Chapter 1 –– The Aftermath
AN: Thank you to my followers who have waited patiently for the sequel to Destiny - Heart of a Baker, Soul of a Hunter. Hopefully RL won't disrupt my scheduling plans for the next update. You guys have been very kind and wonderful leaving me comments and reminders. I did not forget you or the sequel. Lol We will be on another journey together that will last several months and chapters. I'm not sure how many since I only have three quarter of the story written, the rest still in notes. Urgh! And don't forget the edits. Sheesh.
If you are offended by descriptions of violence, strong language and mature content, please turn back now. Also my lead character is Peeta as most of my stories are focused on him. He's just too adorable, brave and kind. Sorry my mind digressed. This chapter is Madge's POV and is rated R for violence and strong language.
Disclaimer: The Hunger Games belongs to Suzanne Collins. Enough Said.
So here we go...
Three months, four days and 14 hours later after the attack on District 12. Peeta, Katniss and Prim are on the run, hoping to reach District 12. They are alone and being hunted. Meanwhile District 12 was in quarantine, lives were lost and a full blown rebellion had begun.
Madge POV –––
Desolate. Thinking back before the murder of Head Peacekeeper Cray's nephew, Ivan and the events that followed, life in District 12 was dismal and oppressive, but then living in any of the poorer District in Panem was hardly living. We were barely surviving. Food was scarce, limited to those who had a business or skill. We as Merchants in District 12 were lucky. The Seam? They were not. Their only occupation and source of income was the mines. Men worked in the mines to survive and to provide for your family. Women who didn't or couldn't find work, they sold themselves to the peacekeepers. It was the way of life––dismal, hopeless and soul crushing. Desolate.
I was born a Merchant, fair skinned, blue eyed and blond hair. I knew I was lucky; fortunate to be the daughter of the Mayor of District 12. Life was hard but unlike the lives of my friends and the Seam folk. They had it the hardest.
I shivered. I felt goosebumps on my arms despite the jacket I wore.
A gust of cold wind seeped through the dark heavy material. It was night. It was dark and I was freezing my ass off as I sat on the cold hard ground in the district's cemetery. My fingers were numb. The rifle in my hand felt foreign. It was a District 13 issue; cold, metallic and a lot heavier than the rifle I was accustomed to. It was high tech with a laser pointer, anti fog glass on the scope and I never left my home without it––day or night, it was my constant companion. After the attack, I never felt safe without it. I even slept next to it.
The appearance of District 13 was a surprise and mind blowing revelation. They actually existed. I mean we heard rumors, whispers and gossip of their existence. It wasn't until they arrived, as our saviors that the rumors were true.
By now the cold surface of the ground seeped through pants. Thank God for thermal underwear, another issued attire from District 13. I, Madge Undersee was now part of the Mockingjay's army sporting the whole black attired from head to toe. I'm a soldier. Don't even get me started of my father's reaction to my volunteering to join the rebellion. He shouldn't have been surprised.
An owl hooted to my left startling me. Slowly, I raised my rifle at the direction. I'm scared and exhilarated at the same time as my heart raced against my chest. Air escaped through my mouth in rapid succession. I wished Rye was here with me. During our campaign to prepare District 12 for another attack, he became my friend and partner. We were each other's support system. He missed his brothers and worried over Delly and Tyler—the son of his late brother, Graham. His older brother charged Peeta to be his legal guardian.
The request troubled and angered Rye since he was the middle brother. He had expected to be responsible for his nephew when his brother was killed. But Graham surprised everyone when he requested for Peeta to raise his only son. Realistically, Peeta was the logical solution even though he was younger. I couldn't fathom the idea of Rye as a father. Peeta was born to be one. But now with Peeta gone, Rye had his nephew and one on the way as Delly was four and half months pregnant. Be careful what you wish for.
Anyway, I digressed from my train of thought.
After a few seconds, nothing happened. My heart calmed and I exhaled slow but hard as condensation in the air formed my mouth; stretching my neck skyward I gazed at the milky clouds that surrounded the bright moon. I sniffed the cool air. Residual smell of acrid fumes, coal and burned flesh lingered around me. It was hard to breath at times knowing what I was inhaling. Images of death and destruction were permanently embedded in my mind. Bodies of former classmates and people I grew up with littered the ground. It was a sight I'd never forget. Their death angered and saddened me.
Clearing my thoughts, I wondered if Katniss was staring at the moon the same time as I was. I wondered how she, Peeta and Prim were doing. Are they okay? Are they scared or hurt and needed help? I felt…helpless and scared for them. What are going through their minds? I recalled Mr. Everdeen's reaction when he heard that Peeta, Katniss and Prim had stolen away during the night and had snuck out of camp.
