Chapter 17: Survival Of The Fittest
I needed to watch my youngest nephew the Saturday before last, and last Saturday I went to a
Creativity Meeting. Thanks for your patience, understanding, feedback, constructive criticism, and
support! It was up to me to break the curses of this generation. I tried to blow up like Vegeta! "I would
rather stand with God and be judged by the world, than to stand with the world and be judged by
God." (Grace v.)
Haymitch paced around in the dining room, frustrated. He hadn't seen their names among the dead
tributes, so some part of him assumed they were still alive. Effie was still sobbing in her room. Haymitch
had no time for that. Cinna walked in and closed the door gently behind him.
"Still no sign of the wind and the flames?" Cinna asked, following Haymitch's gaze to the screen.
"Someone's itching for a revolution," Haymitch muttered. "No sign of them yet."
"That's right, Haymitch. Keep hope alive." Effie came out of her room, wiping her eyes.
"We don't have much left." Haymitch growled.
"Looks like the girl on fire has enough for all of us!" Cinna exclaimed, pointing to the screen.
Haymitch and Effie blinked. Katniss was praying on her knees one second, and helping Gale to his feet
the next. Haymitch's brow furrowed. He looked at Effie. Cinna noticed the look they exchanged.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"President Snow knows." Effie managed to get out.
"He smells a revolution brewing." Haymitch added.
"It was bound to happen sooner or later. Snow can't run from reality anymore. The next generation will
be the ones to decide the fate of the Capitol." Cinna said, with a wide smile on his face.
"What about at all the people who will get caught in the crossfire?" Haymitch demanded.
"In the name of absolute hope? That would be something worth dying for." Cinna answered, with a
shrug.
"I'm not so sure Katniss and Gale's families would feel the same way." Effie said, nervously.
"They'll be fine." Cinna promised.
"How do you know?" Haymitch demanded.
"If Snow were to destroy District Twelve, he'd be admitting that he'd been checkmated by a girl praying.
His own staff would question his authority then. No, he'll save face. If he wants Katniss dead, he'll have
to play by his own rules." Cinna said, laughing.
"What's so funny?" Haymitch demanded.
"Don't you two get it? He won't stop the games now, not after such a dramatic opening. Think about it.
So many are tuned in to his grand display of madness. He got the attention of the Districts on him,
unexpectedly they'll be watching the girl on fire and the boy in the wind. He's in the games too. Nobody
has realized this until now. They usually fight each other, but clearly hope is able to stand up and face
down fear." Cinna said, grinning.