Chapter 9 – Hiding In Plain Sight

AN: Thank you for those who alerted, favored and left a review for the previous chapter. Any questions, please feel to post in the review or send me a message. I'll try to answer them as fast as I can. No promises but I will try. I hope all of you enjoy reading Destiny 2 so far. Sorry Dizzy no comeuppance for Gale just yet. Peeta and company are busy trying to go home and...

This next chapter is rated R for strong language and is Madge's POV. Any mistakes found are mine, THG belongs to Suzanne Collins. By now, if you feel that these characters are not familiar or to your liking, I did say they are OOC to begin with. So please don't read any further. For the rest of you guys, on with the show...


Madge POV –

Dressed in long pant, shirt, winter jacket and a cap on my head, the cold mountain air still managed to seep through my clothes. Thinking back, I should have packed more of my clothing but at the time, it was even a thought or consideration. I knew that what I had was enough, sufficient attire for a soldier in Mockingjay's army—pants, shirts, socks, jacket and heavy boots all in black. That was my uniform. Did I miss the dresses, two inch heels and sweaters? A little, but that was a life long past, one I barely remembered.

It's the end of summer, but the high altitude air was crisp and cold. I placed my hands over the fire pit, rubbing my hands together in hope to warm my frozen fingers as I looked around me. Tents were built everywhere with no order or reason in place for housing. Women milled about preparing dinner while the men cut trees and stoked the fires. It's been a few weeks since our arrival of our new home or as I was told our new residence. The journey here was hard, brutal and challenging. The trek was slow, a caravan of people huddled together walking for miles to a destination unknown. Everyone was forced to mobilize, women, children and the sick still recovering from the virus as they lagged behind. But fortunately everyone made it.

Where we ended up? All I can say is that 3000 people were settled in an area that even a Capitol drone would find us. We were in hiding in plain sight. I had to trust and believe that Mockingjay knew what he was doing. That we were safe from Snow and his peacekeepers. Only time will tell.

With Gale to lead us, it was not an easy experience or task. He bitched and complained all the way, telling people they were to slow and acted like he was in charge. His duty was to lead us to our knew the settlement but Gale took it upon himself to act as a leader. He was not. Commander Boggs had to put him in his place several times. And when I meant several times, it was almost daily. I recalled the first time I saw him when he came back from the dead. I was angry and resentful, those emotions were not easy for me to admit.

I didn't begrudged Mrs. Hawthorne of her son's resurrection. It surprised everyone and to say how they all reacted different from his return was not unexpected. He came back from their reunion with smug look on his face and a black eye.


Flashback –

Flanked by Commander Boggs and two of his soldiers I was escorted through what was left of the Merchant township. He had suddenly appeared at the Cartwright's doorstep early morning while I was having breakfast with Delly and her family. Excusing myself, we walked toward the Justice building, a place I had avoided for weeks since it reminded me of my father. I had avoided many places but the JB was one I had dreaded to visit. Yet here I was forced to enter. "Why are we here?" I asked Commander Boggs. I took a deep breath through my mouth, hoping to calm my racing heart.

"I'm here at the request of Mockingjay, Undersee," he stated, emotionless and firm. "He didn't say why."

Once inside the building, I was flooded with memories. I remembered the years my Dad took office doing his job as mayor of District 12. I recalled the memories of him standing with the Capitol escort during the reaping. Even with the bad and some good memories, I thought of my Dad. However, there were times I resented him because many of my classmates had accused him of 'bedding with the Capitol.' Many of them thought that we were privileged. We weren't. That was why I isolated myself from everyone, I was one of the Merchants but at the same time, I wasn't.

Mockingjay and Haymitch met us at one of the offices. It was large and well furnished. You can tell it was designed with Capitol influence with the mahogany tables, bookshelves, rich wool curtains that hung from ceiling to floor and polished marble one the walls and floors. Mockingjay nodded to Boggs who left the room with his soldiers leaving me alone with him and Haymitch Abernathy. Since our conversation in the cemetery, Mr. Abernathy or Haymitch as he would like me to call him, was a source of support and guide. He understood my pain and loneliness. I trusted him despite his outer appearance which I knew was a ruse. Haymitch Abernathy was a sweetheart and I would fight anyone who would say otherwise. He was no longer the drunkard I remembered from the early days. What instigated his sobriety was a mystery to everyone.

