Embers Blaze
Chapter 6: Out in the open
Gale's POV
The next day I glared at Haymitch who sat calmly across the table in Command. The last time I saw the bastard was punching him in the face, breaking his nose after he betrayed me. How did he betray me you may ask? By abandoning Siobhan in the arena. She wouldn't be in the Capitol's hands if it weren't for him! And to make matters worse, he has a portion of authority. I be damned if I replied, Sir, to this drunkard even if he is sober the past few months.
I took a deep breath, watching the people in Command: Coin, Boggs, Plutarch, Fluvia, Portia, Mark, Haymitch, Katniss, and Beetee. Haymitch had the courage to speak in greeting everyone in the room. He looked slightly different, being slightly yellow, loss of weight, and sunken face. As he wore the issue grey civilian uniform, only added a darker sweatshirt and hat.
The first thing Haymitch does is going over the footage from yesterday. Pointing out the flaws and sarcastic remarks how this propo won't catch the enemies' attention. But wave it off as a mere child's pranked or temper tantrum.
"All right," Haymitch started after the film. "Would anyone like to argue that this is of use to us in winning the war?" Silence. "That saves time. So, let's all be quiet for a minute. I want everyone to think of one incident where Gale Hawthorne genuinely moved you. Not where you were jealous of his physique body, or his clothing that went up in flames, or him made a halfway decent shot with an arrow. Not where Siobhan was making you like him. I want to hear one moment where he made you feel something real."
"When he volunteered to takes Rory's place in the reaping. Because I'm sure he thought he was going to die." Fluvia Said.
"Excellent example," Haymitch agreed, wiping his sleeve on the computer wall, wiping away important information. "Hope that wasn't anything important," as he wrote, "Volunteers for brother at the reaping." Then looks at the tabled. "What else?"
Boggs was the next person to speak, "When he took care of the girl, Rue. Including when the little girl died."
"Who didn't choked up or awe at that, right?" Haymitch said, writing it down.
"Drugging Siobhan and risking his life to get her medicine." Portia added.
Haymitch nodded, "Oh, yeah. Drugged Siobhan to save her life. Very nice."
The list continued onward in a particular ordered starting from volunteering to protect Rory. When I took Rue on as an ally. Lying to the peacekeepers so Katniss wouldn't get whipped or killed by Thread. Protecting Siobhan in the arena. Tried carrying Mags. Love for Siobhan. Mentions of my sharp tongue of the Capitol keeping to its promises, thanks to Mark remark. Refusal to give in under impossible odds. Defiance towards the Capitol's humanity. Soon to be dad?
I mentally cringed seeing that bullet point on the board. I wish Fluvia didn't add that to the list for it brings down the guilt that my unborn child and its mothers are under President Snow's control.
"So, the question is what to do all of these has in common?" Haymitch asked.
"They involve people." Mark announced. "Gale interacts with people more so than standing alone."
"Unfortunately, his opportunities for being wonderful are rather limited here in Thirteen." Fluvia said. "So unless you're suggesting we toss him into the middle of combat-"
"That's exactly what I'm suggesting," Haymitch interrupted. "Put him out in the field and just keep the cameras rolling. The thought of sending me into combat is controversial. But understanding. I can't act. I can lie, but I certainly can't act. If performing in a real-life situation can be convincing, then I should do. Haymitch continues. "Every time we coach him or give him lines, the best we can hope for is okay. It has to come from him. That's what people are responding him."
"They would want a leader who performs than stand there using words." Mark said, eyeing Coin.
Coin ignored Mark's words though her eyes narrow slightly as if she was glaring at him. Something was off between these two in the room. As if they know something we don't know. Now I fear in how Siobhan would be when she is rescued. If Mark can't tolerate President Coin, then I doubt she would either.
"Even if we're careful, we can't guarantee his safety," Boggs said. "He'll be a target for-"
"Sign me up," I said.
"And if you're killed?" Coin asked.
"Make sure you catch it on film." I answered. "A martyr can add to the cause."
"Fine." Coin said. "But let's take it one step at a time. Find the least dangerous situation that can evoke some spontaneously in you." Afterwards she walked around Command, studying the illuminated maps that show the progress in the war. "Take him into Eight this afternoon. There was heavy bombing this morning, but the raids see to run its course. I want him armed with armed with a squad of bodyguards. Camera crew on the ground. Haymitch, you'll be airborne and in contact with him. Let's see what happens there. Does anyone have any comments?"
