Chapter 44 – Rebels in the Capitol
AN: My apologies for those who didn't get the alert last week for Chapter 43. So now you guys get to read two chapters instead of one? ;) Thank you to the following who made a review, alerted and followed 'Destiny'––Twink21, B Dizzy, J, kelmikmag, jroseley and guests. You found the fic even though the alert wasn't posted. Lol This chapter contains Haymitch's POV and is rated R for language. Warning: This fic is rated M so if you are offended by this rating, please turn back now. My regular disclaimer: The Hunger Games belongs to Suzanne Collins. Any mistakes found are mine.
Haymitch POV ––
"I must commend your team, Mr. Abernathy," Snow drawled as he lifted a glass of wine to his lips. "Peeta Mellark is very resilient and brave. It is surprising how he has survived all his trauma." He wiped wine from his chapped lips with a napkin. "I cannot tell you how much I admire the young man for volunteering as well."
I snorted because we both knew he reaped Prim Everdeen. She was set up and knowing Peeta, he would volunteer to protect his girlfriend's little sister. Our worst fear was that Delly, Peeta's pregnant sister-in-law was going to be reaped but that would have been obvious. And had Peeta been chosen in the reaping ceremony, it too would have been obvious that the lottery was rigged.
"I really don't think you should be at all surprised," I muttered underneath my breath.
"Excuse me," Snow said back. I couldn't help but bite back.
"We haven't had a volunteer in years, decades," Plutarch mentioned a he tried to ease the tension in the room. It was palpable and thick to the point of suffocation. "That's what makes this year's games special. And Katniss Everdeen was chosen. That is another honor to be chosen by the President of Panem." It wasn't an honor but retribution for 'killing' Prim during a rescue attempt. We all knew it.
"Yes, it is seldom and rare that both male and females tributes are…together as in a relationship," Effie cooed. "Peeta and Katniss are very devoted to each other. They are so young yet mature, and level headed."
"To a fault," I said. The fact that there were named, 'The Star Crossed Lover's of District 12' made them a notoriety elevating them to celebrity status. The Capitolites loved them. There were bets on who would die first and if they would survive at all. It was disgusting.
"Nevertheless, this year will be as Plutarch elaborated, special and extraordinary," Snow said. "In fact, the Gamemakers has especially designed new trials this year. I cannot wait to see them."
Cinna and I looked at each other. New trials which usually meant new and horrific ways to kill the tributes. Last year's games the Gamemakers created mobile quicksand. You didn't run into it, they moved from place to place at a certain times of the day. Four tributes lost their lives when it was introduced into the arena.
"Yes, Seneca and I designed them our selves," Plutarch announced with a smile on his face. I wanted to smack him. Silence followed after a few seconds. My mind was reeling. I thought back to Jay's plans to rescue Peeta and Katniss in the arena. Any attempt beforehand was futile while they trained in the city. Security was tight and they were watched every time they left the penthouse. They had to be rescued the moment they entered into the arena. "And I have to admit they are brilliant. I guarantee that this year's games? No one will ever forget it." I felt gutted and sick to my stomach. I sat across these men who constructed ways to murder the children of Panem for entertainment.
Dinner consisted of fillet mignon, buttered lobster or a rack of lamb with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. On another night the meal would have been appealing but my appetite was non-existent as I was too worried and was concern for the welfare and safe return of Peeta and Katniss. I looked at Cinna and Effie. They too looked discomforted and anxious. Normally, Effie would have enjoyed and relished the idea of having dinner with Snow but this time, she was tense and uneasy.
She was a mystery to me as she sat up and head held high while she delicately sliced her steak into little pieces. But I knew the look on her face was one of distress.
"Mr. Cinna," Snow started as he leaned back in his chair with air of superiority. "For years I have heard great things about your creations. I have seen them myself. This evening I must admit you have excelled and outdone yourself. Ms. Everdeen's dress has been the talk of the evening." 'Oh, God I knew it.' Peeta and Katniss invited to dinner were because of Cinna's actions––his display of defiance against Snow. He had to have recognized the intricate designs of the bird on her dress. How could anyone not miss it? Cinna basically announced our involvement to all of Panem who knew of the MockingJay design––his insignia, the MockingJay's calling card.
