Chapter 27 –From the Ashes Mockingjay Arises
AN: Hello. Do guys remember me, lol? A lot has happened since my last update. We had a death in the family and we're all stunned and heart broken from the passing of our loved one. Suffice it to say, it's been difficult these past few months. And to add to the stress and anxiety, we are all facing a pandemic and self isolating ourselves from friends and family. You would think that now we are forced to stay at home, I would find time to update this story. Not even. I'm busier now than I have ever been. However, all work just adds to my stress so...here I am.
Many thanks and my eternal gratitude for those who have stuck with me after all this time. With this in mind, I will endeavor to try to update a chapter more frequently. No promises but an attempt to do my best.
I don't own The Hunger Games, all canon characters belong to Suzanne Collins. This chapter is rated R for strong language. Any errors found are mine as I have to admit I've been sleep deprived for years. Not an excuse but an explanation since most of my focus is during real work. That''s why publishing company has editors. ;p.
Previously from Chapter 26
Garrett's POV
Garrett and companions had hidden in District 12 thinking they were safe from the Capitol. However, as weeks passed, they discovered that there were intruders in the district spying on them. They argued between themselves whether they should leave but ultimately coming to the conclusion they had to find protection and shelter elsewhere. Just as they were about to leave on Stu's ship, Commander Lyme and her soldiers from District 13 arrived...
Prim POV
The ground was dry but soft as my shoes skimmed the surface. Majestic trees stood tall and proud as leafy branches rustles against a cool breeze. It was winter but my skin was warm from the sun beaming above us.
Mom's grip on my hand was tight as Dad and I were escorted by Commander Lyme and six heavily armed soldiers. Their dark attire, clean and nicely pressed was cut to fit their lean muscular forms. A big yellow DXIII embroidered insignia was sewn onto their left arm while silvery buttons glistened on their shirts and arm sleeves. They wore no helmets but dark glasses hiding their eyes with a tube extended from ear to their mouth. They looked...immaculate, their faces clean shaven, hair combed back with not a lock out of place.
The military escort was a bit excessive since I didn't see my father, the Mockingjay put up much of an resistance. A request was given and Dad complied not without much argument or discussion. Mr. Abernathy bristled and started to resist but Mockingjay agreed, quietly but with an authoritative regard. The look on Dad's face revealed nothing as his persona of Mockingjay was at the forefront. He was no longer Garrett Everdeen, husband to Lily and father to Katniss and myself. He remained cool and calm as he agreed to Commander Lymes's request to escort us to District 13. Mr. Abernathy however revealed and displayed his disdain vocally and loudly.
"You know, it wasn't necessary or appropriate for Coin to send..." Haymitch started then paused. "her own personal security to escort Mockingjay and his family to 13 in this manner. It's an insult." He waved at the uniformed soldiers around us. "And what have you done to our pilot?"
Soon after their arrival, Commander Lyme separated us from Stu, leaving him alone with her soldiers as we were being taken to their ship. I was afraid for him because I didn't know these people. I had thought they were our allies, as Dad had informed us. But with this kind of treatment and behavior, I felt more like a prisoner.
"He's unharmed," Lyme returned, her tone dismissive. "You will see your pilot back at District 13. We have confiscated his ship as well."
"Why bother to bring us over to your ship for transportation, Our own pilot could easily taken us to District 13 since you are forcing us to go there."
"Haymitch—" Dad began but stopped; Mr. Abernathy ignored him as he placed himself between the giant female commander in charge. Shane and Maddy stepped forward ready to defend Dad. Mr. Mellark stood his ground as well.
Much to my surprise, his stance and demeanor changed. Peeta's dad wasn't the kind baker I once remembered. The first time I saw him when I returned to District 12, he had a look of shock on his face. Physically, I hardly recognized him as he lost weight, his face sallow and drawn. Dark purple rings around his eyes only brought the deep blue eyes that reminded me of sons. Peeta, Rye and Graham.
I wondered what he and Katniss were doing, hoping they were okay. Mr. Mellark displayed an air of anger, brimming from the surface. His kind eyes were replaced with a hard look and his jaws clenched. The first thing he did was inquire about Peeta, asked how he was doing. If he was well and healthy. I told him what I knew before I lost consciousness, but Mom was holding something back. I could tell by the look in her eyes every time I asked her about my sister and Peeta.
When I arrived, it took a while for Mom to reveal what had happened between them, the argument they had while I was on conscious. I shook my head, not surprised at Katniss' reaction and behavior towards Peeta. Katniss had a tendency to lash out on those closest to her when she was scared. And the way Peeta reacted? I wasn't surprised as well. She was volatile and acted out, not thinking about the consequences of her actions. I sighed feeling worn out emotionally just thinking about it. My thoughts were disturbed as voices and tension rose.
"You do remember who he is, right? We had an agreement." The veins in Mr. Abernathy's forehead were prominent, his skin glistened with sweat and teeth bared. Clearly agitated, I wondered about our invitation since supposedly we were allies with District 13. Why was he so mad and disturbed? Going to 13 was obviously a...logical step since Dad had to think about our safety now that he also had to not only protect Mom and me but Stud, Shane, Maddy, the two victors Annie Cresta and Mags.
