DISCLAIMER: HG characters do not belong to me.
Chapter 94-Proposition
Katniss reluctantly follows Heavensbee down the long hallway heading towards a room at the end.
"Please-come in" he says as he stands by the door letting her go into his office first. She stands off to the side after she enters as he quickly closes the door and goes to his desk and motions for her to take a seat.
"Sit-sit" he says, his unreadable smile plastered on his face.
"I'm fine standing, I've been sitting all day long…but thank you" she says curtly. It wasn't a complete lie, she had been sitting during the long train ride to the Capitol from Silver Lake, along with sitting while in the meeting with Haymitch and the others.
"Suit yourself" he replies back, his smile not fading.
"Why did you bring me into your office?" She decides not to hold anything back.
"I wanted us to speak alone. You never know who could be listening."
"Is what we're discussing a secret?"
"That's for you to decide. You didn't seem pleased to hear that I know about your recent marriage to Mr. Hawthorne."
"I think you know why I would have a problem with people in the Capitol knowing about us."
"You mean, certain people in the Capitol like Mr. Flickerman correct?"
"He has exposed to all of Panem very personal details about my relationship with Gale." She still harbors feelings of resentment at Ceasar for publishing such an inappropriate article about the two of them being overheard having sex.
"Panem is still interested in you, they want to know what you've been up to. You've been out of the spotlight for almost ten years."
"I never wanted people to be interested in me. It was you and Coin that thrusted me into the spotlight."
"The Capitol thrusted you into the spotlight. We needed you to be the face of the rebellion. A face people could relate to."
"People shouldn't have interest in me anyone. The war is over."
"You would think, but since you have become such a mystery some still want to know what is going on with you, you should use that to your advantage."
"What are you saying?"
"If you spoke with Ceasar himself, you could control what is said and published. He won't have to rely on getting information secondhand."
"Why should I speak with him? I don't want anything published about me" stressing the word so that she made herself quite clear.
"Speaking with Ceasar could also help get the word out about the Jay Killers."
"I wouldn't think the President would want me releasing any classified information."
"Her people would prep you on what to say."
"I'm not going to be the Capitol's messenger girl. Not anymore. The mockingjay-girl on fire persona is dead and gone. Besides, you of all people should remember how I do when I am coached what to say."
"You told Haymitch you wanted to help, how do you know he wouldn't have asked you to help spread the word?"
"Haymitch would never make me do anything I don't want to do."
"Of course he wouldn't."
"So what? You're the one who is going to force my hand?"
"This isn't the days of Snow. You would never be forced to do anything. Just look at it, as a way to kill two birds with one stone. Or arrow in your case. You can control what the residents of Panem know about you and put some….fire under the Jay Killers. Force them to speak out, confront the group through Panem's media."
She thinks about his proposition. How it makes sense.
"I'll think about it" she says, not letting Heavensbee know that by saying she will think about it meant asking Gale for his opinion.
"Let me know the next time you are here of your decision. We can reach out to Ceasar on your behalf."
"I said that I'll think about it, not that I'd do it" she says sternly.
"Of course."
"Is this all you wanted to talk to me about?"
"Yes and no. I wanted to see how you were doing."
"I'm fine thanks."
"Do you like living in Silver Lake?"
"It's quiet and it's surrounded by woods, it suits us just fine." She ponders asking him about the reference he put in for her with the principal and administrators of the school.
"Glad to hear it. I know a few of the administrators there."
"I figured, I heard you put in a good word for me" deciding to take the bait he was throwing at her.
"I did. I think the people of District 2 unfairly judge you."
"Thank you" she says appreciatively.
"Since we are being so candid with each other, I can't help but ask…..you seem…..suspicious of me."
"I'm not suspicious" she says quickly.
He gives her a look letting her know he doesn't believe that. She sighs and says, "I sometimes wonder-whose side you are on."
He gives her a look of confusion.
"You were willing to stand beside Coin. She was just as bad as Snow."
"Not quite as bad" he says not letting her continue.
"She would not have made Panem better."
"I will admit, President Paylor has proven herself to be a good leader. She was the better choice than Alma for sure."
"I know she was responsible for my sister's death."
For the first time ever, he appears surprised at her words, his usually composed face changing to a look of shock.
"So you know then whose bomb was dropped that day" he says.
"I do."
"It surprises me that despite knowing this, you are still with Mr. Hawthorne."
"It was Coin's decision, not his."
"But he designed it."
"With Beetee, it wasn't just him. Look-I….am not happy with what he and Beetee did, but….I have to let go of the past."
"I think a lot of people in Panem need to let go of the past."
She can't help but wonder if Peeta will be able to let go of the past, of her.
He interrupts her thoughts by saying, "Given everything that happened with Coin, I get why you have your reservations, but you seem to fail to remember what I did to help you."
"I didn't forget. I just….don't know if banishing me to District 12 was what I needed at the time.
"It was 12 or jail, or possibly death."
"I know."
"Well, I hope you don't blame me for that."
"I don't, and I haven't forgotten what you did for me, and Effie."
"Oh yes, how is Miss Trinket?'
"I think she is doing okay, I haven't talked to her in a while." Katniss realizes she has not spoken to Effie since she called her last year asking for the RAVE tour favor for Posy. She makes a mental note to call her beforehand to try to arrange to meet for lunch the next time she is in the Capitol.
"I hear she is still here in the Capitol?"
"Yeah, she is."
"Well-maybe someday I will see her again. Though most of my time is spent here of course."
She excuses herself soon after, letting him know she better get back to the meeting with Haymitch. He gives her his non-readable smile as she leaves his office, closing the door behind her.
