This sadly is the finale of "The Companion". I want to thank everyone who has taken an interest in this story by, reviewing, following, or placing it in their favorites.

Also, I want to thank the awesome fangirl over at everlarkrecs for adding this story to her masterlist there. It means so much to me that you've taken an interest in this story, as well have introduced it to fellow Everlarks. Thanks, sweetie!

Thank you to Wildharp for Beta-ing, and a special shout out to SheepAmongstWolves12 for her incredible commentary.

Notice: There are Violent Situations and Language in this chapter. Please Be A Responsible Reader.

Chapter Thirteen

The sun had fallen by the time he made his way back to the manor, a collision of purple, orange, blue, and pink painted the sky.

Usually this would have taken his breath away, but in this moment he was numb to everything but the overpowering grief and anger that flowed through him.

His legs dragged through the damp field that led to the manor, the same field he had walked her through when she had first come to stay with him.

He remembered the pure expression of awe she wore when laying eyes on the forest for the first time.

Until then he had assumed she was guarded and broken like he had been, but it was in that second of time and space that he realized she possessed more courage and grace than most he knew.

It was that grace that had won him over, both as a boy and a man.

Peeta reached up, massaging his sore throat with a soft hand until some of the tightness wore off.

He had cried out for her till his lungs bled, lying on the ground as a Peacekeeper attempted to use violence to quiet him.

Peeta was aware of how weak he seemed to the other men, as he wallowed on the floor, beaten and bloodied as his cries echoed off the stone walls of the hall.

His side ached from the repeated boot kicks to his ribs, there was even a second when he debated if a rib had been cracked, however his concern wasn't for his well being but for the girl beyond the barrier of the sleek glass door.

He had felt true despair gripping onto him, Peeta had assumed he was familiar with such a feeling, but this was the first time in his life that he knew what actual loss was.

It wasn't long until the guards grew tired of him, their knuckles red and soar from assaulting him, each one of his arms was taken dragging him down the hall, Peeta kicked and yelled out, but the Peacekeepers kept a tight hold on him even with all his refusal.

In his bought of blind desperation, Peeta had a second of clarity as he turned his head to the side where the stone walls had blended into glass that bounced his reflection to him.

His hair was now pressed to his face, the mixture of sweat and blood plastering it there, the blonde strands only caused the swelling welts on his cheeks to be more noticeable.

Peeta took in a sharp breath at his appearance, broken and hollow as his legs dragged the ground, this was what being lost was.

His shoulders slumped as the guards pulled him forward, taking him to the waiting train.

Peeta hardly remembered the trip back to the district, scenery passing by like a dream, his reality was now a world he felt separated from, where all that waited for him were painful memories, that would taunt him effortlessly.

When the train finally stopped, he sat there motionless staring out into the empty space, it had taken three attendants to gain his attention, before escorting him from the mode of transportation.

He could hear their short sighted remarks regarding his appearance, utterly baffled how a young man who seemed to have a grasp of propriety and class would lower himself to the level of a criminal.

Peeta could only imagine how the bruises on his face appeared, he could feel the swelling subsiding but that didn't cause the pain to lessen.

He had begun to walk in the opposite direction of the manor when he noticed that the buildings were more similar to those of the merchant quarter than the ones that were sparsely present on the dirt road leading up to his home.

The remarks by the town's people that were meant to be whispers but instead echoed through the streets, troubled him.

Oh my, what on earth happened to his face?

I heard he was having an affair with a lady of standing in the Capitol.

Really? Because I would have assumed it was that mess of a girl he brought to the district a few weeks ago.

He always was trouble.

It was true that he had always been something of an outcast to the people living in town, but this was the first time he felt separated.

He hadn't noticed how close he was to the manor until his sight fixated on the familiar man standing at the end of the steps.

The sun had finally fallen, causing Peeta's sight to be impaired by the lack of light, but he could still make out Haymitch's face by the porch light.

His pace slowed, ashamed of facing the man who had turned out to be correct in his assumptions.

Peeta had failed at releasing Katniss, something Haymitch told him he would do.

He could only imagine the older man's reaction when he saw the condition his face was in, all battered and bloodied.

Peeta had debated turning towards the woods, it wouldn't be difficult to slip into the dark.

He preferred to grieve about his failure in private, besides the forest made him feel closer to her, and it would be a chance to be with her if only in spirit.

Peeta stepped back a few inches to turn around, when he heard a high pitch whistle, signaling to him that Haymitch was now aware of his presence.

He took in a deep breath before walking forward, the light source spreading over his face.

Haymitch's eyes focused, before he let out a low whistle," Boy, what the hell happened to you?"

Peeta touched the bruise under his eye lightly," A couple of peacekeepers and I had a disagreement, it's safe for you to assume that I lost."

Haymitch reached up to his jaw scratching the hair growth there," Doesn't surprise me that you came back looking like shit," he looked the younger man up and down, taking in his disheveled appearance," I think you may look even worse than I ever did. So how does it feel to fail the only woman you've ever loved?"

Peeta curled his fingers into his palm forming a fist, he could feel his body tense, and all he wanted to do was cause someone pain.

With a low growl, he swung out wildly forcing his entire body into it, however Haymitch had anticipated the boy's rage, leaning back he easily dodged Peeta's strike.

Peeta stumbled forward the force sending him off balance, Haymitch caught him by the elbow, holding him up before he fell flat on his face.

Haymitch shook his head," Kid, if you want to hit me you'll have to do better than that."

Peeta gritted his teeth before replying," Alright," with more than enough force he pushed his elbow up freeing it from Haymitch's grasp to collide with his mouth," How was that?"

