A.N: Thank you for your patience! Sadly my Beta Reader has been having internet issues. I thank her for her hard work and letting me know about the trouble! Internet issues suck when you are on a schedule XD Anyway I hope you all enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 48: The Final Stretch
Johanna sat towards the edge of the table, in one of the two seats closest to the door. The victor snorted at the poor planning of the so-called rebellion. For people whose whole plan revolved around the involvement of victors, they knew nothing about them. For example, every victor in this damn place was constantly eying every possible exit at all times. Every stupid meeting, the victors quietly fought for the seats they most preferred, the ones closest to the exit.
If Coin and her cronies didn't even know that about them, Johanna wouldn't be the one to inform them. As vile as she found politics, information was a rather useful trade commodity. Whether or not President Coin knew the damage it was doing to herself, and towards a successful outcome for the rebellion, Johanna was no fool. She knew this was a personal battle for Coin and that wasn't Johanna's business.
What was her business, was her fellow victors. As much as Johanna allowed herself to give a damn. Hence, when Haymitch and Katniss walked in simultaneously and only one of the safe seats remained, Johanna, lifted a brow as Haymitch quickly grabbed a seat to the left, leaving the remaining seat, the only real viable option for victors comfort, open for his mentee.
The dark look Katniss shot Haymitch made Johanna snort into her hand. Haymitch rolled his eyes, mouthing a rather rude remark but remained seated. "He cares. I think it's meant to be sweet." Johanna muttered in Katniss's ear.
"It's coddling."
"He would never." Johnna replied with fake shock in her whispers that made Katniss hide a quirk of her lips.
"Would you rather be on edge while her Majesty drones on that we are living in her domain, again?" Finnick hissed from his spot on Johanna's other side.
Katniss crossed her arms, looking straight into the empty chair at the head of the table, obviously being kept open for the president. Johanna shared a small victory with both Haymitch and Finnick for a moment before the automatic sound of a door sliding alerted them to a new entry.
"Good evening everyone." President Coin smiled. Johanna scoffed at how perfectly placed it was on the woman's face. The subtle jab into her side brought the District seven victor's eyes to the twelveth.
"Your disgust is showing." Katniss whispered.
Coin made a coughing noise to obtain the victor's attention. Both victors returned their attention to Coin with blank stares. If their lack of enthusiasm bothered the older woman, she didn't let it show.
"You should be proud, Johanna. The members of your district have been proven to be most helpful," Coin supplied with a small smile.
Johanna kept her face in its neutral position, as much as she wanted to snarl that whatever they did would cost them until any help from Coin would arrive.
"They managed to cut off the dam, which means the supply lines are going to be delayed. Other districts have done similarly, almost as if it was choreographed." Coin looked over the victors with suspicion.
Katniss had to bite her cheek to keep from speaking out that this had nothing to do with them. The people of Panem were perfectly capable of figuring things out for themselves. They had strong leaders who stepped up and created a communication chain that the Capital had no way of infiltrating, all because they underestimated their own people.
But Coin didn't need to know all that, now did she?
"It's time." Coin spoke again once it becamt clear no victor would speak, "The time has come to take the capital. Almost every district except for the first two has shown signs of large rebellions. We have the people on our side. The only remaining stronghold that Snow still has is his control over the capital city."
At those words, Katniss felt her body go numb, Coin's voice that was once loud and clear became soft and muffled. Katniss narrowed her eyes to focus on Coin's moving mouth, yet she couldn't understand a single word. It was as if she was underwater. The only thing that Katniss could feel was the nails sinking into her flesh delivered by a knowing Johanna.
Luckily, Coin didn't directly address the girl on fire. The woman went over ideas that her team commanders were running through. That her leaders and theirs would meet later in the day to confirm the plans before Snow could get his supply line back up and running.
"The damage done was remarkable. We have time." Beetee assured the president.
"How much?" She asked.
"With all of their engineers? At most a week. But we have time, the damage done was large, more than anyone thought a district could do. It will take at least a week to get things up and running again."
"Then we have no time to lose. Let's get on it." Coin ordered before turning her back on the group. Her footsteps clicking farther away. As soon as Coin was outside of the room along with all of her generals outside of Boggs, Finnick was on his knees taking Katniss's hands in his own.
He warmed her hands quietly as Johanna looked on with a frown, "Girl on Fire, are you there?"
Finnick kept caressing her hands as Katniss finally spoke, "I'm alive."
