Chapter 22: A Question of Crimson

Chapter Text

Part 22: A Question of Crimson

Prim continued to offer up prayer after prayer that someone or something would intervene. There had to be a balance somewhere, something good that could keep what seemed inevitable from happening. Prim knew what they were walking into and how it was likely to end. She had naively hoped Rue would change her mind. The girl, however, seemed set on her present course absolutely convinced that this was the only way. Prim couldn't think like that. Maybe it was the fact that she had never been completely devoid of hope or faith in something better. Maybe it was because she had never been truly desperate for anything in her life. Whatever it was, she embraced it whole-heartedly and implored luck or providence to grant them one final chance.

"Where exactly are we going?" She asked Rue quietly. "Do you know where to find Cray? Do you know where he's staying?"

"No, I don't know where he's staying but I know where he'll be." Rue returned. "They're looking for me, Prim. There are only a few places where they can be sure that they'll find me. Cray will have people watching each place so it is a pretty safe bet I'll see him soon enough."

Prim's jaw tightened, "You mean we will see him soon enough. Don't get any ideas about leaving me. I'm staying with you."

"Prim," Rue's tone was gentle. "I know what you're trying to do and I appreciate it but there's no way out for me. All you can do is get yourself hurt. You need to go home."

"No," Prim stubbornly maintained, "I go with you. End of discussion. "

Rue sighed and decided to temporarily drop the argument. It wasn't doing any good anyway. They continued to walk, the streets and buildings becoming more and more decrepit the deeper into the Seam they went. Prim let her gaze wander over the decaying facades and cracked sidewalks. The hopelessness that invaded this place was pervasive. It soaked into her very bones until all she wanted was to sit down and weep. She wanted Peeta. She wanted to go home. Ruthlessly, she squashed those feeble thoughts. She would not abandon her friend no matter how scared she was. Her roaming regard caught a stray flash of green, a wisp of white. She stopped and looked more closely, then felt a flimsy childlike hope settle over her. She bent, picked the scraggly dandelion that had poked its way through the ragged pavement, and after closing her eyes; neatly blew the snowy tufts into the twilight. A stifled giggle brought her eyes up to rest on her friend's face.

"What's so funny?" Prim asked somewhat defensively.

Rue just shrugged as her smile widened to previously unrealized dimensions. Her eyes sparkled as they traversed Prim's offended features. She snickered again, gesturing to the lone green frond Prim was clutching. "You are," She retorted. "Wishing on a dandelion like a five year old. My little sisters do that. We used to make a game of it, before everything went bad." Her face turned pensive and sad, her thoughts clearly elsewhere. "We would race around trying to see who could get the most stalks. The winner blew the tendrils free. I always told them that they tied so that they had to divide the stems between them. Thresh never wanted to blow off the ones he collected. He said they were too pretty. You just reminded me of them by doing that."

Prim smiled at the picture of Rue playing with her siblings. She remembered days of running through the yard, tagging after Peeta. They would gather dandelion twigs, catch fireflies in jars, and spend hours in the garden laying on their backs looking for shapes in the clouds. Before the accident that took their parents, it had been something of a tradition to go outside and watch the sky. Afterward, Peeta maintained the custom, even though Prim had begun to think she was too old. He would still drag her into the garden and sit just looking up. It didn't matter if it was for cloud shapes, meteor showers, or a flaming golden sunset. She would get so frustrated whenever he insisted on her participation. Now, looking back, she wished that they had had more days. She wished she could tell him how sorry she was for all the thoughtlessness she had displayed. She wished she was laying in that yard right now.

"Yeah, well I'm not five." Prim stated. "It might be silly but it made us both feel better for a few minutes. It was worth it just for that."

Rue flashed her full dimpled smile again and reached for Prim's hand. "It was worth it. Thank you."

They continued on down the crumbling street, arms still linked. Prim felt Rue's arm tense as an abandoned tenement came into view. The few windows that remained intact were permanently fogged with a coating of grime and mildew. The paint was chipped and faded, with only a few intact patches showing the original white coloring. The door hung askew, clearly not plumb in the frame. Prim felt a knot clench in her middle as she recalled this was where Rue had discovered her sisters and brother. This was where she had walked willingly into torment to keep her little sister safe. Rue's tight jaw and worried eyes clearly showed that she was entertaining similar thoughts. They halted just outside the rickety door and paused, wary and unsure. The ramshackle building appeared to be empty. Seeing no one obviously around, Prim opened her mouth to suggest that they try another plan. Before the words could come, steps on the rubble behind them brought her head quickly around.

He was thin, scraggly, with gray stringy hair wreathing his head. His steely blue eyes held no signs of warmth or compassion. They were like marbles, opaque and flat. Prim felt a tremor work its way up her spine as those icy eyes moved over her. She wanted to cover herself and pull away. Rue, however, stood tall and defiant with her eyes blazing. Her fists were clenched, the knuckles visibly white. "Well, well. Look who we have here. Our little tribute has come home at last, boys. Rue, you've caused us a lot of trouble, girl. You know that's not how this works." He taunted. "You won't find your welcome to be quite so warm this time."

Rue snorted scathingly. "Threats don't impress me, Cray. We both know that you don't handle the punishments so spare me. I've come back of my own free will. If there is any price to be paid, I'll pay it. I don't have to listen to you so just cut it out. Let's just get this over with."

