Chapter 20: Lead Me Not Into Temptation

Chapter Text

Part 20: Lead Me Not Into Temptation

She awoke to blue eyes and sunshine. Wrapped in warm arms, she was content to stay exactly where she was. Fate, it seemed, didn't agree with her plans. "Come on, sleepyhead," he murmured. "It's time to get up." She made a soft sound of protest, snuggling back into him and refusing to open her eyes. "Come on, Katniss. We need to go back downstairs. Everyone will be up and wondering where we are."

Downstairs, she wondered. What did he mean downstairs? She raised her head slowly and took a drowsy look around. They were still on the roof. She sluggishly sat up, running fingers through her tousled hair. Her memories of the night were almost dreamlike. She didn't want to examine them too closely; afraid they would diminish in the stark morning light. "What time is it?" She questioned. "What are we still doing up here?"

He laughed quietly at her tone and pulled her back against him. "It's early, very early actually. We're still here because I didn't want to leave. You're very beautiful when you sleep." he stated softly. "I didn't have the heart to disturb you. "

She shook her head, the phrase too good to be true running rampant through her mind. She finally located her shoes and sat down on the bench to pull on the boots and knot the lacings. He took the opportunity to fold up the blanket and stow the remaining debris of their impromptu picnic. "Peeta, about last night," she trailed off uncertainly. He paused, looking at her expectantly. "I don't understand. What does that mean for us? Where do we go from here?"

He signed, depositing the blanket on the bench and reached out to grasp her hands. "I knew that you would have doubts. Katniss, we go wherever you want to go. We go as fast or as slowly as you are comfortable with." He pushed the blanket out of the way and sat down, pulling her to him. "I made you promises last night and I intend to keep them. I know how hard it was for you to open up to me. The toasting, well that's my way of declaring my intentions, I guess. I want you with me. I plan on being part of your life for a long time, as long as you'll let me. I'm serious about this and I wanted you to know it."

"I meant what I said too," she mouthed. "I love you. I want you with me; at least as long as you can stand me." He chuckled, lips ghosting over her cheek and down to her mouth. The touch of his lips on hers electrified her. Wrapping both arms around his neck, she pulled herself tightly against him. She felt the fog rolling in, shrouding the two of them in billowing gray depths where nothing existed but the connection of his mouth on hers. She came apart in his arms, exhilarated and enthralled that something as simple as a kiss could affect her like this. Breaking away, his astonished gaze converged with hers, breathing swift and erratic. Looking more than a little pleased, she questioned, "You sure you don't want to stay up here a little while longer?"

"I would love to," he retorted huskily. "But I would rather not be found by your friends or my sister at an inconvenient time." He pulled her in for one more; all too brief kiss then reluctantly pushed her away. "I will take you up on that offer soon. Count on it." The unintended color that climbed her cheeks made him smile. "Come on, before they send out the cavalry." They picked up the remaining vestiges of their picnic and strolled hand-in-hand to the elevator. "We should come back up here soon," he commented. "I can see why you love it. It's like a whole other world up here."

"I think that's why I enjoy it so much. It feels like everything just fades away when I'm up here." She twined his fingers with hers. "I'd like to come back with you. Maybe next time, you'll let me have my way."

"Sweetheart, you can have your way with me any time you like." He returned. "Just let me know when you're ready and I'll be there."

"Not what I meant. But, thanks for the information." She rolled her eyes. "What are we going to do about Rue's aunt and this Cato person? Boggs wanted to talk with you today and I need to get Annie over here to speak with the girls so that their stories can be documented. I just hope that they will have enough to get this wrapped up."

The reaction when they entered the apartment was funny for the gamut of reactions they encountered. Gale's amused expression contrasted nicely with Johanna's flummoxed one. Prim and Rue regarded the pair wordlessly then shared an eloquent glance. Katniss, wisely, chose not to comment but went straight to the kitchen for a fortifying cup of coffee. She snagged a couple of waffles from the warming rack and tucked in. Peeta headed for the bathroom and a much needed shower. She watched him go; then raised an inquiring eyebrow at Johanna for the stifled giggle she emitted. "Something you want to say, Jo?" Katniss questioned.

"No," Johanna remarked, trading a droll look with a sniggering Gale. "I think that fascinated look on your face says quite enough, don't you?"

Katniss tossed her a sour glare before turning her attention back to her breakfast. She finished eating hastily and then made her way to her bedroom for some fresh clothes and a few second's peace. She couldn't stop a startled jump when Prim abruptly entered. "Is everything okay, Prim?" She asked carefully.

Prim regarded her silently for a moment. Her hands twisted together uncertainly. She let out a deep breath, as if reaching a decision, and then asked, "Katniss, do you really mean it? Do you love my brother?" She scanned Katniss' features anxiously. "Are you going to see us after this mess is over?"

Katniss timidly reached out a hand and was gratified when Prim immediately grasped it. She pulled the girl onto the bed, sitting with knees touching while her eyes apprehensively searched Prim's blue gaze. "I do love him, Primrose, and I would like to see both of you once this is done. My concern is that you are okay with me doing that." Katniss watched the play of emotions cross the girl's expressive features. "You know that I don't want to make you uncomfortable in any way. You're a huge part of his life, Prim. I want us to be close. I want to make this work. Do you?"

