DISCLAIMER: HG characters do not belong to me.
A/N: So I saw a comment about Katniss not considering her Mother on the list of the people she knew she loved completely. While their relationship is better, Katniss has not totally forgotten about their past. Plus I feel the four people she did know she loved unconditionally are more in line with canon Katniss. She does love her Mother, but there will always be some mother/daughter issues there. I know it may seem like Katniss worries too much about Peeta, but I felt that was what she did from Catching Fire and on-worry about him constantly. I tried to find a way to incorporate that in the story yet still keep her committed to Gale. As always thanks for the reviews!
Chapter 91-Gaining Ground
May 10
Katniss looks out the window while on a train heading for the Capitol. It was Saturday and she was meeting Haymitch for dinner. He had asked to see her to take her out for her birthday. She said she would come on Saturday and leave later on that night to head to Hazelle's house to stay until Sunday. Gale would be there with Harper to celebrate Katniss's birthday with Hazelle, Posy, and Layla. She looks at her watch and sees it is almost 4 pm.
When she gets off the train, she sees Haymitch waiting for her. He appeared his usual self, but looked tired and almost nervous and Katniss notices immediately when he puts his flask back into his jacket pocket. She sees he is holding flowers in his other hand.
"Haymitch" Katniss says putting her arms out for a hug.
"Hey sweetheart. Happy Birthday" handing her the flowers after their embrace ends.
She sees the flowers are an arrangement of many different types of flowers. She sees roses, carnations, sunflowers, lilies, and primroses. They were beautiful.
"Thank you" she says appreciatively.
"Well, where do you want to go eat? You choose." He says trying to sound upbeat.
She chooses the café Gale took her to lunch at back when she was in District 2 for her exam prep class. She hadn't been back since and despite the fact that they had argued when she was last there, she did like the food there.
After making small talk while waiting for their food, Haymitch gets down to business regarding the Jay Killers. He informs Katniss that the hidden camera Beetee had created was finally inside Jasper's compound in District 10. However, after three days the camera quit working and footage was no longer coming into the Capitol.
"Do they think the Jay Killers figured out what it was and destroyed it?" Katniss asks, suddenly feeling uneasy.
"It's not destroyed. It is just stuck in the vent it is hiding in. The camera was designed to remain hidden and it cannot be picked up by other devices, it was moving inside the air vents in the compound but it is no longer moving. Someone would have to physically go in and move the camera and see it will start moving again."
"What about the Capitol's informant? The guy who had been sent to get information?
"He's still in District 1. They use him for recruitment. He has asked, but they won't send him to the compound because he's already trained in combat. The President is thinking about pulling him out and bringing him back to the Capitol."
"So now what?"
"Beetee begins working on another camera while still trying to see if the one inside will start working again."
"Sounds like a waste of time. Paylor should just go in and attack."
"Easier said than done sweetheart. You of all people should know that."
"They don't have the technology the Capitol does."
"Neither did we."
"We had weapons."
"So do they."
Getting frustrated that Haymich was not in agreement with her, she asks, "What were they able to see? When the camera was working?"
"Training rooms, a control room, rooms the men are staying in. We still don't know what Jasper looks like."
"What?" Katniss says incredulously.
"Well, we are pretty sure that is not his real name. And it appears some people have higher ranks and authority than others. We are assuming the ones that do are people part of Geffen's original group. The ones who escaped."
"Jasper might not even be there."
"He might not, but, the Capitol is pretty sure he is."
Katniss decides not to tell Haymitch she doesn't have much faith in the Capitol and their military unit, especially since Gale is no longer a part it.
"How did the camera even get into the compound in the first place?" The question suddenly popping into her mind.
"One of Enobaria's people got it in."
"And we can trust her?"
"She's getting paid, a lot."
Katniss nods in understanding, she knows a former victor would not turn down easy money. Especially since money was no longer flowing in like it once did. She doesn't see Enobaria trying to get a real job. That would actually take work.
"How's Peeta?" she asks wanting to change the subject after their food arrives.
She sees Haymitch shift uncomfortably in his seat. Picking at his food before saying, "He's…..still hurting."
She figured as much but knows something more is bothering him. "What is it?" she asks.
"It's nothing that concerns you. Oh-I forgot to congratulate you on the good news." Haymitch says, a hint of resentment in his voice.
"Peeta told you then." Katniss says blankly.
"Of course he did. You think I wasn't going to find out about your little secret?"
"It wasn't a secret" Katniss says getting defensive.
"Don't lie!" Haymitch snaps back. Katniss looks at him in shock, for his words reminded her of something Snow would have said.