Cray's eyebrows lifted in surprise at her boldness. He smirked, clearly enjoying her insolence. "It's good to see that you've still got your fire, girl. That will make your breaking so much more enjoyable. You are right that I don't have the privilege of giving you what you've earned. They have something special in mind for your return. I believe that Brutus will get the pleasure of showing you the consequences of your little stunt. You won't find him as forgiving as Daniel was to you. I understand that he did manage to get you marked. Brutus will arrange for a much more visible reminder of your place in our world. That way it won't be so easy for you to abandon your obligations." He shifted his regard from Rue's mutinous stare to Prim's horrified one. "Who is your little friend? I haven't seen her around her before."

Before Rue could dig herself in deeper with another attitude display, Prim found her voice and said stoutly, "I'm coming with her. We know that their aunt offered to let you have Collette too. I'm offering to go instead of Collette. She's only eight. She's not much use to you. Take me instead just leave the little girl alone." Rue whimpered, her expression changing from outright distain to scared stiff. She mutely shook her head at Prim, her eyes begging Prim to recant the offer. Prim imperceptibly shook her head. It was too late now. She had already put everything on the line. There was no going back now.

Cray licked his lips and his eyes travelled over the girl before him. He cackled in delight, and then nodded. "All right then. You go in exchange for little sister. That's a fair trade. Yes, I think you will do nicely. Very nicely." He reached up and tugged almost playfully at the end of her ash blond braid. "Such a pretty thing. It almost makes me feel sorry for you. They will eat you alive." He chuckled again and flipped her braid back over her shoulder. "Let's go, boys. The main man has been waiting for this one." He strolled toward a ratty black car parked inconspicuously on the corner, not even checking to see if they were following. Prim met Rue's anxious glance, and smiled timidly at her friend in an attempt to calm her clamoring nerves. She felt a rough hand grasp her elbow and tore her gaze from Rue. She looked up and her breath caught as she met the cobalt stare of Daniel Cato. Her heart jumped into her throat and an unconscious whimper escaped her lips as his features registered in her paralyzed mind. Instead of the cocky, arrogant derision she was expecting his eyes held only pity and understanding. He tugged her arm and they moved to follow Cray to the waiting car.

"You shouldn't have come here, Ms. Mellark." He pronounced. "You should have left well enough alone." He then pushed her into the car's confines, taking care not to hit her head on the door. She gave him one more brief look then turned her gaze back to her silent companion. The car rolled silently away from the dilapidated old building, taking the girls into an unknown fate. The only visible sign of their presence was a crumpled dandelion stem and a bedraggled teddy bear, lying unnoticed and disregarded on the grimy sidewalk.

. .

He couldn't stop the trembling. Hands clasped tightly, knuckles white from the strain. Memories striking like lightning. Breath coming in short, sharp spurts. He felt the seams break and the world crumble. He cast out aimlessly, searching for any port in the storm. A cool touch anchored him. His eyes opened, finding hers in the maelstrom. "It's okay. I'm here. You're safe." Her voice reached in and pulled him out. Her arms slipped around him, sheltering him from the turmoil that battered him from all sides. She continued to murmur, "You're safe. I've got you. Finnick, you're okay." He wept, clinging to her as the emotions unrelentingly swirled. Finally, he became quiet, the chaos subsiding. He continued to hang on, her voice soothing and her arms giving refuge.

Finnick met her gaze gratefully. Her hands lingered, wiping the wetness from his cheeks. She gifted him with a diminutive lift of her mouth. "Thank you," he spoke softly. Her eyes softened and she nodded slightly. He shifted, watching Peeta and Gale's laughing departure and the women's half-hearted disapproving display. Annie continued to watch him, ready to step in should it look like he was slipping back. He made as if to head for the door but was stayed when her fingers tightened on his wrist. She spared him a sideways look, and imperceptibly shook her head. He frowned, but complied with her unspoken request and went instead to claim a seat on the couch. She sat down beside him, their knees touching and watched as Katniss and Johanna shared an uneasy glance.

Haymitch too watched the exchange at the doorway. He took another brief swig from his flask before sinking into an armchair and regarding Finnick somberly. "You okay now, kid? We need your help. I know it's going to be hard for you and I'm sorry. You're the only one who might be able to give us some insight into these guys. Are you up to it?"

Annie reached for his hand, reassuringly tucking it between both of hers. She smiled encouragingly at him, "It would help them, Finnick. I think you should try." Her fingers tightened subtly on his, trying to convey her support and strength. He squeezed back softly then nodded affirmatively to Haymitch and Detective Boggs. "What exactly do you need me to do?" Boggs handed over a piece of paper. Finnick casually scanned it, his brow noticeably furrowing as he read the names and addresses. "What exactly am I looking at here? Is this supposed to mean something to me?"

Boggs opened his mouth, a pained look on his face but Haymitch beat him to the punch. "These are a list of so-called foster placements that the ones we couldn't get out were sent to. Lieutenant Leeg ran a cross-check against each of the kids and these are the ones that they had in common. I want you to look this list over and see if anything sparks a memory. Anything that you could give us might be helpful."

Finnick wore a doubtful expression but his gaze dropped obligingly to the list. He reached for a pen and began to tick off each name as he examined the catalogue closely. Finally, he circled three names and handed the list back to Haymitch. "Those three. I don't recognize those specific names but someone with that last name was present at some of Thread's meetings. I don't know how helpful it will be."

Haymitch and Boggs both perused the list, anxious to see which ones had made an impression. Haymitch whistled under his breath and Boggs mimicked him. Annie glanced hesitantly at Finnick then scooted to where she had a clear view of the paper. There, boldly circled, she read: Fulvia Coin, Gloss Agnaste, and Henrietta Jewelton. Annie felt as if she had been kicked in the gut. Agnaste and Jewelton; that was the same last name as the two girls had who assisted in the attack on Rue. Whatever was going on, it was clear that the tangle was dark and twisted and went farther back than anyone had realized.

