Wild Heart
A/N: We will see the softer side of Snow in this chapter, as well as learn a little bit more about his 'other' side. Also, Katniss and Finnick share a moment, and Madge will draw her last breath. There will also be another shocking revelation near the end of the chapter.
Setting: This chapter begins hours after the last outside Snow's chambers before heading off to District Four. The chapter ends at the train station there in District Four.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
∞K&F∞
Chapter 07
If you got a wild heart…
(Finnick's POV)
The corridor is silent, the only sounds being our quiet breaths. Katniss leans against the wall opposite me, eyes darkened as her mind churns with intense thought. We have both changed since the earlier incident with Madge, both of us sporting jeans and tees. The young heroine across from me looks every bit the warrior, while I look much more like an angsty teen. I chuckle to myself at the thought, which draws her curious stare. I sigh, moving to stand directly in front of her. I reach my hand out, cupping her face tenderly. She flinches, but does not draw back as she usually does. I smile a bit at that…
"So, you were planning on leaving here already, huh." I mutter softly. She nods.
"After talking with Johanna, I realized a few things. My coming here was determined a long time ago, it seems, and that bothers the hell out of me. Also, Effie and Caesar know more than they are letting on, more so on Effie's part. Finnick, we are two pieces to a puzzle that is begging to be completed. I, for one, want to finish it and destroy it." I frown as I absorb her words.
"So, what was your plan, exactly?" I ask. She smirks a little, although it is far from her usual. I can tell that she is still bothered by the incident from earlier…
"I was going home. There has to be some clues there, especially with everything that has happened since my departure. Haymitch and I were en route to bring Effie onboard, but a run-in with some Careers screwed that up royally." I quirk an eyebrow at her…
"That pathetic group of infants? What in the hell were they doing challenging you? And were the Victors with them?" She nods slowly, a distant look in her eyes. Something about it unsettles me…
"I think Snow put the idea in one of their heads. It was a cocky little blonde bastard…Cato, I think…what?" And now I see why I was unsettled. I reach forward, grabbing her upper arms in a vice-like grip.
"If he comes after you again, you do not indulge him. You seek me out immediately. You are one of the strongest people I have ever encountered, Snow included, but this one…he is dangerous, very dangerous." She nods slowly, but I can tell that she has some serious questions.
Cato is a fresh face to most, but he is far from new to the Capitol. There is a much darker side to Coriolanus that most do not know about, although I know for sure that Effie and Alma know. Hell, it is the very reason that Alma hates me so. To love a man who not only does not love you, but loves a young boy instead of you is a blow that any woman would kill over. I am in no way proud of anything that I have done here, especially that. Unfortunately, I have never had any say in any aspect of my Capitol life…
Neither has Cato, but unlike me, he has not nor will he ever really complain.
When I first met him, I knew that he was trouble. He had this almost beast-like look in his eyes. He is not a man, but a monster, and one that will do terrible things without a single fuck given. Coriolanus instantly pulled him aside to have a more…'personal' conversation with him. Cato has been lavished with gifts and attention, Snow's affections being displayed rather openly. I do not feel threatened, as he is but another passing fancy, but what Snow does not realize is that Cato will not accept that. He hates me, but knows not to go there. Katniss, though, she is another subject entirely…
"I cannot promise anything, but I will definitely try. I know that he and I will see one another again sooner rather than later, but I am not certain it will be where I could get your attention. Like I said, though, I will try. I spoke with Enobaria and Brutus, though, which only furthered my need to head to Twelve. Looks like we are going to Four instead, but that is fine. I need to end this madness with Gale before it jeopardizes things." I smile at her sadly…
"We will get you home, I promise. And you can definitely trust those two, although there is a deep-seated hatred between them and Mason that can sometimes complicate things." She snorts.
"I can totally see that. So, you are going in there to speak with Snow. I have a feeling that I am about to witness something rather dark and perverse." My eyes widen, her acute senses never ceasing to amaze me.
"Yes," is all that I say. She looks at me for a moment before nodding and sliding down the nearby hallway. I look after her for a moment before heading inside…
∞K&F∞
"So, you wish to return to District Four for the night. It has been quite some time since you have requested a visit. I almost thought that you did not wish to return there, which would not bother me in the least, of course." I smile warmly, chuckling affectionately.
