The Lady Of The Lake
So it's been an age!
I'm so sorry guys, university blindsided me and I barely had enough time to get on a computer at all let alone write. Which was frustrating since I knew exactly what I wanted to happen!
In other news however the Rebellion chapters have all been planned out! I now know exactly who is living and dying and the ending of the story is in sight.
HOWEVER. It won't be the whole ending. I'll still be doing Behind the Scenes drabbles as well as stories about the future.
AND there may be a sequel.
As always feel free to stalk me and ask questions on the tumblr at.
thgladyofthelake . tumblr. com
Enjoy guys! And please review. Your comments always inspire me.
Review responses are at the end of the chapter!
Enjoy!
Chapter 44
I have about 2 months until I am due to give birth, and District 13 wastes no time in organising for me and my team to fly out to District 12, and then onwards, restoring morale. They want me back in time for Teesa to be born, and although a part of me longs to give birth in District 4 near the sea like so many of our mothers did before us, I know it is not possible.
District 4 has been obliterated. And with everything little Teesa has endured during her time in the womb, the last thing I want is for something to go wrong and lose her now.
With only week to prepare before leaving the District, I suddenly realise how much I need to set into motion and head to the medical wing of the facility.
"You want me to fucking do what?" Deccia's voice is strident in the hushed atmosphere of the healing sanctum, and I notice a few of the District 13 Doctors shooting her, and me, dark looks, "No way!"
"Deccia," I hiss, sitting on the edge of her bed, "Keep your voice down for god's sake."
"You want me to tag along behind Fire-girl while you and my brother and the fun people go off into the Districts? No way!"
I roll my eyes, "It's not like that! Geeze you're more likely to see more action with Katniss than you will with me. I'm going for 'emotional support' I doubt they're going to let a heavily pregnant mascot near the front lines."
Deccia punches me on the arm, "My loyalty is to Cato and to you remember? Not her."
"Well that ends now." I say firmly, looking her square in the eyes, "There is no Cato's side, and no my side or Katniss' side. There is one side." And too many enemies, I think, "Look Deccia, I need someone I trust looking after her, watching her back, someone who can handle themselves in a fight. Katniss is tough but…"
Blue eyes watch me intently, "You know she has basically the whole of District 13 watching out for her right? Plus Hawthorne, I wouldn't want to get on his bad side." Her lips curl up dryly, "He would have excelled at the Academy you know. Just something to think about."
"I don't know Gale." I reply firmly, "I know you. I know you will watch out for her, because I'm asking you to. Please."
Deccia sighs, "I suppose I have to watch Beanstalk too?"
"Like it's a hardship for you to ogle Haymitch," I retort, and grin when she gapes at me, "Oh please, you've hardly been subtle, either of you."
"Oh my fucking god shut up," she whines, thumping her head back against the pillow, "We are never talking about this again. Anyway the Doctors say I'll be out of here in a day or two, and I have to take it easy for a week or two. That okay?"
"Cashmere is there now watching over her. She'll stay on and help you," I pause, "Along with Enobaria."
"Cashmere? Enobaria?" Deccia starts cackling, "Is this some kind of revenge sweet Sky? Are you punishing Katniss for something?"
I roll my eyes at her, "Shut up, I'm not. They'll just do a good job."
Katniss has to live, which means I need people near her to watch her back, people who are loyal first to me, not to the other girl. Someone who had divided loyalties might follow her orders, orders which might prove to be self sacrificing. Orders that might be made without the information Lyrra will provide. Enobaria and Cashmere for all that they had softened toward Katniss during the Quell preparations, are hardly likely to be swayed by her. They are Careers first and foremost and both have pledged their loyalty to me or to Cato.
Ria had recruited the two women for Katniss, knowing that I was likely going to have enough on my plate, but I will definitely have to stop in to see them before I go.
Of course I can't tell Deccia this, too many eyes and ears, too risky; she's going to have to trust me. And perhaps she sees a little of it on my face because her blue eyes sharpen slightly.
"Sky," She hesitates for a moment, "You know…Cashmere won't be able to protect Catspiss for long right?"
I do know.
It's something that Cato had left out of his Victor report, probably deeming it unimportant. Which was frankly typical of him.
"She's pregnant," I roll my eyes, "Not dying. I competed in a Quell pregnant. She can handle keeping an eye on Katniss here in District 13 for a few weeks."
