Chapter 15: Bright Blessed Days, Dark Sacred Nights
Notes:
Musical inspiration for this chapter is "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong.
Chapter Text
Part 15: Bright, Blessed Day; Dark Sacred Night
There are always those who thrive on the misery of others. They elevate the selfish desires of a few upon the broken backs of the many. Upon such a foundation, empires have risen and subsequently fallen back into ashes. Evil resurrects itself from the smoldering remains and rises like a phoenix to scorch and maim again. It shifts its form to suit its needs: a chimaera, a changeling, an enigma. It wears any face that will help it accomplish its goal: benevolent leader, smiling diplomat, snake-eyed pseudo gangster. It is patient. It is brutal. It beguiles even as it agitates. It seduces as it promises a heart's fondest wish and delivers the mind's greatest fear. The brightest light is known to cast the darkest shadow.
. . .XO
Cressida Mattise was in pieces. The addiction crawled through her veins like shards of glass cutting her apart from the inside. Cressida thought she understood hunger. She had always lived just a half step from the streets. Her story began like so many of her kind, starting out as a passing fling with alcohol and recreational drugs. She quickly progressed to the big time-heroin, crack, and now meth. She loved that feeling, the rush when the cold heat hit her veins like a furnace expanding out from her belly and into the farthest reaches of her limbs. She thought she knew and understood hunger, but this was completely new and unexpected. It drove her to things she never knew she was capable of.
She eyed the stash on the table and felt her hands tremble as they unconsciously reached for what she needed. What she craved. She bit her lip and whimpered, feeling the gnawing tear her bones and electrify her nerves like lightning. The blond stranger smirked as he watched her reactions. He reached for the small bag and her eyes followed, unconsciously shaking her head. "No, please. Don't take it away. Please don't." She screamed silently. He saw her weakness and he basked in it.
"Please," her voice was a cracked and broken whisper. "Please don't. I'll do anything just please don't take it away."
He put the bag back on the table top just beyond reach. She licked suddenly dry lips, the hunger swelling to a raging beast in her head. It demanded that she take what was hers. It howled for frozen limbs to move, cramped fingers to grab. To snatch up the small packet and eat it like candy. To feel the sublime ecstasy burn through her, reducing the everyday into ash and leaving peace in its wake. She managed to still her hands and quiet her breathing. He smiled as he soaked up her desperation. He savored her torment like a connoisseur sampling a rare delicacy.
"This will be your reward should you choose to assist me. There is more where this comes from. You will never have to be without what you need again. All you have to do is say yes. That's not much to ask, is it?" Daniel Cato exulted in the glorious rush of power as the unworthy woman's eyes scuttled toward her pitiful obsession. He waited for unsteady acknowledgement. "Before we make our agreement, my associate would like to discuss the terms with you. I want you to be completely clear on what exactly we are asking you to do. "
Albert Coin entered the room by slow degrees. He seemed to slink along, snake like and cold. His frost bound eyes seemed to dispel the light rather than capture it. Cressida recoiled before him, the hunger no longer as important as getting as much distance as possible between her and this shadow masquerading as a man. He held out his hand and she took it, trembling as her skin made contact with the dry, clammy talon like fingers.
"Ms. Mattise, lovely of you to join us. I trust that Daniel has seen to your comfort." He took a chair and gestured for Cato to back away. He played with the bag, keeping her attention firmly fixed on it but also curbing any attempts to reach it. "We are very interested in locating your niece, Rue. You have been told that she spurned our agreement and left our care. We wish for this situation to be resolved. Rue must be brought back where she belongs. I regret that there has been some cost associated with her leaving and our attempts at retrieval. She will suffer no lasting damage. That being said, she needs to be brought home and you will help us achieve that."
Cressida's confusion was clearly written on her face. She continued to surreptitiously eye the bag as the clawed fingers played aimlessly with her most heartfelt desire. "What would you have me do? I have no idea where Rue is? The people at that Better Way place won't tell me anything. How can I help you find her? What will you give me if I do? That little bag won't last a week. She's worth more to you than that."
Coin's mouth curved into a parody of a sincere smile. "My dear Cressida, surely you have more faith in us than that. I have arranged for visitation for you with your other nieces and nephew. It will be supervised and will take place at the Community Services building. While you are there, you will inform your niece to pass along any messages that we see fit. You will be our link to her and she will be our link to Rue. With a little preparation and the right bait, our little Tribute will be back in hand before very long."
Cressida wavered, her eyes returning to the antidote to her misery, the longing for that release welling up like the tide. It was high tide now, waves of need crashing on the rocks of her resolve. She shuddered, the hunger wailing its incessant demands and she broke. Her defenses were breached and overwhelmed. Hope gone, faith gone, humanity gone. She nodded her acceptance and Coin graciously slipped the bag into her outstretched hands.
She quickly cut the lines, snatched the small straw that suddenly appeared, and took the hits as rapidly as possible. She felt the drug hit her bloodstream, turning her veins into live wires. It arched through her with the force of a runaway train and she swayed from the backwash. The icy blaze roared throughout every recess of her mind and body and Cressida was lost. The inferno burned away leaving the ashes of detachment and loneliness behind. Cressida wept as she sold what was left of her soul to the devil with the hoarfrost eyes. There truly was no light left in the darkness, not for Cressida Matisse.
. . . .
Wrapped in warmth with his wood smoke and spice cologne clinging to her skin, Katniss awoke to screaming. She extricated herself from his tightening hold and was across the floor before awareness struck. A glance through the first door showed the occupant resting peacefully, blond hair spread carelessly on the pillows. The second door revealed the source of the despairing sounds. She was in constant motion, her sweat dampened hair plastered to the side of her face and neck. The moans and grunts that she made clearly illustrated what dreams had her locked inside her on private hell. Katniss felt anger tighten her jaw at the mistreatment this girl had suffered. She eased her way onto the bed beside of Rue, engulfing her in defending arms. She rocked her quietly, murmuring nonsense words of comfort. Rue's eyes flickered in the darkness, awake and aware but still a prisoner in her own thoughts. Her fingers tightened on Katniss' and she whispered, "Don't tell Prim I was dreaming again. I don't want her to worry about me anymore. She's scared enough it is."
Katniss nodded silently, "Rue, is there anything that I can do for you? Anything at all?"
Rue's dark eyes searched her gray ones. Finally, a small voice was heard in the gloom, "Can you sing? Somebody used to sing to me when I was little. It always made me feel safe. Please, Katniss, can you sing?"
