PART I THE ASHES

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

I sta e !o"n at #y s$oes% "atc$ing as a &ine laye o& as$ settles on t$e "o n leat$e ' T$is is "$e e t$e (e! I s$a e! "it$ #y siste % P i#% stoo!' )*e t$e e "as t$e kitc$en ta(le' T$e ( icks o& t$e c$i#ney% "$ic$ colla+se! in a c$a e! $ea+% + o*i!e a +oint o& e&e ence &o t$e est o& t$e $ouse' Ho" else coul! I o ient #ysel& in t$is sea o& g ay,

Al#ost not$ing e#ains o& -ist ict .2' A #ont$ ago% t$e Ca+itol/s &i e(o#(s o(lite ate! t$e +oo coal #ine s/ $ouses in t$e Sea#% t$e s$o+s in t$e to"n% e*en t$e 0ustice 1uil!ing' T$e only a ea t$at esca+e! incine ation "as t$e 2icto /s 2illage' I !on/t kno" "$y e3actly' Pe $a+s so anyone &o ce! to co#e $e e on Ca+itol (usiness "oul! $a*e so#e"$e e !ecent to stay' T$e o!! e+o te ' A co##ittee assessing t$e con!ition o& t$e coal #ines' A s4ua! o& Peacekee+e s c$ecking &o etu ning e&ugees'

1ut no one is etu ning e3ce+t #e' An! t$at/s only &o a ( ie& *isit' T$e aut$o ities in -ist ict .5 "e e against #y co#ing (ack' T$ey *ie"e! it as a costly an! +ointless *entu e% gi*en t$at at least a !ozen in*isi(le $o*e c a&t a e ci cling o*e $ea! &o #y + otection an! t$e e/s no intelligence to (e gaine!' I $a! to see it% t$oug$' So #uc$ so t$at I #a!e it a con!ition o& #y coo+e ating "it$ any o& t$ei +lans'

6inally% Pluta c$ Hea*ens(ee% t$e Hea! 7a#e#ake "$o $a! o ganize! t$e e(els in t$e Ca+itol% t$ e" u+ $is $an!s' 89et $e go' 1ette to "aste a !ay t$an anot$e #ont$' May(e a little tou o& T"el*e is just "$at s$e nee!s to con*ince $e "e/ e on t$e sa#e si!e'8
5|Page Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

T$e sa#e si!e' A +ain sta(s #y le&t te#+le an! I + ess #y $an! against it' Rig$t on t$e s+ot "$e e 0o$anna Mason $it #e "it$ t$e coil o& "i e' T$e #e#o ies s"i l as I t y to so t out "$at is t ue an! "$at is &alse' :$at se ies o& e*ents le! #e to (e stan!ing in t$e uins o& #y city, T$is is $a ! (ecause t$e e&&ects o& t$e concussion s$e ga*e #e $a*en/t co#+letely su(si!e! an! #y t$oug$ts still $a*e a ten!ency to ju#(le toget$e ' Also% t$e ! ugs t$ey use to cont ol #y +ain an! #oo! so#eti#es #ake #e see t$ings' I guess' I/# still not enti ely con*ince! t$at I "as $allucinating t$e nig$t t$e &loo o& #y $os+ital oo# t ans&o #e! into a ca +et o& " it$ing snakes'

I use a tec$ni4ue one o& t$e !octo s suggeste!' I sta t "it$ t$e si#+lest t$ings I kno" to (e t ue an! "o k to"a ! t$e #o e co#+licate!' T$e list (egins to oll in #y $ea!'''' My na#e is ;atniss E*e !een' I a# se*enteen yea s ol!' My $o#e is -ist ict .2' I "as in t$e Hunge 7a#es' I esca+e!' T$e Ca+itol $ates #e' Peeta "as taken + isone ' He is t$oug$t to (e !ea!' Most likely $e is !ea!' It is + o(a(ly (est i& $e is !ea!'''' 8;atniss' S$oul! I co#e !o"n,8 My (est & ien! 7ale/s *oice eac$es #e t$ oug$ t$e $ea!set t$e e(els insiste! I "ea ' He/s u+ in a $o*e c a&t% "atc$ing #e ca e&ully% ea!y to s"oo+ in i& anyt$ing goes a#iss' I ealize I/# c ouc$e! !o"n no"% el(o"s on #y t$ig$s% #y $ea! ( ace! (et"een #y $an!s' I #ust look on t$e *e ge o& so#e kin! o& ( eak!o"n' T$is "on/t !o' <ot "$en t$ey/ e &inally "eaning #e o&& t$e #e!ication'

I st aig$ten u+ an! "a*e $is o&&e a"ay' 8<o' I/# &ine'8 To ein&o ce t$is% I (egin to #o*e a"ay & o# #y ol! $ouse an! in to"a ! t$e to"n' 7ale aske! to (e ! o++e! o&& in .2 "it$ #e% (ut $e !i!n/t &o ce t$e
=|Page Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

issue "$en I e&use! $is co#+any' He un!e stan!s I !on/t "ant anyone "it$ #e to!ay' <ot e*en $i#' So#e "alks you $a*e to take alone' T$e su##e /s (een sco c$ing $ot an! ! y as a (one' T$e e/s (een ne3t to no ain to !istu ( t$e +iles o& as$ le&t (y t$e attack' T$ey s$i&t $e e an! t$e e% in eaction to #y &ootste+s' <o ( eeze to scatte t$e#' I kee+ #y eyes on "$at I e#e#(e as t$e oa!% (ecause "$en I &i st lan!e! in t$e Mea!o"% I "asn/t ca e&ul an! I "alke! ig$t into a ock' )nly it "asn/t a ock>>it "as so#eone/s skull' It olle! o*e an! o*e an! lan!e! &aceu+% an! &o a long ti#e I coul!n/t sto+ looking at t$e teet$% "on!e ing "$ose t$ey "e e% t$inking o& $o" #ine "oul! + o(a(ly look t$e sa#e "ay un!e si#ila ci cu#stances'

I stick to t$e oa! out o& $a(it% (ut it/s a (a! c$oice% (ecause it/s &ull o& t$e e#ains o& t$ose "$o t ie! to &lee' So#e "e e incine ate! enti ely' 1ut ot$e s% + o(a(ly o*e co#e "it$ s#oke% esca+e! t$e "o st o& t$e &la#es an! no" lie eeking in *a ious states o& !eco#+osition% ca ion &o sca*enge s% (lankete! (y &lies' I kille! you% I t$ink as I +ass a +ile' An! you' An! you'

1ecause I !i!' It "as #y a o"% ai#e! at t$e c$ink in t$e &o ce &iel! su oun!ing t$e a ena% t$at ( oug$t on t$is &i esto # o& et i(ution' T$at sent t$e "$ole count y o& Pane# into c$aos' In #y $ea! I $ea P esi!ent Sno"/s "o !s% s+oken t$e #o ning I "as to (egin t$e 2icto y Tou ' 8;atniss E*e !een% t$e gi l "$o "as on &i e% you $a*e + o*i!e! a s+a k t$at% le&t unatten!e!% #ay g o" to an in&e no t$at !est oys Pane#'8 It tu ns out $e "asn/t e3agge ating o si#+ly t ying to sca e #e' He "as% +e $a+s% genuinely atte#+ting to enlist #y $el+' 1ut I

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

$a! al ea!y set so#et$ing in #otion t$at I $a! no a(ility to cont ol' 1u ning' Still (u ning% I t$ink nu#(ly' T$e &i es at t$e coal #ines (elc$ (lack s#oke in t$e !istance' T$e e/s no one le&t to ca e% t$oug$' Mo e t$an ninety +e cent o& t$e !ist ict/s +o+ulation is !ea!' T$e e#aining eig$t $un! e! o so a e e&ugees in -ist ict .5>>"$ic$% as &a as I/# conce ne!% is t$e sa#e t$ing as (eing $o#eless &o e*e '

I kno" I s$oul!n/t t$ink t$at@ I kno" I s$oul! (e g ate&ul &o t$e "ay "e $a*e (een "elco#e!' Sick% "oun!e!% sta *ing% an! e#+ty>$an!e!' Still% I can ne*e get a oun! t$e &act t$at -ist ict .5 "as inst u#ental in .2/s !est uction' T$is !oesn/t a(sol*e #e o& (la#e>>t$e e/s +lenty o& (la#e to go a oun!' 1ut "it$out t$e#% I "oul! not $a*e (een +a t o& a la ge +lot to o*e t$ o" t$e Ca+itol o $a! t$e "$e e"it$al to !o it'

T$e citizens o& -ist ict .2 $a! no o ganize! esistance #o*e#ent o& t$ei o"n' <o say in any o& t$is' T$ey only $a! t$e #is&o tune to $a*e #e' So#e su *i*o s t$ink it/s goo! luck% t$oug$% to (e & ee o& -ist ict .2 at last' To $a*e esca+e! t$e en!less $unge an! o++ ession% t$e +e ilous #ines% t$e las$ o& ou &inal Hea! Peacekee+e % Ro#ulus T$ ea!' To $a*e a ne" $o#e at all is seen as a "on!e since% u+ until a s$o t ti#e ago% "e $a!n/t e*en kno"n t$at -ist ict .5 still e3iste!'

T$e c e!it &o t$e su *i*o s/ esca+e $as lan!e! s4ua ely on 7ale/s s$oul!e s% alt$oug$ $e/s loat$ to acce+t it' As soon as t$e Aua te Auell "as o*e >>as soon as I $a! (een li&te! & o# t$e a ena>>t$e elect icity in -ist ict .2 "as cut% t$e tele*isions "ent (lack% an! t$e Sea# (eca#e so silent% +eo+le coul! $ea one anot$e /s $ea t(eats' <o one !i! anyt$ing to
B|Page Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

+ otest o cele( ate "$at $a! $a++ene! in t$e a ena' Cet "it$in &i&teen #inutes% t$e sky "as &ille! "it$ $o*e +lanes an! t$e (o#(s "e e aining !o"n' It "as 7ale "$o t$oug$t o& t$e Mea!o"% one o& t$e &e" +laces not &ille! "it$ ol! "oo!en $o#es e#(e!!e! "it$ coal !ust' He $e !e! t$ose $e coul! in its !i ection% inclu!ing #y #ot$e an! P i#' He &o #e! t$e tea# t$at +ulle! !o"n t$e &ence>>no" just a $a #less c$ain>link (a ie % "it$ t$e elect icity o&&>> an! le! t$e +eo+le into t$e "oo!s' He took t$e# to t$e only +lace $e coul! t$ink o&% t$e lake #y &at$e $a! s$o"n #e as a c$il!' An! it "as & o# t$e e t$ey "atc$e! t$e !istant &la#es eat u+ e*e yt$ing t$ey kne" in t$e "o l!'

1y !a"n t$e (o#(e s "e e long gone% t$e &i es !ying% t$e &inal st aggle s oun!e! u+' My #ot$e an! P i# $a! set u+ a #e!ical a ea &o t$e inju e! an! "e e atte#+ting to t eat t$e# "it$ "$ate*e t$ey coul! glean & o# t$e "oo!s' 7ale $a! t"o sets o& (o"s an! a o"s% one $unting kni&e% one &is$ing net% an! o*e eig$t $un! e! te i&ie! +eo+le to &ee!' :it$ t$e $el+ o& t$ose "$o "e e a(le>(o!ie!% t$ey #anage! &o t$ ee !ays' An! t$at/s "$en t$e $o*e c a&t une3+ecte!ly a i*e! to e*acuate t$e# to -ist ict .5% "$e e t$e e "e e #o e t$an enoug$ clean% "$ite li*ing co#+a t#ents% +lenty o& clot$ing% an! t$ ee #eals a !ay' T$e co#+a t#ents $a! t$e !isa!*antage o& (eing un!e g oun!% t$e clot$ing "as i!entical% an! t$e &oo! "as elati*ely tasteless% (ut &o t$e e&ugees o& .2% t$ese "e e #ino consi!e ations' T$ey "e e sa&e' T$ey "e e (eing ca e! &o ' T$ey "e e ali*e an! eage ly "elco#e!'

T$is ent$usias# "as inte + ete! as kin!ness' 1ut a #an na#e! -alton% a -ist ict .D e&ugee "$o/! #a!e it to .5 on &oot a &e" yea s ago% leake! t$e eal #oti*e to #e' 8T$ey nee! you' Me' T$ey nee! us all' A"$ile
E|Page Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

(ack% t$e e "as so#e so t o& +o3 e+i!e#ic t$at kille! a (unc$ o& t$e# an! le&t a lot #o e in&e tile' <e" ( ee!ing stock' T$at/s $o" t$ey see us'8 1ack in .D% $e/! "o ke! on one o& t$e (ee& anc$es% #aintaining t$e genetic !i*e sity o& t$e $e ! "it$ t$e i#+lantation o& long>& ozen co" e#( yos' He/s *e y likely ig$t a(out .5% (ecause t$e e !on/t see# to (e nea ly enoug$ ki!s a oun!' 1ut so "$at, :e/ e not (eing ke+t in +ens% "e/ e (eing t aine! &o "o k% t$e c$il! en a e (eing e!ucate!' T$ose o*e &ou teen $a*e (een gi*en ent y>le*el anks in t$e #ilita y an! a e a!! esse! es+ect&ully as 8Sol!ie '8 E*e y single e&ugee "as g ante! auto#atic citizens$i+ (y t$e aut$o ities o& .5'

Still% I $ate t$e#' 1ut% o& cou se% I $ate al#ost e*e y(o!y no"' Mysel& #o e t$an anyone' T$e su &ace (eneat$ #y &eet $a !ens% an! un!e t$e ca +et o& as$% I &eel t$e +a*ing stones o& t$e s4ua e' A oun! t$e +e i#ete is a s$allo" (o !e o& e&use "$e e t$e s$o+s stoo!' A $ea+ o& (lackene! u((le $as e+lace! t$e 0ustice 1uil!ing' I "alk to t$e a++ o3i#ate site o& t$e (ake y Peeta/s &a#ily o"ne!' <ot$ing #uc$ le&t (ut t$e #elte! lu#+ o& t$e o*en' Peeta/s +a ents% $is t"o ol!e ( ot$e s>>none o& t$e# #a!e it to .5' 6e"e t$an a !ozen o& "$at +asse! &o -ist ict .2/s "ell>to>!o esca+e! t$e &i e' Peeta "oul! $a*e not$ing to co#e $o#e to% any"ay' E3ce+t #e'''

I (ack a"ay & o# t$e (ake y an! (u#+ into so#et$ing% lose #y (alance% an! &in! #ysel& sitting on a $unk o& sun>$eate! #etal' I +uzzle o*e "$at it #ig$t $a*e (een% t$en e#e#(e T$ ea!/s ecent eno*ations o& t$e s4ua e' Stocks% "$i++ing +osts% an! t$is% t$e e#ains o& t$e gallo"s' 1a!' T$is is (a!' It ( ings on t$e &loo! o& i#ages t$at to #ents #e% a"ake o aslee+' Peeta (eing to tu e!>>! o"ne!% (u ne!% lace ate!% s$ocke!% #ai#e!% (eaten>>as t$e
F|Page Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

Ca+itol t ies to get in&o #ation a(out t$e e(ellion t$at $e !oesn/t kno"' I s4ueeze #y eyes s$ut an! t y to eac$ &o $i# ac oss t$e $un! e!s an! $un! e!s o& #iles% to sen! #y t$oug$ts into $is #in!% to let $i# kno" $e is not alone' 1ut $e is' An! I can/t $el+ $i#' Running' A"ay & o# t$e s4ua e an! to t$e one +lace t$e &i e !i! not !est oy' I +ass t$e " eckage o& t$e #ayo /s $ouse% "$e e #y & ien! Ma!ge li*e!' <o "o ! o& $e o $e &a#ily' :e e t$ey e*acuate! to t$e Ca+itol (ecause o& $e &at$e /s +osition% o le&t to t$e &la#es, As$es (illo" u+ a oun! #e% an! I +ull t$e $e# o& #y s$i t u+ o*e #y #out$' It/s not "on!e ing "$at I ( eat$e in% (ut "$o% t$at t$ eatens to c$oke #e'