I was scared for Annie and Mags too since they were victors. Not a lot of people sympathized with them. Me, I personally loved Annie and Mags. They kept to themselves but when they did interact they were kind and considerate. Annie seemed fragile in mind as she shied away from people; she rarely spoke when addressed. Mags was a whole different story. Though she couldn't physically speak, she was open and friendly. Nothing I expected from two victors. After watching the games and the winners, I expected them to be like Finnick O'Dair, and Johanna Mason—loud, obnoxious and entitled. Not that I expected them to be any less because winning your own arena was a great feat. Why would I judge them? Being humble didn't let them win their games. Katniss once told me that you had to be hard and ruthless if you wanted to survive and live. That their brash, standoffish and rude personality was a defense mechanism. That maybe true but I believed you chose how to act and what to become. In hindsight, I was naive in that thinking because I realized one must live through the games to understand a victor's psyche.
"Look at Mr. Abernathy," Katniss commented. "Dad said that surviving is not the only thing you have to live with. Killing kids your own age and even younger than us. Can you imagine what it does to a person? Killing changes a person. He was our age when he had to fight for his life and was forced to kill people. To know that you took a life whether it was in defense or by choice, you can't come back from that."
At the time, I didn't know what she meant. How would she know? She hunted animals and game for us to survive. That was necessary for our daily survival. I understood that.
"Being a victor? There is a price you pay," she continued. "Dad said Mr. Abernathy wasn't a mean old drunk that he is now. He was...likable and nice at one time. He was...normal."
I chuckled at the thought. Mr. Abernathy was abrasive, caustic and reclusive, never associating with people—Seam or Merchant. He had a handful of friends that included Dad and Mr. Mellark. But deep inside I felt there was more to him besides being Districts 12's victor who kept people at arm's length. His friendship and devotion to Dad and Mr. Mellark was an example of who he was, a true and loyal friend outside the personality he displayed toward others.
"And what manner are you talking about?" Commander Lyme asked, as the tall soldier's brows raised towards her hairline. For a woman, she was impressive as she loomed over everyone. She was a fair skinned soldier, at least six foot tall with short cropped, blond hair and hazel eyes. I was awed and a bit intimidated by her presence let alone the soldiers around her who held their rifles in their hands. I glanced towards Maddy and Shane. Their guns were taken as a matter of their own security. Or so they were told. Dad was allowed to keep his bow and arrows since they thought it was non threatening against the rifles Lyme's soldiers carried. Annie and Mags stood huddled together, an arm wrapped around each other as if to shield them from harm. However, Mags eyes burned with fire and defiance, her shoulders straight and head held high.
"Oh, I don't know threatening, imposing," Shane added as he raised finger to his chin, his eyes upward as if he was in mid thought. This was a side of Shane I was not familiar with. I knew he would defend Dad with his life but the words of sarcasm was surprising. He wasn't a talker, only speaking when necessary and kept to himself. He reminded me of Peeta, quiet but exuded strength and confidence.
"Coin could have just asked instead of sending her own goon squad," Mr. Abernathy continued. Several soldiers grunted while Lyme smirked back. "This...this is humiliating and insulting. I mean look at you. When have you ever seen battle or fight? You look like a bunch of toy soldiers, all polished and wet behind the ears. And you all get to escort Mockingjay to District 13? For his own protection? That's laughable."
Lyme's soldiers didn't appreciate the insult as one of them walked over and butted his rifle against Mr. Abernathy's stomach. Mom quickly ran over to him to access his injury. Shane and Maddy responded wrestling the soldier onto the ground. Several of Lyme's people pulled them off. A fight ensued, shouts of anger rang in the air. Even Mags got involved as she latched onto a soldier's back, wrapping an arm around the black uniformed female's neck. She was like a bug you couldn't wave off.
Commander Lyme raised her rifle into the air and fired a shot. Mockingjay's voice boomed as he too reached behind his back, nocked an arrow onto his bow, "Mitch, stop. Everyone stop—" Before I could even begin to grasp what was happening, he lifted the bow and fired his arrow into the sky. A loud reddish smoke exploded into the air dispersing like a firecracker. "Stop, everyone stop fighting with each other. We are supposed to be allies, fighting Snow and the Capitol."
His voice alerted everyone as rifles pointed at Mockingjay. Lyme lifted her hand. "Soldiers, hold your fire. Stop. I order you to stop."
"Truce," Mockingjay spoke as he lowered his bow. "Please everyone, settle down. Haymitch meant no offense. Right, Mitch?" Mr. Abernathy grunted in response as he fisted his hand onto his stomach.
"This was just little love pat," he hissed back. "Sissies."
"Truce," Lyme responded back, her lips formed in a thin line. She was clearly offended but bit back her anger.
Mr. Abernathy addressed Mockingjay, "This is insulting, Mockingjay. To be treated like some prisoner. I won't stand for this treatment."
