Wild Heart
A/N: In this chapter, we will learn the truth behind the attack on Katniss; we will also learn that it was not the first. Also, we will see the return of Prim, who is in the company of someone that will be of great importance rather soon. Pay close attention to the exchange in the beginning of the chapter; it tells a lot about things to come.
Setting: We will begin in Katniss' new quarters within the Training Center a few hours after her ordeal. The bulk of the chapter will take place between Katniss' and Finnick's quarters, with the ending being set in the Presidential Gardens.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
∞K&F∞
Chapter 02
Take me back…
(Effie's POV)
I take several deep, calming breaths to soothe my frayed nerves, weary from the day's events. The young lady currently in her bath has not spoken a single word…well…a single kind word…since arriving in her new residence. My eyes slowly return to the pale young man before me, deeply-seated fear churning within widened eyes. I keep my expression neutral, intent on remaining poised and proper, just as a lady should. There is not a single soul in all of Panem that can say that they have ever witnessed Effie Trinket lose herself to unprofessionalism…
"Ms. Trinket, I…I can explain…" he begins, but I shake my head slowly, silencing him.
"I am sure that you can, dearest Seneca, but explanations will not be enough this time. Do you know what you could have cost us?" His pallor increases, along with the tension in the room.
Seneca Crane has been one of the most influential individuals in the history of the Games, creating a wide variety of deadly platforms and creations for the better part of the last century. As such, he has also been entrusted to maintain the 'honor and integrity' of the Capitol, protecting these 'values' with utmost care. To see someone from outside of our walls penetrate so deeply our defenses is unheard of, and completely unacceptable. If I am honest, something deep within me knows that there was no way that he could have prevented Katniss from finding that place…
I offer him a look of pity.
"Effie, come on, you know me. You know I would never do anything to jeopardize our Capitol. I cannot seem to understand just how in the hell she found him. The maze is perfect; no one has ever made it through, not even President Snow!" I just stare at him calmly as an Avox saunters into the room, bringing us both delicate vials of violet liquid.
"I do know you, Mr. Crane, very well actually. Your work has always been impeccable, just as my own." He seems to relax at this, even smiling a little. I return the gesture, placing a delicate hand upon his knee.
The moment she disappeared, dread began to fill my entire being. Seconds later, my alarm would go off, confirming my fears. Every building within the Capitol is outfitted with a labyrinth of sorts, a singular area whose halls would shift unnoticeably to whoever walked them. Everyone who is anyone knows that there are countless 'closets' filled with 'skeletons' that we must keep in order to remain in control. Should anyone not privy to Capitol citizenry discover even one of our secrets, the results would be disastrous for parties involved. There has only ever been one successful breach, and it resulted in the destruction of an entire district.
A slow smile spreads across my face as he downs his drink.
"I am glad, Effie. I was beginning to think…" His abrupt stop is not unexpected, but definitely most welcome. I signal to towards the door…
"Dear Seneca, you should have learned to think less and do more. Do be careful not to spill the remains of his drink. Ms. Everdeen is about to make her entrance, and I would hate for her to see anything, lest you desire to share his fate." Fear mars their faces, the silent servants making quick yet efficient work of removing Mr. Crane's lifeless form…
I turn around just in time to see Katniss walk into the room, Prep Team following closely behind.
"Where did he go?" she asks curiously. I smile warmly.
"He decided it best to take leave. How are you feeling?" I ask softly. A frown forms on her beautiful features as she settles onto her perch by the window.
"As well as to be expected," she says, but I know that is not the end of it. Her clear grey eyes are focused directly on my blue ones, searching for something; what, I am not sure.
"Everything is alright now, okay? Do not worry yourself over it. Right now, we need to get you ready for tonight! You will be meeting with some of the sponsors and escorts, as well as a few of the other Tributes." I do not mention that they are Career Tributes, although I am more than certain that she knows that already.
"I was never supposed to be in that hallway, that much I am aware of. Something, though, something that I cannot explain led me there, Effie. And him, whoever he is, was, whatever, he is…who the hell is he?!" Her frustration is written all over her face, deepening the frown already marring her face. I move across the room quickly, wanting nothing more than to soothe her troubled soul.
I know that I cannot, however, which disturbs me deeply.
