Chapter 41 –– The Stowaway
AN: Hello, here is another update. Hours late but at least it's posted––updates in week. My thanks to my faithful readers and reviewers––thank you to the following who left a review, LACR, pumpkinking5, Cassie Sharpie, BDizzy, J, mMspriss523, mar071 and guest. Thank for your support. I always look forward to reading your comments. This chapter contains MockingJay and Peeta's POVs and is rated R for language. If there are any mistakes found, they are mine. THG belongs to Suzanne Collins. On with the show––
MockingJay POV ––
"Sir, ETA is twenty minutes," the pilot announced. It was fortunate that a faction of my army confiscated a hovercraft that was once owned by the Head Peacekeeper from District 3. I had never used it often in fear of discovery but in order to reach my destination, I had to risk it. Peet and Katniss' life depended on it.
In order to fly undetected the temperature inside the ship compartment's was turned off to eliminate heat signature readings. We also flew so high to prevent any detection in the air as well. Thus, the air inside the craft was cold. So cold that you can see wisps of condensation escaping through our nose and mouth. I'm grateful that my outfit was well-insulated with thermal material to fight off all sorts of extreme weather. That and the fact, my right arm and leg were fake, sometimes I felt cold, hot weather and aches on limbs that weren't there anymore.
My nerves were raw, my chest ready to implode and my heart heavy. Leaving Lily by herself was the last thing I wanted to do but she would have never forgiven if I did not save Katniss, Peeta and retrieve our other daughter Prim. I thought long and hard what needed to be done. How many lives involved and the risks and consequences for my plans? I asked men and women to help me save two tributes from the arena and they willingly volunteered with no questions asked. I'm indeed blessed and cursed with the responsibilities that landed on my shoulders. What I felt most was guilt and shame.
When I used Peeta on my last broadcast, I was sure that nothing would come of it. His part in the video was small and short. It seemed insignificant as a whole. I thought the image of revealing what the country was enduring would matter most. Families in the streets removed from their homes, starving; districts destroyed from the looting. I should have known that Panem or moreover the Capitolites would zero onto Peeta, the boy who was unjustly convicted of a crime he didn't commit. His pain and suffering was viewed like some TV program they watched for entertainment. He became famous and earned celebrity status because of it. Their admiration and reaction to his plight was twisted.
Since the broadcast, Peeta was tortured, Graham dead, Prim reaped and Katniss was chosen, those events occurred because of me. So here I am, on a mission to rescue my eldest daughter and her boyfriend. It was suicide to even attempt it but I had to try. I could never forgive myself if I didn't. I shook my head and reflected what I had done. My thoughts were of Lily and the promises I made to her.
Flashback ––
"Garrett, I love you more than life itself," Lily said with love and steel in her eyes. "I think I have proven how much by abandoning our girls for so long." Tears tracked her face as she wrung her hands on her lap. It was night. We were in our empty home missing our girls. "But what I did to our girls…I will never forgive myself. And now both of them are gone."
"Lily," I sighed. After revealing my plans to Jimmy and Rye Mellark, I knew time was edging by before I had to leave. I didn't want to leave her.
"Please bring them home," she sobbed. "I want all of you to come home. Don't, please don't do anything foolish." She knew me; she knew I would die for my girls.
"I promise to get all of us home. I won't do anything risky," I promised her. "But as the leader of the rebellion, I will make decisions for the safety and return of Katniss and Peeta, but also to my men who obey and follow me." The duality of my role in the rebellion was tearing me in two––do I execute a rescue mission as a father of two or a leader of hundreds? Could I put my needs for my family over hundreds of lives who follow me?
On the day of my departure, Lily fashioned a dummy on our bed to make it look like I was in sick and incapacitated during the day. At night I wanted her to stay with the Hawthornes. I couldn't bear leaving alone in our home. Lily advised that I needed to tell Hazelle, she knew nothing of my double life as the Mockingjay.