"Thank fuck. You just had to have a panic attack in the middle of a war meeting." Johanna rolled her eyes; "You aren't all banged up inside that head of yours, are you?"
Katniss snorted, "I think we all are."
Johanna cracked a grin, "Touché." Finnick stopped his ministrations coming to sit next to his wife. "What triggered you?"
Katniss licked her lips, "It was what she said- it was the same as before."
Boggs coughed as if he felt the need to remind them that he was still there, "Will this interfere with your ability to come on the mission?"
Glancing over at Finnick, Katniss knew what he wished for her to say. His entire body practically begging her to stay where it was safe. His eyes, however, showed the truth. Acceptance that she wouldn't stay still any more than he would.
"I'll be fine, Commander."
XX
Cato huffed out a shaky breath, leaning into his thighs with his elbows as he looked over at Clove, who wasn't doing much better. Ever since he decided to play along with whatever game District 13 was playing, Cato found out a few essential things.
The first was that either he was a classy actor or everyone around him was stupid. Cato hardly had to do anything. It's been only a few days since he decided he needed to change how he played the game. All Cato had to do was hold back his comments to himself.
Clove had caught him a few times about to rip into one of the traitors. He almost felt bad at how he muttered a "sorry" or something about old habits and trying to change. Clove's eyes would soften, her hand reaching over to touch his own.
"I know it's hard Cato, but the capital has abandoned us. They would have allowed us to die. I might not like anyone here outside of Glimmer-"At this Cato snorted, earning a soft shove from Clove.
"Shut up. She isn't as dumb as she acts."
"Does it in and out of the fucking arena." Cato looked over at Clove, who shrugged.
"I'm proud of you Cato," Clove muttered, "some effort is better than nothing. If you promise to behave, perhaps you should spend some time with us in the training room?"
A brief flash of his last stint in the training room echoed in his mind. He could feel the knots in his body ache at the lack of exercise, and Cato found himself agreeing. Those tributes were no Katniss Everdeen, but he could at least get some of his aggression out in a way that wouldn't get him thrown into solitary confinement.
Hiding his distaste for the majority of tributes outside of Clove, Cato joined the 74th tributes during their scheduled training, hence, how Cato was left huffing with a dark grin as Clove lifted herself up.
"Wanna go again?" Clove grinned.
"Hate to intrude." Came a familiar voice just inside of the training facility. Cato quickly ran through a few mental practices to calm his mind. Once he was sure that not even Haymitch Bloody Abernathy would be able to see through him, did Cato stand up.
"Good afternoon." Plutarch greeted the group warmly.
Much to Cato's surprise, the group didn't return the greeting with any sort of enthusiasm. Cato's eyes met Plutarch's, the man made the former tribute feel uneasy. It was far easier to make eye contact with Haymitch. Yet, he saw the cloud of suspicion in Haymitch's eyes. Cato knew that he had to be careful around the victor.
"I would say apologizes for the intrusion, but I'm not actually sorry." Haymitch smirked directly at Cato. He bristled at that. This has-been was trying to get under his skin. Cato refused to rise to the bait. He could not afford to be stuck here when the battle started.
Cato had to begin building trust, perhaps he would even use Katniss's love of the underdog to get her to vouch for his place on her team. Placing him exactly where the power plays would occur. This was his mission. Cato may have lost his chance at victory in the arena, but he would still prove to his district, to Snow that he has what it takes.
It was all he really had left.
"You lot are in an interesting situation. Having been tributes, you've seen more shit than most of these pansies." Haymitch looked over at Plutarch with a cheeky grin. The other man ignored Haymitch's attempt at ribbing. "However, you still lack effective training, unlike these guys. So under much duress...actually Plutarch this idiocy was your idea."
Plutarch stood next to Haymitch, patting the man on his arm almost in a fatherly manner. "The president and I would like to extend an offer to you. The President has come to the conclusion that the people of Panem would benefit from seeing more of you as a part of the resistance. Now remember, this is completely voluntary. However, I'd advise you that if you have loved ones back in your districts or feel that Panem needs to change, this is the way to do it. To help your loved ones, so no other child has to suffer as you did."
Haymitch watched the tributes closely, especially the way Cato's eyes seemed to glow at the mention of joining the resistance. As much as Katniss liked to joke about their twin-like style of pessimism mixed with an undying need to do something anyway, Haymitch knew he was right to be cynical. He was particularly sure that the little brat from District 2 was trying to pull something on them.
