Chapter 9

I found a small hidden room, between two walls that seemed to be a perfect place to collect myself. Gale sat me down on the floor and he sat next to me. My head laid on his shoulder.

"Journey.."

"I'm not cut out for this. You were right. I'm too weak to be the mockingjay."

"No, Journey listen I was wrong. What I said before. You have proved to me that you do have what it takes. I am so proud of you for what you've done. And I love you for the woman that you are."

More tears started to slide down my face. Gale didn't deserve me. He deserved someone better. Someone not… broken. We heard footsteps approach. I looked up to see Haymitch.

"Hey.."

"Hi." Me and Gale said.

"Can I talk to Journey alone.?" He was asking Gale for permission? Wow that's knew.

"Sure…. Journey I'm going to go check on your mother. I'll be back soon, I promise."

He gave me quick kiss goodbye and now it was just me and Haymitch. He came to sit across from me.

"You know… I always liked the thought of you two together. I'm sure in the beginning you had no feelings for him, but he sure did have feeling for you."

"Why are you telling me this?" I asked him.

"Well… because we're friends and I thought this is what friends do." What he said actually brought a smile to my face.

"So you think of us as friends?"

"Well yeah. Don't get me wrong, you are a stubborn pain in my ass at the best of times, but even though you hate to admit it, you remind me of myself in a way."

"Oh God.." I said cringing.

"Not the drunken asshole part. You know the smartmouth, sarcastic part. Also, you're a lot like me in the stubborn department which is why I can put up with it better than Effie ever could."

"So… is that why you wanted to talk to me?"

"Well there is something else.."

"Spit it out Haymitch." I said getting frustrated. I hate how he drags things.

"They're going to rescue Peeta and the other Victors."

I looked up at Haymitch in shock. Trying to form words.

"What?" Was the best I could come up with.

"Since the hydroelectric dam is destroyed, the power in the Capitol in down. Which means their system defense is also down. A window is open to us, for how long, we don't know, but a plan is in motion, and.. They are going to rescue Peeta."

My body was over flooded with joy at the moment. Peeta's going to be okay. Johanna's going to be okay. Finnick will have Annie back. Everything at that moment, seemed brighter. I attacked Haymitch in a bear hug as I laughed.

"Did I miss something." I deep voice said behind us. I turned around to see Gale leaning on the wall, with a smile on his face.

"So how's my mom?"

"She's going to live. She will have to be in bed for a long time, but her legs are luckily going to be saved. She won't have to get her legs amputated."

I ran up to Gale and kissed him. I was too happy to even think about what I was doing, and I didn't care.

When I parted my lips from his, I ran into the medical room and saw a sleeping Flex sitting on the bed next to mom, who was also sleeping. She had I.V's in her arm and were hooked onto a monitor. But she looked better than when I saw her outside.

I didn't want to wake them up, so I decided to come back later when she was awake. I asked a nurse if it was safe for me to go to my actual room, and she said yes.

I went to my room and flopped onto my bed. I held the old picture of me and Peeta in my hands.

"You're going to be okay." I said as I traced my fingers over the picture of Peeta all muddy. His smile bright.

I held the picture to my chest, telling myself over and over that everything will be okay. I heard knocking at my door and I already knew who it could be.

"Come in!" The door opened to reveal Gale. He sat down next to me on the bed.

"Are you feeling better?"

"Yeah. Yeah I'm feeling much better. Thank you.. For being there for me."

"Of course. I will always be there for you Journey, you know that."

"Yeah I do know that… Gale?"

"Hm?"

"Do you remember.. the first time you came to my room?"

"Of course. That was when we almost…Look Journey, you were right we weren't ready at that time and-"

"I'm ready now." Gale looked at me, eyes squinted and brows forward in confusion.

"What?" Oh great. I'm starting blush.

