shell of a man."
Edwin then looked at Naruto, "Or at least I was until I met your parents."
Naruto perked up at this.
"Your father came to my house one day and explained he knew who I was. He was a top-level researcher for the Capitol. He focused on transportation technology and biology. It was his time studying and working at the Capitol which is when he met your mother."
"Wait," Naruto said with surprise, "My mother's from the Capitol?"
Edwin nodded, "She was, her vibrant red hair was a trait from her family line but it helped her blend in with the crowd there. Her family built a massive wealth around selling luxury items such as jewelry and clothes."
"Was she a quiet person?" Naruto asked while imagining how his mother was.
Edwin snorted at this, "She was the farthest thing from it. She was loud, brash, and stubborn. But I guess it was these traits that attracted Minato to her in the first place."
"So why did they leave? Why come to District Twelve?" Naruto asked.
"Minato became an enemy of the Capitol. He believed that knowledge should be shared without a price, but his superiors didn't agree. He was condemned for trying to help others at no cost. Similar to how you are, kid."
Naruto wondered how his parents acted together, being young and in love.
"After being declared a public enemy with a kill-on-sight bounty, Minato left the Capitol to come here. He used his connections in transportation to get here undetected. However, his girlfriend at the time, your mother, decided to come with him. Because of this, her family disowned her and cut off contact, but she didn't care."
"Wow…" Naruto pondered as he realized his parents held more history together than previously thought.
"It's for this reason you carry your mother's last name, not your father's. He didn't want anybody coming after his son for sharing his blood. A few months after arriving here, they married in secret."
"So how did you all meet?"
"Minato came to my house when he first arrived because he heard about my punishment from some loose lips in the Capitol. He came to say his condolences one day and offered to talk about the mistreatment of the Capitol over some beers. A few months later we became best friends…"
Edwin then looked into Naruto's eyes, "Then you came along years after that. Kushina said she was excited throughout her whole pregnancy with you. They both loved you before you were even born."
Not being able to hold it in, Naruto let a few tears out at this information.
"Then, your mother passed and soon your father took a job working in the coal mines. I didn't want to distract Minato from raising his kid, so we didn't speak for a while. But it didn't mean we were any less friends. Then he gave me his wedding ring and told me to reserve it for you should anything happen to him."
Finally being caught up, Edwin let out a deep breath he was holding in.
"You know what, Ed?" Naruto said while looking at his mentor, "I think my Dad would be proud of you. You raised me since I was young and helped me when I needed it. You're a good man… despite being an ass sometimes."
Edwin laughed, it wouldn't be Naruto if he didn't involve some kind of insult in a compliment.
"And I think your kids and late wife would also be proud of the man you've become," Naruto said softly.
Holding back tears, Edwin smiled, "Thanks, kid."
Naruto then thought about the things that Ed went through. Having his family killed was devastating. Then when he made new friends, they too were eventually killed.
"How did you do it, Ed?" Naruto spoke with a confused expression, "How did you get through it all?"
Edwin responded with something that Naruto would keep close to him forever.
"I endured."
Katniss fiddled around with a small black square in her hands. After Naruto had left the room, Haymitch decided to go downstairs and help her mother with Gael to cool down.
It was very difficult for the Girl on Fire to see her partner in such a distressed state. The betrayed look he held kept appearing in her mind, reminding her of the damage she had caused.
The little black square had fallen out of Naruto's coat when he left. It took her a few seconds before she realized it was a hologram disc. Going into the other room, she grabbed her hologram player. As a victor, she was given one in her victory supplies after winning the Games. Katniss assumed this is how Naruto recorded his own as well.
She rarely used it, so it took her some time to find it in the back of her closet. Once she did, however, she dusted it off and slipped in the disc. It popped in with a soft click and Katniss set the device on the desk in front of her.
Buzzing alight, Katniss sat down and let the hologram play in front of her.
"Is this thing on?" The first thing she saw was Naruto's shirt, as he was directly in front of the device. After checking the screen a few times, he paced backward.
Katniss could see he was recording this outside on a sunny day. Birds were chirping in the background and the wind gave a soft hum.
As for Naruto, he had a wide grin with his jewel necklace dangling in front of him. He also had his acoustic guitar strapped around his shoulder.
