Are You Gonna Go My Way
by FanficAllergy & RoseFyre

oOo

Effie Trinket is a force of nature. An efficient and helpful force of nature, but a force of nature nonetheless.

She storms into my workroom like a hurricane, her eyes darting here and there, taking in the dress forms and designs strewn about the small windowless room. "We have a problem."

Effie Trinket is also a tad melodramatic.

I raise an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"Yes! Well, not a problem problem. But more of a headache. An inconvenience. An annoyance."

"Mm hm." I nod, encouraging her to continue.

"Have you met our Mockingjays?"

"I have."

She throws her hands up. "Well then you know what I'm talking about!"

"Perhaps," I respond. I don't know exactly what she's talking about. I have suspicions, but I don't know for certain. "But I would welcome any insight you might have."

"They're a handful," she tells me.

"Mm?"

"Quite literally, I'm afraid. I admit it, I've tried to endow these… these…" She struggles to find the words. There are several uncomplimentary terms that spring to mind, but I dislike putting words into people's mouths. And I've found that it's best to let them sort out and articulate what they mean without me influencing their choices. It's much more honest that way. "Well, you've seen Thirteen," she says at last.

"I have."

"It's nothing like the Capitol."

"On that we agree."

"It's just they've got no sense of style, or pageantry. Or presentation! Why, even a child could understand that appearance matters! Decor matters! The phrase 'make a good first impression' has meaning!"

"I completely agree with you, Ms. Trinket." From what I've gathered, I was very lucky to be assigned a workroom at all. Fulvia told me that Plutarch had to argue quite a bit on my behalf. Thirteen is quite unlike the Capitol, where appearance is everything. And while I don't agree with the Capitol's views on many things, I know how appearance can shape perception. For this revolution to succeed, the people must want it to. And their opinion will be shaped not only by our message, but also by our appearance.

"Oh please, call me Effie." She waves that away. "People often make snap judgments when it comes to who they're willing to throw their support behind. And often the most beautiful and most eye-catching are the ones who stick out in their memory. I'm glad to see you understand."

"So what exactly is the problem?" I ask.

"Well, first you're going to have to deal with Thirteen. Every deviation from their norm," she motions to the charcoal gray coveralls we're both wearing, "is going to be a battle."

"So Thirteen is set in their ways?" I had thought so, but it's good to get confirmation.

"That's a polite way of putting it," she says, her voice sharp.

"And you mentioned something about the Mockingjays?" I ask, trying to bring her back to her original point.

She finally sits down, leaning towards me as though she's about to confide a world-changing secret. "They're a whole different headache."

"How so?" I ask, wishing not for the first time that I had some tea or other refreshment to offer my visitor. "I haven't had a chance to work with them quite as in-depth as you have."

"You shouldn't have any big problems with Peeta. Charming boy, quite sweet. There are some odd proportions you'll need to work around. That chest-to-waist ratio…" She moves her hands, outlining his figure in the air. "While I admit it's quite attractive, it's also quite impossible to fit properly. And those arms! Good luck designing a shirt that will accommodate those arms without leaving the rest of him swimming in fabric."

"I'll make sure to take good measurements then." It's useful to know about odd proportions, but it's really not a big deal. Not everyone is shaped the same, and tailoring clothing to fit individuals is something I am quite experienced at. While Peeta's proportions may be odd, I don't foresee that being too big of a problem.

"That should work. Now, you'll need to do the same with Gale, although the problem with him is his inseam, if you understand my meaning."

"I see," I say slowly.

"While not quite as barrel-chested as his husband, he's got some of the broadest shoulders I've seen. But no derriere. Be prepared to become quite familiar with belts and suspenders. He's got nothing to prevent his pants from falling right off. Well. Nothing in the back, anyways."

"Is that the only problem with him?" I ask. Again, these are things to be aware of, but not a major problem.

"Oh, I wish! Unlike darling Peeta, Gale is a bit more… mule-headed. He's not quite at Haymitch's level, of course I don't think anybody could be at Haymitch's level, but he's close. And he's got a chip on his shoulder. Especially when it comes to Capitolites."