Katniss faltered, her mind temporarily frozen. She had not sung voluntarily in years. It brought back memories that she had no intentions of reliving. With those wide doe eyes looking beseechingly into hers, Katniss didn't have the heart to say no. She situated herself against the pillows; Rue's head pillowed in her lap and quietly began to sing.
"I see trees of green, red roses too,
I see them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself what a wonderful world.
I see skies of blue and clouds of white
The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night
And I think to myself what a wonderful world…
I hear babies crying, I watch them grow
They'll learn much more thank I'll ever know
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world."
Rue's face was tranquil, her body relaxed against Katniss' legs. She smiled in gratitude as the song wound down to its finish. She gave Katniss a sleepy smile and commented, "Finnick was right. I bet the birds do stop singing to listen when you sing." She snuggled deeper into the pillow, eyes finally closing. "Goodnight," She whispered. "Thank you for staying with me."
"Anytime, sweetie." Katniss murmured. "You can come to me at any time and for any reason. Please remember that."
Rue slid into sleep with a tiny smile edging her lips. Katniss smoothed her hair away from her face and kissed her lightly on the forehead. She pushed the ever present teddy bear into Rue's arms and quietly left the room.
Peeta was sprawled over the surface of the couch, his arm thrown up to shield his eyes. She hesitated, wondering how she could possibly get lie back down without waking him up. She gently touched his shoulder and he automatically shifted, arms pulling her close and settling her head on his chest right over his heart. Katniss leaned back to check his face. Was he awake? His breathing was still deep and regular. He buried his face into the curve of her neck and snuggled closer. "Is she okay?" He mumbled. "I heard her but you were moving before I could."
She smoothed his hair back and her lips touched his forehead softly. "She's fine. She's asleep. This is what you should be doing. Go to sleep. I'll see you in the morning."
He nodded into her neck, his eyes already closing once more. "Goodnight, love. See you in the morning." His arms tightened imperceptibly. "Rue is right, you know. I bet the birds do stop to listen when you sing." She gave him a half-hearted slap on his shoulder. He chuckled and snuggled into the pillow. "Love you." He mumbled.
"Love you too, Peeta." She whispered back and let herself follow him into slumber.
. . .XO
They walked in silence to the car. Dinner had been spent leisurely continuing small talk. She had laughingly teased him about some of his views, making it a point to poke holes into his most ardent contentions. Making sure that her feet were firmly inside, he slammed the door. Apprehensively, he ran through his mental check list again. Damn, he wished that she hadn't taken his string. His nerves were shot and he didn't even have her home yet.
They drove in silence with her intently studying him, much like she would a particular case. Ultimately it was she who broke the silence first though not in a way he quite expected. "Fininck, why do keep saying different shades of green. Is this something like your knot tying? It's very disconcerting."
Finnick blanched. Had he been talking aloud this whole time? He felt his face suffuse with heat. How could he explain this one? The truth was embarrassing enough. He groaned, imagining what antics this little episode would inspire Gale to. Feeling like an idiot, Finnick decided on absolute truth. After all, it had worked for him thus far and she already thought he was crazy. "I color-coded your eyes. They change according to your mood. I'm sorry if it bothers you. And yes, it is like the knot tying. I'll try to stop. I don't want to bother you."
"No, you're not bothering me. It's actually very flattering." She surprised both him and herself when she reached to take his hand. "You don't have to be nervous around me, Finnick. Just be yourself. That's all I expect of you. Anything else, we'll make that up when we come to it, okay?"
He squeezed her fingers in gratitude. "I'd like that, Annie. I'd like it a lot actually."
She smiled softly, her gaze on their joined hands, "So would I, Finnick. So would I."
End Part 15
Chapter 16: Swallow the Light From the Sun
Chapter Text
Chapter 16: Swallow the Light from the Sun
She had sold her soul and now the devil was demanding his due. She had been bought like a lamb for slaughter and he was determined to get his full measure of worth. The galling part was that she had set her own price. She hadn't realized that she held herself so cheaply. Cressida knew that she was a means to an end. Once his goal was reached, she would be tossed aside like rubbish. She would be left to molder in the wreckage. A spent reminder of a well-played game.
She arrived at the Community Services building early. Her hand automatically strayed to the front pocket where she kept a stash in case of emergencies. Finding it empty, she panicked. She couldn't do this alone. She needed the distance that it gave her, the sense that nothing or no one could touch her. Her fingers twitched spastically as they searched the empty pocket again. She could feel the cracks forming and the ground heaving beneath her feet. The snake hiss swelled in her brain demanding that she move forward. Her knees locked, caught between two unstoppable forces. A voice reached into the maelstrom and pulled her free, "Ms. Matisse, they are ready for you now." Flashing her unknown savior a grateful glance, Cressida allowed herself to be led to the meeting room.
Three pairs of eyes looked up hesitantly when the door swung open. Cressida's steps slowed as her gaze moved over the three children. She noted some obvious changes. They were clean and looked well-fed. Their faces had filled out and the ever present black circles were faded and gone. The clothing looked new and fit as if made for the wearer. The raspy squeaking of a new shoe announced its presence as it dragged against the tiles. Cressida smiled uncertainly and took the chair that the woman held out for her. None of the children smiled back, turning her stomach to ice. Her hand moved toward her pocket again and Collette's eyes watched her carefully. Nosy little bitch never could mind her own business, Cressida thought as she twined her fingers together to stop the ceaseless pursuit.
Collette was eight, second eldest behind her older sister Ruth Ann. She had straight dark hair and big brown eyes. She was almost deer like with slender graceful limbs and a timid naivety. Cressida had cursed when Ruth Ann ruined her deal with Cray. She was sure that Collette would have gotten her more. Cray didn't care as long as he received payment but had commented that pretty was often worth more than a sturdy back when it came to picking a tribute. Pretty attracted more buyers which meant a greater return on the investment. Collette would never be as smart as Ruth Ann but she was pretty. Cressida mourned the missed opportunity.
Macie was seven years old. She was a skinny, tousled pole of a girl. Cressida honestly had never paid much attention to her. She stayed to herself and carried a worn out bedraggled teddy bear everywhere she went. Cressida was startled to see that she wasn't clutching the revolting thing right now. Maybe someone had finally done her a favor and gotten rid of the vile creature.
Thresh was five years old. He was a very somber, serious child. He rarely laughed except in the company of Ruth Ann. It was he who nicknamed her Rue when he was little. Unable to say Ruth Ann, Thresh toddled after his sister almost from the time he could walk. He was affected most by Rue's absence. He had outbursts which resulted in broken items, scratched arms and legs, and hitting other kids. No one would keep him once the fits started. Cressida left him with his sisters after that. She didn't have to pay them.
