The fight is over and everyone has been separated and communications are down. Peeta is worried that his brother will not make it, meanwhile, Katniss is worried about her mother whom Hazelle said was behind her, and somehow got lost in the storm that began raging. Plus no one knows if the rebellion worked or if Snow is still on the throne. Katniss, Peeta, Cressida, and her crew have devised a way for them to reach out to Haymitch and Madge. With little else to do Peeta has shared with Katniss his drawings of Corky and his brothers. Peeta describes each one of the brothers in an attempt to give them each an escape from the reality that they are facing. And Corky and his brothers are up for the challenge!
"Wait, once upon a time?" Katniss said, looking at him.
"All good stories start with once upon a time…"
She wrinkled her nose.
"Seriously all good stories start off with that."
"One thing, is this going to be a mushy story?" Katniss asked.
"Mushy?"
"You know all lovey-dovey and stuff...cause," she made a face.
"What's wrong with lovey-dovey?" Peeta was curious and also he wanted to pull her chain a little.
"Well to be frank all of that kissy face stuff, it isn't my thing."
Peeta wanted to laugh. "Katniss we do all of that kissy face stuff."
"I know, I know."
Peet watched her pout. "But?"
"We're surrounded by like, strangers and stuff. And if it's really lovey-dovey I may want to kiss you." Her voice became a whisper, "It's not exactly a great place for us to well...you know…"
Peeta had no idea she'd been thinking about that. His body heated. It was nice to know she wanted him in that way. He promised himself that when they had a chance, and if she wanted to, they were going to be together. "Don't worry there's maybe one or two kisses. The rest is action and adventure I promise."
She lifted her head up and looked around as if listening. They were surrounded by the steady sound of even breathing of people who were fast asleep. Peeta waited for her to make up her mind.
"Okay, but when does this story take place?"
"You know that Romeo and Juliet time when men carried swords, and people spoke like in that book, well almost everyone."
"Who are the people who don't speak that way?"
"Corky and his brothers are the exceptions."
"Hmmm," she hummed, snuggling closer. "I may like this."
"Well," he said. "Once upon a time in a time when castles existed, and men and women lived by the code of chivalry. There was a beautiful maiden who was in love with a boy."
"Peeta, I thought you said this was an action and adventure?"
"I also said that there were possibly two kisses, and there can't be kisses unless there is a love story."
"Ugh, fine…" Katniss huffed.
Peeta grinned, she was going to go down fighting. Katniss had a tough exterior, but she had a soft interior. However, he had to make this tale compelling to keep her interest. She was a hunter after all who was chased by a bear once. "Well, this beautiful maiden named Katniss…"
"Really…"
"It's my story...but just a heads up, the young lad this maiden is in love with is named Peeta, and her sister's name is Primrose and the bad guy's name is Snow."
"There's a bad guy?"
"Of course, every compelling story has to have a bad guy."
"You know your names are not very creative."
Peeta wiggled his eyebrows and that earned him an eye roll. "Why get creative when you are the woman of my dreams."
"You're the worst romantic."
"Ah but you love me, don't you?"
She sighed, "I do."
"Okay back to the story." Peeta kissed her on the top of her head. "Where was I?"
"They were in love."
"Ah yes, they were in love and were going to be married…"
As Peeta spoke Katniss imagined it in her mind. She wore a long flowing gown, a green one with gold details. She even pictured her sister with flowers braided into her hair. Katniss could see the castle with the torches flickering in the passageway and the character of Katniss hiding behind the door listening to the conversation between Peeta and Primrose.
"Peeta, you can't see the bride before the wedding," Primrose said, pointing to Peeta.
"I just want to bestow this gift to my beloved. It is imperative she receives this amulet."
It's a beautiful amulet with a pearl embedded in the middle.
"It is a special amulet that will ensure her safety. Please make sure your sister always wears it upon her person."
"Peeta, the mere act of you presenting her with this gift will mean she will keep this token on her at all times."
"You adore my sister as if she was more valuable than a precious gem."
"That is because she is worth more than any gem, any valuable bauble."
Prim sighed. "Such pleasant words should be left for tomorrow when you are wed. They should not fall upon my ears."
"I know, I know, it's just I love your sister."
"I do not understand how it is, you and she are a pair." Primrose shook her head. "My sister is not the courtliest of gentlewomen."
From her door, Katniss listened to the conversation her baby sister was having with her intended. Primrose was not wrong; Katniss was indeed lucky to have such a fine specimen of the male species to pledge his eternal love for her. Peeta claimed that her voice was purer than that of morning light.
Peeta always spoke words that caused her heart to flutter.
Katniss had chosen Peeta not because he was a prince amongst men. He did not have the wealth or position befitting her station but Peeta was her perfect match. She was known as the challenging prize. She refused all of the nobly born suitors that came to her kingdom's shore. All paled to the goodness that she found the humble heart of her baker. His inherent goodness was the reason she fell for him.