"Yeah, no makeup." Boggs added. "He's a man, and that stuff makes him feminine than masculine. Feels wrong. Like something the Capitol would do."
Couldn't agree more, I thought.
President Coin adjourned the meeting, as everyone went their separate ways to prepare for today's new schedule. I stayed wanting a word with Haymitch personally. Mark and Katniss debated on this, but Haymitch waved it off. With nothing else to say, the both leave leaving District Twelves victors in the room. There was no words exchange in the first few minutes, just the sounds of the ventilation system.
"We're going to have to work together again." Haymitch said. "So, go ahead. Just say it."
"You didn't rescue Siobhan." I growled.
"I know," he replied, taking a deep breath before counters. "I can't believe you let her out of your sight that night."
"Don't go there," I warned. "I beat myself up over and over. What could I have done without breaking the alliance? We couldn't have made it out if you haven't had Odair on our team with that damn bracelet."
"You didn't have a choice. And even if did, I couldn't make Plutarch stay and rescue her that night, the whole hover-craft would've gone down. We barely got out as it was." He said. "And she and Finnick were already captured. You've seen the footage. She was either dead by quicksand or captured. . . She's not dead yet, Gale."
"We're still in this damn game." I sighed.
"Still in. And I'm still your mentor." He pointed out. "When you're on the ground, remember, I'm still airborne. I'll have a better view, so do what I tell you."
"Keep dreamin'." I chuckled.
I spent the rest of the day in the Combat Zone with Beetee. Out of all the adults who aren't blood related, I have more faith with him as I do with Portia. All day we work on the armor Cinna design, to go over the basic Portia created. Modifying the armor to be reinforced and protection on the vital organs and shoulders. An ear piece was place in my ear with a wire on the collar bone. First I put on the basic under armor, boots before the outfit securing everything in place. Beetee then secure a mask on my belt that is used for a gas attack.
"If you see anyone dropping for no reasons you can't explain, put it on immediately." Beetee warned. Then set the sheath of three groups of arrows to my back. "Just remember: Right side, fire. Left side, explosive. Center, regular. You shouldn't need them, but better safe than sorry."
"I have a gut feeling I might." I muttered. "Thanks."
Beetee nodded before rolling over to a table where a crossbow was being made. It looks similar to my bow, only with a feminine charm to it, if not red trim. On the next table were a trident and ax. I can only assume what those two were for, but the crossbow had me be confused. Before I could ask who the weapon is for, Boggs came over escorting me to the Hangar. The elevator clicked constantly as it goes down and down the earth.
Soon the doors open revealing the hangar with the sight of the fleet. My eyes widen to see the many hovercrafts and air carriers. Boggs smirked in seeing my face.
"Some we manufactured. Some were part of the Capitol's air force. They've been updated, of course," Boggs announced.
A surge of anger filled me. "You had all this, and left the rest of the districts to defend themselves against the Capitol."
"It's not that simple," Boggs shot back. "We were in no position to launch a counterattack until recently. We could barely stay alive. After we'd overthrown and executed the Capitol's people, only a handful of us even knew how to pilot. We could've nuked them with missile, but General Wallace took the codes. But if we did have the codes, here's the question: If we engage in that type of war with the Capitol, would there be any human life left?"
"Siobhan said that." I countered. "And you called her a traitor."
"Because she called for a cease-fire," Boggs said, leading the way to a small hovercraft. "You'll notice neither side has launched the nuclear weapons. We're working it out the old-fashioned way. Over here, Soldier Hawthorne."
I glared at him mounting the stairs to find the craft full with the television crew, equipment, and soldiers dressed in 13's black uniforms. Even Katniss wore the uniform though the only difference between her and the others was her braid and weapon. She seemed a bit irritated as she wiped her face with a washcloth removing the makeup that was applied on her by Fulvia. The Capitol woman made a comment about camera ready faces and I having a camera ready face. I chuckled shaking my head.