Haymitch stumbled back, his hand going to his mouth, as Peeta righted his footing, his fists still ready.

Haymitch turned to the side spitting out a mouthful of blood," That's better. You at least hit me, but it was still a sucker punch," he rubbed his lips with his thumb before bringing it in front of his face to see blood there," What is it kid, you want to hurt me?"

Peeta bore his nails into his palms, his wrists straining," I want to hurt someone, because all I want to cause now is pain."

Haymitch nodded," Alright then, let's see what you got."

Peeta shook his head," No, I don't think so," he unclenched his fists, running a hand through his soiled hair," besides you aren't the one I want to hurt."

Haymitch shrugged, as he rose a brow," Why not," he stepped into Peeta's personal space, before slapping him lightly across the cheek," Can you only strike a man when he's not suspecting it, like a coward?"

Haymitch slapped him once more this time with a bit more force, Peeta's head snapped to the side where he kept it turned when he ground out his reply," Stop it, Haymitch," Peeta let out a low gasp when the other side of his face was struck, sending his sight back in Haymitch's direction," I said stop!"

Haymitch shook his head before extending his arm to strike the younger man once more," Why don't you stop bitching like a woman and stop me yourself."

Peeta caught his forearm in midair, grasping Haymitch's arm with a firm grip, his blue eyes shining bright in the darkness.

However ,Haymitch was much more skilled and used the same tactic Peeta had forced upon him, as he wrenched his arm free allowing his fist to make contact with Peeta's already battered nose.

Peeta let out a low growl followed by a string of curses as he bent down, his hands rushing the bridge as blood poured freely.

Peeta could feel the rage from before course through him and he lost himself in the power it seemed to fuel.

With a quick swipe he drew his forearm across his face attempting to clear the path of blood before he rushed forward, his shoulders making contact with Haymitch's gut.

The older man let out a large exhale of air, as Peeta's arms circled him, taking the both of them to the damp ground.

Their bodies folded temporarily from the impact, the ground unrelenting before they found their composure.

Peeta was quicker than Haymitch giving him the opportunity to sit on top of the older man, before sending a barrage of fists, striking the man in his face.

Haymitch dodged most of them, but there were still a few punches that were, able to sneak past the older man's defenses and land firmly, although Peeta had a suspicion that Haymitch had allowed that to happen.

To be honest he did little to take on the offensive as the younger man unleashed all of his anger and grief onto him, it poured out of Peeta like running water, and soon tears followed the blood path working its way down his face onto the collar of his shirt.

Peeta could feel his limbs losing their momentum, the pain from his own injuries setting in, his knuckles raw and torn from assaulting the older man beneath him.

However, Haymitch's face looked more well off than Peeta would have assumed from having someone beat him repeatedly.

His fist made contact with the ground beside Haymitch's head, his knuckles crying from the impact, his sight was obstructed by the tears in his eyes, and Haymitch took this time to grab the boy by the shoulders to roll their bodies, until he was hovering above Peeta.

His knees pressed into Peeta's forearms, preventing him from striking him, as he tried to bring the boy back from his insanity of rage.

When Peeta had begun to strike him, he had noticed a look in the younger man's eyes, it was utter despair.

It was an expression he wore for most of his life after he had lost Maysilee, it was then that he decided that if the boy needed someone to shoulder some of the pain then he would be that vessel.

H e would gladly accept all of the damage that Peeta could produce, he owed the boy that much.

Peeta cried out his legs kicking out beneath the older man's weight, as Haymitch slapped him lightly trying to gain his attention," It's good to see you finally have some fight in you," he sighed heavily," but loosing yourself in this rage won't help her. This is the time that I need you sharp and focused if you expect to get her back."

Peeta shook his head, finally conceding to Haymitch," There's no getting her back."

Haymitch scoffed," Well when you were making a trip to friends in the Capitol, I came up with a plan."

This grabbed Peeta's attention," What kind of plan?"

Haymitch grinned, as the closing of the back door echoed through the night, Hazelle's dark hair shinning underneath the artificial light of the porch lamp.

Her hands were perched on her hips before she raised a brow, her voice clearly annoyed," Are you two fools done rolling around like little children? We do not have enough time for your foolishness! I'm wanting my girl back," Hazelle turned to the door before pausing at the doorframe, waving them on," Come now!"

Haymitch chuckled lightly before releasing his weight on Peeta, allowing his body to relax without the pressure on his limbs.

The older man stood up slowly, his head dizzy from the punches he had sustained, when his footing was even he offered a hand to Peeta who still remained on the ground. He took it gratefully, as Haymitch pulled him up in a standing position.

Haymitch patted his back reassuringly, while Peeta brushed at the dried blood and tears that formed on his skin, with Haymitch's hand at his shoulder they made their way up the stairs.

Peeta looked over to him as they walked underneath the light, giving him a better view of the damage he caused to the older man's face.

He was puzzled when the swelling wasn't as severe as he would have assumed, basing his theory on the pain that ripped through his knuckles and up to his wrists.

Minimal streaks of blood had begun to dry on Haymitch's face, although Peeta would have expected more to be present.

"Why don't you look worse," Haymitch stopped their movements as he looked over to Peeta," I hit you a lot, more than a lot, and you look as if you were barely struck."

Haymitch let out a low laugh, and a smile that reached his eyes," Kid, that's because you can't hit worth a shit," he patted him on the shoulder before reaching the door," but we'll work on that…I promise."

