For: Luis119 " I SALUTE YOU ;D and plus you did keep me up till 3am with your awesome reviews~! So this is for yewwww!"
Strawberry Swing
•Katniss's POV•
I ran as soon as I fell into a snowed tree back in Thirteen. I was near the core, so that was my target as I ran. But I didn't know that rebel soldiers infiltrated it on the inside. So I couldn't get in. I fell to my knees and punched the snowy ground. The moon and stars mocked me.
What am I going to do? I'll probably be executed if I get back to my apartment with my mom and Prim.
"S—Stay where you are!" A soldier trembled behind me in the darkness. I got up and faced him. I stood in front of him crossed armed. Bring it on, I mentally messaged him. He fell to his knees and covered his head with his hands.
"I surrender! I surrender! Just don't kill me!" He cried. I let my hands go down. Why would I kill you? Out of all the people on my list? I eyed his weapon and uniform.
"Take it off," I said simply. He looked up with a funny look. I was too vague. "I meant your clothes. Take the uniform off. And give me your weapon." He did as he was told in a blink of an eye. But he seemed so scared at the same time. I put on the uniform over my clothes—Thalia's clothes actually.
"You tell no one of this." I told the semi-naked soldier. "Now go." I helped him up—offering my hand, but he didn't take it. He scrambled up and ran like a mad man into the night. As if I was a monster.
It hurt.
I managed to enter the core and find it was torn apart. All the soldiers were analyzing each object with careful interest. Even the simplest thing. Like the toilet paper.
Well, if they look under Oran's bed they'll find some green toilet paper if that's what they are actually looking for . . .
"Can I help you, soldier?" A familiar masculine voice rang through me. Gale.
I turned to face him. And I don't know if he saw through me or not, but he suspected something.
"No, sir." I said quietly as I turned to go. He grabbed my shoulder.
"Actually . . . we could really use your help in the back. Come with me." I took a step back. I was going to run. He saw through me, I know it. But everyone was looking so I couldn't so I had to follow him.
We walked through the dimly lighted halls. I recognize these halls so well as if they were my own. The pretty wallpaper was torn apart. I touched the wallpaper with my fingertips as I walked. It was so flaky, cold, and above all—dull. Not the shining colors Mitzuki had it at. I felt a pang of dark sadness. I could have set them free—but I was such a coward.
"Here we are, soldier." Gale resounded as he opened a room. He motioned me to enter and I recognized the room as my own.
He lit an oil lamp I kept in case we used up our electricity. Which we did, like twice. All because Oran was trying to upgrade our skateboards and he used up all our energy reserve. And the other time because I accidentally hit the energy reserve with an arrow while practicing with Oran. I never knew why that machine was in the weaponry room.
I have such warm memories with Oran and Mitzuki.
The door then shut locked and I heard the key turn. I start as he jingles the antique key in front of me.
"You won't be getting this back in a while, Katniss." I clench my fists. Since when is Gale so high and mighty?
"Oh, I wouldn't say that, Gale." I turn to find exits but the only ones were sealed shut. Yes, they nailed my window down. "Where are the others?" I ask.
"Oh they are doing their hard labor duties in the mine back at twelve." He got closer to me. "But they won't be coming back to duty anymore. They are expelled from our team. And," He put his hand on my cheek. "So are you." I pulled away.
"What?" I yelled and he shushed me.
He leaned in and whispered. I guess he doesn't want me to go.
"Look, they—as in Sora Yoshiko, Mitzuki Nakamura, and Oran Patrick III Yoshiko—work for someone else." Oh wow. Talk about news flash. "When you . . . Teleported away or, whatever you did, which by the way—everyone is scared because you did that. They think you're a witch . . . Anyways, we entered this place and found out about this organization called—" I just had to cut him off. I just had too.
"U.K.E?" I called—kind of loud also. Making him shush me again.
"Yes. And why am I not surprised you know about it? Anyway, we still haven't figured out what the organization is or what it works for, but we do know it will probably be destruction." Oh brother. You are so wrong. Even though I have to admit the people there are nut jobs at times.
"Word leaked out of this and now, Haymitch and Plutarch think that the 'third side' theory might be right. And the Capitol might just be trying to unite us as a nation to just go against this 'U.K.E'." Of course not! No! The Capitol would never do that. That was the Capitol's imagination at work! This is just a coincidence! He continued.
"I honestly—will never believe that—the Capitol is by nut jobs, for nut jobs, and dwelled my nut jobs." Touché. "Anyway, Plutarch and Haymitch are buying this 'third side' theory and it's bad. They expelled the others for that, while me, Finnick, and some others are battling against this. Doesn't mean I trust your friends though. But I need you to confirm my suspicions."
He had me trapped by a wall.
"Are they right?" He looked so exacerbated. He even had bags under his eyes—he's been working so hard for this.
"No, they aren't." He sighed and pulled away. He smiled.
"I knew it." He whispered happily. I tried to smile back, but I couldn't. Why? Because now I understand Athena's words. "Ridiculous war". It is indeed a ridiculous war. And I want to laugh about it now. So small and distant to what is going to happen. Like a tree to an ant.
"Can you take me? To twelve . . .?" I asked Gale. He looked over at me—startled.
"Why do you want to go?" I faced him and now cornered him.
"'Cause my friends are there. And I need them back." Did I just really say that? Percy's loyalty is rubbing off me. He snorted, but I didn't find the topic stupid—not like his.
"Since when do you care so much for strangers?" I clenched my fists.
"You wouldn't understand." I stared him down. "I helped you, so you better take me there without a problem or I'll go by my own terms—my way. And," I raised my chin to stand my ground. "We all know how that'll go, now don't we?" He stared me down.
"Tell me everything you know about U.K.E and you got yourself a deal." He negotiated.
I put out my hand. "Deal." We shook hands. "But—" You should have seen his face when I said that word, "You take me first. I'll tell you on the way." He ran his hand down his face.
"Fine. Meet tomorrow before sunrise near that place where we lost your Mockingjay pin." I nod. He then told me I could stay in this room as long as I don't make a peep. He also gave me my key back and a hammer. You know for my nailed window.