For years he was just the drunk victor of District 12, gruff and cantankerous to us, young folks. He was never outright mean, but often kept to himself at the Victors Village. It was surprising that he was friend with both Seam and Merchants,especially the Mellarks and Everdeens.

"Madge, I asked you here because..." Mockingjay approached me. "...since the attacks I have relied on you and your classmates to follow me. To help me protect our people, our loved ones." I smiled. Mockingjay was from the Seam yet he called all of us his people. To him there was no Merchant or Seam, there was no distinction of blond or dark hair. We were all equals. "You have been a great help to me. I cannot tell you how proud I am of you and your classmates. If your father was alive, he would say the same." Since the attacks Mockingjay assigned a team under my command. They consisted of my classmates both Merchant and Seam ranging from age 14 to 18 year of age. Rye was to take part but...

He rubbed his upper right arm with his left hand. "There is something I need for you and your team to do for me."

"Say the word, Mockingjay," I stated. "And I will follow. We will follow you, to our death if necessary."

"Well, don't get carried away," Haymitch snickered. He didn't realize my sincerity. I was a soldier now, not the daughter of the Mayor of District 12. I had no one left to love or protect. I was alone with no family. The war against the Capitol and the fight for freedom was my life now.

"What is it you need of me?" I asked.

"Before I tell you, there is something you must know," he said. "Not many people know of this information. It was necessary, cruel to some involved but crucial to the mission. You are among the first to know of this."

"I don't understand, sir," I returned. Haymitch looked ill at ease and even a bit pissed off.

Suddenly, Boggs opened the door and with him was no other than Gale Hawthorne. I out of breath and my knees threatened to buckle from the sight of him. Gale Hawthorne was alive. He had his hands cuffed as well his legs. His eyes bulged obviously surprised to see me. "What the fuck," I cursed. "What, how—" I was cut off as Mockingjay approached Gale. Shoulder to shoulder, they faced each other.

"Remember our deal, Gale," Mockingjay said, his voice was hard and cold. I had never heard that tone from him before. "You have this one opportunity, you break it? I will personally hand you over to District 13 and President Coin."

"Sir, on my father's grave I won't break your confidence, not even to Rory." Rory? What does Gale's dead with Mockingjay have to do with his little brother, Rory?"

"Mockingjay, what did you promise, Gale?" Haymitch inquired.

"Nothing, Haymitch. It's something between Gale and myself." Why was I brought here to witness this if I was being ignored. But of course its Hawthorne who acknowledges my presence.

"What is she doing here? And why the hell is she dressed like that? Undersee is part of Mockingjay's army?" he sneered. Take it from Gale to be condensing and self righteous after he had returned from the dead. To question my appearance and association with Mockingjay as if I didn't have the right to join the rebellion like he did. This is how he addressed after rising from the dead.

"Shut up, Gale," Haymitch barked back. "You are in no position to be questioning anyone especially Private Undersee."

"Private Undersee," Gale snickered. "That's a laugh. A Madge Undersee in Mockingjay's army? You got to be kidding me."

"I don't see you having a rank or position under his command," Boggs retorted. "As I see it, you're his prisoner." He gestured to the cuffs on his wrists and legs. "I would shut up if I were you."

Gale sneered back at the commander. "I don't have to listen to you. As a matter of fact, you can't order me around. As I was frequently reminded I'm not part of District 13's army. I take orders from Mockingjay."

"Shut up, Gale, And so far you're disobeyed an order," Mockingjay added. "Now you're here against my better judgment and while everyone says I shouldn't give you any more chances, I'm doing this for your mother. This is for her and your siblings, not for you."

"I'm sorry, sir," he said, contrite but only for a second. "Seeing Madge in uniform caught me by surprise. I didn't know what has been happening since I've been gone."

"Then mind you mouth then or I will change my mind," he returned.

"I don't think that sending Gale is a good idea," Haymitch spoke. "I still think you should send him back to 13."

"He's been in District 13 all this time? While his family grieved for him, thinking he died a hero?" I taunted.

"I—" Gale began, his eye filled with fury. . He took a step forward and stumbled because of the cuffs around his ankles.

"Quiet," Mockingjay commanded. "Or did I not just give you an order?"

"I told you before and I'll tell you again, he can't be trusted," Haymitch said. "Either send him back to 13 or keep him locked up and throw away the key." Wow, the vitriol Haymitch spewed was surprising. What did Gale do?

