AN: I know, it took me long enough :P but, I hope you think it was worth the wait. Lots of drama. BTW I deleted the AN that was chap. 12 for the real chapter. Just incase you missed it. Enjoy!
Chapter 13: Wanted Dead or Alive.
By the time the 'moment of silence' broadcast was set to air or group had grown in numbers. Charlotte and Peter had joined us as well as Quil and Embry. Both parties were here for moral support of their friends and/or families, at least that was the story we were using. Harry was here, too. Showing his respects, and saying goodbye to the former citizens of D12 with his remaining brethren of the now extinct district, as he put it. I think he is also here to spy on us but, maybe I'm a little paranoid right now. Then of course Carlisle, Esme, Jasper, Alice, Rose, Emmett, Nessie, Jake, Leah, Seth, and myself were all present. Everyone wore somber expressions and talked in hushed voices. The lunch that was delivered sat untouched.
No sign of the girl that gave me the secret message earlier.
The broadcast started at precisely 12 o'clock p.m. We all were transfixed watching the television.
Mike and Jessica were dressed in less vibrant attire then they normally would have worn but, it wasn't they type of apparel that would be considered appropriate for a memorial observance to morn so many dead citizens of our nation, at least no in my opinion.
"Welcome to our 'Moment of Silence' program." Jessica says in her normal shrill.
"Before we begin, we have a word from our Kings." Mike adds in a more subdued tone.
The live broadcast switched to what appeared to be a prerecorded taping.
Aro, Caius, and Marcus stood in front of a Panem Flag. They were dressed in formal suites made in what appeared to be the finest of materials, as always. The Kings also wore an air of arrogance that only they could get away with at a time like this.
"People of Panem, we have suffered much with the recent disastrous events. To loose so many, when our numbers are already so few, is a tragedy. All that was taken from us, is not lost. We will get back what we desire most. We will fill the void that remains. Where there is rubble, we will clear the way, and rebuild anew." Aro left a dramatic pause,
"In order to move forward, we must not look back. My Brothers and I, lead this nation with wisdom and strength. No man, nor misfortune can defeat us. We will rise above any obstacle that dares, come our way." he pauses again,
"So, I say Farewell to our fallen comrades. From the ashes the Phoenix is reborn. Let us embrace the future together, as a united front. For together we stand strong. Divided many more will fall into nothingness." he finishes.
The picture fades, Mike and Jessica are back on the screen.
"The time has come to bow our heads and pay tribute to all the lost members of District 12." Mike says.
Panem's national anthem plays and they play footage from right after the disaster played. District 12 looked nothing like the place I once called home.
Memories of walking to the town square with my family, of me and Nessie going to school, of sneaking out to hunt, of the eclectic collection on individuals I dealt with at the Hob. All gone. Then memories of the ground shaking, homes crumpling, and the earth being swallowed. A lump formed in my throat and a single tear rolled down my cheek.
The anthem ended.
"That concludes our broadcast for today. Normal work schedules are to continue immediately after this airing. Until the next time, I'm Jessica Stanley."
"And I'm Mike Newton. May your days be productive with much bounty for Kings and Capitol."
With that the T.V. was turned off. Not a minute later the elevators opened and Tanya strode off.
"Harry, Isabella, and Carlisle will you all come with me." it was a not a request by the tone of voice she used.
The three of us followed her back into the elevator and then proceeded to the conference room. I was growing to dislike that room more and more with each time I visited it.
The Presidents as well as Chelsea, Heidi, and Ben were all deep in conversation as we entered. Tanya swiftly joined them as did Harry. Carlisle and I stood back waiting to be addressed. We have been here several minutes when my patience finally wore thin. They were the ones who brought us here after all and to be stand here being ignored was just plain rude of them.
"If you are just going to ignore us I have better things to do with my time then just stand here." I spoke loud enough to be heard by them all.
"Oh, how impolite of us." Vladimir says.
"Forgive our bad-manners." Stefan continued.
"Of coarse, we understand." Carlisle waved off the apology.
"You are busy running your District. We understand, really we do, and I'm sure there is a good reason for calling us here. It's just that it has been an emotionally filled day and I think I speak for Isabella as well as myself when I say, that we would like to get back to our friends and family, sooner rather than later. If you no longer require our presence or if this isn't a good time, we could come back at a later date." now I see were Edward gets his diplomatic tendencies.
With the thought of Edward my chest aches and I wrap my arms around myself.
"Tactfully spoken Mr. Cullen. Which is one of the reasons for you being called upon today." Stefan says.
"We have been looking for a someone with new perspective, with diplomatic abilities, and someone who understands the politics necessities to run a district successfully." Vladimir adds.