A woman with half her half her head shaved off with tattoos from the Capitol stood up and greeted me in the hovercraft. Along with her were three other men, one having dark skin with several piercing, while the other two were twin. One twin looked groomed, practically a clean face while the other had longer hair and a beard.
"Soldier Gale, this is Cressida. She's head of the film crew." Boggs introduced.
"It's an honor to meet you." Cressida said as she gestured to each of the men. "This is my assistance Messalla."
"It's an honor to meet you." Messalla said.
"And your cameramen over there, Castor and Pollux." Cressida added.
Castor said hello while his twin brother waved his hand with a smile.
"Let's get locked in," Boggs ordered.
We all took our seats fasting in. Katniss sat next to Pollux, "You're all from the Capitol? Plutarch got you out?"
Pollux nodded not saying a word. Katniss was confused by his lack of verbal communication.
"Don't expect much chitchat from him." Cressida said. "The Capitol cut his tongue out years ago. And no, it wasn't any sort of rescue. If that's what you mean. We all fled on our own. For this."
For the Mockingjay she means.
.o0o.
When we reached District 8, I was shocked in the damage the area took. The last time I was here was for the Victors tour and the people were festive in today's fashion and force celebration. Now I come here seeing the fabric district practically in ruins. There was no plant life, rubble and debris everywhere, and several warehouses smoking or crumbled.
I looked around to see the TV crew organized in their equipment. Pollux and Castor wearing odd backpacks that resembled a beetles shell. Anyway, Boggs ushered us to the warehouse while a second hovercraft came over to deliver supplies. Everything was in chaos from people running to shelter and the wounded carried inside.
We follow the injured to a warehouse where an H is painted on the door. I couldn't believe how much damage has happen during the air raids. Not like District 12, but it does leave a mark in your soul. When we reached the entrance, a woman was directing incoming patients inside. She caught sight of us, surprised then stride over. I got a better look of her, a woman in her thirties with dark hair tied in a bandana, tired eyes, and dark skin. She looks beaten up having bandaged all over her, and exhausted.
"This is Commander Paylor of Eight," Boggs introduced us. "Commander, Soldier Gale Hawthorne."
"Yeah, I know who he is," Paylor said. "You're alive then. We weren't sure."
"Yeah," I muttered,
"Been in recovery," Boggs said. "Bad concussion and training. He insisted on coming by to see you're wounded."
"Well, we've got plenty of those," Paylor said.
"You think this is a good idea?" I asked, frowning that they assembled everyone to one location. "Assembling your wounded like this?"
"I think it's slightly better than leaving them to die," she countered.
"That's not what I meant," I told her.
"Well, currently that's the other option. But if you come up with a third and get Coin to back it, I'm all ears." She said waving me towards the door. "Come on in, Mockingjay. And by all means, bring your friends."
I glanced at the camera crew, steady myself, and followed her into the hospital. Inside was crowded with injured civilians. I asked about the dead, which Paylor said they were in the next warehouse, "We've got a mass grave started a few blocks west of here, but I can't spare the manpower to move them yet."
Katniss was in shock in seeing all this. She wrapped her fingers around my wrist. "Do not leave my side."
"I'm right here," I answered quietly.
We walked further in the warehouse to see the aftermath of the raids. I've never seen the aftermath of District 12. But here in District 8, it was almost the same. Only a lot more survivors and an area to live in. When I visited District 12, everything was in ruins. Smoke continues to rise as the scent of sulfur filled the air. The most traumatic part in all this was the entire main street filled with hundreds of burnt skeleton bodies. My home was a population of ten-thousand…now the remaining refugees are barely a thousand.
Now I see people either dying from amputation, burns, or bleeding out. Others lie on cots cover in bandages, with nurses or women tending their wounds. Children huddle to their siblings or parents crying from hunger, pain, or scared to death. Chatter spread throughout the warehouse. The Camera crew filmed me as I walked down the small aisle.
Back home there was hardly a hospital. There was one, a smaller one designated for the peacekeepers. But the doctor there had the heart to allow people in, but only under circumstances. The main patients being those severely injured if a mine collapsed or dynamite went off, a women in labor who needed surgery in order to deliver, and most importantly the vaccination. When the influence epidemic came a decade ago, the Capitol send vaccine for children and adults. But anything else that didn't fit in those categories was under the premade healers clinics, like Mrs. Everdeen and Mark. And if they can't save them…then the person would be dead.
