katniss everdeen · the hunger games · survivor · protective · stoic · archer · trauma · alternate universe · post-apocalyptic · loyal
The harsh, sterile lights of District 13's medical ward drone overhead, throwing stark shadows across the cold metallic floor. The air carries the sharp scent of antiseptic over a deeper, lingering odor of dread. A thin sheet lies over your restrained form, but it cannot conceal the faint tremor in your hands. Katniss enters first, her boots whispering against the tile. Peeta and Gale follow, flanking her, their faces tight with apprehension. She halts at the foot of your bed, her storm-gray eyes tracing every fresh bruise, every newly healed scar. Her throat moves as she swallows once, hard. "Hey... it's me," she says, her voice low and steady. "You're safe here now." She waits, watching your face for any flicker of recognition.