Prim's face morphed from anxiety to eager enthusiasm in the blink of an eye. She squeezed the older girl's fingers excitedly. "I was so worried. I knew that you liked each other. I hoped that it would work out like this. With everything that's happened, I was scared that you two would put it off and let it go. I'm so glad it's you and not Malibu Barbie. That would have been more than I could handle. This just makes me happy."

Katniss snorted at the Malibu Barbie reference. She shot the girl a stern look which was promptly disregarded. "Don't give me that look." Prim asserted. "You didn't like her any more than I did. She's a pain. I'm glad that Sae reined her in. She was being absolutely ridiculous. Peeta was just too polite to tell her. Now he won't have to put up with her foolishness anymore." She regarded Katniss curiously, "So where did you two sneak off to last night? Gale and Johanna said that they didn't know where you went."

"We had a picnic. It was nothing super special. Just the usual stuff." Katniss grinned suddenly. "Well, not just the usual bits. He made me toast. That was definitely a first."

Prim's sapphire gaze widened in astonishment, "You had toast? Katniss, did you make each other toast?" At Katniss bewildered nod, Prim's astounded look quickly changed to a gleeful, delighted expression. "You had a toasting, didn't you? Oh my God! I can't believe he did a toasting. That's something that he learned from Dad. He's never shared that with anyone."

"Me either." Katniss offered quietly. "I've never been that close to anyone. Ever."

Prim beamed. This time it was she who held out her arms. The two embraced, sharing a moment of mutual warmth and affection. "I always wanted a sister." Prim spoke softly. "I really am glad that it's you."

Katniss breathed back, "I'm glad it's me, too."

A knock sounded and Peeta pushed the door open far enough to stick his head in. "Everything okay? I was about to go and talk to Boggs. Annie and Finnick are here to speak with you and Rue, Prim. If you're ready, that is." His gaze swung from one to the other. "Katniss, do you want to come with me?" She nodded briefly and squeezed Prim's hand once more before letting go. "We'll talk later. See you soon."

As they left, Peeta asked again, "Is everything okay?"

Katniss hooked her arm through his, "Yeah, everything is perfect." Her smile wreathed her face. "Just perfect."

. . .

The girls went over every aspect of what they could remember regarding Cato and his involvement with the basement attack as well as the subsequent meeting at Coin & Crane. Annie once more recorded the sessions and took detailed notes. She marked the relevant pages and carefully flagged the tapes. Finnick had set quietly through the session. Once they finished up, he handed Rue a card with a phone number and time written on it. "I didn't want to forget the other reason that we stopped by. You still have permission to call your sisters and brother. That is the number. They should be expecting your call. Why don't you girls go in and get that taken care of. I'm sure that they are looking forward to hearing from you." Rue took the card, voicing her gratitude. She and Prim headed to the phone, Prim chattering happily the whole way.

Finnick watched them go, a funny little half smile on his face. Annie finished tidying up then joined him as he continued to observe the conversation. "Is something bothering you, Finnick?" She asked quietly. "You haven't said two words since we got here."

"I was just marveling at their resilience." Finnick replied. "Kids are amazing. You can put them through things that would cause most adults to crumple. They go through these horrors, and still manage to bounce back stronger than ever. They don't break, not like we do."

Annie grasped his hand in both of hers. "Is that what's bothering you? You're not broken, Finnick. Not even close. You are one of the strongest people that I know."

He flashed a quick grateful look. "Years of practice at getting people to see what I want them to. But I do appreciate the vote of confidence." He swallowed noisily and Annie was shocked to see the telltale sheen in his eyes. "This brings back memories that I'd prefer to stay in the past."

Annie didn't know quite what to say so she continued to hold his hand and let him take his time. She could see that he wanted and needed to talk. She didn't want to push him. She decided to wait him out. Finally, his gaze flickered from her to their joined hands. When he eventually spoke again, his voice was hesitant, "I had a friend back then. We usually tried to stick together like those two. He was a few years younger than me but it didn't matter. On visiting days, it was the two of us and a few others that got brought in. Dan and I were the most popular. After it was done, we took care of each other, helped each other stay sane." He laughed shakily. "Haymitch came along shortly afterward and got me out of it completely. I owe him more than I can ever repay."

Annie felt her own eyes well up. "What about your friend, Dan, whatever happened to him?"

Finnick shrugged a lost expression in his sea green eyes. "He couldn't get to him in time. Haymitch worked as fast as he could and got as many of us quietly reassigned as possible. The system only works so fast. They knew something was in the works and the bottom was about to fall out. They staggered us out over to the people that Haymitch knew he could trust. It was too little too late. Dan was one of those that didn't make it out. According to the records, he was adopted by an older couple upstate. Haymitch couldn't find anything to confirm it. They did seal adoption records then but there should have still been some trace. We didn't find anything. I think they kept him. I don't think he ever made it out."

"Did they catch the guys responsible? Did they bring charges against your old social worker?" Annie asked softly.

