Phoenix Rise
I am totally and utterly, if not completely sorry for those who had to wait so long. It wasn't writer's block, but my sister who's at college wanted to borrow my book! She was completely lazy in buying herself 'Catching Fire' and gave me the 'loving sister' quote when asking it. Yeah, so to make it up to you, let's begin.
Chapter 7: Who to hate?
Siobhan POV
From the corner of my eye, I could see Gale face go pale while President Snow back away from him. It didn't work, the engagement didn't work! I felt guilt consumed me from this idea in saving gales life, a chance to live along with his family. But now, punishment is on the way.By the way Gale looked; he was coming up with a plan, something that could save him and those who President Snow listed on termination. Those who defy President Snow end up dead, Victors of the Hunger Games could be easily manipulated, if the tyrant knew how to play his Cards right. Like what he did with Haymitch and with me.
"What do you think about us throwing them a wedding right here in the Capitol?" President Snow announced which Caesar Flickerman asked about the date.
"Oh, before we set the date, we better clear it out with Siobhan's Uncle," the President said. The Audience laughed to his joke while I hugged Gale, pretending to be excited while holding a shock face, like I forgot Uncle Mark. "Maybe if the whole country puts its mind to it, we can get you married before the Seventy-six Game."
That would be in a year.
''''''''''''''''';;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
The banquet was being held at President Snows Mansion. And may I say it was Magnificent in architecture that flow with the night sky. Though what supposed to be a dining room was replaced to look like some club, as the tables were replaced with couches and miniature tables, while open spaces for the dance floor. Though the main entertainment was the food, where everybody eat and drink to their hearts desire. Rare delicacies, things you would dream or read of from bread, meats, and Cheese. The lost appetite I had the past month had return that my mouth watered to devour this grand feast.
"I'm starving," I told Gale.
Gale chuckled shaking his head of this comment. Since, he told me that President Snow wasn't pleased with us, in the Limo that drove us to the mansion. I was glad my fiancé was keeping his promise about not holding any secretes, but I still wonder what goes on in his head sometimes. Anyway, I grabbed his hand and literally dragged him to the side tables.
"Glad to know you're hungry." Gale said, kissing my cheek before handing me a plate.
By the choices I see, I wanted to try all of them. However that would be impossible, unless having a bottomless pit for a stomach. I decided to go with the popular dishes, going for the sample of soups of French onion. The taste was sweet, unlike Greasy Sae version, where you get a lot more onion and wild meat than Beef broth, with bread and cheese on top. The thought of Greasy Sae made me scowled, what was I thinking? To enjoy this food while everyone at home was starving! Sometime I hated myself. I can do so much and yet it comes so little in helping District Twelve.
Throughout the event, I met new faces, except I didn't care unless it was important. Although, Gales Mockingjay Pin was becoming the new fashion statement. For nearly everyone was wearing the new golden bird accessories, including young woman wearing my previous Token. Caesar said, young woman wanted to protect themselves, but who would ever think ground up chili peppers be considering a safety device. I was surprised that the Gamemaker didn't confiscate the dust pendent before the game. The Game was such a huge hit here, those chili peppers and mockingbirds were the symbol. Hell, I even saw a portrait of me as some sort of nymph, covered in nature while cover in red dust. I fear what that red dust was supposed to represent, but from all the Propaganda that's been spreading like fire. President Snow must be having a field day.
As Gale and I headed towards the entrée table my three stooges appeared. Flavius hugged me lost in a drunken state that the rest of them consumed in alcohol and the ecstasy in this banquet.
"Why aren't you eating?" Octavia asked Gale and I.
"We have been," Gale informed. "Though, I'm completely stuffed."
They all laughed while I nibble on a piece of chicken. It's impossible to laugh like that, like it was the hilarious thing they heard in their entire life. I would never understand these people.
"No one lets that stop them!" Flavius cooed. They lead us to a table opposite from the room where tiny wine glasses with clear tonic sat. "Drink this!"
I picked up the glass examining it afterwards taking a swift. It smelled was neutral, so I dipped my finger inside and tasted it. I spat the horrid taste knowing what it was. "This make you puke!"
My prep team laughed hysterically. "Of course, so you can keep eating," Octavia said. "I've been in there twice already. Everyone does it, or else how would you have any fun at a feast?"
I was appalled, to stare at these people like they weren't human. Gale glared at the disgusting tonic with pension that he grabbed my hand roughly. "C'mon, Siobhan, let's dance."
By a quick spin around Venia we danced to the danced floor away from the team, the table and everybody else. Back home we knew a few dances, folk dances to be precise that require a fiddler and maybe flute if not a great deal of space. However, with another Effie boot camp, we learned the Capitol popular dances. Gales pulls me into his arms as we dance in circles, with a small box steps time to time. It was very difficult for me to dance do to the artificial leg not having the joints to bend. Gale seemed to notice this that he practically lifted me up so I was on his feet as he did the main dancing. Lucky that Effie didn't see this, along with the long gown I wore and flats too. Otherwise we would probably be heading to the hospital if I wore those godforsaken heals.
