Katniss squeezed Prim's hand as they made their way to the cafeteria.
"Don't let her get to you, Katniss," her sister squeezed back. "You have every right to sit with your family. Don't let her make you think otherwise."
"I imagine they all blame me for Peeta's capture."
"None of them do," Prim said firmly. "So stop blaming yourself." Her sister knew her better than she knew herself, she decided. They hurried into the cafeteria and spotted the Mellarks off to the left. Rye waved them over and Madge scooted over to allow the sisters to sit.
"Katniss," April said brightly. "Prim! We are so happy you could make it." Katniss gave her a strained smile.
"How are you feeling, April," Prim asked, her inner healer taking over.
"Your mother has been so great since we got here! I feel better, knowing she will be here to help when the time comes. She's even been helping Bing and me with birthing classes, to help our breathing." Bing grinned as he kissed his wife's cheek.
"We're ready. And it should be soon."
"Any day now, your mother says," April nodded in agreement.
"Where is Violet," Bran asked, his brow raised. His wife shot him a glare as her nose wrinkled in disgust. He glanced sideways at her and tapped the table nervously. "She's just been working all day, I'm sure she's hungry."
"She's tending to the newest refugees. She said the soldiers will feed the doctors and nurses later, so don't worry about her."
"Should we save her something?"
"For gods sake, Bran, the woman will be fine," Mrs. Mellark snapped. Bran Mellark fell silent and Rye gave his mother a nasty look.
"So we saw Katniss shoot today."
"Oh my god, she's incredible," Madge jumped in. Katniss blushed and lowered her head.
"I'm alright," she mumbled to the table.
"She's better than alright," Rye shook his head. "The Capitol is in some serious trouble."
"I wonder where she could have refined such skills," Mrs. Mellark said as she picked at her plate. She reminded Katniss of a skinny bird, pecking at the food with a sharp beak. Her voice an annoying cawing and her talons sharpened to kill. Katniss imagined an arrow piercing the bird's breast and silencing it immediately.
She blinked when her mother-in-law waved her roll at her.
"She couldn't possibly have practiced at her home. Or school. So where-"
"You know good and well I went to the woods every day to keep my family alive," Katniss snarled. "And I'd appreciate it if you stopped treating me like something on the bottom of your shoe. I married your son, whether you like it or not. It has nothing to do with you. And I miss him just as much as you do. So quit being a bitch to me!" The table was silent; in fact, Katniss could swear the whole room had gone silent. But as soon as Mrs. Mellark stood up, the forks clinking and the chatter resumed.
"Let's go, Bran. I've suddenly lost my appetite. Something foul has disturbed my digestion."
"Mother," Bing shook his head. Mrs. Mellark placed her hands on the table and lowered her face in front of Katniss's.
"I told my son that bad things would befall him if he married the likes of you. He's getting his comeuppance."
"Don't talk to my sister that way," Prim said angrily. "You are a horrible woman and I don't know how your husband puts up with you!"
"Margaret, let's go," Bran jumped to his feet. "Let's GO," he dragged his wife out of the cafeteria, shooting the rest of his family apologetic looks. Rye shook his head and huffed.
"God I wish Dad would stand up to her."
"Ryen," Bing said quietly.
"What? Don't Ryen me, she's always been like that! But you didn't care because you were the favorite." Madge squeezed his hand and April gave her husband a nervous glance.
"Ryen, I tried to keep her away from you and Peeta. I really did. And so did Dad."
"She nearly killed him, Bing. Several times. He told me in 2. She hit him so hard she almost broke bones. Once she knocked him unconscious! Dad never stopped her."
"Rye," Madge said deliciate. "I don't think this is the time or place for this conversation."
"I'm sick of her acting like the victim. And I'm sick of Dad for just putting up with it."
"Putting up with what," someone belched behind them and Katniss spun around.
"Haymitch," Rye frowned. "What are you doing here?"
"Was just going to take my food back to my room but saw my favorite Mockingjay over here and it's been ages since I last saw that scowl."
"You just saw me this morning," she rolled her eyes.
"What did you think of Cinna's creation?" Haymitch bit off a piece of bread.
"It's amazing. And before you give me the speech about how I need confidence to pull this off, it's been done. Cinna and everyone else around here keeps me telling me the same thing."
"Katniss, do you know why Cinna and the rest of Ellie's team spent so much time with you?"
"Because you asked them to?"
