Disclaimer: I do not own The Hunger Games. They belong to Suzanne Collins.
Note: Here we are, Act 2! This took longer than I'd wanted, mainly due to IRL stuff and also being hard at work with personal projects and the ongoing story I have in the Total Drama Fandom. The set-up is done and now the action is ready to really get started off. Hope you're all ready for war... because Urchin sure isn't. I guess it sucks being the hero sometimes... read on to find out just how much it might suck. Haha!
ACT 2: THE LIBERATION
Part 1: The Flock Take Flight
I feel a deep shadow over me as I sit at the table with the other Mockingjays. Not a literal one... more of an emotional one, if that makes sense? The images of those children being shot on TV fills my mind, their cries and screams ringing in my ears. I can't help fearing what may become of the girl from Two who was spared; is she really just going to be sent home like nothing happened? Of course not, there's got to be a catch. Maybe she'll be a prisoner alongside Prim and Ula...
It's been about two hours until that terrible broadcast. Nobody has really recovered from it; indeed, most people in Thirteen are in awful moods. Shouts, swearing and screams fill the halls of the underground District. Electra's been quietly sobbing for a while now, unable to handle all of the noise. I'm close to sobbing as well, to be honest.
While the adults try to handle the situation and come up with a plan, we're trying to come up with a plan of our own. That is to say, myself and the other Mockingjays. Around the table in a stuffy storage room we're all various shades of bitter and depressed, seemingly waiting for somebody besides ourselves to speak first.
Eventually, I decide that I might as well be that person.
"Ok guys, we all saw what happened. We're all reeling from it," I gulp, taking a deep breath. "That's the monster we're going up against in this rebellion. It's ok to be scared. If anybody is freaking out, don't hide it. Let it all out."
No sooner have I said this Electra starts sobbing louder. Though, she's drowned out by Valkri's pained screeching. I cover my ears, trying to count to ten a few times to keep myself calm. Of course, how can I be calm after the things I saw on the TV? How? It's just not possible.
"Valkri, what's wrong?" Rue asks, laying a hand upon Valkri's own. "I mean, uh, besides the obvious."
Valkri trembles, a sickly blend of angry and scared. She gazes around, locking eyes with each of us in turn. It's a while before she finds the strength to speak.
"I know that girl," she says, quietly. "The one Snow spared because he thinks I would have won? Her name is Minnie Clayton. She's the most talented actress at the local theatre back home."
"You attend the theatre?" Timm asks hesitantly. He looks quite interested. "Never took you for the acting type."
"I just go to watch," Valkri says. She lowers her gaze down at the table. "Cassius took me along to the shows, because he was in them and... Minnie was his girlfriend before Cassius..."
Valkri sobs, her hands over her face. The tension at the table only seems to worsen now that she's said that. It was clear that she and Cassius were close back in the Quell. I'd even assumed there may have been more to them than friends. Valkri was never the same after Farro smashed Cassius' skull with a club during the snow storm. I dread to think how the girl on TV, Minnie, must have reacted to the sight...
"Minnie's always be sensitive and jumpy. She's not gonna survive the Capitol!" Valkir yells, smashing a fist down on the table. "First mummy, now Minnie... what are we going to do to help them? There are so many people in danger."
"We'll do the best we can for them. Snow isn't going to be getting away with this one, guys. Right now, this is war," Hopper says, a serious look in his eyes as he sits back with his feet up on the table.
"How do you propose we rescue Minnie, then?" Valkri asks. "Or any of the hostages?"
"I... don't know. I wish I did, I really do," Hopper says, letting out a deep groan. "My idea is to fuck with the Capitol until they give it up."
"Naughty word..." Electra mumbles, hands over her eyes.
"Well, we'll be moving out to get the Districts on our side soon," I say, wearily running my hands through my curls. "I guess once the rebels get more power it means more of a chance to save them? Plutarch said he'll do his best to help them, if that means much?"
"It won't mean anything until the hostages are safe," Valkri mutters. "Oh Minnie, first Cassius and now this?!"
I agree with Valkri, knowing that it's one thing to say something and another for it to actually get done. It's hard to stop myself getting depressed when I thin k of the idea of Plutarch being unable to save those in danger, so I usually try not to think about it. Too bad that's becoming much harder now. But this is war! I need to get just as hard as the situation I've gotten myself into.
It takes a while but we manage to calm Valkri down, or perhaps it's more that she's just too exhausted to say much more. She's made her stance clear though, she's afraid for her friend and expects something to be done sooner than later. Much sooner.
"We've all got something to fight for. Something to lose as well... a lot of somethings," I say after a while. "So, as we're all of the same side and all share the role of Mockingjay, perhaps we can talk about our homes? Maybe about what we're fighting for? I just feel... maybe the more we know about each other, the better we can work together. We're gonna be going across the Districts, right? Might as well know how we can help each other in our home Districts."
"Well you know what I'm fighting for," Valkri crosses her arms, her gaze hard. "I'd do anything to save my mummy, Minnie and all of Two... whether from the Capitol or from reels who don't trust them."
"We're on the same side here," Timm tells her. "They'd be nice, right?"
"I doubt it," Valkri says. "Two is the 'evil District' full of Careers who 'torture the innocent', right? I know what your Districts think."
"I mean, some Careers do have a habit of... doing that," Timm pauses, wondering what to say. "But you didn't, right?"
"I'm not a monster," she says, shaking her head. She doesn't look any happier. "Any kill I made, I made them as quick and clean as I could. Weavee didn't suffer."
"All of the dead tributes did. All of us still alive sure are," Rue says, her head in her hands. "I've got my mom and my five little siblings back in Eleven. Anything could happen any second... I don't know what I'd do if they..."
Rue gags, looking sick. I make a move to put an arm around her but she takes a deep breath and forces a smile. Her eye twitching looks so unnatural.
