Little Victor

The Story of Poppy Everdeen

Chapter 9

Poppy Rue

Super Genius


In the cafeteria since its been a long day they decided to make a quick meal of it. Both starting to talk about kids & careers.
Maya "I love my job but the hours are murder."
Cato "I know that feeling. Between mentoring, training & parenting Poppy."
Maya "How long for you being a widower?"
Cato "Poppy mother died 30 minutes after giving birth in the 75th arena. She was Snow's target actually both were the target."
Maya "Jay's father died during Peace Keeper training just before Jay's second birthday. Are your friends still trying to set you up?'
Cato "All the time. Never works does it?"
Maya "Nope (popping the P). I think Poppy holding out or holding back in her training. From our conversation she's too intuitive for her age; I did the same thing at her age. If I'm right I peg her IQ between high 140's to about 155. Let me guess 3.95 GPA?"
Cato does a double take as she continues "Talk to her & find out what's up. However I would like to set up an IQ placement test for her to see where she stands?"
Cato "Set it up Doc. At the Academy where Brutus & Enobaria can watch take the test. It will give her something to do while she's recovering. If she's holding out I need to find out why."
Maya "Tell her quit dummying down it never works." The pair start to open up a little more as the lunch ends, Cato invites Maya over for lunch with Poppy at his house on her next day off to bring Jay. Maya went on rounds & Cato went to check on Poppy.


Cato went into Poppy's room to see how she was doing. Brutus, the Aunts & Liam was there. Liam's parents left after the news conference when Brutus arrived with the Aunts. Liam's Parents went home after the press conference when Brutus arrived with the Aunts.

Cato "Hey there. Looks like somebody's been holding out on us Brutus."
Brutus "Oh who?"
Liam "Yeah who?"
Cato "Poppy Rue 3.95 GPA my ass!"
Poppy "Damn trigonometry 2."
Brutus "Trig 2? What the..."
Cato "Her Doctor figured out her secret. Poppy, she did the same thing at your age. So being a trainer YOU Poppy-Rue will be taking your IQ placement test next Monday in front of Brutus & Enobaria!"
Poppy "Oh shit."
Cato "AND you're NOT to DUMMY DOWN get it!"
The Aunts "What the..."
Liam "Sir?"
Cato "Her Doctor has her IQ pegged from the high 140's to around 155 (The Aunts "WHAT!?") to top is Poppy is too 'intuitive' for her age it seems."
Brutus "Son of a..."Then starts laughing. " Payback's a bitch Cato."
Cato "What are you talking about?"
Brutus "About a certain young protégé of mine who's own IQ was pegged at 148 but dummied down to 135 because of a certain 'Seam' girl. Hmm... 'fireworks.' "
Poppy "WHO?"
Brutus "Your Mother." Cato turned beet red as Brutus answers Poppy with a smirk.
Cato "Liam what's your IQ pegged at?"
Liam "145/147"
Cato looks at Poppy "That's the number to beat. Now inform us why Poppy?"
Poppy "Because I would be pushed into something I hated. Chemistry, Bio Weapons & that stuff. I want to work with herbs, plants, Cars, non-bio weapons & math. Liam goes that stuff & I don't begrudge him or, control what he likes. Why does everybody want to take away mine? What I like or, interested in, why? Prime example When the teachers & trainers found I was a natural with a bow, they took me off of spears which is what I like & put me on bow, period. Nobody asked me, they just did it. All looked dumb founded until Liam figured it out & spoke on her behalf.
Liam "Sir I know what she's saying."
Cato "Okay enlighten us Liam."
Liam "She's not dummying down for the normal reasons. Poppy is dummying down because they guiance counselors are taking everything she LOVES away from her & put her into classes that she HATES. The counselors don't even listen to her in her career choice which should make you proud. Poppy want to follow in your footsteps. (leans in tells her "I'm telling them everything, love." Poppy nods.) The counselors here are bullying her to play the 'Victor' or 'teacher's kid' cards. Sirs you need to do something before she blows a gasket or, worse."
Poppy "THANK YOU! FINALLY I've been talking to those twerps to no avail for years." It then dawned on Cato his daughter's sanctuary is fast becoming her prison.
Cato " Like in the arena. You held back until the very end with the martial arts. You wanted to give them a taste of what you can do as a fighter.
Poppy "Yes, they wanted to humilate both of us. If I lost they would've had me kicked out of the academy. That's why I couldn't allow that to happen. Now do you understand why?
Cato "Yes & you still are taking the test."
Liam "Here's her practice scores. Haymitch sent them to Gale. Gale gave them to me while she was still out of it yesterday." Cato took the envelope & opens it, looks at it then gives it to Brutus whose eyes bug out. It's not the high 140's to 155 Maya predicted, nope try a raw score of 159 +/- 5 points. Poppy's was justified with scores like these those counselors would've never let her do what she's interested in nor would've never allowed her to have her career choice.
Brutus & Cato look at the pair "Next time, just come to us. Geez.."
Poppy's eyes were starting to droop as her head was on Liam's shoulder when she asked "What's the score?"
Cato shows Liam who said " WOW, way to go love. You got me by 10 to 15."
Poppy sleepily "10 to 15. Oh okay" goes to sleep on his shoulder.
Liam "Sirs, she scared. Those twits won't listen to her & she's about to blow a gasket, especially if they find out how smart she really is. It's not normal what they're doing to her. It's like she's being bullied out of the academy by the staff for some reason. Can you please do something before it gets worse. Please."