As I told her my secret, I waited for her anger and recriminations for killing her son, Gale. She'd realize that all incidents since the broadcast of the video led to the event that followed after––the mutt dog attack that took the life of her eldest son.
To my surprise, she hugged me. Startled and relived, "I'm sorry Hazelle," I said once she released me from her embrace.
"Why?" she said as she wiped tears from her eyes.
"Gale," I sighed. "I never meant for him to…die."
"He was doing what he thought was right," she returned. "We were being attacked, Gale was defending our home. There was honor in his death. Not like Robert, his father died in an unfortunate accident. He died a senseless death."
"No, Hazelle," I corrected her. "Robert died providing for his family. I agree, the accident was unfortunate and senseless, but never think he didn't die honorably." She nodded her head.
"Thank you for saying that," she returned in gratitude. Robert was a friend. I would never allow Hazelle to think that he and the other men who died, died in vain. I survived and tried to honor their memory––that was one of the reasons why I never gave up hope for the rebellion and remained as their leader.
"Gale would have followed you, volunteered," she told me seconds later. "He talked about wanting to join the rebellion but I told him he had responsibilities for his family. His father would have wanted him to take care of us, not join a rebellion. I miss my son so much." I bit my lip and held back the truth I wanted to tell her––that Gale was alive and in District 13.
So held my tongue. "Listen, thank you for letting Lily stay with you," I said. "I didn't want to leave her alone with Katniss and…Prim gone."
"I haven't had the heart to visit Lily often. I have meant to since both of you lost Katniss and Prim. I just didn't know how to…"
"It's all right, Hazelle. I…we need your help. I will be gone for a few days. I'm supposed to be incapacitated and healing in bed. I don't want Lily to be home alone. I'll feel better if she stayed with you. If that's all right?"
"Of course, she can stay."
"What will you tell the children?" I didn't want to impose but I didn't feel comfortable leaving Lily alone. I could have asked Jimmy, but that would have been inappropriate because he would have to sneak into his home and if caught, people would assume she was having an affair with him.
"You leave that to me," she addressed. With a lighter heart, I felt at ease.
When I returned home, Lily had company, Rye Mellark. "Rye, what are you doing here? Something wrong?" The last thing I needed to know that something else had happened to the Jimmy.
"No, Mr. Everdeen, I need to speak to you, sir," he greeted me with a shake of his hand.
"Why do I get the feeling that your dad doesn't know you're here?" Rye cast his eyes on the floor. I knew that look––that look he was about to say something that would upset his father––that he harbored a secret from him.
"Why don't I leave you do gentlemen alone," Lily said.
"Rye, have a seat." He sat down and clasped his hands together. "What is it you need to speak to me about without your father present."
"Um…the thing is that…" he mumbled. Physically, Rye was a good twenty pounds heavier and stockier than Peeta, but his heart and character was like Jimmy––kind, charming and good natured. The two eldest had a temper to match their mother's but they were kind hearted to those they loved.
"IwanttojoinyouwhenyouresecuePeetaandKatniss."
"What?"
He took a deep breath, "I want to help you rescue my brother Peeta and Katniss."
"That is not possible. You are not a solider. You were never trained––"
"Were you?" he interjected. He stunned me. No, I was never trained to fight, but I had fighting skills, skills that helped me survived in the woods when I hunted to food for my family.
"Not formally, but you're a…baker, Rye. What do you know of shooting a gun?"
"I can learn. Aim, shoot. How hard can that be?" he said. I thought for a second how to dissuade him. I would never discourage anyone to volunteer and join the cause, but to be involved in a rescue mission was another matter.
"It's take time, it takes weeks of training for anyone to learn how to shoot a gun or use a bow and arrow." I took a deep breath. "Rye, even if I wanted you to come which is not possible. Are you…are you prepared to take a life? To kill someone."
"Yes, for Peeta…for my family," he responded with no hesitation.
