The Victor -Pollux-

Chapter 32

"There's been a change in plans," were the first words that Boggs said when she entered the conference room.

"Okay." Carson was hesitant. "What are they now?" Her eyes fell to the only other person already inside the room. "Boggs, what's going on?"

"Last night, Miss Everdeen snuck onto an aircraft carrying medical supplies to the front lines. She landed this morning. Coin has decided she's going to stay where she is." Every word out of his mouth shocked her. "But now, you're going to join her. The film team and Finnick will accompany you. As will I. When we get there, you'll meet the other members of the squad Coin appointed, and as your unit chief, I will explain the plan alongside Lieutenant Jackson." It was almost too much for her to understand. Rather than going into a warzone knowing everyone she loved was safe, some of them would be joining her. "Do you understand?"

"Yes," she found herself saying. "I understand." She didn't have a choice. These were her new orders.

"Good." Boggs knew her well enough to know she didn't want to do this, but he had orders of his own. "We leave in an hour."

As he walked out of the room, Finnick approached her. He had a smug look on his face. "I guess the party doesn't stop."

"How can you make jokes at a time like this?" He shrugged. "You just got married. What are you doing?" He should be enjoying his time with Annie.

"I have my orders." He wasn't bothered by the situation. "Protect the Mockingjay, sound familiar?" It was the same thing they were told in the Quarter Quell. Keep Katniss alive no matter the consequences. No matter the cost. "I guess some things never change."

Whatever plan Boggs had was unknown. They wouldn't know until they arrived wherever they were going. "I need to go see Charlie." Everyone Carson left her with was leaving.

"I told Annie to watch over her. She said she would be happy to." Carson was grateful for that. "I'll meet you on the carrier." She nodded, walking away. She needed to bid farewell to Charlie and grab her weapon.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Carson found Charlie in the medical wing. She was standing with Prim, speaking in hushed whispers. Part of her wanted to leave her alone. Not wanting to ruin her mood, but she knew that would be wrong. "Charlie," her voice echoed through the room.

Charlie glanced at her, smiling brightly as she always did. She said something to Prim before walking toward her. "Hey."

Rather than responding, Carson grabbed her hand and led her into the hallway. Once they were away from others, she kneeled against the tile floor. Staring at her sister, she took a second to admire her. There were no words to describe what she was feeling, so she didn't speak. Instead, she hugged her. Carson held her tightly.

Charlie stood still for a second, not entirely understanding what was happening. Then it clicked inside her mind. She hugged her back even tighter if that was possible. They both knew this was goodbye.

Carson whispered into her hair, "be good for Annie. Stay out of trouble. Stay here." She needed to stay where it was safe until the war ended.

"Okay," Charlie cried. "I don't want you to go."

"I know." But she didn't have a choice. "You're going to be okay." Charlie shook her head, tears pouring out of her eyes. "I love you, lovebug." She kissed her cheek.

"I love you too." Carson held her for a second longer before pulling away. It was time to go. Charlie cried harder, reaching out for her.

Goodbyes were always the hardest, but Carson knew that Charlie would be okay. She would be safe in District 13, away from the war.

That was enough for her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Carson wanted to be mad at Katniss but couldn't. It was easy to understand why she snuck off to join the war. Coin wouldn't let her. Katniss was a fighter, always had been. It made sense. Still, Carson hated that her closest friends could be in danger. It was unknown where they were going or what they would be doing. Boggs didn't plan on telling them until they arrived.

The ride was silent. Everyone was lost in their heads. Each of them were given orders the previous night, only to have them completely changed without any warning. They had no idea what kind of situation they were heading into. They were nervous, scared. The film team seemed to know more, but they stayed silent. Boggs briefed them on a few things, mainly pods. They were dangerous.

The lights above them flickered. For a moment, it goes dark. Carson's entire body tensed, but the lights came back on a moment later. Pollux glanced at her. They had been sitting together for most of the ride. Neither expected to be journeying into the war together. They thought they would be separated. Carson wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Pollux was initially assigned to film the aftermath of the war. What if this was more dangerous? On the other hand, at least this way, she could watch out for him. She could have his back, keep him safe.

There were too many unknowns in the current situation. Once they arrived, she would know the plan. Boggs and Lieutenant Jackson would explain everything.

For now, her mind was running rampant with all the possible what-ifs. What if they were sent into war? What if she had to choose between Finnick, Katniss, and Pollux? What if they were killed? It was a never-ending cycle.

This wasn't how things were supposed to go. Carson had made peace with her fate the prior evening. She accepted whatever outcome awaited her because she knew everyone she cared about would be okay. Now, nobody was safe. Nothing was known. That scared her the most.

Leaning against the wall, she crossed her arms over her chest. She watched Finnick across the jet. He was lying on his back, one leg hanging over the side of the bed as his trident stayed propped against the wall beside him. He didn't seem at all bothered by the situation. Carson didn't understand that.

Looking to her left, she noticed that Pollux's eyes had shut. He wasn't asleep, but he wasn't awake either. It wouldn't be long before he was asleep. Rolling her shoulders, Carson knew it would be wise to rest as well, but her mind wouldn't shut off. She couldn't get herself to rest no matter how hard she tried.