Part One: Innocence

Prologue

"Katniss Everdeen!" Called out Effie Trinket the escort for District Twelve in the 70th Hunger Games.

The name was spoken, and a hush fell over the crowd. Effie Trinket had not only just pulled the name of a twelve year old girl, but one who had just lost her father within the last year. The odds were certainly not in her family's favor.

Katniss had just turned twelve in May, she was finally able to feed herself and Prim. She fought off the thought that started to take hold. The thought that both she and her sister were going to die. Her eyes hardened, Seam gray, defiant, angry, determined. She was not going to go down without a fight. Katniss stepped forward, not turning to her sister's anguished cries. She would break down, and she could not afford that, not yet. Her eyes locked on the screen and she saw the cameras were cutting between herself and her eight year old sister.

Effie Trinket seemed a little less enthusiastic when calling a twelve year old to the stage. Lucky for Katniss she had been through more in the last year than many tributes had. Her quiet words of, 'Come dear, don't be shy,' took root in Katniss mind. The wheels began turning as she climbed the steps. Her face softened seeing Prim and she almost broke. She let out one chocked sob, and that was all she would do. Her plan was forming quickly.

'How could this have happened?' she thinks. 'How will my family survive?' She had just begun to form a bond with Gale in the woods. 'Maybe he'll help them'.

Katniss looked across the crowd and locked eyes with her sister. Then grudgingly to her mother. She was surprised to see her alert, and the horrified expression gave her hope. 'If I can just get her to focus on keeping Prim alive, I can do this.' She stared forward and ignored Effie as she moved towards the bowl containing the names of the boys.

'Maybe, seeing Prim, this will buy me sympathy from the sponsors.' Her mind supplied, pushing out thoughts of Prim starving and dying along with her. 'Maybe, maybe I can play this right. I can hunt, and I can hide. I can pretend to be helpless.'

"Adam Kenwood." Effie called out and snapped Katniss out of her thoughts.

She wanted to frown, he's an older boy, at least six feet tall and probably seventeen or eighteen. Blonde hair, blue eyes, better fed than her, Market. 'Great, the sponsors will probably go to him.' Her eyes darkened when asked to shake hands. The look of pity shot fire through her small frame and she glowered at him for it.

She stared in awe as the members of her District gave the only defiance they could muster. The three fingered salute. They do not agree, this is wrong, they do not condone, this is not acceptable. Katniss knew that this was for her, and she held in a smile and thanked them.

It was later, on the train after tearful goodbyes she cried. Gale came to see her and promised he would look out for her. His words of advice ringing through her mind. The baker was an odd sight. He liked her squirrels, but she did not think he would come. He brought her cookies and told her he would make sure her mother would be okay and look out for Prim. That was unexpected and in a now uncharacteristic moment of joy she hugged him. He owed her nothing, and had no reason to help her sister, but maybe he knew her mother. They could have grown up together.

Her mother swore to be there for Prim, who held onto Katniss like a lifeline. She begged Katniss to win and come back to her. Katniss knew she would try, for her little duck. She nearly broke down again, but her plan to survive was already turning in her head. She knew what she wanted, if only she could get that old drunk Haymitch on her side, she might have a chance to see her sister again. She was still relieved that if she died, Prim would be looked after. She fingered the golden pin Madge had given her, she guessed Madge really was her friend. She too had promised to look after Prim. It seemed everyone knew what had been happening with the Everdeen's. A bitter thought about those who never offered help before her certain death was waved off. Those she was reluctant to trust before, had come to save them when she needed them most. She would make the odds be in her favor.

She dried her tears just as Haymitch stumbled into the car. He looked to her with pity under the sarcasm and drunken stupor. She glared at him. "Don't write me off just yet!" She vehemently proclaimed.

Adam sat next to the small girl and put his hand on her back. He watched her flinch away and sighed. "I don't think it's pity for you little one. It's just that no one likes it when any twelve year old gets picked," he tried to placate the small girl with fire under her tears.

Haymitch was stunned. "Oh yeah sweetheart? Care to tell me why?"

She sent him a scathing look and hissed. "You look at me and see a small defenseless little girl. You see a child too young and easily killed. I can hunt, I can swim, I can hide, I can think," she paused and thought a moment. "And no one will see me coming. I can, no, will survive because I have to get back home to feed my mother and sister. I have to take care of them, and I will do anything to get back to Prim!" Katniss teared up. "Because if I don't my mother might let her starve and die."