Mockingjay shook his head. "No I have plans for him." Plans? I was so confused at this point.

"How is he alive? We all thought he died during the mutt attacks," I recalled.

"To make a long story short, he was in a mission," Mockingjay explained. He explained how the first mutt attack was used to appear that Gale died so he could complete his mission—to find secure a route to District 13. His orders were to map out the path to District 13 in case we needed to evacuate. Was that Mockingjay's plan? To mobilize the citizens to 13?

"Does his family know that he's still alive?" I asked. Before he could answer, another soldier appeared.

"Sir, they're here?" he announced then disappeared.

"Boggs take Hawthorne to the other office for privacy and bring him back when he's done," he ordered.

"What's going on? Where are they taking me?" Gale asked as Boggs grabbed by the arm. "Wait, sir. I need to talk to you."

Mockingjay then turned to Haymitch once Boggs and Gale was gone. "Can you go with Boggs?"

"What? Why me?" Haymitch whined, his mouth opened and eyes round like saucers. "I really don't want to be witness of his reunion with his family." Wow, Mrs. Hawthorne was soon to be reunited with the son she thought she lost forever. My heart ached as I thought of Mom, Dad and my little brother Toby. I still mourned for them. During the day when I was busy it was easy not to think about them—how I missed and loved them. But at night, when my mind was still, I only saw the hours of suffering and pain they endured. While I tried to think of the happy memories, the recent ones sprung in my mind. How I was present when all of them took their last breath and I made my goodbyes. Burying them was the worst. The taste of resentment bitterness tore into me. Mrs. Hawthorne and Gale's siblings got a second chance.

"I still don't understand why you are giving Hawthorne another chance. Have you forgotten what he tried to do to Peeta—" Peeta? What was Haymitch talking about?

"I'm not giving Gale another chance. This is not about giving him chances," Mockingjay said in annoyance and impatience. "And I am well aware of what he's done or tried to do." He sighed. "I know you don't understand but like I said, I need him. If Katniss was here. It would be a different story. I'd locked him up until the war is over, but..."

A chance to do what? What plans did Mockingjay have for Gale. Plans that involved giving him another chance as Haymitch said. My mind still spun from discovering that Gale Hawthorne was still alive. It made me wonder who else knew.

"Okay, but," Haymitch paused and pointed a finger. "You owe me." He exited the room, stopping his fight and cursing as he slammed the door behind him. Mockingjay rubbed his forehead. It was clear that he was stressed and agitated.

"I'm sorry, Madge," he said. "I know seeing Gale was a shock."

"Not what I expected when I woke up this morning, sir," I chuckled. I felt bad for him. Gale was like a bad penny penny you couldn't get rid of. "I know you're under a lot of pressure, is there anything I can do to help."

End of Flashback –


After that meeting my life changed, Mockingjay assigned me to second in command after Boggs to help him mobilize nearly 3000 people to a new settlement area. "It's too quiet not hearing from the Capitol," Mockingjay said. "I need to have our people moved away from here. I have bad feeling that something is coming up. I need you to be in charge at the camp."

"But sir," I started. "Isn't there anyone more qualified. I have no experience in taking charge of so many people."

"You are the daughter of Heath Undersee," he stated. "You've seen your father and what he was up against. I mean, you and Rye organized your friends with the eventuality of an attack. That takes leadership. You can do this. I don't have time...you need to leave soon."

"You don't think we're not safe?" He didn't answer my questions but I saw the look in his eyes. Katniss was so much like her father. We were not conversationalists. There were days that we spoke a few words to each other. We didn't gossip and talked about boys. She had no interest in them though there were times that I caught her staring at Peeta. But I didn't push to talk about him. We trusted each other and enjoyed each other's company even though she was Seam. But her eyes, they spoke the words she couldn't vocalize. To others she was hard, but underneath the cold exterior, Katniss Everdeen was warm, loving and fiercely loyal. Like her father I read the worry and fear in his eyes. I suspected that District 12 was no longer safe and a there was a possibility of another attack.

Trying to suppress my panic, I agreed and focused on what needed to be done. You can guess who didn't like the arrangement. Gale! His job was to lead our people to a safer area. He had expected to be second to Boggs not me, a Merchant and female. He was jealous that I was in command of our classmates-over 50 friends both male, female, Merchant and Seam. Throughout the journey, he took jabs at me. Saying how could a female who lived in the Merchant village know anything about fighting, surviving in the woods and killing. Surprisingly it was Thom, a Seam classmate of Gale's who defended me after weeks of Gale belittling me.


