The World Will Catch Fire

RP blog for Katniss Everdeen. 18+ If you are interested in starting an RP with Katniss please feel free to ask, and include any RP ideas you may have. Part of Andalasia Apocalypse

[andalasiasstoryteller]

[glasscoffingavemepause-blog]

Try as she might not to Snow laughed. “Oh I’m sorry Katniss… At least you hit the apple.” She smiled still chuckling. “I guess we didn’t think about getting the apples or the arrows.”

She shrugged before taking aim at another apple and sinking her arrow into the top of it. At least that way there would be plenty of the fruit left. “Should we make a pie?”

[katnisscatchfire]

Katniss laughed along with Snow, she couldn't help it. This really had been a silly idea of theirs. "I think that is the only thing these apples will be good for when we are done with them. They are going to be bruised from falling no matter what."

She aimed and shot another apple, her arrow piercing it like Snow's had. If she were honest she was impressed by how well Snow shot. Clearly the other woman knew what she was doing, and it was nice to share something in common with her new friend. "How many do you think we will need?" She asked knocking another arrow and eyeing the tree for her next shot, searching for something a bit more challenging.

[andalasiasstoryteller]

[katnisscatchfire]

Katniss shrugged and then took her place next to Snow, “Sure.” She drew an arrow from her quiver and drew the bow string back to her cheek taking aim at an apple in the middle of the trees branches. Feeling the familiar clam rush over her she let the arrow fly, smiling as it pierced the apple through the center and thudded into the tree trunk. Then she frowned, “I just realized we are going to have to climb up the tree to get them down if we do it my way.” She chuckled slightly, and then sighed, well it won’t be the first tree I’ve climbed in the last week or so.

[glasscoffingavemepause-blog]

Snow chuckled after Katniss’ arrow struck true and leaned into her side. “Well that’s part of the challenge.”

Nocing an arrow Snow took her time aiming, trying to aim for the stem of the apple. When she shot the arrow sunk itself into the top of the apple and she let out a disappointed sigh. “Unless you think you can do better than I did at shooting the stem.”

[katnisscatchfire]

Katniss quirked her mouth slightly thinking, and then nocked another arrow, pulling it back to her cheek she aimed for a slightly lower apple so she could get an angle on it. Instead of aiming for the stems center she aimed for where the stem met the branch it hung from. Releasing her breath she let the arrow loose at the same time, and without needing to watch knew she would strike her target. The arrow sliced through the  thicker portion of the stem glancing off the branch and then continued to  sail past the tree disappearing from sight. "Dang it!" She looked at Snow, "Guess I didn't think that through--typical." She shook her head.

[andalasiasstoryteller]

[glasscoffingavemepause-blog]

“Sounds like a good challenge.” Snow smiled. “Who ever gets the most apples wins?”

She stopped and circled the tree a moment to find a good angle for them to shoot from. “Do you want to go first?”

[katnisscatchfire]

Katniss shrugged and then took her place next to Snow, "Sure." She drew an arrow from her quiver and drew the bow string back to her cheek taking aim at an apple in the middle of the trees branches. Feeling the familiar clam rush over her she let the arrow fly, smiling as it pierced the apple through the center and thudded into the tree trunk. Then she frowned, "I just realized we are going to have to climb up the tree to get them down if we do it my way." She chuckled slightly, and then sighed, well it won't be the first tree I've climbed in the last week or so.

[andalasiasstoryteller]

[katnisscatchfire]

Katniss smirked a little and then nodded, “Shooting fruit out of the tree? Well it’s not a moving target, but it could work. We could take the apples back inside after. It would be a nice change, don’t you think?

[glasscoffingavemepause-blog]

“Yes they would.” Snow smiled as she lead Katniss toward the apple tree. “I think you’ll find apples are a harder target than you think. After all the target is smaller, plus there are the other branches in the way. What’s the sport in aiming for low hanging fruit?”

[katnisscatchfire]

She grinned and continued walking towards the appointed stand of trees, "Do we call our shots? Gale and I used to call our shots when we would practice back home, it made things more difficult since you couldn't claim you had gotten a hit when it was really by chance." She smiled slightly at the memories of their time in the woods outside the District 12 fence.

