Chapter 48 –– The Path To Freedom Is Paved In Blood 1

AN: Thank you for those who alerted, favored and reviewed the last chapter. Thanks to Cassie Sharpie, LACR, BDizzy, kelmikmag, jroseley, pumpkinking5, Aqua Rules, Browniangel, J, and guest. I enjoyed reading all your comments and glad that you are pleased with the direction the story is heading. This chapter contains Plutarch and Shane POVs and is rated R for foul language. The Hunger Games belongs to Suzanne Collins. Any mistakes found are mine.

Plutarch POV ––

The night before the games

After securing the locks on my front door and security system, I blew a long and harsh breath through my mouth. It had been a long day of checking and rechecking the programs for the arena games. I looked around my spacious and dark home. The penthouse located at the center of the Capitol was atop a fifty-story building overlooking the Capitol. My home was boasted for having one of the best views in the city. The penthouse had five bedrooms and eight bathrooms; a large dining area to entertain 40 guest, two chef kitchens, a spacious living room, a sun room, swimming pool and waterfall. The residential purchase was definitely a complete indulgence since I didn't have family to fill the bedrooms or relatives to invite or entertain.

My position as consultant for Snow and as a Head Gamemaker prevented me or at least I prevented myself from making any personal connections. It was an easy decision to make. Relationship wise, it was a prudent decision to not produce a family to use against me let alone keep a lover or wife. I have seen what Snow used as a bargaining chip to every tribute that had won his or her games. It's been a lonely life but worth the sacrifice as I have never felt pain or heartache from losing the people I love.

It was past midnight as I had remained at the Gamemaker headquarters ensuring operations of the games to be a held in a few hours. Though it was Seneca Crane who manned and executed the games, he was the face of the Gamemakers as I did all the 'heavy lifting'–– creating and designing the actual games. I didn't mind because as I predict if anything can go wrong, Seneca would answer to Snow as he made the final decisions for the 74th Hunger Games.

I walked over to my bar and poured myself a glass of bourbon––a bottle I reserved before the night of every Hungry Games I designed. This was my eighteenth game––seven years as a programmer before I was promoted to Assistant Gamemaker then to Gamemaker after Seneca Crane. It had been a long road to reach this position. As for my position as consultant to Snow, which was gained by years of earned loyalty tested by time and precarious tests that Snow himself thrust upon me. I've lied, spied and killed for him, rounds of truth syrup each month to earn his trust. He was persistent as I was stubborn.

Little did he realize that after gaining his trust, that I ruled and wielded power as the years passed. So when the inkling of a rebellion was possible, I jumped at the opportunity. My humble beginnings first started in District 13, but Snow never knew that as a programmer, I was able to lie myself into any position I wanted. I was savvy with a computer––my specialty was programming.

Decades passed and I waited as 13 rebuilt itself after the first disastrous attempt to overthrow President Snow. It wasn't the time. So we waited.

And during those years when District 13 was silent, a man appeared dressed in black, called himself the Mockingjay. He never revealed who he was or where he originated, as he never appeared in one district. For years we tried to discover his identity but to no avail. He was smart, articulate with his words whenever he broadcast his messages and was elusive, never to be where he was rumored or seen. He was a ghost to Panem and the Capitol.

But the ghost was real as rumors surfaced of the Mockingjay over the years. And the few who knew him were loyal that it was difficult to pin down his rebels, until now.

Flashback ––

"I don't think it's a good idea, madam president," I said to District 13's leader Alma Coin. We have discussed the possibility that Mockingjay was from 12 and sending Hawthorne who is from that District will make relations between you worse if he's caught."

"It's to late," she announced. "I have already sent him and team to the Capitol. You have assured me that he has safe passage into the city." Getting Hawthorne and his team in and out of the city was no simple feat. Coin's plan was not simple but rather dangerous.

Hawthorne was to sneak into District 12 penthouse suite where reaping escort, Effie Trinket and mentor Haymitch also resided with Peeta and Katniss, the tributes to District 12. Once inside the suite, Gale would knock out all four as they slept with a sleeping agent that would keep them unconscious for a few hours––the time needed giving Gale enough time to drug Peeta. Why? Coin never gave specifics of the drug he was to inject Peeta. Meanwhile, upon Gale's execution, two of the other members would sneak up to the suite, reapply the "tattoo" that Coin had imprinted on Peeta weeks before when he visited the Capitol as Snow's guest. The tattoo was a special invisible ink that was only detected by a scan. A hover drone was specifically created to seek the tattoo on which the owner bore. Coin would always know where Peeta was in Panem just like Snow's gps that he injected on his victors. Coin's method of tagging her subjects was…less invasive but just as effective.

Upon Peeta's reaping one of the procedures done by the stylist were to wash, exfoliate and polish Peeta's skin. Unfortunately the body polish Peeta received erased the tattoo. Hence, she needed an immediate reapplication. I never understood she needed to reapply that tattoo since he was going to get another injection per Snow's request. His odds of surviving were slim but after his performance with his fellow tribute, I conceded that he had a moderate chance to survive. Peeta Mellark and Katniss as a team had great chance to survive against Cato and his fellow tributes.

"I just don't understand why you need to involve Peeta Mellark and Katniss Everdeen," I admitted. "There is no proof of any connections between them and the Mockingjay." I was also about to approach the topic of the tattoo but stopped myself. That conversation I knew she wouldn't budge on the matter.