"I have family too," Timm says after a few moments. "My parents, my sisters... I bet they're very worried about me. Do they even know I'm here? Oh, I bet they don't. Maybe Coin will let me call them? What if they're hostages too? What if..."
Timm trails off, paling and starting to shiver madly. His breathing comes out thick and fast. Electra hugs him, still tears eyed herself.
"Thanks," he hugs Electra, still depressed. "My family has been under surveillance before. Part of me wonders if I got rigged in. It's, well, we're known to write poetry... rebellious poetry. They might be dead already!"
As if I wasn't sad enough already, I start to feel sick on the inside as Timm continues to shiver and moan. For a moment my vision goes white, flickering with visions of Iris. I blink rapidly and bop my head, forcing the terrible images away. By the time I've done so Electra is quietly talking about her parents and her ig brother.
"Miss them," she sniffles. "Need mommy and daddy... want my brother Node."
"What's your bother like?" Timm asks her.
"I bet he's a good brother, right?" I add.
"He is. Keeps me safe, makes me happy. Peacekeeper," she says, looking down at her shoes. "Miss him!"
"Your brother is a Peacekeeper?" I can't help but quirk an eyebrow. I didn't know Peacekeepers came from Five. I thought they came from... actually, where do they come from? Most of the Capitol citizens seem to be too oblivious to know how to fight or live a non-luxurious life.
"Most Peacekeepers come from Two," Valkri says, as if knowing what I was thinking. "We give them soldiers, they give us a good life. The grown-ups say it's a fair trade. They do get trained in other Districts though, like Electra's brother must be."
It's at this moment that Hopper takes his feet off his the table and gazes around at us. He looks... not himself, but not exactly upset either. It's hard to say for sure what he is thinking right now.
"They don't train Peacekeepers in Twelve. Just people who know how to starve and not complain about it too loudly," Hopper says, his grey eyes half lidded. "That and petty crooks. You all know I don't have any family. I don't really have any friends back home either; the closest person I have to that is in the Capitol now. So, what do I have to fight for here?"
I ponder briefly is this is rhetorical or if Hopper really wants us to give him a reason. What better reason is there to fight the Capitol then to help the innocent? Before I, or the others, can say anything though he's already continued.
"I guess I have a future to fight for. One that I might enjoy living through," he says, leaning back with his arms behind his head. "I mean, I actually have a future now, don't I? Might as well do something to make it totally kickass."
"Well said," Rue agrees, smiling faintly. "We all have reasons to fight, no matter where we're from or what happened in the Quell. Whatever Snow does, we need to stick together and keep fighting."
We're all quick to agree to this. All of us want the Capitol to fall, one way or the other. Though, as soon as Valkri suggests that we go to District Two first the peace is over. She wants to make sure her mother is safe and get people to go and save Minnie... fair, but Rue disagrees with her.
"No, we need to go to Eleven first," she insists. "My family need us! Plus, if the Capitol lose Eleven then they lose a lot of food. We need to get there, soon. Now. It makes sense."
"You're saying that because you're from Eleven," Valkri says, wiping away a tear of worry.
"Same for you about two," Rue says. "But Two is full of Peacekeepers. We'd be killed if we went now. Eleven may have less there with all the riots going on across Panem... um, uh... oh, and it's full of rebels too. We'd have a good chance to move in and take over. It works for all of us."
"But you mainly just want your family safe, just like all of us want ours safe," Valkri notes.
"What about my District? Eight has quite a lot of talented doctors and nurses. We don't just do clothes..." Timm mumbles, lacking much conviction. "Plus, we have rebels there too."
"Need mommy..." Electra sniffles. "Five! Five please!"
I groan silently as I observe all this. Where are we gonna go first? All of us, besides myself, want our home to be the first place we free from the Capitol. All of us, especially Rue, feel our reasons matter the most of everybody. My vote goes to whichever place will lead to the quickest victory possible, because Prim, Ula and now Minnie aren't going to have a lot of time before Snow may decide to kill them!
I glance at Hopper, who has not yet spoken his own opinion on this. He just shrugs, putting his feet back on the table.
"I'll go where the action is," he says, closing his eyes. "Maybe draw straws for it?"
We may be on the same side and part of the same flock, but already we're falling into disagreements. Part of me wonders if I really should have seen this coming before I suggested to Coin that we share the role of Mockingjay between us. I sigh, hating the time wasting going on. Ula needs us!
"You agree, right Urchin?" Rue asks me, her hand laid upon mine. "We need to get going to Eleven first and foremost, yeah?"
"But Two is in great need of help!" Valkri insists. "If we get Two, we get a whole new army. Surely you see that, right Urchin?"
"Eight has quite a set of skills we'd find useful," Timm mutters, sounding like he's giving up already. "If you want a good rebel propo, Eight's where you need to go."
"I want my mommy..." Electra mumbles, looking at me with teary eyes.
I have no idea how to respond as my fellow Mockingjays all look at me, besides Hopper. He just relaxes, likely to be fine with any choice I make. Of course, he's not offering much to the matter... if he added his vote to one of the Districts then it'd make my own life easier!
I'm mercifully spared from having to make a choice right now when the intercom turns on. Coin's voice drones through it, hard as steel, telling all residents of Thirteen to make their way to the cafeteria for a mandatory presentation. It's a tough job to hold back my sigh of relief.
"Well, looks like the big boss needs us," I say, awkwardly rising and quickly running for the door. "Let's go, time's being wasted!"
I grimace, too cowardly to look back at my friends and girlfriend. I wonder if they realise just how thankful I am to not have to make a choice. Do they know how scared I am inside, even of making one of them angry? It's true, after all.
Lose one Mockingjay and I may end up losing Ula before I set a single step in the Capitol. I almost stumble as I run down the corridor, twisted thoughts of Ula being tormented by the sniper eyed women known as Iris flooding into my mind. Get out, get out!
