**DISCLAIMER; I don't own the Hunger Games nor it's characters.**
***Heads up; It's not the happy ending love story you are looking for. This story will have strong language & acts of violence described in here. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED MY DEARIES.***
Return of the Mocking Jay
Chapter 3
Oh Where, Oh Where Should Katniss Go.
Song Suggestions; Let that Pony Run by Pam Tillis
Where are we going now by Damn Yankees
Three Days Later, Hospital-District Two:
Katniss was lying in her bed awake talking to Aries. She learned from Cato's twin, why he volunteered (he did it for the kid who wouldn't have lasted 30 seconds in the arena). Why he made it that far, his 'arranged' match & more. Much more. Katniss explained why she went in for Prim, how she never knew that Peeta even liked her (she found out on national television) & how she lost everything.
Aries realised when she leaves here she really has nowhere to go. That she can end up back here in a matter of months if she goes back to twelve now. Dr. Hadley realized this too.
The doctor has been giving daily reports to Paylor on Katniss since she woke up. Yet this day was going to be different for Paylor is now going to weight in.
"I agree Doctor Hadley that is why I am coming today. Katniss feels she needs to redeem herself but I also know bringing her to the capitol will do her no good. Prim was killed here. Thirteen will do her no good because of her mother & Coin who threatened her by using Peeta against her. The only place she feels connected is twelve yet I agree its too soon but I do have an idea."
"Let's hear it Madam President."
"I had the hunter's lodges outside of both the Capitol & Twelve remodled. It's in the woods where Katniss has always done her best work. Until YOU see that she can make it on her own she stays in the one outside the capitol helping me. We can ease her back to twelve has she progresses at her own pace. After the reconstruction Katniss cann make the choice to where she want to live but this way she does it on HER own."
"Okay that I can go with but she still is going to need someone to be there for her in both places. I suggest we have Haymitch be there with her."
"Doctor I was going to suggest Aries too. Katniss has known Haymitch all of her life but she's opened up to Aries more than to anybody here at all."
Doctor Hadley knows how this could effect his son. Katniss is the only link Aries has to his twin. He also knows that Aries is starting to get close to Katniss. If he loses her, it could do his son more harm than good to heal from Cato's death.
"Madam President, Aries is getting close. I don't think him being there has her 'mentor' will help him heal. Cato was his twin brother. You have to realise when Cato died in the arena what it did to him. Therefore I have to object President Paylor. I'm Aires' Father first, always."
"I see Doctor. How about just has a friend since Aries will be matched soon according to your district's traditions. I believe to Cato's betrothed."
"No. The two talked it out. Mesa didn't even like Cato. She told me that herself. After Cato lost the games she decided to go a different direction. You see she liked Aries as a friend. They're keeping it that way with our blessing."
"What about Aries? What will happened to him?"
"He chooses his mate. Its a new era President Paylor. He has my blessing to find the one for him."
"I've landed doctor. I will be there to talk to you, Aries & the rest of the gang soon."
"Very well President Paylor. See you soon."
After the transmission ends, the senior Hadley got up & left his office to check on the Mocking Jay. With the President coming, all hell is going to break loose. He goes in with Johanna, Haymitch & Finnick. Sure enough Aries is there talking to Katniss. He pulls Aries out of the room & briefs all what is going on. All four are on board with this. Aries is not happy that his father is holding him back but his father pulled him aside & told him;
"I am your father first, always Aries. She doesn't want a realtionship son. In many ways her delvelopment stopped at eleven when her father died. After the mind screws those two former presidents put her through, she may never have anybody that close again, ever. I know you. Trust me in this. Be her friend yes, don't fall for her."
Yet it was too late, Aries was falling for her. He was falling for the Mocking Jay, Katniss Everdeen.
The two rejoined the others outside the Mocking Jays Door & went in. Now they have to convince Katniss of the plan. Has Katniss looked around to see the whole gang in her room, she knew that this wouldn't be good. Haymitch acted has spokeman;
"Sweetheart what the doctor is going to tell you is what the President has in store for you. Its not bad Katniss so YOU need to listen Sweetheart. Paylor has remodled two hunting lodges. One outside of twelve, the other outside of the Capitol. Until we feel you are ready, you will be staying in the lodge outside of the capitol. Then you can try out the one in twelve. While you're at the Capitol, Paylor wants you to help her rebuild the country has a whole. Get it."
"And if I don't want to, help rebuild Haymitch?"
Paylor then takes over has all were suprised;
"Then there is no pressure, Katniss. You gave enough for this country. However I really DO need your help. Being in the Capitol all this time under Coin, didn't help me. You have that outlook, that angle. Will you be willing to help?"
Katniss knew this was part of her road to redemption. She knew that this will help her get those stuck in the arena to cross when the time came. Part of it will be touring the districts where, she can talk to the fallen from her first arena. Maybe find what was good about them before going into that arena. katniss looks at the President & replies;
"I will do it however, to do what I need to do I want to tour every district to see what we need to make it whole. Also you need to get most of the Capitolites out of the Capitol. If we are going to reunite this country, they need to live with the country. You can turn those buildings into research, medical facilities & schools for all. Everybody gets the same education here. Not bits & pieces that divided the country."