"No. Because you carried yourself like a leader. You spoke like a leader. You even acted like a leader. Cinna said the whole academy was enchanted with you, because you treated them all like human beings, not just slaves."
"So?"
"So Snow doesn't see the citizens of Panem as human beings. He sees a country of slaves. You can turn it into a country of soldiers, all fighting for the same cause. Freedom. That's what they saw in you at the academy. That's what the Victors saw. It's why so many volunteered for the rebellion. Many of them hadn't made up their minds until that first night at Snow's mansion. Finnick came to me later on and said ten Victors told him they would join the fight. We all see something in you, Katniss. So try and find it the next time you look in a mirror, alright?" Katniss stared at the table while Haymitch soaked up his turnips with his bread.
"So, what was Ryen fuming about when I came over?"
"Never mind," Bing said through gritted teeth.
"Mom and Dad," Rye snapped.
"What about them?"
"Katniss just told Mom off and he just went back to their room with her. I don't get why he puts up with it, as Prim put it. He's put up with a lot over the years."
"More than you know," Haymitch nodded, lifting his cup to his lips.
"What do you mean," Rye asked, his eyes narrowing. Haymitch's eyes widened and started to cough as he realized what he had said.
"Jeez, those turnips are going right through me. I gotta go to the bathroom. Scuse me."
"Hey!" Rye made a grab for the Victor. "Spill it, Haymitch!"
"Night everyone," Haymitch mumbled before he practically ran from the room. Rye glared at his retreating back before sinking back in his seat.
"Wish I knew what that was all about."
"Probably just that your dad has endured your mother's mood swings and tempers," Madge scooted closer to him. "Haymitch isn't far from the bakery, so I'm sure he has seen things." Rye grunted as he drained his water.
"You finished?" Madge nodded and he took her hand.
"Sorry everyone. I think I just need some sleep. See you all in the morning." Katniss was about to speak when a loud siren pierced the air with an echoing wail.
"What is that," she asked in panic.
"An announcement," Madge muttered.
Good evening citizens of District 13 and our distinguished guests. Please assemble in the Collective at nineteen hundred hours. This is a mandatory gathering. Soldiers will be assisting with directions if needed. That is all.
People looked around in confusion, muttering about what the announcement could be about. Rye's eyes met Katniss's and he nodded.
"That's fifteen minutes. Let's go."
When they arrived they saw a huge portion of 13 had already arrived and were waiting nervously. The Collective was a huge room that could easily hold thousands. Katniss could tell it was built for a larger gathering, and perhaps it held one before the pox epidemic.
"There's Mom," Prim nudged her and she saw their mother leading a group of mobile patients, still wearing their hospital nightgowns and robes. Rory sidled up to them and slid his hand into Prim's.
"Why are we meeting here?"
"Katniss told Coin she would be her Mockingjay."
"Really?" Rory's eyes widened.
"I made her promise to give Peeta immunity if we win the war. And anyone else who might be considered traitors to 13."
"Felix Duartyr," Prim quietly explained. "Peeta's general from 2."
"And I want it in public, so there are plenty of witnesses."
"Makes sense," Rory nodded.
"She's also going to launch a rescue mission soon. They're going to get him out." Rory's expression was one of relief.
"I'm glad to hear that Katniss. I volunteered for the mission but hadn't heard anything. It will be good to get Peeta back here. We have been worried about you." Prim slapped his arm and Rory bit his lip.
"I mean, it would just be nice to see you smile again." Katniss nodded and fell silent, her eyes darting around the room. It was filling up fast, with people from 13 and people from different districts. The refugees from 8 looked defeated, some of them with tattered clothing and serious burns. She looked around, seeing who she recognized from 12. She hadn't seen Peeta's friend Delly Cartwright. She made a mental note to ask Madge about her after the meeting. The Hawthornes were gathered in the corner, Posy's arms wrapped around Gale's waist. She saw Thom and several other of Gale's miner friends. Some people she recognized from school. Not enough, she thought. There were too many faces missing.
Everyone was looking up and Katniss raised her eyes to the platform. Coin stepped out and bowed her head.
