The Future Mockingjay🕊️

Chapter Five

Effie. I expected her to be here, too. A thought strucked me. I am a mentor. So is Peeta. And Haymitch. I looked up, right into Effie's eyes. She gave me a sad look, as she took her place on the stage. Just like before. I can feel the stares from people all around me, mostly sad looks, but some are filled with suppressed anger.

I looked around to find Willow and Thyme in the crowd. There is Thyme, but where is Willow? I craned my neck and spotted her with a bunch of 13 year old. Willow was popular around people. Pure, like Prim. Innocent. Cute. Dead. No, not dead. Willow is alive. Alive, for now. The dark thoughts kept coming in, and I tried to focus on what is going on right now as I feel Peeta's grip on me tighten. I looked up.

How long had I been staring down, keeping down those dark thoughts? A few people around me shot me looks of sympathy. I drew in a shaky breath and realised that Effie had already drawn the piece of paper. One slip. One slip. Tension grew in the crowd.

Effie gave a slight sigh, and in a shaky voice, announced the name.

It's Willow Mellark.

The bunch around her separated, like they did for Prim, and I am unable to keep in the groan that came out of my mouth.

"No! Willow! You can't go! I volunteer! I volunteer!" I shouted and screamed, making my way through the crowd with shoves.

"Mrs. Mellark, I'm very, very sorry, but rules are rules. You are well over the age to volunteer once again." He gave me a pained look, possibly remembering how I volunteered to save Prim.

I felt Peeta's hand on my arm. Gentle, but firm. "Katniss, shh, shh..."

I looked up at him. He had tears in his eyes. I glanced towards Willow, my dear Willow up on the stage, and knew I had to be strong for her.

"Willow" I croaked, must have been the screaming that made me almost lose my voice. "Come here"

She ran towards me, but in the corner of my eye, I see the band of Peacekeepers preparing to keep her back. But one of them held all off them back with a hand. Must be the Head Peacekeeper.

With Willow in my arms, I sobbed. She would never get to celebrate her 13th birthday. She would never come back-

No. I need her to survive. And she will survive.

I looked her in the eye. "You have to win, darling." I said, pushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I'll be your mentor. You have to try." I paused. "I'll give you advice. You are good with a bow and arrow, so you'll be fine. You'll be fine." I said, kissing her forehead.

"Mommy, don't cry. Of course I'll come back. For you. And dad. And Thyme. I'll be fine." she said, and I could see she was holding back tears. I'm ashamed I can't do better than her.

I reluctantly pull away and let Peeta hug her as well. He talks for a while, in a soothing voice I recognize as the one he uses to comfort me after a nightmare. She nods, he pats her hair and pushes her lightly onto the stage. We got back to our original place just as Effie pulls out a piece of paper. And says a name. It's someone else. Richard something.

Thyme is safe.

I give a sigh of relief. I barely register him, before Thyme volunteers.

For him. For his sister. To keep her safe.

Both my kids are tributes in the worst game to play, ever.