"I'm ready... to take that step with you. I love you Gale, you're the only person that ever made me feel…"

"Like I'm being lifted off the ground every time I hear your voice. Like my stomach has millions of little butterflies that do back flips in my stomach everytime we touch. The feeling of electricity sending shock waves through my body every time our lips meet."

I looked at him with adoration. It was like he took the words right out of me.

"How did you know that?"

"Because that's how I feel whenever I'm with you." His blue eyes met my brown ones. And everything in me, told me I was ready. I leaned into him, and my lips met his. That electric feeling that we both felt, I welcomed it. My body needed more. Like my body was craving for his touch. I climbed onto his lap and our kisses deepened. I felt his warm hands trace my waist and went upwards to my front zipper of my jumpsuit.

He than slowly unzipped my jumpsuit until it revealed my black tank top and revealed a small piece of my white underwear. He then pulled the sleeves of the jumpsuit down and I had to take them off of my arms. The jumper was now only covering my legs that still straddled Gale.

I then found Gale's zipper and unzipped his, doing the same. I came to realize how big his muscles really were. He wasn't wearing an undershirt, so his upper body was in full view. My hands wandered to his chest wanting to feel him. And I realized that I liked that feeling.

"Having fun?" I heard him grumble. I only smirked.

"Shut up." Before he could give a comeback, I attacked his lips.

His ruff, warm hands found his way at the hem of my tank top and he pulled his head away to look at me. I knew was asking for permission, and I complied with a nod.

He then did the unexpected. He grabbed the hem of my shirt with both hands and then ripped it up the middle. I gave out a little gasp as I was shocked yet… aroused by his sudden aggressiveness. I saw his eyes wander to my chest where my breasts were covered by a white bra. My cheeks turned bright red as I started to feel self conscious. I brought my arms up to cover myself, but his hands stopped me midway.

"Don't. You're perfect. I don't ever want you to hide your perfection from me. Ever." He lowered his head to my neck and started leaving little trails of kisses on my skin. The air made the kissing marks cool and goosebumps appeared on my skin. I gasped, loving warm and cool sensations.

He then lifted me up as I wrapped my legs around his waist. He stood up and placed me ever so gently onto the bed. His warm body, was now on top of me. I could feel his chest lay against mine and I could feel his heart beating in his chest. My heart beat… matched his.

He leaned up and grabbed the hem of my underwear and the waistline of my jumpsuit. His blue eyes looked to me.

"Are you sure you're ready for this?"

"Yes. I want you. I need you." I whimpered.

This night, was the night I would never forget. The turning point for the both of us. On this night, I gave up the one little piece of innocence I had left to the man I loved and trusted.

Gale.

Sleep came quickly for the both of us. I was rested in his arms feeling his bare chest rise and fall. Listening to his even warm breath on my neck. It was a night of blissful sleep.

It was blissful, until I woke up to a cold and empty bed.

I shot up in bed, looking around the room frantic holding my blanket to my bare chest. Wondering where Gale had went, to find a note on a piece of paper on his now empty side of the bed. I grabbed it and read it.

Journey,

Tonight will forever be the best night I will ever remember. It took everything in me just to untangle myself from you. I want you to know that I volunteered to be apart of Peeta's rescue squad tonight and I promise to bring him back to you. What ever happen tonight, I want you to know that I meant everything I said that day back at the Victor's Village.

Even in death, I will never forget you Journey Lavender, and you have made me the most happiest man in this hell hole and I love you for that.

Forever yours,

Gale.

I sprang up out of bed so quick that I thought I moved the bed. I grabbed my undershirt and jumpsuit and quickly put them on as I tried to not pay any attention at the sore feeling in my lower body. When I put my shoes on, I ran out of my room down the halls looking for the control room.

When I found it, I burst inside and found everyone glued to the screen. On the screen, I saw Finnick, all dressed up, and was talking.

I looked to Haymitch.

"Why the hell is Finnick doing a propo?"