Seeing the look on her face, he looks at her gently and says, "I'm-hurt that I wasn't invited" and he takes his flask out and takes a long sip.
"I'm sorry Haymitch. I really am. If I could have invited anyone besides our families, it would have been you. But we were all celebrating the holidays together and we figured it be easier. It all happened so fast."
"I get it. Besides, no way your new husband would have wanted me there anyway."
"That's not true. He knows how much you mean to me."
"So how is married life?"
"It's-great actually."
"Where's your ring?"
She pulls her necklace up from under her shirt and shows him the rings dangling from it.
"Something that sparkly should be on your finger, not hidden under your clothes."
"Well, I am going to start wearing it soon. But-Gale still hasn't told his ex-fiancé we got married."
"When does he plan to do that?"
"Today actually. He's at his Mother's townhouse. I am meeting him over there later tonight."
"Well then maybe she already knows. Put those rings on."
"You were the one who said I needed to keep my private life out of Panem daily."
"I did. But you told Peeta before anyone found out, let Ceasar lose his mind over seeing that you got married."
"Haymtich—I don't feel comfortable" but before she can finish Haymitch interrupts her and says, "He's your husband Katniss, no need to hide that. I have to say, I was shocked when Peeta told me you two got married. I almost didn't believe him. You are definitely more committed to Hawthorne than I gave you credit for. I thought it was just a fling, I really did. A way to get your mind off of Peeta."
"You thought I would go back to Peeta?"
"No. I honestly saw you ending up like me-unmarried but not totally miserable."
She laughs softly and says, "Happy to disappoint you."
"I'm not disappointed."
She smiles and tucks her rings back under her shirt. She's not ready to reveal to all of Panem that she is married. She doesn't want Gale to become a target of the Jay Killers. Haymitch might be optimistic that the Capitol knew more about what was going on with the Jay Killers, but she didn't.
"Still not ready huh" he says.
"No."
"I get it. So I guess I have to get you a wedding present."
"Your company is all I need, and your support."
"I'll always support you Katniss. You and Peeta" and his face becomes sad again. Not wanting to pry she changes the subject and they continue to chat and order dessert after finishing their meals.
An hour later, totally full and finishing her cup of coffee, she sees it is almost 7 pm.
"Darn. I have to get going, I told Gale I'd be at his Mom's house by 8; I'm going to be late."
"I'll walk you to the train station" and Haymitch leaves money on the table as they walk out.
While walking past the President's mansion in route to the train station, they hear loud commotion in the large area in front. Katniss sees that it is a protest. People are waving signs that read, "Time for new leadership" and "10 years is long enough" with Paylor's face on the signs. Katniss knows this is the work of the Jay Killers.
She starts heading towards the crowd, trying to get a better look.
"Katniss no" Haymitch hisses, not wanting others to take notice that she is there and runs after her.
He grabs her by the arm, slowly pulling her back. Katniss sees a man head up the stairs of the mansion and stop at the top and turn around. Paylor's guards standing in a line right in front of the main entrance, not letting the man get any closer than he already was.
"Look! A man just went up there. Maybe that's Jasper" Katniss whispers in his ear. Haymitch pulls her over behind a statue of Panem's current emblem as they continue to stare at the crowd.
Suddenly the man shouts into a microphone, "Ladies and Gentlemen, we thank you for coming out today and showing your support. I know some of you have been here for quite a few hours now. We are here to send a message to the Capitol. While Panem may no longer be in the clutches of Snow and his cronies, President Paylor is not doing enough to support you, the good, hard working citizens of Panem. No longer is the Capitol supporting our former victors, the ones who risked their lives and killed innocent people in the Hunger Games to survive. Forcing them to get jobs, some of them too damaged and emotionally scarred to do that. Some of you are working hard to rebuild your districts, districts destroyed by their rebellion. A rebellion some of you wanted no part of. And for the ones here who did, you risked your lives and watched your homes destroyed for a chance of a better life, and yet, you were left to rebuild on your own. The Capitol yet again not supporting you. I say that is the ultimate betrayal. She puts her friends in charge and while they supplied materials for you to rebuild, they left you to do it alone and on your own while they say they are too busy rebuilding our nation to help you. She sends her district officials to take care of issues and problems, but they are only there to put out the fire. They do not care that fires are starting and that they will keep starting due to her lack of proper leadership. I say to you, good citizens of Panem, do you want another ten years of this type of governing?"
The crowd goes wild and begins chanting "No" over and over.
"Come on, let's go, I think we've seen enough of this" Haymitch says grabbing Katniss's arm.
"We need to talk to Paylor, see if they got a picture of that guy. I'm telling you I think that might be him" Katniss says as she is being dragged, turning around to get one last look at him.