They don't get out, not even slightly.
(Not much later...)
All the residents of Thirteen are gathered in the cafeteria, silent as Coin stands before us. It seems, for now, the argument amongst us Mockingjays has been forgotten. I can't help but be glad for the interruption as honestly I have no idea which District I would have chosen for us to go to first and who I would have angered in the process. I wish war were simpler than all this.
"What do you think she's going to say, Urchin?" Rue asks me. "Maybe we're all gonna be going to Eleven."
"Maybe. I'm honestly not sure," I reply. I glance around the area, realising that something is amiss. "...Do you see Coral anywhere? I can't see her."
Rue glances around, looking confused. She soon looks back at me, shaking her head.
"Nope. Maybe she's gotten lost somewhere? Or, maybe she's..." Rue frowns. "Urchin, maybe she ran off? Like, outside?"
"She can't of done that. Where would she even go?" I grimace, shuddering to image Coral lost in the wilderness, freezing and starving. "Not to mention security has been even tighter since she snuck on the mission. If Hopper cannot break out despite being a 'petty crook' then how could she?"
"I... honestly don't know..." Rue trails off, concerned. "I guess we'll just have to hope she's alright. Maybe her parents grounded her?"
"Maybe," I say, already doubting that this is the case. "I'll ask Coin about this. Maybe she could check the security cameras. One of them might have spotted her?"
"Smart thinking," Rue says.
It's not long after that when Coin steps up and raises a hand to quieten the crowd down. As she raises her arms up the screen behind her changes from blankness to showing a map of Panem. I can't help but note that instead of a number over where Four used to be... there's just a skull. It's truly a dead District now and maybe forever more.
"Residents of Thirteen, I greet you with good news," Coin says, almost smiling. I say almost as it looks sort of like a grimace... an 'unsmile' maybe? "The propo recorded in what used to be Four continues to inspire people. Already the number of active displays of rebellions has more than doubled. The Capitol continues to expend their resources across Panem, but the fighting is not being shut down. With their forces spread thin, this is the prime chance for us to start claiming each District for Rebel control."
She pauses for a moment, taking a sip of water from a glass. Behind her the District Twelve area of the map flashes gold.
"Twelve is geographically the closest District to us. It would be the easiest to reach and start our operations in," Coin continues, brisk and calm. "With Twelve under rebel control we consequently deprive the Capitol of coal and, more importantly, gain more soldiers and territory to work with. Forcing the Capitol out of Twelve should give those fighting in Nine and Ten the extra push they need to finish their own battles and drive off the Capitol forces in their own territory, soon to be our territory."
"What about Eleven?" Rue stands up, waving her hands around. "They need us too!"
"All Districts will be gotten to in time," Coin says, idly waving a hand. "At this particular moment in time, it's Twelve that is the most in our advantage to go for. As it happens, 'Private Vigo' is about to have his propo aired."
Hopper snickers from beside me, his glee briefly distracting me from the pain and worry in the eyes of Rue and Valkri. Timm holds Electra's hand, trying to calm the sniffling girl down.
"Crowds..." she mumbles.
"Well be done soon," Timm tells her. "You can help me with some poetry after this if you'd like?"
"Fun, fun," Electra says, softly smiling.
Coin clears her throat, all sounds dying away in an instant. She glares for the briefest of scary moments, gazing around with a firmness that I cannot look in the eye.
"As I was saying, in mere minutes Private Vigo's propo will air and do the job is was made for. Kickstarting further rebel actions across Panem," Coin snaps her fingers and the screen focus on Twelve, displaying a map of the area. "That will be the golden opportunity for several squads to move into Twelve and provide assistance there."
The following half hour is dedicated to Coin talking over the plan, not allowing a single word of whisper from anybody else. I keep my head down, taking it all in. Really, it feels like a sort of shopping list. Only, it's a list of things we need to destroy rather than buy. A large Peacekeeper barracks, a big generator, several security cameras and a tank that's on a constant patrol around the District. If we take all of that out and deal with most of the Peacekeepers then the District will fall to us, says Coin.
I must wonder though, how are we going to take out a tank? Swords and bullet sure won't be of any use here. Maybe it'll all become clear in time. I try to control my restless body, eager to get going the moment we are dismissed. The sooner we land, the sooner we can start and finish the mission. One District claimed... one closer to saving my sister.
"Just be aware, once the District begins to fall to us the Capitol are likely to make one final stand to take it all back," Coin is grave as she delivers her warning. "A 'District Showdown', if one were to be dramatic about it. Without exception, eliminate all Capitol targets that come in your way, whether they try to kill you or hinder you from finishing the mission. Any further information shall be given to you on your Squad's respective hovercraft."
Coin steps back and a moment later Boggs strides forwards, loading a rifle as he does so. I can't help but gulp, seeing that the safety catch is very much released. I wonder how many people will be dead by the time the mission is over. There's a big difference between killing mutts and killing real people. Not District, not Capitol... just people.
But I can't claim to be a hero above all this. I already know I'd take down all in my way if it means seeing Ula again. I breath deeply, bracing myself.
"You'll be arranged into your squads once you are at the hangar," Boggs says, pacing as he speaks. "As President Coin said, further details will be given on the hovercrafts. But, all of those coming will be performing a HALO jump to the ground level. The hovercrafts will stay flying to give ariel support when it is needed. Additionally, the rebels that are fighting now are based in the Seam side of the District. That is, loosely speaking, the safe zone. The merchant area is where the Capitol forces are at, with the Head Peacekeeper said to be based in the mayor's house. If he's taken out, the other Peacekeepers may surrender or at least lose some morale."
Boggs doesn't speak for long, just giving us some encouragement and reminding us how a HALO jump works. After what happened the first time I did one I doubt I could ever forget. Coral almost died... if it wasn't for me...