The older man reached for the door, opening it wide enough for Peeta to walk through and he motioned for him to walk on through, his hand leaving the younger man's shoulder as he walked over the threshold.

Peeta had to hold back the shiver traveling up his spine, the manor seemed empty without her, it was hollow without her presence and he longed for the warmth that her touch produced.

He entered the foyer, and at first glance even with the minimal lighting he could see that the destruction he had caused from before had already been cleaned and wiped away, as if his break down had never happened.

When he reached the stairs he laid a hand on the railing, before looking up to the second floor, where her bedroom remained untouched, the book he had given to her still placed on the bedside table awaiting her return.

Peeta closed his eyes as memories of her settled beneath him in his bed came flooding back, he could still smell the lavender of her soap, he could hear the sharp intakes of breath she would make while their bodies moved in synch, he could see the way the light reflected off of her dark hair causing her olive skin to glow, he could remember the salty taste of her skin, and most importantly he could still feel the tender way she would push the bangs from his eyes while he told her how amazed he was by her spirit.

His chest restricted as his grief once again threatened to swallow him whole, a sharp whistle from Haymitch temporarily brought him out of his daze, drawing his attention.

He allowed himself once more to look up the stairs before he followed where the sound had originated.

Peeta was pleased to see that the glass had been picked up as well, he could still feel the deep cuts in the bottom of his feet from before, and he was positive that he had already sustained enough injuries for a lifetime.

He reached up pushing his bangs back behind his ears, as he searched the room for Haymitch while he entered.

To say he was taken aback to see the familiar muscular build and golden features of his friend would be an understatement.

His back was to Peeta as he discussed something in secret with Haymitch and someone else who Finnick was blocking his view of.

Hazelle walked up to him from the other room, he assumed she had been in the kitchen, Peeta looked down to her hand where she held an apple.

He nearly flinched when she lifted her hand, the apple released into the air flew across the room, an arm shot into the air clutching it.

Peeta felt his stomach drop, he hoped his assumptions were false, it was one thing for Finnick to see him in such a state, they had become close over their shared pain, but it was an entirely different manner to have the owner of that sort of finesse see him so broken.

Peeta cleared his throat, prepared to reveal the man whose identity was not quite known yet," Finnick," his friend turned to him his green eyes solemn," I want to say it's good see you, but considering the circumstances."

The lines between Finnick's brow increased as he took in Peeta's appearance," You look awful," Peeta let out a short laugh before Finnick continued," I told you it was dangerous, but you wouldn't listen."

"Does he ever listen?"

Peeta closed his eyes, remembering the disappointed tone," Always a pleasure, Gale," he opened his eyes to see the familiar head of dark hair come into view, his build still more slender than Peeta's but he had gained more muscle than Peeta remembered," You do have a knack for kicking a guy when he's down."

Gale stepped out from behind the others, nearing where Peeta and Hazelle stood," You have a smart mouth for a guy who is desperate."

Peeta closed the gap, his shoulders tense," I don't think I'm desperate enough for your help to be needed."

Gale tilted his head to the side, his grey eyes darkening," You look desperate to me, in fact you look like shit."

Peeta slapped the apple from Gale's grasp, invading his personal space," Is that so?"

Gale met his glare," What are you going to do Peeta, fight everyone you can find because you blame them for your mistake?"

Peeta nodded," If I have to, and to be honest I won't lose any sleep over kicking your ass."

The two young men clenched their fists, preparing for an altercation, when Haymitch appeared behind Gale grabbing him by the collar, before pushing him to the closest wall.

"We don't have time for your old bullshit! Put it away and try to act like adults or get the fuck out of this room, now!"

Gale and Peeta looked over to Hazelle who had her arms crossed over her chest," I couldn't have said it any better, Haymitch."

Haymitch gave her a quick nod, Peeta had forgotten how in sync they could be sometimes," Thanks," he cracked his back," We're here because someone we care about is in trouble."

Gale pushed off of the wall, rounding Haymitch to stand directly in front of Peeta again," To be accurate I don't care for, nor know this girl," Peeta stepped forward, but Haymitch's hand was there to still his movements," And the only reason she's in this trouble is because Peeta pulled her into his mess of a life."

Finnick had remained on the sidelines watching, until now," Careful Gale," Gale turned to where Finnick stood by his side, the man's eyes firm," you don't know what conspired between Peeta and Katniss, and I doubt you've ever felt the need to be near someone, to love and protect them. I've seen Peeta with her briefly, and even then I could see it was different than a fling."

Gale glared at Finnick," Thanks, Finn. I had no idea you were such a romantic, and not everyone is as loyal to each other as you and Annie are."

Peeta raised an eyebrow," How do you two even know each other," it had suddenly clicked for him," you're all a part of the rebellion."

Gale let out an aggravated sigh," And speaking of, do you think it's wise that we waste our resources and intelligence on freeing Peeta's girlfriend?"

Haymitch squared his shoulders," Luckily it's not up to you," he set his eyes on Gale," Is it boy?"

Gale ducked his head out of respect but Peeta could see his fists flex," No, sir."

Haymitch cleared his throat," We need to formulate and precise plan, because we have only one chance at this."

Gale turned to Peeta his eyes mocking," We could be like Peeta and beg for Snow's permission."

Peeta gritted his teeth," Fuck you , Gale."

Gale narrowed his eyes," What? No longer the Capitol's golden boy?"

Peeta began to rush forward, but Haymitch was there to push him back," Enough, damn it!"

Finnick stepped further towards the group," Haymitch is right. If this is going to work we all need to have each other's back. Everyone has a part to play."

