The Games We Played
Chapter 26 Peeta has Returned (but not alone?)
Cato and Peeta sit in the hallway, unaware that they have been left totally alone. Of course they were unaware that the others had seen Peeta's return as well.
Shaking like a leaf, Peeta tells Cato of what happened to him when Brutus left him alone in the kitchen until he walked in the door and into Cato's arms. As he tells the tale, Cato holds Peeta in his lap. Rubbing gentle circles on the younger man's back. By the time Cato hears the story of Glimmer and Thresh's deaths; he can feel that Peeta had stopped shaking.
"We should probably go join the others now," Cato says moments later after Peeta finished the tale. "Otherwise Boggs will send someone out here for us."
Peeta wraps his arms and legs around tighter around Cato. "Just a few more minutes please?" he pleads, his face buried in Cato's neck.
Cato, relishing in the feeling of Peeta in his arms and softly breathing on his neck, moans quietly. "Sure Love." he says.
Back in the office, everyone is relieved Peeta is back and are very anxious to hear his story.
"Do you really think it was Glimmer?" Katniss asks aloud.
"We just have to wait until Cato calms Peeta down enough to find out," Brutus replies.
"Muscles can do it. He and Peeta share a connection. When one is upset, the other is there to calm them," Clove says. "It's been that was since the arena."
"I'd say since the training center," Gale says smiling at Clove. "Cato was helpful with Peeta dealing with Finnick's obsession." He turns to Finnick. "Sorry man."
"Nah, it's all good. I was pretty stuck on getting him back," Finnick admits shrugging. "He did look pretty hot in his parade outfit though…"
"It's true love," Marvel says shocking everyone. "What?" he asks seeing their stunned faces. "My parents are the same way."
"He's telling the truth. Just a look or a touch from mom and dad calms right down," Tavin adds with a slight out of this world look on his face. "And the same goes when mom is upset and dad calms her."
"Peeta was shaking pretty bad," Wheet notes.
"I wonder what the task was," Rie ponders.
"Whatever it was, I bet it was the cause of the tremors," Johanna says knowingly. "Bread boy is one of the strongest people I've ever met. And I don't mean physically."
"I've always thought that too," Gale says agreeing. "He's been strong for so long."
"Even the strongest can have3 moments of weakness," Madge says. "We all expect Peeta to be this pillar of strength. It's the façade he's always shown. The question is: are we putting too much expectation on him?"
"I don't think so Madge," Enobaria says. "I think Cato lets Peeta show his vulnerability."
"What do you mean Enobaria?" Delly asks trying to understand.
"It's really quite simple really. Peeta has always been a strong person, look at his past. But Cato lets Peeta know without words that he doesn't always have to be strong, that Cato is there for Peeta to lean on without stripping Peeta of his masculinity," Enobaria explains. "Peeta shows Cato his weak side and doesn't worry so much about being that pillar of strength."
"Again, I repeat, it's love," Marvel says smugly.
"They really balance each other out, Peeta and Cato," Cashmere comments. "Anyone can see that by simply watching them together."
"While I love Peeta and Cato as much as the rest of you, we are in the middle of a war. I am curious if this kidnapping had any connection with what our mission for today was supposed to be," Brutus says trying to change the subject after seeing Leonitus flinch from the corner of his eye whenever Peeta and Cato's relationship was mentioned.
"I have been wondering that myself since Peeta was taken," Boggs says looking at the office door, waiting for the pair to join them. "I'll give them a little more time for Cato to calm Peeta before I ask them to join us."
Finnick carefully watches Leonitus during the entire exchange since they returned to the room. He was a little shocked to see a look of guilt flash across the younger man's face as Marvel and Tavin spoke of love. Unfortunately, the look was so quickly there and gone that Finnick wondered if he might be wrong, might have imagined it.
The group quietly talk to each other in small groups as the await Cato and Peeta. Finnick takes this time to truly study Leonitus. The guy was a mystery to be solved. Finnick thinks about how that very morning he woke up wrapped in Leonitus' arms. It was comforting to know that Leonitus had stayed with him all night. And it felt good he admits to himself before remembering that he was just supposed to get Leonitus to call off the whole 2 Suitor Rule.
