Chapter 4: The Vigilantes Reveal
Finnick POV
Today is gonna be great day! Annie is release from the hospital and we share a room. When I am not busy with training or meetings, I attend to Annie. I go to every single therapy session with her. We are catching up the near 2 months loss of time and we share our experiences during our separation. Annie has trouble sleeping due to the screams of torture victims. I am glad it's mostly psychological because she has the least physical damage compare to Johanna and Peeta. I'm thankful Snow didn't hijack her against me. I can't bare the thought it! I'm watching Katniss, while she shows a brave front Peeta's hijack condition is killing her. Snow has successfully broken the Girl on Fire and we don't know how to rekindle her flame to where it once was. Honestly I pity her because she has keep up this facade because she's the Mockingjay. At least I was able to have my meltdown in peace but to the rebels I am another victimize victor not a public figurehead meant to unite the districts to victory for freedom. I do not envy her but I honestly regret signing her to this role that she didn't even want and only did so save the others.
When we were in District 8 and alone in our separate chambers Katniss can take off the facade and be honest. We were talking one night and suddenly she was wailing in tears of pain. "I can't do this anymore! I miss him, Finnick! There's a chance that my boy with the bread will never return to me. Why should he? I have been a bitch and all he wanted to do is to love me." I place my arm around her, "So do you, I saw love on your face in the quell. You nearly broke down when he almost died by the force field. I did watched your little beach moment. I wonder how far it would have gone if Johanna didn't interrupt you. Then your last kiss by the tree. Your eyes read love." "I wish Haymitch save him. I am the stronger between us and Snow was targeting me not him." "I feel the same concerning Annie, but who can say our fates would've been better. We cannot dwell on in the past but we must push forward to the future." I smile and hug her, "Come on Girl on Fire, you need to fight back. If you give up on him then Snow wins. I am going to fight my damn hardest to get Annie back so you should do the same for Peeta. He will fight for you if the situation was in reverse. Hey here's an idea since you are a woman of action. Pretend we are in the arena again. Now tell me, what would you do if we are in the hunger games again?" Katniss looks at me and smirks, "That's simple, kill you all and keep Peeta alive. Make sure he comes out as sole victor although he would have argue about it but the choice is mine not his." "So when return to 13, have that mindset into play ok."
I have heard about of Peeta's improvement. Even visited him a few times. Johanna recruited me for the Quell portions. All was well until Peeta ask does Katniss love him for real. The Capitol messed with his read by inserting fake twisted memories as real ones. I cannot believe anyone can reprogram you to murder who you love and had not the rebels saved him, Peeta would be the Capitol's perfect puppet. The subject is touchy but neither Johanna and I have the right to answer that besides this is a convo between the star crossed lovers themselves. I know she does but admitting now would be heartbreaking and Peeta may not believe her or worst use her love against her. That was Snow's plan to breaking her which he succeed and she is barely keeping it together. Then there is Coin who has made a few visits to him. It is no secret that she prefer him over Katniss, but the way they converse makes it sound so trusting. I don't trust her one bit and I will not be surprise if she manipulates Peeta against Katniss.
This whole feud began with their games which brought up the spark. Refusal to kill each other and willing to commit double suicide so there's no victor! I never thought they had it in them, their story was entertaining but it was fake and daring. No one ever defy the Capitol like they did and got away with it. Of course their actions brought on victor edition hunger games. Regardless we victors have unspoken pact of protecting each other's backs. That's what Haymitch, Johanna, Beetee, Annie, and I will do for our youngest members. For my part, I will continue being Katniss' combat bodyguard to her safe in body and mind. Also Haymitch said the doctors suspect suicidal tendencies and she might purposely go into battle for certain death. Well I don't blame her; hell I will stick that trident through the gut if I was in her predicament.
Anyway I petition for outing outside. There's a river not too far from here and it reminds me of my days fishing in 4. There is a bonus having the Mockingjay as your pal! Annie and I travel to the river and fish together. "Thanks for bringing me out here Finnick as much as I appreciate 13 being underground is suffocating! It reminds me of the Capitol's torture." Said Annie. "We all need it those guys do not understand the definition of outdoors. You should thank Katniss she help me getting my petition through." I replied "We should bring Peeta and Johanna out here." During their time in the Capitol, the 3 of them got closer in spite of Johanna's irritation. She was the one being their motivational speaker and the brunt of their punishment unless it was related to Katniss or myself. They will always have that close knit bond that Katniss and I can never touch. "We will as soon as they are release. Now remember the wonder twist I'd showed you?" "Yes but you didn't catch a thing." "Well today is a new day." I perform my risky fishing technique which cause quite a mess. "Finnick!" Yells Annie, laughing "Trust me Annie."