"I have reports from the media center," Plutarch interjected. "The rating on tonight's show was the highest we ever had. Also, Mellark and Everdeen's talent performance was also the best scores in years." Snow didn't look pleased at Plutarch's enthusiastic report. As a matter of fact, he appeared angry. I'm angry with Cinna myself but for different reasons.
"Cinna is the most talented designer in the Capitol, President Snow," Effie complimented her friend. "I was honored that he volunteered to be the designer for District 12."
"You volunteered?" Snow asked his brow lifted on his forehead.
"Yes, I have never met Peeta Mellark but when I heard that he volunteered to be a tribute," Cinna explained. "I personally wanted to meet him and wanted be his stylist and designer. To be a part of District 12's team."
"Why?" Snow repeated. "Why 12? One of the poorest and untrained districts in all of Panem? Surely you could have chosen District 1 or 2."
"Why? Why not?" Cinna continued. "Peeta is a remarkable young man. Why should he not benefit from my talent? He and Ms. Everdeen deserve the best. And I…" He waved his hand in air. "…only create for the best. They are the perfect couple to design for––young, charming and beautiful."
"And untrained to fight unlike tributes from 1 and 2," Snow reiterated.
"This year I myself expect my tributes to do well. We have fighters this year," Effie gushed. "I daresay that their chances are overwhelming optimistic." I closed my eyes and shook my head. Effie was making it worse for Peeta and Katniss. I swore she looked as though she was also baiting Snow.
"Tell me what gave you the inspiration to light Ms. Everdeen's dress on fire," Plutarch addressed Cinna.
"Well, everyone knows that Katniss is Peeta's girlfriend," Cinna began. "And everyone in the Capitol loves and adores Peeta. How could I not uplift her in a way that elevates her equally to Peeta. Those two…are special," Cinna paused. "They will be my best creation, never to be forgotten and an inspiration. Do we not want to inspire Panem, the citizens who watch the games?"
"I see," Plutarch said. "That's quite brilliant."
"Please enlighten me," Snow voiced. "Why was Ms. Everdeen's dress lit on fire?"
I tried to choke back the bile that rose from throat and stare at Cinna. If my assumptions were correct, at least now I know why Jay had ordered to make Katniss the object of everyone's attention. Jay needed to grab the attention to those who knew the meaning of Cinna's design and his actions. It was a rallying call from the MockingJay and he used his daughter to send the message––the MockingJay and his rebellion are alive. The revolution has started and it was sparked by two unsuspecting kids from District 12. I didn't know how to feel for Jay had once again used an innocent, his own daughter as propaganda. I stewed in my anger for Jay's thoughtlessness and callous disregard to Katniss' safety but I realized he wasn't operating as her father but the MockingJay. Jay saw the bigger picture. He was fighting for the future of Panem as the leader of a rebellion not the father of reaped daughters. But his dream and vision might have cost the life of both Peeta and Katniss. Was I willing to sacrifice them as well?
"Cornelius, you know that districts need something to aspire to?" Plutarch said. "The games themselves for the past years have been lacking interest, excitement. It's been…boring and predictable. The ratings and the participation from the sponsors have been dismal. But tonight it has been revived because of Ms. Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. Like I said our rating has tripled over night. Capitolites are involved and invested this year."
Well, if that was what Plutarch got out of Cinna's display, I wasn't about to contradict him. I knew better. It was better to let Snow think that Cinna was looking out for the Capitol's interest not rallying Panem to follow the MockingJay and fight for his cause.
However, Snow looked skeptical. "So tell me, Mr. Cinna. I noticed that there was a bird designed on Ms. Everdeen's gown," he said. I mentally gasped in horror and fear. Snow leaned down placing his elbows on the table. I smirked as I watched Effie contained her need to yell out, 'manners' to our one and only president. She had a pained look on her face. Snow was fishing for information or more likely proof of our involvement with the rebellion.
"Yes, I was inspired by the Blue Jays from District 5 and 6."
"Blue Jays?" Snow questioned.
