Disclaimer:
I do not own the Hunger Games Trilogy; Suzanne Collins does.
Author's Note:
**Hello all;
In times of war has well has peace it's not all rainbows , sunshine & treaties. The following chapter will I hope explain this best. That in a time of war to bring freedom its' done but at a great sacrifice to many. Hugs**
Please remember this story is rated M for a reason. It is the Hunger Games after all.
As always, reviews are welcome.
Enjoy!
Planning; District-13
Clove and Peeta went back to Marcellus's quarters to search it again. Peeta felt he missed something. If he's been a double agent for the capitol all this time, what else did he try to send to them and where was it hidden?
This thought ran across his mind and if anybody could help him find the answers, its his wife. Clove never misses a thing. Peeta and Clove were searching his quarters to find what else he had given over to the Capitol. They hit pay dirt, big time.
In planning the Briggs brothers were planning the mission when Chris talked to his brother.
"Cato you are not going on this."
"Excuse me, what?"
"You are not going. Not up to me. Orders from the High Commanders."
"What?"
"After with what happen to Katniss, the baby, Clara and the stuff with Marcellus, they think no, they know you need to have some R&R. Finding out that you and Katniss were the targets the whole time is not sitting well with our uncles, Mom nor the rest of the gang either. So after we plan this, you are to go and talk to Command, understand?"
"Got it."
"Good now lets finish this up."
This is when Cato comes up with one of his best plans to get the Capitol Agents out including Senca Crane. This is based on the papers that they reintercepted from Marcellus. Its time to have the Mocking Jays speak to the public again.
With the documents showing that none of the 'pregnant' Tributes were suppose to be in the ring. In fact the games were not suppose to start until all Tributes gave birth meaning, the twins, Alex nor Hailey's second child should've never been in the arena in the first place. His family did not have to have been placed in danger.
While the President Snow tries to back peddle his way out, they will get Cinna, Portia, Caesar, Senca and Greenway, the President's personal servant out of there before they are executed as spies. For they knew if they knew, they turn the Capitolites against President Snow, they win the war.
Part of the plan is to have Caesar, do interviews on the streets after, the stuff about the pregnancies and the arena get out. After which Caesar will meet us at point A. Cinna and Portia after get as much information as possible on a memory sticks, will meets us at point B with Seneca Crane along with Greenway.
The other advisors have volunteered to stay and run interference to we can keep the body counts as low as possible. If we can get Snow in lock down at his mansion, we got him. We'll be able to possibly end the rebellion.
Meanwhile
In Marcellus's old quarters, Clove and Peeta tear apart his room, literally. Peeta gets so frustrated finally punches a hole in a wall. Then Clove hears it. A rattling within the vent next to where the hole was, a roll of papers and a 'few' data cards.
These cards contained the scripts that were erased by Marcellus. The files themselves were important since it contained the list of possbile targets along with, all the weak spots of District 13.
This means in the next series of air strikes Snow could have destroyed the district with every man, woman and child buried within its rubble. Both of them knew that this was too important to discuss on radio so they brought it directly to both the High Commanders personally. Now with this information measures could be taken to strengthen the weaken areas of the structure.
In the Mother Lode will have to be moved as with medical to a different location. Marcus and Brutus scouted out areas within 13 that Brutus remembered from the first rebellion and found an area which was even better than where the two were originally located.
Its natural granite walls within the moutains in a different area of the district could with stand anything that the capitol could hit it with yet offer the protection that is required without fear of collaspe or, endangering the occupants. Even the connecting tunnel was still entact to where the rest of 13. The best part it wasn't in Marcellus notes therefore chances are good that Snow has no clue that it even exsist or, he thinks it was destroyed in the first rebellion.
Cato reports in to the Commanders in headquarters just as Clove and Peeta are going over the information found in Marcellus's room.
"I need for you to inform Katniss of the orders that I have for you four."
Cato nods his head and listens to the Head-Commander.
