A/N: I want to thank you guys for the reviews and the likes as well as the following. I'm also glad to see some familiar faces and some new faces as well. I hope you all will continue to enjoy Rebirth of a Mockingjay. I have some twists coming for you all, so let's begin them with Chapter Two.
As always please read and review
CM
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Chapter Two: The Plan
Darius Thatcher POV
It's been six months since the death of Alma Coin Thatcher. Yet justice has not prevailed for her murder. Katniss Everdeen still walks free in District Twelve where Paylor sent her. The girl had no idea how lucky I wasn't in charge of her punishment. Had I been in charge, she never would see the light of day again.
News of the war on the Capitol trickled in like a leaking faucet. The only reason I knew of my mother's death was because of the televised showing of Snow's execution. I wonder if Mother even got the chance to tell him who she really was. It doesn't really matter now that she's dead. But I would make sure Katniss Everdeen knew exactly who I am and who Alma Coin was to me. I would make sure she paid dearly for taking the life of a good woman.
Panem's districts were still recovering from the Mockingjay's war. It seemed there was no district besides District Thirteen that wasn't affected by the war. The dead were being buried and the ashes plowed over. The fences that separated us have even started coming down. The idea of the poor people coming here sickens me. This is all Paylor's fault for thinking we could be a united country like before.
What did the people do as a united country all those years ago? They nearly destroyed the Earth leaving almost nothing left. Snow was no better by any means. All he cared about was power and he would do anything to get it. He didn't care who he hurt in the process.
"Darius, are you going to sit there day dreaming all day? We've got work to do."
"Remind me again who the boss is around here, Gale?"
Gale smiled as he stepped up beside me. "That would be you, but without me nothing would get done around here."
"Don't flatter yourself, Hawthorne. We were doing just fine before you came along."
Gale raised his eye brows and I immediately clench my jaw so I wouldn't punch the kid in the face. "Okay, Thatcher, we'll see who's laughing next week."
"Yes, we will see," I agree forcing a smile as I rise to my feet and step away from Gale moving toward my friend Alexander Davis. "Xander, it is good to see you, my friend. How goes everything in District One?" I ask extending my hand.
Xander smiled as he shook my hand. "Darius, it is good to see you as well. Things are very well in District One. I see things are coming together with the 'Nut' as your second in command calls it," he said nodding toward the mountain.
"Yes, Gale is very good with new ideas. He brought the 'Nut' down and now he's putting it back up so to speak," I say shrugging my shoulders.
"Smart kid…it's too bad," Xander said leading me farther away from prying ears.
"He may be of some use later down the road," I reply.
"Perhaps," Xander agreed.
"What have you heard?" I ask once we are completely alone.
"Paylor and her new cabinet members are hard at work setting up everything to have elections in each of the districts."
"Who are they planning to elect?"
"That's the problem, Darius. This hasn't been done in centuries, so they have no idea. The impression I'm getting is they want this to be as easy and simple as it can be."
"Nothing is ever easy and simple, Xander. You know that."
"That I do my friend, so I suspect Paylor will want the mayors of the districts to suggest who their representatives will be."
"That could work in our favor," I say thinking out loud.
"It could indeed. All we need to do is have each mayor select one of our men who would only vote your way. That would assure you control over the new government. Full control would be yours once you replace Paylor as President of Panem."
"That could take time to achieve. In the mean time let's focus on getting everyone in place to become the Representatives of Panem's districts."
"I will see to it, Darius."
"Excellent," I say nodding my head. "Do we know when the representatives are to be selected?"
"No, not yet because the new House of Representatives is still under construction. We suspect it will be in a week or two. Our sources tell me Paylor is eager to get started with her changes for Panem."
"Her changes for Panem include destroying everything my mother worked so hard to achieve," I spat in disgust.
"I agree, Darius. Poor trash from the out lining districts has no place here with us. Your mother would have seen to the continued separation in order to keep us all safe."
"Yes, she would have if Katniss Everdeen hadn't interfered."