"She's not the one who's going to be fretting about it all. The father and the other boyos will. They're protective."
"I need her here in 13 anyway," I murmur, "It's a good reason for her staying put."
Deccia looks at me and a small smile touches her mouth.
"Well, well, little Sky taking charge," a wicked edge lights her eyes, "Reckon that might 'light' my brothers 'fire' if you get what I mean."
"So wrong," I point at her, and she snickers, "No messing in our love life."
"Hey, I'm a sea of tranquillity Little Fish," she uses Cato's old nickname for me, "Just…don't punish him too long yeah? That boy loves you. It's sickening."
I know, and she knows I know, it's all there on my face.
"Keep Katniss safe," I say softly, "Haymitch too. And Gale." If Coin can't get to Katniss perhaps she will attack her through her heart, through the people she loves, which means...Gale and...
"Hey Deccia? Have you seen Fells around?"
Fells listens to the quick murmur that I breathe into his ear when I hug him and when I pull away he gives the slightest of nods.
"How are you Sky?" he asks, as though I haven't spoken, and once again I feel grateful to him. He's so steady, so calm, and unflappable and for a brief moment I can smell the grass and trees of the island in the arena, the tang of the metal of the cornucopia, and warm, gentle hands moving over me, fixing me up even as a low voice murmurs soothingly.
"Not great," I admit, realising that he's one of the few I would confess such a thing to, "But I'll be alright."
"I know you will," he smiles, honey amber eyes warm as he tucks a strand of scruffy fair hair behind his ear, moving off to continue about his daily tasks, "Doesn't mean it isn't tough right now."
"I kind of hate everyone a little," I admit, voice soft, and then I wince, "God, does that make me a bad person?"
"Not at all," He leans in and brushes a kiss to my cheek. I've always felt safe with Fells, he's got this kind of...I don't know, strength I think, inner, quiet strength that just washes out of him and makes those close by feel more calm and confident too. Maybe that's his Healer training, "I'd hate everyone a little bit too."
"I can't imagine you hating anyone," I give him a small watery smile and he shakes his head.
"You forget Sky, I am a Victor too. The Quell was not my first Hunger Games either… I can hate."
I have forgotten.
Sometimes it's hard to remember that these men and women that I love so were once children, children like I had been, forced into an Arena. And unlike me, they had had no Cato by their side, no Darrien, no Teesa, no Peeta. They had been the only ones to survive, they were forced to kill their final opponent, to stand and deal a killing blow.
I look up into the amber eyes of the healer before me and for the first time I wonder; how had this gentle man survived the Hunger Games.
He sees the question on my face and smiles, "I did not wish to die." He says simply, and for a moment his eyes are unfocused, seeing something I could not, "It was down to me, and two Careers." He strokes a soft hand over my hair, "They were confident, cocky, and left their food supplies open and I slipped a few things into their water and food. By morning the boy was dead and she…she was wild with grief."
"What District were they from?" I ask quietly, and he chuckles, a soft, sound without any real mirth in it.
"District 4, isn't it ironic? There had been a number of years of Career dominance and they were all feeling quite confident about their chances of success. They all learnt from that year, my year, the Career Districts. Well 1 and 2 anyway. Ask Cato, he would have been drilled in keeping food safe and secure."
I think about the pile of food, the tower of supplies, and the mines around it. Had the idea stemmed from the training they received, because one year a boy from District 9 poisoned the two final Careers? It's strange to think that Fells might have had a hand in Darrien's death 20 years before it ever even happened.
"Afterwards I was so angry," his voice is soft, bringing me back to the story, "I hated everyone, the Capitol, the other Districts, even my own District, all the other children who hadn't been chosen. I hated them for it. But in time that changed, I grew up, went in to the Capitol every year for the Games, met the other Victors, who understood." He smiles softly, "I chose to become a healer to balance the scales, and it brought me peace, and a woman I love."
I blink up at him in surprise, "You were married before the Quell?" I ask, surprised.
He laughs, and shakes his head, "No it was forbidden. She was another Victor, from another District. Impossible…"
I stare at him and he smiles softly.
"We were both a part of the rebellion; we both knew our duties, to work towards freedom, and then one day we could be together."