Cato looks to Brutus. Brutus already on the phone "On it." as Brutus calls the academy on the phone. Poppy wants to be a trainer & has a Victor a mentor like her father to help kids achieve their dreams & goals. Cato turn his class load over to Brutus while Poppy was in the hospital recovering. Brutus also looked into the trainer classes for Poppy. turns out the only requirement left for her is the Apprenticeship & the mandatory trip to all arenas. Poppy had only one more the 75th arena where she was born. Meaning Brutus & Cato will have to talk to the doctor on Poppy's behalf. As both Brutus & Cato come up with a game plan for the doctor, Poppy was released from the Hospital on Saturday at o dark thirty to avoid the press. That didn't work when the shutterbugs caught the young couple together for the first time. It was the first exposure that the young couple had with the press. They (Liam & Poppy) both agreed that it was something that they could live without.

Sunday night was the first night in a long time that she started having nightmares. She knew it was because of the test & that she now had to show everyone how smart she really was. It didn't help that her wrist, ribs & knee were throbbing half the night. Poppy is terrified that they're going to take everything away from her. After her third trip down nightmare lane, Cato text Enobaria. Enobaria was with Brutus when she got the text. They both came over. Enobaria goes into Poppy's room with an ice pack while the guys talk.
Brutus shows Cato the present he got Enobaria - a ring. "I was about to pop the question when your text came in."
Cato "Sorry Brutus. Poppy has already had three nightmares or night terrors tonight alone."
Brutus "Maybe too much in one day. The welcome wagon for a Victor, the IQ test, general assembly & getting her mark which by the way I'M doing. Senior family member. YOU have to walk her half way down. She has to do the rest including the 15 award/punishment for challenging a Victor. Maybe that's it, the 15."
Cato "Don't know." While upstairs Enobaria is with her.

