Wow it has been a really long time but I do not plan to give up on the story. Although some reviews would be nice. I have the next chapter already written just needs some editing. I hope you love this one especially at the end. Enjoy!
Chapter 7: Training Day
Johanna POV
These last few days have been hiking ride here in 13. Despite being stuck in the hospital, I am actually getting some entertainment here in this containment joint. The future team did a 180° especially Katniss. From what Finnick told me, she threatened the leaders, demand respect, and beat the hell out of the peacekeepers. Indeed the brainless I know is in capable of that performance. He also inform me, Future Katniss will begin our training regime to prepare us for the upcoming threats. Right now I am trying to get out of the hospital to participate. Yes I am addicted to morphine and that reason the doctors suggest otherwise but I need out and I cannot remain in these white halls and room.
The door open with my first visitor today. It is the young time traveler, Willow. I notice she always have that black bandana on her head. There's something familiar about her but I can't put my finger on it. The girl is a brainiac for sure to be able to work with Volts very effectively. There's something in her demeanor that despite her harsh life in the future a shed of light and innocence remains. She almost reminds me of Peeta before Snow messed with his head.
"Hi Johanna ready to go?" she asks "Go where in particular? Outside of breaks and help unhijack lover boy, I am stuck here."I replied "Training camp, everything is prepare all you need to do is show up. Unless you wish to remain here..." Then I jump up,"No, by all means get me out of here." "Cool just change into this attire and we can go." Willow turn around giving me privacy to change. I appreciate that especially after what happened in the Capitol. I am still proud of body but those vultures harm me naked multiple times. I am thankful they didn't rape me and that's because of Peeta. He would interfere before they had the chance.
I finish dressing and Willow escort me out of the hospital. We make it to the elevator is when I question her for permission for able training. Willow responds, "She figure that physicians wouldn't permit you into combat. Although you could be in any condition in the Hunger Games but who keep count? So Katniss made arrangements for you to participate in our training regime. It provides you liberty to scroll around the district and get you back in shape. Of course you are still patient and must return to the hospital after supper but it beats being there all day." "Brainless did this for me?" "Well my 'brainless' not yours." Willow chuckles "Indeed there's two of them so I need a new name for the other one to differentiate them in speech. Like one Katniss isn't enough." I said. Willow laughs, "Yep but to honest they are night and day. Your Katniss, although suffer, doesn't have all the baggage of trauma and torture from the years of androids and other malicious folks she encounter." That word torture just stops me as I am shaken to hear our Girl on Fire was harm in malicious way. "Willow what happen for that to occur?" Then she sighs as we get off the elevator and start walking again. "I am sorry Johanna, I said too much and really she doesn't want anyone to know. She never told us the extend of the story. All we know it occur when you two were trapped on the island for a few years. Neither of you ever told us the whole story of your island adventure and I doubt being in the past will make Katniss' lips move." Well at least now I know I have survived for while longer. The next thought comes to mind is why Brainless and I was stuck on island. Before I could even ask, we already made it to the training ground.
Willow leaves me to my own devices. In a few minutes I see our Katniss and Finnick, who is doing his strange photo poses again. It's very creepy!