Haymitch pointed specifically to Fulvia Coin. "Finnick, do you know anything about her? Did you ever hear anything about her being involved with Thread's little sideline?"

Finnick shook his head, "I was never sent to her, Haymitch. She was a placement of Dan's. I think that he stayed there about four months before they moved him back. He didn't say much about it. The only reason that the name stood out is because there was a guy named Coin who showed up every now and then when Thread had his little parties. I don't remember his first name. It was something like Alfred or Allen. He and Thread got into a couple of big fights because he didn't abide by the rules. He left marks and bruises which had to be explained. Thread never liked having to give explanations. This guy acted like he didn't have a care in the world. After a few times, Thread didn't invite him anymore."

Boggs got a giddy expression on his face. He opened his briefcase and pulled out yet another ragged file. Removing a photograph, he presented it to Finnick and questioned, "Is that the man you remember from those parties? Look very carefully."

Finnick examined the photo carefully. He tilted his head thoughtfully and turned the page side to side as he regarded it from every angle. "It looks similar but I can't say for sure. The face is just slightly off. The eyes are not a big as I remember. The lips are thinner too. It looks close but there are little changes." He handed the paper back to Boggs and then looked at Haymitch gravely. "This is the guy that got his hooks into Dan, isn't it? He turned him into a monster." His bitter laugh sounded harsh in the stillness. "The Dan that I knew would never knowingly lay a finger on a fifteen year old girl. He could barely stand to swat a fly. Whatever they did to him, it's not him that did that to Rue. He wouldn't have."

Haymitch laughed joylessly. "You have a lot of faith in an old friend, Finnick. He stood by and let that girl get cut up. He hit her hard enough to give her a severe concussion. Whoever he is now, he's not the friend you once knew. He probably doesn't even remember that boy anymore. I'm sorry, kid, but facts are facts. We need to concentrate on what we can do now, finding those girls. Peeta and Gale are checking the Seam. I think it's a long shot but they might be able to head the girls off. We've done a cursory drive by of these addresses. There's nothing suspicious about either of them. Each one is in a nice neighborhood on a quiet street. They look perfectly normal."

Finnick retrieved the list and looked at the addresses a second time. Something about it had caused a bell to go off in the back of his mind. He couldn't quite put his finger on it but knew that something on that piece of paper was the cause. He zeroed in on an address about midway of the paper. He hadn't circled the name but it seemed familiar. Abraham Matisse. He had heard that name before. He pointed it out to Boggs and Haymitch, "Did you check this address out? The one listed for Abraham Matisse."

Boggs consulted yet another file. Finnick was beginning to get annoyed. The man must file every single piece of paper separately. That was the only possible explanation. Boggs, after several minutes, finally answered, "We had a car to a pass by. It's not even a house. It's a big warehouse adjacent to the Seam. It looked abandoned. What is so special about this one? What makes it stand out for you?"

Finnick gave an enigmatic smile. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught Annie's knowing grin. It was so obvious that he couldn't believe they had overlooked it. "It sticks out because of the owner. Abraham Matisse. I haven't been around as long as either of you but from where I'm sitting, Matisse is not a name that you hear every day." Finnick grinned with a trace of his old condescension. "I find it amusing that we've heard it four times today considering that it isn't that common."

Haymitch shot him a derisive look and answered somewhat caustically, "All right, smart ass. Quit being so damned obtuse and just spit it out. What are we missing?"

Annie chimed in, her tone mocking, "Oh, just the fact that there have been no less than two people named Matisse involved in this from the beginning. Cressida Matisse and Rue Matisse. Am I the only one who is curious to see if their family tree has a branch named Abraham? It's very ironic, don't you think?"

Haymitch's mouth fell open and he looked at Boggs in disbelief. "Maybe we need to take a closer look at that warehouse, Jackson?"

Boggs nodded dumbly, "Maybe we do, Haymitch. Maybe we do." His phone was already in his hand as he stepped out in the hallway. As he left, Annie and Finnick shared a conspiratorial smile. Haymitch, watching them with a sharp eye that didn't miss much, pulled out his flask and flipped them a cynical salute before draining the bottle.

. . .XO.

Once the door had closed behind them, Katniss felt her stomach knot up. She pressed both hands hard against it in an attempt to cut of the swiftly rising nausea. Failing that, she resorted to quick, open-mouthed, shallow breaths hoping that would clear the swirling panic that threatened to take hold. Slim fingers closing over her clasped hands brought her attention up to meet a pair of bright brown eyes.

"Don't you dare think that way, Katniss." Johanna hissed. "They are going to be all right. Gale's never broken his word to me yet. He's not going to start now."

Katniss swallowed noisily. "I know that, Johanna. He's never broken his word to me either. Not since we were five years old. I can't help but be nervous." Her voice trailed away and she turned her head to wipe angrily at her wet eyes. "I can't bear it if anything happens to either of them."

Johanna softened, her own anxiety finally overriding the brave façade she had been wearing. "I know you can't. That's why you can't think that way. They aren't alone. Boggs sent two of his best men with them. They are going to be just fine. They will find the girls and then they will come home. There's no other option. I refuse to believe anything else."

Katniss couldn't help but grin at her friend's relentless determination. She couldn't help but see a feminine version of Gale every time Johanna got that intractable expression on her face. Both were fiery, passionate, caring people who gave their whole heart to whatever they were currently working on. Katniss admired that quality. She shared it herself. But there was something different about Johanna's insistence this time. There was a tiny spark of uncertainty and doubt in Johanna's tone. It sounded almost like she was trying to convince herself that no other outcome was possible. She hesitated and then plunged forward hoping that she was reading more into a simple tone than what was really there. "Johanna, is something wrong? Please. If there's something going on, let me help you."

