Chapter 11 – The Plan

AN: Hello everyone. Please excuse my late update. I've been trying to recover from a cold that had me sick for a few days. Still recovering but feeling so much better. I want to thank everyone who alerted, favored and posted a review for the last chapter. I'm still trying to get back to my regular schedule of posting every 7 – 10 days. Barring illness and RL, I will try my best.

THG and the characters belong to Suzanne Collins. Any mistakes found are mine. I would love a beta but I'm quite possessive with my stories. This chapter is rated R for strong language and is in Stu's POV. On with the show...

Stu POV

Had anyone told me that when Bard hired me to fly them to District 11, that I would meet victors O'Dair, Mason and tributes Everdeen and Mellark, not only would I had laughed in their faces. I'd place a bet that it would never happen, I didn't have that kind of luck. Not to me. Ever. I was wrong obviously.

Imagine my surprise and horror when both victors appeared in my hovercraft, it was not the kind of introduction that I would brag about to my comrades back home in a bar while getting piss drunk.

Flashback –

My head lurched forward feeling the weight of my skull sway from falling asleep in the cockpit. It had been two weeks since Bard and his friends left the ship to hunt down Peeta Mellark and Katniss Everdeen. Two uneventful, quiet weeks with no communication from them. Not that I expected to hear from them, but I hoped that they would return soon. Two weeks of dried food, warm water and trips to the woods to relieve my bladder and bowels. Just gross. I should be used to it by now.

I heard footstep and movement from the back of the ship. "Jenkrowski? Is that you?" I hollered, craning my neck towards the doorway. I was stiff and sore from sleeping in sitting position all day. Everyone bone in my body ached feeling my muscles atrophied as a well from non use or some form of exercise.

From the cockpit, more movement rattled from the door. "Jenkrowski?" I looked out the cockpit window. Nothing seemed suspicious or out of the ordinary. I wondered if my mind was playing tricks on me after days of boredom. I used radio to contact Jenkrowski. "What's up, dude? Is everything all right?"

Jenkrowski wasn't a bad guy, he was too quiet for my taste. He was a tall lanky man with beady eyes like an owl and flaming red hair. Thus revealing his origins from District 4. He looked harmless. What I meant was, it didn't mean he was harmless considering the scars riddled on his neck and arms. He was battle worn and with cold, hard eyes. After two weeks all I gotten from the guy a grunt as a response whenever I asked him a question.

"Jenkrowski, stop fucking around," I said with no heat but out of nervousness. The dude was scary, he wasn't the type to joke around. When no response came, I grunted and opened the door. Gasping in surprised, a large male hand grabbed the collar on my shirt and pulled me towards him. "Shiiiiitttt." He was strong as the momentum caused my feet to be lifted off the floor. The next thing I knew, I fell to the ground on my back, a foot lodged itself to my throat constricting my airway.

"Don't move, yell or scream," the female said, her voice pierced my haze of confusion. My eyes bulged from the pressure but also in recognition as the voice connected with the face. It was none other than District 7 victor, Johanna Mason.

"Johanna, ease up," the male companion voiced. My eyes blinked as I recognized the Capitol's Golden Boy, Finnick O'Dair from District 4. Shit, I was in fear for my life but also in awe for I have never met the two famous victors up close. This was a dream and a nightmare.

"I hope this one is the pilot," Johanna commented while she poked my chest with the tip of a very large knife.

"Why else would he be in the cockpit?"

"Humph," I blurted as I felt the air leave my body. "Was..goum on?" My tongue felt thick and heavy as if someone was choking the life out of me. Oh right, someone was. Someone short, petite, beautiful and deadly. This was not the close encounter I had dreamt when I thought of meeting Johanna Mason.

"Johanna?"

"All right, all right." She lifted her boot off my neck. Relief and nausea surfaced as Finnick pulled me up on sitting position, not allowing time for me to adjust. My lungs fought for breath as the dizziness battled in my head. I actually saw spots in my eyes.

"What's your name, boy," Finnick demanded. Boy? I was probably a good 15 years older that O'Dair and I was a boy?

"Stu, Stu Smith," I introduced myself.

"So Stu," Johanna started. "We got rid of your friends and you will fly us to District 12." Wow, that was blunt. No warning or introduction, just a demand.

"Um.."

"Cat got your tongue all of a sudden," she quipped. "If you want proof, we took out a few of you guys couple of days ago. One of them was Bard. Didn't get his last name though. So rude."

"Oh."

"And your buddy that was standing guard?" Finnick added. He gestured a hand sliding over his neck. "So let's go." Before I knew what was happening, I was upright then thrown out of the craft. I felt the ground before anything registered in my head. Then the world turned black.