"Madge and Rye trained with us for weeks, after hours in school with everyone. Seam and Merchant," Thom started. "We trained without anyone knowing. In the dark, in secret to prepare for this." He pointed to the people around him.

"She has no experience as a fighter," Gale bellowed. He was face to face with his old classmate. Gale was so angry, veins popped out of his forehead. "Dressing her up in a uniform and giving her fancyrifle doesn't make her a soldier."

"Thom," I addressed him, ignoring Gale. "You can't reason with Hawthorne. You're wasting your time."

"Why are you even defending her? She's Merchant," Gale yelled.

"You're the one to talk, you know nothing. She has every right to wear that uniform. After what we've been through after you supposedly died," Thom responded.

"I was sent on a mission."

"You haven't been around after the first mutt attacks." Thom fisted Gale's front shirt. "She fought against the mutt dogs besides Peacekeepers, Merchant and Seam folks the day the bombs fell in the Seam. Where were you?"

"I couldn't leave," Gale gave his excuse. Thom released Gale with a little shove, causing him to step back.

"Before District 12 was attacked the second time, there no Merchant and Seam," Thom explained. "Madge and Rye trained with all of us. She said that we could not survive if we didn't stand together." Gale scoffed. "If it wasn't for Rye and Madge, we would have been helpless. Lost a lot more people." Both Merchant and Seam nodded their heads in agreement. Thom poked Gale's chest with his finger.

"You don't get to dictate and cause trouble between classes that don't exist anymore," Thom informed him. "Mockingjay says that Madge is our leader and we trust her to fight with all of us like she did that day. I trust her even more than I trust you. And you, Gale better not cause her any grief. Or you'll answer to me."

"And me," A merchant classmate stepped forward.

"And me," A Seam boy I never met stood beside him.


After that day, Thom became my right hand. I was flattered for his belief in me and my ability to lead them. I just wished Rye was with me because...I miss him. Not like the way Delly missed her husband but as my partner.

"Let me know if Gale gives you anymore trouble." Thom requested.

"I do appreciate it, Thom," I returned. "I can take care of myself."

"Don't I know it. Sissy, my girlfriend told me not to hover." He smiled. "I never thought that I would be taking orders from a girl, a Merchant for that matter." Then he laughed. "Don't ever tell Sissy I told you that. She'd have my hide."

"So you don't mind, taking orders from a girl and a Merchant?" I teased.

"I was a little concern at first," he admitted. "But I trust Mockingjay. He must see something in you to give you this much responsibility. I trust his judgment."

"Well, tell that to your friend Hawthorne," I scoffed. Thom sighed. There was a wistful look on his face.

"I don't know what happened to him." He stopped and shook his head. "No, I know what happened to him. What caused to be such..."

"Such a jackass," I completed for him. "Sorry, but he was always asshole long before all this." I had an idea. Gale was always a hot head, ill tempered and mannered. His volatile behavior started soon after Peacekeeper Ivan appeared. And not long after when Katniss chose Peeta. That was the beginning of Gale's disruptive behavior.

Soon after we arrived at the new residence, Commander Boggs announced that he had to return back to District 12. "Mockingjay ordered me to help you get to safety, but my main job was to support him. There are also still civilians left." He was talking about Haymitch and Mr. Mellark. "But before I leave I need to show you something." Intrigued, I followed him for at least 20 minutes. I started to get worried since I didn't know him well and it was just he and I alone int the woods. He lead us to a stretch of woods that didn't bear anything interesting. To me we stood in the middle of a grove with trees, bushes and rocks I had never seen before. They were black and shiny. They littered the forest floor like petals that had fallen after being thrown during a parade. The rocks or like pebbles were everywhere.

"Stand here," he instructed as he walked 10 yards away. "For some reason, Mockingjay left you in charge. I asked myself Why you? Why not any of the men in District 12, older and maybe more experienced."

"I have no idea either, Commander," I answered. Suddenly, I felt really scared and alone. A pit in my stomach grew. I respected the commander from District13, but I didn't really know him.

"What makes you qualified to lead and be in charge? You have no experience in leadership and fighting skill. So why you, Madge Undersee?" I was speechless. My throat tightened. I haven't felt this nervous, scared and angry at the same time.