Johanna's indecision flared painfully bright in the brown gaze. She dropped her eyes and shifted her feet anxiously. "Damn it. I mean, there's nothing wrong. I'm just saying that you need to have a little more faith. They will be fine."

Katniss left her chair, circling until she knelt directly against Johanna trying to catch her eye. The other girl continued to avoid her gaze, looking anywhere but at Katniss' face. Curious, Katniss grasped her chin, forcing their eyes to lock. Johanna jerked her chin briefly trying to dislodge the hold. Katniss refused to budge. She whispered, "Johanna, what is it?' She was startled to see tears flood the other girl's eyes.

"I just found out today. I've suspected for a few weeks but today it was confirmed." She bit her lip, finally blurting out, "I'm pregnant. According to the doctor, I'm about six weeks along. I haven't gotten the chance to tell him yet. I wanted to but it just never came up. Now, he's gone off to play hero and I'm scared. So now you know, okay. I refuse to accept that they might be hurt. It won't happen. It can't."

Katniss looked stricken for a brief second then let a pleased grin break across her face, "I'm so happy for you. He will be over the moon when he finds this out. Congratulations." The two embraced, arms wound tightly about the other. "He will be okay, Johanna. I just know it."

Johanna smiled, "Don't count Peeta out too quickly either. He strikes me as the type who won't stop until he gets what he wants. Between him and Gale, this will be over much sooner than anyone realizes."

"I hope you're right," Katniss murmured. She let her gaze wander to the pair clustered on the couch. "I think either way, this whole thing will be over by morning." She didn't know where that prediction came from. The shiver that raced up her spine further added to her unease. That still didn't change the fact that raced inexorably through her mind. This would be over by morning one way or another.

. .

Peeta stooped and picked up the shabby teddy bear, dusting off the dust and gravel remnants clinging to the fur. He held it up for Gale's examination. "They were here. The teddy bear was the only thing missing from Katniss' apartment. They were here not too long ago. We need to find them."

Gale nodded in agreement, his gray eyes reflecting worry and concern as he took in the tatty stuffed toy. "Do you have any ideas where they might have gone? Did Boggs give any indication that they had found any more information on the Gamesmakers or this Cray guy?"

Peeta shook his head in frustration. His azure gaze swept the dilapidated building once more searching in vain for any overlooked clue as to the girl's whereabouts. He kicked the gravel and swore under his breath. This place had been his sole idea for locating his errant sister and her catastrophe prone friend. Now, he was out of ideas and frantic. They had to find them and soon. He didn't want to think about the alternatives. He was about ready to suggest that they canvas the neighborhood once more to see if they could spot any sign when his eyes registered that they were no longer alone. Gale followed his rapt gaze and jumped at the slight form which had materialized seemingly from nowhere.

Peeta felt his eyes widen as he took in the emaciated woman before him. Her skin hung on her bony frame like it was several sizes too big. Her eyes were glassy and set back into hollow sockets ringed by black circles. She looked like she hadn't seen the sun in years, she was so pale. She staggered up to Peeta, her hand reaching for the shabby bear he still clasped in his hand. He moved the bear slightly out of reach. She made a feeble attempt to grab it but was too slow to come close. She made a garbled, distorted sound that vaguely resembled, "Mine." He watched as her face contorted, the jaws visibly working as she reached once more for the bear. The only sound to escape was a twisted syllable that sounded like "ewe."

Peeta's brow furrowed and he continued to look at the strange woman. She continued to say "ewe" over and over like a mantra. She finally met his eyes and her hand darted up to smooth a strand of ashy blond hair away from his eyes. She tugged slightly on the locks, and garbled out "ewe" again. He gasped, recognizing that she had seen hair similar to his recently which could only mean one thing. She had seen Prim and Rue. She recognized the teddy bear. He felt his heart skip several beats. He caught her wrist gently, bending to make sure that she was looking him squarely in the face. "You know this bear?" He whispered. At her excited nod, he continued, "Did you see the girls who dropped this? One does have hair and eyes almost exactly like mine." She nodded again and a wide, relieved grin split his face. "Can you take me to them? Please?" Her head bobbed once more.

Gale, who had been watching the exchange with interest, finally commented, "Does she know where the girls went?" Peeta nodded shortly, his eyes darting from the strange woman to lock with Gale's. "Will she take us to them?"

The woman shook her head affirmatively, her eyes large in her face. She tapped her chest briefly and seemed to struggle once more with sounds, her throat moving visibly. "Ewe ant" she finally stuttered. At their confused expressions, she poked herself with a hard finger and squeaked out a little more forcefully, "ewe ant."

Gale and Peeta shared another puzzled look. The words were jumbled beyond all recognition. Gale mouthed the sounds, staring at the odd woman in frustration. "Rue's aunt," Peeta murmured. The effect was startling. The woman's face broke into a large smile, her head nodding furiously and her finger continuously tapping her chest. "You're Rue's aunt Cressida?" Peeta asked slowly. She bobbed her head again, smiling delightedly. Peeta withdrew startled as the reason for her muddled speech became readily apparent. Behind her teeth, her mouth gaped emptily. The tongue had been completely removed leaving only an empty chasm behind. His stomach lurched and he felt bile rise in his throat.

"Cressida, will you take us to Rue and my sister? They could be seriously hurt. Will you help us?" He begged quietly. Gale's mouth had fallen open when it became obvious who their mysterious helper was. He quickly realized what had already become clear to Peeta. He put one hand over his mouth to cover his suddenly heaving insides. She nodded solemnly again and gestured to the teddy bear cradled in Peeta's arms. "ewe" she forced out.