End of Flashback –

With whatever dignity I had left, I reshoed my feet with my socks and boots. Johanna was my co pilot for about an hour when Finnick decided to replace her. I'm man enough to admit that I sighed relief when I saw the back of her. For a little woman, she scared me. I'll remember to keep one eye open when I go to sleep later this evening. That's how much she frightens me.

Tap, tap, tap. The sound reverberated in the cockpit as I flew the hovercraft. My eye swept to the right hoping that Finnick wouldn't discover me eyeballing him. His head was turned to the right side window watching. In his left hand was a gun, tightly gripped with a finger on the trigger. Tap, tap, tap.

Tap, tap, tap.

After ten minutes the sound would stop. Then...tap, tap, tap. The rhythmic beat got on my nerves. Tap, tap, tap. "Can you stop doing that," I said, my jaw clenched from impatience since I had been holding back my temper. "That tapping sound annoys me."

"Can you stop being an asshole," he returned. Finnick raised his gun to my head. "Pay attention. Fly the ship, do as you're told." Cold metal pressed onto my temple. It lingered there for a few seconds.

"You can put your gun away," I began, swallowing bile from my throat. "It's not necessary. Besides, if you shoot and pierce the window, you'll depressurize the cabin and we're all dead.." He ignored my advise as he pushed the gun deeper into my head. It didn't hurt but I was afraid he would accidentally pull the trigger if I angered him further.

"Hm...just be glad that it's me sitting here now and not Johanna. She wanted you dead." That wasn't comforting at all since most victors were rumored to be volatile and violent. It was made them feared but loved as well.

"And who would fly this ship if I was dead?" I said.

"Hmpf. Johanna. She had a lover who was a pilot," he snorted me. "Taught her how to fly all sorts of ships." Finnick looked melancholy and distracted. But I didn't want to take advantage or try to overpower him. I could easily lock everyone out of the cabin and fly to the Capitol and get the reward that Snow had posted. I mean, like I said, I was afraid of Bard. All I wanted was get the money and get the job done. The farther away I was from Bard the better. But now, he was dead and I wasn't getting paid. I was already paid half the job. Also, I meant what I said when I told then I hated Snow.

"Can I ask you something?" I inquired. It was another two hours before we reached District 5. I was bored but also curious. Since ship flew on auto pilot, there was nothing to do but scan the skies for other ships. I doubt that we would encounter any since most we're probably escorting Mrs. Everdeen to District 5. And there were rumors that Snow had most of his peacekeepers scouring all of Panem looking for Mellark and Everdeen. Thus, the bounty on their heads existed. "You're a victor, one of Snow's..." I fumbled with words to describe people like Finnick, Johanna Mason and all the other victors. They weren't Snow's friends, more like companions. I heard rumors of auctions, their bodies sold to any Capitolite for a night of pleasure. It was hard to imagine Finnick O'Dair at 14 sold for sex in exchange for money and favors. The thought was despicable.

"Pets, toys, slaves." Finnick finished.

"Slaves?" His description stunned me. I never thought of any victor as a slave. They lived in the lap of luxury, never to starve or work for the rest of their life. Capitolites loved and adored them. It was one of the rewards for winning their Hunger Games, surviving the arena. "What do you mean slaves?"

"You'd never understand," he snorted. There was tinge of bitterness and resentment in his tone.

"Try me."

"I'd rather not discuss my life as victor to a complete stranger." He sighed and I could tell he was holding back anger.

"Fair enough. What I want to know is if you're a victor, why are fighting against Snow?" Finnick looked back at me as if I lost my mind or grew another head on my shoulders. Green stormy eyes glared at me. He didn't say a word for a few seconds.

"Not all of the victors are happy with the life they were dealt with,"he said. "Just because you see us in the the Capitol being paraded around like a pet monkey, doesn't mean that is who we are." I sort of understood what he said but at the same time, he was cryptic. It wasn't as if he answered my question. It made me wonder how many felt and thought like him.

No other words passed between us after that illuminating conversation. I didn't want to press my luck since Finnick never eased up with the gun that was aimed at me throughout the rest of the trip. Two and half hours later I landed on an airfield. It was far from any peacekeeper installation. This particular field was reserved for pilots like myself and for bounty hunters in need a fast ship and pilot to fly at a moment's notice. The airfield was also protected and funded by Snow himself.

The next obstacle was figuring out a way to sneak in five famous people and two civilians without being discovered. And of course, Johanna had an issue with me. "Where are we going? How do we know he's not going to turn us in?" she accused me. I understood her fears and there really wasn't anything I could do to alleviate it. I was a stranger to them, hired to fly bounty hunters to track down Peeta Mellark and Katniss Everdeen.

"I need to get a transport big enough to accommodate all of us," I pressed. "We can't walk or sneak into where I need all of you to hide."