"Yes, their blue feathers are very extraordinary in nature. The color is very vibrant, bright yet calming. It's blue like the Peeta's eyes," Cinna said. "I wanted to display Katniss' love for Peeta. His favorite color is orange. I would have chosen orange for her dress but that would not do. That color would not look well against her complexion. So I chose blue for Peeta's eyes and the bird that inspired me. Thus, I silkscreened Blue Jays on Katniss' dress."
It was pure bullshit. I may not know Cinna as well as Effie but I knew when someone was blowing smoke up Snow's ass. Cinna then continued to speak about the migration of the Blue Jays, what they fed on and their mating choices. "Did you know that Blue Jays are monogamous creatures and they stay together in life?"
Effie sniffled. "Just like Peeta and Katniss."
"And you would know this because?" I snorted. "You only met two weeks ago."
"I know true love when I see it, Abernathy," she sneered back. I held back a retort because I had none. Effie may be a shallow Capitolite but she did love Peeta and Katniss.
They have crept into her icy Capitolist heart. Anyone saw them together whether you were a Capitolite or a citizen of Panem knew it was love between them. The conversation veered off between Effie and Cinna as they gave praises to my tributes.
"Peeta loves Katniss so much," she bubbled with glee. "You can see it in the way he looks and treats her, like she is his Northern Star. Ever constant and true."
Snow raised a hand and rubbed his forehead. "Katniss is very devoted to Peeta as well," Cinna added. "She may not have the silver tongue like Peeta, it is in her actions that speaks well as to how she is very devoted to him." Effie wiped a tear from her eyes. Snow then rolled his eyes from impatience as Plutarch smiled.
"And that is why we have the best ratings ever," he smirked. Like a true Gamemaker, he was strategizing and formulating in his mind the next program or event. I didn't know if Cinna was able to divert the attention of Katniss' dress. But it was obvious that Snow was not impressed with Cinna or Katniss' talent performance.
I ate the best I could as I also forced myself not drink a single drop of hard liquor. I needed my strength to survive the next 24 hours. We have yet to attend the Tribute Dinner tomorrow evening. Another event that could find Peeta and Katniss is some trouble or danger. Maybe I should hire other security for them? Especially now that Katniss has become as popular as Peeta. Or dare I say as dangerous?
An Avox appeared and walked into the dining room with a small silver platter in her hand. On the platter was a small white note. Snow read the note and replaced it back on the plate. The next thing we knew the table was cleared and an assortment of dessert was served.
"Before Mr. Mellark and Ms. Everdeen join us for dessert," Snow began. "Let me make one thing clear. I don't want any…misunderstanding between us. Peeta and Katniss without a doubt are the most sought out tributes in this year's games. With that in mind, I must ensure their safety be it providing more security and what ever safe guard I have to make sure that nothing happens to them." I blinked once twice trying to sort out what he was trying to say.
"I have already secured Peeta's safety as you, Abernathy are…acquainted as a Victor since you yourself is protected and…monitored at all times." Then I dawned on me. He was reminding me of the GPS embedded inside my forearm and Peeta's bicep. "I have been kept abreast of the incidents with the other tributes from District 1 and 2. They have been…reprimanded and I can assure you that they will not bother Peeta and Ms. Everdeen again. After tomorrow night…" He shrugged his shoulders. "…their safety will no longer be my concern."
I sighed in relief. Though he guaranteed their safety from other tributes I knew what he was really saying. All eyes were on Peeta and Katniss. Branding Peeta early made sure his presence was accounted at all times. Any attempt for them to be rescued was impossible. "Please keep this friendly advise in mind, if anything should happened to Peeta or to Ms. Everdeen, all parties or…district involved with be dealt with severely." I knew a threat when I heard one. The images of the mutt dogs ravaging District 12 that happened months before flashed in my mind. "And I do mean all parties involved." He turned his eyes to Effie and Cinna––one culpable and the other innocent of any involvement with the rebellion.
I tried not to fidget in my seat from anxiety. 'Where are Peeta and Katniss?'
I turned my head as the door flew opened. Katniss had her arm wrapped around Peeta's waist as he held her around the shoulders. A weight lifted from my stomach. I was relieved to see them unharmed. An hour later, I took a deep cleansing breath after we left the mansion. I wanted to kiss Effie and smack her head at the same time. It took guts for her to stand up for Peeta and Katniss as she reminded Snow of the laws and rules he himself written against anyone of rank or status to be having any influence with the tributes before the games. She was a stickler for rules and regulations. Thank you, Effie!