Leonitus was wracked with guilt. He has been watching Peeta since he first saw him being reaped, rather he volunteered. He watched as Peeta and Cato became friends during training. He watched them in District 13. He could see how much Peeta loved Cato. But it was Snow's idea to break them up. Leonitus was really beginning to hate his grandfather. And the knowledge that Coin approved and supported Snow's plan didn't sit well with him either. He could see the pure love that Marvel was talking about that Peeta and Cato shared. He even felt it a short while ago as he watched Peeta return and leapt into Cato's arms. It was then he realized he truly didn't want to come between them anymore. But the threats Snow and then Coin held over him scared him. He had to keep this up, break them up, to protect 'her' – an innocent little girl. Then his thoughts turned to Finnick. Would Finnick understand what he was doing and why he did it? Would he ever be able to forgive him? Leonitus sure hoped he would. His thoughts then turned to that morning. He thought about how it felt to have Finnick in his arms, how right it felt. His thoughts are interrupted by the door opening.
Cato knew the moment Peeta fell asleep. He waited just long enough to make sure that Peeta was truly out before trying to stand up. It was difficult but he managed to do it without disturbing Peeta's sleep. He walked to the door where he knew the others waited. As he opened the door and walked in, the others stood up. He was relieved when no one spoke. He made his way over to the couch where Clove, Gale, Katniss, and Marvel had been sitting. They had all moved out of the way when they saw Cato approach. Cato laid Peeta down gently and was shocked when he saw Leonitus hand him a blanket to cover Peeta with.
"Thank you," Cato says to him quietly, smiling gently at his rival.
"You're welcome," Leonitus replies smiling back before going back to sit by Finnick.
All of those in the room were stunned and amazed at the spectacle Cato and Leonitus gave them. They were shocked at the way the pair appeared to be friendly with one another and amazed that no harsh words were spoken between the two despite Peeta's suffering, current circumstances, and exhaustion.
Cato covers Peeta with the blanket before gently running his fingers through Peeta's soft curls. He stands up and turns to face the group.
"Did he tell you anything?" Boggs asks hopefully and quietly.
"Actually, he told me quite the tale," Cato replies talking normal. "You all may want to sit down for this."
Once everyone was seated, Cato sits on the edge of the couch by Peeta and tells them everything that he told him. He spoke of how Snow had brought Glimmer and Thresh back from the dead, how Glimmer was the person who shot Peeta in District 10, and how Peeta's task was to kill them again or find himself in Snow's hands as a puppet himself. When he finished, he realized how the room had gone deathly quiet. He finds he can't look at anyone. As he waits for the questions to begin, he grabs Peeta's hand with one hand and gently pushes Peeta's bangs back with his other hand.
"No wonder he was shaking so bad," Rie says finally breaking the silence. "He had to watch them die again. Only this time it was literally by his own hand. I'd have lost my mind…"
"Did he happen to mention anything about Ariel?" asks Boggs. "Did any of what he went through have anything to do with the mission?"
"He honestly didn't say," Cato replies. "You'll have to ask him when he wakes up," Cato adds as he stares at the sleeping figure.
Boggs stands and walks over to Cato. "It's almost time for dinner. Why don't you go ahead and stay in here with Peeta and when dinner is ready, I can send a plate in for each of you," he suggests.
Cato nods, refusing to look away from Peeta. He was afraid this was a dream and if he looked away, Peeta would disappear again leaving him heartbroken and devastated.
The others stand up quietly and exit the room. As they walk by Wheet, Rie, Clove , and Gale all pat Cato's shoulder in silent support. Delly stops and gently kisses Peeta's forehead.
"Sleep well my brother," Cato hears her whisper.
Brutus is the last to leave the room. He walks over to Cato and a sleeping Peeta.
"I think tonight the two of you should share the room. We'll need to be discrete so come by an hour after lights out and we'll switch rooms," Brutus says as he watches Peeta sleep. "I'll make sure to wake you up before anyone else in the house awakes in the morning with none the wiser."
Cato looks up at Brutus in shock. "Are you sure? I really don't want to –" he starts.
"Look, you two really need this. Especially after today's events," Brutus interrupts. "It's a onetime deal though."
"We'll take it," Cato rushes in reply. "Thank you Brutus," he adds appreciatively.
"It will be our little secret," Brutus says before leaving the room.
Cato returns his attention back to Peeta and silently watches his love sleep.
Boggs and Jackson are in the entryway discussing the failed mission attempt for the day when there is a knock at the door. They share an odd look before Boggs answers the door, Jackson behind him gun drawn. They are certainly shocked by the sight that greats them.
