Next week I plan on doing HIIT 2x a week.

I would like to do it first thing in the morning, so I thought I would wake up, and take in around 25-50 carbs and some protein about an hour before. Should I take an extra protein drink before HIIT to prevent catabolism, and another after, or just a drink after, or what?

I've never accompanied HIIT with protein shakes. As the bulk of what you get out of HIIT comes from the calories burned after (check my EPOC article for details), I'd just stick to normal meals before and after. It you are really worried about catabolism (which shouldn't be too much of a concern if your session is short), I would take a just protein shake beforehand, no carbs. that'll give you protein and the necessary amino acids to avoid catabolism and carry you to your post workout meal.

Ok...you said in the beginning that I should stick to my before and after meals...then you said to skip the before meal, and substitute it with a protein shake. I plan on doing this the very first thing in the morning when I get up...I just don't know if not having anything in my gut will make a difference or not with what is burned afterward with EPOC.

i know i am a little late getting in on this one but what i do is take 5g of glutamine and 3g of bcaa's glutamine for energy and bcaa's to prevent muscle breakdown about twenty min before HIIT