"Those were the most excruciating hours of my life," I groaned as I sat inside the hover car after dropping Peeta and Katniss back at the penthouse. Effie sat beside me. She looked stunned. I guess she realized the ramification of her dressing down the President of Panem.
"Do you think it's wise to leave Peeta and Katniss alone?" Cinna asked. He looked worried.
"You're concern about them now?" I blurted with a tinge of heat in my voice. "After that display of lighting Katniss' dress? What were you thinking?"
"I had my reasons," Cinna sighed. I knew I was repeating myself but I needed clarification. I needed or rather felt out of the loop. It was obvious that Jay gave Cinna orders but what? I needed to know.
"Haymitch––" Effie started. "What is going on?"
"Have you any idea what you've done? To Katniss?" I interjected. "Did even think about the consequences of your actions?" Moreover did Jay?
"You need to…" Cinna paused. The hover car made a complete abrupt stop that jostled us. We had reached Effie's residence. I realized that I should have kept my mouth shut in front of Effie. She knew nothing of the rebellion. She grunted in frustration as both Cinna and I ignored her.
"I don't know what is going on between the two of you nor would I want to," Effie said as she stepped off the car. "You need settle whatever it is before tomorrow. I don't want tension or fighting amongst us. We need to think of Peeta and Katniss––their state of mind and well-being." I closed my eyes. Effie was right. I didn't want them to see us fighting. They already had too much to worry about like surviving the games or rather the rescue attempt. There was no guarantee it would succeed. "Before the night is through, I want it settled before we return to the penthouse tomorrow."
"We need to have a discussion," Cinna said in a calm manner after we made sure Effie entered her home. The car restarted and returned to the busy city streets.
"I agree."
"But not here." Cinna gestured to the car. "I know the perfect place." He turned to a console and gave the driver an address. The car drove for a few more minutes. We ended up at a residential area located at a part of the city that I have never visited. The house was not very large or ornate like most homes built in the Capitol. As a matter of fact, it looked normal. There was a six foot wall that the surround the residence. Cinna pressed a well-lit doorbell and the wrought iron gate opened automatically. Without even knocking he entered through the front door as if he knew it was open.
Once we entered the building, I smelled sage and flowers. "Cinna," a big burly man with green hair approached him. He wore matching dark purple silk shirt and pants that looked like pajamas with a dark red turban on his head. They air kissed each other on both cheeks. "We were hoping you would stop by."
"Haymitch, this is Boz," he introduced us. The place was filled with people sitting on bean chairs and lounges. I recognized a few stylist and designers conversing. I felt out of place for some reason. Everyone had a glass of wine in their hands. A few were smoking cigarettes or cigars. The air was filled with so much smoke that my eyes watered.
I looked around me. The room was elaborately decorated with gauze-like curtains that hung from ceiling to floor. There was red wood on the floor that were only grown from District 7. Marble statues of stylists and designers from past games were perched on four-foot pedestals. I noticed my old stylist's statue as her bust sat on a large fireplace mantle. I recognized her high cheekbones and garish wig that resembled a beehive.
Boz's home felt like a museum of all the stylists from games. The white busts were everywhere.
"Boz, you know––" Cinna started.
"Yes, Haymitch Abernathy," he started. "The Victor from the 25th Hunger Games. Welcome to my home."
"It's…it's nice meeting you," I said as I extended my hand. Had Boz tried to air kiss me I was going to have more than words with Cinna for placing me in an uncomfortable position. Ordinarily I would have donned my mentor / Victor persona but I was too tired, cranky and I wanted to head home. The last place I wanted to be was a party surrounded by stylists and designers. This was more Effie's thing. Whatever diplomacy I had left took the night off. My dinner with Snow was not who I wanted for company or how I wanted my night to end after the Tribute Interview Program. For now, Peeta and Katniss were both safely back at the Penthouse. That was all that mattered to me.
"Please make your self at home," Boz said as he led us away from foyer and led us into another part of his home. "If you need anything, Cinna. Please let me know." He disappeared leaving us alone.