"Odair, I understand you're all jumping for joy because you finally claim Annie as internally yours but will you please stop the creepy model poses?" But Finnick pouts at my comment, "Awww but Jo, my posture is hot and you know it! Remember the old saying if you got it flaunt it babe." "Oh please you are scared coward sometimes pretty boy. Remember the time we went to get a tattoo but someone ran away like a little girl!" "Whatever besides Katniss here didn't mind right?" Finnick ask turning to Katniss but she remain quiet. "Oh please Finn, we both know Brainless here is young, pure, and doesn't know any better. Perhaps you should try it with Arrow for more accurate result." I reply. "Arrow?" asked Katniss. "Uh duh, your dark badass future self!" "Oh yeah her... Katniss Mellark!" She sneers. "Katniss, there's nothing you should be jealous about her. Her life is different and more haywire than us victors all combine. I know her fighting the peacekeepers disturb you a bit. Actually all 3 of them disturb everyone in the command center especially Plutarch. Their battle was quite strategic but savagery a bit. Anyway there's no point in hating yourself. If anything admire her for the hell she has been through. She has a scar on her face and probably way more scars and damages on her body. The only issue I have is her joining the League, I don't care what deal or relationship she has with them. Nevertheless like the Games, you will never the depart the League fully. I fear she will always be trap in their world." explains Finnick, somberly. "Most importantly Brainless, our Arrow is you overall. That's the woman you could become if our fate roundup the same as her timeline." I add
Before she can respond Arrow and Arsenal called Rory (Katniss' other "cousin") enters the scene. Coin and other rebel leaders arrive to the training ground. Even Haymitch comes in with Peeta. I already knew he was aching to leave the hospital too. We have even conspire attempt to escape those daunting white rooms. Perhaps Arrow made arrangements for him to be out here too. Just examining the scene around me it's obvious that can already tell this will be interesting day and some real fun for once since this rebellion began.
Haymitch POV
I come here with Peeta because Future Katniss suggest he joins the rank. Of course we had argument about it since her idea is insane! She responds with this, "Haymitch I know the cost and dangers by putting Peeta out there. However you didn't see him die! I saw him die directly by the hand of #16 after he made himself a target. Do you want to know how he was killed? #16 knew of his hijacking and use it against him! It kills me Haymitch, it kills me everyday because I failed my HUSBAND!" Since then I drop the subject and just trust her plan while mentor her every now and then. There's a reason I am still around in her time and even now she still needs me big time warrior or not!
I turn to Peeta before releasing him, "Look kid, personally I think she's nuts for letting you out here when you are not ready. I know you want out of the hospital and my place is ready for you but if you're not up to it then there is no shame in that." Peeta for the first time ever scowl, "Haymitch please stop treating me like a naive broken record. I have been through more hell than either you and the mutts can imagine. The rebels saved me when they did not have to! Therefore, I need to repay them somehow besides I told Coin I would the other day." Now what does that woman want with Peeta? She has no personal uses for him and even if so, Peeta is far from ready to serve the rebellion. From what I observe in conversation between the President of 13 and Green Arrow there's some hostility. Coin must have done something in her timeline and I will be idiot to wholly trust her. Besides she is Snow in a skirt. "Fine but take it easy kid. Also quit scowling it's cute on her but not you hijack or not. Figure your own facial pout but don't steal from others." I comment. "I will be trooper anyway possible and I will try to get along with mutt...no... Katniss!" Said Peeta as I place my hand on his shoulder, "That's right Peeta! Remember it's not real and what the Capitol said is all lies." "Right!"
We get to the field and see Coin and Plutarch westward to watch this training regime exercise. Little away from them are Katniss, Finnick, and Johanna. I do recall the future one made arrangements for her release permission to train here. "Haymitch, I trust Johanna with my life. She was there during the worst times in my life especially during the island venture and loss of Peeta. She's the older sister I never had. Don't you dare ever repeat that to her." Obviously the bond between the duo headstrong victors is telling and deeper than either will admit. I can see bloom of the bond with the present ones now. Finally Peeta and I see Rory laughing next to Future Katniss as she prepares her arrows. Peeta and I approach the two future warriors.
"You are just setting yourself up for disappointment Katniss. You two are ridiculous!" Said Rory, laughing. "I don't care if he's speedster, I am still kicking his ass. Beside I owe him for that last prank of his." She replies. "Sweetheart, you're suppose to be teaching the rebels not hurt your tribute." "Trust me Haymitch this normal way of them connecting." answer Rory, "Defined normal?"asked Peeta. Rory just laughs as he scratch his head, "The relationship between Katniss and JR is very complex but when it is a manner of life or death those two are like two peas in a pod." Then he yells to the crowd, "Alright folks gather for the troublesome exhibition match!" "Really troublesome Hawthorne?" I asked. "Katniss is your victor with her own stressful tribute so you figure it out." He replies. I laugh as Katniss gets to the hill and the others make it around the perimeter. "Come on Peeta let's not get in her way." I turn around but Peeta comments, "Hey Mutt no... Katniss of the Future, shoot straight!" Without turning back she replies, "I shall and thank you Peeta." She replies
I am proud of Peeta. The boy is making strides to doctors believe he will always have portion of the venom in him but should be thankful that he survive it. With the amount he took in, he should be dead but he fought the Capitol. Now we just need to support him through this terrifying event. Hopefully our Katniss will overcome whatever fear or denial and help the boy. He needs her more so now than ever.
