The Hunger Games: Uprising!

Chapter 14

Plutarch lets out a sigh of relief at my answer.

"Thank you" he says as he turns to make a phone call.

Haymitch turns to me.

"Katniss, when your on this mission, remember who you are, who you've become. Your whole life has turned around since Peeta's been in your life and everyone has noticed the change in you. Try not to return to that dark place that you used to live in. The things you saw in the games, and during the war were never meant for a young girl's eyes. Always remember Peeta"

I look at him. He has genuine concern in his eyes. I notice him look down at my ring and he smiles.

"You gave Peeta the ring, didn't you?"

Haymitch looks at me then nods. "I bought it for my girlfriend years ago after I won the games. I saw it when I was on the victory tour but never got to give it to her. Not long after I returned Snow had her killed along with my family"

I can see the sorrow on his eyes "I'm sorry Haymitch. The ring must be important to you, you shouldn't of given it to Peeta"

"No it's yours, when he came to me today I knew it was the right thing to do. You two are like son and daughter to me and you've given me a reason to live my life and I love you both"

I reach across to him and hold him in a hug. He's been through so much and it's so easy to forget that. Winning the games, watching countless district 12 tributes die, year after year, and then supporting Peeta and I.

"Thank you" I say

I pull away and he smiles at me.

Just then the others walk in to join the meeting. Gibbs, Joel, Beetee, Gale and Peeta. I'm immediately struck by Gale and Peeta, deep in conversation, smiling at each other, nodding. I've never seen them like this before. They've never really been friends, what with them coming from two different areas of 12 and the tension between them over me. It makes me smile that their getting along so well but then I realise I might of been missing something.

The meeting soon turns into a mission briefing. Plutarch explains the outline of the mission. Details and timings. I still feel the mission's going to be a disaster but I don't say anything.

The plan is to fly in using the drop ship to the deck of a food freighter bound for the Capitol. We then hide onboard until it reaches the Capitol harbour front when we contact Plutarch to put Paylor's escape in motion. Using Tigris' help she'll make her way down to the tunnels under the city. Under the cover of darkness the squad leave the freighter and make their way through the drainage channels under the dock. We make our way through into the tunnels and then meet up with Paylor and return to the freighter. Once the freighters unloaded we travel back up the river until we're clear of the mountains and then the drop ship returns to fly us out. During the mission they'll be diversions launched from the nut in district 2 and Beetee will attempt to jam the pods in the area of the fashion district and dock area. Gale and I are only to go in as guides and are not part of the squad.

We're then instructed to be ready at the hanger at dawn. As we leave I see another exchange between Gale and Peeta. Their talking and then shake hands. I can feel my curiosity burning and I'm a little irritated at being left out of what their talking about.

I meet Peeta in the corridor and we return to our quarters. When we enter I see that my Mockingjay suit has been delivered together with my side arm. I look over the suit, and feel a chill go up my spine, remembering the last time I wore it. I then check the gun. It's loaded but the safety's on. There's also two extra clips of ammunition. "Everything Okay Kat?" asks Peeta

"Yeah sure, what was that with Gale today. You were being very friendly?"

"I know, we spoke a lot while you were recovering from the mutt attack at the lake. Kinda buried the hatchet if you like. He just wants to get on with his life and move on. But he's doing me a favour. He's going to protect you whilst you're on this mission"

" I don't need protecting Peeta" I say angrily.

"I don't mean to be over protective but I'd feel better if someone was watching over you. I don't trust the squad, except Joel maybe. But Gale is your best friend, and I can't think of anyone better to protect you if I'm not allowed to be there"

Just then I realise how hard this is going to be for Peeta. To be separated even though it's only for a few days. But what about me. All of a sudden it's hits me. Of course, I'll miss Peeta. We've been inseparable for such a long time that to be apart will be unbearable.

"I'm sorry" I say as a tear rolls down my check. Peeta wipes it away with his finger and then goes to one of our wardrobes and pulls out the silver parachute and unwraps the pearl.

"For luck, when you carry this I'll always be with you......always" he says although I can hear his voice breaking with emotion.

I move forward and wrap my arms around him.

I don't sleep much that night. I just lie there hoping sleep will take me. Peeta holds me tight in his arms, as if he never wants to let me go. I'm happy for the time we've been together but I can't help feeling that we've been cheated in some way. As if we'd been given a gift of happiness and that now it's been taken away by the uprising.

At dawn the phone rings, and then cuts off. My call to get ready. I turn to face Peeta. "When I leave I want to say goodbye here, in our own place away from the others, is that Okay?"

"Whatever you want Kat"

We get up and shower and I get dressed in my mockingjay suit. We have a light breakfast, although I'm not hungry and I check through my gear. I take out my Mockingjay pin from its pocket on the suit and pin it over my heart. Peeta walks over and hands me something. Our pearl.

"Remember keep it safe, and whilst you have it I'll always be with you"

I nod silently, and place it in the now empty nightlock pocket on my sleeve.

"I love you" I say

"Always" Peeta answers.

I kiss him tenderly. "I'll see you tomorrow"

"See you tomorrow" he replies

I turn and walk out the door.