Dad placed his right hand on Mr. Abernathy's forearm while he tightened his hold on his bow with his left hand. "Mitch, please do not make things more difficult."
His concern for Mr. Abernathy didn't surprised me. Ever since I discovered that dad was Mockingjay I had a difficult time reconciling the man I knew as my father and the man known as renowned leader of a rebellion. I couldn't see it but then Dad did a great job hiding his other persona. The legendary figure I admired and feared from afar. There were so many stories about him over the years. Stories that kept the rebellion hidden but alive. His name and exploits were legendary that even Gale was in awe of him, even never meeting or confirming the stories to be true. To me, he was a voice in the dark of night that inspired hope and a dream of a better future. To find out he was my father was beyond surprising and daunting.
As I recalled, there were days that Dad would be at "work" in the mines. Disappearing for weeks while Mom took care of us. I was young but not too young to have noticed that Dad was away a lot. I questioned it once but Mom always had an explanation. And there were days that Mr. Hawthorne would appear to assist Mom and us. It was weird. Then I realized that the Seam and Mr. Cartwright who was the foreman at the mine hid Dad's absences when he was away. I didn't know all that until recently.
Even after the mining accident, Mockingjay still made appearances. He was everywhere while Dad was home recuperating. Thus starting the doppelgangers that represented him. It was a ruse the rebels continued so that the fight and rebellion was kept alive. All the secrecy and lies so vast and elaborate, it wasn't just District 12 but the districts of Panem that helped my Dad continue to be the Mockingjay after all these years.
But as a the daughter of Garrett Everdeen, the man in front of me was a stranger that wore my father's face. He too was impressive and also intimidating as I never seen him before. Even my Mom acted differently as she held her head high and proud. This was my Mom? The woman who abandoned Katniss and me?
"No," Mr. Abernathy jerked his arm away from Mockingjay. "This isn't right. District 13 doesn't have any rights over us. Fuck them."
The female commander in charge took a deep breath and said, "Listen, I'm only doing as I'm ordered. If you have any qualms with President Coin, please address it to her. I'm only a soldier and as I said, I'm doing as I'm told."
"Haymitch, President Coin is only looking after us," Dad said. "I'm sure her motives are true—"
Mr. Abernathy snorted, "Sure. She's looking out for us." He turned his head as he looked around us. We were headed towards the small airfield located at a walking distance from the Justice building. It wasn't large but the field had enough space to land hovercraft that supported a very large transport. "Hm, so if we're being looked after and Coin is being transparent. Can you please explain to me why I...detect that there are other soldiers in the surrounding areas of District 12 township?"
"I don't know what you're talking about?" the tall blond commander spoke her eyes crinkled, the fine lines were obvious with her fair skin.
"Don't play dumb with me. Tell the rest of your soldiers to come out." He pointed his finger towards her face. "Coin is anything but calculating. Why would you send drones ahead of you? Why was it necessary? From what I heard, there has got to be more than one ship that landed in District 12."
Soon after the drones appeared. we heard the jet engines as it hummed in air startling us. At first we thought we were being attacked again.
Lyme sighed, "I admit that there is another ship that came with us. I was not hiding them from you. I sent my soldiersa to scout the area."
"For what?" Shane broke his silence. "If you going to say mutt dogs, do you honestly think we didn't think about scouting the area ourselves? You're hiding something from us."
"You're making too much of a big deal about all this," Lyme countered.
"Think again," Mr. Abernathy said. "Tell them to come out." I wondered why Mr. Abernathy was so upset. So what if there were more soldiers in the area? I didn't know why he was making a big deal out of it just as Commander Lyme stated. But he had his reasons and I knew he was looking out for us.
"Order your soldiers back to the airfield," Mockingjay said. "I agreed to be taken to District 13, but if you are hiding something from us, I will not leave with you until I get an explanation."
Cornered, Lyme spoke into her head mic, "This is Commander Lyme, Unit 212 report to the ship immediately." She turned her eyes to Dad. "Mockingjay, sir. I wasn't being deceitful. They really are searching the area."
"For what?" Mockingjay asked.
Lyme pursed her lips. I could tell she was conflicted. "I cannot disclose that information."
"Bullshit," Mr. Abernathy seethed.
"Haymitch, language," Mom scolded him for his outbursts. I bit my lip because after months alone in company with rebels, I've heard and seen worst. Mr. Abernathy looked back at Mom, chagrined but not apologetic as he winked at me.
"Listen, Commander Lyme," Mockingjay started. "I understand you are taking orders but unless you tell me what is going on? I repeat, I'm not leaving District 12 with you. There cannot be secrets between us and District 13."
"Sir, with all due respect, I was ordered to escort you to District 13," Lyme responded, a tinge of challenge in her tone. "That is all I am saying." Mockingjay who looked up at the tall woman, crossed his arms over his chest.
"I am not a citizen of District 13," he reminded her. "You have no authority over me or anyone for that matter. I expect respect and cooperation from our...alliance."
"Yes, and that means complete transparency," Mr. Abernathy concluded. "You will tell us why you are really here." I must have missed something because it was obvious both Mockingjay and Mr. Abernathy was accusing them of something I was not aware of.