"Well It's actually a lot more than a propo Journey. Finnick knows secrets about Snow and we thought it might be smart for him to give those secrets out to the people."

"Also, it's interfering with the Capitol's electrical system. So, it's making things easier for our men to go in, without getting blown to smithereens." Beetee said.

I looked to Coin, who's face was glued to another screen. It washer and beetee that were looking at a screen that showed District 13 soldiers such as Boggs and Gale!

I ran up to the screen, keeping my eyes on Gale. I could tell that by his body movements, he was nervous.

"Oh Gale.."

"He's going to be okay Journey." Katniss said coming to stand next to me. She grasped my hand in hers to calm me down.

I could then hear the orders being given on the radio.

"Mockingjay one. Mockingjay one. You are one minute away from perimeter defense, do you copy?"

"Copy that. Going dark."

The lights were then dimmed and I just kept looking up at the screen. Even though I was paying attention to Gale, I was also listening to Finnick speak.

"President Snow use to sell me… for my body at least. But, I wasn't the only one. If a Victor is considered desirable, the President gives them as a reward. If you refuse, he would kill someone you love. "

"Ten seconds till approach." I heard on the radio. My full attention was back onto Gale.

"9….8...7...6….5…"

I was clutching Katniss's hand so hard, I was scared I was going to break it. But, Katniss had a hard grip on my hand as well. Everyone in the room held their breath.

"3...2...1…"

I closed my eyes. Please.. Please make it…

"No response from Capitol air of Defense. We're inside Capitol air space."

I breathed out a sigh of relief and a smile crept on my face. Okay.. he made it in safely. But I knew that there was still challenges at hand.

"The payment for us would be some sort of jewelry or money. But I found a much more... satisfying way of payment. Secrets." So that's what he meant back at the tribute center. I always thought he was paid with money, but when he said he hasn't dealt with a thing as common as money… now I knew what he meant.

I than saw Gale and the other mean stand up, and it looked to me that they were preparing themselves to break into the tribute center. I was now on edge again.

"We have visual of the Tribute Center. Initiating final approach…" Came from the radio. My heart felt like it was about to pump out of my chest. I saw the men put their gas masks on.

"The biggest secrets I've ever had paid to me, were ones of President Snow. He kept his power strong on Panem. How? One word… Poison."

What?

The footage was now showing Boggs leading the men into the Tribute Center. It was strange seeing it so dark and empty.

"Okay, it's clear. Head towards flight level 2." I heard Boggs's voice say. They started to run up a flight of stairs.

"Snow would poison anyone who, to him, seemed a threat. Even his own allies. He would drink from the same cup to prevent suspicion. But.. antidotes don't always work. Which is why he wears roses that reek of perfume. To hide the smell of blood from the sores in his mouth that will never heal because of that poison."

What he said made me realize all those times I had face to face interactions with Snow. I would always smell a small hint of perfume that radiated off of him, but I never questioned it. I never even knew that the smell was coming from the roses.

The screen was now showing the men were now in front of a door. Could that be the door….?

Katniss and I both walked up closer to the screen. Wanting to see clearer. Gale stood frozen for a second and I started to get worried. What was wrong with him?

"Gale." Boggs said. Gale gave a nod and then him and another man opened the doors to reveal a room. It was the room where they would clean us. But now.. Now it looked like a surgical room. I saw a whole bunch of sharp tools laid around, and my throat became dry.

Is this what they used on them? Oh my god….

I was blocking out the rest of Finnick's voice as I was just staying focused on Gale. All of a sudden, the screen became bright and I could hear Gale grunt.

"Gale!"

"Beetee…" Katniss said in unison.

"There power is coming back up." Beetee said.

"The Capitol air defense is coming back online."

"Ah crap. Another 60 seconds and then we'll be cut off. They must be getting there power source from a someplace else."

"We need to get them out of there now." Coin said.

An idea came into mind. A stupid one, but I had to try.