Finnick shook his head. "No. They never found him to bring charges formally. Right after Haymitch got me, he disappeared. They searched for him but came up empty. Old Thread was wily. I knew they wouldn't catch him unless he wanted to be caught. I think he kept Dan with him or let one of his "visitors" have him. He would have used every possible favor to keep his neck from getting stretched." Finnick laughed bitterly, "No, Crayton Thread wouldn't go down without a fight. He would have had more than one back door. You can count on that."

"Crayton Thread," Annie mouthed. "He sounds like a monster. The scam he was running while still a social worker should have been enough to put him away for life. Do you know if they are still looking for him?"

"I really don't know. It's been years. He's an old man by now." Finnick's gaze wondered back to the pair still clustered at the phone. "These Gamesmakers are just as despicable as Crayton Thread and his associates. Nobody should have to see what that girl has seen. Nobody should have to see what I've seen." The last was spoken at a whisper. Annie had never seen anyone look so broken and alone. She felt something inside her twist at the thought of him in pain. She moved without conscious thought, fingers tangling in the bedraggled bronze strands. Startled sea colored eyes met hers and he opened his mouth to ask what she was doing. Her mouth colliding with his shut off all attempts at speaking. Finnick quickly wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her to him before she could regain her good sense. His mind shut down as the feel of her overrode all attempts to figure out what had brought this sudden change. All the plans and scenarios that his alcoholic brain had entertained when plotting with Gale and Peeta paled in comparison to the scent of her hair, the softness of her skin under his hands, or the taste of her lips against his. Finnick was lost and he didn't even attempt to save himself.

She pulled away, her wide eyes and red cheeks revealing her own surprise. Her actions had been instinctive. She had reacted to his distress and Finnick couldn't be happier. All the artifice, the false bravado, the cocky playboy attitude fell away; leaving the man who had just reached his most heartfelt goal. He knew her now. He knew the important details that no favorite color or habitual action could ever disguise. She had put aside every thought except to take care of him and ease his pain. She looked past the mask he wore for the world and saw him, unvarnished and real. She saw him. Knowing that, Finnick felt the cracks within his heart seal up. He leaned forward and pressed one more kiss to her unsuspecting mouth. "Thank you for that. I don't know what to say except thank you." Her self-conscious expression amused him greatly. "I put a lot of thought into our first kiss but I never pictured it that way. You have managed to surprise me more than anyone I've ever met. Maybe that is why you fascinate me so. I don't know. I don't even think that I want to know. "

Annie's gaze flickered with an unnamed emotion. She regarded him in silence, and then nonsensically kissed him again. Finnick laughed softly against her lips, and then gave himself up to the emotions she stirred in him. Their mouths tangled, hands pulling each other closer. He pulled away this time, smiling foolishly. There was softness to her gaze that he exulted in, that he basked in. "Annie," he inquired softly. "Would you ever consider me, seriously I mean? Do you think that we could see each other?"

She nodded briefly, a small smile curving her lips. "I think that I would like that, Finnick. I think that I would like that a lot."

He was about to comment when he realized that they were now alone in the room. He looked around in confusion. "Did you see where the girls got off to? I didn't even see them get off the phone."

Annie glanced toward the hallway. "Maybe they went in the back once they finished up. I'll go check on them." She sent him a shy glance then made her way down the hallway. Finnick watched her go, an incongruously giddy feeling welling up. He wasn't used to the idea that he could be happy. It was so out of character. It was preposterous that someone with his background and hang ups could ever let go enough to expect any shot at happiness. But here it was, and like a fool he was jumping at the opportunity.

Annie came hastily back down the hallway, her forehead creased in worry. "Finnick, they are not back there. I didn't see them leave. Do you have any idea where they went?"

Finnick shook his head. He went to the door and looked out. There was no one in the hallway in either direction. He closed the door and met Annie's worried regard. "They do know that they aren't supposed to be out wandering around. It's much too risky for them to be out alone. Peeta will have my head, not to mention Katniss. Actually, I'm much more scared of Katniss. She's the more threatening."

Annie smirked, "I have to agree with you. Katniss is the more frightening. She is a crack shot after all. We don't know how Peeta's talent runs. It's best to stick with what you're familiar with. We need to call them and let them know the girls are gone. Maybe they can get Boggs to put some quiet feelers out. I just want to make sure that they are okay."

Finnick agreed already reaching for his phone. As he dialed Peeta's phone number, he felt an impending sense that this couldn't possibly end well. He seriously hoped that he was wrong.

. . . .XO.

Rue dialed the number hurriedly. She couldn't wait to speak with her sisters and brother. Prim bounced around in excitement. Rue took pity on her and hit the speaker button right at the moment a small voice piped up, "Hello."

"Hi, Macie. This is Rue. How are you?" Rue cooed. "I miss you, sweetie."

"Rue, is that you? I'm good. Is Pip okay?" the small voice sounded concerned.

Rue smiled and pointed toward the ratty teddy bear at Prim's questioning glance. Prim giggled as silently as possible. "Pip is just fine, Macie. I'll make sure that you have him back as soon as I can. Is Collette and Thresh there? I wanted to speak with all of you."

They heard the little girl yell for her sister and brother that Rue was on the phone. Rue grinned at the commotion and Prim couldn't stop another chuckle from escaping. This was a whole other side to Rue. Finally, another small voice came on the line. "Hey, Rue. You coming back home now?" Thresh questioned. "I want you to come home."