"Oh, I get it now," Shane said, his eyes wide. "You're the intruders in the woods." Huh?
"I don't know what you are talking about," Lyme defended.
"Don't lie to us," Mr. Abernathy inferred. "You guys have been skulking around spying on us."
"As I said, I have no idea what you're talking about," Lyme sniffed as she spoke. "If you are being spied on, that wasn't us."
Mr. Abernathy snorted, "Who else can it be? The Capitol destroyed this district. There is nothing here for them."
"That's not true," I muttered. Once I said the words I regretted as everyone looked at me. "What? I'm not defending them, okay. I'm just saying that there is something here if the Capitol is spying on this district." They couldn't really be oblivious as to why they would spy on us. I placed my hands on my hips. "Mockingjay! They are here because they know that Dad...I mean Mockingjay is still in District 12."
"Even if that is true," Mr. Abernathy commented. "There is still a problem with that theory. If they knew he was still here why haven't they tried to capture him? If the intruders are from the Capitol, don't you think we would have peacekeepers swarming this district?"
"Haymitch is right," Shane blurted. "So who else would it be lurking in the woods, spying on us." He turned his eyes to the soldiers from District 13. Silence hung for a moment as no one moved but glared at one another. I felt another fight coming as Shane and Maddy stepped in front of Mockingjay.
"Stop," Mockingjay commanded. "Arguing and fighting is getting us nowhere. I need an answer Commander Lyme. The real reason why you are here in District 12." He waved his hand as Lyme opened her mouth to protest or argue back. "I know you were ordered to escort us to 13 but why are you really here? Why were you spying on us?" He waited for an answer. "I told President Coin that I would seek protection for myself and my family when I was good and ready. Clock's ticking, Lyme." Lyme obviously battled an internal debate in her head.
The tall blond commander threatened. "I was ordered to escort you to 13 by force if necessary. And I have the orders to take Annie Cresta and Mags Flanagan as my...guests."
Mags gestured with her hands. Annie gasped besides her and interpreted, "Over our dead bodies. you won't be taking me anywhere. I don't trust you or District 13. If Mockingjay says we're not leaving unless he get answers then we're not leaving with you either."
Lyme snickered and stared at us, "What? I'm supposed to be scared at an old woman and a crazy lady. Those two I can see fighting." She gestured towards Shane and Maddy then turned towards Mr. Mellark. "He looks to ill to fight. And you?" She turned to the District 12 victor. "Victor or not, you're a drunk, no offense."
Mr. Abernathy's harrumphed, "Hadn't had a drink in months, sweetheart. Don't ever under estimate to fight for free will, Lyme. We've been fighting for most of our lives. Taking chances and risking our lives. I can't say the same about you underground dwellers. You hid underground for decades."
If the tension around us was bad, it rose quickly as the soldiers from District 13 read between the lines, their eyes hard from what was obviously ana insult.
Mockingjay quickly stepped forward, his palms upright. "Okay, enough," he said. "Commander Lyme, unless you give me an answer why you're really here, spying on us, I will not be escorted to District 13." Lyme blinked, twice. "District 13 has no...jurisdiction over me and unless you want to take us by force like President Snow would, then I assure you, you and President Coin are no better than Snow and the Capitol."
"I.." Lyme started, her eyes wide. It was the first time, she showed some kind of emotion. The soldiers around her turned their eyes downward. I trusted Dad to protect Mom and me, but this was Mockingjay. He was responsible not only for those in his care at present. I realized that every decision he made not only reflected us but the nation of Panem, the rebels and citizen who followed him. They had put their trust and faith on him. This was bigger than just protecting us.
He said he didn't want a confrontation but it was clear that District 13 was keeping a secret as Lyme looked ill at ease. "Without breaking any confidence, I can only say that we were told to retrieve any bodies left from the attacks."
"Bodies, what bodies?" Mom gasped. "All those who died and were infected were burned so that there was no chance of further contamination."
It didn't made sense as I felt it was more than that. Collect dead bodies, why?
"You misunderstand," Lyme continued as she lowered her rifle, placing the butt on the ground as she held onto the barrel. "I wasn't just talking about civilian bodies. We were ordered to retrieve any organic matter from the mutt dogs as well, their burned carcasses if necessary. We need both samples."
"Gross," I said under my breath. The image of her soldiers digging into the mass graves that Dad told me to steer clear flashed in mind. Even though the grave site was miles away from the township, I could still smell the charred flesh from a distance. It was faint but evident as it mingled with the scent of pine, coal and burned wood. At least at the Victor Village the air smelled like fresh bread that Mr. Mellark baked in the morning. I wonder how and where he got the ingredients since his bakery was destroyed.
"Why?" Mr. Abernathy asked.
"For what purpose?" Mockingjay inquired as both he and the victor who Dad trusted more than anyone fired the question at the same time.
"I wasn't privy to that information," Lyme deflected. "I was ordered to collect all of you and have my soldiers excavate any remains if there was any left."
"In other words, you don't know or you don't have the security clearance to know," Mockingjay responded.