Outside of her door, she heard her sister say, "I will pass your gift on Peeta."
"Thank you. I will see you on the morrow."
"Until then," Primrose said.
Katniss didn't wait until Primrose entered her chambers. She opened the door as soon as she heard Peeta walk away and pulled her sister inside.
"You truly love him?" Primrose asked as she handed the amulet to her sister.
Katniss held the amulet in her hand. "One day you will fall in love, my sister, and when that day comes you will weep to see your beloved's face."
Primrose wrinkled her nose. "I shouldn't ever give my heart away to any man."
Katniss laughed. "Once upon a time I made the same pledge. Now behold, I am the mirror of your future." Primrose was still too young to comprehend the draw between men and women but with years it would become clearer to her.
"To bed with you for on the morrow you shall marry your baker and I shall have peace afterward."
Katniss smiled and placed the amulet chain around her neck before going to bed. his sister Primrose left the room and Katniss could only imagine what delight the morning would bring.
It was the middle of the night when Katniss was awoken. She looked around but saw no one. Her hunter's intuition let her know there was someone or something in the room. Grabbing the knife that was underneath her pillow she held its handle firmly in her hand.
"Who goes there?'' she asked into the darkened room.
"Ya highness," a small voice said from the foot of her bed.
"By Jove, Corky?" Katniss spotted Peeta's pet approaching her from the foot of the bed.
"Yeah, ya highness it's me, Corky."
"You speak…"
"It's that amulet. It sorta lets us communicate."
"The Amulet." Katniss stared down at the amulet. It could be, Katniss thought to herself. She always wondered why Peeta chose a squirrel for a pet when he could have a dragon or a hawk. Something mightier than Corky.
"Peeta gave it to you because of Snow."
Hearing the evil wizard's name caused chills to travel up her back. "Why are you here not with Peeta?"
"Peeta's been taken by your mortal enemy Snow."
Coriolanus Snow was the most corrupt and evil of all wizards. Her father had cast Snow out of the Kingdom. Snow vowed vengeance against the Everdeen Kingdom.
"We must get him back. I will alert the castle guard to assist me."
"Ya highness, I hate to tell you this, but some of your people are with Snow. My brothas and me we'll help."
"You have brothers?" Katniss was astonished.
"I do." Cork gave a high-pitched whistle. "They've surrounded the Castle waiting for the signal to come here."
"How do I know which direction Snow took Peeta?"
"The amulet will tell us the way."
"I shall get ready for the journey whilst they are," Katniss said, going to a trunk that contained her bow and her hunting attire. She dressed all in black. Her tunic came to her knees and she slipped a belt around her waist. Her black hose was warm. Her black boots were soft and made no sounds as she walked back to the bed where Corky waited with his back turned.
"You can turn around now."
"You look like a huntress," Corky said after turning around. He sniffed the air. "My brothas should be here any moment."
Katniss nodded. Then she was surprised when a squirrel dressed in black with a set of tiny night vision goggles descended from the ceiling like a spider. "I am James Double O Corky at your service, your majesty."
Another squirrel appeared wearing a suit of armor. "I am Sir Corky Reginald, at your service, my lady." He bowed dramatically, took her hand, and kissed it. Katniss discreetly wiped her hand on the bedsheet.
Another squirrel flew through the air and landed near Corky, dressed in a white camouflage military uniform. He was a big burly squirrel. "I am Comando Corky, reporting for duty!" he growled.
A small sneeze sounded near Katniss's foot; she looked down and saw the smallest of the group. He wore a pair of tortoiseshell glasses that were almost too big for his face. He sneezed several times. "Pardon me, my lady, I'm allergic to the cold, wool, cats, corn, oh, and chickens."
"That's Virgil, the runt, but he's got smarts," Corky said, turning to Katniss. "We're gonna get Peeta and you two are getting hitched."
Back in the bunk, Katniss turned to Peeta, her brow furrowed. "Wait a minute you're telling me Katniss was just going to waltz out of that castle without anyone seeing her?"
"Well, yes?"
"She's a princess, everyone is going to notice she's trying to sneak out."
"Katniss," Peeta sighed.
"These are legitimate questions."
"You have to be more patient," Peeta said. "Besides, don't forget Peeta left her the amulet."
"That's true," Katniss mulled it over.
"Plus, the amulet is very powerful. It even grants Katniss the ability to speak to Corky and his brothers."
"Fine," she grumbled, "go on."
Peeta began to tell the story once more.
"How am I going to get out of the castle unseen?" Katniss was worried she would be caught by the guard at the gates.
"Most assuredly, the amulet will deliver your Highness to a safe location." Sir Reginald said. "All you must do is think of a safe place. The amulet will magically transport all of us there."
"Why can't I transport myself to where Peeta is?"