Rue's face fell, tears brimming in her eyes. "I'm sorry, baby. I wish that I could come home. I will try and see you soon. Okay? Don't be upset, Thresh. I promise that we'll see each other soon. Can you get Collette for me please?" He agreed and bade her goodbye.

Collette finally got on the phone and Rue was alarmed at the lifeless tone of her sister's voice. "What's up, little sister? You've got me worried. Has something happened?"

Collette hesitated then blurted out, "Did you know that Aunt Cressida has been coming to see us? She's practically got that Ms. Pollux eating out of her hand. We're going to have to live with her again. It's nice here, Rue. We want to stay. We want you to come here too." Collette stopped, a small sniffle breaking the resulting silence. "Aunt Cressida told me that you would have to go back to Cray once your program is over. She's going to send me too. She said that he is insisting. Rue, I don't want to."

Rue cursed quietly and shared an anguished look with Prim. "You won't have to, Collette. I promise you that Cray will never get his claws into you. I'll make sure of it. Try not to worry okay."

Collette continued to quietly sob but managed to get out, "What if Cressida comes back? What can I do?"

Rue bit her lip at the agonized dread in her sister's tone. Prim put a supporting hand on her friend's arm but continued to listen in silence. Finally, Rue reassured, "I'll fix it just like I always do, Collette. I promise that I will. You just don't worry and leave it to me. Okay? Listen, I've got to go but I love you all. I'll call you again soon." They hung up and Rue stoically looked at her feet then finally met Prim's gaze. "I have to go now. I can't let them get their hands on my little sister. She wouldn't last five minutes. You know it and so do I." She picked up the bedraggled teddy bear and forced it into Prim's hands. "I don't know how you'll do it but see that Macie gets Pip back. She won't be happy until she has him back." She pulled in an uncertain breath. "You've been the best friend that I've ever had, Prim. I can't thank you enough for everything you've done."

Prim snorted, "You're talking like I'm not going to see you again. If you think I'm letting you go in there alone, you're crazy. You go, I go. That's that."

Rue shook her head. "Don't be an idiot. You know what they're going to do to me. You've seen it firsthand. I can't let you take this kind of chance. Get real, Prim. You can't help me anymore."

"I'm going and you can't stop me. If you try and get away, then I'll follow you. You might as well let me go with you." Prim announced.

"Prim, you can't do this. Use your head. What about your brother?" Rue asked.

"My brother will understand. Besides, he has Katniss. He will be okay. Rue, I know that you're trying to protect me. Can't you understand that I'm trying to do the same thing?" She posed.

Rue nodded sadly. "I can't let you. I don't want you hurt because of me. Please, Prim."

Prim's face turned to stone. "It's not your decision. If we're going, we better go while they are still distracted." She gestured to Annie and Finnick currently entangled in the kitchen. "Grab your stuff."

The girls carefully eased out of the apartment and silently pulled the door closed behind them. Prim looked appraisingly at her friend. "So, where exactly are we going? I assume you have a plan."

Rue laughed at the absurd question, "Not necessarily a plan. I have to convince Cray to leave my sister alone. That won't be easy." She sobered. "They are going to kill me, Prim. Nothing you can do will stop that. You should stay here where you are safe. Please."

Prim shook her head angrily, "Look we've already talked about this. I'm going with you one way or another. Now quit trying to talk me out of it and just tell me where we're going."

Rue solemnly regarded her friend then let out a resigned breath. "Fine. Have it your way but don't say that I didn't try to warn you. We're going to the Seam. That's the most likely place to find him. As to what happens when we do find him, that's anybody's guess."

Prim followed Rue into the street, carefully hiding the fact that she was terrified. She knew the odds of saving her friend weren't in her favor. She was risking her own neck in the process. Silently, she prayed that Peeta, Katniss, or anyone would figure out where they had gone and send help. She sent up one last plea and followed her friend into the ensuing dark.

End Part 20

Chapter 21: Deliver Us From Evil

Chapter Text

Chapter 21: Deliver Us from Evil

He thought death would be cold. It wasn't that he had given a lot of thought to dying but whenever it did cross his mind, he pictured it as cold. It was something of a surprise to discover that it was quite the opposite. He was warm and comfortable as if wrapped in a snug blanket. It was inviting, welcoming him like an old friend. He dimly heard his name being called and looked up. The hands that reached for him were coated red causing him to withdraw in distaste. His tongue tangled up, mangling his words. He cursed it for failing him now. He swallowed, his mouth suddenly filled with copper and salt and he paused, swiping a hand across his lips. It came away scarlet. "Stay with me," he heard faintly. He tried to wipe away the crimson drops, only to find they had run together. His fingers were gloved in the gore. "Don't do this. Please. Stay with me." The words echoed in his ears. He moved toward that voice barely noticing when arms lifted him. Salt and copper, sticky sweet, thick and heavy; the blood had flowed unnoticed from the corners of his mouth and traced a line to his collar. "Tell her I'm sorry." He breathed, words coming garbled and indistinct. "Tell her I didn't mean for this to happen." He glanced up at the tear-streaked face mere inches from his own. "Tell her I love her." He heard a choked gasp and felt the catch in his chest. The world faded to a misty nebulous gray that wrapped him in elusive warmth. Smiling faintly, he slipped into the void.