"What about the kid?"
"Gale Hawthorne was there that day, but it was Katniss Everdeen who shot the arrow that killed my mother."
Xander nodded his head in understanding. "I need to get back to one so I can put the plan into action."
"I'll see you in the Capitol soon," I say extending my hand toward Xander.
"I look forward to that day, Darius," Xander said shaking my hand.
"As do I, Xander," I say smiling.
I check with Gale on the progress of the 'Nut' before heading for the main part of town. The new mayor had been a good friend of my father before the war. She actually got the job of mayor over District Two because she was the leader of the Rebel forces here. She is a very strong woman being a former victor and one not to cross. As long as I stay on her good side, I should have no problem getting her approval for District Two's Representative position. I find Lyme at the newly built mayor's house.
"Darius Thatcher, what a pleasant surprise," Lyme said as I approached the house.
"Hello, Lyme, it's been too long," I agree.
"You were but a small boy the last time I saw you. You were with your father Tom weren't you?"
"Yes. I was, Lyme. You have a very good memory."
"Why thank you, Darius. I pride myself on my excellent memory. What can I do for you?"
"Well, I was wondering if you've considered who you're going to recommend to represent District Two in the Capitol."
"I haven't actually. Why do you ask, Darius? Are you interested?"
"I am actually, Lyme. I think I could do a lot of good for District Two."
"Really…I never pegged you for the political type, Darius."
"Well, my father loved District Two and so do I."
"As do I, Darius. All right, if you really want to represent District Two then I will recommend you for the job."
"I do want to represent District Two, Lyme."
"Very well, Darius, the position is yours. But you will have to prove yourself if you wish to keep the job. President Paylor says the first representatives will have to win an election after two years in office. This will allow the people of Panem to have a say in the way the government is run."
"It sounds like a great idea," I say trying to hide my disgust. What did the poor people know about how the government should be run?
"Well, the history books say it worked once before. So, why wouldn't it work again?"
"It should work, Lyme. Panem needs peace to continue in order for us to survive."
"I agree, Darius. We have all been through so much all ready," Lyme said sighing.
"Yes, we have. Some have been through more than others," I say under my breath.
"Well, Darius, it looks like we both have a lot of work ahead of us," Lyme said smiling slightly.
"Yes, it appears that we do. I will no disappoint you, Lyme," I say as I begin to walk away.
"See that you don't, Darius. It won't be me that you are disappointing. It will be your father who you'll be disappointing if you fail."
I smile in earnest as I nod my head. "I know, Lyme. Believe me, I know."
The next two weeks flew by much to my pleasure. According to Xander, everything was going exactly how I planned it. Twelve of the thirteen districts of Panem had selected men loyal to me to represent them in the Capitol. I had no doubt there would be no one loyal to me in twelve, but that didn't really matter. As long as I had the majority of the votes, then my bills would pass the House. The only problem I would have would be getting the bills past Paylor.
When I take over the country then nothing would go through Paylor. Things would be able to return to the way they were before. Oh, I would make sure to make it appear like I cared about the people. I might even make their lives a tiny bit better, but only if it benefited me. All those responsible for my father's death will be made to pay for their crimes just as Katniss Everdeen would pay for her crime. Snow has all ready paid with his life, but there are others I can make pay.
"Darius, Son, wake up."
"What is it, Mother?" I ask rubbing the sleep from my eyes.
"It's time, Son."
"Time for what?"
"It's time for me to take my rightful place in Panem's government."
"I don't understand, Mother. What are you talking about?"
"It's time for President Snow to pay for your father's death. It was his fault that Tom was stripped of his title in Peacekeeper Command. It's also his fault that you are no longer safe from the Hunger Games."
"Mother, I only have two more years, then I won't have to worry about the Hunger Games."
"That is true Darius, but then you have the mines to deal with. I lost my husband that way. I will not lose my only son that way as well."
"I don't have to go into the mines, Mother. I could always join Peacekeeper Command."