"If it were not for the issue at hand, I would not wish to do as such. However, my first thought is to protect your legacy any way that I have to, even if it means standing harming one of my own." The grin that graces his face is one of intense pride…
It makes my skin crawl.
"Alright. I will allow it, but only for the night. I have no desire to see you harmed, my beautiful boy. You are one of the few who truly matter to me, my dearest Finnick. You have to know that."
When I was first brought here, I had no idea why I had been taken so quickly and violently. I was a young boy, but I was raised with advanced knowledge of the Games and reapings. District Four is a Career district, after all. What Snow had done was unprecedented, and it shook everyone involved for quite some time. Perhaps the most distraught was one of the dearest people to my heart, Annie Cresta. She and I…well, I am not going there. She is in a much better place now, her end swift and painless.
Back to the subject at hand, though.
I never would have imagined that I was brought here for any reason other than the Hunger Games. Even as I found myself spending more and more time alone with Coriolanus, it never occurred to me that things were not as they seemed. It was not until after my first training session that I learned of his true intent…
"You have got to be more careful, my boy! You are far too precious to be scarred!" I nod numbly as I move slowly back to my feet.
"I am fifteen, so scars should be expected, right?" I ask him curiously. He shakes his head, staring at me intently.
"Your beauty should remain unmarred. That is why I…come, let us get you attended to. Seneca, see to it that our Training staff is properly reprimanded." The young man nods curtly before walking away quickly. I shrug as my guardian leads me out of the area.
The trip to his quarters never takes much time, but this particular sojourn seems different somehow. Over the last few months, his affections toward me have increased tremendously, as have his wife's dark looks. I know that she does not like me, but the feeling is mutual. Alma Coin is a bitch of the highest degree. Still, the looks that she offers me are very reminiscent of the ones that Annie used to give me whenever I talked to another girl. I can only guess that she is jealous because her husband ignores her, but with her attitude, I would do the same.
"Finnick?" I jump, having been far too caught up in my thoughts.
"I apologize for my aloofness," I offer calmly. He smiles, grabbing onto my upper arms tightly. What he does next shocks me to the core…
"No need," he whispers before kissing me softly on the lips. My eyes widen further as one of his hands moves down to squeeze my crotch.
"President Snow…" I begin, but his finger on my lips silence me.
"Call me Coriolanus. My boy, I think it is time that you and I have a personal conversation to…'reacquaint' ourselves, if you will." I nod numbly, knowing that this moment will define the rest of my life here in the Capitol…
"There you go again, drifting off to that faraway place that only you know." I smiles ruefully.
"Trust me, love, it is much better that you are not there. It is not a pleasant place, that." His smile falters, shifting to a look of sadness. The thing that troubles me most is that it is a look most sincere.
He is really, truly in love with me.
"Stay focused while you are away. Just like that time years ago, I cannot stand to see your beauty marred in any way." I nod, smiling warmly. I lean down and softly press my lips against his, just as I have always done. He smiles into the connection.
"You stay safe, yourself. I will return in the morn," I whisper against his lips before heading towards the door. He voice stops me just as I am about to open the door.
"You know, I have but one regret in life, and that is whoring you out. I am a man divided between duty and desire. As much as I yearn to keep you all to myself, I cannot deny your effectiveness in ensuring my continued reign. It is not the life my heart wants for you, but understand that it is the life that my mind and Panem requires of you. I love you, Finnick, and never forget that." I turn to fully face him, seeing the man through new eyes for the first time.
"To love is to folly," I say. He smiles ruefully.
"Folly only befalls fools, my boy," he says darkly. With one last parting glance, I step out of the door and into the hallway…
And into the arms of Everdeen.
She does not say anything, simply holding me to her chest. I can imagine her holding Primrose or Peeta like this, consoling them in their times of sorrow. Her presence is solid, engulfing me in a cocoon of warmth and safety. I pull away, running my fingers through my bronze locks as I stare into her eyes. They are hard, a steel wall that cannot be penetrated. She is ready for this, even though I know it must be troubling her immensely. I smile sadly as I run my fingers down her ebony braid, relishing in the softness of it under my fingertips.