So don't expect to see me waiting here to be your Wonder girl cause I'm not gonna save you...
•Percy's POV•
"So what now?" Nico called trough the Big House. Thalia put on her weird thinking face.
"I say we send out a search parties to find him like how we sent out for Annabeth." She stated simply. "It's not like we can do anything for poor, rainbow boy."
I honestly wouldn't worry much about Kyron. Not that I disliked him or anything but Annabeth told me Katniss faded earlier and she told her that "Aminta sends her regards." What's that supposed to mean? Did Aminta posses Katniss? Did she brainwash her? Sabotage?
"Percy?" Annabeth called from my side. Everyone was looking at me.
"What?" I asked. Am I missing something here?
"We asked you who you want your team to be." Thalia explained. Oh.
"Oh! Well, Annabeth, of course. And I'd like to take . . ." I scanned the table for possible people. But the people I wanted weren't here. "Stephanie and Katniss also." Thalia nodded and Annabeth gave me a look. I, um, rather not discuss that.
"You still need two more. And it can't be me or Nico. We're staying here for other purposes." Thalia responded. I really, really, really wanted to call Rachael in too, but from what Grover told me earlier . . .
"Grover, and um, Rachael." I heard a snicker from Clarisse. Annabeth had a very annoyed look. Thalia nodded and told me we start tomorrow and that she'll call in Rachael and Stephanie. It's winter break anyway.
We updated anything we knew about the "new war". But I haven't heard or seen anything at the moment. Well besides what Kat told Annabeth yesterday. So it not like we can do anything except protect Stephanie and hope everything will be alright. And the Great Prophecy seems so distant to us now. Well people like Thalia, Nico, Stephanie, and Kyron. The others think we're insane and slacking on the job when we're not. I can feel this new war surpass all others. But it's not like I can transmit feelings like—like these.
We couldn't do anything for Katniss though. The Kitty Kat of our camp. She still is something that will hold me back during this quest.
Plus I couldn't see, when it was you and me. Blow the candles out. And I think I'll . . . be alright.
•Katniss's POV•
I waited and waited for Gale. But he was late. I wore some of my old clothes I used to wear when I would go into fight strategies with Oran. So it's water proof and unrippable. Then I saw a silhouette in the night. Two as a matter of fact. I held my hand over Paggos Fotia—ready to attack.
Eventually I saw it was Gale and Finnick. And Finnick didn't seem too happy to see me.
"Long time no see." Finnick said as he crossed his arms. Oh gods, who invited him? "Where have you been, Witch of the West?" I rolled my eyes. You have got to be kidding me.
"Can we go now?" I asked Gale and he nodded. I saw he didn't bring any transportation. Did he expect us to walk? But my question was answers when I saw the old motor bikes we used to get to the Capitol behind a tree. They tossed me the keys to one.
We mounted them without a word and set off. Soon—they questioned me.
"So, talk." Gale started.
I took a deep breath. Please don't kill me, Sora. I remember when Mizuki wanted to tell me this truth I am about to tell them, but then Sora interrupted us. He hates when revelations happen—Mitzuki had told me—he says ninety-nine percent of the people can't handle it. So why bother? He's one of the few people I actually, sort of, fear. Just a tiny bit though.
"U.K.E stands for United Kingdoms of the East, first of all. It's both an organization and country—well various kingdoms placed under a given leader. Her name is Vathia. The actual organization, though, does top secret work . . ." They both look at me to continue. "They are supernatural. Nothing you can imagine, or would even believe because—"
"The supernatural? Really? Is that the best explanation you've got?" Finnick complained. He turned to Gale, "We can't convince Haymitch and Plutarch with that! They'll probably just throw pie in our face." Gale shushed him and motioned me to continue.
"You guys won't be able to see anything because you guys can't see through the mist. So, I can't really show you. But I consider myself partially part of this organization—" Finnick cut me off once more.
"You're not making sense here. Show us and I'll determine if this 'mist' will blind me or not." So we stopped in the middle of no where. They stood cross armed in front of me expecting me to put on a show.
So I slowly—and hesitantly—put my hands in Paggos Fotia.
"What is this?" I ask them—referring to the bracelet.
"A bracelet." Gale stated blankly.
"No, duh." Finnick followed. I rolled my eyes.
"No, look closely. Squint if you must to look across the mist." I slowly pull out the golden arrow charm, which grew to its normal size. I then unwrapped the crystal bracelet, and it bent to its bow image.
"Can you see this . . . ?" I ask them. Finnick had a face I couldn't read and Gale's face read as if I just told a joke he didn't get.
"I just see a bracelet in your hands and arrow charms on your other, Katniss." Gale said blankly. I turned to him.
"I know you can't see through the mist, for sure. It's not the first time the mist has fooled you." He looked confused. "Remember that day Oran was fighting Percy—?" Wait, they don't know 'Percy', "
"Who's. . .Percy…?" Gale and Finnick asked simultaneously. I mentally facepalmed my face.
"Remember. . .Alex?" I sigh, "His name was never Oran or Alex. His name is Percy. He is a demigod. Half god, half human. Just leave it as that. You'll meet him again shortly, I assure you." They nodded, taking that in.
"Continue on then, Katniss." Finnick called.
"Anyway, remember Oran used a 'red sword' during that battle, Gale? And then the place went underwater for a while? Well that wasn't a sword! It was a fire aura Hecate kids acquire with an anger trauma. And the place went underwater because Alex can control water." Gale looked astonished.
"And I didn't see that?"
"No, you didn't! Because you can't see through the mist!" It's hopeless for him. "Because you're a mortal, Gale. One of the most mundane people I know." Gale looked offended.
"So let me guess? Peeta isn't, huh? He can see through it, can't he?" His eyes flared. "I don't even believe you anymore. What was I think—?" Finnick cut him off and I've never been happier.
"But, I think I can—" Finnick stated emotionless, "You're holding a weapon. Bow and arrow, right?" I nod slowly. This cannot be happening. I smile.
"Shoot." He orders me and I obey immediately.