"Commander Paylor! What brings you to District 4? Is everything okay in District 8?" Boggs asks coming to his senses. "Where are my manners? Please come in. Have you had anything to eat? Dinner will be ready to serve in a few minutes."
Paylor laughs as she enters the house and stands by Jackson. "Hello to you too Boggs," she says smiling. "Hi Jackson," she adds as the door shuts behind her.
"Welcome to District 4 Commander Paylor," Jackson says as Boggs moves to stand by the pair.
"Thank you," Paylor says. "And please, just call me Paylor."
Both Boggs and Jackson agree.
"Is there somewhere we can talk in private?" Paylor asks.
"Let's go talk in the office," Boggs says.
"Um sir, we can't. Peeta's in there resting," Jackson reminds him.
"Oh, right," Boggs replies leading the way. "Let's head to the library then. If anyone's in there, we can kick them out."
They enter the library, finding it empty much to their relief.
"So what brings you to District 4?" asks Boggs once the 3 were seated. "Business or relaxation?"
"I'm actually here on business. I'm to gather Clove, Gale, Finnick, Leonitus, Cato, and Peeta to District 2 first thing in the morning," Paylor responds all business like. "I'll also need the assistance of Beetee and Foxface as well. Lyme has specifically requested these 8 soldiers."
"But what about the mission to find and capture Ariel?" asks Jackson worrying that Coin could recall them all due to their lack of completing their mission.
"She can take the hovercraft back to District 13 tonight," Paylor replies dismissively. "Unless you're still interrogating her, that is."
"Uhh, there's a slight problem with that great plan," Boggs says embarrassed and worried. "We haven't caught her yet due to unforeseen circumstances. We don't even know if she's still here in 4."
"Before you freak out or panic, we understand if you haven't heard the news," Jackson says noticing Paylor's angry and confused reaction. "We had to deal with the kidnapping of Peeta today by former Hunger Game tributes Glimmer and Thresh."
"Glimmer and Thresh? I thought they died in the arena?" Paylor asks. "Yeah, I remember crying along with Peeta when Glimmer died in his arms. It was a very touching moment. Wait how is Glimmer kidnapping Peeta even possible given what I witnessed? Are you saying the games are rigged?" she adds excitedly.
"Okay, calm down and I'll explain," Boggs says smiling. "Cato told us that Peeta told him that Glimmer and Thresh told Peeta that Snow brought them back to capture the tributes that escaped the arena."
"Now I really want the full story," Paylor said excited. "Coin had sent me a message but I was in the middle of a meeting this morning. I didn't even look at it yet, was going to at bedtime. I left District 8 this morning, made a stop in District 5 to pick up some medical personnel, and came here."
Boggs and Jackson tell the tale of Peeta's abduction and return. Boggs tells of what happened at the house as Jackson repeats what Cato told.
"That is quite the story," Paylor says when Boggs ended the tale of how Peeta was sleeping in the office. "So, Cato is alone in the room with Peeta and Leonitus hasn't requested to be in there as well or having Cato kicked out? Leonitus has been with Finnick O'dair most of the time? Is that where we'd find him?"
"Most likely," Jackson admits. "Wouldn't be surprised if Clove and Gale were with them either. The 4 of them have been spending a lot of time together since they shared some meals together in District 5."
There's a knock on the library door. Boggs gets up and opens the door revealing Finnick and Leonitus.
"Hi boys! Were your ears burning?" teases Jackson.
"Uh, no. We just came to let you know dinner is ready," Finnick says baffled. He sees Paylor. "Shall we set another setting for you Commander Paylor?" he asks.
"That would be great Finnick. And please, I wish that everyone would just call me Paylor," she replies.
"As you wish ma'am," Leonitus says quietly. He turns to the man next to him. "We've still got others to notify Finn."
"Let's go then Leon," Finnick says smiling at Leonitus before turning to the three in the library. "We'll meet you in the dining room shortly."
"I was just going to say that to you," Boggs comments before waving the pair off. He shuts the door and returns to the dilemma on hand. "Would you still like to take Peeta and the others? Especially after hearing everything you've heard."
"I think we should wait to hear the report later tonight on Ariel and see how Peeta is coping before I decide," Paylor answers after taking a moment to mull it over. "If I do decide to take them, it would still leave you with plenty of members to catch her…"
"If it's all the same to you two, I think Paylor should take them for whatever she needs them for. We are more than capable to catch Ariel with those left behind," Jackson says confidently stating her opinion to her superiors. "Look, we've pretty much got the Districts behind us. The sooner we complete these side missions, the sooner we can go after Snow."