"Because the amulet will only transport you to a safe place and wherever Peeta is not safe," Virgil said, sneezing.
Grabbing her bow and arrow she looked at Corky and his brothers. This all seemed far-fetched. "So, do I just close my eyes?"
"I would picture someplace near the forbidden castle," James Double O Corky said.
Grasping her bow, Katniss closed her eyes and said, "The closest I've been to is the forest just beyond the castle."
"Hold on boys, we're goin' for a ride," Corky said going into her quiver.
All the squirrels jumped onto Katniss. Virgil and Reginald followed Corky and hid inside of her quiver. Commando and Double O' James sat on her shoulders. With Corky and his brothers safe, Katniss focused on the amulet she held in her hand. Her mind connected with the pearl in the amulet and one minute she was in her room, the next she stood by a shore. There was a small dock and a boat moored there. It was still dark out, a fine mist rose from the lake to greet the moon that hung above. The inky blackness of the water sent a shiver down Katniss's back.
"Where are we?" Double O' James Corky asked as he jumped from Katniss's shoulder onto a branch.
"The edge of Serpentine Lake," Virgil said in a trembling voice as he peered over the rim of the quiver.
"Are you alright?" Katniss asked.
Virgil nodded.
"Katniss, which way does the amulet tell us to go?" Corky asked.
"Not the lake, not the lake," Virgil whispered.
Katniss pointed the amulet out and it glowed in the direction of the lake.
"Oh no!" Virgil exclaimed. "What if there are sea monsters?"
"Aint no such thing," Commando Corky grumbled. He jumped down to the ground from Katniss's other shoulder.
"Oh, there is. This lake is filled with...with…" Virgil sneezed.
Double O' James took a stick and threw it into the lake. The moment the stick touched the water they watched as a slimy head lifted from the water and launched itself toward the stick. Its tail flickered in the air as it sank back under the murky waters, taking the stick with it.
"Snow filled the lake with those creatures to prevent people from crossing." Virgil wrung his paws.
"Forsooth, forcing them to travel around the lake to face the rascals and thieves," Sir Reginald exclaimed.
"It will take too long. We need to get Peeta back," Katniss said looking at the paths that led around the lake. The shaded paths looked ominous and she did not want to take on unknown forces.
"Alright geniuses, how are we goin' ta'get Katniss across? The moment that boat sails across the water it'll be attacked by the serpents," Corky said.
"I can blow them up," Commando grunted.
"And us in the process," Double O' James said.
"Well there is a legend that they are soothed by the sound of a song," Virgil said.
Katniss loathed singing. "Singing, really?"
"Shall we put it to test?" Double O' James asked while looking at a tree with branches overhanging the water.
Moments later Katniss was on the thick branch as the Corky's argued over the song she should sing.
"She should sing something heroic like the Halls of Montezuma," Commando ground out, crossing his buff little arms across his chest.
"She should sing Greensleeves," Sir Reginald suggested.
"I vote for Live and Let Die," Double O' James said.
"I'd like to hear the Hanging Tree," Corky said.
Katniss couldn't believe they were arguing over the song. "Hey!"
"I'm partial to staying out of the water altogether," Virgil said.
Katniss sighed and began singing the Valley Song, a song she knew Peeta was partial to. "Down in the Valley, the Valley so low…" As she sang the squirrels stopped arguing. The owls stopped hooting and quiet descended upon the land.
"Throw the stick," one of the brothers exclaimed.
Double O' James threw a stick in the water and nothing came up toward it. With the proof done Katniss climbed down. She stood amongst the squirrels and Virgil stood in front of her, his little paws clutched in front of his belly.
"You sounded like an angel," Virgil said with stars in his eyes.
"Thank you."
"Hey Virgil, she's taken, remember," Corky said, pulling his brother with him.
They set the boat in the water as Katniss sang.
"Alright fellas let's get this party going," Corky said.
Katniss sang and hummed during the entire journey using the amulet to guide them as they sailed on the lake. By the time they reached the small dock on the opposite side of the lake the sun had risen. They were all glad to be on solid ground.
"My voice is hoarse," Katniss whispered as she stood on the sandy shore that faced The Cliffs of Expiry.
"Do not worry my fair damsel, we shall rescue your beloved from Snow's wicked hands," Sir Reginal said.
Katniss took comfort, but the journey was not over yet. "There's no sense in using the amulet. There is only one way to go and that's up there," Katniss pointed to the cliff up ahead.
"There has to be a path," Double O' James said.
The path up the hill was blocked by what looked like a landslide. The Cliffs of Expiry were hazardous and many men paid with their lives whilst taking the path. No man has ever been able to climb the sharp vertical wall of the cliff.
"How in tarnation are we supposed to get up there?" Commando gruffly asked.
Virgil took a stick and made several calculations on the sandy ground. He went into the boat and used the stick to measure the coiled rope inside. "Yes, that will work. No man has ever been able to climb up that cliff, but that doesn't mean a few squirrels and a Princess can't."