"And where are you taking us?" Shane asked. I liked the young man from District 4. He was calm and collected. Though I did detect wariness and suspicion. Just like his girlfriend Maddy. Ordinarily, people's thoughts and opinions didn't matter to me. This group however, it mattered. Why? I'm befuddled why?

"Listen, I know you still have issues of trust with me, so I have a suggestion. I will take Shane with me to pick up a transport that—"

"No," a whole chorus voiced their opinion.

"No, I don't want you out of our sight," Johanna revealed. I sighed. We were wasting time arguing.

"Why don't you take Shane and Maddy?" Peeta suggested.

"Shane, Maddy. I really don't care right now. We need to get moving," I muttered with impatience and annoyance. "And the longer we linger, the more chances that will be discovered. So trust me, don't trust me."

In the end, both Shane and Maddy accompanied me. They made sense since they were civilians. No one knew who they were. It was at least an hour when Shane, Maddy and I arrived with two hovercars. Each car seated four passengers. After a few seconds of arguing who sat next to each other, Peeta stamped his foot down. "Shane will drive one car with Katniss, Prim and I while Maddy accompanied Finnick, Johanna and myself." They agreed. Why they made such a big fuss? It seemed like they lived to argue amongst themselves especially Finnick and Johanna.

I thank the higher beings for the quiet ride to our destination. It could be that everyone was strung out from their journey. I was tempted to ask how long but kept my mouth shut. I didn't want to appear intrusive even though I was curious.

"How secure is this place, Stu?" Johanna queried. Of course, she was the first to ask I as led them to their my home away from home—a safe house. It would be stupid and risky of me to hide them in my home even though I had no nosy neighbors. This place was a small warehouse where I housed and stored my 'booty.'

"Safe enough to hide all of you," I answered back. "Please make yourself comfortable. There are two bathrooms and a large area for all of you to sleep in." At the second floor was loft. The area itself had a couple of couches and folding beds. A refrigerator which I need to stock food, water and other perishables. There was two bathrooms, one had a tub and the other a shower. "I'll leave you guys to figure out your sleeping arrangements. I just need to—"

"Where are you going?" Finnick asked as I started towards the room where radio was located. He grabbed my bicep with one hand, his fingers dug into my skin. Finnick had a strong grip that I couldn't break out of. "You're not going anywhere."

I sighed, "Listen, I know you don't trust me." Saying that was getting old. "But I need to find my friend who can help sneak you guys into the compound. And we don't have enough supplies if we get stuck here for a couple of days." They looked unconvinced. "I think maybe all of you would like to have fresh towels, toiletries for the shower as well. You'll run out in a few hours. I need to make a supply run, but first I need to get in contact with my friend I was told you about."

"That's fine, but you're still now leaving on your own," Johanna countermanded. "How do we know you won't find the nearest peacekeeper and turn us in?" She had a point. I wouldn't trust me either.

"You're just going to have to. I know I'm a complete stranger to you. I wouldn't trust me either but..." I speechless because I couldn't find the words to explain or convince them that I wouldn't betray their trust in me.

"How about I make you a proposition?" Finnick said. He was leaning against a door jamb with his arms folded across his chest. I didn't like the sound of that. "I know you said you lost your commission when...Bard didn't return." I nodded my head. "How about this?" He reached into his belt which had several small compartments. In between his two fingers were two gold coins. They were bright and shiny, newly minted if I guessed correctly. "How about you work for me now. I'll pay you to just like Bard did."

"Can I seen that?" Finnick gave me a coin. I weighed it in my hand, placing it from right palm to left to gauge the weight and size. It was the genuine article. "It's real." I said more to myself.

"You insult me, sir," Finnick said in mock anger. A big smile graced his face, all teeth and twinkly eyes. The same Finnick I was familiar with from watching him in all those Capitol events—all charm and airs of the reputed Golden Boy of the Capitol. "Here's the deal, I will give you five for now, then ten later when you safely get all of us out of District 5 with Mrs. Everdeen and my friends." He was convinced that fellow Annie Cresta and his mentor Mags were being held captive at the compound. Even though there was no evidence.

"I agree." I extended my hand to him. He shook it with a firm grasp that was so tight it was hard to escape the handshake. Suddenly, I was eye to eye and nose to nose. His familiar personality shifted from jovial to deadly. I swore he was so close that I could count the freckles on his nose and count his red eyelashes.

"If you even think about betraying us, any of us, I guarantee that not will you only have to deal with me, but the wrath of every other victor I know," he threatened me. "So you better keep your word." Heat rose to my neck and face. I knew it was more than a threat but a promise.

I laughed, sorta laughed in a nervous manner. "I swear Finnick, I won't...disappoint or betray you."

"You better not," Johanna interjected. She stood next to her friend, her large knife in her hand.

