Katniss was absentmindedly shredding a paper in her lap while Plutarch droned on and on about the importance of propos. Cinna seemed to be the only one listening. Chase's elbow slipped on the table and he blinked, convincing Katniss that he had fallen asleep. Haymitch slammed a hand on the table, making everyone jump.
"Can we move this along, Plutarch, before the Mockingjay dies of old age? We know how important these things are. So let's start filming." Plutarch looked flustered but Coin looked grateful.
"I agree. Plutarch, go ahead and begin. I'm needed in Command. I shall see you later, Katniss. Good luck." Coin excused herself quickly and Katniss watched the door shut with a pang of jealousy.
"Well then, Chase, Cinna, are we finished with her make-up?"
"I did as you asked, Plutarch," Chase said uncertainly, turning back to Katniss. "But are you sure-"
"She looks fabulous," the game-maker exclaimed. "Come over here, Katniss." He dragged her over to the soundstage, where she stood for what seemed like hours as they adjusted the lighting and smoke levels and later on, her hair and makeup. She was starving and irritated by the end of it, when Plutarch dragged her over to the monitor. They played the last few minutes of the taping and Katniss watched with wide eyes. The woman on the screen seemed larger and more imposing, with a smudged yet sexy face. Her brows were darkened and sharp, the way Chase had done, and smoke rose from her clothes, giving the impression that she was about to burst into flame. Katniss didn't recognize herself in the slightest.
Haymitch chuckled behind her.
"They'll either want to kill you, kiss you, or be you." She shot him a scowl while Plutarch pointed out certain aspects. He clapped his hands and rubbed them together, looking excited.
"Alright Katniss, got that line memorized?" She nodded, walking back to the soundstage. Plutarch hurried after her, describing the battle she has been in and gesturing toward all the dead soldiers at her feet.
"Rally the living, Mockingjay! Let's have smoke! Excellent, quiet on set! And action!" Katniss rose the bow over her head, her arm feeling stiff.
"People of Panem, we fight, we dare, we end our hunger for justice!" The words tasted bitter in her mouth. The silence was deafening. She continued to hold her bow up, her arm shaking.
Someone cleared his throat.
"And that, my friends, is how a revolution dies."
Plutarch all but pushed everyone out of the room, telling them to go eat lunch or meditate or whatever. He looked thoroughly put out, and Katniss knew Haymitch's words were true. She wasn't a motivational speaker. All of the glitz and glam, the smoke and costumes and makeup, couldn't make a Mockingjay. Haymitch tried to talk Plutarch down while Cinna tugged Katniss out of the studio.
"Don't despair, Katniss," he said softly. "That's a tough line to make sound believable."
"It's Capitol bullshit," Chase scoffed. "It's stiff and without emotion. Let her actually say things that people want to hear! That's what her father did."
"Chase," Cinna scolded softly.
"He's right though," Katniss sighed. "I was awful. The line is awful. And I don't look like me."
"Haymitch will fix it," Cinna squeezed her hand. "He was there for your father's propos. He can talk some sense into Plutarch."
Katniss sat down with her bowl of turnip soup but she merely picked at it. She couldn't eat anything until there was news from the rescue team. They had left early this morning and there was still no word.
"You need to eat, Katniss," Cinna said gently, pushing a piece of bread toward her.
"Not hungry," she muttered.
"I'm not either, for this stuff," Chase wrinkled his nose.
"Chase," Cinna rolled his eyes. "It's what they eat. At least they aren't starving." Chase hummed as he sipped at his soup and Cinna gave Katniss a kind smile.
After they finished eating, they headed back to the studio to see what they needed to do. Plutarch was nowhere to be found and Chase raised a brow.
"Did he off himself somewhere?"
"He's speaking to Coin," Haymitch muttered. "We are going to gather in Command in a little while to discuss the propo."
"Oh joy, you're inviting more people to see how terrible I was," Katniss scowled.
