You can't catch me (Peeta Mellark x Reader)

Chapter 17: The Hanging Tree

Word Count: 1143

We headed for district 8. If we were to encounter a threat, I'm not sure how I could defend myself in this dress. But I'm sticking to Tigeris's word, and if I am to be seen by the Capitol, I will be wearing this dress.

The streets were empty. Not as destroyed as district 12, but just as lonely. We made our way to a small group of people standing outside a building. "Katniss, Y/n, Commander Paylor, District 8." Colonel Boggs said, introducing us. She led us inside of a make shift hospital. We first walked through a corridor, with dead bodies on either side. I could tell Katniss was distressed, and became even more when she saw the wounded.

"Don't film me in there. I can't help them." Katniss said, shaking her head.

"Just let them see your face." Cressida said, in a soft and comforting tone. Katniss walked in first, I followed behind her. We walked through rows, upon rows of people struggling to stay alive. Eventually we realised everyone stopped talking and were looking at us.

"Katniss Everdeen?" One of them said, causing both of us to turn around. It was a young dark skinned girl. "What are you doing here?"

"We came to see you." Katniss answered.

"What about the baby?" Another old women asked.

"I lost it." Katniss answered.

"Are you fighting, Katniss?" A male voice asked. "You here to fight with us?"

"I am." She answered. "I will- we will." She glanced to me for a moment and turned back. Everyone began holding up their 3 fingers in the air. Once they put their fingers down, I was stopped as I walked out. It was a little girl.

"I like your dress." She said with a smile. I smiled back and put a hand on her head. I didn't say anything, as per usual, but she knew I was happy.

We walked out and discussed the footage we captured. "There's a problem." Boggs said as he stopped.

"What kind of problem?" Gale asked.

"Incoming bombers from the north." He said and took a pause. "We need to find cover now."

"There's a bunker in there." Paylor said as she lead us into a nearby building. Sirens began wailing. "Straight ahead and down the stairs." Katniss heard shooting from the outside and strayed from the path.

Everyone was shouting for her to get away from the wall, but she wasn't listening. Gale grabbed her as a bomb exploded right next us. I covered my ears but luckily I was far enough away that I didn't get pushed back by the shock wave. We ran out of the way as a large tower like building fell down to where we were standing. I followed Gale and Katniss. We ran outside and back up to the top of a building. The air crafts flying past shot at us, but we also noticed they were targeting the hospital. Katniss and Gale both drew their weapons and shot down two of the air crafts. Only for the hospital to be blown up anyway. They began filming a propo as the fire from the hospital grew behind her. She gave a powerful message to the rebels and to President Snow.

-

Once we arrived back to district 13, we watched the video with the rest of the population living there. Everyone enjoyed it greatly. We went back to our rooms after President Coin's speech. I sat there, wondering if we were ever going to get to the part where we rescued Peeta, Annie and Johanna. I still had the pearl he had given to me in the arena, I had the medallion around my neck and I was wearing the sweater I took for him when he arrives. I hope it makes him feel more at home.

Later, I was waiting for Katniss and Gale in the dining area as the tv started to play another interview. They came in through the elevator and were immeadiely glued to the tv.

And I think for you, Peeta, it must be particularly painful. Caesar said. As we saw him, his eyes were darker, he was shaking, and he just wasn't himself at all.

Unless, of course, Peeta, you think that perhaps there being forced into saying things that neither of them understand. Caesar said to him again.

Yeah, that's exactly what I think. Peeta answered. I think they're using them to whip us the rebels. I doubt they even know what's happening, and what's really at stake.

Now, Peeta, I doubt the rebels would ever let her see this. But, if they do, what would you say to her? Caesar asked him. To Y/n L/n, the once sweet, Y/n L/n.

I would tell her to think for herself. Don't be a fool, Y/n. I know, neither you nor Katniss, wanted this rebellion. The things that you did in the Games were never intended to start all of this. Peeta began tearing up. The rebels have made you into something that you're not. Something that could destroy all of us. So if you have any power or any say in what they do or how they use you, please, please, urge them to stop this war, before it's too late. I began to tear up. This isn't Peeta, we need to save him, before it's too late, not for us, but for him. Ask yourself, can you trust the people your working with? Do you know what they really want?

"We need to respond." Gale said. Katniss began arguing with him, I only watched. They came up with the idea to go to 12, so they world can see what they did.

-

We soon arrived and began to shoot Katniss. I was wearing the dress once again. Gale began to tell the story of how the town was bombed. Gale lead us through the ruins and to the mounds of human skeletons.

We all then headed to the victors village. I overheard the moment Gale and Katniss shared. They kissed, they laughed, they were in love. It just made me miss Peeta so much more.

After that, we went down to the lake. Pollux spotted a Mockingjay and whistled the tune everyone always did. I did it also, which grabbed his attention. He looked to me, and made a gesture like he wanted me to sing. Katniss gave me an eager look. I thought for a moment, and remembered one of the songs Tigeris showed me. The Hanging Tree. I began singing and everyone stopped to watch, I assumed they were recording so put effort in. I later found out they used the audio over the video they had previously shot, though I wasn't in it, only the song. It was a great message, but not the one Tigeris was hoping for.