"Even if I agree, your father will never forgive me––"
"I will deal with the fallout with my father," he said impatience and anger. It was bad enough my relationship with Jimmy was tenuous. I had caused so much pain to his family. Now I would be involving his remaining son, Rye to rescue Peeta. Jimmy would never forgive me if anything happened to him.
"What about Delly? Does she know that you are doing this?" He turned his head. "Rye, you recently got married and about to become a father. You should be…" My head started to ache so I took a deep breath. "…taking care of Delly, Tyler and your unborn son."
I understood Rye's reasons to help, but he had a new family to support and a grieving father to comfort. Had he been single I would have been pleased and proud to accept his offer.
"You don't have any right to tell me what to do in my life," he gritted his teeth. 'Oh, boy.' His temper emerged. I needed to diffuse it fast.
"No but as a leader and commander of the rebellion, I have every right to refuse you," I said firm and calm. He stared at me for a few minutes. I could tell the cog in his mind was working as tried to find reasons to convince me to take him in my mission.
"If you didn't know me, know my dad and Peeta. Would you be refusing me to help you?" he challenged me. I didn't take the bait.
"But I do know you?" I argued back.
"So there are no men in your rebellion that have wives and families like me?" he spat back. I opened my mouth and closed it. He got me there.
"There are, but none of them are like sons to me," I admitted. "I've known you most of your life. I would like to think if I did had boys, they would be like you, Graham and Peeta––strong, kind men I would have been proud of."
It's true that Jimmy raised good men. I envied him at times, but never regretted my girls. They were my life and joy. I'll never know the pain and anguish that Jimmy experienced when he lost Graham. But I almost lost Prim. I felt only a fraction of his loss and grief if only a moment.
Losing Rye would kill Jimmy.
"I'm sorry, Rye but you… I cannot let you go––" Rye started to speak but I prevented him as I raised my hand. "You are angry, grieving for the losing Graham and Peeta is in the Capitol participating in the Hunger Games. I can understand your need to help but you are not thinking straight. You need to think of Delly, you are going to be a father soon. You are a father to Tyler who Peeta left in your hand and as a legal guardian." I listed his responsibilities, reminding him his priorities.
"I can't stay here while…" He stopped and stood up crossing his arms across his chest. He looked like a little boy who was lost and scared, not a grown young man with a wife and child on the way.
I stood up to face him. "Rye, I promise to do my best to get Peeta out," I swore. "I cannot guarantee that the mission will succeed. I won't placate or give you any false hope. It would be cruel of me to make any promises of that kind." I placed a hand on his shoulder. "Go home, Rye. Go home to your pregnant wife. She and Tyler need you. Your dad needs you."
Lily stood by the kitchen doorway. "Please take me with you," Rye pleaded one last time his voice a soft whisper. I shook my head.
"No, Rye. I can't. You would be a liability. You have no experience in warfare. You know my plans because I felt an obligation to your father. I owe him so much and also taken so much from him. I will not let him lose another son. He will be…devastated if anything happens to you."
"It's all your fault, Dad was right," he seethed in anger. "It's all your fault, you and your family." I have seen Rye angry but this––this was a young man in pain, hurting and in anguish. "Peeta had a crush on Katniss since he was five. I never expected anything to happen. Even Peeta knew that but he wished and hoped. I've never encouraged his crush but I didn't discourage it either. I wish I had. Everything that has happened to my family is all because of you." His hands fisted on his sides. Would he hurt me like Jimmy did when threw a punch at face weeks ago? I wouldn't doubt since Rye's didn't equal his father temperament. It took a lot to anger Jimmy, but a lot had happened so I didn't blame him.
I was ready incase Rye took a swing at me. His anger matched his mother, Evelyn who was quick to hit her boys at her whim.
"Rye, I'm speaking to you as a friend and as the leader of the rebellion. You will respect my wishes and command," I said in a firm tone.
"You are neither my father nor my leader as you aptly put since I am not under your command," he retorted. He was right on both counts.