Paylor looked at her;
"Boarding schools, Katniss."
"For the time being yes President Paylor. Ages 7 on up. Ages 5 & 6 go in their districts schools to learn the basics. However once the schools are set up in all the districts then & only then Madam President do the families chose. To either have their children in the home district or, at the Capitol."
"Okay we'll do it your way however while you are traveling the districts Haymitch & Johanna will accompany you. If one can't go with you then Finnick will go with you because of his son, understand?"
The rest of the gang leave Katniss & the President to hash the rest of details out. However once the gang left Paylor had to ask;
"Why did you do it Katniss?"
"Because I couldn't live with it any longer, Mam. The dreams were awful on the best nights & believe me you don't want to know what a 'bad' night was for me."
"No Victor has ever attempted what you are doing. Why do you think, you have no self worth when you do? YOU do Katniss. When asked by anyone I talked to to describe you in one word you know what they would say? (Katniss shook her head no) Nine out of ten would say 'brave' with the tenth one usually saying ballsy."
At this Katniss laughed more at herself than anything. Katniss always thought of herself has a survivor.
"Believe me Madam President, I'm not. I'm just a survivor."
Paylor looked at her again, replied;
"And that is where you are wrong, Mocking Jay. When you actually see it within yourself that is when you've reached redemption. I'll see you soon."
With that Paylor leaves thinking even with all she's been through, she still doesn't believe she is worthy. Paylor goes to Doctor Hadley to find out when Katniss can leave here to start the next phrase of this road. The President sees the new group & joins in. During this time, Aries breaks away to check on how Katniss is doing.
Aries pops his head in to find that she's sleeping. He was about to leave when he hears her say something in her sleep.
"NO, go on. Cato you have to go on. Cato..."
It wasn't what she said, it was how Katniss said it. Katniss said in a way that Aries would have given everything that he had just to hear that tone once in his lifetime. It was a tone that would melt your heart to the speaker. Aries knew he didn't stand a chance with her. Even from the grave, Cato still gets the girl. Aries then decided after she leaves to put some distance between them. And hope in the years to come, he can fondly remember helping The Girl on Fire without causing himself pain.
Three Months Later, Everdeen Lodge-Capitol;
Katniss was at her lodge getting ready to tour the districts when she decided to give Aries a call. She got his Voice mail, again. She doesn't know what she did but it must have been something big because he when he calls it sound like he would rather be anywhere but talking to her. It made her feel really bad that she caused him this pain. Yet she left a message not that it did any good;
"Hi Aries, It's Katniss. I don't know what I did wrong to hurt you. If you would just let me know what I did, I would honestly try to make it up to you. I called to see if you wanted or are still interested in seeing my district. If you are in fact either way, please call me. bye."
Katniss for all outward appreances looked brave but, inside you could tell she was heartbroken again. In another world four people look sadden as they see her trying to figure out what she did wrong.
"DAMN IT ARIES!"
"Cato, I need to talk to your brother. He's tearing her apart. Look her light, it dims. Your twin is killing my little girls light."
"We both go Mr. Everdeen. Aries didn't know she was trying to help me cross over. Katniss doesn't know we've chosen to wait for her. If he doesn't stop now, he'll undo everything Dad has worked hard for to get her to live again."
Academy Dorm Rooms, Capitol;
In a dorm room at the Capitol Aries sees his phone buzz again. Aries sees that its Katniss's number but does not answer, just sends it to voice mail. Has Aries continues to unpack a loud bang gets his attention has his phone lands at his feet. Aries looks at his phone at the text message;
Code; Ollie! Ollie Oxen Free! !
YO LIL' BROTHER! QUIT HURTING HER YOU JACKASS! SHE DOES NOT UNDERSTAND. AND NEITHER DO YOU. YOU WERE NOT MEANT TO BE WITH HER. YOU'RE KILLING HER, YOU ARE KILLING KATNISS! ! YOU'RE PISSING HER FATHER OFF! EITHER BE HER FRIEND OR, TELL HER ITS YOU & LEAVE HER ALONE. DON'T DO THIS TO HER OR, YOU'LL UNDO EVERYTHING DAD HAS DONE TO GET HER BETTER. BY THE WAY, MR. EVERDEEN IS RIGHT BEHIND YOU.-CATO.
Aries drops his phone & back away to the door. Before he can get there is slams shut & locks. A picture of Cato, Aries & his father fall & is thrown where is lands at his feet. The full figured body of James Everdeen & Cato Hadley appear. James Everdeen starts to explain what he's doing to Katniss is slowly killing her;
"Aries your brother is right. Either be her friend or, tell her the truth & make a clean break. Her light is fading for what you are doing to her. She has a lot to still do. She has to united a country damn it & she needs all the help she can get numb nuts. By the way, the picture was me. The phone your brother.-Cato explain it to him."