Sitting down in a rocking chair, Naruto looked into the camera with a smile.
"Hey, Kat!" Naruto said with a cheery tone, "If you're seeing this, then hopefully it isn't until our wedding. This should be playing in front of our guests… so…"
Naruto then waved to the camera, "Thanks to everyone for coming!"
Katniss swallowed the lump of sadness in her throat.
"Anyways," Naruto coughed into his hand, "I wanted to share this special song I wrote for the girl I love. I've been practicing for a while now and I hope you like it, Kat."
Clearing his throat, Naruto began strumming his guitar and waited a few moments before he sang.
"I met a girl that wasn't after my heart
And when we laughed, I could tell it was hard
To keep up your strength and your guard
With a look that was scarred
But then we began to run
Through fire, forest, or mud
You looked free with a smile on your face
So we turned and made it our place
And it was all worth it to me
Because you're the girl of my dreams
Everywhere we go, I know
I can look at you with hope
The girl on fire set the spark in my life
To bring me joy and my light
I know that no matter what
I can smile at my wife
And it was all worth it to me
Because you're the girl of my dreams
Everywhere we go, I know
I can look at you with hope
When I placed the ring on your finger
I embraced my beautiful singer
Once we finished our hug, I said
Thank you for letting me love"
Naruto then slowly strummed the guitar until he was done singing.
"I hope you enjoyed that Kat. And thank you for making me the luckiest guy in the world, thank you for letting me love, darling."
With that being over, the hologram cut out as soon as Naruto stood up to cut the connection.
"…." Katniss sat in silence after the hologram was over, with constant tears running down her face. She couldn't believe the blonde finished the song he wanted to show her already, and planned to play it at their wedding.
It was all too much for the girl.
Reaching over, she ejected the disc from the device and thumbed the drive. Placing it into the inner pocket of her coat, Katniss decided to keep it. It meant a lot to her.
It was a reminder of what she had. A motivator to get things right between them.
A raging blizzard reigned outside for the last few days. This left Katniss, Prim, Mrs. Everdeen, Gale, and Haymitch locked in. However, Mrs. Everdeen didn't mind providing shelter or food to the occupants as they had plenty of both.
In those days, Gale had occasionally woken up only to pass out once more. He never stayed awake for more than a few minutes.
Naruto never returned from his outing, making Katniss believe he was still with Edwin. She hoped he stayed there because otherwise, it would mean he walked home. It was a fifteen-minute walk without a raging blizzard, so she knew it could be very dangerous.
Katniss shook her head at the thoughts, she couldn't ponder on 'what-ifs' all day.
Currently, Haymitch and Katniss were discussing while drinking the hot tea that Mrs. Everdeen had prepared. It wasn't alcohol which Haymitch preferred, but it would have to do for now.
Prim and Mrs. Everdeen were in the kitchen, preparing dinner.
"Haymitch," Katniss said in a low tone, "I wanted to tell you something."
Haymitch looked over at Katniss with sad eyes. The girl wasn't sleeping well if the dark rings under her eyes were anything to go by. It also didn't help that the visions of the arena were popping up more often for Katniss lately, likely due to not having Naruto there to comfort her.
"What is it?" he asked.
Katniss set down her tea and said what was on her mind, "I want to rebel, I want to cause an uprising."
Haymitch nearly spit out his tea, "WHAT! Are you crazy?"
Katniss shook her head, "No, I've had enough of the Capitol. I've been thinking about it hard lately. They've done too much, they've gone too far."
"What brought this on?" Haymitch said with a deep sigh.
"Look around us," Katniss said, "In our District alone, they're trying to control us. Peacekeepers are armed with machine guns on rooftops, whipping posts are set up, they're even constructing a gallows Haymitch!" she shouted out.
Haymitch could only sit there, knowing that everything Katniss was saying was true.
"When is enough, enough?" Katniss asked, "Because I think the other Districts have already had enough. District Eleven tried to rebel, District Eight is currently rebelling. The Capitol is losing its power, the dynamic is shifting."
"Is this because of Snow?" Haymitch said.
Katniss didn't lie, "Part of it, yes. He's directly threatened my loved ones too many times, for a rebellion I didn't even mean to start. But if he wants a target, fine, let's give him one."