. . .XO.

Peeta and Katniss were immediately shown into Detective Boggs' cramped office. The detective looked up in a preoccupied manner then started when he realized who his company was. "I didn't expect you to come quite so soon." He stated while moving a stack of files from the chairs fronting his desk. "Please make yourself comfortable while I get Lieutenant Leeg. She has been assisting me with the background and can explain it to you better than I can." He wandered out leaving Peeta and Katniss to take the two rickety chairs and wait for the pair to return.

"What exactly do you think they need to explain?" Peeta questioned. "I thought he wanted me to try and fill in some of the holes in my original statement."

Katniss shrugged. "Maybe he was able to find out something already. They've been working on this nonstop since we brought Rue in. He might have gotten lucky."

Detective Boggs returned, accompanied by a mousy, nondescript girl who peered at them through chunky thick-rimmed glasses. "This is Lieutenant Allyse Leeg. She is one of our best researchers. I've had her working on the background for Daniel Cato. Some of the stuff she found doesn't quite add up. I'm hoping that you can clarify some of the details, Mr. Mellark."

Peeta nodded, eyes betraying his confusion. "I'll do what I can. I don't really know much more about him than I've already told you."

Lieutenant Leeg cleared her throat. "We contacted your office and spoke with Seneca Crane, the co-owner of your firm. She provided us with Daniel Cato's general information-name, social security number, birthday, and recent address. We also got copies of his original resume that was submitted to the company before they hired him. Am I correct that Mr. Cato was brought into the company by the other owner, Albert Coin?"

Peeta nodded hesitantly. "He wasn't with Crane Designs originally. Seneca founded the firm and brought in a few of us straight out of school. There were five of us originally. She had developed a core group of clients and brought them with her when she founded the company. A few years ago, Albert Coin approached Seneca about the possibility of buying in as a managing partner. It was about the time Seneca was looking to expand, so she welcomed the extra cash flow. He did some hiring independently once the partnership was finalized. I believe Daniel was part of that group."

Boggs' affirmed, "He was. He was part of a group of three that moved in within two months after Crane Designs was revamped into Coin & Crane. The others, from what I can gather, are no longer employed at the firm. We are checking into their whereabouts. They might know something that could help us shed a little more light on this situation." Boggs pulled out the relevant file and passed it to Leeg.

"Once Albert Coin joined the company, the clientele began to transform. Are you aware of this, Mr. Mellark?" She questioned.

Peeta shook his head, "I still worked mainly for Seneca. She assigned what accounts she wanted me to work on. I was partnered with Daniel Cato on a few assignments but not always."

Boggs leaned forward attentively. "Do you remember which clients that you both worked on?"

Peeta's eyes narrowed in thought. "It was just a few. The Heavensbee account was the most recent. We also worked together on the stuff that Panem Behavioral commissioned for their groups like Better Way. The biggest one was for a group called Mockingjay Associates."

Lieutenant Leeg probed, "What exactly is the Heavensbee account? Do you know any details about Mockingjay Associates?"

Peeta eyed her in a considering fashion. "Heavensbee is a pharmaceutical company that specializes in the development of painkillers and sedatives used during surgery. They are trying to develop medicines with fewer side effects and have less impact on the lungs and heart while the patient is unconscious. They've made several breakthroughs. Mockingjay Associates runs a network of halfway houses for runaways. They deal with a lot of the clientele that Better Way handles. What does this have to do with Daniel Cato and his involvement with Rue and the Gamesmakers?"

Boggs chose to field this question. "As I mentioned, the clientele began to transform once Coin bought into the firm. Pharmaceutical companies, halfway houses, outreach programs for troubled youth, soup kitchens, and drug rehab facilities; tell me, do you notice a pattern here?" Boggs snatched another file from the precarious pile. "These places, with the exception of Heavensbee are prime hunting grounds for the weakest and most desperate. We think that they were scouting for recruits and tributes. The only question is how involved your Mr. Coin is when it comes time to recruit new clients."

Lieutenant Leeg chimed in, "Since we're throwing names around are either of you familiar with a man named Crayton Thread?"

Peeta automatically shook his head no, the name not ringing any bells. However, Katniss gasped causing three sets of eyes to swing curiously in her direction. "I know that name. He was a social worker who was accused of running an escort service using foster children some years back. He was never located for charges to be brought against him. A good friend of mine was one of the children he terrorized. What does he have to do with this?" Suddenly a link fired in her brain, leaving her breathless. "Wait a minute. Rue mentioned some man called Cray during her interview with Annie. Do you think this Cray is actually Crayton Thread?"

Leeg and Boggs glanced at each other, obviously trying to decide how much information they could safely reveal. Finally Boggs relented, "We have no concrete proof but there are suggestions. I know that Finnick Odair from your office was one of the boys Thread traded for favors. Haymitch Abernathy somehow discovered what was going on and got several of the kids out by reassigning them and placing them into trustworthy facilities that Thread had no access to. However, there were several kids that no one was able to track down. They were listed as adopted or placed with a foster family. Other than the initial lists, there is no supporting documentation that can be located to actually prove the children were indeed sent to those homes. We suspect that Thread kept a few and used them to set up shop elsewhere. It looks like Daniel Cato might have been one of those kids."