Suddenly a man on a cot grabbed my hand. I stopped to look at him; his body was utterly burned from the neck down. Chest covered in rotten bandages, his pants burned, that certain fabric burned into the flesh, with flies scattering around open wombs. With all his might, he yanks me down slightly. Being respectful I knelt down hovered my ear to his mouth.
"Water," the burn victim whispered.
I nodded, setting my crossbow down to take the canteen out of my pack before helping the man. He shaken slightly as his bandaged hands tried to hold the canteen in place, but I took control gently placing it along his chapped lips then let him takes his sips before pulling it back. He sighed lying back on the cot closing his eyes.
"Thank you," he breathed.
When I stood up the warehouse was completely silent. Everyone who was awake stared at me amazed to find me here.
"Gale," a person said from my left. I turned around to see two preteen girls huddle together. One cling to my hand, which I let them, kneeling down to their height. The one who is holding my hand had an injured leg. Blood seeping through heavy bandages, which are crawling with flies. Her face express pain, but hers filled with hope. "Is it really you?"
"Yeah," I answered.
The two girls' expressions were filled with joy.
"You're alive!" An elderly woman praised. "We didn't know. People said you were, but we didn't know!"
"Are you fighting Gale," A boy asked. I looked at him; he was no older than fifteen. Bandages wrapped around his neck, dark skin and damp curly hair. But what else about him is a riffle strapped to his back. He was no teenager. He was a soldier. "Are you here to fight with us?"
I place a hand on his shoulder, "I am."
.o0o.
Siobhan's POV
President Snow had another party going on in his mansion. Unfortunately he invited me to participate to keep the charade that I indeed am on the Capitol side. The guest would come up to me asking about my pregnancy or my political view on the war. Or as President Snow put it, the terror of these radicals. Talking about the pregnancy was simple; the war is a bitter taste through my teeth.
I am a fish out of water here. Finnick and Enobaria are here to accompany me. The only sense of security was Darius, my Avox. He stood behind me by three feet; head down, but close to sense security. It bangs me in what the Capitol has done to me. The friendly if not flirtatious peacekeeper to become a silent Avox.
"How are you fairing, Siobhan." President Snow asked, when he came over.
"A bit overwhelm," I said, taking a sip of sparkling cider.
"Yes, the room seemed a bit humid." He agreed. "And how is the child?"
"Enjoys making me sick and acquaintanting with the bathroom." I replied.
President Snow gave a mild chuckled as he place a hand on my shoulder. The relationship between Snow and I remained the same. As if we were related or him being a friend of the family. But deep down, one look from his serpent eyes could tell you he sends silent warnings. The dinner a few days ago was one I can never forget. Especially the main course being an actual mockingjay for an entree. The moment he said that, my stomach rejected the meat and I immediately ran to the bathroom to puke. His actions are to taunt me, provoke me in any way shape and form in order to prove myself. One slip up and somebody I know in the Capitol will die. So Darius, Lavinia, Octavia, Flavius, Venia, and Effie are at risk. And being here with Darius has me on edge which is not good for the baby.
I am almost done with my first trimester, which is the danger zone. Too much stress could lead to a miscarriage. And being watch twenty-four seven to prevent that follow by medication isn't helping. Just two days ago President Snow made a speech to Panem that any association with the Mockingjay symbol shall be executed. So far five acres of grain in District 9 had to be burned down for some unknown group made a crop circle of Gale's pin. There is no doubt many lives were executed during the speech to show what Snow meant.
"Well, hopefully you shall deliver a healthy girl." Snow said.
"What makes you say it is a girl?" I asked. "There is a fifty percent chance it might be a boy."
"We'll see in a few weeks." He murmured.
The next ultrasound to clarify the gender shall be in two weeks' time. Deep down I'm wishing the child is a girl too. Not because I want a boy, but a little girl wouldn't get people hopes to high. If the child is a boy, citizens would want him to be like his father if this war fails. But a girl would be less of a threat. Then again she would be used as a pawn as well. Any direction I go, my unborn child future is set in two ways. Both I terribly fear.