Rory and Future Katniss get into position as she prepares to shoot arrow and he moves next to me. From what I am hearing Hawthorne is speaking to Willow over voice intercom. After 3 minutes Katniss shoots the arrow high in the sky and I suppose it is to hit a tree then Rory wails in laughter.
"He got it Katniss! Grab the arrow right at the heart of the bullseye too!" Rory exclaims. "No way! Please tell me otherwise Rory. That arrow was flying really fast and it was 15 Km from here." Katniss (f) replies. "Oh really? Give me those binoculars Arsenal, I must witness the person who manage to not only survive but grab sweetheart's deadly arrow." I said as Rory hands me the binocular. There I see JR dancing around next to Willow twirling the arrow, "I have to say you really found your victor Sweetheart." "Shut up Haymitch! Nobody ask you of your opinion." she retorts while grabbing few more arrows. She press them on rocks to spark fire. "Oh Katniss, JR says game on!" said Rory. "Game on indeed!" she says
She fires the flaming arrows to JR. Obviously he was able to dodge them as he is racing straight to Sweetheart. Soon the duo were stuck in hand-to-hand combat. I must say the future made Katniss into brawler but there's technique into art of martial fist fight. JR has similar style due to training under her. Looks like JR finally got the upper hand by using his agility to outpace her, left some blows that put down for the count. The boy should have not turn his back because Katniss uppercuts and pin him down with her bow. That's common rule: never turn your back on a foe. Clearly Sweetheart reminds the boy which is why he is pinned to the ground. After some pep talk the duo end their match. Next I tell Peeta to move by Johanna because they are about begin the real training. Based from what I can tell our former Mockingjay of the Future is no pushover and will prove to be worst drill sergeant than Baker boy prior to the Quell.
Finnick POV
Peeta runs up to our group after the terrifying exhibition match. Obviously Haymitch put next to us so he will have easier time being surrounded by familiar faces. Johanna told me the improvement he has been making and the fact he survive is telling enough. Katniss goes distraught at the whole situation and uneasy because he can attack her again. Knowing her future self married Peeta should provide her a source of hope.
"Wow now that was incredible feat! Brainless, when will you rack great moves like them?" ask Johanna. "Johanna really?!" yells Katniss. "Hell yeah just imagine if you could fight like that who in their right mind would mess with you? Now I wonder about myself. She better be badass and then some." she reply and I sigh. "Alright enough trolling Jo looks like Inferno is about to start." I comment "Inferno?" she question "That's her codename the League gave her. You know think of it as evolution from girl on fire." Katniss answers "Neato!"
Future Katniss divide us into 4 groups. Then she takes off her long shirt jacket and remains sleeveless on her right arm shirt but abdomen is revealing. The scar there is telling she endure torture as well since there are marking of chainsaw and sword looking carefully her arms are uneven. I think she may have lost arm since her left hand has glove. Overall I must admit despite the scars Inferno is one hot looking woman!
