The New Mockingjay

Chapter Thirteen

"Prim wake up!" I heard someone say.

"Clove?" I murmured.

Katniss's voice faltered a bit. "Clove? Who are you talking about? I'm Katniss, your sister? Are you okay?"

I sat up in bed. Katniss was staring at me with worry and confusion.

"Are you okay?" She asked again.

I nodded, "Yeah, I'm fine."

"Why did you mention Clove? How do you even know about her?" She pressed.

Yawning, I leaned back on the now propped up pillow. "I don't know," I mumbled, "maybe you mention it at some point when you came back from your first Games."

Katniss frowned, "I haven't mentioned anything about the games."

That was a big mistake. Quickly, I said, "One nightmare. I heard you shout her name. It frightened me for a bit."

Katniss stared at me, "Are you okay? It seems like you've met Clove before. When you called out her name, you sounded as if you met her before. What is going on?"

I shook my head. "Nothing, I'm telling the truth. Don't you believe me?"

For once, my sad younger sister charm came in handy, though I don't like taking advantage of it.

Katniss embraced me. "Oh Prim, of course, I believe you. I'm sorry for ever doubting your honesty."

It felt weird, but I let it sink in, "It's okay," I whispered, "it's okay."

Katniss got out of bed. "I'm going to tell Coin the truth."

I looked at her with shock. I didn't think she would be so keen on revealing the truth. But there was nothing but grim determination on her face.

"But why?" I asked, "I think it's fine the way it is."

Katniss shook her head, "But after a couple of days, Coin will get me to do more Rebel Stuff. And I told you, I'm sick of it! I'm just going to give her a piece of my mind!"

Without giving me a chance to answer, she stomped out of the living quarters.

I wanted to know how this is going to turn out, and all though I disliked the thought of it, I followed her.

She went up the elevator. To avoid getting caught, I took the stairs. It was four flights. By the time I hid behind the closed door to the Command Room, I was exhausted.

"President Coin, I would like to speak with you." I heard Katniss say curtly.

Some chairs moved, then I heard the President say cooly, "Go ahead Katniss. Come in and sit down."

More noise from the annoying chairs muffled Coin's voice, but luckily, I heard Katniss.

"I no longer wish to be the Mockingjay."

There was an awkward silence. I held my breath.

"I beg your pardon?" Coin's voice was obviously shocked, but it remained calm.

"You heard me," Katniss's voice was calm, but it was cold. As if she was warning Coin that she was dead serious and nothing could stop her.

"Why?" Asked Coin, "you and I had a deal remember? I held my end of the deal, so it is only fair to uphold yours."

"Is it fair to let innocent people die?" Countered Katniss, "that was something I did not expect. Besides, I could now do nothing with the rebellion now, my requests were granted."

"But you are aware what I can do to you if you cannot uphold your end of the deal?" Coin clarified.

Katniss seemed to hesitate. She could say yes, but she really didn't know what Coin could do. And neither did I.

"What are you going to do?" Asked Katniss, "kill me?"

Though she was almost purposely provoking her, Coin remained calm, "I could. But, what are the chances of finding another Mockingjay? What I could do, though, is to discontinue medical care with the formal hostages, take away your stupid pet cat, and... suspend your sister's promotion at the Hospital. How does that sound?"

I covered my mouth to cover the muffled gasp I let out. Would Coin really suspend my promotion? If she did, she would be just as bad as President Snow!

Katniss seemed to feel uncomfortable too because she said uneasily, "Would you actually do that?"

"I could," answered Coin, "if you no longer wish to be the face of our cause."

There was a long silence. It became difficult for me to keep quiet.

"I'll let you decide," said Coin finally, "I will give you until tomorrow afternoon. Be grateful I am giving you a day to decide."

"Of course," Katniss said, "Thank you."