"How typical of Coin," Mr. Abernathy snorted."She's up to something, I can feel it." Mockingjay in turned nodded. "You could have just made your presence known instead of sneaking around. We would have cooperated with you. Instead you have your people skulking around—"
"I told you, that was not us," Lyme reasserted.
Mockingjay and Mr. Abernathy huddled together with Mr. Mellark beside them, their back towards the District 13 soldiers. "If it wasn't them, we have to assume it was from the Capitol," Mr. Abernathy suggested. "And if they are spying on us, we're not safe here anymore."
"We never were," Mockingjay sighed.
"I agree with Haymitch," Mr. Mellark said. "I've stayed as long as I could in hope that Rye would come back. But...I need to know how my Tyler and Delly are doing. I've been...I've abandoned them."
"You didn't," Mockingjay hissed. "You sent Delly and Tyler away to keep them safe. You stayed because of Rye. No one can't fault you for that." He inhaled a deep breath before speaking. "We all did what what was best for our family."
"But I sent Delly and Tyler away," Mr. Mellark continued. "I should have...I lost Graham and I don't know what happened to Rye. And Peeta..."
"Listen, Jimmy," Dad started. "When I found out that Katniss and Peeta left the rebel camp, I suspect that they would do something...irrational, impulsive. But I never thought they would try to come back home. That they were heading this way. I just wished that they didn't put themselves in danger trying to head home."
"When I heard they left, I was surprised," Mr. Mellark added. "There are our kids. I didn't expect them to act recklessly but Peeta is stubborn."
"Well, Katniss left too," Mom reminded them.
"Did you two ever think that they left for a reason," Mr. Abernathy spoke, his voice firm with a tinge of frustration. "That maybe they were distracting Snow."
"What do you mean?" Mr. Mellark asked. "Distract Snow, how?"
"With those offsprings of yours running around Panem, Snow was too busy looking for them and distracting him so that he wasn't looking for Mockingjay He was too busy being obsessed with Peeta and Katniss." He paused for few seconds as if something stopped him from his train of thought. "When District 12 was destroyed, he never suspected that you had stayed. Any rational person wouldn't." Mr. Abernathy rubbed his hand over his neck, slick with sweat. "Something is wrong. It's not making any sense. Something has been bugging me for weeks."
"What?" Mr. Mellark asked. For days Peeta's father had been quiet, distant. He was...especially distant with Dad. I knew why. His relationship with him soured since the release of the video Mockingjay released that included Peeta. It was obvious each and every time they were in the same room together. I wondered what it would take to get their friendship back.
Anyway, as I digressed it's been months since District 12 was abandoned and Mockingjay placed a quarantine, it was time to leave. But where? I pondered to myself.
"Why hasn't Snow gone after Mockingjay," Mr. Abernathy stated. He shrugged as we all mulled over his statement. The air around grew thick and hot, not because of the temperature surrounding us but the implication. "If we are right, and those spies are not from District 13. They have to be from the Capitol."
"You are right, Mitch," Dad spoke breaking the silence amongst us. "If he knows I'm here than his priorities have changed. Snow wanted, no...he needed to find Peeta and Katniss." Mom gasped. "If he captured them, he knew he would use them as leverage against me." Air escaped though his mouth as he closed his eyes and shook his head. "I'm grateful that they have been able to hide from him because had they been captured?" A chill rose up my spine. If Snow found and captured Peeta and Katniss, he would have discovered me as well.
"That was what I was afraid of," Mom interrupted. "I thought about that too. Peeta and Katniss are resourceful and smart. I wished they'd never left, but to bring Prim—"
"Mom," I hissed. "give it a break. I told you before and I'll tell you again, Katniss and Peeta did not drag me to come with them." It was an argument that Mom kept pressing. "I left with them. I didn't give them a choice, end of story. I felt safe with them." I was grateful that Shane befriended me and kept me safe but I never felt safe and I didn't want to become Shane's responsibility. With Katniss and Peeta, I knew they would protect me because family protected each other without the feeling of oligation.
"Primrose Everdeen, do not talk to your mother in that tone," Dad barked, his voice boomed in the air. "You leaving was irresponsible. I did not order my men to save you from the train only for you to jeopardize your safety. Snow thought you were dead. What would have happened if he found out you're still alive? I expected reckless behavior from Katniss and Peeta. Not from you. I thought you were more level headed than your sister."
"Maybe I had to grow up," I hissed. "I'm not a baby anymore. Stop treating as if I still am. Katniss and I have been on our own for years." I shriveled back, shutting my mouth as I watched my father's reaction. He looked as if I literally slapped him. Normally I wasn't this vocal but being alone for months, if I wanted something and needed to be heard I had to speak up. Shane and Maddy taught me this while I was in their company.
"Garrett," Mom sighed. "I know you're angry I was too. But I realized things happen for a reason."
"No, I'm beyond angry, I livid and frustrated," Mockingjay replied. "But what's done is done. At first, I was willing to go to District 13 but now...things are not adding up."