Two hours later once I knew they were settled in and made contact with friend, I turned to leave. "Um...so I need to go out and pick up a few provisions." Peeta, Katniss and Prim were huddled together on a couch, a blanket wrapped around them. Finnick was positioned looking out a window. Johanna was walking around, snooping.

"I'll go with you," Shane volunteered as he sat up from the couch.

"I'll go too," Maddy said. She stood next to him.

"Maddy, you don't have to come with us. I know you're tired," he turned to his companion. From what I observed they were both from District 4, Finnick's district.

"I really want to go with you," she replied.

"You need to stay." Shane was persistent, holding his ground.

"Why?" Her brows creased. I was curious why Shane insisted that Maddy stay behind. Not that I needed more help, Shane accompanying me was more than enough, because I didn't want to attract attention and with Maddy coming along she definitely attract attention.

Without a single word, Shane grabbed Maddy by the arm and led her away. They spoke to each other for a few minutes, hands gesticulating in the air as more words passed between them. It was clear that Maddy was agitated. Shane pointed to Peeta and Katniss. I couldn't hear what they were saying but it was obvious they talking about their young companions.

"Just stay safe, Shane," I heard Maddy said to him then hugged him goodbye. Hm...their interaction made me wonder how close they were. I mean the Maddy was beautiful, she had to have a boyfriend.

"We won't be long for at least hour," I informed them. During our supply run, Shane kept quiet that sometimes I forgot he was with me. However, he was alert and always on the lookout from people around us. Right before I was about to check our items at the register Shane caught my attention.

"Um...I need to get a few things," he asked, his face was pink from embarrassment. I wondered why he was flushed and avoided eye contact. "Let me get them before we leave." A few minutes later, he returned with a few boxes in his arms. I too flushed from embarrassment. "What?"

"Maybe Maddy should have come with us." I gestured to a box in his hand. "I mean how did you know which boxes to get for—"

"Shut up. We need to get moving," he interrupted me. And just like that, my suspicions were confirmed because only a boyfriend or husband would dare load up with boxes of feminine items to purchase for his wife or girlfriend.

The trip to and from town was uneventful. As I expected, no one paid attention to us as we shopped for enough food, water and other necessities to last at least three days. That's how long I estimated our stay. Any longer would create suspicion. Even if the airfield was safe, there were eyes everywhere. Spies who worked for Snow.

When we returned to my surprise, everyone was fast asleep. They all slept in one room, the largest area that had a small fireplace with a couch and love seat. I guess they felt safety in numbers not separating and sleeping up in the loft where there were several comfortable beds for them to sleep on.

Food preparation and meals were provided by Peeta and the women. I snickered and teased him for joining them in the kitchen, doing women's work. He shrugged off all my jokes as I mocked him. However, Katniss glared at me, her face hard as she wanted to drive an arrow through my eye even her little sister wasn't pleased with jokes. Any slight or insult I threw at him was met with a scowl especially from Katniss. Sheesh, these women were harsh and protective of him.

One things' for certain, Mellark knew how to make bread. After Shane and I returned from our shopping venture Peeta was quick to respond to my food selection. "Ew, is that store bought bread?" His nose was crinkled like he was disgusted at the fact that bread was manufactured by a machine and not homemade. He looked at the plastic covered, already sliced loaf like it was about to explode. "How can you eat that?"

"What? Are a baker or something?" I snickered. "This was baked fresh this morning. It's the best I eaten anywhere?"

"Really? The best you eaten anywhere?" Peeta voiced. The look he sent my way was the look of pity.

"Think you can do better," I smirked. What did he know? He came from one of the poorest districts in Panem, District 12. The district who's main industry was coal.

"I know I can do better." He shrugged his shoulders. "I'm a baker."

"Are really good one too," Katniss complimented him. Of course she would, he was her boyfriend.

"Sure, kid," I humored him. Peeta was about 16-17 years old? That's far too young to be bragging at his age. His father I heard was the baker in District 12. That I could believe he was a better baker than his youngest son. Peeta continued to rant.

"You're not going to get me to eat that...that..." He opened his mouth like he was going to vomit. "I may be hungry but I'm not going to eat that. No, no, np, nope, nope. Not interested. Sorry."

"Peeta, stop. Sorry," Prim slapped him on his shoulder. "Peeta's a bread snob. You'll have to excuse him. I mean he should be thanking you for getting us something to eat."

"Peeta makes the best bread," Katniss reiterated him. "He also makes these cheese buns to die for. So I don't blame him if he won't eat any bread other than his own creation." Spoken like a true girlfriend defending her man.

"I'd rather starve," Peeta returned, his arms crossed in front of his chest.

"Guess there's more for me then," I replied. What did it matter? To me bread was bread.

"Do you have any flour and yeast in the kitchen?" Peeta asked. Luckily, I did have the ingredients he needed. "If it's okay, can I use you kitchen to bake some bread?" So polite too. This kid was never what I expected. He seemed older than his age, mature.

