Mockingjay's Redemption (Book Two in the Mockingjay's Daughter Series)

Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine

As Annie and I walk through the small village, we talk about her life here. Shortly after the rebellion, Annie and Caleb had moved out here just in case something were to happen. Several other victors and district dwellers had followed her out to the new safe haven. Talk about a new era of Games had arisen, worrying the victors. Out here in the woods, the Capitol has no idea of the location. The trees obscure the view, making it an ideal hiding place.

Annie had built this village with the help of the other residents, and a few years later, it was completed. When the Games were announced to return, more people fled to the safety of the woods. Annie and the others had taken them in.

"We work against the Capitol," Annie tells me. "We take in runaways and rally them. In a few months, we plan on making a stand against the Capitol and the Games."

I'm silent for a few moments. "You're rebels," I state.

"Yes."

"I want in, then."

"Of course, Ivy," Annie says. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

I smile and glance around. We're walking on a dirt path. Green patches of grass are growing in some places, moss in others. A light drizzle is turning my hair damp and my fingers are turning red from the cold. Despite the rain, people are out walking around. Laughter and chatter surround us. This reminds me of District Twelve, before the Games were reinstated.

A pang of sadness reminds me of my parents and Skylar. Skylar.... I wonder if they're even alive. I can only hope they bring news soon.

"Ivy."

I look up at Annie. She's stopped in front of a wooden booth, gesturing with her hand.

"Clothes," she says, smiling. "Pick out what you want."

I rummage through the pile and pull out several pairs of pants and a few shirts. They look my size, but may be a bit big. I'm not about to try them on; I hate trying on clothes. Annie trades the man several odd sculptures for the clothes. Someday, I'll repay her for her hospitality.

I thank her several times on the way back to her house, but she waves it away with her hand.

"It was my pleasure," she says.

I thank her again. We reach the house and walk inside. Sitting in the living room, is Caleb and a very short girl who looks our age. She looks at me and smiles, holding out her hand.

"You must be Ivy," she says, her green eyes twinkling. "I'm Maddox."

"She's my best friend," Caleb says. "Known her all my life."

"That's cool," I say, sitting down next to Maddox. "Are you from District Four?"

Maddox nods. "Fled from there with Annie and this idiot here. I live two houses down."

We continue making small talk for a few minutes until Maddox leaves, dark hair swishing behind her.

"Bye, Shortie!" Caleb calls after her. Maddox lifts her arm in a lazy wave and walks out the door without turning around.

"So Caleb," I say. "Is it possible for me to go hunting? I haven't gone in a few days, and it's my release from stress."

"Yeah, of course," he says. "I only have three conditions: one, you bring the meat back. Two, you bring me with you."

I start to protest, but he clamps his hand over my mouth.

"Third, you tell me all about your life. Especially in the Games."

His hand is still over my mouth, so I do the most childish thing. I lick his hand.

With a "yech!", he jumps off the couch, glaring at me.

I smile and say, "Well, let's go!"

*****

"What's your most precious thing in the world?" Caleb asks me.

"Skylar."

"Who's Skylar? Your boyfriend?"

I laugh. "No. No boyfriend. He's my younger brother."

"Tell me about him."

"Well, he is the sweetest person I know. He has this innocence about him, but he was even more innocent before the Games. He touches everyone's soul wherever he goes. He makes friend easily and he is so smart. He's my best friend."

After a few moments, Caleb says, "Tell me about the Games."

When I've told Caleb everything about my experience in the arena, he grows quiet, a frown etched upon his face. We walk in silence for what seems like forever. I shoot some squirrels, quail, and other small game. Caleb follows behind me, watching my every move.

"You must have had nightmares."

I look back at him. "Still do. Every night."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry for something that wasn't your fault, Caleb. It's not your fault or my fault, it's the Capitol's. Blame them; that's what I do."

"My father died before I was even born," Caleb says. I stop walking and turn towards him. His face is blank of emotion. "He was killed by some of the Capitol's mutts. They took him away from me. The one person who could help me discover who I am and what I want to do. The one person who should have been there for me, given me advice about girls and life. He was taken from me and my mother too soon. He should be here with me. He should be here!"

Tears are running down his face. I reach out and put my hand on his shoulder. "The Capitol took him from me," he says. "And they stole your childhood. They won't steal your brother's because when the time comes, I'm taking them down. They won't destroy any more lives. And I want you to help me."

"Of course I will."

Caleb wipes his face and walks forward. He embraces me in a hug so tight I'm having trouble breathing. My heart pounds because I am so close to him.

"Thank you," he says. "For listening."

All I can do is nod.

"C'mon. Let's go back home. It's about time you made some friends."