Flashback –––
The sounds of broken glass and wood permeated the air. Concerned, I ran towards the disturbance. It came from an all too familiar building that I frequented––Mellark Bakery. The place was broken into during the mutt attacks as glass was replaced with wood paneling, and the Mellark Bakery sign hung on one hook swaying precariously.
Throwing the door open I was surprised with the sight before me. The smell of antiseptic and cleaning solution assaulted my senses triggering memories from two weeks ago. Mr. Everdeen had his back turned. Mr. Mellark was seated on a chair, elbows on his knees with his hands cradling his forehead. It had been two weeks since the attack. Two horrible, nightmarish weeks removing bodies from both Seam and Merchant township. The dead were still unaccounted for as the number of infected grew daily. The healthy were sequestered away from the sick––those who were still infectious as the contagion spread. It wasn't until a few days ago the source of the contagion was discovered, how it spread even hours after the attack.
The shiny smooth fur on the mutt dog was tainted with the virus. All the mutilated bodies of the mutt dogs were transported miles away from the district. Men and women dug a trench long and deep, throwing the carcasses into the hole, then gasoline was poured onto their bodies and burned until there was nothing left but bone and ash. It burned for hours. The smoke hovered over the district like a dark shroud. Even now the stench reeked onto your skin and clothing even though every building and home was doused with a powerful cleaning solution.
A funeral pyre was created to bury and burn the dead; my people, family and friends. I recognized a few of my classmates both Seam and Merchant, young children and old folks, their bodies burned or mangled from the attack. I threw up the first time when I found––no, when I stumbled upon an old classmate, Damien Ritter. He was a bully and a menace. He bullied those smaller than him. Though he was feared and hated, Damien didn't deserved to die a horrible death. His body brutalized from a vicious attack. His right arm and shoulder was severed from his body as chucks of his stomach was torn revealing his organs. I scrunched my eyes trying to cleanse the image from my mind. A loud angry voice brought me back to the present.
"Of all the irresponsible and stupidest things...what were they thinking?" Mr. Everdeen seethed with anger, his teeth clenched as you could see the muscles on his neck bulged.
"Garrett, stop," Mr. Mellark begged. Mr. Everdeen ignored him as he ranted further. His ire was a sight to see for a man I've known to be mild mannered and even tempered.
"Why the hell would they leave the safety of the camp. Peeta should know better than to––"
Mr. Mellark's head shot upward, his eye bloodshot but he was alert. "You're not seriously going to blame Peeta––"
"Of course, I am." Mr. Everdeen clenched his left hand. "Katniss would follow him to the ends of earth. She wouldn't leave Prim and her mother alone at the northern base camp. They were safe there. Why would she leave? Peeta would want to leave to be here with you." Prim? Katniss' fourteen year old sister, wasn't she dead? I guess not.
'Thank God for miracles,' a voice sounded in my mind. 'Katniss must be so overjoyed to have her sister back.'
"You got to be kidding me––" Mr. Mellark interspersed, disbelief reflected in his eyes. He opened his mouth and closed it.
Mr. Everdeen rambled on. "…Peeta would be the one who'd want to leave the base. His family is all here while mine is over––" I was stunned myself. Peeta and Katniss had left the rebel compound. They were safely away from the Capitol in hiding. But now they had left to…to return home to District 12? I listened further.
"Are you really fucking kidding me?" My eyes grew wide after hearing Mr. Mellark's outburst. He was a usually calm man. In all the years I've known him, he was never one to curse or yell when he was angry. But then again I had rarely seen him angry. He was like Mr. Everdeen in that way.
"My son, Peeta? Really? My son who so has never been in the woods before he met Katniss. My son who was safe before he got together with her. Who's only love––"
He stood up and jabbed his finger into Mr. Everdeen's chest. "besides your daughter, Katniss, is baking, decorating cakes, who paints and draws? My son, do I have to remind you was the one you placed in danger to begin with?"
Mr. Everdeen's face turned from anger to remorse. At first I was confused. How did Mr. Everdeen place Peeta in danger? Then it hit me. Mockingjay broadcast the video of Peeta being whipped by Cray. That event started the chain of events that changed his life forever. It changed Katniss's life as well. Who knew that the mild manner Mr. Everdeen was The Mockingjay.
"If anyone who would be at fault it would be your daughter. She would never stand by and let District 12 fall into ruin and despair. You forget that she would want to be here with you. To help you. She is more like you than her mother."
He stopped and took a breath. A cough escaped him, sending him into a fit, forcing him to step back. "And I guess it's Peeta's fault that Prim is with them as well?" he said in a sarcastic manner.
I snickered. Where Katniss led Prim followed to be with her beloved older sister. They were opposite in physicality, but that's where they stopped in comparison, for both were passionate, kind, loyal and true.