Boggs and Paylor look at Jackson impressed.
"I guess I can stick with my original plan," Paylor says smiling at the thought of finally going after Snow. "I'll tell the 8 of them at dinner."
"If Peeta joins us, otherwise you'll have to tell him when he wakes up," Boggs comments as they stand to leave for dinner. As they head to the dining room, they noticed the office door was open. Boggs peeked in and saw that the room was empty. He relaxes, happy that Peeta is awake and with others.
As everyone sits down, no one says a word. In fact, the only words heard were "please pass the –" and "thanks". Truth was none of them were sure what to say. Most were afraid to ask Peeta about Glimmer and Thresh. The others didn't want to set Peeta off again. So they were surprised when he spoke first.
"Okay guys, this is fucking ridiculous!" he exclaims slamming his fork down. "This silence is more nerve wracking than being kidnapped. I'm fine now. I know Cato told you everything I told him and I'm sure you have questions, especially about Glim and Thresh. And I am willing to answer them." He looks around the table and sees that most everyone still looks worried about him. "Really, I am fine."
"How can you be 'fine' Peeta?" asks Gale, anger tinting his voice. "Damn it, you were taken – no kidnapped – by two people that we watched die in the arena! And to make matters worse, they threatened to hand you over to Snow! So I ask again, how can you be fine?"
"Gale!" several voices exclaim, including his girlfriend Clove's.
"Hey! It's okay you guys, I can answer that," Peeta says calmly yet loudly. "And I can understand where Gale's anger is coming from." He turns his attention solely to Gale. "I'm fine because I am back here with all of you. And to be honest, I'd be great right now if I hadn't been taken at all." Peeta sighs. "But I was and I was scared as hell too. I actually didn't even feel safe again until I walked in the front door and saw Cato standing in the hall when I got back. And then I caught a glimpse of the rest of you standing there from the corner of my eyes." He gives Gale a small smile. "And now we are all sitting here together and I am going to continue to be fine."
"I guess I understand now Peeta. I'm sorry and thank you," Gale says quietly, feeling a little stupid and contrite.
"You're welcome Gale," Peeta says smiling. "I get that you were worried about me. And I more than likely would've reacted the same way had I been in your boots. You're more than a best friend to me; you are my other older brother."
"That statement will probably never be more true in a short while," Gale says first looking at Peeta before turning to quickly look at Delly, Rie, and Wheet. "I've decided to give my blessing to your dad and support him proposing to my mother."
"Really!?" the Mellark siblings squeal.
"This is so cool," adds Rie.
"Whoa! Hold on a minute! Peeta's dad wants to marry Gale's mom?" a shocked Katniss asks.
"You know, if you'd stop sucking on Marvel's face whenever we have a few minutes of free time, you would've heard Gale and I talking about it earlier while our little Bread boy was napping," Clove states smirking.
"Hey! That's my girlfriend you're talking to! She can kiss me all she wants!" Marvel exclaims. "It's not like the two of you don't suck face whenever you get the chance! Which of us were caught making out in the linen closet?"
"I don't think that was the point Marv," Tavin says teasingly.
"I know that!" Marvel grumbles.
"And I don't think you have much right to tease about the linen closet when you two were caught in the pantry…" Tavin adds before laughing.
"Madge, we need to contact Hazel and see if she needs help with any of the planning," Delly says trying to change the subject a little. "Well, after dad proposes that is."
"Uh girls, the letter with Gale's blessing will go out tomorrow morning," Clove says to Delly and Madge. "Plus, I want in too. She may someday be part of my family too."
"Clove!" Gale exclaims.
"What?" Clove asks innocently, pretending to be unaware of what she just implied. She looks at Katniss. "You want in too 'Catnip'?" she asks teasingly.
"You bet I want in too! Hazel's been like a second mom to me," Katniss says smiling. "Just please don't call me Catnip anymore. I really hate it."
"Wheet, Rie we should definitely do the cake," Peeta says looking at his brothers.
"Good idea. Rie and I will bake it and you should decorate it," Wheet says as Rie nods in agreement.
The table goes quiet again but only for a few minutes.
"Um, Peeta?" Gloss begins. "How did they look? Glimmer and Thresh, I mean."
