A/N: Finals are nearly done and are the reason why I have been away from Fanfiction!
The drawing for the log-lifter in District Seven was nearly done. Wiress scrawled some more calculations on the side of the page before adding an extra gear. The door opened. "We're here." Eustacia announced as she opened the door before puffing her bright pink wig with her hands. "Out you go." Wiress pulled on her coat and grabbed her notebook.
"Where are we stopping?" Wiress asked as she walked down the hallway with Eustacia in tow.
"The Justice Building, of course." Eustacia screeched. Wiress rolled her eyes.
"I meant what factory or plant? I was told I could consult with the workers at each district." Wiress replied hoping she didn't sound too irritated. Eustacia sighed dramatically before sitting daintily in a chair in the living room.
"Well, with all this running about, you barely have time to look presentable." Eustacia groaned. Wiress snatched the clipboard from her long manicured fingernails and flipped through the pages that were thick parchment. The schedule was written in sparkly blue ink in intricate calligraphy.
"The main power plant." Wiress said. "Good." She handed the clipboard back to Eustacia. "My escort will be waiting?"
"If you insist, he is." Eustacia muttered scowling at her small charge. "This is the last time you're wandering off! We have a lot to do in the Career districts." Wiress opened the train door as they pulled into the station of District Five. The manager from the power-plant that employed the majority of District Five's citizens met Wiress and drove her to the power plant. Her large eyes widened as she took in the numerous wires and cables running from rows and rows of generators. She took detailed notes as always and thanked the manager.
"No problem, little engineer." The man replied. "Where's your mentor?" Wiress gulped as a tear trickled down her cheek.
"He – He's not feeling well today." She said trying to keep her voice steady.
"Well, give him my best, ok? You did a very good job on your own." The man smiled. Wiress nodded and he led her out of the power-plant.
Wiress was quiet as her prep-team worked. She gave her speech and ended with a promise to design something to help the workers.
"You can design new management, little girl!" A voice yelled. Wiress gasped as a man came out of the crowd and approached the stage. "My son died in your Games! He took out tesserae!"
"I'll help you. For him." Wiress replied locking eyes with the man a second before a Peacekeeper shot him through the head. Wiress screamed and was pulled back from the stage by two more officers.
"How dare you speak to a rebelling citizen!" One of them hissed in Wiress' ear. Wiress gasped in pain as her arms were pulled behind her back. She was marched off the stage between two Peacekeepers. They marched her into the Justice Building and sat her down in a chair. "Get the cameras live in here! Let's go! Now!" The other officer pulled out what looked like an ancient smartphone from his pocket. He turned on the screen and placed it close to Wiress' face.
"You say exactly what we want you to say, or else you lose your precious Beetee." He hissed in her ear. Wiress gasped as the screen showed Beetee in the Peacekeepers' car. He was in his boxers and tank-top kneeling on the metal floor with his hands handcuffed behind his back. Four Peacekeepers surrounded him with their machine guns aimed at him.
"Oh – Beetee –" Wiress gasped. She bit her lip to keep from crying, but the tears slipped down her face anyway.
"Stop!" The officers snapped at the prep-team as they approached Wiress. "Leave her be." The officer held up a piece of paper that had an apology scrawled on it. "Look up here, girl!" He snapped at Wiress. "LOOK!" Wiress blinked and saw the paper near the camera. "Read exactly what's on here." Wiress nodded.
"Hello, citizens of Panem." Wiress began attempting to keep her voice steady. "I'm sorry you all had to witness what happens to a citizen who does not keep the laws of this nation." She paused and took a deep breath. "I – as a Victor am grateful to the Capitol and –" She managed to swallow around an involuntary gag. "And wish for all citizens to abide by its rules." She paused. "Thank you." The camera shut off, and Wiress looked pleadingly at the officer holding her script.
"Could've been better." His colleague smirked before turning on the smartphone. "My orders stand." He barked into it.
"NO! BEETEE!" Wiress screamed as she watched Beetee being sprayed with rubber bullets.
"Silence! Or else we'll bring out the real ammo."
"No – please – no – I love him – please don't hurt him! PLEASE!" Wiress screamed.
"Very well. Consider this your first and last warning, Miss Carpenter." The officers said. "Take her back to the train and to her room." They ordered Eustacia. Both left the Justice Building trembling and clutching each other.
"Now will you cooperate? That was just simply dreadful, and we missed the feast at the Mayor's house!" Eustacia screeched.
"I will cooperate, but not because you missed another stupid party!" Wiress snapped. She stared hard into Eustacia's face. "I'll cooperate if it means seeing my Beetee again. And for no other reason!" She yelled before stomping down the hallway to her room and slamming the door. Sinking into the easy chair next to her bed, she allowed herself to sob. She knew the Capitol would try to break her resolve to make life better for her fellow citizens. She knew they thought she was an easy target because of her age. With every assault the Capitol made on her liberty and with every attempt to silence her, the Capitol only made her stronger.