"Just as Peeta would travel heaven and hell to be here with you, Jimmy. He has all his family here," Mr. Everdeen reminded him. "He'd want to be here. You don't give him enough credit, Jimmy. He was raised as a baker but his heart is one of a warrior." Both men were breathing hard and heavy as if they had ran a marathon. They both took a step backwards from each other.
The tension in the air was thick. I have never seen these two men act so volatile. It was obvious that they were both scared for children. Despite their anger and fear both were infected you could see it in their posture––both barely were able to remain upright as standing tired them easily and fits of coughing with heavy breathing. Sometimes, a surge of a blood dripped from their nose and blurred vision. It was temporary but frequent. Their appetite was also affected.
"Ahem," I coughed loud and firm. They were so engrossed in their argument they didn't notice my appearance.
"You don't have any right to be angry at Peeta," Mr. Mellark said.
"If he endangers my daughters––"
"Do I have to remind you that it's your daughter who is more high strung and reckless than––"
"Just wait a god damn minute––" Mr. Everdeen interrupted.
They continued to argue. Suddenly, Rye appeared from the stairwell. He looked…worse than ever. His eyes red, his skin sallow almost yellowish if it was possible. He needed a haircut and a shave, his hand braced the door frame. He looked ready to collapse from descending the stairs.
I grew impatient, but more scared if they continued in this vein. So I picked up the first thing I saw in the ground and bashed it against the nearest wall to catch their attention.
Stunned, the two men turned to my direction.
"Madge?" Mr. Everdeen addressed me.
Finally, Mr. Mellark noticed Rye as he stumbled into the room. "Rye, what are you––"
"Dad, what's going on?" Rye questioned. He almost collapsed on the ground as if his legs gave up on him. Luckily his Dad was there to catch him. They were both weak that they nearly toppled each other.
"Where's Peeta? Why are there boards on the window? Why does smell funny in here?" I raised my hands to cover my mouth. One of the symptoms from contracting the contagion was delirium. "Is Graham in the back? I can't find him. He said I can borrow one of his shirts for my date with Delly." I held a sob back from my throat. Rye had lost weight. It hurt seeing him so weak and sick. Luckily Delly wasn't infected but unfortunately she was separated from Rye and Tyler. I was one of the few fortunate that was immune to the contagion. No one knew why a few of us was unaffected. It was a mystery that had yet to be solved.
"Son, go back upstairs," Mr. Mellark commanded him as he placed a hand on his elbow.
Rye disregarded his attempt to lead him upstairs. "I need to borrow Graham's shirt. Peeta is going to help me iron it. He irons his shirt real nice and stuff." He looked around as if he was waiting his brother to appear. "Oh hey, Madge. I didn't see you there." He acknowledged my presence with a puzzled look on his face. "Why are you dressed like that?" He started to cackle. "You...you look like..." He stopped and his eyes grew round.
"Oh, my god. Madge...did you...did you join the rebels? Is that why you're dressed like that? Oh shit, is that a rifle? Is it loaded?" Through his excitement he started to cough.
"Rye, why don't you listen to your dad and go back upstairs," Mr. Everdeen interjected.
"Holy shit, that's amazing," Rye gushed. I smiled. Rye and I talked about the possibility of joining Mockingjay's army but we knew it was a pipe dream. We had so many responsibilities with our families—he was soon to be a father. So when he 'disappeared' I was shocked that he left Delly, his home and his father. "Wooo, can I hold that for a second-"
Mr. Everdeen placed himself between Rye and me, preventing him from grabbing the rifle. "Rye, don't you have a date with Delly to go to?" Rye looked at him for a second.
"Oh yeah, but-" His eyes were focused on the rifle latched on my back.
"Rye, you know you don't want to be late for your dinner with your girl. A man shouldn't keep his girl waiting," Mr. Mellark added. He looked sad and wistful. "Remember this dinner is very important to you and Delly?"
"Right," Rye replied back as if he remembered something very important. "I'll go upstairs and see if Graham left his shirt in my room. He promised to drop it off last night." He turned and walked up the stairs. However, as he ascended one step, he turned, "Madge, you and I," he pointed a finger to me and to himself, "you're going to have a talk. Wahooo, you're badass Madge Undersee. I'm jealous."
"Rye-" Mr Mellark started.
"I know, I know. Priorities first," Rye continued. "Wait until Graham hears about this, he's gonna be sooo jealous of you, Madge."
Rye walked up the stairs. Mr. Mellark had a sad and anguished look on his face. "He's...not getting better. He keeps asking for Delly and Peeta. I don't know..."
"Go be with him," I suggested. "He needs you." But before he left he turned to Mr. Everdeen.