One hour later no fish arrived to my hook nor net. Annie has a few as she gives me that 'I told you so' look. Ignore her and continue my way. She suggest we should wrapped it up since we are due back in 13 soon. I was about about until my hook reacts, I pull and capture a big giant fish. Annie calls for help with my net and we have 50 kilograms of fish. Good thing Annie suggest that wheelbarrow because we needed it. I stop us halfway to 13. "Finnick what's the matter?" I place the wheelbarrow down and approach her gently. "Annie Cresta, you're my heart, soul, and flesh. I was lost without my magnificent half partner. Your beauty flashes over the glow of the water. People say you're nuts but to me you are perfection and those who are ignorant to our kind would say hideous things. I realize how much you truly matter to me when you were gone and I am happy Snow didn't distort you with false images of myself. I would be looking death to wash away the pain. Now listen to me, I cannot be apart from any longer. Please Annie Cresta will become my official wife?" Annie cries at my proposal and she replies, "Yes!" I take her in arms and we kiss. Things are looking up for us. Hopefully the odds will continue to be in our favor.
Katniss POV
These past 3 days have been a wild ride. For once, Peeta actually insulted me and display my character flaws in front of our friends during lunch. I remember his comments "You are a piece of work aren't you?" and "I must've really loved you" no longer am I the apple of eye but the sour taste of his mouth. Thanks to Snow, his blinders came off and he can see me for who I really am and I hate him for it! Then Finnick and Annie announce their engagement! While I am happy for them, I cannot help but feel jealous because they had the perfect union while mines with Peeta is a nightmare! Gale has been around me more and more and he even tries to talk sense to Peeta but that almost led into a fight hadn't Finnick and Johanna been there to stop them. I'm surprise they waited this long, I assumed they already had one and just didn't tell me. Thanks to Dr. Riley, I am on reserve for now so running to another district will not help me this time!
Now today I decide to spend the day with Haymitch. We are in his compartment. He has been working on the vigilantes case. He approach Finnick and I about the green clad. We gave him our views and experience and he continues forward with the video he received. Then went on about Arsenal in district 3. Now I am rewatching it with him to get any more clues we may have left out.
"I don't know Haymitch they are not threatening otherwise they would have shown their hand already. They don't look like they are from here. Maybe they are aliens that got lost!" I said but Haymitch shakes his head, "I doubt it sweetheart! These guys are dangerous, you didn't watch Arsenal. You have an idea of our green friend here. Then there are double trouble in 2 that Lyme tells me about." he replies "Well they are not Captiol? Think they could be foreigners looking for trouble or a weak spot?" "That's a possibility! Wait hold on, pause the tape!" I pause it and look at him then he grips my shoulder blade "Ok Katniss, this is going to sound strange but I need to do a comparison. I want to you grab your bow and pull the string like you are going to shoot then hold the position." I raise my eyebrow at him like he's nuts "I know crazy but do it trust me!" I sigh and do what he says. He keeps looking at me and the screen for the next 5 minutes. "Haymitch, what's going on? You look like you have seen double?" I said but he doesn't reply but writes in his notebook. "I think I got it figure out!" he says "Do you want to share?" I ask "No, at least not yet! Get some rest sweetheart you look exhausted!"
The thing is I am exhausted every way possible. I leave Haymitch's room and head to mine and sleep but not without the company of nightmares that torture me until daybreak not even Prim and my mother could waken me. This reminds me of the Victory Tour when I woke up screaming and Peeta came rushing in my room to comfort me and stay with me through the night. The morning comes and neither of us had any nightmares and decided to continue sleeping together. We did it a few more times when we return to 12. After Gale's whipping, I came to Peeta less although he was on my side whenever needed since I thought it was Gale who I belong with. Until the reading of the card of victors returning to the games, is when my bond with Peeta deepen despite him being an drill sergeant. I really took the boy with the bread for granted because now when I need most he cannot be here for me. I am trying to help him through this hijacking but it is difficult when he sees me as an enemy, mutt, or whatever corrupted thing Snow inserted into his brain.
I walk to the battle station training center. I need to get my mind off of everything. Who knew my life would turn out like this? All I wanted is to survive and keep my friends and family safe that isn't too hard to ask for right? There are times I wish I never went into the hunger games or allow these rebels to make me their Mockingjay. The 3rd Quarter Quell, district 12 bombing, and this whole rebellion all started because of me. They might be hopeful but I do not know the outcome of this. Should we fail then everything is for nought and suicide would be the correct direction to go since there's no way Snow will let me live after all of this. I would be shocked!