"Careful Katniss," Haymitch warned, "You don't know what you're asking for."
"I do know what I'm asking for, I'm asking for a world where parents don't have to outlive their children. I'm asking for a world where kids don't have to kill each other for some sick entertainment. I want there to be little girls who can focus on being little girls."
"And you're willing to risk war for that?"
"Can't you see Haymitch? We're already at war."
"What about the innocents, Katniss?"
"The innocents are already being killed, I think it's about time we give them a side to fight for."
Haymitch rubbed his face with his hands, he wasn't used to Katniss being so proactive about this. Not too long ago, she was doing everything in her power to please President Snow. He guessed Naruto walking out was the final straw that she could endure.
"And what about Naruto? Where does he fit into all this, hmm?" Haymitch asked.
This is when Katniss gains a soft look, "I want to be with him, even if he doesn't want me anymore. I screwed up, but I want to fix things."
Haymitch raised an eyebrow, "You didn't answer my question."
Katniss sighed, "I don't want to involve him, but I'm not keeping any more secrets either. It's done too much harm. I'll tell him what I think and see where it goes from there…"
Haymitch then stood up as he prepared to leave the room, wanting to be done with the conversation, "Well I hope for your sake, you both patch things up. I also have to apologize for my part in the whole thing."
Walking towards the door, Haymitch said his final remarks, "I hope you both work out in the end, that boy has ever looked at you with pure love."
Katniss hoped too.
A crate of wedding dresses came in a few days later. The blizzard had calmed down enough for shipments to be received and some people were walking around the town square. It was still heavy snow and high winds, but it was more manageable than before.
Gale had woken up sometime during her conversation with Haymitch and said how he wanted 'in' on the rebellion. She left Haymitch to speak with him, not being able to look at him.
Once he was healthy enough, Haymitch escorted Gale home to his welcoming family. Thankfully, Gale wasn't in any trouble for missing work due to the coal mines being shut down temporarily by the Peacekeepers.
"Oh my, would you look at these!" Effie cheered in Katniss's bedroom. It was her, Cinna, and Haymitch that stood around the crate.
Her prep team had arrived hours earlier as they were preparing for her photo shoot. It was an uneasy feeling for Katniss, given that she was currently in a bad spot in her relationship.
"I am starving for some seafood!" said Flavius, who was a part of Katniss's prep team. "I haven't had any in weeks!"
Now normally Katniss wouldn't care about such a comment, but this was different. The revolt in District Eight may have leaked into other Districts, which could mean other Districts were following their footsteps.
"Seafood… that's… District Four!" she thought as she finally remembered where it came from.
In her mind, District Four may have just joined the rebellion alongside District Eight. It was a stretch for sure given that she had no other information to go off of, but it was a start.
"Hmmm…" Cinna thought aloud while inspecting a dress in the crate, "This one looks nice, it has potential…"
"It does, doesn't it!" Effie cheered on.
"Right, photo shoot first…" Katniss thought, putting the rebellion to the side for now.
"And where's Naruto? Usually, the boy is glued to you at the hip!" Effie joked while looking at Katniss.
Katniss answered with a nervous smile, "We're just in a little bump right now."
"Oh dear," Effie said with a frown, "I'm sorry to hear that. But if I know you both well enough, you'll be right as rain soon enough!"
Katniss nodded while trying to put on a smile.
"Alright people, let's get to work!" Cinna clapped. The prep team then took Katniss into her bathroom to get her ready.
A few hours later, personal photographers from the Capitol arrived. They were only going to be in the victor village for the night and head back in the morning.
"Are we ready?" Asked one photographer while the other was adjusting their camera.
They were in Katniss's living room, getting ready to head out.
"We are," Cinna responded.
Nodding, the group walked out. As they exited the house, Katniss asked a question that was burning in her mind, "What about Naruto? Are we doing this shoot together?"
The photographer shook their head, "No, we'll just edit the both of you later on. But both shoots will happen separately."
This saddened the girl on fire, she was missing her partner. She had already gone many days without seeing him and it was worrying her.
They posed Katniss in certain positions around Victor Village. Some light snow was still falling so it added to enhance the photos. After they were done, both photographers packed up their gear and left.
It was a rather quick affair.