"Katniss, look, I…oh!" I peer down at the small golden bracelet hanging from my wrist. A small gasp escapes my lips as I take in the message etching itself into the glowing metal…
"Go," comes Cinna's quiet voice from the doorway. The grave look on his face sends me hurrying from the room without so much as a parting glance. I halt myself right outside the doorway, if only for the briefest of moments…
"Watch her," is all I say before disappearing down the hall.
∞K&F∞
(President Snow's POV)
The peculiar scent of blood and sea greets my nostrils as I enter the room, wafting from the nude, crumpled form tucked in the corner. My eyes soon come to rest upon the bare, broad shoulders of my most beloved acquisition. His brilliant bronze locks dance with light reflected by the many droplets held within. The tension is coursing through his body is obvious, his back straight and rigid. I remove the fur overlay from around my shoulders, handing it to my escort wordlessly. I take slow, measured steps alongside the pool, pleased to note the lack of 'disturbance', so to speak…
Everything looks and feels just as it should, body included.
Eventually, I come to stand by his side, staring off into the distance just as the young man seated beside me. His distinct aquamarine gaze is unfocused and unseeing, very much unlike him. I place a loving hand upon his shoulder, gently stroking the soft flesh beneath my fingertips. The change is a minute one, but a change nonetheless. He still does not speak, however, this bout of turmoil most foreign to him sealing his lips. I kneel down beside him, using my right hand to turn his face towards mine. I offer him a kind smile…
"Back in ancient times, they would tell stories of the beautiful men and women of the sea. These ethereal creatures were hybrids, muttations, if you will. Half human, half fish, they commanded the watery embrace of Mother Sea, swiftly eliminating any threat to her pristine existence. You remind me of them, my boy, the perfect combination of beauty, deadliness, and loyalty. Whatever is troubling your soul is of no consequence. Remove it from your mind and proceed unhindered." His eyes bear into mine intensely as he takes in my words…
"What do we know of this 'hindrance' currently? Someone who is able to breach all of our barriers is surely a danger to us all, do you not agree? I fear this girl the very serpent in the Garden, so to speak. As such, I wish to see her fate predetermined, if I may…" he offers smoothly, his gaze moving to rest across the room. A dark, foreboding feeling begins to trouble my heart notice his emotionless stare, his mind made...
From the moment that I first laid eyes upon him, I knew that Finnick Odair would be crucial to the Capitol's continued success and domination. It was simply supposed to be a tour of District Four, but after seeing him swimming amongst the waves with such power and elegance, it became an impromptu reaping. In hindsight, I could have honestly avoided murdering a third of the population, but I just could not afford to have anyone threatening my acquisition. The boy was unusually well-loved by his people, dangerously so, which is one of the many things that I both love and hate about him. Everyone loves him…
And they were all willing to die for him…
If there is one thing that I can count on, it is Mr. Odair's undying loyalty to me. I can see fearful contempt blooming with those oceanic depths. The people of District Four are known for their unnaturally intuitive nature, so I am most certain that he has already conceived quite the plan to eliminate this unforeseen threat to himself and his 'home'. Unfortunately, I cannot allow him to harm her. As a matter of fact, I do not intend on letting anyone harm her as of yet. Anyone that could effortlessly, albeit unknowingly, circumvent Capitol design is worth at least meeting, if only to dispose of shortly thereafter…
"Do not let this incident affect you so deeply, my boy. If there are any threats to our great homeland, I will eliminate them swiftly. Your doubts insult me," I quip indifferently. He smirks slightly.
"For that, I apologize. My concern is meant only to show my love and appreciation to you for granting me this life of endless luxury and…'pleasure'." I smile, reassured by the sincerity in his tone. I stand, staring down at him with pride.
"You have made me proud, Mr. Odair, and I hope you continue to do so. I will leave you to the rest of your day then," I say before turning to leave. His quiet voice halts my retreat.
"Thirteen," is all he says as he tosses a quick glance at the deceased young woman near the entrance. We share a meaningful look before he is gone, finding solace in a watery embrace. I frown, dark thoughts floating into my mind. And as if on cue, Effie Trinket bustles into the room, a worried look gracing her delicate features. A wide smile spreads across my face…
"Ms. Trinket, you are just the woman I need to see!"