"Go home and I will forget this whole conversation." I left no room to argue my point. I was adamant in refusing his help and Rye knew it. He turned and walked out of the house without a single word or look back. Lily joined me as she took my hand.
"Problem?" Lily said her forehead creased with worry and fear. She was scared for Rye, because people in desperate situations did foolish and desperate things.
"Problem." I repeated.
End of Flashback ––
I felt right and justified for refusing Rye and hoped it was the end of it, but I was wrong.
"Touching down in five minutes, sir," the pilot said. "You'll need to buckle up." I nodded my head and sat down. The strap and buckle felt cold as I fastened myself on the bucket seat. A second later the engine of the hovercraft turned off. In order to land the ship needed to glide into our destination so no one can hear the roar of the engines. We were landing 10 miles away from District 1 boundary at edge of District 2.
Landing the ship on manual instead of autopilot was difficult. The descent was jarring and turbulent. The walls and floor shook beneath us. Air filled my ears and my stomach lurched. The skin around my limbs ached from discomfort. Finally, it stopped and everyone took a deep breath. "File out and everyone radio silence," I commanded.
The trek to meet the rest of the rebels was hard and fast. We wasted no time for breaks since we were a tight time frame. After seven hours we reached our destination. I was nervous and anxious because there was only one person I needed to see.
By noon we had reached our rendezvous point with the other rebels, their campsite was well hidden in the forest. My heart beat on my chest so hard that I felt the cadence in my ear. It had been two weeks since I last seen my daughter, Prim. There she stood, 5' 3" dressed in black her blond hair in a ponytail. She was speaking to a dark brown haired young man with fair skin. Beside him was a young woman with red hair and tanned skin. Prim looked as though she was giving them lecture as both young and woman had their head down. I wondered what she was telling them. As I approached the campsite Eisenman, the faction leader recognized me. "Attention," he barked. Everyone stood up and saluted me an arm raised with three fingers pointed to the sky. The word MockingJay filtered in the air.
"Sir, we are honored to serve you," a soldier commented. I was too busy looking at Prim, my little girl who had seemed to have grown up since I last saw her. She looked at me with stranger's eyes. I wore my usual outfit, all black from head to toe with a hood covering my head. My voice was disguised as I spoke. "At ease, please do not stand on formality. It is I who is honored to serve with you," I addressed them.
"Thank you for the quick transport," Eisenman said. "It would have taken us weeks to get here." I nodded my head.
"No thanks needed," I returned.
"I just…I am honored you have chosen us to execute your plans," he said. I couldn't explain the selfish reason why I chose them. There was a rebel group closer who I could have easily used to help me, but because Prim was with them. She was the real reason why I had picked them even though I knew they were more than capable to help me with my mission. Besides, with the other rebels, I needed them for another part of my rescue mission.
"I have my reasons," I said. "You and your men are more than capable. And I know staying idle can take a toll on everyone's psyche. Besides, I want to meet Prim Everdeen. She is one of the reasons why I am here."
"Prim Everdeen?" Eisenman repeated in shock.
"Yes, I need to speak to her, alone." He nodded his head and called out to her.
"Soldier Everdeen?" he barked. "Your presence is needed." Prim's eyes grew wide in shock as she bit her lip––a habit I knew she had when she was nervous. Surprisingly, both the male and female followed behind her. "MockingJay would like to speak to you."
"Why?" she croaked, her voice shook but she head her held high. "Did I do something wrong?"
"No," I answered calm and soft. I was hoping not to scare her. Though I doubt it sounded that way as my voice was low and hollow. "I would like to speak to you alone. I have a message from…your parents."
"My parents? You've seen them? Are they okay? They know I'm alive right?" she blurted so fast.
"Please, if you will follow me." I pointed to an area not far from the camp. A small clearing not too much but provided the privacy I needed.
"Can Shane and Maddy accompany me?"
"I need to speak to you alone," I insisted.