The following morning was normal for Katniss, that was until she heard a knocking at her door. Feeling excited in case it was Naruto, she rushed downstairs and flung the door open, only to see Haymitch there.
"Hey kid," Haymitch said, "Can I come in?"
"Oh yeah! Sure," Katniss sputtered out, moving to the side.
After closing her front door, both individuals walked to Katniss's dining room table to talk.
Sitting down, Katniss spoke, "Have you heard anything from Naruto yet?"
Haymitch shook his head, "Nothing. I haven't gotten any visits, updates, or whereabouts of where he's at."
Katniss bit her lip at hearing this, starting to get worried for her partner.
Haymitch stretched his arms out, "Either way, I was here because I did manage to hear some interesting things through the grapevine."
"And that is?"
"Two more Districts may have rebelled."
This shocked Katniss, it seemed a rebellion was forming among the Districts.
"I was also thinking about supporting these uprisings forming and…" Haymitch paused, "… I think I'd like to join. I have my gripes with the Capitol, and they've made life a living hell for thousands."
Katniss smiled, "Thank you, Haymitch. It means a lot for you to be on my side."
Haymitch nodded. "But if we're to rebel," he began, "We need the entire District to get in on it. Otherwise, we'll suffer the same fate as District Thirteen."
The next few hours were spent talking about the rebellion, throwing ideas around, and speaking their minds.
However, Naruto's whereabouts were also in the back of Katniss's mind.
Later that night, Katniss sat on the couch with her family. They were awaiting Snow's announcement for this year's Quarter Quell.
Every twenty-five years, a special Hunger Games would occur that would have a certain stipulation. In the first Quarter Quell, the condition was that people were voted into the arena.
In the second Quarter Quell, the tributes would be doubled in each District. This was the same Hunger Games that Haymitch had won.
Now, it was time to see how the third one would play out.
Snow's image flashed in front of Katniss, seeing his hologram play out. He stood in front of a crowd full of thousands of people. Snow was smiling and looked to be especially happy for this day.
"Greetings, citizens of Panem," Snow began, "I am proud to present our seventy-fifth annual Hunger Games."
The citizens in the Capitol roared on.
"It was written when the Games first began, that we would have a Quarter Quell every twenty-five years. This was meant to remind each future generation of the atrocities committed by their ancestors as well as to remind them of the failed rebellion against the Capitol."
Katniss scoffed, already tired of Snow's speech.
"Each Quarter Quell contains a special significance, and now, we celebrate our third Quarter Quell." Snow then pulled out a note card, "On this seventy-fifth anniversary of the rebellion's defeat, we present our stipulation."
Ready to hear how this would play out, Katniss, Prim, and Mrs. Everdeen leaned forward in their seats.
Snow cleared his throat while reading from his note card, "As a reminder that nobody, even the strongest, can overcome the Capitol's might, we announce the following. For this year's Quarter Quell, the tributes are to be selected from each District's existing pool of victors."
Suddenly, the world started spinning for Katniss. The rest of Snow's speech was zoned out for a minute. When she could hear again, the first noise she heard was her mother's choked sobs.
Looking dazed and confused, Katniss paced out of her house. Soon her walk turned into a sprint. She ran and ran, and ran some more.
Flashes of Cato, Glimmer, Clove, and Rue's memory popped into her mind. She could only think of the trauma she had to endure at the last Hunger Games.
Eventually, Katniss made her way past the fence that surrounded her District. Even with increased security, nobody noticed her exit.
Katniss ran until she eventually reached a spot that gave her some comfort. It was the spot that she and Naruto would regularly visit on their hunts.
Catching herself on a tree, Katniss began to cry silently. She couldn't go back into the Games, not again. The memories of past tributes already haunted her, she couldn't have more of that on her conscious.
"I can't do this… I can't do this…" Katniss internally freaked out while leaning on a tree, "… what was I thinking with this rebellion plan? I can't do any of this…"
The world was spinning rapidly for the girl. She was near having a full mental breakdown and panic attack.
It was not long before Katniss heard a familiar voice.
"Hey, Kat…looks like you made your way here too, huh?"
Turning to her side, Katniss saw a disheartened Naruto looking at her. His eyes no longer held betrayal, but they didn't exactly hold the love it once had.