Peeta carefully put her in the car, set the child lock, and then slammed it shut. His gaze met Gale's over the roof. Both of them were pale and drawn, the realization of the very real possibility that the girls could already be seriously hurt. "Come on, Peeta." Gale said. "The faster we find them, the better. We will know that they are safe then. We need to move."

Peeta climbed into the seat, and started the car, his gaze inevitably glancing in the rearview at the mutilated face of the only link he now had to his sister. They had to find them soon before something bad happened. He exchanged another grim glance with Gale. They were running out of time.

End Part 22

Chapter 23: Falling into the Dark

Chapter Text

Chapter 23: Falling into the Dark

The ringing telephone broke the silence. She jerked, hand automatically reaching for the noisy object. She stared at the tiny screen, unaccustomed dread freezing her limbs, paralyzing her mind. Finally an irritable noise from Johanna broke into her trance and she swiftly flipped open the phone.

"Hello, Ms. Everdeen," an unknown male voice traversed the line. "This is Detective Jackson Boggs."

"Detective Boggs," she stammered. "Have you heard from them? Did they find the girls?" Her heart pounded in her ears, almost overwhelming the tinny voice.

"Ms. Everdeen, I'm afraid that I must be brief," He swallowed noisily. "You and Johanna Mason need to get to Mercy Hospital as quickly as possible. If you don't have a car, I can send someone for you but you must come now."

A ball of ice settled into her stomach and her hands began to shake uncontrollably. "Please, who is hurt? Tell me." Johanna's fingers intertwined with hers, her brown eyes wide and frightened.

"I'm sorry. I can't go into details now. Can you get here on your own or do I need to send a car for you?" Boggs impatiently answered.

"We can get there on our own. We're leaving now." Katniss declared. "We'll be there in ten minutes." She slid the phone shut and her worried gaze met Johanna's. "Finnick, can you drive us? We can take my car but I can't…" Her voice broke. Johanna crushed her fingers, her stare demanding answers that Katniss didn't have. "I can't drive. I don't know anything. We need to hurry."

Finnick was immediately on his feet, announcing he would be happy to drive them. Annie chimed in, saying she would accompany them as well. They hurriedly gathered the necessary belongings and set off for the hospital. Johanna whispered, "Did he tell you anything? Anything at all?"

Katniss shook her head miserably. "No, he just said to come quickly. We can only hope, Johanna. That's the only thing we can do."

Finnick flipped the radio on, trying to fill the uneasy silence that pervaded the car. The shrill beep of a breaking news story sounded harshly to fill the void. The reedy announcer breathlessly relayed the few facts available. "We've just received word that there has been a shooting in an abandoned warehouse just outside the Seam. Early reports indicate that two deaths have been confirmed although authorities haven't released any identification on the victims. Several more were transported to Mercy Hospital where they are undergoing treatment. Their condition at this time has been listed as critical. We have reporters in route to both the warehouse and hospital and will have more details as they become available."

Johanna let out a small moan, echoed by a keening cry from Katniss. Annie swiftly turned in the seat, her eyes sympathetic. "Don't automatically assume the worst. Boggs told you to come to the hospital. Nothing is certain."

Katniss met Johanna's frantic stare, tears streaming down her face. Their hands met, fingers twined together. Katniss prayed as she hadn't in years, silently begging for everything to somehow be okay. Up ahead, the lit entrance of the hospital shone through the gloom.

. . .XO

They entered the warehouse as quietly as possible. The threesome stuck closely together, trying to remain inconspicuous. Cressida led the way, fear etched plainly on her features and yet she walked confidently as she took them deeper into the dark confines of the warehouse. They passed several others on the way. Those leading held themselves comparable to Cressida, almost servant like in their demeanor. The ones following walked arrogantly, completely sure of their power and self-importance. Peeta and Gale adopted a similar swagger. Cressida gave them a tiny smile in approval then resumed her passive manner.

They reached a small corridor which arced its solitary way into the bowels of the building. Cressida halted and turned to them, her eyes imploring them to understand. She gestured down the passage and tapped Peeta's hand. "You believe they are this way?" He asked softly. She nodded, indicating a lone door at the end of the hallway. "How can you be sure, Cressida? This place is huge. They could be anywhere."

Her throat worked visibly as she tried to force out the syllables she was no longer capable of making. Finally a recognizable, "Kay" escaped her lips.

"I think she's saying that Cray will bring them here." Gale observed. "She's probably right, Peeta. How in the hell are we going to get them back out? There is no chance that we can walk out as easily as we walked in." Cressida nodded and pointed once more to the doorway.

"We've come this far," Peeta commented. "We might as well keep going." He and Gale shared an uneasy glance. "I'm not leaving here without Prim and Rue. I won't."

Cressida released a nervous breath and motioned toward the door once more. They entered, walking as stealthily as possible. There were small, poorly built doors set closely together. A tiny barred window inset in each door afforded a view of the cell like quarters. Gale looked through the closest one, and then started back as terrified eyes met his through the opening. He hastily put a finger to his lips, signaling frantically for the occupant to remain silent. Peeta and Cressida hurried back, and Gale whispered, "There's somebody in there." Cressida tapped her chest then gestured toward the doors. She opened her mouth briefly then pointed again.