"You saw it all, huh," I state more than ask. She nods, point up towards the air duct…
"He is one sick bastard. I will definitely make him pay for that, trust me. We need to move, though." I nod, moving to head down the hallway. Her hand upon my chest stops me, though…
"Wha…!" As quick as a sudden breeze, her lips capture mine before disappearing just a swiftly. She uses the back of her hand to wipe her lips, smirking at me daringly afterwards.
"There, he is gone. I cannot erase him from your mind, but I can at least release him from your lips." With that, she turns around and struts off. My fingers lightly tease my lips as my mind reels…
"To love is to folly."
∞K&F∞
(Cinna's POV)
I watch as she sits alone, peering around curiously. I quietly walk over to her, sitting down beside her. Neither of us says anything at first, the air between us thick with tension. My eyes shift to the sky, watching as the steely grey clouds float ominously above. I am reminded of Katniss' beautiful eyes, my heart contracting at the thought. I owe her so many explanations, as well as an endless stream of apologies. I may be a designer now, but I have been and always will be an assassin. As such, I have done so many things to people that I have cared about that I have lost count.
This is yet another one of those unfortunate occurrences.
"So, she is heading to District Four now?" I ask indifferently. My companion snorts derisively.
"Yep, and the blood is already staining my hands. I cannot express to you how horrible I feel lying to my best friend, though. I look forward to my descent to Hell; it is the least that I can do for what I have done." I smile at her ruefully.
"Take solace in the fact that you are not the one ordered her childhood friend to stop her from coming here at all costs. If all goes well, she will not find out. Sadly, I am prepared to deal with the repercussions of my actions upon her return with the knowledge of my transgressions. If I am fair, she will be in a murderous rage after she realizes all that I have done." She looks at me curiously, but I simply smile. I move to stand.
Looking at young Madge Undersee, I grow increasingly remorseful. It has never really been my intention to hurt Katniss; rather, I have sought only to protect her. I cannot allow Coin and Snow's wretchedness destroy her beauty, her light. She is going to become far too important to all of Panem, and I will not allow her to fall in any way. The unfortunate situation with Gale Hawthorne was a fluke, one that will not happen again. He was not to harm her, but to hinder her arrival here. I did not take into account his emotions taking control.
Oh well, he will be taken care of by tomorrow evening.
"Here comes the train. Do you have all of your things?" She nods.
"Yes. Please thank Finnick for me; he did not have to arrange all of this for me." I smile at her warmly.
"He is a great guy, someone who will be truly missed." She frowns at me, but I waltz away to grab her bags.
"What in the hell does that mean…oh no! You are going to make Katniss the Mockingjay and Finnick the martyr! You cannot do that, Cinna, she is…no!" I smirk as she is silenced. As I turn around, I see her small frame pitched onto the tracks as the train arrives. I nod at the blonde male standing at the edge of the platform.
"You truly are a monster, Cato." He chuckles darkly.
"Of course. So, what next?" I toss him Madge's belongings.
"You will dispose of these, and then report to my quarters. It is high-time that you met the missus." He smirks as he turns to walk off.
"Perfect. I will see you soon, then. Oh, and Cinna?" I glance at him uninterestedly.
"Yes?" I purr. I smirk as he shivers involuntarily.
"When all is said and done, I want Everdeen. She is the only reason I am aiding you in this rebellion, the only reason. I am not interested in Odair, so do what you will with him, but no one touches my Katniss." I shrug indifferently as I walk off.
"As you wish."
∞K&F∞
(Snow's POV)
"Are you enjoying yourself, my dear?" I chuckle warmly as she nods enthusiastically.
"Most definitely! Thank you!"
Sunlight rains down from the heavens, lighting the entire room in beautiful golden light. Young Primrose sits opposite me at one of the smaller round tables in my Gardens, the two of us enjoying a nice lunch together. It has been a few hours since my beloved Finnick departed for his home district, and I needed company. Thus, I sought out the younger Everdeen to share tea with me. Although her sister is the bane of my existence, I have a deep affection for this little girl; she is charming in ways that only she can. She almost reminds me of myself sometimes…
"Where is your sister?" I ask curiously. She looks up wonderingly, her beautiful blue eyes glistening like gems.
"She is probably off in the Training Center somewhere. I am sure that you know my sister by now; she is here, there, and everywhere!" I laugh wholeheartedly.
"You are far too precious, little Primrose." She giggles quietly to herself, eyes filled with mirth. As her small body quakes, I notice a gold article bouncing against her chest…
"It is not polite to stare," she admonishes me lightly. I snort playfully.