Haymitch nodded his thanks," At least one of you isn't a damn fool," he cleared his throat," First thing is we need to figure out who's to go in and get the girl," Peeta began to open his mouth when Haymitch held his hand up for his silence," Not you boy, you already raised enough hell the last time you were there. Remember you have the bruises and bloodied face to prove it, not mention you're the first person they would suspect. And not you Finn, we still need you on the inside, I can't risk you're cover being blown, and I wouldn't want Annie's safety further compromised because I made a shit decision."

Gale shook his head," I can only guess whose job it is."

Haymitch patted him on the shoulder," Maybe you're smarter than you look."

Gale narrowed his eyes before Haymitch waved him and Finnick on to follow him into the other room, Peeta hugged his arms around his battered body.

He could feel the bile rising up into his throat, there were multiple things that could go wrong, and every scenario began to play through his mind.

A warm hand brought him back to reality, Peeta turned to the side to see Hazelle giving him a weak smile.

"Hazelle I want you and the boys out of the district now. When they come looking for me, I don't want them to find you."

She reached up patting his cheek," Oh sweet boy, Rory and Vick are already out of the district, they have been for a while. Gale's been looking over them, their well protected."

Peeta shook his head," I don't understand. Why would you stay? You're sons were gone, there wasn't any reason for you to stay behind."

She brushed his hair away from his face," Not all my sons," she smiled faintly, he could see the tears forming in her eyes," you just get that girl back, so we can be a family again soon."

Peeta gathered her in a tight hug," Yes, maam."

Hazelle squeezed back," I love you son."

Peeta bit back the tears," I love you too, mom."

The silence around her was almost comforting, she had come to the realization that death was meant to be met on your own, the solitude she had been suffering from had brought her to a place of clarity.

It had come at a price, after Peeta had been escorted from the hall, she could still hear him cry out from her position on the floor.

She had turned on her side pulling her knees up to her rib cage, her body rocking from side to side as she lost her mind in anguish.

She couldn't be accurate about how long she had stayed that way, only that her throat had become raw from her tears, and her arms had become numb from how tight she had hung onto herself.

It was then that her mind began to clear, her fate had already been set, and no amount of self pity was going to delay it.

She had pushed herself off of the floor slowly, the feeling in her legs hadn't yet returned and her balance was more than shaky.

Katniss walked back to the corner beside her etchings in the wall, hunched over, her energy already spent from the three foot walk.

She had pressed her back into the stone wall, her breathing filling the stone room with its only sound.

She kept her hand pressed against the rigid markings on the wall, like a symbol of faith, the etchings were her talisman.

Her hand wasn't as steady as his would have been, her lines were crude and shaky but even so she could recognize the significance of the wooded scene where fairies perched in the trees like birds about to take flight.

The nymphs took in the scene below where a gallant hero taught his lady love to dance underneath a sky of leaves and bright light.

Katniss had suffered through cracked, bloody nails, each line more painful to make than the next, but she pushed her mind past the anguish.

She had been small and scared when Peeta had first carved their fairy tale into the cement wall of the orphanage, the images giving her strength, a quality she carried with her when she had survived living beneath the city.

And now the lines were once again providing her with perseverance as she awaited her death with dignity and the grace Peeta believed she had.

Her hand shook on the wall as the temperature drop the room had sustained an hour ago was beginning to affect her.

Katniss pulled her legs tighter into her stomach, and with her free had she draped the hem of her gown over her feet.

Part of her was suspicious of the temperature drop, she assumed that it was a tactic used to disorient her, a way to amuse and pass the time before her demise.

She desperately memorized the lines on the wall, they would serve her well as her death approached, the images would be a reminder of Peeta before the darkness overtook her.

A tapping coming from the glass partition in front of her cell, caused her to look forward where a peacekeeper stood.

He tipped his head to her momentarily, which raised her curiosity, for the most part the guards didn't acknowledge her presence at all.

His shoulders hunched over a bit as he pressed in the code for admittance, her stomach lurched as the door popped open.

He stepped in, standing to his full height, his body slender but still muscular, his face however was obstructed by the visor lowered on his helmet.

Katniss attempted to question him but he wordlessly motioned for her to stand, she could already feel the grief wash over her, as she used the wall to steady her legs while she stood.

Her battered body was weak from lack of food and exercise, the guard seemed impatient with her as he rushed her grabbing her by the arm.

She couldn't hide the anger she felt at his need to rush her demise, it was insulting, but she reminded herself that district borns were nothing of importance to the people of the Capitol, and her death was nothing more monumental than when they took their breakfast in the dining hall.

She tried to pull her arm from his grasp, but he merely grunted and pulled her into him further.

Her feet scraped the floor beneath her as he dragged her from her cell, the hem of her gown tangling around her wobbly legs.

He pushed her forward, however it wasn't as rough as she expected the action to be, Katniss stumbled a few inches.

The guard reached out for her before she found her balance, but he pulled back when he noticed she had found her footing on her own.

This puzzled her more, his behavior was odd for a guard, she had run into more than a few during her time on the streets and she had never experienced the regard he was showing her now.

The trek down the corridor was longer than she had remembered from when she was first taken to her cell, and the walls had blended into white tile from the stone and cement she had seen.

She was tempted to question him, but she didn't want to irritate him enough that he would resort to violence.

She was aware of how ridiculous it sounded to not want to be injured before she was executed, but her body had been battered enough, and she wanted to spend the last minutes of her life relatively painless, up until her death.

The hem of her gown trailed behind her as she struggled to keep her footing straight," I think I always knew it would end this way," out of the corner of her eye she could see two guards approaching them, their pace was abnormally rushed," As though it was never something I should have questioned."