The silence stretched out excruciatingly for Cressida. Their eyes continued to stare unabatedly. She felt the gnawing in the pit of her stomach signaling another dance with the ever existent yearning. Squeezing her nails into her palms, she let the resulting pain tether her to here and now. She couldn't afford to give in yet. After this agony was finished, she would seek her liberation. "You three look well," she commented into the quiet. "I'm glad to see that."
"Thank you, Aunt." Collette mouthed softly. The other two didn't speak.
Cressida unwillingly held out her arms, hoping at least one would return the offered embrace. Thresh twitched slightly but made no further move to leave his seat. The other two didn't even blink. "I'm trying real hard to get you guys back home with me. So that we can be a family like we're supposed to." She uttered the falsehood brightly, casting the observing social worker a fawning smile. She received an encouraging nod in return. "I'm working now. I have a good job so I can get us a nice apartment. I quit all the bad stuff. I promise that I won't do it anymore." The two younger ones peeked at Collette to see how she would react to this pronouncement. Collette just shrugged her shoulders, looking bored, as if the whole conversation was of no consequence. Cressida could have slapped her then. She actually had to check her hand from reaching for the girl. The watchful eyes of the social worker further curbed the impulse.
"I know that you don't believe me, Collette. I've never given you any reason to. But I am trying to get better. I want us to be a real family more than anything. I wish that you would believe that." Her tentative smile attempted to bolster confidence in the empty statements. A small flicker in Collette's eyes gave her hope that they would believe her. She fished a paper out of her jeans and held it out to the worker. "Here is a letter from my new employer. The number is listed. Mr. Cato is expecting your call. I'm going to be his assistant. It's a real fancy firm that does design stuff for other companies. I've always been interested in drawing and computers. They have an intern program and said that I could apply. It's a good chance to get my life turned around. I want to make it better for these kids. They're the only family I've got."
The woman's face softened during Cressida's speech. She took the letter and placed it in the file on her lap. "I'll give Mr. Cato a call later this morning, Ms. Matisse. Should you require additional assistance, we have programs here to aid in job training, education opportunities, and classes which teach basic office skills. I'd be happy to give you any information on these services. It is good to see that you are making an effort. We do like to keep children with their family members whenever possible."
Cressida accepted gratefully and let a wide, innocent smile crease her features. Her glance fell on the three small faces silently watching from across the room. Collette and Thresh both smiled back, eyes shiny and happy. Macie looked quite the opposite. Her expression was bleak and joyless. Her eyes held the telltale signs of tears. The ground trembled and the chasms yawned. The fiend screeched. Cressida held herself together by sheer will alone. She quickly bid the children goodbye and promised to come again soon. The social worker gave her a sheaf of flyers and bid her good luck. She also included a card with the next scheduled visitation.
Cressida hit the door almost at a run. The papers were dumped in the first open garbage can that she came to. The appointment card was shoved into her back pocket. A car waited at the corner for her, black windows opaque against the strong morning light. She climbed in and recounted the visit, proffering the card. "You did well," the rasping hiss commended. A small foil was plunked unceremoniously into her palm. She immediately tore it open and consumed the contents. The bitter flames lit her bloodstream with a thousand separate sparks. Her rapturous gaze met the hellfire depths of Albert Coin's stare. She couldn't stop the instinctive recoil and he smiled as he noted her shrink back. "On your next visit, we will advance our plan to return our Tribute to the bosom of her family. I've made the arrangements for them to be allowed phone calls by their sister. She will be notified today. Be ready." Cressida shuddered as the talon fingers brushed her face. "The game begins now."
. . . .
Annie smiled as the two girls entered. "Good morning. It's good to see both of you." She gestured toward the matched armchairs and they each took a seat. "I can see that you are wondering why today is slightly different from our other meetings. Rue, it has been requested that you provide us with more detailed information regarding your experience with the Gamesmakers. Prim, you are here because you are Rue's friend. She will need all the support that she can get. Also, you saw some of the last attack. Do you think that you can do this?"
The two exchanged glances and slowly nodded. Annie set a small digital recorder on the table and flipped to a new page in her book. "This will have to be recorded so that I can give a transcription to the authorities later. If you're uncomfortable with the recorder, we can figure out another way." Both girls signaled their assent. "Okay, Rue, we'll start with you. I just want a narrative of what you feel comfortable talking about. I might stop you from time to time and ask some questions to clarify a particular point as needed. Just begin with the first instance that you met or had dealings with the Gamesmakers, try to include any names, locations, or any other details that seem important. "
Rue took a deep breath, shared an apprehensive look with Prim then began her tale. "It was earlier this year. My sisters and my little brother were staying with my Aunt Cressida. I didn't stay there much. She and I didn't get along very well. I had a bunch of places that I could sleep to stay out of the cold. I saw them every day. I would wait until she left the house, usually to deal or score a hit for herself. It had gotten to the point that she was taking more than she sold. That's what brought her to the attention of the Gamesmakers. She was small time. She would get a shipment and sell it. The supplier got a percentage of the take. She could keep the money or take her part out in product. That's usually what she did. She got in over her head and started cutting into their part. One of the members named Cray was sent to resolve the problem.
He agreed to a trade, my sister Collette, in exchange for forgiving her debt and advancing a new shipment. It's a pretty common arrangement in the Seam. The kids are traded to the Gamesmakers and used pretty much for anything needed. Anything. It's a sure bet when you see old Cray around that a kid is about to be taken. They call him a Reaper. He's not the only one but he is the most visible. Everyone knows what Cray does and who he does it for. When I saw him hanging around my aunt's, I knew what was going to happen. I watched the house for three days before he came for her. Collette was crying and holding to my other sister, Macie. She was scared to death because she didn't understand what was going on. My aunt just stood there. She didn't even try to help. I don't know why I thought she would. She's never helped anyone but herself in her whole miserable life.
I couldn't take it. I was running toward them before I even knew what I was going to do. Cray had grabbed Collette and was dragging her toward the car but Macie wouldn't let go. She had her hands locked around Collette's and refused to budge. Cray almost took a swing at her but I yelled in time to stop him. I told him to wait, that he could take me instead of Collette. He just laughed and said that maybe he would take both of us for the trouble we had caused him. I begged him then knowing that it probably wouldn't do any good. I told him that she was only eight. They don't usually like to take ones that small. They don't last long enough to make the trade worthwhile. He looked me up and down and asked how old I was. I said fifteen. He told my aunt that pretty was worth more than a sturdy back and Collette was much prettier than I was. I thought that he was going to take her anyway but then he pushed Collette back into Macie and waved for me to follow him. Collette and Macie were yelling at me not to go and my aunt looked like she wanted to kill me. But I went. I had to. My little sister wouldn't have lasted a day."