"I apologize. May I see your locket?" She looks down at it for a moment before passing it over to me.
Holding the piece of jewelry in my hand, I am overtaken by the feeling of nostalgia. When I first laid eyes upon this young girl, she reminded me so much of the beautiful little baby girl that my daughter bore. Unfortunately, having a monster for a father can take its toll on anyone, and she left me without so much as a goodbye. I can only barely recall a few details about her, seeing as she took all of her pictures with her. I guess I deserved it, in retrospect. I sigh as I open Primrose's locket. My heart clenches as I take in the happy faces of her family, especially that of her golden-haired mother…
"Primrose," I whisper, eyes locked onto the pictures held within. My mind begins to reel slightly, reaching in deep just as it did that night that I spoke with Finnick…
"You can all me Prim, you know!" she chimes, pointing at me playfully. My heart warms with the sound of her laughter, tinkling like little bells.
"I sure will. You know, you look so much like your mother," I offer calmly. She looks at me for a moment, an indiscernible emotion flashing behind her eyes too quickly for me to decipher. She maintains her smile, though.
"Of course, you would know her. You are the President, no less," she says pleasantly, but the sadness and bitterness in her voice hurts me. The things that I have been trying to remember stir in the back of my mind, but just cannot seem to free themselves. Maybe…
"I am truly saddened by what happened to your parents, Prim, really. You should not have had to witness such a horrific thing." She snorts derisively, very much like her sister.
"You ordered it. She was able to whisper that much to me as I cried over her. She also said something rather interesting." I can feel the walls beginning to crumble as she stares at me dangerously…
"And what was that?" I ask quietly. A lone tear falls down her pale cheek before she speaks, something that I promise myself never to let happen again.
"That she was sorry...for everything."
And just like that, the world goes black…
∞K&F∞
(Katniss' POV)
The train ride is much faster than I anticipated, so it comes as a mild shock when it comes to a stop at the District Four Train Depot. I look over at Finnick, who has not spoken a single word since our departure. After witnessing what I did this morning, I have come to be quite protective of the bronze-haired male. He has had quite the shitty life, although it has been wrapped in a luxurious cover that would throw off even the most doubtful of individuals. A part of me thinks that his mind is preoccupied with the upcoming confrontation, but a much smaller part of me feels he is dwelling on that kiss…
"It was just a gesture, Odair. I am not going to fall madly in love with you or any of that bullshit. I promise." He looks at me long and hard for a moment before offering me a small smile.
"I never thought that you would, although it would not be the first time." I roll my eyes.
"And we see what happened to them, do we not?" With that, I move towards the exit.
Halfway through the journey, I showered and changed, tossing on a pair of black jeans and a blue tanktop. I check the straps on my usual brown leather boots, making sure that they are secured. Knowing how hot District Four is known to be, I have piled my hair up into a bun, sliding an ebony-bladed stiletto through it. Finnick has slid into a golden netted shirt of some sort and a pair of cargoes. As expected, he is going commando and wearing sandals. I have given up on attempting to force him into proper attire.
"Well, let us depart. Gale awaits," I say uneasily as we step out onto the platform. My senses immediately kick into gear as I notice the unnatural emptiness of the area.
"This, this is not right," Finnick whispers behind me, his voice wavering with emotion. I reach back, releasing my bow and notching an arrow. I hear Finnick withdrawing his trident…
We dart swiftly through the area, racing effortlessly between the various buildings. It has been several years since I have been here, but I remember the basic layout of the area. The outskirts of town are not too far away from the Train Station, much like the Seam in Twelve. Gale is much more likely to be hiding there rather than in town. We were raised in the outskirts and relished in its isolation for the entirety of our lives there. Old habits tend to die hard, especially when it comes to him. I knew him like the back of my hand, and I honestly doubt he has changed that much…
He just seems to be a little more insane now.
"Why are we not going to the Merchant Center?" Finnick asks from my left. I smile ruefully.
"Just trust me," is all that I say. He nods.
"Endlessly and completely."
