The first thing I saw when I woke up was my cousin, Gale, standing over my bed, his gray eyes staring into mine.

He was a little too close for comfort. Not that the proximity worried me. Why would I need to be cautious of my own cousin? In fact, he should be worried about his safety right now. Unless he had a good reason for waking me up before daylight. If he didn't, my knife was tucked under my pillow for such occasions.

I whipped out said knife and brought it inches away from his slightly scared face. "You better have a good reason for waking me up or you're going to find yourself with a new scar on that handsome face of yours."

He smirked as pushed the knife away with his finger. It didn't so much as scratch him; I made a mental note to sharpen it. Just in case. "Snow's private hovercraft was spotted landing near the outskirts of District Ten."

My mouth copied his still present smirk. Now that was what I wanted to hear when someone woke me up before daylight. "Well then, we should go and greet him. Have the Firebird ready in a half an hour."

My instructions were non-negotiable and he knew that. Gale nodded and walked out of the room so I could get dressed.

I pulled off my flannel, forest green pajamas, quickly replacing them for my Rebel Leader uniform. Some of my comrades thought it was funny to nickname my uniform after my codename, Mockingjay. After two years, the name "the mockingjay suit" stuck.

I adorned a full length black unitard that was perfectly tailored to my body. The matching black, knee length, leather boots and the black leather gloves that reached my elbows were also perfectly fitted. The entire uniform was layered with body armor - with extra padding over my heart - and concealed weapons in the belt, boots, and sleeves. Fibers of titanium were woven into the fabric, making it entirely bullet-proof and flame resistant.

When my uniform was completely on and my long, dark brown hair was pulled back into a neat french braid, I pinned on my communicator. It was a gold pin in the shape of a mockingjay that was connected to a ring only by its wingtips, an arrow held in its beak.

I ran my fingers over the golden wings and sighed; this pin had once been my father's. It had been fished out of the rubble from a firebombing that destroyed my home district and had killed the lives of a third of its citizens. My Father, Ryan Everdeen, my Uncle, Owen Hawthorne, and two of our best units had perished alongside each other.

We finally have him, I thought with a smile as my fingers brushed the tips of the golden bird's outspread wings. Father, I will avenge your death and the deaths of our comrades. I took a deep breath and began to make my way to the hanger.

The walk to the hanger wasn't a long one, but it usually took me more than forty-five minutes to actually reach the hanger. The only reason was because of the many people who came to chat with me or give me morning reports.

It was a normal morning for me. After all I was the leader of the Panem Rebels. My duty was to guide my comrades and their family out of the clutches of Lord Coriolanus - who was nicknamed Snow because of the snow white hair he was born with - and his family's ruthless reign.

Snow's father, Lord Gaius, was killed by my great-grandfather in order to try and bring back the democracy Panem once had. Unfortunately, Snow was old enough at the time to take his father's place and sentence my great-grandfather, and his lieutenants at the time, to death. He was thirteen when he began his tyrannical reign, and he's been a pain in the Panem Rebels backside since.

But he isn't our only problem. About thirty-one years ago, Snow married a young girl of half Capitol, half District 13 descent, Lady Alma of Panem, nicknamed Coin for her love of draining every cent out of the Panem people.

She is even more dangerous than her tyrant of a husband. Not only does she love money, fame, and high social status, but she is also the reason for many of the deaths that have caused Panem so much grief, which includes the bombing of my home District and her own.

One of our highest priorities of the Panem Rebels is to place Snow and Coin under arrest for the crimes they have committed.

But before that, we needed to find and capture the only living relative of our current tyrants; their son. Of course we had no information on his name, appearance, or even his current whereabouts. Our Capitol spies are never able to get close enough into Snow's private mansion to supply us with enough details on Panem's only heir. The only information they could give us was that he is seventeen years old, born just a few months before me. His mother won't let him out of their mansion unless he is with his escort, whose identity is also unknown. He can't leave the Capitol without one or both of his parents or his escort and he never attends parties or any ceremonies. He also enjoys to paint - this was discovered when one of our spies overheard Coin disapproving of his artistic habits to one of her friends.

Once we capture him, arresting his parents shouldn't be too hard, unless they weren't the kind of parents who actually cared for their only child's safety. If they were, then arresting them would be harder than we ever planned.

When I finally reached the hanger, I was greeted by the familiar hum of the Firebird's engines. Gale was yelling at someone to perform another systems check before I arrived.