"You forget about the video he broadcast weeks ago," she observed. "We have heard of his messages in the night. How he talked about the injustice, the starvation and poverty that most district are afflicted with. He has never zeroed in on a person or a place, but he did."

"It was just an incident he caught," I determined. "Even if he chose Peeta Mellark as a focus, it does not indicate the boy means anything to him. That he knew him personally. Maybe one of his rebels who lived in 12 caught it on tape. Something the Mockingjay used for his video to emphasize his cause. What greater motivation but to use such an injustice?"

"No," she insisted, "this...boy, Peeta Mellark. My gut tells me that there is more to it. Mockingjay even insisted that I help him, rescue Peeta from the arena. And not just Peeta but Katniss Everdeen as well."

"Well, maybe he didn't want to separate the two lovers," I smirked. I never believed that 'romance' between the two tributes was real. I thought it was a gimmick Haymitch Abernathy concocted to garner more sponsors, but reports of the interaction and with my own observation, Peeta and Katniss were two young kids in love, both reaped and ready to die for one another. They were a perfect propaganda to use and the Mockingjay was determined to use them. It was against my better judgment to use children for our cause. Hadn't reaping them for the games been enough?

"He means to rescue them," Coin said with disgust. "And not just Peeta and Katniss but insisted on rescuing all of them, all 24 tributes." She laughed to herself. "It's dangerous, suicidal."

"Then let him," I suggested. "If the rescue fails or better yet he dies that will be the end of the Mockingjay. Your problem solved."

"I have thought about it," Coin admitted. "But I foresee the outcome, if he fails, he'll be hailed as a martyr...a hero. How can I compete with that legacy? And, the repercussion of his death would be devastating to the morale of his men. The destruction of District 13 took years to recover. . .we have struggled to rebuild but we waited for the right moment. I need him, I need his men." We had the resource but not the manpower to start a revolution. Mockingjay was the complete opposite. In truth, we both needed each other.

"I see," I pondered, "and if he succeeds it'll be harder to control him. You're position as a leader would be. . .you would take a back seat." I knew Coin's ambition. She wanted Snow's position, to be the next president of Panem. She was power hungry and ruthless enough to achieve it at any cost.

"And now with Peeta Mellark's popularity," Coin said. "He's the key. Snow wants him. Mockingjay intends to use him as well. I want a piece of him to gain my advantage."

End of Flashback ––

I felt uneasy and stressed. Normally the night before the games I'm relaxed but the cogs in my mind were working overtime. As much as the position of being Gamemaker afforded me the luxurious lifestyle, it was built on the lives of young children who died…were murdered in the arena. Their blood was on my hands as well.

The sparkling city lights outside my window were spectacular. The stadium was lit so bright that it looked as though we have harnessed the sun. It was day for night as the city was still in celebration anticipating tomorrow's arena. I was not kidding when I told Snow that the ratings had spiked so much so that the citizens were revived. Expectations for the sponsorship participation have already been anticipated. Talks of sponsorship for most of the tributes were encouraging. More sponsorships meant it would keep the games alive for weeks to come.

I didn't know how long I stood staring out of the panoramic view from my home––an hour or two. It was way past one in the morning when I received an urgent call, transmission from a source I had not expected to hear from. I walked into my private monitoring room. It was insulated with material to prevent bugs or any listening devices to pick up any sounds. I placed the headphones onto my head and adjusted the microphone.

"This better be an emergency," I said into the mic, my voice low but with a tone of impatience and agitation.

"Sir," the voice began, "Sorry to disturb you. I know this is not protocol but…Hawthorne has…disappeared. We have not heard from him." I closed my eyes pinched the bridge of my nose. I was tempted to run my fingers through my hair but was loathed to pull any more hair from my head. I didn't pander to the lifestyle of the Capitolites––pompadour wigs, garish bright clothes and swimming in cologne. I may have led a privileged life but my lifestyle was of simplicity and moderation. No fake wigs or gaudy clothing for me!

"Damnit," I whispered.

"We feared the worse and had to leave him," he reported. "I'm sorry, sir."

"Don't apologize," I said. "When was the last time your heard from him?"

"A little over an hour ago," he answered.

"You did what you can. We don't know who has him––peacekeepers or he's hiding somewhere or he fucked up." Which I hoped was not the case. If he was caught by peacekeepers, I would have heard about it and had access to him for interrogation, but so it meant that Haymitch has apprehended him and was in the process of sneaking him out of the city.

Gale Hawthorne was in trouble no matter who had him. Coin was going to be pissed. Haymitch would have his hands full and in turn so would Mockingjay. My network of spies and allies were littered all over the city. I couldn't reveal my other alliance––District 13 and President Coin to Haymitch or Mockingjay. This was a dangerous game I was playing but I needed connection on both sides. One did not know my interaction with the other. And to complicate matters I had another faction to worry about––Antoine and Desdemona Wingate. They were Capitolites determined to end Snow and his reign. Their involvement was more political and personal.

There were two powerful families during the early construction of the Capitol––the Snows and Wingates. Each had a foothold of the commerce and finance of the city. However, for more than a century ago the Snows and Wingates hated each other––their family squabbles and feud was known throughout the Capitol that it nearly caused a civil war that would have devastated Panem. No one new the cause of the feud but it transferred from one generation to another.

