You guys are all completely and utterly awesome. Although sometimes I wish more people were reviewing, to see the same reviewers chapter after chapter encourages me and lets me know that you are enjoying the story, from start to finish hopefully! Luke777, sghope16, CJstoriesandobsessions (I have your pen names memorized!), I hope you enjoy the latest chapter. It will probably be the last I get uploaded before Christmas. I'm sorry for the longer delay...I have been so utterly busy with a sick child and wrapping presents and such between work and shopping! Hope you all have a happy holiday!

Chapter 12

Two weeks have gone by. Two tortuous weeks. I've watched the propaganda just like everyone else in Panem has. I've seen Peeta on the television, at first looking healthy, then later obviously starved, half-crazy, and even beaten on camera. I often asked Ian why we couldn't just go get him when they took him out to the interviews, but he reminded me that it is not only Peeta we are after. The rescue has to be timed perfectly to get everyone out, including me. There's also propaganda from District 13, most of it involving Katniss.

I have been essentially a prisoner in my room, too scared to leave and also not allowed to go out by Ian. So all I can do is wait and worry. At least the muscle spasms have gone away. I can walk normally again, true to the doctor's words. Finally, Ian comes into my room and says that tomorrow is the day. District 13 is coming for us.

"Do you think it will work?" I asked. I am excited, but also nervous. Very, very nervous.

Ian doesn't instill much confidence in me. He only shrugs.

I roll my eyes. "Oh, thank you. I feel so much better." I sit down in the chair where I have sat so many times, looking out the window. There are many people in the square, just going about their daily duties. They have no idea. A part of me wishes I was as oblivious as they are.

"Something just doesn't seem right to me," Ian said slowly. He seems to be debating with himself if he should even say anything.

"What do you mean?" I asked cautiously.

"The prisoners are in the basement of the hospital, easily accessible by almost any of the staff. I know they have guards down there, but not nearly enough. It's almost like…like they want District 13 to come after them."

"Like it's too easy?"

Ian nods. "Exactly."

I sigh heavily. "Do you think it's a trap?

Ian nods his head thoughtfully. "Yes, but not for the prisoners."

"Then for who?"

His eyes bore into mine. "I think it's a trap for you."

Ian's words stay with me all night. I don't sleep at all. The morning is overcast with no sun but warm. I can barely eat any breakfast, or lunch. The day seems to drag, but finally the sun starts to set. Ian enters my room somberly, and the propaganda from District 13 flashes on. Katniss and Finnick are sitting in the woods, and as they start to tell their tales, Ian turns to me.

"It's time. Are you ready?"

I am so nervous that I am practically shaking, but I nod my head. "Yes."

I am taking nothing with me, and I am actually remorseful to leave behind so many beautiful things. My fingers trace the smooth wood of my vanity. I try to shake the thought, knowing the life ahead will be nothing like this life, but that it will be a better life. Valeria has stayed with me all day, trying to keep me calm. She left only a short while ago to pack a few things and meet us in the gardens. I am grateful that Ian allowed her to come. Although she is not a rebel, she was one of the few people I called a friend, and there was no way I was going to leave her behind. Orli has decided not to come, although he was willingly offered a spot. He mumbled something about how there wasn't any alcohol in District 13, and he was going to be needing a lot of it.

We have a ways to go. There is only one hovercraft coming, and it will park for a few short minutes close to the hospital for the rescue, so we have to meet it there and in a timely manner. Even in the coming darkness, we will be terribly exposed.

Ian opens the door slightly.

"Wait, Ian," I suddenly said, closing the door. A feeling of dread was rising in my chest, but not for me. It was for him. "Before we go, I need you to promise me something."

"Analeigh, we don't have time…"

"I'm not going anywhere until you promise."

"Promise what?" His face is just inches from mine. He is aggravated by the delay, I can hear it in his tone.

"You have to promise not to die for me."

His face falls, and his eyes are full of doubt and yet resolve at the same time. He shakes his head. "You know I can't do that."

I am scared but I have also made up my mind. I place my palm against his cheek, and he instantly softens. Something stirs deep inside me. Something I haven't felt in a very long time. "It's not your job to protect me anymore, Ian. You have to promise."

"I've almost let you die once. I'm not going to let it happen again." His eyes are so full of regret, I wish I could take it all away. But I can only stroke his cheek.

"You have done more for me than anyone else ever has," I replied softly.

Then he does something that I do not expect at all. He bends down and kisses my lips. It's soft yet so strong. I reach up and place my hands behind his head, pulling him closer. A million emotions burst inside me. It's over too soon. Ian suddenly pulls away. He opens the door and takes my elbow, leading me out, without promising anything.

We make it to the gardens without incident. The mansion is eerily dark and quiet, only increasing our cautiousness. Something seems wrong.

Ian walks in front of me but I follow closely. The garden is lush and escaping its boundaries into the walking paths. Sometimes our view is completely obstructed. Finally I see the large wooden door at the edge of the garden. I can see Valeria's small frame, standing nervously. Ian goes to the door while I run to Valeria, giving her a hug. She squeezes me tightly. We turn to Ian, but he is struggling considerably with the door. It is heavy with many locks to stop citizens from entering the mansion through the gardens, but we have gone in and out through this door many times. Tonight, even with Ian putting all his strength into it, it isn't moving.