The arrow lights up the old night into an earlier dawn. The arrow blazes wildly in my hand and I love how the fire doesn't harm me and bows down to my every command. I charge my bow with potential energy as the lighted arrow lands in its place between my fingers and aligned to the bow with such grace.
Then I launch into a tree and the lighted arrow catches the tree in fire. Finnick whoops through the whole thing.
"I knew you were a witch!" I glare back at him. What are you? Five?
"I'm Katniss, Finnick. Not a witch. By calling me a witch, you're calling me one of Hecate's apprentices. Which, I am not. What I am? Even I don't know, as do the gods." I snap and the tree's fire comes to a stop. I love being able to control fire.
"Gods?" Finnick asks. I nod and motion them to get back on their bikes.
"Long story you don't want to listen to right now, Finnick. Trust me." I shiver as I remember "Stephi's and Rachael's Super Duper Fast Greek Mythology Lesson". I'd rather go at the rhythm Mitzuki taught me. I'm still learning Greek. I'm a bit bad with reading or writing. But I can speak it easily, sort of. Okay, I lie. I'm terrible.
"I still didn't see anything. I just saw Katniss throw a bracelet charm at the tree and it caught fire." Gale called annoyed. "I mean who does that?" Finnick patted his back.
"Well you should get yourself some mist glasses, 'cause that was just awesome." I missed this Finnick. Fun loving Finnick. Who happens to be like twenty something but acts younger.
We get on and continue. Soon, as the wondrous sun comes out, we pass through a river. River 2. But we don't ride it, we just go across it.
"So specifically now, why is the organization here instead of over there, in the east?" Finnick asks.
"Well," I begin. I'll admit I lied a lot throughout the explanation. "The leader—Vathia—sensed trouble here so she brought the most suitable people over here. Being those three and two others but they disappeared. So they lie in disguise here carrying on their culture and protecting us in the best way. Hence, Sora and his strategies, even though he is a nut job. A big one." I smile as I remember how I met the hot head. "He tried to kill me when we met." Gale looks at me in disbelief.
"And you never told me—us? Why did you join? And not tell us?" I've never been the one with the answers so I feel like Zeus himself right now.
"I didn't join. I was called forth to join. Mitzuki and Oran basically stalked me to join because I'm one of them. Sora didn't like the idea because I could have blown their cover and they could have—are getting trouble in U.K.E right now. All because we went to save the ones we love."
"So you do love Peeta, don't you?" Gale questioned lowly.
"Yes . . . I do." Those words felt so distant to me. Like the clouds from the ground. You see it and admire its beauty but can't quite get a hold of it.
"So Annie wasn't there after all . . ." Finnick looked so sad. "I'm sorry I hit Sora. I just don't think he knows what it feels to love." I snort and blurt out laughing. The boys look at me like I'm a freak.
"Sorry." I blush lightly of embarrassment. "He is actually engaged to Mitzuki." I say lightly.
"I don't think I've heard you laugh in a while, Catnip." Gale says happily. "It makes me happy being able to hear it at least once more."
"No. Freaking. Way." Finnick states, "You lie! You liar!" He laughed now. I put my hands up in defense—which made my bike stir up a bit and almost crash into Finnick's. "Gah! Don't kill me either!" He called.
More hours passed by. And it looked to be about noon. We passed by some other rivers as well.
"Here we are." Gale stated. "Come on. Finnick and I will talk to the guards while you talk to the others."
"Is Peeta here?" I asked suddenly. I wasn't sure of that.
"Yes, he is, actually. He also got expelled." Finnick called. "He wasn't originally but once they announced the other's expulsion he demanded to be expelled also. Took him a bit of a fight to get there, though." He volunteered his expulsion. Just how I volunteered for Prim. Oh Peeta . . .
I'm safe up high. Nothing can touch me. Why do I feel this party's over?
•Percy's POV•
So, we're checking his house first. Kyron's, that is. It's noon and my "chick" team, as Thalia called it—are getting on my nerves as we exit camp border and head for the parking lot.
"I knew you two were going to date! I just knew it!" Stephanie called to Annabeth. Annabeth remained modest and all. And smiled too.
"How long have you two been dating?" Rachael talked to me, by my side. Grover nudged me and he seemed just so amused.
"A day." I chuckle. It's felt longer though.
"Ah. I see." She called quietly. Her hair was up in a ponytail and her jeans were stained with multiple paint colors. It looked so cool. She was wearing her usual white "World Peace" shirt and her neon yellow vans.
"Hey, Stephi! Where is his house, anyway?" I asked since no one bothered to tell me.
"It's just up in Brooklyn." Brooklyn? Well that's a nice neighborhood.
"Wait a minute." Rachael began. She pivoted toward Stephanie and began walking backwards. "You've been there?" She raised her eyebrow.
Stephanie blushed furiously. "A few times . . . And, that's it." Her tone was low and serious for once. "And we just played Black Ops, so nothing funny happened . . . Unless you count the wine incident." Annabeth and I looked at each other. Grover was lost at words.
"Do I want to know . . . ?" Rachael began.
"No." Stephanie lifted her head. "It was seriously funny but, no, I don't think you want to." She then smiled as if to remember and laughed a while.
"Come on. I got us some transportation." Rachael called as she turned to a garage door in the parking lot. She took out some keys and unlocked the door. As the door rose we saw a beautiful red Ferrari.
"Whose is this?" I ask whistling and tempted to touch it.
"Don't touch it, Percy," Rachael began jokingly. "Just kidding. It's mine. It's my sweet sixteen gift, but I bought it myself with my allowance of all the years of my life—plus some help from dad. Not much but whatever. Chiron let me keep it in here for some months until I actually got my license. But until then, we only have a permit. And that's yours, Percy. So, no speeding or anything suspicious. 'Kay?" She called as she threw me the keys. I can't believe I'm driving this badass. Or believe she let me.
Annabeth crossed her arms. "I don't see why we have to break the law and all. Why can't Argus just drive us to the subway and we'll get there ourselves?" Rachael opened the doors and motioned Grover and Stephi in.
"What? You don't trust your boyfriend driving?" Annabeth bit her lip in frustration. Rachael put her hands up in defense. "Feel free to stay and go with Argus if you please, princess." Annabeth mumbled a bit and eventually budged.