T$e g ass $as (een sco c$e! an! t$e g ay sno" &ell $e e as "ell% (ut t$e t"el*e &ine $ouses o& t$e 2icto /s 2illage a e unscat$e!' I (olt into t$e $ouse I li*e! in &o t$e +ast yea % sla# t$e !oo close!% an! lean (ack against it' T$e +lace see#s untouc$e!' Clean' Ee ily 4uiet' :$y !i! I co#e (ack to .2, Ho" can t$is *isit $el+ #e ans"e t$e 4uestion I can/t esca+e,

8:$at a# I going to !o,8 I "$is+e to t$e "alls' 1ecause I eally !on/t kno"' Peo+le kee+ talking at #e% talking% talking% talking' Pluta c$ Hea*ens(ee' His calculating assistant% 6ul*ia Ca !e"' A #is$#as$ o& !ist ict lea!e s' Milita y o&&icials' 1ut not Al#a Coin% t$e + esi!ent o& .5% "$o just "atc$es' S$e/s &i&ty o so% "it$ g ay $ai t$at &alls in an un( oken s$eet to $e s$oul!e s' I/# so#e"$at &ascinate! (y $e $ai % since it/s so uni&o #% so "it$out a &la"% a "is+% e*en a s+lit en!' He eyes a e g ay% (ut not like t$ose o& +eo+le & o# t$e Sea#' T$ey/ e *e y +ale% as i& al#ost all t$e colo

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

$as (een sucke! out o& t$e#' T$e colo o& slus$ t$at you "is$ "oul! #elt a"ay' :$at t$ey "ant is &o #e to t uly take on t$e ole t$ey !esigne! &o #e' T$e sy#(ol o& t$e e*olution' T$e Mockingjay' It isn/t enoug$% "$at I/*e !one in t$e +ast% !e&ying t$e Ca+itol in t$e 7a#es% + o*i!ing a allying +oint' I #ust no" (eco#e t$e actual lea!e % t$e &ace% t$e *oice% t$e e#(o!i#ent o& t$e e*olution' T$e +e son "$o t$e !ist icts>>#ost o& "$ic$ a e no" o+enly at "a "it$ t$e Ca+itol>>can count on to (laze t$e +at$ to *icto y' I "on/t $a*e to !o it alone' T$ey $a*e a "$ole tea# o& +eo+le to #ake #e o*e % ! ess #e% " ite #y s+eec$es% o c$est ate #y a++ea ances>> as i& t$at !oesn/t soun! $o i(ly &a#ilia >>an! all I $a*e to !o is +lay #y +a t' So#eti#es I listen to t$e# an! so#eti#es I just "atc$ t$e +e &ect line o& Coin/s $ai an! t y to !eci!e i& it/s a "ig' E*entually% I lea*e t$e oo# (ecause #y $ea! sta ts to ac$e o it/s ti#e to eat o i& I !on/t get a(o*eg oun! I #ig$t sta t sc ea#ing' I !on/t (ot$e to say anyt$ing' I si#+ly get u+ an! "alk out'

Ceste !ay a&te noon% as t$e !oo "as closing (e$in! #e% I $ea ! Coin say% 8I tol! you "e s$oul! $a*e escue! t$e (oy &i st'8 Meaning Peeta' I coul!n/t ag ee #o e' He "oul!/*e (een an e3cellent #out$+iece' An! "$o !i! t$ey &is$ out o& t$e a ena instea!, Me% "$o "on/t coo+e ate' 1eetee% an ol!e in*ento & o# 5% "$o I a ely see (ecause $e "as +ulle! into "ea+ons !e*elo+#ent t$e #inute $e coul! sit u+ ig$t' 9ite ally% t$ey "$eele! $is $os+ital (e! into so#e to+ sec et a ea an! no" $e only occasionally s$o"s u+ &o #eals' He/s *e y s#a t an! *e y "illing to $el+ t$e cause% (ut not eally &i e( an! #ate ial' T$en t$e e/s 6innick )!ai % t$e se3 sy#(ol & o# t$e &is$ing !ist ict% "$o ke+t Peeta ali*e in t$e a ena "$en I coul!n/t' T$ey "ant to t ans&o # 6innick into
.D | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

a e(el lea!e as "ell% (ut &i st t$ey/ll $a*e to get $i# to stay a"ake &o #o e t$an &i*e #inutes' E*en "$en $e is conscious% you $a*e to say e*e yt$ing to $i# t$ ee ti#es to get t$ oug$ to $is ( ain' T$e !octo s say it/s & o# t$e elect ical s$ock $e ecei*e! in t$e a ena% (ut I kno" it/s a lot #o e co#+licate! t$an t$at' I kno" t$at 6innick can/t &ocus on anyt$ing in .5 (ecause $e/s t ying so $a ! to see "$at/s $a++ening in t$e Ca+itol to Annie% t$e #a! gi l & o# $is !ist ict "$o/s t$e only +e son on ea t$ $e lo*es'

-es+ite se ious ese *ations% I $a! to &o gi*e 6innick &o $is ole in t$e cons+i acy t$at lan!e! #e $e e' He% at least% $as so#e i!ea o& "$at I/# going t$ oug$' An! it takes too #uc$ ene gy to stay ang y "it$ so#eone "$o c ies so #uc$' I #o*e t$ oug$ t$e !o"nstai s on $unte /s &eet% eluctant to #ake any soun!' I +ick u+ a &e" e#e#( ancesH a +$oto o& #y +a ents on t$ei "e!!ing !ay% a (lue $ai i((on &o P i#% t$e &a#ily (ook o& #e!icinal an! e!i(le +lants' T$e (ook &alls o+en to a +age "it$ yello" &lo"e s an! I s$ut it 4uickly (ecause it "as Peeta/s ( us$ t$at +ainte! t$e#'

:$at a# I going to !o, Is t$e e any +oint in !oing anyt$ing at all, My #ot$e % #y siste % an! 7ale/s &a#ily a e &inally sa&e' As &o t$e est o& .2% +eo+le a e eit$e !ea!% "$ic$ is i e*e si(le% o + otecte! in .5' T$at lea*es t$e e(els in t$e !ist icts' )& cou se% I $ate t$e Ca+itol% (ut I $a*e no con&i!ence t$at #y (eing t$e Mockingjay "ill (ene&it t$ose "$o a e t ying to ( ing it !o"n' Ho" can I $el+ t$e !ist icts "$en e*e y ti#e I #ake a #o*e% it esults in su&&e ing an! loss o& li&e, T$e ol! #an s$ot in -ist ict .. &o "$istling' T$e c ack!o"n in .2 a&te I inte *ene! in 7ale/s "$i++ing' My stylist%
.. | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

Cinna% (eing ! agge!% (loo!y an! unconscious% & o# t$e 9aunc$ Roo# (e&o e t$e 7a#es' Pluta c$/s sou ces (elie*e $e "as kille! !u ing inte ogation' 1 illiant% enig#atic% lo*ely Cinna is !ea! (ecause o& #e' I +us$ t$e t$oug$t a"ay (ecause it/s too i#+ossi(ly +ain&ul to !"ell on "it$out losing #y & agile $ol! on t$e situation enti ely'

:$at a# I going to !o, To (eco#e t$e Mockingjay'''coul! any goo! I !o +ossi(ly out"eig$ t$e !a#age, :$o can I t ust to ans"e t$at 4uestion, Ce tainly not t$at c e" in .5' I s"ea % no" t$at #y &a#ily an! 7ale/s a e out o& $a #/s "ay% I coul! un a"ay' E3ce+t &o one un&inis$e! +iece o& (usiness' Peeta' I& I kne" &o su e t$at $e "as !ea!% I coul! just !isa++ea into t$e "oo!s an! ne*e look (ack' 1ut until I !o% I/# stuck'

I s+in on #y $eel at t$e soun! o& a $iss' In t$e kitc$en !oo "ay% (ack a c$e!% ea s &lattene!% stan!s t$e ugliest to#cat in t$e "o l!' 81utte cu+%8 I say' T$ousan!s o& +eo+le a e !ea!% (ut $e $as su *i*e! an! e*en looks "ell &e!' )n "$at, He can get in an! out o& t$e $ouse t$ oug$ a "in!o" "e al"ays le&t aja in t$e +ant y' He #ust $a*e (een eating &iel! #ice' I e&use to consi!e t$e alte nati*e'

I s4uat !o"n an! e3ten! a $an!' 8Co#e $e e% (oy'8 <ot likely' He/s ang y at $is a(an!on#ent' 1esi!es% I/# not o&&e ing &oo!% an! #y a(ility to + o*i!e sc a+s $as al"ays (een #y #ain e!ee#ing 4uality to $i#' 6o a "$ile% "$en "e use! to #eet u+ at t$e ol! $ouse (ecause "e (ot$ !islike! t$is ne" one% "e see#e! to (e (on!ing a little' T$at/s clea ly o*e ' He (links t$ose un+leasant yello" eyes'

8:ant to see P i#,8 I ask' He na#e catc$es $is attention' 1esi!es $is o"n% it/s t$e only "o ! t$at
.2 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

#eans anyt$ing to $i#' He gi*es a usty #eo" an! a++ oac$es #e' I +ick $i# u+% st oking $is &u % t$en go to t$e closet an! !ig out #y ga#e (ag an! unce e#oniously stu&& $i# in' T$e e/s no ot$e "ay I/ll (e a(le to ca y $i# on t$e $o*e c a&t% an! $e #eans t$e "o l! to #y siste ' He goat% 9a!y% an ani#al o& actual *alue% $as un&o tunately not #a!e an a++ea ance'

In #y $ea!set% I $ea 7ale/s *oice telling #e "e #ust go (ack' 1ut t$e ga#e (ag $as e#in!e! #e o& one #o e t$ing t$at I "ant' I sling t$e st a+ o& t$e (ag o*e t$e (ack o& a c$ai an! !as$ u+ t$e ste+s to #y (e! oo#' Insi!e t$e closet $angs #y &at$e /s $unting jacket' 1e&o e t$e Auell% I ( oug$t it $e e & o# t$e ol! $ouse% t$inking its + esence #ig$t (e o& co#&o t to #y #ot$e an! siste "$en I "as !ea!' T$ank goo!ness% o it/! (e as$ no"'

T$e so&t leat$e &eels soot$ing an! &o a #o#ent I/# cal#e! (y t$e #e#o ies o& t$e $ou s s+ent " a++e! in it' T$en% ine3+lica(ly% #y +al#s (egin to s"eat' A st ange sensation c ee+s u+ t$e (ack o& #y neck' I "$i+ a oun! to &ace t$e oo# an! &in! it e#+ty' Ti!y' E*e yt$ing in its +lace' T$e e "as no soun! to ala # #e' :$at% t$en,

My nose t"itc$es' It/s t$e s#ell' Cloying an! a ti&icial' A !a( o& "$ite +eeks out o& a *ase o& ! ie! &lo"e s on #y ! esse ' I a++ oac$ it "it$ cautious ste+s' T$e e% all (ut o(scu e! (y its + ese *e! cousins% is a & es$ "$ite ose' Pe &ect' -o"n to t$e last t$o n an! silken +etal' An! I kno" i##e!iately "$o/s sent it to #e' P esi!ent Sno"'

.5 | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

:$en I (egin to gag at t$e stenc$% I (ack a"ay an! clea out' Ho" long $as it (een $e e, A !ay, An $ou , T$e e(els !i! a secu ity s"ee+ o& t$e 2icto /s 2illage (e&o e I "as clea e! to co#e $e e% c$ecking &o e3+losi*es% (ugs% anyt$ing unusual' 1ut +e $a+s t$e ose !i!n/t see# note"o t$y to t$e#' )nly to #e' -o"nstai s% I snag t$e ga#e (ag o&& t$e c$ai % (ouncing it along t$e &loo until I e#e#(e it/s occu+ie!' )n t$e la"n% I & antically signal to t$e $o*e c a&t "$ile 1utte cu+ t$ as$es' I ja( $i# "it$ #y el(o"% (ut t$is only in&u iates $i#' A $o*e c a&t #ate ializes an! a la!!e ! o+s !o"n' I ste+ on an! t$e cu ent & eezes #e until I/# li&te! on (oa !'

7ale $el+s #e & o# t$e la!!e ' 8Cou all ig$t,8 8Cea$%8 I say% "i+ing t$e s"eat o&& #y &ace "it$ #y slee*e' He le&t #e a oseI I "ant to sc ea#% (ut it/s not in&o #ation I/# su e I s$oul! s$a e "it$ so#eone like Pluta c$ looking on' 6i st o& all% (ecause it "ill #ake #e soun! c azy' 9ike I eit$e i#agine! it% "$ic$ is 4uite +ossi(le% o I/# o*e eacting% "$ic$ "ill (uy #e a t i+ (ack to t$e ! ug>in!uce! ! ea#lan! I/# t ying so $a ! to esca+e' <o one "ill &ully un!e stan!>>$o" it/s not just a &lo"e % not e*en just P esi!ent Sno"/s &lo"e % (ut a + o#ise o& e*enge>>(ecause no one else sat in t$e stu!y "it$ $i# "$en $e t$ eatene! #e (e&o e t$e 2icto y Tou '

Positione! on #y ! esse % t$at "$ite>as>sno" ose is a +e sonal #essage to #e' It s+eaks o& un&inis$e! (usiness' It "$is+e s% I can &in! you' I can eac$ you' Pe $a+s I a# "atc$ing you no"'

.= | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

A e t$e e Ca+itol $o*e +lanes s+ee!ing in to (lo" us out o& t$e sky, As "e t a*el o*e -ist ict .2% I "atc$ an3iously &o signs o& an attack% (ut not$ing +u sues us' A&te se*e al #inutes% "$en I $ea an e3c$ange (et"een Pluta c$ an! t$e +ilot con&i #ing t$at t$e ai s+ace is clea % I (egin to ela3 a little' 7ale no!s at t$e $o"ls co#ing & o# #y ga#e (ag' 8<o" I kno" "$y you $a! to go (ack'8 8I& t$e e "as e*en a c$ance o& $is eco*e y'8 I !u#+ t$e (ag onto a seat% "$e e t$e loat$so#e c eatu e (egins a lo"% !ee+>t$ oate! g o"l' 8)$% s$ut u+%8 I tell t$e (ag as I sink into t$e cus$ione! "in!o" seat ac oss & o# it' 7ale sits ne3t to #e' 8P etty (a! !o"n t$e e,8 8Coul!n/t (e #uc$ "o se%8 I ans"e ' I look in $is eyes an! see #y o"n g ie& e&lecte! t$e e' )u $an!s &in! eac$ ot$e % $ol!ing &ast to a +a t o& .2 t$at Sno" $as so#e$o" &aile! to !est oy' :e sit in silence &o t$e est o& t$e t i+ to .5% "$ic$ only takes a(out &o ty>&i*e #inutes' A #e e "eek/s jou ney on &oot' 1onnie an! T"ill% t$e -ist ict F e&ugees "$o I encounte e! in t$e "oo!s last "inte % "e en/t so &a & o# t$ei !estination a&te all' T$ey a++a ently !i!n/t #ake it% t$oug$' :$en I aske! a(out t$e# in .5% no one see#e! to kno" "$o I "as talking a(out' -ie! in t$e "oo!s% I guess'

6 o# t$e ai % .5 looks a(out as c$ee &ul as .2' T$e u((le isn/t s#oking% t$e "ay t$e Ca+itol s$o"s it on tele*ision% (ut t$e e/s ne3t to no li&e a(o*eg oun!' In
.? | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

t$e se*enty>&i*e yea s since t$e -a k -ays>>"$en .5 "as sai! to $a*e (een o(lite ate! in t$e "a (et"een t$e Ca+itol an! t$e !ist icts>>al#ost all ne" const uction $as (een (eneat$ t$e ea t$/s su &ace' T$e e "as al ea!y a su(stantial un!e g oun! &acility $e e% !e*elo+e! o*e centu ies to (e eit$e a clan!estine e&uge &o go*e n#ent lea!e s in ti#e o& "a o a last eso t &o $u#anity i& li&e a(o*e (eca#e unli*a(le' Most i#+o tant &o t$e +eo+le o& .5% it "as t$e cente o& t$e Ca+itol/s nuclea "ea+ons !e*elo+#ent + og a#' -u ing t$e -a k -ays% t$e e(els in .5 " este! cont ol & o# t$e go*e n#ent &o ces% t aine! t$ei nuclea #issiles on t$e Ca+itol% an! t$en st uck a (a gainH T$ey "oul! +lay !ea! in e3c$ange &o (eing le&t alone' T$e Ca+itol $a! anot$e nuclea a senal out "est% (ut it coul!n/t attack .5 "it$out ce tain etaliation' It "as &o ce! to acce+t .5/s !eal' T$e Ca+itol !e#olis$e! t$e *isi(le e#ains o& t$e !ist ict an! cut o&& all access & o# t$e outsi!e' Pe $a+s t$e Ca+itol/s lea!e s t$oug$t t$at% "it$out $el+% .5 "oul! !ie o&& on its o"n' It al#ost !i! a &e" ti#es% (ut it al"ays #anage! to +ull t$ oug$ !ue to st ict s$a ing o& esou ces% st enuous !isci+line% an! constant *igilance against any &u t$e attacks & o# t$e Ca+itol'

<o" t$e citizens li*e al#ost e3clusi*ely un!e g oun!' Cou can go outsi!e &o e3e cise an! sunlig$t (ut only at *e y s+eci&ic ti#es in you sc$e!ule' Cou can/t #iss you sc$e!ule' E*e y #o ning% you/ e su++ose! to stick you ig$t a # in t$is cont a+tion in t$e "all' It tattoos t$e s#oot$ insi!e o& you &o ea # "it$ you sc$e!ule &o t$e !ay in a sickly +u +le ink' EHDD>> 1 eak&ast' EH5D>>;itc$en -uties' FH5D>>E!ucation Cente % Roo# .E' An! so on' T$e ink is in!eli(le until 22HDD>>1at$ing' T$at/s "$en "$ate*e kee+s it "ate esistant ( eaks !o"n an! t$e "$ole sc$e!ule inses a"ay' T$e lig$ts>out at 22H5D signals t$at e*e yone not on t$e nig$t s$i&t s$oul! (e in (e!'