Once our feet hit the docks, my entire body tenses up. The distinct smell of blood wafts into my nostrils, the subsequent tang forming in my mouth. I glance behind me, seeing Finnick's face contorted into one of sorrow and disgust. Gale has been here, and he has been met with some dissent. I am not really surprised, really, but the thought of him killing troubles me. He always spoke of rebellion and hatred for the Capitol when we were growing up, but I never felt he would get anywhere with it. Gale was never as focused as I, which makes me wonder who aided him in this sojourn into complete madness…
We both jump as we hear a scream.
Finnick rushes by me, darting towards a home a few yards away. I listen to the scream a little closer, something off about the tone of it. My eyes widen as I realize that it is not a real scream, but a recording of one. I dash forward, easily catching up to my much taller companion. I grab his arm, wrenching him backwards. Having been around him long enough to know better, I kick his feet out from under him, sending him sprawling onto the wood below. I whip around, letting my gaze fall upon the water-worn boards. Just out of sight is one of Gale's famous traps…
"What the hell, Katniss?!" Finnick whines as he moves back to his feet. I ignore him as I step forward.
"Alright, Hawthorne, come the hell on out here!"
The rich timbre of his gravelly laughter reaches my ears from somewhere to my left. My gaze follows the sound, finally landing on his crouched form perched in the nearest tree. I watch as he slides down effortlessly, landing as softly and silently as a cat. He has always had feline grace, which is probably what helped him avoid the keen senses of District Four's citizens. He grins at me cockily, staring at me as if I were the prize in some twisted game of his. I just stare at him blankly, but I keep an eye on Finnick. He is staring at Gale blankly, but I can tell that there is a storm brewing beneath the surface…
"You finally made it, Catnip!" he says happily. I sigh, my heart heavy with what is surely to result from this.
"Just cut the crap, Hawthorne. Whoever sent you on this suicide mission is a fool, a much bigger one than you, obviously." He chuckles, drawing a frown upon my face.
"He is no fool, Katniss, he is a genius. The lambs are finally tired of being sent to slaughter, the rebellion finally about to start. You, you are instrumental to us, Catnip. You should not fight this! No! Embrace the future! You will pave the way for a new future as the Mockingjay who will lead us all to peace! Just think, no more Snow, and no more Hunger Games. It will be wonderful!" I just look at him.
"I am no one's pawn, Gale. This crap about rebellion and Mockingjays, all of it is madness. Drop this and go home! I have lost enough people as it is; I do not need to lose you, too." The smile disappears from his face.
"He said that you would say that. You have never lost me, Catnip, you just do not understand everything. There are things that you do not understand, things that I cannot tell you just yet. Soon, however, soon you will understand." My eyes widen.
"Those words…" I murmur softly. An image of Cinna and I talking comes to mind. Slowly, it all falls into place, Gale's words completing yet another unfortunate piece of the puzzle. A lone tear slides down my cheek as my heart breaks into a million pieces.
"Enough about that, though. I have someone who you two need to meet! Come on out, Annie!" I frown, but Finnick damn near loses it…
"Annie?!" he whispers desperately.
"In the flesh," comes a voice from behind us. Out from behind the nearest house steps a small, petite brunette girl. Finnick goes to run to her, but I stop him…
"Do not be stupid, Odair!" I bark, but he turns to look at me with fire in his eyes…
"Do not try and stop me, Everdeen…" he threatens lowly. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Gale smiling sinisterly. I take another look at the girl standing before us, knowing what I have to do…
"Take another step, and I will end this," I say evenly. Finnick scoffs at me before stepping forward...
"Come on, Finnick, do not listen to her. I am the love of your life, remember? She is nothing, but I…I am your everything!" As Finnick runs over towards her, I line up my shot. I gaze at Gale, smiling sadly before releasing my shot…
The sound of Finnick's scream meets my ears as I turn around to stare out at the sea…
∞K&F∞
A lot happened in this chapter, and even more is about to happen. Here are a few things to note about this one:
Coin nor Snow know about the growing rebellion.
Cinna made rounds to the districts shortly after Snow had the Everdeens killed.
Cato met Cinna during those rounds, Cinna recognizing his worth almost immediately.
Cato immediately fell for Katniss after Cinna showed him a photo of her. He still keeps the picture with him wherever he goes.
All Designers and Prep Teams know of the rebellion, and are ready at a moment's notice.
Thanks to all of my readers! I love all of you guys more than you know! Keep the reviews coming Special thanks to EisForElephant for favoriting! Thank you ^-^