Then to end the squabbles between them they had set up a marriage contract between their children nearly 75 years ago with a codicil that Wingates had the same access and privileges as the Snows. It was a pact made by the devil as the marriage produced Cornelius Snow and his brother whom was rumored to have been murdered. As years passed, a Wingate died mysteriously or of some form of accident––whether it was a drug overdose or vehicular. They were slowly being killed off and Antoine knew it. It was Cornelius behind every single one that passed before their time. Antoine knew that he had to do something if any of his family were to survive.

In other words, Antoine and Dessie wanted Cornelius Snow out of power so that the Wingates could take over. I had agreed to assist them as they have assisted Abernathy and Mockingjay. Each of every one of us had our own agenda but had the same goal––to rid of Snow and the Hunger Games forever.

"There is nothing you can do," I said with resignation and disappointment. "Report back to Coin." I winced as I imagined the next call I'd be getting in a few minutes. Surprisingly, I didn't receive a call from Coin.

My sleep was restful as I raised myself off my king size bed. The day looked promising as the sun peeked from the horizon. The Capitol was a city that never slept so I wasn't surprised to see the hustle and bustle of the citizens already in the streets. Work for the working class was suspended for the day, as the viewing of the games was mandatory as well. It just depended where you viewed the program as most elite citizenry had VIP seats in the stadium while others congregated at the nearest bars or restaurants. After a long luxurious bath, I dressed for work. The ride to the Gamemaker building was a short fifteen-minute trip via hovercar.

"What are you doing here?" Head Gamemaker Seneca Crane inquired as I stepped into the bull pit of programmers who were already manned in their stations. "Aren't you supposed to be at Snow's mansion for the viewing?"

"Crane, you do know that I always make a last minute trip to make sure everything is…set," I reminded him. Every year we had this conversation and to my annoyance I had emphasize the importance of my presence. "You may be the head Gamemaker, but I am the one who answers to Snow if any of the programming goes wrong."

"Yes, you have some accountability," Crane began, "but ultimately I make all the decisions…the parameters for the games. I too am responsible as you say, if something goes wrong." I smirked. Ignoring his upturned brow and look of self-importance, I checked each station much to Crane's annoyance and impatience. After making sure everything was all right, I left. The trip to Snow's mansion was just as short but with the throngs of people in the streets, I was held up because of the traffic. However, I had made it in time just as Flickerman and Templesmith opened the ceremony.

"You're just in time, Heavensbee," Snow addressed as I walked into his viewing room. He was dressed in his immaculate white suit with polished white dress shoes. To my surprise Amelia, his granddaughter was not present. "You just missed Flickerman's opening remarks."

"One that we have heard over and over for years, President Snow," I said in a glib manner. "Where is your granddaughter?" Snow looked displeased with the mention of his only female granddaughter. Snow had two sons, his heir and oldest son Randolph Snow who ran his corporations. He was the father of his newly born grandson, Atticus Cornelius Snow. His second son was Benedict Snow, husband to Roberta and father to Amelia.

Benedict had overdosed at an early age of 27. Since his death, Bertie and Amelia resided with Snow. It was not an arrangement that his daughter in law wanted but Snow had insisted, claiming she should live with them for their protection.

"Amelia has been locked in her room," he explained in a dismissive manner. He seemed annoyed so I didn't press for more information, not that I needed to know. Snow offered me a drink but I refused because I needed a clear and alert mind during the games. Who knew what could happen? And since I knew in time I would hear from Coin, I couldn't be indulging in drink or any other frivolous substance.

"What the hell!" I muttered under my breath as the images on the screen turned black––then, white and black static appeared on the monitor.

"What is going on, Plutarch?" Snow said his eyes wide, bewilderment and shock in his blue orbs.

"I don't know," I said as I rose from my seat. My eyes widened in surprise as the image of a mockingjay appeared on the screen. It was splashed on a wall painted in red.

Just before I could make any inquires the monitor switched on again and the face of the Mockingjay himself appeared––his visage underneath a black hood and his voice in disguise. The room was deadly silent as Mockingjay made his speech. My mind spun in fascination, wonder and disbelief that he had interrupted the transmission during the games. Thoughts of Coin echoing my head, 'He means to rescue Peeta from the arena. And not just Peeta but Katniss Everdeen as well,'

Could he really be attempting the impossible under my watch? It was…suicide. Why was I not notified by Haymitch or anyone from the rebellion?

Then to my horror I gasped in surprise and in admiration as he revealed his identity.

Garrett Everdeen, the father of reaped Primrose and chosen tribute Katniss Everdeen, husband to Lily Everdeen was the Mockingjay. The hair on my skin stood and a sliver of cold ran up my spine. "Holy mother of…"

"Garrett Everdeen," Snow said, as he closed his eyes and tilted his head. "The cripple, one leg and an arm? He's the Mockingjay?" He had a crazed look in his eyes. "It's so improbable, so hard to believe but so fitting. I had under estimated Mockingjay."

"I think we all have Mr. President," I said. I felt as though I ran a marathon, my legs wobbled and my stomach churned from the turn of event. I needed to sit down but the phone rang that I immediately grabbed it. "This is Plutarch Heavensbee, report. What is going on?"

"Sir, there are multiple reports of rebel activity in districts 5 and 8," he voice informed me.

"District 5! That's the power plant and substations," I reviewed in my head.

"Sir, a large rebel faction has destroyed building 12," he said direct and to the point.

"Oh dear lord," I muttered. Building 12 was the main auxiliary power station that manufactured and distributed all power to the Gamemakers headquarters, arena, and mainly the Cornucopia. It powered all the computers and databanks for the arena as well.