Now here was the next issue. They both wanted to sit next to me. Eventually Grover got sick of waiting while they argued so he told Stephi to go in the front. Honestly, and no offense to Rachael but, I wanted Annabeth to sit next to me.
And that's how we began our trip. Grover sat in the middle seat in the back with an annoyed Rachael and uneasy Annabeth on either side. Poor G-man. It's karma I tell you! What comes around, goes around.
Stephanie and I had a blast in the front. She led me through traffic and stuff. We also sang along to Strawberry Swing by Coldplay at one point. She has a good voice being of Apollo's and all. But two questions still lie on my mind about her. . .
How and why is she the trigger? Like she isn't of the Big Three or anything and she's not like amazingly powerful. Not saying she's insignificant or anything but, still. Why her? Why not Thalia, Nico, or any other mythical creature?
Why Stephanie Carrillo—? Out of all people . . .
•Katniss's POV•
Here we are. District Twelve.
The remaining rubble makes me sink into the ground. I just want to run home and grasp to see what's left. And I mean my home back in the Seam. That world seems so far away. Like all things now. Gale puts a hand on my shoulder. He squeezes it.
"Have you already been here, Gale?" He nods reluctantly.
"I brought Prim, Rory, Marissia." He smiled for a moment. While I lay here in shock thinking "Prim came here without me?"
"When was this?" I stuttered. "H—How come she never told me?"
"It was during those days you would stay with Oran and Mitzuki. Prim hangs around our house, a lot. And your mom has a pharmacy open now. But about why Prim never told you, I wouldn't know why. I thought you knew . . ."
"I knew about my mother's pharmacy, but I didn't know Prim came over to your house." Prim . . . I'm losing her.
"My mom calls her the little Katniss." He took a deep breath. "Did I tell you I taught her how to hunt?" I blew.
"You did what? Gale! You knew I didn't want Prim following my footsteps! You knew! And yet, you let her." I sat on a rock. Prim . . .
"I'm sorry, but it's not our choice to choose her fate. It's hers." I lifted my head up. I envy Prim with my whole heart if that's the way her life is going to be like.
"You don't preach me of what I already know. Especially when it's a lie that is blinded for the society. For the sake of its sanity." I got up and went over to Finnick.
"Where are they?" I caught him off guard. Seems like he's actually dissecting my words for once.
"There're in the mine." He motioned me to walk. It took Gale a while to dissect my words and he followed until he did. He also gave me a cloth to cover my face with so the guards won't recognize me.
Soon, we arrived. The smell of coal and dampness went over me. So many things happened because of this mine. I lost my father—to this cursed hell hole of a mine. Finnick knocked and some soldiers let him in. They saluted them both using the new rebel sign.
We entered the mine with lanterns and went down into the pit with an elevator until we reached the main chamber. Along the way we saw the other prisoners the rebels have acquired. I give we have at least fifty war prisoners here in twelve.
"There they are." Gale pointed at Sora and Oran. "The other two are resting until their shift. Which is the night shift." He explained. "They got their own cells. And their own mine chamber so they won't talk to the other prisoners. The other prisoners are imprisoned in the town."
I charged into the mine, leaving Finnick and Gale as I jumped over the observing fence into the actual mine. Taking off the cloth and calling forth at them.
"Sora! Oran!" They turned and I couldn't determine the look on their face. But they looked anything but happy. Sora threw the shovel he was using to dig into a cart.
"Well, well, well! Look who it is! Our little Mockingjay! Back from your vacation with Perseus so soon?" Sora growled.
"You call these friends?" Gale whispered through the observing gate—making sure the other two didn't hear.
"I never said who I got along with." I whispered back.
"K—Katniss! I can't believe you came back for us!" Oran jumped down and hugged me in a huge bear hug similar to those of Stephanie's. It felt so nice, and familiar.
Wrapped in your arms . . . I'm home.
"Why did you leave without us?" Oran said as he pulled away. His sandy hair was covered in dark blotches of coal. His eyes looked so minty and pale instead of the emerald jewels I'm used to looking into. His hair was longer too. Not that his hair wasn't long, but he always kept it strictly above shoulder. Even if it was just barely above his shoulder when we left from the Capitol.
"I didn't mean too. I hope you forgive me. On the Brightside, I have interesting news to tell." I stood on tip toes and whispered into his ear. "I met the great Annabeth Chase and Aminta again." I pulled away and he looked at me like I was joking.
"That reminds me, we also need to talk. And also," He bent down into my ear this time. "Holt and Rose are living in your apartment secretly. Your mom found them and took them in by accident. But there's more, however, that needs to wait." He pulled away and offered his hand. I took it without a doubt. And he led me up bulky steps to where Sora was.
"So," This time Sora leaned in and whispered to me and Oran. "What's the escape plan?" I didn't plan one. I didn't even think of running anymore—I just wanted to be with my family. Yes, my family.
"I'll make one as soon as I can." I turned around to see the guys looking at me with suspicion. I didn't tell them I was going to actually break them free. Oops. "How many guards?"
"Approximately three hundred in the whole district." Oran whispered. I nod.
"And the cells?" I asked softly.
"In the Seam?" Sora whispered. "There are about fifty guards over there. One hundred here. Another hundred soldiers guarding the other prisoners and the rest are scattered." I have a plan.
"Okay, I'll come get you. Let's just hope no one speaks Greek." Sora snorted.
"The Greek language here is as rare as the intellect." He said loudly—making sure the other generals heard him. Yes Gale is now The Mockingjay. I don't know who took over as The Cloud though.
I skid down the rocks. "Tell Peeta and Mitzuki." I called as loudly as I could in Greek.
I'm walking it out. Please don't give in. It's messed me up and I need a second to breath.
•Percy's POV•
We entered the house with a key Kyron gave to Stephanie. I didn't want to ask.
His house was not the cleanest house on the block or probably in the country but, oh well. I wasn't surprised.
"Kyron!" Stephanie yelled. She went around running through and fro.
She eventually motioned us upstairs. And we followed.