"Garrett, you're lucky that your family is whole and healthy," he started. "I don't blame Peeta or Katniss for leaving the camp. It was a stupid and dangerous thing to do, but you know well enough to know if you were in their shoes, you would be doing the same thing. I'm scared too, but you forget..." He smiled. "Our children have escaped from the games, they are fighters. Peeta would die before he'd let anything happened to Katniss and Prim."
"I trust Peeta, Jimmy. I trust him to take care of my girls," Mr. Everdeen responded. Mr. Mellark nodded his head. And just like that all was forgotten.
End of Flashback –
After that day, both Mr. Mellark and Mr. Everdeen were civil to each other. However, you could tell that there was still tension and some animosity between them. Nerves were frayed and anger flared easily. As days turned to weeks, there was no news of Peeta, Katniss and Prim's whereabouts. It was as if they disappeared. There were rumors of them in spotted in District 2 and 3. Some even reported they were traveling through District 8.
They had definitely adopted radio silence. Even Snow and the Capitol was hunting them down, leaving a reward for their capture. I was scared for them. But then I realized no news was good news?
I returned to my train of thoughts. Wondering how Katniss was doing? I sighed as I gazed at the stone before me.
Maysilee Donner, 16
District 12 Tribute
50th Anniversary Hunger Games.
I lost my Aunt Maysilee in the Hungry Games. I never knew her but her death affected my mom. The loss devastated her.
On ordinary and normal days, mom would be alert and focused. She did her duties as the mayor's wife, she stood next him and supported him. However, on certain days like around Aunt Maysilee's birthday and viewing days, my mom was a mess. She was sullen, inconsolable and melancholy. Those days she barely got out of bed that I soon learned to take care of the household and my little brother Toby. I became a caretaker at an early age. No one knew. Well no one except Katniss. Our mothers were the reasons why we bonded. We both learned at early age to become a parent to our younger sibling.
When I turned 12 the age of my first reaping, Mom presented me with Aunt Maysilee's mockingjay pin. It was a precious gift that was both a burden and an honor bestowed on me. At the time, I never knew the significance and importance, why my mom gave it to me. Later I learned that she gave me the pin that was the symbol of the rebellion. It wasn't fancy or glittery like most notable jewelry pieces. It was a simple gold pin shaped of a bird holding an arrow between its beak. But on my 18th birthday, the last year of my reaping age, my mom informed me the relevance or meaning. Why it was precious to her. It originally belonged to Aunt Maysilee. She was the first owner.
Now that I knew the identity of the real Mockingjay, Katniss's father Mr. Garrett Everdeen, I smiled at the irony of it. I didn't know what possessed me to give it to Katniss but was glad I did. It was now with the rightful owner, the Mockingjay's daughter. I recalled Mom's reaction when she first saw it on Katniss; it was a moment that I'll never forget.
Flashback –
The Hunger Games, Day One – The Cornucopia
"Madge," Dad shouted, his voice sound muffled behind my bedroom door. I moaned in impatience and frustration. "It's almost time for the viewing. Please get your mom ready."
"I'll get to Mom, once I have Toby ready as well, Dad," I returned, pulling Toby's shirt towards me.
"Toby, hold still," I commanded my little brother as I buttoned his shirt. In his haste, he had worn his flannel shirt inside out.
"But I ––" he started as he combed his unruly hair. Mom was a stickler for appearances. No matter where we were or who we saw, we were raised to dress appropriately and behaved accordingly as we were the children of Mayor of District 12. That meant clothes were clean and pressed. Toby was distracted for some reason that he ended up wearing his shirt wrong.
"Hold still, okay?" I almost screamed. "What's up with you? You're all jumpy today."
"The games is going to be on soon," he answered.
"So––" He laid down the brush on the table. His hair was still a mess but I was pressed for time and needed to get Mom ready.
"Peeta," he started, his blue eyes round with excitement.
"What about him?" I was curious to his line of thinking. Why was he so excited about this viewing. Did he know Peeta? If he did, how?
"All the guys are talking about him," he said. "He's like…bad ass. He's representing our district." Confused with his enthusiasm, I pressed further but was interrupted.
"Are you done?" Dad spoke as he knocked then opened my door. "Hey, Toby?" Toby ran out the room passed Dad and ran down the stairs.
"What the––"
"Come on, Madge," Toby yelled as I heard his footsteps echo down the stairs. "Get Mom ready. Come on Dad, let's go."
"What's going on with Toby, Madge," Dad inquired. "Why is he so excitable today?" I shrugged my shoulders. "I've never seen him like this on Opening Day."
"I really don't know, Dad," I sighed. "I'm going to get Mom ready or we'll be late." Today I was sister and parent to Toby as Mom was withdrawn and had hidden in her room. It was after all, the first day of the Hunger Games. "Why don't you go ahead Dad, I'll make sure Mom watches the opening ceremony?"