Peeta swore softly, his own gaze meeting Gale's in understanding. These were the tribute quarters. He looked back to Cressida, his eyes pleading. "Do you know where the new ones are kept? That is where he would have taken them." Cressida affirmed, and then began walking down the hallway once more. Gale glanced back over his shoulder and met the hopeless brown eyes of the girl behind the door. He felt a catch in his chest but quickly turned and followed Peeta. We can't help them all, he told himself grudgingly. We can't help them all.

They walked the length and breadth of the passageway, peeking in random doors as they went. Most of the small rooms were unoccupied. The few that were held panicked, anxious children that shied away from their horrified regard. The last room on the left held a familiar, dark-haired figure. She was small and bird-like. Even though seated on the low bunk, she looked poised to take off at any moment. She looked up at the intake of breath from the door, and then her eyes widened in disbelief. "Peeta," she breathed. "Peeta, is that you?"

Peeta tried the door, and hissed in annoyance when the knob caught. "Rue," He whispered back. "Where is Prim? Is she somewhere close by?"

Rue warily approached the door. Her anguished expression tore at Peeta's heart. "I tried to make her go home," she breathed. "I tried, Peeta. Please believe me. She wouldn't listen. She wouldn't go back."

Peeta curled fingers through the bars and hesitantly she reached back. "I know how she is," he returned quietly. "I don't blame you, Rue. We just need to get both of you out of here and safe." He swallowed carefully. "Where is she?"

Rue sighed, "Cray took her up to the main area. I think one of the bigger guys wanted to see her. They didn't say why." She pulled her fingers away, refusing to meet his eyes anymore. "I wish she had never met me. She doesn't deserve to be here."

Gale shouldered in, his gaze fiery as he took in the little girl cowering on the other side of the door. "You don't deserve to be here either, Rue. Don't ever talk like you do." Cressida made affirmative noises, her eyes pleading with Rue. She tapped her own chest then pointed to Rue and shook her head in a denying gesture. Gale bent, examining the lock and snorted briefly. He pulled out a multi-tool out of his pocket and after choosing an appropriate one, inserted it into the door. It only took a few brief moments before the door popped open. They froze, scared stiff that somehow an alarm was going to give them away. After several seconds with nothing happening, Rue walked hesitantly out the door and into Peeta's open arms. She hugged him tightly around his waist while his hands soothingly stroked her hair. They separated, eyes darting warily and Peeta gestured for Rue to lead the way.

"When we get out of this hallway, I want you to go with Gale and get out of here." Peeta declared. "We need to make sure you're safe. Cressida can take me to wherever they have Prim. Boggs' guys should still be around here somewhere. They said they were calling in reinforcements. You shouldn't have any difficulty reaching them." Both Rue and Gale immediately began to protest. Peeta, however, overrode their objections. "Rue, I can't risk you being hurt again. Gale, you promised to back me up. I need you to get her out of here. Get her to Boggs. I'll be right behind you."

Gale and Rue shared an eloquent glance. The small girl and tall, dark man both crossed arms across their chests in an identical posture of defiance. "No," Rue said stoutly. "I won't leave. She's my friend. She wouldn't leave me even though I begged her to. I won't leave her either."

Gale echoed, "No way, buddy. If something happened to you, Katniss would never forgive me. I would never forgive myself. We're in this together whether you like it or not. Now we're wasting time. Let's go get little sister and get the hell out of this place." The sound of Peeta's teeth grinding amused Gale to no end. He chuckled, raising an eyebrow as the blond man shot him a furious look. "You're cute when you're mad, Mellark." Gale teased. "No wonder Catnip fell for you." Peeta's face flushed crimson and he stalked down the hallway muttering under his breath. Rue and Gale shared a smile and quiet laugh before quickly following at his heels.

They exited into the main corridor, still cautiously looking around. Peeta whispered over his shoulder, "These guys have no concept of security, do they? I don't understand how they've managed to keep anyone from just wandering away. Not that I'm complaining but this is way easier than I thought it would be."

Rue mumbled back, "Getting in isn't the problem. It's getting out that is going to be the hard part. They don't care who comes in. This is not their main base anyway. I think this is just somewhere convenient to stash the kids coming in from the Seam and surrounding neighborhoods. They don't need a lot of extra guards and stuff here."

Gale and Peeta nodded and shared yet another uneasy look. Boggs' men had heartily objected to them entering the warehouse alone. They had wanted to pull back and call in the troops. Peeta had argued furiously that they didn't even know for sure if the girls were here. Sending in mass numbers would only tip their hand. Boggs had reluctantly agreed but kept the two shadows hovering in case that they were needed. He also had advised them that they would be sending assistance into the area. Peeta knew it was only a matter of time before Boggs' patience ran thin. This was the first break dealing with the Gamesmakers that the detective had received in years and he wasn't going to waste that opportunity. Not for a pair of young girls with a penchant for getting into trouble.

Peeta motioned for Rue to take the lead murmuring, "We need to get her and then get the hell out. Take us up to the main areas. Then you hang back where it's safe. No arguments this time, Rue." She solemnly nodded her eyes large and liquid in her face then headed off down the hall at a swift pace. They lost track of the twists and turns as the small girl rapidly navigated a maze of doors, hallways, and paths. The areas began to show signs of being much more heavily traveled. There were more servants making their way silently through the corridors. The quiet figures didn't raise their eyes as the group passed by. They studiously kept their gazes fixed on the cracked, dirty tile in front of them. Rue came to an abrupt stop and motioned for them to be silent. She pointed to a gray haired figure lounging carelessly outside of an immaculate set of double doors. Cressida gave an inaudible squeak, her eyes looming large in her face.

Rue spoke softly, "That's him. That's Cray. She has to be here somewhere. He wouldn't be here otherwise." Cressida added her own nod, anxiety still evident in her face.