"Is it safe to talk here?"
"I wouldn't have brought you here if it wasn't," Cinna snarked back an eyebrow furled on his forehead.
"Start talking," I said without preamble. Cinna sighed. He looked tired and weary. I didn't blame him since it had been a long day. "We're on the same side, Haymitch," he reminded me.
"As of today, it doesn't feel like it," I said. I was deliberately kept in the dark.
"Haymitch, you know that I take orders from Jay just like everyone else," he reminded me.
"You should have told me what you were planning," I insisted.
"I'm not privy to all the plans you make with Jay. Hell, I don't even know how Jay is going to get Peeta and Katniss out of the arena. Only a handful knows." He sighed as he ran a hand over his eyes. "You know more than I do."
"What did he tell you?" I demanded. "Anything that involves them is my business," I said as I was losing my patience. "I should have been kept in the loop."
"I told Jay that but we didn't have time," Cinna insisted. "I barely was able to let him know that we were invited to dinner. Just the three of us. Do you know how rare that is and the opportunity it presented?"
"Cinna!"
"It's done and over with why rehash––"
"So it's done. So you can tell me what he ordered you to do besides draw attention to Katniss." I sat down and placed my elbows on my knees. "I'm not stupid, Cinna and neither is Snow. He recognized the MockingJay on Katniss' dress. And he also knows the bullshit you were telling him about the Blue Jays." He sat opposite me on an armchair as Cinna waited patiently to cool my temper. "You might as well have announced to Snow that we're involved with the rebellion."
"I know," Cinna said. "But orders are orders. Jay said to make Katniss visible for all of Panem to see."
"Mission accomplished. What else? I know there is more to it than what you are telling me," I pressed for more information. Cinna remained quiet. He was true and loyal to Jay and I admired him for it. "Look I get it, you have orders, but those two kids are my responsibility. Anything you do to them is on me as well."
"Looks like they are more than that, Haymitch," Cinna pressed. "You care about them."
"Don't you start trying to get all touchy feely with me," I countered. Cinna smiled.
"All I can't tell you is that yes, I was to draw attention to Katniss," he explained.
"Why? Jay had to know that doing that would put a target on her back as well as Peeta's."
"Because of Peeta's popularity it is obvious that he has no shortage of sponsors. But Katniss? No one really knows her except that she is Peeta's girlfriend. She will need sponsors in order to survive in the arena."
"Jay is making sure that she gets her chance for sponsors as well? Just in case we don't rescue them from the arena?" If Peeta didn't survive, she was on her own. I understood the logic but I was still irked that Jay had used Katniss to send his message to Panem. "But, she did that on her own, Cinna. Her score after the Talent Program guaranteed that? People already love her."
"Well, we didn't know how well she'd score and by that time, it was too late to stop her," Cinna admitted. My brows knitted in suspicion.
"But would you have, had you known her score?" I inquired. Cinna delivered a sly smile. "You dog, you were wanted to light Katniss' dress on fire regardless."
"It was perfection. A masterpiece," Cinna complimented himself. "There is nothing we could do about it now. Also, I'm not going to tell you what Jay ordered me to do but he was specific about his orders. Why everything tonight happened," Cinna said in a mysterious tone. "It happened for a reason."
"What the hell, Cinna," I said. "That's cryptic enough to have me worried. So you're basically telling me that everything that happened tonight was meant to happen?" The incident with Peeta being assaulted by the peacekeeper, Jay had planned it. Why?
I was so tired emotionally and physically that I didn't have the energy to move or argue anymore. "Why don't you rest for a while before going home? Or you can stay here, I don't think Boz will mind if you camp out in this room for a while."
"Does Boz know about…?" I hesitated to ask if Boz knew of Cinna's association with the MockingJay. If Boz himself was involved and moreover if he wasn't, I didn't want to endanger him by his association with me or Cinna. We shouldn't have come to his home and endangered him and his family. I knew if Peeta was being monitored I knew damn well so was I.
"I wouldn't place his life in danger, Haymitch," Cinna smirked. "If you want to know he volunteered to help."
"Volunteered why?" I thought the life of a stylist was a life of privilege––attending parties and events with the Capitol's social elite. Why would Boz risk losing that by joining a cause that would end the games, his lifestyle and his livelihood?