"Raise your rifle, private." Instantly I lifted my rifle as he ordered.

"Aim it at me."

"What?" I said, mouth open and my throat felt dry. I wasn't sure I heard him.

"Do it." His stance was hostile as he placed a hand over his revolved sheathed on his right leg. Instinctively I did as he ordered like a train soldier. Or had I acted in fear?

"Fire," he commanded.

"What?" With mouth agape, I blinked once and shook my head.

"I said, aim your rifle and fire." His face bore no emotion as he stood in front of me one hand on his handgun and feet spread apart.

"What? Sir, I don't understand," I repeated.

"It's an order soldier. I expect you to obey them." My mind whirred with doubt and indecision. Was this a test? A test of what—loyalty, disobedience? My hands shook, sweat beaded my neck and forehead. My knees threatened to buckle. Then memories of my situation with Darius flashed in my mind. For a second, I saw Darius, not Boggs. All I remembered was his red hair and green eyes. The look on his face when I aimed and fired my rifle, instantly killing him. I didn't regret what I had done that day. But I did regret that I had to take a life even if it was a peacekeeper I knew. I took a life to survive.

"Do it, Private Undersee," he commanded. "That's an order." I hesitated. He had to be kidding but he wasn't. Then suddenly, he removed his rifle from his back.

Five, ten or twenty seconds flew by. My trigger finger felt numb. "I'm giving you five seconds. Five, four," he counted down giving me no time to run or think. I felt desperate, anxious and really angry. What was he doing? "...three." He raised his rifle to his eyes and aimed. "...two..."

Scared for my life and not ready to die, I fired the same time he did. "...one." My chest hurt so hard like an explosion burst between my breasts. I lifted my hand and felt for chest checking for hole in my shirt, fingers dripping with blood. But I was alive and unharmed. Somehow, both our rifles misfired. How? I was certain he aimed and fired at me as I did at him. I was too relieved and shocked to ask why I was still alive? Why did he wanted to kill me?

Commander Boggs walked over to me, I shrank and stepped back when he was a two feet away. He raised a left hand while this right grasped his rifle. "Haymitch told me what happened at the train depot. How you defended yourself from a peacekeeper. You listened to your instinct and survived."

"I did what I had to do to protect myself." And Rye.

"Mockingjay was right about you. You're ready. I just had to make sure." A few minutes later, when my heart rate slowed and my mind cleared and sorted what happened he explained why the rifles misfired. The rocks on the ground disabled our rifle's electronic firing mechanism. Only conventional traditional rifles loaded with live bullets were immuned to the rock's disabling affects. These were the same material that Mockingjay told me about—the chasm filled with rocks between District 11 and 12. The area known as the no fly zone.

"Why?" I sputtered. "Why did you me order to shoot you," I repeated. This test was unnecessary and extreme. Boggs remained quiet for a minute. He looked pensive and tired. "This was clearly a test."

"There are two things you must remember, Undersee," he stated. "Never enter a fight you know you can't win. When the odds are against you." I harrumphed and was tempted to laugh out loud. I doubted that Boggs would appreciate the humor I heard from his advise. Both Peeta and Katniss defied odds everyday since the moment they were reaped. The odds were stacked against them but still they managed to escape the arena and survived in the forest. I hoped they stayed safe and from harms way.

"Two, remember this," he insisted. "You have good instinct, trust your gut. When someone aims a gun at you, look him in the eyes. In any situation, you can read a man's intention, his character if you look him in his eyes. You will see the truth." He eyed my Mockingjay pin fastened on my shirt pocket. "Wear that pin with pride. She would have been very proud of you." After he imparted his words of wisdom he left. She? Did he mean my aunt Maysilee? Did Boggs know her? He left me with more questions than answers

The nights of restlessness and lack of sleep finally caught up to me. I felt weary and bone tired.

Thoughts of Rye still missing pierced my heart. We had become close, not intimately close but a friendship I never thought that would develop between us. I felt guilty, like I failed him, failed to protect him. Guilt tore into my soul. What also compounded my stress was Gale's presence. I missed my family. I felt alone and lonely. So much was rattled in my mind.

Days later, I'm in front of another fire pit, warming hands with my fingers wrapped around a metallic cup drinking coffee. Or what I think is coffee. I miss the fresh brew at Mellark's Baker. Hell, I missed everything at the bakery from the bread they made every morning, the smell fresh bread that lingered in the air to the simple sugar cookies my brother Toby loved. How I wished Mr. Mellark joined us instead of staying behind. But then I didn't blame him. He was certain that Rye would come back.

