The Hunger Games: Uprising!

Chapter 27

I return to Medical to check on Peeta. I can see he's still sleeping peacefully so I leave him be and make my way up in the elevator to the training area. I need to get some air so I can think. What Paylor has told me has shaken my trust in the rebellion. Is she really that heartless to let a district fall by the wayside and let the population die out. And as for Wolfe, I don't know what to think. Maybe there was some truth in what he was saying but I know I'll never turn to his uprising. Just the fact that he's planning on returning to the Hunger Games is enough for me to make my decision.

I'll never join a faction that openly supports the slaughter of innocent kids.

But what about Paylor. Wolfe said I'd figure out that Paylor would indeed bring back the games, but why. I rack my brains trying to think of a reason as to why she would want that. Could it be control over the districts, which it was originally designed to do, or has she some other reason for its return. One things for certain, I don't think I'll ever trust Paylor again.

She did agree to witness our wedding though. But I think this was some sort of recompense for Peeta's shooting. The wedding itself might be difficult though with her being there. I'll have to pretend that Paylor and I are a united front when I honestly don't trust her. But this is the only way we can get married without it happening in 13 and I want to have our big day with my own people in District 12.

Before long I find myself in the woods. I look up to the branches, watching them sway with the wind, taking in the smell of pine and the sound of bird song. I stop, close my eyes, extend my arms out from my sides and spin on the spot several times, taking in the sensation of being free. Away from district 13 and the oppression that goes with it.

I stop and sense someone next to me, I open my eyes to see Gale.

"Hey Catnip" he says smiling.

"Hi" I say blushing in embarrassment.

"Feel better after spreading your wings Mockingjay" he says laughing.

I can only nod in embarrassment.

"How's Peeta"

"He's sleeping at the moment, I'm going to ask Mom if I can take him back to our quarters tonight. It's not like he's miles away from medical if he has any problems".

"Anyway, what's this with Megan then?" I say giving him a playful punch on the arm.

He shoves me back. "I don't know really, when Joel came back from the mission I kinda helped her out while he recovered. Over time we became close, and well, you know"

"I'm pleased for you Gale, she'll...

Suddenly Gale holds up his hand to stop me. His face, deep in concentration, he's listening for something. And then I hear it, someone talking further off in to the woods. It's unusual for someone to be out here. Most of the population of 13 stay in or around the training area or follow the path through the woods. But this is coming from deep in the forest.

I don't speak. Using the hand gestures we were taught during our military training I direct Gale to head around to the right, I'll take the left flank and make a wide detour round to my target. If this works right we'll have whoever it is trapped. I start to creep in closer, walking on hunters feet. I can see them now from the waste down but the overhanging branches obscure their top half. Standard military boots, trousers and a gun, holstered. He appears to be talking into some sort of communication system. A box rests on the floor next to him with a wire attached to a handset which he must be holding. Suddenly, he crouches down and I see who it is, Campbell. He turns and see's me, just feet away. I stop, staring at him. Then he reaches to his holster pulls out his pistol and aims it straight at my head. I freeze, not knowing what else to do. I'm completely unarmed.