Poppy was drenched with sweat when Auntie E came in. This got Enobaria who adored Poppy like her own child, concerned.
Enobaria "Here let me." as she replaces the ice pack on her knee & washes her face with a cool wash cloth. Then lays down next to her & puts Poppy head on her shoulders. "It's okay, Auntie's here. Auntie's here. Sleep little one. Shh." As Poppy falls back into a fitful sleep. A few minutes later Cato popped his head in.
Enobaria whispers "Have Brutus bring me my pressure cuff, please." Cato nods & returns later with the pressure cuff. Enobaria took it 139/80. At that point Brutus is up there too.
Brutus "Barry? How is she?"
Enobaria "It's stress Brutus. Pressure is borderline high. Nightmares she having I can't tell you what bringing them. I can tell you she's going to need a break after tomorrow." Enobaria lays Poppy's head back down on the pillow. As the three leave her to sleep & went down stairs.
Cato "I don't know what brought this on?"
Brutus & Enobaria "IQ Test!" Then Brutus continues "We're making her take the damn thing & she knows her actual score will make her have to fight again. Well not this time. I'm talking to her before the test. Speaking of talking & growing a pair, (as Brutus gets down on one knee) Barry I should have done this years ago. I love nobody else & I would be honored if you would accept my proposal to be my wife?"
Enobaria "Yes On both accounts Brutus." as Brutus slips the ring on her finger. Cato congratulates the pair.
Everyone agreed after tomorrow Poppy gets a break to heal & spend more time with Liam. For they all believe that Liam is key in helping her get through this.


Monday Morning D-2 Academy: D-Day

There was a lot going on for Poppy. IQ Placement test, Her mark ceremony, Judgment on the 15 who challenged her openly in the arena plus other 5 who stayed behind & the students. Not only after she passes her judgment does she have to walk out the room, she has to do it unaided meaning no crutches to make her rule law. She knows once they know how smart she actually is, world war 4, 5 & possibly 6 will be starting. On top of that she has to beat Liam high score of 147 with hers from the practice test of 159. Poppy also knows what she is going to say for her ruling & it's going to be a first for a Victor. For what they did to her family which they don't know that she IS doing this, she's calling down the Thunder. However has they pull up to the academy she notices that, the other students notice her & go straight into the building. In fact they're making a bee line 'directly' into the building.
Poppy "What the... Dad what's going on here?"
Cato "Heads up you're talking to Brutus before & after your test for two reasons. don't worry it's a good thing. To answer your question a Victor's welcome to this school which YOU never received along with formal apologies from the guidance counselors for not listening to your choice for a career as Victor, 57 students + 5 staff who weren't in the arena plus the 15 who disgraced themselves in the arena."
As they walk up Liam is holding the door open for her as she walks into the main hallway, everyone stops and applauds her to welcome her as a Victor.
Cato " Let's go." as he walks on Poppy's right & Liam walks on her left straight up to Brutus & Enobaria.

The three stop in front of Brutus & Enobaria as Cato announces: "Sir I present MY daughter, VICTOR of the 75th Hunger Games Poppy Rue Sage Everdeen-Stone. Poppy I present your paternal grandfather Brutus Malone, Victor of the 46th & 75th Hunger Games, Senior Dean of District 2 Academy & his Assistant Enobaria Wise Victor of the 64th & 75th Hunger Games, Head Female Dean ."
Poppy " Sir, Mam" turning to Cato Poppy whispered; "This is going to cost YOU, a lot Dad."
Cato "Poppy this is part of being a Victor. In 2 you get a hero's welcome. You fought & fought hard, you've earned your status. Most of your life has been bittersweet for you. Time for the sweet just push through this day, Brutus, Liam & I have your back." Poppy just nods
Brutus "Poppy as the oldest male in the family, I have the distinct pleasure of giving YOU your mark. Where are you putting it?"
Poppy " Left shoulder blade hence why I have the tank on Sir. Also sir heads up, don't show me the needles."
Brutus "I think we remember from the last attempt." Brutus gives the command "Dismissed!" And all goes back to normal within the school as the group walk to Brutus's Office. the adults go in first however Liam & Poppy hang back a little.
Liam "Look do the test. I don't care about the score. I talked to Brutus & Cato, they're going to make sure you get the classes that YOU want this year for your program. You can do this Poppy so go do it."
Poppy "Okay but I have a funny feeling about this."
Liam " I see you at assembly." Kisses her forehead goes to the gym.
Poppy goes into the office where Brutus & Enobaria is waiting for her for their chat with ice packs at the ready. Cato is going to the gym to set up assembly & can be contacted through com-link.
Brutus " Okay Poppy before we do the test this is the game plan Test, Assembly which includes the DBD Mark, then we go into your judgment on all who challenged your status as Victor. That part is to be televised. Do you know what you're going to do & say?"
Poppy "Yes Sir" yet Poppy notices a ring on Auntie's finger. Looks to Brutus. " I know exactly what I am going to say for them."
Brutus " Are you going to tell me?"
Poppy "When you tell me when you popped the question to Auntie?" Brutus chuckles.
Brutus "Last night. And..."
Poppy " For the student & the five who stayed back community service within the District. The 15 I'm going to hold off due to tradition. However no one will ever forget what I am about to do. Now since you're by blood my grandfather, what would you prefer ME to call YOU sir?"
Brutus thought about it "Those who've earned my respect call me Brutus. Why mess with perfection. Poppy from here on if you have a problem with the staff you are to come to Enobaria, your father & I, period. No more taking it on by yourself. You've earned it. You have more respect from the others Victors than you know. Any problems we take it from here. Understand?"
Poppy "Yes Sir I understand then Brutus it is. However I will still call you Sir in school if that's ok with you.?"
Brutus looks fondly at Poppy "Always."
Poppy takes the test with both Brutus & Enobaria present. For once Poppy didn't hold back on a test. She unleashed to give the country a taste of how smart she really is. Knowing that she could lose everything. Poppy is tired of being pushed & bullied into things she hates. Now since Brutus is stepping in she can shove back & she's going to, hard core Poppy style.

