One Last Game -Haymitch Abernathy-

Chapter 57

They walk silently. Amelia keeps a distance from Peeta because looking at him is too hard. She feels selfish for being upset with how the Capitol treated her when they were so much worse to him. It wasn't fair to him, but there was nothing to be said anyway. Boggs gave him an unloaded clip for the propos they're planning to film.

Amelia knows it's going to be a long day. They make progress through the Capitol slowly. Finnick rehearses lines with Peeta, preparing him for what he will soon need to say in front of the cameras. Coin's idea is reckless, in her opinion. It's dangerous, but Amelia can't help but feel as if that's the reason. There has to be more. Coin didn't want Katniss doing any more videos, and now, suddenly, Peeta has to be there? It didn't make sense. If anything, the vehicle should have brought Katniss back to District 13.

She walks side by side with Gale for a majority of the walk, but they don't speak. It's easier not to talk. While Finnick helps Peeta, Amelia helps herself. She sorts through the memories of her life, picking out the ones that matter the most and remembering things that were once forgotten. It's as if there's a cloud over most of her life, but it's dissipating, becoming nothing more than a mist. Some parts are harder to navigate, but it's becoming clearer. Amelia wasn't her old self, and most likely, never would be, but she was making progress. The more she broke down mental barriers, the more she regretted leaving Haymitch. She loved him like no other, and leaving him to join Katniss on a suicide mission was the hardest choice of her life.

Amelia had made peace with dying so many times that living felt like a chore. Her mind wasn't entirely right. Neither was her body. She feared she couldn't be normal again and believed that dying was the best solution. Dying would solve all her problems and free her of her torment. That was all she wanted, to be free. But that meant leaving Haymitch behind to pick up the pieces, again. A few days ago, she didn't care about that. Now, she did.

"Boggs," Cressida spoke. "This is a good spot." They were standing in what appeared to be a luxury apartment complex. It was round with an open area in the center. It was a nearly perfect circle. There was a structure in the middle. Its purpose was unknown. "Through there into the courtyard." It was secluded but a great symbol of the Capitol.

"Okay," the man agreed. "Let's clear it." They had to make sure there weren't any pods. They began walking down the steps. Boggs held the device, scanning the area. Amelia held her spear tightly, but there weren't any threats. They had yet to encounter any Peacekeepers. That was a good thing. The front lines were making progress towards the Capitol. For the first time, she had faith they would win the war.

As they walk, the Holo begins rapidly beeping. It signals a pod straight ahead through the arch. "We have a pod. Split, take cover." Amelia walks to one side with Katniss and Gale. Cressida stands beside her. They all press their backs against the wall, wanting to stay as far out of the way as possible. "Stay back." Boggs grabs a rock, tossing it down the corridor.

Instantly, the pod reacts. There's rapid gunfire—Amelia ducks out of instinct, covering her head with her hands. The noise was loud, almost deafening. She squeezes her eyes shut, waiting for the bullets to stop flying. Luckily, it doesn't last long. The guns run out of ammo.

The walkway was destroyed. The pods have proven to be incredibly dangerous. Amelia feels for anyone who has encountered one without the Holo.

Boggs stands first, scanning the area of pods. "All clear. Gales, Homes, with me. Leeg's, take the wings." They do as told, walking through the arch to inspect the area for pods or other dangers. Amelia takes a moment to steady her breathing. At times, the situation could be overwhelming, and her mind would spiral quickly. It took all her strength to keep herself from falling apart. She continued to remind herself why she was doing this.