Rising Rebellion [#3]

Chapter 3 - The Special Guests

Four days later, the Victor’s from District 12 had put their feet on District 7 soil. John and Sylvia had used the last couple of days to simply enjoy each other’s company if they weren’t out making sure that the people were staying clear of trouble. As the day had now arrived, they were getting ready for the party at the Mayor’s Building. They had to look their best. It was a requirement to any victor greeting the new victors. “Well, how do I look?” She asked as she stepped out of the bathroom. She wasn’t wearing a dress. She hated those, but she could still pull off a hot top on top of nicely designed pants. “You look great as ever!” John smiled. Sylvia adjusted his tie a bit. “And now, so do you.” She said with a smile as they walked down towards the Mayor’s Building.

On their way down, they saw the two standing at the stage. “They’re reading straight off the cards.” John then said as they had been watching for a while. “Well, I know I would if I had pulled their stunt in District 11.” She said. “Well, I guess so.” John agreed as he saw them getting finished. “How about we get this over with? I really don’t like wearing a tie, even if it’s made of homely material.” John said as he offered his hand to her and they walked together.

Inside the ballroom, there was food, drinks, Capitol-people, music…well pretty much what one would expect to find in these events. In the years prior, they hadn’t been too busy looking good, but this time they just did for some reason. John and Sylvia got comfortable getting some food. “Well, this never gets old. I wonder how Haymitch deals with this with the way he drinks.” Sylvia then said as she put something on her plate. “We don’t allow him to drink.” A voice said behind next to them. It was Peeta. “Is that so? It’s probably for the best.” John said as he then offered his hand. “John Wintergreen, a fellow victor if you will.” Peeta shook it. “And I’m just the other victor that mentored him.” Sylvia said smiling sarcastically as she got on to the next table of food. “Don’t take it personally. It’s just the way she is around people.” John smiled.

Katniss came up next to Peeta. “Miss Katniss Everdeen, a pleasure to meet you finally.” John then said. “I’m not so sure about you yet.” She said. “Fair enough, I’m just a fellow victor. Hope my district isn’t too warm for any of you. We have quite a hot climate during this time of year.” John then pointed out. “Sometimes not hot enough.” Sylvia then came up next to him. “Look, it’s the pretty princess.” Katniss rolled her eyes. Sylvia didn’t seem to mind as she just walked past and got to a table. She then looked at John and told him to get his ass moving if he knew what was best for him. “Sylvia Mason, my ever so charming mentor and fellow victor. If you’ll excuse I’ll go join her before she puts an axe through my head.” He said ironical as he left them to themselves.

“Well aren’t you a charmer?” She then said. John smiled at her. “Well I am, aren’t I? I’ve heard you say it multiple times.” John then said lifting his eyebrows. “You are, with me and everybody else.” She let out. John grabbed her hand. “You know I have only my eyes on you…the rest, well it’s not called being that charming, it’s just called being…well, nice.” He said ironical with a boyish smile that Sylvia could not help but like. “You might actually be right.” She gave in as she then glanced in the victor’s direction. “The ‘happy couple’ is staring at me.” “Well, you’ve always known how to make an impression.” John then said before they were interrupted by a waiter who gave them a note. “What is it?” Sylvia asked. “We’ve been asked by a special guest to attend a little meeting.” John then asked. “Where?” She asked as she grabbed the note. “One of the offices down the closed off halls.” John then answered. “Well, this party blows anyways so let’s get moving.” Sylvia said.

They walked down that closed off hall and waited to find a room lighted or with a door open. “I guess we just stand put and wait.” John then said as Sylvia was standing close to him. One of the doors further away from the party opened up. “Wintergreen, Mason…” The voice said as John and Sylvia walked towards him. “Please, come inside.” The man said as they approached him. He closed the door behind them. To their surprise, Haymitch was there. “Well, well, Haymitch, I didn’t expect you here.” Sylvia then said as she and John sat down. “I’m not the one you’re going to talk to, Mason. I’m just here to listen.” He said as the chubby man sat down in front of them.

