Chapter 31: Reaping
Gale has decided to enlist his Peacekeeping friend's help once again in setting the trap for the Capitol Rebels. He is going to override Paylor's refusal to test the prisoners resolve by having the Prison formally announce another Hunger Games. This should get them talking, even amongst themselves, and Gale will be listening in. He needs to know what is behind the deception of the Capitol and who is behind this latest threat to Katniss.
The prisoners are called into a general meeting and the guards are taking no chances. The prisoners have all been shackled so that when they react to the news of the Games they won't be able to cause any real damage to the guards or the prison. The prisoners know this is no ordinary meeting. They are not prepared for what they are told next.
"The new Government of Panem has made a decision which involves you and your families. As you refuse to provide information which will help to put an end to the current Rebellion, and continue to make threats against the population, we are putting you under notice. The government has decided to institute a new Games and the protagonist's in those Games will be your family members".
A huge uproar begins amongst the prisoners as the words of the Governor sink in. He continues.
"Their names will be placed in a jar, just like they were in the past for the Districts, with a selection of one male and one female family member over the age of 12 for each prisoner. There will be 24 Tributes, in keeping with the Capitol tradition, and you will be given the opportunity to visit with any family member who is chosen before the Games begin".
A shocked silence settles over the prisoners as they try to take in the news. This is not possible. The new government has too much to lose by implementing this new threat.
"Of course, anyone willing to talk with regard to Rebel plans and personnel will gain a reprieve for their family members in relation to the Games".
Immediately, the prisoners now begin to look at eachother with uncertainty and suspicion. They begin to wonder who is going to turn? Who is going to remain loyal to Snow and who is going to remain loyal to their family? It is an impossible choice, but one they are going to have to make.
"The reaping will occur within the next 24 hours, after we have gathered the names of all your immediate family members. If you have no immediate family, then extended family's names will be used for selection. And, there is one more thing. With regard to the odds of your family members being chosen," he pauses for effect "may they be ever in your favour".
The uproar amongst the prisoners begins again as the guards use batons to subdue them and herd them back into their cells.
Haymitch has returned from the woods to find Annie still in tears in the front room. She can't believe this is happening. How will they tell Peeta? Haymitch wants Annie to stay here with Prim while he goes first to the bakery and then to the barracks. He decides to call the Barracks before he leaves to tell them what has happened and they offer to meet him outside the bakery while he gives Peeta the news. Several Peacekeepers are sent immediately to interview Annie and to search the woods. Gale has still not returned and Haymitch knows he needs to try to find out what is going on in the Capitol.
There are two Peacekeepers to meet Haymitch outside the store. Peeta sees Haymitch through the window and notices the Peacekeepers standing with him. They are deep in discussion and he wonders what is going on. Haymitch decides they should go to the back of the shop to speak to Peeta there. He will need some privacy when the give him the news.
One of the bakery assistants working at the ovens tells Peeta he has some visitors and needs to come to the back of the shop. Peeta knows something is going on, so he heads to the back to find Haymitch and the two Peacekeepers standing there. He knows by the look on Haymitch's face it is serious and he also knows he doesn't want to hear what Haymitch is about to tell him.
"It's Katniss" says Haymitch.
The word "no" is screaming in Peeta's head as he tries to comprehend what Haymitch says next.
"I found her bow and arrows in the woods. I think she is hurt, but we can't find her. There's a good chance someone has taken her…" Haymitch trails off.
One of the Peacekeeper's continues:
"We have our men searching the area. They are talking to Ms Cresta now".
Oh my God, Prim! Was she OK?
"What about our daughter?" Peeta asks urgently.
Haymitch answers. "Prim is with Annie and they are both at my house. I am sorry, Peeta. I tried to find Katniss and all I could see were her bow and arrows. She had gone hunting for game in the woods".
Peeta is angry. He is angry at Katniss for putting her life at risk. He is angry at her for leaving Prim with Annie and going off on her own. He is angry at her for putting them all through this again. Then, he is angry at himself for not being there for Katniss. Angry that he is helpless once more. Katniss is hurt. She must be in pain, and frightened, too. Oh God… Katniss. Peeta finally dissolves into a thousand tiny pieces of grief and pain. These last few weeks have been overwhelming for him, for all of them. Haymitch holds him as he breaks down. He knows Peeta can't live without Katniss. Neither of them can live without the other. Haymitch decides to get in touch with Gale as soon as possible. Katniss won't survive long if the Capitol rebels have anything to do with it and Peeta won't survive without her.