Disclaimer: Original characters and themes are property of Suzanne Collins.
The night air surrounding the house of District 12's Mayor seemed calm and serene, with insects chirping in harmony and a cool breeze rustling the barren bushes that grew outside. However, the air inside the home was tense with hushed voices and whispers that filtered through the vents, originating from the study on the second floor.
"You know how much relies on this, Otto." The mayor spoke to the Capitol man sitting before him.
Otto sighed and ran his hand through his greying hair. "Yes, I know. But you have to realize that I have limited resources. The government in District 13 isn't keen on me doing favors for anyone, let alone those they don't trust. You've done well in convincing everyone you're on President Snow's side throughout this, but how much longer can it last? Besides that, what can you give to 13 that would make them want to help you?"
"I have information," the mayor replied, "about citizens in 12 who would be more than willing to join the cause against the Capitol. I know who would be good in helping strategize the army, and I know for a fact that the people in 13 aren't going to turn down working hands and the potential to expand their numbers." He gave Otto a pointed look, referencing to the population problem 13 had experienced. "You need us, and we're the easiest district to ally with right now. With the others shut down and cut off, it's only going to get harder, especially with what's about to happen in the arena."
Otto kept silent, casting his eyes to the floor, unable to decide. It was only then that the mayor raised his voice at him, and continued on. "They're going to bomb us, Otto. It's either that, or they cut us off and the entire district will starve to death. The Capitol is ready for something big to happen, and District 12 will be the easiest to blame. They're going to try to exterminate us because Snow doesn't like how things have gotten out of hand and he's going to make a show of the entire thing. We'll be an example for the rest of the districts, his way of saying 'Don't step out of line, or else your fate will be the same.' I have a duty to this district just as much as I do to the Capitol. I need to save these people and you are my only hope of doing that." He was angry at Otto's resistance to helping him when he was so willingly providing information and potential soldiers for the rebellion.
It only took a few moments before Otto spoke. "Alright, you have a deal. I can't get anyone out during the bombings, though, it would be much too dangerous. You'll need to find a way to get them out to a safe spot where we can get to them once things settle down. Send a message to your allies in the district directing them where to go, and find a way to get it to me as well. It's going to be dangerous, not only during the bombings but during the wait until we can reach them. I won't lie to you- many will not make it. The Capitol is going to be thorough. Wait," He paused, confusing drawing across his face. "What about your wife? In her condition, she won't survive any of this."
The mayor squared his shoulders. "That brings me to my second request. You're right; my wife will not make it. If she cannot go, neither can I. I will not leave her to die alone while I run away with my district. The moment Madge sees me staying behind, she will as well. Her stubbornness will cause her to sacrifice herself and I will not allow that, Otto, I can't."
"Where are you going with th-" Otto spoke, confused, but the mayor cut him off with a wave of his hand and continued on.
"I need you to get her out beforehand. Before the bombs come, we both know when the explosion will happen in the arena and I want Madge out long before that happens. I know that Plutarch can spare a personal hovercraft, and I have everything planned." He spoke with finality, daring Otto to deny him. His days in Panem politics had hardened him from a soft spoken, shy man to a determined politician.
Otto simply nodded, and said "What can she do for 13? They won't allow us to bring someone in who cannot contribute."
"She can tutor, or help in the hospital ward. She's gotten high marks in school her entire life, and she's read every book in this house. She would be beneficial to the schooling system in 13, and wouldn't need any training. She's been administering morphling to my wife for the last 6 years, and has an eye for it. You can trust her to give shots, administer medicine, or help with sick children. She's polite, educated, and friendly. She will thrive in 13, trust me."
After a moment of decision, Otto agreed. "You have a deal. I will send someone to fetch her the night before. Plutarch will disguise it as a new crew of peacekeepers. Have her ready by 10 P.M."
The two men shook hands, and Otto disappeared into the dark night without another word.
Days later, Madge Undersee sat with her father at the dinner table, a rare occurrence for the two of them, while they ate. Tonight he chatted with her about school, her friends, her life, asking questions and being kinder than he had in years. While it wasn't unusual for him to be kind, she had gotten used to his cold and distant demeanor since her mother had gotten ill.
