Chapter Eleven: A New Plan
Thatcher POV
I glance at the sleeping baby in the crib. It's hard to believe that this little boy who looks so much like his father could have such a strong hold on me. I knew Katniss and Peeta would come for the children. I had hoped my little death trick would end their persistent pursuit. It should have I realize as I step out of the room. What did Katniss and Peeta Mellark know that I didn't?
"I've received word that Katniss and Peeta are in District Two," Xander said after he entered Thatcher's house.
"I expected as much. They won't stop until they have the boy."
"What are you going to do, Darius? I have people working around the clock, but the arena is not ready."
"Keep working on it, Xander. It's time I found out what the Mellark's know."
"How?"
"By allowing them to enter the Capitol the only way they can."
"The mountain... But then they will get the boy or find Paylor."
"Paylor won't be able to help them much less herself," I say picking up two vials of liquid.
Xander smiled seeing the clear and blue liquid. "Your experiment with Tracker Jacker venom was a success I take it."
"Yes, it was. All I have to do is combine the vials and inject the liquid into my victim." I pour both vials into a large flask watching the liquids combine into one.
"What happens to the victim? Will it kill them instantly?"
"No, it won't kill them instantly, but it will cause them extreme pain. It'll set their nerves on fire, and I'll control the switch."
"You can turn it on and off at will?"
"Yes, and if it's left on long enough then Xander, it will kill them."
"You're going to use it on Paylor aren't you?"
"She's standing in my way. With her gone I will become the new President of Panem."
"I will have my men guarding the mountain leave..."
"No, move them into the tunnel. I want Katniss and Peeta to fight their way into the Capitol. I have a president to kill."