AN: Here is the next chapter. Thanks, to everyone who reviewed, and everyone who added me to their alert/favorite's lists! Well on with the show, Enjoy!

Chapter 2: A Friend to the End.

My wake up in the same room I spent the last two days in. But, I am alone this time. Outside my door I hear voices.

"We pushed her too hard, too fast. We need to be more careful. She would be a valuable additional to our ranks and lets give her some time to adjust." a male gruff voice protested.

"We have waited decades for the Volturi scum to be challenged. If there is a chance she can be successful in their downfall, we must act swiftly and acquire her to our ranks. We will be here to guide her and see that she gets the support she needs." another male argues. It sounded like President Stefan's voice.

"The Volturi's eyes are clouded with greed but, ours are bright with hope. By using the girl against them, the people of Panem might unite for the greater good. Then united we can gouge the greed from their sockets." urges the next. That must be President Vladimir.

"With all due respect Mr. Presidents, I must agree with Harry this time." I hear Tanya cuts in. So the first voice belonged to Harry Clearwater. Tanya continued,

"Isabella just watched her husband die, her mother was sent to her in pieces, and her best friend has been mutated. Granted that worked to our favor but, see it from her perspective. We have tested her loyalties and know she is on our side. Lets let her see her sister Vanessa, friends, and in-laws are taken care of. Let her morn the loss of her love ones and deal with the trauma she incurred in the arena. Give her a little more time. If she doesn't come around soon we can always, give her a little helpful shove in the right direction."

"Very well." Vladimir says.

"One Month." Stefan follows.

"Then action must be taken." Vladimir finishes. And, I hear them walking away.

"Thank you, Tanya. I feel the need to protect her. I owe at least that much to her father." Harry says.

"It was no problem Harry but, don't let your former friendship with the Swan's distract you from our primary goal here." and with that I hear her leave as well.

Harry knew my father? But, how? While I was considering this I see the door open and Harry come in.

"Hello, Isabella. How are you feeling?" he asks.

"My head is swimming, I feel lost, and alone." I answer more honestly then I meant to.

He nods in understanding, "Yes, I can imagine. I know you have been through a great deal of changes as of late but, just like when you were a kid, you will survive and become even stronger from these past events."

"I hope so. But, it's like I have a gaping hole in my chest. My heart is gone and all that is left is a black void." I reply honestly again.

"Mourning the loss of loved ones is never easy. I'd like to say with time the pain will go away but, I can't. What I can tell you is you learn to live with the pain and try and find peace in that. I have suffered similar losses. My wife and son were taken from me many years ago. Yet to this very day I feel the pain of their abscence." he said in a grave tone.

"I'm so sorry. May I ask how it happened?" curiosity got the better of me.

"Of coarse. I too am from District 12. Grew up on the Seam just like you.

My family didn't have much but we did have each other. My best friend and I took turns hunting outside the fence to provide for our young families. Both our wives just had babies, when it came time for me to hunt again. I was just about to return with my game when out of nowhere a hovercraft appeared. It seems a runaway from another district was in the area and they were searching for them when they stumbled upon me instead. The Peacekeepers brought me to the justice building and called a town meeting. My family was taken from our home and stood along side of me. They told everyone I had been caught poaching on the Kings lands. They said I needed to be taught a lesson and I must also be made an example of. I'm thinking they were talking about the escapee for the later statement. So they dragged my wife and new born son in front of us and then they shot them were they stood." his voice cracked and he took a minute to collect himself.

"Charlie was there for me. He carried me home. Took care of me when I couldn't take care of myself. He worked twice as hard still risking hunting for his family and me.

After a year of mourning I finally woke up from my dark haze. I started taking care of myself again and soon found a way to redirect my attention. I started talking to anyone who knew anything about the rebellion. I read everything I could find about the Capitol and the Royals. Learn from your past and know your opponents. My new found drive caught the attention of both the Kings and District 13. Thankfully, 13 extracted me before the Capitol could make another example of me.

I wasn't able to thank your father for all his help or say good-bye before I left. I owe Charlie my life, therefore, I am forever in your debt." he bowed his head.