"What about the back up system station?" I inquired.

"Sir, with building 12 destroyed, it wouldn't matter if we had the backup system operational," he informed me.

How did Mockingjay know to bomb which exact building to destroy? Each power station served a district and function. There were 50 in all. Coin had planned to destroy the plant but I advised from the start that destroying the plant was not a feasible plan. Destroying the plant and subsequent stations would black out most of the districts––with no power there was no work, no work meant starvation for the districts. Everything would cease to a halt, no power to produce and manufacture the needs of the entire country.

"All computers are down, no power and…" He paused as someone voice filtered in the background.

"What?"

"The computer mainframe was compromised," he continued.

"Compromised?"

"Sir, the rebels had also injected a virus…a virus in the system that literally ate the programs," he said. "We lost everything sir. The gaming programs, designs, gps tracking ability. Everything is gone, not a single trace left." I heard crinkling of paper on my receiver. "From what the programmers' analyzed there is a virus…a 'MJ12' in the system."

I snorted. MJ12 how fitting as Garrett Everdeen hailed from that district.

I sat down. The Mockingjay had literally destroyed the Hunger Games from within. He didn't need an army to fight the Capitol. He had destroyed 74 years of programming, designs and history. The Hunger Games were no more.

"Even if we restored and rerouted power to Building 12, we're––"

Suddenly, two casually dressed burly men entered the room. They looked frantic and scared. "What's wrong?" Snow asked. "Why are you two not guarding my granddaughter's room?"

"Sorry, I'll get back to you soon," I said as I ended my conversation.

"Um, sir…I'm afraid to tell you but…" the tall stocky bodyguard paused. "Your granddaughter is not in her room."

"What?" Snow exclaimed ever so calm and composed. "What do you mean she is not in her room?"

"Sir… we have not left our post. One of us was at her door if not the both of us at all times," one guard said.

"Then how did you know she is not in the room?" I asked.

"When the cook came to bring her breakfast, we opened her door and she was not anywhere," he said.

Snow stood up with back straight and his eyes narrow. "Find my granddaughter now. If you have to rip this house apart to find her, check the grounds…check everywhere. I want her brought here to me when you do." The two men left.

"I had discovered that she snuck out to see Peeta when he was here after the Talent Program viewing. She managed to sneak out of her room to visit him when Bertie was attending to his injury," Snow explained. "So when I found out I grounded and locked in her room. She was also forbidden to watch the opening ceremony with me."

I realized that Snow didn't know the secret tunnels and hidden rooms in his own mansion. But then why would he since Snow's mansion was originally built by Antoine's great grandfather Sherman Wingate, a famous architect of his time. Sherman's gift to his daughter who was contracted to Cornelius's father was to build Snow's mansion before their wedding. Thus he secretly built the hidden passages in the residence. It was obvious that Amelia had been using them.

"So tell me, Heavensbee," he started. "What is going on in the arena? Why have we been blocked or rather what interrupted the program?" he asked. I bit my lower lip and wondered how much more bad news he could handle.

"Mr. Snow, sir," I said in a firm and confident tone. "I'm sorry to report that…"

An hour later I stepped out to the sidewalk by Snow's mansion. I'm emotionally drained and physically tired. It was difficult trying to calm President Snow from his anger. Little Amelia Snow was not found. She had literally disappeared from her room. No one had seen her. The turn of events had Snow reeling as he discovered that Bertie Snow and Effie Trinket was abducted during the launch, Haymitch Abernathy had disappeared, the District 12 team of stylists had escaped from the city, and the final insult––Mockingjay had infiltrated the Gamemaker's computer main frame destroying The Hunger Game programming.

And to make matters worse, the screen came to life with another message from the Garrett Everdeen, aka the Mockingjay. "Panem, this is my gift to you." He pointed to a screen behind him. On the monitor was the image of the destroyed Cornucopia. "And to the families of the tributes, these are your children."

The image changed to an aerial view from high above. On the ground was the tributes following a rebel soldier inside the forest of the arena. "The games are over. If you join me I swear that no child will ever be reaped, no child will ever sign up for a tessarae nor shall a child stand in a crowd with their peers as they wait in fear for their name to be called. Join me and free Panem from Snow and the Capitol. Help me end his reign of terror and subjugation. Our children are running for their lives from the arena. Help me fight for them, help me fight for everyone's child in every district."

"Deploy all peacekeepers available to search the outer perimeter of the arena," Snow proclaimed in a deadly tone. "I want Mellark and Everdeen found, I want all my tributes found." He was repeating himself, first with Amelia and now with his tributes. He was definitely not having a good day. And I predicted it wasn't about to get any better. "What is the status in District 12?"

"The slow stream of peacekeepers removal is on schedule." I reported. Snow didn't fully explain why he was pulling his soldiers from 12, but I suspected the worse. Since now we know who the Mockingjay is, I hoped Garrett is smart enough to figure out what Snow was doing. And I hoped he has some contingency plan to help his district without alerting the soldiers still residing there. Coin was not at all pleased with my suggestion of helping them evacuate the district a little at a time.

"And have Snow alert our presence?" Coin balked. "We've survived because we have stayed hidden all these years. Besides, Snow wouldn't dare attack 12 again. The mutt dogs was a warning––a one off."

