The Future Mockingjay🕊️

Chapter Seventeen

▫️Katniss ▫️

I wait anxiously waiting for my children. Thyme had just finished his interview. And I know they are both thinking about Dylan Odair. I've brought up Aunt Annie and Uncle Finnick before, and told them they had a son, Dylan. So they know. And, of course, they know that Finnick is gone.

I race to the dining hall as they skipped in.

"You were wonderful, Thyme! And you, Willow. Now, remember Dylan? Dylan Odair?" I had no need for further explanation.

"Of course, mother." Thyme says gently, his hands on my shoulders. I feel myself relax. "And I would like to take him as an ally, too, if you wouldn't mind." He adds, as if reading my mind.

"I don't mind. Any objections, Willow?" I question.

"No no, I don't mind." She smiles, taking a sip of her orange juice.

In the silence that followed, Peeta starts the conversation again.

"Well, tomorrow at dawn you will be waken up by us, as you will need to have an early start to reach the arena. The actual games don't start until ten." He pauses, considering what to say. "Last advices, when the gong sounds, you should try to reach some weapons, but if you can't, head into the woods, if there is woods."

"Stay alive" Haymitch says drunkenly, laughing.

Peeta continues. "And stay alert of your surroundings, stay with your pack, find water sources, and it's probably best to stay the night in a tree. And..." His voice wobbles, and he takes a deep breath. "Stay alive."

Effie, who seemed to have lost her voice in the beginning, begins to talk. "I'm so sorry, my dears." Her voice breaks. "I...wish you the best in the arena..."

Thyme chokes out a thank you, but Willow can't say anything. She stares at her food, appetite seemingly gone, tears streaming down her face. I go over to hug both of them. "Get some rest, too. Sleep well. I love you two."