The guard that had led her out rushed up to her side, pulling her behind him, her body colliding with the stone wall. Her eyes barely had time to focus, before the guards approaching them fell to the floor, each with a blade protruding from their necks. Katniss leaned forward, to see the guard beside her pull his arm back from its extended position, her eyes wide as he looked over to her smirking.

"I don't think you saw that coming."

Katniss still stared at him with wide eyes, as she clung to the wall using it for support.

The man reached up to the helmet pulling it off before throwing it to the ground, a head of thick dark hair shined underneath the artificial light.

Katniss' voice was raw from lack of use, causing it to crack slightly as she spoke," Who are you?"

The dark haired man seemed unconcerned by her question as he made his way to where the guards from before now laid lifeless, a pool of blood starting to form.

He bent down, careful not to disturb the blood as he pulled the blades from the man, wiping the excess blood on the thigh of his pants, marring the white fabric of the peacekeeper uniform.

When he was pleased with the condition he slipped the blades into a strap at his waist, as he glanced over to her where she watched him wearily from her spot against the wall.

Standing up he moved to the foot of one of the bodies, pulling the man's boots off with a hard tug.

When the shoes were finally free, he proceeded to take the jacket from the man's back.

Katniss could already see the lining of blood by the buttons at the collar where the knife had been, but the dark haired man seemed to be unaffected.

He kept his steps precise and deliberate, he reminded Katniss of a grace that would only exist in her fairy tales of skilled hunters that braved the wild with only a dagger and great skill.

He swung the articles of clothing that he had taken over his shoulder, before rolling up his sleeves.

Katniss noticed the dark hue of his olive skin and the muscle that existed there, she had noticed his grey eyes from when he had glanced at her, and she had to admit that he was handsome.

His dark hair hung in his eyes as bent back over to drag the guards into a nearby room, the trail of blood forming behind him.

When he was done with the second, he pulled the shoes and jacket from his shoulders where he had placed them, holding them in his extended hands as he approached her.

"Here take these," he tossed the boots at her feet," you won't want to go bare foot where we'll be traveling soon," with more care than she would have expected he shook out the jacket before handing it to her," sorry about the stain, but dead men aren't very considerate about not bleeding over their clothes."

Katniss stared at the items before shaking her head," No, I'm not going with you."

He gritted his teeth before throwing the jacket at her chest," Lady, we don't have time for your crap, it won't take long until more guards discover you're gone."

Katniss threw the jacket to her feet," No, I'm not going anywhere with you until I know what's going on."

He narrowed his eyes," How about I just throw you over my shoulder?"

She leaned into him matching his glare," You do that and I'll use one your daggers on you."

He threw his hands up," You're crazy, no wonder he has a thing for you," he rubbed his hand over his face," I was sent to come get you, I'm Gale-"

Katniss pushed herself off of the wall," You're Hazelle's son."

He nodded," Yes."

She smiled slightly before a realization came over her," If you take me, they'll go after Peeta, I can't allow that."

He reached for her, clearly annoyed," Look, lady I came here to get you and that's what I'm going to do."

Katniss slapped his hand away," No, I won't do it."

He flinched away from her," I promise he's safe, alright," Katniss looked into his grey eyes, that seemed to be sincere," He's waiting for you right now. I wouldn't lie to you about this."

She nodded her head as she reached for the apparel on the ground," Alright."

Gale helped steady her as she pulled the oversized boots onto her feet, followed by the jacket that hung from her small frame.

She was halfway done buttoning the front when he grasped her forearm pulling her forward.

She didn't have to question his urgency, she too was suspecting a horde of peacekeepers to flood down the hallway any minute, so Katniss allowed him to lead her through a corridor that appeared like all the rest to her, but he seemed to know his way around.

There were a few times where he would press his back into the wall holding her there as well, as a guard walked past, she assumed to his post.

When the guard would pass, Gale would resume their brisk walk, it wasn't until they came to a loose board in the tile that he let go of her arm instructing her to crawl through.

Katniss did as he asked, her hands gripped the railing in front of her as darkness pooled around them, Gale was above her when her feet made contact with the familiar steel of the tunnels.

He landed beside her, turning in a circle before reaching for a lighter at his waist.

Katniss pushed his hand back," We don't need that."

Gale shook his head," Even with the minimal light shining through, we'll be walking in these tunnels for hours in the dark and I'm not going to get lost in this rat maze."

Katniss pushed the lighter further into his chest," I lived in this rat maze for years, without any additional source of light, and I know these tunnels better than anyone," she turned to the right," I'll lead you through, just tell me where we need to go."

Gale watched her for the longest time before conceding," Fine," he threw up his hands before pointing the direction she had turned," We need to go up to the north end that leads outside the walls of the city."

Katniss nodded before waving him on," Alright, let's go."

He couldn't stop the nervous energy that surged through his body, sitting still only made his anxiety rise, so he was resorted to pacing back and forth as he wore down a path of grass.

He ran a hand through his hair, the bangs falling back in front of his eyes when he drew his hand away.

His legs had already begun to tire a few hours before, however the constant movement seemed to quiet his mind if only for a few seconds.

Ever since they had left the district, Peeta had felt a nagging sense of doubt in the back of his mind.

Haymitch had tried to squash his negativity, which in itself was bizarre, but Peeta wouldn't allow himself to calm until he was positive that Katniss was safe.

He began to rub his hands together, before their idle energy drove him mad.

