Chapter 34 – Rescued, Reaped and Reunited
AN: Thank you to those who alerted, favored and left a review. Thanks especially to the following: pistonsfan75, LACR, pumpkinking5, Mspriss523, DramionEverlarklover26, Nai1987, Aqua Rules, J and guest. I loved all your comments and hope not to disappoint with next upcoming chapters. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. I always looked forward to your comments and reactions. This chapter is rated R with POVs from Prim, Garrett and Katniss. Same disclaimer––Hunger Games belongs to Suzanne Collins. Please excuse any mistakes found when reading this chapter. I take full responsibility. Happy reading.
Prim POV ––
I woke up feeling cold and tired my legs ached. The last thing I remembered was falling or passing out as I tried to follow my rescuers. After the train incident, I was led through the forest in the dark with the moon as our source of light. It was difficult to follow them as they wore dark clothes like the MockingJay, black boots, shirt, pants and hood. I sat up from my bed that consisted of a sleeping bag inside a low tent that hit my head. I couldn't see that the sun or tell what time it was. There voices outside. I lay back wrapping the sleeping bag around me. I miss my Mom and Dad but most of all I missed Katniss. I wondered if she knew I was okay and hope she wasn't too worried about me.
My thoughts jumbled together as I recollected about the train that was heading towards the Capitol. I closed my eyes and recalled the moments of my rescue.
Flashback ––
"Peeta, Peeta," I screamed his name until someone placed a hand over my mouth. Tears ran down my cheeks. I saw his face happy, relieved and sad. I wanted him to come with me. 'Why didn't he want to come with me?'
I struggled against the person who held me. "Hold still," she said. "We're trying to help you." I stopped for second. She was strong as she carried around my waist with both arms but I could tell she was weakening. However, we made it into another compartment.
As soon as she placed me on the ground, I started to run towards the back of the train where both Peeta and Mr. Abernathy were located. As I reached the end of the compartment, I felt the box lurch then pitch forward accompanied by a small blast that rocked the room.
Two soldier/rebels entered from the outside. "Link severed, sir. Peacekeepers on route in twenty seconds," he said onto his radio.
"Get Everdeen out of the compartment now once you reach the extraction point," a voice echoed through the microphone. I was stunned as I looked through the car window. The train I was on sped away from the last two compartments leaving Peeta behind. My heart sunk onto my belly leaving an ache.
"Two minutes before we reach our rendezvous point and extraction," another soldier announce. "Get her ready."
"Get ready for what?" I said. I didn't like the sound of that.
"Just trust me, Prim," she said. "I'm here to make sure you're safe." She grabbed my hand. "I want you to put this on." From her bag, she removed a black shirt, pants, rubber boots and hood. I was still dressed in my sleeping garments. "Hurry, you need to put this on now."
Too scared to argue I quickly dressed myself. The shoes and socks were a size too big, so were the pants and shirt. I needed a belt but as long as I tucked the shirt, the pants stayed. I folded the sleeves twice. Once I tied my shoelaces twice and stood up, the female placed a hat on my head and covered it with the hood. "Don't talk or make a noise. Do as you're told. I'm here to help you."
Suddenly the train started to slow down. Once it stopped I was manhandled from one soldier to another as they carried me off the train and into the dark woods. They carried me around like I was sack of flour. The thought made me think of Peeta. Then the scent of pine, earth and leaves assaulted my nose. I held back a sob as I thought of Katniss. However, as we headed deep into the woods, the night came alive as yellow lights from an explosion and fire appeared from behind us. The impact of the explosion caused the soldier who was carrying me to falter. He landed on the ground knees first. He had enough presence of mind to throw me off of him before he landed on the ground face first. I landed on my back on top of bush for cushion. I was lucky. I winced as branches and vines from the bush scratched my hands.
Without any hesitation, the rebels got onto their feet and started to run off into the woods. The female soldier grabbed me by the hand and dragged me with her. I didn't know where I was going and whom I was with. All I knew was that I was alone without Peeta and Mr. Abernathy.
Time passed. I don't know how long but we stopped. Adrenaline filled my veins but once it wore off, I was scared again. "Prim, are you okay?" the female soldier asked me. I shook my head. Once I gathered my thoughts and breath the reality of situation hit me, hard.
"You left Peeta," I sobbed between tears and anger. "You left him behind? Why?" the female soldier who pulled me away from the train approached me from behind. She didn't answer me. My head spun as everything happened so fast. All I knew was that Peeta was still on the train and rebels rescued me. Why? I understood why they wanted Peeta but why me? Why was I important to rescue when I knew Peeta mattered more?
I had overhead mom and dad discussing Peeta and Katniss' importance and role in the rebellion. People in Panem admired and looked up to them. They were after all the Star Crossed Lovers of District 12. Snow hated Peeta for what he stood for and by extension Katniss as well.
I couldn't stop crying, as I felt lost and alone with complete strangers. I wanted my family. "Hey, I know you're scared," the female rebel said. "My name is Madeleine, but my friends call me Maddy." She extended her hand to me it was gloved. It felt cold and wet against my hand. "You're in good company, so don't be scared. Nothing will happen to you now. You don't know how lucky you are."
I was confused. Her words didn't make any sense to me. 'Lucky?' I guessed that was true since I was no longer heading towards the Capitol. "But what about Peeta? He still out there and the Peacekeepers are probably going to find him."
"He made a choice, Prim," she said. "And he chose you." The thought made me cried harder. 'Why?' my mind yelled. "He felt that you're more important than him. He chose you to stay alive." The more she spoke the guiltier I felt. "Listen, it's late, cold and I know you're scared but I promise you that you're safe and in company of friends. You can trust us."
I didn't argue with her because I was scared, but I was also tired. Once everyone got their bearings, we started to walk. To where I didn't know but time passed as one tree looked the same. It didn't look like we were heading anywhere. I was so tired my mind shut down and my body follow suit.
End of Flashback ––
I wondered where I was and people who rescued me. I didn't recall how much time passed but I stayed in my tent for as long as I could before curiosity got the best of me as I heard voices and activity around me that and the fact that I smelled food in the air––bacon and bread. I exited my tent noticing leaves and branches covering it like camouflage. To my left was a large boulder ten feet and 20 feet wide. The rebel campsite was surrounded by large trees with trunks so big it was almost as wide as a house.
"Hey, sleepyhead," Maddy called out to me. "I thought you were going to sleep the day away." She had a plate of food in one hand and tin cup on the other. "You hungry? I save you some breakfast." I was starving. The bacon was crispy but the bread tasted stale and hard. I took a sip from the tin cup.
"I didn't think you drank coffee so I hope you like tea. We don't have any milk so it's better than nothing." I took a sip noticing heat rising from the cup. The hot liquid warmed me for a few seconds.
"How are you feeling?" she asked. I shrugged my shoulders.
"What time is it?"
"A little for past ten," she answered me.
"Where are we?" The rebel camp was hidden deep in the woods as large trees surrounded us. I noticed men in the branches high up as they stood guard and watched the horizon and our surroundings. It was quiet, too quiet.
"South of District 12 township," she answered me.
"How did we get here?" I asked. If remembered correctly the train had passed 9 and we were at the border of District 8.
"You passed out so of course you don't remember," she explained. Then she chuckled at the confused expression on my face. "We had transport waiting for us a few miles away." She explained further in detail but was too distracted and worried about Peeta.
"Did you sleep okay?" I smiled in response. So many things ran in my head. Questions of home, Peeta, Katniss and where I was prominent, but I needed to catch my breath and gather my thoughts.
"I figured you have questions and I'm here to answer them if you want to talk."
"Who are you guys and what is this place?" Was my first questions.
"We are members of a small rebel faction that is under the command of the MockingJay," she answered me. It was almost textbook response. "We are about 200 miles away from the district and 10 miles away from the border of District 11." I was miles away from home.
"Is everyone here a soldier?"
"What you do you mean?" She looked puzzled.
"Am I the only…" I looked for a word. Something I learned from school that distinguished soldiers from non-military people. "I mean, am I the only civilian in this camp?"