.B | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

At &i st% "$en I "as so ill in t$e $os+ital% I coul! &o go (eing i#+ inte!' 1ut once I #o*e! into Co#+a t#ent 5DE "it$ #y #ot$e an! siste % I "as e3+ecte! to get "it$ t$e + og a#' E3ce+t &o s$o"ing u+ &o #eals% t$oug$% I + etty #uc$ igno e t$e "o !s on #y a #' I just go (ack to ou co#+a t#ent o "an!e a oun! .5 o &all aslee+ so#e"$e e $i!!en' An a(an!one! ai !uct' 1e$in! t$e "ate +i+es in t$e laun! y' T$e e/s a closet in t$e E!ucation Cente t$at/s g eat (ecause no one e*e see#s to nee! sc$ool su++lies' T$ey/ e so & ugal "it$ t$ings $e e% "aste is + actically a c i#inal acti*ity' 6o tunately% t$e +eo+le o& .2 $a*e ne*e (een "aste&ul' 1ut once I sa" 6ul*ia Ca !e" c u#+le u+ a s$eet o& +a+e "it$ just a cou+le o& "o !s " itten on it an! you "oul!/*e t$oug$t s$e/! #u !e e! so#eone & o# t$e looks s$e got' He &ace tu ne! to#ato e!% #aking t$e sil*e &lo"e s inlai! in $e +lu#+ c$eeks e*en #o e noticea(le' T$e *e y +o t ait o& e3cess' )ne o& #y &e" +leasu es in .5 is "atc$ing t$e $an!&ul o& +a#+e e! Ca+itol 8 e(els8 s4ui #ing as t$ey t y to &it in'

I !on/t kno" $o" long I/ll (e a(le to get a"ay "it$ #y co#+lete !is ega ! &o t$e clock"o k + ecision o& atten!ance e4ui e! (y #y $osts' Rig$t no"% t$ey lea*e #e alone (ecause I/# classi&ie! as #entally !iso iente!>>it says so ig$t on #y +lastic #e!ical ( acelet>>an! e*e yone $as to tole ate #y a#(lings' 1ut t$at can/t last &o e*e ' <eit$e can t$ei +atience "it$ t$e Mockingjay issue'

6 o# t$e lan!ing +a!% 7ale an! I "alk !o"n a se ies o& stai "ays to Co#+a t#ent 5DE' :e coul! take t$e ele*ato % only it e#in!s #e too #uc$ o& t$e one t$at li&te! #e into t$e a ena' I/# $a*ing a $a ! ti#e a!justing to (eing un!e g oun! so #uc$' 1ut a&te t$e su eal encounte "it$ t$e ose% &o t$e &i st ti#e t$e !escent #akes #e &eel sa&e '

.E | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

I $esitate at t$e !oo #a ke! 5DE% antici+ating t$e 4uestions & o# #y &a#ily' 8:$at a# I going to tell t$e# a(out T"el*e,8 I ask 7ale' 8I !ou(t t$ey/ll ask &o !etails' T$ey sa" it (u n' T$ey/ll #ostly (e "o ie! a(out $o" you/ e $an!ling it'8 7ale touc$es #y c$eek' 89ike I a#'8 I + ess #y &ace against $is $an! &o a #o#ent' 8I/ll su *i*e'8 T$en I take a !ee+ ( eat$ an! o+en t$e !oo ' My #ot$e an! siste a e $o#e &o .FHDD>>Re&lection% a $al& $ou o& !o"nti#e (e&o e !inne ' I see t$e conce n on t$ei &aces as t$ey t y to gauge #y e#otional state' 1e&o e anyone can ask anyt$ing% I e#+ty #y ga#e (ag an! it (eco#es .FHDD>>Cat A!o ation' P i# just sits on t$e &loo "ee+ing an! ocking t$at a"&ul 1utte cu+% "$o inte u+ts $is +u ing only &o an occasional $iss at #e' He gi*es #e a +a ticula ly s#ug look "$en s$e ties t$e (lue i((on a oun! $is neck'

My #ot$e $ugs t$e "e!!ing +$oto tig$tly against $e c$est an! t$en +laces it% along "it$ t$e (ook o& +lants% on ou go*e n#ent>issue! c$est o& ! a"e s' I $ang #y &at$e /s jacket on t$e (ack o& a c$ai ' 6o a #o#ent% t$e +lace al#ost see#s like $o#e' So I guess t$e t i+ to .2 "asn/t a co#+lete "aste' :e/ e $ea!ing !o"n to t$e !ining $all &o .FH5D>> -inne "$en 7ale/s co##unicu&& (egins to (ee+' It looks like an o*e size! "atc$% (ut it ecei*es + int #essages' 1eing g ante! a co##unicu&& is a s+ecial + i*ilege t$at/s ese *e! &o t$ose i#+o tant to t$e cause% a status 7ale ac$ie*e! (y $is escue o& t$e citizens o& .2' 8T$ey nee! t$e t"o o& us in Co##an!%8 $e says'

.F | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

T ailing a &e" ste+s (e$in! 7ale% I t y to collect #ysel& (e&o e I/# t$ o"n into "$at/s su e to (e anot$e elentless Mockingjay session' I linge in t$e !oo "ay o& Co##an!% t$e $ig$>tec$ #eetingJ"a council oo# co#+lete "it$ co#+ute ize! talking "alls% elect onic #a+s s$o"ing t$e t oo+ #o*e#ents in *a ious !ist icts% an! a giant ectangula ta(le "it$ cont ol +anels I/# not su++ose! to touc$' <o one notices #e% t$oug$% (ecause t$ey/ e all gat$e e! at a tele*ision sc een at t$e &a en! o& t$e oo# t$at ai s t$e Ca+itol ( oa!cast a oun! t$e clock' I/# t$inking I #ig$t (e a(le to sli+ a"ay "$en Pluta c$% "$ose a#+le & a#e $as (een (locking t$e tele*ision% catc$es sig$t o& #e an! "a*es u gently &o #e to join t$e#' I eluctantly #o*e &o "a !% t ying to i#agine $o" it coul! (e o& inte est to #e' It/s al"ays t$e sa#e' :a &ootage' P o+agan!a' Re+laying t$e (o#(ings o& -ist ict .2' An o#inous #essage & o# P esi!ent Sno"' So it/s al#ost ente taining to see Caesa 6licke #an% t$e ete nal $ost o& t$e Hunge 7a#es% "it$ $is +ainte! &ace an! s+a kly suit% + e+a ing to gi*e an inte *ie"' Kntil t$e ca#e a +ulls (ack an! I see t$at $is guest is Peeta'

A soun! esca+es #e' T$e sa#e co#(ination o& gas+ an! g oan t$at co#es & o# (eing su(#e ge! in "ate % !e+ i*e! o& o3ygen to t$e +oint o& +ain' I +us$ +eo+le asi!e until I a# ig$t in & ont o& $i#% #y $an! esting on t$e sc een' I sea c$ $is eyes &o any sign o& $u t% any e&lection o& t$e agony o& to tu e' T$e e is not$ing' Peeta looks $ealt$y to t$e +oint o& o(ustness' His skin is glo"ing% &la"less% in t$at &ull> (o!y>+olis$ "ay' His #anne /s co#+ose!% se ious' I can/t econcile t$is i#age "it$ t$e (atte e!% (lee!ing (oy "$o $aunts #y ! ea#s'

Caesa settles $i#sel& #o e co#&o ta(ly in t$e c$ai ac oss & o# Peeta an! gi*es $i# a long look' 8So'''Peeta'''"elco#e (ack'8
.G | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

Peeta s#iles slig$tly' 8I (et you t$oug$t you/! !one you last inte *ie" "it$ #e% Caesa '8 8I con&ess% I !i!%8 says Caesa ' 8T$e nig$t (e&o e t$e Aua te Auell'''"ell% "$o e*e t$oug$t "e/! see you again,8 8It "asn/t +a t o& #y +lan% t$at/s &o su e%8 says Peeta "it$ a & o"n' Caesa leans in to $i# a little' 8I t$ink it "as clea to all o& us "$at you +lan "as' To sac i&ice you sel& in t$e a ena so t$at ;atniss E*e !een an! you c$il! coul! su *i*e'8 8T$at "as it' Clea an! si#+le'8 Peeta/s &inge s t ace t$e u+$olste e! +atte n on t$e a # o& t$e c$ai ' 81ut ot$e +eo+le $a! +lans as "ell'8 Ces% ot$e +eo+le $a! +lans% I t$ink' Has Peeta guesse!% t$en% $o" t$e e(els use! us as +a"ns, Ho" #y escue "as a ange! & o# t$e (eginning, An! &inally% $o" ou #ento % Hay#itc$ A(e nat$y% (et aye! us (ot$ &o a cause $e + eten!e! to $a*e no inte est in, In t$e silence t$at &ollo"s% I notice t$e lines t$at $a*e &o #e! (et"een Peeta/s eye( o"s' He $as guesse! o $e $as (een tol!' 1ut t$e Ca+itol $as not kille! o e*en +unis$e! $i#' 6o ig$t no"% t$at e3cee!s #y "il!est $o+es' I ! ink in $is "$oleness% t$e soun!ness o& $is (o!y an! #in!' It uns t$ oug$ #e like t$e #o +$ling t$ey gi*e #e in t$e $os+ital% !ulling t$e +ain o& t$e last "eeks'

8:$y !on/t you tell us a(out t$at last nig$t in t$e a ena,8 suggests Caesa ' 8Hel+ us so t a &e" t$ings out'8
2D | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

Peeta no!s (ut takes $is ti#e s+eaking' 8T$at last nig$t'''to tell you a(out t$at last nig$t'''"ell% &i st o& all% you $a*e to i#agine $o" it &elt in t$e a ena' It "as like (eing an insect t a++e! un!e a (o"l &ille! "it$ stea#ing ai ' An! all a oun! you% jungle'''g een an! ali*e an! ticking' T$at giant clock ticking a"ay you li&e' E*e y $ou + o#ising so#e ne" $o o ' Cou $a*e to i#agine t$at in t$e +ast t"o !ays% si3teen +eo+le $a*e !ie!>>so#e o& t$e# !e&en!ing you' At t$e ate t$ings a e going% t$e last eig$t "ill (e !ea! (y #o ning' Sa*e one' T$e *icto ' An! you +lan is t$at it "on/t (e you'8

My (o!y ( eaks out in a s"eat at t$e #e#o y' My $an! sli!es !o"n t$e sc een an! $angs li#+ly at #y si!e' Peeta !oesn/t nee! a ( us$ to +aint i#ages & o# t$e 7a#es' He "o ks just as "ell in "o !s' 8)nce you/ e in t$e a ena% t$e est o& t$e "o l! (eco#es *e y !istant%8 $e continues' 8All t$e +eo+le an! t$ings you lo*e! o ca e! a(out al#ost cease to e3ist' T$e +ink sky an! t$e #onste s in t$e jungle an! t$e t i(utes "$o "ant you (loo! (eco#e you &inal eality% t$e only one t$at e*e #atte e!' As (a! as it #akes you &eel% you/ e going to $a*e to !o so#e killing% (ecause in t$e a ena% you only get one "is$' An! it/s *e y costly'8

8It costs you li&e%8 says Caesa ' 8)$% no' It costs a lot #o e t$an you li&e' To #u !e innocent +eo+le,8 says Peeta' 8It costs e*e yt$ing you a e'8 8E*e yt$ing you a e%8 e+eats Caesa 4uietly' A $us$ $as &allen o*e t$e oo#% an! I can &eel it s+ ea!ing ac oss Pane#' A nation leaning in to"a !
2. | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

its sc eens' 1ecause no one $as e*e talke! a(out "$at it/s eally like in t$e a ena (e&o e' Peeta goes on' 8So you $ol! on to you "is$' An! t$at last nig$t% yes% #y "is$ "as to sa*e ;atniss' 1ut e*en "it$out kno"ing a(out t$e e(els% it !i!n/t &eel ig$t' E*e yt$ing "as too co#+licate!' I &oun! #ysel& eg etting I $a!n/t un o&& "it$ $e ea lie in t$e !ay% as s$e $a! suggeste!' 1ut t$e e "as no getting out o& it at t$at +oint'8

8Cou "e e too caug$t u+ in 1eetee/s +lan to elect i&y t$e salt lake%8 says Caesa ' 8Too (usy +laying allies "it$ t$e ot$e s' I s$oul! $a*e ne*e let t$e# se+a ate usI8 Peeta (u sts out' 8T$at/s "$en I lost $e '8 8:$en you staye! at t$e lig$tning t ee% an! s$e an! 0o$anna Mason took t$e coil o& "i e !o"n to t$e "ate %8 Caesa cla i&ies' 8I !i!n/t "ant toI8 Peeta &lus$es in agitation' 81ut I coul!n/t a gue "it$ 1eetee "it$out in!icating "e "e e a(out to ( eak a"ay & o# t$e alliance' :$en t$at "i e "as cut% e*e yt$ing just "ent insane' I can only e#e#(e (its an! +ieces' T ying to &in! $e ' :atc$ing 1 utus kill C$a&&' ;illing 1 utus #ysel&' I kno" s$e "as calling #y na#e' T$en t$e lig$tning (olt $it t$e t ee% an! t$e &o ce &iel! a oun! t$e a ena'''(le" out'8

8;atniss (le" it out% Peeta%8 says Caesa ' 8Cou/*e seen t$e &ootage'8 8S$e !i!n/t kno" "$at s$e "as !oing' <one o& us coul! &ollo" 1eetee/s +lan' Cou can see $e t ying to &igu e out "$at to !o "it$ t$at "i e%8 Peeta sna+s (ack'
22 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8All ig$t' It just looks sus+icious%8 says Caesa ' 8As i& s$e "as +a t o& t$e e(els/ +lan all along'8 Peeta/s on $is &eet% leaning in to Caesa /s &ace% $an!s locke! on t$e a #s o& $is inte *ie"e /s c$ai ' 8Really, An! "as it +a t o& $e +lan &o 0o$anna to nea ly kill $e , 6o t$at elect ic s$ock to +a alyze $e , To t igge t$e (o#(ing,8 He/s yelling no"' 8S$e !i!n/t kno"% Caesa I <eit$e o& us kne" anyt$ing e3ce+t t$at "e "e e t ying to kee+ eac$ ot$e ali*eI8