I grunt in agreement. I had noticed, during our few interactions, that the tall man didn't seem too fond of anybody who he deemed too Capitol. He appeared to tolerate me more than the others of my group, although I suspect that had more to do with my information than any actual fondness towards me or my profession. He was especially antagonistic towards Finnick Odair, although I wonder how much of that is jealousy. Finnick never knows when to stop flirting; it's his defense mechanism whenever he's in a situation he's not fully in control of and around people he's not comfortable with. I know Finnick doesn't mean anything by it, but I'm pretty sure Gale hasn't caught onto that distinction.

"And Katniss?" I ask.

Effie sighs. "Katniss is… Katniss. There are no words to describe her. She's, in equal doses, the most fabulous and frustrating person you could work with. She's very similar to Gale in a way, in that you have to earn her respect. However, it doesn't take as much to do so, at least in my estimation."

I nod.

"But that's not her biggest problem."

"Oh?"

"No, as much as I love the girl, I do wish she weren't pregnant. I'm certain you understand. It's not only her stomach that's expanding, it's other things." She holds her hands in front of her chest.

"Ah."

"The poor dear's breastfeeding. Breastfeeding!" Effie leans towards me. "Have they never heard of formula? I can't imagine the damage being done to her nipples!" She sighs. "Not to mention the sag. My lower back just twinges in pain at the thought."

"Mm," I respond. Katniss does present a unique problem when it comes to styling clothing to fit her. Until her pregnancy is over, her body will continue to grow and change. I'll have to make clothing that can be let out easily to accommodate the changes, and we'll need to have regular fittings. "Thank you for the warning."

"Well, I admit, I've done my best. I'm not the artiste that you are."

"I'm certain you've done wonderfully." I reach out to pat her forearm. "Don't put yourself down, darling Epiphany."

Her cheeks color. "Well thank you."

"In fact, that brings me to something I wish to discuss with you. As I'm sure you're aware, most styling is a team effort. And regrettably, Portia was unable to come with us. I was hoping you'd be willing to take her place."

Effie puts her hand on her chest. "Why I'm flattered, I don't know what to say."

I lean forward. "Please say yes. After all, you've provided me with valuable information, and with you by my side, we won't have to start over from scratch." I watch her internal battle with some amusement. She's got a very expressive face, which fascinates me. I can understand why she was the face of Capitol Couture for so many years.

After several moments, she says, "You make a compelling argument. I'll have to see if my other duties will permit. You understand I can't say yes immediately."

"Of course. But please."

The door to my workroom opens and a disgruntled looking Katniss waddles in.

"The schedule says I'm supposed to report to you." She holds up her wrist to show the purple ink etched there.

I smile at her. "Ah yes. It must be nine o'clock. It's really funny how the time gets away from you." I smile at Effie with affection.

"Well can we hurry it along?"

I don't take offense to her brusque tone. After all, the reason for her brusqueness is obvious. "Your concern over your husbands is understandable, Ms. Everdeen, but I believe Thirteen is simply trying to keep you busy so you don't spend all your time worrying."

She grimaces at me.

"Besides, I'm certain Ms. Trinket will happily inform you if anything momentous happens out on the front."

"What?" Effie asks, blinking her eyes like I've caught her daydreaming. Perhaps I have.

"Don't you have a meeting to attend?" I ask, glancing down at her wrist.

"Oh! Yes!" she says with a slight blush of embarrassment. "I do."

"I'm sure Vice President Heavensbee will be kept informed of any events in Six."

She nods. "Yes, I'm sure he will be."

"Then, if any changes in the situation occur, could you please inform Ms. Everdeen?" I don't like being this unsubtle, but I don't want my meaning to be misunderstood.

To her credit, Effie catches on. "Of course."

"There. Does that work for you?" I ask Katniss.

She nods.

Effie smiles at us, then hurries out.

"So," Katniss says, turning back to me, "what are we supposed to do?"

I motion to a chair near my drafting board. "I thought we might get to know each other a bit first. I apologize for the lack of refreshments, but they're a bit strict about that kind of thing here."