"Now, if you have any questions please feel free to stop by my office. Otherwise, you can ask one of our messengers to give me your answer and they will ensure I get your name." Plutarch ended his speech with a calm smile. The two adults slowly walked out of the room, going through a side door to an observation deck.
So much for being different than Snow.
As they watched the tributes, Plutarch looked over at Haymitch, casually throwing in a comment. "You don't look pleased, Abernathy."
"Cato."
Plutarch hummed, not looking at the victor but below where the tributes were still talking as they continued their exercises. "The male from District 2?"
"Don't you find it surprising how quickly he turned around?" Haymitch asked skeptically.
"I'm always skeptical, Haymitch. That's how a spy survives you know." Plutarch said rather joyfully.
"He can't be allowed to join. Cato would put whatever unit he's with at risk. That brat has been loyal to the capital from day one, it's all he knows. He thinks of Katniss as a rival-" Haymitch stopped when he saw Plutarch chuckling beside him.
"I know this, Haymitch. Young Cato obviously has another motive. Most likely he wants out. We simply need to wait for him to hang himself, so to speak or prove that he's changed." Plutarch said optimistically.
"And if he's a lying piece of shit?"
"Then we'll take care of it. He will most likely be placed in solitary confinement and questioned." Plutarch calmed explained the consequences to Haymitch.
"It doesn't bother you at all, does it?" Haymitch scoffed as disgust clouded any feelings of relief that these cowards hiding in the ruins of their old district weren't fooled.
"Apologies. You'll have to be a bit more specific than that." Plutarch responded, nonplussed at Haymitch's frequent change of tone.
"You really don't care which way that boy goes."
"We are at war, Haymitch. Snow was the one who made child soldiers. We are simply not afraid of using them against him if they are willing to do so. Soldiers get captured in war all the time, Cato simply needs to make a choice of which side he would rather be on. I can't care if we want to succeed and we don't have the luxury of failure."
XX
When Haymitch had tracked her down, alerting Katniss to the finalized deadline, the victor didn't know how to react. Wasn't this exactly what she and the others had been working for? A chance to end Snow. She and Peeta were no longer the only tributes that remained from the 74th arena. It was only when Haymitch clapped her on the shoulder that Katniss even noticed he was still there.
"You alright, Kid? I can't have your mind wandering around like this now." His gruff voice held a teasing tone. Katniss silently tapped his hand, acknowledging his words.
"You never get used to it. Even when you know the ends near," Katniss shook her head, "I can't help but wonder if I did enough?"
"Kid. It's never going to be enough. There is always more to do." Haymitch grunted as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her into his side as he messed with her hair. Her grey eyes brightened up a bit in amusement.
"So you're telling me to stop moping and get on with it?"
"Unless you prefer to go stark mad." Haymitch added helpfully, earning a sharp jab from her elbow. He winced, "How the hell did you move? My grip was tight!"
"You're getting old." Katniss teased as the two companions reached the bunker area in which Katniss and her troop had been gifted during their stay.
"Who's getting old?"
The two victors turned around to see an amused looking Madge, who was being held by the elbow by a curious looking Annie. From personal experience, Katniss knew just how strong a grip Annie had. Offering Madge a knowing smile, the mayor's daughter shrugged as she gently nudged the redhead closer to the duo.
"Who's getting old?" Annie asked again as she beamed at the two victors. Haymitch looked over at Katniss, silently begging her not to answer.
"Can't you guess?" Katniss redirected the question diplomatically. Annie's eyes widened, and she smiled, "It's okay, Haymitch. Old age suits you."
The young women could see Haymitch's eye twitch as Katniss pulled out of his light hold and strung her own arm through Madge's other before saying, "Where were you two heading anyway?"
Smart enough to know when he had been dismissed, the middle-aged, not old, victor shook his head, offering Katniss one last look before walking off on his own. No doubt it was something to do with whatever Coin and Plutarch had wanted him for. Deciding to ignore the secrecy for the time being, Katniss allowed herself to be pulled into Madge's room by the other two women.
"We haven't seen you in ages," Annie explained. "First, you and Finnick had a couple days to yourself, now suddenly it seems the entire district is in high gear after the attack."
Katniss felt the muscles in her jaw tighten as she looked over at the two. Madge, a girl who would have been dead this time around if not for Gale, the changes to their own friendship. The fact Katniss knew that the attack was coming withstanding.