Caesa +laces $is $an! on Peeta/s c$est in a gestu e t$at/s (ot$ sel&>+ otecti*e an! conciliato y' 8)kay% Peeta% I (elie*e you'8 8)kay'8 Peeta "it$! a"s & o# Caesa % +ulling (ack $is $an!s% unning t$e# t$ oug$ $is $ai % #ussing $is ca e&ully style! (lon! cu ls' He slu#+s (ack in $is c$ai % !ist aug$t' Caesa "aits a #o#ent% stu!ying Peeta' 8:$at a(out you #ento % Hay#itc$ A(e nat$y,8 Peeta/s &ace $a !ens' 8I !on/t kno" "$at Hay#itc$ kne"'8 8Coul! $e $a*e (een +a t o& t$e cons+i acy,8 asks Caesa ' 8He ne*e #entione! it%8 says Peeta' Caesa + esses on' 8:$at !oes you $ea t tell you,8 8T$at I s$oul!n/t $a*e t uste! $i#%8 says Peeta' 8T$at/s all'8 I $a*en/t seen Hay#itc$ since I attacke! $i# on t$e $o*e c a&t% lea*ing long cla" #a ks !o"n $is &ace' I kno" it/s (een (a! &o $i# $e e' -ist ict .5 st ictly
25 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

&o (i!s any + o!uction o consu#+tion o& into3icating (e*e ages% an! e*en t$e u((ing alco$ol in t$e $os+ital is ke+t un!e lock an! key' 6inally% Hay#itc$ is (eing &o ce! into so( iety% "it$ no sec et stas$es o $o#e>( e"e! concoctions to ease $is t ansition' T$ey/*e got $i# in seclusion until $e/s ! ie! out% as $e/s not !ee#e! &it &o +u(lic !is+lay' It #ust (e e3c uciating% (ut I lost all #y sy#+at$y &o Hay#itc$ "$en I ealize! $o" $e $a! !ecei*e! us' I $o+e $e/s "atc$ing t$e Ca+itol ( oa!cast no"% so $e can see t$at Peeta $as cast $i# o&& as "ell'

Caesa +ats Peeta/s s$oul!e ' 8:e can sto+ no" i& you "ant'8 8:as t$e e #o e to !iscuss,8 says Peeta " yly' 8I "as going to ask you t$oug$ts on t$e "a % (ut i& you/ e too u+set'''8 (egins Caesa ' 8)$% I/# not too u+set to ans"e t$at'8 Peeta takes a !ee+ ( eat$ an! t$en looks st aig$t into t$e ca#e a' 8I "ant e*e yone "atc$ing>>"$et$e you/ e on t$e Ca+itol o t$e e(el si!e>>to sto+ &o just a #o#ent an! t$ink a(out "$at t$is "a coul! #ean' 6o $u#an (eings' :e al#ost "ent e3tinct &ig$ting one anot$e (e&o e' <o" ou nu#(e s a e e*en &e"e ' )u con!itions #o e tenuous' Is t$is eally "$at "e "ant to !o, ;ill ou sel*es o&& co#+letely, In t$e $o+es t$at> >"$at, So#e !ecent s+ecies "ill in$e it t$e s#oking e#ains o& t$e ea t$,8

8I !on/t eally'''I/# not su e I/# &ollo"ing'''8 says Caesa ' 8:e can/t &ig$t one anot$e % Caesa %8 Peeta e3+lains' 8T$e e "on/t (e enoug$ o& us le&t to kee+ going' I& e*e y(o!y !oesn/t lay !o"n t$ei "ea+ons>>an! I #ean% as in *e y soon>>it/s all o*e % any"ay'8
2= | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8So'''you/ e calling &o a cease>&i e,8 Caesa asks' 8Ces' I/# calling &o a cease>&i e%8 says Peeta ti e!ly' 8<o" "$y !on/t "e ask t$e gua !s to take #e (ack to #y 4ua te s so I can (uil! anot$e $un! e! ca ! $ouses,8 Caesa tu ns to t$e ca#e a' 8All ig$t' I t$ink t$at " a+s it u+' So (ack to ou egula ly sc$e!ule! + og a##ing'8 Music +lays t$e# out% an! t$en t$e e/s a "o#an ea!ing a list o& e3+ecte! s$o tages in t$e Ca+itol>> & es$ & uit% sola (atte ies% soa+' I "atc$ $e "it$ unc$a acte istic a(so +tion% (ecause I kno" e*e yone "ill (e "aiting &o #y eaction to t$e inte *ie"' 1ut t$e e/s no "ay I can + ocess it all so 4uickly>>t$e joy o& seeing Peeta ali*e an! un$a #e!% $is !e&ense o& #y innocence in colla(o ating "it$ t$e e(els% an! $is un!enia(le co#+licity "it$ t$e Ca+itol no" t$at $e/s calle! &o a cease>&i e' )$% $e #a!e it soun! as i& $e "e e con!e#ning (ot$ si!es in t$e "a ' 1ut at t$is +oint% "it$ only #ino *icto ies &o t$e e(els% a cease>&i e coul! only esult in a etu n to ou + e*ious status' ) "o se'

1e$in! #e% I can $ea t$e accusations against Peeta (uil!ing' T$e "o !s t aito % lia % an! ene#y (ounce o&& t$e "alls' Since I can neit$e join in t$e e(els/ out age no counte it% I !eci!e t$e (est t$ing to !o is clea out' As I eac$ t$e !oo % Coin/s *oice ises a(o*e t$e ot$e s' 8Cou $a*e not (een !is#isse!% Sol!ie E*e !een'8

)ne o& Coin/s #en lays a $an! on #y a #' It/s not an agg essi*e #o*e% eally% (ut a&te t$e a ena% I eact !e&ensi*ely to any un&a#ilia touc$' I je k #y a # & ee an! take o&& unning !o"n t$e $alls' 1e$in! #e% t$e e/s t$e soun! o& a scu&&le% (ut I !on/t sto+' My
2? | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

#in! !oes a 4uick in*ento y o& #y o!! little $i!ing +laces% an! I "in! u+ in t$e su++ly closet% cu le! u+ against a c ate o& c$alk' 8Cou/ e ali*e%8 I "$is+e % + essing #y +al#s against #y c$eeks% &eeling t$e s#ile t$at/s so "i!e it #ust look like a g i#ace' Peeta/s ali*e' An! a t aito ' 1ut at t$e #o#ent% I !on/t ca e' <ot "$at $e says% o "$o $e says it &o % only t$at $e is still ca+a(le o& s+eec$' A&te a "$ile% t$e !oo o+ens an! so#eone sli+s in' 7ale sli!es !o"n (esi!e #e% $is nose t ickling (loo!' 8:$at $a++ene!,8 I ask' 8I got in 1oggs/s "ay%8 $e ans"e s "it$ a s$ ug' I use #y slee*e to "i+e $is nose' 8:atc$ itI8 I t y to (e gentle ' Patting% not "i+ing' 8:$ic$ one is $e,8 8)$% you kno"' Coin/s ig$t>$an! lackey' T$e one "$o t ie! to sto+ you'8 He +us$es #y $an! a"ay' 8AuitI Cou/ll (lee! #e to !eat$'8 T$e t ickle $as tu ne! to a stea!y st ea#' I gi*e u+ on t$e &i st>ai! atte#+ts' 8Cou &oug$t "it$ 1oggs,8 8<o% just (locke! t$e !oo "ay "$en $e t ie! to &ollo" you' His el(o" caug$t #e in t$e nose%8 says 7ale' 8T$ey/ll + o(a(ly +unis$ you%8 I say' 8Al ea!y $a*e'8 He $ol!s u+ $is " ist' I sta e at it unco#+ e$en!ingly' 8Coin took (ack #y co##unicu&&'8 I (ite #y li+% t ying to e#ain se ious' 1ut it see#s so i!iculous' 8I/# so y% Sol!ie 7ale Ha"t$o ne'8
2B | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8-on/t (e% Sol!ie ;atniss E*e !een'8 He g ins' 8I &elt like a je k "alking a oun! "it$ it any"ay'8 :e (ot$ sta t laug$ing' 8I t$ink it "as 4uite a !e#otion'8 T$is is one o& t$e &e" goo! t$ings a(out .5' 7etting 7ale (ack' :it$ t$e + essu e o& t$e Ca+itol/s a ange! #a iage (et"een Peeta an! #e gone% "e/*e #anage! to egain ou & ien!s$i+' He !oesn/t +us$ it any &u t$e >>t y to kiss #e o talk a(out lo*e' Eit$e I/*e (een too sick% o $e/s "illing to gi*e #e s+ace% o $e kno"s it/s just too c uel "it$ Peeta in t$e $an!s o& t$e Ca+itol' :$ate*e t$e case% I/*e got so#eone to tell #y sec ets to again'

8:$o a e t$ese +eo+le,8 I say' 8T$ey/ e us' I& "e/! $a! nukes instea! o& a &e" lu#+s o& coal%8 $e ans"e s' 8I like to t$ink T"el*e "oul!n/t $a*e a(an!one! t$e est o& t$e e(els (ack in t$e -a k -ays%8 I say' 8:e #ig$t $a*e' I& it "as t$at% su en!e % o sta t a nuclea "a %8 says 7ale' 8In a "ay% it/s e#a ka(le t$ey su *i*e! at all'8 May(e it/s (ecause I still $a*e t$e as$es o& #y o"n !ist ict on #y s$oes% (ut &o t$e &i st ti#e% I gi*e t$e +eo+le o& .5 so#et$ing I $a*e "it$$el! & o# t$e#H c e!it' 6o staying ali*e against all o!!s' T$ei ea ly yea s #ust $a*e (een te i(le% $u!!le! in t$e c$a#(e s (eneat$ t$e g oun! a&te t$ei city "as (o#(e! to !ust' Po+ulation !eci#ate!% no +ossi(le ally to tu n to &o ai!' )*e t$e +ast se*enty>&i*e yea s% t$ey/*e lea ne! to (e sel&>su&&icient% tu ne! t$ei citizens into an a #y% an! (uilt a ne" society "it$ no $el+ & o# anyone' T$ey "oul! (e e*en #o e +o"e &ul i& t$at +o3 e+i!e#ic $a!n/t &lattene! t$ei (i t$ ate an! #a!e t$e# so !es+e ate &o a ne" gene

2E | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

+ool an! ( ee!e s' May(e t$ey a e #ilita istic% o*e ly + og a##e!% an! so#e"$at lacking in a sense o& $u#o ' T$ey/ e $e e' An! "illing to take on t$e Ca+itol' 8Still% it took t$e# long enoug$ to s$o" u+%8 I say' 8It "asn/t si#+le' T$ey $a! to (uil! u+ a e(el (ase in t$e Ca+itol% get so#e so t o& un!e g oun! o ganize! in t$e !ist icts%8 $e says' 8T$en t$ey nee!e! so#eone to set t$e "$ole t$ing in #otion' T$ey nee!e! you'8 8T$ey nee!e! Peeta% too% (ut t$ey see# to $a*e &o gotten t$at%8 I say' 7ale/s e3+ ession !a kens' 8Peeta #ig$t $a*e !one a lot o& !a#age tonig$t' Most o& t$e e(els "ill !is#iss "$at $e sai! i##e!iately% o& cou se' 1ut t$e e a e !ist icts "$e e t$e esistance is s$akie ' T$e cease> &i e/s clea ly P esi!ent Sno"/s i!ea' 1ut it see#s so easona(le co#ing out o& Peeta/s #out$'8 I/# a& ai! o& 7ale/s ans"e % (ut I ask any"ay' 8:$y !o you t$ink $e sai! it,8 8He #ig$t $a*e (een to tu e!' ) +e sua!e!' My guess is $e #a!e so#e kin! o& !eal to + otect you' He/! +ut &o t$ t$e i!ea o& t$e cease>&i e i& Sno" let $i# + esent you as a con&use! + egnant gi l "$o $a! no i!ea "$at "as going on "$en s$e "as taken + isone (y t$e e(els' T$is "ay% i& t$e !ist icts lose% t$e e/s still a c$ance o& leniency &o you' I& you +lay it ig$t'8 I #ust still look +e +le3e! (ecause 7ale !eli*e s t$e ne3t line *e y slo"ly' 8;atniss'''$e/s still t ying to kee+ you ali*e'8

To kee+ #e ali*e, An! t$en I un!e stan!' T$e 7a#es a e still on' :e $a*e le&t t$e a ena% (ut since Peeta an! I "e en/t kille!% $is last "is$ to + ese *e #y li&e
2F | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

still stan!s' His i!ea is to $a*e #e lie lo"% e#ain sa&e an! i#+ isone!% "$ile t$e "a +lays out' T$en neit$e si!e "ill eally $a*e cause to kill #e' An! Peeta, I& t$e e(els "in% it "ill (e !isast ous &o $i#' I& t$e Ca+itol "ins% "$o kno"s, May(e "e/ll (ot$ (e allo"e! to li*e>>i& I +lay it ig$t>>to "atc$ t$e 7a#es go on''''

I#ages &las$ t$ oug$ #y #in!H t$e s+ea +ie cing Rue/s (o!y in t$e a ena% 7ale $anging senseless & o# t$e "$i++ing +ost% t$e co +se>litte e! "astelan! o& #y $o#e' An! &o "$at, 6o "$at, As #y (loo! tu ns $ot% I e#e#(e ot$e t$ings' My &i st gli#+se o& an u+ ising in -ist ict F' T$e *icto s locke! $an! in $an! t$e nig$t (e&o e t$e Aua te Auell' An! $o" it "as no acci!ent% #y s$ooting t$at a o" into t$e &o ce &iel! in t$e a ena' Ho" (a!ly I "ante! it to lo!ge !ee+ in t$e $ea t o& #y ene#y'

I s+ ing u+% u+setting a (o3 o& a $un! e! +encils% sen!ing t$e# scatte ing a oun! t$e &loo ' 8:$at is it,8 7ale asks' 8T$e e can/t (e a cease>&i e'8 I lean !o"n% &u#(ling as I s$o*e t$e sticks o& !a k g ay g a+$ite (ack into t$e (o3' 8:e can/t go (ack'8 8I kno"'8 7ale s"ee+s u+ a $an!&ul o& +encils an! ta+s t$e# on t$e &loo into +e &ect align#ent' 8:$ate*e eason Peeta $a! &o saying t$ose t$ings% $e/s " ong'8 T$e stu+i! sticks "on/t go in t$e (o3 an! I sna+ se*e al in #y & ust ation' 8I kno"' 7i*e it $e e' Cou/ e ( eaking t$e# to (its'8 He +ulls t$e (o3 & o# #y $an!s an! e&ills it "it$ s"i&t% concise #otions'
2G | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8He !oesn/t kno" "$at t$ey !i! to T"el*e' I& $e coul!/*e seen "$at "as on t$e g oun!>>8 I sta t' 8;atniss% I/# not a guing' I& I coul! $it a (utton an! kill e*e y li*ing soul "o king &o t$e Ca+itol% I "oul! !o it' :it$out $esitation'8 He sli!es t$e last +encil into t$e (o3 an! &li+s t$e li! close!' 8T$e 4uestion is% "$at a e you going to !o,8 It tu ns out t$e 4uestion t$at/s (een eating a"ay at #e $as only e*e $a! one +ossi(le ans"e ' 1ut it took Peeta/s +loy &o #e to ecognize it' :$at a# I going to !o, I take a !ee+ ( eat$' My a #s ise slig$tly>>as i& ecalling t$e (lack>an!>"$ite "ings Cinna ga*e #e>> t$en co#e to est at #y si!es' 8I/# going to (e t$e Mockingjay'8

5D | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

1utte cu+/s eyes e&lect t$e &aint glo" o& t$e sa&ety lig$t o*e t$e !oo as $e lies in t$e c ook o& P i#/s a #% (ack on t$e jo(% + otecting $e & o# t$e nig$t' S$e/s snuggle! close to #y #ot$e ' Aslee+% t$ey look just as t$ey !i! t$e #o ning o& t$e ea+ing t$at lan!e! #e in #y &i st 7a#es' I $a*e a (e! to #ysel& (ecause I/# ecu+e ating an! (ecause no one can slee+ "it$ #e any"ay% "$at "it$ t$e nig$t#a es an! t$e t$ as$ing a oun!'