Rue stopped to get a drink of water. She glanced at Prim, her lips quirking up at the ill at ease expression she was wearing. Rue supposed that Prim had never had to deal with such a situation. She was sheltered, insulated from most of the bad things in the world. Rue felt a wave of affection for her friend. The girl had led a shielded existence. She had been completely protected from the harsher side of life. Rue had never had that luxury. Even though she had no idea what she was getting into, Prim had still rushed headlong into an unknown situation for no other reason than to help her friend. Rue had never experienced friendship like that. No one in the Seam would have even looked up had they witnessed the abuse Rue had been forced to endure. This soft, privileged girl had charged in with no thought of her own safety. She had done it with no thought of reward. She did it because her friend needed her. Thinking like that was a completely foreign concept to Rue. Prim had saved her life and Rue had no idea how she was going to repay that debt. The only certainty was that she would repay it someday. She had to.
"I was taken to a warehouse down on the waterfront. I was put into a pen with the other kids who had just been brought in. Cray and some of the others came by and looked us over. They pulled one or two out and took them to another part of the building. I don't know what happened to those kids. The prettier girls were separated out and taken away next. They called it the Harem. I was never so happy to be plain in my life," She chuckled. "The rest of us were herded into a big open area. Cray and the other Reapers stood watching as we were separated. Another group, called Trainers, weeded the rest of us out. I don't know why or how they pick who goes where. It seemed completely random. I was placed in with the cache responsible for cleaning the main rooms and the barracks. Some of us served one person exclusively. The others went wherever they were put. The worst are the Mutts. Those kids are considered the most useless. They are worked harder than anybody, punished more quickly, and are used during something called a Hunt. They are almost always marked." Here, Rue lifted her shirt and displayed the bandage that wrapped around her stomach and ribs. "Most of the Mutts never return from a Hunt. Everyone tries to do the best that they can because they don't want to be moved to the Mutts. The easiest is just to lose a tongue or an eye. The worst is to get moved into the Mutt group. If they do get me back, it's a pretty safe bet what they will do to me this time."
Both Annie and Prim's faces had lost all color. Annie swallowed roughly and her voice broke before she regained control. "Rue, do you know what exactly the Hunt is? Have you ever seen one?"
Rue nodded slowly. She flashed Prim a quick glance. The girl was unconsciously shaking her head negatively. Prim wanted to hear that Rue had never witnessed such an atrocity. Rue was almost sorry to disappoint her. "I saw one right before I ran away. They treat it like a party. The whole place is decorated. We had to fix mountains of food. There was liquor and other things brought in for the guests. Everyone who is important enough to get an invitation shows up dressed in their very best. The Mutts are gathered into an Arena. The layout changes every time. They may have a few trees, old houses, or whatever else they can dig up to put in. They hide a few weapons around. I guess that is supposed to make it more exciting if the prey can fight back. The members who are in the highest favor are picked to participate. The Mutts are put into place and given so much time to hide or scramble for a possible weapon then the Hunters are sent in. Whoever makes the most kills is declared the winner. They are given the best rooms, servants, and anything else they want. The Hunts happen twice a year. I was told that members who mess up can be put in with the Mutts too. It's their way of keeping everybody on edge. You mess up and you get a death sentence."
Annie jotted down some more notes. Her face was no longer pale but flushed red. She muttered under her breath. Rue didn't try to listen in. She calmly sipped her water and waited for the next question. Finally, Prim asked quietly, "Rue, how did you get away? How did you escape from that?"
Rue smiled in wry amusement. "Cray considered me a special case because I volunteered. He liked to brag about what would happen to me if I didn't do as I was told. He told me that some of the kids were being sent to another location, somewhere uptown, because of a special request from one of the higher ups. He bragged that my aunt Cressida had got herself back in trouble and he was going to get my sister anyway. I knew that he would make sure that Collette would be put with the Harem or the Mutts. He wanted me to know it because he thought that would keep me in line. I waited until the shipment was getting ready to leave and I stowed away. I'm small and it was crazy busy. I had to hide out for hours but eventually I got far enough away that I was able to walk out in the open. I knew if aunt Cressida was really down like Cray said, and then there were only a few places that she would go. The most likely was an old abandoned house in the Seam. It took most of the night walking but I finally made it. I found Macie, Collette, and Thresh huddled around a fire they had started in an old garbage can. There was no electric or water in the building. They hadn't eaten in a couple of days. I told them to stay there and went out to try and find something for them to eat. The bakery on 14th and Grand usually tosses the burned loaves. I was in the dumpster getting what bread I could out when that cop picked me up. You know the rest."
Annie patted her leg in a supporting fashion and Rue uncomfortably allowed it. People always tried to comfort her as a way of making themselves feel better. She knew it was legitimate concern but she hated the pity in their faces. Only Prim, Katniss, and Peeta had treated her like a normal person and not a charity case. "I will make sure that these notes get over to Detective Boggs and the rest of the team. Is there anything further that you want to add today?" Rue shook her head. Annie climbed to her feet and gestured for them to accompany her. "I do have one more piece of good news for you. The foster family caring for your brother and sisters has obtained permission for you to speak with them via telephone on a weekly basis. That way you know that they are okay and vice versa. The first call will take place at the end of the week."
Rue shared a grin with Prim. "Thank you, Ms. Cresta. That is the best news I've ever had. Thank you so much."
Annie beamed, "I thought that might cheer you up. We'll meet again tomorrow at the same time, both of you. I realize that it is a difficult thing that we are asking you to do, but your help is invaluable. If you need anything, either of you, please call me." Annie watched as the two girls left the room then slumped into her seat. Once again, she was assaulted by a wave of guilt and disbelief that so much had happened without anyone noticing. The depressing train of thought was broken by heavy footsteps and a quiet voice, "Hey, I thought that you might need this." Her eyes found the sea green ones of Finnick Odair then dropped to the cup of coffee he was holding. "I was listening to some of that. It's unbelievable what that girl went through. "
Annie took the coffee and blew out a frustrated breath, pushing her hair out of her face with the other hand. "It's heartbreaking is what it is. I almost broke down, Finnick, listening to her talk. She tells this horrible story in such a matter-of-fact way. It's like that kind of brutality is normal for her. I can't fathom what kind of life that girl has led. I don't know if I can listen to anymore without unraveling. This is the most difficult case I've ever been involved in."