"Good evening. Thank you for disrupting your schedules for this announcement. Katniss Everdeen Mellark has consented to becoming the Mockingjay provided her husband, General Peeta Mellark of District 2 and District 12 Peacekeepers, will be granted full pardon for any damage he does to the rebel cause. This goes for other peacekeepers who will now be considered soldiers for the revolution. General Felix Duartyr and anyone else who joins our cause on their own accord. We will also be launching a rescue mission to the Capitol with four volunteers, lead by Colonel Boggs. In return for this service to her husband, the Mockingjay has agreed to begin filming propo videos tomorrow so we may officially launch the rebellion to Panem." Katniss scowled. Service? They had left him behind in the first place. And she could tell by the rumbling dissent from the crowd that no one doubted she would want to be the Mockingjay. Naming a price, one that spared possible enemies, angered them, she decided. She ignored the hostile looks thrown her way and stood her ground.
"But in return for this unprecedented request," Coin continued. "Soldier Everdeen has promised to devote herself to our cause. It follows that any deviance from her mission, in either motive or deed, will be viewed as a break in this agreement. The immunity would be terminated and the fate of the peacekeepers determined by the law of District Thirteen. As would her own. Thank you." Katniss swallowed. Coin's message was clear.
If Katniss stepped out of line she and Peeta would be executed as traitors.
"Katniss!" She whirled around at the voice and saw Finnick pushing through people to make his way over to her. He clung to the young red-haired Victor's hand. Annie, Katniss remembered. She looked to be in good spirits and she clung to Finnick tightly.
"Hello Finnick."
"I just wanted to check and see how you were doing," he said brightly. "I wanted to visit but I just… thought I would give you some time." He shrugged apologetically.
"I'm doing better, thanks," she said stiffly.
"Physically, maybe," he said knowingly. "But I know how you are on the inside."
"Oh you know do you?" Finnick gestured toward his and Annie's joined hands.
"Every time I had to leave her, I wondered if I'd ever see her again. Watching her fight in the arena, I held my breath the entire time, I think. I understand how it feels, Katniss. You can't give up hope. If Peeta is alive, and I'm certain he is, we will bring him home to you." Katniss's face softened and her shoulders slumped.
"Thank you, Finnick. I'm sorry. I just… I can't stand not knowing."
"I know," he nodded. "But I'm certain he is doing whatever he can to get back to you."
"He was hijacked once before. Made to forget who he is. Rye says he won't forget me but who really knows? The cruelty of the Capitol is unimaginable. I'm sure they will find a way."
"You're both really strong," Annie surprised her by reaching out and grasping her hand. "And Peeta is smart. Have faith, Katniss." She nodded and swallowed.
"Thanks… both of you. Finnick, Beetee says he has a surprise for you. Down in the armory." Finnick's eyes lit up.
"Well I'll have to pop down there in the morning. We will let you get some rest, Katniss. We just wanted to let you know you have our support." She nodded as the pair of them walked off together, hand in hand. Away from the Capitol, Finnick was a free man. He could now belong to only Annie.
Katniss allowed herself to smile as she walked back to her compartment.
She was awoken by a soft knocking and she could swear she had just gone to bed. She blinked over at the other bed to make sure Prim and her mother hadn't woken up. She grimaced as soon as her feet touched the cold floor and she shivered as she made her way over to the door. Haymitch's anxious face was on the other side.
"Haymitch," she whispered. "What time is it?"
"Almost three. I'm sorry to wake you but I just thought you should know. They're going to get him." She was immediately awake and she pulled the door closed behind her.
"They're leaving now?"
"Boggs has assembled them downstairs. They're hoping to sneak in while everyone is sleeping and get past their airfield space without any problems."
"Haymitch, I want to go with them."
"You need to stay here, sweetheart, so you can film those propos. Show Coin you are cooperating with her, so she won't have any reason to mistrust you or Peeta." She wanted to protest but she knew he was right.
"This will work, won't it Haymitch?" He pulled her into his arms and rested his chin on her head.
"He's alive, Katniss. And he's coming home to you."
Snow forced a smile as the photographer was finally- FINALLY- satisfied and he hurried back to his camera.
"Alright everyone. Big happy smiles! Three, two, one!" The flash made him squeeze his eyes shut and he rubbed his temples.
"Excellent. How about one of just the young lady?" Snow shot his daughter a quick look and frowned.
"What for?"
"Why sir, she's known for her beauty all throughout Panem. We would like to hang her portrait around the Capitol." Aurelia blushed and batted her eyelashes at the photographer.
"Maybe just one," she said sweetly. Snow moved from the chair to allow his daughter to sit down, and stood in the corner with his wife.
"They're treating like her the new ruler of Panem."
