Chapter 37
It had happened, Berenice knew this would happen much sooner. President Snow had announced that the surviving victors of all twelve districts be reaped for the Quarter Quell.
Berenice wondered what Katniss and Peeta and even Haymitch were thinking about this. The worst thing was that Katniss was the only female victor of District 12 and she had no choice, but to go back to the arena.
Berenice wanted to argue with Snow, make him change his mind, but she knew that he set his mind on something, he wanted to see it done. Berenice was sure that Snow wanted Katniss to die in the arena, marking the fall of the Mockingjay.
Snow was a fool, but mostly an ignorant fool as he was oblivious to the plan Berenice had in mind. She, her son, mother, and brother were going to run once Berenice was given the order.
Berenice was good at keeping things quiet, compared to her brother as he likes to tell everyone about everything.
A few days later, the victors were reaped, including Katniss, but Peeta volunteered to take Haymitch's place.
Berenice saw more of the victors, including the brother and sister trio from District 1 and the vicious looking woman with fangs from 2. Two people from 3 looked to be the smartest out of all the victors.
There was also an elderly woman from 4 who volunteered for a younger woman who appeared to be in hysterics when her name Annie Cresta was called. There was the Morphlings from District 6 and from what Berenice learned, they developed an addiction to morphine after their respective victories in the Games.
Berenice was furious at Snow for bringing the victors back to the arena. She was sure they will suffer more nightmares before the start of the Games.
Days later, the opening ceremony parade commenced and Berenice went to it. She watches her best friend with Peeta in their chariot. Berenice watches Katniss and Peeta and then, their outfits illuminated with embers and sparks. It was their trademark, fire, but Berenice knew the flames resembled the sparks of the revolution, which would be happening soon.
Berenice did a quick prayer that the rebellion will succeed and she and her family can finally live in peace without Snow. However, Berenice felt her heart tare in two ways; one was for the success of the revolution and the other for the love for Snow.
Could it be possible that Snow would be spared by the rebels? She knew it was highly unlikely as Snow was deeply hated by everyone, but also dreadfully feared for his use of power over the districts.
Snow was not around as much as before and it saddened Berenice as she wanted to see him on some days.
Finally, a few days after the victors had finished their training, Caesar Flickerman had the victors be interviewed. This was the night before the Games commenced. Berenice felt her heart pound when the woman from District 7, Johanna Mason scream profanities at the audience.
"Oh my Lord, what a beastly girl," Berenice heard herself say to Snow as they watched from the screen.
"Indeed," Snow replies and they continue to watch.
Then it was Katniss' turn and she appears on the stage, wearing the wedding dress that Snow had ordered for her. Berenice thought at first it was hideous, but she took that back.
Katniss was then asked to show her flames and she did, but what happened was that the fire transformed the wedding dress into a black dress. Katniss then showed wings to the audience, who were awed by this.
Caesar stuttered to find the proper word to describe the dress and Katniss replies, "Like a mockingjay."
Yes, she looked like a mockingjay and Berenice just stares at her friend and then looks at Snow. His face showed hidden anger and Berenice knew why. Katniss was the symbol of the rebellion, the rebels' mockingjay.
The camera than features Cinna, Katniss' dressmaker and Berenice knew right away that Snow was going to have him arrested or worse.
Peeta was up next and what he did was astounding. Caesar had informed him and the audience that the marriage never happened, but Peeta said it did in secret.
Peeta than stutters and the audience was curious as to what he was trying to say. He then blurts out, "If it weren't for the baby."
The whole auditorium erupts in shouts of protest as the audience demanded that the Games stop, mostly for Katniss' child.
Berenice knew it was a trick and the whole Capital and maybe the Districts had bought the lie.
The victors than took hands and raise them up in unison. Then the whole auditorium goes dark.
Berenice remains frozen in her seat and she dares to look at Snow. He showed no emotion, but Berenice knew he was angry at the victors.
"What are you going to do?" Berenice asks him.
"I'm going to have a talk with Mr. Havensbee," Snow replies and he leaves the room. Berenice decided to check on Anatolios and she finds him in his bed, sleeping like an angel.
She gently carasses his hair and her thoughts ran rampant. The time to escape from the Capital was drawing nearer and she had to tell her son.
"Ana, sweetie, wake up," she said and he wakes up from his deep slumber. "Listen, there's something I have to tell you, but you must not tell papa."
"Is it a surprise?" he asks and she nods. Berenice then begins to tell him about taking a vacation and that Snow will be joining them later.
"You must not tell papa, we will be having a party for him once he gets there," Berenice said to her son and he nods. He then goes back to sleep and Berenice leaves his room and quietly shuts the door.
From the author: The Quarter Quell is edging ever so close. Will Berenice and her family escape from the Capital in time? Find out next time!