Lyme stood with a hand on her hip. Clearly, she was frustrated as she cleared her throat. "Sir," the tall soldier interrupted. "Can we—"
"I was not speaking to you soldier," he seethed. I knew how my father reacted when he was angry. He never raised his voice beyond with a tenor that frightened me. This was a tone I had never heard before. Like my mom whenever she was upset or impatient with us, she used her mom voice.
"Sir, with all due respect," Lyme challenged. "I am not here to fight you."
"But you expect me, my family, my friends, my companions who are under my protection to comply to President Coin's demands?"
"Please do not make this more difficult than it already is," she said. "I have no qualms with you, sir. As a matter a fact, we all admire and look forward to working with you. Even now with your district destroyed, abandoned and your people in despair. They lost their home, family and loved ones. You still inspire them with the messages you've been sending." Messages? What messages? Has Dad continued to send radio messages to the districts?
"Flattery won't get you anywhere," Mr. Abernathy snickered. "Listen, sweetheart, we're having a conversation seeing that we were being spied on."
"Yes, and if you are don't you think it's time you left?" Lyme persisted. "District 13 can offer protection, security..." Mr. Abernathy snorted. "...for your family, Mockingjay. I extend protection for everyone." She gestured towards Shane, Maddy, Annie and Mags. "Think about it."
"So what are we going to do?" Mr. Mellark inquired. "As much as I hate to leave, it's obvious we are not safe here if we are being spied on."
Dad took a step towards Mr. Mellark. "Jimmy," he started, "you're okay to leave? Leave our home even not knowing..." My dad stopped, his Adam's apple bobbed up and down his throat. "What about Rye?"
"I'm not giving up on Rye. I know he's alive the same way I know that Peeta is okay," Mr. Mellark returned, tears brimmed his eyes as sad smile surfaced on his face. He looked as though he aged 10 years, this usually well groomed man who I had known for years sported hair on his face. He reminded me of Peeta, his hair unkempt and chin with a five o'clock shadow. "I could never give up on my son but...I need to know if Delly, Tyler and my unborn grandson are okay. I gambled that they were good hands. That they would be safe with the rest of our people, but now that they are in District 13, I need to see them. Be with them."
Dad spoke turning to Mr. Mellark, Mr, Abernathy and Shane, "Listen, it is obvious we need to leave. It's no longer safe, but...so far Snow has left us alone." Yes, he has and wondered why?
"We've probably been spied on for weeks," Mr. Abernathy added. "Whether we were aware of it or not."
"I agree, sir," Shane stated. "I think we need to leave. But I have reservations as to whether we should go to District 13."
"What do you mean?" Dad asked.
"It's not my place to say or—"
"Listen, Shane. I may be the leader of a rebellion, but I will listen to your fears and concern. I cannot do this...without people around me that I trust with my life and the lives of my family. There are too many lives at stake. Lives I'm responsible for. So speak your mind."
Shane sighed, whether in relief or in awe I couldn't tell, but pressed his opinion, "As I see it, sir. I don't know District 13. The fact that they existed still boggles my mind. I personally would prefer to return to the rebel base camp but..." He turned his head towards Mags and Annie. "I don't know if Mags and Annie are welcomed at the rebel camps who have deep animosity for anything or anyone from the Capitol. As for District 13, how would they be received at the district as well?"
"That's true, sir," Maddy added. "There is deep rooted hate for people from the Capitol. And they are Capitol in the public's eye." Both Annie and Mags looked ill at ease.
"Shane and Maddy are right," Mr. Abernathy agreed as they continued to discus with each other. "I don't feel comfortable sending them to District 13." Meanwhile, Commander Lyme stood agitated and impatient. She spoke low and quietly into her microphone that was attached to shoulder harness.
Suddenly, groups of men and women dressed in black uniforms walked out of the wooded foliage. Their appearance startled Dad and everyone. "I'm sorry sir, but we need to leave now," Lyme said.
"You need to decide to come with us amicably or..."
"Or?" Dad queried. His head tilted as both Shane and Maddy quickly flanked him. Mr. Abernathy took Mom and me aside as Mr. Mellark stepped forward while he placed Mags and Annie behind him.
The ambiance around us was charged with fear and anger. Seconds passed as I held my breath, a knot formed in my throat. The wind and leaves rustled on the ground, swirling around us. The sun beat on our heads as sweat beaded my forehead. A wave of cool wind licked my skin. I didn't understand what was happening. We were allies, right? But the way everyone stood, rigid, tense and threatening; spoiling for a fight,
"Commander Lyme, I know as a soldier you must follow your orders," Mockingjay's words echoed my thoughts. "But as the leader of the rebellion, I must decide what is best for everyone here."
"Personally, if I had choice I wouldn't force you to come with us, but like you said...I have orders," she explained. I felt her frustration as soldier, doing what she was ordered to do.
"So is this the democracy, the alliance President Coin promised Mockingjay," Mr. Abernathy taunted. "That we would be allies, partners in the decision making? So far, I don't see Coin giving Mockingjay a choice right now."
Lyme sighed, "I'm sorry. But we are here for your protection. You know logically that you cannot stay here."
