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

Chapter Twenty-five

Chapter Twenty-five

Katniss's POV

"What makes you think we can be symbols in a new rebellion for the world. I wasn't a symbol in the one for Panem. That was Katniss. She was the Mockingjay," Peeta says, his voice low and hoarse.

"You were a symbol in the rebellion. At first, you were a symbol for the Capitol. Then, when you were rescued, you turned into a symbol for the 'rebel' side. You weren't the face of the rebellion, that was Katniss, but you were still a powerful symbol," Webster says. "Please at least just listen to the plan. You both could be a huge help to the effort. I promise that we will do everything in our power to get your daughter back."

"Okay," I say quietly. I feel Peeta grasp my hand tightly under the table.

Webster nods his head. "Let's eat then and when we're done everyone else should be here for the official meeting."

Official meeting? What kind of official meeting? I thought this was the meeting? Does he mean with their allies?

The table is quiet for the most part, only the clinking of silverware against plates and cups being set back on the table. It all passes quickly with myself just pushing the food around on my plate and taking small bites here and there. The meal finishes quickly, but it still seems to drag.

After everyone finishes eating, Webster tells Ida to take Blake and Tavia to another part of the castle while the official meeting is conducted. Aiken joins us on our way to the meeting room in pretense of having to learn everything for when he succeeds his father as King of England.

Upon entering the room, I can see the architecture from the outside and the rest of the castle I've seen has carried into this room as well. A large table sits in the middle of the room, surrounding by numerous chairs. Many of the chairs are filled by who I can only assume we will be having this official meeting with. They chatter amongst themselves, but that quickly dies down as they see us enter the room. Webster and Aiken go up and take seats toward the head of the table, well Webster does take the seat at the head of the table. While Peeta and I take the only two remaining seats, luckily they are right next to each other.

"I would like to thank everyone for joining us here today," Webster begins. "I think we all know what a grave situation we are in, but first let us to do some introductions for the Mellarks here," he says gesturing to Peeta and myself.

"This is Raoul Adnet, our French ambassador. Next to him, is Jovena Dominguez from Spain followed by Amelia Colella from our Italian embassy. Sitting at the other end of the table is Axel Weingartner, the German ambassador. Seated next to him is Kawanari Nagano," they seem to tense up as Webster says their name, "Or as it's technically pronounced Nagano Kawanari from Japan," Webster nods his head toward Nagano or Kawanari.

This is so confusing.

"Then, is Zian Hom or once again pronounced Hom Zian representing the Chinese."

Once again there we go with the confusing names.

"I'll explain briefly. It is common in Asia to address someone by their surname first and then their first name."

Asia? What is Asia? Or I guess where is Asia? I suppose it doesn't really matter.

"Lastly, seated right next to you is Gagarina Anfisa Timurovna from Russia. Everyone Peeta and Katniss Mellark." Webster concludes the introductions with a clap of his hands.

"Now down to business. I'm sure everyone is aware of the current situation in Panem with the reemergence of the Hunger Games." Everyone around the table nods their heads. "Well, it seems we have more than just that. The ruler of Panem now, Vada Snow, has captured the daughter of Peeta and Katniss. This is more complicated than many of us can anticipate. For those who haven't followed the actions in Panem as of lately, I shall give a brief overview. I'm sure we're all aware that the government of Panem was recently overthrown in a rebellion. In the year that followed, Peeta and Katniss were harassed, stalked, and Katniss was captured by Vada Snow and her accomplice at the time. A trial was held and Snow and her accomplice were sentenced to prison. They escaped recently and with the help of some other accomplices they recaptured the Capitol and executed President Paylor on live television. Snow named herself the new President of Panem and decided to bring back the Hunger Games. The night before we arrived to get the Mellarks out of Panem, Snow had captured Willow in the dead of night. That brings us to where we currently are . . . in a state of emergency. We stood by before while horrendous things took place in Panem, but no more. We must unite to overthrow Snow and her Snow Regime."