Breaking Point Sextet V

Love: The 75th Hunger Games

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Victor's Dinner & Operation: Rescue

A/N: This chapter focuses on our Victors from previous Games, and of course, a bit of an update on our favorite Rebels!

Rebellion Chief Scientist Diana Axel –20- -D3 Victor- POV

Well, this is my second Victor's Dinner so far, although, in this case, the cast of faces have not changed since last year, and I'm finally going to get to find out why – I may have been a bit busy trying to make sure Elara and Yuna survive for Kylie to pick them up to socialize.

"Hey, Iron," I smile at the mentor from Two. "How are you?"

He smiles back, offering me his hand. I shake it. "Oh, I'm fine. You? It's been a while."

I chuckle. "Well, by design, of course. And I'm fine, just, no offense, wondering why you're still here."

He laughs. "Ah. Clove didn't want my job, so I agreed to do it for another five years. Figure it's fine, I 'specially want the kids to be trained good this year."

I nod. "Ah, fair enough. At least you have another Victor, that must be exciting."

He nods. "Oh, certainly, my retirement is actually in sight now!"

I laugh, right as Athena proclaims, "Okay everyone, c'mon, let's eat."

As we take our seats, Margaret turns to me. "She's become quite the leader."

I nod. "Yeah, seems like it." Almost said 'she has', but that would be a mistake. A possibly fatal one.

We continue our usual tradition of eating a good dinner and catching up on each other's lives, everyone telling Kayne and me they look forward to our somewhat upcoming weddings, especially mine, which will likely happen before we see each other again. Ah, of course, most of them don't know that I hope that by this time next year, this dinner will be a thing of the past.

Kylie Mino –18- -D10 Rebel Forces Co-Commander, Pilot- POV

"I thought you were going to remote pilot it, Layna," I say, talking into my tablet as I stand out in the remote forest that I'm definitely not supposed to be in, at a time I'm definitely not supposed to be out. I brought my gun though, so if anyone has a problem with me, they can take that problem up with some lead.

"Well, I didn't really want to crash it," Layna says, "and the two who have been training as pilots are pretty good, not you and Angel good, but they can get it here. Besides, I thought you might like some extra security."

"I suppose," I say. "So, when is it -" I hear the familiar whir of hovercraft blades. "Nevermind."

A hovercraft flies overhead, no running lights on, setting down into the forest clearing barely big enough for it, and shutting down its engines. The back ramp opens, and three young women step out – one who I recognize as Angel, which makes sense, considering they got her first, and two others who must be the pilot trainees from Seven.

"Hello, Ma'am," one of them says, as all three salute me. I return the salute, and this woman, clearly the chief pilot, continues her report. "Hovercraft's in good shape, ready for use on the mission, and use as a simulator. It can't leave the ground until we're ready though, only has enough fuel to complete the mission profile, and return back to Airbase One."

"And," Layna's digital voice chimes in, "you would run the risk of getting picked up by sensors."

"Thank you, Layna, …" I look at the young woman.

"Lewis, Ma'am," she says. "Lieutenant Lewis."

"Thank you, Lieutenant Lewis," I say. "Did you two bring weapons for yourselves?" I know Angel said she'd bring her sidearm, and I have mine and my rifle.

"Yes, Ma'am," Lewis affirms. "We're ready for ground engagement if need be."

"Outstanding," I mutter. I hope that won't be needed. "Thanks for the lift, I guess you three will be sleeping in there for now?"

"Yes, Ma'am," Lewis again affirms. "Not as cozy as home, or Airbase One, but we'll manage."

"Just incentive for us to get this bird of the ground faster, Ma'am," Angel says.

"Right you are, O'Heap," I say. "Right you are. Okay then, tomorrow, six am, we start training with this as our simulator. Sound good, O'Heap?"

"Yes, Ma'am," she says.

"Good," I say. "Well, you all should go get some sleep, I will as well. See you all in the morning… Dismissed."

The women salute me, and head back towards the hovercraft, as I turn back towards home – don't want anyone to come knocking and me to be missing, after all… not as somebody as important as a Victor's fiancee. Heh, soon the Capitol will know me as a bit more than that… also, when did the Rebellion get so formal? It's… probably good, but I guess I hadn't really noticed until now. It had been happening slowly, but thinking about that interaction versus some of the first, which were basically just hushed discussions between a few people all on a first-name business… we've really built something here. Now let's hope we can tear down the Capitol with it.

A/N: Just a short update, but our next stop is… the Bloodbath! Place your bets, and May the Odds Be Ever in Your Favor, as we head into the 75th Annual Hunger Games!