Then again, if not for me she'd have never had a mission to sneak away on to begin with. Maybe I'm being too hard on myself, but I can't help taking some of the blame in all of this.
Where are you Coral?
Before we can be dismissed the screen flickers and begins to show Hopper's propo. I lean forwards, wondering what I might see. Hopper never gave anything away about the propo he filmed. Indeed, I'd hardly even known that he'd been working on one to begin with. Knowing him, though, I've got no doubts that it'll be hard to forget what we're about to see.
Memories of Hopper punching the Escort at his reaping, throwing a shoe at Snow right after the parade and the scandal at his interview all come flooding back to me at once. Something tells me that, compared to this propo, that's all gonna be nothing. I hold my breath in anticipation as the video on screen comes to life.
The first thing I hear is a soft sort of piano melody. Hardly the kind of thing I would expect from something Hopper came up with. On screen Hopper sits on a sofa in a dimly lit room, dressed in a tuxedo. I don't have time to question Hopper's dress sense as he looks up towards the camera. From beside me as I watch, Hopper snickers and covers his mouth to muffle the sounds of his laughter. He has something planned...
"Hey there friends, I'm Hopper. You might remember me from popular shows such as 'The Hunger Games' and 'Panem's top 10 worst Orphans'. Tonight, I've got something very special to talk with you about," Hopper smiles warmly at the camera, his tone oddly sincere. "I think you people in the Capitol will find it simply splendid. Tonight, I'm going to be talking about love."
That... was just about the last thing I had expected. What could Hopper have to say about love? Why focus on love when he could be wrecking havoc with all kinds of insults and other mischief? I frown, confused by his choice, but remain watching. Maybe he has a surprise in store.
"We all know what love is. The bond between two people, the warm and fuzzy feeling when somebody smiles at you... the love between a parent and their child before the Capitol kidnaps the child and has them killed for your selfless entertainment. You are all freaks," Hopper smiles, keeping the same warm tone to his voice while slowly putting up the middle finger. Ah, there we go. "The Capitol knows what love is. They love dead children, they love eating food while the Districts starve, they love kidnapping people and having them be prisoners... you sure love all the worst of things, or did you not realise you were doing this?"
Hopper snickers a bit louder next to me, his eyes wide and eager. I can only assume there's something big coming really, really soon. Around the cafeteria everybody looks pleased with propo that Hopper has put together. I hear people whispering excitedly over the reactions of the people who see this in the Capitol. After all, that's where it's airing right now.
I just hope that Beetee will be able to stop them from shutting it off before it's over.
"You claim to love romance, but you got Dory put into the arena where she died. You killed a girl I really liked. So... I feel it's only fair that I kill something you like," Hopper's grin becomes almost malicious as he stands up, taking a microphone out from behind his back. "I'm gonna kill Snow's privacy. I'm dedicating this song to our dear President and his forbidden love. I hope you all enjoy."
The piano melody starts to get a little louder as Hopper starts singing. I cover my ears in an instant and even that is not fast enough to keep out the awful noise! I flinch as do many of those around me. Those who do not flinch start laughing and applauding. Hopper himself just winks and waves to the crowd.
The President gets to have all the fun
When you rule Panem you've already won
When you're in the social Elite, your life feels complete
Yet when you get the itch and your heart feels a bit of a twitch
You gotta throw off the locks and be like Snow when he screws an Avox!
I gasp, choking on my own breath for a few moments. Is Hopper really going there? Accusing Snow of an affair with an Avox? Yes, yes he is. Hopper is now on the floor, almost crying with laugher as his propo continues to air across the nation. It's only then when I realise I'm laughing so hard as well.
It's looooooooove, true loooooooove
Love between an Avox and Snowman
It's looooooooove, true loooooooove
Snow likes an Avox with a sexy tan
It's looooooooove, true loooooooove
Snow loves all the Avoxes just 'cuz he can
I wipe away amused tears, fighting to catch my breath. Hopper is on the floor, Rue laughs skyward, Electra giggles, Timm is biting his sleeve to muffle his snickering and even Valkri is smirking a bit. That's to say nothing of the rest of Thirteen, an uproar of laughter coming from all over the place. Boggs is pounding a table, biting his fist. The only one not laughing is Coin, only rolling her eyes at it all. I guess somebody has to remain serious?
He loves them small and he loves them chunky
Any loving from Snow is not quite funky
If you see the Snowman and his face is red
It's 'cuz you found him with an Avox in his bed!
On and on it goes, Hopper's bad singing leading to more and more mockery of Snow. The crowd are soon clapping along to the beat, all loving it. Beetee stits off to the side on a laptop, constantly fighting off any attempts the Capitol is making to shut it off. They're forced to watch the entire thing, much like we've always been forced to watch the Hunger Games. It's so gratifying!
Hopper's song eventually ends and he retakes his seat. He gives the camera a tender smile as the piano melody turns gentle again.
"I hope you enjoyed my song, people of the Capitol. Now you know that your dear leader is not only a scumbag who murders people, but he shags Avoxes as well," Hopper says, polite as can be. "Oh, and if the cute scientist with the sniper eye who has Urchin's sister is watching this... call me! Ta-ta! "
The video ends soon after that, Hopper giving the camera a teasing wave. The whole of the cafeteria bursts out into a massive applause, everybody standing up and cheering over the video. Hopper laughs, leaping onto a table and taking a bow.
"Thank you, thank you," he says, laughing. "I'll be here all week!"
Coin taps her microphone, the noise effect echoing across the room. Everybody quietens soon after that as she looks over everybody, that same cold look in her eyes. That propo was amazing, but she doesn't seem like she has any reaction to it at all. Strange...