"I'm inviting people who know you, to show Plutarch that you can't be coached. It has to come from you. Like it did from Ash. As a Capitol producer, he doesn't understand that. We have to get you out of the studio."
"And what? Toss her into combat? Coin will never go for that," Chase scoffed.
"They won't be able to guarantee her safety, Haymitch," Cinna said gently.
"You'd never be able to guarantee my safety," Katniss broke in. "I want to go. I'm no help to the rebels here." Haymitch held out his hands as if saying "see?" Cinna patted her shoulder.
"What about Peeta? What if he comes home to find you're not here?"
"We haven't heard anything from the rescue team," Katniss exhaled deeply. "And it's not like I'll be gone long. Just long enough to film a real propo."
"It's what I have in mind, sweetheart, but we still need approval from Coin. Let's head over to Command."
A variety of people had assembled in Command. Coin and five of her soldiers sat around the table, while Plutarch and Effie Trinkett sat on the other side. Two stylists from the boutique were there but Ellie Trinkett was still missing. There were quite a few District 12 citizens, including Vick Hawthorne and Greasy Sae. There were several Victors also in attendance, who sat by themselves in the corner. Annie Cresta, Beetee, Johanna, Arcadia, and Haymitch's friend Chaff. Katniss's heart sank when she saw so many people in the room. She didn't want all of these people to see her terrible acting.
Haymitch took a moment to welcome everyone, which somewhat surprised her. She expected Coin to take command of the meeting but she didn't seem to want to stop Haymitch. He showed the footage that she had shot that morning and she sank low in her seat. She could have sworn Johanna was smirking at her. Haymitch cleared his throat when it was over.
"All right. Would anyone like to argue this is of use to us in winning the war?" No one did. "That saves time. So, let's all be quiet for a minute. Many of you have known Katniss for a long time. Some of you have only just met her recently. I want you to think of a moment when Katniss Everdeen genuinely moved you. Before she became Katniss Mellark, tell me something that she did or said that you were impressed by." Madge's hand tentatively rose into the air and Haymitch nodded at her.
"Her sister… Prim got very sick, and Katniss volunteered to marry a peacekeeper, to get her money for medicine. Prim would have died had Katniss not agreed to get married." Haymitch nodded and scribbled on a notepad.
"Saves sister's life," he muttered as he wrote. "Excellent. Anyone else?"
"She always brought her game to me to put into soup," Greasy Sae spoke up. "She was always trying to feed the district, even when there wasn't enough food for her own family." Sae cast Katniss a grateful nod, which Katniss returned.
"That soup saved several families that winter," Haymitch said seriously as he wrote. "Somebody else."
"The way she took care of my brother," Bing said gruffly. "She refused to let anyone take care of her, she was just focused on him."
"She saved my baby sister last fall," Vick said, which surprised Katniss. "Posy got lost and it was raining hard. Katniss found her and found a cave for them to hide in until the storm stopped. She wrapped Posy in her own coat and kept her warm all night. She kept her alive." Katniss listened to the stories, wanting to break in and protest. None of this had anything to do with a rebellion. It was all things anyone would have done, she reasoned. Anyone would have helped.
Haymitch held up the notepad. "So the question is, what do all of these have in common?"
"No one told her what to do or say," Johanna said from the corner. Katniss's wide eyes fell on the Victor. "They were her moments. Unscripted."
"Like a tribute," Arcadia said softly. "She does what she has to survive but once you are in the arena, you follow your instincts. No one can tell you what to do. Katniss is like a Victor."
"I wouldn't go that far," Johanna mumbled. "But it does sound like she has helped quite a few people out of tough spots. And I saw her stand up to Finnick in the Capitol. She's got some spunk." The Victor winked at Katniss and she felt even more confused.
"What is your point here, Haymitch," Plutarch said impatiently. "This is all very nice but not helpful. Unfortunately, her opportunities for being wonderful are rather limited here in Thirteen. So unless you're suggesting we toss her into the middle of combat, which is of course, ridiculous-"
"That's exactly what I'm suggesting," says Haymitch. "Put her out in the field and just keep the cameras rolling. Every time we coach her or give her lines, the best we can hope for is okay. It has to come from her. That's what people will respond to."