"Boz has 8 kids," Cinna explained. "He may be a designer for the games but they know what it would do them if they lost any of their children." Capitol children were exempt from the lottery. But I heard that if you turn on Snow he wouldn't go after your livelihood or your wealth. He would take your children away from you and never to be seen. "They despise Snow as much as anyone and dressing up children so they kill each other in the arena? It's not what they wanted to do for a living. They want Snow's regime to end."
I impressed and surprised with Boz––a privileged Capitolite who was a member of the rebellion. Who knew how many Capitolites felt the same as he did. I was about to ask when the next thing I knew Cinna's face appeared behind my bleary eyes.
"What happened?" I sat up. I must have fallen asleep as I awaken lying on the couch with Cinna hovering over me.
"You fell asleep," he informed me. I snorted. That was obvious.
"What time is it?"
"Past 2 in the morning," he said.
"Shit, why didn't you wake me up?" I asked. Cinna chuckled.
"I tried," he said. "I tried half an hour ago." He lifted a hand to smother a laugh from his lips.
"What happened?"
"You woke up for a second and started swinging your arms like you were defending yourself from an attacker. You almost gave me a black eye."
"Sorry, Cinna," I muttered as I wiped sleep from my eyes.
"No need to apologize. You look like you needed the rest."
"When this is over," I started. "I'm going to sleep for a month." I didn't elaborate nor did Cinna asked what I was talking about. When I said over, I meant the rebellion not the games. "What are you still doing here?"
"I…I didn't want to go back home yet. I couldn't sleep so I decided to wait for you."
"Well, I need to head over to Antoine's," I said as I stood up and stretched my legs and arms. "I need to be at the penthouse in a few hours. You ready to head out?"
"I think I'll stay here," he returned. "Boz usually sets up a room for me when I visit him. I'll see you and Effie at the penthouse later this morning.
As my hovercar headed towards Antoine's residence I had a change of plans. I felt uneasy so I redirected the driver to head back to the penthouse.
The suite was quiet. I sighed in relief but there was a knot in my stomach that had been residing in my belly the moment Peeta was assaulted. I knew that they were safe and tucked in his room but I couldn't get the feeling of unrest and worry disappear. I placed an ear to the door of Peeta's bedroom. Wincing, I slowly opened the door and peeped inside. I didn't want to get an eyeful incase they were in having sex. The last thing I needed was to see either one of naked and…I shivered at the image.
I held my breath as I realized that Katniss was fast asleep alone on the bed. The space besides her was empty. I didn't want to alarm her so I closed the door slowly. "Think," I said to myself. I was tired and bleary eyed but Peeta missing awakened me. "Peeta wouldn't wander off. Where would he be?" I searched all over the suite––all the rooms, kitchen, dining room and bathrooms. Then it dawned on me where he would be at his late hour.
"Hey Peeta," I sighed as I called out to him. He stood at the rooftop his eyes at the landscape before him. He wore a light jacket and casual pants his hands deep inside his jacket pockets. "Isn't it a little too late or too early to be enjoying the view up here?" Half of the city lights were dimmed. At the center of the Capitol was the Arena. It was well lit flashing images of every tribute on a large screen. 12 Flags flew from the parapet designating each district.
"Haymitch?" he turned with a surprised look on his face. "What are you doing here?"
"I should ask you the same thing? Why are you up? Couldn't sleep?" I didn't blame him. The games were tomorrow. He had one more day left before entering the arena. I was tempted to tell him our plans but…
"I was asleep but something woke me," he said as he turned back to the horizon.
"It's okay to be scared Peeta," I comforted him as best I could. I remembered my last days before the games, how scared I was as I wondered if I would survive the arena. The hard and nauseous feeling in your stomach as bile rose from your throat threatening to chock you. The air around you felt hot and muggy surrounding like a blanket. I felt it every year during the games. There is no escaping that feeling.
"I'm not scared, Haymitch," Peeta verbalized in a soft tone. "I'm ready."
"Ready? For what?" I don't know what this kid does to me. Fear, anxiety and anger bubbled in my chest. If I was him right now I would be raging at the world. Angry at the injustice and trauma he suffered from Snow, his mother and even Jay. But he wasn't. Peeta was calm, collected and focused. He was resigned to his fate. I was angry for him.