Not caring for any of her previous thoughts, Katniss rushed and jumped into Naruto's arms. She held him tight and began crying. She didn't realize how hard it was without his comforting warmth being readily available these past few days.
"Shh…shh… it's okay Kat, I'm here…" Naruto softly whispered while holding the sobbing girl.
"I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry," She constantly repeated while tears were streaming down her face, "I'm sorry for hiding secrets, I won't ever do it again. Please, I'm so sorry."
"Kat, it's okay. I understand."
Those were the golden words that Katniss had been waiting to hear for too long. She just sobbed harder into his shirt, not knowing what she did to deserve such a forgiving fiance.
It took her a while before her crying turned into hiccups. Then, those hiccups faded as well.
"Where were you?" Katniss asked meekly, not meeting his eyes.
"I was with Edwin. We talked and I realized that love can sometimes make you do dumb things, even if it goes against logic, just because you love them. It took me a while but I learned to see it from your perspective. I forgive you, Kat." He rubbed her back gently.
"…I don't deserve you…" Katniss whispered back.
Naruto chuckled.
Katniss then looked into Naruto's eyes, "Let's run away together like I brought up that one time. It can just be me and you, gone from this place forever. We don't have to be a part of their sick game anymore."
To her surprise, Naruto shook his head, "We can't think about your family. Think about your friends. I guess… you could also think about Haymitch too," he joked, "They would all be lost without you. Besides, what about your Mockinjay symbol? You've become a symbol for the rebellion, don't you want to help?"
Katniss shook her head, "I did, but after Snow's announcement, I don't care for it anymore. I'm tired of it all, I just want to get away and leave."
Naruto hugged her a little tighter, "We should stay, keep fighting. If we leave now, then Snow knows he wins and everybody who believes in the cause gets punished. I know you probably didn't want this responsibility thrust on you… but now I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere anymore."
Reeling in from his words, Katniss thought that her fiance was right. She needed to stay and see this fight out to the bitter end. The Capitol deserved to go down.
When she was at her lowest, ready to give up on everything… it was her hope that brought her back. The hope that shined through her partner.
Katniss then peeked at him with one eye, "You promise not to go anywhere?"
Naruto smiled back, "I promise."
The two then embraced in the woods, happy to be reunited. A few minutes passed before Katniss spoke once more.
Naruto then got a sad look, "But I do have to ask… did our engagement mean anything to you? Or was it all fake?"
"NO!" Katniss shouted at first before clearing her throat, "N-No, I mean. My reaction was real, I want to be your wife one day. I love you, Naruto."
Hearing the genuine affection in her voice, Naruto decided to give her a quick kiss.
The wind passed them as the couple stood in the middle of the woods.
"So…does that mean we're okay again?"
Naruto laughed and kissed the top of her head, "Yes dear, we're okay again."
Katniss felt like she could take on the world with her fiance by her side. She now realized that he was the only thing keeping her sane in this life.
Katniss eventually made her way into Haymitch's house. After the couple embraced in the woods, they decided to walk home together.
Leaving her at her house for the night, Naruto returned home. He didn't realize that Katniss soon walked back out of her house and headed into Haymitch's.
She needed to ask him something extremely important.
Walking through the front door without asking, Katniss was greeted by a sight of Haymitch being drunk and in his chair.
"Would you look at that," he said, "The girl finally figured out she's heading into the next Hunger Games."
Katniss just sat down in an opposing chair. She then began to speak, "I almost quit trying for the rebellion."
Haymitch's eyes nearly popped out of his head at hearing this. He did not expect those words to come out of the confident Katniss Everdeen.
"So, what changed?" He asked.
"Naruto found me in the woods, I was a mess. He came to me and helped me. He told me he understood where I was coming from in hiding those secrets… and he forgave me."
Haymitch snorted loudly in amusement, "You know you don't deserve that boy, right?"
Katniss nodded in a split second, "I know, which is why I had two favors to ask of you."
"Hmm?" He hummed, "And what is that?"
"I don't care if I die in the arena, I just need Naruto to survive. He's too kind and too caring to die in that place. Please promise me, you'll help him as much as you can. Help him survive and get out of there, even if I die."
"Katniss, I don't know if I-"
"Promise. Me." She started with teary eyes.
