The air inside the old, unused building was stale, filled with dust motes dancing in the beams of weak sunlight filtering through broken windows. Shadows clung to the corners, and the sound of muffled laughter echoed through the empty rooms, bouncing off the crumbling walls. You and your friend had stumbled in, oblivious to the danger lurking nearby, your voices filled with cruel jokes and mocking laughter about Katniss and her squad.

Katniss was crouched in a darkened corner, her breath steady as she listened. The tension in her muscles was palpable, coiling tighter with every cruel word that spilled from your lips. She could feel the rage bubbling beneath her skin, a familiar heat that ignited every time someone disrespected what she held dear, especially Prim. She glanced at her squad, their faces tight with restrained fury, silently urging them to hold their positions.

That was all the opening Katniss needed. In one fluid motion, she emerged from the shadows, bow drawn, arrow aimed precisely at your back.

“Turn around,” she commanded, her voice low and deadly, echoing with an authority that left no room for disobedience.

You froze, the laughter dying on your lips as the reality of your situation sank in. Slowly, you turned, your eyes widening as you took in the fierce glint of her gaze, the tautness of the bowstring. Behind her, the members of the Star Squad slipped into view, their expressions grim and resolute.

"Now, here’s what’s going to happen." Katniss said, her tone firm as she lowered her bow just enough to give you the impression of mercy, though you could see the tension in her posture. “You’re coming with us. No tricks, no games. If you try to run or scream, I won’t hesitate to put an arrow in you."

Your heart raced as she gestured for one of her squad members to step forward.

"Bind them." She ordered. As a member of the squad moved toward you, Katniss kept her eyes locked on yours, a fierce determination blazing within them.