[andalasiasstoryteller]

[katnisscatchfire]

Katniss hurried to catch up with Snow, “Where I come from I could have been in a lot of trouble if the authorities had found out I had a bow.” She smirked, “They thought it was a great thing, though, when I tested for the Game Makers before entering the Arena.” The remark amused her now that she thought about it. Really the whole thing was so rigged against the higher numbered Districts; it made sense that any victors rarely came from any District but 1, 2, or 3. They at least were allowed to train in some way. Shaking her head she fell in step with Snow.

As they reached the garden she found the spot quickly where she and Belle had shot the day before. “How about here? We can use those two trees.” She pointed out two trees standing side by side several paces off the path. “What should be our target? When I shot with Belle it was just the tree in general, but I think we both could use more of a challenge.”

[glasscoffingavemepause-blog]

“You would have been in trouble for having a bow?” Snow frowned as they stopped she tipped her head from side to side. The was a sturdy tree, though she thought that something a little more challenging would be fun. “What did you have in mind for a challenge? I think I saw an apple tree a little further up the path.”

[katnisscatchfire]

Katniss smirked a little and then nodded, "Shooting fruit out of the tree? Well it's not a moving target, but it could work. We could take the apples back inside after. It would be a nice change, don't you think?

[andalasiasstoryteller]

[katnisscatchfire]

“Sounds perfect.” Katniss said as she followed Snow. When they reached the room she grabbed her quiver and strapped it to her back; then grabbing her bow she leaned against the door frame waiting for Snow. “Who taught you to shoot?” She asked, Then realizing it might be a bit of a random question she added, “My father taught me.”  As she watched Snow grab her own bow and quiver.

[glasscoffingavemepause-blog]

Snow grabbed her bow and quiver but the question made her pause. “Mine as well.” Her smiled turned a bit pained. It was still difficult to talk about her father since he passed away only a few months ago. 

“This way,” She started to lead Katniss from Belle’s room and out to the garden. “He wanted me to be able to defend myself… and I’ve perfected it since my exile to the forest.”

[katnisscatchfire]

Katniss hurried to catch up with Snow, “Where I come from I could have been in a lot of trouble if the authorities had found out I had a bow.” She smirked, “They thought it was a great thing, though, when I tested for the Game Makers before entering the Arena.” The remark amused her now that she thought about it. Really the whole thing was so rigged against the higher numbered Districts; it made sense that any victors rarely came from any District but 1, 2, or 3. They at least were allowed to train in some way. Shaking her head she fell in step with Snow.

As they reached the garden she found the spot quickly where she and Belle had shot the day before. “How about here? We can use those two trees.” She pointed out two trees standing side by side several paces off the path. “What should be our target? When I shot with Belle it was just the tree in general, but I think we both could use more of a challenge.”

[andalasiasstoryteller]

[katnisscatchfire]

Katniss nodded, Snow was right, she needed to give Belle time to explain their presence in the castle. “Something distracting is a good idea.” She said with a slight smile, “Lets grab our bows and head outside. I’m sure we can find a target or two that will be a challenge.”

[glasscoffingavemepause-blog]

Nodding Snow lead the way back toward Belle’s room. “Being outside will be a welcome change, and since fire isn’t raining from the sky we might even see the sun.” She realized she must have sounded frighteningly optimistic but there was no point in focusing on the bad when the world seemed set on turning to madness. 

For the moment all they truly had was each other, whether Katniss wanted it or not Snow was going to look out for her. That meant keeping her spirits up just as much as helping her learn about their world. “I think there are a few trees that might be tall enough… maybe a fruit tree?”

[katnisscatchfire]

“Sounds perfect.” Katniss said as she followed Snow. When they reached the room she grabbed her quiver and strapped it to her back; then grabbing her bow she leaned against the door frame waiting for Snow. “Who taught you to shoot?” She asked, Then realizing it might be a bit of a random question she added, “My father taught me.”  As she watched Snow grab her own bow and quiver.

