I woke up the next morning hoping that yesterday was all a dream. I didn't want the situation with Hadley to be real, considering that he didn't seem like the person to harm anyone, but the ache in my neck told a different story. As my eyes opened, the first thing I saw was Jax sitting at my bedside.
"Good morning, beautiful," Jax sweetly said approaching closer to me, "How are you feeling?"
"In pain, but I'll be okay," I replied, "Where's Hadley?"
"Your brother and I put him in the prison chambers until his trial."
"Thank you for watching me," I said, "I don't know what I would do without you."
"I love you, Rue. I intend to keep my promise to protect you until my last breath."
He leaned forward and gently kissed me.
"Get up," Jax said, "Today's gonna be a busy day."
"Why? What's going on?"
"We gotta get to your parents. Something about an important announcement."
After I quickly got dressed, Jax and I made our way towards the Main Office. Once we got in, sitting around the table was Finnick, Kindra, Kalise, Uncle Gale, Cain, Yarro, Mom, and Dad.
"What's going on," I asked as I was taking my seat.
"We were setting up the trial for Hadley today after what happened yesterday," Mom began, "But, unfortunately, he escaped. We don't think-"
"What the hell do you mean 'escaped'," I asked, "I thought the prison chambers were full proof?"
"They are," Mom replied, "But because of his extensive knowledge of the District, he found a way to escape. We have guards making sure he isn't anywhere inside the District. But until then, we have to keep watch so Rue doesn't get attacked again. But let's get to the matter at hand. We will be infiltrating the Capitol soon, but first, we need to save the Districts from the Peacekeepers. We have received word that District's One and Four have been under a massive airstrike, leaving possibly no survivors."
Mom turned on a holographic map of District's One and Four from the desk.
"The red markers on the map are the civilians. The black markers are the Peacekeepers. The Peacekeepers are holding the civilians hostage and unable to simply leave the District."
"I thought that we got some recruits there," Jax said.
"We did," Dad said, "But the problem is that after we left, the Peacekeepers caught wind that we were there. They immediately invaded the Districts and ensured that anyone remaining would have to abide by their rules. We have to go in and take out the Peacekeepers. They're the only thing standing in the way of us and the Capitol."
"What about our military," I asked, "Can't we get help from them?"
"We have a good amount of them at each of the Districts," Jax said, "I've been slowly sending our troops on the borders of each District. Once they receive notice, they will attack on site."
"They're supplied with all the weapons they need," Finnick said, "Jax and I made sure of it as we sent them out."
"Will the Capitol know about this," Dad asked.
"They're undetectable on any radar," Jax said, "Our IT team created tracker blocking hardware for the military to have installed on their weapons and suits so even the best radar couldn't see them on any map."
"Have you tested this," Uncle Gale asked.
"We tried it on my weapons," Kindra said, "We ran a few drills before sending out the troops. It's up to grade."
"That's splendid," Mom said, "Our best bet is to go into the Districts together, since Peeta and I know how to fight. Jax, Finnick, Kindra, Rue, Gale, we will be going into the Districts together and infiltrating. We have to get rid of the Peacekeepers and get the civilians out of there to safety."
"What happens if none of us make it out alive," I asked.
"Then we have appointed Haymitch to be the next President of District Thirteen," Dad replied, "But we don't suspect that happening. We are a strong team. We'll be able to make it out."
"We'll be leaving within the hour," Mom said, "Everyone, be prepared for battle."
As we were walking out, Mom and Dad stopped Finnick and I.
"As for you two," Dad began, "We have to sit and talk."
Finnick and I took our seats.
"Mom and I have agreed that in light of recent events, Finnick, we want the both of you to work alongside Jax. We feel like your strength will help us succeed. And what better way than to promote two of our best to Generals of the military?"
"Seriously," Finnick said excitingly, "You actually trust us?"
"You remind me of your father and I in the Hunger Games," Mom said, "You guys are the best that this District has to offer. We have faith in you two."
The four of us hugged tightly. My parent's trust me to help lead a revolution.
"If something happens to us while we're out in battle," Dad said, "Mom and I talked and would want you guys to run the District."
"You guys will be fine," I said.
"There's no guarantee when you're out there," Mom said, "We feel like it's important for you to know this."
"Let's not talk about this," Finnick said, "Let's just get ready for the Peacekeepers. Everything will be fine. We'll come home and hang out with Cinna and be one big happy family."
After an hour, we all met at the liftpad, where Yarro was piloting the plane. We boarded the plane and lifted off.
I watched as Mom and Dad were holding tightly to each other's hands. I saw that they were scared. This is the first time in twenty years that they will be in a battle together. They almost lost each other before, and I think they were scared that they might lose each other again, but through all of that, I saw hope in their eyes. Mom and Dad instilled hope in everyone they've encountered. They made a difference before and wanted to do it again. I wish that I can be as inspirational as my parents are. They were fighters; they fought for everything they believed in. I guess that I always strived to be like them.
Yarro landed the plane on the shores of District One. I've never been to a beach before. Getting off the plane was exhilarating. I stepped in the soft sand and looked out into the crystal blue ocean. The breeze blew through my hair. The waves loudly crashed onto the shore. The sun reflected on the waters, making them glisten and shine.
A military troop walked towards us as everyone exited the plane.
"Ready for battle, General Nightlark," one of the soldiers said.
"Excellent," Jax replied, "Everyone at their stations?"
"We have men surrounding the District," he replied, "Give us the signal when it's time to invade."
"Be on guard, soldier," Mom said, "The Peacekeepers are prepared for everything."