"You are being order to take some time off so that you are fresh and ready for the final mission. We, as in your families, have set up an area in the district for you four to finally have a honeymoon that you all so rightfully deserve. This area has mineral pools as well as a waterfall. Camille had said that it will be very good for Katniss to soak in them for awhile. Your families have built two house there. One is a cabin and the other is a tree house. Your leave time starts the day after tomorrow."
As they looked surprised, Cato has a plan that he wants to put in motion that he hopes will cheer Katniss up. Once they leave Command he tells them he has dibs on the cabin now they're going back to help pack up to move the Mother Lode and medical over to the new area.
They went into the area where the Mocking Jays are about to go on air. We sit down and watch their propo.
"Attention Citizens of Panem and the Capitol! Although we are very pleased to see you again on this fine day, we unfortunately not here to say hello. We have some news that is not so fortunate. It is actually very sad and disturbing.
It has come to our attention that the tributes were not supposed to go into the arena if there were still pregnant couples still awaiting the birth of their child (children). The order that the tributes (Pregnant or not) were to go into the arena. This order was personally signed by our wonderful President Snow himself."
Henry holds up the document close enough and long enough for the people to read the document and view the unique signature of President Snow himself.
"We even have a clip of the president speaking of and signing this document."
Henry shows the clip. After the clip was shown, Haylie then continues on with her announcement.
"Here we all thought that the game-makers went behind your back and put not only TWO VERY PREGNANT women in the arena but two very pregnant women (one pregnant with twins and considered HIGH RISK) and a newly pregnant woman in as well."
She stands and shows her now six month pregnant body. Henry walks behind her and places his hands on her swollen belly.
"SHAME ON YOU MR. PRESIDENT! YOU LIED TO US AND MADE INNOCENT PEOPLE BE YOUR SCAPEGOAT. SHAME ON YOU! YOU ARE A LIER AND A HIPPOCRATE. THANKS FOR PROTECTING THE CAPITOL'S PRIZED BABIES!"
Then the transmission ended.
Caesar POV
As the transmission ended, step out into the streets with my portable camera crew and mic. I only have one question that I want to ask that would help the rebellion get the answers they need.
'What do you think and how do you feel about what our beloved President has done?'
I begin to ask my questions to those on the street and the answers are all the same.
"We are not happy about what the President has done. To think he would endanger those four defenseless babies.I personally think that the Games should have ended a long time ago. He is just grasping at straws now. I agree with the lovely Haylie when she said 'SHAME ON YOU MR. President!'"
As I am finishing up with my interviews, I am approached by the lovely Effie Trinket.
Third person POV (as the mission is going down):
I am walking towards my house in the Capitol when I see those rebels break into the President's speech again. Really one would think those rebels would know something about manners.
What the...
The Tributes were all suppose to have given birth before going into the arena! SNOW sign the documents putting three pregnant girls, one of them with twins into the Arena! Well this is just too much!
Even has a loyal citizen of the Capitol, there are certain lines WE do not even cross! Even though we don't say it aloud most of us actually hate the games. I see many of my neighbors stand there in shock and disgust at the President.
Oh my gosh they're storming the President's Mansion. I don't see him getting out of this one as I walk toward the mansion myself.
Wait is that Caesar Flickerman?
My goodness he's doing 'street' interviews, good luck. Most of us fear President Snow. Oh my! People are actually speak out against the President.
Oh I must warn Mr. Flickerman, he'll be in grave danger is the capitalists riot against the President. Caesar is ending his interviews as the crowds riot against the president who has shut himself inside the mansion.
"Hello Mr. Flickerman."
"Effie hello, are you sure you're going to want to stay here? Please come with me? It's too dangerous for you to stay here any longer."
"I want to help. I can be the eyes and ears here. You took a big risk doing those 'street' interviews. I can take care of myself, sir."
"Effie I know you can take care of yourself. It's Cranky, he ask me to talk to you. He's worried and with what its going to go down after this surge against the mansion, you need to leave. I must go now. I can't stay nor, will I be able to help you. If I can't stay think how much danger it will be for you here alone? You know Snow. He won't hesitate to kill you on trumped up charges because you were their escort. Please come. Please I beg you. I can never forgive myself if something happens. Cranky won't recover if it does happen. Please Effie, come."