He was a Capitol-man that was for sure. “This might be awkward for you so I’ll introduce myself. My name is Plutarch Heavensbee. I will be the Head-Gamemaker in the Quarter Quell.” He started. John and Sylvia immediately took a disliking to him, and he noticed. “Now before you dismiss me, because I know you want to do that right now, hear me out. What I have to ask of you is a very delicate matter. It cannot leave this room.” He said with a serious voice. John wasn’t sure what to make of it. As he looked at Sylvia, he saw the same confusion in her. “Okay, go ahead.” John then said. He nodded approved. “I might be a Gamemaker in the Capitol, but in real life, I am a supporter of the rebellion. It’s been a movement going on for years, but with his tributes winning last year, it’s about to come to life.” Heavensbee said as he motioned his head towards Haymitch. “In this year’s Games, I control every single detail in the Arena. I’ve been in touch with several others of your ‘kind’ whom I might consider willing to take part of what I’m about to ask the two of you.” He then added.

“Who have you spoken to?” Sylvia then asked after having a shared a surprised look with John. “Those I believe will support the rebellion: Finnick, Mags, Beetee and of course Haymitch among others.” He answered. “And what about the newest victors…?” John asked. “They can’t know what he’s about to ask you. That’s why they aren’t in this room.” Haymitch replied. Heavensbee nodded as if to confirm. “How do you expect us to be able to do anything, Mr. Heavensbee? As far as I know, District 7 and District 12 aren’t exactly neighboring districts.” John then said.

“This year is the Quarter Quell Games. These Games are bound to be special because of what happened last year. Not to mention that Snow is terrified of pretty much every single Victor in Panem, except for the ones living in District 1 and 2.” Heavensbee pointed out. He then handed John a note. “This is the twist he plans on playing these Quarter Quell Games by.” He said. John read through and was left stunned as he handed it over to Sylvia. “Is this a trick?! Is this actually for real?!” She asked outraged…to say the least. “You go in there once, you win them and you get out for the rest of your lives!” She answered outraged. John was outraged as well, but he didn’t let it out the same way.

“So my suspicions were right, weren’t they? He’s going to eliminate us, all of us?” John then asked him. “He has realized the power you victors have among the people. Especially did he take notice to the effect the winners from 12 had. For the rebellion to live on, the two of them must live…especially the girl. Snow fears her more than anything right now.” Heavensbee explained. John and Sylvia nodded understandingly. “So we protect them from the Careers mainly and somehow get out of the Arena?” Sylvia then said assuming. “Yes, that’s the plan. There is an extraction plan to get you out of there at one point, but until then, you need to keep them alive.” Heavensbee said at first. “The Careers will look at this the same way as they saw their first Games. They are loyal to the Games and to the Capitol because to them, winning hasn’t cost them a damn thing like it has to several of you.” Heavensbee said as Sylvia grabbed John’s hand, both for his loss, and hers.

“How will we know the right time?” John then asked. “I can’t be too obvious about it. I have to keep my mask on for as long as the Games are going on, but there will be certain clues and tools for you in the Arena. Here’s a note before I forget. It’s a small clue to the both of you, but don’t open it until you’re back at your house. Hopefully it’ll give you a clue.” He said as he handed it to John. John and Sylvia shared a small glance at each other.

“Okay, we’re in. They have taken far too much from us and it’s about time we do something to stop this.” Sylvia then said. John nodded in resolute agreement. “I’m with her. We’ll do our best to protect them until your extraction takes place.” John then said. Heavensbee nodded pleased as he looked over at Haymitch. “They will not know of this, not before the extraction is complete. Just keep that in mind.” Haymitch then said. “As for you two, you need to lie low until the announcement of the Games arrives. No training, no activities outside of the normal.” Heavensbee said as he got up. John and Sylvia got up as well. “Of course.” John said.

As they got home that evening, John and Sylvia were anxious to see the clue that Heavensbee had left for them. John brought up the envelope and opened it. There was a note inside and as they saw the letters, they formed one simple sentence:

“Keep track of the time!”