The Hunger Games: Uprising!

Chapter 33

Plutarch arrives early the next morning to collect us. Peeta and I were up before dawn to watch the sunrise one last time, then packed our things and cleaned the house from top to bottom. We heard the drop ship land whilst taking our last walk along the beach. Peeta turns to me.
"Listen. I don't know what they've got planned for us but whatever it is we throw ourselves into it. If we can make a difference and help wrap up this uprising the sooner we can return home".
"But what if it's something we really don't want to do. I've been there Peeta, so far it's been okay but we've both seen how they use people to their own ends"
"I know Kat, but let's think about the Baby. I just want it to have a normal life and the sooner we can return home the better"
He reaches for me and I walk into his arms. He's right, if we can quell this uprising the faster the better. I just have a nagging feeling that we don't know the whole story just yet, that things could still turn for the worst. I look up into those amazing blue eyes, he smiles and kisses my forehead. "We'll be fine Kat, I promise"
We turn back along the beach to see Plutarch bounding toward us. He looks up and throws us a casual wave.
"Hello Plutarch, thanks for the break it's been fantastic" says Peeta as they shake hands.
I walk to him and he embraces me in his arms.
"Paylor said to say that the cabin is yours to use when you want to. She hardly uses it anyway". I pull back and look him in the eye.
"Really, are you sure she said that?"
We start to walk back to the cabin
"Paylor will do anything to keep you onside. From rebuilding 12 to giving you her holiday home she'll do anything. Its the same situation that you had with Coin. As far as selecting the president goes you carry the strongest vote in Panem"
We go back to the cabin and sit in the small lounge, Peeta and I in the love seat whilst Plutarch sits on the sofa.
I kick off my sandals and curl up next to Peeta as he puts his arm around me. Plutarch looks at us and smiles.
"Okay, where shall I start?" says Plutarch
"How about from the loss of District 2" I reply
"Ah yes. Well, we found out an awful lot in the last two months. We've managed to find out that a large number of the soldiers we sent to defend the nut had in fact turned to the Uprising. That's how they managed to crack the codes and deactivate it's security. We also know that it was the same tactic that Wolfe tried in District 12".
"You mean he sent in people to spread lies about us and the rebellion" Peeta asks.
"That's right. He sent his people in disguised as soldiers and through simple conversation turned our own troops against us. Again it was something I hadn't foreseen. The events at District 12 should of made me realise that Wolfe could use the same tactic elsewhere".
"What else?" I ask trying to hurry him along, I'm keen to get to the best part. The part that effects me and Peeta directly. Our role in the war.
"The destruction of the Nut has put Wolfe's plans back a bit. We don't know how long it'll take him to regroup but it's at least given us a chance to sort ourselves out. We didnt realise this at the time but it looked like he'd committed most of his forces to District 2. In destroying the mountain we wiped out most of his army of Mutts and he'll need time to grow a new army"
I look at Peeta, he reads my mind and asks the question for both of us"
"What are your plans for us Plutarch" he asks
"Ah yes, the part your both burning to find out. Well I'm changing the plan I originally had for you. Katniss will still be the Mockingjay but I want to keep you two together, your far more useful to me as a couple than individually. I'll also be moving you up in rank you can't really be taken seriously as Soldier Mellark anymore. Someone of your standing needs to show the rank that goes with it. Katniss, your going to be Captain Mellark, whilst Peeta, you'll be moved up to Lieutenant"
I smile and look at Peeta. He looks at me blankly then his face drops as he realises what this means. I outrank him.
"Ha! sorry Peeta, you're gonna have to get used to taking orders from me from now on" I say happily.
"What! how does that work?" he says directing the question to Plutarch.
Plutarch holds up his hands laughing. "Hang on Peeta, it's only really a ceremonial rank. No one's expecting Katniss to take charge of a squad of soldiers, although I know she's done it before".
I sit back in my chair with my arms folded in front of me. A smug look on my face.
"Katniss is still outranked by Lyndon who's officially attached to the airforce anyway. But if you're out with Gibb's for instance she'll be calling the shots, Understand?
We both nod.
The last thing is for you Peeta. Katniss has her Mockingjay suit but your going to be alongside her in a standard black soldiers uniform. The same as what you used when you where in the star squad. You'll also have your own bow. After seeing your performance on the archery gallery at your wedding we thought it would be a good idea to get you one sorted out. Beetee's working on one now. Soon we'll send you to 13 to get fitted for it. In the meantime you can practice with Katniss's bow".
"Are you sure that's a good idea, I'm not that good"
"Honestly Peeta, we think with practice you could be very good. Don't forget Katniss has been shooting arrows for years. And anyway, the public reaction to your archery game in the wedding Propo was fantastic. Everyone wants to know about Peeta"
Peeta nods smiling to himself.
Plutarch stops and takes a deep breath.
"I also have some news about Paylor" he says sighing
I stare at Plutarch, wondering what could possibly be going on with the president. The look of apprehension on his face could paint a thousand words.
"You've probably noticed a "change" in her personality, that she's warm and friendly one minute and cold and calculating the next".
We both nod in return.
"Well we think she's starting to crack under the strain of the war. She was never expected to have to lead the country through a civil war, but that's what she's got. We think that she's on the brink of some sort of breakdown. We've been trying to help by lightening the load but she seems to be getting worse. She's going to have to go eventually. But keep this to yourselves as she isn't aware of any attempt to remove her from power and when the time comes, we need her to go quietly. Hopefully she'll see sense and go willingly"
"Who are you looking at to replace her" asks Peeta.
We have someone in mind but were not sure if they'll be interested. But that's something to look at for the future. We can't replace her now as that could sway a large number of the population toward the Uprising.
I look at Plutarch trying to guess who he has in mind to replace her. He stares back at me, looking to see if I can figure it out.
"Anyway, let's move on" says Peeta breaking the moment.
"What's the situation with Elise Snow?"
"She hasn't contacted the house since you spoke with her last week. It could be that Wolfe is too close for her to get a call out. But I've got this for you"
He reaches into his pocket and takes out a small handset and gives it to me.
"What's this?" I ask
"It's a mobile phone, linked to your home phone. If that rings so will the mobile. If your out of the house or with us you'll still be able to answer it, okay?"
We nod, then get up to leave.
We lock up the cabin and walk back along the beach to the clearing. We both turn and take one last look at the pretty little cabin by the sea. Hopefully we'll be able to return one day.
"I need you two to get changed into your gear. We're flying out to do some filming in 3 this afternoon. Then we'll fly back to 13"
Peeta and I get changed in the drop ship. We can't wait to leave now as my Mockingjay suit and Peeta's uniform are bit too thick for wearing in this tropical climate.
The Rapiers take their seats in the drop ship and Cressida, Pollux and Plutarch sit alongside Peeta and me.
I see the ramp close and feel the drop ship lift off. I sit there wondering what we'll find in district 3.