Valentine's Day is Monday! What's the big deal about it anyway..seriously. If you don't have a valentine, don't worry. Spend the day hanging out with your closest friends and family (the people that mean the most to you) As for me, I'm a bit disappointed that I might not see my best friend (yes..who became my boyfriend. That's such a cliché. Lol)
Don't forget to L.O.L (Love Out Loud) 365 days of the year, not just on February 14th.
Reviews will cheer me up from my Valentine's Day blues and maybe convince me to update sooner. ;)
Katniss POV
I don't appreciate Finnick's determination to bring Peeta and I to the meeting. My son is sick and they couldn't care less. Peeta is outraged, but isn't showing it. He has a paler hue than me, so it's easier to notice when his face turns red.
We're seated at a large table and the memories flood back. Even in the "hidden" District 13, I distinctly remember being in a room similar to this one.
Familiar faces enter the room and take their seats, but we're told not to converse.
A woman walks in, with guards surrounding her.
"It's the mayor," Finnick whispers.
"Good morning everyone. I'm glad to see you're all here on time. I hope you're enjoying your stay in District 13. The method of your arrival was not of my choosing, just so you know."
That's real believable.
"As you know, President Hawthorne has been in office for 16 years. Long enough for us to form a battle plan. Also a decent amount of time for him to build a support system. Our goal is simply to persuade the people of the districts to rebel against the Capitol. They are already uneasy and a bit defiant of the Capitol, so this shouldn't be too difficult. The teams have already been assembled and you will be receiving notifications within the next day or so regarding what squad you are on. We will have squads in each District. We decided against any of the squad member being assigned to their home district because of the complications that may arise. Soldier Mellark." Peeta and I exchange glances, wondering who she is talking to. "My apologies. You are married. Mockingjay, that will be your official title from now on. I am quite aware of your presence here, I will keep a close eye on you. It's no guess that you and the current President were once very close, so any emotional fits that you throw about my decisions will not be tolerated. You and Soldier Mellark have permission to leave. I'd like to talk with you personally later this afternoon. For now, you can return to your bakery"
I don't like the mayor already. We're halfway out the conference room when she stops us, "I'm sorry I didn't properly introduce myself. My name is Jezebel Coin, daughter of the former President of District 13."
I don't stay any longer, but turn on my heels and walk right out of there. When we're a safe distance away, I grab Peeta's hand for comfort.
"At least Finnick isn't following us," Peeta says.
"We need to get to the Medical Center. Azia took Rye there."
All those years of hunting instilled in me an excellent sense of direction, so Peeta follows me.
The receptionist at the front desk is on the phone, so we wait for her to get off. It takes ten minutes. By that time, Peeta and I are both pacing around the waiting room when she finally has the nerve to ask us,
"What brings you here today?"
"Was a Ryan Mellark checked in by his sister, Azia Mellark?" Peeta asks.
"Let me check the system." I'm not usually a patient person, but the receptionist is getting to me and making me even more impatient than usual. "Oh yes. The girl that made a riot when she came. She is in the room adjacent to his, the fifth door on the left. It says here that the boy isn't allowed to have any visitors unless clearance is first given by the doctor. You may see the girl."
This doesn't make sense. Rye was sick, so why is Azia in a room too? I'm too stunned to move until Peeta takes my hand and walks me down the hallway. Luckily, a doctor is in her room.
"Mr. and Mrs. Mellark?" she asks.
"Yes." Peeta replies. "What happened to Azia? We'd like to see Rye."
"Please take a seat and make yourselves comfortable." She walks over to a computer, "Azia was hysterical when we took Ryan to be examined, so a nurse had to calm her down. She should wake up within the next hour or so. On the other hand, your son," she pauses to look down. "suffered from blood poisoning. The substance found in his bloodstream can only be obtained from the Capitol.." she trails off.
"But is he okay? Can we see him?" I ask.
"I'm afraid it was too late by the time he got here."
Is it just me or is the room getting smaller? I'm trying to comprehend the doctors words, but the pain is overwhelming. I see my daughter lying on the hospital bed, as if she was sleeping. She did her best to get Rye here, but she failed. Being the eldest, she is going to blame herself for his death. My daughter, Azia, the one who is always analyzing things and studying isn't going to take this well. I wonder if the doctor already told her and that's why she's asleep now.
"Katniss," Peeta whispers in my ear, "do you want to come with me?"
"Where?"
"To see Rye."
Honestly, I don't know if I can handle seeing my son. I've seen many dead bodies in my lifetime and it always led back to the Capitol. It's no different now, but this is my son, not a stranger. He's not my father, Haymitch, or even Prim. I was heartbroken when they died, but I can't explain why this is different. This is devastating. I'm expected to step up and take my place as the Mockingjay, but the pain consumes me. It doesn't take long before the pain is gone and the numbness settles in. My mind goes blank with past memories flashing before my eyes.
"Katniss?" Peeta looks at me directly, but even his presence doesn't ease the grief. Normally, I'd expect him to hold me and let me cry it all out, but that isn't going to work this time. I let him take my hand and lead me to the next room.
"I'll stay here while you visit him," the doctor says.
I don't think I can lift my face to behold the handsome little boy who wanted more than anything to be just like Peeta. I wonder if this is how I would've felt if Peeta had been killed in the arena.
My husband is crying for the both of us. I'm staring at the floor, refusing to meet his glance. It's rare that Peeta will break down like this, even more rare that I will shut down completely. Maybe not as rare, but still, I would want to cry until the pain disappeared. I have no urge to cry. The last time I felt similar to this was after my nightmare/ reality with Snow.
I was never ready to be a mother. Didn't I tell Peeta that I didn't want children? It was impossible to keep them safe. Rye is gone and there's nothing I can do to bring him back.
Without much forethought, I stumble upon the words to say, "Peeta, I want to leave District 13."