"Kyron, his life was never the best. We all know he is of Hecate, but his dad . . . He got murdered . . . Murdered by the very bitch who almost killed me." We all stared in shock at Stephanie. She just cussed. She never cusses. Like never.
"You mean Melinoe? Back in Athens?" Rachael asked—also shocked. Annabeth looked confused as we all finally got upstairs.
"Why did you go to Athens?" She asked to resolve her curiosity.
"Because Nico and Kyron found your Yankees cap there. So we went to look and we bumped into Erebus and Melinoe. Melinoe just happened to be Kyron's ex. And personal trainer in the past." Annabeth's face turned white. Stephanie looked confused. She sat in a couch upstairs where there was a huge plasma screen. Soon we all sat wherever.
"How did you know that?" Stephi asked.
"Katniss and I saw it in a vision. You know, the one out of the multiple ones Morpheus gave us."
"All this happened while I lay defenseless in Alcarez? And how did my cap even get there? I swear they transported me anywhere but Athens! They even made me go through a ritual." We all turned at her.
"Who's they?" Grover finally spoke.
"Erebus and Melinoe, precisely. And Hecate. She was the one performing it. The other two just brought me there." She shook her head. "But I never went to Athens! I swear! Never, ever!" She wasn't lying and I knew she was right.
"This doesn't make sense." Rachael stated. "Something isn't right. A piece in this game isn't playing right." Those words.
I snapped my fingers. "Annabeth. Tell me what Iris told you again! Specifically the line about 'polycephalic's child' or something." Annabeth shut her eyes trying to remember.
"Okay, okay. 'A liar will rise from the polycephalic goddess and crave a relevant forgiveness.' That's it. That's the line." She stated firmly.
"Wait, wait! Is it a prophecy?" Rachael asked. I've never considered that. Ever.
"I think so. Annabeth write it down!" I ordered and she got up with Stephanie to look for paper. "Okay, back to this. Who is the 'polycephalic goddess'?" Grover shrugged. And Rachael pondered the subject and squinted her eyes.
"Hecate. A polycephalic is an animal with more than one head. Specifically three, like Hecate's." Rachael pointed out as it occurred to her. Annabeth and Stephanie scrambled in and Annabeth began to write down the prophecy.
"So, basically a liar will rise from Hecate?" Grover questioned.
"No, it means a liar will rise from a child of Hecate . . ." Stephanie mumbled. "Kyron would never . . . It says he'll crave forgiveness!" I don't think it's Kyron. He isn't the only child of Hecate I know."
Maybe, maybe this is why Morpheus wants Oran dead before he does what he is going to do. But Morpheus isn't in our side. But why? What is going on?
"No. It's not Kyron. It's Oran." They look at me like I have something on my face. Like an octopus or something. "Oran is from the future." I turned to Stephi, "Morpheus instructed me and Katniss to kill Oran and I think this is why. He is also Hecate's and he's . . . Kyron's descendent. Like directly. So it can't be Kyron. I'm positive it's Oran."
"Wait so . . . Kyron got married?" Stephanie's chocolate eyes grew. "Describe Oran. Right. This. Instant." I don't see where this is going but ok.
"He has sandy hair up to his neck and bangs. His eyes are emerald green and he is of Irish descent." I felt my eyes grow.
"I think maybe I married Kyron . . . Call me crazy but it's true." She's right. I know she is.
Oran is Stephanie's descendent.
"She's right. I know it." They all look at me. "I mean about Oran being her descendent. I don't know about the marriage thing. But I guess since Oran is Kyron's."
"Well talk about news flash." Grover mumbled. "Anything else we don't know about your 'future friends'?" I've never really told them about Mitzuki, Peeta, or . . . Or Sora!
"Sora. He is your descendent," I turn to Rachael. "Rachael. He's yours." Her eyes grew.
"That's impossible. I'm not getting married. At least I don't plan on it." She blushes.
"I don't know whether you did or not but I do know he's the closest one related to you in the future. His family is—Yoshiko. His hair is fiery red like yours. His eyes are an icy blue, though. And he is Japanese." I run my hand through my hair.
"My head freaking hurts." Stephanie exclaims. "Anything else . . . ?"
"I think that's it." I slide the paper where Annabeth wrote the prophecy to the center and I read it aloud. "Okay, guys, what do you think?" They all ponder a while until Annabeth speaks.
"'When all else fails, two shall stand', means well it's obvious. When everything goes wrong two will remain with hope and courage to continue. Which would be Percy and—and Katniss, right?" I nod. My girl on fire.
We analyzed the next line and figured it had to be more or less the same as the first line. "Both fighting with each other hand in hand." But deep down I knew there was another meaning, but I didn't see it 'till many months later.
"'Two loved ones shall perish and the trigger's gore will begin all'. We clearly know that means two will die. And the trigger . . ." Rachael said calmly. Stephanie's face went white.
"Who are the other two? 'Loved ones' isn't specific! Stupid prophecy! Everyone is loved! Stupid un-peaceful people! World peace is the key, damn it!" Grover yelled.
"I'm going to die? After all . . . ?" Stephanie clenched her fists and pouted. "I don't think so." Annabeth was confused so we quickly updated her while Rachael went ahead and analyzed the next line.
"'Fire and water will face two worlds at war' means nothing unless we compare them to Percy and Katniss. And in a way Percy is water and Katniss is fire. But the prophecy already said it like three times!" Rachael reclaimed. Oh well. We moved on.
"We know the next line is Oran." Rachael stated. "But—are you really going to kill him?" I shrugged.
"I'll tell Katniss and I'll leave the rest in her hands. She knows him better. But I'm sure she'll agree." Alright-y then: Next line.
"'But only 'till the end will all hearts be forever contented, against all witness.' Okay . . . Hm . . . I give up!" Grover replied as he dug his head in a pillow. "Can we get out of here? Having a meeting in a disappeared person's house isn't cool! And what if someone comes in? Like an evil person?"
"Relax, Grover. No one is coming." Annabeth replied. "I guess it means there will be a happy ending, but no one will see it? Maybe it won't turn out okay? And hope will make people think it is." Annabeth stated hopefully.
"A better word for 'hope' is 'optimism'." Rachael pointed out. Smart aleck.