"From this point forward you will assemble yourselves into fine quiet line ready for merciless training exercise. I expect discipline, trial, respect, teamwork, and correct attitude. Anyone who disobey these policies will answer to yours truly and trust me I do not have a problem with reprimanding. As a matter of fact you don't want me to because I will make your time in the field a living hell!" declare Katniss (f). "Oh someone thinks she's tough guy now." whisper Johanna. Then Inferno pulls her bow and arrow to aim at Johanna,"Hey Jo, you didn't anyone ever tell you that you talk too much?" Quickly everyone including Peeta step backward from the target victor. "What the fuck?! Honestly Katniss!" "Why not you have been a major pain in my ass for years. Alas we just had to developed sisterly bond and went through too many traumatic events to just eliminate you from the game. So I have better idea for you instead." Next thing we know she fires the arrow to tree pole. "Thanks for volunteering with your wholesome tongue Soldier Mason now move your ass and retrieve the arrow if possible." said Katniss (f), smirking. "Don't worry I am capable of getting the arrow pretty girl and let me shock you. I shall do it with my clothes on. I wonder if you are terrify in the future." Johanna comments as she walks to the pole. These two are trip! Before she can start climbing Katniss (f) approach with a crest. "Wait a minute Mason, I believe you are missing something." She takes out what I think are weights and place them Johanna. "Okay people to the left is the arm of discipline. On the right represents strength. The headband here is your intelligence which I hope you all have but you never know these days. Finally the necklace is your faith. You need to use all four of these to reach the arrow." I see Johanna barely moving and I knew she will fail at the task and I laugh until Future Katniss take notice. "You think this is funny Soldier Odair? Why don't I light up your world." Then she sparks the arrow on fire and hits to another tree pole as it does in flames slight. "Why not join your best friend here and get that particular arrow. Have no fear, you don't need weights because that pole is challenging enough alone." "Well aren't you a fiery bitch today?" I remark "At least I am consistent now start walking Odair like a soldier not model."
I walk to the pole and notice spike and there's some temperature change on here. Without wasting time both Johanna and I look at each and begin climbing our poles. I felt stabbing pains along with this hot pole with blasting temperatures I haven't felt in a while. I only made it halfway until I surrender and fall off the pole. The spikes and hot temperature was too much for me to bare. The weight must have proven too much for Johanna because she is on the ground as well. For the next 2 hours other soldiers tried but all except Pollux, Boggs, Castor, Jackson, and surprisingly Peeta failed! Next Rory toss us rods as he and JR began teaching us to use them properly for another hour. Soon we did cardio exercises with weights while Future Katniss trash talks. I am surprise she is even capable of such thing. I will admit she's hardball to the max and is no sugar cookie. If anyone drops or cannot keep up in the exercise then they join JR in running 5 km. How do I know? Well Gale and I were part of the crowd of failed runners. Johanna, Haymitch, Katniss, and even Annie will never let me live that one down. Finally 30 min lunch break as Gale says, "Katniss has gone mad!"
Then we are taken to the training center which is totally revamp from the work of Beetee and Willow. Rory decides to put on music to start warming us for more training (torture) as JR states, "Let's get this party started yo!" Next we observe the triad speed skate on ice for 10 mins. JR calls for groups to race through the ice and practice sparring as in preparation to battle in any environment including on ice or even sand. While Future Katniss took my group to train in accuracy and precision by using rocks! "If you cannot make a perfect bullseye out of these small pebbles of matter than how would you perform better with a weapon? That is your training ground and you will stay there until you can hit 1000 bullseye marks perfectly." So far I made 15 marks just 985 more to go! Katniss and Gale are lucky they almost reach 100 so they will escape this stage by a week the bastards! Then the bell rings for dinner and we are done for the day until tomorrow. I am depress to say the Hunger Games is preferably to these torturous future triads.
Peeta POV
Dinner arrives and training is done. I am proud for my performance today and have done remarkably well. Everyone in 13 was amazed that Haymitch tell me they are watching me and already respect me more so individually which is good I suppose. According to the others, my popularity is too tied to Katniss and I think the effort of my health improvement is because of my status as the Mockingjay's lover not plain Peeta Mellark the Victor. I didn't interact with her today. For the duration of my training it's best not to! There was a few times I had to combat the venom so I wouldn't attack her and succeed.