A&te tossing an! tu ning &o $ou s% I &inally acce+t t$at it "ill (e a "ake&ul nig$t' Kn!e 1utte cu+/s "atc$&ul eye% I ti+toe ac oss t$e col! tile! &loo to t$e ! esse ' T$e #i!!le ! a"e contains #y go*e n#ent>issue! clot$es' E*e yone "ea s t$e sa#e g ay +ants an! s$i t% t$e s$i t tucke! in at t$e "aist' Kn!e neat$ t$e clot$es% I kee+ t$e &e" ite#s I $a! on #e "$en I "as li&te! & o# t$e a ena' My #ockingjay +in' Peeta/s token% t$e gol! locket "it$ +$otos o& #y #ot$e an! P i# an! 7ale insi!e' A sil*e +a ac$ute t$at $ol!s a s+ile &o ta++ing t ees% an! t$e +ea l Peeta ga*e #e a &e" $ou s (e&o e I (le" out t$e &o ce &iel!' -ist ict .5 con&iscate! #y tu(e o& skin oint#ent &o use in t$e $os+ital% an! #y (o" an! a o"s (ecause only gua !s $a*e clea ance to ca y "ea+ons' T$ey/ e in sa&ekee+ing in t$e a #o y'

I &eel a oun! &o t$e +a ac$ute an! sli!e #y &inge s insi!e until t$ey close a oun! t$e +ea l' I sit (ack on #y (e! c oss>legge! an! &in! #ysel& u((ing t$e s#oot$ i i!escent su &ace o& t$e +ea l (ack an! &o t$

5. | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

against #y li+s' 6o so#e eason% it/s soot$ing' A cool kiss & o# t$e gi*e $i#sel&' 8;atniss,8 P i# "$is+e s' S$e/s a"ake% +ee ing at #e t$ oug$ t$e !a kness' 8:$at/s " ong,8 8<ot$ing' 0ust a (a! ! ea#' 7o (ack to slee+'8 It/s auto#atic' S$utting P i# an! #y #ot$e out o& t$ings to s$iel! t$e#' Ca e&ul not to ouse #y #ot$e % P i# eases $e sel& & o# t$e (e!% scoo+s u+ 1utte cu+% an! sits (esi!e #e' S$e touc$es t$e $an! t$at $as cu le! a oun! t$e +ea l' 8Cou/ e col!'8 Taking a s+a e (lanket & o# t$e &oot o& t$e (e!% s$e " a+s it a oun! all t$ ee o& us% en*elo+ing #e in $e "a #t$ an! 1utte cu+/s &u y $eat as "ell' 8Cou coul! tell #e% you kno"' I/# goo! at kee+ing sec ets' E*en & o# Mot$e '8

S$e/s eally gone% t$en' T$e little gi l "it$ t$e (ack o& $e s$i t sticking out like a !uck tail% t$e one "$o nee!e! $el+ eac$ing t$e !is$es% an! "$o (egge! to see t$e & oste! cakes in t$e (ake y "in!o"' Ti#e an! t age!y $a*e &o ce! $e to g o" too 4uickly% at least &o #y taste% into a young "o#an "$o stitc$es (lee!ing "oun!s an! kno"s ou #ot$e can $ea only so #uc$'

8To#o o" #o ning% I/# going to ag ee to (e t$e Mockingjay%8 I tell $e ' 81ecause you "ant to o (ecause you &eel &o ce! into it,8 s$e asks' I laug$ a little' 81ot$% I guess' <o% I "ant to' I $a*e to% i& it "ill $el+ t$e e(els !e&eat Sno"'8 I s4ueeze t$e +ea l #o e tig$tly in #y &ist' 8It/s just'''Peeta' I/# a& ai! i& "e !o "in% t$e e(els "ill e3ecute $i# as a t aito '8
52 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

P i# t$inks t$is o*e ' 8;atniss% I !on/t t$ink you un!e stan! $o" i#+o tant you a e to t$e cause' I#+o tant +eo+le usually get "$at t$ey "ant' I& you "ant to kee+ Peeta sa&e & o# t$e e(els% you can'8 I guess I/# i#+o tant' T$ey "ent to a lot o& t ou(le to escue #e' T$ey took #e to .2' 8Cou #ean'''I coul! !e#an! t$at t$ey gi*e Peeta i##unity, An! t$ey/! $a*e to ag ee to it,8 8I t$ink you coul! !e#an! al#ost anyt$ing an! t$ey/! $a*e to ag ee to it'8 P i# " inkles $e ( o"' 8)nly $o" !o you kno" t$ey/ll kee+ t$ei "o !,8 I e#e#(e all o& t$e lies Hay#itc$ tol! Peeta an! #e to get us to !o "$at $e "ante!' :$at/s to kee+ t$e e(els & o# eneging on t$e !eal, A *e (al + o#ise (e$in! close! !oo s% e*en a state#ent " itten on +a+e >>t$ese coul! easily e*a+o ate a&te t$e "a ' T$ei e3istence o *ali!ity !enie!' Any "itnesses in Co##an! "ill (e "o t$less' In &act% t$ey/! + o(a(ly (e t$e ones " iting out Peeta/s !eat$ "a ant' I/ll nee! a #uc$ la ge +ool o& "itnesses' I/ll nee! e*e yone I can get'

8It "ill $a*e to (e +u(lic%8 I say' 1utte cu+ gi*es a &lick o& $is tail t$at I take as ag ee#ent' 8I/ll #ake Coin announce it in & ont o& t$e enti e +o+ulation o& T$i teen'8 P i# s#iles' 8)$% t$at/s goo!' It/s not a gua antee% (ut it "ill (e #uc$ $a !e &o t$e# to (ack out o& t$ei + o#ise'8 I &eel t$e kin! o& elie& t$at &ollo"s an actual solution' 8I s$oul! "ake you u+ #o e o&ten% little !uck'8 8I "is$ you "oul!%8 says P i#' S$e gi*es #e a kiss' 8T y an! slee+ no"% all ig$t,8 An! I !o'
55 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

In t$e #o ning% I see t$at EHDD>>1 eak&ast is !i ectly &ollo"e! (y EH5D>>Co##an!% "$ic$ is &ine since I #ay as "ell sta t t$e (all olling' At t$e !ining $all% I &las$ #y sc$e!ule% "$ic$ inclu!es so#e kin! o& Inu#(e % in & ont o& a senso ' As I sli!e #y t ay along t$e #etal s$el& (e&o e t$e *ats o& &oo!% I see ( eak&ast is its usual !e+en!a(le sel&>>a (o"l o& $ot g ain% a cu+ o& #ilk% an! a s#all scoo+ o& & uit o *egeta(les' To!ay% #as$e! tu ni+s' All o& it co#es & o# .5/s un!e g oun! &a #s' I sit at t$e ta(le assigne! to t$e E*e !eens an! t$e Ha"t$o nes an! so#e ot$e e&ugees% an! s$o*el #y &oo! !o"n% "is$ing &o secon!s% (ut t$e e a e ne*e secon!s $e e' T$ey $a*e nut ition !o"n to a science' Cou lea*e "it$ enoug$ calo ies to take you to t$e ne3t #eal% no #o e% no less' Se *ing size is (ase! on you age% $eig$t% (o!y ty+e% $ealt$% an! a#ount o& +$ysical la(o e4ui e! (y you sc$e!ule' T$e +eo+le & o# .2 a e al ea!y getting slig$tly la ge +o tions t$an t$e nati*es o& .5 in an e&&o t to ( ing us u+ to "eig$t' I guess (ony sol!ie s ti e too 4uickly' It/s "o king% t$oug$' In just a #ont$% "e/ e sta ting to look $ealt$ie % +a ticula ly t$e ki!s'

7ale sets $is t ay (esi!e #e an! I t y not to sta e at $is tu ni+s too +at$etically% (ecause I eally "ant #o e% an! $e/s al ea!y too 4uick to sli+ #e $is &oo!' E*en t$oug$ I tu n #y attention to neatly &ol!ing #y na+kin% a s+oon&ul o& tu ni+s slo+s into #y (o"l' 8Cou/*e got to sto+ t$at%8 I say' 1ut since I/# al ea!y scoo+ing u+ t$e stu&&% it/s not too con*incing' 8Really' It/s + o(a(ly illegal o so#et$ing'8 T$ey $a*e *e y st ict ules a(out &oo!' 6o instance% i& you !on/t &inis$ so#et$ing an! "ant to sa*e it &o late % you can/t take it & o# t$e !ining $all' A++a ently% in t$e ea ly !ays% t$e e "as so#e inci!ent o& &oo! $oa !ing' 6o a cou+le o& +eo+le like 7ale an! #e% "$o/*e (een in c$a ge o& ou &a#ilies/ &oo! su++ly &o yea s% it
5= | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

!oesn/t sit "ell' :e kno" $o" to (e $ung y% (ut not $o" to (e tol! $o" to $an!le "$at + o*isions "e $a*e' In so#e "ays% -ist ict .5 is e*en #o e cont olling t$an t$e Ca+itol' 8:$at can t$ey !o, T$ey/*e al ea!y got #y co##unicu&&%8 says 7ale' As I sc a+e #y (o"l clean% I $a*e an ins+i ation' 8Hey% #ay(e I s$oul! #ake t$at a con!ition o& (eing t$e Mockingjay'8 8T$at I can &ee! you tu ni+s,8 $e says' 8<o% t$at "e can $unt'8 T$at gets $is attention' 8:e/! $a*e to gi*e e*e yt$ing to t$e kitc$en' 1ut still% "e coul!'''8 I !on/t $a*e to &inis$ (ecause $e kno"s' :e coul! (e a(o*eg oun!' )ut in t$e "oo!s' :e coul! (e ou sel*es again' 8-o it%8 $e says' 8<o"/s t$e ti#e' Cou coul! ask &o t$e #oon an! t$ey/! $a*e to &in! so#e "ay to get it'8 He !oesn/t kno" t$at I/# al ea!y asking &o t$e #oon (y !e#an!ing t$ey s+a e Peeta/s li&e' 1e&o e I can !eci!e "$et$e o not to tell $i#% a (ell signals t$e en! o& ou eating s$i&t' T$e t$oug$t o& &acing Coin alone #akes #e ne *ous' 8:$at a e you sc$e!ule! &o ,8 7ale c$ecks $is a #' 8<uclea Histo y class' :$e e% (y t$e "ay% you a(sence $as (een note!'8 8I $a*e to go to Co##an!' Co#e "it$ #e,8 I ask' 8All ig$t' 1ut t$ey #ig$t t$ o" #e out a&te yeste !ay'8 As "e go to ! o+ o&& ou t ays% $e says% 8Cou kno"% you (ette +ut 1utte cu+ on you list o&
5? | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

!e#an!s% too' I !on/t t$ink t$e conce+t o& useless +ets is "ell kno"n $e e'8 8)$% t$ey/ll &in! $i# a jo(' Tattoo it on $is +a" e*e y #o ning%8 I say' 1ut I #ake a #ental note to inclu!e $i# &o P i#/s sake' 1y t$e ti#e "e get to Co##an!% Coin% Pluta c$% an! all t$ei +eo+le $a*e al ea!y asse#(le!' T$e sig$t o& 7ale aises so#e eye( o"s% (ut no one t$ o"s $i# out' My #ental notes $a*e (eco#e too ju#(le!% so I ask &o a +iece o& +a+e an! a +encil ig$t o&&' My a++a ent inte est in t$e + ocee!ings>>t$e &i st I/*e s$o"n since I/*e (een $e e>>takes t$e# (y su + ise' Se*e al looks a e e3c$ange!' P o(a(ly t$ey $a! so#e e3t a>s+ecial lectu e +lanne! &o #e' 1ut instea!% Coin +e sonally $an!s #e t$e su++lies% an! e*e yone "aits in silence "$ile I sit at t$e ta(le an! sc a"l out #y list' 1utte cu+' Hunting' Peeta/s i##unity' Announce! in +u(lic'

T$is is it' P o(a(ly #y only c$ance to (a gain' T$ink' :$at else !o you "ant, I &eel $i#% stan!ing at #y s$oul!e ' 7ale% I a!! to t$e list' I !on/t t$ink I can !o t$is "it$out $i#' T$e $ea!ac$e/s co#ing on an! #y t$oug$ts (egin to tangle' I s$ut #y eyes an! sta t to ecite silently' My na#e is ;atniss E*e !een' I a# se*enteen yea s ol!' My $o#e is -ist ict .2' I "as in t$e Hunge 7a#es' I esca+e!' T$e Ca+itol $ates #e' Peeta "as taken + isone ' He is ali*e' He is a t aito (ut ali*e' I $a*e to kee+ $i# ali*e'''' T$e list' It still see#s too s#all' I s$oul! t y to t$ink (igge % (eyon! ou cu ent situation "$e e I a# o& t$e ut#ost i#+o tance% to t$e &utu e "$e e I #ay (e "o t$ not$ing' S$oul!n/t I (e asking &o #o e, 6o
5B | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

#y &a#ily, 6o t$e e#ain!e o& #y +eo+le, My skin itc$es "it$ t$e as$es o& t$e !ea!' I &eel t$e sickening i#+act o& t$e skull against #y s$oe' T$e scent o& (loo! an! oses stings #y nose' T$e +encil #o*es ac oss t$e +age on its o"n' I o+en #y eyes an! see t$e "o((ly lette s' I ;I99 S<):' I& $e/s ca+tu e!% I "ant t$e + i*ilege' Pluta c$ gi*es a !isc eet coug$' 8A(out !one t$e e,8 I glance u+ an! notice t$e clock' I/*e (een sitting $e e &o t"enty #inutes' 6innick isn/t t$e only one "it$ attention + o(le#s' 8Cea$%8 I say' My *oice soun!s $oa se% so I clea #y t$ oat' 8Cea$% so t$is is t$e !eal' I/ll (e you Mockingjay'8 I "ait so t$ey can #ake t$ei soun!s o& elie&% cong atulate% sla+ one anot$e on t$e (ack' Coin stays as i#+assi*e as e*e % "atc$ing #e% uni#+ esse!' 81ut I $a*e so#e con!itions'8 I s#oot$ out t$e list an! (egin' 8My &a#ily gets to kee+ ou cat'8 My tiniest e4uest sets o&& an a gu#ent' T$e Ca+itol e(els see t$is as a nonissue>>o& cou se% I can kee+ #y +et>> "$ile t$ose & o# .5 s+ell out "$at e3t e#e !i&&iculties t$is + esents' 6inally it/s "o ke! out t$at "e/ll (e #o*e! to t$e to+ le*el% "$ic$ $as t$e lu3u y o& an eig$t>inc$ "in!o" a(o*eg oun!' 1utte cu+ #ay co#e an! go to !o $is (usiness' He "ill (e e3+ecte! to &ee! $i#sel&' I& $e #isses cu &e"% $e "ill (e locke! out' I& $e causes any secu ity + o(le#s% $e/ll (e s$ot i##e!iately'

T$at soun!s okay' <ot so !i&&e ent & o# $o" $e/s (een li*ing since "e le&t' E3ce+t &o t$e s$ooting +a t'
5E | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