"I'll be back next week, I will talk to her about it then, I'm sure they got a picture of him."
"But Haymitch-"
"I'll handle it Katniss. You trust me right?"
"With my life."
"Ok then. I'll let you know what I find out. Try to forget about this. Have fun with your new husband and his family."
She nods and walks in silence with Haymitch to the train station. Trying to memorize the man's face in her mind.
Before boarding her train, she turns to Haymitch and says, "Thanks for meeting me. And thanks for the flowers, they're beautiful."
"Stay strong Katniss. We'll handle this, try not to worry."
She gives him one final hug before heading on to the train. Once she takes her seat she looks out the window and waves to Haymitch as the train slowly pulls out.
About twenty minutes into the ride heading towards District 2, the train moving full speed ahead, Katniss looks out the window, lost in thought. She reaches into her bag and pulls out her locket, opening it and looking at the picture of Gale, Prim, and her Mother. She keeps the locket in her purse if she is not wearing it. She smiles as she holds the locket in her hand, happy that she will get to see Gale soon. She had been away from him for only eight hours but it felt like an eternity. She closes the locket and puts it back in her purse. She's about to get up to use the restroom when suddenly, she hears a loud bang and feels her head hit the window before blacking out.
Gale paces back and forth while waiting for the doctor to come out. He's in the Capitol, in one of the best hospitals in all of Panem. He had gotten a call while at his Mother's house from the President's assistant that an accident occurred with a train heading into 2 derailing and that Katniss was on the train. She had been taken to the hospital along with the other survivors of the crash.
A small hovercraft comes to take him to the hospital. Hazelle and Posy tell him they will take the train and will meet him at the hospital. He doesn't respond when his Mother tells him to stay calm while he walks out to the hovercraft while waiting with them at his office. His only thought being that he needs to get to Katniss; that he needs to get to his wife as soon as he can.
He'd been waiting for forty five minutes when the doctor finally comes out. Informing him that due to the number of people admitted and because it is Saturday evening, they had a shortage of staff and he didn't get a chance to come out till now.
"She will be fine. She has a concussion and severe bruising and cuts, but no permanent damage. She's lucky Mr. Hawthorne."
"Can I see her?" Gale asks, desperation in his voice.
"In a little bit, she's still unconscious. We are keeping her sedated for now. A nurse will come and let you know when you can go in."
Gale shakes the doctor's hand and takes a seat, finally calm enough to no longer be pacing. He bends down and places his hands on the side of head, trying to ease the tension in his head when suddenly he hears, "Gale."
He looks up and sees Haymitch approaching him. Not used to being called by his first name from him he didn't recognize his voice when he called out to him. He gets up and stands face to face with him.
"How's Katniss?" he asks, fear evident in his voice.
"She'll be okay. She has a concussion and got banged around in the crash but she will be alright."
He sees Haymitch breath in a huge sigh of relief. "I was in my hotel room when I got the call from the President's assistant. How long have you been here?"
"Almost an hour."
"You must have been the first person they called then."
"Of course, I'm her husband!" Gale says angrily, not caring if Haymitch knew or not.
Haymitch puts his hand up and says, "Easy, I know you are, I didn't mean anything by it, do you know if they called her Mother?"
"I don't. But I asked my Mom to call her, I'm sure she'll be here as soon as she can."
"I can talk to the President about seeing if a hovercraft can be sent to her if she didn't board a train yet."
"Thanks" Gale says appreciatively.
"No problem. Look Gale, before Katniss got on that train, we saw a protest outside of the President's mansion. A lot of people were there. Most likely planned by the Jay Killers. I can't help but wonder…the train derailing….."
"I don't think it was the Jay Killers" Gale says calmly.
"What makes you say that?"
"Because I was sent to District 6 last month to deal with the problems some of the trains have been having. A lot of mechanical issues going on. The district was supposed to get all the trains fixed immediately. Obviously I wasn't clear enough with them what they were mandated to do."
"Are you saying District 6 didn't fix them?"
"I'm saying they didn't make it a priority to put people's safety first. I had many discussions with their workers about the fact that they needed to keep as many trains running as possible so that the District could still bring in revenue. They've lost a lot of workers over the years after the rebellion. People no longer wanting to work on trains if they didn't have to. I told them that while it was unfortunate that they would lose money; that they had to pull the trains they knew were at risk immediately from the fleet and fix them. Even if it did make traveling around Panem slower."
"So they still kept trains running that should have been taken off the fleet to be fixed."
"That's what I think."
"Well, I'm still going to talk to the President about this. You know we can't put it past the Jay Killers that they saw Katniss and me at that protest and somehow caused that train to derail."