"We have to at least be prepared to take them in case…" I stopped at the horrifying possibility. Snow annihilated District 13 because we went to war against him. District 12 was one of the poorest districts heavily subjugated by his invisible hand around their necks controlling their lives. Snow also needed coal and 12 supplied it. "Just keep in mind we also have to prepared for the possibility that Snow might attack the district again." Then I reminded her that she too needed District 12. "The Capitol is not the only city that needs coal. We need that resource as well. If we owned and controlled 12, we own a valuable resource that Snow also depends on."

I returned to the Gamemaker building to access the damage the virus wrought on the computer systems. "I can't believe this is happening," Crane said in an astonished tone. He looked frantic and scared as his clothes were wrinkled, his tie undone and jack off.

"I thought we had built and designed a system…a program that was impenetrable from hacking."

"Well, obviously the rebels have found a way" I snickered. "Have you discovered how the computer was hacked?"

"No, I've been busy instructing the programmers to at least try to recover the…"

"You're wasting your time," I said. "A virus had infiltrated the system. Everything is gone."

"But you helped create most of the programs," he insisted. "Didn't you…back up everything?"

"You're not listening," I persisted. "The whole mainframe has been compromised, that also includes all the back up system. We…have to start over, do you understand?"

"Yes, I'm not an idiot––"

"Mr. Crane," a peacekeeper appeared. He was a member of Snow's special unit. "Mr. Snow has asked me to escort you to see him, immediately."

"Oh, of course," Crane responded back. He straightened his tie and donned his jacket back on. "If you'll excuse me, Heavensbee." He walked towards the door but before he exited the room, he looked back. That was the last time I ever saw him again.

Shane POV ––

The hairs on the back of my head stood as I passed the barrier from the arena. "Damnit," I said to myself as I searched the environment. The surrounding area was different, taller trees, greener in color and the air crisper and cleaner than inside the arena. I had only been inside for a couple of hours and I missed the natural forest as I could tell the arena was man made and designed for the games.

After a few seconds I stopped searching realizing that our extraction team and transportation were already gone. We were too late. I checked my watch and discovered that we had missed them by twenty minutes. Twenty minutes delayed due to the group that held us up.

I turned back toward the fallen barrier and into the arena. Of course Maddy sensed a problem on my face when I returned to the group. I didn't want to start a panic so I dismissed her question.

Once she too crossed the barrier she exclaimed, "Damnit, Shane," she said in frustration. "We missed our ride?" I rolled my eyes as she stated the obvious.

I shook my head, frustrated and anxiety. Our contingency plan was to keep heading north to reach another extraction point had we missed the initial one. We didn't have a choice. I looked around me as several sets of eyes turned to us for guidance. Now that I have gotten acquainted with them, I couldn't deny that Peeta was right to take them with us. Before, they were just faces with no names or a voice––lives I was willing to sacrifice to rescue Peeta and Katniss.

All of them had a look of relief and gratitude. I didn't have the heart to tell them that we were still in danger. The littlest and youngest tribute Rue from Eleven ran and wrapped her arms around Maddy's waist. "Thank you, thank you," she said in her tiny voice.

Maddy in return looked shocked and embarrassed before she could respond I said, "Hey, we're not of the woods yet." The male tribute from District 7 snickered. "I mean not literally but we still have along ways to go since we missed our deadline."

"So what do we do now?" Peeta asked.

"We head north," I started and pointed to a tall mountain. "We head towards that direction until we get to another extraction point. And, we better leave now."

Suddenly six men with rifles in their hands appeared from the dense forest. Immediately Maddy and I pointed our rifles at them as I placed myself between Peeta and the intruders. "Roman, it's me," a male voice called out as he took a step forwards. It was Seamus. I sighed. "It's me, Seamus," he announced himself.

"What are you doing here?" Maddy burst forward her voice tinged with agitation.

"Don't get your panties in a twist, Mad," he said as he raised his rifle upward as if he was surrendering. "I was told to stay and retrieve the other tributes."

"What do you mean?" I asked. "How did you even know that we were bringing them?"

"The Mockingjay suspected that you would be bringing then along," he explained as his eyes turned to Peeta. "When you didn't meet us at the appointed time, the hovercraft had to leave before the scouting drones discovered our presence."

"That still doesn't explain why you're here, Seamus," Maddy added. "Why are you here?"

"I'm here as your backup."

"Fine, let's go," Maddy said in impatience. "We need to get moving."

"Sorry, but I have different orders," Seamus declared. I looked at him for a few seconds. "Did it occur to you that when you brought the others that they would still have their gps trackers still embedded in their arms?" he asked in a snide manner. I was stunned but recovered quickly. "I only have an hour to get them away from the Capitol's proximity. Their gps has a short range."

"Whatever, so what is Mockingjay's orders?"

"My team will take the rest of the tributes with us," he started. "While you take Everdeen and Mellark to your original destination." Peeta started to object.

"We got out together and we stay together." I sighed and shook my head from disbelief and yet I wasn't surprised. "Why do we need to be separated? If we had to head north, why do you need to take them elsewhere?"

"We're taking everyone else to a safe place, Peeta," Seamus stated. "Where you're going is where the Mockingjay need both to be at. I'm not going to argue over it." I felt an argument to escalate.

"Peeta, listen to me," I began. "We don't answer to you, and we don't have the time. So I'll say this quickly." I pointed to Katniss. "You and Katniss are targeted by Snow. Anyone and everyone around you are in danger. They…" I pointed to his fellow tributes, "may have a tracking device in their arms, but don't think for one second Snow will not kill them to get you."