Viewing the games were mandatory and we had to watch the Opening Ceremony and First Day at the courtyard of the Justice Building. It was one of Dad's duty as Mayor of District 12 to show cooperation and compliance to Snow's mandate.
"Oh, okay. Since you're done, can you got to your Mom now," he asked. "She…she needs you." I walked into my parents bedroom. Mom was seated at chair, her hand caressing a necklace around her neck. She had that look on her face again. One I recognized so often. She was missing her sister. "Mom?" She turned to face me.
For some reason, I was the only one who could coax my Mom from her melancholy. It helped that she once told me that I reminded her of her sister, Maysilee Donner.
"You look so much like Maysi." A sob escaped her throat. Her eyes were glazed as if she was transported to a memory. "She would be so proud of you had she..."
"Come on, Mom," I coaxed her as I led her to sit on her bed. "We have to get you ready." Ordinarily, all of us would head towards the Justice Building and watch the The Hunger Games opening ceremony. Not today. Mom was in a state. She was anxious, nervous and unsteady. Dad questioned her frame of mind. The ceremony and mandatory viewing did a toll on her mental state. She saw Aunt Maysilee in every viewing. It's been 25 years since her games but to Mom it was as if it was yesterday. So Dad and Toby would view the ceremony at the courtyard of the Justice Building while I stayed home with Mom. I didn't mind and was glad for the arrangement. I didn't want anyone around me as I watched my friend Katniss participated in the games.
Mom sang to herself while I brushed her hair not acknowledging my presence. She was too inside her head at the moment. I couldn't let her linger in her present state. After brushing her hair, she stood up and walked down the stairs in an automated fashion. The music from the viewing monitor sounded blaring the Capitol opening ceremony. It was as if the sound mesmerized her like a child following the sound from a pied piper.
My heart raced against my chest. I felt sad that Katniss lost her sister. She loved Prim so much but at least she was with Peeta. She'd draw strength and comfort from him. It just wasn't fair that they were reaped when they had finally found each other. No one had seen them or the other tributes since President Snow eliminated the Tribute Parade this year. Rumor had it that Peeta and Katniss's popularity grew in the two weeks they were in training. The Capitolites loved them angering the other tributes especially District's 1 and 2. Because they were crowned "The Star Crossed Lovers of District 12," most of the Capitolites favored them and getting sponsors was not a problem. Thus, resentment grew because of their popularity. And, Peeta was already a favorite after Mockingjay's video months prior.
With a heavy heart I waited for the First day of the Games, The Cornucopia. I held my breath as Peeta and Katniss came into view. Just as I was to make a comment my mother gasped.
"Madge, is that your Aunt Maysilee's pin on Katniss Everdeen?" she questioned me. I was shocked. Normally, her eyes was glassed and her mind was in the past. I wondered how she noticed since the mockingjay pin was barely visible on Katniss jacket. Before I could answer, a large and bright explosion filled the screen. All twenty four tributes were knocked off their pedestal. Chaos followed as the screen blacked out and Ceaser Flickerman came into view.
"Ladies and Gentleman-" he started. Then the screen blacked out again as a large red symbol of a bird appeared replacing the Capitol iconic logo. On the screen read, "THE REVOLUTION HAS BEGUN."
Outside my home, I heard rumbling sounds of gunfire and screams. I looked out my window to find men, women and children as they raced up and down the streets. "Mockingjay, Mockingjay," they chanted. Peacekeepers filled the streets. Someone shouted, "Death to the Capitol." Revolution or not, my family was in danger amidst all the chaos.
"Dad and Toby," I cried out. "They're at the viewing. Mom, you stay here. I need to find them." I was scared. But before I could leave, Mom grabbed my arm. "Mom?" The grip on my arm was tight.
"Why does Katniss have Maysi's pin?" she asked. There was a look in her eyes, a look I haven't seen in years.
"I gave it to her, I don't know why, but...it felt right at the time," I explained. I really didn't have a logical explanation. The only thing I knew was that my friend was reaped. Katniss was not only my friend but almost like a sister I never had. It was a impetuous moment that I barely remembered giving it to her. But, my heart made that decision even when my mind was against it. I mean, it was my aunt's pin—the only souvenir left of a relative I never met. My mom gave it to me for safe keeping. However, that day it was as if a force made me do it. That Aunt Maysilee wanted me to give it to Katniss.
The noise from the street grew louder as sound of tire tracks from military tanks filled the air. "Citizen of District 12, you are now under Marshall Law. 9PM curfew has been changed to 7PM. All those found in disobedience will be shot without any warning," Darius voice echoed in the air.
