The Hunger Games: Death of the Mockingjay

Chapter 15

Peeta makes the decision for us the leave the forest as soon as possible. The news that the Dropship is being tracked by the Brotherhood has made us all feel suddenly vulnerable to attack. The Rapiers have moved out into the forest to guard against any potential attack while the rest of us gather our things ready for departure. Barris and Kaber both come down to the camp site to see us off.

"You should come with us" I say to Barris as he stands in my tent while I pack the kids backpacks.

"No this is our home. They'll not drive us away from here"

"But you do realise that they're coming right, to this forest?" I persist

"Yeah maybe, but if you leave they might give up knowing you're not here anymore, hopefully the tracker on the dropship will lead them away"

"Yeah hopefully" I say as I hear the dropship's engines start to wind up.

I grab our bags and step outside and call Kyler and Rue over who are busy playing with Jamie.

"I think your friend Mr Plutarch is making a mistake keeping the tracker on the dropship. He's asking for trouble. If you remove it you'd be able to escape"

"Yeah, and where would we go, we need to confront the Brotherhood head on and beat them. Only then will we be free, until then we'll always be looking over our shoulder"

Barris nods "okay, I'm sure things will turn out good"

I step forward and shake his hand "thanks for your help" I say smiling.

Barris smiles "safe journey" he replies. I glance up at Kaber and force a smile. Man mutt's still seem odd creatures to me, the face, devoid of emotion and those weird almost robotic movements. I guess it just gives me the creeps. Rue runs over to us and immediately wraps her arms round Kaber's legs. Kaber slowly reaches down with one hand and gently strokes her head.

"Goodbye Kaber, hopefully I'll see you again" she says excitedly.

As usual the mutt doesn't answer. There's a slight nod but otherwise there's no show of emotion.

Rue turns her head to face me while she's still hugging Kaber's legs.

"We will come back, won't we Mom?" She says pleadingly.

I smile at her "Okay sweetie, when the time is right and this is all over we'll come back and visit our new friends"

"Yay!" she squeals as she gives Kaber one last squeeze before she runs off toward the dropship. I say my goodbyes and follow her back to the dropship. I glance round as the ramp closes to see both Barris and Kaber watching from the camp site. I worry for their safety, if the Brotherhood do decide to trek all the way out here they might torture Barris for information. I just hope he's right and they follow the tracker on the dropship instead.

I take my seat next to Peeta while the kids sit babbling to Jamie who's sat opposite with Annie.

"Where are we headed, Plutarch's being very secretive" I say to Peeta as I slip my hand into his.

"I know, he's playing his cards pretty close right now as we're still not sure who we have on board, we might still have Watchmen travelling with us. But, what I do know is we're heading to 12 to pick up some stuff. What it is I don't know"

"Really, we're going home, how long for?" I say excitedly.

"I think it's just for us to pick up a few things then we'll be on our way again. I'd guess we can't stay too long in case the Brotherhood try an attack"