He continued to walk back and forth, as he looked over to his left where Haymitch sat in the grass, as calm as ever, as if waiting for prolonged periods of time was something normal for him.

Peeta watched as he pulled blades of grass free," So how long have you been leading the rebellion?"

Haymitch raised a brow," You want to talk about this now?"

Peeta scratched the back of his neck," What else are we going to do?"

Haymitch rubbed his face," Well first off, you can stop walking back and forth like a nut job and sit the hell down. You're making me want to puke, your anxiety is making me dizzy. I feel like I'm hung over but without all the fun stuff that comes before."

Peeta shook his hands out before sitting down in the grass with a thud," Alright."

Haymitch shook his head, a small smile forming at his lips," I've been working with the rebellion for a while."

Peeta began to pick at the grass," How long is a while? A few years? Before I came along?"

Haymitch swallowed hard," Before I lost Maysilee," Peeta looked up at him," I never stopped fighting kid. I just learned not to be so obvious about it."

"So all that time, when I thought you were drunk , or passed out in the cabin you were actually gone tending to rebel business."

Haymitch tilted his head," To be fair, I was drunk or passed out sometimes, but yes there were times I was gone from the district. Besides you're the idiot that kept paying me when I never fixed anything."

Peeta let out a low laugh," So you're the reason Snow has himself hid away in his personal garden behind locked doors?"

Haymitch's laugh surrounded them," That old bastard can't go without those damn flowers can he?"

Peeta joined in, a wide smile on his face," No, he can't," the muscles in his face relaxed," You know Haymitch what I said before about you and I not being family," Haymitch's laughter quieted down as the mood fell heavy," I didn't mean it, because you were right. You've been the only father I've had for a long time. The only memories I have of my real father are about after he died, and even though most of my memories with you consist of you swinging an axe at me or having you passed out on my bedroom floor, you're my father."

Haymitch turned his head scratching his brow, Peeta could hear him sniff loudly before turning back to face him," Well it would figure the only son I have would be a pain in the ass."

Peeta nodded his head before pulling a few blades of grass to throw at Haymitch," I wouldn't want to let you down."

Haymitch's posture straightened," You never could, kid."

The climate in the tunnels seemed colder and murkier than she had remembered, however she had grown accustomed to living above ground, where the temperature could be regulated.

Katniss drew the sides of the uniform jacket around her, the gauzy material of her execution gown didn't do much to keep the cold from reaching her skin, and she was thankful Gale had been considerate enough to retrieve the jacket.

He now sat beside her, his back pressed to the steel wall of the tunnel, his eyes constantly surveying the area around them.

An hour before they had heard more than one group of peacekeepers above, their boots colliding with the ground, causing the sound to echo below.

Gale had grabbed her arm forcefully and pulled her to the wall with him, she had begun to protest, but then she had felt how his hand shook before reclaiming the false calm.

It was then that she realized he was just as frightened as she was, except for Katniss the tunnels were a place she could roam free, it was the vast world above that worried her.

Gale held onto her tight for another thirty minutes until he escorted her to a connecting pipe, Katniss crawled in first, the material of her gown stained black from the filth located all around.

Gale followed her, hoisting himself up with more care than she had, his back instantly pressing to the wall.

They had sat there in silence as the sounds above echoed around them, Gale's eyes scanning the area around them, his senses sharp, while his fingers stroked the handles of his daggers.

Katniss drew her legs up to her chest, listening for anymore signs of impending troops, luckily the sound of footsteps had quieted down, now only the bustle of transportation was heard.

She knew when a line was sent through, the tunnels would shake and rumble, she had kept her cool.

She couldn't help but giggle when Gale jumped slightly, his hands tightening around the handles of his blades.

Katniss pointed up, her voice quiet," It's only the rail lines," she placed a hand on his shoulder reassuringly," you don't have to be scared."

Gale shrugged her off annoyed," I'm not scared."

Katniss shook her head at his denial, as he slid his body to the end of the tunnel, his head peeking out to hear for any incoming danger.

Gale kept his attention on the surrounding area, when he was satisfied, he swung his legs over the edge before jumping off.

Katniss was already behind him when he turned back to the intake pipe, he reached out to help her down.

She glared at his outstretched hand, before slapping it away, Gale smirked while Katniss jumped down into the standing water, droplets of rotten water splashing at his pants leg.

Katniss pushed him to the side lightly before leading him down the adjoining tunnel, " You know, we're lucky that pipe didn't fill with water while we were sitting in it."

Gale stopped immediately, worry etched around his eyes," Are you telling me we could have drowned?"

Katniss stilled her feet to turn around, facing him," But we didn't."

"We could have."

Katniss shook her head," Wow, you really are freaked out down here."

Gale glared at her before pushing past her, he turned back motioning in the direction ahead of them mutely asking Katniss if he was heading in the correct direction.

She nodded quickly before catching up with his long stride, Gale waited for her to stand beside him before he headed forward.

The tunnels echoed any sound from above, but luckily they were underneath enough steel and concrete that their footsteps couldn't be heard from above.

They had been walking in silence for awhile until Gale cleared his throat, his voice quiet and strained," My father died in a mining explosion, down in a deep dark hole. I think the tunnels remind me of it," he rubbed his face hard," It's funny because I always I assumed I would end up there, thankfully Haymitch came along and gave me a greater purpose."

Katniss pushed her hair behind her ears," You mother talked about your father to me some."

Gale looked over to her a brow lifted," You really do have something about you," he scratched the skin above his lip," You even have Peeta acting more like himself."

Katniss lowered her face smiling to herself at the mention of his name, before she turned back to Gale," What happened between you two?"