"Mom, I have to go," I said as I tried to pry her hand from my arm. "Dad and Toby—you can get mad at me later for giving away the pin to Katniss."
Then the strangest thing happened, Mom wrapped her lean arms around me, hugged so tight I could hardly breathe. "Mom, what's wrong." She didn't respond but held onto me. "You're scaring me. Please don't be mad."
She released me. "I'm not mad, Madge." She cupped my face with her hands. "Every day I've watched you grow to be a strong and independent woman, just like my sister Maysilee. The tilt of your head, your laugh and even your temper is all her. You are so much like her, her strength and her passion. I'm so proud of you."
For a moment the world stood still. I realized that my Mom was present in mind and spirit. The Mom I loved and who loved me was back if only momentarily. "Mom?" My eyes filled with tears. I missed my Mom who taught me how to cook, listened to my troubles and comforted me.
"You are her in spirit," she said. "I'm sorry that...I haven't been there for you. I'm sorry that I'm not strong like you. Just remember that I do love you and your brother so much."
"I don't understand-" I really didn't. What was it that shook her from her depression and melancholy today of all days when the world was tilted from its axis.
"You have kept Maysilee's memory alive," she explained. "Katniss wearing her pin, a mockingjay pin that your aunt wore. Why her death was important? She was important." She didn't made any sense to me.
'What?' Then as if lightning struck. Aunt Maysilee's pin; the pin symbolizing the rebellion. "Maysilee was Lily Everdeen's best friend. You gave the pin to her daughter, Katniss. You see, you have completed the circle. Maysilee would have wanted to Katniss to have the pin. It now belongs to the rightful owner." I should have been resentful or bitter with her implication, that I wasn't the one to own Aunt Maysilee's pin as I was her niece. But she was right, the pin should be owned by the rebel leader Mockingjays' daughter?
I held my breath for a few seconds as if someone had punched me in the stomach. "What the fuck?"
Mr. Everdeen was the Mockingjay? I was beyond stunned, confused and in awe. Mr. Everdeen who was disabled, missing an arm and leg from a mining accident that occurred years ago. He was a man that no one would suspect as the Mockingjay due to his disability.
So many questions swam in my mind like bees buzzing in a hive. How? When? Did Katniss and Prim know? How could he be fighting in the other districts while he lived here? Who else knew? Are there other rebels close by? But also, how long had my parents known?
I was thunderstruck by the revelation, the story behind the pin. But it didn't explain my compulsion or need to give to Katniss on the day she was reaped. Perhaps, it was fate or destiny? I was speechless.
Suddenly, Dad appeared with Toby in his arms. There was a look of fear then relief once he saw us together. "Thank God," he exclaimed. "Once the monitors shut off I picked Toby and ran as fast as I could. Are you two okay?"
Mom and I eyed each other for a few seconds. The moment between us passed. I took a step back.
"Lorrain? Are you okay?" He placed Toby down on the floor. He ran to Mom wrapping his arms around her waist.
"I'm fine, Heath," she assured him with a smile on her face, "I've never been better." Dad extended his arm towards me. I wrapped both my arms around them with Toby in tow. We were together, safe and sound if only for time.
End of Flashback -
Life after the Hunger Games opening day was busy, confusing and anxiety filled. No one knew what was going on. The monitors were dark as no viewing was mandated. The games were demolished forever. Mockingjay made sure of it. Everyone in District 12 wondered was happening to Peeta and Katniss. Were they safe, where are they?There was a sense of hope that we had never felt before. We saw the possibility of living a life without oppression from President Snow, the Peacekeepers and the Capitol. However, our hope was short lived.
The bombing and mutt attacks happened changing thousands of lives, devastating families as hundred died or were infected.
Food and supplies were secretly snuck into the District 12. No one knew who brought them or how they arrived. I suspected its District 13. Medical and other supplies were transported into 12 as well. Soldiers from District 13 and rebels took over, scouting the town and woods. They had to have shot down over 100 Capitol drones that tried to penetrate the area. I was impressed by their marksmen; men and women with long range rifle and keen eyesight. One by one they were shot down night and day.
Eighty percent of the Seam was burned to the ground due to the explosive bombs that were dropped. Mutt attacks destroyed more than half of the Merchant township. Every man, woman and child were displaced from their homes. There was devastation everywhere. These life changing turn of events altered my life completely. Good and bad. I volunteered quick and with no regret. Training was brutal as no one was given a reprieve. Once you became a soldier, your life was in their hands. You couldn't gripe or whine about it. I had exchanged one existence to another, one ruler to another. I vowed to protect District 12 and to follow Mockingjay.