∞K&F∞
(Cinna's POV)
The room is completely silent, its only occupants myself and my dearest Katniss. After Effie's abrupt departure, I dismissed the Prep Team so that I may have a bit of alone time with my charge. The moment that my associate Portia waltzed into the room, I knew that something had gone awry. There are very few things that go on in this place that I do not know about, and those few I eventually find out about through my associates. Everyone foolishly underestimate us stylists, thinking nothing of us except where fashion and faces are concerned. Their disregard is our blessing, though…
My green eyes rest upon the young girl seated across from me.
Her dress from earlier was absolutely ruined (which I will definitely seek compensation for), so I have instead chosen an emerald gown with silver embellishments that fits her divine silhouette much like a glove. Her hair is now pressed straight, forming a silky black curtain that falls to the middle of her back. If I am honest, I was very surprised to see her relatively unharmed, albeit more than a little pissed. According to her fashion-forward trio, she had to be restrained and all articles that could be used as weaponry removed from her room…
I can only imagine her reaction to that…
"It has been around two and a half hours, Cinna," she states distantly. A quick glance at my timepiece confirms her estimate, which is really not all that surprising. Katniss is truly a huntress at heart…
"Effie is fine, I promise. With the incident that occurred, there are protocols that she must follow, Katniss. You should not let this worry you." She nods slowly, but I can tell that her mind is running a million miles a minute. Katniss Everdeen is no fool, which makes it damn near impossible to pacify that mind of hers.
"You told her to go, Cinna, and it was not pleasant in any way, shape, or form. It was almost as if in warning of something. And to further agitate the situation, she makes a point of advising you to 'watch me'. I am no fool, stylist, and I suggest that you remember that," she snaps, eyes narrowed dangerously. I sigh.
"Katniss, look, I know you are no fool, which is exactly why this situation is so hard for me." She quirks an ebony eyebrow, but says nothing for a bit…
When she does speak, my blood runs cold.
"I was dead the moment I walked into that room, and there is nothing that can convince me otherwise. His eyes, they were not the eyes of a man, but the eyes of a beast. I have only ever looked into such an empty, soulless gaze one other time in my life, and that was…yeah. I managed to survive that one, too, but I faired much worse. My point is that my life was almost ended, yet I am once again forced to simply sit here and wait until everyone decides that it is permissible for me to be made privy of my almost-demise. That is bullshit, Cinna, and you know it."
An angry tear trails down her cheek just as she finishes, her hand quickly wiping it away in frustration. I want nothing more than to disclose everything that I know about her attack, but it simply cannot be done. To do so would place her in an unnatural amount of danger, one that just might prove too much even for her to handle. Instead, I avert my gaze, hoping that she understands and does not hate me come tomorrow. Something tells me that she does understand, and all will be perfectly fine before long…
Then again, it could be wishful thinking on my part.
A quiet knock at the door grasps my attention, the gentle rapping all-too familiar. A bittersweet smile forms upon my lips as she steps in, her small frame and kind face a most pleasant sight…that is, until you realize her true purpose. She steps in lightly, balancing on her toes as if ready to spring at any moment. She is known by many names, the most popular being 'Angel of Death'. It is not very flattering, but it is sadly a true testament to her purpose here. President Snow realized how truly dangerous she could be after witnessing her win her Games…
She did manage to outsmart and kill thirteen other Tributes, after all…
"What can I do for you, little Rue?" I ask curiously. She smiles kindly while directing her sharp gaze to the lovely young woman opposite me.
"She can follow me," is all she says before turning as if to leave, patiently awaiting her newest follower. I turn to look at Katniss…
There are so many things that I want to say to her, to disclose in hopes that my one true desire sees fruition, but I refrain. There are a lot of things that must happen before she and I can speak openly, and this is one of them. I knew when I heard about what had transpired that she would find herself in the unfortunate company of President Snow; I was hoping, though, that it would wait until after I could sort things out. Poor Katniss is in the middle of a burgeoning war, and she has not even the slightest clue…
"This is far from over, stylist," she snaps bitterly before slipping elegantly from her perch and waltzing towards the door. She spares me only a quick glare before heading out…
Unlike any time before, I pray to whatever higher being that will listen that she returns…
∞K&F∞
(Katniss' POV)
Bright grey locks onto deep chocolate as we stare at one another. The silence is deafening, but neither of us is truly bothered to care in this moment. Slowly but surely, our hands gravitate toward one another, linking delicately in the middle. A slow smile spreads across her young face, dark eyes swimming with warmth. I pull her small frame to mine in a sudden embrace, exhaling a breath that I was not aware that I was even holding…
"You remind me so much of her," I whisper softly, sadness and bitterness evident in my voice. This has truly been the day from Hell.