"Knock yourself out, kid."

Like a bolt of lightning, he made himself at home in the tiny kitchen as he scoured the cabinets and drawers. He found things I didn't even know I had. To me, all I needed was a one pan, spatula, can opener, bottle opener, small oven/stove combination and microwave and a few plates, mugs and utensils. I wondered how the other items such as large metal baking sheets, mixing bowls, and other items I didn't even recognized materialized in my kitchen. "Yay, look Katniss. This kitchen even has a microwave for heating things quickly." Peeta said with glee, his eyes warm and smile wide. Poor kid was happy about a microwave?

"I don't have any bread pans," I informed him. Peeta shook his head.

"Doesn't matter I can bake bread without one," he said so casually. With nothing to do, both Everdeen sisters watched Peeta. The younger sister offered help while the older sister gazed at him adoringly. Two hours later, the smell of yeast and bread wafted in the air, temporarily covering the stench of mildew that filled the safe house. I had to admit the smell was...heavenly. I mean awesome because real men like myself would never use that word. Cough, cough.

How Peeta managed to bake bread in my small oven was no small feat. "Too bad we don't have any cheese," Peeta said while he glazed butter over another batch of loaves before placing them into the oven. "I know you two miss my cheese buns." Both Prim and Katniss sighed.

Hell, if those cheese buns were anything like the bread Peeta just baked, my mouth watered at the image and taste for the cheese buns. I love cheese and bread, a win-win!

As I said, the smell was overwhelming that it even lured Finnick and Shane away from the radio. In the end, he was right. The bread I bought at the store didn't compare to the bread Peeta made. Damn, that kid was indeed a baker.

For most of the day we stayed at the safe house. My contact or rather my friend couldn't get away from his work so we had to wait. In the meantime, Finnick and Shane sat next to a radio I had set up. Hour after hour they listened for news—about Snow, District 12, Mockingjay, anything. They were starved for information especially about the rebellion. What Mockingjay and his rebels were up to. What were Snow's peacekeepers were doing, which district were in dissension. In that short amount of time, I examined or observed them—especially Peeta Mellark and Katniss Everdeen. The last of the tributes before the arena was destroyed by Mockingjay. Why was President so obsessed with these two? I reckon, Katniss being the daughter of Mockingjay is a good enough reason to hunter her down, but why Peeta?

Katniss wasn't much of a talker but Peeta engaged in most conversations. So did the youngest Everdeen. Finnick and Johanna were a mouth full, always talking too much. Their personality were loud, colorful and bordering obnoxious. Maddy and Shane were just like Peeta and Katniss but reverse. He was the quiet one.

The next day, my friend paid us a visit. At first I had him swore to me that he would make sure he wasn't followed. I had to make every precaution that I didn't even tell him of my company so when he...

"Holy, shit," Martin Davis bellowed. "Is that Finnick O 'Dair and Johanna Mason?" Marty was a stout man with a balding head and dark, full beard. He still wore his construction uniform, dark blue overalls with black boots. His yellow leather work gloves was tucked into his utility belt. "Hello, I'm Marty, I'm a big fan of yours, a fan of both of yo—hell, is that Peeta Mellark and Katniss Everdeen? How? When?" He was taking a step forward, extending his hand to Finnick and Johanna when he spotted Peeta and Katniss.

"Did I tell you he's a fan of the games and all the victors," I said as I raised my hand to the back of my neck. Shit. I should have warned Marty, but I was afraid he would tell people. Not that he couldn't keep a secret because most people wouldn't have the opportunity to be this close to any victor, only if you lived at the Capitol. So I delayed telling him why I needed the plans to the compound. But telling him also had a price, Marty wouldn't agree to meet unless I offered him some money and swore him to secrecy.

Meanwhile, Katniss stepped back behind Peeta grabbing Prim hand. "Please stay back," Peeta said, his hand raised.

"Shit, this...this is incredible. Stu, why didn't you tell me?" Marty gushed.

"Listen, Marty. You need to calm down and stop. I told you I have people who needs help."

"Oh, these are the people who want to sneak into the Snow's prison? Why?"

"Marty? Listen up," Finnick addressed him. "All you need to do is just give us the schematics to the building. Let us know how to get in without raising the alarms and the way out, any alternative routes in case we need it."

"Oh I can do better. I can get you inside without sneaking in," he offered. For the next hour, Marty showed the schematics to each floor on the compound. It was six stories tall with over 100 cells. He lit up a disk displaying a 3 dimensional version of the prison, pointed to where some of the high security profile prisoners were held. The second floor was a large arcade with built in wide screen monitors on the walls displaying all the floors, corridors and even the restrooms. Two floors were dedicated to male prisoners while the females were held only one floor. "There's a special cell that Snow wanted built. It's super guarded with cameras on the floor, lasers and pressure panels. The works. It's...amazing."