"I don't know you," she explained. "I know you are the MockingJay but you are a complete stranger to me. I would feel better if my friends are with me."
"Prim––" Shane blurted. "Maybe you should talk to him alone. I will be right here if you need me." I wondered why Prim trusted this young man so. She was always good in making friends unlike Katniss. "You can trust him," he assured her as he turned to me. "My apologies, I am Shane Roman from District 4. I am honored to serve under your command."
"I am Maddy Foster from District 4 as well," she announced herself.
"You trust them with your life?" I asked Prim. I understood her fear because I had taught her to not trust strangers even if that stranger was The MockingJay. "They can come if you want." She nodded her head.
Once we were at the clearing, I turned to Prim. "What I'm about to say and do must be kept with the four of us," I said. "I need your word that you can keep this a secret."
"Why? What?" Prim asked.
"Sir, what ever you say we will take it our grave," Maddy swore.
"I have no choice but to trust you," I said. "Prim has said as much that she does."
"You said you have a message from my parents," Prim stated. She was abrupt and to the point. That's my Prim. "Does this have to do anything with them?"
"Well, there is no easy way to say this," I began. "I know your parents. I mean I know your mother."
"So what is the message," Prim asked.
"First there is something I must tell you. I have kept my identity for several reasons. Mainly, to keep my family from harm and any retribution as being the MockingJay. But circumstances have changed and my family are in endanger and I can no longer keep my identity a secret to them."
"What does that have to do with me?" Prim asked her brows crinkled in curiosity. I didn't know what to say. So I turned off my voice box and lifted my hood off my head. Prim gasped in surprise. "Prim––"
"Dad?" she said as her voice quivered. Even underneath the black makeup which covered my face, she recognized me. She ran into my open arms. I held on tight, hugging my little girl who was no longer little but a young woman in her own right. It felt wonderful to hold her in my arms. She was alive and well after her reaping. I remembered the report how Peeta practically ordered my men to take Prim away from the train. He stayed behind knowing that he was being tracked. The plan was to rescue them both but he stayed behind.
"Dad?" Shane repeated. "He's…the MockingJay is your dad, Prim?" Tears poured out of Prim's eyes.
"Dad, you're the MockingJay?" she asked in wonder and awe. Then her demeanor changed. "How long? All this time, you've been the MockingJay?"
"I know you have a lot of questions but time is of the essence," I said. "I'm sorry, Prim. I'm sorry that I never told you."
"Did Katniss know? And Mom?"
"You're Mom has always known. As for Katniss she only found out once she reached the Capitol," I answered. "And Peeta does too."
"Wow," Maddy stated. "Who knew that we rescued the MockingJay's daughter?"
"And you will be helping me rescue Peeta and my eldest daughter Katniss as well if my plan fall into place," I reminded them.
"So who else knows?" Prim asked.
"Just a handful in back home," I said. "Haymitch, Jimmy, Rye. Speaking of which." I turned my head. "Maddy, can you bring Rye Mellark here?" She left to search for him.
"Rye is here?" Prim said in an excited voice. "Why? How?"
"Yes," I sighed. "Listen, I don't have time to explain but he's here. I need you stick with him from now on, okay?"
"Why? I mean I'm okay with that but what about Shane and Maddy, I've been with them since I got here. They are my friends, I trust them."
"I appreciate that they have been keeping you safe," I said and then to her friend. "I cannot express how much it means to me that you have kept my daughter safe. You watched over her even not knowing that she was related to me. You are good people. I need more soldiers like you and Maddy."
"Thank you, sir," Shane began. "Watching Prim was no trouble at all. As a matter of fact, she has become our secondary healer. Prim has been very valuable to us. We are…friends" Prim smiled with great pride. I was shocked by what Shane had said but I knew I shouldn't have been. Katniss was my little hunter like me while Prim took after her mother, the healer.
"I need you to keep Rye company. Shane and Maddy have a job do."
"What's going on, Dad?'