[andalasiasstoryteller]

[glasscoffingavemepause-blog]

“Just give them a few hours at least. I’m sure Rumpelstiltskin will talk to us eventually.” Snow smiled hoping it would have a calming affect on Katniss. The girl seemed so conflicted and in truth so was Snow about the subject. She wanted Katniss to go back to her family, if she could be with her father again she would, but to send her back to a world where she had to kill in hopes of surviving? That seemed far more barbaric than anything she’d heard of.

“I don’t think anyone likes sitting around and waiting. Why don’t we go out into the garden? Maybe we can set up a few targets and practice like we’d talked about?”

[katnisscatchfire]

Katniss nodded, Snow was right, she needed to give Belle time to explain their presence in the castle. "Something distracting is a good idea." She said with a slight smile, "Lets grab our bows and head outside. I'm sure we can find a target or two that will be a challenge."

[andalasiasstoryteller]

[katnisscatchfire]

“I have to ask him, Snow.” Katniss then frowned. Rumpelstiltskin had been her one hope for getting home, especially now that Jefferson had disappeared, but if he wouldn’t help her… She had nothing really worth trading.

Finally she spoke slowly trying to work out her thoughts. “Belle is such a kind person… I would think she would work for someone more like herself. But from what you just said he sounds rather…” She shrugged unsure of how to explain. She wanted to say that he sounded like the people from the Capitol with their only concern being for their own happiness and pleasure, but she knew Snow wouldn’t understand the reference exactly.

[glasscoffingavemepause-blog]

Tipping her head from side to side Snow sighed. “I don’t disagree… Belle is a very kind person and maybe Rumpelstiltskin’s reputation is exaggerated just… be careful. I know you want to go home to your family but don’t be rash either.”

Even though Katniss seemed very wise for her age, most likely forced to grow up faster because of the world she lived in, Snow didn’t want to see her hurt. She’d been though enough in these Hunger Games that the idea of Rumpelstiltskin using her to his own ends worried her. “Anyway for the moment it’s better to wait. Give Belle the chance to talk to him and hopefully convince him it’s better to let us stay than to kill us.”

[katnisscatchfire]

"I guess you're right." She started to pace uncomfortable with the stagnant feeling of helplessness, "But if I wait to long... What if they figure out I'm not in the Arena? What if somethings already happened? What if he can't get me back? But, maybe he can... Maybe he could even help... with the Arena and everything there." What if I'm not sure I want to go back to my death sentence? She thought without voicing that last part and sat down heavily. "I don't like sitting still and waiting. I feel like I have no control over my fate." When have I ever had any control over that, she thought ruefully.

[andalasiasstoryteller]

[katnisscatchfire]

“So that’s Rumpelstiltskin?” She said the name slowly still struggling with it’s strangeness as she glanced up at Snow White from where she sat on the ground in front of the fire. She still hadn’t taken to the chairs in the Dark Castle, she preferred to be able to pull her legs up to her chest and sit near the warmth of the flames. “He’s interesting…” Katniss fiddled for a moment her braid before finally letting out the question she had been thinking since first laying eyes on the strange man, “What exactly is he?”

[glasscoffingavemepause-blog]

Snow gave Katniss a reassuring smile, since Jefferson had disappeared she had taken the girl under her wing. She was a stranger in a strange land. “He’s a Dark One.” Snow began to explain before frowning. “He’s incredibly powerful and he makes deals with people… typically for his own gain so be wary of that.”

[katnisscatchfire]

“I have to ask him, Snow.” Katniss then frowned. Rumpelstiltskin had been her one hope for getting home, especially now that Jefferson had disappeared, but if he wouldn’t help her… She had nothing really worth trading.

Finally she spoke slowly trying to work out her thoughts. “Belle is such a kind person… I would think she would work for someone more like herself. But from what you just said he sounds rather…” She shrugged unsure of how to explain. She wanted to say that he sounded like the people from the Capitol with their only concern being for their own happiness and pleasure, but she knew Snow wouldn’t understand the reference exactly.