"Shane is right, Peeta," Katniss voiced her opinion. "I'm glad they're are out of the arena, but Snow is after us. Not them and the longer we are with them, they greater danger they will be."

"It doesn't feel right," Peeta said. Katniss rubbed the back of his head. "I know you don't like it but, we need to think of their safety. The farther away they are from us, the safer they will be. And…they still have their tracking gps on." Katniss stopped. "But what about me? I don't recall getting an injection before the launch."

Seamus stepped forward. He had a device in his hand and waved it around Katniss. Nothing beeped. "She's right. She's clean," Seamus confirmed.

"How is that possible?" Katniss wondered.

I felt as if a swarm of bees buzzed in my head. "We really don't have time for this," I said. "Seamus, take the kids and go." I grabbed Peeta's arms. "Time to leave Mellark."

"Hey, Roman," Seamus called out to me. I turned my head at his direction. "Good luck." Seamus turned his eyes towards Maddy. "I mean it. And Maddy? Good luck to you too." A look passed between them. I tried not to notice as I had years of trying to decipher what kind of relationship they had between them. Maddy smiled back at him then turned to me.

Even after all this time, even when I had decided that I was done with the two people who made my life miserable. I was still angry and jealous for the connection they shared. Maddy made it clear that her relationship with Seamus was over, but I had heard her say that before. And twice, she broke my heart because I had believed her, desperately wanted to believe that what they had was gone for good. I wasn't about to let her break me again because in my experience she always went back to her first love.

"Hey, Katniss," Rue said. "May the odds be in your favor." She lifted her hand sending a three finger salute, a gesture I recognized. But surprisingly neither Peeta or Katniss seemed aware of the gesture.

An hour into our travel, we had reached a crest overlooking the forest. During our hike, we ducked and avoided hover drones that scouted the area. Their presence held up our time but we couldn't risk detection. "At this rate, we're going to miss the next extraction meeting," Maddy mentioned as we're both hidden behind a tree while another drone flew above us and passed us. That was the third scouting drone that scoured the forest. Just as they passed us the drone stopped abruptly then headed back south.

The next thing we knew, a loud booming sound echoed in the air. It wasn't piercing like a firecracker but a soft flutter from a distance. Curious, I climbed up a tree. Katniss followed suit as she handed her bow to Peeta. We both scaled the tree climbing high up near the end of the tree line. "Oh my god," I muttered to myself. Before me, a hovercraft was shooting downwards. They were probably twenty miles away but clear enough to recognize a Capitol hovercraft signature as beams of light shot to the ground. "Shit, shit," I said.

I scaled down the tree as fast as I could that I faltered for second as a branch tangled with the rifle on my back. "Okay, slow down, slow down," I said to myself. "You're no good if you break a limb now." Great, now I'm talking to myself.

Katniss had reached the ground first. "…is shooting from far away. I don't know who at but I'm assuming they may have found the others."

"You can't assume that?" Maddy contradicted.

"Why else would they be shooting the ground?" Katniss countered back.

"Can you get in contact with them?" Peeta asked his face filled with worry.

"Even if you're right," I interjected. "There is nothing we can do. We can't get in contact to find out. We're not allowed to transmit or make any calls until we're at a good distance away from the Capitol."

"We need to do something," Peeta muttered.

"There is nothing we can do," I stated. "And before you get any bright ideas. Our mission, Maddy and I were supposed to just get you and Katniss out of the arena. We're responsible for you safety––"

"It's my fault that––"

"Don't even start––" I began. This kid is going to be the end of me. He was too good and unreal. I can see why the Mockingjay wanted him on his side. Peeta was earnest and good, qualities lacking with any average person. I admired him but at the same time, I also wanted to smack him inside of the head for delaying us from our first extraction point.

"He's right, Peeta," Maddy concluded. "Our priority is you and Katniss. The others will take care of them. Don't start by blaming yourself. Think of all the people who are involved in getting you both out of the arena. I don't know why you are important to the Mockingjay." Katniss and Peeta shared another look between them. I gritted my teeth. They had a secret, one that Maddy and I weren't privy to. "But he ordered us to get you out of the arena and we did, but we are still not safe."

"Think of those who are risking their lives for you," I continued. I felt bad for Peeta because I could tell the guilt was gnawing inside him. Katniss grabbed his hand.

"Stop, already," Katniss scolded me. "He already feels bad stop making it worse."

"It's okay, Katniss," Peeta voiced. "They're right. Let's just…let's just go…" Relieved, we left the area as fast as we could as the activity behind us continued. I didn't look back.

Hours later, we hiked down the hill in good time. At one point, Maddy suggested, "We should be at a good distance that I think we need to take a short break." She tilted her head towards our companions.

Peeta was quiet and withdrawn as he followed behind Katniss. I was lead with Katniss right behind me as Peeta and Maddy trailed behind us. "Ten minute break guys, then we're off again."

Katniss headed towards a group of trees and bushes with Peeta right behind her. "Nah, I don't think so," she said as she extended her hand up causing Peeta to fall backwards. "You are not going to follow me when I'm going…do my business."

"Katniss, don't be stubborn," Peeta said. "I'm not going stand next to you while you…for God's sake I'll keep my distance but I'm going to let you go out there without me."

"Peeta, my love. I'd do anything for you, but you are not about to see me or watch me pee in front of you," she pointed adamantly. "This is a private thing."

"Then let Maddy go with you?"