Before I could explain, Rye appeared. You wouldn't recognize him as he wore the rebel uniform––black shirt, pants, hooded jacket and boots. I didn't give him a gun. "Rye," Prim screamed. "Oh my God, you're here." She ran to him with opened arms.
"Hello little rebel," he greeted her in a big hug. Seeing them together you could have sworn they were brother and sister. Their blond hair shone in the sun.
"What are you doing here?" Her joy at seeing her friend, Rye was infectious as I was afraid that her time away from us changed her. I was afraid that she was scared, alone and lonely amongst stranger that didn't care for her. I had instructed Eisenman to attach a 'bodyguard' for her protection. Shane and Maddy was more than I expected. Prim developed a friendship with them. She was still Prim; easy to love and a charmer who easily made friends.
"Well, I missed my little sister," Rye said. Prim smiled. "Because you know one day you will be once Peeta marries Katniss." She giggled.
"I'm really glad you're here," she said. I left Prim in company with Rye as I took Maddy and Shane aside to speak to them in private.
"Listen, I really owe my gratitude for watching my daughter, Prim," I said. "But by now Eisenman has told you of my plans to rescue my other daughter and Peeta." They nodded their heads. "You need to know that what needs to be done is dangerous. If caught, it means death. I cannot ask you to follow me without knowing that. You must decide if you want to help me even if it meant that you might not survive."
"I can't speak for Maddy," Shane said. "I volunteer."
" I volunteer as well," Maddy joined him. There was a determined look on their faces. They were both young as they reminded me of Peeta and Katniss. I was about to send them to a dangerous mission that could get them killed yet they both volunteered to help rescue my daughter and her boyfriend––two strangers they nothing about. Now, they both knew my identity and the real reason for the rescue attempt.
"Thank you," I said. "And remember to please keep my identity a secret. I am counting on you both. It is critical that no one knows besides you two. I wouldn't have but Prim trusts you. I hope that I will not regret my decision in revealing my identity to you."
"You won't regret it, sir," Shane said. "We understand the need to keep your identity a secret."
Prim's laughter cut through the air. I looked at my daughter and Rye. She looked happy. I was overjoyed to be reunited with Prim, but I couldn't rest until both Peeta and Katniss were rescued and safe. I then looked at Rye. No one was safe until all of us away from the Capitol. I still angry with Rye as I recalled how he managed to join my mission to rescue Peeta and Katniss.
Flashback ––
I bade a painful farewell to Lily back at our home. With a kiss and a promise to get our children back home safely, I left with a heavy heart. We both knew but didn't voice or acknowledged that my plan may not succeed. That all of us may die in attempting to rescue Peeta and Katniss. If I failed, they would both enter the arena with no hope of rescue.
The hovercraft that would transport me to my rendezvous point had already arrived an hour ago. I had to walk 5 miles away from the district to where it landed. "Sir," the pilot greeted me as three rebels dressed in black and their hood covered their faces appeared with guns in their hands searching the landscape for Peacekeepers.
"Have you scanned the perimeter?" I asked.
"Yes, sir," he replied. "We are clear to leave."
"Then what are we waiting for?" I was eager to leave. The longer we stayed the greater possibility of being discovered.
"I'm just waiting for Reilly," the pilot explained. "He left five minutes ago, sir." I raised my brows in question. "He needed to take a leak." Well I couldn't blame him. The craft wasn't built with a lavatory. "Did everyone do their business before we depart?"
"Yes, sir," they replied while one rebel nodded his head. Suddenly, Reilly appeared.
"Sorry, sorry," he said.
I strapped myself onto the seat and ordered the pilot to leave. The engine hummed, the floor shook as the ship hovered above the ground for 10 seconds before it ascended into the air. I felt relief and anxiety as an hour passed. It would take 3 hours to reach the outskirts of District 2. I was too anxious to sleep but I knew I needed to so I slept for two hours before turbulence and the sound of someone retching awoken me.