Cato takes over;
"Aries you & Katniss were never meant to be."
"I KNOW DAMN IT! WHY DO YOU THINK I'VE STAYED AWAY! You always get the girl, Cato. Even from the grave, you always win. I can't compete with that Cato."
"YO JACKASS! I WASN'T SUPPOSE TO DIE IN THE ARENA! KATNISS WASN'T SUPPOSE TO GO IN FOR PRIM! I was suppose to bring Prim back to twelve because I wouldn't or, couldn't have killed her in the arena. I was to meet Katniss in Twelve. YOU were to have Mesa not me. By the way if you can't tell, her father is pissed off at you. When Katniss went in, it threw things out of joint. Prim was suppose to be the Mocking Jay, the voice of the rebellion, not Katniss. I was to be with Katniss as Prim's co-victor. There would've been no 75th arena like that. Yet in turn it turned out for the better because, I found that Mesa never liked me she wanted you. So you win there Lil' Brother. And the rebellion happening this way save over a million lives for Snow would've nuked the capitol along with 8, 5, 6 & 2. That's right YOU & DAD wouldn't be here. Now chose & chose NOW Aries;
Be her friend & help her or, leave her alone?"
"Her friend."
James Everdeen looks at both boys;
"Smart man. Now call her. NOW! The one meant for you is here, it's just not Katniss. Aries, Mesa will come into your life again in fact while you are here just not now. Your job now is to help Katniss finish & move on. Don't you ever make me do this again young man."
Has Aries dials Katniss's number he replies;
"Yes Sir."
James Everdeen fades away & Aries sees Cato just nod & watches.
"Hello?"
"Katniss, it's Aries. I'm in the capitol at the dorms. When can I come by & talk."
"I can pick you up within the hour. Haymitch will be driving though. Are you okay Aries?"
"I will be. See you in an hour. Later."
"Later."
Aries hangs up. He feels a hand turn him around where he sees his brother toothy smile & all, gives him a bear hug that he was known for Cato whispers into Aries ear;
"You have to carry on for me & for her. She can't know, Katniss is on borrowed time Lil' brother. That is why you can only be her friend Aries otherwise it will kill you. The reason Katniss is not for you, is because she doesn't have long. The brightest stars fade that fastest."
With that Cato fades & the door unlocks opening ever so slightly leaving Aries to stand there, confused & alone.
Two Hours Later, Everdeen Lodge-Capitol;
Haymitch went to pick up Aries has Katniss went ahead & made rabbit stew. When Aries arrived it was like a punch in the gut for him. Katniss smiled that mega watt smile & hugged him to welcome him in. While they were waiting for dinner to finish cooking Katniss asked why he never called once when she had left. Aries could have lied but decided not to;
"Katniss it wasn't you. This time it was me. I was getting too close too fast & had to take a step back. Understand?"
"Why?"
"You are the only thing I had left of my brother. I started to think of a future with us. It was after the President left & you said my brother's name in your sleep, I knew different. Cato was right you know."
"I said Cato's name in my sleep (Aries nodded has Katniss groans)? With what was Cato right about Aries?"
"That you don't know what power you have over men. He told Haymitch that you know."
"No I didn't. Why would he be interested in me? I'm just a girl from the Seam."
"Believe me he was interested. Now, has to seeing District Twelve, I would love to. When do you guys go?"
"In a month. Johanna & Finnick are coming with me to set up the lodge in twelve. Then I start the tour to get the districts united. I hope it was easier than moving the Capitolist out of the Capitol."
The Capitolist were very unhappy about being forced out of their homes to 'mingle' with the 'district' born. Now to find out that they have to live with the district born, they were seriously pissed off. Most refused to even attend the manditory classes. Katniss had to hold news conferences to point out why this would benefit the country as a whole. In the end most of the Capitalists wanted nothing to do with the district born so Katniss & Paylor came up with a great plan. Since most people did not return to District Twelve, the Capitalists that objected to being with the 'district born'. They get to rebuild the smallest district that took the most of their hatrid from the Capitol & Snow. Many of the Capitalists took it has a challenge to show up the new government. To show them that they didn't need nor want them in 'their' lives. Katniss told Aires wait until the first winter then they'll change their tune.
The two laughs at the thought of the Capitalists actually being able to rebuild & live in District Twelve with their ways. Yet Katniss still wants to see what progress they did make to rebuild their lives out there.
Haymitch was inside listening to them. It was the first time he has heard her genuinely laugh since before her first games. Haymitch thought this was a good thing. He thought for once I might have one that will actually out live me.
He hopes for once he is right.
****SURPRIZE! ! I GOT TEN SECONDS TO MYSELF! You got the next chapter.****
***Don't get your hopes up. I stated before, it's not going to be a happy, happy, joy, joy ending.***
***Now it's up to you the reader. Should I continue on to chapter 5 or, write in the ending in chapter 4 & make it a long chapter? Please put your reason in your reviews. To continue this story please add your review.***