Afterwards Enobaria ask how she's doing?
Poppy "Bad night. My ribs hurt like hell & my knee is still throbbing because I can't take my pain meds until after the mark. the stuff leaves me higher than a kite."
Enobaria gets on the link "Cato test is done. Poppy is still in a lot of pain."
Cato "Can't give her the meds until after the mark. Otherwise they can't do the mark. All I can give her is ice for her knee, ribs & wrist."
Brutus "What's going on? "has he gets on the link.
Cato "Can't give Poppy her pain meds until after the mark because she'll be higher than a kite during the judgment."
Brutus "Give her a 1/4 of the meds to take the edge off with milk & a snack. then after give her the rest."
Cato " On it." Cato comes by with the 1/4 dosage & to escort Poppy for assembly for her mark & for her to pass judgment.

The gym was filled to capacity (and then some due to the news cameras that were filming this). Medics on the other side of the door at the ready in case her knee gave out. Poppy knew what she had to do to make the sentence stick. For what she was calling for would be talked about for years to come. As Brutus comes to the front of it the whole school snaps to attention. Poppy is brought in by the back entrance for mark wearing a uniformed approved racer-back tank & uniform shorts. She left her crutches on the wall.
Brutus " Less than a week ago a student who is VICTOR in HER own right was challenged. She obeyed me & brought honor to this academy. Poppy Rue Sage Everdeen-Stone present yourself for mark. Cato with pride walked half way with her then, she walk by leaning heavily on her uninjured left leg to Brutus.
Brutus " What name will you go by here?"
Poppy " I shall be known as Rue Everdeen-Stone from here on Sir."
Brutus "Where shall I apply your mark?"
Poppy " Left shoulder blade Sir."
Brutus " Present shoulder Rue."
Poppy stood there with blank look not even flinching against the pain. Poppy looked to Liam to push through it as he looked at her with pride. Mark was finished and the crowd stood & cheered for her. Then it was judgment time as the 57 student & the 5 who stayed in during said challenge were brought forward to her.
Brutus " To the VICTOR go the spoils. The decision is yours. Their fate is in your hands. Rue Everdeen-Stone what is your judgment on these people."
Since Poppy knew the students were duped by the staff but according to Liam she couldn't be seen as a wuss she had to go a little more than standard with the students.
Poppy " For the students; Since you believe fiction over fact let's see if we can change that tune & put your minds in a more productive manner. You 57 are hereby awarded:
2000 Exact word essay on how to be a better person.
Research paper on hmm(Cato & Enobaria "she's toying with them. This is going to get real good") separating fact from fiction.
Research paper based on this event on researching evidence.
All papers to on par to Brutus's standards (Students 'oh shit') plus no after school activities until papers are completed & turned into Cato (Students 'Whoa') for review.
In addition you are to complete 200 hours of community service in a program to be determined by Enobaria (as she smiles in thanks. ;Cato & Brutus "OMG. Good one Poppy-Rue"; Students 'oh double shit. we're so fucked'). "
Then the 5 staff members were placed in front of her. As Poppy spoke it spoke volumes to her view on justice. Poppy decided before then to give them over to the four who were most important in her life. As Poppy said " For the pain & anxiety you caused my family & people(Liam) who mean the most to me, I give your fate to be put into their hands. THEY, these four as Liam stands then goes with Cato & Enobaria who come forward to Brutus will be either your salvation or, your doom. (the four "Oh thank you, thank you, thank you Poppy Rue! as they smile)."
The others returned to their spots when the second group were escorted in front of Poppy. Her face was blank as she spoke or in this case actually growled at them (Cato "oh shit, this is going to get ugly."):
"For you 6 who obeyed Brutus's rule of this challenge to the letter; You are to have 2 terms of community service to be decided & supervised by the Head Peacekeeper of this district (all "Whoa! Didn't see that coming." Brutus & Cato "Impressive, Good one Poppy")." They were taken away leaving the 9 then she unleashed the thunder when she called for it.