"Okay. I will go with you but I 'll have to pack a bag."
Caesar walking her to his car opened the trunk. Within it was two medium size bags and two brief cases.
"No you won't. I took care of that for you."
As Caesar contacts a friend with this text
"I got the perfect gift old friend. See you soon."
As Caesar takes Effie's hand he walks down many back streets to the waiting point where they wait until Caesar's contact comes for them.
Back at Command, Haymitch gets a message from a friend. Haymitch then smiles as he contacts Chris to let him know about an additional guest that will be coming for dinner.
In another part of the capitol Cinna, Portia meet Seneca at his workshop. Greenway copied the last of Snow's files and gave it to Seneca. They had an agreement if he didn't make it to the meet up point, Seneca was to go on without him.
It didn't sit well him for it seemed that Greenway was giving up. When Seneca was going to go into the office to see Snow, he found the head Peace Keeper Romulus there instead. Who just put a bullet into Greenway's head. Seneca looked at him. Romulus just shrugged saying:
"I caught him with this. I had my suspicions so when I saw him here, he gave this bullshit story on how he was straightening his master's desk. So I took care of the problem."
Seneca with a blank look at Greenway, put on his acting skills to the test and growled at Romulus:
"YOU IDIOT! ! I could've gotten more information out of him in my interrogation! DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'VE DONE! SSSHHHIITT! YOU HAVE GIVEN THE REBELS MORE AMMO FOR THEIR REBELLION! Romulus one of these days, I'm going to enjoy making an 'Arena' especially FOR YOU! Fortunately you're needed at the Mansion. NOW THAT THE CAPITOLIST ARE STORMING IT!"
Romulus leaves to go to the President.
As I storm out of there, I send a silent prayer up to remember a good friend. I go back to my office grab what I can & make it so it looks like I'm going toward the Mansion.
On the way, I veer off course and park the car. As I go to where the second group is, I set the remote to on and push the button. My car takes off toward the Mansion as I walk the remaining distance to my next destination. I know now I have to leave the Capitol with them.
Several of my compatriots are staying behind to hinder Snow until the rebellion is over. They were very adamant that I leave. I told them no at first. They told me Romulus is on to me and I have to think of my family. However they are staying behind. My only hope is that I see their brave souls again after this.
I arrive there Cinna sees that I am alone. As we go through the secret passage that will take us to our pickup point just outside the Capitol, you hear a loud explosion as my car explodes just outside the mansion's back gate. Now they will think I'm dead, as the three of us continue walking in the dark underground.
Chris flies in with Haymitch to get the first package while the others are waiting outside the capitol. This by far will not be easy to do.
Caesar got Effie to come with them and they were at the train station where they changes clothes and make up. They get tickets to District One. Then from there they get to wait it out. Caesar just sent a text on his new burner cell:
"We're here. Where's the welcoming party?"
Only then Haymitch breathed a sigh of relief.
Only then he revealed to Chris if Caesar couldn't have talked Effie out of there they were to go in. Haymitch even showed him the arrest warrant on Effie and her death sentence signed by Romulus at the order of Snow.
"Thank God Caesar talked her into coming Chris."
Nobody knew that Effie and Haymitch were 'together'. Everybody thought that she was a ditz who was loyal to thee capitol and to Snow. It shocked Chris and well as everybody else when she informed 'them' on how the capitalist really feel about these games and about President Snow. It was a very enlightening day for the rebellion. For in those 30 minutes, two things came to light about Effie:
1) If anything she's not a ditz. In fact that's who Cinna got the information about the tunnels from the first rebellion from and where they go.
2) How many are against the President. Effie explained that if anybody was suspected to have said anything against Snow, they just disappear. If they're lucky. If they're not public trial and a very public execution. Effie ended her rant with;
"It's not all rainbows and sunshine here either people."
Haymitch reflects on this as they flew the rest of the way in silence. Haymitch then text to Caesar:
"Have a cup of coffee. be there in 5."