Finnick caught her hand and forced her to face him. "You better not give up on her now. Do you realize how hard it was for her to open up and discuss her situation completely and honestly? She is in a dangerous place right now. She has the beginnings of a support system. She feels safe for the first time. She needs everyone around her to accept her with no reservations. If she can't get that, then she will be lost. Take it from someone who has been there, Annie. That support is everything to her right now. If someone hadn't taken the time with me, I would probably be dead or worse. Don't let this girl down. Please." Finnick's hand was shaking and he reached for the string in his pocket, muttering and tying knots as swiftly as he could manipulate the string. He tensed as her fingers threaded through his own, trapping the string between them.
"I won't let her down, Finnick. I promise that I won't." Annie said softly. "I won't let you down either. You can talk to me if you need to. I'm here if you need me."
Finnick gave her a small smirk, but his fingers loosened on the string. He grasped her hand a little tighter and said, "Why, Ms. Cresta, I do believe that you're falling for me? I think I'm flattered."
Annie snorted but left their hands intact, "I haven't fallen yet, you insufferable man. I just tripped slightly. It is nothing to get excited about."
Finnick eyed her in amusement. "Tripped, huh? Don't worry, sweetheart, I won't let you hit the ground."
Annie grinned back but thought to herself, "That is precisely what I'm afraid of."
. . .XO
Rue had gone to her room to rest before the evening meal. Prim wandered around the living room aimlessly, her mind focused on what she had heard during the meeting. Her thoughts tumbled hither and yon as she wore a path from the kitchen to the hallway and back again. Hearing the front door open, she looked up into the anxious blue eyes of her brother. Without any warning, Prim launched herself into Peeta's arms and hugged him as tightly as she could.
"Prim, are you okay? Did something happen today?" He questioned fretfully.
She pulled back to meet his apprehensive gaze. "I just wanted to thank you, Peeta. You've been there for me ever since Mom and Dad left us. You never faltered once during the whole time. You made sure that I was healthy and had a good home. I never even thought about how hard that must have been for you." She hugged him again even more tightly. "I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't been there. You and Sae did so much for me and I was too stupid to realize it. I'm sorry for how I've acted. I've been a stupid jerk. I don't deserve how good you've been to me."
Peeta looked confused as he led her to the couch and sat down. "I appreciate that you want to thank me but what brought this on. Did something happen at your meeting today?"
Prim nodded but said, "I don't want to talk about it right now. I just realized that I had it so easy. I was acting like a spoiled brat and didn't know how close I was to throwing everything good in my life away. I know that now. I'm so sorry, Peeta, for everything. I promise that it won't happen again." She paused then continued in a breathless rush. "I do need your help with something. I want to do something nice for Rue. I don't want it to seem like a handout or anything. I just want to give her another good memory like the family night. Can you help me?"
Peeta laughed at the sudden change in subject. It was typical Prim and he chuckled when she shot him a frown. "Sure. Count me in. When do we start?"
She beamed at his enthusiasm and said, "As soon as Katniss gets here, I want to make plans for a day out with just the four of us. She never had a family night at home. I'll bet that she never had a day out to just enjoy herself either. We could take her shopping, go by Sae's for dinner, or maybe to an actual movie. What do you say?"
Peeta looked skeptical. "I don't know if that's possible, Prim. There is a reason for the safe house and all the security. It will have to be discussed with Detective Boggs and Haymitch Abernathy. If it can be done, then I promise that we will do it. Okay?"
Prim beamed at her big brother. She knew that he would try his hardest to make it happen. She flung her arms about him again. "I love you, big brother." She said quietly.
He tightened his arms around her and answered back just as softly, "I love you too, baby sister."
Part 17: Let's Play Pretend
Haymitch's eyebrows were drawn low over the slate gray eyes as he leafed through the sheaf of notes in front of him. Occasionally, he glanced up at the two visitors who set perched uncomfortably in the faux leather chairs facing his desk. He flipped through the last few sheets hurriedly and then set back, watching them over steepled fingers. "Just whose bright idea was this, Everdeen? Why do you think we have half of my staff and a team of police officers guarding this girl? Why do you think we have a judge willingly bending the rules to let us house her in a residential setting instead of on lockdown in a downtown facility? I'll tell you why. It's because until now these guys have been untouchable. They are ghosts. The only things that we know about them are what they have chosen to show us. They are purported to be responsible for the disappearance of an unknown number of kids. They are brutal, sadistic, and they don't make mistakes. This girl is the one tangible lead that we have regarding hard, cold information on the Gamesmakers. And you want to take her shopping and to a restaurant? Have you lost your damned mind?"
Katniss shifted in her chair but refused to drop her gaze. She saw Annie making similar motions from the corner of her eye but couldn't risk looking to see if it was true. Katniss cleared her throat and marshaled her best arguments. "I know all of that, Haymitch. Our primary concern is to keep Rue safe. But we're also thinking long term for this girl. An outing could be very beneficial at this point. Annie, Finnick and I have discussed this case extensively and we all three agree that she is breaking new ground since she came here. She has made a friend, a close one. She has opened up about very personal, painful areas of her past. She is comfortable enough to ask for things that she wants. That is a huge leap forward. We want her to continue to grow and build on this foundation."
Haymitch eyed her skeptically. "You're telling me that the girl asked to be taken out shopping. Really?"
Katniss flushed and scowled at the old man glaring at her. "No, Haymitch, that is not what I'm telling you. She doesn't even know about this proposed outing. It was completely Primrose Mellark's idea. She mentioned it to her brother first and then they brought it to my attention. I discussed it with Annie and Finnick and then we brought it to you. Primrose sees this as an opportunity to give Rue another taste of a normal fifteen year old girl's life. I have to say that I agree with her. Rue had seen a drawing of Prim's in group. The topic was "your happiest memory." Prim drew a picture of her and her brother baking. Rue took a liking to it and asked Prim about the story behind it. She did ask for a family night, something that she had never experienced. Prim and Peeta decided to give it to her.
Annie chimed in, "It was all she could talk about in her private session the next day. She was practically bursting to let me know every single detail." Annie tossed Katniss a very amused glance, and she promptly looked at the floor, cheeks hot once again. "This girl has never had the most basic relationship with another person. She has two sisters and a brother but I think that her primary role toward them was as provider and protector, not siblings. She has no concept of whimsy or play. Anything that we can do to give her those opportunities can only help her. There will have to be accommodations made due to the situation but it is not an impossible task. We can do this, Haymitch."
