Chapter 3
Katniss’s POV
Stepping out of the elevator, I was ushered into paradise. Lush green fields covered the West side of the spacious cavern, birds flying high above. Mockingjays, I thought. I whistled a simple tune and the mockingjays replicated it easily.
My father smiled at me, saying, “You definitely have an Everdeen voice.”
Even after all the years my father’s been gone, I feel like he’s been there every step of me growing up. I was always close with my father, and him dying-well disappearing, I guess, left a gaping hole in my heart that nobody could refill, except for him.
My father and Cato pulled me away from the elevator and towards the heart of the city. The landscape changed, going from rural farms and fields to skyscrapers lit up with bright fluorescent lights and sidewalks full of people. My father grabbed my hand and squeezed it reassuringly as we drifted to a stop in front of a large, looming building with the words “District 13 Headquarters” printed above the wide glass door.
Walking in the door, Cato bumped my arm as he passed by me. I knew it was intentional, so I glared at him. He gave me his trademark smirk and continued walking on. I was fuming. Just because he’s from District 13 doesn’t give him any special privileges.
My father marched me up to his office and sat me down in a chair. He sat down, facing me, and cleared his throat. “Katniss,” he began, “I haven’t been completely honest with you. You never grew up in District 12. Your mother and I raised you in District 13 until my mining accident.”
“What?” I was at a loss of words, a rarity for me and my sharp tongue.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I love my father with all my heart. But after being missing for so many years, does he think that he can just waltz in a challenge everything I know- or thought I knew?
My father continued, saying, “Your mother and I recreated District 13 out of the rubble and ash left by the Capitol. We absolutely despise the Capitol and will do anything to stop it.”
I was shocked at the sharp, blunt tone to my father’s words. “But, Dad, what do you need me for?” I asked, completely confused.
“Katniss, we’re taking down the Capitol. “
Cato’s POV
I’m completely bored out of my mind waiting for Katniss and her father to return. I sit outside Mr. Everdeen’s office tapping my feet and humming. I hear footsteps coming down the quiet hallway; Peeta sits down besides me.
Sighing, he says, “You wish she wasn’t picked. You also wish you weren’t falling for her.”
“Yeah, and I wish Clove was hear. Clove would tell me what to do.” It’s true, Clove was my bestfriend for years, and I thought I was falling in love with her, until I met Katniss.
“You didn’t hear? Mr. Everdeen requested more operatives, so they’re taking Clove, Glimmer, and Marvel out of the arena. They’re also bringing in Gale from 12.”
“Ugh, Glimmer and Marvel.”
“Yeah, I know. How can we get rid of them?” Peeta asked me.
“With what I do best. Killing.” I responded seriously.
“Alright, when the get here, Operation Kill Gilvel goes into effect.”
Peeta and I shook on it, a District 13 custom when making a deal.
Mr. Everdeen’s door burst open and Katniss came storming out. I had never seen such a rage before, not even with Clove. Mr. Everdeen said, “Cato, Peeta, take Katniss to her apartment please.”
Peeta and I stood up and walked in front of a very angry Katniss. “I don’t need a freaking babysitter,” she spat.
Katniss’s POV
Why would my father- my own father- use me like this? It seems like everyone I meet uses me. I can’t even run back to District 12 or even the Hunger Games arena. I guess I’ll do what I do best- Fight.
Cato and Peeta led me to my apartment, 2A. I guess that’s a perk of staying in District 13. I will have my own space to relax.
“Here’s your key. Peeta and I are right next door if you need anything. Dinner’s at 6.” Cato said shortly, and stalked down the hallway.
Peeta leaned against the doorway and said, “Do you want me to come in?”
“Sure.” I said, unsure of what to do.
Sitting down, he said, “Gale, Glimmer, Marvel, and Clove are coming to be our new operatives on our mission.”
“Cool,” I said, “Did I make it obvious yet that I don’t want to be here?”
“Yeah, I guess you did. See you for dinner then.” With that, Peeta stormed out of my apartment.
Peeta’s POV
As I left Katniss’s apartment, I walked over to the meeting place. Glimmer and Marvel were already waiting for me.
“You ready?” I asked.
“Yes.” Glimmer and Marvel led the way up to Mr. Everdeen’s office.
I used my key to open the office, revealing Mr. Everdeen sitting at his desk. Glimmer passed Marvel and I shiny black guns.
I crept forward silently and raised my gun, pointing it at Mr. Everdeen. Even his name brought vomit to my throat. I pulled the trigger once and Mr. Everdeen slumped forward in his chair. I then turned and used two shots to take out Glimmer and Marvel. I placed my gun on the desk, brushed my hands off, and walked out of the office, whistling.
3 down, many more to go.
AUTHOR’S NOTE:
So, what do you guys think? Sorry for the long wait but I had a lot going on in my life.
Comment, vote, etc. I could really use the feed back…and if any one wants to make me a cover, it would be much appreciated!
See you later my lovely squirrels! (yes, I am calling my readers squirrels. I’m weird. Deal with it.)
xx,
Rach