As Commander Boggs reminded us during one strenuous training day, exercising under the hot sun for hours, "You are now in a war zone. You are a soldier, you live and will die a soldier. Your enemy is the Capitol. The Capitol will be relentless. You will not know the meaning of peace and rest until they are gone. They have no understanding or compassion of your plight. You are nothing to them as human being. Your children are their entertainment. But you do have one advantage, one resource that the Capitol needs and cannot live without. They need your coal. Without it, the Capitol will not have energy. Without energy they cannot survive. Defend it, you defend your home. This is your legacy."
And so I trained day and sometimes at night. I even went on patrol duty.
Meanwhile, the relationship between Mr. Mellark and Mr. Everdeen who I now knew was the Mockingjay was strained. It was obvious with their interaction with each other. Mr. Abernathy on three occasions interceded whenever there was an argument or heated discussion between them. Both men worried over their children. I didn't blame Mr. Mellark's anger as he worried about Peeta and his other son, Rye whose health had not improved even though a cure was created to stop the spread of the contagion to the uninfected population. It was a cure, but somehow Rye was not getting better. He still had bouts of coughing fits, bloody nose and delusions. The doctors couldn't figure out why.
However, Mr. Everdeen's responsibilities were larger and the stakes higher. He had districts to defend as men and women counted on him. They looked up to him for support, guidance and leadership. I couldn't imagine shouldering that kind of responsibility. But I admired him for it. Katniss must be so proud of her father.
A gust of cool wind skimmed my skin, my face cold from sitting in the grave yard for at least an hour. I reached over to the headstone next to Aunt Maysilee. My heart constricted as I read the engraving, "Beloved Father, Mother, Son and Brother, Heath Undersee, Lorrain Undersee and Robert Undersee."
Weeks after the attacks, my whole family was infected. It happened fast. Mom was the last as she had a weak immunity system. I was with her on the day she died. She laid on her bed after weeks succumbing to the virus. She lost weight, her eyes purple from lack of sleep and from not eating. Between the bouts of melancholy and depression the virus spread through her system weakening her.
Flashback -
"Madge, my beautiful daughter," she wheezed between coughs. "No mother can ever be as proud as I am. For you have grown up to be a strong woman. I wished Maysilee had been alive to see you grow." Tears tracked down my cheeks, my nose runny with snot and my throat clogged. It was only a matter of time before her heart and her body gave out.
"Mom, please," I begged. "Don't talk, you need to rest."
"I feel fine, Madge," she insisted. "As a matter fact, I feel really good." She breathed through her nose, each exhalation was harsh and heavy but her eyes were clear. "I'm going to see my family soon. Maysilee said she was going to stop by for a visit."
"Mom," I sobbed. Terror and pain filled me. I was losing my Mom. It wasn't supposed to happen. She was fine one day then sick the next. Just like Bobby. Dad was gone. My Dad was attacked by a man who came from nowhere as he was delirious and infected with the virus. I didn't know who he was but he was from the Seam.
I was horrified with details as Mr. Abernathy broke the news to me. The Seam man escaped quarantine, deliriously fighting monsters in his mind. He attacked Merchants who came into contact with. Dad was one of his victims. A soldier from District 12 was forced to kill the Seam man as he was rabid and dangerous. As for my brother Bobby, it was a mystery how he contracted the virus. He was dead within two weeks after being infected. I was alone now with no family and missing my friends, Katniss and Rye.
A few minutes before my Mom passed she had a serene look on her face as she looked out her bedroom window. Her lips moved but no sound was heard. I realized she was singing to herself. Then suddenly, she smiled a smile so wide that the corner of her eyes crinkled. "Oh Maysilee, I missed you." She sighed. I bit my lower lip, stopping myself from releasing a sob caught in my throat. Then she giggled then turned her eyes towards me.
"Maysi, you look so beautiful," she said as she extended her hand to me. I grasped it with both hands. "Where's Mom and Dad?"
"They're waiting for you...Mo...Lorrain," I answered. My throat felt tight. "They'll be so happy to see you." I couldn't stand it any longer, I burst into tears because I knew that this was it.
"Maysi? Why are you crying?"
"I...I'm so happy to see you too," I responded. My voice shook but I had to continue the ruse.
"We're together again. Remember I told you that one day I'll have a family of my own," she continued. "I met a really wonderful man and have two beautiful children. See they're over there. There's my Heath and baby Robert." She sighed and pointed to the window. "I can't wait for you to meet my daughter. She's just like you."
My mind couldn't grasped how my aunt's death affected my Mom. They were sisters, a relationship I never had as I had a younger brother. Aunt Maysilee and my Mom had a bond I never understood until I met Katniss and Prim. If anything happened to Prim, she would have been more than devastated. Just like Mom was devastated when Maysilee was reaped and killed in the arena.