"No we can't."
"How come the government official from 6 isn't handling this?"
"He was. But the President sent me to take over because she felt he was more…invested in the revenue of his District than making this a top priority."
"Well, let me know what you find out."
"Of course."
"Will you get to see Katniss soon?"
"As soon as the nurse says I can go in. I'm not leaving here until she is released."
"If she wakes up tell her I stopped by."
"I will."
"Gale….before I go. There's something you need to know. Something-I'm not sure the President plans to tell you about. I don't think given all that has going on that you speak with Katniss about this but-"
"I don't keep anything from Katniss you know that" he says interrupting Haymitch.
"It concerns Peeta."
He is silent for a brief moment before saying, "I'm listening."
"He got Katniss's letter, informing him about the two of you getting married. She said in her letter that she hopes he can find happiness and move on. Well-I have tried to talk him out of this but….he wants the Capitol to give him the pill that erases a person's memory of someone."
Gale turns white and says, "He wants to forget about Katniss?"
"He thinks it is the only way for him to move on."
"Did he ask the President for it?"
"Yes last week. She told him she would inform him in a few weeks of her decision."
"Do you think she will give it to him?"
"I don't know. I wanted to know what you know-what does the Capitol plan to do with those pills?"
"Well, when I first became a government official I was told about it. I even saw the lab it was manufactured in. After the President's scientists learned from Snow's former people how the pill worked and was made, it was decided Panem's new government would never manufacture it. The President still wanted information kept about it, along with the pills that remained in the Capitol. As far as I know, the pills were just to remain there."
"Wouldn't it expire? The pills I mean?"
"That's the thing, the pills never expire. It is made from herbs near the wild territory, none of its ingredients are man-made; it is all natural."
"So Peeta can be given it" Haymitch says deep in thought.
"In theory yes, but I don't see the President giving it to him. I don't see her just blindly handing it over to him just because he asked for it."
"I don't either but you never know. He's been through a lot. Maybe she thinks it could help him be….fully recovered."
Gale doesn't respond and thinks about what Haymitch just said. That if Peeta forgets about Katniss, he would forget how he was tortured and conditioned to kill her. He begins to think maybe it would not be such a bad idea if he takes it. He then quickly chastises himself for thinking that taking the pill would be a good idea. Peeta and Katniss had gone through too much together for him to make such a drastic decision.
"So you don't want me telling Katniss about this?"
"I think she doesn't need to know until the President makes her final decision. Do you?"
While he hated the thought of keeping anything from her, he knows it is probably best not to speak with her about it until a final decision is made. She doesn't know about the pill, doesn't even know it existed. What if she asks for it to forget about Prim? While he doesn't think she would ever do that he knows it could be a possibility once she finds out about the pill and what it can do. He also knows once she finds out Peeta has asked for it she will go running to him to talk him out of it. And that right now it is unsafe for her to be traveling that far due to the uncertainty of what caused the train accident and the constant threat of the Jay Killers.
"Alright, I won't say anything until the President makes her final decision. But when she does, I can't promise that I won't tell Katniss."
"I think that is best. Why tell her about something that most likely will not happen."
"Let's hope it doesn't happen."
Gale shakes Haymitch's hand and watches as walks away. A few moments later a nurse comes out and says, "Mr. Hawthorne, you can go in and see Miss Everdeen now."
He runs into her hospital room, anxious to get to his wife as quickly as he can and make sure she is alright.
He sees her sleeping, an IV bag hooked up to her arm.
"Is that morphling she is being given?" he asks staring at the IV bag.
"No, we are just giving her antibiotics right now in case of infection from her cuts. The doctor will decide whether or not she gets morphling when she wakes up."
"She won't want morphling."
"I'll make a note to tell the doctor that."
He thanks the nurse as she walks out. He looks down and stares at her. He sees the bruises on her face and sees her head wrapped. He pulls up a chair and takes her hand, squeezing it.
"Hey Catnip, it's me" he says softly in her ear.
"You were in an accident, you were hurt but you are okay now. Your Mom is on her way to see you, as is Posy and my Mom. Haymitch was just here too but he had to leave. I want you to know I'm not going anywhere. I am going to stay here with you until you leave. I love you…so much" and he begins to feel tears running down his face. The emotion of losing her almost for a second time overpowering him.
While softly crying, he feels the slightest movement from her hand. He looks down and sees her move her fingers up, hitting his hand. He laces his fingers in hers and feels her squeeze his hand ever so slightly. Knowing that it was her way of saying she hears him; he kisses her hand and smiles through his tears as he continues to hold her hand, refusing to let go for even a moment. Making sure that she knows that he is there.
