Yay! Thank you all so much for reviewing! Shamalamadingdongs,FinnickMellark4, sghope16, and Luke777, you all are so very awesome. I would answer your comments and questions, but I feel that most of them will be answered in the next couple of chapters. As to continued questions about Analeigh's reactions, she is still a Capitol girl, so I hope you all keep that in mind. Enjoy!

Chapter 4

Weeks go by, and then months. Summer is hot and heavy, and the only relief is to stay in the mansion with the air conditioning. I finished my book but decided not to read another one yet as it was much too hot in that tiny back room of the library. Ian and I do not talk much, and neither do Coriolanus and I. Life seems to go back to normal.

However, behind closed doors, I can hear the reports. Reports not meant for my ears but the mansion can be a terribly small place when trying to keep secrets. Rebellions are happening all over the country. District 8 is in a full blown revolution. District 11 is ready to erupt at any time, and several others are close to the brink. It puts an edge in the air I have never felt.

I try not to think about that spring day in the sunroom. If I were to be honest with myself, I knew what had happened, what could still be happening in the near future. But just like with everything else in my life that I don't know how to deal with, I bury it. There's a lot I have buried over the years.

As the air starts to cool, I am thankful for the relief. The Capitol is already starting to buzz with the anticipation of the Victor's Tour and seeing how the star-crossed lovers have come along, but I am just grateful to be able to hide out in the library again.

It's my first journey back in over three months. I walk quickly through the streets but take time to pause at a park not far from the mansion to watch the children play. It always makes me smile to see them…their faces flush with activity, their laughter filling my empty heart in a way nothing else can.

I see Ian out of the corner of my eye. I haven't been able to look at him straight on since I slapped him. A part of me feels I owe him an apology, but the majority is too proud, so mostly I just ignore him. However, he isn't looking at me now so I feel free to stare. He is watching the children also, a slight smile playing at his lips. I've never seen Ian smile, and it makes me curious if he's ever wanted a family. Peacekeepers aren't allowed to marry, but it makes me feel selfish that I've never even thought about it before.

The librarian gives me his usual nod although I notice he stares a bit longer. I assume it's because I haven't visited in awhile, but as I reach the back room, my secret haven, I understand why. At the table where I've spent hours hunched over my latest book sit two figures. Their faces are lost in shadows, the lone window casting the only light on their backs. But they stand as I enter, and as I get a good look at them, I want to turn and run. It's the new head Gamemaker, Plutarch Heavensbee, and Finnick Odair.

I look over at Ian, who must have seen the panic in my face. He gives a reassuring nod and closes the door behind us.

"Mrs. Snow, I hope you don't mind our intrusion," Plutarch said, bowing slightly. "Please have a seat."

There is a chair opposite from the two men at the table. It is newer with heavy padding. They must have brought it in here just for our encounter. I can't help but feel violated in a way. This was my private space, the only spot I truly had all to myself. They have invaded it…and Ian must have known. In fact, he had to be the one who told them about this room. I give him an angry glance before facing the two intruders.

"I would prefer to stand, Mr. Heavensbee," I replied.

Finnick hasn't said anything yet. He shifts back and forth on his feet nervously and keeps his eyes on the floor.

Plutarch nods his head, the smile on his chubby face not moving. "Very well, then. I suppose you must be wondering what we are doing here."

"Yes, I was wondering why you invited yourselves to a meeting when you are not welcome." I force my voice to sound more menacing than I feel.

The head Gamemaker's smile starts to fade a bit. He dabs his forehead with a handkerchief. The small room tends to retain the heat, and it is getting rather warm. I cross my arms across my chest anyway.

"Well, uh…I really think it would be better if you sit, Mrs. Snow."

I shake my head. "Not until you tell me why you and Mr. Odair are here."

"You are in danger, Mrs. Snow," Finnick finally sputtered, lifting his head. "You need our help and you can help us."

I frown, not knowing how to interpret his statement or how to respond. I glance over at Ian again, confusion on my face. But he only nods again, his face unreadable.