I& $e looks too t$in% I can sli+ $i# a &e" ent ails% + o*i!e! #y ne3t e4uest is allo"e!' 8I "ant to $unt' :it$ 7ale' )ut in t$e "oo!s%8 I say' T$is gi*es e*e yone +ause' 8:e "on/t go &a ' :e/ll use ou o"n (o"s' Cou can $a*e t$e #eat &o t$e kitc$en%8 a!!s 7ale' I $u y on (e&o e t$ey can say no' 8It/s just'''I can/t ( eat$e s$ut u+ $e e like a'''I "oul! get (ette % &aste % i&'''I coul! $unt'8 Pluta c$ (egins to e3+lain t$e ! a"(acks $e e>>t$e !ange s% t$e e3t a secu ity% t$e isk o& inju y>>(ut Coin cuts $i# o&&' 8<o' 9et t$e#' 7i*e t$e# t"o $ou s a !ay% !e!ucte! & o# t$ei t aining ti#e' A 4ua te > #ile a!ius' :it$ co##unication units an! t acke anklets' :$at/s ne3t,8 I ski# #y list' 87ale' I/ll nee! $i# "it$ #e to !o t$is'8 8:it$ you $o", )&& ca#e a, 1y you si!e at all ti#es, -o you "ant $i# + esente! as you ne" lo*e ,8 Coin asks' S$e $asn/t sai! t$is "it$ any +a ticula #alice>>4uite t$e cont a y% $e "o !s a e *e y #atte >o&>&act' 1ut #y #out$ still ! o+s o+en in s$ock' 8:$at,8 8I t$ink "e s$oul! continue t$e cu ent o#ance' A 4uick !e&ection & o# Peeta coul! cause t$e au!ience to lose sy#+at$y &o $e %8 says Pluta c$' 8Es+ecially since t$ey t$ink s$e/s + egnant "it$ $is c$il!'8 8Ag ee!' So% on>sc een% 7ale can si#+ly (e +o t aye! as a &ello" e(el' Is t$at all ig$t,8 says Coin' I just sta e at $e ' S$e e+eats $e sel& i#+atiently' 86o 7ale' :ill t$at (e su&&icient,8
5F | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8:e can al"ays "o k $i# in as you cousin%8 says 6ul*ia' 8:e/ e not cousins%8 7ale an! I say toget$e ' 8Rig$t% (ut "e s$oul! + o(a(ly kee+ t$at u+ &o a++ea ances/ sake on ca#e a%8 says Pluta c$' 8)&& ca#e a% $e/s all you s' Anyt$ing else,8 I/# attle! (y t$e tu n in t$e con*e sation' T$e i#+lications t$at I coul! so ea!ily !is+ose o& Peeta% t$at I/# in lo*e "it$ 7ale% t$at t$e "$ole t$ing $as (een an act' My c$eeks (egin to (u n' T$e *e y notion t$at I/# !e*oting any t$oug$t to "$o I "ant + esente! as #y lo*e % gi*en ou cu ent ci cu#stances% is !e#eaning' I let #y ange + o+el #e into #y g eatest !e#an!' 8:$en t$e "a is o*e % i& "e/*e "on% Peeta "ill (e +a !one!'8

-ea! silence' I &eel 7ale/s (o!y tense' I guess I s$oul! $a*e tol! $i# (e&o e% (ut I "asn/t su e $o" $e/! es+on!' <ot "$en it in*ol*e! Peeta' 8<o &o # o& +unis$#ent "ill (e in&licte!%8 I continue' A ne" t$oug$t occu s to #e' 8T$e sa#e goes &o t$e ot$e ca+tu e! t i(utes% 0o$anna an! Eno(a ia'8 6 ankly% I !on/t ca e a(out Eno(a ia% t$e *icious -ist ict 2 t i(ute' In &act% I !islike $e % (ut it see#s " ong to lea*e $e out' 8<o%8 says Coin &latly' 8Ces%8 I s$oot (ack' 8It/s not t$ei &ault you a(an!one! t$e# in t$e a ena' :$o kno"s "$at t$e Ca+itol/s !oing to t$e#,8 8T$ey/ll (e t ie! "it$ ot$e "a c i#inals an! t eate! as t$e t i(unal sees &it%8 s$e says'
5G | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8T$ey/ll (e g ante! i##unityI8 I &eel #ysel& ising & o# #y c$ai % #y *oice &ull an! esonant' 8Cou "ill +e sonally +le!ge t$is in & ont o& t$e enti e +o+ulation o& -ist ict T$i teen an! t$e e#ain!e o& T"el*e' Soon' To!ay' It "ill (e eco !e! &o &utu e gene ations' Cou "ill $ol! you sel& an! you go*e n#ent es+onsi(le &o t$ei sa&ety% o you/ll &in! you sel& anot$e MockingjayI8

My "o !s $ang in t$e ai &o a long #o#ent' 8T$at/s $e I8 I $ea 6ul*ia $iss to Pluta c$' 8Rig$t t$e e' :it$ t$e costu#e% gun&i e in t$e (ackg oun!% just a $int o& s#oke'8 8Ces% t$at/s "$at "e "ant%8 says Pluta c$ un!e $is ( eat$' I "ant to gla e at t$e#% (ut I &eel it "oul! (e a #istake to tu n #y attention & o# Coin' I can see $e tallying t$e cost o& #y ulti#atu#% "eig$ing it against #y +ossi(le "o t$' 8:$at !o you say% P esi!ent,8 asks Pluta c$' 8Cou coul! issue an o&&icial +a !on% gi*en t$e ci cu#stances' T$e (oy'''$e/s not e*en o& age'8 8All ig$t%8 Coin says &inally' 81ut you/! (ette +e &o #'8 8I/ll +e &o # "$en you/*e #a!e t$e announce#ent%8 I say' 8Call a national secu ity asse#(ly !u ing Re&lection to!ay%8 s$e o !e s' 8I/ll #ake t$e announce#ent t$en' Is t$e e anyt$ing le&t on you list% ;atniss,8

=D | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

My +a+e /s c u#+le! into a (all in #y ig$t &ist' I &latten t$e s$eet against t$e ta(le an! ea! t$e ickety lette s' 80ust one #o e t$ing' I kill Sno"'8 6o t$e &i st ti#e e*e % I see t$e $int o& a s#ile on t$e + esi!ent/s li+s' 8:$en t$e ti#e co#es% I/ll &li+ you &o it'8 May(e s$e/s ig$t' I ce tainly !on/t $a*e t$e sole clai# against Sno"/s li&e' An! I t$ink I can count on $e getting t$e jo( !one' 86ai enoug$'8 Coin/s eyes $a*e &licke e! to $e a #% t$e clock' S$e% too% $as a sc$e!ule to a!$e e to' 8I/ll lea*e $e in you $an!s% t$en% Pluta c$'8 S$e e3its t$e oo#% &ollo"e! (y $e tea#% lea*ing only Pluta c$% 6ul*ia% 7ale% an! #ysel&' 8E3cellent' E3cellent'8 Pluta c$ sinks !o"n% el(o"s on t$e ta(le% u((ing $is eyes' 8Cou kno" "$at I #iss, Mo e t$an anyt$ing, Co&&ee' I ask you% "oul! it (e so unt$inka(le to $a*e so#et$ing to "as$ !o"n t$e g uel an! tu ni+s,8 8:e !i!n/t t$ink it "oul! (e 4uite so igi! $e e%8 6ul*ia e3+lains to us as s$e #assages Pluta c$/s s$oul!e s' 8<ot in t$e $ig$e anks'8 8) at least t$e e/! (e t$e o+tion o& a little si!e action%8 says Pluta c$' 8I #ean% e*en T"el*e $a! a (lack #a ket% ig$t,8 8Cea$% t$e Ho(%8 says 7ale' 8It/s "$e e "e t a!e!'8 8T$e e% you see, An! look $o" #o al you t"o a eI 2i tually inco u+ti(le'8 Pluta c$ sig$s' 8)$% "ell% "a s !on/t last &o e*e ' So% gla! to $a*e you on t$e tea#'8 He eac$es a $an! out to t$e si!e% "$e e 6ul*ia is al ea!y e3ten!ing a la ge sketc$(ook (oun!
=. | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

in (lack leat$e ' 8Cou kno" in gene al "$at "e/ e asking o& you% ;atniss' I/# a"a e you $a*e #i3e! &eelings a(out +a tici+ating' I $o+e t$is "ill $el+'8 Pluta c$ sli!es t$e sketc$(ook ac oss to #e' 6o a #o#ent% I look at it sus+iciously' T$en cu iosity gets t$e (ette o& #e' I o+en t$e co*e to &in! a +ictu e o& #ysel&% stan!ing st aig$t an! st ong% in a (lack uni&o #' )nly one +e son coul! $a*e !esigne! t$e out&it% at &i st glance utte ly utilita ian% at secon! a "o k o& a t' T$e s"oo+ o& t$e $el#et% t$e cu *e to t$e ( east+late% t$e slig$t &ullness o& t$e slee*es t$at allo"s t$e "$ite &ol!s un!e t$e a #s to s$o"' In $is $an!s% I a# again a #ockingjay'

8Cinna%8 I "$is+e ' 8Ces' He #a!e #e + o#ise not to s$o" you t$is (ook until you/! !eci!e! to (e t$e Mockingjay on you o"n' 1elie*e #e% I "as *e y te#+te!%8 says Pluta c$' 87o on' 6li+ t$ oug$'8 I tu n t$e +ages slo"ly% seeing eac$ !etail o& t$e uni&o #' T$e ca e&ully tailo e! laye s o& (o!y a #o % t$e $i!!en "ea+ons in t$e (oots an! (elt% t$e s+ecial ein&o ce#ents o*e #y $ea t' )n t$e &inal +age% un!e a sketc$ o& #y #ockingjay +in% Cinna/s " itten% I/# still (etting on you' 8:$en !i! $e'''8 My *oice &ails #e' 89et/s see' :ell% a&te t$e Aua te Auell announce#ent' A &e" "eeks (e&o e t$e 7a#es #ay(e, T$e e a e not only t$e sketc$es' :e $a*e you uni&o #s' )$% an! 1eetee/s got so#et$ing eally s+ecial "aiting &o you !o"n in t$e a #o y' I "on/t s+oil it (y $inting%8 says Pluta c$'

=2 | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8Cou/ e going to (e t$e (est>! esse! e(el in $isto y%8 says 7ale "it$ a s#ile' Su!!enly% I ealize $e/s (een $ol!ing out on #e' 9ike Cinna% $e/s "ante! #e to #ake t$is !ecision all along' 8)u +lan is to launc$ an Ai ti#e Assault%8 says Pluta c$' 8To #ake a se ies o& "$at "e call + o+os>> "$ic$ is s$o t &o /+ o+agan!a s+ots/>>&eatu ing you% an! ( oa!cast t$e# to t$e enti e +o+ulation o& Pane#'8 8Ho", T$e Ca+itol $as sole cont ol o& t$e ( oa!casts%8 says 7ale' 81ut "e $a*e 1eetee' A(out ten yea s ago% $e essentially e!esigne! t$e un!e g oun! net"o k t$at t ans#its all t$e + og a##ing' He t$inks t$e e/s a easona(le c$ance it can (e !one' )& cou se% "e/ll nee! so#et$ing to ai ' So% ;atniss% t$e stu!io a"aits you +leasu e'8 Pluta c$ tu ns to $is assistant' 86ul*ia,8

8Pluta c$ an! I $a*e (een talking a(out $o" on ea t$ "e can +ull t$is o&&' :e t$ink t$at it #ig$t (e (est to (uil! you% ou e(el lea!e % & o# t$e outsi!e'''in' T$at is to say% let/s &in! t$e #ost stunning Mockingjay look +ossi(le% an! t$en "o k you +e sonality u+ to !ese *ing itI8 s$e says ( ig$tly' 8Cou al ea!y $a*e $e uni&o #%8 says 7ale' 8Ces% (ut is s$e sca e! an! (loo!y, Is s$e glo"ing "it$ t$e &i e o& e(ellion, 0ust $o" g i#y can "e #ake $e "it$out !isgusting +eo+le, At any ate% s$e $as to (e so#et$ing' I #ean% o(*iously t$is8>>6ul*ia #o*es in on #e 4uickly% & a#ing #y &ace "it$ $e $an!s>>8"on/t cut it'8 I je k #y $ea! (ack e&le3i*ely (ut s$e/s al ea!y (usy gat$e ing $e t$ings' 8So% "it$

=5 | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

t$at in #in!% "e $a*e anot$e little su + ise &o you' Co#e% co#e'8 6ul*ia gi*es us a "a*e% an! 7ale an! I &ollo" $e an! Pluta c$ out into t$e $all' 8So "ell inten!e!% an! yet so insulting%8 7ale "$is+e s in #y ea ' 8:elco#e to t$e Ca+itol%8 I #out$ (ack' 1ut 6ul*ia/s "o !s $a*e no e&&ect on #e' I " a+ #y a #s tig$tly a oun! t$e sketc$(ook an! allo" #ysel& to &eel $o+e&ul' T$is #ust (e t$e ig$t !ecision' I& Cinna "ante! it' :e (oa ! an ele*ato % an! Pluta c$ c$ecks $is notes' 89et/s see' It/s Co#+a t#ent T$ ee><ine>)$>Eig$t'8 He + esses a (utton #a ke! 5G% (ut not$ing $a++ens' 8Cou #ust $a*e to key it%8 says 6ul*ia' Pluta c$ +ulls a key attac$e! to a t$in c$ain & o# un!e $is s$i t an! inse ts it into a slot I $a!n/t notice! (e&o e' T$e !oo s sli!e s$ut' 8A$% t$e e "e a e'8 T$e ele*ato !escen!s ten% t"enty% t$i ty>+lus le*els% &a t$e !o"n t$an I e*en kne" -ist ict .5 "ent' It o+ens on a "i!e "$ite co i!o line! "it$ e! !oo s% "$ic$ look al#ost !eco ati*e co#+a e! to t$e g ay ones on t$e u++e &loo s' Eac$ is +lainly #a ke! "it$ a nu#(e ' 5GD.% 5GD2% 5GD5''' As "e ste+ out% I glance (e$in! #e to "atc$ t$e ele*ato close an! see a #etallic g ate sli!e into +lace o*e t$e egula !oo s' :$en I tu n% a gua ! $as #ate ialize! & o# one o& t$e oo#s at t$e &a en! o&
== | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

t$e co i!o ' A !oo s"ings silently s$ut (e$in! $i# as $e st i!es to"a ! us' Pluta c$ #o*es to #eet $i#% aising a $an! in g eeting% an! t$e est o& us &ollo" (e$in! $i#' So#et$ing &eels *e y " ong !o"n $e e' It/s #o e t$an t$e ein&o ce! ele*ato % o t$e claust o+$o(ia o& (eing so &a un!e g oun!% o t$e caustic s#ell o& antise+tic' )ne look at 7ale/s &ace an! I can tell $e senses it as "ell'

87oo! #o ning% "e "e e just looking &o >>8 Pluta c$ (egins' 8Cou $a*e t$e " ong &loo %8 says t$e gua ! a( u+tly' 8Really,8 Pluta c$ !ou(le>c$ecks $is notes' 8I/*e got T$ ee><ine>)$>Eig$t " itten ig$t $e e' I "on!e i& you coul! just gi*e a call u+ to>>8 8I/# a& ai! I $a*e to ask you to lea*e no"' Assign#ent !isc e+ancies can (e a!! esse! at t$e Hea! )&&ice%8 says t$e gua !' It/s ig$t a$ea! o& us' Co#+a t#ent 5GDF' 0ust a &e" ste+s a"ay' T$e !oo >>in &act% all t$e !oo s>>see# inco#+lete' <o kno(s' T$ey #ust s"ing & ee on $inges like t$e one t$e gua ! a++ea e! t$ oug$' 8:$e e is t$at again,8 asks 6ul*ia' 8Cou/ll &in! t$e Hea! )&&ice on 9e*el Se*en%8 says t$e gua !% e3ten!ing $is a #s to co al us (ack to t$e ele*ato ' 6 o# (e$in! !oo 5GDF co#es a soun!' 0ust a tiny "$i#+e ' 9ike so#et$ing a co"e! !og #ig$t #ake to a*oi! (eing st uck% only all too $u#an an! &a#ilia ' My eyes #eet 7ale/s &o just a #o#ent% (ut it/s long
=? | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

enoug$ &o t"o +eo+le "$o o+e ate t$e "ay "e !o' I let Cinna/s sketc$(ook &all at t$e gua !/s &eet "it$ a lou! (ang' A secon! a&te $e leans !o"n to et ie*e it% 7ale leans !o"n% too% intentionally (u#+ing $ea!s' 8)$% I/# so y%8 $e says "it$ a lig$t laug$% catc$ing t$e gua !/s a #s as i& to stea!y $i#sel&% tu ning $i# slig$tly a"ay & o# #e'

T$at/s #y c$ance' I !a t a oun! t$e !ist acte! gua !% +us$ o+en t$e !oo #a ke! 5GDF% an! &in! t$e#' Hal&>nake!% ( uise!% an! s$ackle! to t$e "all' My + e+ tea#'

=B | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

T$e stink o& un"as$e! (o!ies% stale u ine% an! in&ection ( eaks t$ oug$ t$e clou! o& antise+tic' T$e t$ ee &igu es a e only just ecogniza(le (y t$ei #ost st iking &as$ion c$oicesH 2enia/s gol! &acial tattoos' 6la*ius/s o ange co ksc e" cu ls' )cta*ia/s lig$t e*e g een skin% "$ic$ no" $angs too loosely% as i& $e (o!y "e e a slo"ly !e&lating (alloon'