She eyed me for a few seconds. "You're very smart and inquisitive for your age."
"I'm not a kid, I'm fourteen," I informed her.
"I wasn't insulting you, Prim," she corrected herself. "I was making an observation. You remind me of…" She stopped and turned her head. I swore I almost saw tears in her eyes as she cleared her throat.
"Why was I rescued and not Peeta?" I inquired. Someone had to answer my questions because I couldn't rest until it was answered. It bothered me that I was safe and Peeta wasn't.
Maddy sighed, "We were given orders by the MockingJay to rescue you both, but we didn't realize that Peeta already had tracking devise in his arm."
"A tracking devise?" I gasped in horror. "What? Where?"
"Snow injected it on his upper arm. That's why we left him behind," she explained. "All victors have one injected before they enter the arena and it's replaced every two years with new ones. But Snow already implanted one in Peeta's arm. We didn't know about it before we rescued you."
"So Peeta knew and he couldn't come with us," I sobbed. I was close to tears again, but held them back. I miss everyone, family, friends and my home.
"He was smart enough to remember and we had to get you off the train per Jay's order."
"Jay?"
"The MockingJay," she reiterated. "He's our leader." I knew about him; rumors of the MockingJay was a big topic all over Panem. "That's what we call him since we don't know his real name."
"What do you mean his real name? You don't know who he is?" I gasped in surprise.
"Only a few are privileged, a handful knows who he is," she uttered back. "It's his policy. It's to protect us in case we get captured and Snow interrogates us."
"Oh, I guess that makes sense." She meant tortured like the way he tortured Peeta to get information from him.
"So when I tell you you're safe, I mean it," she pressed. "I know you're scared. You miss your family, but we are here to keep you safe until we get you home."
"When am I going home?" I asked with bated breath.
"Sorry, Prim. I meant to say. Until I reunite you with your family. I don't know when that will be," she countered. "I didn't' mean to get your hope up, but that we are to keep you safe until you are reunited with them. We…I don't know if it's safe for you to go home."
"I understand that I can't go home but aren't they in danger now. I mean President Snow has to know you rescued me," I reminded them. Then I started to panic. What if he went after my family the way he went after Peeta's.
I remembered mom and dad talking about the repercussion of Peeta's actions, defying Snow and resisting him. I knew they tried to keep it from me but Katniss told me everything. She said I was old enough to know and needed to be safe. That was why I trusted her above everyone. She never lied to me neither did Peeta.
My parents excluded me and didn't want me to know about the rebellion because they still saw me as a child who needed protection, not realizing that I could protect myself and have been for a while now. And it was all because of Katniss. Even though she never wanted to involve me she still told me the truth if I asked her.
"Listen, you need to know something. I'm really not supposed to tell you but you deserve to know since you're alone and away from family. So you need to keep this between the two of us."
"What?" I cried out in panic. "Did something happen to my family, to Katniss? Are they hurt, what?" My mind flashed images of them hurt or dead.
"No, but you need to know that…everyone in Panem thinks you're dead. That you died from an explosion that derailed the train."
"What? I don't understand?"
"You heard and felt the explosion last night," she explained. "The…Snow blew up the train. You are presumed dead from an accidental explosion. That's how Snow is explaining your death. He can't let Panem know that there was a rescue attempt."
"Does my Mom and Dad…my sister, Katniss know I'm okay?" I asked.
"Only you're family knows you're alive and a few rebels."
"But what about Peeta and Mr. Abernathy," I inquired. "They at least deserve to know––"
"I'm sorry, Prim but they too believe you're dead," she said as she winced.
"That's not right––" I stood up dropping my plate on the ground. The noise startled everyone around us as rebels stared back.
"Prim, please understand––"
"You didn't tell Peeta, you don't understand. He must…he has to be beside himself. He thinks I'm dead," I muttered underneath my breath. "You can't do that to him. Someone has to tell him I'm alive and is safe with you guys. He saved me."
"I'm sorry Prim but we're given orders and there's really nothing we can do if given the chance," she admitted.
"But…oh my God," I muttered to myself. "Poor Peeta." Peeta already carried a lot of guilt on his shoulders––Gale, Sonja and Graham were dead. It was too much. I felt helpless because in truth Maddy was right; there was nothing I could do.
The next couple of hours I'm bored and restless. I ate lunch with rebels like some big disgruntled family at a dinner no one wanted to attend. But, they all had a reason and purpose. I felt like dead weight as everyone had a job. So I approached Maddy and told her about my restlessness and my desire to help. I suggested and asked if I could scrounge around for herbs, roots and berries, to make myself useful. "You can't leave the area and I can't watch you 24/7, Prim."
"I'm not expecting you too," I grunted my annoyance. "I don't need a babysitter. How old you are anyway? You can't be older than Katniss." I was curious as Maddy didn't look any older than Katniss but she was taller than her. Maddy had red hair and green eyes. Her skin was bronze. She had freckles on her nose from too much sun exposure. I could tell.
She chuckled. "I'm 21 years old from District 4––Finnick Odair's district."
"You're from District 4?" I inquired. "Some of my classmates at 12 love victor Finnick Odair. Is really that gorgeous in person?" I remembered my classmates swooning after him. He was a Capitol favorite and to the other districts as well.
"Well, I don't know him personally, but yeah up close he's…handsome if you like that sort."
"Wow," I gushed. "You don't like Finnick?"
"He's okay," she said as she shrugged her shoulders. "Tell me, is Peeta Mellark as sweet as everyone keep saying?"
"Peeta?" I echoed back. 'She wanted to talk about Peeta? Katniss' Peeta?'
"I've seen and heard about him," she said in a nonchalant manner. "What's he like?"
"He's the nicest and sweet guy you'll ever know." I loved talking about Katniss' boyfriend. "Most of the girls both Seam and Merchant love Peeta."
"Seam and Merchant, what does that mean?" I rolled my eyes and berated myself. Not everyone knew about the class and social divide in District 12. So I explained it to her.
"But you have blond hair and fair skin?" she questioned me. Then I had to explain my family history of how dad married a Merchant even though he was Seam.
"Oh, that's like the Seamen and the Surfs in District 4," she stated. "In our district, we have the two class structures as well. There's the Seamen, fisherman who made a living fishing and the other are the Surfs, townies who owned the businesses."
"Yes, it's exactly the same except we're divided by our looks not by occupation," I corrected her.
"So your sister and Peeta are together? Why are they the exception?"
"They're not," I stated. "Not a lot of people accept their relationship. Especially his mom. I can't tell you how many times his mom contracted Peeta to marry a Merchant. But Peeta refused. He only wanted my sister, Katniss." Even when she was cruel to him I should have added, but that was none of their business.
"He's very brave," she said with a hint of adoration in her tone.
"Peeta gets along with everybody. My mom and dad adore Peeta. He's quite a charmer when he wants to be. "
"Like Finnick?" Maddy didn't seemed impressed.
"Well, I don't know Finnick so I can't say," I retorted. "But I can tell you that half of the Merchant moms wanted Peeta for a son-in-law. Even the Seam too if that was allowed."
"Then how come Peeta is with Katniss? If Merchants are not allowed to be with Seam folk, how can you sister get together with blond haired Peeta?"
"I said that we're not allowed to marry a Merchant, it doesn't mean it doesn't happen," I snorted.
"So your sister and Peeta are defying social norms against the classes?"
I nodded my head. "He loves my sister so much that he defied his mom even when she was contracting him to a Merchant girl," I gushed. "He's…wonderful and really sweet to Katniss."
"He sounds too good to be true, I mean," she said back.
"Yes, he is. But he's real and true." I smiled thinking about my sister and Peeta but then I remembered he was at the Capitol. He wasn't rescued and he was training for the arena.
We talked for a while about district 12. I also asked her about the rebels and the camp but soon I grew tired and impatient. "Do you guys have a medic? Can I meet him or her?"
"Why?" Maddy returned. "Are you sick?"