"That should have the Capitol riled up and doing their best to quell the effect it will certainly have upon their citizens," Coin says, giving a slow nod. "For now, it's time for the mission to District Twelve to begin. You will be given your schedules for the rest of the day upon leaving the room. If you have a normal one then go about your day as instructed. If you are on the mission, report to the hangar promptly. I will be there to see the Squads off"
Coin swiftly leaves as everybody files towards the doors. I find myself stuck in a queue for several minutes. I feel restless, too anxious to stand still. Hopping up and down on my heels I groan, wishing that everybody would hurry up. There's a war going on with people in danger and here we are, too busy queueing up to do anything!
"Hurry up, hurry up," I grumble, the line far too slow for my liking.
"We're almost there," Rue assures me, still giggling from Hopper's propo. "We can run all the way to the hangar, make up for lost time."
"Good," I say. I don't mean to be so dismissive, really. I'm just so focused on the mission. Once it's done we can start the next and so on until the Capitol is next on the list. I can hardly wait to get to Snow's mansion and wrap my hands around his scrawny little...
I pause, shaking my head. Those sorts of thoughts have been in my mind a lot more than usual lately. It's like an obsession; getting there, rescuing the hostages and finally facing off against Snow one on one. I may be young, but I fancy my odds in a duel against him if that's how things went. I don't see a man in his seventies really putting up a fight against me. Or, well, anybody.
Rue looks at me, concerned.
"You ok?" she asks me.
"Not really," I sigh, moving forwards to get my schedule. "Lets just help the people of Twelve as best as we can and as quick as we can."
"Right. After that, we can get going off to Eleven and really start making a big difference," Rue agrees. "We should be going there first if you ask me."
"All of the Districts matter," Valkri says. "We're all biased to our own, but don't act like Twelve being helped doesn't make a difference."
"Yeah, my District may be total crap but it has character!" Hopper adds.
"...That, and you're not the only one with people you care about in danger," Valkri states.
"I meant what I said. Eleven needs help and needs it now," Rue says, turning away.
It's not long after that when we all have our schedule given to us. Sure enough, all of us Mockingjays are going on the mission. Electra claps her hands, though Timm sure doesn't share her excitement. He casts a longing look in the direction of his room, but he soon runs along with us towards the hangar.
As I lead the charge down the corridors, I can't help but wonder if this mission is doomed for misfortune. If we're having disagreements when we're standing in a queue, then what's to stop us having some kind of argument when we're in the middle of a gunfight or worse?
Before that, I still have one thing to take care of. See if Coin knows anything about where Coral might be. Talking to her before we head out should be the perfect time to ask.
(Not that much later...)
The hovercraft engines hum loudly, all ready for take-off. We're suited up in soldier attire – notably a thicker design than the last time. I guess they don't want to risk my shoulder being gnawed a second time – and now it's just a matter of boarding the hovercraft I've been assigned to and taking off into the air.
Or, it would be... but I have something else to take care of first. I let myself lag behind a bit as my own squad moves ahead onto the Hovercraft. I must look so odd right now, one moment wanting us to hurry up and then pausing for a moment to talk to Coin. I can' help but feel hypocritical over it myself. But, I just have to know.
I need to know where Coral is or if she's somehow gotten out. Were her parents really that hard on her for sneaking out? I know she was reckless, but is being given a thrashing really worth fleeing into the wilderness? From personal experience, I know it's a dreadful place to be.
"You're going to be late if you keep wasting time," Coin says, dry. She frowns as I approach her. "Your sister will have to wait longer if you hang around here."
"It'll just take a moment, and you said my squad's hovercraft is the last one out anyway," I reply, taking in a breath. "President Coin, uh... my friend, Coral, is missing. Do you have any idea what's going on with her? I can't find it, my friends can't, even her family can't. Did she get out?"
"The cameras would have seen her making an escape if she tried. That hooligan friend of yours proves this to be the case after his misguided break-outs in the early days," Coin says, slowly shaking her head. "As it happens, she's in solitary confinement right now. She needed some looking over after the mission and then her reckless disobedience needed punishment. Sure, she may say she was sorry after her parents got done with her, but I prefer to avoid a repeat incident."
"Wait, what?" I stammer aimlessly, trying to figure out what to say next. "How long is she going to be there?!"
"Until I can be sure she will not sneak out again and almost get herself killed," Coin says, staring my in the eyes. I gulp, backing up a step. "It may seem harsh, but if this prevents a causality then so be it. Ask Private Vigo about solitary. He'd tell you it's not that bad. If anything she's just bored as she has nothing to do and is permitted no visitors."
"...Can't I see her? I'm one of the Mockingjays," I say, stepping forwards again.
"No visitors," Coin says, firm. "Hovercraft, go now. Perhaps if your mission is a success and you all behave yourselves when in my territory I can see about letting her out sooner than later."
"I... I guess so," I sigh, knowing I'm not getting anywhere in this. Not like I have the time to change her mind. "Can the guards at least tell her family where she is?"
"Of course," she says, slowly nodding. "I'd assumed that they already had, to be honest. Go."
I turn and dash to the hovercraft, clambering on board. I look back once I slot into my seat, seeing Coin looking at me. She may be on my side, but that firm look of hers gives me all kinds of shivers.
"It may be harsh, but sometimes you have to be harsh to get the needed results," she says as she turns to leave, a guard flanking either side of her. "It's just like you'd be harsh if it meant saving Ula and Prim."
I can't deny the fact she's right. Harsh as solitary is... maybe it's not the worst thing that could happen if it means that Coral is going to be kept out of trouble for a bit and will be able to recover any scrapes she suffered. But, not getting any visitors – not even her family – is a bit harsh... but I guess that's Thirteen for you. It's harsh sometimes.
As the hovercraft takes off into the air Finnick sits down besides me. He gives me a determined grin, placing a helmet onto my head. I groan as it goes right over my eyes, leaving me in the dark.