Would it be better to lie? Katniss shook her head instead went with the truth, "We're preparing to invade the capital."
Madge was the first to speak; as Annie's eyes went wide, her hands starting to shake. "When do you leave?"
Before Katniss could even attempt to deny what she would do, Madge shot her a look. "You are going. One, you'd never let them go without you. Two, Snow wants you, therefore, you're the perfect bait."
Katniss snorted, "You mean the perfect bait to get mutts sent after me."
Annie mumbled, "Do you have to go?"
"You know the answer to that," Katniss said softly, "I got out alive before."
"This isn't the arena," Annie whispered, suddenly leaning forward to grasp Katniss's hands; "Finnick can't lose you. It…. It would kill him. He won't be the same."
The brunette didn't lean back in shock. Instead, she held Annie's hand softly, "We will be together."
Annie's eyes watered, "I thought so."
"You won't lose us, Annie. Mags will be with you," Katniss promised, knowing that the elderly woman would stay by Annie's side. Madge wrapped her arms around Annie and promised that she would be there for her as well.
"See? You aren't alone, not anymore." Katniss promised. This she could promise without fearing that Annie would lose all she had contact with. By the time the war is over, Annie will not have only a handful of people she vaguely knew but clung to. Nor will she have a child growing in her belly with a father that was no longer there.
This time Annie actually had people who she's spent the last couple of years getting to know. Her friendships were much more robust and in this Katniss could relax. Knowing that Annie wouldn't be left mentally unable to deal with the world, barely able to care for a child when the child was her whole world.
"But I do have a favor to ask, Annie. Do you think you could handle it?" Katniss pried.
Annie perked up, "What is it?" The eagerness in her voice. To grab onto anything other than the thought of those she cared for going to a dangerous place.
"I'm going to need you to look after a few people for me. Can you do that?"
Annie nodded, "Madge?" Katniss asked, already knowing the answer.
The blonde rolled her eyes, "As if you had to ask. I might actually have to take offense."
"Look after my family for me? Make sure my mom and Prim stay busy. Annie, you might have to take extra good care of Peeta." The victor winked at the redhead who managed to blush.
"He's been teaching me how to bake." Annie muttered uncharacteristically shy.
Madge laughed, "Who knew baking could be so romantic."
Annie shook her head, "No, it's not like that!" Despite her protests, the redhead was unable to convince either one of them otherwise.
Wrapping an arm around Annie, Katniss said, "I think the two of you are cute together. Don't tell Finnick I said that. He still thinks you shouldn't be dating anyone."
Annie laughed, "He's been saying that to me for years. He's protective."
"That's a good thing," Madge laughed.
XX
President Coin sat in her office, under the standard lights and furniture all made of metal but instead of feeling uncomfortable or ill she felt at ease. Alma felt at peace, the lack of comfort reminded her that to be complacent was dangerous. Her team had confidently said that they had until the end of the week before Panem was back up and running.
They even managed to get supplies to the rebels to cause further mischief that would prolong the supply jam. It would buy them more time, as Plutarch and Boggs rushed tributes through a basic training camp to be absorbed into the core of the military. The victors were being assigned training scenarios to be allowed to go onto the mission.
Pressing a button so that her hologram tv presented itself, Coin watched as the security cameras provided proof of the victor's skills. Coin held back her distaste as Katniss Everdeen passed the last of their tests along with her husband.
"Ah! Looks like both Katniss and Finnick will be joining Commander Boggs in the capital." Plutarch hummed.
"What news do you have for me, Plutarch?" Coin asked, waving away the hologram momentarily.
"Everything is ready, Ma'am."
"The District 2 boy?" Alma asked, "You and Haymitch both expressed concerns about allowing him to attend the mission."
"We remain certain that he's loyal to the capital Ma'am. Yet we have no proof without interrogating him."
Coin allowed a frown to grace her face with only Plutarch to witness it. "Where is he going to be stationed?"
"Due to his loyalty being questioned, we thought it be prudent to either have him as part of the emergency troop or have him guard the medics."
Coin's frown deepened, the boy, while volatile, was a good fighter. As a member of one of the so-called career districts, the boy had been given training practically since birth. "Do any of the others vouch for him?"
"His district partner, Clove." Plutarch answered almost hesitantly, as if he could read the president's mind. To give Plutarch credit, the man was as close to a mind reader as a human could be. That was what made him such an excellent undercover.