Haymitch caught the exchange and frowned heavily once more. He fiddled with the stack of papers, and let out a much put upon sigh. "Fortunately for you, final approval doesn't rest solely with me. I discussed the proposal with Detective Boggs as well as Octavia Prius, the girl's lawyer and guardian. Both feel like a short excursion is completely reasonable and Boggs has agreed to shake loose a couple of plain clothes officers to go with you. I want you to understand that even though the risk is slight, there is some inherently involved in taking this girl out in public. Do both of you understand this?" Two heads shook affirmatively. "All right then, Annie go ahead and get out of here. Katniss, hang out for a few minutes. We have a few other things to discuss." Annie looked relieved but gave Katniss a worried look before gathering up her bag and quietly leaving. Katniss, on the other hand, wore a resigned expression as if she was expecting this particular talk even if she hadn't been looking forward to it. "This will only take a few minutes, sweetheart, then you can get back to the rest of your co-conspirators."
Her gray eyes blazed at his deliberately inflammatory tone. "Listen, Haymitch, you've never been a hard ass about this stuff. Why are you starting now? I haven't done anything wrong."
Haymitch's face whitened then was quickly suffused with a purple-red hue. "Haven't done anything wrong. Are you honestly going to tell me that you haven't become involved with baker boy?" He blew out a frustrated breath. "I know that I encouraged you. Hell, I am happy that you finally decided to crawl out of your cave. I figured that you would have enough sense to wait until his sister was out of the program before letting it get serious. Now, not only are the sister and her friend who was cut all to hell on our watch living in your house but the girl's brother is coming and going as he pleases. He arranged for an attorney and police protection for Rue. Hell, everything good that has come out of this whole mess can be traced directly to him." Haymitch stabbed the stack of papers on his desk with an unforgiving finger. "From a strictly defense prospective, it looks like that we messed up and your boyfriend is moving the earth to clean up after you. In the right hands, it could jeopardize everything that we are trying to do."
Katniss flinched away from the accusation in his eyes. She had no defense against any of the circumstances he so brutally flung at her. It did look like Better Way was a bunch of incompetents who couldn't even control the activity of teenagers housed in their own dorms. The fact that the actions were perpetrated by members and associates of a notoriously hard to catch gang didn't offset this detail. She made no excuses only asked quietly, "What can I do? Do you want me to stop seeing him? Do you want them moved to a different building? None of this was done deliberately, Haymitch. There were mitigating circumstances for each and every decision made. That doesn't change perception, I know, but what else would you have me do."
Haymitch took her small hand in his and his face held nothing but sympathy. "I don't want you to do anything that you don't want to, Katniss. I just want you to be aware what can happen should this thing ever go to the next level. If we can catch a break and nail some of the bastards responsible, they will use every tool at their disposal to try and discredit our case. They might use your relationship with Mellark as a basis to show that you were distracted and missed something that should have been caught. It's irrelevant that their clients did the deed; they will argue that they should never have had the opportunity. Whether or not we like it, they did get the opportunity and they took full advantage of it."
Katniss shook her head disbelievingly, "I can't believe that they would be allowed to even bring that up. We don't stay with them full time. That is why they have ward stations. The counselors and teachers don't man these stations. We can only see what we are there to see. Most of the stuff that happened to Rue happened in the afterhours. How could I possibly be held responsible for that? It doesn't matter whether or not I'm seeing Peeta in that context."
"No, but you are the victim's primary counselor. It is your job to notice behavior and demeanor changes. Are you telling me that you didn't notice a change in the girl?" Haymitch pressed.
"Of course I did." Katniss fired back. "She had started to open up. Annie and Finnick both mentioned it in their working notes. She made a friend. She started talking and laughing more. I don't run any of the physical classes and so I didn't see any of the tangible signs that she must have displayed. If you check on the schedule, you will see that Gale has covered each of the archery classes beyond the first one, which we both taught. He did note in the last session's observation that Rue seemed unable to pull the bow back. He said that another participant asked him a question just when he was about to ask what the difficulty was. When he returned, Primrose had already stepped forward for her turn." Katniss pulled a file from her bag and read quickly. Her gaze flew up to meet Haymitch's. "It was Enobaria who distracted Gale that day. He put it in the notes."
Haymitch gave her a rare grin. "Well done, sweetheart. Keep your head and answer like that and you'll do fine." He leaned forward and she knew that the formal part of the talk was over. "On another note, Katniss, I'm glad about you and the Mellark boy. He seems like a good kid. From everything I hear he's as straight an arrow as they come. He raised his sister on his own from an early age, plus went to school and held down a job. He's a good match for you. I can't say that your timing doesn't leave something to be desired but, as you pointed out, the stuff happened during your down time. As long as you keep your head in the game, I have no problem with what you do on your own time."
Katniss tossed him a disgruntled look, "Does this mean we have your blessing, old man? Should I tell him to come see you just so you can be sure his intentions are pure?"
"No, don't need to do anything like that. Just send him to me if he needs advice about how to handle a firebrand like you." Haymitch quipped. "I know a thing or two about dealing with a high strung woman. He seems too easy going. He probably lets you run all over him."
Katniss rolled her eyes. "Trust me; he doesn't need any advice from the likes of you. And your extracurricular activities with Effie Trinket don't qualify you to hand out advice to anyone when it comes to relationships. Your little escapades have been common knowledge for years, old man. Maybe if she wore a less distinctive shade of lipstick or your office walls were thicker, you might be able to hide it better. Somehow, I doubt it but anything is possible." She gave him a cheeky grin, grabbed her bag, and swiftly made her exit before he could do much more than sputter. She chuckled quietly when she heard the desk drawer open. She must have struck a sore spot if he was resorting to liquor. She went to track Annie down to give her the good news.
. . . . . .
Prim came barreling into the bedroom, blond hair flying about her head in her haste. Rue looked up expectantly, a smile stretching across her features at her friend's excited countenance. "Come on quick. We've got something to tell you. I'm so excited about this. It's going to be great." The chatter rattled out at lightning speed. She bolted back through the door before Rue could get a word in, only to stick her head back through and demand, "Well, come on, slow poke. Everyone is waiting for you." Rue laughed quietly and made her way to the living room to see what all the excitement was about. She was surprised at the number of people gathered who turned expectantly at her appearance.
