Chapter 23: Higher Ground

Thanks for reading, thanks for the feedback, thanks for the constructive criticism, thanks for the support,

and thanks for your patience! I didn't post last week, because I just started working at Walmart, and I work

Saturdays now. Thank You Jesus! My new post date will be every Friday, unless something else comes up. I

can't call it love, if it just stays in my head. Like oh my Jesus, ain't no other gods up in this song! I got all my

money on You! "You gotta do your fighting in prayer." (Mrs. Clara v.)

"She's a martyr, Effie dear," Snow said, pacing around his desk. "He's her bodyguard. Did you plan this? Are you

conspiring against me and the peace that has been established?"

Effie shook her head slowly, fighting back a smile.

"This is out of my hands, President Snow. I'm just doing my job." Effie said, staring at the screen.

"Oh you are, are you? What about you, victor? What's your part in this?" President Snow turned to

Haymitch.

"My part in this sir, is to help them survive, though with their personalities, it's like trying to make

a lion and a lamb roommates." Haymitch answered, shaking his head.

"May the odds ever be in your favor, victor," President Snow turned to Cinna. "What do these symbols

mean?"

Cinna froze.

"They express the personalities of Gale and Katniss."

"Gale and Katniss? Don't you mean Katniss and Gale? I could use Gale as a peacemaker and be done with

the girl, but you're more taken with her than him. What game are you playing Cinna?" President Snow

turned his back to them.

"I'm a fashion designer in the richest district, President Snow. What would I have to gain by starting a

revolution?" Effie and Haymitch were surprised by Cinna's boldness.

"So, you admit it then?"

Cinna shook his head and laughed. President Snow glared at him, his eyes narrowing.

"They made it to higher ground."

Snow quickly looked at the screen, as if he was controlled by the outcome.

"So they did. Your puppets are performing well Cinna."

"Are they mine or yours, President Snow? It's hard to tell the difference."

"Tread carefully, fashion designer." President Snow motioned for Effie, Haymitch, and Cinna to leave

his presence.

Once they were back in their living quarters, Haymitch and Effie gave Cinna confused looks.

"What are you, some revolutionary?" Haymitch demanded.

"No, I'm a believer." Cinna answered.