"Forsooth Virgil, what plot have ye devised!" Regional exclaimed.
"Commando and Double O' James can climb up the steep cliff and tie the rope around that large rock. Katniss can then climb up the rope with the rest of us in her quiver."
Back in the bunk, Katniss sat up and looked down at Peeta. "Couldn't she just use the amulet?"
"She can't," Peeta said.
"Why not?"
"Because the cliffs were bound by magic. You can't use magic to climb up the cliffs."
Katniss narrowed her eyes at Peeta.
"Do you want me to continue the story?"
"Yes," Katniss said.
"Well lie back down," Peeta said, patting the spot next to him.
Katniss reluctantly snuggled up against Peeta once more. She loathed to admit it but the story was good. "Okay go on."
"Well," Peeta began.
Commando and Double 'O climbed the inclined cliff until they reached the top. They tied the rope and using Double O's James climbing equipment they secured the rope to the rock.
Corky, Reginald, and Virgil climbed inside Katniss's quiver and she began her climb, slowly but surely. It took a long time, but before the sun was at its highest peak she was standing on the edge of The Cliffs of Expiry looking down. The distance and the imagery of all of the wrong things that could have happened caused Katniss to sink to her knees.
"Mayhap we should rest, perhaps gather some food," Sir Reginald suggested. Katniss shot a bird in mid-flight whilst the Corky brothers gathered berries and nuts from a small glen of trees.
When they were fed and rested, Katniss took the amulet and pointed it toward the expanse of the land.
"It's pointing west," Commando said. They traveled a bit when the ground began divulging her secrets.
Sir Reginald sniffed the ground. "Horses came this way, your highness. We're headed in the right direction."
"Well then, let's keep going." Katniss and her small group continued west toward the mountains. The amulet guided their steps. As night fell they found themselves standing before a dense forest that glowed an unearthly purple. It was surrounded by an eerie mist. The moonlight spilled onto the floor of the woods. "The amulet points into the forest."
"The horse prints disappeared your highness as if they vanished into the aether," Sir Reginald said.
Virgil sneezed several times. "Where are we?"
Katniss knew of this place. She shivered before speaking, "My father told me never to cross the Forest of Despair."
"The forest of despair?!" Virgil said, his voice quaking.
"Pardon me, but what is the forest of despair?" James Double 'O Corky asked.
"Tis said this forest causes madness and untold fright. My father told me a story of twin girls that went into the forest on a dare. One was lost, never to be seen again. The other was found at the edge of the forest. The surviving twin was driven mad by what she experienced in the woods." Katniss remembered the way her father looked when he told her the story.
"You cannot go in there, your highness," Sir Reginald planted himself in the way.
"It's the only way to get Peeta. I have to, I love him."
"Then we must protect Katniss," James Double O' James said.
"WHAT ABOUT US?" Virgil clamored, "Who will protect us?"
"We are animals and the enchantment in the forest will not affect us," James Double O' James said. "The only one who shall be affected is Katniss because she is human."
"Oh," Virgil said.
"Right, now let us proceed with the utmost caution." Turning to Katniss, Sir Reginald said, "Your highness, keep the amulet clutched to your bosom, do not lose sight of it, for, without it, we would not be able to get to the other side safely."
Katniss nodded and forged ahead. The forest was quiet; there were no sounds as they moved deeper. Virgil rode inside of her quiver peeking his head out looking for monsters. Corky and Sir Reginald leaped from branch to branch scouting ahead, Double O' James and Commando Corky remained behind her, guarding her.
As they moved forward, the forest became darker as night cast its shadow upon the land. Every tree looked ominous.
"We need to rest," Katniss said when the trees were so dense that complete darkness descended and they could no longer see the path before them.
"We should take turns stayin' up," Corky said.
They divided themselves into groups, agreeing that Katniss would take the last one since she had little to no rest.
There was a sense of imminent danger as they settled for the night. Corky took the first watch. By the time it was Virgil's watch he stood next to the fire. Katniss was slumbering peacefully and he didn't want to wake her. There were only a few hours until dawn. He could indeed just take her turn to permit her to sleep longer. As time slipped by he kept an eye or ear out for any sound he thought to be dangerous. As he stood there his little heart pounded as he heard the flapping wings of a large bird as they moved stealthily through the trees.
He got closer to Katniss. His brothers were all fast asleep inside of her quiver. The bird dipped low, its talons gleaming in the firelight. Virgil jumped out of the way and the bird flew away.
"That was a close call," Virgil said to himself. But as he said this the bird came back and snatched him up. He shrieked.
Virgil's cries woke Katniss up and she saw the dark-winged creature carrying Virgil away. Getting up, Katniss grabbed her bow and nocked an arrow. She shot at the bird and it dropped Virgil as it plummeted to the ground. Katniss ran as she watched Virgil's little body falling fast. She reached out her hand and caught him just before he could hit the ground. "Are you okay?"