Peeta recoiled in horror at what they were implying. Katniss, meanwhile, closed her eyes and silently prayed that Finnick never heard anything about this. The mere mention of Thread might be enough to set him off. She swallowed with difficulty then asked, "Have you told Haymitch any of this? He should be made aware of the possibility in any case. There are some people who would be blindsided if this story got out. Even if it's true or not, Haymitch needs to be told so that he can prepare. Poor Finnick. He needs to be told about this as soon as possible."

Peeta finally found his voice, "So what you're saying is that this man, Thread, made a run for it when he was about to be arrested. He managed to retain several of the kids that had been placed in his care and traded them to save his neck. My co-worker, Daniel Cato, is supposedly one of these kids and was given to whomever to do with as they pleased. He's now working for one of the most notorious gangs in the city. I don't buy it. How did you piece this together? You must have something more concrete than this."

Boggs bit his lip, clearly considering how much information was too much. Finally, he blew out a frustrated breath and returned, "Haymitch gave us his working notes from the initial investigation. Contained in those notes are a list of kids and what eventually happened to them. Haymitch was very thorough. One of the names listed is Dan Cade. Haymitch included all the vitals such as birthday, hair and eye color, social security number, and last known placement. We checked everything we had against this information. The curious detail is that the birthday matches except for the year and the social security number is only off by one digit. It's not conclusive but it is suggestive. Dan Cade was supposedly adopted by a family from upstate who were older and unable to have children of their own. We couldn't locate any records of an adoption but one of the foster placements was with a Fulvia Coin. Again, there is nothing conclusive but it is suggestive. "

Peeta's eyebrows climbed into his hairline. "What exactly are you saying, Boggs? You think that Albert Coin is somehow associated with the Gamesmakers along with Thread and Daniel Cato? How is that even possible? Albert Coin is a well-respected businessman. What possible reason would he have for getting mixed up in something like that?'

Leeg appeared to take umbrage at his tone. She retorted quite bitingly, "How closely did Seneca Crane examine where Mr. Coin's funds came from before she signed the partnership deal? How much background did she require or did she just hand over the keys when he handed over the cash?"

Peeta's mind reeled at the implications. He stuttered, "I don't know. I'm sure that our attorney checked him out. She wouldn't have just taken the money blindly. She didn't need it that badly. The business was successful in its own right. She was considering expansion and this deal came about at the right time."

Leeg snorted, "I'm sure that it did. The Gamesmakers haven't managed to stay anonymous for so long by being stupid. They operate completely off the radar. We only got this far because of two stupid teenage girls and an idiot who let his self-importance override his good sense. We got lucky. That little girl should have been dead when she escaped the first time. Your sister should have been dead when she spied on their little initiation. They got cocky and then they got stupid. One mistake and the whole thing could collapse. We are closer right now then we've ever been to cracking this case wide open. The sad thing is that we have a couple of fifteen year olds to thank for it."

Peeta opened his mouth to ask another question but was interrupted as his phone began to beep incessantly. Katniss' phone chimed almost at the same moment. Both retrieved the noisy objects and sent apologetic looks toward the two policemen. Katniss curiously noted that it was Annie calling before she flipped up the phone and answered, "Annie, what's up? Did the interview with the girls go okay?"

Annie's voice sounded slightly panicked as she answered, "Yes, the interviews went fine. I have the material for Detective Boggs whenever he wants it. That's not why I'm calling, Katniss. We just found out. The girls are gone." Annie paused, a rattled silence stretching out. "They left while I was talking with Finnick. We can't find them anywhere. Finnick has searched the whole building. They didn't leave a note or let us know they were going. The deputies that Detective Boggs has stationed around the building haven't seen any sign of them either. We don't know how they got out or where they went?"

Katniss felt her heart leap into her mouth. She cut her eyes quickly to Peeta as he argued briefly with Sae over some account detail. She put her hand on his arm, urging him to hurry. He raised an inquiring brow at her but gave a few more terse instructions, rolling his eyes as his so-called assistant ordered him to make sure he didn't miss dinner. His face flushed in embarrassment as her voice clearly carried in the cramped confines of the office. He snorted quietly, promised that he would eat, and quickly hung up the phone. He met Katniss wide-eyed, frightened gaze and hastily asked, "Katniss, is something wrong?"

Katniss held up a finger, signaling for him to wait. "Annie, stay there. We will be there as soon as we can. What were they doing before they left?" Peeta's eyes widened as he realized what she was saying. She shook her head, listening closely as Annie explained about the phone call to Rue's siblings. She jotted down a phone number on the back of her hand along with an address. "Keep Finnick there too. We're coming so just hang on." She hung up the phone and let out a frustrated breath, raking a hand through her unraveling braid. "Boggs, we have a problem. The girls are gone. Somehow, they got past Annie, Finnick, and anybody that you have stationed around my building. Rue had called her sisters and brother right before they left. I have the number and the address of the family that has the kids. We need to know what they said to Rue. It obviously set this little episode off."

Peeta grasped her arm, "Are they both gone? Did Prim go too? What the hell is going on? Why weren't they watching them?"