Mean while in the hallway 2 medic & Maya were waiting with a stretcher while looking at the television has Poppy spoke.
Medics "Bet you 100 that she doesn't make it out of here on her own steam."
Maya looking at a determined Poppy "You're on."

Back in the assembly Poppy growled her judgment against the remaining 9. It is the judgment that legends are made out of & she knew it. For her this was the icing on the cake when she said:
" You nine disgraced this academy by disobeying the SENIOR DEAN, VICTOR of the 46th & 75th Hunger Games. You ALL OF YOU are a disgrace to be allowed STAFF STATUS here. Your fate was sealed when you produced a poisoned blade with intent to commit murder & bio weapons in the form of powders. For your crimes against the Victors I give thy (Enobaria "Oh my god, she's using old English from another century) fate over to the ones you aimed to hurt the most. (Poppy's eyes sparkle with gray fire as she smiles a dark smile) THY FATE OVER TO BE DECIDED BY VICTOR'S TRIAL! (Brutus "Oh My God. She's calling down the thunder." , Cato "Oh my god, she's using her Victor's card for the first time, in the very best way. She's giving them a taste of what she can do to the others if they fuck up again.") Until then get thee out of this academy for when you attacked me YOU ATTACKED ALL VICTORS INCLUDING MY FATHER. VICTOR OF THE 74TH HUNGER GAMES CATO STONE! Until thy trail, YOU ARE NOT a member of the staff! (Brutus, Cato & Enobaria "HOLY SHIT! She's not only calling for the thunder, she calling for the lightening too.) Thou will not be allowed any CONTACT with any VICTOR here including my FATHER, VICTOR CATO STONE (Cato "THAT'S MY GIRL! Just like her Mother, she protects the one she loves the most.") nor thy former students!
Poppy looks to Brutus and says the thing that make her the legend to this very day in the academy:
"Sir with all due respect. I request Shaming for they disobeyed you. (Students & Staff a like murmur throughout the assembly " WHOA!, Holy Shit!, Sweet Mother of...; No student has ever called for the ultimate disgrace on a staff member, EVER.")You are a Victor. You are Senior Dean here. Your WORD is LAW here. I request Shaming for them at ANY level at YOUR WILL for your word is law for they chose to disobey you, A VICTOR. (Poppy looks back at the 9)
Until their trial by the Victors, get these... Get these... Get.. I can't believe I'm going to say this & in mixed company (Enobaria & Cato "Her Homage to Gramps") Sweet Mother Mary, I just... In mixed company on.. Just.." Poppy looks to Brutus says "Sir" Brutus then looks to Cato. Cato "STAR CANDIDATE GET THESE FLITHY WHORESON SONS OF A BITCHES OUT OF MY ACADEMY NOW!"
Liam "YES SIR!" As Liam & 10 others escort the 9 off campus.
Poppy "Thank you."
At this point Poppy's ribs, wrist & knee are throbbing hard core. Brutus dismisses Poppy who now has to make it just to Cato to make it stick. Poppy knows she has to make a point. She's going out the door on her own steam, twice as far. So Poppy turns around faces her father starts walking leans heavily on her uninjured left leg. She passes her father a loud cheer goes but she keeps going inwardly screaming in pain. Outwardly showing fire & determination. Poppy bit her lip to prevent screaming out in her last 4 steps until she left the room. Where inside the assembly you hear a roar from the students knowing that her sentence will stick for she walked twice as far & injured. However on the other side of the door, Poppy starts to sides down against the wall for her good leg gave out unable to uphold her anymore only to be caught by Liam who was waiting for her there.
Liam swings her all 5' 8" 135lbs up into his arms "I've got you. I have you Poppy-Rue." as he put her onto the stretcher to go up to medical. Maya gives her a shot for the pain & ice packs for the knee.
Maya "I'm surprised that she's not screaming."
Liam "She channels her pain Doc. Always has."
By then Cato, Enobaria followed by Brutus come through the door. All are silent as they walk up to medical at D-2's academy.