"No I'm not. Before I was reaped I was training as a healer," I informed her. "I could help or assist them."
"You're too young," she balked back. "I don't think Sara would let you help her. She's a trained physician and like I said you're too young."
"Hey, I'm fourteen and been helping my mom since I was ten" I shouted to remind her. Why does age factor when I'm trying to help them. I wasn't completely useless.
"Still too young to administer help," she returned. "They won't let a kid near any patient or injured here. Besides, you're here as a guest."
"I'm bored and I want to help," I said as I crisscrossed my arms on top of my chest. "I can gather herbs to help with an upset stomach. If you let me look around I can pick plants and roots for all sorts of ailments. I'm not some useless kid, you know." I felt insulted and angry. I was already helping mom with her patients.
"I can't guarantee anything but I'll ask," she commented. Suddenly, men and women jumped off the trees and scattered into trenches covered with leaves and bushes.
"What's happening?" I asked but was ignored as Maddy grabbed my wrist and threw me into a hole. I landed on my hands and knees. It was a good thing that the ground wasn't too hard as my knees impacted with the floor.
"What?" I asked again as we were hunched into the hole.
"Drones?" Maddy answered then shushed me.
"What?"
She turned to a fellow rebel who held a box in his hand. "How long before it discovers our drone?" a soldier asked. It was receiver with a picture screen. I looked down. On the screen was the top view of our camp.
"Ten seconds," he answered back. "…three, two, one. Visibility positive. It's in pursuit of our drone." Then the screen changed as it focused on a drone that was pursuing it.
I watched as it chased the rebel drone.
"You know where to lead it?" I recognized the voice. It was the lead rebel from last night.
"What's happening?" I asked.
"We've been monitoring the sky for days now," Maddy explained. "So far the drones hasn't found us but…it's only a matter of time."
"Time for what?"
"Before they find us hiding out here. We've been camped here too long,' she returned. "Jay said we have to move out soon. We've been waiting for his orders."
"Orders?"
"Yeah, since he had confirmed District 13's existence, we can't leave yet," she said. "The sky is monitored with Peacekeeper drones. Ten of them."
"District 13," I gasped in shock. "I thought…they don't exist anymore." I remembered my history classes how Snow annihilated the district killing everyone.
"Well, we found out they have been in hiding after all these years and Jay said that we are joining forces," she said. There was a look in her eyes. Maddy didn't seemed excited about the prospect of joining the two forces. Before I could ask we were interrupted.
"Sir, we intercepted a message coming from the Capitol," a rebel solder with brown hair and eyes interjected. "Snow is making an announcement."
"Shit," the rebel leader cursed under his breath. "Put it on screen." The screen flickered then hummed as we all held our breath.
"Good morning, Panem," President Snow addressed into the camera. A chill ran up my spine. I had completely forgotten about him since my worry was about Peeta. He continued to speak announcing his plans to get my replacement. His words confused me and my head spun.
"Fear not for there will be no female reaping ceremony. It is not necessary. It is an honor and privilege to be chosen as a tribute and through her she will honor Prim's place. I have made the selection myself. So the next female will by chosen by association or relations to our late Prim Everdeen,"
"What is he saying?" I asked. No one answered as they were glued to the screen. Then his next words broke my heart.
"The next female tribute from District 12 will be Katniss Everdeen, Prim's sister. She will join Peeta Mellark as District 12's tribute in her place. May the odds be ever in their favor."
"No, no," I repeated. "No, no, Katniss, not Katniss." My chest ached like someone stabbed me so hard. "He can't reap Katniss. She's past reaping age. This is not happening."
"I'm sorry, Prim," Maddy turned to me. "But you heard Snow. He chose your sister to replace you. After all he thinks you're dead." I lost time as my mind reeled at the implication. I always knew that Katniss would protect me just as I would protect her. But now, she was headed towards the Capitol. Words hung in the air, the rebels talking to themselves. I was too shocked and angry to listen but then someone mentioned Snow.
"Snow probably has Peacekeepers waiting for her. This was planned. Jay said that Peeta Mellark and his girl, Katniss Everdeen caught his attention. They have become important gaining popularity amongst the Capitolites and especially the districts. Even Coin wants them." 'Coin, who's Coin?'
"Everyone is calling them, The Star-Crossed Lovers of District 12," a rebel snorted. "They're just kids. What do they know of love?" 'Who the hell thinks he is questioning my sister's relationship with Peeta?'
"Just because they aren't as old as you doesn't mean they don't know what it's like to love someone."
"Yeah, puppy love and teenage hormones," he sneered back. "What do you know? You're just kid as well."
"Peeta has loved Katniss since he was five years old," I said in anger and frustration.
"That's what you call a crush," he spat back.
"He saw her singing in her class one day and he's loved her since. Tell me who loves like that? You?" I accused him.
"Seamus, leave her alone," Maddy defended me. "You don't know Mellark or Everdeen. You can't pass judgment on them just because you're jaded and bitter." He scoffed back.
"He'll get over her once his 'crush' wears off." He air quoted his fingers.
"Shut up you don't know my sister or Peeta," I cried back. "Who the hell do you think you are to make comments about them when you didn't even know them?
"Shut up all of you," the rebel leader ordered. "We have better things to worry about."
"Sorry, sir," Seamus repented.
"Maddy, get the kid ready. We're moving out once the drones clear the area."
"Aren't we going to wait for orders from Jay first?" Seamus asked. He looked worried.
"We can't wait. We risk being discovered and captured. Or worse killed," rebel leader explained.
Half an hour later, we exited the trench. Men and women scrambled around me as they packed their personal items into their backpack. Me, I had the clothes on my back and nothing else. Maddy was kind and patient to teach me how to pack my own tent. Then she handed me a backpack with a rolled up sleeping bag attached on top. "Here, I made sure these items are clean and they're yours. You are responsible for them. You lose them and they're gone for good until you replacements." I looked inside the pack. There were my sleep clothes I wore in the train a tin plate, spoon, fork, canteen and a cup. There was also a pack of personal items meant for women only. I blushed. A toothbrush and a fish comb were nestled inside a side pocket with a thin knife, matches and white bandages with tape.
The pack was large that I had a difficult time strapping behind my back. "Prim, you need to stick by me don't wander off," she instructed as she tightened the straps around my waist. "If you see us drop on the ground, you do the same. Follow my orders and you'll be okay." I nodded my head. Suddenly I felt scared. Everyone around looked calm. I bit my lower lip.
"Hey, Prim," Maddy noticed my nervousness. "I promise you that I will get you back with your family. But you need to promise me something."
"Okay, what?"
"For now, you are my responsibility," she stated. "I will take care of you so you need to trust me."
I looked at Maddy she was nice to me, kind and patient. She reminded me Katniss in her own way. Almost treated me like a person not a kid. "Hey, Maddy?" a guy stood behind her.
"Hey, Shayne, what's up?" she said. Shayne was medium height with dark brown hair, eyes and fair skin. He reminded me of Peeta with kind eyes and soft voice. He was lean as well unlike Seamus who was bulky and tall his bronze hair in need of a haircut as the length grazed his shoulders. Between the two they reminded me of Peeta and Gale in demeanor and personality.
Maddy looked tense, not in a bad way but nervous. "Eisenman, says I'm back up," he said in a shy manner his head down and eyes averted. "To help you with Prim Everdeen."
He stepped forward. "I'm sorry. I should introduce myself. I'm Shayne Roman," he said in friendly manner with a smile that displayed his dimples.
"Tell Eisenman, I don't help with Prim," she said with a bit heat in her tone. "I can take care of her myself."
"You tell him, Maddy," Shayne returned with patience and resignation in his voice. "I'm following orders." He stared into her eyes looking down at her. "Don't get mad at me it wasn't my idea if you're worried––"
"Fine, fine," she said. "I'm sorry, I…didn't meant to…take it out on you." She had an apologetic look on her face.