"They won't accept you, Darius. You're Tom Thatcher's son."
"What does that have to do with anything?"
"Have you not been listening to me? Snow punished your father for loving me. There are two rules in Peacekeeper Command. The first rule is you are to always follow orders. The second rule is you are never to marry or have children. Tom broke that second rule Darius and it cost him his life."
"So, how are you going to make Snow pay?"
"I'm going to take the one thing he values more than anything. I'm going to take away his power. I might even take away a life that's precious to him other than his own."
"How?"
"By having another Hunger Games when the right time comes. I lost my sister to the Games while Snow has lost no one to them. I think it is only right that his family suffers the same pain and heartache as the rest of us."
"Yes, he should I agree. How are you going to make this happen?"
"It's going to take time, Darius. I'm going to have to change my appearance as well. I can't afford anyone recognizing me as Alma Thatcher. I'll go by my maiden name Coin that way no one in District Thirteen will suspect me."
"District thirteen…Mother, District Thirteen is gone. It was destroyed so long ago," I protest.
"That is what Snow and the Capitol wants you to believe, Darius. But I have a feeling thirteen is thriving right under Snow's nose."
"You won't be able to just walk right in and take over thirteen."
"No, that will take time, Darius. If I fail you will have to carry on. It will be up to you to finish what I start. Do you understand?"
"I understand, Mother. You have my word I will finish what you start."
"That's my good boy," Alma said kissing my forehead.
"Mr. Thatcher, I see you made it just fine from District Two. Mayor Lyme said you would be arriving on this afternoon's train."
I look up coming out of my thoughts and smile at the man before me. "Yes, it was a very pleasant trip," I say as I rise to my feet.
"Well, you arrived just in time for the ceremony," the man continued as he lead me from the train.
"Ceremony?" I ask as we make our way from the train station.
"Yes, the House of Representatives building was completed in record time. President Paylor wants to have a ceremony unveiling you and the other representatives as well as the new building to all of Panem."
"I see," I reply as we climb into a waiting car to take us to the center of the Capitol where the new building would be unveiled.
"It was a wonderful show of cooperation from all the districts, Mr. Thatcher. A part from each district went into the creation of the new building. It's the first task that all the districts have worked together on in many years."
"Oh, believe me sir; I agree it's amazing to see the districts working together. You don't have to tell me," I say forcing myself not to roll my eyes at the excited man.
The man blushed as he dropped his head. "Yes, please forgive me, Mr. Thatcher. I tend to get carried away sometimes."
I force a smile as I shake my head. "No, it's quite all right. I completely understand."
"You are too kind, Mr. Thatcher. Here we are," the man said as the car came to a stop.
I climb out of the car and truly smile seeing Xander waiting for me. "Xander, it's so good to see you again," I say shaking Xander's outstretched hand.
"I see you know one of your fellow representatives. Well, in that case I will leave you to your work," the man said taking his leave.
"Darius, you made it, my friend," Xander said smiling once we were alone again.
"Did you have any doubt?" I ask as my smile grew.
"Of course not Darius, I know you well enough to know you would achieve whatever you put your mind to."
"Please, Xander, are you my friend or my father?" I ask as I clap Xander on the back.
Xander chuckled and shook his head. "Well, it is true, my friend. I haven't known you not to achieve anything you set out to do."
"Well, you are right. I have achieved everything I set my mind to. So, where is everyone else hiding?"
"Ah, they are waiting for you to arrive. Come on, I'll take you to them," Xander said leading the way toward the others.
"My friends," I say as Xander and I approach everyone. "It's so good to see everyone, and you are?" I ask directing my gaze toward the new face.
"This is Michael Potter, Darius. Michael Potter, this is Darius Thatcher. Michael is the representative from District Twelve," Xander said making the introductions.
"Ah, the Mockingjay's district," I say extending my hand toward the man.
Michael Potter nodded his head as he shook my hand. "Katniss has done a lot of good for District Twelve and Panem."
"She has," I agree trying to control my sarcasm.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Thatcher. Which district did you come from?"