"I think that would be wise," I said loudly and walked towards the Firebird. The Firebird was a large, fire red hovercraft with her name written on the side in black paint in a type of font that matched her name. She had a loading bay, a small armory, a small cargo bay for supplies, a boom bay, several living quarters, meeting/dining room, and a fully functioning kitchen with two floors of holding cells for criminals, prisoners and hostages.

She was able to cloak herself and stay quiet as she flew through the skies of Panem. She had been designed by our head scientist, Beetee, for both combat and comfort. She was my favorite hovercraft out of the ten hovercrafts we had in our hanger.

My comrades all saluted to me as I walked passed them and patted the Firebird affectionately. "We'll get him today, girl," I whispered to the machine, receiving a hum of recognition, just like the one I would receive from my bow.

I smiled and turned to my 2nd lieutenant; Cinna Ignatius. "Cinna, are there any reports from District Ten about Snow or Coin's appearance?"

Cinna turned his green eyes to mine and shook his head. I could see the disappointment in his eyes. "I haven't received a single report from our unit in District Ten."

My face grimaced at the news. I hated receiving bad news, especially when the news came from one of my most trusted commanders. I clenched my hand into a fist, trying to relieve the tension inside me by squeezing my hand tighter. I looked at Gale. "We still continue on as planned. You, Cinna and twelve comrades will come with me. We want as little amount of comrades as possible."

Gale nodded and reached into one of his jacket pockets. I had only just realized now that Gale had changed into his commander uniform and even tried to fix his short, dark brown hair. His uniform was more simplistic than mine. He had a dark grey camo jacket, which also functioned as a vest, which was a canvas-like material with lots of pockets and zippers. Underneath he was wearing a black long sleeved shirt. He had black combat boots with loose fitting dark grey cargo pants that matched his jacket which had removable pant legs so they could be worn as shorts. From another's point of view, the uniform probably made Gale handsome. But I was immune due to the fact we were related. But I wasn't blind. I'd seen the way some of the girls looked at Gale. It made me want to vomit. If they knew the real him, they wouldn't want anything to do with him. He was just a typical disgusting guy. At least in my opinion.

He pulled out his bronze communicator that was shaped in the small form of a howling wolf's head. He clicked the wolf and spoke a few words before he placed it back in his pocket. Unlike me, he never pinned it to his jacket.

I looked at Cinna to see that he was also dressed in his uniform which matched his very short black hair.

He called his uniform his 'stealthy clothes'. It was a dark olive green, almost black, body suit with a weapon belt in the same colour. His uniform was made to fit his title; Commander of the Panem Rebel Spies. The uniform made no sound. His dark grey combat boots were silent. Cinna was like a shadow in the night. He couldn't be seen or heard until he was right next to you.

His communicator was is the shape of a silver fox and pinned just to the left of his heart. He had been nicknamed the Sly Fox, and sometimes we called him the Fashion Fox, since he was also the man who designed all the uniforms worn by the different professions of the Panem Rebels.

"You should get on Katniss, the sooner we leave the better," Cinna told me just as the comrades accompanying us came into the hanger.

I nodded, before standing below the entrance. A beam of red light circled around me to hold me in place as I was lifted into the Firebird's loading bay. After five minutes of loading myself and my comrades, the Firebird lifted into the sky of Panem under full cloak.

We arrived at District Ten well before the sun had set, but unfortunately we still had to find a safe, uninhabited place to dock. I had decided that I'd retire to my read another dark, instructing anyone with information to report to Gale or Cinna. That's why at around 02:00, when the knock to my door, I awoke with a groan. Both the annoyance and tiredness I felt reflected in my voice, "Who is it?"

"1st Lieutenant Hawthorne," Gale's voice and words were formal. I could tell he was with someone from the Panem Rebels who wasn't from the main base. I went immediately on alert. I had no idea who it was on the other side of that door.

I cleared my voice. "Come in." The door slowly opened to allow Gale to enter with a tall, messy brown haired man with grey eyes wearing a black combat jacket with a deep mauve t-shirt underneath and brown leather arm bands. He had black cargo pants with a weapons belt and brown leather combat boots. His colours were that of the District Ten Combat Division.

The man saluted to me and then introduced himself in a very deep, yet slightly shaky, voice as. "Leader Everdeen, I- I'm Commander Jenkins. I'm in ch-charge of the District T-ten's C-combat Division."

"At ease, comrade," I said, though I could tell Jenkins was not at ease at all. He acted like he was almost intimidated by me, despite my small stature, the fact that I was probably two years younger than him, and I was still wearing my blue-grey pajamas. I gave a sigh and composed myself. "Why did you wake me?" I was in no mood to coddle him. I was going to get straight to the point.