"You have to understand when Peeta first came to the district he was like any other kid, maybe defensive, but he and I had that in common, so we kind of drifted towards each other. My mom was so worried about him living in the manor by himself that we even moved in for awhile. We were like brothers, he followed me everywhere, but after his first visit to the Capitol, something changed in him. He would lock himself up in that art room, painting or drawing for hours, eventually we moved back into our home in the Seam," Gale's shoulders tensed," And then slowly he became someone I didn't know nor trust. He became this twisted version of himself, and I no longer saw my brother. It wasn't long after that, that I kept my distance and then left the district."

Katniss shook her head," You are such a stupid man."

Gale turned to her, his brow creased," Excuse me?"

She stopped," He withdrew himself from the world because it was easier to live inside his head, than it was to deal with the constant sexual abuse he was forced to endure," Katniss shook her head," You should have been there for him, instead of assuming he betrayed you."

She continued to walk down the dark tunnel, separating pipes allowed sunlight to filter in through intervals, she could hear Gale catch up with her, his steps heavier than they had been before, having her assume he was preoccupied.

"You know he never forgot you," Katniss looked over to where he had joined her at her side," when we shared a room he would have these nightmares, and I would hear him screaming out into the night for the girl with the dark hair and grey eyes. You're the girl from the orphanage aren't you?"

Katniss nodded," Yes."

Gale smiled softly," I understand why you might be unforgettable."

Katniss ducked her head, a blush rising up her cheeks, she was thankful that her hair was still long enough to hide her embarrassment.

Gale seemed unaffected by the sentiment, as he placed his hands back to his blades, his eyes scanning the perimeter around them.

Katniss didn't see the use since the tunnels were only big enough for them to travel shoulder pressed against shoulder, and the only way in or out was behind them or directly in front.

However, Gale was a soldier, she assumed he had always been even before Haymitch had recruited him.

There were qualities and talents people possessed even before those attributes were able to flourish, like Peeta and the skilled hand he had for creating pictures from images he only saw in his imagination, he could wield a paint brush the way Gale could wield his blades, with finesse and beauty.

They trekked through the dark tunnels in silence, she would occasionally feel his tense beside her when a sound echoed loud enough around them or when the rail lines had traveled above, but those were rare and had finally died out.

Katniss wondered how far they had already traveled, but she assumed it was quite far based on her knowledge of how much land the train lines covered.

Her legs were shaky at best, and she yearned for rest, but she didn't want to show any weakness around Gale who she was sure was used to this amount of walking.

However she had a feeling that the exhaustion depleting her energy would soon win over her pride, as her balance faltered, causing her to cling to the wall.

Gale was there pulling her to a standing position," We're almost there, I promise."

Katniss nodded her understanding, holding onto him as he helped her the rest of the way, his arm looped through hers.

She leaned into him slightly, her feet scooting the rest of the way, the oversized boots sliding back and forth to knock into her sore heels and the tips of her toes.

Katniss felt like collapsing when they finally reached a steel hatch located in front of them. Gale helped her to the side of the tunnel, positive that she was upright before he pushed the latch to the side and with a grunt and his full strength pulled the latch towards him.

A deep popping sound echoed through the tunnel, loud enough to startle Katniss, her wide eyes soon shutting closed from reflex when sunlight filtered through, bathing the both of them.

Gale exhaled a long sigh, due to the strength he had just exhibited, but Katniss assumed he was also relieved to be free of the darkness that the tunnels held.

It wasn't long until the sweet smell of grass and dirt flooded around her face, as the breeze carried it inside the tunnel.

Katniss smiled to herself, the scent reminded her of the woods, which in return made her think of Peeta.

She was lost in her thoughts of him when Gale reached for her arm pulling her into the light with him, the warmth of the sun erased the chill that tunnels had set in her body.

She closed her eyes reveling in the feel of it, the scent of something natural. Katniss opened her eyes when she heard the low whisper of her name as if it was a secret, that he had sent on the waves of the wind.

She inhaled slowly as her eyes adjusted to the sight of him standing a few feet from her, his hair hung around his face, but she could still see where his face had been bruised and beaten, small cuts covered his fair skin with red angry marks.

Katniss fought the urge to ask if she was dreaming, as she pulled her arm from Gale to run the length that separated her from him.

Her petite frame collided with his broad chest, his strong arms lifting her from the ground, as he buried his face in her hair.

Katniss could feel his warm lips touch the side of her neck, the skin there heating up, as he swung her around in the air.

Katniss choked out his name through a string of sobs and shortened breaths, he squeezed her sides tightly, his own voice faltering.

Finally he set her down into the field of grass, the weeds coming up to her knees.

Peeta's hands found her face, as he looked into her eyes," I thought I was going to lose you."

Katniss reached up, her fingers tangling in his hair," You almost did."

Peeta leaned down kissing her softly on the mouth before the kiss became almost frantic, and rushed as though they were dreaming and the fantasy would end soon.

Katniss was lost so in the feel of Peeta that she almost missed the high pitched whistle that came from the side.

They reluctantly parted to find Haymitch waiting with his arms crossed as Gale attempted to look everywhere but at the two lovers, his hands fidgeting with the blades at his waist.

Haymitch scratched the side of his beard," I know you two want to get lost in each other right now, but we need to get a move on."

Peeta nodded before walking to Haymitch, his hand interlocked with Katniss' as he pulled her forward with him.

Gale stood off to the side, watching Peeta closely as he glanced down at Katniss.