A woman in her late forties came over to us with a serious face. She looked cleaned and professional, having a little surgery on her face to remove wrinkles but not enough to alter her age appearance. Skin an olive tone, eyes a deep brown surrounded by bronze eyeliner. Her ebony hair pulled up to an exaggerated bun. As her lips a rich brown. She wore the light grey attire trimmed with red along the chest. Egeria, the Capitol Minister of Affairs.
"President Snow, there's something you need to see." Egeria announced.
President Snow nodded as Egeria led him to one of the private rooms. I stood there about to give a relive breath, for the scent of artificial roses and blood was overwhelming. Sadly the moment I exhale, President Snow ordered me to come. This was not good. Obediently I follow along with Darius into the private office away from the party.
Once inside a peacekeeper shut the door for privacy. Hesitantly I kept my guard up as we all went to the desk where a hologram sat showing a still. My eyes widen to see Gale. As if hope burst into my chest to see him on the monitor to find him, okay. Then horror, for he didn't ware civilian or whatever clothes given in District 13. No, he wore some sort of military armor with a crossbow in hand. And he wasn't alone, for Katniss walk next to him with other District 13 soldiers.
No Gale! What are you doing? I mentally demanded.
This ruins everything. He's putting himself in danger. Damn it, he's putting Katniss and whoever is out there in danger.
"Where is he?" Snow asked.
"District 8, entering a makeshift hospital" Egeria answered. "Shall we send peacekeepers to attack?"
President Snow stood there watching the hologram with pristine calculation. "No, send an airstrike."
"You can't!" I burst out in shock. Everyone in the room stopped to turn and faced me. President Snow turned around with a sullen look as his eyes said continue. I took a shaken breath. "Sir, you can't bomb the area. There is a hospital there with innocent people. Hasn't there been enough death already?"
"And what do you believe why your husband was there?" Egeria asked.
"To aid?" I guessed. "Please, if you attack District 8, the radicals will retaliate much stronger than we can predict."
"My dear," President Snow said sincerely. As he his hand cradles my cheek tucking a strand of hair off my face. "As much as I admire your opinion and humble logic… Let alone your commitment of Gale being incapable of joining, this just proves he is a rebel, their Mockingjay. And those people had broken the law by associating themselves with the mockingjay."
I gasped as I watch President Snow nodded to Egeria to commence the order to attack. It was like time slowed down to comprehend what is going to happen. Snow was never going to keep his word. He would do whatever it takes to kill Gale and those to oppose the Capitol. So many emotions filled me as I stared at Snow who looked at the monitor, waiting for the attack. Unable to control myself I lunged after him; except Darius grabbed me at the same time a peacekeeper interferes.
I don't know what happen but Darius held on tight as peacekeepers tried to separate us. Darius held on tight, with me in his arms as he tried to make our escape. But not even several steps a loud noise came follow by Darius tripping. Realization came with a sound of a gun went off. We tripped and slide on the tile then stop. Instantly I knelt up to see my friend lying on the ground holding his chest.
"Darius!" I cried crawling over to him.
I held Darius in my arms. Not caring if the gown I wore gets ruin. I just wanted to hold Darius, adding pressure to his wound to keep alive. But there was too much blood. The bullet struck the major part of his left lung near the heart. By now the lungs are being filled with blood.
"Darius," I sobbed.
"You brought this upon yourself, Miss Underwood." President Snow said. "I shall let this incident slide. Merely an episode of hormonal mood swings."
"Please, someone get a doctor." I begged.
But none of the peacekeepers budge. Not even Egeria who was baffled in what just happened. This was my fault. I should be the one dying, not Darius. I should have been shot. If only I had control of my impulse then none of this would had happen. But something inside me stirred, hundreds of innocent people were going to be killed. And for that, I held Darius who choked on his own blood while on the hologram showed the preparation for the air strike.
"I'm sorry," I cried to Darius.
Darius gagged spewing blood, yet manage to nod. He placed a hand on my own giving a weak squeeze. I squeeze back and lean forward kissing his forehead.
"I'm sorry."
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I know. I know. It's been a long time since I updated this story. Sorry about that. I had lost my muse for this story, but I saw the movie and got some inspiration. It may take a while for the next update, but I shall try to keep up. It might be monthly instead of weekly so bear with me.
Thanks for reading and please leave a review.