Chris had Marty's team go to get the second crew. They are waiting in a cabin about five miles outside of the capitol. So far the plan that Cato and he worked on is going as planned.
If all goes well, they'll think Seneca is dead by a car bomb and the storming of the mansion just gave the perfect cover to get the key players of this out of there without additional bloodshed.
More than likely after this the capitalists will be on lock down and go under martial law. If that happens we can move in before the harsh winter and win this thing. After we get District One on our side hence the other purpose of the transmission tonight.
We get district one, we can move on the capitol. At this point the rebellion as been going on for over a year now. It's not going to end anytime soon if Snow has his way.
In another part of the Capitol all will not go well for one. Marty lands his plane about a half mile away from the cabin. He gets to the cabin where the second group are waiting for him in the dark.
They are almost to the plane when shots ring out from the woods nearby. Seneca is injured with a shot to his arm but Marty has been shot in the chest so that Portia wouldn't get hit.
Cinna pulls out a ball and chucks over to where the group where it explodes killing the patrol that was sent out there. As everybody gets on board Cinna radios in to the co-pilot that Marty has been hit, bad. Medical crews are now waiting for the injured.
It was a dogfight to get out of there but they did. As the Capitol Air patrol was lying in wait. This tells Seneca that some of Marcellus's transmissions made it to Snow. Yet they had backup.
Marty was smart to leave part of his squad behind before going in. With the Capitol forces thinking only of the ones in front, the rest of his crew will get them from behind. Sandwiching the enemy planes between the two taking them out, fast. Now while getting his arm treated, Seneca is deep in thought.
'Now we have to see the damage Marcellus caused the rebellion and repair it fast.'
In the medical hold, the medics tries everything can but the damage is too great. Marty died while in emergency surgery to remove a collapsed lung where the bullet hit and exploded within causing even more damage.
As always when one brother is out the other is in Command monitoring it. When Cinna radioed that their pilot was hit bad, Cato got edgy. For standard procedure, the name of the pilot is never told until back at base.
Not even their rank is known until then. Then the surgeon transmitted 2 code yellow (for injured) with one black (meaning did not survive the injury(s)). Cato now knows its a waiting game to find out if his brother is alive.
As they wait Marcus talks to Cato.
"Cato did Marty have any family?"
"One that made it out of two, his betrothed was in 8. Chris found his parents at their house. But his two younger sisters made it out. His kid sister Ella is one of the care providers at..."
It hit Cato then that it was Marty that died. Cato looked at Marcus knowing what he has to do when the mission is over. Its not a duty he has ever liked. This time is worse for Cato. Marty was one of his best friends. Marcus snaps him out of it:
"It seems the capitol is working on a new bullet."
"And?"
"If there's a god above I hope to use it on Romulus. Shooting him from the feet up."
Marcus and Cato are waiting in the hanger when Haymitch and Chris returns. Cato is relieved that his brother is okay. Chris knew Marty too so Marcus is allowing both brothers to inform Ella about Marty.
Chris hears the medics transmission from the other plane. He knew then Marty didn't make it. He knows that this is going to hit Cato hard. His part of the mission went without a hitch.
Both are on board getting medical checks done by their medic. As they arrive in 13 Chris lands the plane and gets off with the rest of the crew.
Haymitch takes Caesar and Effie to medical but not before letting Marcus know that Marty's loss is hitting Chris too.
Chris approaches his uncle and brother. Now both boys go tell Ella. Both are silent as they walk the corridors to her assigned quarters. As Chris knocks on the door and it opens, Cato has flashbacks of his friend that are quickly over when they go into the room.
"Cato, Chris is everything ok..."
As she realizes by looking a Cato this is not a 'social' call. It's then that Cato takes over.
"Ella, we are here to inform you that your brother Martin Andrew Gomez died tonight from capitol forces during a rescue mission. Ella where is Gene?"
"At work setting up the new child care center."
"Do you want to be there when they land?"