"I don't know what you mean," I said.

"Nearly the entire country is in rebellion. Surely you've heard the reports. There are plans for a…takeover," Plutarch answered anxiously, his sweating growing more profuse.

"A what?"

"District 13 has survived and is planning to take control of the Capitol." Finnick's words hit me hard. The air seems to be getting too thin and the room starts to spin. I reach out and Ian grabs my hand, leading me to the chair. I sit down willingly, and Plutarch and Finnick look relieved to be able to do the same.

I prop my head up on my hands, looking down, wishing the wood was smoother against my elbows, but at least I feel less dizzy. "I don't understand what you are saying. There is no more District 13. They were obliterated during the Dark Days."

"That's what your husband wants you to think," Finnick whispered, leaning in.

"They live underground now, but they are growing stronger," Plutarch added.

"I don't understand, I don't understand…" I muttered to myself, closing my eyes. I sit there for a few minutes, still and silent, letting what they had told me sink in. Finally I lift my head.

"Why are you telling me this? What do you want from me?"

Plutarch coughed nervously, but Finnick was seeming to get his strength back.

"If the rebellion is to survive, we need people on the inside. We need you, Mrs. Snow, to gather intelligence from the mansion and from your husband and send it to the rebels in District 13."

I start to laugh. The two men across from me look startled, but I can't help it. I throw my head back and laugh loudly. It was so funny that they would come to me with this offer.

"And why would I do a thing like that?"

"Your husband is planning to kill you. Surely you are aware of that," Finnick said, anger rising in his voice.

"Of course I am aware. But what can you offer me? A real reason for him to want me dead?" My laughter slows, but I occasionally giggle at their seriousness. It still seems like a joke to me.

"We can get you out of here safely. And we can offer you justice," Plutarch said softly.

"Justice for what?"

"For the death of your family."

There is no more giggling. Plutarch's statement hangs heavily. The older man nods towards Finnick, and I realize that's why he is here. Finnick is here to convince me with his stories.

"Mrs. Snow, I know you may not believe me, but I am not the man you think I am," Finnick started, taking a deep breath. "I am forced to…play nicely…with the wealthy Capitol women by your husband. He forces me to do so to keep them happy. When I told you that the only payment I receive is secrets, it was the truth. The women often tell me things they tell no one else. And one of those women is the wife of the fire chief for the Capitol."

He pauses and glances up at me to make sure I am listening. I wait anxiously for him to continue.

"She told me about something her husband did many years ago when he had just been promoted. How he never felt right about it but it was an order direct from the President."

Finnick pauses again. "Go on," I said quickly.

"He was asked to turn off the fire safety systems for one particular house. She told me that he didn't understand why he was doing it at the time, but the next morning he heard a fire had started in that house and everyone died. A husband, a wife, and two daughters."

I shake my head, refusing to let any tears fall. "No, no, that's not true. Coriolanus…he told me the houses didn't have a fire safety system. He sent out the squad that installed them right after it happened. I saw them myself."

"Yes, they installed the systems in the older homes. But your family was moved to a newer home right after you were married, if I am correct," Plutarch said.

He was right. They were moved into a brand new home close to the mansion within a month of my marriage to the President. But what these two men were telling me could not be the truth. I couldn't believe it, wouldn't believe it.

"No," I said again, the tears starting to fall. "It's not true."

Finnick reaches across the table and grabs my hand. "It is true, Mrs. Snow. I'm sorry to be the one to tell you, but your husband had your family killed."

"Don't let their deaths continue to be in vain. Now is your chance to step up and bring justice for them and many other people. You could help make this country right again," Plutarch said, his handkerchief now soaked completely with sweat, but he continues to dab at his face with it.

I quickly pull my hand away from Finnick and stand up. It is all too much to take in at one time, and all I can feel is the anger. Plutarch and Finnick look at me expectantly, waiting for me to say something.

"I will not be a traitor, nor some pawn in your game," I said in a low voice. "Now leave, and hope with all your might that I am feeling gracious enough to not tell my husband what you are planning when I return home."