"We would like you to join our council, as Vice President. We are stretched to thin as it is and could use another set of helping hands." Stefan concludes.
"While your offer is very generous I will need to discuss this with my wife and think about it before I make any decisions." Carlisle answered wisely by not declining or accepting right away.
"And this is why we could use you. You know to run big decisions past your partner to make sure it is alright with her and then you weigh all the positive and negatives of this offer before making an educated choice." Vladimir complements.
"You can have all the time you need to make your decision. If at any time you have questions or what not, please come to us." Stefan finished.
"Thank you, I will give this offer great thought and get back to you in a timely manner. Now you did say that this was only one of your reasons for having me here. May I be so bold to ask what else I'm needed for." Carlisle says not missing a beat.
"Doesn't miss a thing, either." Vladimir says, "You truly would be a valuable asset to our District."
"We realize that Isabella is emancipated and can make decisions for herself but, we wished her to have a trustworthy guardian to help council her during this meeting. Someone on her side to voice any concerns after hearing all the options." Stefan concludes.
"What's really going on here?" I ask growing even more frustrated with these people.
"You had no issue allowing me to join your army, you had no problem letting me enter enemy soil, but, now all of a sudden I need a guardian? I don't buy it. You are just trying to cover your own asses. So, I'll ask again, what is really going on here?"
"Show some respect little girl, you are addressing the leaders of our District." Chelsea sneered.
"We are only trying to protect ourselves from retaliation by the good people that, for some reason follow you around like your some kind of Hero." Heidi also sneers.
"Found that traitor yet?" I quip with a raised eyebrow.
This set the room into a tizzy. Names being called, accusations being made, Carlisle trying and failing to calm people down. Then a loud screeching sound was made causing everyone to cover their ears.
"Now that I have your attention. It seems we may be in need of a few more mature representative to sit in on this meeting. For shame." Tanya says looking poignantly at Chelsea and Heidi.
"Mr. Presidents you have the floor." Tanya adds.
"Thank you, Tanya." they say in unison and nodded at Ben who then spoke for the first time,
"By analyzing the recent footage and seeing the recent activity in the area, we believe the Kings have sent us a ultimatum. We are to either sent Isabella to them or they will attack us. They did not go to D12 during the noon airing. They knew she would be there if she was with us. They had Peacekeepers and hovercraft in the area but, they weren't there to rescue or retrieve anyone. They reinforced the fence surrounding the area and the electricity is now on at full power. Many of the Peacekeepers stayed and no one is getting in or out of D12 without their knowledge. The Capitol are about to declare war on D13 if Isabella is not returned as soon as possible."
Wow, for a man that doesn't talk a lot, when he does talk it has one hell of a wallop. I stand here stunned.
So, my options are, I don't go back and they will attack us here but, if I do go back, they will probably attack later on just to prove a point. Fight here, die here. Go there, die there. So glad I have options.
"You know that even if I go, they will still come after you. But if I do turn myself over to them, it could buy you all some time prepare and evacuate if necessary." I say in a resolved tone.
"Isabella, before you do or say anything else, think about what your doing. You'd be tortured and possibly killed back there, you would be leaving behind loved ones, think long and hard before you decide anything." Carlisle pleads.
"We have very little time, Carlisle. I'm not saying I'll go but, you have to realize I could be saving hundreds of lives by going, now." I retort and I wanted to say I could be with Edward but, didn't.
"It's seems your attempt to help aid Isabella, were a waist. She is stubborn and doesn't heed well to warnings. But, perhaps that is what you were hoping for and simply wanted a witness to prove you didn't force the matter." Harry huffed.
"Now, Now Harry. We will not force her into doing anything she is not comfortable with. We needed to hear what Isabella's reaction would be before making any further plans. Nothing more nothing less." Stefan replies.
"Not to bring up a sore topic again but, do we know if the spy has told the Royals of Isabella's involvement here and if not what's to stop them from doing so once she is in their hands?" Carlisle asks.
The room grows eerily quiet. No one answers right away.
"She'd be going in blind. We don't know how much the Volturi knows and there is nothing to stop the traitor from informing them if she does go. All we can do is try and find the culprit before anymore damage can be done." Stefan says in a sober tone.
"It's a suicide mission either way." Harry gripes.
"It's her decision to make." Tanya retorts.
"I need to talk to my friends and family but, I'll go. A war right now couldn't be won. With time to prepare, everyone stands a better chance. I'm going back to the Capitol." I say in a resigned voice.
Carlisle and Harry object but, the rest of D13's members seemed pleased with my statement. I must do what is best for the people I care about and if leaving protects them, even if it is only for a while longer, so be it.
AN: So a bit longer then my normal chapter, hope it was worth the wait. Please, review!