Future Katniss is different animal by itself. There are clear distinction between the two and the one of the future has dark aura about her. I may be hijack but not stupid to realize there's something off and hidden about her. The whole future team are very secretive and holding back some information. For now I will continue training and just keep my guard no matter what. Never again will I be that foolish open-hearted boy because he's been burned too many times and what was his reward? Being torture for a girl who can careless and now moving to being another pawn for this nonsense rebellion that's purpose isn't what they portray? Even now I wonder what is my purpose here anyway? My family is dead! My district is destroyed therefore I am homeless! No one here truly needs me and would rather toss me aside if it wasn't for this support network I have. For some reason, I suppose the mutt will be toss away too after she served her purpose this game of rebels. Say if this does all work out what do I have looking forward to?
We enter the dining area and grab our dinner. I am grateful for the lack of guards but I am sure they will come and pick Johanna and I up to make sure we return to the hospital. That is what Haymitch told me when he picked me up. I do not see Delly but I am sure she will visit me later it's been a long day. Then JR comes to our table with popcorn.
"Hey JR, what's with the popcorn?" asked Finnick. "Simple it's going to be show tonight. Don't worry Rory is getting bigger bucket to share with the rest of you lot!" he grins. "Show? What kind of show?!" asked Katniss. Then the lights go dim as people begin to panic. Next the screen appear of President Snow at his desk but not looking at us but reading his book. Looks like he doesn't recognize he's being watched. Now Rory comes with more popcorn sitting next to Gale. "Oh good, I made it just in time." he says "Okay bro, what's going on?" asks Gale. "Relax brother and enjoy the show. Especially you victors!" Rory replies. A minute later Katniss of the future walks between our table and the next with microphone attach to her ear. She looks at her future companions as now all eyes are on her and does the most shrewdest thing ever.
"Good evening Cornelius!" she says. Quickly everyone including Snow froze and slightly panic."Who is this?" he demands "Don't worry about that just be glad you are safely alive in that boutique office of yours. You should be aware Cornelius that I and my colleagues can observe and reach you personally at anytime. Now hopefully Thread came through with his word." "So you must be the vigilante who has been giving my peacekeepers a headache?" The future mutt just smirks and walks around as Snow continues, "No answer, very well I assume you are but tell me how you manage to infiltrate my system to communicate with me. Obviously you are not in the area otherwise my operatives would inform me and derail you." "Oh Cornelius don't worry about that but understand that my operative has you right on film." We see Willow typing virtually while talking to some computer. "Therefore be aware that I can reach you anytime, anyplace, and anywhere."
For the first time, I see fear enters Snow's eyes. Yeah I have experience his anger, proudness, and sudden moods but never fear. "Well I will be damn, Katniss just brought death valley to the man." said Finnick "Keep watching Finnick it gets better." comment JR. "How much better?" asked Katniss. The boy had no time to reply as the conversation between Snow and Future Katniss continues.
"Whatever insane reason you have to choose the rebels as allies is nonsense. I can offer you more by joining the capitol." said Snow. "Oh Snow, lets promise not to lie to each other. Personally we both know you're full of it. For example you task 16 year old girl to calm rowdy districts whose been wanting to revolt for years but showing off her love to her fiance, but you knew it wouldn't work. How can she when Katniss Everdeen unintentionally produce spark for the districts to finally fight back? Then you decide to have peacekeepers strike the districts harder but they hated you even more so you break code by reaping victors for what to kill Katniss? Didn't expect the rebel's interference and betray by your own gamemaker. Your trump card was brainwashing Peeta Mellark to combat the rebels but now he's safely recovering in 13 and fighting your hold against him. Badly done and no wonder Al Glul calls you embarrassment Shimo."
Shockwave just pass through everyone in the district as she continues. "What's wrong didn't expect someone to dig up your past? Oh yeah, you're a snake and lucky to still be alive. There's fine line of inserting your iron fist to district 4, they have a camp and I bet your attempts to eliminate it has so far say failed!" "Then you are aware of my capabilities. For example, hijacking Peeta Mellark is ancient torture technique used by the League and Lin Knei until they forbidden almost 200 years."