In medical Maya checks Poppy's ribs, wrist & knee has her laying down for a few. Goes out into the hall where the four are waiting for her.
Maya "She'll be able to go home in a few. I given her something for the pain. I want her resting for the next couple of days. I swear that kid is wound up for sound for some reason."
Liam looks to Cato "Sir?"
Cato "Go, it's okay."
Liam goes in the medical to sit by Poppy. Liam sees her leg being prop up with pillows & ice packs.
Liam "Hey there"
Poppy "Hey, so what's the general consensus? Too much?"
Liam "They don't want to ever see you pissed off again, ever. And when you went old English on them, I think three of the guys just about shit themselves. Baby you called down the thunder on them. No student has ever done that to a staff member. You're going to be popular there Rue."
Poppy "God I'm tired."
Liam "Sleep, I'm right here. Not going anywhere."
Poppy "First things first."
Liam "and that is... as Poppy-rue pulls him down for a kiss"
Poppy "Stay with me."
Liam "Always. As Poppy nods off."
For over an hour Poppy-Rue sleeps with no nightmares, terrors to frighten her. Liam was there.


Outside medical Brutus & Cato explain what Poppy has done to Maya.
Brutus "Cato your daughter has called down the thunder with this trial. On top of it, Poppy also called on me to shame them in front of the whole school."
Maya "can somebody please explain this to me?"
Cato "Maya 1) Poppy called for a "Victor's Trial". As a Victor in her own right she is calling for a judgment from the remaining Victors of the Hunger Games for those 9 challenging her status as a Victor & other crimes. The sentences can be anywhere from probation to death at her will.
2) Poppy also called onto Brutus as Senior Dean here to 'Shame' the 9 staff members at any level at HIS will. Those 9 now can be Shamed in Disgraced by Brutus. Punishment can be light as a letter to full shaming in disgraced because they disobeyed Brutus who is a two time Victor in his own right.
Maya this is serious for the last Victor Trial was before Brutus's games. Poppy is going by the old code & she's doing it for a reason."
Brutus was looking at Poppy's notes & the old code which made him proud.
Brutus "We taught her well. The Victor's code was written in two districts 2 & 12. Poppy used what she knew-home. Cato, Poppy has lived by this code all her life, from the day she was born. She's honored us."
The group goes in to see Poppy-Rue sleeping peacefully holding Liam's hand.