"Was she in the Quell?" I ask, and the little upcurl of his mouth makes my eyes widen, "She was! Oh my god Fells, why didn't you say anything?"
"We knew the parts we had to play," he chuckles and tugs me in for a hug, "Besides if we'd told you, you would have been even more distraught, thinking we'd died before getting to live our lives together."
He's right.
I would have been.
I punch his arm and he lets out a bark of laughter, but all the while my mind is whirling through the women of the Quell. I know it isn't me; it isn't Katniss, or Johanna or Cecelia, Seeder, Wiress, Sigrin or Rilka. Which leaves Enobaria, Ria, Adria and Cashmere. Adria is morphling addled so she is out, and Ria has a husband I think, which then leaves Enobaria…and Cashmere.
And I look up into Fells eyes and I know exactly which woman it is.
Cashmere.
His mouth curls upwards and I know he knows that I know.
"It's been hard to stay apart, to pretend indifference, but we couldn't risk the Capitol realising their icy princess of District 1 was attached to a mere healer from 9. They would have used it against her."
"But now?" I say and he winks, "You are together now? You're the father of her child?"
"We got married our first week here in District 13," he says softly, "We talked about waiting, but…"
"No," I say, my heart full of warmth suddenly, tears springing to my eyes. Damn hormones, "You'd had to wait too long. I'm…so glad you…"
"I know…" he hugs me close and I just sag into his arms, "Have you spoken to Finnick yet?"
"We've spoken but…" I pull a face, "I was angry."
"He's been waiting for you to be rescued," Fells smiles against my hair, "Sefir told him it was dangerous to wait, that Annie might realise what a potato head he is."
I snort softly, "Sounds like Sefir," I break the hug, "So Annie's going to make him an honest man? I'm shocked."
"Finnick will never be honest," Fells grins but then his expression softens, "Except perhaps in this case. I don't believe he has eyes for any woman other than Annie. Not really."
"No," I say softly, "Just her."
Fells smiles softly and touches my chin, "Forgive me but there is another man who has only eyes for one lady."
I blink at him and Fells rolls his amber eyes.
"Cato," I realise, and instantly blush, "It's not the same."
"Oh I think it is," Fells shakes his head at me, "You didn't see him while you were missing. He was beside himself. That man loves you."
"I know," I whisper, and the tears well up again, "Oh my god," I wipe at them furiously and then Fells tugs me back into his arms and I can hide my face in his shoulder, "Why is it so hard?" I ask him, voice shaking slightly.
"True love is always worth it," he says softly, "Trust me."
And I think about him and Cashmere, and how I would have felt if I'd had to pretend indifference to Cato.
If I'd had to wait so many years to be with the person I love.
And I believe him.
The wedding for Finnick Odair and Annie Cresta turns out to be one of my first battlefields.
Coin wants it in the way of District 13, which is to say impersonal, cold and brief. She wants a simple, private ceremony, and have it done. I have other ideas, and thankfully the Capitol recruits are on my side.
They want it to be an extravaganza of epic proportions, and while I'm not entirely on board with it being quite so large as all that, I do agree that it needs to be celebrated.
And broadcast.
I am also determined that the residents of District 13 be invited and encouraged to celebrate with the residents of Districts 12 and 4, one of the first steps along the path of wooing the dull District.
It's a tense Command meeting, with the Capitol residents leading the charge about the celebration, backed up by Finnick's acquiescence about having his day of days broadcast to Panem.
"Weddings can be powerful motivators," he murmured, and his wicked green eyes meet mine. He winks and my mouth curls up in response. I know he's thinking of Cato and my wedding, of how it was broadcast to a waiting Panem, a hungry Capitol, and how the Rebellion used that emotional punch to punctuate the Quell.
For the first time, I don't feel a stir of anger about it.
I think of Lyrra's chessboard, of the white and red pieces being moved about the board, strategy unfolding. I have come to realise that I am one of those pieces, played in a game against my will. It's time to become a powerful piece, and also begin to play my own chess game, with my own pieces.
The Quell, and my 'family's' actions during it ensured my survival, and the beginning of this rebellion, our Rebellion. It hurt, and it was okay to be hurt, but it was done now.
Let it go.
Let it be.