"Honestly they looked almost exactly like they did the last time I saw them alive in the arena," Peeta replies. "I mean you couldn't even tell how Thresh died," he adds, voice quiet – almost whisper like. Cato takes Peeta's hand in his and gives it a gentle squeeze.
Everyone was quiet as they unintentionally remembered how Thresh was torn up from the mutts.
"Boggs and Jackson told me the story of your kidnapping while you were sleeping Peeta," Paylor begins. "What I'm really curious about is the part where they didn't kill you or take you to Snow like they were supposed to."
"I don't fully understand it myself Commander," Peeta starts.
"Please, just call me Paylor," she interrupts.
Peeta smiles and nods. "They took turn explaining how they were injected with something and forced to watch faked scenes of the games. Those scenes were how I was the instigator of their deaths. They were never sure how much time passed. Then one day after watching me 'kill' them again, they were put on the train taking Leonitus to District 10. They were told he wasn't to know or made aware they were there."
"I truly never knew they were there Peeta, I swear," Leonitus tells Peeta.
"I know and I believe you," Peeta replies. "I think you would've thrown it in our faces that members of our alliance were alive and working for Snow if you had known." He turns to Cato and gives him a reassuring smile, squeezing the hand that held his own. He turns back to face Paylor and continues. "Glimmer admitted that she was the one who shot me after we caught Leonitus. After they watched me go down, something happened to them that they couldn't explain. Their true memories of the games began to come back. And they found themselves guilt ridden about my shooting. When they heard I was going to be okay, they began trying to look for where I would turn up next. They almost caught up in District 5 but arrived as we left. I never learned how they snuck on the hovercraft that followed us, just that they had arrived hours after we did. They overheard where we were staying and began watching the house in shifts. Thresh is the one that knocked me out and Glimmer left the note."
"So why did they want you to kill them?" asks Cashmere. "You told them about Dr. Aurelius right? You explained how he could help them, didn't you?"
"I did Cashmere," Peeta says looking at her. "I begged and pleaded with them. I even told them we'd send them to 13 to get them help. But neither would listen to me. Glimmer kept saying that the closer they got to the Capitol, the stronger the pull to take me Snow as well as harder to resist. We just keep moving closer to the Capitol you know." Peeta looks down at his lap. "They really didn't want Snow to get me or any of us. They told me Snow wants to torture me – us. To ensure that they weren't involved in my torture if they took me back to him, they asked me to do it… to kill them." He finishes, voice hitching and faltering.
Cato leans over and kisses Peeta's temple. Leonitus doesn't even flinch as he begins to see what Finnick was trying to tell him about how they complete each other. Unfortunately he can't give up on going after Peeta to protect an innocent's life.
Peeta continues. "They took a gun from here. Then Glimmer explained how her and Thresh ingested something that would signal that I had done as asked and killed them. Burning the bodies was to prevent Snow from reviving them and trying to use them yet again. I think the person that gave them the stuff was Tigris."
"So the blue smoke that was seen was you completing their demands to kill them?" asks Jackson.
Peeta nods sadly.
"But that was reportedly on the other side of the district!" exclaims Beetee.
"Yeah, it was an older home. I burnt it down when I burnt them," Peeta responds. "I just feel bad for the owners of the home I destroyed; they have nowhere to go now. All to do as Glimmer and Thresh asked, I didn't want to do it," He adds tears in his eyes.
Cato pushes his chair back and pulls Peeta into his lap. "I think we should stop for a moment. This has been a very long day for all of us," Cato says as he gently rubs circles on Peeta's back.
"I'm okay," Peeta says as he lays his head on Cato's shoulder. "Can they finish asking their questions? I want to answer them. Then I'd like to forget this day ever happened – except for finding out that my dad can marry Gale's mom," he says turning and giving Gale a small smile. "I just want to be able to remember Thresh and Glimmer as they were when I met them."
"Sounds fair," Boggs agrees. "Does anyone have any more questions for Peeta or can we put this to rest?"
"I actually have one more question but it's more about Tigris," Paylor comments.
No one else spoke up.
"What can I help you with Commander?" Peeta asks.
"I said call me Paylor," she says smiling at Peeta. "I just wanted to know if Tigris had said anything to you about why she helped them or you."
"We didn't speak to one another the entire ride back here. I think she may have understood that I wasn't ready to talk just yet," Peeta replies shaking his head.
