THIS TIME AROUND

Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games

Warning: This is a fantasy fic with time travel.

Chapter 1. Back To You

Falling, that's what I remember feeling. That small ball of light tricked me! But before I could think of the possible ways of paying that creature back (like dousing it in cold water), I realized that I'm going to hit the ground like a rock at the speed that I'm hurling down!

Closing my eyes tightly, I curl into myself to minimize the possible damage. With this speed, it won't be long now, five seconds max. One, two, three, four… four and a half, four and three fourths and then "Oooof"

My eyebrows furrow when I hear it and I'm confused with the lack of pain as well as my soft landing. Opening one eye carefully, I looked down to the side and saw yellow… hair.

"P-Peeta?" I asked in a trembling voice, grateful that he broke my fall; unfortunately my relief was short lived when 'tow head' looked up and the cold arctic blue eyes glaring at me was definitely not Peeta's.

Yelping in surprise, I shout a name I haven't uttered for more than six years now, "Cato!"

A few hours earlier…

I'm sipping some wine and trying valiantly to ignore the dozen flashes from cameras that are trying to blind me. Sighing exasperatedly, I walk slowly towards the edge of the woods. That's one of the things that I love about District 7, their forests are so filled with thick and tall trees that the smell of fresh leaves permeate the air of the whole District.

Breathing in deeply and slowly, I looked up and tried to see some of the birds that I heard chirping from the gathering earlier. I'm currently attending a party held in honor of Johanna Mason becoming the official mayor of District 7. Since the end of the Capitol reign, all the Districts started becoming more independent, however, the hostility that the Games created between the outliers and so-called 'career' areas, except maybe for District 4, resulted in continued resentment that manifested itself throughout Panem. At present, Districts 1 to 3 are still giving the rest of us the cold shoulder and vice versa.

Overall, this wasn't the Panem I envisioned when I joined the rebellion but I noticed that since Prim's death, my idealism became second fiddle to cynicism. Really, what's the point of creating a utopia when the person most important to you is gone? My little duck is gone, she would've turned eighteen this year… probably adopted another stray animal or ten, I smile at the thought, albeit a bit tumultuously feeling the familiar build up of wetness behind my lids whenever I thought about my younger sister.

My thoughts were interrupted by someone calling my name, "Katniss, Katniss…" I knew immediately that it's Peeta, my husband of two years. We've been living as man and wife for over three years now and I'd like to think that we've gotten closer given our history. Yet, there remain certain aspects of my life that I've kept hidden from him, like the fact that I'm still in contact with Gale who transferred to District 2.

Our correspondence mainly revolve around him complaining about the technology available in that District and how it could've been utilized for the war and overthrown the Capitol earlier, how I should start being more diplomatic with the wealthier Districts, and etc. It gets tiring but since that seems to be the only subject that we could discuss without him exploding indignantly, I tolerate it. Besides, I usually blank him out during one of his rants about Panem, the mild punishment of the capitol, and Peeta.

He still doesn't like Peeta.

Gale said that Peeta doesn't deserve me… that I don't look or sound deliriously happy when I should be. I tend to contradict him on that point, Peeta was there when I needed comfort in the aftermath of Prim's death and became my emotional anchor during the 74th and 75th Games. He kept me grounded… so what if I'm not palpitating when I see him? So what if I don't get short of breath when I see him naked, and so what if I never scream in ecstasy like he does in the throes of passion. I was never that kind of girl and never imagined myself to be gazing dreamily at anyone, let alone a boy. And personally, after experiencing the act, I don't really get what the hype was about.

Walking slowly back to the clearing, I call out to "Peeta" he turns around and smiles brightly back at me, hobbling a bit. Trying to ease his discomfort, I walk more briskly "Hey, what are you doing there?" he called out. He's currently wearing a trademark Cinna attire, a black suit with red trimmings and red silk tie. His hair is pulled up and clear off his face a look that he follows regularly now.

Weirdly enough, it reminded me of another tribute from before… brutal Ca I shake my head in negation, there's nothing in common between Peeta and that brute. He's cold, ruthless, and a murderer… not to mention, taller, broader shoulders, gorgeous; my other side decides to put her two cents in. Shut up

"What are you doing here?" He asks me, holding out a hand to escort me back.

"Just trying to get away from the press… it was getting to be too much" I murmur as I stepped in beside him to go back.

He looked concerned "You've been avoiding more than just reporters this past few months, Katniss, that's why they're hounding you now"

"I'm not like you, okay? I don't have the patience to deal with them and their ridiculous questions. I mean, how many times do I need to repeat my life story? All of their talks just revolve around that!"