Some of this must show on my face because Finnick's face lights up slightly, something shadowed disappearing from behind those amazing eyes. He'd been afraid he'd not be forgiven, I realise, heart clenching. He'd been afraid that he'd not only lost Mags, who had been like a mother to him, but also the girl he saw as his sister. He'd been afraid that he'd lost his chosen family…like he'd lost his blood family.
Never, I think fiercely, he will always have me.
He turns back to the table and smiles charmingly at them all, "It will be a huge slap in the face to Snow and his Capitol, as will the interview I shall give closer to the final battle."
Coin's lip curls as she looks at him, and my hackles rise.
She doesn't see what I see, what I know. She sees only the pretty exterior, the light and frothy banter. She underestimates him.
Good, I think.
You do that.
"It's a waste of resources," she begins and that's when Haymitch makes his move.
"Actually it's a wonderful use of resources," he drawls laconically, "Haven't you been saying you want a way to boost morale. A wedding is perfect. Love blooming despite the Capitol's best efforts, Districts united in celebration. It's beautiful, and you can't fabricate that kind of crap."
He sneers that at the Capitol crew who bristle at him like enraged porcupines.
Katniss sighs, and I glance at her.
She's eyeing Haymitch with a droll look, and idly I wonder if she wants to beat him with a shoe as often as I do. Our eyes meet for a brief moment and I hide a grin.
The answer is totally yes.
But Katniss' sigh has also drawn Coin's attention.
"And what say you Soldier Everdeen? Do you think we should be wasting time and resources on such fripperies?" Her cold slate eyes meet mine, "And you Lady Du'Grey?" her voice mocks, and I feel Cato bristle beside me, "We brought you in to deal with the morale problem. Why do we need this wedding as well? And besides, if we're holding a wedding for morale's sake shouldn't it be our Mockingjay and young mister Mellark getting married?"
Silence falls, and I see Katniss has paled, as has Peeta.
"No." I say firmly and all eyes snap to me. Slowly I stand, resting my hands on the table, "Katniss and Peeta were exploited by the Capitol. And while they care for one another deeply, everyone knows that that romance has reached its natural conclusion." I rest my hip gently against Peeta's shoulder, where he sits on the other side of me to Cato, comforting, since I know he's only recently come to accept that Katniss has blazed past him, "Hurting them gains us nothing. And fabricating things makes us no better than the Capitol. Finnick and Annie are in love, they were kept apart and exploited by the Capitol. They are Victors, and beloved by the Districts. This is a perfect opportunity." And I smile slightly, eyes meeting Coin's, "As is the opportunity to show Districts and 13 united in celebration."
She glares, but she is outnumbered and outmanouvered.
Everyone votes in favour of the idea, and gazes expectantly at the President who is forced to concede.
At once plans for the wedding begin and I sink back in my seat, aware of cold eyes watching me.
I just made a very powerful enemy.
It's the day of my departure from District 13 when I receive an urgent summons from Lyrra.
I hurry there, followed by my team, who had all gathered in Cato's and my room to travel to the hangers as a group. It's good timing, good timing to introduce them to another player in our game, an important ally, but I can't help worrying about what Lyrra has to tell us.
My fears only grow when we enter her intelligence booth and she locks it behind us.
"What is it?" I ask, anxiety almost choking me, as she moves to stand before us. Peeta's staring and it takes me a moment to realise why, "Oh, wait, Peeta, Finnick, Gloss, Cato? This is Lyrra, Teesa's twin from District 5." I eye Sefir, "I assume you two already know each other," I get a big shit-eating grin in response, "That's what I thought."
"Charmed," Lyrra murmurs, shooting Peeta a sharp look.
I wince as I remember Peeta's nickname for Teesa had been Foxface.
Well….shit.
"What's the problem?" Cato growls from beside me, blue eyes sharp as he looks at Lyrra. He too is no doubt remembering Teesa, although I am not sure what his feelings on the subject are. Peeta just looks awkward, embarrassed and is blushing.
"There are two problems," Lyrra sighs, running a hand through her hair, and ending her weird staring contest with Peeta, "Very different from each other."
"What's the first one?" Finnick asks, poking his head over my shoulder, "Do either of them involve pie?"
"Pie?" I ask, twisting slightly to look at him, "Really?"
"Well it'd be a nice change of pace," Finnick shrugs, "Hell I'd take counselling you on yours and Pancake's sex life again over some of the problems we have at the moment."