"I agree," Mockingjay said. "However I have the right to make a decision for my people. These people who are under my protection, not President Coin. I have already surrendered citizens of District 12 into her hands. I have entrusted their lives and well being, for their safety. Our agreement was to protect them. I however, was not part of that agreement. I was willing to go with you at first. But now, I have reservations. "
"I do not know what you and President Coin have agreed upon. But orders are orders," Lyme stated. "Right now, you need asses your situation, all of you are not safe. I doubt you have enough supplies and resources to continue living here."
Then something happened, a low but audible sound alerted our attention. Three dots appeared from the horizon. We heard the engines buzzed in the atmosphere like bees in a hive. I held my breath not knowing what they were as itawa headed straight at us.
"Everyone get ready. Lock and load," Lyme ordered through her microphone. "Intruders in District 12. Three oncoming ships from the northeast."
Without a single word, Lyme and her soldiers formed a circle around us creating a shield. Their rifles aimed at the approaching ships. The tall blond commander kept talking into her mic but I didn't hear anything as I was transfixed on the ships that flew towards us. As they drew closer, I recognized the coloring and shape of the crafts. They seemed familiar. Then out of nowhere four more appeared behind us. We were surrounded.
A series of curses mingled in the air. Lyme shouting the loudest requested reinforcements. "This is Commander Lyme, all soldiers are to head at my position. Now. I repeat, head to my position."
As the fleet of ships reached us, they hovered in the sky like a black cloud giving me a sense of dread, panic and fear. I turned to Dad for comfort, surprisingly his face showed no emotion but noticed that his hand gripped his bow, baring white knuckles. Mom grabbed his free hand. An arm wrapped around my shoulder, solid but gentle. It was Mr. Mellark as his scent of yeast and flour seeped through my nose.
Helpless and paralyzed, we watched several bodies exited from the bottom of the ship as they repelled down ropes. I lost count after twenty men and women landed on the ground, their feet impacted the dirt floor sending puffs of dust mushrooming below them. They were armed with rifles as well. Clothed in camouflage gear of greens and browns, their uniforms looked weathered, faded from years of use and wear unlike the soldiers from District 13. I smiled for the first time in days.
On their their upper left chest was a golden pin of a bird encased in a circle with an arrow between its beak. I released a breath I didn't realized I was holding. The sense of relief spread through my body. I knew and recognized that pin. So did everyone else.
"You took your damn time getting here," Mr. Abernathy grumbled at the soldier who saluted Mockingjay.
"Sorry, sir," the medium height man answered back. He was bald, dark skinned man with a tattoo that ran from his check down towards his neck disappearing into his uniform. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up to his elbow revealing more tattoos that adorned his limbs. "I scrambled the men available as fast as I could once I saw your signal. I knew something was wrong when I couldn't get in contact with your pilot." Surrounding us the rebels aimed their rifles at the soldiers from District 13.
With their hands and rifles raised upward, the rebels confiscated their armaments. "Sir," Lyme started. A male rebel yanked her rifle from her hands then aimed it at her head.
Mockingjay's face was filled with mirth as he ignored her. "I was starting to get worried that you didn't see the signal. We're wasting time, we should be out of this district before we lose daylight."
"Signal?" Shane repeated. "I didn't see...oh I get it. The arrow you released minutes ago when we were fighting." Mr. Abernathy smirked back.
"Thanks for the distraction, Mitch," Mockingjay returned. "I was hoping you'd get their attention."
"Well, it worked," he returned. "I was trying to think of something fast."
"You two planned this?" Maddy asked. "How?"
"Sweetheart, I've been working with Mockingjay for years," Mr. Abernathy explained. "We sort of developed second sense of what each other is thinking."
"Sir," the tall female commander from District 13 interrupted as her voice boomed in the air. "I beg you to reconsider what you are doing. Our Alliance—"
"Commander Lyme," Mockingjay addressed her. "I will give you the courtesy you did not afford to me. You will return to District 13. You will tell President Coin that I appreciate her...concern for my welfare but I meet her on my terms."
"You agreed to form an alliance with District 13," Lyme reminded him. "President Coin...advised that if you want our cooperation, you need to meet with her personally. You need to think of your own safety. We are at the apex of this war. You are the leader of—"
"I know who I am, what I said or agreed upon," Mockingjay stated. "This alliance was formed on faith and good will. That my rebels, my soldiers will take orders from me while I'm out here in the districts. How am I to lead them while if I hide in District 13?"
"You will not be hiding in District 13," Lyme said. "Your safety is relevant to the rebellion. President Coin expects you to coordinate with your army through 13's command center. That is why I am ordered to retrieve you."
"Why didn't you just say so in the first place?" Shane spat.
"I'm breaking orders and telling you this," Lyme countered. "Please, Mockingjay. Let me take you to District 13. You need us just as much as we need you." The formidable tall female pleaded with Mockingjay. Her stance was no longer authoritative or threatening.
"I shoulder the responsibility of many lives that depend on me, soldiers and civilians," Mockingjay said as he shook his head. His decision his next few words was heard loud and clear. "However, I cannot force anyone to come with me nor make anyone go to District 13."