I arrive to the training center, say hi to Beetee as he is modifying weaponry, and I began shooting arrows. I must have very concentrated because I didn't hear Gale from behind me. "Whoa easy there Catnip!" he said "Damn it Gale, I could have killed you! You know better than to sneak up me. Remember that one time in the woods." I replied. It was 2 months after Peeta and I returned to 12 after the first games. I was hunting to appease my mind from the constant nightmares that haunts me from the games. Then I heard something and assume it was an animal and shot my arrow. I run up and saw it wasn't an arrow but Gale who got a cut to his shoulder from barely dodging my arrow. "Don't worry I was quick enough to dodge it to avoid certain death from my best friend of all people." he jokes " Not funny at all!" "So this is where you have been hiding all day! People been looking for you. wants to talk about about Peeta's medical treatment, Plutarch wants to start another propo, Finnick needs a favor out of you, and Boggs wants to speak with you. So yeah Catnip, you are in heavy demand today!" "The Mockingjay is taking a day off! I have a life outside being their pawn." "You are nobody's pawn…" "Gale, you do not understand! I never asked for any of this! Yes, the rebellion is all great and fun but there's a price for everything and so far I do not like it. I am also considering the fact if we fail then what?!" "Simple we leave Panem for good! I have been reading through maps and books. There's a country several miles north from here called Leaf (used to be Canada)." I stared at him shocked "You're kidding?" "Nope, I can show you the map and books if you want. You worry too much Catnip, look everyone both Rebel and Capitol believe in you and the ability of leadership, justice, courage, and right spirit to lead Panem to somewhere. Maybe it's time that you start believing in yourself."
Before I could reply alarms went off as the system continually states intruder alert! Gale and I grab our weapons and run down the hall. We can hear battle going on and looks like the guards are being easily taken out by clothe figure. I shoot my arrow at the shadowy figure but he or she escapes in time then a strange thing occur the figure gives me a thumbs up "Nice shot there, good know you play with other color arrows Katniss!" then he runs off. "What the hell was that?" I ask "I don't know but he seems familiar with you. I don't like at all!" Gale replies"Wait he's one of them the vigilantes. Haymitch been keeping tabs on them." "So they are the invaders?" "Probably come on let's go!" Gale and I continue running then from a distance we heard a strange birdy screech sound that's loud enough to kill ear drums. We wait for the sound to pass before moving forward. Neither of us knew what is going on. They are not with the Capitol and are not killing anybody just fighting their way through. I remember Haymitch telling me something's familiar about the green archer, I have no doubt in my mind he'd figure it out but refuse to inform me as usual. Soon we reach the main auditorium and found a crowd of people here as well. I see Effie approaches us.
"Effie what's going on and why everyone is gather here?" I ask "We are here under order that vigilante from 8. Claiming they mean no harm and will explain everything. This is the easy way approach as Coin does have guards at every section ready to shoot. The energy from the hood is rather intimidating and it's best we make it peaceful as possible. It took Haymitch 5 minutes to convince her to not kill them and follow through with is." she explains "Why should we? They are ones invading and we are abiding to them?!" yells Gale, angrily "I understand but Haymitch suggest we do this. I think after watching Arsenal in 3, he may finally figure out their identities. It's just a matter of knowing their purpose of being. I don't think they are from here since that vigilante from 8 left him a word in French." she said.
There was no stop to consider what Effie just said because our invaders have arrived. People are scared, fierce, confuse, angry, and on guard. These are the 4 vigilantes of Panem. The two in a dark shadow cloth, the taller one is male and the shorter one is female. Then there's the red archer from 3 known as Arsenal, Jackson report much things about him that kept him on high alert. Finally the green hooded archer from 8 that saved Finnick. I do get a sense of familiar vibe and from listening to the video, I can tell this archer is female. All four are looked well built, strong, and proven they are the sort not to mess with. They are dangerous! I pull out arrow and keep it close to my bow in case of attack as Gale tighten his hold with is crossbow.
"So Master, this is the infamous district 13? Not bad for underground dump!" said the cloth man "JR shut up, we didn't come here for you to diss their home. We already made a bad presence by bodging in here." said the cloth woman then she turns to us, "Sorry folks my friend here is an idiot, I think your home is well design and amazing! How you lot survive underground for 75 years is beyond but nice job!" "It's not that great since it is was destroyed." JR mumbles. Destroyed? Wait does he mean 13 is destroyed? Then Boggs approach them slowly but kept a distance. "What the hell are you talking about? 13 is here, alive, and standing!" "Yes, for now but not for long" JR replies "You are speaking all sorts of crazy boy!" Then Arsenal steps in, "Would you believe us if I tell you we are not from your time. Yet rather the four of us are from almost 20 years into the future?" "Now I know you are clinically insane!" Boggs replies "I know this is sounds weird and crazy sir, but it true." Arsenal insists then the cloth woman speaks "Arsenal, be reasonable with them. Honestly, I don't blame them for doubting us. If you invaded my home and cause some terror then tell me you're from the future, I would think you are maniac too." "Willow…" cries the men "Hey, don't get mad at me it's true. I mean look at them!" They stare at us bewildered not knowing what to do next. The cloth woman named Willow turns to their quiet leader the green archer "Okay now what? This was your idea, you know them better than us." The green archer turns around, stares up, and sighs, "Then we go with plan B. Arsenal you first!"