[andalasiasstoryteller]

[katnisscatchfire]

"So that's Rumpelstiltskin?" She said the name slowly still struggling with it's strangeness as she glanced up at Snow White from where she sat on the ground in front of the fire. She still hadn't taken to the chairs in the Dark Castle, she preferred to be able to pull her legs up to her chest and sit near the warmth of the flames. "He's interesting..." Katniss fiddled for a moment her braid before finally letting out the question she had been thinking since first laying eyes on the strange man, "What exactly is he?"

[andalasiasstoryteller]

[katnisscatchfire]

“I’m sure he is fine…” She looked over at Belle thoughtfully as the smile faded from the other woman’s face. Katniss knew that look—she’d worn it many times when food was scarce or Prim was ill. The best way to stop worrying that she knew of was to distract yourself with something you enjoyed. Unfortunately, she really had no idea what Belle liked to do, but maybe something new could distract her just as well. She shrugged and decided her new friend was in serious need of distraction at the moment. “Belle, have you ever tried to shoot a bow?” She put on the truest smile she could muster, and to her surprise it felt real even to her. She was safe, for the moment, and well fed, and well rested for the first time in what felt like forever, thanks in large part to this woman.

[ithinkyouwerelonely]

Belle’s eyes grew large. “Shoot a bow?” she repeated. “No, never, actually.” She had never expressed a particular interest in it, that had to be said, but that didn’t mean that she wasn’t interested in learning something new or experiencing what it was like first-hand. “Can you teach me?” she asked eagerly. “I mean: the basics.”

[katnisscatchfire]

Katniss laughed, "Sure. It's not that hard as long as you remember to keep both eyes open and your arm out of the way, oh and breath."

Pointing out a tree nearby she drew an arrow from her quiver, knocked it and drew back the bow. Focusing she fired as she released her breath feeling the fluidness of the motion that had become second nature to her since childhood. Turning she smiled at Belle and held out the bow, "Try to hit near my arrow."

It took a little time, but eventually she had Belle standing properly and holding the bow and arrow in the right fashion. The first shot went wide of the tree, but after a few more tries Belle began to get better.

By the time they were done Katniss was smiling broadly at her new friends developing skill. "Not bad. You could be a good shot! With practice." She said with a little laugh as she gathered the arrows and checked them for damage before returning them to her quiver.

It had felt good to be outside, but the sun seemed to be setting and Katniss felt her stomach growl. It must be later than she thought it was. "Maybe we should head in. It's getting kind of late."

[andalasiasstoryteller]

[glasscoffingavemepause-blog]

“Oh well…” Snow flushed before drawing in a breath. “Red and Granny are friends of mine… they helped me out. Occasionally they bring me food that I can’t make in the forest.”

She hadn’t been thinking of them on purpose. As much as she wanted answers she worried Red was out looking for her in the firestorm. The last thing she wanted was for her friend to be in danger again because of her. 

The mention of her bow made Snow chuckle. “I’m very good with my bow. Are you? Do those… metal arrows work as well as wood?”

[katnisscatchfire]

Katniss tilted her head thinking, "I would guess they would work better. The shoot truer than the wooden arrows I used back home for hunting I think. Honestly, I never really thought to compare them," she shrugged. "But now that I do I think they probably work a lot better, and the bow can fire further and stronger I think."

"I've always been a good shot, though." She shrugged again. "My father taught me to shoot and hunt, so I had to be good or we would have starved after he died." She shook her head refusing to focus on that memory. "We could test it out sometime. Your bow verses mine."

[andalasiasstoryteller]

[glasscoffingavemepause-blog]

The smile on Snow’s face this time was warm. Katniss was wiser than her years, but hardship would do that to a person. She didn’t have to know all of the girl’s story to see that. 

At the mention of staying with her Snow’s smile grew as she leaned forward to rest a hand on Katniss’ wrist. “Well I wouldn’t mind the company. I’ll introduce you to Red, I think you’d like her.”

She tried to hide the pang of worry that surfaced mentioning her friend. There was no way to know if they were okay in all of this. But one thing she knew about Red and Granny was that they’re survivors. “I’m sure she and Granny can put you to work in their village.”