"I think this one's too big," I say, groaning.
"Just playing," he says, taking it off and placing down one that's more my size. "You ready for action Urchin? It's people, not mutts... you can handle that, can't you?"
What can I do but agree? I've killed people before... what's a few more on top of that, especially when they are probably ordered to kill me on sight?
"I can," I say, looking down at my feet. "I can... I can kill. I just have to not enjoy it, that's all."
"Good man," Finnick says. "If we're lucky then we won't have to kill anybody."
We're as silent as everybody else in the Hovercraft for a few minutes. I know what I want to say, but I know I'm going to hate the answer. ...Screw it. It's time to stop being a kid and start being a soldier.
"We're not going to get lucky, are we?" I ask, sighing.
"Not a chance, sorry," Finnick says, shaking his head.
(Later...)
The flight has been uneventful so far. Already, much better than I was expecting things to be. I'll take a boring flight over one where we're under attack from all sides. Finnick moved away a while ago, so now Hopper and Timm have come over to sit with me.
"So, she's been in solitary all this time?" Timm asks, frowning. "That sounds... something?"
"Yeah, something terrible!" Hopper adds. He huffs, crossing his arms. "I've been there, it's a horrible place. I mean, you do know the kinds of things they do to you in solitary confinement?!
Timm and I are ready to make a guess at it, but Hopper is quick to continue. He looks almost afraid at the thought of solitary. Or, maybe he's just having a laugh. Wouldn't surprise me at all.
"First they make you sit down in a chair and wait for them to talk to you," Hopper says, shuddering.
"Is that the terrible part?" Timm asks, sceptical.
"No, it gets even worse," Hopper replies, waving his arms around very dramatically. "They make you read a really old magazine while you wait for them to talk to you. But they make you wait for ages because they keep talking on the phone about work!"
I glance at Timm and he just shrugs awkwardly. What's Hopper going on about? I... don't follow.
"But the worst part is when you actually get sent into solitary," he continues, practically despairing. "...It's so damn boring!"
"Uh, I'd pick boredom over being in a warzone," Timm says. "But, I guess I'm just funny like that?"
"We're getting distracted guys," I say, standing up. "Eyes on the prize. We need to get Twelve under our control. If we do... well, all of us are going to benefit."
"Unless we die in the process," Timm shudders, afraid. "Why are Electra and I being bought along?It's not like we're any good at fighting. Neither of us killed anybody in the Quell and we'd have lost any fight we ended up in. I'm not Mockingjay! I'm... I'm just a kid. A kid who got spared..."
He covers his face with his hands, curling up in his seat. He mumbles on and on about how he's not ready, that's just a kid, that he's not ready to die. Part of me wants to scold him... no, what the hell am I saying? We're all just kids Mockingjays or not. Is it any real wonder he doesn't feel up to battling like Hopper and I? Indeed not.
But he's stuck coming with us now, so what can he do?
"Timm, maybe you could stay in the safe areas?" I say, awkwardly.
"Yeah, you could inspire people just by standing around and trying to be handsome or something," Hopper adds. "I could do that, but, you know... gotta go save my District. Busy, busy."
Timm wipes away his tears, babbling breathlessly as he takes deep breathes. He mumbles out some form of agreement as Cressida comes over and sits beside him.
"I can handle this," she tells us. "He needs some quiet time, some understanding. You guys should get your parachutes on. We'll be at the drop zone in fifteen minutes."
We leave Timm in Cressida's care, heading off to do as she asked us. Glancing around, I can't help but wonder if this Squad is really going to be enough once we get to District Twelve. Besides Hopper, Timm and myself the ground soldiers will include Cressida, her camera crew, Finnick, Boggs and several burly soldiers from Thirteen. I didn't get their names, just that they are to protect us with their lives.
I don't like the way they're considered expendable. But, I also don't want to die... I just hope we get done here quickly. Straight in, straight out.
I soon get my wish on the straight in part, at least. The drop off point arrives and by then we're all suited up and ready to go. We stand in two lines with Boggs in the centre ahead of us. The ramp lowers behind him as he looks over us.
"Men, women... good luck," he says, lowering his goggles. "There is a chance they might fire up at us. The hovercraft will be firing off rockets to try and distract them, but if a shot fires and you live to hear it, use evasive action. Anything goes if it keeps you alive. The ground force have set up a landing zone; aim for the flashing red lights."
He takes a deep breath. Myself and all of those around me do the same.
"Go, go, go!" Boggs yells, taking a flying leap off of the hovercraft.
We all rush after him and leap off into the open air. My insides lurch for a few sickly seconds and then it feels like I'm weightless. Just like swimming, but in the air! I'd expected to be terrified, but this is actually cool. Far better when I'm not having to dive to save somebody falling to their death below me.
Hopper cheers in glee as he falls beside me, briefly giving me a salute as he dives down. Timm, on the other hand, only screams and shouts in alarm as he falls. Cressida falls beside him, looking like she's trying to calm him as they fall. I don't think it's working.
A distance away I spot the other two hovercrafts that came along, their own squads making a leap and a dive. They're too far for me to reach, but even from here it's easy to spot where Rue is. I can't hear her, but she seems to be loving the experience. With her arm finally back to normal, its like she's more free than ever before.
Looking down I can see District Twelve easily. A far smaller place than District Four, though right now it certainly looks to be in better condition. Considering that there is smoke and fire rising up from different parts of the District it really goes a long way of showing how messed up my own District is...
Halfway down to the ground a few flashes flicker from the surface. I have half a second to ponder on if they are spotlights of some kind before one of the soldiers near me is peppered with bullets. He dies fast, his body left to fall lifelessly beside me.
Crap, crap, crap!