"There will be no counselling." Cato snarls.
"Because there is no sex life?" Sefir chimes in and I cover my face in my hand.
How had my life become this? I wonder despairingly as I hear Finnick snicker and Gloss punch Sefir in the shoulder.
"I'm sure their sex life is fine," Peeta states loyally, adding hastily when Finnick and Sefir both start wiggling their eyebrows suggestively, "Not that I know anything about it!"
"None of us want to know about it I'm sure," Lyrra butts in, rolling her eyes, "Honestly, I thought Ria was exaggerating when she told me about the Quell Victors."
"Nope," Peeta says dryly, "This is about right."
"Wonderful," Lyrra drawls, "New rule. This is my house and you play nice when you're in here. You boys can yank each other's tails when you leave, okay?"
"No fun," Sefir pouts, and winces when Gloss punches him again, in exactly the same place, "Fuck you're a sodding menace."
"Boys!" Lyrra barks and the two balk, sheepishly, "Better. Now the first problem."
"Yes what is it Lyrra?" I ask quietly, sinking into a nearby seat and rolling my eyes when Finnick perches on the chair arm, neatly getting in there before Cato, who looks annoyed.
Lyrra gives Finnick a warning look.
"It's District 2."
At once she has everyone's attention.
"What about my District?" Cato's voice is sharp, "What's wrong with it?"
"The Capitol has gotten reinforcements in, and they've strengthened defences on the control centre inside the mountain."
I'm lost, but I know instantly it's bad.
"Shit!" Sefir swears as Cato snarls, slamming his hand against the wall, "Fucking fuck balls,"
"How did they get through!" Gloss barks, "We were supposed to have the entire area on lockdown!"
"I don't know," Lyrra sighs, rubbing her face, "I'm still sifting through the data."
"How did you find out about this?" Peeta asks quietly and my eyes shoot to him, "You shouldn't have access to that kind of information."
"How the hell do you know that?" Finnick asks, sounding almost impressed, "Sunshine I'm surprised at you."
"I listen," Peeta says defensively, shrugging, "I asked Ria about Intelligence and she said that the District people they have doing Intel are restricted to low level data."
I look back at Lyrra, "But most of them aren't exceptional hackers…are they Lyrra?"
The young woman just smiles, "I have access to files I perhaps should not have. However you can be sure I will use my powers for good."
"How can we be sure of that," Cato growls, prickly to a fault, "You could be feeding us misinformation. How do we know you're trustworthy?"
"You don't," I say quietly, and once again they all look at me, "But I do. She's one of us."
"Good enough for me," Finnick murmurs and the others all agree until Cato, the last, reluctantly nods, "So, 2 has Capitol reinforcements. What does that mean?"
"President Coin has put out orders for our own reinforcements…including the Mockingjay, to travel there." Lyrra says, and instantly I tense. Finnick feels it and glances down at me sharply, "Apparently the troops need the morale boost."
"That's likely true," I say quietly, "But 2 is a warzone."
"It is," she agrees evenly, eyes meeting mine, "Convenient isn't it."
"Who's going with her?" Cato asks, and I can see his mind whirring, "Who have they assigned?"
"At the moment? Hawthorne, and District 13 soldiers."
My stomach lurches and I look at Peeta, who is watching me. They all are.
And they can see the fear on my face.
"She's in danger," Gloss says softly, "Isn't she? Not just from the Capitol."
"No," I say, and Sefir swears softly, "Not just the Capitol."
"Gale won't be enough if…" Peeta begins, frowning.
"No," Lyrra agrees, "He won't be."
Cato looks lost in thought and then his eyes move to Peeta's. The two of them stare at one another for a long moment and then they both look at me.
And I know.
"Okay," I say softly, even though my heart aches with fear, terror that I will lose them again. This is bigger than my fear though, bigger than just me, "Okay."
"Enobaria too," Cato murmurs, and I relax slightly, "And I'm sure Haymitch and Deccia will tag along as well."
"Wait," Finnick catches on and his eyes widen, "You're going to…"
"Cato is District 2's golden son," I say, throat closing as I look at my husband, realising that he really is going, "And Peeta…"
"Someone has to keep everyone honest," Peeta says softly, "Too many lives have been lost already."
I nod, and I notice Lyrra eyeing Peeta with something like interest, or respect.