"Peeta, be reasonable," she whined. "If I'm not about to let you go, what's makes you think I'd let Maddy go with me?"

"Katniss!"

"No, nothing is going to happen to me," she scowled. I knew that look. Maddy herself had once given that same exact look when she was being stubborn.

"Break it up you two," Maddy asserted. "You…," she pointed to Peeta, "will let Katniss do her business alone and you take care of yours. You both are wasting time." She reached into her backpack and pulled out a small piece of toilet paper and a hand shovel. "Cover your mess, we don't want to attract animals or leave a trail for anyone to track us." Katniss accepted the items then walked off. Peeta signed in resignation as he watched his girlfriend disappear in to he woods.

"If you're not back in five minutes, I'm coming after you," he shouted at her back.

"Yeah, yeah," Katniss's voice filtered in the air with a tinge of amusement.

"Poop," Peeta said with an amused look on his face. "People can track our poop trail? That's…how is that possible. I mean that's disgusting."

"Get out of here," Maddy said in mock anger. "Take a pee break and be back here in five minutes. Or I'll come looking for you."

"Yes, ma'am," he saluted her. She pretended to kick him as he walked passed her.

"Smart ass," she teased back. Watching her interact with Peeta made me reminisce the Maddy I fell in love with. The Maddy that was sweet and kind when I was growing up. I fell for her hard as a teenager that I forsaken any other girls in my life. But as I grew older she changed. I was so infatuated that I dismissed her behavior and attitude. Thus, with my blind devotion I blamed myself when she broke my heart twice. Seeing that side of her again…she was still there but I couldn't risk my heart again.

Peeta returned not more than three minutes later with a sheepish look on his face. "What's wrong?" I asked.

"Um…Katniss caught me trying to follow her so…she got really mad," he said. "I just wanted to make sure she was okay."

"Trust me," Maddy said. "Personal hygiene is very personal for us girls." Peeta and I looked confused. "In relationship especially in the beginning, we'll share everything with the guy you love, but the intimate stuff like hygiene you never push. She'll be fine, Peeta."

"I know Katniss can take care of herself, but…" he sighed his lower lip stuck out as he breathed though his mouth. "But Cato and his friends…I know they are following us. They're not stupid."

I looked at Maddy and we both knew he was right. Another give minutes passed and Peeta was…beyond worried. "I tell you something is wrong," he winced. "And I don't care if her taking a leak is too personal…I should have…insisted." The moment he was done talking, he turned around and took off.

"Peeta, slow down," Maddy cried out. "Wait, just give her another minute.

"Fuck no," he shouted. "Katniss, Katniss."

"Damnit," I yelled as I ran after him with Maddy behind me. Peeta ran fast, faster than I anticipated. I almost lost him but listened to the sound of his voice yelling for Katniss. "Where the hell did he––"

"There," Maddy pointed as she spotted Peeta ten yards away between two large trees his hand clutching his machete.

"Let Katniss go, Marvel," Peeta seethed in anger, his eyes hard and lips in a line. Marvel had whittled a tree branch into a pick, the tip pointed at Katniss's throat. I looked around them and noticed that her bow and quiver lay on the ground ten feet away from them. Her face was filthy with grime, dirt and leaves stuck to her clothes and skin. She had fought him and lost.

Marvel was taller than her so his head loomed above hers. As a sharp shooter, I could have easily shoot him in the head, but he was a kid. He was scared and lost as he was out of his element. "I'm taking her with me," Marvel said as he backed up. "Cato said that Snow will reward us if we capture her or Peeta. I got Katniss and I'm taking her back with me to the Capitol."

Katniss's eyes were fixed on Peeta as if they were having a private conversation with each other. She blinked twice and he shook his head. It was eerie watching them.

"Marvel, if you value your life let Katniss go, now!" Peeta blurted, his anger controlled.

"No, I know I'm dead either way," Marvel stated. "Cato is crazy, Glimmer and Clove just following him like some groupie. I have my insurance."

"Marvel, listen to me," Peeta said. "You're a tribute who escaped the arena."

"But I didn't escape to…Cato said that it's not our fault," Marvel continued. "I can go back as long as I have Katniss."

"You can never go back," Peeta added. "Once you crossed the barrier, you gained your freedom––"

"What freedom, this?" he gestured to his surroundings. "Scrounging in the woods for good and water. No thank you. I want to go home. I have nowhere else to go."

"You can't go back, Marvel," Katniss said.

"Shut up," he returned as he tightened his arm around her shoulder. "You all can't tell me what to do. I have to go back. Cato will kill me. He's acting like we're still on the games."

"But you're not," Peeta interjected. "Come with us. You don't…have to be afraid of Cato anymore."

"I'm not afraid of him," Marvel seethed in anger. "I'm not like Clove and Glimmer. I'm my own man. I don't need Cato." In his anger, the pointed edge of his stick pierced Katniss's skin. She flinched in pain blood oozing from her neck.

"Stop, Marvel," Peeta screamed. "You're hurting Katniss. You're right; you're not like Cato. Cato likes hurting people. He lives for it. You're not him. You just…you want to survive and live."

"And Katniss is my life insurance to go back," Marvel admitted. "Cato is right. If I take Katniss back, he'll reward me."

"You can't go back, Marvel," I said. "Like Peeta said, you crossed the barrier and Snow will think you tried to escape."

"I can explain it to him," Marvel said. "I can trade my life in exchange for Katniss, like Cato said. Snow wants her, and I have––" I tired of his meanderings, I pointed my rifle and shot near his feet.