Peeta and Gale exchanged glances then Peeta replied, "That's it then. You go back to that last hallway and find some place to keep quiet. We'll pick you up on the way out." She shook her head adamantly. He blew out a frustrated breath, "Rue, I don't have time to argue this. You need to get out of here."

Gale put a staying hand on his arm. "Peeta, she's right. We shouldn't get separated now. What if we can't go back the way we came? She would be stuck by herself again. Whatever we're going to do, we need to do it together." Peeta's gaze swung accusingly to his and Gale met him glare for glare.

"Fine," Peeta reluctantly gave in. "Fine. Let's just get this over with."

Gale asked quietly, "So what is the plan? Just walk straight in and get her?"

Peeta mouthed back, "Pretty much unless you have another idea. We're bluffing anyway. There's no way to sneak in, not now. We will just have to play it by ear and hope that Boggs gets here before they kill us."

"You're not exactly reassuring you know," Gale retorted. "This is absolutely crazy."

"It is crazy," Peeta acknowledged. "That's why it has the biggest chance of actually working." Gale shrugged, unwilling to argue that point. They traded looks once again and then walked boldly into the corridor, Rue bringing up the rear. She glanced back and saw Cressida slip unnoticed into one of the many hallways bracketing the area. Rue shook her head and trailed the two men, silently hoping that her friends at least could escape this place unscathed.

Crayton Thread pushed away from the wall as they entered the hallway. His icy blue eyes quickly noted Rue's small presence as she trailed behind the two men. "Damned girl," Cray spat out. "I told you to stay put. That idiot can't do anything right. When this is over, I'll take you back down myself. I guarantee that you won't find it so easy to wander off this time." He looked briefly at the other two. "I've been instructed to let you go straight in. He wants to see you. The girl will need to come with me. She doesn't concern you."

Peeta stubbornly shook his head. "She does concern me. She stays. If you have a problem with that, take it up with whoever is behind that door. It's not up for discussion here." His tone was inflexible. He slipped a hand through Rue's arm to further underline the point. Gale hooked his hand through her other arm. The three met Cray's glare calmly, unyielding in their stance.

Cray huffed out an irritated grunt, and then pushed the doors open. "Fine by me. I'll get her back anyway. Get on in with you. He doesn't like to be kept waiting."

They stepped guardedly through the door, hardly knowing what to expect. The first thing that they saw was Prim seated at a table, her face faintly bruised but otherwise unharmed. Daniel Cato stood solidly behind her, as if guarding her. His eyes widened as they met Peeta's, but otherwise his expression remained impassive. The only other occupant sat in a more grandiose version of the chair Prim occupied. His white hair gleamed in the dim light, his eyes an icy, frigid gray. He turned as they entered, a beaming grin stretching his face. Peeta's steps faltered as he recognized the man who absently patted his sister's hand.

"Greetings, Mr. Mellark," Albert Coin remarked into the ensuing silence. "I'm so glad that you were able to join us. I must admit that I underestimated you." His eyes narrowed and his voice softened as if imparting a great secret. "Seneca Crane told me that you were the most intelligent of her associates. I didn't give much credence to her opinion. You seemed to be a by the rules kind of fellow. This demonstration has shown me the error in my thinking. It's most impressive how you've managed to make it this far. Most impressive indeed."

"Thank you," Peeta said somewhat confusedly. "But I didn't come for compliments. I came for my sister."

"Ah, yes." Coin silkily returned. "This charming girl has told me so much about you." He winked disarmingly at Prim, who slipped further back into her seat. "She would be a great asset for my little sideline but I'm willing to negotiate. I find myself in need of some additional assistance. Our Daniel couldn't handle the responsibility that I so generously gave him. I have had to pull back his duties to something more befitting his talent. I would like you to take his place."

Peeta looked confused as he met the glazed eyes of his former coworker. Daniel Cato's expression went from blank to furious for a brief moment before settling back into impassiveness. "I don't understand. You want me to work for you as what exactly. I'm afraid you give me too much credit, Mr. Coin. You'll have to be much more specific."

Coin smiled unpleasantly, his thumb stroking the back of Prim's hand. "Coin & Crane is strictly a means to an end for me, as I'm sure you've figured out. I need the skim of legitimacy that it gives me to cover other, less socially acceptable but much more lucrative means of supporting myself. I'm offering you the opportunity to join me. The rewards are plentiful, I can assure you. I would, of course, release your sister into your care. I'll even release my little tribute that you've gone to such lengths to recover. Should you choose otherwise, well that would be most unfortunate."

The door opened behind them. A gigantic man with vacant, empty eyes now stood between them and the door. He was accompanied by Cray and an assortment of others who leaned casually against the wall, awaiting the old man's command. Peeta gulped, clearly at a loss for what to do. He looked at Gale, silently asking for any advice. Gale shrugged, clearly as lost as Peeta. Their options were rapidly deteriorating. The deciding factor, when it came managed to throw the room into absolute chaos. Daniel Cato struck out, quick as a striking snake, and his knife sliced a bloody trench into Albert Coin's upturned throat. Not stopping there, Daniel latched his arms in a parody of a loving embrace around the old man's mangled neck. The resulting snap echoed through the shocked silence.

Time stuttered and slowed as the reality of what had just occurred became apparent to the others in the room. Prim shrieked, the blood from the old man splattering her face and arms. She pushed away from the table and slid to the floor, her hands covering her ears as she continued to scream. Gale grabbed Rue and pushed her into the nearest corner, covering her with his body. The gigantic man and his companions bypassed Peeta and ran straight for Daniel Cato. Seeing that the way was clear, he ran pell-mell to where his sister lay crying disconsolately. He grabbed her arms, batting away the feeble blows she rained on his head. He yelled, "Prim, it's me. Come on. We've got to get out of here." He pulled her shakily to her feet. She continued to cry out, eyes glazed and staring. He grabbed her arm and pushed her before him, gesturing for Gale and Rue to precede them out the door.

