A/N So…many of you are confused about last chapter. So, Katniss and Effie go on the roof to talk and Finnick comes on the roof because he wanted to talk to her. But he was only able to say a few words as he was called for his speech. Also go check out my other Everdair/Finniss book: Fire Extinguished.
Chapter 6: Saving the lost
Katniss hurries through the dark corridors, trying to not lose her orientation that fades a little more with every turn she takes. Smaller steps accompany hers as she falls into running. Like a little echo following her in the pitch black darkness.
But she isn't afraid. They calm her. A big smile shines on her face. It's not visible but it's there. She can feel the anticipation running through her veins as she gets faster again. She knows that she's doing the right thing. She's helping and that feels amazingly good.
She and her follower arrive at twenty seventh junction as the first doubt crosses her mind. Not in general, she was afraid that it could go wrong after all the time planning. But the first since she stole away in the break between two interviews.
She is aware of the danger her actions bring with them, but still she can't help but keep going. Now the biggest risk is that they won't show up. Afraid of the consequences, doubting her words. She sent them the message, so they can't even be sure it's her for real.
But deep down in her heart she can feel that they will be waiting for her. She gave them the one thing stronger than fear. The only emotion that can beat the panic. Hope.
The hope to be reunited with something that was more than lost. Something they thought would never come back. Or better, someone.
Followed by her little shadow she reaches the underground cathedral that was built long ago to guard the lost and afraid. Today it would do its job once again, by returning someone. Reuniting a family. If the family is there.
She looks around the hall as a few people break out of the shadows. She can see a man, probably the father and his wife, an older woman, the grandmother she thinks, and three kids, hiding behind the adults. She smiles to show her good intentions. And her own shadow steps forward as she nods into the dark.
The mother bursts into tears and stumbles forward to hug her lost child. Disbelief is written on her face for a few seconds until it is suppressed by indescribable joy. The other two adults sigh in relief while the kids shake off their shyness and hurry to join the cuddle. The grandmother walks to them and at last the father lays his strong arms around his family.
As the mother looks up again, Katniss is already slowly backing away. The gratitude is written clearly on the woman's face as she manages a silent nod. Katniss bows.
Then she turns around and walks into the corridors again. As soon as darkness consumed her, there are only her hurrying steps that linger.
She's running again, but her heart is still with Rue and her family. Life will be hard for them, always forced to hide from now on. But they got each other and she's sure nothing will ever be able to separate them again. Her heart beats fast as she remembers how she saved her little friend.
It was pretty easy, she expected more from the modern technology, but they didn't realize that Rue was only laying there, eyes closed, but clearly not dead. She has forgotten how they managed to get her out of the arena, it's all disappearing in a blur.
But they made it. They saved her.
She smiles as a single tear rolls down her cheek. She will never see Rue again.
And maybe that's a god thing
She arrives behind the stage again, still wondering how she could make the way back that quickly without getting lost.
Thanks to Cinna's amazing and water proof makeup, no one will be able to see her emotions. But now she can smile the smile she's supposed to wear.
The smile of a winner.
She returns to the others, finding Finnick in a discussion with Effie about how to write the perfect speech. He turns around and raises an eyebrow while he looks at her.
He leans over and whispers "Little flame, you seen quite…dusty." But not even that can break her good mood. She looks his straight in the eyes and smiles as she answers. "Oh, these are the ashes of the enemies I burned on my way."
Then she turns around and walks over to the next interviewer, who's waiting for her.
Finnick can't do anything except watching her leave with his mouth open in surprise, he can't help but be impressed.
That was a burn.
A/N Sorry for the small chapter. Anyway please review and favorite. Next chapter would be posted in a few days.