Jenkins cleared his voice and pulled at his collar around his throat almost as it was choking him.. "We have found a s-suitable pl-place for you to land your cr-craft. It-it's near the s-site in wh-which Snow's h-h-hovercraft was seen by our Sp-spy Division."

I nodded, his stutter made him an odd choice for his position and I wondered how he'd even made it that far in the ranks. "Right then, 1st Lieutenant Hawthorne take Commander Jenkins to Maize so he can give her directions. I want the Firebird at the landing site in twenty minutes." I didn't give them any time to talk before sending them out of my room.

Why do I always have to have my sleep interrupted by someone? The thought came to my mind as I pulled back on my mockingjay suit and went over to where I kept my bow.

I whispered 'hello' to my bow, causing it to hum in recognition. I swung the long black bow over my left shoulder and its matching quiver over my right. My bow and its arrows could be activated by the sound of my voice, much like the Firebird. My bow fired regular, explosive, and incendiary arrows, all having a different shaft colour; they could all be accurately shot over 100 yards.

I exited my quarters and went to the meeting room where all my fellow comrades had gathered. My seat was at the far side of the north wall, the head of the table. To the right of my seat was where Gale sat. He was totally alert, his eyes could be seen darting in every direction. To the left was where Cinna sat. Unlike Gale, Cinna wasn't looking around the room. Instead, he was sketching designs and reading spy reports. Though he looks unalert, I knew that if I threw one of my daggers in his direction, he'd either dodge it or catch it in-between his fingers without even looking up from his work. I opened the door wider and walked into the room with my eyes looking at each comrade for no more than ten seconds. As I walked passed, each comrade stood and saluted me.

"At ease, comrades." My voice was calm but still held firm authority. I sat down in my seat, shuffled through my papers, and then inclined my head to the group, telling them to be seated. "Alright then let's get to work. Jenkins," I said once every individual and been seated and rested their eyes on me. The newest comrade at the table perked his head up. "Report your findings to us."

The nervous Commander nodded and looked around the table. How did this man become a Commander? I hadn't met a single Commander or Sub Commander who didn't look calm and collected, like someone who knew they deserved their rank. This man seemed like he was intimidated by each and every person in the room despite the fact that most of them were a rank or two below his.

"Yes Ma'am." Jenkins cleared his voice and all the nervous atmosphere that surrounded him disappeared. "At 05:30 yesterday morning Snow's private hovercraft was seen nearby this area. It landed for a long enough period to unload two people and their luggage. We believe that neither Snow nor Coin disembarked from the craft." A series of grumbles and agitated murmurs rang from the comrades around the table, but the sound stopped when Jenkins continued his report, "However, we have confirmed that the people who dismounted the craft were the Prince and his escort."

This news sent a different sound through the room. It was a sound of excitement and need to start searching for these mystery people. Inside I too was feeling the same excitement as my comrades, but I'd never allow any of them to see it on my face; Cinna and Gale were the same.

"Excellent, Jenkins. Second best news I've heard all day. I want us to make a base on the ground, we'll keep the Firebird under cloak and we won't use her unless we are in dire need. Commander Gunthorn," I turned to look at the tall, dark skinned man who was sitting beside his son, Sub Commander Gunthorn, "Please make sure your people get this done quickly." He nodded before I rose from my chair and started for the loading bay. Gale was right behind me.

"Catnip, I know what you're thinking."

I sighed at the nickname; apparently he was still that seven year old kid who couldn't say Katnissright. "And what am I thinking, Scarface?"

He grimaced at my nickname for him. You call me Catnip, and I'll call you Scarface, I thought with a little smirk. I knew he hated that nickname considering it reminded him of his unfortunate marks.

"You're thinking that this is it. That you'll finally arrest Snow and Coin, and change Panem for good, like your father and great grandfather couldn't. Also, you're thinking that you calling me Scarface is a good way to get back at me for calling you Catnip." A smirk crossed his face as he said the last part.

Damn. He knows me all too well. I matched his smirk and shook my head in humorous frustration. "You guessed right, as always. I just want what's best for Panem and her people, Gale. And if that means kidnapping the son of her current leaders, then that's what I plan to do." The doors to the loading bay opened and I stepped onto the loading platform.

Just as the red beam surrounded me, Gale leaned in and whispered in my ear, "Just don't lose yourself during the process. I don't think the Panem Rebels would be able to survive the loss of their leader again." Gale moved away, just as I was slowly lowered onto the ground below.

