Chapter 16: What now?
Wheet scoops up Johanna and begins to run over to section “E” to look for the Everdeen’s. Peeta, having not seen the deep marks on Johanna’s back, takes off after him worried for his friend. Rie and Fennel stay where they are, waiting for further instructions.
Wheet finds Katniss and asks her where her mother is. Peeta arrives as Katniss tells Wheet that she’ll take him to where her mother and sister are working and follows them. The reach the area set up for medical attention. Lily sees Wheet carrying Johanna and rushes over.
“What happened?” she asks Wheet as she signals for him to follow her.
“We don’t know. She came up to us, greeted Peeta, and then collapsed. I saw her back and immediately thought to bring her to you.” Wheet tells her.
They come up to an empty cot, “Lay her on her side and I’ll look.” Lily tells him. He lays her down and steps back as Prim shows up. She sees the scratches and immediately begins to gather the items needed to clean the wound.
When she returns, she looks at the three older teens, “This is going to take a while. I can come find you when she’s done,” she offers.
“Peeta and Katniss can go. I really want to stay,” Wheet replies.
Peeta, who finally saw the damage, just nods before turning to Katniss, “We can go if you want. I should let my dad and Rie know what’s going on.”
Katniss looks at Peeta, “I think I’ll go see Marvel. I already got our supplies set up in our spot.” She turns to her mom and Prim, “I’ll be with Marvel’s family for a while. They’re in the “W” section, just so you know.” Her mother looks up nodding to let Katniss know she heard her before returning to her work.
Katniss and Peeta walk to the “M” section talking and laughing. Anyone could see they were close. They arrive at Peeta’s family spot where she gives him a hug before continuing on to see Marvel.
“Are you sure you and Katniss don’t have something on the side? You two sure seemed couple-y. I just hope Cato didn’t see it. I certainly wouldn’t want to see his jealous side,” Rie teases.
Fennel pops Rie upside the back of his head lightly before turning to Peeta, “Where’s your brother?” he asks.
“He stayed with Johanna. She was hurt worse than I thought. Several long gashes on her back,” replies Peeta.
Just then Cato and Delly walk up. Delly has a bag in her hand.
“What’s going on Delly?” Fennel asks looking at her bag. “Where are you going?”
“I didn’t want to be alone so I asked if I could be with my family,” Delly says smiling. “Homes said Haymitch had told him that we were family so he let me come.” She looks down at her feet, “I hope that’s okay.”
Fennel walks up to her wrapping her in his arms, “It’s wonderful,” he tells her.
Just then Madge walks up, “Is it okay if I stay here with you uncle Fennel? I got permission to come ask you.”
Fennel beams at Madge, “Well, of course you can stay.” He steps back and looks around at his family, “This is perfect despite where we are. Do you need to get your stuff?”
Just then Homes walks up with several bags. “These are some supplies you’ll need while you’re down here. There’s even a bag here for soldier Undersee. A late lunch will be provided once all families are settled.”
“Thank you Homes,” Peeta says as the older man turns and leaves. He turns to Cato, “Thanks for walking Delly here.”
“Ha, it was an excuse to come see you,” he says wrapping his arms around Peeta. He leans down to whisper in his ear, “The nights are going to suck. I’ve gotten used to holding you in my arms as we sleep.” Neither boy noticed Peeta’s family giving them some privacy by walking away.
