Ileana: Katniss's Daughter

Chapter Five: Panem's New Republic

     The three of us scrambled up from the grate an ran into my bedroom. We sat down on my floor and tried to act natural as my mother opened my door and entered my room. She wiped tears from her eyes and sniffled.

     "Trace would you mind terribly leaving us for a moment?" He nodded and caught my eye as he exited. I could see the sorrow and fear in his eyes and could only inmagine that he must feel much the same way as Gale had. "Garel, Ileana. My babies. I know this must all be very confusing, but Haymitch told me he explained it to you." She wrapped her arms around us and I snuggled in appreciatively. "Gale, downstairs, was my best friend growing up. Although you probably already knew that" she said looking at me with a knowing expression. "Did the two of you listen? Why do I bother asking, of course you did. That's alright, I would have too had the situations been reversed. Gale is going to take you, he'll protect you the best you can. The New Repulbic will be after you, and your father and I. No matter what you see or hear in the months to come you are to stay with Gale and not come after Papa and I. So you understand. These people will try to trick you, you are smarter though, don't be fooled. Now, I love you both, and I am sorry I cannot be of more help. Truly, I am...but I can't do this. I refuse to believe this is happening again. Get together what you will desperately need, only the essentials. You'll have to move fast and travel lightly. Ok?" Garel and I nodded solemnly.

     She kissed each of us and I set to work packing up. I grabbed a duffle bag and stuffed two pair of jeans, two tee-shirts, a long sleeve shirt, a fleece jacket, a rain breaker, mittens and socks. Lastly I placed a picture of my family on the top. I sighed as I zipped it closed. I glanced around my room. This might be the last time I ever saw this home. At that I began to cry. I sank down to my knees at the foot of my bed.