"Tell me about it," Katniss says. "Luckily pregnant women get a special dispensation to eat whenever they want to, so long as they're within their goal weight."

"Sounds smart," I say without really knowing if it is or not. I know next to nothing about pregnancy. While I like children, the act that produces them is unappetizing, to say the least. "I admire your bravery," I say instead.

"Why?" she asks, plainly confused.

"For having the strength to do what's right even though it's not what you want."

"What?"

"I personally find your story very inspiring."

"Huh?"

"Most people don't understand the strength it takes to do what's right as opposed to what you want to do," I explain, trying to make sure my voice shows my sincerity. "To sacrifice yourself and your own happiness for the greater good. I just want you to know that what you're doing is appreciated."

Katniss looks away, embarrassed. "I don't feel like I'm doing anything. I mean, it seems like my story has just been a never ending slew of pregnancies." Her shoulders slump. "I feel useless."

"Trust me, you're anything but useless," I tell her. I'd like to comfort her but I sense she dislikes being touched. My words will have to be enough. "In a way, I think you've done more to fuel this rebellion than anyone else." I see her look of incredulity so I elaborate. "Yours was the first voice I heard to let me know that there was hope."

"But I'm not a good speaker," she protests.

I raise an eyebrow.

She flushes, correcting herself. "I mean, Haymitch and Effie constantly put down my speaking ability."

"That's because they have very high standards," I tell her.

"And you don't?"

"No, I do. But my measuring stick is just different from theirs. They're used to situations like the Games. A tribute has to be immediately relatable and the learning curve is incredibly steep. There's a proven formula for success in the Games, and that's what Haymitch and Effie are used to, what they're looking for." I catch her gaze and hold it. "You, my dear, break the mold. Nothing about you is typical."

"Um, thank you?"

"You're welcome. So what that tells me is that we need to play to your strengths."

"What, my ability to get pregnant?" she asks, gesturing at her stomach.

I chuckle. "I suppose that could be considered a strength, but that's not what I was referring to."

"Then what? Thirteen only values me because I'm fertile." Her frustration colors every word. "I can't even go outside or help my husbands even though I'm the best fighter of the three of us!"

"I have no doubts of that," I say. The fire is clear in her eyes. This is a woman who knows what she wants and is willing and able to fight for it. I've seen it in the propos and the radio shows, and that's the Katniss Everdeen I believe in.

"Well then can you tell them that? Keeping me locked away like a bird in a cage is… it makes me feel… useless," she repeats. "I can't be with my husbands, I can't even save my district."

"Have you tried to save your district?"

"Peeta did. He talked to Plutarch, asked if they could liberate Twelve as well as Six, but Coin said no."

There's something that niggles at my brain. "Is that what Plutarch said or what Coin said?" I ask.

"Plutarch," Katniss confirms with a sigh. "But he and Coin are pretty much the same person."

"Pretty much the same doesn't mean that they're exactly the same," I tell her. "Plutarch's not you. He doesn't have the same way with words that you do."

"So you're saying I should try talking to Coin?" she asks, giving me a look.

"Would it hurt?"

She shakes her head. "You haven't met Alma Coin yet, have you?"

"I have actually. She seems to be quite the driven woman."

"She is that."

"But she also seems to be fair," I point out. "I'm sure she'd be willing to hear you out."

"She's gonna say no."

"You don't know that until you try."

"You don't know Alma Coin."

"She might surprise you," I encourage. "I've found it's best to give people the opportunity to prove you wrong, and if they prove you right, well, you were prepared for that to begin with."

Katniss bites her lip. "So you're suggesting I meet with her."

"What harm could it do?"

"I'm supposed to let Peeta do the talking."

I sigh internally. She keeps coming up with all of these reasons why she can't do something. The Capitol's conditioning at work. I need to shake her of its lingering effects. "I think that you need to speak for yourself. I'm sure your husband will understand." I think telling her to let him do the talking has hurt her opinion of her own abilities, and that is a tragedy. When Katniss Everdeen speaks, everyone stops to listen, from the lowliest mine worker all the way to President Snow. Silencing her voice is the worst thing that could happen for this revolution.