The sudden stutter of gunfire caused Peeta to pull Prim to the floor, covering her with his body. She beat his chest and her legs managed to get a good hit squarely on his shin. He pinned her down, quietly shushing her. He saw Gale pull Rue down and similarly cover her. The room had erupted into absolute bedlam. It was impossible to discern through the confusion exactly who was shooting at whom. Peeta saw a familiar uniform out of the corner of his eye and realized that Boggs' and company had finally made an appearance. He caught a glimpse of the Detective Boggs running through the door, followed by the two plain clothes cops who had trailed him and Gale most of the day.

Daniel had been engaged by the hulking form of the vacant eyed monstrosity. They ignored the pandemonium around them and circled each other, both looking for any opening to take the other down. A knife flashed, followed by a spray of blood as the blade made contact. Peeta watched horrified as the larger man caught Daniel in a choke hold, smacking the knife free as he desperately attempted to cut the arm cutting off his air. Daniel twisted within the encircling hold, getting in a solid elbow to the ribs and allowing him to twist free. The larger man raised a ham-sized fist and cuffed the blond man heavily on his head. Cato's knees buckled and he sank unresisting to the floor. The large man smiled cruelly and turned his attention to the new targets by the door. His eyes caught on Gale and Rue edging rapidly toward the door. Smiling, he raised a gun and carefully took aim.

Where she came from, Peeta had no idea. With an inarticulate scream, Cressida Matisse bolted through the door and threw herself at Gale and Rue just as the shots rang out. Peeta heard Gale cry out and a garbled cry signaled Cressida had also been hit. Boggs' men returned fire and the big man tumbled like a felled tree. The others were soon rounded up and taken into custody. Boggs looked around the room, breathing heavily. His gaze fell on Peeta and Prim huddled on the floor and he yelled for someone to get the paramedics as quickly as possible.

Prim finally stopped screaming, and clung to Peeta with ferocious strength. He patted her absently on the back while he frantically searched the room for some sign that the others were okay. Paramedics carefully removed Prim from his embrace and began to examine her. Another white-clad woman asked Peeta repeatedly if he was hurt. He shook his head at her and finally found his voice enough to tell her unequivocally that he was fine. His gaze fell on Rue as she huddled on the floor next to her aunt. Cressida's eyes were open and Rue was bent close to her face as she continuously murmured to the woman. Peeta turned his gaze to Gale and felt a cry well up in his throat. Red leaked in an ever expanding circle from beneath the man's still form. He wasn't moving and Peeta couldn't tell if he was still breathing. He scrambled hurriedly to his knees and crawled to Gale, impervious to the scarlet coating his knees and hands as he hurriedly lifted the dark head into his lap.

"Gale, can you hear me?" He questioned frantically. "Don't do this, buddy. Please. Stay with me."

Gale gave a small groan and his eyes cracked briefly open. He recoiled at the blood on Peeta's hands. Peeta quickly wiped the offending liquid on his shirt and pants then pulled Gale more securely into his lap. "Tell her I'm sorry. Tell her I didn't mean for this to happen." Gale gasped. His voice weakened, a catch in his chest causing him to gasp. "Tell her I love her." He choked out before his eyes closed once more.

Peeta frantically called Gale's name again and again but received no response. He laid him down flat on the floor and hurriedly checked for a pulse. Finding none, he checked once more for breathing but the shallow gasp was the last noise he heard. He tilted Gale's head back, fingers sweeping his mouth to clear away any debris. Pinching his nose shut, Peeta released two quick breaths into Gale's mouth and then fisted his chest. He gave five quick pumps and then repeated the breathing maneuver again. He cursed under his breath, wishing that someone who knew what the hell they were doing would help him. He continued to breathe and pump furiously. "Sir," a voice called by his ear. "Sir, let me check him. Please sir, move and let me check him." Peeta pulled back exhausted and watched as a medic hastily bent over the prone man. A breath mask was hurriedly fitted over Gale's face and a needle inserted into his arm. "We need to move him now!" The medic cried. "We have three that we need to get out of here stat!"

"Mr. Mellark, you need to be checked," Boggs pulled him gently away from where the medics were frantically working. Rue was huddled by Prim, both crying into the other's shoulder. Cressida was outfitted with her own range of tubes, blood covering her chest and arms. Daniel Cato was unmarked with the exception of some bruises and contusions. However, he was still unconscious and the medics were taking no chances. They strapped him to a backboard and secured his neck with a collar. Peeta finally registered that Boggs was talking to him and shifted his blue gaze to meet the worried gray of the detective.

"I'm fine. I'm okay. It's not my blood." Peeta stuttered. "I just need to get the girls out of here and find out where they are taking Gale." He swayed unsteadily to his feet and Boggs grabbed him before he could topple over. "I have to call Katniss. They need to know what's happened."

Boggs steadied him. "You need to go the hospital. I'll call them and let them know where you are. Please just go with the ambulance. I'll have them meet you there."

Peeta felt a hot rush of tears stream down his face as the reaction finally caught up with him. He nodded mutely and let the medics herd him into the waiting ambulance along with Prim and Rue. He watched as the two girls continued to cling to each other as they wept. Peeta felt something within him break and dropped his head into his blood coated hands, tears burning as they slid down his face.

End Part 23