Katniss and Peeta sat on the couch quietly speaking. Katniss' gaze swung in her direction and she smiled slightly before turning her attention back to what her companion was saying. Gale and Johanna were lounging at the dining table, nibbling on the left over cheese buns from breakfast. Those buns had been making a regular appearance since Katniss admitted a liking for them. Octavia Prius, a slender dark-haired woman with a serious expression, occupied the matching chair to the sofa. She gave a thin smile at Rue's appearance and immediately went back to reading her paperwork. The last two occupants were blank faced men who had the look of cops even though they wore regular clothes. Prim stood next to Rue, beaming in excitement. "What's going on?" Rue questioned. "Is something wrong?"
Katniss smiled disarmingly, "No, sweetie. Nothing is wrong. Quite the opposite in fact. We are all here because we have arranged an outing for you." Rue looked at her in confusion. "We're going to a few stores to pick you up what Prim calls the essentials. We have arranged for lunch at the Mockingbird Diner. Most of us have eaten there before and can highly recommend the food. It should be a fun day. Before we leave, Octavia has a few things that she wants to cover with you and then the rest of the day is yours."
Rue exchanged a dumbfounded look with Prim, who could hardly contain her excitement. "I don't understand. We're going out. I thought that I had to stay here." She dropped her gaze and her voice lowered noticeably, "Besides, I don't have any money. I can't get any new stuff and I won't accept charity. I'll speak with Ms. Prius but I can't do the rest of it. I'm sorry."
Katniss and Prim shared a look and Prim nodded knowingly. Katniss signed and dug a piece of paper out of her pocket. "We thought that you might say that. Obviously, you didn't read the literature that Annie gave you the first day." She handed Rue the sheet and pointed to a highlighted area. "As you can see, each program participant is given a stipend for the duration of the program for essentials. These funds can be used at any time during the ninety day period. The purchases will need to be approved by the participant's counselor, that's me in this case," She grinned. "Prim and I thought that you might want to use yours to get some clothes and shoes that you might like. We thought about picking some stuff up for you but we didn't know what you would prefer or your sizes. So unless you want to risk letting Finnick and Gale choosing for you, you have to come."
Rue dropped her confused gaze to the slip in her hand and read the pro-offered sheet. Her watery eyes came back up to meet Prim's jubilant one. "I don't know what to say. I really shouldn't in case you need it for something more important."
Johanna snorted and chimed in, "Sweetheart, it's great that you want to be noble but those funds are for you use only. You might as well use it. She wasn't kidding about sending Gale and Finnick if you won't go on your own. You can choose that route, if that is what you want, but don't blame us. Those two aren't exactly known for their high fashion sense." Gale's indignant howl drowned out the rest of whatever she was going to say. Johanna chuckled and patted his knee in an apologetic manner. "Sorry, honey, but I just call them like I see them." He tossed her a sour look but trapped her hand between his own and his leg.
Prim added her own argument. "See, there is no reason for you not to go now. Talk to Ms. Prius and then we'll go get ready."
Rue felt an unfamiliar knot in her throat. She didn't quite know how to respond so she gave a timid nod and went to sit by Octavia Prius, who greeted her cordially and pulled out a leather binder. The two were soon engaged in quiet conversation allowing the others to congregate around the dining table. "Pretty slick maneuver," Johanna commented. "I didn't expect her to put up such a fight. Most people don't look a gift horse in the mouth when it's offered. That girl, obviously, isn't like most people, is she?'
"No, she's not," Katniss returned. "But I can't take credit for this one. Prim said that she wouldn't willingly accept a gift, not this kind anyway. Gale and I came up with the idea of a stipend for the program participants." She shared a quick smile with Gale. "The closer was that flyer. She couldn't argue with what was right in front of her in black and white."
Gale swallowed another cheese bun, "I've been meaning to ask about how you pulled that one off. We have occasionally bought participants some essentials if needed but nothing like this. Did you slip Haymitch an extra flask to get him to sign off on this?"
Katniss laughed and hugged Peeta quickly, "Nothing so devious. Peeta here designed our flyers and pamphlets. He keeps backups on his hard drive for reference use. The money is actually something of a pool between us girls. Johanna, Annie, Ms. Prius, Ms. Cartwright, and Sae all chipped in. Peeta just made a minor design change to the flyer he already had on file and printed an order. It was for one, I believe." She looked at him questioningly.
He chuckled, clearly pleased with their little charade. "Yep, it was just for one. I immediately changed it back to the template form after the run. I'm glad that it came in handy."
Gale looked at the two admiringly, "That is a slick maneuver. You two make a pretty good team." Johanna nodded her agreement.
Peeta slipped an arm about Katniss' waist and drew her up against him. Just before their lips met, he whispered, "Yes, we really do."
Prim rolled her eyes at the public display. The two had been getting more open that they were a couple since the infamous family dinner night. She couldn't help but laugh at the sight of her straight-laced pseudo sister and her quiet unassuming brother openly kissing in the middle of a crowded living room. Gale and Johanna looked mildly shocked but it quickly morphed into mock applause and Gale calling out technique tips to Peeta. They broke apart, Katniss hiding her clear embarrassment behind a fierce scowl at Gale. Peeta merely tugged her braid playfully and turned to assure Gale that he didn't need any pointers, at least not where Katniss was concerned. She directed her disgruntlement on both of them then and flounced over to Johanna's side, grabbing an errant cheese bun as she passed
.
Octavia Prius, obviously amused at the antics but holding it in, calmly stated in her quiet tones, "I've went over everything with Rue regarding her part in the case. Should she have any questions, please feel free to call me. Peeta has my card which has my cell phone and pager listing. Thank you for an interesting morning. I'll see myself out. Rue, enjoy your day, dear." She took her leave. Prim immediately grabbed Rue and ushered her into the back room to get ready.
Peeta took the empty seat beside of Gale and watched riveted as Katniss laughed at something Johanna said. Gale rolled his eyes and poked him in the arm with a rigid finger. "You're making it too easy for her, you know. You have to be aloof, unbending. You have to make her come to you. At this rate, she'll think that she has you wrapped around her little finger. You'll never get anywhere then."
Peeta laughed quietly. "I hate to break it to you, Gale, but she does have me wrapped around her little finger. I couldn't be indifferent if I tried. I don't care if she knows it or not." He sent Katniss a teasing look and mock pouted. To Gale's immense surprise, she shook her head resignedly and set down the half-eaten cheese bun. She approached him leisurely, her eyes never leaving his face. Once there, her arms coiled around his neck and she buried her face in his shoulder. Peeta whispered something briefly in her ear and she snorted quietly, refusing to lift her head. He sent Gale a look which clearly said, "See, I told you." He then turned his attention back to the woman in his arms.