"Will you go with me?" Her voice is small.

I want to give her a hug, but I know she won't accept it. All I can do is show her with my words how much I support her. "Of course, Katniss. I'll be behind you all the way."

oOo

Katniss shifts her weight from one leg to the other, clutching her arms over her pregnant belly.

She's nervous.

I can hear her muttering something under her breath but I can't quite make out the words.

"You can do this," I tell her, trying to keep my tone encouragingly light. "Coin respects those who are willing to speak up on behalf of others."

She shoots me a look.

"Okay, I'm guessing that she will. But you can do this, Katniss. It doesn't hurt to try. And at least if you do this, you can say that you've done something entirely on your own. Not Peeta, not Gale, but you. And if you succeed, well, you can say that you've done something that no one else has. You liberated a district on your own. That's definitely not useless in my book."

I see the tension in her shoulders lessen somewhat. She's still nervous, but at least now her whole body isn't conveying her fear.

We ring the chime for Coin's office and wait.

After a few moments, the door slides open and Commander Boggs appears. "Is there something you needed, Ms. Everdeen?"

"I want to talk to President Coin," she says as confidently as she can manage. Her voice is slightly shaky, but it's not noticeable unless you're listening for it.

The man looks down his nose at her. "The president's quite busy supervising the approach to District Six." There's bad blood here and I wonder what it is.

Katniss refuses to let the man's antipathy get to her. "I understand," she says, lifting her chin. "This can't wait."

"Let her in, Derrick," Alma's voice comes from inside the room.

The tall dark-skinned man steps to one side, his eyes betraying his distrust. His antagonism seems so out of place. So random. I'll have to ask around, see if I can suss out just what has caused Commander Derrick Boggs to hate Katniss so.

We step into the office and my eyes are immediately drawn to the person seated next to the president. Finnick Odair. I struggle to conceal my surprise. Finnick's never shown any interest in politics or war. I wonder if he's tried to do what Katniss has planned: bargain for the liberation of District Four.

If he has, I doubt he's been successful. Four is too far away, too spread out, and too big to make liberating it feasible.

"It's a pleasure to see you, Katniss," Alma says, gesturing to a chair.

"Where's Plutarch?" Katniss asks.

Alma raises an eyebrow. "He's working with his team on developing a new propo. Is that all?"

"No."

"Did you want me to summon him?"

"No! I want to talk to you." Katniss pauses for a moment, glancing at Boggs and Finnick, her fingers beating a nervous tattoo on her protruding stomach. "Alone."

"I'm sure you understand that isn't feasible. Besides, I see you have an ally in your corner. It's only fair that I be allowed the same courtesy."

I will Katniss to give in. This isn't an argument she needs to win. In addition, I have a feeling Finnick will be in her corner. And it never hurts to have the darling of the Capitol on your side.

"Fine. They can stay," Katniss says.

"So, what did you want to discuss with me?"

"I know Plutarch's already talked to you about this, but I want you to reconsider your decision not to liberate District Twelve. I think you should."

An expression of confusion flits across the president's face before she smooths it into dispassionate interest. "I'm listening."

Katniss takes a deep breath and plunges in. "I know District Twelve's not a high priority or a good military target. But it's got people. A lot of them children. Innocents who don't deserve to suffer underneath the Capitol's yoke."

Coin nods, motioning for Katniss to go on.

"I mean, think of the message it'll send. Everybody ignores District Twelve. Nobody thinks it's important."

Finnick nods his head. Boggs tilts his. She's right. No one thinks very much of Twelve.

"But if you showed that it was important to you, it would let the rest of the districts know that they'll matter too. If you care about the least of the districts, what does that say for everyone else?"

Coin regards Katniss, her eyes assessing the other woman. "That's an interesting point. But I'm not sure we have the resources to spare."

"Oh! It wouldn't take much to liberate Twelve," Katniss says quickly. "We were never a rebellious district to begin with. There can't be more than a thousand Peacekeepers there, probably less. We only had ten thousand people and a lot of us died in the flu. Including Peacekeepers. By the time I left, there were probably less than four hundred Peacekeepers left in Twelve. I can't see Snow sending too many more. He'd just bomb the place and be done."