"Yes," Virgil said. He wrapped his little arms around her thumb and stared up at her in awe. "You are marvelous."
Katniss patted his little head. She could understand why Peeta was taken with Corky. Virgil had snuck into her heart. "I might as well stay up since it's my turn for the next watch."
"It's nearly dawn; we might as well start the day," Sir Reginal suggested as he and his brothers climbed out of the quiver.
Katniss nodded and soon they were on their way as the day dawned. She could see the clearing up ahead. She quickened her pace but as she walked, she began to feel that they were being watched. Katniss could hear some rustling in the trees that surrounded them. Taking an arrow she positioned it so that if she needed to shoot she could do it quickly.
It was then she saw a bird with black feathers and a white crest darting from one tree to another. There was something malevolent about the winged fowl.
"I don't like the look of that bird," Corky said.
"I think you guys should all get inside of my quiver," Katniss said, kneeling on the ground so that Corky and his brothers could quickly get inside.
When she stood she began walking at a brisk pace. As she did, she spotted more of those winged beasts flying in front of her path.
Katniss began running toward the clearing, but the forest floor began to fill with an eerie fog. Goosebumps appeared on her skin and she began coughing as she ran.
"We're almost there," Corky said from his perch at the rim of her quiver.
It was just as she reached the end of the forest that she heard Peeta call out her name. "KATNISS!" he cried.
Katniss's heart pounded in her chest. "PEETA!" she screamed and turned around to face the forest.
"KATNISS!"
"Where is he?" Katniss asked as she spun around, desperately looking for Peeta.
"My Lady?" Sir Reginal questioned.
"Don't you hear him? It's Peeta, he's calling for me, he sounds tortured."
"I don't hear a thing," Corky said. He climbed onto Katniss's shoulder and sniffed the air, "I only heard a bird screeching."
"KATNISS HELP!" Peeta shouted.
"There," Katniss turned in the direction of Peeta's voice. "Can't you hear him?"
"We hear nothing, but a bird screeching," Commando said.
"KATNISS!" Peeta screamed.
"He sounds tortured, they are hurting him."
Corky looked to his brothers. "Do you guys hear Peeta?"
His brothers all shook their heads no. Virgil pushed his glasses up the bridge of his short little nose. "We don't hear a thing."
Katniss ran back into the forest toward the voice. "I hear him, he's that way," Katniss pointed to her left.
"KATNISS." Katniss heard his voice again, but it was coming from her right.
"Mayhap Snow has enchanted the birds to speak only to Katniss," Sir Reginald said.
"Could be," Corky said. "They look like Jabberjays. They can be programmed to repeat human voices. Snow must have programmed them to torture Katniss only."
"We're only hearing their natural call," Virgil said in a trembling voice.
"But Katniss is only hearing Peeta's voice. Don't fall victim to this scheme," warned Corky.
"But Peeta," Katniss whispered as she ran toward Peeta's voice. Her body was trembling at the thought of him being tortured. Corky hung on to her shoulder as she ran. When she stopped, he moved back to the quiver.
The black and white birds began to descend and swoop down toward her, each one screaming out in Peeta's voice. Katniss shot one, but she couldn't handle the overwhelming flock of birds swarming her. She curled herself into a ball as they continued to sound like Peeta. Peeta screaming. Peeta calling for help. Peeta in obvious pain. It was too much. Katniss put her hands over her ears.
"Boys, we've got to get her out of here," Corky said.
"We're only a few yards away from the clearing," Double O' James Corky said.
"We need fire," Virgil said.
"Fire?" Commando corky questioned.
"To scare the birds with. If they get away from her long enough we can get her to the clearing."
"I can light a fire," Commando said and ran off to a dry patch of leaves. He zigged-zagged as the birds dipped, their claws extended to try to grab him. Katniss, seeing that a bird was swooping down to get Commando, nocked an arrow and hit the bird in the eye.
"That's inconceivable,'' Virgil whispered.
Commando hid in the pile of dry leaves. The Jabberjays, seeing Katniss had a weapon, begin to swoop down on her again.
Katniss ducked once more, just as smoke began to rise from the pile of leaves. Commando ran out with a flaming stick.
"Quick my lady, the branch." Sir Reginald said, pointing to a dry branch lying near Katniss's feet.
She picked up the branch, holding it out for Commando Corky to light. Once lit, Commando ran up her arm and into the quiver.
With the fire in her hand, the birds kept their distance. Katniss began moving forward, waiving the fire in the air to keep the birds at bay. She chanted, "It's not real," over and over again until she managed to run back to the clearing.
The silence greeted her once she was out in the open field. She took several deep breaths after extinguishing the fire as she stood looking up at the tower. Her knees quaked, but she did not let herself sink to the ground. Instead, Katniss gritted her teeth. She was going to get into that tower one way or another.