"Pair him with her. Let's make it as difficult as possible for him to offer up anything of value. I would place them in the Medic unit, have them protect the medics once the battle is done," Coin ordered.
"As you wish, Ma'am" Plutarch bowed towards her before taking his leave. Coin opened the drawer to her right, activated the hidden second layer to pull out a photograph. It showed a younger Alma Coin with her husband and daughter.
Her fingers pulled in tightly to form a fist at the thought of the absolutely avoidable pandemic that took her family. Avoidable if President Snow had not forced them into hiding, living in tight conditions. Her people were proud of the way they found ways to survive the civil war. But securing their victory came at a cost.
Rare bouts of fresh air, dependence on medicines because of their lack of ability to develop antibodies independently. They were raised in sterile environments, with no bugs to offer their genes to learn how to fight off colds. So they depended on vaccines, even the secret trade agreements with Panem. Agreements fought for so that the war could finally end.
Panem could no longer be allowed to run the way it was. They could no longer be the playground bullies that lead outside groups to death, all in an effort to keep its so-called great power alive. Coin pressed a kiss to the photo before putting it back in its place.
She had a war to win.
XX
It was time.
Katniss was once again in front of Cinna and Effie, stepping every which way and that under their instruction. She wore what were essentially black cargo pants, more buttons than any of Cinna's creations before. The pants just slightly baggy against her legs, while her matching top was long-sleeved and kept her body temperature regulated.
"You look ready for war." Cinna said softly, wrapping a comforting arm around Effie as the woman failed at hiding the sounds of her sniffles.
"Oh, Katniss. How I wish you didn't have to do this." Effie wailed from her spot next to Cinna. Katniss was grateful that the woman didn't try to hug her. It would take precious time to comfort her, and Katniss simply didn't have that much to spare.
"I love you too, Effie." She said instead, earning a teary eyed smile, as Katniss stepped down and offered both one last hug.
"We'll be leaving shortly. Whatever you do, stay down here. Don't allow any tributes to pass if you can stop from going up into the capital, if they aren't already in a group." Katniss ordered softly in Cinna's ear. Waiting until the man nodded as she pulled away.
She ran into Gale on her way back towards the medical unit. In his hands were blueprints, he was so engrossed in the plans Gale didn't see her coming. Katniss had barely any room to avoid hitting him. As she turned in an effort to avoid stumbling into him, their shoulders met, causing Gale to trip. His blueprints spread all over the floor and Katniss bent down to pick them up. Her friend was on his knees, cursing as he quickly tried picking up all the prints.
"Gale, let me help you," Katniss said, alerting Gale to just who had bumped into him. The man shot her a tight smile, "Thanks."
Going on her knees to help, Katniss noticed the writing on the blueprints. Frowning, she took a look at the paper. "Gale…"
Gale looked up as he finished gathering his papers; his face paled when he noticed which piece she held in her hands, "Katniss…"
"What are they having you work on?" She questioned, holding up the paper, refusing to give it back to him when he reached over for it.
"It's just a weapon I had an idea for, that's all. They haven't even approved it…" Gale stopped talking as the strain on Katniss's face became more apparent.
"It's a bomb," Katniss hissed, "You gave them a design for a fucking bomb!"
"They won't use it." Gale grunted defensively, finally reaching over and grabbing it.
"You're going to show it to Coin today, aren't you!" Katniss accused.
"Beetee wouldn't listen! This could help us win the war. Do you really think that the capital will come easy? Kat, I know you. You know that those people only care about the next fad." Gale defended himself.
"What about all the people who will get caught up in the bomb once it's unleashed. They might promise you that they won't use it unless it's an emergency but are you really that close-minded?! You're willing to ignore that Coin doesn't care who dies as long as she gets what she wants?!"
"No one on our side will get hurt, Kat. Besides, Coin probably won't even approve it." Gale dismissed his invention.
"Gale, I'm sorry, I don't want to fight with you. If you turn this weapon into Coin, she is going to use it as she sees fit. It won't matter who she has to step on. Do you really want to have that on your conscience?" Katniss asks, patting him on his arm, offering a small smile before stepping away from her friend.
If Gale was going to send that bomb to Coin, then Katniss had to make sure that Prim would not leave this damn bunker. With that thought in mind, Katniss immediately sought out her sister.