"Anyway, Prim," Shayne said. He bent down to me face to face. "Just tell me or Maddy when you get tired, okay? Where were going is going to be far. Don't be scared or embarrassed to tell us you need a break. Don't want you peeing or pooping in your pants." I giggled as he poked me on the shoulder lightly. "You a little bitty thing. You remind me of my sister."
"Head out, everyone," Eisenman shouted. He was a big bulky man with big broad shoulders. He had a dark red beard, gold earrings on his ears and long hair in a tail; the end sticking out of his cap as it draped onto his back.
Behind me I heard Maddy apologize to Shayne once more. "I'm sorry about––"
"It's no big deal, Maddy," he said. "I'm just doing my job."
"I know but I shouldn't have assumed that––"
"Just forget it," Shayne interjected. There was tension between them that reminded me of Peeta and my sister. Hence my journey started with people unbeknownst to me, but became my caretakers and protectors.
Shayne was right. The journey was long, arduous and hot as the sun beamed on top of our heads. Sweat beaded my face and drenched my body from head to toe. My feet also felt soaked. Along the way without leaving the path I gathered roots, plants and berries. My hands started to get full. Shayne appeared by my side with a dark brown bag for me to use. As I picked a plant or root he'd asked what they were for.
"How come you know so much about plants and stuff," he asked eagerly.
"My home is a healer," I explained. "She's been teaching since I was ten."
"You're a healer?" he asked once my bag was full.
"Not yet, but my mom said I will be in a few years since she's training me," I said in proud manner. We took a short break for lunch as we ate dried meat, crackers and water.
"Sip the water, Prim," Maddy advised me. "We don't carry much and finding water in the forest is scarce." She then turned and looked at Shayne who was ten yards away from us leaning against a tree. She had a pensive and sad look on her face.
"So you, Shayne and Seamus are from District 4?" I inquired. She nodded her head. "How long have you been with the rebellion?"
"Yeah, um…Shayne actually joined first about a year ago but I joined a few months later," she informed me. "Then Seamus followed afterwards." I felt there was more to the story but didn't press any further. She side-eyed Shayne from her spot not looking at him directly.
"I'm really sorry to hear about your sister, Katniss," she said.
"I'm not really worried about her as much now that she's with Peeta," I said. I really was worried but knowing they were together made it easier for me to handle the situation. I love them both and I knew that they would take care of each other in and out of the arena.
"Isn't he younger than her," she asked. "Doesn't his age bother her?"
"About two years. Why would that matter? Katniss adores and loves Peeta because he's sweet, kind and loving," I said. "It's not like he's ten years younger."
Before Maddy could answer back break was over and we continued our trek. I didn't know where we were heading but I was told it was long and would take weeks to get there––wherever there was. I wished someone would tell me. Hours passed and I noticed that Maddy's feelings toward Shayne went from disinterest to annoyance then fury and I didn't know why. And also Seamus was lurking or nearby hovering around Maddy never far from her. At one point, they were arguing and Shayne led me away from them.
"What's going on?" I asked in curiosity. He shrugged his shoulders as we continued to walk. My feet ached but I was determined to not slow us down. I didn't want to delay our trip or be a burden.
"Lover's quarrel I guess," he said in a nonchalant manner his head and eyes downcast.
"They're together," I mused. "They sound like they hate each other."
"Who knows? Maybe this week they do. Next week they'll be making out in the woods." he said in a sad tone, resigned. "Their relationship is….complicated. Anyway, tell me about the plants you gathered." For the rest of the trip Shayne occupied and distracted me. I couldn't help but notice how…cute he was with his dark hair and eyes. They reminded me of the animals in the forest at District 12. He was…cute. It didn't help that he had one dimple on his cheek when he smiled.
A few minutes later, Maddy appeared by Shayne's side. "Sorry about that," she started.
"Are…are you okay?" he asked her.
"Yeah, just…Seamus and I are––"
"I don't need to know any detail what's going on between you two," Shayne interjected. "It's none of my…our business." He walked ahead of us his strides wide leaving me with Maddy." She sighed.
"Shayne?" I called out him. Tension filled the air whenever Shayne and Maddy were together. It was obvious something was going on between the three of them. He kept walking ignoring us.
"What's wrong with Shayne?" I asked. I had an idea but didn't want to appear nosy. Which I was. There was turmoil and I was now in the middle of it.
"Just leave him alone," Maddy bristled as I tried to coax Shayne back to us. Now she was upset with me. Old people were complicated and weird. I kept my mouth shut and continued to walk.
A few minutes later, we caught up to Shayne. He looked calm but wary. "Hey, Prim," he said. "What are those?" He pointed to a plant with dark red berries. A rebel soldier was picking at the bush.
"Stop," I screamed as he popped the berries into his mouth. "Stop, don't––" The soldier dropped to the ground. I ran to his fallen body and yanked his mouth open. His tongue and lips were tainted with the berry juice.
"What's going on?" Eisenman hollered as he ran back to us.
"He swallowed Nightlock," I explained. I flinched as the medic listened to his heart. "It's deadly. Your heart and lungs stop functioning in an instant."
"She's right, sir," the medic affirmed. "He's dead."
"Damnit to hell," Eisenman swore. "What did I tell you guys about eating things that you have no knowledge if it's edible or not?"
"We didn't know––" a rebel said.
"That's what I've been trying to say. He didn't know that those dark berries are deadly and now he's dead," he explained frustration filled his voice.
"But we're hungry, sir."
"I know you're hungry. We're all are hungry. We've been rationing our food supply, but we're limited. This is what happens when you eat shit you don't know about?" He pointed to the soldier on the ground dead. "You get dead."
That's it, I order everyone to not pick or eat anything bush or plant that is anything closely resembling anything edible. Unless…" He looked at me. "Everdeen, you live here. Do you know what's poisonous? Which plant to avoid?" I smiled.
"Yes, I do," I confirmed. "I…I've been studying the plants at District 12. My mom––"
"Then from now on, if you see a plant and you have some bright ideas about eating them, go ask her first." He pointed to me and sighed. "Get all his personal belongings to take back and…bury him deep so no animal can dig him out. Not like the last time." I gulped. 'Not like the last time?'
With the small shovels they had, it took close to two hours as the men dug a hole deep enough to bury the dead soldier. They buried him underneath a large tree trunk. While they worked I gathered flowers, plants, twigs and vines and created a crown of flowers. "Going to place that on his head before they bury him? Say a little prayer?" Seamus snickered at me. "You're wasting your time."
"Leave her alone," Shayne sneered back. "She can do whatever she wants. Go ahead, Prim." Once he was buried, I took a tin fork and tried to hammer it with a rock into the tree trunk. I didn't have enough strength as the fork barely lodge into the wood. Shayne took pity on me and helped me. When the fork was secured on the tree, I hooked the wreath of flowers on to the fork.
Shayne looked at me with a question on his face his brows were furrowed. "I want to leave marker on his grave because once the war…this rebellion is over. I want to make sure that his body is returned to his family."
I said a small prayer in my head as Shayne and Maddy stood next to me in silence. "Good thinking, Prim," Shayne said. "I'm sure his family will appreciate it. I hope someone will do that for me if anything happens."
"Nothing is going to happen to you, Shayne," Maddy said.
"You don't know that," he returned. "Something can happen to you too, anyone one of us," he reminded her. "We're at war, away from our home and family. We're dead to them as far as they are concerned."
"That's not true," she countered back. "You have family back home who care about you."
He shrugged his shoulders. "Doesn't matter, I'm not going back. There is no one back home for me that cares."
"Shayne, I––"
"Move out," Eisenman ordered. "We're losing daylight and we lost time. We only have a few hours left. We need to find a place to bunk for the night."
Watching Shayne and Maddy reminded me of Peeta and Katniss. There was something obviously between them but it was Shayne who was resistant of Maddy's attention or affection. I sighed as their interaction made me miss my sister, my family and my home. The day was long and longer still as night caught up to us. We stopped and rested for the night between a large hill and a line of trees surrounding us. My head hurt and legs ached from walking all day through rough terrain. Along the way, men hunted for food that we came across––a large elk with antlers so huge it must have weighed 400 lbs.