)n seeing #e% 6la*ius an! )cta*ia s$ ink (ack against t$e tile! "alls like t$ey/ e antici+ating an attack% e*en t$oug$ I $a*e ne*e $u t t$e#' Knkin! t$oug$ts "e e #y "o st o&&ense against t$e#% an! t$ose I ke+t to #ysel&% so "$y !o t$ey ecoil, T$e gua !/s o !e ing #e out% (ut (y t$e s$u&&ling t$at &ollo"s% I kno" 7ale $as so#e$o" !etaine! $i#' 6o ans"e s% I c oss to 2enia% "$o "as al"ays t$e st ongest' I c ouc$ !o"n an! take $e icy $an!s% "$ic$ clutc$ #ine like *ises' 8:$at $a++ene!% 2enia,8 I ask' 8:$at a e you !oing $e e,8 8T$ey took us' 6 o# t$e Ca+itol%8 s$e says $oa sely' Pluta c$ ente s (e$in! #e' 8:$at on ea t$ is going on,8 8:$o took you,8 I + ess $e ' 8Peo+le%8 s$e says *aguely' 8T$e nig$t you ( oke out'8

=E | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8:e t$oug$t it #ig$t (e co#&o ting &o you to $a*e you egula tea#%8 Pluta c$ says (e$in! #e' 8Cinna e4ueste! it'8 8Cinna e4ueste! t$is,8 I sna l at $i#' 1ecause i& t$e e/s one t$ing I kno"% it/s t$at Cinna "oul! ne*e $a*e a++ o*e! t$e a(use o& t$ese t$ ee% "$o $e #anage! "it$ gentleness an! +atience' 8:$y a e t$ey (eing t eate! like c i#inals,8 8I $onestly !on/t kno"'8 T$e e/s so#et$ing in $is *oice t$at #akes #e (elie*e $i#% an! t$e +allo on 6ul*ia/s &ace con&i #s it' Pluta c$ tu ns to t$e gua !% "$o/s just a++ea e! in t$e !oo "ay "it$ 7ale ig$t (e$in! $i#' 8I "as only tol! t$ey "e e (eing con&ine!' :$y a e t$ey (eing +unis$e!,8 86o stealing &oo!' :e $a! to est ain t$e# a&te an alte cation o*e so#e ( ea!%8 says t$e gua !' 2enia/s ( o"s co#e toget$e as i& s$e/s still t ying to #ake sense o& it' 8<o one "oul! tell us anyt$ing' :e "e e so $ung y' It "as just one slice s$e took'8 )cta*ia (egins to so(% #u&&ling t$e soun! in $e agge! tunic' I t$ink o& $o"% t$e &i st ti#e I su *i*e! t$e a ena% )cta*ia sneake! #e a oll un!e t$e ta(le (ecause s$e coul!n/t (ea #y $unge ' I c a"l ac oss to $e s$aking &o #' 8)cta*ia,8 I touc$ $e an! s$e &linc$es' 8)cta*ia, It/s going to (e all ig$t' I/ll get you out o& $e e% okay,8

8T$is see#s e3t e#e%8 says Pluta c$' 8It/s (ecause t$ey took a slice o& ( ea!,8 asks 7ale' 8T$e e "e e e+eate! in& actions lea!ing u+ to t$at' T$ey "e e "a ne!' Still t$ey took #o e ( ea!'8 T$e
=F | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

gua ! +auses a #o#ent% as i& +uzzle! (y ou !ensity' 8Cou can/t take ( ea!'8 I can/t get )cta*ia to unco*e $e &ace% (ut s$e li&ts it slig$tly' T$e s$ackles on $e " ists s$i&t !o"n a &e" inc$es% e*ealing a" so es (eneat$ t$e#' 8I/# ( inging you to #y #ot$e '8 I a!! ess t$e gua !' 8Knc$ain t$e#'8 T$e gua ! s$akes $is $ea!' 8It/s not aut$o ize!'8 8Knc$ain t$e#I <o"I8 I yell' T$is ( eaks $is co#+osu e' A*e age citizens !on/t a!! ess $i# t$is "ay' 8I $a*e no elease o !e s' An! you $a*e no aut$o ity to>>8 8-o it on #y aut$o ity%8 says Pluta c$' 8:e ca#e to collect t$ese t$ ee any"ay' T$ey/ e nee!e! &o S+ecial -e&ense' I/ll take &ull es+onsi(ility'8 T$e gua ! lea*es to #ake a call' He etu ns "it$ a set o& keys' T$e + e+s $a*e (een &o ce! into c a#+e! (o!y +ositions &o so long t$at e*en once t$e s$ackles a e e#o*e!% t$ey $a*e t ou(le "alking' 7ale% Pluta c$% an! I $a*e to $el+ t$e#' 6la*ius/s &oot catc$es on a #etal g ate o*e a ci cula o+ening in t$e &loo % an! #y sto#ac$ cont acts "$en I t$ink o& "$y a oo# "oul! nee! a ! ain' T$e stains o& $u#an #ise y t$at #ust $a*e (een $ose! o&& t$ese "$ite tiles'''

In t$e $os+ital% I &in! #y #ot$e % t$e only one I t ust to ca e &o t$e#' It takes $e a #inute to +lace t$e t$ ee% gi*en t$ei cu ent con!ition% (ut al ea!y s$e "ea s a look o& conste nation' An! I kno" it/s not a esult o& seeing a(use! (o!ies% (ecause t$ey "e e $e !aily &a e in -ist ict .2% (ut t$e ealization t$at t$is so t o& t$ing goes on in .5 as "ell'
=G | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

My #ot$e "as "elco#e! into t$e $os+ital% (ut s$e/s *ie"e! as #o e o& a nu se t$an a !octo % !es+ite $e li&eti#e o& $ealing' Still% no one inte &e es "$en s$e gui!es t$e t io into an e3a#ination oo# to assess t$ei inju ies' I +lant #ysel& on a (enc$ in t$e $all outsi!e t$e $os+ital ent ance% "aiting to $ea $e *e !ict' S$e "ill (e a(le to ea! in t$ei (o!ies t$e +ain in&licte! u+on t$e#'

7ale sits ne3t to #e an! +uts an a # a oun! #y s$oul!e ' 8S$e/ll &i3 t$e# u+'8 I gi*e a no!% "on!e ing i& $e/s t$inking a(out $is o"n ( utal &logging (ack in .2' Pluta c$ an! 6ul*ia take t$e (enc$ ac oss & o# us (ut !on/t o&&e any co##ents on t$e state o& #y + e+ tea#' I& t$ey $a! no kno"le!ge o& t$e #ist eat#ent% t$en "$at !o t$ey #ake o& t$is #o*e on P esi!ent Coin/s +a t, I !eci!e to $el+ t$e# out' 8I guess "e/*e all (een +ut on notice%8 I say' 8:$at, <o' :$at !o you #ean,8 asks 6ul*ia' 8Punis$ing #y + e+ tea#/s a "a ning%8 I tell $e ' 8<ot just to #e' 1ut to you% too' A(out "$o/s eally in cont ol an! "$at $a++ens i& s$e/s not o(eye!' I& you $a! any !elusions a(out $a*ing +o"e % I/! let t$e# go no"' A++a ently% a Ca+itol +e!ig ee is no + otection $e e' May(e it/s e*en a lia(ility'8 8T$e e is no co#+a ison (et"een Pluta c$% "$o #aste #in!e! t$e e(el ( eakout% an! t$ose t$ ee (eauticians%8 says 6ul*ia icily' I s$ ug' 8I& you say so% 6ul*ia' 1ut "$at "oul! $a++en i& you got on Coin/s (a! si!e, My + e+ tea# "as ki!na++e!' T$ey can at least $o+e to one !ay
?D | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

etu n to t$e Ca+itol' 7ale an! I can li*e in t$e "oo!s' 1ut you, :$e e "oul! you t"o un,8 8Pe $a+s "e/ e a little #o e necessa y to t$e "a e&&o t t$an you gi*e us c e!it &o %8 says Pluta c$% unconce ne!' 8)& cou se you a e' T$e t i(utes "e e necessa y to t$e 7a#es% too' Kntil t$ey "e en/t%8 I say' 8An! t$en "e "e e *e y !is+osa(le>> ig$t% Pluta c$,8 T$at en!s t$e con*e sation' :e "ait in silence until #y #ot$e &in!s us' 8T$ey/ll (e all ig$t%8 s$e e+o ts' 8<o +e #anent +$ysical inju ies'8 87oo!' S+len!i!%8 says Pluta c$' 8Ho" soon can t$ey (e +ut to "o k,8 8P o(a(ly to#o o"%8 s$e ans"e s' 8Cou/ll $a*e to e3+ect so#e e#otional insta(ility% a&te "$at t$ey/*e (een t$ oug$' T$ey "e e +a ticula ly ill + e+a e!% co#ing & o# t$ei li&e in t$e Ca+itol'8 8:e en/t "e all,8 says Pluta c$' Eit$e (ecause t$e + e+ tea#/s inca+acitate! o I/# too on e!ge% Pluta c$ eleases #e & o# Mockingjay !uties &o t$e est o& t$e !ay' 7ale an! I $ea! !o"n to lunc$% "$e e "e/ e se *e! (ean an! onion ste"% a t$ick slice o& ( ea!% an! a cu+ o& "ate ' A&te 2enia/s sto y% t$e ( ea! sticks in #y t$ oat% so I sli!e t$e est o& it onto 7ale/s t ay' <eit$e o& us s+eaks #uc$ !u ing lunc$% (ut "$en ou (o"ls a e clean% 7ale +ulls u+ $is slee*e% e*ealing $is sc$e!ule' 8I/*e got t aining ne3t'8

I tug u+ #y slee*e an! $ol! #y a # ne3t to $is' 8Me% too'8 I e#e#(e t$at t aining e4uals $unting no"'
?. | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

My eage ness to esca+e into t$e "oo!s% i& only &o t"o $ou s% o*e i!es #y cu ent conce ns' An i##e sion into g eene y an! sunlig$t "ill su ely $el+ #e so t out #y t$oug$ts' )nce o&& t$e #ain co i!o s% 7ale an! I ace like sc$oolc$il! en &o t$e a #o y% an! (y t$e ti#e "e a i*e% I/# ( eat$less an! !izzy' A e#in!e t$at I/# not &ully eco*e e!' T$e gua !s + o*i!e ou ol! "ea+ons% as "ell as kni*es an! a (u la+ sack t$at/s #eant &o a ga#e (ag' I tole ate $a*ing t$e t acke cla#+e! to #y ankle% t y to look as i& I/# listening "$en t$ey e3+lain $o" to use t$e $an!$el! co##unicato ' T$e only t$ing t$at sticks in #y $ea! is t$at it $as a clock% an! "e #ust (e (ack insi!e .5 (y t$e !esignate! $ou o ou $unting + i*ileges "ill (e e*oke!' T$is is one ule I t$ink I "ill #ake an e&&o t to a(i!e'

:e go outsi!e into t$e la ge% &ence!>in t aining a ea (esi!e t$e "oo!s' 7ua !s o+en t$e "ell>oile! gates "it$out co##ent' :e "oul! (e $a !>+ esse! to get +ast t$is &ence on ou o"n>>t$i ty &eet $ig$ an! al"ays (uzzing "it$ elect icity% to++e! "it$ azo > s$a + cu ls o& steel' :e #o*e t$ oug$ t$e "oo!s until t$e *ie" o& t$e &ence $as (een o(scu e!' In a s#all clea ing% "e +ause an! ! o+ (ack ou $ea!s to (ask in t$e sunlig$t' I tu n in a ci cle% #y a #s e3ten!e! at #y si!es% e*ol*ing slo"ly so as not to set t$e "o l! s+inning'

T$e lack o& ain I sa" in .2 $as !a#age! t$e +lants $e e as "ell% lea*ing so#e "it$ ( ittle lea*es% (uil!ing a c unc$y ca +et un!e ou &eet' :e take o&& ou s$oes' Mine !on/t &it ig$t any"ay% since in t$e s+i it o& "aste>not>"ant>not t$at ules .5% I "as issue! a +ai so#eone $a! outg o"n' A++a ently% one o& us "alks &unny% (ecause t$ey/ e ( oken in all " ong'

:e $unt% like in t$e ol! !ays' Silent% nee!ing no "o !s to co##unicate% (ecause $e e in t$e "oo!s "e
?2 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

#o*e as t"o +a ts o& one (eing' Antici+ating eac$ ot$e /s #o*e#ents% "atc$ing eac$ ot$e /s (acks' Ho" long $as it (een, Eig$t #ont$s, <ine, Since "e $a! t$is & ee!o#, It/s not e3actly t$e sa#e% gi*en all t$at/s $a++ene! an! t$e t acke s on ou ankles an! t$e &act t$at I $a*e to est so o&ten' 1ut it/s a(out as close to $a++iness as I t$ink I can cu ently get'

T$e ani#als $e e a e not nea ly sus+icious enoug$' T$at e3t a #o#ent it takes to +lace ou un&a#ilia scent #eans t$ei !eat$' In an $ou an! a $al&% "e/*e got a #i3e! !ozen>> a((its% s4ui els% an! tu keys>> an! !eci!e to knock o&& to s+en! t$e e#aining ti#e (y a +on! t$at #ust (e &e! (y an un!e g oun! s+ ing% since t$e "ate /s cool an! s"eet'

:$en 7ale o&&e s to clean t$e ga#e% I !on/t o(ject' I stick a &e" #int lea*es on #y tongue% close #y eyes% an! lean (ack against a ock% soaking in t$e soun!s% letting t$e sco c$ing a&te noon sun (u n #y skin% al#ost at +eace until 7ale/s *oice inte u+ts #e' 8;atniss% "$y !o you ca e so #uc$ a(out you + e+ tea#,8

I o+en #y eyes to see i& $e/s joking% (ut $e/s & o"ning !o"n at t$e a((it $e/s skinning' 8:$y s$oul!n/t I,8 8H#' 9et/s see' 1ecause t$ey/*e s+ent t$e last yea + ettying you u+ &o slaug$te ,8 $e suggests' 8It/s #o e co#+licate! t$an t$at' I kno" t$e#' T$ey/ e not e*il o c uel' T$ey/ e not e*en s#a t' Hu ting t$e#% it/s like $u ting c$il! en' T$ey !on/t see'''I #ean% t$ey !on/t kno"'''8 I get knotte! u+ in #y "o !s' 8T$ey !on/t kno" "$at% ;atniss,8 $e says' 8T$at t i(utes>>"$o a e t$e actual c$il! en in*ol*e! $e e% not you t io o& & eaks>>a e &o ce! to &ig$t to t$e
?5 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

!eat$, T$at you "e e going into t$at a ena &o +eo+le/s a#use#ent, :as t$at a (ig sec et in t$e Ca+itol,8 8<o' 1ut t$ey !on/t *ie" it t$e "ay "e !o%8 I say' 8T$ey/ e aise! on it an!>>8 8A e you actually !e&en!ing t$e#,8 He sli+s t$e skin & o# t$e a((it in one 4uick #o*e' T$at stings% (ecause% in &act% I a#% an! it/s i!iculous' I st uggle to &in! a logical +osition' 8I guess I/# !e&en!ing anyone "$o/s t eate! like t$at &o taking a slice o& ( ea!' May(e it e#in!s #e too #uc$ o& "$at $a++ene! to you o*e a tu keyI8 Still% $e/s ig$t' It !oes see# st ange% #y le*el o& conce n o*e t$e + e+ tea#' I s$oul! $ate t$e# an! "ant to see t$e# st ung u+' 1ut t$ey/ e so clueless% an! t$ey (elonge! to Cinna% an! $e "as on #y si!e% ig$t, 8I/# not looking &o a &ig$t%8 7ale says' 81ut I !on/t t$ink Coin "as sen!ing you so#e (ig #essage (y +unis$ing t$e# &o ( eaking t$e ules $e e' S$e + o(a(ly t$oug$t you/! see it as a &a*o '8 He stu&&s t$e a((it in t$e sack an! ises' 8:e (ette get going i& "e "ant to #ake it (ack on ti#e'8 I igno e $is o&&e o& a $an! u+ an! get to #y &eet unstea!ily' 86ine'8 <eit$e o& us talks on t$e "ay (ack% (ut once "e/ e insi!e t$e gate% I t$ink o& so#et$ing else' 8-u ing t$e Aua te Auell% )cta*ia an! 6la*ius $a! to 4uit (ecause t$ey coul!n/t sto+ c ying o*e #e going (ack in' An! 2enia coul! (a ely say goo!>(ye'8