Back in the bunk, Katniss whispered, "Peeta," leaning upon her side so she could see him, making sure he was truly with her, instead of lost in the tower like he was in the story.
"Yes," Peeta said, looking up at her.
"This is the best story," she confessed.
"Even if there will be a few kisses."
"Well, that's still up for debate."
Peeta chuckled.
Katniss settled back down by his side. Peeta began speaking again.
The group rested after their encounter with the Jabberjays. The squirrels looked around for food as Katniss studied the tower where the amulet pointed. She knew that's where Peeta was being held. "How do we get into the tower?" she pondered.
"It is best if we do it when the guard's sup. In the evening, there will be fewer guards," Double O' James Corky said.
"Good idea," Virgil said. He stood on Katniss's shoulder looking at the Castle.
"I'm going to get a better look." She attempted to walk around the tower but the amulet continued to point to the tower, letting her know Peeta was being held somewhere within it.
Katniss climbed a tree to get a better look at the imposing tower with the wooden battlements. Virgil and Corky scampered up with her. She counted the guards she spotted from her position. This was not Snow's Palace; this was his hideout so there weren't many men. She counted twenty.
Her mind silently calculated how she could sneak into the tower. They could set the battlements on fire, which would help create a distraction to let her and Corky's brothers get in, but then there was the trouble of getting to Peeta. Not to mention they had to silence the guards they would encounter. Plus there was the problem of the Snow. He was very powerful.
"What do you think Virgil, can we take that bucket of rocks?" Corky asked.
"We can take them on with a plan," Virgil stated.
"We need to be stealthy," Corky said.
"We can open the drawbridge," Virgil said. "It's a pulley so I can easily chew through the rope."
"What about the guards?" Katniss asked, her eyes were fixed on the wooden battlements that surrounded the tower. "I've counted twenty men but there might be more inside. I can't take them all."
"Commando and Double O' James, you will distract the guards at the main floor," Virgil said.
"They can start a fire in that hay patch that's there," Corky suggested. "Then they can go to work on the Guards taking them down one by one."
"We can set boobie traps for the guards, while we look for the room where Peeta is kept," Virgil said, his tail swishing back and forth.
"How can I take on Snow? I have heard of mighty men running him through with swords and he survived. He has outlived being poisoned."
Corky told her, "Evil magic can only be defeated by Pure Magic."
"What does that mean?" Katniss was confused.
Virgil wiggled his nose. "The amulet will help you dispose of Snow. It was crafted by an oracle and given to one of Peeta's noble ancestors as a boon for saving her life."
"It's passed down from generation to generation within the Mellark family." Corky put his paw on Katniss's hand. "When the next guardian of the amulet turns 18 the amulet chooses the next successor. The Corky's have been in charge of safeguarding the bearer of the amulet for generations."
"Peeta knows all of this?"
"Peeta knew of the power of the amulet, he also knew you have a pure heart, just like his. The amulet would protect you and the children you might want to have with him. Peeta said you didn't want children but something tells me you might change your mind after discovering the truth behind the amulet."
Katniss swallowed.
"Are you alright?" Corky asked.
Katniss nodded. She closed her eyes briefly to collect herself. Something so powerful as the amulet needed to be guarded and she could feel that it would be given to one of her children. She had a lot to discuss with Peeta, but first, they had to rescue him. Opening her eyes she looked at Corky and Virgil. "Let's get my Peeta."
When they got down from the tree Corky relayed the plan to his brothers. All five of them would go ahead and scout inside of the castle for Peeta. As soon as it got dark Virgil and Corky would drop the drawbridge because the others would be busily starting fires.
Upon finding out their roles Commando and Double O' James replied at the same time, "We have that covered."
"Reginald, Corky, and I will go with you to provide future assistance, and I will help lead Katniss to Peeta," Virgil said.
They rested and finalized their plan as the sun began to make its descent toward the horizon. Katniss watched her cohorts scamper off to the castle. From her viewpoint, she could see them easily climb the wooden wall and slip into the castle without being detected by Snow's men.
Corky and his brothers brought with them several items to befuddle Snow's men and cause chaos. All Katniss needed to do was wait for the drawbridge to open so that she could sneak inside.
As the sun dipped below the horizon Katniss gripped her bow and arrow. It started with a cry of fire. She could see the plume of smoke and she grinned to herself. The brothers set several fires and then she saw the drawbridge come down. Katniss quickly snuck inside.
It was bedlam within the walls of the castle with men running back and forth trying to put out the various fires Corky and his brothers had set. The Wooden Walls of the battlement caught fire. Katniss clutched the amulet when she spotted Snow in his black robes coming out from the tower.
"Katniss over here," she heard Virgil calling her. He was on top of a cart filled with barrels.