The meat was roasted and preserved for further meals as they were packed the rest for drying. They didn't waste any part of the animal as the men used handsaws on the antlers.
After dinner I'm exhausted that I couldn't keep my eyes open. But I was scared to fall asleep as the night air was chilly and I missed sleeping next to Katniss. Last night it was different I was too tired to be scared. "Hey, Prim," Maddy said as she led me to my tent. "Go to sleep." I didn't argue and went to bed willingly.
As my head landed on the sleeping bag, my last thoughts were of Katniss and Peeta wondering how they're doing. I smiled. 'At least they would be reunited and have each other.' The image of them together eased my mind as I drifted off to sleep with those happy thoughts.
Garrett POV ––
"Garrett?" Lily called out to me as I hid inside the shed behind our house. I still wore my MockingJay outfit minus the hood. My chest felt tight as if my heart was about to explode. "Are you okay? How did it go?"
"Not what I expected," I confessed.
"What do you mean?" she inquired as she stepped inside shed and closed the door behind her. Her face was blotchy and red from hours of crying. Katniss had been taken to the Capitol the night before and she couldn't control the tears. Her usually combed hair was tussled and disarrayed. She looked as miserable as I felt. Both of us barely slept as we tossed and turned on our bed. The house felt empty without the girls.
"Peeta…he wasn't mad or angry I as expected," I said. Lily rubbed my shoulders from behind me. "I didn't really know what I was expecting when I finally revealed myself…anger, hate maybe disgust." I sighed. "He looked heart broken, like I broke him…further."
"Oh Garrett," she whispered soft and low. "Peeta is…strong and brave. He had to…to be to fall in love with our eldest." She injected a bit of humor to soothe my guilt.
"No, Lily. I mean it. He looked disappointed, empty and like I stole something from him…inside of him," I admitted. "He wasn't even angry at me. I destroyed his life."
"You didn't––"
"No, I did," I confessed. "I…I can admit it. Jimmy was right. I ruined his son's life. I shouldn't have used the video of him being whipped by Cray. I placed him in a situation that caught Snow's attention. I have no one but blame but myself for putting Peeta and Katniss' life in danger."
"It's water under the bridge, Garrett," she said.
"I didn't even have enough time to tell him that Prim is okay," I uttered. "I had to break connection when Jimmy saw drones hovering around us."
"So Peeta still thinks Prim is dead and Jimmy wasn't able to talk to Peeta either," she said. I nodded. Guilt and shame tore into my bones and soul.
"I can't tell you how much I admire Peeta," I said. "He has endured so much and he still manages to keep his faith and strength…I have never seen such integrity in someone so young. Who has endured so much pain to still be…loving and kind. I just don't know how much more he can take, Lily."
"I know I'm worried about his state of mind too."
"He looked so broken." I sobbed. "And now, Snow reaped Katniss." The tears fell from my eyes uninhibited. "I did this. I…the symbol of the rebellion, the Great MockingJay. I placed Peet and Katniss in the line of fire. I placed both my daughters in danger."
We were both quiet for a few minutes as words were not necessary. I wouldn't blame Lily if she too were upset or angry with me for all I have done in the name of the rebellion. As the rebel leader I knew the sacrifices and consequences of my actions, but I had sworn to Lily that I would never place our daughters in danger. Yet, both Katniss and Prim were beyond my hand as they were taken from us.
Katniss was now a tribute for District 12 and Prim was somewhere in the forest scared and alone. My family was torn apart by distance and by my actions. "At least we know that Prim is safe," I sighed. My relief was palpable but it didn't relieve me of my sins for it was easy for me to order my men into dangerous situations. Men I didn't' personally know as I ordered and they obeyed my command. But now both Katniss and Peeta were involved. I knew beforehand what their decision would be when I asked then to join our cause.
I knew my daughter. She would have been reluctant but with Peeta involved she would follow his decision to be with him. As for Peeta, I had no doubt what he would decide. Yes, he was sweet and gentle, but when pushed to fight for those he loved. He would fight to end to keep him family safe and protected even if it meant joining a rebellion he was loathed to volunteer. But ultimately I had given them no choice. They needed to join our cause to protect themselves as well and they knew it if they wanted to survive.
However, I didn't anticipated Snow's plans. I knew there was a possibility that Prim would be reaped but I thought her chances were better than Delly's but I was wrong. So wrong. I had half expected Delly as Peeta's partner and fellow victor for I was sure that Peeta would volunteer. It was too obvious that Snow would reap Delly Cartwright as a sort of payback. I never thought he reap her. I truly believed he wouldn't. Snow wouldn't dare. So I was horrified when Prim's name was called. But Peeta stunned and brought me to my knees when he volunteered as a tribute to protect her.
"I…don't know how Jimmy has been handling all this…everything I caused." I was filled with self-recriminations––the weight of it choking me. "I didn't know, Lily. I didn't even think about the consequences. I was so angry with Snow for forcing all those families from their homes, placing them in the streets to fend for themselves. I needed to show to the districts what was happening."
"I know the reasons why you made that video. You're heart was in the right place," she added. "Maybe, just maybe this…all this had to happen."
"What do you mean?" I said aghast at her implication. "You can't honestly believe any good can come out of this?"
"I have to, Garrett," she implied. "Why else would it happen to Peeta, to Katniss? Gale is dead. Jimmy's son is gone too." Her voice cracked as she tried to control fresh tears streaming down her cheeks. "This has to make sense to me. Because all this suffering, sacrifice and trauma would be for nothing if it didn't mean anything." She sobbed. "Our girls are out there and I have to believe they were chosen for a reason."
"Fate?" I said under my breath. "You're talking about fate and destiny. You once said that it was fate that made me the MockingJay––that it was my destiny."
"Yes, and maybe it was fate that brought Katniss and Peeta together," she claimed. "Like I was fated to fall in love with you so that they can exist."
"So you think this is one big cosmic plan…that that it was destiny that had led us to this moment," I surmised. I never believed it fate or destiny. All I knew was that things happened for reason like me falling for a beautiful blue eyed and blond haired Merchant girl who was already engaged when I fell for her. "That our daughter and Jimmy's son was the spark to light the rebellion and unite Panem."
"I don't know about the rebellion. That Katniss and Peeta are instrumental as symbols needed to unite the districts to help you…but I believed they would have happened even with the rebellion in the background. The only thing I know is that through everything they endured, they are together now in the Capitol fighting for their lives. I have no doubt that they will protect each other…until the end." With her last words, she broke down and cried. Her tears fell as I grabbed her by the waist and enveloped her with my arms. We stood together in misery and pain until we ran out of tears and our hearts shattered further.
"Garrett," Darius' voiced startled us from our bubble of pain and misery. "Lily, Garrett. I need to talk to you." He said, as his voice got closer.
"Garrett," Lily hissed. "You still have your MockingJay clothes on."
"Fuck," I gasped. "Stall him. Get him in the house, just get him away from here so I change," I instructed her my voice low but panicky.
I changed quickly as fast as I could but I was impeded and delayed as my artificial limbs hindered me. Especially when I tried to put on my pants and button my shirt. I had to remove the new limbs and placed the old and battered ones. Darius would be suspicious with my new high tech arm and leg that afforded me better range of movement, flexibility and endurance. The poor and horrible quality of my other fake limbs stressed and taxed me physically tiring me faster.
I entered my house through the back door. I hear Lily offered Darius drink as he refused. "Lily, can you come here for a moment?" I asked through the kitchen door.
"Garrett, we have company, dear," she said her voice calm and well practiced. Underneath I could detect tension. "Peacekeeper Darius has paid a visit."
"Oh, okay," I continued. "I still need your help, honey." I couldn't come out and greet with my fly open and shirt unbuttoned. What would Darius assume?
"Excuse me, Darius," she said. "We'll be back shortly. What is it that you need, Garrett?" She entered the kitchen and her eyes grew wide. I stood in front of her with my pants and shirt unbuttoned. I sighed. "Honey?"
