"So what's the big plan madam President?"
She laughs a small, empty laugh, "it's not my first choice, but due to recent information we had to step up our plans. For the last two hours we sent hovercrafts over to where Snow's granddaughter has been building the arena, and we dropped some of those ever effective," through gritted teeth she finishes, "parachutes."
"What?!" I scream at them. "Why would you use those? What could possibly be gained by dropping those bombs again?! You remember what happened the last time they were used?"
"We're very aware," she nods, "of what happened last time Katniss." She shrugs, "we're very sorry about your sister."
"You're supposed to be better than Coin!"
"This wasn't my call," she says hesitantly.
"You didn't stop it," I say flatly, "that's just as bad….maybe even worse."
"I'm sorry you feel that way," says Plutarch. "But at least this way we don't need you here anymore. You can go home now."
"What?!" I scream. "You pull me away in the middle of the night! Tell me not to tell Peeta anything! Don't tell me anything! And then when we're about to get somewhere, to do something, to be something, you take the easy way out! Prim died because of those bombs! How many people died Paylor? How many people died?!"
"You don't need to concern yourself with that, Katniss—"
"Then you bring them here! And tell Peeta and I that we have to work with the people that tortured him! We are leaving right now. I don't care how, where, or what, but we are leaving. Right. Now." I storm out of the room, Peeta mumbles something before following quickly after me. Haymitch and Finnick are at our flanks in an instant. We tare through the building and make it to the helipad so quickly I'm sure we time traveled, but once there, someone already has one fueled and ready to go. If they knew this was going to be the response, I wonder why they didn't just send us home anyways? I could have lived the rest of my life not knowing that. Another number to add to the – what I thought was done – growing list of people that have died in my name, or as a result of something I've done.
Being mad is taking so much energy from me that I can barely keep my eyes open. Once we're in the air I don't know how long it is before I fall asleep. The ride is not that long, but I sleep majority of the way. I wake up just as we're starting to land in Victors Village, just outside of my home, and where most of the town is still living. The rebuild has been slow.
As soon as we land I jump out of my seat and run towards the door, flinging it open I jump the three feet to the ground and run to the house. I don't know if anyone behind me has even moved yet, but I wrest the door open and collapse to my knees. Willow peeks around a corner and upon seeing me rushes over to me with squealing and shouting, "MOMMA!"
"I'm home baby girl!" I tell her as she throws her arms around my neck. "I'm home." I stand up pulling her with me. "I'm not going to leave you again. Never never never ever."
"Good," she says stubbornly. "Mis't you."
"I missed you too sweetie!" I start to cry. "I missed you so much." I feel like I'm about to collapse at the knees when Peeta is behind me and picks us both up. This has been the longest days I've ever experienced, ever, and that's saying a lot, because there are many times where I swore I'd never make it to the next day. But just like everyday before it, every moment since she's been born, Willow has once again – single-handedly – made it all worthwhile. "I'm never leaving you again."
"No we aren't," Peeta agrees behind me. "We'll never leave you again."
How did I get so lucky? Please tell me…how did I get so lucky?
I know this chapter was a bit short, but I just thought I'd give you all a heads up that the following chapter will be the last. I'm not sure at this point how long it will be, but you have all been wonderful, both past, present, and future readers, because you went with me from the start of this story until it's upcoming conclusion. You have all made it worth writing. I hope you'll take the time to read my other fics, neither is very long, and I have no idea how long they will go, but my most sincere gratitude for the time you've invested thus far. You're all wonderful!