Haymitch and Adam were stunned at this. It took a full two minutes before Haymitch chuckled. "You're quick sweetheart. Not twenty minutes on this train and you've though of your own strategy. We'll see what you can do, then we'll talk," he turned around intent on thinking this over. He shot out, "you might want to work on cute determination girl. That fire will give you away." Haymitch left the car and thought for a moment, that maybe, just maybe he wont have to watch a twelve year old girl die this year.

Finnick Odair watched the replay of the Reaping and almost flinched when he saw the little girl from twelve. The little spitfire tried to play it cool, but one look at her tiny little sister, he assumed, she broke down. He watched, sea green eyes filled with pity as the male tribute was older and looked far more of a candidate than she. This little girl was doomed.

'Unless,' he saw the half second glower she gave the boy from her district as she shook his hand. He listened to Ceaser Flickerman's comments and noted none of them noticed the look behind the drying tear tracks. 'She has fight, she could be just like me' he looked to his own tributes and frowned. His District was in the opposite position of District Twelve. Annie, his female tribute was seventeen, far more well fed, and had a decent shot at at least finale eight, depending on her score and interview. The boy however, he had just turned fourteen three days before. Finnick sized him up and knew he was dead. He'd pick Annie to support, and suddenly wished he had District Twelve. He knew, that drunk Haymitch would probably support the safe bet, if he did anything at all.

"Katniss Everdeen," he whispered, "the odds are certainly not in your favor."

The costume was more than she could have hoped for in her wildest Dreams. Cinna had turned her into a brilliant flame. Haymitch suggested, if Adam could keep her up, to sit her on his shoulders.

"Quite unorthodox." Portia had said.

"Not proper!" Effie squealed.

"Perfect." Cinna agreed.

Cinna and Haymitch's idea had won the crowd over immediately. She laughed and waved and caught a rose. She beamed as best she could. Cinna and Effie taught her how to win their hearts with 'cute'. She was on every screen and her name from every painted lip.

'I can do this!' She exclaimed. Thoughts began filling her mind with sponsors and help. No one had played the cute card and turned out to be a trained survivor yet. Her eyes burned with fire from deep within and she would win this thing and go home.

Haymitch let himself smile for just a moment. 'Give it your best, Sweetheart. You can win me over, the Capitol ain't nuthin'.'

Cinna whispered to him. "Katniss Everdeen the Girl on Fire."

"They have no idea."

Finnick was pleasantly surprised, watching Haymitch and the small little kitten. Then when her District partner lifted her onto his shoulder he hid his shock well. 'He's actually paying attention. He's picked the tiny little ball of flame tugging on the heartstrings of all Panem.' He looked to the crowds and shook his head. 'You may just have a shot at this Girl on Fire, good luck'. He thought selfishly because if anything someone decent deserved to win the games, just once. If Annie did not make it, he liked to think that little fireball would be a good choice. So long as Snow never tried to sell her that was.

"Adam you got a nine!" Katniss cheered for the boy.

He smirked a little and ruffled the girls' hair. She was like his little sister, he was an only child. He liked to think if he could have anyone as a sibling it would be this little girl. He would keep her safe as long as he could. To be honest, if they somehow both made it to the final two, he would kill himself because no way could he harm a hair on this little girl's head. He had nothing to return to. His parent's hardly seemed to care. There lives would be made easier without him. This little girl needed to return home or her family stood a great chance of dying. He had made his choice.

Haymitch almost reconsidered backing the little girl until he saw the look in his eyes. 'That boy, he's too good for these games. He's already chosen his path.'

Everyone laughed when Katniss score of five was called out. Perfectly average, just like he had hoped. They would get sympathy sponsors if they played their cards right, and the rest would come for Adam. They could definitely work with this.

'It's all going according to plan Prim. I'm going to get back and protect you.' Katniss vowed.

Annie had received an eight, which was good enough for Finnick. Micheal scored a six, which surprised him a little, but, he still knew the boy had little chance. Annie was his only shot at not losing another two kids this year.

"Oh that poor girl!" Annie winced.

"A five, I hope her death's quick," one of the stylists, Star called out.

Finnick nodded. 'How could she have such fire and score lower than Micheal? Unless, she's playing the innocent game?' Finnick wondered why his thoughts kept drifting to the young girl. He waved it off as she was the youngest tribute. Not one victor, no matter the District, liked the thought of dead of twelve year old girls.

