We're in my cell, Haymitch and I- I've had a good day training, painting and I even managed to have lunch in with Delly in the dining hall again- when the mirror switches to a window and a member of the Admin interrupts our game of chess asking after Haymitch.
"Can't it wait?" Haymitch grumbles, concentrating on a very battered rook. Like everything in thirteen it's been well used and very repaired. "I'm not due down there until the next broadcast briefing."
It can't be urgent or else they'd have called him by tannoy. Haymitch is always being called into command although less so now that the mockingjay is off with the star squad. They won't even be at camp yet. Back to the Capitol where they belong.
Thinking of Katniss makes my vision blur for a moment and I take a pawn with more force then I meant. the plastic battered piece nearly buckles under my grip but I drop it before I break it. It clatters across the floor. Haymitch looks up at me through his hair, wary of sudden violent episodes but the admin is undeterred.
"I'm sorry Solider Abernathy but it's bad news." They say in to the mic, not looking very sorry. "Commander Heavensbee set me to fetch you."
"Bollocks. well what is it then? " Haymitch asks and turns back to me as he gets up to leave, "sorry kid, another time."
I nod in understanding but the admin continues, looking down at their clipboard,"Soliger Mellark may wish also to accompany you. Mission control have given him clearance-"
"For what?" Haymitch asks again at the same time as I ask,
"Is that a good idea?"
"Guards have been arranged to accompany him for your protection." The admin says answering my question but addressing Haymitch. That's hardly a reassurance and Haymitch is getting really annoyed now.
"I ain't taking the boy anywhere without knowing what risks to him there will be or what the hell Plutarch has planned." Haymitch says angerly. What the admin says next however changes our minds and confirms one of our worst fears.
"In brief," the Amin says, checking their file, "a squad of our soilgers gained ground thirty six hours ago and were able to capture the capitol prison- fully this time rather than specific targets. At Commander Heavensbee request several allies found still alive where immediately given medical attension and air lifted back to thirteen for further treatment. I'm afraid I've been asked to inform you however that Prisoner Euphima Trinket was found to late-"