That revelation upset me greatly. I can feel attack coming and I want to strike that mutt. It's her fault that I am like this in the first place. Suddenly I feel Johanna's hand on my shoulder. "Peeta listen it's okay. That bastard cannot harm you anymore. He will pay for what he did." said Johanna. "The damage is done and to think he's one of them. The same agents mutt of the future chose to align herself with! She's a fool that deserves death before she kills us all." I replied "Peeta, Katniss is trying save all of you guys and especially you most of all. Whatever Snow and the Capitol said to you is a bunch of nonsense! So fight the system do not become it!" declares JR "I am starting to get what's real and I do not need some punk kid to tell me otherwise. Certainly not that failure who you call master!" Clearly that have offended JR but I don't care. Now he glows in yellow light charging up to attack me. "You know what I don't care who are to them but disrespect is too far!" "JR stand down! Stand down Speedy!" yells Rory. JR relents and sits down and eat popcorn. " Peeta isn't being rational and still recovering so attacking him now is hypocrisy and foolish! Besides Katniss knows him well and plan a special training session just for our favorite baker. Hijacked or not, I suggest you get all your aggregation and insults out of the way because Green Arrow is a hardball and will only make your training more difficult. Trust me, I speak of experience." said Rory "I bet that's what kept you alive?" asks Johanna "Damn right!" Eventually the venom impulse left me. I am tired but I want to see how this conversation between the League agents go. In addition, Johanna doesn't want to leave just yet either.
"What about you Vigilante? What's your secret behind the hood?" asks Snow "None of concern! Now I am offering you a chance to surrender before things tensify." offers Future Katniss. "Surrender? Why not the rebels for disrupting the balance and peace?" "Balance and peace never existed as long as tyrants like you running around. So I will give you some incentive." "Like what are you going to do to me? Torture?" "You know Cornelius there are many ways to hurt a human. Physical, mental, emotional, social but those will have no effect on you. However it's no secret that you have a love for money. Is that why you take from the districts to increase your overflowing pocketbook?" "What are saying?" "I suggest you check your bank account right now!" Snow looks in his computer and in a few minutes rage is in his eyes. "You think this a joke?!" "No but seeing you suffering is entertaining. Now Shimo you can lose $200 million privately or $350 million publicly the choice is yours admiral."
"I think I should take it all. You know he won't listen." said Willow. "I agree because I sense no remorse from his emotions Katniss." adds the robotic computer. The future mutt puts her over the mic to speak with them, "I am trying to be nice and give grace. His fate is already seal thanks to Al Glul. However if he relents then Panem can prepare for the androids." "True but we still believe otherwise." reply the computer "Felicity, I am not Oliver Queen." "No you're more high risk and stubborn bull that takes too many chances in getting herself killed."
I observe the one called Willow. There's something about her that I cannot pin point. She looks at me with her blue eyes meet mine. Her life is troubling despite some sort of tranquility she has. How funny is this? Johanna is correct, the eyes do tell a person's story.
"Alright Cornelius it has been fun so I will give some time the think over my petition. Oh before I go... Do you remember the final words of the 74th Victors?" Everyone has confused expression. Willow began typing and suddenly an explosion as she count 1 and we see the tribute tower is gone. Next she counts 2 then a building probably bank vanish as well. Finally counts 3 and the media station building explodes. "Sweet dreams Shimo and I hope you have lovely evening salute!"
What a performance from Future Katniss huh? I always wonder why the confrontation between Katniss and Snow wasn't more frequent. I mean he did a lot just to harm a 17 year old and Snow had many ways in getting rid of her too. Remember he doesn't know Green Arrow is Future Katniss yet and because she knows his background they are playing on the same level field. Present Katniss wouldn't done that especially at her mental and emotional condition in Mockingjay. Future one doesn't care and has no problems threatening people and etc… Peeta's death, battling the androids, and events on the island change her into this dark personality.
Expect more training from our team but they will get some action very soon especially Johanna coming up.
More interaction between the two Katniss as the present one tries to change her possible outcome to not become like the future one
Also give me 3 things you would like to see in the next several chapters…