After the interview, his thoughts turned dark. 'She's too innocent, to pure for this.' his thought heated. 'She 'helps' take care of her sister and mother. A blackout drunk Haymitch could see what that fire meant. They'd die without her. These games are so sick.' He knew what drew him, the whole Capitol, to her. She was pure, hardened, and that fire to protect was so intense it melted everyone hearts. She was someone to protect, and a small part of Finnick wanted to protect the Girl on Fire. It was stupid, he should be looking out for his tributes, but it was just so damn hard to turn away from her.

He looked to Mags, and she agreed without words about the atrocity of this years Game, of all Hunger Games. "Maybe I should suggest Annie and Micheal team up with Twelve?"

Then the words came out of the mouth of District Twelve's first real shot in twenty years. "No Caesar I don't expect I will. I've only know Katniss a few days. After her father died a few months ago life's been too tough on her. I love her like the little sister I always dreamed of. I'd rather die than not see her go home."

Caesar let the audience gush over just how wonderfully sweet this is, before he can get a word in he adds. "You think I've got a nine now, I dare a soul to go near my little kitten while I'm alive and I'll show them I'm a twelve."

Caesar's jaw is mirroring Finnick's own and all he can think is, 'Genius. Haymitch is a genius. They'll do alright.' Finnick stopped worrying so much that the little Girl of Fire would die. At least, she would have as good a shot at winning as the rest of the tributes.. He thought that he would actually be glad if Haymitch could perform a miracle and she ended up winning.

The first day was always hard for Haymitch to watch. This year even more so. He had become invested in the rebellious little spitfire. He was itching for a drink. This little girl was every bit the daughter he dreamed of, once upon a time. Every second was agony when she ran to the tree line. She trembled and acted as defenseless as she could while Adam grabbed two backpacks and some weapons before making a beeline towards the little girl. 'He was right, he is fast.' He was leaving the Cornucopia before the first tribute made it in. They disappeared from view before anyone could track them while the bloodbath went on.

They had been lucky. There was a small forest to one side of the arena. A large dam held back the majority of the water source. There were a few ponds, and small creeks outside of the main river. Most of the south side of the arena was debilitated buildings. The west was rocky barren terrain. The only strategic point was the reservoir of water held back by the damn. Katniss and Adam would be fine in the woods.

Finnick chose to sit next to the sober Haymitch and marveled at the power the little twelve-year-old had. "She must be special to keep you from a drink," he offered with a smirk.

"If you only knew Peacock." Haymitch shot back then stopped as they watched Micheal get beheaded and Annie fleeing with only a backpack, heading towards the river, screaming.

"Fuck!" Finnick growled, he wished so badly they could send their tributes something on the first day. He watched in agony as Annie' screams silenced. She hid herself and was slowly beginning to lose herself to the horror of the Games. Though very few watched a friend from home lose their heads literally. There was a murmur of sympathy among all the mentors.

Haymitch, in a seemingly compassionate mood for the moment gave his fellow mentor's back a sympathizing pat. "She'll get through it. Besides if she's mad, no Career is going after her until mine are dead." His dark humor was laced with something else that made Finnick look up.

"Why do I think you've got us all fooled Haymitch?" Finnick lips curled into a small smirk despite the need he had to call Micheal's parents.

"You never know how deadly innocence can be." The words were whispered, but fierce. "I'll never drink again if she dies."

It was an empty bet, because the Girl on Fire had captured most of the victors nearly dead hearts already. All save probably Two would drink a bottle when she died. 'If,' Finnick corrected himself, 'if she dies.'

The two mentors watched and thought to themselves, 'please stay alive.'

Haymitch as it turned out was right, no one had gone after Annie. They were hunting his tributes, and boy did the Girl on Fire know how to put on a show. She talked of home, how her father's death still hurt her. She worried about her mother's broken heart, and how her sister was holding up, hoping they were proud of her. She was chatting with Adam and holding his hand while they walked. But it was when she set snares and found a stream and shelter Finnick was shocked.

He was with another appointment to get money for Annie, when he turned to the woman. At her squeal, "Oh she's just so cute! And so smart and resourceful to have learned that in training. She reminds me of my niece."

Finnick felt his mind forming an idea and hesitated a few minutes mulling it over. 'She's not from your District, she's not yours to protect. Annie is still alive and there are only ten left, she could win this.' The bloodbath this year claimed fourteen lives and there had not been a single death afterwards. It had been a full two days. Finnick wanted to protect her though. 'I want to keep seeing that fire in her eyes.'

"You know, I heard she actually spent most of her time at the Archery and trapping stations from Annie. Oh wouldn't it have been wonderful to see how bright she is hunting a few rabbits for dinner with a bow?" The words were out and he wanted to slap himself and pat himself on the back all at the same time.