"Do you want me to…" Gloss begins but Cato shakes his head immediately.
"I want you with Sky."
They all nod and I roll my eyes, trying not to let on that I am actually touched.
"What's the second problem?" Peeta asks, and silence falls like a leaden balloon.
Crap…I'd forgotten there was a second problem.
"I've been thinking," Lyrra says, and then hesitates, chewing on her lip as she tucks an auburn lock behind her ear, "About President Snow. About the Quell."
Cato and Gloss relax, clearly thinking that Lyrra's thoughts are not likely to be as big of an issue as District 2, but Peeta, Finnick, Sefir and I keep our eyes on her.
"What about it?" Sefir asks, voice rough.
"It doesn't make sense," Lyrra's voice is soft, "After the 64th games, he threatened Katniss, he coerced her to continue the charade of being a foolish girl in love. He saved Sky, someone who was as much a beacon as Katniss, someone who played a very different path. If he wanted to squash the resistance where it was he should have…"
"Let us die?" Cato drawls, but his stance is tense.
"No," Lyrra shook her head, "No…he should have let things be after the Games were done. By forcing Katniss to continue the charade with him," and she nods at Peeta who looks pained, "He continued with her cover, her reputation. He…in a way…promoted her."
"But he wanted…" Peeta began to object but Finnick shushes him.
"If he'd wanted the fervour around Katniss to die out," Lyrra looks at me, and I can feel my stomach clenching, and Teesa kick in my stomach, "He would have let her and Peeta break up, let her charade be exposed. If he'd wanted to discredit her he would have discredited her. If he'd wanted the District's love for Sky and for Cato to die out…he would have kept them apart, let everyone forget them."
"Instead," Finnick's voice is soft, hushed, "Instead he forces them all together, to promote them, to encourage everyone to remember…while not looking like he's making them remember."
"Why?" Cato sounds angry, and I see him frowning. He hates this kind of espionage, these layers of falsehood, "Why would he do that then?"
"And then he announced the Quell," Peeta's voice trembles, "Past Victors…and there was only one female Victor from 12. Katniss had to be there."
"Back in the spotlight," Sefir breathes, "Broadcast to the world in high definition tragedy."
"He must have known how people would react," Finnick stares at Lyrra, who just watches us putting it together, face tight, "He knows how people work…he's too clever not to."
"He knew how we would react," Peeta slumps against the wall.
"He…wanted this to happen," Cato growls.
Silence falls until Gloss says softly.
"Why?"
But I know, and as my eyes meet Lyrra's, and then Peeta's, Finnick's and Cato's I know they know too.
"He wanted this rebellion to happen." I say quietly, and Sefir thunks his head back against the wall.
"Snow knew, if it all unfolded, that the Districts wouldn't be able to stand alone," Lyrra's voice is sad.
Sickness washes through me and I close my eyes.
"He wanted to draw out District 13," I say, into the heavy silence, "He wanted to not only crush the Districts…but the last remaining stronghold outside his control."
I look up at the screen, where Lyrra had shown me the chess board.
"We've been playing his game, all along."
The next chapter should be up in the next day or so!
Next Time - Sky heads out into the Districts, and begins her work. Things unravel in District 2. And then there is a bit of joy before things go to shit...again.
Coco2008 – It was awesome to bring a bit of Teesa back to the story, it all connects, as you will see. Hope you enjoy this new chapter just as much!
Loopyloola – Glad you liked it! And the chat is funnnn
Frostivy – It's been a long time! The link for the tumblr is up at the top minus the spaces or on my author profile. Sky is about 7 months pregnant at this point. Good luck with the re-reading!
Kaanae – Well here is the next chapter! Sorry it took so long!
Mindmapped123 – Hope you enjoyed it!
Lucy Greenhill – Cheers lovely!
ILoveAnime – Here is the update!
Aly91 – The winning over of the Districts begins in the next chapter! But Sky was definitely laying down the foundation in this one.
Delia – Alrighty! One drabble about Cato waking up after the tracker jackers coming later in the program.
I-Have-A-Dark-Side – Wow re-reading this would take a while! Hope you enjoy this!
WonderGirl556 – The plot just keeps thickening, and believe me, it isn't done yet!
ForeverTeamEdward13 – Baby Teesa should be arriving soon, and yes Daddy!Cato should be rather adorable.
