The Search For Home

by Maleficent-darkgoodwitch2416

Two months after leaving Nanthia, Cinderella enters the Hunger Games. She returns to Nanthia five years later, a changed woman—emotionally and psychologically scarred from what she endured—as a tribute and rebel. Will she be able to recover from the traumatic events of the arena and fight her past? Or will Lady Tremaine prevent a full recovery for her former stepdaughter and maid?

13. What's A Mockingjay?

After a few hours, Anastasia asked, "What kind of bird is that?"

"A mockingjay," all three Panem women answered.

"It's a bit of slap in the face to the Capitol," Rella continued. "Years ago, there was a rebellion and the Capitol created muttations—or mutts to stamp out rebel forces—wild dogs, jabberjays—all males—and tracker jackers—don't upset a tracker jacker nest unless you have a death wish. The jabberjays were used as spies until the rebels began feeding them lies and they were abandoned to die off in the wild. Only they mated with female mockingbirds creating mockingjays which can imitate any bird song and human vocal tones—if and only if they like your voice."

Katniss opened her mouth and Rella shook her head, signaling, please not right now, Mockingjay. Katniss nodded and shut her mouth.

The Tremaine women nodded and Rella called, "Lily! Mary! Naptime!"

The two girls scampered into the bedroom and Rella tucked them in. Anastasia entered and tucked her son into bed as did Drizella.

"Lullaby, Momma?" Lily asked.

Rella smiled and began to sing, "Deep in the meadow, under the willow, a bed of grass, a soft green pillow. Lay down your head and close your sleepy eyes and when again they open, the sun will rise. Here it's safe, here it's warm. Here the daisies guard you from every harm. Here your dreams are sweet and tomorrow brings them true. Here is the place where I love you. Deep in the meadow, hidden far away, a cloak of leaves, a moonbeam ray. Forget your woes and let your troubles lay and when again it's morning, they'll wash away. Here it's safe, here it's warm. Here the daisies guard you from every harm. Here your dreams are sweet and tomorrow brings them true. Here is the place where I love you."

After a few seconds, Drizella and Anastasia's eyes widened as they heard the lullaby a second time. Then Rella addressed both of her former stepsisters, asking, "What's your son's name?"

"Charles," Anastasia answered.

"Gregory," Drizella answered.

Rella smiled and then nodded, obediently going to her own bedroom to attempt to take a nap. Fifteen minutes later, she awoke screaming and crying.

Katniss and Johanna flew into her room, as Lady Tremaine nodded, believing she had definitely confirmed her theory of her ex-stepdaughter having been raped.