"How do you know this," a soldier from 13 spoke up.
"Because it's what her father did. Ash was the Mockingjay, because he didn't read a script or spread make-up on his face to look dirty. Ash worked in the mines and he knew how difficult life was. His words were real. His daughter has struggled to survive all her life. She knows what it is like, to be a citizen of Panem. We have all known struggle. Yes, even Victors," he added nastily as one of the soldiers from 13 scoffed. "You forget, soldier, that we all came from our own districts before the Capitol plucked us from our homes and families. I have Seam blood running through these veins and no amount of Capitol transformations will change that. Even Cinna, who is worshipped in the Capitol, came from the districts. It's time to remind the people of Panem of that. The districts need to stand up to the Capitol and to Snow. And we have the power to do it. We just need a compelling voice to convince them of that."
"Where could you send me," Katniss stood and stepped toward Haymitch. Haymitch was about to speak when Coin cleared her throat.
"This is madness. What if you're killed?"
"Make sure you get some footage. You can use that anyway." Coin huffed and crossed her arms.
"Fine. But let's take it one step at a time. Find the least dangerous situation that can evoke some spontaneity in you." She walked around Command, studying the illuminated district maps that showed the ongoing troop positions in the war. "Take her into Eight this afternoon. There was heavy bombing this morning, but the raid seems to have run its course. I want her armed with a squad of bodyguards. Camera crew on the ground. Haymitch, you'll be airborne and in contact with her. I would prefer to wait until Colonel Boggs returns, but we really need to get some kind of footage. Let's see what happens there. Does anyone have any other comments?"
"Wash her face," Chaff spoke up. Everyone turned to him, Coin with a frown. "She's still a girl and you made her look thirty-five. Feels wrong. Like something the Capitol would do."
"Clean yourself up and report to the hangar then, Soldier Mellark," Coin nodded to Katniss before sweeping out of the room, her soldiers following close behind. Haymitch started to follow but Katniss grabbed his arm.
"Has there been any news?" His face softened and he shook his head.
"Nothing. I'm sorry, Katniss."
"What if I've lost him? What if I've lost these women their husbands? Madge, Annie, Boggs's wife-"
"You can't think like that, Katniss," he stopped her. "These are all highly trained soldiers. Finnick is a Victor and Ryen is a peacekeeper. They will be fine."
"Then where are they," she said miserably, her eyes on the door.
"If you don't start talking, I'll put a bullet in your head," Gale snarled as he slammed the doctor against the wall.
"Gale," Boggs said loudly, looking more exasperated than anything else. "That's enough."
"We know he knows something about Peeta, Colonel. He's already said so. We're wasting time here and frankly, I'm surprised and a little worried that we haven't been attacked yet. We need him to talk."
"Soldier Hawthorne, step away from the prisoner. I want you to keep look out with Soldier Mellark. Understand?"
"Yes Colonel," Gale grunted, shooting the doctor a hateful glare as he stomped off.
"Barbarian," the doctor muttered as he straightened his coat.
"Yes, I imagine that's what most Capitolites think of us district folk," Boggs said gruffly. "But since I kept my soldier from murdering you, you owe me."
"I owe you nothing you rebel scum!"
"Just tell me what you've done with Peeta Mellark. That's all we want."
"Peeta Mellark is dead," said a voice behind them. The doctor started to run but Boggs knocked him to the ground and turned slowly. He didn't recognize the man with his sallow skin and his baggy suit. He looked like he had suddenly lost a good amount of weight from the way his clothes hung off his frame. His eyes were bloodshot and he had a strange twitch. Boggs frowned.
"And who are you?" The man laughed.
"Well that proves you are not from the Capitol. Everyone here knows me."
"Good for them. Answer the question."