"How can you go along, thinking they're not so bad?" Gale asked me.
I sighed, considering the condition of the underdog district were feeling. Imagining the starving children who wait in the kitchen to find food to eat, but there is nothing. Uncle Mark would make some meal for the children when coming to our shop, small sandwiches or chewy mix. But now that we are rich, he can send his clients with meals and my employ coworkers earn a decent living of payment. Only that was district 12, what about 11 with Rue's siblings, or ten, or nine and sevens.
Gale also feeds his entire family, including the Everdeens. For a many times he would go hunting with Katniss to give help his cousin with Game. Katniss and Prim were still family, that Gale offered to give them money or groceries. However, Katniss refused the offer yelling at him saying she won't take blood money. Gale was struck in her reaction towards the victor's salary, but he didn't want to lose his relationship with Katniss, so he would go hunting with her. I on the other hand, informed Katniss that a job opening is still offered to which she appreciated. Except, do to legal age requirement she had to be eighteen.
"Gale, even though they brought us here for their entertainment of brutal combat," I started to say. "It's not their fault. They were born and raised like this. If I had to point fingers I would. . ." As my eyes linger at President Snow who was having a conversation with a few Gamemakers.
"Still," Gale growled as he spins, "I can't stand it anymore. Not after all the work we have done for them."
I sighed and nodded in agreement. Our attempt to subdue things with the districts might have work. But it wasn't enough for the tyrant who had full utter power. Looking around I noticed that the Camera crew got sidetracked with the food while the guests were either drunk or busy to notice us. Gale sighed, muttering an apology for blowing our cover for the location wasn't a good place for politics.
"When we get home, we'll have a debate later?" I told him.
After that, Portia joins in accompany by another man who I met earlier. She introduced us to Plutarch Heavensbee, the new Head Gamemaker. The man asked Gale if he would cut in for a dance. Gale was hesitant before I placed a hand on his cheek and kissed him, assuring that everything would be alright for just one dance. The look Gale gave the Head Gamemaker was a complete warning not to give any ideas. I swatted my fiancés shoulder, and then kindly accepted Plutarch's hand. We had a decent conversation, talking about the party, entertainment and food, if not having a laugh here or there.
"I hope you know that I was the one who fell into the punch bowl." Plutarch mumbled humbly.
I tried to hold back a snicker from that memory. Gale didn't mean to fire at him, his attention was at the apple from that pig.
"Yes, and you'll be pleased to know I've never recovered," he said. "But, I absolutely enjoyed your session. Very creative in the Camouflage station! Along with accurate eye conation: with the blowgun and getting the target lethally."
I blushed though it wasn't for his compliment but to sustained anger to the approval diseasing form. Mentally screaming how twenty-two children are dead from the barbaric game that of which he help in creating. So I can only say was, "I'm flattered... Head Gamemaker now, it must be an honor?"
"Between you and me, there weren't many takers for the job." He murmured. "So much responsibility as to how the Games turn out."
Oh, you mean not want to become dead, I thought. It surly was written on his face that he knew about Seneca Crane, how the guy changed the rules. Oh, I know this information thanks to Gale. Though, I wonder what happen to him. From what I can assume in knowing President Snow had to me ironic.
"Are you planning the Quarter Quells?" I asked.
"Oh, yes. Well, they've been in the works for years, of course. Arenas aren't built in one day. But the, shall we say flavor of the Games is being determined now. Believe it or not, I've got a strategy meeting tonight." As he said this he pulled back to reveal a golden pocket watch. When he flipped the lid to check the time and scowled. "I'll have to be going soon. It's starts at midnight."
"Dead time, isn't that late?" I asked as I stared at his watch amazed by the excady to it. Until his thumb grazed over the crystal panel of the timer to revealed an image for a slight moment. It was a mockingjay. Not like Gale's pin on his coat, but the medallion I wore with the compass background. Although, it disappeared once he closed it.
"Interesting," I said.
"Oh, it's very interesting indeed. It's one of a kind," He said. "If anyone asks about me, say I gone to bed. The meeting was supposed to be a secret. But I thought it'd be safe to tell you."
"Your secret is safe with me," I said while making my hand zip my lips like a zipper.
He chuckled as we shook hands; he gives a small bow, that of a Capitol gesture. "Well, I'll see you next summer at the Games, Siobhan. Best wishes for your engagement and good luck with your uncle."
"I don't think that's necessary." I said.