Ella only nods. So they accompany Ella to the new Child Care Center in another part of 13 to get his baby sister Gene.
Gene was reinforcing one of the walls to be on the safe side when they walked in. The looks on the brothers face said it all. She just dropped her tools and went into her sister's arms, started crying.
By the time they arrived at the hanger bay the other plane had landed. The co-pilot and the doctor had just informed the High Commander what happened.
Marcus looks over has he sees his nephew Chris bring over Marty's sisters to give his condolences to them. Cato goes into the plane as to help the remaining crew bring out his friend's body. This is when they were informed that he died while saving Portia's life.
It was later when Cato returned to his quarters that they share he found Katniss still up waiting for him.
Haymitch after dropping off Caesar and Effie in medical, told Katniss what happened tonight. Katniss knew Cato would be taking this hard so she waited for him.
Cato walks into their quarters with a look on his face that bordered on three of the main emotions that go along with the death of a person who held a special place in you heart and life.
He sees that Katniss is alone.
"Fire Girl, where are the kids?"
"Chris had stopped by with Marty's sisters and asked if Clara could stay with him tonight. I asked if he wanted all of them and he said yes. He also asked Ella and Gene if they would like to stay with him to help with the babies. They agreed. Now you and I have the quarters to ourselves."
"Oh. I was hoping that we would have been able to hold the kids all night."
"Well, I think they are where they need to be at the moment. I need you to follow me."
He follows her into their bedroom. He sees that she has the room lit up with candles and the bed has no covers on it and there are towels laid across it.
He stops her and pulls her into a bone crushing hug.
"It is ok Cato let it out. I know he was a very good friend to you and it is not good or healthy for you to hold all of that emotion in."
"I know but I should have been the one on that plane. I was the one who was supposed to fly not Marty. did you know that he was there for me when Chris was gone? Did you know that he was the one I went to when I needed to vent and talk and everything else. He was the best friend (besides Clover) I ever had, and now he is gone all because I didn't go with them."
She stands there holding him. She pulls away and looks him in the eye.
"Cato Love. You had no control over what happened. I am so sorry that this has happened. Just know love that I will be here to help you every step of the way. Now why don't you go in and take a quick shower and I will be right here waiting for you."
He goes into the shower and lets the pressure of the water relax his muscles. He gets out and dries off. He returns to the bedroom and sees that Katniss is in a black silk corset with fishnet stalkings and the black heals that she was wearing for the tribute parade when we first met.
She tells me to lay face down on the bed and walks to the nightstand. She picks up some type of oil or something and tells me to lay down again. I do as she tells me and lay down.
She climbs on top of him and squeezes the liquid onto my back. It is very warm. Then he realizes that it is oil that has the smell of lavender and rosemary. It is a nice smell. She starts to rub the oil onto my back.
She start to deepen the rubbing and he begins to feel a twitch in my lower part of his body. He thinks he is starting to have a boner. He roles over. She now stratling his hips. He reaches up to her head and takes her hair in his hands. He pulls her face down so that he can softly kiss her lips.
She lets out a soft moan. He reaches around her body to unlace her corset. It starts to loosen up and he slides it off. Even after having twins, she has the best body that he has ever seen. He still cannot believe how he was so lucky to be married to the most beautiful woman in the world.
After that thought he then makes love to his wife as he lets all of his emotions show: love, sorrow, regret and guilt.
In the history books when its later written it was quoted:
"The mission would be considered a great success but at a high cost."
Martin Andrew Gomez would be known as one of the great heroes of the rebellion with some of his flight plans required reading for Air Strike Forces in the new government.
To the Briggs Brothers, they will remember 'Marty' has one of their greatest friends who kept them sane when as children their world was so cold.
Author's Note:
This chapter are for our family and friends who fought for the many freedoms we enjoy today but didn't make it home.
Thank you so very much for the time you all took away from your lives and families to ensure that we have these freedoms and God Bless those who never made it back home.
YOU ALL ARE THOUGHTS THAT WILL NOT EVER TRULY LEAVE OUR HEARTS, MINDS, AND PRAYERS.