This was my routine—late to bed and early to rise. Anything to keep my mind and body busy just so I would pass out, too tired to dream or have nightmares. During the day was all about setting up our new settlement, homes to build and water to supply for 3000 people. It was a good thing Mockingjay made sure we were close to a water source. The only problem was that we had to haul it up two hundred yards uphill as the lake was located below us. But I'm not complaining. Our only serious problem was food. Everyone packed as much as they could or had. Soon we were going to need more.

"Madge, Madge," Thom approached me, his eyes wide with worry. "Come quick."

"Thom, what's wrong?" I asked, dropped my cup of coffee and sprinted after him.

"Trouble." I caught the word in mid run. It must be serious since he took off without waiting for me but slow enough to catch up to him.

"Fuck," I muttered underneath my breath. As I caught up to Thom, I noticed at least four men fighting. Why was I not surprised to find Gale amongst them. All around them were men, women and children— Seam, Merchant and former Peacekeepers. By the way, did I mentioned that Mockingjay accepted the former peacekeepers into the population. While a few tried to break the quarantine, they were forced back to stay. Others remained willingly because they didn't want to continue serving President Snow. I think they had no choice but to stay since Snow abandoned them.

Bile rose from my throat as once again images of Darius flashed in my mind. I swallowed back the guilt, fear and anxiety as anger replaced it as I watched Gale punched his opponent, a merchant man in the face. A former peacekeeper was fighting against an ex-classmate of Gale's if I remembered exactly. Rebels soldiers were currently not at the camp as they hunted for game and secured our perimeter. That was their assignment, an order from Mockingjay himself.

"Gale, stop," I screamed loudly but he ignored me or didn't hear me. The fight continued as I ordered them to stop. They didn't listen. "Thom, help!" Suddenly Thom and several men separated Gale in mid fight. The men were pulled apart. Several of my classmates all under my command appeared as well.

"Let go of me, Thom," Gale bellowed as he was held by the arms.

"Gale, stop," his mother, Hazelle yelled. But to no avail, he ignored her as well. His siblings Rory, Vic and little Posy were witness to his violent behavior. "Rory, no." She pulled her second eldest by the arm. He too was prepared to join the fray or so I thought. After all even if Gale was an asshole, he was still his brother.

"Go." she ordered. "Go take your siblings away from here." Posy cried as she held onto Vic's arm. Vic was paralyzed, his eye filled with fear. Rory? He was angry, his fists clasped tight. "You are not to get involved with Gale's mess. Do you hear me?"

"But Ma," Rory exchanged. "I was going to try to stop Gale from fighting." My brows raised in surprised.

"I don't care. Your brother is not your concern. I told you to take care of your brother and sister.." She turned to me as soon as Rory, Vic and Posy let the premises.

"I'm sorry, Madge," she said. "I just don't know what to do."

"It's all right, Mrs, Hawthorne," I returned. I felt sorry for Mrs. Hawthorne. The look on her face projected anger, humiliation and sorrow. "Just let me handle this.

You, I don't know why you're here in this area," I pointed to the former peacekeeper. Ex peacekeepers were camped in a different area from the settlement. They weren't supposed to mingle with the people they once oppressed. They were no longer in control or a threat but a few citizens were displeased of their presence. Mockingjay gave them a no choice. A majority knew that they were abandoned by Snow so most cut their allegiance to him. Much to Gale and a few others' dismay and disgust.

"Stop, Gale," Thom bellowed. But Gale continued to scream.

"What is going on?" I inquired. There was not a leader at the settlement. Boggs was given instructions from Mockingjay that former peacekeepers led their own people, the rebels left behind was to secure the camp and not get involved but were to take orders from me for assistance if I needed them. "It's a big and heavy burden to bear, Madge," Mockingjay imparted. "But I believe you are your father's daughter. You were born to lead and keep our people safe. I leave all decisions and punishment to you. I have left that instructions to everyone."

I was flattered by Mockingjay's faith in me but he was right. This was a burden I couldn't shoulder alone. That was why he had given me a position to command a small army of mine own to manage our new home. With Rye not at my side, I depended on Thom. By partnering with him I wanted everyone to see that Merchant and Seam that we could co exist together. But Gale...