"She said you would say that," she mumbles back, tightening her hold around my waist. I cannot help but smile down at her. It widens tremendously as she returns in kind…
"She is safe, Prim?" I ask quietly. She nods quickly.
"You will be reunited shortly," she chirps reassuringly. I sigh in relief.
"Rue. That is a darling name, especially for such a darling little girl," I say as I draw away from her. Our hands remain connected, however…
"You are much more beautiful than they said," she offers happily. We laugh quietly.
"Thank you, little birdy." We come to a stop as she whips her head up quickly to stare at me. The emotions playing across her face trouble me until she finally speaks…
"I would like it very much if you would call me that, please. None of my other nicknames are very kind…and my mother used to call me that when I was really little." I nod, squeezing her hand gently.
"Of course, little bit. Why are your other nicknames so unkind?" I ask. She looks away suddenly…
"Because of what I do. You see, Katniss, I am President Snow's messenger, and trust me, his messages are never good. People fear me, although I have no control over what is to be…delivered, you know? I guess I can see where everyone is coming from, though, especially when most of the time, the people that I visit and/or retrieve end up dead."
I kneel down, gently grabbing her soft little cheeks between my fingers and turning her head to face me. Leaning forward slightly, I place a gentle kiss to her forehead before smiling kindly. It is never really any of our own decisions as far as President Snow is concerned. From the Hunger Games to just everyday life, his reign is solid and absolute. To challenge his authority is death, and not just towards yourself. He is the kind of man who realizes that to truly quell a threat, you must eliminate all possible sources, even those yet untapped.
"You are only the messenger, and I would never think of blaming you or even allowing anyone to do such a thing! You are safe with me, Rue, I promise you that." She throws her arms around me, sighing contentedly…
"That is why I trust you, Katniss. Just know that whatever happens, you can call out to me, and I will be there. Think of me as your little Mockingjay…" she whispers into my ear before pulling back to look at me. Something in her eyes tells me that there is quite a bit of meaning to that statement…
"Is something going to happen?" I ask quietly. She nods almost imperceptibly.
"More than you have ever wanted or desired. Remember my words, though, Katniss, and all will not be for naught…" We stare at each other for the briefest of moments before I stand so that we may continue our journey.
It does not take us long to reach our destination. As my eyes take in the large set of ornate doors, Rue hums a beautiful, four-note melody. My eyes widen as the doors click rather loudly before opening. She smirks up at me before stepping into the room before us. Shaking my head slowly, I follow closely behind. The room is actually a large private garden, reminiscent of the ancient Garden of Eden in my father's texts. All of the sounds and scents swirl about me, tantalizing my senses like never before. I am drawn from my reverie at Rue's childish giggle…
"Come, let us hurry. We do not want to be late…" I nod quickly before following closely behind her.
We walk together through the many groves of various trees, brilliantly colored fruits hanging for all to see. Something about them tugs at my consciousness, urging me to hide amongst the weighted vines. It takes every ounce of self-control to not give in, the unnatural want determined in its unyielding resolve. I have no need to become the proverbial snake that leads Eve into the trees. Squaring my shoulders, I press forward, falling into step with Rue. She looks at me oddly at first, but does not question me. When we finally breach the line of trees, the sight before me stops me dead in my tracks…
"Prim!"
∞K&F∞
Things are picking up, and will begin to do so with earnest in the next few chapters. Here are a few things to take note of:
Snow has a great interest in Greek and Roman cultures, shown by his Coliseums.
Rue is thirteen, and won her Games only a year ago.
Her Games were combative in nature.
Katniss' previous attacker was someone very close to her, and it hurt her tremendously.
Review, please. I would definitely prefer knowing rather than guessing everyone's reactions To all of you who have reviewed, favorited, and followed, I thank you immensely. It really means a lot to me. Special thanks to smileyjessxx, Icy Arrows, Squishie-Pillows, and alainwonderland, as well as my two Guest reviewers!