"Marvel, I'm giving you ten seconds to release Katniss," I persisted.

"Or what?" he threatened.

"I'm really good with his rifle," I boasted. "See that pinecone above Peeta's head?" Marvel's eyes shifted to Peeta and looked up. I didn't hesitate or wait for him to respond. I shot the pinecone off its branch. It landed behind Peeta. "Even if you think you're faster than me, I can shoot you in the eye and you won't even feel it."

"Let her go, Marvel," Peeta repeated. "You can come with us. You're alive and no longer a tribute. It may not mean much right now but you do have your freedom. You don't have to kill anyone or have someone try to kill you. You're not in the arena anymore."

"You're wrong," he said in a sad tone. "I've trained for this all my life. This was what I wanted. I don't know anything else."

"There is more to life than fighting––to kill or be killed." Peeta put his machete down on the ground and his hands up. "I grew up in a bakery. It's all I've known as well, but I learned that I can be and do other things, I had to adapt to every circumstance that changed my life. You can…you will adapt if you let yourself." I placed my finger on the trigger ready to shoot as Marvel became more agitated. He wouldn't relent.

Marvel shook his head. "Without Katniss as my hostage, there is no going back. I'll take my chances because…I can't see anything beyond my life––" My finger squeezed the trigger and shot rang in the air. Marvel winced as I barely missed his right shoulder clipping him. Katniss moved when he dropped his stick from her neck. She ran to Peeta.

"I told you," I addressed Marvel. "I gave you ten seconds to let Katniss go and you didn't listen." His left hands covered the wound on his shoulder as blood seeped between his fingers.

Meanwhile, Peeta checked Katniss's neck. There was a slight scratch from the pointed wooden stick, but blood dripped down her neck. Peeta was livid and before I could react. He walked over to Marvel grabbed him around the waist and slammed on the ground, his body made a resounding thud as it made contact on the dirt floor.

"Peeta, stop," Katniss screamed as she ran to his side.

"He hurt you," he seethed in anger and fear. "He wanted to take you back to Snow. He was willing to…trade you for his freedom. How could he?" Peeta's face was red with fury. The soft spoken gentle boy I watched on screen didn't exist for the moment. Peeta straddled Marvel's body. He was face down and stunned from the impact. He moaned in pain.

"I'm okay, Peeta," she said as she placed a hand on his shoulder. Peeta softened, his face shifted from anger to despair as he eyed her wound. "It's just a nick, see? Marvel's scared, Peeta. Just like we all are. Just…let him go and take care of me." Instantly, Peeta relaxed and removed himself from Marvel.

The young male tribute quickly got onto his feet and moved away from Peeta and Katniss. Dirt and earth smeared on his face, his hair disheveled.

"Marvel, go," I demanded. "You don't want to come with us, fine! I get it. But if you––"

"If you ever come near Katniss again," Peeta interrupted his voice hard. "I'll fucking break every bone in your body." Whoa, okay not what I expected from Peeta but had Marvel hurt Maddy I would have done the same; but Peeta wasn't done yet.

"And you tell Cato when you see him. I'll be waiting. I know he's out there following us. Tell him, face me like a man, and don't come after me like some coward sneaking up on me." Peeta turned and tilted his head upward. "Cato, I know you're out there. Face me you coward." The forest remained quiet then a voice echoed in the air.

"Face me you coward," it repeated. I gasped as it mimicked Peeta's voice. The hair in the back on my neck stood. Maddy looked around her rifle steady in her hand. Marvel was stunned as well.

"What the hell was that?" I said, trying to contain my fear as Maddy stood beside me back to back.

"I'm outta here," Marvel announced as he ran off into the woods.

"We shouldn't have let him go," Maddy said her hand griped her rifle tight.

"He's not our responsibility," I reminded her. "Let him go. He's not important. He'll only be a liability."

"Face me you coward," Peeta's voice resonated in air four more times one after the other the sentence faded each time his words sounded.

"That's a mockingjay," Katniss said as she further explained what a mockingjay was. The hybrid bird was originally created by the Capitol known as Jabberjays––genetically engineered talking birds used as spies for counterintelligence. The failed experiments were let loose in the forest thus mated with mockingbirds. The procreation between the species birthed a new hybrid called the Mockingjay. A name our rebel leader used as his own moniker to fight Snow and the Capitol––the very people who created them. To prove the point, Katniss whistled. A few seconds later, the bird whistled back. Several birds joined the mockingjay's song the cacophony made me feel ill at ease in the midst of our surroundings.

"This is fascinating and all but I think we need to move," Maddy suggested once the sounds died off. I wasn't about to argue with Maddy with her suggestion. Without any hesitation, Peeta and Katniss moved as one as they picked she picked up her bow and Peeta did the same with his machete.

Once we were back on track, Peeta turned to Katniss, relief and love in his eyes but also steel and determination. "You're never leaving my sight again. Next time you take a leak or poop or whatever, I'm going with you and that's final," he said.

I held back a chuckle while Maddy placed a hand over her mouth. These two lovebirds definitely will be the end of me before the day is through. But despite, the drama, Peeta and Katniss looked happy and more in love than ever. I hope that they would invite me to their wedding. I smiled at the thought as Prims' face flashed in my mind. Yes, there would definitely be a wedding in the future.

AN: Thank you for reading this chapter. I hoped you enjoyed it. Thanks again for staying with me in this journey. Have a great weekend.