"You," I pointed to Gale. "why do I feel that this is all your doing?"

"That piece of shit was with a Seam girl," Gale seethed in anger. "He's not supposed to be here in this area. He's using her to live here." Whether that was true or not, Gale was right about one thing. So I turned to the ex peacekeeper. He wasn't dressed as a peacekeeper but you usually could tell who they were.

"You broke a rule in this camp. I cannot have you disrupting the peace we are trying to maintain. Leave," I demanded. "Get back and stay in your quadrant." He lingered for a minute and glared at Gale. "Stay away." He left begrudgingly. I sighed in relief. I knew my Dad's job as a mayor wasn't easy. He said politics was hard, it wasn't just trying to keep peace but coherency between Seam, Merchant and the peacekeepers. His life as a mayor was full time job that had no end. He governed 24/7. I never understood the pressure and stress he experienced until now.

"Who started it?" I directed my question to Gale because as I guessed, he was the instigator.

"He started it by coming over here," he explained, smirking. "So told him he needed to leave. He wouldn't listen so I was going to show him the way out. And some merchant got in my way."

"What do you mean?" I was exhausted. I was past the point of tolerance and patience with Gale. He did what he wanted, when he wanted. "You know what? I don't care. Ever since you came back you have been nothing but a big mouth and done nothing but cause trouble. Everyone here has been trying hard to continue our life, be safe and try to survive this war. You need to—"

"I don't answer to you, Undersee," he returned. Hated and anger projected from his eyes. Stubborn, childish, bitter, angry and petty. Those words formed in my mind. They all described Gale.

"Um, that's where you're wrong, Hawthorne," Thom interrupted, his voice loud but calm. I almost forgot that he was beside me. I was so accustomed to seeing Rye. "Mockingjay gave Undersee command on this settlement."

Gale scoffed, "Undersee? Phfft." This was deja vu. Gale questioning my ability to lead. His behavior was getting old and annoying. It had to stop. "And look at you, Thom. Taking orders from a girl. A Merchant one at that."

"I trust Undersee than you, Gale," Thom responded. "Ever since you came back, you have been disrespectful and whining like a baby. You once said you wanted to fight against Snow and the Capitol. Well have you? No, but we have. Madge and other merchants fought besides us. How many more times do we have to tell you that?"

"I fight with Mockingjay," Gale spat back. I wasn't ever going to convince Gale to join and fight beside me. I was done trying to get through to him. I was Merchant, blond and blue eyed—that was all he saw. Not an ally, not an enemy either but someone he didn't idealized to fight alongside him against the Capitol. We had all lost so much, our homes, our way of life, friends and family. We would never be equals in his eyes. .

I straightened my shoulders and shook my head. "Take him," I ordered.

"What the hell, Thom," he screamed as he struggled to set himself free. "Let go of me. Where are you taking me?" He kicked and screamed as they dragged him along. "Ma, Ma, help." Mrs. Hawthorne could do nothing but cry as she watched them take him away.

I was so busy organizing the new settlement that the thought of creating a holding cell, a prison was far from my mind. There were so many other things to consider housing, water, food, clothing and amenities like a running water for showers and toilets. But the most critical was food. It was not in abundance, no train delivery to supply 3000 mouths.

Also, I didn't have the manpower to guard Gale until a stockade was built. I didn't want one but after experiencing the chaos Gale could have instigate, it was a necessary evil. So I did the next thing I thought of—I tied him to a tree. "Fuckin hell, not again," he muttered. "This is not right. Let me go Undersee." He wasn't angry like I thought he would be. His face was neutral, a bit of remorse and fear. But most of all shame, the kind his mother felt.

I did assign two men to make sure he ate and took care of his personal business. Other than that he didn't have the freedom he had taken for granted. His family wasn't allowed to visit him. Mrs. Hawthorne agreed.

Three days later, what I thought would have been a typical day was far from it. "Madge, Madge," Thom shouted and ran towards me.

"What's wrong? Don't tell me it's Gale," I sighed. Since I had confined Gale to a tree, all day he complained and whined about the injustice and unfairness of his treatment. He protested so much that I threatened to gag him.


"You wouldn't dare," he challenged me. Once he spoke out of turn again, he was quickly rendered mute with a handkerchief over his mouth. He only had relief for his meals and water. He never again opened his big mouth to me or anyone.