"No, you cannot do this," Lyme shouted. Rebels gathered around her and her soldiers.
"Take them to their ships," Mockingjay ordered. "Make sure they leave the district, unharmed."
Lyme and her group was led away, leaving us alone. Soon as they disappeared from out sight, Mr. Mellark stepped forward, "Garrett, I will go with them. I'm...useless to you. I'm not a soldier. I need to be with my family. I've been separated from them far too long."
"I understand, Jimmy," Dad responded. "Go. Go with Commander Lyme. As for everyone else, you need to make your own decisions." Mr. Mellark extended his hand toward Dad. For a brief second, they exchanged a silent communication between them as their eyes met. Bright blue clashed with gray. With a nod of his head, Mockingjay grabbed Mr. Mellark's hand. He smiled at the baker, there was a look on his face I haven't seen in awhile. Then Mr. Mellark turned to Mom and hugged her.
"Take care of yourself, James," she said. "I'm grateful that Katniss has Peeta. They're okay. I know they are." Hm...I guess Mom didn't tell Mr. Mellark that that my sister and Peeta were fighting the last time she saw them. I hoped they were okay, that they have reconciled with each other. I mean, Peeta's patience was worthy of a saint. I bet it took a lot of groveling on Katniss's part to ask for his forgiveness. I watched Mr. Mellark walked away and wondered when I would see him again. I wondered if I would see any of my friends again for that matter.
"I stand with you, Mockingjay," Shane stated.
"I as well," Maddy commented as she grabbed her boyfriend's hand.
Annie's firm voice added, "Mags and I would like to come with you, Mockingjay. We...we don't think that we would be welcome in District 13." Mags nodded her head her eyes bright and defiant. Mockingjay silently agreed as he turned to his friend.
"Tell me where you need me," Mr. Abernathy addressed. "Tell me where I can be useful to you."
"This time you need to decide for yourself," Mockingjay returned. "My path was always clear. You need to decide on your own. I do need and appreciated your guidance and support but I can't tell you what to deicde." He didn't wait for an answer as he turned to Mom and myself. "As for you, Mrs. Everdeen and daughter of mine, I won't even bother to ask what you both have decided. No point arguing with you since you both will gang up on me."
Mom snickered. The weight in my chest lifted like as if months of stress and anxiety left me light and hopeful for the first time in weeks. But that moment of relief was brief as Mockingjay addressed the rebel soldier.
"What is the intel on Katniss and Peeta?" Mom gasped while both Shane and Maddy looked anxious and worried. Dad had been getting news about Katniss and Peeta? Why didn't he say anything to Mom and me. He knew we were worried.
"Oh, sir. You're not going to believe what they been up to," he said, his face revealed no emotion. "Why don't I brief you on the way to rebel base in District 7." Again, Mom grabbed my hand as we were led back to Stu's ship who was waiting for us at the landing field.
Strapped to my seat, Mom buckled her belt next to me. Mockingjay was seated next to the rebel leader who rescued us. It was clear that Dad was in Mockingjay mode, "Rally the men and women," he said, his tone firm and authoritative, The next few sentences were inaudible as the engine noises rumbled inside the cabin. However, a few words caught my attention, "Fire...burn...Capitol." I didn't have to guess what he meant.
Shane and Maddy was behind Mockingjay while Mags and Annie occupied seats to my rear. From the cockpit I could see Mr. Abernathy's profile as he conversed with Stu. I looked down through my window, the glass slick and cold against my heated palm. Below me, the ship flew past District 12. It was gutted from Merchant to Seam, the earth charred from fire and burnt blood. Piles of stone, wood and dirt that used to be homes,buildings and stores now replaced the landscape.
When I was reaped all those months ago I never thought I would never see home again. This time I was leaving District 12, abandoning that part of me forever, and heading to a future unknown and a life of uncertainty. I should feel relieved and safe because this time I was with my family, but I'm wasn't. I was anxious, excited, scared and nervous. The drum of the engines beat in cadence with my heart, thumping against my chest. I knew that at the moment as the miles stretched behind me, there was no going back. Mockingjay was resurrected, rising from the rubble of destruction and death.
We were going to war.
AN: Thank you for reading this chapter and I hope you enjoyed the latest update. Please feel free to leave a comment or two. They would be greatly appreciated. I'm pretty excited with the upcoming chapters. We might even get to find out what happened to Rye. Maybe. Lol I wrote last time that it would take a chapter or two before we find out what happened to Peeta and Katniss. So I may switch a chapter around and recheck how the storyline flows to see if it's possible find out earlier than later. My mind is spinning at the idea of restructuring it. lol
My own personal opinion, please don't take any offense if you disagree.
I hope that everyone is staying home and practicing social distancing. Please wear a mask. It's not one hundred percent full proof but if you want to lower the infection rate, it will help. Just because people show no signs of the virus it doesn't mean they are not carriers. Half my family are nurses and in the medical field fighting for their lives, your life and mine.
Thanks again for your support and encouragement, please stay safe and stay home. We need to work together to beat this.