"Oh Harry. I'm sure you would have done the same for my dad. You owe me nothing. But, thank you for sharing your story with me. I'm glad my dad was there for you when you needed it. You seem like a nice man who has suffered greatly under Volturi rule. And, the people here are luck to have your wisdom and strength to guide them in their fight for freedom."

"You remind me so much of your father. He would be proud of you, you know." he says in a warm tone.

I hadn't realized how much I hoped for such a thing until I heard Harry say it. Tears built and I didn't fight them for a change. I worked myself into a full out sob. Harry hugged me in his arms in a protective manner. And for the first time in a while I felt safe and cared for. I knew I could trust this man and he would look out for my best interest.

Once I got control of myself again, I pulled away and sighed.

"I'm not ready to join yet, Harry. I know a lot of people are counting on me but, I need time to get my head on straight before I can move forward."

"Take your time and if you need to talk or anything just come find me."

he says while patting my hand and getting up to leave.

"I will thanks" I say, he nod and granted me with a warm smile before leaving.

I didn't get much time to recover from that visit before another came storming in.

"Hey, Bells! Are you O.K?'' Jake practically yells.

"I'm fine, Jake. Just got a bit overwhelmed." I reply.

"Good! Now get up I'm breaking you out of this joint. I'll give you the grand tour of our underground abode." Jake jeers.

"Are you sure I'm allowed to leave?" I ask skeptically.

"Since when did we ever follow the rules." he countered.

"True, very true. Lead the way." I say and gesture toward the door.

We exit the room with no problem. He leads me to the elevator that is at the end of the corridor. Once in the elevator he presses a button labeled SL12.

"The buttons read your fingerprint and only allow you in the areas you are permitted to go. SL12 is the level assigned for people from our district but, Jasper, Peter, Charlotte; Jasper's friends that helped in the escape, Alice, and Emmett all stay there as well. We have assigned pods; our rooms to clarify for you newbie's." he stopped talking when the doors opened.

We entered a common room area. Two of the walls were covered with bookshelves, a large T.V. took up another wall, and the final wall held a beautiful fireplace. Each corner of the room held entry points to different sections of this level. There were couches and armchairs scattered throughout the room. Jake directed me to the center of the room.

"Each section is designated. Male pods" he pointed to one corner, "Female pods" he pointed to a different corner, "co-ed/family pods" again pointing to another corner, "and galley, supply pod, classrooms, work-out/training room and conference area are down that way." He went on to explain the pods.

"Each pod has a bathroom, living space, and bedrooms according to number of occupants. The galley has drinks, snacks, but, minimal food. We eat in the dining hall on SL 13. Meals are bland and rationed but, no one goes hungry. Supplies are monitored as well but, as long as you aren't taking anything in overabundance it's not usually a problem unless we are running low. They have classes for everyone. Those under the age of 16 are in the classrooms, everyone else is assigned where to go." he looked to see if I was still paying attention. I nod, he continues.

"Our meal times are 08:00 for breakfast, 12:00 for lunch, and 17:00 for supper. If you miss the meal times you miss that meal. I think that is the only reason we have snacks in our galleys.

Anyway, This is the common room as I'm sure you have guessed. All the book are available to read but, must stay in the common room unless given permission by the council. If you break the rules you can be detained by one of the LEO (law enforcement officers), then you are brought before the LC (legal chancellor)Maggie who hears the case. LA (legal advocate) Carmen will plead your case for you. Punishments are rough but, fair.

It's not as bad as it all sounds but, you will find everything is very… regulated." he finishes.

Not what I was expecting but, not horrible either.

"The counsel told me Ness is studying medicine and you are joining D13RF. Did you volunteer or were you both told what was expected of you?" I ask.

"It's not like that. They did inform us of all our options and gave us each some kind of aptitude test. After some consideration we each chose our path. They didn't force us into anything but everyone here must perform some duty. For the younger kids that's school for everyone else it's learning a trade or picking an occupation. They give everyone an adjustment period before making them even have to consider their options." he said with a shrug.

"Jake what happened to you back at the Capitol?" I asked gently.

He stiffened and the color drained from his face. I knew right away I wasn't going to like hearing this story and he wasn't going to like telling it.

AN: And so comes the end of another chapter. Hope you liked it. Leave me some love and REVIEW!