"I'm from District Two, Mr. Potter," I say as I release Michael's hand.
"Beautiful mountains," Michael said smiling.
"Yes, they are," I agree as Paylor approached us.
"I see all of our representatives have finally arrived. If you will all follow me, we will get this ceremony under way," Paylor said leading the way toward the stage in front of the House of Representatives building.
"When this is all over we need to talk," I tell Xander under my breath.
"There will be time after the ceremony, Darius," Xander replied nodding his head.
"This ceremony is a joke," I mutter in disgust.
"I agree, but we must maintain appearances," Xander said as we all stepped onto the stage.
"Well, soon enough Paylor and her foolish ideas of unification will be gone," I mutter as I force a smile for the numerous cameras around the stage.
"That will be a great day indeed, Darius," Xander agreed as we all took our seats.
"Welcome my friends here at the Capitol and my friends out in the Districts of Panem. This day was a long time in the making. We have all fought so hard for our freedom, and now my friend's that day has arrived. We are finally free from the oppression and hunger of the old ways. Behind me are the new representatives of Panem selected by your mayors to represent you the people. I feel very confident we will accomplish a great deal for the betterment of all of Panem."
"Things were fine the way they were," I say under my breath.
Xander coughed to hide his laughter as he nodded his head in agreement. Paylor continued her speech, but I tune her out. There is nothing she has to say that interests me. No, my thoughts are on making Katniss Everdeen pay for her crimes. That is all I can focus on right now. Seeking my revenge against her burns hot like the fires of hell itself.
"In conclusion, I promise to make Panem a better place to live for all of us," Paylor said as the cheers of the crowd pull me from my thoughts.
"That was wonderful, President Paylor," one of Paylor's aids said as the cameras stopped rolling.
"Thank you," Paylor said nodding her head. "Gentlemen, you have the afternoon to yourselves. I want to sit down with all of you first thing tomorrow morning so we can get started," she said as she passed by all of us.
"Isn't this wonderful? We have the whole afternoon to explore the Capitol. I've never been outside of District Twelve," Michael said happily.
"Well, I'd be more than happy to show you around Representative Potter," the man who escorted me from the train station said.
"Yes, I would like that very much. Thank you," Michael replied following behind his guide.
I smile at the sheer dumb luck of the situation. Things couldn't have worked out better if I had planned it myself. Once Michael Potter was gone, I lead the rest of the men to a more discrete spot. "Welcome to the Capitol, my friends. We do indeed have a lot of work to do. The first piece of business is getting rid of that unified Panem lover Paylor."
"That isn't going to be easy, Darius," Daniel Fredrick said. He is a very tall and muscular man from District Seven.
"We simply have to start small, Daniel. We will get there with time," I say as another of Paylor's aids comes around the corner of the House building.
"Representative Darius Thatcher," the aid called.
"Yes, that is me," I say excusing myself from my friends.
"You have a phone call," the aid said pointing me in the direction of the door to the House building.
"Thank you," I say entering the building. "Thatcher," I say after picking up the phone.
"I have some news for you," a voice said on the other end.
"It better be good news for you to be calling me here. Anyone could be listening."
"No one is listening, Thatcher. It has to do with Katniss Everdeen, but if you don't want to know…"
"What about her?"
"She's here in District Thirteen right now."
"Why?" I demand.
"She gave birth to twins."
"Are they alive?"
"Very much alive," the voice continued. "They are doing very well with treatment as is Katniss Everdeen."
"I must say this is some unexpected news. You did very well. Continue the good work and keep me informed on the twin's progress," I say before hanging up.
"Good news I presume?" Xander asked as I returned to the waiting group.
"It is very good news, Xander. Gentlemen, I believe a situation has just presented itself that will allow our plans to bare fruit much, much sooner than expected," I say as a sadistic smile crosses my face. Katniss Everdeen will know the pain of loss with each and every breath she takes for the rest of her life. I will personally see to it and will enjoy every minute of it.