"Broadcast me!" I said. Everyone looked to me.

"The Capitol will receive this footage, so put me on. Maybe.. Maybe I can distract him.. Put me on the air so he can see me."

"Oaky.." Coin said. Plutarch moved to a camera and focused it on me. Katniss let go of my hand and moved out of the way so the camera could focus on me only.

"Journey you can do this." Haymitch said behind me.

"Okay Journey, you're on." Beetee said.

"Snow… President Snow are you there? President Snow! Are you there!? President Snow it's Journey Lavender. President Snow are you there? President Snow!..." I waited for a response but nothing came.

"There's no guarantee that he's watching." Coin said.

"I have to try… President Snow it's Journey and I need to speak with you! President Snow are you there? President Snow? Pre-" Something happened. A voice. I heard a voice.

"Mr. Lavender. What a pleasant surprise my dear." The screen now showed a fuzzy image of Snow and my spin ran cold.

"I'm sure you're not reaching out to me to thank me for those roses." He said with a smile.

"I.. I never asked for this President Snow. You must know that. I never asked to be back into the games, that wasn't my fault. I never asked for all of this to happen. I just wanted save the people I love. Please just let Peeta and the others go and I will evoke to being the mockingjay."

"Now , you couldn't run from this just as much as you couldn't have run from the games."

"Please Snow… you've won. You broke me. Isn't that what you've wanted? I've kept my promises haven't I? At least give me that."

"You said you didn't want to have a war. But look at where we are standing at this very moment. I warned how fragile peace was Ms. Lavender. And still, like a child, as you are. Had pleasure in breaking it. I know you Ms. Lavender. I don't think you know what honesty is anymore."

"B-but I convinced everyone of my love for Gale. That was at least one thing I've done as you asked. Would you at least give me that?"

He shook his head, still having that creepy smile on his face."

"Ms. Lavender.. it's those we love most that destroy us. I want you to remember who taught you this."

"W-what?"

"Do you really think I don't know Gale and the others are in Tribute Center?"

"W-what? NO! NO! PRESIDENT SNOW!-"

The footage cut off.

Oh my God. Gale!

"Haymitch… what...He knows. He knows that they're in there! He was taunting me! We have to get them out we-we.."

"There's no signal, we can't contact them."

"NO! BEETEE! YOU HAVE TO FIND A WAY IN!"

"I'm sorry Journey…"

"NO! I can't lose them.. I can't lose them both."

"Shhh no Journey, we don't know that! We don't know if we have yet. Shh.." Haymitch tried calming me down, by wrapping his arms around me, but it wasn't working. I needed Gale.

"NO! Haymitch I can't.. I can't lose them both. I can't lose them.. I can't… No!" I was sobbing in hysterics. I didn't care who was watching. I can't lose them both… if I lose them...

I must've blacked out, because before I knew it, I was on my bed, crying. My eyes burned and felt dry from the amount of crying I been doing, but I didn't care. I grasped the letter in my hands and balled my hand into a fist. My body numb. Katniss and Prim were sitting at my bedside. Prim was running her hands through my hair. Katniss's head laid on my leg, her cheeks stained with tears as well.

Prim was humming her favorite lullaby. Deep in the meadow. I tried humming it with her, but I couldn't. My throat too dry.

"You need to drink something." Prim said softly. "I'll go get you some water." She left the room, and the person to come into the room was Finnick. He looked worried.

"Hey.."

"H-Hi…" I tried to say. My voice scratchy.

He then took Prim's place on the bed, I could see Katniss scrunch her nose in protest. She never really liked him much.

"There's been no word.. Yet." Was all he said, before he took a piece of rope from his pocket and started to tie a knot.

Prim came back in and handed me a glass of water. I gulped it down. And my throat started to feel much better.

"Thank you." I whispered.

I laid my head back down onto the pillow.

All of a sudden, the doors opened back up and Haymitch comes rushing in.

