A Game Of Justice ✭ Cato Hadley

Thirty - Snowfall

A week later, at midday on the twenty-third of December, Clio waits in one of the downstairs meeting rooms that has been set up with a large white circular table. All of the other victors are sitting around the table, apart from Katniss and Haymitch who they're clearly waiting for. By the looks on their faces as they quietly talk to one another, no one has any idea why they've been called into this meeting. They haven't been called into any prior meetings in the past almost month that they've been living in the palace. Snow has been on trial over a two week period with multiple witnesses, both for and against his character, and multiple-page long documents of evidence for his offenses – and has been found guilty on many charges, being scheduled for execution at the end of the week. There's some rather interesting symbolism there regarding starting the new year afresh. Under new rulership at least.

Katniss is blank-faced and emotionless as she is dragged along behind Haymitch. Evidently, she doesn't want to be in the room, much like everyone else, but was more than content to try and avoid attending. Clio can't help but wonder what lengths Coin would've gone to to get her symbol into this impromptu meeting. Not that she can blame the young girl for her attitude – she sure as hell was the same, if not worse, when she lost Clove. A fleeting look with Luna tells that she's just as confused about their presence. Everyone is confused. It must be important if every living victor has been requested.

Alma Coin clears her throat, grabbing everyone's attention as Haymitch and Katniss finally take their seats around the table. "Good afternoon everyone, I have invited you all here for several reasons, but first, I have an announcement. I have taken on the burden and the honour of declaring myself Interim President of Panem."

Clio's brow furrows in confusion. What does she mean by interim President? She thinks, trying to work out what the word means and what this will mean for them. Does she mean that she thinks she's going to be in charge of the entire nation? She notices Enobaria roll her eyes, and then Luna, too, as they both reach the same conclusion about the woman's action. Surely she can't think that everyone is going to let this mad woman go unchecked without opposition, can she?

A scoff leaves Haymitch as he is the first to speak up. "Interim? Exactly how long is that interim?"

Well, at least that's given me an idea of the meaning of the word, Clio says to herself, having to hold back her laughter as she can visibly see the cogs twisting in Cato's brain beside her. She snorts under her breath. Coin really thinks she can govern Panem.

"We have no way of knowing for certain. But it's clear that people are far too emotional right now to make a rational decision. We'll plan an election when the time's right." Coin answers, her voice tense with the authority she is trying to project.

Luna takes in the confused expression on the faces of all her friends around the table before slowly raising her hand for permission to speak. Coin grants her silent request with a single nod of approval. "With all due respect, Madam Coin..."

With only the first few words of Luna's comment, Clio fights against her laughter – immediately noticing Cato, Enobaria and Haymitch doing the same thing. Johanna also looks as though she could burst at any second. Oh this is going to be good, she thinks. That despite Luna's calm nature, she's going to hand it straight to the power hungry woman just like she did in Thirteen. Someone has to speak up, and it's unlikely to be Katniss any more – not in her griefful state. Thank God for Luna. No one who likes the person they're speaking to starts their sentence with the words 'with all due respect'.

The redhead continues. "Why is it you and not Commander Paylor? I think many people in this room would agree with me when I say that she's the better fit. Yes, you have been President for Thirteen, but she's the one that's been living in the districts whilst this has all unfolded, not you."