"Whatever, yeah, exactly." Annabeth gives in.
"So you're saying I'll fail?" That's not cool. Katniss would have gotten all negative and that is not good. She ends up running away. Her fatal flaw.
"We don't know what 'Against all witness' means, Percy. But I'm sure everything will be good in the end. It always is." Annabeth looked me in my eyes and she leaned in and I expected an amazing kiss but no.
"Please, no making out. Not in front of my innocent eyes." Rachael joked, which made Annabeth internally furious. But being her she didn't show it. I love her for that.
That's when we heard windows clash.
"I told you guys! And that doesn't sound good! It sounds evil!" Grover yelled. We shushed him and Stephanie led us into Kyron's room and we hid. It's the least we can do if we were to gain information unless they were potentially looking for us.
"You must do your duty as my son, Kyron! You will be known through centuries! You just need to return to the Underworld and train more with Meli—" A voice that sounded of a harp resonance.
"Don't even say her name. I will not go back! Don't you understand? I've already broke thousands of records! What more do you want?" Kyron answered back. I would've already been slapped silly by my mom if I talked to her like that.
"You know exactly what we want, Kyron! The other girl will be waiting for you, and she's more prepared than you for this. You're such an immature child, Kyron! You are never going to learn." Her torch crackling voice echoed. It's amazing how much her voice changes according to nature.
"Then, that's unfortunate. I quit. I won't be part of your treachery, Hecate."
"Don't say that." Hecate's harp voice turned into scratching chalkboard. It hurt my ears like no other thing. "You will go through with this. I raised you to be the greatest warlock, and now is the chance to show the world—and the gods—that you are. So you will go through with this or—" She stopped and laughed like a hyena. Only wickeder. "Melinoe will do it. And unlike you, she won't hold back. Understood?"
There was a sigh of surrender. "Don't get Melinoe involved and you got a deal."
"You still hold thatgrudge against her?" Hecate asked gently—going back to her harp like voice.
"Yes. I will, always. Now leave, mother. We'll train again soon."
"Very well. And Kyron . . . ?"
"Yes?"
"I love you. You have—and always will be—my favorite child and apprentice. Always. No one can replace your blood as the person you are and the power you have acquired with so many years of discipline. Your father never saw what you were capable of, but I have. Remember that."
You mean . . . So many years of slavery, Hecate. Kyron never chose this life. He just went with the flow. He always has.
•Katniss's POV•
I snuck back in twelve. How? I'm pretending I got "lost". So here I am once again. Peeta and Mutzuki have the night shift. In fact they should be shifting soon. It's close to sunset. But I have limited time before Finnick and Gale figure out I'm actually not lost.
I look over the incredulous Seam. My home. Where I suffered and succeeded. Where I met new people and rivaled others. But now, it's haunted by the very souls that dwelled alongside me.
I won't let Oran, Mitzuki, Sora, and—above all—Peeta, behold the same fate.
I saw the guards marching. I went around some houses following the weakest soldier—in my view. I mugged him without a noise and once again repeated my sane stunt: Put on the uniform and continue on.
I went in the jail cells. Slowly surpassing all suspicions from the other guards. I grabbed the keys to the cells on my way too. This seems too easy. That, or I'm in for a surprise.
I saw Peeta and Mitzuki. Their countdown clock for their shift was in exactly five minutes.
"Where are the keys to Sora and Oran's cells?" I whispered in Greek. My horrible slang Greek.
Mitzuki looked up and a smile beamed on her face.
"Katniss . . ." She got up and pointed to the other two cells on my right.
I opened Oran's cell and hid the key in the rubble. I carved the plan in Greek on Sora's floor with my fire power. Or as Percy calls it "Pyrokinesis".
"Mitzuki." I called as I pointed to the keys and message. She nodded in response. Peeta looked so confused and ill. It broke my heart. They call this freedom? They call this justice? I call them liars. Stupid, immature, ruthless liars.
The whistle rang for the night shift. Now was my chance. I helped transport Mitzuki and Peeta into the same chamber Oran and Sora were in.
I eventually saw Oran and Sora on our way there and I yelled "Jail Cell's Floor!" in my horrible Greek. They both acknowledged my words as the other guards looked at me funny.
We arrived at the chambers and this other soldier and I stood guard the doors. That's when an announcement was heard.
"This is general Gale Hawthorne speaking. Katniss Everdeen infiltrated the mine. I repeat: The Mockingjay is inside the mine." Gale said over the speaker. I clenched my teeth. No. I didn't expect them to figure it out so fast.
"This is General Finnick aka Trident. Initiate lockdown sequence immediately. This is not a drill, damn it!"
I ran as fast as I could to open the chamber. I knocked out the other guard as well and I managed to get Peeta and Mitzuki out and initiated the lockdown on this chamber so it didn't look suspicious.
Then I ran. This time, with Mitzuki and Peeta by my side. We kept going through and fro in this labyrinth with no way out.
Eventually, I saw an elevator and led them inside but we were trapped—being underground and all. Red colors filled the broken elevator. Mitzuki started going hysterical. This is her fatal flaw.
Remember what happened to Johanna? This was her same reaction. The fluid that she carried around in her neck was a potion Oran had to make frequently depending on the situation. It was like a drug, only it helped her be mellow and relaxed. In reality she isn't relaxed, she has a hysteria disorder or something.
Peeta tried to calm her down. I hit the buttons of the elevator trying to escape. The sirens kept going faster and louder. At this rate, there is a chance of a cave in. I started heating up the buttons to see if maybe that worked. But no! Nothing is working! I'm not plan maker! I never was! Who did I think I was?
"Katniss!" Someone called. But I knew who it was.
Percy. Yet again.
•Percy's POV•
"You're on my leg, Grover." Rachael complained.
"I think it's safe to go out." Stephanie whispered from under the bed. We all came out of our hiding spots. Grover and Rachael came out of the closet (Hahahahaahaha) and Annabeth out from behind the door. I was behind the computer desk.
We heard footsteps going up the stairs and with that Kyron came into his room.
"What the f—?" He began.