When Plutarch left, I wonder around the dance hall in search for Gale while being congratulated. Though I wasn't paying attention in the topic of the congrats were for my mind was stuck on the conversation with the New Head Gamemaker. About the discussion of the Quarter Quells down to his one-of-a-kind watch. Something was strange, since when it came to the mockingjay it would be design to Gales token, not Cinna's gift. For my token was the chili pepper vial necklace, used for woman's self-defenses. A theory was he was a huge fan and didn't want people to steal his idea on an accessory, of the disappearing Mockingjay. That was the money-ball guess for it must have been expensive.
I found Gale by the dessert table deciding on what treat he should get. If Peeta were here he would be admiring the elaborate decorations on the cakes. Being a baker's son and all.
"We have a train at one, at least that's what Effie said." Gale said.
"That late," I replied. Taking a chocolate strawberry and nibbled on it.
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''';;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;llllllllllllllllllllllllllll
Gale's POV
I groaned watching how Siobhan ate her strawberry, sucking the chocolate off the fruit. How her lips moved and tongue wrapping around it. It didn't affecting me when we were little eating sweets after trading in the hops. But now, us being older and her matured; it was just plain torture. Maybe it was a good idea that we are finally engage, I don't know how long I would last?
"Time to say thank you and farewell!" Effie sang.
There were moment's I despised her compulsive punctuality. I don't know how Haymitch survived the past few years with this woman? Better yet, he only had to meet her during the pre-games. Now that Siobhan and I are victors, I betting he's going to retire and drink his damn life away. Anyway, we fetched Cinna and Portia, saying our byes and see-yea's to the important guest, and left the building.
"Shouldn't we thank President Snow?" Portia asked. "It was very kind of him in hosting the party at his house."
"Oh. He's not a big one for parties. Too busy," Effie said. "I've already arranged for the necessary note and gifts to be sent to him tomorrow. There you are!"
As she skipped towards one of the Capitol attendants, to find the missing people in our party. And loud and behold, a drunk Haymitch. I sighed, wrapping my arm around Siobhan as we headed towards the streets where a car waited to escort us to the train station. Once back on the train everybody departed to their room while Siobhan and I went to the lounge to relax for a bit. She removed her shoes when Effie started her usual rants.
"There's the Harvest Festival in District Twelve to think about it. So I suggested we drink our tea and head straight to bed."
"Here, here," Siobhan yawned.
''''''''''''''''''''''';;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;''''''''''''''''''''''''
The next morning, I had woken up early in the morning. Siobhan head rested on my chest while she slightly snored. How did she get in here? I was about to adjust myself when she yawned.
"No nightmares?" she asked.
I stared at her confused, Nightmares? Then I think about it, was starting to have a nightmare when I heard some melody that soothed me down to a good dream. Looking around the room, I spotted Siobhan Medallion on the nightstand showing a picture of her uncle. I sighed and hugged her closer to me, savoring how soft her skin was.
"Good dream and you?" I asked.
She was hesitant then sighed. "It was okay, couldn't remember it though."
She leaned up and gave a stretch that was when I noticed that her eyes were slightly puffy. She cried in her sleep but knowing I slept well, she must have a pleasant dream at least. She crawled to the foot of the bed, that I saw the seal cap on her left knee. Siobhan grabbed her prosthetic leg and put it on. A hiss was heard as her spine shudder to whatever just happens when the leg was connected.
"Better get ready," she said, coming back to kiss me. God, this woman was going to be the death of me. Oh crap, we're almost home.
'''''''''''''''''''''''''';;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;''''''''''''''''''''''
When we got back to District twelve, we were supposed to have dinner at Mayors Undersees house while a victory rally tomorrow during the Harvest Festival. We always celebrated the Harvest Festival after each victory tour, though it's usually at home with friends and family. But since the Capitol is paying for it, everyone could finally get something to eat.
So like any victory tour, same old smiling, hand waving till getting into the car for it started to snow. Once we got to the Undersees house Madge came up to Siobhan and lead her to her room. It was sort of weird how close those girls were. Sure they were cousins, but it wasn't until the Hunger Games did they actually had quality time together. I don't know if I should be pissed off about it or not? But hey, she gave me the mockingjay pin. I sighed, I've been spending to long locked up in buildings . . . I need to hunt. I walked around the Undersees house then chuckled to realize how related Madge and Siobhan were related: Undersees . . . Underwood.
I walked into Mayor Undersees studies to find it empty but the television was still on. Not wanting to waste power I headed up to turn it off when the scene changed. "UPDATE ON DISTRICT 8" flashed out. The announcer came on Warning about the condition of a Level 3 alert; that additional forces were being called. The camera moved away from the reporter to the main square of District 8. There were still banners from my victory tour from last week. However none of the citizens are pleased as people screamed, hiding their faces in rags while pulling off a riot. While the Peacekeepers authorities were shooting about, not caring that they are killing at random.
My blood boiled.
So this was the damn Uprising Snow was talking about!
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''';;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Please leave a review and thanks for reading
Silent wolf singer