"She makes an interesting point, Alma," Finnick says, speaking up. "You know the Capitol doesn't think Twelve is very important, but we could use that against them. Just think of the statement it'll make. Thirteen saves Twelve. Thirteen cares about all of us. All of us matter, not just District Two or District Three. You'd get a lot of support. It would make it easier to liberate other districts in the future."

Coin frowns. "I don't think we can hold the district. It's too indefensible."

Katniss shakes her head. "I'm not saying you should. Just save the people. Bring them here," she urges, leaning forward in her chair. "I'm sure a lot of us would be happy to join the military, and most of us have experience working underground. We'd be valuable workers here in Thirteen. And…" she rubs her belly, "we have a lot of children."

Coin nods slowly. "You've argued your case well, and mentioned things Plutarch failed to consider." There's that flash again. "You're correct, Katniss. I think we can spare fifteen hundred troops to liberate your home district."

"What about the Peacekeepers?" Boggs growls.

"A lot of them'll probably be willing to defect," Katniss tells him, turning around in her seat to look at him. "Most of the Peacekeepers I remember were pretty laid back. And the Capitol didn't try to help them when they got sick either. They died just like the rest of us. I'm sure a lot of them are angry and just looking for an excuse to rebel."

"They'll have to be debriefed," Coin informs her, a hint of warning in her tone.

"Of course," Katniss agrees. "But no torture."

I'm a little concerned that torture may have been on the table at some point, but now isn't the time to interrupt.

"And anyone who doesn't wish to defect will be left behind."

Katniss nods. "That's fair. But I'm sure if you tell people that there's food and medicine, there won't be many holdouts."

Coin nods again. "I'd like you to accompany the troops, Ms. Everdeen. I'll talk to your doctors, explain that this is necessary."

"What about Haymitch?" Finnick suggests.

"He can go too. But from my observance, Mr. Abernathy is not as highly regarded as Ms. Everdeen." She looks squarely at Katniss. "Congratulations, Ms. Everdeen. You've convinced me."

A relieved smile crosses Katniss's face. All of the tension melts away. "When do we leave?"

"Now. By this time tomorrow, District Twelve will be free."

oOo

AN:
Written: 1/29/16
Revised: 1/31/16
Revised 2: 3/3/16

The title of this interlude comes from the Lenny Kravitz' song, "Are You Gonna Go My Way." We had to pick something by Lenny Kravitz for a Cinna chapter. We had to. It was a moral imperative.

In a way, this chapter was more about Katniss than about Cinna, but we wanted to show people's observances of Katniss from the perspective of someone other than her husbands. One of the complaints we've received was that Katniss is unlikeable and seemed unwilling to help people. We completely understand why someone would think that, but we wanted to show that that's not how she was. She took Peeta's admonition not to talk without him seriously, which hampered her ability to get things done.

Also, Katniss up to this point has been feeling very out of place in Thirteen, similar to how she reacted when she first arrived in the Capitol in canon. Remember how, when she was prepping for the interviews, she thought she wasn't good at anything? Or how she spent her time crying after she shot the pig because she thought she blew her chances? Yeah. That's this Katniss - this Katniss never went through the Games, so she never got any of the same traumas. She's also been forced to be a breeder and a speaker, which are not roles she's comfortable with, rather than being allowed to do the things she considers herself good at.

We've known that she hasn't really had a chance to shine in District Thirteen. We wanted to show her coming into her own separate from her husbands. And Cinna is the proper motivator - and this is the proper time to do it.

Things We Randomized:

-Cinna's sexuality (He's Asexual if you didn't catch it)

Next up: Lovers in a Dangerous Time - The Revolution has begun and Gale's family is smack dab in the middle of it. It's going to take everything they have to make it out alive. Gale's going to do everything in his power to make sure they do. But that's not going to be easy, especially not in the middle of a civil war. He's going to need luck. Unfortunately, Gale's never believed in luck.

Thanks for reading! Let us know what you think!