"Kyron!" Stephanie cut him off—on purpose. "Where have you been! We set out search parties looking for you." She explained
He didn't look to happy seeing us. "You guys aren't supposed to infiltrate others' home, you know? I'm dead serious. Never come in here." His eyes had bags and his face was paunchy looking. Looks like someone needs some sleep. Awh. He turned to Stepahnie.
"I didn't give you a set of my house keys to throw a party here. I gave them to you for emergencies. And this isn't an emergency." He looks at all of us. "This probably won't be the first time I disappear like this. I have a duty to my ungraceful mother and a destiny to become the 'greatest warlock known to mankind'" He said mockingly. "So expect to see me spontaneously disappear to do some pop training back in the good ol' Everglades."
He ran his hands trough his hair. He looked so stressed—poor guy. No wonder he's always having the time of his life with us. Since he can't fun anywhere else. I bet it was his choice to attend Camp Half-blood just to be normal. Haha. And I mean Demi-god normal.
"The winter solstice is near." Kyron said quietly. He's always so ranndom. Yes with a double n.
"Your point?" Rachael asked sincerely.
"The gods will have their usual counsel." He shrugged. "Sorry, guys. I'm not in the best shape or humor right now. And I'm nervous about what the gods will think of me, considering I hang around Kronos's minions. Not being you guys," He looked so bad. "With all respect, can you guys . . . leave?" I nod immediately. The others follow except Stephanie.
"Kyron can I—?" Stephanie began but it seems Kyron has a thing for reading minds.
"Yes. Please. I need moral support from . . . from a person I have feelings for." He looked at her and smiled. Stephanie blushed furiously and Annabeth motioned her to stay as we left.
We stepped out. And I felt the familiar-ness of the whiteness of the teleportation between times. Rachael and Grover know the usual drill. My physical body here faints and they drag me along with them until I come back. Annabeth, however, looked a bit taken a back.
"I'll be back, Annabeth. I always come back, and if not for the world—for you." Gods, am I cheesy. Good thing was—I didn't get to see the other two's expression because of the whiteness.
And I am so relieved.
~. (^｡^) .~
I landed on some rubble of buildings. It hurt. Do you have any idea how pointy bricks are? Yeah! Didn't think so.
I don't know where I am. In the least. I run around for a while before I see a secluded zone that seemed unaffected by whatever happened in the rest of this place.
There were mansions. I went into the first one I saw—and felt a connection to. How typical from my part.
The door was unlocked so no problem there. Inside everything looked so typical and normal. I saw some frames with people on it. They looked extremely familiar.
Then I saw it. A family portrait. And Katniss was in it. It didn't even look that long ago.
I'm in her home. District Twelve. Victor's square. The house she earned winning her first Hunger Games.
In the portrait was her mother and Primrose. Or Prim, whatever. I traced my finger through the frames. Katniss never wanted to start this. She never did.
Sirens then startled my poor, little soul. I ran outside and saw soldiers running. Rebels. So I kept running—just from somewhere they wouldn't see me.
"This is general Gale Hawthorne speaking. Katniss Everdeen infiltrated the mine. I repeat: The Mockingjay is inside the mine." Whaaaat? Did I just get myself into a battle field? And Katniss did what? What the hell is going on?
"This is General Finnick aka Trident. Initiate lockdown sequence immediately. This is not a drill, damn it!" Oh great!
"Perseus!" A familiar voice said. I turned to see Sora calling me. "Who invited you?" He asked.
"Aminta." I answered him and turned to Oran. "What's going on?"
"Can't talk now! The lockdown is in motion. That means Katniss, Peeta, and Mitzuki are inside the mine with no way out. Come on!" Oran yelled as he pulled me. They ran extremely fast. And I bet they could outrun me if they didn't look so beat.
Eventually we were on a hill that oversaw the mine. Hundreds of soldiers surrounding it as Finnick and Gale walked through the center—heading for the elevator.
"Oran! Teleport! Katniss and the others are inside that elevator! I can feel it!" There we go again with my feelings thingy. But Oran looked uneasy.
"I have a bad feeling about underground transportation. Teleportation is actually very limited. I can't teleport to U.K.E or even back to Thirteen! But, that's too bad." Funny how Kyron can. Then again that poor guy has his life dedicated to that. Oran got a hold of me and Sora and teleported underground.
We arrived in front of the elevator and Katniss was inside with a wailing Mutzuki and stressed Peeta.
"Katniss!" I yelled and she turned and she looked so relieved. As did I.
"Mitzuki, Peeta, Mockingjay! Get out of there!" Sora roared.
They obeyed immediately as the elevator almost closed on them. The elevator was on its way up to get the soldiers.
Mitzuki ran into Sora's arms as he ran his hands through her hair. I was expecting Katniss to run into my arms but she didn't. She turned to Peeta to see if he was fine and vise versa.
Then a cave in started happening. Rock fell everywhere. The ceiling almost squished us.
"Oran! Get us out of here!" Katniss yelled. But no Oran answered. Oran laid unconscious on the floor.
"No!" Mitzuki yelled as she scrambled out of Sora to get near Oran. "Oran, wake up!" She starts shaking him and going hysterical. "Oran! Please, wake up! We are going to die! Oran!" She had tears running down her face like crazy. Sora hugged her from behind and whispered stuff into her ear to calm her down.
"Guys . . . !" Peeta began as he dodged some falling rocks. "Do something!" Katniss looked at me and her eyes grew.
"Percy! Watch out!" She threw herself onto me until we both rolled back a few feet.
A huge piece of the ceiling fell on where I was. Katniss lay on top of me but she quickly got off. I can tell she remembered our kiss. I know because I did.
We all grouped together. You know, so people won't be throwing themselves onto others to save each other's life.
The floor kept quaking like crazy. Sora also managed to create a force field around us. Somehow . . .
Then I heard part of the mine in the back exploding. Just when I thought things couldn't get worse. You know what Percy calls this? Karma.
Katniss looked as she was about to break and join Mitzuki in hysteria or something. And I understood why. This is how and where her father died and where she might die. Just as I was about to comfort her—I forgot she had Peeta now cause he beat me to her. Her face was dug into his shoulder. She was scared. I rarely see her scared.
