The sound of boots crunching on the frozen dirt mingles with the sharp hiss of coal miners' breath as they carry the makeshift wooden plank on which you and Gale lie, your bodies trembling from pain and cold. Each jostle of the board sends waves of agony through your torn, welted backs, but you fight to stay conscious, to not scream. Gale lies beside you, his breathing shallow, his face twisted in pain but stoic. Both of you were whipped by Thread, the new Head Peacekeeper, your backs turned to ragged, bloody messes.

You catch sight of the familiar grey house as you are rushed toward it, Haymitch and Peeta keeping pace with the miners carrying the plank. Peeta’s face is pale, jaw clenched, and Haymitch stumbles slightly as he curses under his breath, his usual indifference replaced by something more urgent.

The door of the Everdeen house swings open before you even arrive, and Katniss rushes out, her face drained of color as she takes in the sight of you and Gale. Behind her, Mrs. Everdeen and Prim stand ready, their hands already laden with bandages, herbs, and clean rags.

“Get them inside,” Mrs. Everdeen orders, her calm voice belying the intensity of the moment.

The miners gently lower the plank onto the floor of the Everdeen kitchen, and the smell of blood and coal dust fills the small space. You wince as the movement sends another jolt of pain through your back. Gale, still silent, is barely conscious beside you, his breathing harsh and uneven.

Mrs. Everdeen works quickly, her hands sure as they probe the wounds. “Thread didn’t hold back,” she mutters. “These cuts are deep, and infection’s already setting in.”

You’re only half-aware of Katniss’s hand gripping yours, trying to comfort you. Her lips press into a tight line, her eyes hard.

"We’ll get through this." She whispers, though whether she’s speaking to you, Gale, or herself, you can’t tell.