"That is probably where Mrs. Everdeen is going to be held." Peeta stated. "She might be already there. Why take all the trouble to build a special cell?"

"Mrs. Everdeen? Well shit, we heard rumors that Snow was transferring a mystery guest. The guest is scheduled to arrive tonight when it's dark and no one can see who it is."

"I bet you that it's for Mom," Prim said. She wrapped her arms around Katniss.

"It's okay, Prim," Katniss responded. "We're going to get her and take her home with us, I promise."

Marty mentioned. "I know exactly where she will be held if you're right."

"By the way, how do you know all this? What line of work did you do during construction?" Peeta asked. Good question. The kid was smart and curious.

"I'm the head inspector for all the electrical work,"Marty answered. "So I know every wiring, electrical box, conduits, audio boxes, cameras, monitor—you name it, I know where everything is located, what was installed in every room in that building."

The room was quiet for a few minutes as everyone held their breath I guess. It was a lot to take. Hell, it was a lot of risk if you asked me. The look on everyone's faces varied—Katniss and Prim were anxious, Finnick, excited. Johanna looked worried. Peeta, Shane and Maddy? They were hard to read.

"So what's the plan?" I finally broke the silence.

"The workers dubbed the compound The Dungeon because even though in the inside its all shiny, new and modern, the outside is gray and gloomy. Like those old castles you saw in the history books."

"And this information is important to tell us because...?" Finnick wondered.

"It's really not important just telling you some facts," Marty shrugged. "What I can tell you is that I'm to oversee the last inspection for the special floor that Snow wanted built for his mystery guest who he is scheduled to meet two days from today."

"Shit, President Snow is going to visit District 5," Peeta said. I noticed that his hands shook, sweat formed on his forehead. His whole body screamed fear and panic. Was I the only one who noticed it?

"Why else would he make a special trip to the dungeon unless his new prisoner was someone important, special? And to ask for air support in transferring his prisoner," Katniss added.

"If it was Mockingjay, maybe," Maddy suggested. "I can only think of one other person who would get that kind of attention."

"Peeta's right, it's definitely Mrs. Everdeen," Johanna agreed. "Or else he would have send Mockingjay straight to the Capitol if Snow captured him. No, he has plans for Mrs. Everdeen. Like a trap."

"Well, while he's expecting for Mockingjay, Snow definitely knows that Mockingjay will attempt to rescue his own wife, for sure," I said. "We could be walking into a trap."

"That's the risks we're going to have to take," Katniss verbalized, her tone firm. "We just need a plan that will help us rescue my mom without getting caught." Easily said and done. I admired her drive and determination but it was still risky at best.

"Oh, and his other guests arrived today," Marty continued.

"Do you know the identity of the prisoners, how many they are? Are they men or women?" Finnick fired off questions.

"Finn," Johanna started. "Don't jump to conclusions. We're not even sure where Annie and Mags are right now."

"I can't help it, Johanna. Don't ask me to explain why I think it's them." He sighed as he gritted his teeth. "We haven't heard from them in weeks. Mags would have contacted me weeks ago." He was agitated. Golden toned Finnick was red, his neck and face was flushed with anger as the veins on his forehead bulged. I could tell he was close to exploding.

"What are they talking about?" Marty inquired. "Who is Finnick talking about?"

"Finnick thinks—" Johanna began.

"I know," Finnick insisted, interrupting her. She rolled her eyes.

"Finnick believes that President Snow has Annie Cresta and Mags Flanagan in his custody," Johanna explained. "That the other prisoners being transferred are Annie and Mags."

"Annie Cresta and Mags Flanagan, the other celebrated victors from District 4? Well, I heard that the other prisoners were also high priority," Marty stated. "Everything has been hush-hush that only the commander at the compound knows the identity of the prisoners."

"Smart move," Shane said. "It could be them if the commander is keeping their identity a secret."

"Finnick might be right," Maddy agreed. "Why keep them a secret or not identified if they were just normal prisoners."

Finnick's face lit up. Not because he was right, but that Shane and Maddy believed him. If it was true, I too would want to help rescue the victors from my district.

"So do you have any idea when the prisoners from the Capitol will arrive?" I questioned Marty.

"Tomorrow, tomorrow morning at the earliest."

The tension the room abated if only for a few minutes. We were all on a high note, coordinating the rescue and escape plan. The prospect was optimistic but we were also realistic that our attempt could result to our capture.

"Oh by the way, I promised Marty a reward for helping us," I told Finnick. "I mean, he also risking his life to help it's only fair that he gets some sort of compensation."