Katniss threw him an appealing look, while furiously scribbling the information on a post it for Boggs and Leeg. She handed it over carefully and grabbed his arm, heading for the exit and a fast walk. "I don't know what happened, Peeta. Annie is freaked out and Finnick is searching the entire building as we speak. If they are still close by, someone will spot them. We need to get there so that we can find out the whole story and figure out how we're going to get them back." They reached his car and climbed hurriedly inside. Katniss, knowing his penchant for driving erratically when upset, pulled the seatbelt firmly around her and then reached for his hand. She weaved her fingers through his and raised their joined hands to her lips. "I'm sure that there is a simple explanation and the girls are okay. Try not to worry."

He sought her gaze, his own softened by her tentatively affectionate gestures. "I hope so. I know how reckless Prim can be. Rue seems to have a good head on her shoulders but this whole situation feels off to me. I don't know why, Katniss, but I have a really bad feeling about this. I just want them to be okay." He shifted their hands to run a finger down the line of her cheek, "I love you. Thanks for trying to calm me down. It's an automatic response to panic when Prim is involved. She's all I've got left, besides you. "

"She's all I've got left besides you too." Katniss answered softly. "I love you, Peeta. Both of you."

The ride back to the apartment was done in short order. Finnick met them in the garage, bronze hair disheveled and green eyes rattled. "We've looked everywhere. There's no sign of them in the building, the garage, or the surrounding area. I'm so sorry, Peeta. They were there one minute and gone the next. We didn't even see them leave. I don't know what happened." His hand was absently twining knots into small cord he kept in his pocket.

The three of them went back up to Katniss' apartment. Annie joined them, gaze automatically following Finnick's convulsive hand motions as he unerringly knotted and untied the string. She put her hand on his, staying the spastic movements. His eyes flew up to hers, seeking reassurance. She rubbed a thumb absently along the side of his hand. Finnick felt tense muscles loosen slightly and he let the cord go limp. She pulled it free, tucking it into a skirt pocket, her thumb never ceasing the stroking of his hand.

"They spoke briefly with Rue's family. Finnick and I were just inside the kitchen. We could hear them talking. They couldn't have been out of our sight for a minute if that. We didn't even hear the door. I took a look around but couldn't tell if anything was missing. Katniss, maybe you could check that? It could give us a clue as to what they were thinking when they left."

Katniss briefly squeezed Peeta's hand before moving deeper into the apartment. She took a quick glance at the room Prim had been sleeping in. She didn't see anything out of place. She moved to the spare room where Rue had been staying. The new clothing was hung neatly in the closet, the shoes and other small items packed carefully away. Katniss stood in the middle of the room, eyes slowly drifting over every detail as she looked for anything obviously out of place or missing. Suddenly, it hit her and she ran hurriedly into the living room. "Rue's teddy bear is missing. She had been leaving him on the bed during the day. He's not there now. He's nowhere to be found in that room. Why would she take that and leave everything else behind?"

This question was met with three confused expressions. An imposing knock quickly commanded their attention. Katniss swung the door open to reveal Detective Boggs and Haymitch Abernathy. The two men, expressions grim, entered and took a seat. The silence stretched unbearably until Katniss commented, "The teddy bear is gone, Detective. We checked but couldn't find anything else missing. Were you able to speak with the kids about their earlier conversation?"

Haymitch and Boggs exchanged an unreadable glance. Boggs signed and rubbed his eyes tiredly, "Yes, I talked to them. The oldest one, Collette, said that her aunt Cressida had implied Rue would be going back to stay with Cray as soon as her program was finished. Cressida told the kid that she would be joining her there. She is so terrified that she could hardly speak. We finally got her to calm down. Rue told her that she would take care of it and that Collette would never have to deal with Cray. We went by the address that Cressida provided the case worker as her new residence. It's an abandoned lot down by the waterfront. We sent a car to her old address but so far we've got nothing." Boggs folded up the file, hitting it aimlessly against his knee. "The girl obviously is going to volunteer again to save her sister. What I can't figure out is why the Mellark girl chose to tag along. Rue knows what they will do to her if they find her. She wouldn't just let a complete innocent walk into that mess."

Peeta's jaw tightened at this pronouncement. He climbed to his feet and headed for the door. Katniss cut him off, her hand on his arm. "Peeta, where are you going? Let Boggs and the others handle this. They have the best chance of finding them quickly."

He shook his head angrily, "I have to find her, Kat. You know as well as I do what those girls are walking into. Rue may understand it but Prim has no clue what she's doing. She's going to get herself killed and I'll be damned if I'm going to sit here and let her do it. I have to make sure that she's safe. I have to."

Finnick unwound his hand from Annie's and he bounded up, joining Peeta at the door. "I'm going with you. You can't go alone. You need someone to watch your back." Annie blanched, her eyes betraying her panic at the thought of them wandering around in the Gamesmakers territory looking for the two wayward runaways. She opened her mouth briefly to protest but closed it again at his determined expression.

Boggs interjected, "Hold on a minute. We already have units canvasing the area looking for those girls. They will turn up. I can't allow civilians to go off half-cocked into a situation that they are not equipped to handle. Besides, Mr. Odair, we have some very important questions that we need to ask you regarding your past involvement with a Crayton Thread. It could be vital to this case so we will need you to cooperate."