Gale shook his head in disbelief. Unbelievable. If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he would never have considered that Katniss would willingly give in. Maybe it wasn't giving in. Maybe it was one of the many changes that Mellark was bringing about in his best friend. Gale smiled to himself. That was something he could believe and be grateful for. He gave the pair one more pleased look then diverted his attention to the blond currently looking as delighted as he was. Despite the recent hellish goings-on, some things were working out just fine.
. . .
The group was loaded down with an array of bags, boxes and cartons. The shopping trip had been a huge success. Despite never having been allowed to indulge before, Rue took to the experience like a duck to water. It could be said that she had an excellent mentor in Prim. The girl was a gold medal winner in the art of finding fashionable ensembles and all the accessories to match. She shared every secret of the trade with Rue. Between the two of them, no rack was left unexamined; no shoe left untried. The sheer amount of purchases boggled the mind. Even Katniss and Johanna stood in awe of the prowess displayed by the two younger girls. They were all looking forward to a nice, relaxing lunch at Sae's restaurant. Gale decided that running a marathon had to be easier than dealing with two teenage girls. Peeta silently agreed even though he had dealt with Prim's shopaholic tendencies in the past.
"I just have to swing by my office a minute to pick up a few things. Then we can go eat lunch. Besides, Sae is at the office and would kill me if I didn't bring Prim around to see her." Peeta said as he maneuvered the car into the parking area of Coin & Crane. "You're all welcome to come up if you wish."
The others exchanged looks and then shook their heads. Katniss put in, "I think that I need to rest my feet some more. I'm not used to Olympic style shopping trips." Johanna heartily agreed. Rue giggled from the back seat, her eyes alight with glee. Gale didn't even bother to respond, having found a distraction in one of the puzzle books he had purchased while waiting for the girls to decide between a wedge heel and a ballet flat. He told Peeta that it was a trick he picked up from dealing with his younger sister. Peeta made a note for the next time he got stuck in a store with Prim. It was brilliant.
Peeta and Prim climbed out, assuring them that they wouldn't be long. The elevator trip was gratifyingly short. Prim led the way to Peeta's office and was scooped up in a tremendous hug the moment she cleared the door. Sae squeezed the girl tightly, scolding gently even as she hugged her tighter, "About time you came to see me. I've been worried sick, girl. You know better than to do that to an old woman."
Prim grinned at her tone. She stepped back and eyed the woman who had helped raise her. "I'm sorry, Sae. I really am. I've already apologized to Peeta for what a jerk I was. I guess I owe you one too." A sheen of tears glazed her eyes. "You should have horse whipped me after the hitchhiking thing. I was an idiot. I'm really sorry for how I acted. I promise that it will never happen again."
Sae patted her back gently. "Of course you won't, honey. You're growing up, little Prim. I'm going to miss that little girl but I'm proud of the way she's turned out. You'll be fine, sweetheart. You just have to do what you know is right. That will never fail you." Sae shot Peeta a fond look. "You had a good teacher. He always did know what needed doing. By the way, where is little Katniss? I hoped that she would come by to see me."
Prim grinned as Peeta gave Sae an annoyed look. She answered before he could, "She is in the car with the others. We're headed over to your place as soon as brother dearest finishes up whatever he came here to do."
"All right, you two," He grated. "I'm done here. Sae, why don't you cut out early and join us. We're headed over the Mocking bird like she said. One more will just round out the party." She nodded eagerly and grabbed her purse. They locked up the office and made their way toward the elevator. The threesome was just getting ready to summon the elevator when a voice caused them to turn around. "Hey, Mellark," Daniel Cato sauntered up, accompanied by a thin, dark-haired woman. "I thought that was you. We need to get together on the Heavensbee account. They've put in another order. This one is bigger than the last. We might land the accounts for their whole group if they like what they see."
Peeta concurred, "Sae will set up a meeting for tomorrow. Won't you, Sae? We can work out the details then. Right now, we are late for an appointment so if you will excuse us, then we'll be going."
Cato's eyes gleamed and he smiled engagingly, "Of course. Don't let me keep you. Good to see you again, Ms. Mellark. I'm glad to see you out and about." He turned to the woman who had been standing so silently behind him. Peeta had almost forgotten her presence. "Allow me to introduce my new assistant, Cressida Matisse. Cressida, this is Peeta Mellark, a colleague of mine, and his sister Primrose. The other lady is Sadie Castrol who works at Peeta's assistant and all around right hand. She just started today. Sae, maybe you would be kind enough to show her the ropes?"
Sae acquiesced graciously and the strange pair bid them goodbye. Peeta shook his head wonderingly at the odd conversation but decided to think about it another time. The elevator door slammed shut and Peeta turned to his companions to continue the previous conversation. He was brought to a jarring halt when he caught sight of his sister's face. Prim was chalk-white, her china blue eyes wide and staring. She was shaking noticeably. As he watched, tears gathered in the corners of her eyes and quickly overflowed to stream down her cheeks. He grasped her hand, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Prim, what the hell is going on? Are you okay?" he bit out.
"Peeta that was…" she wavered, clearly terrified but trying to get the words out. "That man…he was the one. I remember his voice, Peeta. It was him that night. It was him. He hit her. He called her useless." The disjointed sentences quickly rose to an incoherent howl as the girl collapsed into sobs. Peeta exchanged a confused look with Sae, while he tried unsuccessfully to calm the panicked girl down. "Peeta," she tried again. "He hit Rue. I heard him, Peeta. I know his voice. It was him. I swear. It was him."
Peeta's eyes widened as the implication of what she was saying hit him. "Prim, are you sure? Please. You have to be absolutely clear about this. You are saying that Daniel Cato was in the basement that night. He's the one who hurt Rue." Her petrified nod was the only answer he needed. "We've got to tell someone about this right now. Damn it, how is that even possible?"
Prim gulped her alarm still evident on her face. "That's not all, Peeta. That woman with him that he said was his new assistant. Cressida Matisse was her name. Peeta, that's Rue's aunt. She's the one who put Rue in that horrible place. She traded Rue's little sister to them for drugs. That's why Rue volunteered so that they wouldn't take her sister. What is she doing here and working for him? What's going on?"
Peeta 's shocked gaze locked with that of his sister. "I don't know. We have to let Detective Boggs know about this. We have to tell them now. Sae, I'm sorry but we're going to have to cancel dinner. Something's come up." Grabbing Prim's hand, he hit the garage door running. Sae could only watch in amazement as the two ran as fast as they could to the waiting black car. Something was definitely not right. Not right at all.
End Part 17