As they sat there letting everything that had happened that day sink in, there was a knock on the front door that made them all jump.
"Jackson, you're with me," Boggs begins his orders as he stands up. "The rest of you just stay in here with Paylor. Stay quiet and listen."
Boggs and Jackson head to the front door, Jackson with her gun drawn and ready. Boggs opens the door only to find an envelope lying on the welcome mat. It's addressed to Peeta. Jackson puts her gun away as Boggs picks up the envelope. They close the door and return to the dining room.
"We weren't able to hear anything," Brutus says as he sees them enter. "Who was at the door?"
"No one was there," Jackson answers still a little confused.
"We didn't see any one out there," Boggs replies. "But this envelope was on the doorstep." He holds up the envelope for everyone to see. "It's addressed to Peeta."
All eyes immediately turn to Peeta who is looking at Boggs wearily.
"I can't say that I honestly want to know what's in that," Peeta tells him bluntly.
"I know that Peeta," Boggs says gently. "But it could be something important or something sent to you by Thresh and Glimmer for helping them."
"Or it could be yet another death threat," Peeta whispers quietly so no one would hear as he tucks his head into Cato's neck trying to hide. But his actions speak louder – he reaches towards Boggs for the envelope.
Cato, who had been able to hear due to their cuddling, gives Peeta a reassuring squeeze as Peeta takes the envelope from Boggs.
His head still tucked, he quietly asks, "May Cato and I go into the office to look at the contents? We will take Brutus or Enobaria as well, especially if we need something."
"That sounds like a good idea Peeta," Boggs replies. He turns to Brutus, "I think they'd be most comfortable with you in there."
"Yes sir," Brutus says as he stands up. He sees Cato and Peeta stand as well. They leave the room and head towards the office leaving behind a silent room full of stunned people.
Most were stunned that Leonitus still hasn't complained about Peeta and Cato spending so much time together or that they were alone so much of that time. Clove especially was concerned about his no complaining. She was there when it all went down. Peeta's siblings were worried that Leonitus might try to get back at Peeta and Cato. The others worried that Leonitus would use this Cato private time against Peeta somehow.
Finnick was worrying about how quiet Leonitus was being as well but felt it had more to do with guilt and protecting something or someone. He felt as if Leonitus really wanted to tell him what was going on but felt too threatened. Finnick began to consider ways that he could help Leonitus open up.
Leonitus was stunned as he realized that he wasn't upset that Peeta was basically not following the rules for the whole 2 Suitor deal. It dawned on him he honestly didn't care but knew that he and Peeta were going to need to have a very intense conversation. He wonders if Peeta would be willing to work with him for a little while longer while he tries to find a way to protect the innocent one.
Boggs realized that everyone was done eating. "Why don't you guys go relax? Go read a book, watch TV, or play a game. Just stay away from the office. Oh, and no one is to go anywhere alone, is that understood?"
"Yes sir!" echoed through the room before everyone but Boggs, Jackson, and Paylor got up and left.
"You still up for taking the group?" Boggs asks Paylor as the last of the group left.
"I am. But with that envelope, who knows what will happen?" Paylor says. "And there's still the matter of Ariel."
"We should hear about that within the next couple of hours. Is there anything you'd like to do before we hear? The beach is just down the path. You'd need to take someone, but it really is a site to behold, very beautiful in the moonlight," Boggs says.
"I think you should take Thom and the Leeg sisters. I happen to know that they've never seen the beach," Jackson suggests. "Foxface hasn't either if I'm not mistaken."
"Rather large group, don'tcha think?" Paylor asks teasingly.
The three share a laugh.
"I think I will go. And I think I'll see if they want to join me," Paylor says standing up.
"Have fun and enjoy," Jackson says as she stands. "I think I'll see what the troops are watching." She leaves the room quickly.
"I guess I will do a quick round with Beetee to check on everyone and wait in the library for word of what Peeta received," Boggs says as he stands up and walks Paylor to the others.
My chapters are a little shorter now. This one is just over 5300 words – before this A/N. The next chapter will NOT be posted until sometime after December 2nd as I do have things to do for my business. It's looking like maybe 7 to 10 chapters left. We still need to find out what's in the envelope, who Leonitus is protecting, if they capture Ariel, what's going on in District 2, and if anything Foxface has found in Coin's stash is true. That and they still have to go to the Capitol and face Snow!