I stood silently, surveying the waiting soldiers. Boggs had gone ahead to find the most suitable path for us to enter the dungeon where the prisoners, Peeta, Johanna, Annie and Effie were. I took a deep breath and knew that if we were successful, I'd have Peeta back in my arms within the next few hours. My body trembled with a mix of fear and excitement. I was afraid to get my hopes up too high because what if Snow had killed him? Haymitch sensed the dark path my thoughts were heading down and pulled me into his arms in a rare fatherly gesture. It was only then that I realised that he was sober, which surprised me.
"You're sober?!" I asked
"Well yeah, Sweetheart" he replied, "District 13 have a no alcohol policy so I was forced into it"
He smirked at my surprised expression and it was all I could do not to roll my eyes at him. Just then, Boggs came back through the trees and everyone hushed and looked at him expectantly.
"There's a clear path that heads directly to the underground chamber where Peeta is located, but that is the path the guards use so it's out of the question for us. However, I found a small trail that also leads into the chamber but we will still have to be very quiet"
We all nodded and prepared to head out. We had only been gone from District 13 for a day but it felt like a lifetime to me. All I wanted was to get Peeta back and then live in peace, but as the Mockingjay I'd never be allowed to.
"One step at a time Katniss" I told myself, "Just get Peeta and deal with the rest later."
Taking a deep breath, Boggs and I led the band of soldiers down to the trail and followed it, taking care with our steps in case of any trap that could have been put there as a safety measure.
Eventually, we reached a small door that would only take one person at a time through it so we all armed ourselves with knock out gas and I loaded my bow with an arrow for precautionary measures. I looked up to the sky and made a silent wish that we would all come out alive, including everyone we were attempting to rescue, then I put out my hand and placed it on the handle of the door.
I looked back at Haymitch and he nodded. Steeling my nerves, I pushed open the door...
Sorry it's been so long! I recently started college and am in the process of moving house, but I will try and update sooner rather than later :'3. Disclaimer: all of the characters and THG belong to Suzanne Collins