One of the rebels had his head bent and was vomiting into a bucket. I looked at him for a few seconds and noticed that his outfit or uniform was a bit tight on him. He kept his back to me as his hood was uncovered revealing his blond hair. I recognized that hair and shaped of his head. I shook my head and rolled my eyes. "Rye," I called him name.
He turned his head slowly. He looked white as a sheet and his eyes blood shot. Poor kid. I felt bad for him as he never flew in an hovercraft before, but at the same time, I didn't feel that bad for him. He disobeyed my order and probably broke his father and Delly's heart as well. I knew Rye had abandoned them to join me.
After retching for a few more minutes, he sat up. I gave him a sprig of mint leaves to cleanse his mouth. He chewed on it gladly as his complexion returned. "What am I going to do with you, Rye?" I asked him. There was not point in yelling at him.
"Just kill me now," he said between bated breath. "This is worse than a hangover." I chuckled.
"This is what you wanted, Rye," I told him. He closed his eyes. I didn't blame him for wanting to help rescue Peeta, but I prayed that I didn't end up rescuing his little brother and killing Rye in the process.
End of Flashback ––
That night we watched a replay of Peeta and Katniss at the Talent Program. "Did you see what Katniss did, Jay?" Prim crooned. I cringed. It was difficult to hear Prim call me not as her father but as the MockingJay, but it was necessary. "She scored a 14. That has never happened before." She was so proud of her sister. I was very impressed but was concern of the implication of her performance. I could imagine Haymitch scolding her for 'showing off.' For The Talent Program you needed to score high so you could garner sponsors during the games. Katniss' score definitely guaranteed sponsors but it also alienated the other tributes whom envied her performance.
"Shit, Peeta," Rye said his eyes wide in disbelief and pride as he watched Peeta's performance. "I don't know if I could have ever done that. I knew he was strong, but damn. He threw five 100lb kettle bells." I was too was surprised and impressed with Peeta. He scored 10 with his performance but he also didn't ingratiate himself with his fellow tributes. Tonight was the Tribute Dinner. It wasn't televised so there wasn't a chance to see Peeta and Katniss one final time before they enter the arena.
"Dad, you will be careful tomorrow?" Prim asked. She and Rye were to stay behind at the camp with a few rebels and keep them company. I knew Rye wanted to join me but I had to reiterate and said a few choice words to him as to why he couldn't partake in the rescue mission.
"Rye, you are here not by my choice," I said. "If I had time, I would have shipped both you and Prim back to the another base camp for your safety. In fact, I would have sent you alone since with Prim I can use as she is a healer. You, as I said before are a liability. You are not trained to fight. You are a baker."
"But I didn't mean to––"
"I don't want to hear anymore excuses," I said. "You will not help, you will not sneak into the hovercraft. You will stay here with Prim because if anything does go wrong, I am expecting you to watch over her while I am gone. I am trusting you to keep her safe. Can you do that for me, Rye?" He looked angry, ashamed and guilty. "I am impressed that you got this far. That you would sacrifice your life to rescue Peeta. You love your brother that much that you were willing to abandon Delly and your unborn child. It was selfish and brave. And if you ever do this again, I swear I will lock you in a room and throw away the key." I sighed. I didn't like scolding him like some petulant spoiled child, but was necessary.
"Do you have any idea how much damage your actions will cause between your father and me? His friendship means the world to me. Like a brother, that is how I see your father who has helped me for years. I owe him for so much more than you realize. Your actions…I'm afraid will be the last straw."
"I'm sorry, Ga…sir," he said. "I didn't think––"
"And that is the problem, you didn't use your head," I reprimanded him. "You will not disrespect or disobey me as I am your leader. Do you understand?" Rye nodded his head.
"Yes, sir. I understand," he said.
The next morning, I had awoken to smell of fresh bread in the air. It was early as the sun barely peeked at the horizon. Across me Prim was fast asleep. I was proud of how she handled herself. Both Maddy and Shane spoke of how she proven herself as a healer. She was no longer the little girl who was reaped that fateful day. She had grown up too fast to my dismay; but then so had Katniss to my regret.