Haymitch let out a deep sigh, "Okay. I promise."
Katniss didn't have any delusions about this year's Hunger Games. She knew that last year was a fluke with having two victors. She didn't expect another generous offer of letting more than one victor survive.
"One last thing," She said.
"C'mon, spit it out," Haymitch said while propping his feet on his table.
"If Naruto's name is called, please volunteer in his place."
Now this favor received a lot less resistance from the victor, "That's fine. But I have to warn you, if they call my name and he volunteers, I can't do anything about it."
"Okay," she nodded, "Don't forget, Naruto lives, not me."
Katniss and Naruto spent the next few days making the most of their situation before the Reaping occurred. They laughed, loved, and kissed like they once did.
It took some time, but slowly, Naruto was learning to heal over Katniss keeping secrets from him.
They spent these days polishing their combat skills and training. Naruto spent some private training lessons with Edwin, these were incredibly tough. But, they had to be, they would be fighting against other victors.
Katniss practiced her archery and trap-making skills.
As for Naruto, he polished his throwing knives with accuracy and hand-to-hand combat. He also practiced with his trench knives a lot.
Too soon, each victor was standing on stage. The Reaping this year was rigged, everybody knew it. That's why none of the District Twelve citizens seemed to be in fear, they weren't at risk of being picked.
Naruto and Haymitch stood side by side, while Katniss stood at the other end of the stage.
"Welcome everybody, as we begin the Reaping ceremony for this year's 75th Annual Hunger Games!" Effie said.
She tried her best to keep a smile, but it was faltering if somebody were to take a closer look.
None of the District's citizens made any noise.
Clearing her throat, she began once more, "Let us begin with the ladies first."
Effie then kept her gaze low as she walked over to Katniss. Reaching into the glass bowl, Effie grimaced at seeing only one slip of paper.
Walking back over to the microphone at the center stage, she announced, "And District Twelve's female tribute for the third Quarter Quell goes to… Katniss Everdeen."
Nobody was surprised at the outcome.
This is when Effie truly had a sour look on her face. She lived in the Capitol and grew up there, but even she could see the unfairness of it all. This wasn't right, Katniss had won, they all had. None of them should be forced back into the arena.
It didn't help that she had personal connections to each victor on stage, making it harder for the woman.
"And now… for the men…" She stated while walking to the other end of the stage. Reaching into the bowl, Effie walked back and announced her choice.
"H-Haymitch Abernathy…" She shuttered, closing her eyes in pain. It looked like Haymitch was going to be the tribute this year.
"I volunteer as tribute." Said Naruto, already walking over to Effie's side.
Haymitch placed a hand on his shoulder and stopped him, "What are you doing? You know I can't let you do that," he hissed out.
Naruto turned to look at him, "I belong in that arena Haymitch, not you."
Shrugging off the man's hand, he took his place by Effie's side. As for the woman, she stood there shocked at the events that transpired.
Katniss just kept her gaze straight, into the crowd.
"W-well it seems we have our tributes from District Twelve this year," Effie said while trying to keep a straight face, "Now all we ha-"
She was suddenly interrupted when Naruto of all people, raised his hands in a three-finger salute.
Katniss was stunned at seeing this, not believing that Naruto would show his solidarity after what he had been told. But this was his support, support for her to continue believing in the rebellion.
Following in her fiance's footsteps, Katniss then raised her three-finger salute. Soon, each person in District Twelve raised their hands in support.
"Let's go," barked out Thread, appearing before Katniss. He grabbed her elbow and dragged her away into the train car.
"Wait, wait! I get to say goodbye!" Katniss shouted out.
"Not this year," Thread said with a sick smile, "Things changed."
Naruto was also escorted into the train car by three Peacekeepers. They were all keeping a critical eye on him, waiting to see if he would do anything out of line.
"Katniss! Katniss!" shouted Prim from the crowd.
"Prim!" Katniss yelled before she was dragged around a corner, "PRIM!"
This year's Quarter Quell was going to be interesting.
BOOM! DONE!
I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT SO MUCH IS GOING ON!
And the best part?
I haven't even gotten to my most anticipated part of the story yet. I have so much planned for later on, it's gonna be a blast.
The song is something I put together by the way.
As always, please review! Tell me what you think!
Cheers!