Arsenal then takes his hat and mask off. Gale stares at him shock as he begins to connect the dots. He then steps forward and stares closely at him. "Rory is that you?" he asks and Arsenal grins, "Long time no see bro!" The gray eyes, dark shaved head, there is no doubt about it! I cannot believe this an adult Rory Hawthorne is standing before us but he looks worse for wear so I wonder what happen in the future. Everyone from 12 stare at him and mumbles among themselves at this revelation. "You look like a mess Rory, what the hell happen?" Gale asks "A long lasting nightmare that took years to end."
"I figure as such based on the cute film your green friend over there send me." says Haymitch approaching the scene, "By the way nice performance in 3 kid." "Haymitch Abernathy, always the wise cracker you haven't change a bit even with age." Rory states. Haymitch just laughs then gives a smirk as he place a hand on my shoulder and whispers "Shoot the arrow at our quiet friend over there. Don't worry sweetheart she won't die but will surprise us all." I wasn't in the mood to argue but I didn't want to hurt this person. She did help us in district 8. However I know Haymitch and he would never suggest such thing without good reasoning. He kept me alive for 2 hunger games and helps me stay in check where Peeta is concern. So I shoot the arrow straight to her heart and in a flash of a second she turns around, grabs the arrow, and prepare to shoot right back at me. Suddenly there's the archer's stance she does that's exactly like mine. No way it can't be…
Haymitch comes forward in front of everyone "Rester en vie indeed now you were never a good actress and failed to fool me completely. Even now here you are still seeking my help. So tell me sweetheart what brings you 20 years into the past?" The green clad laughs and put away her weapons. "Always quick to figure things out. There's little difference between you and the Haymitch in my time but you are still drunken asshole!" "That's lovely to know but I will assume you are still full of piss that need some life guidance that's not hunting or battle related, am I right Katniss?"
My eyes open so wide that I couldn't believe his words. I watch her as she uncover her hood release her long braided dark hair with blond highlights it seems. Next she takes off her green mask so we can the scar along her left eye. There's no mistake about it, this person is ME from the future! Nevertheless she is battle worn, her eyes holds a history of pain and trauma, and I don't want to think about her possible body scars. Now it is dead silent because all in 13 are examining my future myself or rather the future Mockingjay.
"Well I'll be damn, you look terrible!" said Haymitch. Then my future self walks up to Haymitch and says "I will not take your comment as an insult but in all retrospects I do feel terrible sometimes." Haymitch hugs her, "So sweetheart inform us, what the hell happen that has you future lot looking like shit and need to race back in time?" She closes her eyes and looks downward "A lot Haymitch, you have a clue from the tape I gave you. Not all of is all sweetness and sound."
Coin from the polidenium speaks, "Well isn't this an upheaval turn of events for us. The rebels of 13 welcomes the Mockingjay and her team of the future! Now the odds will absolutely be in our favor." Then there is a big motion to applause but that ended quickly with a snark laughter from my future self. "Please all of you don't waste your time on such petty things and save your ridiculous speeches Alma. You have more trouble awaits you. Also one more I want to clear this up so there's no confusion between my younger self and I. Funny you call me the Mockingjay, I haven't use that title in years. I consider the pretty bird you rebels design and expect me to be for you died a long time ago! Now for the last 6 years I go by a different identity and one I chose for myself. So from here on out as long as I am around like those in the future, you of the past will refer to me as Green Arrow."
There you have it folks at last! So this story is the tale of 2 Katniss one from present and the other future. Just so you know MJ canon events happen in the at series except the Epilogue applies to Future Katniss while MJ will end differently for Present Katniss. As I have thought out the plot, expect a lot of Future Katniss because she is going to be a badass and have a different take being 36 and not 17. To differentiate between the two in POV future will be Katniss (F) and present will be Katniss. For others it will be mention which one they are conserving with.
Haymitch is going to have a bigger role with our future warriors. So expect to bond and mentor Future Katniss a lot! Lastly I hope you Finnick/Annie fans enjoy Finnick's proposal. Don't worry with their future son, JR, into the mix there'll be more scenes with them. Next chapter will be all about our future warriors so it will be longer read and will be up either Thursday or Friday.
Please leave a review and comments, I would like to hear your thoughts on the story and what do you want see in this story. This is a different hunger games fic but I am taking on this challenge!
HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR! SEE YOU IN 2015!