But I didn't have the time to harbor regret and wishes. Today I was sending men and women to help me rescue my daughter, Katniss and Peeta. It was risky and dangerous. I hoped the odds were in my favor.
Peeta POV ––
"Katniss, Peeta," the crowd screamed our names. Haymitch, Effie and Cinna flanked us as they escorted us out of the stadium. After Katniss' display of our clothes bursting into flames, the audience went wild, cheering and stomping the ground. The applause was deafening I thought my ears would implode. Just as we reached our car, four heavily armed Peacekeepers appeared before us.
"President Snow requires the presence of tributes Peeta Mellark and Katniss Everdeen at his mansion post haste," he announced.
"Now wait a goddamn minute," Haymitch said. "What is going on? I thought the dinner invitation was only extended to Cinna, Effie and me."
"Change of plans," the Peacekeeper returned. "It is best that you don't argue––"
"And if I refuse?" Haymitch countered. "My tributes were not invited––" The Peacekeeper stood still for a moment as he ignored Haymitch. He walked over to Katniss, I in turn pulled her behind me, my stance defiant.
"Stay away from them," Haymitch demanded.
"Move, boy," he said as he leaned over to me eye to eye.
"No," I responded.
"Peeta, don't," I heard Katniss from behind me. She laid a hand on my back. I felt comforted at her touch. Just as I thought he was going to turn, he pulled his arm back and thrust the butt of his rifle onto my stomach. I gasped and doubled over in pain.
"Peeta," Katniss screamed as she grabbed my waist from behind me. My ears rung like a bell tolling as I struggled to breath, my eyes watered.
"Stop, that was not necessary," Effie hollered.
"Sir," Cinna said in calm tone. His posture was tall and proud as he addressed the Peacekeeper. "I don't think that President Snow would appreciate you hurting his tributes right before the Games. Especially this tribute." He gestured to me. The pain on my stomach hurt as I struggled to keep upright.
"You didn't have to hit Peeta," Haymitch stated. "As a matter of fact, if you touch him again, you will be flat on your back with a big black eye." He postured. The Peacekeeper pulled back his gun as if he was prepared to hit Haymitch as well, but before he could strike him, Haymitch spoke, "And what do you think President Snow would do if he found out that not only had you assaulted Peeta but one of his Victors as well?"
He leaned over to the soldier in white armor. "I have every right to send my tributes home. I don't care if they were summoned because I will explain to Snow what happened here. I will explain that you assaulted Peeta and I was forced to have him escorted home with my other tribute in fear for her safety."
"I'm afraid that you have no choice," the Peacekeeper said. "I am to escort all of you to the Mansion no excuses or delay. It was an order."
"Haymitch," I said. "It's okay. I'm okay." I didn't like the fact that Snow demanded to have dinner with Haymitch, Effie and Cinna. The dinner invitation scared me. I was scared for their safety. We would at least be together at Snow's mansion.
"Peeta, we should call for a healer," Katniss suggested. "That asshole might have injured you. You need to see a medic."
"No, I'm okay," I insisted. "Just a bruise or…" I stood up straight. My stomach ached. Yes, I could tell and feel a bruise forming. I took a deep breath. Haymitch sighed.
"Well, it seems that we really don't have a choice in the matter," he grumbled as he stood between Peacekeeper and me. Katniss grabbed my hand her face etched with anger and fear. I squeezed her hand hoping to distract her. Effie and walked beside Katniss while Cinna trailed behind us forming a wall around us. The traffic in the street of the Capitol was cleared as our hover car was driven straight to the mansion with no stops.
I was scared but relieved because at least we were all together. What else could possibly happen?
AN: Thank you for reading this chapter. I do appreciate your patience and for taking this journey with me. Shorter chapters and frequent updates as I promised. I hope you enjoyed it. Until the next update, have a great weekend.