"Sing with me, Maysi," she asked. I hated singing because I wasn't really good at it, unlike Katniss who sang beautifully. I found the strength to do as she asked. These last few minutes was all I had with her. How could I deny her? For a few minutes we sang together, our voices soft and low. Moments later, Mom was tired. Even singing tired her. "I love, you Madge," her words escaped with a final breath. Then she closed her eyes and never woke up again.
End of Flashback -
I touched the words that was also etched on the gravestone, Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live.
Because they were infected my father, mother and little brother were cremated along with the hundreds who died from the contagion. After the funeral I continued to train. During the day it kept my mind busy but after training hours I was in a daze, wondering what to do with my life. Who do I fight for if not for my family? Who was left for me to live for? How could I move on without Dad, Mom and Bobby? I had no family left to love. I was alone in the world, grieving and I was heartbroken.
At the lowest and darkest time in my life, my questions were answered.
Mr. Everdeen knew my sorrow and pain. "Dying is easy. You're done, no pain or suffering," he said one day during the middle of training while he addressed the men and women who had volunteered. "But living? It's the hardest thing to do, to move forward when there is nothing left to live for. All of you has known suffering and pain. The heart break of losing people you love. Why should I fight, you ask yourself?"
He stood before us in his Mockingjay outfit, dressed in black boots, pants, shirt and gloves. His bow and quiver latched on his back. A silver Mockingjay pin glistened on his collar. You couldn't tell he had a missing calf and forearm. He looked imposing and impressive. Two men stood behind him, soldiers from District 13. He was sick but he still held himself to remain strong. We needed him to be.
"What you do today, how you conduct yourself will resonant in your life. This is our time. We have waited for this moment. You live to fight for Panem, you fight for freedom. If anything else you fight for love, love for your family, friends, your neighbor. You honor the dead by fighting for them, you fight because so that their deaths were not in vain. Fighting against the Capitol will be your legacy." The speech was almost similar to Commander Boggs. It lifted my spirit and gave me hope. Dying is easy. But I swore to myself that I would fight for memory of my family. I couldn't give up. I had to move on.
I didn't know how much time had passed as I sat in the cemetery sitting alongside my family's headstone. It was quiet and peaceful here. Suddenly, the sound of rustling leaves disturbed my time of solitude.
"Madge?" Haymitch Abernathy appeared from behind a grove of trees. "What the hell are you doing here alone? Do you have any idea what time it is?" He wore a simple shirt and khaki pants; clothing not fit for the current temperature. He looked...anxious and scared. Even his voice shook as he spoke.
I smirked at him. "I could say the same thing to you, sir," I addressed him. He gasped.
"Stop with the 'sir' shit," he scoffed. "Just Haymitch will do." I nodded. "You don't by any chance happened to have seen Rye?"
"What?" I responded in shock. "Rye? What you do mean?"
"He snuck out of the house," he answered. "His dad went to check up on him about an hour ago. He wasn't in his room." Shit, the word sounded in my mind. "I thought maybe he went to see Delly, but she hasn't seen him either."
"You mean to tell me, he's out here somewhere...walking around? He's still sick." I stated the obvious. The feeling of fear and panic rose inside me. Rye wasn't getting better even when the cure was found. People were still quarantined just for safety measure. Once they were cleared and diagnosed as cured they were released. Rye was a special case. It's been a few days since his inoculation and he was still infected. His symptoms had gotten worse as days passed. He mixed days, times and events in his life, sometimes forgetting he was already married to Delly and wanting to visit his brother, Graham and nephew. His behavior scared me. Delly was by herself, alone and pregnant with their first child. But at least she still had her family.
"I could use your help," he admitted. "When I found out, I just ran out the house." It was stupid of him to have left the safety of his home without proper clothing and without being armed. There was still other wildlife that lived surrounding District 12 township. They wandered through the fields looking for food and water even though the stench of dead flesh and smoke lingered in the air. "I've looked everywhere, places he could have visited." He would have visited places like the butcher shop, Delly's former home and Graham's old residence.
Mockingjay sent four search parties to look for Rye. He couldn't have gotten far as he was only wearing t-shirt, pants and no shoes. In his delirious state who knew where and how far he could have gotten. "We have to find him soon. Too much exposure in this weather and his weakened state will give him pneumonia."
"Does Delly know he's...missing," I asked. Haymitch shook his head.
"I want to look for him and get his sorry ass home." he sighed.
"And if we don't find him?" I wasn't really trying to be pessimistic but after everything Rye's been through, the odds for the Mellark family was not in their favor.
AN: Thank you for reading the first chapter. I struggled with the editing because it was very long and decided to cut it here. I hope I didn't disappoint or made you angry. It was not my intention. Prim's POV is next ;).
See you next time! Have a great rest of the week.