"Oh calm down, Caius. It's nice to see her smiling. She misses her grandfather terribly." His smile was strained as he nodded.
"Of course, my dearest. I just don't want her to get any false hopes, you understand. The Board has already been filling her mind with silly ideas of being President. I had to put a stop to that, of course."
"Of course," his wife said, looking bored. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a man enter the room and his eyes widened.
"Won't you excuse me, Cassandra?" The First Lady was too busy inspecting her long nails to answer and he hurried across the room while the camera continued to flash.
"What the devil are you doing here," he hissed.
"You have been avoiding me, Mr. President. I can't reach Minister Antonius either. I'm starting to think you have no intention of paying me my dues."
"Get out of here, Thread. I am trying to look like a doting father and husband. I can't cater to fugitive peacekeepers."
"Fugitive?" The old peacekeeper scowled.
"You nearly killed Mellark," he growled. "Knowing full well what we had planned for him."
"You forget who got rid of Cray for you. And Murphy. And anyone else associated with the revolution. It wasn't easy, either, Mr. President. Murphy was well-liked. It was difficult to find someone willing to do the job. Took a lot of convincing."
"They couldn't even do that right," the President snarled. "You'd think they'd never have cut someone's tongue out before."
"They didn't, Caius. District 12 doesn't do those kinds of punishments. It's why you convinced your father to send me there, remember?"
"Be that as it may, you were strictly ordered not to kill the girl or Mellark."
"Minister Antonius ordered me to make sure Mellark was too incapacitated to help the girl," Thread hissed. "We knew he wouldn't allow her to be harmed, so the Minister said make sure he was weakened."
"Weakened and dead are very different things," the President snapped. "Your idiot soldiers nearly killed him. I have him locked up and he's still suffering from his wounds."
"Then don't blame me for him being close to death. If you wanted him alive, you would have released him and made sure he's gotten the proper care."
"Watch yourself, Thread. You're on thin ice as it is. Do not cross me." He started to turn away when Thread spoke again.
"I know the truth about the President's death." Caius froze and turned slowly on the spot.
"I beg your pardon?"
"I know he was murdered by your hand."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Minister Antonius has told me many things, sir. Perhaps it is the other way around. Perhaps YOU shouldn't cross ME." Snow approached Thread, his fists balled at his sides.
"Are you threatening me Thread?"
"No sir. Just reminding you that I am not as powerless as you think. I'll return to my hideout and I'm sure I will be hearing from you tomorrow. Isn't that right, Mr. President?"
"I'll call you in the morning," he said gruffly before spinning around and marching back to his family.
"Enough photographs," he barked at the photographer. "Aurelia, it is time for your lessons." Aurelia blew the man a kiss as she slid off the chair.
"Egeria," he called to his secretary and the woman hurried in, looking frantic. "I need to see Minister Antonius. Immediately."
"Minister Antonius has been trying to reach you all morning, sir," her voice trembled. "He says something has gone wrong with the prisoners, and he-"
"Prisoners," he cut her off. "What prisoners?"
"I'm afraid I don't know, sir," she said anxiously. "Shall I tell him to call you?"
"Get him in my office. Now."
The President stormed into his office and yanked at his tie. His phone started to ring and he scowled at it.
"What?" he barked into it.
"I'm sorry, Mr. President, but the Minister is on the phone and he says he needs you to come-" Snow pushed a button, disconnecting his call with his secretary.
"Antonius, where the hell are you? I need to see you in my office. Immediately."
"And I need you to come to the laboratory immediately, Mr. President." Snow's face darkened even more.
"What have you done?"
"We received a fresh batch of tracker-jacker venom this morning. It is being injected into Mellark now."
"Why are you injecting him with more venom," the President asked angrily. "He has already had an overdose."
"Apparently it wasn't enough. He asked about the girl this morning."
"He asked who?"
"His supposed-wife. He said he was confused but he remembered his real wife. She tried to deny it but he tried to get away from her. The soldiers are getting her out of his system once and for all."
"If you kill him, I will kill you, Antonius."
"He is strong, Mr. President. He can handle the torture."
"He shouldn't HAVE to! I told you last week, we need him on our side! And now you are torturing him again! Stay right there, Antonius. I'm on my way. And cease the torture."
"But sir-"
"DO NOT QUESTION ME, ANTONIUS!" He slammed the phone down and gritted his teeth.
"Idiots," he muttered as he stomped flat-footed from the room.
