VIPER

34.

LILITH had isolated herself in a secluded corner in the short time they remained in the basement. She stared blankly at the wall until the faint sound of an explosion echoed around. She paid no mind.

"Mortar shells. It's not ours," Gale said, "Peacekeepers must me be shelling the rebels outside the city."

"That's not outside the city," Cressida shook her head.

A while later, Gale had gone upstairs and he was now coming back down. Lilith sat in the corner looking at the grey blood of the mutts on her katanas. Memories flashed before her eyes and she felt nauseated.

"Sun's coming up. There's some small arms fire. Could be Paylor, maybe Lyme. Rebels are close," he informed.

"This is the end," Cressida said.

An alarm blared and they looked at the old hologram that had been given to them as Snow appeared.

"To all Capitol citizens more than a half-mile outside the city circle, I am announcing a mandatory evacuation. Come to the mansion. I am promising you shelter and sanctuary. All refugees, come to my home. There you will be provided with food, medicine, safety for your children. And you will have my solemn oath to protect you until my dying breath."

"Wish he'd hurry up with that last part," Katniss muttered.

"Our enemy is not like us. They do not share our values. They have never known our comfort and our sophistication, and they despise us for it. Make no mistake. They are not coming to liberate us. They are coming to destroy our way of life. They are coming to bury us."

"Is he still in the mansion?" Katniss asked, "Peeta?"

"Yeah, I recognise the room," Peeta replied. Katniss pulled a map from her boot.

"Where's that?"

"About five blocks away," Cressida replied. She knelt down and pointed at it, "We're right here. Off the Avenues. The mansion's here."

"What about the pods?" Katniss asked.

"Well they'll probably deactivate the pods around here for the residents' safety," Cressida motioned.

"That could work. I could get close enough," Katniss looked up at Gale.

"Every Peacekeeper's gonna be waiting," he replied.

"Next to our faces on every billboard," Cressida added.

Katniss paused, "Snow's offering shelter to all the refugees." Cressida looked up at her and they started formulating the plan.

Lilith was distantly listening. She stood when they did, she walked when they did but otherwise wasn't really there. The group ascended and found Tigris.

"Head straight North," Cressida instructed as the Capitol woman came back with her coat, "There's gonna be thousands of refugees. Just get into that stream and don't look up."

The woman handed the coat to Lilith and went over to fix Gale.

"We've got one shot," Katniss said.

"Let's make it count," Gale replied.

"Good luck Katniss," Cressida whispered.

Katniss hugged her gratefully, "Thank you." They parted and Katniss went towards the Avox man, "Pollux." He started signing and Katniss smiled. She hugged him as well before turning to Tigris, "Tigris thank you for everything you have done." the woman smiled.

"Katniss let me come with you, ok? I could be a good distraction. They know my face." Peeta begged.

"No. I'm not losing you again," Katniss shut down.

"You'll be safer with us," Cressida added.

"What if Peacekeepers are searching the houses. And if he's captured..." Gale trailed.

"Then give me a nightlock pill ok? I'm not going back," Peeta stated. Katniss glanced at Gale as he unzipped his pocket and handed him one of the purple pills.

Katniss unlocked his cuffs and he glanced at her, "Stay alive," she ordered. She hugged him tightly. He muttered something in her ear before they parted.

"Are you ready Katniss?" Gale asked.

Katniss nodded. Cressida glanced at Lilith and pulled her to the corner.

"Are you so sure Lilith should be going? She's not in the best state of mind right now."

They glanced at the girl who stood staring at the ground, tears threatening to spill over the brim of her eyes.

"She needs this more than I do. Snow's taken too much from her," Katniss replied. The two walked back and the trio left.