[katnisscatchfire]

"Red and Granny?" Katniss shook her head smiling, "I thought you said you had no family?" She could see the worry she felt for her loved ones reflected in Snow's eyes as she spoke about Red and Granny. Nodding her understanding she smiled at the thought of Gale, Prim, her mother and even Peeta too; "Sometimes family isn't about blood connection, but who stands by you when you needed them the most."

She looked at the fire for a moment feeling pangs of worry over-run her, before she quickly turned back to Snow forcing the thoughts away, "You know, I've been meaning to ask you since I got here, how good are you with that bow?"

[andalasiasstoryteller]

[ithinkyouwerelonely]

Belle raised her eyebrows at that question.

“Grant wishes?” she repeated, not entirely keeping up, before she nodded and said: “Yes, there are unicorns in the forests of this world. They are incredibly rare though and most people never see one in their lifetime. But I never heard the tale that they would be able to grant wishes. They do have many magical qualities… I suppose you should ask Rumpelstiltskin about that when he returns, I bet he would be able to tell you all about them.” She smiled warmly, before her smile fell again, worrying about Rumpelstiltskin. She wondered why everything she said or did somehow reminded her of her master. She would love to just engage in a normal conversation without mentioning his name every two minutes.

[katnisscatchfire]

“I’m sure he is fine…” She looked over at Belle thoughtfully as the smile faded from the other woman’s face. Katniss knew that look—she’d worn it many times when food was scarce or Prim was ill. The best way to stop worrying that she knew of was to distract yourself with something you enjoyed. Unfortunately, she really had no idea what Belle liked to do, but maybe something new could distract her just as well.

She shrugged and decided her new friend was in serious need of distraction at the moment. “Belle, have you ever tried to shoot a bow?” She put on the truest smile she could muster, and to her surprise it felt real even to her. She was safe, for the moment, and well fed, and well rested for the first time in what felt like forever, thanks in large part to this woman.

[andalasiasstoryteller]

[katnisscatchfire]

“You’re a fugitive? From your step-mother? Why would she…” Katniss closed her mouth unsure how to ask that question. Biting her lip she thought through what Snow had said, “I’m guessing there is no way to talk to her, and figure it all out?”

[glasscoffingavemepause-blog]

A sad smile crossed Snow’s face, Katniss’ concern was very sweet. Since she was the only one in the castle who didn’t know Snow couldn’t bring herself to lie to the girl. “She believes I ruined her happiness. After my father died… she used the opportunity to seek her revenge.”

[katnisscatchfire]

Katniss frowned thoughtfully and then shook her head, "That's horrible. Ruined her happiness? Where I come from you take happiness where you can get it and don't complain when it's over..." She shrugged. "It never really lasts long, but the minutes you get of it are worth any sacrifice."

She stared into the flames for a while and then finally smiled and chuckled slightly, "Hey. If I end up being stuck here for good at least you'll have one more person to keep you company. I doubt Rumpel... Romp... Whatever his name is. Is going to want me staying here for long once he gets back, and I have nothing to offer in trade for him to send me home. That is if you aren't sick of me yet."

[andalasiasstoryteller]

[ithinkyouwerelonely]

“It was either the chaos of this world, or the chaos of yours,” Jefferson responded smoothly. “And to be honest, I prefer this one, because these ladies haven’t tried to kill me yet.” He turned to Belle and Snow White. “My apologies. My name is Jefferson. I am an old friend of Rumpelstiltskin. Do you have any idea when he will be back?”

Belle shook her head. “I’m sorry, but he disappeared the day before this chaos began and we haven’t seen him since.” Deciding that these two strangers could be trusted, she introduced herself as well. “My name is Belle.”

[katnisscatchfire]

Katniss glared at Jefferson after his comment, and then focused back on the two women standing before them. After one of the women introduced herself as Belle there was an awkward silence, Katniss stared between the two woman uncomfortably. They didn’t seem to mean her any harm, and finally she forced herself to relax slightly loosening the grip she had on her bow before speaking, “I’m Katniss… Everdeen…” She glanced between Jefferson and the women, no one else had given a surname, maybe she shouldn’t have…

“Um thanks for letting us in.” She shifted her position to get a little weight off her sore leg, the burn was healing, but she had been walking or running for days straight and it was taking it’s toll on her.