"I'm going to die in the arena," he said in a resigned tone. "I knew it the moment I was reaped with Prim." I forced myself not tear up in front of him. How can he be so calm about dying?
"Peeta?" I said as I felt dumbstruck and paralyzed with uncertainty. 'Tell him, tell him,' myinner voice argued with my head. 'Tell him that Jay has plans to rescue you and Katniss.'
"Katniss is going home," he said as he stared into my eyes. "Swear to me that you will do everything you can for Katniss to go home?" Surviving the arena was worse than death. How can I tell him that once you become a victor you are never leaving the arena and your life was no longer your own? You became Snow's slave and prisoner. That death was a better option?
I sighed breathing through my mouth. "Peeta…"
"Haymitch, I have never asked anyone for anything in my entire life," he interjected. "If I…lose Katniss and I live…I…there is nothing left for me. There is no one I love like the way I love Katniss. My life will be empty if she dies."
"Peeta, come on. Don't say that," I whined.
"I'm serious, Haymitch," he muttered as he removed his hands from his pockets and crossed his arms on top of his chest. I have never seen Peeta look more of a man, a man with great integrity and courage than I have ever seen him until this moment. And he was only 17 years old. He made me feel old and withered. Katniss and Peeta were suited for each other as if they were–fated as both we're ready to die for each other.
"I'm not going to make you make promises to me if you don't think you can do it," he sighed. "Don't make promises you can't keep. But it's what I want. I want Katniss to live and have full life. Even if it's without me. She has to live––she still has her family to go back home to."
"I need to ask you something," I said. "And I need you to be completely honest with me."
"Haymitch, when have I ever not been––"
I raised my hands. "Sorry, I know that you are one of the most honest person I have ever met. Too honest if you ask me."
"Too honest? How can anyone be too honest?" he asked with frustration in his voice.
"It's a good trait, mind you but sometimes it doesn't serve you well," I voiced.
"I'm no politician," he smirked. "Not like Heavensbee or Mayor Undersee but I can lie or omit the truth if I have to especially if it's to protect the people that I love." He had proven that over and over as I recalled his incident with Snow and Cray.
"You're distracting me," I grumbled. "Anyway, I want to know if you…were given an opportunity to survive the games, to fight against the Capitol. Don't you think you owe it to yourself to fight for a chance for a life with Katniss and not give up?"
"Now, you're being obtuse and frustrating," Peeta commented. "Of course, I'd fight with everything within me to have a chance with Katniss. A future with her without the games or Snow. That's a stupid question."
"Hey, I'm being…hypothetical here," I snickered. "If by chance you were to survive or say…rescued from the arena, would you fight for the rebellion and stand by Jay's side––"
"Haymitch," he sighed, the light and fire in his eyes dimmed. "Of course, didn't Katniss and I tell you that had we not been reaped, we would fight to free Panem from Snow." He raised a hand and ruffled his hair with his fingers. "Don't do this." He said as he closed his eyes and opened them again.
"Don't do what?" I asked. He was giving up and I couldn't let him. I needed him to fight not be resigned to die in the games. His mental state was fragile and needed to be uplifted. I was offering him––hope.
"Don't offer me a glimpse of a future that I know is not in the cards for me. Don't you think I want that? I want Katniss in my life as my wife and the mother of my children."
"Then don't give up," I retorted.
"Damnit, Haymitch," he sneered. "Twenty four tributes enter into the arena and only one tribute comes out––there is only one victor." There he was––the Peeta that needed to resurface not the one resigned to die for the girl he loved. I wanted him to live. I wanted Katniss to live. He and Katniss had a chance to be rescued from the games and be together. They were going to be rescued but I couldn't tell him that.
"Listen, I admire the fact that you are willing to sacrifice your life for Katniss," I said.
"But do you think it's fair for you to ask me to help her live and let you die?"
"No," he said so blunt and with no emotion. "You're our mentor. You know that only one of us has the chance to survive. And unless Snow changed the rules––it's either me or Katniss. And you damn well better pick Katniss." The kid was stubborn.