Katniss ran to where Virgil stood; she was hiding behind the cart. Several men ran outside as the smoke was getting thicker as the fire began to burn out of control. Corky and Reginald were sniffing the barrels.
"Okay where to next, how do I get in the tower?" Katniss said, peeking around the corner.
"Katniss, hold the amulet in your hand and think about Peeta," Corky said.
"The amulet should transport you into the Tower."
"But…" She thought about the fact that the amulet wouldn't transport her into a dangerous place.
"There's no danger in the tower Katniss. There's danger here with the fire."
"What fire?"
They were joined by Commando and Double O' James. They climbed into Katniss's quiver.
Corky grinned mischievously. "These barrels contain a magic brew Snow uses to conjure; it's highly flammable."
"My Lady, we shall ignite these barrels," Sir Reginald. "Then disappear with you into the castle."
Katniss nodded. If there was one thing these squirrels knew how to do, was to make a fire. Peeta had taught them well. Katniss watched Comando throw a stick and flintstone at Corky. He disappeared between the barrels momentarily.
Thick smoke was billowing from the walls as more of the wooden structure that surrounded the tower caught fire.
"Hurry," Virgil cried.
Corky came running out and shouted, "Now Katniss! Now!"
Katniss closed her eyes as she felt Corky jump on her shoulder. She felt the heat of the explosion as she was transported from the outdoors to the interior of the tower. She opened her eyes to see a grand hall.
"You there!" One of the guards called when they spotted her.
He chased after her, but Katniss nocked her arrow and shot. It landed square on the man's neck.
This drew the attention of another guard.
"Katniss, go!" Corky exclaimed, urging her to run.
Katniss ran to dodge the guard. She could hear the man calling for his master. "MASTER CANE!"
"Quick make a left," Sir Reginald urged.
She found herself in a hall that had stairs leading up to the other floors. The men led by a man with a funny beard ran into the room.
"We have this," Commando said, as he and Sir Reginald lept down onto the floor. He flexed his muscles before running toward the guard.
"Squirrels," the man with the beard spat. "You invade my master's castle with squirrels, little girl."
"Katniss," Virgil said. "Run to the stairs - Peeta is upstairs."
"Boys," Katniss said, before running to the stairs.
"After her!"
Katniss heard a Commando scream, "Oorah," as she ran up the stairs. She paused mid-step to look down. The large wood circular candle holder came crashing on top of the men. The man with the beard stood with wide eyes before he ran out of the room. Sir Reginald gave her a cheery wave before he and Commando ran from the room to cause more mayhem.
Katniss continued to run up the stairs. She could only guess the man with the odd beard no doubt alerted Snow of her presence. It was only a matter of time before that wicked man found her as she reached the first landing.
"At the end of the hallway you'll see the stairs to the tower," Corky said.
"Peeta is in a room at the top," Virgil urged.
As she ran toward the stairs she could hear footsteps and shouts behind her.
"Alright, it's our turn," Corky said as he and Double O' James hopped down.
"We will provide you the necessary cover for you as you make your way to Peeta." Double O' James winked at her and gave her a debonair smirk.
Katniss felt bad for the guards who were going to encounter Corky and Double O' James. Peeta described Corky as incredibly industrious, and she now understood why. He and his brothers had shown valiantry beyond measure.
She ran to the end of the hallway to another set of stairs and began climbing. Virgil said Peeta was at the top of the tower. When she got to the last landing she stopped and found Snow standing there waiting for her. "Virgil go get help," Katniss whispered.
"Right away," Virgil said, jumping down.
Katniss went up the few steps to the large circular landing. There was a window next to the next flight of stairs.
"Princess Everdeen." His voice sounded like snakes slithering.
Katniss was tempted to shoot him with her arrow. But an arrow would not kill such an evil being. "Snow."
"You navigated the Serpentine Lake, unscathed." He swirled his hand in a circular motion and a ball of white fiery energy appeared. Snow shot it at Katniss.
"Song tamed the beasts," Katniss said as she leaped out of harm's way. The energy singed the spot she was standing moments before.
"You scaled the Cliffs of Expiry…" he said as swirled his hand again concocting another ball. "With aplomb," he growled as he flung the ball at her.
Katniss was quick; she leaped in the air, lept over him, and landed behind Snow. "Even after you blocked the path."
"And you even traversed Forest of Despair with your mental acuity intact."
This time the ball was bigger and Katniss ducked. The ball went out the window. She wanted to get as close to the stairs as possible, they were only a few feet away.
Snow's eyes glowed a murky yellow. "It is inconceivable that you made it this far."
"You stole Peeta. Did you think I would let you get away with it?"
Snow laughed in an unhinged machiavellian way. "No my dear Princess, I stole him to lure you to your death. Your days as a ruler are about to come to an end." He began to mutter an incantation as his hands moved again in that circular pattern.
