The New Mockingjay

Chapter Two

One of the things Katniss brought back from her trip to District 12 was a portrait of my father. He passed away in a mining explosion way back when I was seven years old. Whenever I look at it, I try hard to remember anything about him, but most of the time, I can't remember.

At one point, I shut my medical book shut, and sat on the bed where Katniss slept. Everything was just happening too fast. One minute Katniss was a Tribute in the 74th Hunger Games, the next she was a victor. Then, she became a Tribute in the 75th Hunger Games, the next minute, I'm here in District 13. I wished that if all this had to happen, can't it just happen slowly?

I started growing restless, I got up and left the quarters. My mom was when the Medical Center, probably expecting me studying, but I needed some fresh air.

Near the place where all the explosives and aircrafts were stored, I overheard head commander of security Boggs introducing Katniss to a group of tough looking soldiers.

From my perch from the balcony, I could hear Boggs say "We're heading to District 8. You'll be visiting a makeshift hospital."

Oh how I wish I could join them and help the poor people of District 8, but I can't leave. I have no reason. 

"Do you need something?" 

I jumped and whirled around. I ended up face-to-face with President Coin. 

"N-no. I just needed some fresh air. I mean, I just needed to get and stretch."

Coin narrowed her eyes, then unexpectedly, they grew soft. "You're worried about your sister aren't you?"

I nodded silently. Her face then grew sympathetic. "You have every right to be. But you must know that Katniss is doing this for all of us. She is being brave and will bring down the Capitol."

"Of course." I said, "I wish I can help."

"You're already helping." Said Coin, "you're helping all of us. You are in training to become a doctor, and District 13 needs them. Continue with your good work." And with that, she left. 

Maybe she was talking about the epidemic that happened only a few years ago. She's probably still mourning over the death of her husband and daughter. I don't blame her, I remember my mother just sitting in a chair back in District 12 and doing nothing. Katniss basically raised me herself.

I stood out on the balcony. Watching the air craft take off. Then, I went back into my living quarters.

Another thing that Coin said made me stop midway on my journey and think. What she said, "You're already helping" is something that Katniss always said to me. Especially when I ask to help. She says that, but in a way that it makes me feel good inside. When Coin says it, it makes me feel not super important, or I'm just a doctor-in-training and nothing more.

No, she wouldn't say that. Maybe I'm just interpreting it wrong.

But instead of continuing studying in my medical books, I sat down back on the bed and stared at Buttercup. I can remember the time I found him.

"Mom! Look at this!" I showed my mother a large , furry orange cat. It had a mashed-in nose, half an ear and fairly wounded. 

Of course. My mom looks at it, but she remains silent.

"What is that?" Grumbled Katniss.

"Do you like it?" I ask, "I found it and it's name is Buttercup. Oh, can't I keep it, mom?"

My mother looked at it again. "I don't know if it'll survive." She says quietly.

"Well, can you help him?" I begged.

She hesitated, then she got up. Probably for the second time today. She searched for herbs and medical treatments for Buttercup.

"It's just another mouth to feed," mumbled Katniss, "can't I just kill it for food and the fur?"

"No!" I shouted. "You can't kill him. He's my friend." I stroked Buttercup, and he purred.

"If he doesn't respond to the treatments, then you may use him for food and fur." Reasoned my mother calmly.

I prayed silently Buttercup would get better.

I reached out and patted Buttercup, he purred. I wondered how Katniss managed to smuggle him in her bag. Better yet coax him.

She probably shoved him in. I thought with a smile.

My mother came in. "Have you finished reading the medical book?"

I shook my head. I never lie to my mom. "No. Not yet."

"Is something bothering you?" She asked.

For a while, I didn't speak. Finally, I said, "Will we win?"

My mom didn't say anything. Part of me wondered if she actually heard me.

"I don't know. It's too complicated to figure out."

Both of us looked at each other in silence. Buttercup took the opportunity to jump into my lap. 

"Maybe you can ask Katniss." Suggested my mom. "When she comes back." 

I nodded slowly as I stroked Buttercup. "I will." 

My mother turned to leave. Before she did, she said, "Be sure to finish the medical book." Then, I was alone again. Not exactly alone, I still have Buttercup.