Guest – Glad you love Sky! And I love Lyrra too.
Snowflake2410 – Yes and here is another update that was a long time in the coming! Hope you enjoy!
DreamUnicorn247 – Updated!
Tess – Baby Teesa shall be coming in the next few chapters which will be exciting, and her birth will not be without its drama…since her time in the womb has hardly been pedestrian.
Mormongirl33 – I'm sad you'd been struggling to remember why you loved this story, but I'm glad we're back on track now!
EisForElephant – Yes Katniss will be brought into the loop much earlier than in the books, but it will come from a source she doesn't expect. Lyrra made me a bit weepy too and Deccia and Haymitch are one of my favourite pairs. They are a bit nutty aren't they.
Lioness32 – Glad you love it! I'm always amazed when people seem to enjoy this as much as I enjoy writing it
ManAndWomenMerelyPlayers – Sky's part is going to be very different to Katniss' but she's going to have her very own obstacles to overcome, it's going to be a tough ride to Freedom! I've chapter planned out everything until the end of the rebellion…so I now know just who is surviving and who is dying. It's a bit sad.
Midnight'sRevenge – I don't want it to end either…so here is the good news, even when the main story ends, I will still be writing snippets of the future happenings, and side scenes…and who knows…there may be a sequel! And I miss Darrien and Marvel too Poor precious babies.
Brunetteannabeth – Glad you did sweetheart! More is forthcoming!
Katara Melody Cullen - The next parts are unfolding
FinnicksAnnie – Thank you! I love it too, but I'm a little biased ;) Go Team Skato!
Amore2210 Loves Fanfic – Wow I'm amazed to be in anyone's top ten anything! And absolutely yes I will write about the months Sky was in the Capitol from Cato's perspective. It's on my list And I love Darvel, Fannie and Skato too.
Tsukiange – Thank you so much! I'm glad you love it! It makes me cry too
SophiaLily1980 – Heey lovely! I missed YOU
AnonOfTheAnonymous – Wow! Thank you so much! I'm so glad you have been enjoying Sky, OC's can be so nervewracking! And yup, shit is serious again.
Taybaybay – I'm impressed by your dedication! Thank you and I hope your final went well!
These Lonely Skies – I'm always amazed when people read my story in a few gulps. It's so long! I'm so glad you changed your mind about the Mary Sue bit! And it's no fun if everyone isn't who you fell in love with in the first place!
Guest – Dedication! I hope I haven't ruined your eyesight. I love FInnick and Cato too
Dear Miss M Cric – Thank you! Here is the update and I hope you continue to enjoy it!
Guest – Thank you so much!
Whisper – UPDATED!
Byakuya7309 – Thank you!
Eve – I am back! Back and fabulous! Hopefully xD Sky was a bit miffed.
Decodeme312 – I'm so glad you have been enjoying Sky. I really wanted to bring a character to the Hunger Games who had her own kind of strengths, but perhaps not the ones someone might expect from a Tribute. And I love writing Deccia and Haymitch too, they amuse me endlessly.
Fanpire x – Ah I'm glad you love it! And I shall keep writing!
Pretty-pleasee – Yay that you stumbled here! And wow that's amazing that it's your favourite! I think Daddy!Cato is going to be adorable, and yes the schemes are getting schemier. And I LOVE long reviews.
Heart chan – Sky vs Coin is going to be an epic struggle, and yep more funny banter is coming as everyone starts relaxing around Sky again. In answer to your questions, no I'm not going to be killing off the same people as Collins, but unfortunately not everyone is going to survive either. And as for Peeta's happy ever after…it's not going to be with Katniss in this story I think.
SiriuslyShort209 – Awwwwww thank you! I love Sky and Cato too, and Sky luffs Peeta and Finnick to bits. Daddy!Cato is going to be very entertaining. No most people don't know about Snow poisoning Sky to kill Teesa…but that will change.
MissGoldenHair – Updated!
Black Dragon of the Sand – The ending is a little ways off still!
Mscalliope – Aw thank youuuu.
Helloooo – Updated!
Kittykat6625 – Thank you!
Doreandrix – Out of curiosity, what were you expecting it to be like?
Akira-chan101 – Wow dedication! And Wow that you like Sky that much! Thank you!