"And if God forbid Katniss dies instead of you?" I challenged him. Peeta's shoulders slumped in defeat and in pain. He stood still and remained quiet. I knew what his answer was even when he didn't voice it. Damn drama queen. "What are you going to do? Give up and die?" He turned his head and avoided my eyes.
"Damnit Peeta," I said with anger and frustration. Before I could continue a shrill voice pierced the air.
"Peeta, Peeta," Katniss yelled as she ran towards him. Her eyes were wild and filled with fear. She wore the shirt Peeta wore hours earlier and a pair of black boxer shorts.
"Katniss, I'm sorry––"
"I woke up and you weren't there," she grabbed his head looked into his eyes then crushed her body into his wrapping her arms around his neck. She breathed harshly through her mouth. "Damnit, I thought…I thought someone took you. I looked everywhere and I was about to call Haymitch."
"Sorry, I'm sorry," he said as he wrapped his arms around her waist. "I couldn't sleep and I didn't want to wake you."
"I don't care," she said vehemently. "Next time you wake me up. I don't care what time it is." She pulled back and grabbed his face. "Don't you fucking do that again."
"I'm sorry," he repeated as he pulled her into his arms and rubbed her back. "Come on let's go back inside, it's cold up here. You're shivering." He removed his jacket and placed it around her shoulders. "Katniss, where are your shoes?" She was barefoot.
She sighed. "I didn't even think about it. I only had a second to put on your shirt and shorts. I was scared. I couldn't find you." She yelped as Peeta picked her up into his arms. Her carried her bridal style with her arms around his neck.
"You could have hurt yourself," he admonished her.
"Peeta, I can walk back on my own two feet," she said. She hid a small smile on her face as she ducked her head on the crook of his neck. Then her eyes turned to me. "Oh hi Haymitch," she greeted me with a sheepish grin.
"Oh now you notice me," I chortled. "You pushed me out of the way to get to Peeta." It wasn't true but I loved teasing her. She did ignore my presence until now as she only had eyes for him.
"I did not," she denied with vigorous shake of her head. I was impressed with Peeta's strength as he carried Katniss in his arms all the way back to the penthouse. Once we were through the front door, Katniss wiggled in his arms to release her. "Peeta, I can walk to our room now, you can drop me here."
Peeta sighed as released her back to her feet. He enjoyed having her in his arms. He didn't even look winded or tired. Ah, youth and vitality. How I miss it. Katniss readily grabbed his hand in a tight grip as she was afraid to let him go.
"Okay it's really late," I said. "Effie and Cinna will be here in a few hours. So whatever privacy or quiet time you have, enjoy it now because tomorrow. I mean today is another long day. And don't forget about the Tribute Dinner later this evening."
"You don't need to remind us," Katniss scowled while Peeta looked sheepish.
My conversation with Peeta was still fresh in my mind as I settled into my own bed. I tossed and turned for a few minutes feeling tired and uneasy. Restless, I stood up and headed towards the kitchen to get a glass of water. I could tell both Peeta and Katniss were still awake as I could hear their voices as I passed by their bedroom door. I guess we were all anxious and restless.
As I approached the kitchen, I heard the service door alarm opened then deactivated. Most penthouse suites were designed to have two exits––the front door and the service entryway. The chef and Avoxes came and went as they were the only people allowed into the suite. Fearful and a bit scared, I detected that someone had entered into the penthouse uninvited.
There were rumors amongst the mentors that they found listening devices in their residence. I wouldn't be surprised if Snow got desperate enough to hire people to bug our residence again. After this evening I wasn't ruling anything out.
The suite was shrouded in darkness so I groped around looking for a weapon to use. I found a large glass vase sturdy enough to beat whomever was entering our home. I took a deep breath and headed towards the kitchen. I turned the corner and found a figure all dress in black heading towards me. As soon as he passed me I raised the vase over my head to hit him but to my surprised he turned around just as the vase was about to hit him on his head. He ducked in time and grabbed my weapon and used it against me. The knock on the head caused me to sway for a few seconds. I recalled dropping to my knees before the world turned black before me.
AN: Thank you for reading this chapter. It's a bit short but better than not having an update. I hope you enjoyed it. Have a great weekend.