"They're back!" He says. Katniss, Finnick and I all jump off of the bed and started running towards the medical center.

"How are they!?" I asked Haymitch.

"Fine. They're all fine."

I started pushing past the nurses and doctors. I saw some nurses by a hospital bed and I ran over to see who it was.

"Would you stop it! I don't want that!" I heard the person say. I knew that voice anywhere.

"Johanna?" I asked. Her appearance was completely different. She was thinner, paler, and her head was shaved.

"Why so surprised?" She said sarcastically.

"Finnick!" I heard a girl's voice yell. I turn around to see a flash of red hair run to Finnick.

"ANNIE!" Finnick screamed. He scooped her up into his arms, a huge smile plastered on his face. I can be happy for them later, but I have to find…

"Journey!" I deep voice yelled out. My body ran on impulse. Following that voice. I then saw Gale standing, wearing his black sniper uniform.

I ran up to him, a mix of emotions swam inside me. The first one that came out was anger and as I ran to him, he thought I was about to hug him, but instead I brought my hand up and my hand made contact with his cheek.

He didn't even look shocked.

"You asshole! How dare you leave me like that!.. Don't ever do that to me again."

I said as I hugged him. His arms wrapped around me in a tight grip, like I would disappear if he had let go. His warm body was so welcoming, his oaky scent hit me and my heart rate calmed down. He then let go of me and I looked up at him.

Boggs walked up to us, a small smile appeared on his face.

"You have one brave man there Journey. Everything went successful because of Gale's last minute actions to rescuing the Victors."

"But I don't understand it. Every gun was back online and on us, and we flew right past them. They let us go.." That was weird. Very weird, but I couldn't think about that right now. I turned my head around to look and see if Peeta was around. But i couldn't see him and I was getting worried.

"He's in there." Gale said as he pointed to one of the rooms, a smirk on his face. I gave him a quick 'thank you' kiss. I turned to Boggs and also gave my thanks and ran inside to see something that stopped me.

Katniss was standing next to a skeleton of a man. Smiling and talking. I would never have recognized him to be my best friend if it weren't for the messy blond hair giving him away. I walked in slowly, not wanting to disturb them. My heart was beating ten times fast in my chest.

"Peeta?"

Katniss looked at me and smiled.

"He's okay…" She whispered. I smiled back. I walked in front of him, seeing his face. He looked terrible. I could easily see his neck bones, collar bones, cheek bones. He had purple bruises everywhere skin was revealed. His eyes stared dead at me. I couldn't take it anymore, so I just hugged him. I tried to be as gentle as possible, not wanting to hurt him. I was too wrapped up in the little happy moment, that I didn't realize until now that he wasn't hugging me back.

I let go of him to look at him.

"Journey…" He said. His voice so low I could barely hear it.

Something snapped in him. Within a second he punched me in the face and grabbed me by my throat and squeezed tightly. He pushed me against the glass wall and it shattered. I piece of if broke into my back. He then managed to push me down to the ground. I was in a state of shock that I didn't know what to do.

Haymitch and Katniss came up behind him and tried to pull him off.

"Peeta no!" I could hear Katniss scream.

"Peeta! Peeta get off! Get off of her!" He managed to pull him up, but Peeta still had me in a death grip. I was granted one second of air, to inhale as he let one hand go to push them off of him. But his other hand quickly as it left, came back to my throat. He then body slammed me back onto the ground. I could feel the glass go deeper into my back.

I tried slapping his hands away, but they stayed on. I looked in his eyes, and all I saw was pure hatred and fear. I tried gasping for air, but it was impossible. I felt my face heat up and the pressure on my head increase.

Peeta stop…

Everything started to get blurry and the noises started to get fainter and fainter.

Then, I saw a chair rise and slam on Peeta's head. Everything, went black after that...

AN: Yeah I hope you guys like this chapter. And I'm sure you'll love the next one. :)