Within the hour I'm in front of a computer learning about the new communications system. On principle, District Five will be the second district to get the technology. After all, Three and Five were the ones that helped establish the underground communication before the rebellion.
"Volts, you're amazing," I say skimming through some of the schematics.
"You can read that?" the young man, Triac, asks.
Volts turns to his apprentice, "Vixen's district is the most similar to ours and probably had the same schooling."
Triac looks mildly impressed before continuing with his work.
Letting me play a little bit more, Volts continues his presentation to Plutarch. For a few precious minutes I'm able to ignore everything around me as I focus on the designs. When I break to change screens I notice Triac has stopped working and is watching me.
"I thought you were a politician?" he asks in wonder.
I shrug, "I am. But who's to say I'm not allowed to have more than one interest?"
Volts rolls up to us, "Triac, what about taking Vixen out to our power plant? See if she has any ideas on improvements."
So, he wants me out so I don't overhear a discussion between him and Plutarch. Or is it because Aurelia and Gaius are here? Plutarch certainly seems interested in the idea. Huh.
"Follow me," says Triac.
While we walk outside, Triac points out the different things in his district. I listen, transfixed on his passion for rebuilding his home.
"We've been in discussion with your district actually and, uh…"
For the first time in his explanation he looks at me and he flushes a bit. I smile at him, "Usually it's my friends here that are silent."
That earns me a playful shove in the back by Aurelia. Gaius does nothing, only retains his watchful gaze on our surroundings.
"Sorry, I meant to say we're in talks with your district and we're working out a mutually beneficial agreement."
"Yes, I've heard," I say.
"Oh, o-of course you would've heard," he sputters out. "I mean there's no reason that you shouldn't… being Grayson Welkin's granddaughter and all. Not to mention your position in the country…"
My smile from his sudden rambling falters, "I think you're overestimating my val-"
Gaius taps me hard on the shoulder. Without a moment's hesitation I'm on the lookout for danger. As I go for the gun strapped to my ankle a group of five people dressed in white and with their faces covered seemingly appear to come out of nowhere.
"No one moves," orders one of our assailants as he and the others with him point guns at all of us. Once assured that none of us are moving he looks directly at me with clear gray eyes that are almost faded into white. "Come with us now and we won't harm them."
Adrenalin pumps through my veins. Flashbacks about the night I was taken in the Capitol floods my mind. Just like Gaius taught me I take deep controlled breaths to get my fear under control.
One: Assess. This is an abduction not an assassination. I'm to be taken alive. Two: no desire to harm the others. Right, gunfire would draw attention to this area. Three: Take control away from them. Put them on your timetable.
Sighing I cast a disgusted look at Gaius. "There's going to be no living with you anymore after this is there?"
Told you this could happen. I'll be right behind you, he signals.
Four: get the guns off of them before making your move, I think.
"All right the rest of you on the ground," the man orders.
The other four slowly go down to their knees. Holding up my hands I walk forward slowly. My kidnappers tighten up in anticipation. Their leader runs his hands along me and removes my knife and gun I've always kept on me and I shoot him a hateful look that he flinches from slightly. Grabbing me by the neck he leads me forward.
When the focus is no longer on me I shove my heel into the meaty part of the leader's foot followed by an elbow into his nose.
"After her!" he shouts as I bolt back the way we came.
As I round the corner, I crash into Gaius who quickly shoves me behind him as he shoots his first target. Next to him, Triac fires another round hitting a second. Aurelia wraps a protective arm around me and pulls me towards town.
Ahead the police force for the district rushes towards us, guns at the ready.
"Miss Welkin are you all right?" their leader shouts.
"It was an ambush. There's five armed men in white back there. My man, Gaius, and Triac are holding them off."
The leader signals for his men to follow.
"Let's get you back to Plutarch, Miss Welkin," says a woman who must be in command at this point.
The remaining police form a shield around us as we walk back to the communications tower. We move fast while the police take turns asking me about the attack."
"Does he always have to be right," one asks.
"Yep," answers another with a laugh.
The woman leading the way shakes her head, "Our Commander had a funny feeling this morning and told us to double the patrols. We usually don't have someone running that stretch for another twenty minutes."
The adrenaline is still pulsing through my veins but I try to laugh it off. "Lucky me. I think I'll trust his gut as well."