"I'm sorry, Lily, but I can't––" I shrugged my shoulders in resignation and frustration.
"It's all right," she comforted me. Her thoughts mirrored mine. "Maybe you should have gone out there for Darius to see." She had a smirk on her face.
"Lily, my dearest love, I love you to pieces," I started. "But if he ever caught us doing 'that' I'd die of embarrassment."
"Well, it isn't like no one has ever caught making love in the shed, honey," she said.
"What? What are you talking about," I gasped in horror. "You can't mean––"
"The girls," she began. "Both Katniss and Prim has caught us one time or another."
"What?" I yelled horrified and embarrassment as my cheeks grew warm. "When, how…where were we?"
"Later, we'll discuss this later."
"But––"
She ended the conversation with a pat to my head as she rifled her fingers through my messy locks. "You need a haircut. Now go, let's not keep Darius waiting." I grunted in response as I felt dismissed like a five year old not like a man who had two grown daughters and THE leader of a rebellion.
"Darius, what brings you to these neck of the woods," I asked as I shook his hand in greeting. He gave my fake hand a tug with his gloved hand.
"First, I just want to say I'm sorry for your loss and for what happened to Katniss," he said. At first my mind was went blank when he said he was sorry for my loss? What did I lose? Prim. Right, she was declared dead from an 'accidental' explosion on the train. "I don't know how I would feel if I lost my family all in 24 hours. I'm sorry."
I gritted my teeth and breathed through my nose as I held my anger at bay. Lily sniffled from behind me. Darius wasn't responsible for Katniss and Prim but he did worked for Snow. He had a job and he was good at it.
"What…why are you here, Darius?" I asked. I felt sorry for him.
"You know that favor I did for you?" he started. "Well, I can't keep your secret any longer." I had bargained with Darius to let Delly, Rye and Tyler leave District 12. When Jimmy begged me to help after Snow made his announcement about extra reaping ceremony, I couldn't refuse him. He had lost his eldest son, Graham and his wife, Sonja leaving Tyler parentless. Peeta, well we knew what happened to him. And I knew that Snow was gunning for Peeta as well for defying him. Now he was at the Capitol right where Snow wanted him. It was hopeless. All Jimmy had left to protect was Rye. And if Rye lost Delly, Jimmy knew he'd lose his middle son as well.
"You need to get them back," Darius suggested. "You still have time before any of the other peacekeepers get suspicious."
"Why? I mean you agreed to let them go," I inquired. "Katniss was reaped and Rye and Delly are…deeply hidden in the woods with people who can protect them. Besides, you owe me."
"I know and I know I still owe you for what you've done for me but…," he sighed. There was something else. Something he was hiding from me. Darius was a good kid. He never caused trouble or harm to anyone in District 12. I trusted him.
"What is it, Darius? You know you can trust me."
"There's a rumor that the MockingJay is close by…that he is here in 12. Snow has been scouring the forest and every piece of land surrounding the district," he explained. He ran a hand on the back of his neck. I never seen him this distracted. "You don't by chance know anything? Is there something you need to tell me?"
"And if I did, did you think I'd tell you," I snickered back.
"I thought because you know…what happened that day," He gestured to my disabilities. Everyone assumed that the mining accident was deliberate. A plot manufactured by the MockingJay to stop delivery of coal to the Capitol. However, a dozen men was injured or killed in the explosion. It was a misfortune accident that derailed a plan to deprive Snow of his precious coal. Little did he realize it was true, but that was another story to tell.
"Well, I was crippled and mutilated by an accidental explosion in the mines, Darius," I told him. "Nothing more, nothing less. It was a gas leak mixed with the lanterns that blew the mines up."
I looked at the young peacekeeper. Whether or not he believed me was not evident on his face. He actually looked troubled.
"Why come to me with all this?" I sat down on my easy chair next to an empty fireplace. It was cold outside even though the sun blared above us. Lily sat on the sofa adjacent to me her hands on her lap.
"I know you're a man of peace," he said. "The Seam folks look up to you, trust you. Just like the Merchants trust Jimmy Mellark." What was he implying?
"Why are you here, Darius? What do you need really?"
"You need to get Rye and Delly back to 12––"
"Why? They are long gone and never coming back," I reiterated. "Even if I can recall them, I know that Snow will be not let this go. As soon as they set foot on 12, I know he will arrest them. Punish Rye and Delly for trying to escape. Their life will be forfeit."
"That's the thing, Snow doesn't know yet," he breathed though his mouth frustration and impatience evident in his demeanor. "I haven't reported them missing yet."
"Why not?" I was puzzled by his hesitation to report them.
"I wanted hold off my report for a day or two. I just wasn't ready and it was a good thing I did." He stepped forward. "There is still time for you to tell them to come back. No one knows right now that they are missing. The school thinks they're both in grief over Peeta and I've reported to Maurtagh they will not be in school for the rest of week like you told me to tell him."
"I don't know if I can," I admitted. Would Jimmy want Rye and Delly to come back? Are they better off hidden in the words or better yet heading towards District 13, as that was their destination.
"Okay, I'm going to say this against my better judgment but if they don't come back, I'm afraid that Snow will retaliate," he confessed. "I don't know when or how but if I report they are missing, I'm afraid he'll do something worse than…the mutt dogs he let loose weeks ago. That's why I held back the report."
I gasped in horror. Darius pretty much admitted that Snow attacked District 12. "He wouldn't dare? Not before the games." I counted on the next few months to free the citizens of 12 from the peacekeepers who were stationed here. For weeks now I noticed that their numbers were dwindling. I had a small army ready to strike when necessary.
"And this time, it'll be worse," He hinted. "I can't say anymore without giving to much away and disobeying orders which I already am talking to you." I nodded my head as the reality galvanized in my head. Darius was giving me a warning. I had to retrieve Rye and Delly before Snow finds out their missing.
"I understand," I said. "Then I need a favor. Darius sighed and winced.
"I'm not asking for much, Darius," I stared. "All I need is for you to…disable communications and block transmission coming from 12. I just need two minutes."
"I can do that," he agreed.
"And––" I continued. "I need this request to be done today if you want get Rye and his family back as soon as possible. I need you to distract all the drones in 12 and make sure that they are not in the northeastern area. Direct them towards the borders of District 11. Can you do that?" I requested.
"Well, that shouldn't be a problem since President Snow has minimized the number of drones in 12," he argued back. "I can do that without clearance from my superiors.
"What do you mean he minimized the number of drones?" The news stunned and surprised me. The information didn't bode well in my estimation.
"There are only five in stead of ten surveying District 12," he announced. 'Surveying.' That was Snow's definition and reason for the drones' existence.
"So can you do this, today?" I insisted. He nodded. We spoke for a few more minutes coordinating the time when Darius would sever communications.
"Thank you, Garrett," he said. I didn't know why he was grateful. His behavior only made me more suspicious of him. He knew something but was holding back. He would have been a loser card player as he had his tells.
"No, I think you have it backwards," I interjected. "Thank you. I'm grateful that you're looking at District 12's best interest because I suspect you know something but can't tell me." He looked sheepish and cast his eyed downward.
"Garrett, please stop pressuring the young man," Lily scolded me. "Thank you, Darius." Five out of ten, Snow had issued 10 drones as it scoured 12. I knew there were many but the numbers surprised me. I was informed in other districts they had four to five, but ten? The Capitol drone outnumbered District 13's. They couldn't release more in fear of being discovered. When 13 drones were discovered, the Capitol ones never shot them down but gave them a merry chase. It was like the Capitol was playing with us or taunting us.
Later that day, Lily and I decided to visit Jimmy. He was alone now in the bakery. He seemed pensive and…shattered as we felt, both of us had lost our family. We were childless. "We actually came by and wanted to know if you wanted to have dinner with us?" Lily asked. The tension between Jimmy and I worsened. It was obvious he was furious with me but kept his anger at bay. Thank God for Lily's presence as a buffer between us.
