The Hanging Tree

Chapter 19

I ducked behind the counter and load an arrow. I hear shuffling and someone moving objects. I'm not sure who it is, but if they saw me on the roof last night then that would explain why they're here. I peek behind the counter and see someone shuffling the clothes.
It couldn't have been Johanna, whoever it is, is taller and less muscular. I know who it is right away.
Peeta.
I slowly stand up, trying to make as little noise as possible. I draw the bow to my cheek and take a deep breath. I let the arrow free and I miss by a few centimeters.
Peeta looks at me with terror and relief.
"Katniss! What are you doing?"
I don't respond. I can feel the hate rising inside me. I try to push it back so it doesn't take over.
This is exactly what he wants, Snow wants to see my broken side. He wants to show the Capital and the Districts that I am apart of his games. But I can't help but hate Peeta, I blame myself and Snow. I lower the bow.
"I can't do this," I say. I'm not sure exactly what I am saying. I can't put what I'm feeling into words.
"Snow just wants to show how broken I am."
"Katniss, what are you talking about?"
I laugh. I must be going insane to laugh like this, but my thoughts and feelings are so mixed up that I might actually be insane.
"Are you going to kill me or not?" I ask.
Peeta looks at me with confusion.
"I have no reason to."
I raise my brow.
"We have a plan. Johanna, Finnick, Beetee and I. Katniss, you'll have to trust me."
"But Beetee I thought dead.."
I had fallen asleep before I could see his face in the sky. Maybe he hadn't died. Peeta just shakes his head.
"Why are you doing this? Why can't you just accept the fact that you might die here? Why are you defying the Capital like this?" All I have is questions swimming in my mind. Everything is confusing.
"The same reason you are," he looks at me with his blue eyes.
"I'm not part of their games."