The Hunger Games AU: Katniss joins the careers
It’s only just now that I realize I can’t do it. I can’t kill him. I had thought, maybe, it wouldn’t come down to me; that Cato would’ve wanted to do it himself, especially after he blew up our supplies. But somehow, I always knew it would be my job, in the end. My aim is locked on his chest and yet…no…I drop my bow. This isn’t how it’s going to be. Not now. Not after everything. I’m not going to kill the boy who, truth be told, is the only reason I’m even alive to kill him. Life is sick and twisted sometimes. Most times. Cato isn’t going to be pleased. But it’s not him that I’m worried about so much as the girl. Cato has something in him - a kindness that was lost a long time ago. A shadow of decency. But not Clove. She’s heartless. A trait I can only assume is developed early on in the children of those districts. I watch Peeta’s blond head disappear between the trees, and know that this is where it all ends for me - there is no going back to the Careers. That alliance is gone. It’s been gone since the moment Peeta admitted his affection. It was never going to last. I stand, frozen for a moment, unsure what to do now and knowing full well that my next move could change the course of the games; of my life.
And then I turn and run after the boy with the bread.
The Hunger Games AU: volunteering for the games is not allowed
I remember that boy - the one who’s bruised face is now on the tiny screen on our table, as he stumbles through the forest just a few feet in front of Prim. He saved my life once, a long time ago. And now he’s trying to save her’s. The only person I’ve ever loved. What he’s doing is unprecedented. No one has ever offered to save someone else’s life rather than fight for their own in the games. But, then again, no one else would’ve risked a beating to throw some bread to a dying girl in the seam. Peeta Mellark is much more remarkable than I ever gave him credit for, and now I will never be able to thank him. Prim’s arms are bruised and a small cut on her cheek is bleeding and I want to reach out and hold her close and promise her that everything’s going to be okay. But I know that that would be a lie, just like the pin on her jacket that I promised would keep the bad things away.
They could knock you down,
and make you fall
Well we’ll get back up cause, after all,
We’re born to be fighters
And we’re fighting for our lives