Finnick's eyes narrowed, "Thread? What does he have to do with any of this? Haymitch, what the hell is going on?"

Haymitch returned Finnick's glare with one of his own. His hand pulled out a flask and after taking a healthy swallow, he retorted, "They think they have found out where he's been holed up for the last few years. It looks pretty good, kid. This might be the break that we've been looking for. They also have a lead on one of the others that we lost. You are familiar with him. Dan Cade has possibly been located. They need you to tell them anything you can remember about what happened when he disappeared."

Finnick's jaw dropped, "Dan Cade? You found Dan? How? Where?" His mouth continued to work but all sound ceased. The sea colored eyes clouded over as the details unraveled. "Dan Cade. Daniel Cato. Oh my God!" Finnick exclaimed. "He's the one who hurt Rue isn't he? They've hijacked him. They turned him into one of them, didn't they?" His voice choked up as emotions overwhelmed him. He began to shake uncontrollably. Haymitch climbed swiftly to his feet but Annie beat him there. She wrapped Finnick into a tight embrace, whispering quietly into his ear as her hands slid comfortingly up and down his back. The sobs coming from the big man overcame all other sounds in the room. It was broken only by the soothing patter from Annie as she continued to hold and rock him. She sank down in the floor with him still clutching her tightly. "It's okay. I'm here. You're safe." Her stormy blue-green gaze stabbed each of the other occupants in the room.

Katniss continued to hang onto Peeta's arm. "Please wait. Listen to Boggs. You don't even know where they went. You can't go by yourself. Peeta, please wait damn it. You can't go charging after her half-cocked. You'll end up getting both of you killed. Wait and see. Please."

"I do know where they went. She's going back to volunteer. There's only one logical place that she would be able to find them. She's going back to where it all started. She's going to the Seam. So that is where I'm going to go." Peeta cut in. He pulled his arm free and headed for the door once more. He had just reached for the knob when the doorbell chimed. Katniss darted in front of him and hastily pulled the door open. Seeing that it was Gale and Johanna, she stood back and waved them inside.

"We came as soon as we heard." Gale announced. "What can we do? We need to find those girls as quickly as possible."

Peeta quickly interjected, "You can go with me, Gale. I have a pretty good idea where they are headed. I can't go alone. What do you say? Want to tag along and watch my back? I'm sure that Detective Boggs will shake loose a couple of guys to go along with us."

Gale exchanged a quick look with Johanna, who nodded halfheartedly. "They do need to be found quickly." She stated quietly. "Just be careful, okay. We don't need anybody running around with a hero complex."

Boggs looked resigned then keyed his radio. He spoke cursorily, listened briefly, then nodded and clicked off. "I have two plainclothes units downstairs who will escort you two. The girls will be more likely to come quietly if they see someone they know and trust. You stay with my guys at all times. If you get them, have someone radio back so that we don't waste any more time on this wild goose chase than needed."

Both Peeta and Gale confirmed the orders and then made as if to leave. Katniss blocked the door, her gray eyes wide and frightened. "Both of you please be careful. I wish you wouldn't go but I know why you have to." Her gaze swung from one to the other, tears finally welling up. "Just get them and come back home. Please."

Gale and Peeta exchanged an unsettled look, and then Peeta drew her into his arms pulling her in as close as he could. His lips settled onto her, trying to calm and reassure her by touch alone. She shook in his arms, nervously returning the kiss even while tears flowed freely down her face. "Katniss, I promise that we'll be okay. Nothing will happen to me, Gale, or the girls. I promise." His lips left hers to trail up over her closed eyes and across the tear-stained cheeks. He stroked wetness away with his other hand, murmuring nonsense words into her ear until he felt her relax against him.

Gale watched them briefly and then sent Johanna a questioning look. She smiled slightly at him, holding out a hand which he gratefully took. She pulled him flush against her and kissed him hard on the mouth. "You will be careful," She stated, not a question. "You will come back safe and sound. Otherwise, you will be in big trouble, mister."

His lips quirked at her tone. "Yes, ma'am," he retorted. "I wouldn't dream of disappointing you, Johanna. Safe and sound as ordered." Throwing her a mock salute, he kissed her softly and then pushed her away. Clasping Peeta on the shoulder, he remarked, "Okay, Mellark, let's get this show on the road. The sooner we locate the brats, the sooner we can get back here. Besides, you owe me some cheese buns. The price just doubled since I have to babysit you tonight instead of your sister and her friend."

Peeta laughed and punched Gale half-heartedly in the shoulder. "Cheese buns, huh? I think that can be arranged. Let's get out of here." They headed for the door, looking back as one to shoot a cocky grin to each of the concerned girls silently watching. Katniss and Johanna shared an exasperated glance, and then shook their heads, arms crossed in mirror image of the other. Disapproval was written large on each girl's face. Peeta rolled his eyes and commented, "Can't win with them, can we?"

"Nope," Gale rejoined. "They just don't understand us."

"Ready?" Peeta questioned.

Gale laughed, "I was born ready, son. Let's do this."

Laughing like small boys, the two took off with the plainclothes cops trailing behind them. Katniss and Johanna shared a brief look before turning back to Haymitch and the others. All they could do now was wait.

End Part 21