Peeta frowns a bit, clearly unsatisfied with my answer "Still, you could at least make an effort… I'll tell Cinna and Haymitch to filter the next few interviews"

I looked at him, aghast. Didn't he hear me? "Why so eager to get me in front of the camera, you know how I felt while filming those propos" My frown deepened and I saw Peeta swallowing nervously. I'm still known as the girl on fire, not because of the flames but because of my temper. It also helped that I'm wearing four-inch heels, effectively giving me considerable height advantage compared to Peeta.

He holds up both his hands in front of him as if in supplication, "Easy there… Panem still needs us, Katniss, you heard what the president said. They need to hear from their icons to assure them that they're safe"

"Safe from what?" I asked in frustration. "The Capitol is keeping it low key, the wealthier districts are not talking to us, and Snow and Coin are both dead! There's nothing else for me to do!" And its true, what do they want from me? More talks of a better life ahead? Unlike Peeta, I can't retain my optimism when I've lost so much already.

At times, I even feel that people from District 12 don't see me as Katniss anymore the Seam girl that could shoot squirrels in the eye, thirty-feet away, no, these days, I'm simply the Girl on Fire, the Mockingjay the symbol of rebellion for Panem… but I really didn't want to get into this right now and I told Peeta so.

Running a hand through his hair in frustration, he sighed for the nth time if I'm counting correctly. "I know that you don't like it and I promise to talk to both Haymitch and Cinna on a possible vacation, just for the two of us" He flashed me a quick smile but my blank expression wiped his pleased expression away "but right now, just talk to one or two… please? As a compromise?"

"I'm gonna head back to the party… ummm are you coming?" He asked me, looking pleadingly at my face to gauge my mood.

I can't wait to get back home but I nodded just to appease him. This discussion was getting old. Both conversations with Peeta and Gale were actually getting old. It really was a wonder that these two never got along when both their demands of me were becoming similar with each other that basically consisted of a series of in-depth 'talk' them trying to convince me to play more roles in persuading the Districts to unite.

I shrug, better to just get it over with now. As were walking, I felt Peeta grab hold of my hand and squeezed it reassuringly when we see the reporters starting to swarm over us once again.

And all the while, I can't help but think that he's in his element right now. Peeta was waving, signing autographs, and answering he questions fired at him simultaneously while retaining his smile, opposite of my statue-like expression. From my side vision, I could see Haymitch laughing at me. Asshole. He knew how much I hated publicity stunts.

The place of celebration was at the town square and unlike District 12's dirt expanse, this place was covered in Bermuda grass, the green color so vibrant that it almost looked Capitol-made. There were scattered tables around the square that was made of wood with carvings of different animal designs. Prim would have loved these, I thought sadly before getting interrupted by another question on my dress design and why I chose color green to wear in a District full of plants. Really?

After almost an hour of greeting and answering silly questions, I'm ready to call it a night. I whispered to Peeta that I'm going to head over to the temporary house provided by District 7.

He smiled and nodded approvingly. The guy seemed pleased that I'm able to at least last until desert. Standing up, several reporters likewise tried to follow me when Peeta stopped them, saying that I'm overly tired already, diverting their attention from me to him when he started talking about negotiations with District 1.

I'm grateful for that. Walking towards the rented cabin/house, I kicked a random rock out of the way and gazed longingly yet again at the thick woods. After the tenth about face, I decided to indulge myself today with another quick trip.

Stepping toward the unpaved road, I scrambled fast to the line of trees that I've spotted earlier. Occasions like these were rare now. The hours on my days are now spent greeting mayors, shaking hands of businessmen, signing autographs, posing for pictures, and other mundane things that I found boring.

At times, I even feel that Peeta and me were still playing to the Capitol tune, the way we present ourselves to the whole Panem, like the star-crossed lovers. Gazing lovingly whenever possible, holding hands and feeding each other, I shuddered at that last one. We only had to do it once but it was enough to turn me off to public displays.

Going deeper into the forest, I left my shoes at one of the big trunks that I saw along the way and simply trotted along the ground barefooted. It wasn't the first time that I did that and I've always found it comforting. If only Effie could see me now, she'd have a conniption!

I smirked at the thought. My former escort was still a Capitol citizen but she travels with Cinna so we see her often enough.

My musings were interrupted when I heard someone whispering my name. Turning toward the source, I scouted the area carefully but no one was there. A shiver ran down my spine when I realized that I'm technically alone, in a forest, wearing a puff gown that would make it really difficult to fight in. I was at a disadvantage.