Then our chamber exploded and Sora's force field managed only to cause less pain then what originally going to happen. We all landed slamming our bodies against the crackled and spiked floor. I think I even heard a bone snap also. Wasn't mine, though. We all crawled toward each other until we grouped again. Fire crackled near us as the immense temperature it burned. But it didn't seem to affect Kat.
She got up and out of our static force field. She unstrapped Paggos Fotia and held her out.
"Apollo! Get us out!" With that she yelled a new charm appeared on her bracelet. How come I don't get cool stuff from the gods? See? No one listens to Percy!
It was a small neon yellow ring. It was still a charm however. She enlarged it and blew a huge bubble out towards us. The bubble captured the rest of us in a powerful force field that nothing went in or out.
Katniss's hands began glowing in their usual faint golden aura. She launched lava from her hands to the ceiling where we were. The ceiling melted and the bubble rose. I then realized she had no intention of tagging along our bubble ride.
Peeta banged on the bubble. "Katniss! What are you doing?" He yelled. Fire exploded behind her and her hair moved as it gently flaked her face. I swear she even mouthed farewell.
She stayed there. Didn't move. Why didn't she make her own bubble? Then I noticed she didn't have the charm anymore so I'll hope it's just temporary. At least 'till our bubble bursts. We kept rising and I began to see the sky. Soon Mitzuki began yelling.
"Go back! She cannot die under any circumstance! Sora! Go save her!" She yelled.
"I can't! If I get out and pop the bubble, all of you come crashing down again!" He looked scared also. I could tell his teeth clenched. "That idiot! She can't die! If she dies—!" He didn't continue. It was just too much.
Morpheus's words began ringing through my head. "Death is not an option for you two. Under any circumstance . . ."
I looked down and Katniss kept looking up. She was waiting for us to rise and start the new bubble.
But she never got the chance to.
The mine exploded—and I knew she would be fine cause it's fire—but the hole she made for us came crumpling down beneath us. I only got to see her fall back as a chuck of rock fell on her.
"Katniss!" I yelled as my hands started radiating blue energy. We landed on the above ground and the bubble burst. We came crashing down toward the grass. I crawled to the hole but couldn't even look down from all the dust caused by the treacherous cave in.
"No!" Peeta yelled as he crawled by the hole. Mitzuki and Sora crawled alongside Peeta to look inside. My hands continue radiating the blue energy. And I couldn't do anything. I'll drown her—if she even survive—if I send water down. I'm useless.
Then Oran decided to wake up. He rose up fast. "Ow . . ." He rubbed his head. Then Mitzuki threw herself onto him she and started slapping him like crazy. It was horrible.
"Baka! Baka! Why didn't you wake up! Huh, Oran!" She screamed into his face. Sora dragged her away. Poor guy to have a girl with a hysteria issue. Thank gods Annabeth isn't like that.
"Wait, so Katniss stayed down there?" Oran asked as he sunk into the ground. "Oh, no . . . This is all my fault." He face palmed himself. "Why didn't you guys force me to wake up?" He steamed up. "Now, Katniss might probably be dead! And if she's dead . . . Who the hell is going to save us?" He turned to me. "Don't care if I offended you, sweetie. She can't save the world without you either. You both need each other."
Peeta lay staring down from where our bubble went up. "I'm going back." He exclaimed.
"No, Peeta. This isn't time for you to be hero. Just leave it. Come on. We're lucky they haven't found us." Sora exclaimed as he started lifting Mitzuki up. He actually knocked her out. "Come on! What are you three waiting for? Let's move! Why let Katniss die in vain?" He chuckled and I wanted to strangle him. I'm wondering if the prophecy didn't refer to him instead of Oran.
"No, Sora! We are not leaving!" Peeta yelled at him.
"Suit yourself. But don't expect us to save you once again. Come on, Oran." Oran laid shocked at what just happened. "Come on! It's an order!" Oran took one more look inside the hole.
"Coming, Sora." He looked at us and just gave me a look. I can't define it but it was like apologizing. "Come on, guys. There's a reason Sora says what he does. If he wants us to leave it is for the greater good." I snorted.
"Right. Of course." Peeta got up as he said that.
"No, really. You don't understand. There's always something we don't know but Sora does. And he admires Katniss for being so brave since the first time she even volunteered for Prim. But he'll never show it. Ever." He offered his hand to me and I took it. "I think he believes she's still alive. But I don't know. Come on." He started running towards wherever Sora went.
"Should we go?" Peeta asked me. His face looked so dead. His eyes looked white almost. I take one look inside the mine.
"Yeah. At least to know where we're staying. Then come back right afterwards against all odds." I say.
He nods and we run after Oran.
•Katniss's POV•
The bubble was rising very slow. I didn't blame it, it had four people in it anyway. But the cave in beat me to my exit.
At least the easier exit.
Yes I—Katniss Everdeen—am alive. And I will come out before noon. With or without help.
I will survive. And I will be there to witness anything the Capitol will dare bring on us at midnight. The Winter Solstice. No, I haven't forgotten what they did to Johanna. I never will forget.
And I will bring them down.
So…um yes that's that…..Any questions? Just ask ;D Ill be happehh to answer them. Also visit my Deviantart Account! CapellaBi :D I have a map of Panem. Its so NOT canon, but that's cause the space time continuum fffffed it up. Feel free too talk to me thar as well :D I do get bored often lol I have chapter 20 and 21 already as well….they just need to be edited :B TEEHEE
MaxWaylandgray, SNL, Distant Storms, Luis113….I LOVE YOU ALL~! LOL
Oooooo one more thing before I move on to copyright~! Lmao, if you're an AMAZING artist, message me on Devi and tell me yu wish to participate in this thangg. Once you tell me, I'll give you my email so you can send me an originally drawn picture of a scene in this FF. Ill choose which person I like best and I'll create a character in the story for you :D Based off the appearance, personality, and name you wish~!
Copyright:
No I own nothing, buffoons. The songs I use where:
Wondergirl by Hey Monday
Candles by Hey Monday
Sober by P!nk
Whatdya want from Me by Adam Lambert