He looks back at us, the sweat starting to bead up on his forehead. "It must be blocked from the outside."

The garden suddenly seems considerably smaller. I hear leaves rustle on one side of me, a twig snap on the other. We are being surrounded.

Valeria and I clutch each other as Ian comes to stand in front of us. My heart seems to be beating a million times a second, and my chest can barely contain it. Valeria is trembling slightly as I hold her tightly. Bright lights flicker on, and we can see them. Peacekeepers all around us, guns raised and ready to fire.

"Watch out!"

My brain barely has time to comprehend before Ian has thrown me and Valeria to the ground. There is a blast behind us, wood and bricks flying everywhere. And then I am being dragged to my feet and pulled away. Dust from the explosion is still hovering heavily in the air, and I can barely see. I cough and stumble my way through the now broken path. When my eyes readjust, I am in the street, being pulled along by Orli.

I realize that it was his voice I heard. He is carrying a large weapon, one capable of blowing up the gate. Ian and Valeria are both to my left, running as fast as they can.

"Are you ok?" Orli huffs. His large stomach is heaving up and down with every step, and he is wheezing, looking like he could double over at any minute. But he keeps running, and is actually running faster than any of us.

"I'm fine," I answered, realizing I am wheezing also. My lungs are still clogged with dust.

Orli releases my elbow and grabs the gun with both hands. He turns slightly and aims behind us, shooting several rounds. I glance over my shoulder as we run and see at least 20 Peacekeepers close behind us. Several fall with each of Orli's shots, but there are more to take their place.

I hear a strange thwing sound and a scream. Hesitating, I look over and see Valeria hanging precariously in a rope net. One of the many traps my husband has set up through the city streets.

"Valeria!" I scream, my lungs still burning from the smoke and running. Orli is shooting and there are now bullets flying at us from the Peacekeepers. Ian grabs my arm and drags me along while I watch a spear from another mechanized contraption pierce her body.

The tears obstruct my view as we continue running. Ian's grip on my arm is merciless, and I am practically tripping over my feet.

"Analeigh, get hold of yourself!" Ian yells at me. I try to control my crying, but it is impossible. We make many turns and eventually come to a stop.

"Stop it," Ian hissed at me. I can barely see his face right in front of me. He has hold of my shoulders and shakes me, my back hitting the cement wall behind me. But I continue to moan and cry, mourning the loss of my friend.

"She died because of me," I blubbered through the tears. "I was supposed to be the one who died, not her!"

"And her death will be in vain if you don't be quiet!" Ian whispered through gritted teeth.

"Here, let me," I hear Orli growl. Then there is a painful smack across my left cheek. The force of it is enough to rattle my head. I hear a soft thud, and when I turn to face the two men again, I realize Orli has slapped me and Ian has punched him across the jaw in return. It was enough to return me to my senses, though, and I stop crying.

"Feel better?" Orli smirked.

"Yes," I answered meekly, rubbing my cheek.

I realize we are in a dark alley. I still hear Peacekeepers all around, but they seem to be heading in a different direction. I peek around the corner and can see the hospital towering above the other buildings. We are close.

"The Peacekeepers are all going to be heading toward that hovercraft," Orli said, lighting a cigarette and puffing on it hurriedly.

"Do you think we can make a run for it?" Ian asked.

"Maybe, but I doubt it."

"So what, are we just going to sit here?" I asked impatiently.

"She's right, we need to go," Ian agreed, nodding his head.

Orli sighs and throws down his cigarette, raising his weapon again. "Ok. I sure hope you're ready for this, honey."

As soon as we step out of our hiding place, we are being shot at. Just keep running, I tell myself. Over and over again. Each step is another step closer.

We round another corner into the square. There is the hovercraft, waiting for us. A young man stands at the back of the lowered end, waving us forward. Several others are there with guns, firing continuously at the horde of Peacekeepers approaching.

And then Orli goes down. He grabs his leg in pain. I can see his leg has been broken by the bullet before my brain even fully registers what has happened. Without thinking, I grab his hands and try to pull him along, but he doesn't budge.

"No!" Orli cries out, his face grimacing with pain. "Let me go!"

"Come on! You can still make it!" I yelled, angry at him. Angry at myself. "Ian, help me!" But Ian has grabbed the big gun Orli was carrying and is doing his best to fight off the Peacekeepers. It is no use, though, there are too many of them. I turn and see the young man on the hovercraft screaming at us furiously.

Orli looks up at me, that now familiar smirk on his crooked face. "I was never going to fit in at District 13 anyway. I just wanted to go out with a little style. Now give me that damn weapon!"

Ian frowns but hands it to him. Orli sits up, switching the gun back to its missile mode. One shot, one explosion. Another shot, another explosion. Ian has grabbed my hand and we are running. So close. Less than 50 feet. Almost there.

Ian and I run up the ramp, amidst the prisoners who have just been rescued and collapse, Ian wrapping me in his arms. I lean against him, my back against his chest, all of my emotions and energy completely used up. As the hovercraft takes off, I see Orli's head snap backwards, instantly dead from a Peacekeeper's bullet. Then the door closes, and we are speeding towards District 13.