The Hunger Games: Death of the Mockingjay

Chapter 13

We touch down in a clearing in District 7. The ramp lowers and we all walk out to get our first look at the location of our enforced exile. It appears that we've landed in a valley with a rocky bluff on one side and a thick forest on the other. I can't see past the valley sides but my first impression is that we're in a mountain range of some sort. I look around at the strangers who make their way down the ramp and feel the doubt and mistrust for them surging through me. Quite honestly I can't trust any of these people, any one of them could be a Watchmen sent to kill me and Peeta.
I make eye contact with a young man who can only be in his mid-twenties. He calmly brushes away his dark unkempt hair from his eyes and nonchalantly looks away at the view across the valley but I keep my focus on him. He glances at me with him now picking up on my stare before he turns away again and joins a group of people who are deep in conversation.

"Hey, you okay sweetheart?" asks Haymitch as he steps up to me.

"Oh...yeah.....I'm fine" I say as I finally break my focus from the strange man.

"What's up, you look bothered about something"

"I dunno, that guy over there. He was really staring at me a moment ago, it's kinda weird" I say screwing my nose up at him.

"I know what your thinking, that he's one of them?"

"Yeah the thought had crossed my mind"

"Well don't worry, he's one of Plutarch's people. Plutarch got a few of his spies onboard to mix with the others to see what they can find out. They might be able to figure out who the Watchmen are just by picking up on some cross talk"

"Oh okay" I say with a sigh of relief.

"Plutarch always seems to have everything covered, even when the base gets attacked he still somehow manages to react in some way" says Haymitch looking around at the clearing.

Alek, Steph, Plutarch, Peeta and Gale come over to join Haymitch and me.

"So what happens now?" I ask Plutarch.

"Well, firstly we've gotta figure out who we've rescued from 13, and, if we're lucky we'll find ourselves a Watchmen"

"How would that be lucky?"

"Because if we can interrogate them we just might be able to find out what the hell is going on"

Plutarch starts to walk off into the forest "now then, if you'll follow me please".
I sling my bow over my shoulder and follow the others into the forest using a well trodden path. It appears that this location has been used before, and looking at the damage to the undergrowth, quite recently. After only about a hundred metres of climbing the wooded side of the valley we reach a small settlement of tents dotted haphazardly among the trees. Gale and Alek immediately spot one of the advantages of the site as it overlooks the dropship. Looking down I see the Rapiers and four of Gale's soldiers patrolling around the landing zone protecting our only transport out of the forest.

Plutarch turns to face the group "You'll find each tent has fold out bunks and basic supplies for you to use during our stay. It might be a good idea to get a fire going as it'll be dark soon and Katniss, if you'll be kind enough to hunt us something to eat that'll be great"

I nod and take my bow from my shoulder "I'll go with her" says Peeta.

"No Peeta I need you here. We've much to discuss" says Plutarch

"Don't worry I'll go with her" says Gale forcing a reassuring smile. Cato steps forward to protest but I put my hand up to stop him.

"I'll be fine Cato, I'd feel happier if you stayed here and watch over my family, I know I can trust you"