This was the first time I've felt fear in so long. Now that I studied the layout again, this forest actually reminded me of the one used in the 74th Hunger Games. I was about to turn back when I heard the whisper again but this time, it sounded like someone I knew, someone very precious to me that was ripped from my life so unexpectedly.

Prim.

I'm now more frantic to find the source of the voice and the mantra running through my mind was that single word after the flower primrose. After forty-five minutes of nothing, I was ready to give up when suddenly another sound could be heard but now it wasn't my name being whispered; it was laughter. Her laughter that distinctive giggle that's so infectious and has always managed to make me smile.

"Prim, Prim!" I shout out, not caring whether someone heard me.

The laughter continued on and I followed the voice frantically, pushing bushes and shrubs out of the way. After thirty minutes, my breath shortened upon coming upon the area I've stumbled upon.

I knew that tree. I've slept on those branches and taunted the Careers to come get me from a height of forty feet. What were the odds of that being here?

Walking slowly toward the bark of the tree, I gazed down and traced with my toe the outline that was still slightly evident on the ground. This was where the brute lounged about spitting on his sword as he waited for me to come down. I could still see some of the indentation of where he fell.

I smirked as I recalled that event.

As I walk around the location of the fireplace, I heard someone calling my name yet again but it's now coming from above. Looking up sharply, I saw a small light hovering on one of the branches. A branch very similar to the one I slept in during my first Hunger Games.

Holding my hand over the bark, I grimaced at my dress. Ripping was inevitable so I simply tugged it off, leaving me in my underclothes, which consisted of a red nightie-like slip but it was made of very light material so I hardly noticed it.

Climbing up slowly, I was halfway through when I heard another sound but now coming from below. Looking down, I saw some outlines, unfortunately, it was blurry and almost translucent but I could've sworn that the Careers were gathered around that fireplace again.

I shook my head at the silliness of those thoughts. I think I drank too much alcohol during the party.

Finally reaching my destination. I propelled myself up, lightly grabbing the branch overhead to keep me steady. Leaning on the main tree trunk, I slide down until I've reached the place where the ball of light was supposed to be.

It wasn't there. What the hell?

Before I could reprimand myself on going through all this effort for a freakin ball, it appeared.

I was speechless. It was getting closer and closer to my face when I tried to catch it. It evaded my fingers. "What are you?" I whispered in awe.

Several seconds passed by before it came closer again, now going toward my hand. I opened my fingers and watched, fascinated, as it landed gracefully on my palm. Bringing it up, I was surprised to see that it wasn't light that was bouncing off its core. There's something inside it that I couldn't decipher.

And so, I lifted it to eyelevel and looked intently inside. A sudden bright flash and I'm suddenly seeing pictures. There were pictures of before flying about; of people, of places and events, I smiled sadly when I saw my whole family father and mother with Prim in her arms, happy. What is this place?

Soon it's replaced with my father dying, my misery still crippling, the 74th Hunger Games with me and Peeta winning followed by Prim's untimely death. It stopped there as if in pause, freezing Prim's outline as its engulfed in flames from the bomb.

"No!" I screamed just as loudly as I did the first time I saw the footage.

"You can change it, Katniss…" Someone was whispering.

"What? How? Tell me!" I turned around trying to find the voice again but it seemed to come from everywhere.

"Change it, Katniss"

"Just tell me how, goddamn you!" The screen played again but now on rewind. Rewinding still until it reached the scene during the 74th Hunger Games with me taunting the brute to climb up.

"Do you want to change it, Katniss?"

"Yes!" I answered exasperatedly "If it means getting Prim back, what? you want me to go in the Hunger Games again? Is that it? I'll brave ten more of those just to get her back!"

"One chance, one man, save him, save her"

"What are you talking about? What do you mean by 'one man'? Who do I need to save to get Prim back?"

"Your first glance will be your chance, set it right Katniss"

"Okay, okay, I will! I'll save him. I'll save the first person that I glance at, okay? Is that what you want?" I asked the anonymous voice, I don't really know what she meant of that 'first glance' though. "Just tell me what to do!"

"Trust, lust, must… save him, save her"

As the voice finished, the light from the screen-like projection glowed more brightly and I could feel my ear pop and belatedly realized that the tree branch I'm sitting on also cracked.

And so I'm falling… straight into someone.

"Cato!" I exclaimed more out of shock than anything else and before I could punch him my automatic response to a trained killer, a voice whispered again in my ear, mixing the three conditions.

"First glance, one chance, save him, save her… change it Katniss"

My fist froze midair and I looked at him again in horror; I'm supposed to fucking save brutal Cato?!

End of Chapter 1