Kindra took out small black buds and distributed them among us.
"I gave these to the troops before they were sent out," she said, "They're communication devices that will help us prepare for the battle. Place it in your ear and we'll be able to communicate from any part of the District."
We all put in the ear buds and drew our weapons. We made our way through the woods. The twigs crunched under our feet. The Mockingjays flew in the sky. The trees hid the sun from our faces. Mom and Dad led the group towards the center, where the Reaping was held. I looked towards my right and saw three bodies hanging from one of the tree branches. They had the words "save us" carved into their arms. Their bodies seemed freshly dead and just gently swayed with the breeze. Seeing the dead solidified why I joined my parents in this revolution. I only wish we were able to save these people.
"Mom," I said, "When will we be invading Four?"
"We sent some of our troops there already," Mom replied, "They were drilled to know when to fight."
We got to the center, where the public was gathered. Our group hid behind one of the buildings as three of the Peacekeepers stood behind three handcuffed men. Finnick, Jax, Kindra, and I snuck behind small fixtures and knelt behind them. The civilians stood frightened together. A young woman with her three small children turned around and saw me kneeling behind her. I gently placed my finger on my lips and she nodded.
"Are you here to save us," she whispered as tears welled in her eyes.
"Yes," I replied, "But you need to trust me."
"You're the daughter of the Mockingjay, right? Is she here?"
"My parents are behind one of the buildings. When we say run, do it."
"My husband is up there."
"What are they doing?"
"The Peacekeepers are executing them for treason. They discovered they were joining the revolution. Please save us. We need you."
"We'll do our best. Just follow my lead and you'll be okay."
Another Peacekeeper stood in front of the men and pulled out a piece of paper from his armor.
"You men are being charged with treason," he began, "This charge was brought about by your attempted affiliation with the Mockingjay. By the orders of President Snow and the Capitol, you are hereby sentenced to a public death by firing squad. Should you have final words to say, speak now or forever hold your peace."
Silence filled the center. You could hear the hearts of the people thumping as families were presented their loved ones execution.
"I have something," one man began, "I fight for what I believe in. You can take my life, but my heart is mine. And my heart believes in the truth and in a better Panem."
"I fight for the Mockingjay," the other man stated.
"For the Mockingjay," the last man exclaimed, "And for the people of Panem! We unite for a better tomorrow!"
The Peacekeepers shot their guns. The three men collapsed as their lives were ripped away from them. Instinctively, I stood and aimed my bow. Without question, I shot one of the Peacekeepers in the heart with my arrow and he fell lifeless. As a group, we, along with our military, began to invade the District. The citizens of District One ran away as the guns were firing. Kindra fought some of the Peacekeepers and decapitated all who came into her path. Jax and Dad's guns shot and bullets flew through the armors of the Peacekeepers.
I continued to shoot arrows and killed many of the Peacekeepers. Hundreds of Peacekeepers arrived and the war began. Shots were fired. Men were fighting men. Blood painted the streets and the buildings around them. Adrenaline rushed through my veins as I continued to kill the enemy.
"Get to the shores," I shouted to the people, "Get to the plane!"
Suddenly, a Peacekeeper appeared on the roof of the building in front of me. He held a large cannon and positioned it towards me. He shot the cannon and I ran the opposite way. A loud explosion sounded as the bomb came into contact with the ground. Dirt and debris scattered as explosions sounded. I turned around and saw my father lying on the ground where the first explosion detonated. My mother ran towards him and started to cry. She held him tightly and cradled him. My heart sank knowing that I just watched my Dad, the man that raised me, die in the arms of my mother. Finnick looked towards me wide eyed and, for the first time, scared.
Mom became angry. She lied my father down as she pulled out her knife and angrily stabbed the Peacekeepers in her way. She sliced them and snapped the necks of many as she avenged my father's death. As she was attacking the remaining Peacekeepers, one of them shot my mother in the back. As she fell to her knees, Finnick shot the Peacekeeper in the head, ending the battle in District One. Finnick and I ran to our mother and held her.
"We're gonna get you home, Mom," Finnick said, "Kalise is gonna save you."
"Please just hang on," I pleaded, "We'll save you."
"It's too late, kids," she said struggling to breathe, "It's my time to go now."
"No, it's not," Finnick said rubbing Mom's head, "We're gonna get you back to Thirteen and you'll be okay."
"Finn," Mom said, "It's okay. You two have to win. For your father and I. It's your turn to shine."
Finnick and I started to cry. "I need you, Mommy," I cried, "Please don't leave. We can't lose you and Dad together."
"Just lay me down next to your dad," Mom said, "If I'm going to die, I want to die with him. Please. Bring me to him."
Finnick and I sorrowfully carried Mom over to Dad. As we laid her down, she crawled towards Dad and rested her head onto his chest. She coughed trying to catch her breath. Uncle Gale, Kindra, and Jax wept watching their leaders die.
"You two have to win," Mom said, "Do this for us. Finish our job. Save Panem."
Finnick and I held Mom's hand together as tears flowed from our eyes.
"Tell Cinna I love him," Mom said, "You three were the best things to have ever happened. I'll see you soon."
Mom gasped as she took her final breath. Finnick and I collapsed onto our parents and cried. Mom always said that she couldn't survive without our father. I guess she always knew that when Dad died, her time would be short lived. My world crumbled as Mom and Dad died. The legendary Mockingjay and her love are now gone. I just didn't think it was going to come so soon. The remaining people of District One kissed their three fingers and raised them in the air in unison in memory of my parents. Kindra, Jax, and Uncle Gale joined as my brother and I mourned over my parents.