"Hell, if we pull this off and Annie and Mags are rescued, I'll double your reward," Finnick promised. Hands shook, pats on the back and loud voices ensued. Everyone looked pleased with the exception of Peeta. His brows were furrowed as he folded his arms across his chest.

We stopped the meeting with a promise that Marty would return tomorrow afternoon. "I got to make some preparations for tomorrow. We'll discuss other details. I gotta go home." He bid everyone goodbye since he had a family to return to.

"Are you sure we can trust him?" Peeta asked. "I mean, we're putting a lot of trust in you and that's because at this point we're desperate." Wow, thanks kid. You made me feel warm and fuzzy.

"Listen, kid," I started. "As long as Finnick keeps his end of the bargain, you can trust me." It was true, I was a man of my word especially if I was getting paid handsomely. The gold coins Finnick promised could set me up for a couple of years and pay all my debts. I wasn't about to mess up our arrangements. And most importantly, if this somehow pissed off Snow, stealing Mrs. Everdeen from under his nose? It was worth it. Heck I'd do it for free but i wasn't about to tell Finnick that.

After the meeting, dinner was served. Sitting on my favorite ratty but comfortable arm chair, I sighed and scratched my belly from eating too much. With one hand rested on my full stomach and the other clutching a can of beer, my eyes started to droop. I haven't been satisfied and content for a long time since most of my meals consisted of heating up a can of beans or some canned meat and eating store bought bread. And thanks to Peeta I don't know how I ever will again. It had been a long couple of days of tension and anxiety. But tonight, the atmosphere was somber but hopeful, like a waft of electricity in the air hovering over us but not threatening. Finnick seemed relaxed while the others were...tentative.

I turned my eyes towards Peeta who was at a work table. From the table a disk displayed the layout of the Dungeon. His eyes were fixated on every line as if he was trying to memorize the floor plan, his blue eyes flitted side to side, up and down the schematic. Shane was beside him pointing to different areas on the diagrams. Peeta every once in while spoke or nodded his head. They talked so soft that I couldn't hear what they were discussing.

Then suddenly Katniss joined them since Prim was in the kitchen preparing a med kit for our mission. I had to admit it was exciting and scary at the same time. For what we were about to do was...risky, dangerous and damn impossible but we were going for it. On the plus side, I was going to get a lot of money. Win-win? If not, I tried not to think of the alternative.

The next thing I knew I startled myself awake. I wasn't sure if something or someone had disturbed my sleep. After stretching my arms and legs, I stood up and found the room empty. On the clock it read past midnight. The room was dark and quiet. Everyon was I asleep as they should be when I spotted Shane in the kitchen with hands cupping a mug. His head was down with elbows resting on top of the table. "Couldn't sleep?" I asked.

He jumped from his seat. "Shit, you scared me." Liquid splattered on the table.

"Sorry. The quiet woke me," I admitted. "I got used to the sounds of the woods that it kinda disturbing to be this quiet. Sounds strange but—"

"No, I get it," Shane returned. "More than you realize." He exhaled through his mouth long and loud.

"How long have you been doing this?" I asked, curious to know how a young man like himself got involved in a rebellion that seemed hopeless and futile. Instead of answering his brows raised in question. "When was the last time you saw home?"

"A couple of years?" he answered. "Maybe three, I don't really remember. The years just seem to pass by that I guess I lost count." I sat across him as I watched him wiped the table with a kitchen table cloth. Once he was done, he folded it neatly. The sounds of snoring breached the air. It was coming from the loft which was accessible from the stairs perpendicular to the kitchen. "That's Johanna. She snores like a freight train."

I nodded and chortled. "A little thing like that making that noise?"

"Right?" Shane quipped back, his smile small but genuine.

We stayed quiet for a few minutes. "Is everyone asleep and ready for tomorrow?"

"Not quite," he answered as he stood up and walked towards the door that led to the roof. Curious I followed him.

"Where are you going?" I inquired.

The stair access was narrow and long. It led to a metallic door which was wide open. "I was asleep when I suddenly noticed that Peeta and Katniss were missing."

"What do you mean missing? They're gone?" Where? How? The house was fitted with security alarms and cameras. How did they bypassed it?

"Yeah, with those two you could never tell. I thought they left like they did from the rebel base camp all those months ago. I started to panic but I didn't want to alarm Prim. But I thought if Prim was still here, they had to be somewhere because they would never leave her behind. But then Peeta made me swear to protect her and Katniss if anything happened so..." He shut down, giving information enough to peak my curiosity.

"You seem to be pretty protective of Prim," I added.

"Since she was rescued from the train and ended up at my camp, I kinda adopted her." His explanation was short and elusive not divulging further his motivation or reason. Stealthily, we walked on the roof a few feet when I noticed a blankets and pillows placed on the ground but they were not sleeping. A short fuse of anger lit inside me. What were they thinking exposing themselves like that? Didn't they remembered that there was a bounty on their heads?