"You know, if I can keep you all night I might just do that."

"My lady, I'd have stayed even if you would not," his words charming and sweet. Honeyed words dripped with false lust and full of lies. Katniss Everdeen, the Girl on Fire would have a bow and arrows.

Haymitch nearly fell over at the woman demanding he take her money for the little girl to have a weapon. He could not even have begun to hope to get this for his little girl. He nodded fervently and accepted as graciously as he could. Effie swooped in to help the flustered mentor. The two Capitol women cooed over how precious it would be seeing such a clever girl be able to take care of herself.

Haymitch was confused why he has this donation, and how this sponsor knew about Katniss' favor of the bow. He was confused for all the time it took to get him to the computer. He caught the sea green eye and Finnick Odair quickly looked away. He knew. He knew and he was grateful, because with a bow Katniss was a nine, possibly even a ten. Now he really stood a chance of bringing her home.

He gave the preening peacock a nod when he stole another glance. His eyes were glued to the screen monitoring the cave. His smile widened when Katniss cried silent tears of joy and quietly thanked everyone in the Capitol, and especially the one who bought the bow for her. This was a 'precious treasure'.

'And the hearts keep breaking sweetheart.' Haymitch allowed a thought to pass idly by while watching her twirl and ask Adam if they could hunt. Then she sang a song and she was golden. 'She's going to be real trouble when she's older. Everyone in Panem is going to want her.' This thought slapped him in the face, before he stopped. 'No, if we keep her innocent, I doubt even Snow could be cold enough to whore her out like the others. Maybe sell her voice.' His eyes drifted around the room, enraptured broken victors smiling at her in wonder. Some without their knowledge, or consent. He marveled at the power she held over others. He doubted she even knew she had such a rare ability. 'I'll keep you safe sweetheart.'

Finnick could not look Haymitch in the eyes when he came up to the monitoring station. Haymitch knew, and he did not want anyone else to discover his secret. When Katniss thanked the one that bought the bow for her, with such joy and conviction, his heart stopped. When she sang, oh when she sang like an angel. His mental battle was over. Finnick Odair saw that Katniss Everdeen could sway the people of Panem, probably President Snow himself with that display. 'I got that for you, now stay alive and win Girl on Fire. I've got you too.' His thoughts drifted to Annie, 'sorry, but, she's got me wrapped around her finger'.

She had captured his mind and heart with her purity. She came out of left field and demanded his attention, his adoration. He had no choice but to obey those gray eyes, and that simple smile. She accomplished all this without even trying. If it was within his power he would protect this little girl.

Four days later with two more dead it was the finale eight. Finnick was right Annie made it to the finale eight. He was proud of her. His joy was short lived, when the monitors displayed two of the Career's finding Katniss and Adam. It was the pair from Two. Finnick nearly screamed when they attacked and Adam began fighting them off. He was fighting for someone he loved, like his life did not matter. Finnick could hardly watch, but would not look away. Adam bested them but was left wounded when the other two came up from the flank. Katniss began climbing a tree, higher and higher. He watched he scurry along up the branches and Finnick felt hope well from deep within himself. It was so selfish but he hoped she would make it through this. Adam was locked in battle with the boy from District One. He managed to deliver a deep gash on the thigh of the other male. It could be a mortal wound if the boy from one did not treat his wound soon.

Finnick expected the boy to flee with his partner, to treat his wound and retreat for now. That would be the smart safe bet. Then again District One was not well known for their intelligence. The boy from District One managed to plunge his dagger into Adam's chest. Adam fell to the ground, death coming for him quickly. The girl from One began charging towards the tree Katniss was nestled in.

At this point Finnick began to freeze up. She was now outnumbered. Sure the boy was badly injured, but he was twice her size. It either of them got a grasp on Katniss it would be over. He felt tears welling in his eyes at the spitfires inevitable downfall when an arrow lodged itself in the chest of the girl from One. She fell over dead. The boy from One fled as Katniss took a shot at him and missed horribly. Perhaps an act to make him think it a fluke, but he was not stupid enough to take that chance. Finnick watched in shock, because Haymitch was sleeping and she had no one here to root for her, pray for her, hope for her, and he waited. No one came after her, but the innocent act was over. He felt a the need to tell Haymitch he would have to switch strategies.