The gunfire continues and it's fortunate for me that the first few shots were clearly lucky. Not for the guy who was shot, but at this point the enemy forces on the ground have started to miss every shot they fire. I spin around and start falling towards the left, trying my best to keep away from any of the shots being fired.
A few bullets whiz right past me. Instantly all feels faraway and light, like I might pass out. I force myself to fight against fear and keep going. Not much longer until the ground will be here. For some of us, it won't be soon enough. Several lifeless bodies are falling with the group, droplets of blood rising off them as they plummet.
A trio of rockets are launched from above and seconds later a trio of explosions impact the ground. The gunfire goes quiet after that, though it's not likely to be for long. I swallow back the bile, keeping my attention rested upon the landing zone. Sure enough, just as Boggs said, it's an area surrounded by glowing red lights.
Speaking of red lights, my wristwatch glows red. A clear sign I'm low enough to pull the cord. I let out a wheeze, another lurch passing through me as the parachute starts to rapidly slow my descent.
"Almost, almost," I tilt the cords to the side, steering left and right. I'm not making it easy for them to shoot me.
I see Hopper has pulled his parachute just fine. He makes many obscene gestures towards the distant Peacekeepers while steering left and right much like I am.
"How's it going Urchin?" he calls, giving me a wave. "You ok?"
"I didn't get shot," I call back. "So, I guess I'm doing better than that guy."
Right as I point to the corpse of the soldier who was slain beside me... eewww, his remains splatter on the dirt. Hopper, like me, flinches at the sight of this.
"Well, we should be on the ground soon," he says, narrowing his eyes. "Time to kick these pricks out of Twelve and back home to their crappy city!"
"And then we do the same in the next District and the next after that... and so on until we save our friends," I say, narrowing my own eyes. "Ready when you are."
I pale, spotting something aiming at us from below. A tank! Aw, crap! No, no, no!
"Tank! To the left, quick!" I yell, steering myself as I speak
Hopper doesn't respond, instead heeding my warning in an instant. Two or three seconds pass before a massive blast fires between us, soaring off far away.
We lose control after that, the force of the shot causing wind that makes us start to fly out of control. The ground is close, but we're still high enough for a fall to kill.. or at least maim us. I yell and shout, trying to keep control and not crash into anything. Hopper does much the same as we circle each other on the way down to the landing zone.
"Urchin, watch out! Aw, shit!"
"No, no, no!"
We crash into each other right after that. We cry out from the pain of impact, but soon the bigger problem is how we're tangled together as one, starting to gradually fall at a faster pace. We both scream, careening out of control as the ground comes ever closer towards us. Oh crap, we're coming right for it!
"Brace yourself!" I grimace, closing my eyes as the ground rapidly gets closer.
"If we die now, let Snow know that I hate him!" Hopper yells.
Pain surges throughout my body as, for the second time in as many HALO jumps, I land roughly. Worse yet is that I took the impact for Hopper. He lays upon me with a dazed look in his eyes. It's a few moments before either of us are stable enough to say much of anything.
"So... come here often?" he asks me, laughing despite what just happened.
"Just get off me Hopper. We have work to do... let's do it with a little dignity still intact," I groan, a hand over my face.
Hopper makes to move off me, but before he can we both wheeze in pain. Timm has landed right on top of us both. I can only moan, the weight of both of them anything but pleasant.
"That... was... scary..." he shivers, wide eyed and gripping his hair with both hands. "Never make me do that again!"
"What, no flowers?" Hopper chokes out, forcing a smile.
"Can somebody help us up?" I ask some of the guards standing around, waving my one free arm. "I'm kinda stuck."
"Wheeeeeee! Fun, fun!"
"Oh no..." I close my eyes, bracing for more pain.
A moment later Electra comes down from above right on top of Timm, the force surging through Hopper and I. He groans and I moan, feeling like my insides are being turned into some kind of chum.
"Again, again!" Electra cheers, clapping her hands. "Had fun! Want more!"
Electra pauses, hearing our groans of pain and dismay. She looks down at us and I look back up a her. For a moment we're silent as Electra cocks her head to the side, thinking hard.
"Ummmm... you guys sleepy? Having nap time?" she asks, looking at our laid out forms. "Kiss night-night?"
I begin to thrash around and struggle, calling for help. Hopper and Timm try to wriggle free as well, the tangled parachutes making this impossible. Electra giggles, starting to wriggle and bounce from her spot on top of Timm like this were the most fun game in the world.
"Somebody come over here and help us up!" I yell, waving my one free arm around. "For Panem's sake, we're wasting time!"
I can only groan. Not the best start to the mission, far from it. Then again, at least we ended up better off than the soldiers who died in the air. It could always be worse.
Looking around, I see so much grey dirt and old buildings. A covering of smoke hangs in the air above us. Clearly, there's a lot of work to be done here. Time to get stuck in.
...Once they get us unstuck from here first...
(Later...)
After the embarrassment at the landing zone we're finally up and ready to get into action. We sit in a tent set up at the edge of the Seam, likely at the furthest point possible from the Merchant side of Twelve. I can't help but wonder if one of the houses around here was where Prim and Katniss lived. Is their mother here?
One Everdeen is dead, but I can still do my best to save the one still alive. No excuses can be made for not going all out.
All around me stand miners and even some of the richer folk in Twelve. Well, rich by Twelve standards. Nobody here looks very well fed, but even so they seem willing to fight. They clutch their pickaxes much like swords, all standing determined.
I can't help but wonder if myself and the other Mockingjays being here has anything to do with their drive to rebel. It feels like the mood is just a bit less hopeless than it should be, if that makes sense?
Or, perhaps, maybe it's partly the fact some of the Peacekeepers in Twelve had already defected to the rebel side before we got here. They stand around, guns at the ready for any sign of trouble. I feel safer with them being there. This must be the first time I've ever felt better with a Peacekeeper nearby. Normally they just make people feel bad.