"You know, your mother and I are both very proud of you. You've grown up to be such a beautiful young woman with so much potential and purpose." Her father spoke to her in a soft voice, his eyes beginning to glisten.
Madge paused. "Thank you, dad. I don't mean to be rude, but are you doing okay? Is everything alright?" It wasn't like her father to get sentimental or to shed tears for any occasion.
"Yes, dear. I've just realized recently how much you've blossomed and I'm so sorry to have not been there for you these past years. Just know that I love you no matter what happens, okay?"
Madge nodded. Assuming her father was regretting his absence over the last few years, she smiled and responded, "Yes, I know. I love you too."
Finishing his dinner, he clapped his hands together. "Now, how about we have some tea? I believe I have some nice lavender tea saved that your mother used to love."
"That would be lovely. I'll clear the plates." Madge began to stand to collect her father's empty plate, but he stopped her.
"No, no. You just sit and relax. You usually do the dishes after your dinner, so it's my turn now." He grabbed both plates from the table as Madge sat, perplexed at her father's sudden helpful and attentive attitude.
She heard him quietly clinking the dishes in the sink, and the whistle of the teapot. Moments later he emerged with two cups filled with tea and set one in front of her. "Here you go, now I added some honey for you because that's how your mother used to drink it." He gave her a small smile. She accepted the cup gratefully; happy to have a change from the usual bland tea she drank. She enjoyed sweet things, like honey and strawberries, but forced herself to ration them out so she didn't overindulge. This was an unexpected treat.
She drank the tea quickly, using it to warm her hands and her insides from the cool air in the dining room. I should put more coal on the stove to warm it up down here she thought to herself, always in the habit of cleaning, cooking, and taking care of the home since no one else could, or was around to. The sweetness of the tea had a tangy aftertaste, but continued to drink unaware. Soon, her eyelids grew heavy and she yawned, setting down her now empty cup on the mahogany table in front of her.
Stretching her arms above her head, she told her father "I think I need to go lay down. I must have gotten out of bed too early this morning." Her lips felt heavy as she struggled to talk.
Her father nodded and stood up, walking to her and kissing her lightly on the forehead. "I'll walk you up to bed, darling. How about we stop and see your mother? She should be awake, and I know she was asking for you this afternoon. She would love to see you."
Madge nodded and yawned again, letting her father guide her out of the living room and up the stairs to the second floor where her mother slept. As they reached her room, Madge rubbed her eyes in an attempt to ward off the sudden sleepiness that had overtaken her.
Upon seeing her mother awake and alert, Made smiled widely. It wasn't often she got to see her mother lucid. "Momma! How are you feeling today?"
Her mother smiled in response and sat up in her bed. "I'm feeling well today, darling, thank you. I'm so happy your father brought you up. Are you going to bed?"
Madge nodded and yawned once more, unable to keep it hidden. "Yes, I'm so tired tonight. Dad and I had dinner together, it was wonderful. I wish you could have joined us."
"Yes, as do I." Her mother rested her hand on Madge's as she sat down on the bed next to her. "Well, I won't keep you up any longer, you need your rest. I love you, darling. So, so much." She reached up to kiss Madge on the forehead, and gave her another smile, this one wavering.
Madge stood and kissed her mother on the cheek. "I love you too, momma. Goodnight."
Her father walked her to her bedroom down the hall from her mother's room, and saw as she climbed into bed, still in her dress from the day. "Goodnight, dear. I love you."
"Love you too, dad." She mumbled, sleep overcoming her. Her father shut off the light and closed the door softly, stepping into the hall before letting any of his tears fall. He knew his wife would be upset in her room, and he went back to console her. Soon, he would need to go back into Madge's room and pack a bag for the essential things that he knew she would want to have in District 13, but wanted to make sure the sleep syrup he had given her in her tea would be in full affect so she wouldn't waken.
Then, shortly thereafter, a hovercraft would come and take her far away from District 12 where she would be safe.