Then she was scrambling down the tree and crying. She went to a patch of flowers and placed them on the chest of her protector. Then she sang a hauntingly mournful tune, bowed her head and said she was sorry he died. She told the girl that she had to, to protect her sister. And she moved through the forest gathering her trapped rabbits in the snares she had set earlier that day. She cleaned and cooked them. She scrambled up a tree and quietly hoped that her 'brother' could forgive her for not saving him. She reassured herself she was a good girl, and that she did what she had to do to survive. She ate the food she was resourceful enough to prepare. Her innocence was restored.

Finnick felt the smirk creep up on his face. He began to suspect Haymitch had thought of this eventuality. How to keep her innocent if she had to kill. 'Oh he's good. She's been playing kitten when she's really a lioness.' Then she thanked the person for the bow again and said she will keep her District's honor to use it to win. She was utterly perfect.

He waited for Haymitch for when he finally returned. Finnick filled him in while Claudius Templesmith and Caesar Flickerman commentated over the day's events on the largest screen in the room. This was the broadcast the public was able to see, while the mentors were given full access. The fight with Katniss, Adam, and District One and Two was the main topic.

"I'm not even surprised." Finnick gave his elder mentor a smirk.

"We've had this all figured out. Since the train, actually. She's a clever one that girl. And that innocence might just keep her from Snow." Haymitch shared with the younger mentor.

"I'm glad she likes the bow" Finnick can not help but smile.

"You saved her life, I'll make sure she knows." Haymitch returned with a smile. His little girl was going to come home. She was in the top four now. All he had to do was wait.

Then six days later, the earthquake was set off and Haymitch wanted to scream, grab a bottle, anything really. Because how can she survive this. After the shaking ended she was quick to find the thickest largest tree. She was up the tree faster than the attack on her and Adam six days prior. She was far away from the river, thanks in part to new hunting grounds and a pond. The tree would hold strong, as the quake was triggered near the Cornucopia. She was far to the eastern edge of the arena. If any more quakes were triggered she would be safe. He was wishing for all his might that she was the only one bright enough to think of that when the flood began. Haymitch was searching through the flash flood and listening to the cannons go. It was finally revealed an hour later it was only his little girl and Annie Cresta, the mad girl from District Four.

He watched Finnick out of the corner of his eyes and saw the turmoil there. Bring home a Victor, or send home a child who's family, Panem, he will be lost without. He would hate to be in that pretty boy's shoes right now.

Finnick continued to watch and it was agony. Split between his duty, and adoration for a little spitfire who wormed her way into his heart. It had been hours, and was becoming clear Katniss had food for days and Annie could swim like a champ. This could last days. Mercifully almost, the mutts came twelve hours later. In the room there were two sighs of relief.

"Looks like I'm bringing my little girl home!" Haymitch smiled and some of the others could not help but share in his smile. When their tributes were gone, she was who they dared to root for in the small parts of their hearts that still kept beating.

Finnick hid his smile and kept his face neutral. "She's going to make one hell of a mentor." And in some secret part of his mind, 'and one day one hell of a woman.'

"How does it feel to be the youngest Victor in history Miss Everdeen?" Caesar asked with a truly happy smile.

"It feels okay. I'm sad about Adam. I really think I loved him like an older brother and I'll miss him forever." She whispered, "but I'm happy too. Now I'll get to take care of my family forever."

The rest of the interview continued on and she was charming and sweet. No one save the victors knew how hard this must be on her. She was shaking from the trauma. Caesar questioned her and she explained that all she wanted was to hug her mom and hold her sister tight. She could not wait to get back to District Twelve and her family. Caesar laughed and her innocence shined though.

She was a symbol of hope for the people and Snow watched her carefully. She was coached very well, and had any other played the game as she had they might not have pulled it off. Tensions were always higher with younger tributes, but with one as a winner. His mind began spinning at that thought. Katniss had value to him, he could sell her body, or he could pull her to his side. He thought that selling her innocence could be much more profitable. He had a grand daughter a little younger than her own sister. He would hate to taint that hope. He could use her victory for years when other twelve year old children were sent to die. She was worth much more than any amount of gold.

He knew who had sponsored her for the bow. So soon after her time with Mr. Odair, which she had also donated to his own tribute. He knew who was responsible. The girl from Four had helped Miss Everdeen learn to tie knots, so he assumed that was how Finnick got the information. The action though, and later checking personally, the entire night Finnick had given the woman for her sponsorship of the Girl on Fire. The snake eyes gleamed as his canines poked through his smile. Oh he could use this to his advantage. Finnick was the Capitol's golden boy, and he could turn this symbol of hope into his new golden Mockingjay. The two youngest Tributes in history, oh he was sure he could make a fortune with a story like that. He saw the fire in her eyes, and the best way to quench fire, was with water.