𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭, 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝- Finnick Odair

𝐯𝐢𝐢𝐢.

𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭, 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫: 𝐯𝐢𝐢𝐢.

Katniss was no longer a bride. She was a mockingjay. Standing there on the stage, she raised her arms, showing the wings, spread wide behind her. Beatrice stared in awe. This wasn't just Cinna setting a dress on fire to gain attention. This meant something. Maybe something more than any of the other tributes realized, but it was something all the same.

The crowd was on their feet, applauding. "It's a bird," Caesar said. "It's like a- - It's got feathers, it's like a bird. It's like, uh, um..."

"Like a mockingjay," Katniss said.

"Your stylist certainly has outdone himself this time, hasn't he?" Caesar said. "What theatricality! Cinna! Take a bow!"

Cinna did as told, raising a hand, bowing for the screaming masses.

Peeta was the last interview.

"But Peeta, the wedding, the marriage, never to be?" Caesar said after they had warmed up with a few light-hearted comments.

Peeta took a breath before he answered. "Well, actually, we got married. In secret."

"A secret wedding?" Caesar pressed as the crowd gasped at the revelation. "All right, do tell."

"We- - we want our love to be eternal."

"Of course," Caesar said.

"You know, Katniss and I, we've been luckier than most. And I wouldn't have any regrets at all if it weren't... if..."

"If it weren't for what? What?" Caesar pressed.

"If it weren't for the baby," Peeta concluded.

The crowd started screaming. Beatrice squeezed Gloss so tightly that a part of her was afraid she would hurt him.

Caesar looked stunned. "All right. This is news! Let's find out more." 

Protests were breaking out in the audience. "Calm down," Caesar urged. "This is news to all of us."

"Call of the games!" someone cried.

"All right," Caesar eased, looking toward Peeta, whispering something no one else could hear. 

Peeta nodded, hurrying to join Katniss.

The anthem began to play as Caesar tried his best to rein in the crowd. "Let's, uh..."