When she arrives back, she sees that the meeting has ended. Haymitch and Johanna staying back to wait for her.
"So, Enobaria is supposed to let Haymitch know when all of the Jay Killer protests are scheduled" Johanna says, her tone indicating that she doesn't believe Enobaria will do as she says.
"You really don't like her do you Mason?" Haymitch says, a slight grin forming on his face.
"What's to like? She still acts all high and mighty, I guess being part of the career pack never leaves you."
Katniss can't help but think about Dez and some of the other people she's met from 2. How at times they did act better than others, but she then thinks about the people she's met that aren't like that, like Livia.
"At least her teeth are back to normal" Katniss says.
"I was never intimidated by those razors, I swear she was intimidated by my axe" Johanna says with a wide grin.
"So what did Plutarch want?" Haymitch asks, no longer wanting to talk about Enobaria.
"He asked me to get….back in the spotlight."
"For real? And do what? Allow yourself to be interviewed by Ceasar?" Johanna says.
"That's exactly what he wants me to do" Katniss responds.
"He wants you to talk about the Jay Killers" Haymitch says in a matter of fact tone.
"Yes, with coaching of course."
"Well, that's one way to get people to forget about you. Do an interview and be told what you are to say, I remember how well that went in District 13" Haymitch says teasingly.
"Did you know he was going to ask?"
"I suspected it. While you were gone we were discussing how since the Jay Killers have exposed themselves somewhat, that perhaps we should to. Get the word out."
"I recommended allowing me and some other Victors be interviewed, like maybe Annie, but of course, Heavensbee wants his mockingjay" Johanna says, her tone indicating she doesn't hold it against Katniss.
Katniss becomes sad suddenly thinking about Annie. Her son must be turning ten soon. She wonders how Annie is doing.
"Do you really think Annie would want to be interviewed? Katniss asks.
"She might consider it. It could help with what we are trying to accomplish, especially if her son is on camera." Haymitch says.
While Katniss doesn't know Annie very well, past experience tells her she would not want to show Finnick's son to all of Panem. But she knows that was just her opinion on the matter.
"So are you going to do it? Go on the interview?" Johanna asks.
"I don't know."
"Want to talk to the hubby huh?" Johanna says slyly.
"Of course. This concerns him just as much as me."
"That's probably best, remember you don't have to do it." Haymitch says making sure she knows it would be her and Gale's decision.
She smiles appreciatively at him and says, "I know."
July 13
Katniss and Gale run full speed ahead towards the cottage. Katniss is carrying her bow and arrows and is just behind Gale as he approaches the back door, Harper waiting for them on the other side, his tail wagging. They had been out hunting and got caught in a downpour, their clothes drenched.
Gale reaches for her bow and ushers her inside, letting her go in first.
"It's freezing" Katniss says shivering and begins taking her boots off.
"Who knows what was in my snare trap" he says and he bends down and pets Harper, beginning to take his boots off as well.
"Oh well, guess you will just have to cook the food we have here" she says as she begins to head upstairs.
She strips off her wet clothes and hangs them up in the bathroom to dry. Gale comes up with Harper at his feet and begins taking off his clothes as well. He playfully throws his shirt at her, the shirt hitting her in the back.
"Gale!" she says pretending to sound annoyed.
"Sorry" he says grinning as he watches her put a towel around her, the only thing she is wearing.
He strips his boxers off and hangs them up along with his other clothes beside hers. She stares at him hungrily, appreciating his naked body in front of her.
"What?" he says noticing her stare.
"What? I can't appreciate seeing my handsome husband naked and wet?"
"Handsome huh? I think that is the first time you ever said to me."
She rolls her eyes as she says, "Like you don't know how good looking you are."
"You don't know how beautiful you are."
"Because I'm not, I'm just….average" she never thought of herself as beautiful despite the many times both Gale and Peeta told her she was.
"No one can ever accuse you of being vain" he says as he removes her towel, staring at her with desire.
She reaches up and wraps her arms around him, hugging him tight. Still cold, she shivers into his chest as he begins kissing her neck.
"Let's get under the sheets" he says into her ear as he picks her up and carries her to the bed.
Once settled under the covers, he leans in and begins kissing her. He moves on top of her and bends down as he begins kissing her breast, taking her nipple into his mouth. She closes her eyes as he continues, feeling herself becoming more and more aroused. He moves to the other breast and once she feels his tongue over her nipple she says, "Gale" pleadingly. No longer able to stand him not being inside of her.
He spreads her legs and pushes into her, not wanting to deny what she needs. He motions for her to wrap his legs around his waist as he begins thrusting softly. "Harder" she says with the same sound of desperation as before. She brings him closer to her as he begins thrusting deeper and faster. She watches him as he closes his eyes, holding onto his shoulders. She knows he is close to orgasming based on his moans but suddenly they are interrupted by the sound of his office phone ringing.
"Shit" he says as he stops and quickly pulls out of her.
"Don't answer it" she says noticing that the clock says 3:27 pm. She tries pulling him back to her but he gives her an apologetic look as he says, "You know when my phone is ringing like this on a Saturday that it is important" and he gives her a short but deep kiss as he quickly grabs a pair of boxers from their dresser and goes over to his desk. The phone continuing to ring over and over.
She lays back down on the bed, frustrated that their love making was interrupted. She pulls the covers up and closes her eyes when she suddenly she hears him say, "Just now? Okay….yes, I will call the others right away."
He hangs up and she sees a look of worry on his face as he says, "Turn on Panem News Network, there was an attack during the protest in the Capitol today."
