A/N: This is super short, but needed so everyone knows what our villain is thinking and planning... Enjoy

Chapter Nine: The Spark

Thatcher's POV

"She's dead?"

Paylor slowly nodded her head as she rubbed my arm. "I'm sorry, Darius."

"How?"

"Apparently, she pulled a gun. The word I received said Peeta Mellark threw a knife killing her instantly," Paylor said.

"I'm going to kill them both," I growl stepping away from Paylor's gentle touch.

"Darius, I let Katniss Mellark go per your request. I understand you want her to suffer, but I can't keep turning a blind eye. More people besides Katniss Mellark are getting hurt," Paylor said.

"You do what you have to do Paylor, but stay out of my way."

"Darius, if I don't do something soon this fragile government we have will fall apart."

"I don't care about your fragile government!" I yell.

"Darius, I love you. You know that, but you're backing me into a corner," Paylor said pushing back.

"Then step aside if you can't take the heat," I say taking a step toward her.

"No, Darius, I won't step aside. My heart might be a fool, but I'm not. I didn't fight Snow for my freedom only to go backwards. I followed your mother, but near the end she changed. She started to become the dictator Snow was. Don't follow in her footsteps."

"I am my mother's son, Paylor. If you won't step aside I'll take the Capitol from you," I threaten.

"That's a battle you'll never win, Darius."

"Try me," I growl.

"Get out of my office, Darius!"

"Of course President Paylor," I say coldly before walking out of her office slamming the door behind me.

If Paylor thought she did any of this for me, then she had another thing coming. I did all of this on my own. She may have mistaken my intentions for love, but I knew what I wanted all along. My eyes focus on Xander and we walk out of the President's Mansion.

"What happened, Darius?"

"Peeta Mellark killed my sister," I say.

"What? How did he even find her?"

"The sister I let go. She must have overheard my last conversation with my sister," I spat realizing my stupid mistake.

"Then he has his daughter back," Xander said stating the obvious.

"And that means he and his wife is coming here for their son," I say smiling cruelly.

"I see the wheels turning, Darius. What are you planning?"

"To take out both Star-Crossed Lovers of District Twelve, and then I will have my revenge."

"The arena isn't finished."

"Then have the men double their efforts. I want my new arena finished now."

"Darius, you have to be reasonable, my friend. It will take time to finish your super arena."

"Then time I will give you," I say clapping Xander on the shoulder. "Get the arena done, Xander. It will not be long before I have two Tributes for you."

"I will see to it myself," Xander promised.

I nod my head as we head our separate ways. I would have to do something to trap the Mellark's in District One. The people of Panem believed their new President was responsible for the deaths of the Mellark children. As long as it stayed that way, I would have them eating out of the palm of my hand. A nice riot in District Six should stop the trains for a few days. Without the trains the people of the Capitol would have no supplies. That would be the spark I need to turn the people against Paylor.

I walk into the Representative Building and hold up my hands to silence everyone. "I know the news of the Mellark children's death is a shock to us all. I have spoken to President Paylor on the matter. She feels it is a tragedy, but above that nothing more," I say looking right at the camera to drive my message home. "Their tragic deaths mean nothing to her, and she has no plans to investigate what happened. She also has no intention to bring those responsible to justice."