Poppy's Placement test came back a week later
During the whole week, Poppy didn't sleep well. Everybody knew it was the test scores that concerned her. Poppy figured out how play the counselors but with these damn scores out she knew. she knew that they'll do everything to make sure that its' their way or the highway. Personally she wants to shove the highway up theirs.
When Brutus got the test back he pulled the staff in to see who won the staff & student pools. Poppy's practice test raw score was 159 +/- 5. Poppy's raw score on the regular test was still 159 however her final score 162. Which was not bad considering when she took her test she had 3 bruised ribs a sprained wrist & a torn meniscus on 5 hours sleep.
Cato (160), Brutus (165) with Enobaria at (161). Enobaria won staff pool.
Liam (160), Seth (159), Carly who's a friend of hers here (160). Liam & Carly tied for student pool.

Through all this Poppy was miserable & scared. Poppy knew now they have the ammo to take it all away from her. She didn't want that life, the life those counselors have planned for her. I'm going to hate it as she goes into her shell she begins a staring contest with the guidance counselors not even blinking no matter how much it hurts. She's not losing this one. She knows they're going to make her life miserable period. This time she's not backing down. Liam notices this goes up to Cato.
Liam "Sir if you haven't noticed, Poppy-rue is retreating into her shell again."
Cato sees his daughter in a staring contest with the counselors & grabs Brutus. Brutus sees the look goes Oh hell no. she's going to be happy for once. Brutus decides to nips this shit in the bud.
Brutus "Rue easy down girl. We got this." As both Brutus & walk over to the counselors who decided to 'rearrange' Poppy's schedule & career program without hers nor her father's consent.
Counselors " Brutus here's Rue's schedule for this term." Brutus looks at it all chemistry & math not the original schedule that Cato & her went over with them just before the match. Brutus give it to Cato who is getting redder by the minute.
Cato "This is NOT the schedule we agreed upon. Change it back to the original classes & career path now."
Counselors "There's no room in those classes besides it won't challenge her at her current level.
Brutus & Cato Look at each then at the Counselors; "We pull VICTOR'S status (both GC'S do a double take)! Change her classes back to the original schedule or, I will pull her for independent study on the original classes that RUE had chosen last week. Put her back in there NOW!"
Counselors "We can take it to the board. They'll side with us knowing that this career path is best for Rue."
Cato "She doesn't want YOUR career path. Her is a different path. It's her life let her live it. Change it back now!

Poppy looked so unhappy. She knew where most would jump for joy for this shot, she hates it. It's not for her. Everything that she loves will be taken away from her like her mother, Aunt Prim, Uncle Rory, Nana Effie & Gramps. This was making her tear up. If anything she was thinking of grabbing Liam & leaving the country.
Liam hated to see Poppy-Rue like this . Where he would jump at the chance for these classes, she hates them. Hers was a different path.
Poppy "I told you. They'll take everything away. The stuff I like, they'll take it away. The GC's are going to take everything & everyone away." as she tears up.
Liam "Brutus & Cato are over there. WHOA! What the..." as everyone in the room hears Brutus yelling at the GC's. " You're suspended without pay pending investigation for student harassment. GET OUT!" Brutus yells.
Liam "Brutus just kicked the GC's out..."
Poppy "What the ... Oh boy Dad's mad. Holy Shit! Wow..." As the two see Cato remove the Guidance Counselors from the staff area.
Brutus stops the celebrating to announce the Guidance Counselors were suspend w/o pay pending investigation for Student Harassment.

Later as Brutus & Cato investigate the matter 17 other students came forward to show how their career path were changed to something they hated. Cato looked at Poppy's records t find they never even put her into any of the classes that they talked about & illegally changed her career path. The kids told Brutus & Cato how the GC's would intimidate them with how they were going to get kicked out for not doing what they were told. How nobody believed them. They did the same thing to Poppy too. This was the case the academy presented to the school board & that is why the counselors were fired on the spot without back pay on their contracts.


With the counselors gone, Poppy & the other harassed student can have the path they choose without being pushed into things that they hate. That was the old way, not the way it should be either according to Poppy-Rue. Now the 18 (counting Poppy) can be happy without being threatened or bullied in to paths they didn't want to take. For Poppy-Rue she now can rest easy & be with the ones she loves the most. In this case it's home, & Liam. Yet there's more that she has to take on.