"Well, actually, the Cartwrights are coming over for dinner," he explained. "Both of you are welcome to join us." Lily looked at me. The Cartwrights, Delly's parent should I tell them that Rye and Delly were returning to 12 and soon? Jimmy told me how furious they were that they weren't told of their plans.
"We wouldn't want to intrude," Lily commented.
"No, you're not," Jimmy answered back. "We all can commiserate together being that all of us have children missing." I didn't know he was being sarcastic because his words stung. It felt as though he directed an accusation which he had the right to do. All of his children were gone and it was my fault.
During dinner, the women kept the conversation flowing. Nat was subdued as he kept glancing between Jimmy and me. As for Jimmy, he was broken just like his son, Peeta. For years he endured mental and emotional abuse from his wife for the sake of his sons, but his family was scattered. Jimmy looked…defeated as the light in his eyes were dim and lifeless. I nudged Lily by the arm. She placed a hand on Jimmy's forearm.
"James, I have news," she started. Jimmy looked up eager but wary. She leaned over but spoke loud enough for Augusta and Nate to hear. "You're children, Rye and Delly are coming home," she announced.
"What?" Jimmy mouthed as his vocal cords failed him.
"What are you saying?" Nate spoke.
"To make a long story short, Darius recommended that our kids come home," I said. "And soon. Within the next couple of days."
"How, why?" Jimmy finally found his voice. It was filled with hope and desperation.
"Tomorrow Darius is allowing me to communicate with Rye so he can come home," I explained. "I don't want to elaborate on the details. I just want you to know they're coming home."
"But what about Darius?" he asked.
"I told you not to worry about him," I said. "Just leave the details to me––"
"Is it safe for them to come back, I mean. I know that people have asked about them and I haven't said anything. They just think we're grieving," Jimmy added. "I don't want them to come back if they're in danger."
"They're not, Jimmy," I promised him. "Just please trust me. Your children are coming back." I didn't want to burden them by saying that they had to come back or else the whole district was in danger. It was my burden to shoulder. They had to come home. Not unless Jimmy and Nate wanted their kids to stay away.
"Oh, thank God," Augusta sighed in relief. "My baby girl is coming home." She wrapped her arms around her youngest son, Bobby. "You hear that Bobby, you're sister is coming home. Are you sure they're safe to come home?"
"Where did they go?" Bobby asked. "She was supposed to cut my hair yesterday, but I hid from her because I didn't want one." August laughed relief and joy palpable in her demeanor. Bobby was too young to understand what was going on.
"Yes, and there will no repercussions. As a matter of fact, Darius hasn't reported them missing yet. Unless someone babbles." The Cartwrights were relieved and overjoyed.
Jimmy was quiet. His manner puzzled and worried me. After dinner I took him aside as the women demanded that they would wash the dishes.
"It's the least we could do, Jimmy," Augusta demanded. "Dinner was delicious as always."
"Jimmy, are you okay? It's good news that Rye, Delly and Tyler are coming home, isn't it?"
"Yes, no. I don't know," he sighed taking a deep breath exiting through his mouth. His brows crinkled and his shoulders slumped. "I'm happy they're coming back and Delly is safe." A stab pierced my stomach. I shouldn't be jealous or angry since his children are coming home while mine were scattered and in danger. Jimmy lost Graham and Peeta is in the Capitol, but the fact still bothered me as father whose one daughter was at the Capitol while the other was presumed dead.
"I just can't stop help feeling this pit in my stomach. Like something is going to happen," he projected. "I'm grateful. I really am but Peeta…my boy is still…" I understood his feeling of anxiety, fear and hopelessness. But I wasn't hopeless. I still had time to formulate a plan to help get our children out of the arena. I'm the MockingJay. What good am if I can't even rescue our own children? My strength to continue derived from the love for my family. They are my reason, my purpose that give me strength and hope, but with Jimmy. He was giving on hope. I could see it in his eyes.
I couldn't find the words to comfort him because words were too inadequate to what I needed to say. I needed to act. So I silently made a promise to rescue and bring our children home––all of them.
Katniss POV––
I'm cold and scared. Flying in a loud and crowded hovercraft was an inexperience I'll never forget. Peacekeepers both male and female stared at me. I didn't know why but their stares made me uncomfortable. So I concentrated on Peeta. Wondering how he was feeling. Angry, upset and pissed that Snow reaped me despite the fact I passed my reaping age. This was personal––Snow choosing me to replace Prim. I would have gladly taken her place when she was reaped.
And had I been reaped I knew Peeta would volunteer. I knew my boyfriend, my Peeta. I couldn't wait to see him, to feel him in my arms again but I wished it were at better circumstances. At least Prim is alive and safe.
The ride was long and bumpy. I almost threw up when the craft lurched at two different instances. One female peacekeeper was kind enough to hand me a mint to ease my nausea. "Thank you," I said relief hitting my stomach once I chewed on the mint. She decided to strike up a conversation with me.
"I'm a big fan of yours," she gushed as she placed a hand on my arm. I was already uncomfortable as I sat on metal seat with a large dark black strap that crossed my chest. The headrest was cushioned but I was too short for my head to rest on. "I'll be rooting for the Star-Crossed Lover of District 12, you and Peeta Mellark."
I winced. How could any person root for us in the arena as we fight for our lives? We were killing each other for their fun and amusement. I felt disgusted. She rattled on for a few minutes saying how she admired Peeta and me. How we were the Capitol favorites. And because of this fact we also now were the other tributes number one adversary.
"You're favored over the rest of the tributes," she continued. "So you better watch your back." I rolled my eyes. Great, that meant that Peeta and I were also the favored and most popular target. I longed for Peeta. I needed him more than ever.
"Ten minutes before landing," a voice filtered through a speaker. A few minutes later, the hovercraft slowed on it's approach. I felt the engine turn and the craft glided on a landing pad. I didn't realize that I was holding my breath. Suddenly, the peacekeepers ten of them stood and lined up in formation. I unbuckled myself and stood up as well. I was surrounded as the peacekeepers formed into two lines five on five to my right and left.
All of them were tall even the females with rifle in their hands. They escorted me off the craft. I didn't feel safe even with their number but rather they frightened me. It was dark close to midnight. I'm tired, cold and scared. But I knew there was a light at the end of this dark journey. He was waiting for me at this bright and grand city that held no appeal to me. I only knew that Peeta was here.
My body shook with anticipation as I was closed to tears. I felt weepy and weak. I wasn't like this before I met Peeta. I held my head high for being independent, strong and alone. But Peeta changed me for the better. I needed to see him now. So imagine my disappointment when my mentor and the reaper escort greeted me.
"Katniss," Haymitch said as he approached and introduced me to the strange woman next to him. She wore a bright pink wig and matching colored dress and shoes. Her heels were so high she was practically on her tippy toes. "This is Effie Trinket, District 12's reaping escort, remember?"
"Katniss Everdeen," she stated as she shook my hand. "It is a pleasure to meet you. I'm sorry for your loss. Prim was a lovely girl."
"Thank you. Where's Peeta?" I asked. I didn't have the patience or time for pleasantries. I miss my family and home, but most of all I missed Peeta. He was so close yet far away. I would have thought that he would here to greet me.
"You'll see him soon," Haymitch answered. "We had to take precautions since the news was announced."
"The Capitol is in a frenzy," Effie stated. "The Star Crossed Lovers of District 12 are reunited." She gushed like the female peacekeeper. I flinched at the idea of people paying attention to us.
"Effie, stop with your babbling. She wants to see Peeta." I was breathless when he mentioned his name. 'Where was he and why wasn't he here.'
"Is he here?" I asked my heart pounded as the beat resonated in my ears. Haymitch didn't answer me but placed a hand on my elbow and steered way from the area. He turned around and stopped.
"Beat it," he ordered the group of peacekeepers. "I can take Everdeen back to our residents without you goons hovering."
"We don't take orders from you," the head peacekeepers spoke. "We are present to make sure that Katniss Everdeen is escorted to her resident per President Snow's orders." Haymitch grunted in disgust.