"Antonius," he swept into a mock bow. "Minister of Defense of Panem."
"Alright Minister Antonius. Tell me where Peeta is."
"Are you deaf, man? I told you he's dead."
"I don't believe it," Boggs said calmly. "You would have broadcast his death, as he is a prominent peacekeeper and a general at that. Just tell me where he is and we will leave you alone."
"Colonel Boggs!" Both men whirled around at the sound of the shout outside the door. Gunshots followed immediately after and Boggs winced. The doors burst open and Gale and Finnick ran in.
"Peacekeepers attacking, Colonel!" Boggs spun back around to glare at the Minister.
"General, the rebels are in here," Antonius cried out.
"Bar the doors," Boggs yelled, running forward. Gale, Finnick, and Rory stood in the doorway, yelling for Rye to get inside. Antonius tried to sneak away but Boggs pulled out his rifle and pointed it at the Minister.
"Stay right where you are, Minister. We're not finished talking."
"I think you are," said a deep voice. Another door on the side had opened and a tall blonde man stood with his rifle pointing at Boggs. Rory's jaw dropped.
"Peeta?" Peeta hesitated only for a moment before lifting his chin.
"It's Peter, actually. And you rebel scum are trespassing."
"I told you he'd be one of them now," Gale hissed. Rory shook his head.
"Peeta, you don't remember us?"
"Cease your babble, soldier. Lest I cut out your tongue and feed it to the mutts in the room right next to us."
"Speak like that to my brother again, Mellark, and I'll cut YOUR tongue out and give it to Katniss as a gift." Peeta's brow furrowed.
"Who is Katniss?"
"Abort mission," Boggs said. "Hovercraft one, do you copy?"
"We can't abort mission," Rory threw his hands into the air. "Katniss will kill us!"
"Rory's right, we need to take him with us."
"Be my guest," Boggs waved his hand toward Peeta, who still gripped his rifle tightly.
"Don't just stand there, General. Shoot them!" Peeta took in the whole scene. The enemy's rifles were pointed at himself and the Minister. His rifle was directed at what seemed to be the leader but they were still outnumbered. Unless his soldiers made it inside the lab, he wouldn't be able to disarm the rebels without getting shot in the process.
"What do you want," he finally spoke. "Why have you come here?"
"To rescue you," Gale said roughly. "To take you back to your wife."
"My wife? My wife is upstairs. Try again." Gale glanced at Finnick.
"This isn't working. We need to go."
"Ryen! Get over here!"
"Little busy at the moment," Rye yelled over his shoulder, firing at the peacekeepers to keep them at bay.
"Get your ass over here, Mellark," Gale yelled, running over to take Rye's place. His eyes widened in horror when he saw his brother and his armed rifle.
"Peeta."
"That sounds like some kind of bread," the General wrinkled his nose. "My name is Peter. And I'm giving you one last chance to leave this place."
"Shoot them dead, General," Antonius gritted his teeth.
"We're still outnumbered, Minister. It would do no good for both of us to die today."
"Peeta," Rye sounded desperate. "We're here to rescue you."
"Rescue me? What could you possibly be rescuing me from?"
"This isn't right," Rye shook his head. "This can't be happening. Not again."
"Grab him and take him with us," Gale suggested. Rye's eyes met Peeta's and he sighed.
"He's too strong. And they've taken him over. We need to get back to 13 and tell Katniss what's happened."
"Make for the roof," Boggs barked. Rye gave Peeta one last sad look.
"We'll come back for you, Peeta. I know you're still in there somewhere. Don't forget us. Don't forget her." Peeta raised his rifle and fired at his brother but Rye dodged the bullet.
"Let's GO," Boggs yelled at his soldiers. They took off out of the lab and Antonius stamped his foot.
"Damn it, Mellark. You let them escape. President Snow will be furious about this." Peeta's eyes drifted upwards.
"They arrived by hovercraft, didn't they," he said to no one in particular. He rushed to the door and shoved it open. "Peacekeepers, follow me."