The biggest surprise, however, was who seems to be calling the shots in Twelve. Or, at least she has been since the previous commander got shot into what she called an 'endless coma'... he died. Still, the somewhat skinny young woman who stands before us all definitely looks the part of a leader. She wears a worn schoolgirl sort of outfit with an unzipped thick leather army jacket over it and a helmet upon her blonde hair with a few bullets stuck into it. I can't help but notice a pink ribbon with a bullet somehow embedded within pokes out from underneath the helmet. An eyepatch covers her left eye and she keeps a hunting rifle close at hand. Her expression is serious, perhaps even a little bit determined and mischievous.
Hopper blushes as he observes her, muttering something inaudible every now and then. I have to admit, he was right. Madge Undersee is a pretty girl. Of course, I'm not about to come out and say this.
Not when Rue is eyeing me from her spot beside me.
"What are you looking at?" she asks me, folding her arms. "Not Madge, right?"
"Uh, well... I kind of have to. I mean, uh, she is the one telling us what's going to be happening while we're here," I reply, not quite meeting her gaze.
"Good. That's what I thought you were doing as well," she says, stepping just a bit closer to me.
"You're the only one for me, don't worry," I take her hand, giving it a squeeze. "We'll go to Eleven as soon as we can, I promise."
"I hope you're right," Rue says, looking back towards Madge.
Rue is quiet after that, satisfied by my answer. A good thing indeed, because... well, war is hard enough to deal with. I cannot handle girl trouble on top of all that, I just can't! I suppress a shiver, trying to keep focused on Madge. Just... not so focused that Rue may get mad.
"-And that brings me to what our back-up from Thirteen are going to be doing," Madge says, giving us a nod of acknowledgement. "There is a tank going around causing is a lot of trouble. It's impervious to all the weapons we have. We're gotten it held back thanks to rough terrain for now, but it it breaks through we're all in danger."
Madge sighs, her hands on her hips. After a moment she points to one spot of the map with her hunting rifle.
"If we're gonna take it out, we'll need it to get trapped. Thus, we are planning to lure it onto this bridge. The bridge can support the tank's weight, but if it were to be blown up while the tank one on there we may just stand a chance," Madge starts twirling her rifle in her hands as she speaks. I can't help but flinch every time the barrel faces towards me. Is it loaded?! "The issue is, an explosive will need to be planted at the bridge and as it's quite a rubble filled area only somebody small would be able to get the explosive in place."
That's when she turns towards me. Of course... it was always gonna be me facing a tank. Who else?
"Urchin, we need you to get the explosive set up," she says, giving me a nod. "After that, the rest of us can handle the tank. With the tank broken, it should be easy enough to push back against the Capitol. They're gonna regret what they did to my dad!"
The crowd all yell their agreement, and so I soon find myself with an explosive pressed into my hands and two bulletproof vests shoved over me. I hardly get a word out, but if doing this means quickly taking the District then I really have nothing to complain about.
It seems Hopper has nothing to complain over either. He holds a grenade launcher in his hands, a big backpack slung on and gives me a grin.
"So, what do you think of my home?" he asks me, smirking. "Kinda crap, but it's home."
"It's... better than Four?" I say, awkward.
"Eh, if you think it's crap I won't be offended. Lots of people here don't like it either," Hopper says, shrugging as he loads up his weapon. "Still, nice women, wouldn't you agree?"
I can't help but feel like Rue is staring at me from the other side of the tent, awaiting my next words intently. I gulp, looking away.
"I can't. Taken boy, right here," I say, awkward. "...Rue may get jealous..."
"Ah, right. Totally get it mate," he says, nodding. "I'll never forget Dory and how, well, she was my first kiss... but, I guess I'll always be one to live in the moment. Right now, in this moment, I'm thinking... if I play the hero maybe Madge would kiss me?"
"You're thinking of that now of all times?" I groan, facepalming. "Focus!"
"You're the boss!" he says, laughing as he finishes loading the grenade launcher. "Let's do this!"
Madge turns to address us before we head out to the battlefield. As she gestures for everybody to quieten down I glance around at my squad. Hopper grins, Finnick looks bold and dashing, Timm trembles and holds Cressida's hand while she stands close to her camera crew and Boggs. I wonder how many of us will be dead by the time nightfall arrives...
Better to just not think about it. Though, what else is there to think of right now? War consumes my mind.
"Good luck out there troops," she says, giving the same salute to us that I've seen Prim and Rue make in the past. "Whether you're facing a tank, breaking cameras, storming a barracks or doing any other goal on the agenda... just know that I'm proud to get the chance to lead you all. You're a credit twelve. Now let's do this!"
We all yelp as a gunshot rings through the air. Madge yelps, the most alarmed of all of us. It's a moment before we all realise her hunting rifle accidentally fired when she suddenly held it up at the end of her speech. Madge gulps, looking notably sheepish as she lowers her weapon and slowly reloads it.
"Um... go team, woo..." she says, blushing. "Just pretend that didn't happen. Let's move out!"
We head to the exit of the tent as one, myself walking amongst my own Squad. Cressida and her crew have the cameras ready to go, so now I guess it's time to perform for them once again. Maybe this time I can do all of this without getting bitten by a mutt as well.
Hopper slides his way up beside me as we move along. I'd call him exciting and eager, but that'd be a pretty big understatement. He gives me a smirk as he holds his grenade launcher at the ready.
"Told you that Madge is awesome," he says, snickering.
I can't help but agree with him. If nothing else, she knows how to lead and command a group of soldiers. I can only hope she can do it well enough to ensure that we don't all end up dead in the dirt.
There we have it! Act 2 begins and the Mockingjays are out of the frying pan of D13 and into the fire of D12. The battle is only just getting started. Plenty of action still to come up, to and including the District Showdown of D12, so stay tuned for more!