"This is irresponsible. What the hell were they thinking?" I voiced my anger. When I get my hands on those two..

As I expected there were two figures on the rooftop. It was Peeta and Katniss; they had their arms wrapped around each other, her head rested on his shoulders. It was a dark and cool night. The moon hid behind dense clouds making visibility difficult. But despite the shadows and dim lighting, I could tell that Katniss had tears in her eyes. Peeta's voice was low and soft as he rubbed his hand up and down her back, comforting her. "Are they okay?" I wondered. Not that I should care but somehow I did.

Shane placed a hand on my arm, stopping me from approaching them. "Let's give them some space and privacy. They not in any danger." How would he know? There could be drones patrolling the skies as we speak. "I promise you, they're okay. Peeta wouldn't place themselves and us in danger." I was dubious but Shane left me no choice but to trust him.

We stepped back far enough to watch them but not enough to hear them talking. "So is it true? The stories about them?" I really didn't wanted to invade their privacy but at the same time I felt responsible for them.

"You mean, Peeta and Katniss being the Star Crossed Lovers of District 12? Not so much star crossed since they do love each other and defeated the odds," Shane confirmed.

"Oh, I thought their mentor created that bull shit so they could get sponsors during the games," I expressed. "Because the odds of two lovers even at their age being reaped at the same time was slim, not impossible but improbable."

"You forget that Prim was reaped and Peeta volunteered and when Prim died, Snow chose Katniss," he reminded me.

"Tough breaks."

"You think?" Shane scoffed. For the next twenty minutes he recounted the stories surrounding Peeta and Katniss. How Peeta was drugged on several occasion, accused of murder, and whipped a few months before the reaping. How he lost his brother, his district and nearly the rest of his family all because of Snow's obsession with him and Mockingjay. How Peeta and Katniss fought to stay alive when they escaped the arena. It was a tale of loss, sorrow, hope, and mostly love. By the time he was finished, tears brimmed my eyes. "I've only known them for a few months, mere weeks since meeting yet I feel like I know them. I want to protect them and Prim."

"I kinda get it," I admitted. "Those two kids really are something, though. I mean for Snow to be so obsessed that he has half of his peacekeepers searching for them. They really must have angered him."

"Or he's afraid them," Shane conjectured.

"Why would he be scared of two teenagers from a poor districts?" It didn't make sense. Peeta and Katniss were two teenagers in love, kids you survived their arena and wanted a life not controlled by Snow and the Capitol. Everyone with the exception of the Capitolites wanted their freedom.

"He's scared of what they stand for. What they represent."

"And what do they represent?"

"Freedom, freedom to live a life not under Snow's subjugation. Free to be who we are, not who Snow's forces us to be—his slaves, people conquered while the privileged reaps the benefits of the hard work suffering, and sacrifice that we endure everyday. Mockingjay maybe the leader of the rebellion, but it's Peeta and Katniss who can inspire the revolution. What they inspire is hope but also fear. And where there is fear; chaos and dissension follows. That is why he wants Peeta and Katniss. And why he is scared of them. They are hope and the symbol of the end of the Capitol and their way of life." I agreed because since their escape from the Cornucopia, life in Panem was tense, people were vocally unhappy. I heard that the districts needed to be reined in as dissension and riots broke out. People were fighting back.

"He needs them," I surmised. " Snow needs them because anyone who can control Peeta and Katniss will control Panem." Such a heavy and enormous burden for one so young. It was no wonder Snow is obsessed with them. But as pieces in his game, there can only be two options—control them or kill them.

Shane and I didn't move. We watched them like some creepy stalkers, fangirling at the Star Crossed Lovers of District 12. It was heartbreaking to see them so lost into each other that they didn't noticed us. So much pain and love radiated from their presence that it was easy to see why people gravitated towards them. And I could see why Snow was threatened, not just Peeta but them together as one.

Lying in bed while the house was quiet, I made a decision. One I never knew I would ever make. I had lived a solitary life for a long time. A life that only involved my own self interest. I had no family or friends. I had no allegiance to anyone but to myself. I cared for no one. But Peeta and Katniss touched something inside me that I thought was long dead—a part of my heart that died the moment I lost my wife and child. I lost hope and love the moment they were stolen from me, by Snow and the Hunger Games. Maybe it was time to get my life back and make Snow pay for the lives he took. It was time to be brave and fight for someone other than myself.

AN: Thank you for reading this chapter. I do hope you enjoyed reading Stu's POV. As you can see Peeta and Katniss are slowly building their own little army, followers that would fight for them. The next chapter will reveal how Peeta and company rescue Mrs. Everdeen and learn about Prim's fate. Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts. Have a great week and until then, stay safe and hydrate.