We presumed walking as we turned around the corner of the building between two buildings, a figure appeared flanked by two people one to his right and left. His head was downward. As he sensed me he suddenly looked up his face wary, sad, happy and fear all rolled into one emotion––relief. I held my breath my feet rooted on the ground. I had longed and waited for this moment yet I was paralyzed with the overwhelming feeling of love and joy. Time stood still I didn't know who reached for whom but the next thing I knew I was in arms wrapped so tight I could hardly breath.
"Katniss," he whispered in my ear like a prayer. I lowered my head and rested my nose on his broad shoulder. I frowned at the unfamiliar scent radiating from his skin. He didn't smell like Peeta who smelled of a mixture of flour, yeast and his own manly scent. The perfume radiating from his skin was soap mixed with something citrusy and earthy nothing like my Peeta who smelled of home. My heart beat so hard I wondered if he could feel it thumping against his lean muscular chest. He held me tightly and firmly as if he was afraid I was not real, a dream or illusion.
He trembled in my arms. We stood there relishing the feel and joy of being together again. I was speechless and it seemed that my boy with the bread was lost for words as well.
"I'm sorry kids but we got to go," Haymitch appeared besides us. Over Peeta's shoulder there was large crowd gather together behind cordons with peacekeepers in front of them. "Move!" Peeta grabbed my hand and gently tugged me behind him shielding me from the on lookers as they continued to chant our names over and over.
Haymitch escorted us with the peacekeepers as they flanked us. Thank God for the cordons that kept them at bay. They kept yelling our names chanting 'Katniss, Katniss. Peeta, Peeta.' It was unnerving. I didn't care about them. I wanted to be alone with Peeta.
We reached a large, sleek hovercar. The door opened automatically. I slipped in first with Peeta seated next to me. The smell of leather assaulted my nose. Haymitch and Effie seated in front of us facing the back of the hover car. The seats were bench-like long and spacious enough to sit all of us on one bench. With all the space Peeta sat close to me thigh to thigh his arm wrapped around my waist. I sighed and used his shoulder as pillow. I felt at home and safe to be back in his arms again. "I'd say welcome to the Capitol, Katniss, but that would rather sound insulting since we know why you're here," Haymitch said his eyes sad.
Peeta squeezed my waist with his hand as a gesture of comfort and a kiss to the top of head. Initially when he wrapped his arms around me I wanted to kiss him to feel his lips against my eager ones, but was glad I didn't since we had an audience.
The drive to the penthouse was short but it felt long as the hover car weaved in and out traffic. The Capitol was beautiful city with tall buildings that glittered and glowed like stars in the sky. It was a city of lights, sounds and spectacle. There were two peacekeeper cars in front of us and two behind us. Throughout the entire trip everyone was quiet and still.
We finally reached the destination and were escorted to an underground parking area, which was secluded. The car doors opened and we filed out one by one. This time Peeta had his arm wrapped around my waist as we walked through the underground parking.
Haymitch stayed behind. "Thank you for the escort," he said snidely and with sarcasm. "You can go now. He's…you did your duty. Both Everdeen and Mellark are where they are supposed to be."
"Peeta? Shouldn't we wait for Haymitch?" I asked as he led me to an elevator. He punched the R button on the panel. "Peeta?" He lifted his finger to his lips.
"Not yet," he whispered as leaned down and spoke into my ear his breath brushing my neck. I shuddered not because it was cold but because his presence…thrilled me. He turned towards the opening of the elevator turning his body so that I was facing his profile. He had dark deep purplish bags underneath his eyes, his face pale and his hair tussled. He looked a mess…a beautiful mess. But he was my mess.
Once we reached the top level, Peeta grabbed my hand once again. I realized we were roof level of the building. It was dark but with the city lights we could easily walk around in the dark. Suddenly Peeta stopped and released my hand. "Peeta?" His behavior puzzled me as he had his back to me.
"I'm sorry, Katniss," he said low and soft as his words were carried with the wind.
"Why?––"
"I'm so sorry," he lamented. His voice shook with despair and pain. I didn't understand what was going on. Why he was apologizing. "I didn't mean for this to happen? It was my fault."
What was he thinking? For what to happen? Oh, then it dawned on me. He was sorry that I was reaped. That I was Prim replacement. 'How could he believe it was his fault?'
"Don't be sorry, Peeta," I tried to comfort him as I raised my hand and placed onto his shoulder blade. He still wouldn't turn around to face me. "Prim––"
"Please, I'm sorry that I didn't protect her," he started as he moved away taking a step forward. 'What? He's talking about Prim?' "I failed you. I told you and your mom that I would keep her safe and…I…I didn't. I broke my promise. She's gone and it's my fault."
"You're fault?" I repeated. "Why is it your fault?" I love Peeta but his assumption that he had to protect everyone drove me insane. He felt responsible for everyone.
"It should have been me," he continued. "I thought I was doing what was best for her. And she's gone. I should have protected her better. Kept her safe. And now's she dead because of me."
"What?" I gasped in horror. Peeta thought that Prim was dead? This was going nowhere. I grabbed his arm and forced him to face me. His head was downcast with tears in his eyes. I tipped his chin with my hand making him look at me eye to eye. My heart broke when I saw the pain and anguish in his bloodshot, crystal blue eyes brimmed with tears like raindrops.
"It just happened so fast," he uttered. "Please believe me that had I known what was going to happen, I would have never let Prim go. I wouldn't have let them take her. It was my fault."
"Peeta!"
"I…I know there is nothing I can do. And I know it's me fault," he rambled.
"Peeta, stop." I winced as he continued to berate himself for imaginary sins committed. He thought Prim was dead and no one corrected him––that my sister was presumed dead when she was alive and safe away from the Capitol.
"And now she's dead. And it's on me for not protecting her, to keep her safe. And…and…if you don't want to be with me anymore…" 'What?' He couldn't suggest that I would break up with him. Then I wondered what if Prim was dead? I knew it wasn't his fault but would I react and blame Peeta; would I break up with him? Would I turn my back on him after losing my sister if she had died? No, I wouldn't. I would need Peeta more than ever and I would never blame him.
He ranted some more gut wrenching sobs tore through him as he continued to blame himself. He needed to stop but he continued. "Graham, Sonja….everyone I love is dead because of me. I don't know what to do. I don't know how much more I can take…I'm losing everything, everyone that is dear to me…" His lips trembled the lower lips shook uncontrollably. Tears ran own his face. I hated Snow more now than ever. Peeta was at a break point. I felt and sensed it as his body was rigid from stress and pain. So I did the one thing to stop me from his self recriminations, his automatic impulse to shoulder all the fault and blame for those who died.
I grabbed his face with both hands bracketing his cheeks in my palms and I kissed him hard. Our lips and teeth smashed together that I'm certain they were swollen from the impact. He was stunned at first, his arms and hands by his side. I moaned my throat vibrated. I opened my eyes our lashes tangled together as we were nose to nose breathing hard. His eyes were also open.
My tongue barely grazed his inner mouth when his tongue returned in kind. He tugged me by the waist his fingers gripped my sides. I closed my eyes and pressed his body onto mine feeling all of him. He grunted and wrapped his arms around me in an embrace. Finally, I had his attention as he responded kiss for kiss. I had my Peeta, the boy with the bread who saved my life that one rainy day. The Peeta I knew who loved me since he was five as his devotion never wavered even before I knew his existence. Peeta, who waited and yearned for me even when I was cruel, unkind to his generosity and gentle nature. He never gave up as his spirit was broken by the death of brother, the beating and tortures he endured in Snow's hands.
We clung to each other in need and desperation. The world faded around us even though we were right smack in the middle of a civil war, both of us tributes and hailed as the Star Crossed Lovers of District 12 to be trained to kill other tributes as well as each other. At this moment no one and nothing existed between us. We just two young adults in love and we were together. Nothing else mattered.
AN: Thank you for your patience. I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter. We finally have Peeta and Katniss together again. It's going to be a long and hard journey as they face the other tributes who will be gunning for them. Have a great weekend and I hope to update as soon as I can.