Peeta turned to Gale," Thank you for what you did," Peeta let go of Katniss' hand to bring Gale into a hug," You'll always be my brother… you always were."

Gale tightened the hug," Yeah ,me too."

Gale was the first to release as he cleared his throat, trying to mask the emotions running through him, Katniss shook her head at him.

Peeta turned back to Haymitch," You know this isn't goodbye, you promised to teach me to fight."

Haymitch threw his head back," God knows you need it," Haymitch drew Peeta into a hug his voice quiet enough in the meadow that only Peeta could hear," I'm always gonna be here for you."

Peeta nodded trying to fight back his own tears," I know."

Peeta pulled back, wiping at his eyes as Haymitch turned to Katniss," Well girl, you were as much of a pain in the ass I thought you would be," he laughed at the face she made her nose scrunched up," Thank you."

Katniss looked to Peeta before back to Haymitch," No problem."

Haymitch cleared his throat, before reaching down to a pack that had been hidden in the tall grass," Here's the directions to the safe house and some spending money with some previsions you'll need before you arrive," he stood up handing the pack to Peeta," Katniss will need to change before you two set off, they'll spot her in that outfit. Gale and I have to go another way, but we'll be seeing you soon."

With that Haymitch turned on his heel motioning for Gale to follow him, Gale tipped his head to the both of them before jogging the way up to Haymitch.

Peeta watched them go until they had made it to the tree line before he turned back to Katniss.

"Are you ready to start our lives together?"

Katniss shook her head," I've been ready since you first saw me through that window in the orphanage, when we started to fight dragons together."

Peeta smiled down at her, before bending down to capture her lips with his.

Katniss grasped his hand before pulling him forward with her, their steps in tune with each other.

It made her question if fairy tales really were true and the reality that the rest of the world believed to be true was only a lie.

Epilogue

She dug her toes into the sand, it shined like diamonds when the sun reflected off of it, the tiny white stones bathing her in warmth.

She could hear the tide rise up a few feet in front of her, the salt from the ocean wafting through the air to wrap the scent around her body.

Her dark hair touched the beach as she arched her back, her head leaning towards the ground.

Even after two years, she couldn't begin to grasp the beauty that the ocean held. It was birth and rebirth all at once, the sea was a mother who constantly wound souls together, her wrath as mighty as her beauty.

She pulled her hand from the grains of sand to place it on her stomach, with a soft hand she traced the protruding bump that had grown significantly in the past six months.

Katniss jumped a little in reflex when the side of her stomach fluttered, the soul she carried with in her possessing the fire she came to see in herself.

She giggled lightly to herself, imagining how much her life would change once the child was born, even though it frightened her, she was still ready to be a mother.

Footsteps alerted her to his presence, she had come to recognize the way his stride sounded, or the smell of his personal scent.

She kept her spot in the sand, waiting for him to join her, he sat down with a sigh, before turning towards her.

"Why is it every time I come back, you're right here?"

Katniss shrugged," I like the ocean."

Peeta tilted his head," I thought you liked the forest?"

She shrugged once more," That too, but the water calms me. You know how nuts I feel when you go off with Haymitch."

Peeta shook his head," Katniss you make it sound like we're going to go get drunk," he reached out placing his hand at her cheek to bring her face towards his," I'm working with the rebellion so that we can someday walk freely through the districts without having to worry about Snow's wrath."

She leaned into his palm," I know. It's just this pregnancy is making me go mad."

Peeta smirked," Let's be fair, it's not just the pregnancy."

She smacked his shoulder," You've been hanging around Gale too much."

Peeta laughed as he scratched at his jaw, the stubble there thicker than it had been the week before.

Katniss let her eyes run down the length of his body, he had gained muscle since they had escaped the Capitol.

Haymitch had demanded that he begin to gain muscle if he expected to be taught how to fight, which Peeta had.

The plain red flannel that he wore hung freely from his chest, but Katniss was more than acquainted with the muscles that hid beneath the material.

His appearance was much more relaxed than it had been when they had found each other, when he had been a companion and she was the mad girl he had rescued from the tunnels.

Katniss' eyes traveled up to his face where she noticed a large gash beneath his newly grown beard, her fingers tracing the line, causing Peeta to pull back.

"What happened?"

Peeta's hand traveled from her cheek to her hair line," I caught a knife, that's all."

Katniss rose up off of her elbows to sit up quickly, the action making her stomach ache," What? I thought you were hanging back."

Peeta's eyes traveled along her face," I was going to, but Haymitch needed an extra pair of hands."

"What happened to you being the brains of the operation? The brains stay back away from the danger, Peeta!"

He shrugged, "Katniss it's not that big of a deal," he stopped when she glared at him," Gale needed me to have his back, and things might have gotten a little out of hand. It was only supposed to be a routine supply run."

"You can't keep scaring me like this. I need you to be here."

Peeta's eyes locked with hers," I will always be here with you. I always have been haven't I? We protected each other in the orphanage, and even afterwards when we lost each other, we eventually found our way back."

She shook her head," You always were the only one I wanted. The prince with the steady hand, who lost his way, but who came to be known as the hero who fought and tamed the dragon. You've always been my dream, and I hope I never wake."

Peeta leaned into her, his lips crushing hers, the musky scent of him intoxicating, as he lowered their bodies to the sand. The world could be cruel and unexpected in hits grace all at once, and Katniss knew as he touched her that even with grief, true beauty could rise from the ashes.

THE END

A/N: I hope that the ending was satisfying, and again thank you to everyone who stuck with it. I should have a couple of new stories being posted in the next week, so keep an eye out for those. Please Review.