Fire is Raging On (A Hunger Games Fanfic) [#Wattys 2016]

Chapter Fourteen

A/N: I know I said Katniss and Peeta would be back in this chapter, but I forgot about this chapter. So they'll be back in the next. You will need tissues and something to kill me with after reading this.

Chapter Fourteen

Vada's POV

The Tribute scores seem much higher than I seem to remember. Perhaps, I'll have to a conversation with the Gamemakers on that particular subject. They seem to be more lenient than they should actually be. In all honesty, they shouldn't lenient at all. Their job is to judge the tributes. Their job is to literally job people and they are doing a piss poor job of it. The old Gamemakers were better, truthfully. It's a shame most of them were killed off during that Mockingjay uprising. Of course there are still some of the originals, but apparently those who are left were the kind and caring ones. The ones that don't want to hurt anyone. I bet they care for others feelings. Disgusting, really. In today's world, one can only care about themselves, really.

On top of that, there has been talk amongst the Tributes and mentors of alliances. Of course, there are always alliances, but there are simply stupid and worthless. You are going to kill them anyways in the end, why bother with friendliness and kindness and other formalities when you are going to kill them. It honestly seems like so much work to constantly put up a friendly front. I have to put one up with Cynthia constantly and it's tiring doing that.

I suppose I'm a hypocrite in a way in this aspect because I have some sort of alliance with Cynthia, Althea, Cordo, Balthar, Jago, Titus, Dixie, Septima, Blye, and Leonis. The difference is that I'm not going to kill to them unless it's necessary. Except maybe Cynthia. I may just kill her because of all the annoyance she brings me. She would already be dead if I didn't need her. Truly, I need all of them for now. My plan won't work without them.

"Did Katniss and Peeta give you any pointers?" Caesar says as I'm drawn out of my plans.

Plans that I'll start putting into action as soon as I discuss it with everyone tonight.

"Some," Gale responds.

How vague and mysterious Gale is trying to make himself seem? I must admit it's working to an extent. I, myself, would like to know what these so-called "pointers" are.

"Oh, like what?" Caesar says interest in his voice.

Really laying it on thick there, Caesar.

"Wouldn't really be pointers for Madge and myself if I told them in an interview, now would they?"

I snort a laugh. Well played, Gale, well played.

Caesar laughs, "I suppose that's right. Now let's move on to a new subject. We've got a similar situation to what happened with Peeta and Katniss, don't we? I mean Madge and yourself are together and both being thrown into the arena. That's gotta be tough."

I really wish we would stick to the topic of "pointers" as this subject seems dreadfully boring.

"Of course it is. Why wouldn't it?"

"Would you sacrifice yourself for her if it came down to it?"

The buzzer sounds signalling the end of the three minutes, "Yes."

How romantic. How disgustingly romantic. Sacrifice is surely the test of true love. It would appear we have another Katniss and Peeta situation on our hands. At least I, unlike my grandfather, won't let it get to the point of rebellion. I am simply not that stupid and naive to believe in their lies. The citizens will have to be shown true leadership based off their over exaggerated reactions to Gale's words. It's not that unexpected and surprising. Of course he would believe love can save anything.

"Vada?" Cynthia calls.

I roll my eyes and huff, "Yes?"

"The interviews are over," she says nervously why fidgeting with her hair.

"Ah, yes. I suppose they are now, aren't they? Call a meeting, why don't you Cynthia?"

"Yes, of course. Right away," she says scurrying away.

~FIRO~

"Are you sure this is going to work?" Cordo questions.

"Do you doubt me, my dear Cordo?"

"Of course not, Miss President," he answers quickly.

"Then, what is the reason for your question?"

I can see the sweat on his brow as I interrogate him. It's a wonderfully delightful reaction. One that makes me smile, and smile even bigger internally. The small beads running trails down his face bring me a great joy. I love knowing I make people nervous, nervous enough to sweat. On top of that, I know it instills fear into them, and that fact alone makes me shiver with delight.

He swallows past the lump in his throat. "I only wish to understand the purpose behind this all."

I smile. This will bring me great joy. I will have the Mellark's right under my fingers after this. They will do anything to get it back.

"Ah, yes. I have yet to explain my purpose behind this all. First and foremost, I must express my sincere gratitude that you all trust me so devotedly and wholeheartedly. It takes a great amount of trust to just go along with a plan without knowing the purpose. You have all demonstrated you trust me by getting on this hovercraft with me without questioning me until now. Even if I tell you the purpose now, I trust that you all will remain loyal to me and the plan."

I wait for their agreement, which I get rather quickly.

"Excellent. The purpose is have the Mellark's right under my fingertips. I want them willing to do anything for me. This plan ensures that."

"Miss Snow, we are beginning our descent into District Twelve. We'll be landing on the edge of Victors' Village." The pilot tells me from the cockpit.

"Thank you," I turn back to my team. "It's time."

We land quickly and with every passing moment the smile on my face grows. It has grown so big, my cheeks are beginning to hurt.

Most of the houses here are still inhabited. That comes in handy with my plan. There won't be many people to witness my plan. Perfect, that will save me time.

It's obvious which houses are inhabited. There the only ones with any kind of landscaping outside. Of course, I know which one is Haymitch's as he's lived there for years upon years now. Even if I didn't know, it's the one that doesn't have any lights on outside as he and his girlfriend, Effie are in the Capitol. An odd pairing those two, whatever it makes it easier if they are both gone for me. The only ones in the Village are the Mellarks then.

This is easy, almost too easy.

"You know what to do," I say to my team as they all head off in the direction they need to.

Within minutes, I'm inside. Cynthia right behind me. It seems we are in Peeta's art room. I huff out a laugh. "Isn't she just precious looking?" I ask Cynthia as my hand runs along a painting of a young child I can only assume is their daughter, Willow.

"Let's just hurry up, and get this over with before they wake up," Cynthia whispers.

"Worried, now?"

"No, I just think it would be better if we are far as possible when they realize."

"Let's go then."

Finding Willow's room is so easy. They practically pointed out where it is. They left the door open a crack and light from a night light spills out from the crack. She sleeps soundly in the crib. She doesn't even stir much when I pick her up out of the crib.

"Let's go, and don't forget to leave the note," I say to Cynthia before walking towards the front door.

I know, I know. It's not Saturday. So why the update? Because today is the anniversary of me joining Wattpad 4 years ago. So as a present for supporting me for so long I updated FIRO. Besides with this chapter I'm sure you want to kill me. So now you only have to wait until Saturday to get the next chapter. -- Alexis