"We've cleared this area ma'am," Senior Comrade Leferee reported with a salute. I looked around at the small area of houses we were searching through. A grimace came onto my face.

"Keep searching, we need to find him." My voice was laced with annoyance. Leferee nodded, probably noticing the change of tone.

I rubbed my temples, trying to relieve the stress that overcame me. This was not going the way I hoped. I had thought that the Prince would have been staying in one of the houses designed for visitors from the Capitol, but unfortunately Snow and Coin had planned for him not to stay in one of those homes. So now, for more than seven hours, we had been searching through every house in the area for a teenage boy and an older woman who looked like they were from the Capitol.

I came to the next house and was about to knock on the door when I saw the curtain move through the corner of my eye. There was someone in this house that was watching me. I tapped my mockingjay pin, "I think I found him. I'll need back up at the third house in the fourth area."

"Understood." Leferee's voice answered but I didn't wait for her and the rest of her group to reach the house. Instead I grabbed one of my knives and kicked down the door.

A woman in her thirties ran down the stairs, wrapping a bathrobe around herself, "Excuse me what do you think you're doing. This is breaking and entering. If you don't leave my house immediately I will call for the Peacekeepers and have you arrested."

I looked at the woman curiously, it was interesting that a woman from District Ten didn't know a Rebel when she saw one. It might have been that it was too dark enough to make out my Rebel Leader uniform but it wasn't too dark enough to notice that I was from the Panem Rebels.

"Leave my house this instance." When she spoke again, I noticed something in her voice; a Capitol accent.

At that moment Leferee and three others came into the house. I could the see the woman's lips purse. Her voice raised a little more than before. "I don't believe this. Leave my house now."

I rolled my eyes and looked at Leferee. "Take the woman into custody; I'll search for the boy."

The woman stared at me wide eyed. "Who are you people?" None of us answered. Leferee and the other comrades hauled the woman out of the door.

When they were out of sight I cautiously made my way through the house. It felt too silent. I could tell there was someone still here and I had a pretty good guess who that person was. Anticipation and adrenline competed against each other in my body. I couldn't believe this was happening. After all this time, we could have the prince in our grasp. Finally!

Creak. I whipped my head up to see a figure at the top of the stairs. Got you. I thought in my mind before I circled around and ran up the stairs. The figure also began to run. I could hear his heavy breathing above my own despite how far away he was from me.

I continued my pursuit for no more than three minutes, before I tackled the boy, landing on top of him, pinning him to the floor.

"Don't move a muscle, Prince." The boy's body tensed up and his eyes opened to look at me. Bluer than the clearest sky. As my eyes began to adjust more to the dark light I saw more of what the boy looked like. Short, blonde hair that waved in front of his eyes. A strong but gentle shaped face with an expression of shock and terror.

"How do you know who I am?" His voice was soft but held a masculine feel to it.

I tried not to faint at the sound of his voice. I was never what you called, a hopeless romantic but at that moment that title felt like it fit me perfectly. Keep it together Katniss, this boy is the son of the people who killed your father and many of your comrades.

I got off the boy and looked at him with my Leader gaze, "I, Leader Katniss Everdeen, leader of the Panem Rebels put you under arrest for the crimes of your parents, Lord Coriolanus and Lady Alma of Panem." The boy stared at me, before I continued, "As my prisoner I order you to tell me your name and that of the woman who was in this house with you."

The boy got up, not trying to run away or to even attempt an escape. I looked up into his eyes. Great he's taller than me. I held back the sigh and listened as he answered my order.

"The woman who was with me was my escort Effie Trinket; she is a trusted friend of my mother's." The boy's eyes pierced into mine without the terror they once showed. "And I am Peeta Mellark, Prince of Panem," Peeta paused, walking up to me. "Though I do not want to have this title."

"Wait, what?"

Hello to all who are reading my story or are rereading for the updated chapters (the updated chapter count can be found at the very bottom of this note). I hope you liked this one... I didn't change much, seeing as the first chapter was already good, but you who have already red this story will notice a few changes, besides grammar and spelling corrections. They were suggested to me by my revision beta reader Destiny1404 (who you can find on Fictionpress). A big hug to her for helping to edit this revision story, it means a great deal to me.

Disclaimer: I don't own the Hunger Games series or any of the characters. They belong to Suzanne Collins.

Also I greatly appreciate all comments and reviews, especially ones with ideas in them, which I'm happy to listen to and take into account since I help me move the story along fast... well most of the time :"3.

Current updated chapter count = 3