POV: Vixen

Those that I room with can't understand how I sleep so soundly while bombs go off overhead. I guess it has to do with the fact that I'm used to the sound and that I know we're safe for now. But when I'm awake I talk to my bunk mates and get a feel for what type of people they are. All three are training to be soldiers and will be in the final battle at the Capitol but have yet to be assigned their squad. All three model soldiers, strict just like everyone else around here, and not bad at shooting.

"So what do you plan to do after the war?" I ask them.

The three look at each other. Apparently the question hasn't crossed their minds. Sas ends up being the first to answer, "They'll probably reassign our duties and we'll be technicians or something here in Thirteen. You?"

"I'm going to do everything my parents and grandparents wanted to do but didn't," I say. "I'm going to learn to swim. Learn about the things that interest me not what some test says I'll be good at. When I'm old enough I want to get married and have a huge family because I will never have to worry about one of them going into the Hunger Games."

Laurie stares at me, "You can have children?"

There's something about her tone that tells me something's up. "I haven't tried or anything, but it's possible. Why?"

"We're all infertile," says Sas. "That's why they let us fight. Any girl that is capable of bearing children is taken out of the program."

"Most of the males they interact with are all fertile. Authorities want them to pair off and marry and start having a family."

I blink a few times in surprise. One thing is for sure, no matter how this war ends I don't want to stay here. This place is way too rigid for my taste. I had way more freedom in District Five than I ever did here and warning bells go off in my head that if this is how it is now, what will it be like later?

I'm walking around without crutches for the second day in a row when someone of rank comes and finds me. I'm to go with some of the others to assess damage in Special Defense. The room is just fine aside from some broken glass and papers here and there, but that is easily swept up. Beetee and the other computer techs are running tests to see if we're still functional.

"We're going to see if we can still communicate with the other districts," says Beetee. "District Five is pretty far from here so we'll start with that one."

I smile knowing that this is the only reason I'm up here.

POV: Boron

The map in front of us is laid out showing what we have occupied and what is still held by the Capitol. We own more than ninety percent of the district. The families captured for work down by the dam have been brought behind rebel lines and are now recovering. A bit of food did them good the first day and they're only getting better.

Ever since the bombing started in Thirteen, Father and Blane have been distracted, as we all are. Pepper rarely leaves the communicator with Thirteen hoping for some news. Only the Norths are focused getting everyone to take the rest of the district.

A series of beeps catches all of our attentions and we hurry over to the communicator.

"Hellooooo… anybody theeere?"

I shake my head and laugh recognizing my niece's voice. She's all right.

"Vixey?" says Pepper.

"Hey Nana, how are things?" she asks casually as if we hadn't been pulling our hair out worrying for her the last few days. Same old Vixen. Where she gets it, I don't know.

"Just fine, Vixey," Pepper cries while laughing at the same time. "You all right?"

"Peachy. They're doing the damage assessment now. No one was hurt and I think the worse anyone suffered here was lack of a schedule."

"Hey," I hear a muffled voice in the background as well as some snickering and a little more banter. Her voice is the happiest sounding thing in the world right now and I can't help but laugh. But I know that this conversation will probably end badly.

"What's new in the district," Vixen asks. "I know you took the wind farm, but that's it."

"We have the dam," says Pepper.

Vixen's 'wahoo' can be heard loud and clear in the room. Blane showed her the plan of attack for the district early on. She knows that by taking the dam that the fighting in Five is quickly drawing to a close.

Rotor opens the door, "We've captured some prisoners that you'll need to talk to."

"We'll deal with that later," says Father. "Come talk to your daughter first."

Rotor's eyes widen just before he rushes to the com and starts a hundred questions.

"Da, I'm just fine. We were miles below ground and evacuations were complete for a awhile before the first round even went off."

"And are you certain they're done?" he asks.

"Yes," she replies exasperated. It's been almost a day and the scanners aren't picking up anything." Her voice picks up, "So, anything I should be aware of other then you taking the dam?"

There's silence in the room and Vixen picks up on it.

"Who's dead?" she asks quietly.

"Vixen," starts Father. He's not going to tell her.

"Tell me who," she says harder. "Or I'm never coming home."

Rotor doesn't hesitate, "Kolb, Res, and your classmate Hattie… and Raiden."

For a few moments there's silence. "But everyone else is all right?"

"As far as I know, yes," says Rotor.

Although it is quiet I hear a sniff before she says, "I've got to go. They have to do some more tests to get this place up and running."

"I love you," says Rotor.

We all echo the same sentiment.

"Love you too," says Vixen.

Static and out.

Blane turns on Rotor instantly, "Why did you tell her like that?"

"How should the news be broken to her?" Rotor demands. "She would've been here for her family to tell her had she not been sent away."

"But we could've told Thirteen and they could notify Jace for us who would've broken it to her and been able to offer some comfort," says Pepper.

Rotor's shoulders slump in exasperation, "Great, he's from Five… and he's just about as much of a stranger to her as everyone in Thirteen since she doesn't know anyone that you sent there."

"Rotor," Blane starts.

"No," snaps Rotor. "Her name is Vixen, not Falon. She wasn't one of your best friends growing up. She wasn't stung by trackers when she was fourteen and learned to get through that. She hasn't seen the inside of an arena other than from a TV screen. Before this thing started the worse she suffered was a few scratches and bruises any kid gets. Her first trauma was less than a month ago and she has to learn to deal with that pain and confusion all on her own!"

This takes Father and Blane aback. It even takes me by surprise. Pepper alone remains unfazed. It's like she's been expecting this to happen.

Satisfied that he's made his point, Rotor goes to the door. "The prisoners we captured claimed mercy in Falon's name. You decide what you want to do with them."