Katniss recalled Corky telling her that evil magic could only be defeated by pure magic. She held out the amulet and as he launched the fiery ball at her. The amulet absorbed the energy momentarily before shooting it back at Snow. His face was one of pure shock as he was consumed by the energy.
Katniss closed her eyes as Snow crumpled into a pile of dust. When she heard nothing but the sounds of the contained fire below she opened her eyes. Snow was gone. She looked out the window toward the landscape beyond the castle. The Forest of Despair was no longer clouded in the eerie mist, the purple haze was gone, and it looked as if the sunlight gleamed off of the leaves within.
"PEETA!" She yelled not caring that she could be heard. All she wanted was to see the face of her beloved.
Katniss rushed up the stairs, careful not to be seen. Corky and his brothers were causing havoc below. The door at the top of the stairs was locked. She beat the door but then she recalled this one time her sister got locked into a room when they were little. Her father removed the pins from the hinges of the door to set her free.
Taking one of her arrows she snapped off both ends and put the tip of the broken arrow at the bottom of the top door pin. Using the amulet she tapped the end of the broken arrow, pushing the pin out of the hinge. Katniss then did the same for the bottom hinge. Katniss pried open the door and ran up the stairs.
Once inside the room, Katniss spotted a bed on the dais where Peeta was laid.
"Peeta?" She whispered. She extended her hand to touch his face, but she withdrew afraid of what she would find. Corky and his brothers scampered into the room.
"Is he dead?" Virgil asked.
Katniss gripped Peeta's hand. "He's cold," she said as she held his hand against her cheek. Tears glistened in her eyes.
"Katniss, I'm so sorry," Corky said. "We're too late."
"No we aren't," Sir Reginal said.
"What do you mean?"
"True love's kiss," Sir Reginal said.
Katniss gently set Peeta's hand back by his side and breathed heavily as she leaned over him, putting her hands on either side of his face. Her hot breath fanned his cold skin. She pressed her lips to his. Warmth began to seep from her lips to his and his lips barely parted. Katniss breathed into his mouth, a puff of love-tinged air.
Peeta's eyes opened up.
"Katniss," Peeta whispered before gathering her in his arms.
"With Snow slain and Peeta revived, the people of the land rejoiced.
On her wedding day, Katniss knighted each one of Corky's brothers with the Order of the Macadamia, a special knighthood that put them above all others knights in service to the crown.
"Rise Sir Corky, Sir Virgil, Sir Reginald, Sir Commando, and Sir James Double O'," Katniss said. "Fierce protectors of the Realm. Defenders of Love. Courageous and..." Katniss lifted Virgil and kissed his furry little cheek as she said, "Brave."
"Virgil fainted, but he would, for the rest of his life, be known as Sir Virgil the Brave," Peeta said. "Peeta reached for Katniss, and they lived happily ever after."
"Wait a minute Peeta Mellark, you said there would be two kisses?" Katniss demanded.
"I thought that you didn't like kisses."
"Well…" Katniss huffed, "every good book deserves a good kiss at the end. And Katniss deserves another kiss for all of her bravery. She faced Snow and killed him."
"Okay...okay…" Peeta settled back and continued. "Peeta reached for Katniss and together they stole away to a balcony away from prying eyes…" Peeta continued. "Since kissing began, there are only a handful of kisses that are known to be the most ardently heartfelt and this one topped all of those. And they lived happily ever after."
Katniss smiled and leaned up and kissed Peeta on the cheek. They were stuck in a bunker in the middle of a blizzard with no way of knowing if their loved ones were safe, or in Peeta's case, if his brother would survive. Yet Peeta showed her hope, he was like the dandelion resistant, life-giving, and gentle. If at the end of this they were free, she could picture Peeta's children being tucked in at night, listening raptly to their father's tales. Looking around, she wished they could be alone, so instead, she leaned over and placed a long lingering kiss on his lips.
"What was that for?" Peeta's eyes sparkled even in the semi-darkness.
"Just because."
"Well anytime you want to give me one of those, just because-kisses, you can. I mean, after all, we are in love."
Katniss grinned, and that's how she fell asleep, snuggled into Peeta's side with a smile tugging on her lips and visions of Corky and his brother's having grand adventures in a mythical land.
It was a nice distraction from the worry that the contraption Cressida and her team were making wouldn't work, from worrying if her mother was alive and if Rye would take a turn for the worse. Or even worse they did not manage to liberate the Capitol and the rebellion was all for nothing.
Thank you all for waiting so patiently for this story. It took me a long time to write, I kept on getting writer's block. I drew inspiration from Sleeping Beauty and of the Princess Bride. I wanted to give you guys a jammed pack Corky extravaganza - hope you guys enjoyed it.
To my beta and best friend, Norbertsmom thank you so much for your patience and guidance.
I do not own The Hunger Games, Sleeping Beauty, or the Princess Bride