Mentors

42

Here we are, face to face with my best friend.
"Hey, Gale."
My lips curve into a small smile as he nods, greeting us.
"You're wanted in command," is all he says, before brushing past our shoulders. I stand there dumbfounded before I turn my head to see his aggressive steps on the hard floor.

I let myself in the room with Peeta following, Plutarch greets us. There we are introduced to President Coin, head of 13.
Her pinned straight grey hair grabs my attention. Her gentle facial features focus on me as I take a seat across from her, Peeta beside me. She sends me a smile.

"It's a wonderful honor to finally meet you, Miss Everdeen. Mr. Mellark," says Coin.

"Our pleasure." I respond.

Gale enters our conference and takes a seat next to Beetee, not giving anyone a second glance.

"Now, there's something I'd love to discuss with you."

She pauses when the door is opened and high pitched crying sounds fill my ears.

"Katniss."

All eyes are glued to the fourteen year old exhausted girl carrying her sister. Her straight hair is unbrushed. Her eyes look puffy and red, with dark circles and bags under them. Raina's clothes hug her tight, sloppily put on.

"I'm sorry," she carelessly wipes her nose and tears with her free hand not occupied by the infant.

"I hate to barge in and intrude your meeting, but my sister won't stop crying."

She's so close to breaking down sobbing it hurts me. Looking at her, being a complete mess causes me to stand up immediately. Peeta takes the baby from her and I leave my arms open for Raina to fall into. She hides her face in my stomach, trying to steady her breathing.
Once she lets go, she watches all the people who stare with a horrified look.

"Please, welcome yourself to a seat darling. You must be Katniss's tribute." says President Coin.

My headache subsides as soon as Peeta took a hold of Rosie. Her cries have stopped and she smiles at him.

Coin discusses the duties I will need to fulfill as the Mockingjay. Peeta, Raina, and Finnick will be on the front line with me. Followed by Gale, Boggs, and a camera crew.

"I'll be your Mockingjay, as long as you get Kolton from the Capitol and back to his family. Along with Annie Cresta and Johanna Mason. Any other tributes and former victors that belong on our side."

Raina looks up, and searches for a response.

"I can guarantee we will rescue them when the time is right. I will give you all your propaganda schedules tomorrow. You may go back to your quarters, soldiers."

Peeta carefully stands up, holding the baby's head up for support as she looks at everyone around her. Haymitch has caught my eye, and he still sits, his feet propped up on the table. Rosie's big brown eyes stare at Haymitch and she lets out a faint giggle.

"She likes Haymitch," says Raina.

"Babies don't laugh or giggle at this age, do they?" asks Peeta.

"I guess this one does."

"Well Haymitch is funny looking," I resort.

Haymitch doesn't respond, but stands up and messes my hair before walking out. I examine the way his legs move and notice he's not stumbling. They must have cut off his drinking.

"Please take her, just for a little while. I need to sleep for at least ten minutes," says Raina.

"Don't worry, we'll take good care of her." Peeta assures her.

We end up at Raina's compartment door.

"Thank you." She walks in and comes out a minute later, handing me an unfamiliar item to carry her in, along with diapers and formula.

As I sit and watch Peeta rock her back and forth in our room, I can't help but smile a little.

"This child is going to break hearts one day, I'll tell you that," says Peeta.

Not to bum you out, but 'one day' will only come if we live.
Rosie grabs onto Peeta's face and pulls on his nose. They're alike in a way. Both too precious for this cruel world. I place my arms around him and rest my head on his shoulder. No one will ever be able to take him away from me. They can try but will fail.

"I love you." I randomly say. I don't catch myself telling him enough.

"And I love you," he nuzzles his head into my neck, closing his eyes.

My door is being pounded on, and Talisa wheels herself in.

"You need to come to the dining hall. Now."

I take the baby, walking to the dining hall followed by Talisa. Peeta walks in front of me.

"So, is there any specific reason you're in a wheelchair?"

"It's temporary. My legs are far too wounded to carry around an unborn child of eight months. They can't heal them completely until I have the baby."

I nod. As I look forward in the dining hall, the sight causes me to stop dead in my tracks.

Caesar Flickerman is on the television. Discussing the quarter quell. With Kolton.

His hair is trimmed, body groomed. But he looks beaten. There's no doubt he's been tortured. To my left I see Roman pushing Raina into the dining hall and she looks shocked.

That's not the cocky, unfiltered young tribute I've had the privilege of knowing. Time and tragedy has forced him to grow up too quickly. He sits with his legs crossed, pretending to look comfortable. His words seem forced.

"So what you're saying is, Mr. Helia, you're calling for a ceasefire?" Asks Caesar Flickerman.

"That's what I'm saying, Caesar."

The dining hall becomes chaos, full of boos and shouts. They all turn to Raina and start pointing the finger at her. Citizens know she's his ally. She runs out of the dining hall as fast as she can. Leaving the commotion.