"No, come look." he said and once again I sprinted behind him. At the top of the hill, he gave me his binocular. From my estimation about 3 miles in front of me was a group of men and women, dressed in black. They were from District 13. Or so I hoped. I wished Commander Boggs was here to confirm it since I haven't heard from Mockingjay in over a week. Communication with us was minimal, only in dire emergency. Just as that thought faded in my mind Rory Hawthorne approached me. He had begged to volunteer as I resisted at first.


"Please let me join the fight," he pleaded. I was skeptical of his intentions. Did he have the same attitude and fixation like his brother? I couldn't afford that kind of thinking and disruption among my team.

"I'm not like Gale, I promise you," he implored. I looked him in the eye as Boggs advised me. He had grown so much in the last few month, not just physically as he was as tall as Gale. He almost looked like him too but Rory didn't wear the perpetual scowl on his face when he was in public like his brother. I sensed calm and steadiness in his demeanor. He had to grow up and take care of his family after Gale 'died.' Like Katniss who was forced to grow up fast not by choice but by necessity.

"I don't know, Rory," I honestly answered back. "How do I know you won't cause problems like your brother?"

"Please, Madge. I know that Gale has been a lot of trouble since he came back." I scoffed at his comment. Gale was beyond trouble but I didn't argue with him. "I used hate Merchant...that they thought they were better than us. I believed Gale. But someone put me in my place." Suddenly his facial expression changed from eagerness to sadness. "I was...Prim Everdeen and I were dating before she was reaped. She would get mad at me whenever I agreed or I sided with Gale whenever he ranted about his hatred for anyone Merchant." He sniffed. "Prim reminded me that she was half Merchant. She asked me how could I like her if I hated Merchants." Rory was young, impressionable, and was easily corrupted by Gale's vicious propaganda against the Merchants. He still had time to outgrow his prejudice and hatred for us. "I miss Prim so much. I can honor her memory by fighting besides you and everyone who believes in Mockingjay and his cause. Please give me a chance."


"Madge, you have a message from Mockingjay," Rory said as he extended a radio to me.

"This Private Undersee, over," I spoke into the receiver. Talking military jargon was...odd. I felt more of an civilian than a soldier despite given a rank by Mockingjay.

"Private Undersee, this is Mockingjay. By now you should be in contact with personnel from District 13," his voice crackled over the radio. "I'm sorry I didn't give you earlier notice but I didn't even find out until an hour ago, over."

"Its okay. I'm relieved that they're not unfriendly, sir," I responded. "How many am I expecting, over?"

"Thirty men and women compliments from President Coin. Ten are medics with a caravan of food and supplies, over." I sighed in relief. Before our journey to the new area, Mockingjay explained that he couldn't deliver 3000 people to District 13 compound without revealing the location of its main base. So settling within the woods was our only option with a promise of food, supplies and water as they were to be provided. If they didn't all of us would die of hunger and exposure from the elements. Some were still weak from surviving the virus.

It was a difficult decision for Mockingjay to make, mobilizing and evacuating 3000 men, women and children,. I didn't know how close we were to District 13 compound, I really didn't care as long as I had the means to keep them safe, alive and healthy.

"Thank you, sir," I said. "I was getting worried about getting more food and supplies. Thank you, over." There were so many questions I wanted to ask him. How was Peeta and Katniss? Any news about Rye? Were we safe? How long did we have to stay? Was he coming over to visit?

"I only have a minute left to speak to you. Do you have anything to report to me, over?"

"Nothing sir, over." I bit my tongue. For a moment I wanted tell him about the situation with Gale. I wanted to confess I was exhausted, scared and lonely. Doubting the decision I made and who to trust. Was this burden he faced everyday but in a bigger scale? Who was I to burden him with matters such as Gale. He was my responsibility now, not Mockingjay. He depended on my to take care of the survivors from District 12, I wasn't about to disappoint him.


AN: Thank you for reading this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it. Please leave a review, long or short. Thumb ups or down? I'm hoping to update next week so cross your fingers. It's going to be a bumpy ride as questions will be answered. Which ones? Sorry, don't want to spoil it for you. But Madge will have her hands full trying to keep the survivors of District 12 alive and safe. All of you are wondering what happened to Rye, Cinna, Portia and the rest of the other tributes? Keep reading. The next few chapters will concentrate on Prim, Peeta and Katniss with a bit of Haymitch and other POVs. Not telling you since it might reveal a secret or two. Lol

Have a great weekend.