8I/ll t y an! kee+ t$at in #in! as t$ey''' e#ake you%8 says 7ale'
?= | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8-o%8 I say' :e $an! t$e #eat o*e to 7 easy Sae in t$e kitc$en' S$e likes -ist ict .5 "ell enoug$% e*en t$oug$ s$e t$inks t$e cooks a e so#e"$at lacking in i#agination' 1ut a "o#an "$o ca#e u+ "it$ a +alata(le "il! !og an! $u(a ( ste" is (oun! to &eel as i& $e $an!s a e tie! $e e' E3$auste! & o# $unting an! #y lack o& slee+% I go (ack to #y co#+a t#ent to &in! it st i++e! (a e% only to e#e#(e "e/*e (een #o*e! (ecause o& 1utte cu+' I #ake #y "ay u+ to t$e to+ &loo an! &in! Co#+a t#ent E' It looks e3actly like Co#+a t#ent 5DE% e3ce+t &o t$e "in!o">>t"o &eet "i!e% eig$t inc$es $ig$>>cente e! at t$e to+ o& t$e outsi!e "all' T$e e/s a $ea*y #etal +late t$at &astens o*e it% (ut ig$t no" it/s + o++e! o+en% an! a ce tain cat is no"$e e to (e seen' I st etc$ out on #y (e!% an! a s$a&t o& a&te noon sunlig$t +lays on #y &ace' T$e ne3t t$ing I kno"% #y siste is "aking #e &o .FHDD>> Re&lection'

P i# tells #e t$ey/*e (een announcing t$e asse#(ly since lunc$' T$e enti e +o+ulation% e3ce+t t$ose nee!e! &o essential jo(s% is e4ui e! to atten!' :e &ollo" !i ections to t$e Collecti*e% a $uge oo# t$at easily $ol!s t$e t$ousan!s "$o s$o" u+' Cou can tell it "as (uilt &o a la ge gat$e ing% an! +e $a+s it $el! one (e&o e t$e +o3 e+i!e#ic' P i# 4uietly +oints out t$e "i!es+ ea! &allout & o# t$at !isaste >>t$e +o3 sca s on +eo+le/s (o!ies% t$e slig$tly !is&igu e! c$il! en' 8T$ey/*e su&&e e! a lot $e e%8 s$e says'

A&te t$is #o ning% I/# in no #oo! to &eel so y &o .5' 8<o #o e t$an "e !i! in T"el*e%8 I say' I see #y #ot$e lea! in a g ou+ o& #o(ile +atients% still "ea ing t$ei $os+ital nig$tgo"ns an! o(es' 6innick stan!s a#ong t$e#% looking !aze! (ut go geous' In
?? | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

$is $an!s $e $ol!s a +iece o& t$in o+e% less t$an a &oot in lengt$% too s$o t &o e*en $i# to &as$ion into a usa(le noose' His &inge s #o*e a+i!ly% auto#atically tying an! un a*eling *a ious knots as $e gazes a(out' P o(a(ly +a t o& $is t$e a+y' I c oss to $i# an! say% 8Hey% 6innick'8 He !oesn/t see# to notice% so I nu!ge $i# to get $is attention' 86innickI Ho" a e you !oing,8

8;atniss%8 $e says% g i++ing #y $an!' Relie*e! to see a &a#ilia &ace% I t$ink' 8:$y a e "e #eeting $e e,8 8I tol! Coin I/! (e $e Mockingjay' 1ut I #a!e $e + o#ise to gi*e t$e ot$e t i(utes i##unity i& t$e e(els "on%8 I tell $i#' 8In +u(lic% so t$e e a e +lenty o& "itnesses'8 8)$' 7oo!' 1ecause I "o y a(out t$at "it$ Annie' T$at s$e/ll say so#et$ing t$at coul! (e const ue! as t aito ous "it$out kno"ing it%8 says 6innick' Annie' K$>o$' Totally &o got $e ' 8-on/t "o y% I took ca e o& it'8 I gi*e 6innick/s $an! a s4ueeze an! $ea! st aig$t &o t$e +o!iu# at t$e & ont o& t$e oo#' Coin% "$o is glancing o*e $e state#ent% aises $e eye( o"s at #e' 8I nee! you to a!! Annie C esta to t$e i##unity list%8 I tell $e ' T$e + esi!ent & o"ns slig$tly' 8:$o/s t$at,8 8S$e/s 6innick )!ai /s>>8 :$at, I !on/t eally kno" "$at to call $e ' 8S$e/s 6innick/s & ien!' 6 o# -ist ict 6ou ' Anot$e *icto ' S$e "as a este! an! taken to t$e Ca+itol "$en t$e a ena (le" u+'8 8)$% t$e #a! gi l' T$at/s not eally necessa y%8 s$e says' 8:e !on/t #ake a $a(it o& +unis$ing anyone t$at & ail'8
?B | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

I t$ink o& t$e scene I "alke! in on t$is #o ning' )& )cta*ia $u!!le! against t$e "all' )& $o" Coin an! I #ust $a*e *astly !i&&e ent !e&initions o& & ailty' 1ut I only say% 8<o, T$en it s$oul!n/t (e a + o(le# to a!! Annie'8 8All ig$t%8 says t$e + esi!ent% +enciling in Annie/s na#e' 8-o you "ant to (e u+ $e e "it$ #e &o t$e announce#ent,8 I s$ake #y $ea!' 8I !i!n/t t$ink so' 1ette $u y an! lose you sel& in t$e c o"!' I/# a(out to (egin'8 I #ake #y "ay (ack to 6innick' :o !s a e anot$e t$ing not "aste! in .5' Coin calls t$e au!ience to attention an! tells t$e# I $a*e consente! to (e t$e Mockingjay% + o*i!e! t$e ot$e *icto s>>Peeta% 0o$anna% Eno(a ia% an! Annie>>"ill (e g ante! &ull +a !on &o any !a#age t$ey !o to t$e e(el cause' In t$e u#(ling o& t$e c o"!% I $ea t$e !issent' I su++ose no one !ou(te! I "oul! "ant to (e t$e Mockingjay' So na#ing a + ice>>one t$at s+a es +ossi(le ene#ies>>ange s t$e#' I stan! in!i&&e ent to t$e $ostile looks t$ o"n #y "ay'

T$e + esi!ent allo"s a &e" #o#ents o& un est% an! t$en continues in $e ( isk &as$ion' )nly no" t$e "o !s co#ing out o& $e #out$ a e ne"s to #e' 81ut in etu n &o t$is un+ ece!ente! e4uest% Sol!ie E*e !een $as + o#ise! to !e*ote $e sel& to ou cause' It &ollo"s t$at any !e*iance & o# $e #ission% in eit$e #oti*e o !ee!% "ill (e *ie"e! as a ( eak in t$is ag ee#ent' T$e i##unity "oul! (e te #inate! an! t$e &ate o& t$e &ou *icto s !ete #ine! (y t$e la" o& -ist ict T$i teen' As "oul! $e o"n' T$ank you'8

In ot$e "o !s% I ste+ out o& line an! "e/ e all !ea!'

?E | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

Anot$e &o ce to conten! "it$' Anot$e +o"e +laye "$o $as !eci!e! to use #e as a +iece in $e ga#es% alt$oug$ t$ings ne*e see# to go acco !ing to +lan' 6i st t$e e "e e t$e 7a#e#ake s% #aking #e t$ei sta an! t$en sc a#(ling to eco*e & o# t$at $an!&ul o& +oisonous (e ies' T$en P esi!ent Sno"% t ying to use #e to +ut out t$e &la#es o& e(ellion% only to $a*e #y e*e y #o*e (eco#e in&la##ato y' <e3t% t$e e(els ensna ing #e in t$e #etal cla" t$at li&te! #e & o# t$e a ena% !esignating #e to (e t$ei Mockingjay% an! t$en $a*ing to eco*e & o# t$e s$ock t$at I #ig$t not "ant t$e "ings' An! no" Coin% "it$ $e &ist&ul o& + ecious nukes an! $e "ell>oile! #ac$ine o& a !ist ict% &in!ing it/s e*en $a !e to g oo# a Mockingjay t$an to catc$ one' 1ut s$e $as (een t$e 4uickest to !ete #ine t$at I $a*e an agen!a o& #y o"n an! a# t$e e&o e not to (e t uste!' S$e $as (een t$e &i st to +u(licly ( an! #e as a t$ eat'

I un #y &inge s t$ oug$ t$e t$ick laye o& (u((les in #y tu(' Cleaning #e u+ is just a + eli#ina y ste+ to !ete #ining #y ne" look' :it$ #y aci!>!a#age! $ai % sun(u ne! skin% an! ugly sca s% t$e + e+ tea# $as to #ake #e + etty an! t$en !a#age% (u n% an! sca #e in a #o e att acti*e "ay' 8Re#ake $e to 1eauty 1ase Le o%8 6ul*ia o !e e! &i st t$ing t$is #o ning' 8:e/ll "o k & o# t$e e'8 1eauty 1ase Le o tu ns out to (e "$at a +e son "oul! look like i& t$ey ste++e! out o& (e! looking &la"less (ut natu al' It #eans #y nails a e +e &ectly s$a+e! (ut not +olis$e!' My $ai so&t an! s$iny (ut not style!' My skin s#oot$ an! clea (ut not +ainte!' :a3 t$e (o!y $ai an! e ase t$e !a k ci cles% (ut

?F | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

!on/t #ake any noticea(le en$ance#ents' I su++ose Cinna ga*e t$e sa#e inst uctions t$e &i st !ay I a i*e! as a t i(ute in t$e Ca+itol' )nly t$at "as !i&&e ent% since I "as a contestant' As a e(el% I t$oug$t I/! get to look #o e like #ysel&' 1ut it see#s a tele*ise! e(el $as $e o"n stan!a !s to li*e u+ to' A&te I inse t$e lat$e & o# #y (o!y% I tu n to &in! )cta*ia "aiting "it$ a to"el' S$e is so alte e! & o# t$e "o#an I kne" in t$e Ca+itol% st i++e! o& t$e gau!y clot$ing% t$e $ea*y #akeu+% t$e !yes an! je"el y an! knickknacks s$e a!o ne! $e $ai "it$' I e#e#(e $o" one !ay s$e s$o"e! u+ "it$ ( ig$t +ink t esses stu!!e! "it$ (linking colo e! lig$ts s$a+e! like #ice' S$e tol! #e s$e $a! se*e al #ice at $o#e as +ets' T$e t$oug$t e+ulse! #e at t$e ti#e% since "e consi!e #ice *e #in% unless cooke!' 1ut +e $a+s )cta*ia like! t$e# (ecause t$ey "e e s#all% so&t% an! s4ueaky' 9ike $e ' As s$e +ats #e ! y% I t y to (eco#e ac4uainte! "it$ t$e -ist ict .5 )cta*ia' He eal $ai tu ns out to (e a nice au(u n' He &ace is o !ina y (ut $as an un!enia(le s"eetness' S$e/s younge t$an I t$oug$t' May(e ea ly t"enties' -e*oi! o& t$e t$ ee>inc$ !eco ati*e nails% $e &inge s a++ea al#ost stu((y% an! t$ey can/t sto+ t e#(ling' I "ant to tell $e it/s okay% t$at I/ll see t$at Coin ne*e $u ts $e again' 1ut t$e #ulticolo e! ( uises &lo"e ing un!e $e g een skin only e#in! #e $o" i#+otent I a#'

6la*ius% too% a++ea s "as$e! out "it$out $is +u +le li+stick an! ( ig$t clot$es' He/s #anage! to get $is o ange inglets (ack in so#e so t o& o !e % t$oug$' It/s 2enia "$o/s t$e least c$ange!' He a4ua $ai lies &lat instea! o& in s+ikes an! you can see t$e oots g o"ing in g ay' Ho"e*e % t$e tattoos "e e al"ays $e #ost st iking c$a acte istic% an! t$ey/ e as gol!en an! s$ocking as e*e ' S$e co#es an! takes t$e to"el & o# )cta*ia/s $an!s'
?G | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8;atniss is not going to $u t us%8 s$e says 4uietly (ut &i #ly to )cta*ia' 8;atniss !i! not e*en kno" "e "e e $e e' T$ings "ill (e (ette no"'8 )cta*ia gi*es a slig$t no! (ut !oesn/t !a e look #e in t$e eye' It/s no si#+le jo( getting #e (ack to 1eauty 1ase Le o% e*en "it$ t$e ela(o ate a senal o& + o!ucts% tools% an! ga!gets Pluta c$ $a! t$e &o esig$t to ( ing & o# t$e Ca+itol' My + e+s !o + etty "ell until t$ey t y to a!! ess t$e s+ot on #y a # "$e e 0o$anna !ug out t$e t acke ' <one o& t$e #e!ical tea# "as &ocusing on looks "$en t$ey +atc$e! u+ t$e ga+ing $ole' <o" I $a*e a lu#+y% jagge! sca t$at i++les out o*e a s+ace t$e size o& an a++le' Ksually% #y slee*e co*e s it% (ut t$e "ay Cinna/s Mockingjay costu#e is !esigne!% t$e slee*es sto+ just a(o*e t$e el(o"' It/s suc$ a conce n t$at 6ul*ia an! Pluta c$ a e calle! in to !iscuss it' I s"ea % t$e sig$t o& it t igge s 6ul*ia/s gag e&le3' 6o so#eone "$o "o ks "it$ a 7a#e#ake % s$e/s a"&ully sensiti*e' 1ut I guess s$e/s use! to seeing un+leasant t$ings only on a sc een'

8E*e yone kno"s I $a*e a sca $e e%8 I say sullenly' 8;no"ing it an! seeing it a e t"o !i&&e ent t$ings%8 says 6ul*ia' 8It/s +ositi*ely e+ulsi*e' Pluta c$ an! I "ill t$ink o& so#et$ing !u ing lunc$'8 8It/ll (e &ine%8 says Pluta c$ "it$ a !is#issi*e "a*e o& $is $an!' 8May(e an a #(an! o so#et$ing'8 -isguste!% I get ! esse! so I can $ea! to t$e !ining $all' My + e+ tea# $u!!les in a little g ou+ (y t$e !oo ' 8A e t$ey ( inging you &oo! $e e,8 I ask' 8<o%8 says 2enia' 8:e/ e su++ose! to go to a !ining $all'8

BD | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

I sig$ in"a !ly as I i#agine "alking into t$e !ining $all% t aile! (y t$ese t$ ee' 1ut +eo+le al"ays sta e at #e any"ay' T$is "ill (e #o e o& t$e sa#e' 8I/ll s$o" you "$e e it is%8 I say' 8Co#e on'8 T$e co*e t glances an! 4uiet #u #u s I usually e*oke a e not$ing co#+a e! to t$e eaction ( oug$t on (y t$e sig$t o& #y (iza e>looking + e+ tea#' T$e ga+ing #out$s% t$e &inge +ointing% t$e e3cla#ations' 80ust igno e t$e#%8 I tell #y + e+ tea#' Eyes !o"ncast% "it$ #ec$anical #o*e#ents% t$ey &ollo" #e t$ oug$ t$e line% acce+ting (o"ls o& g ayis$ &is$ an! ok a ste" an! cu+s o& "ate '

:e take seats at #y ta(le% (esi!e a g ou+ & o# t$e Sea#' T$ey s$o" a little #o e est aint t$an t$e +eo+le & o# .5 !o% alt$oug$ it #ay just (e & o# e#(a ass#ent' 9ee*y% "$o "as #y neig$(o (ack in .2% gi*es a cautious $ello to t$e + e+s% an! 7ale/s #ot$e % Hazelle% "$o #ust kno" a(out t$ei i#+ ison#ent% $ol!s u+ a s+oon&ul o& t$e ste"' 8-on/t "o y%8 s$e says' 8Tastes (ette t$an it looks'8

1ut it/s Posy% 7ale/s &i*e>yea >ol! siste % "$o $el+s t$e #ost' S$e scoots along t$e (enc$ to )cta*ia an! touc$es $e skin "it$ a tentati*e &inge ' 8Cou/ e g een' A e you sick,8 8It/s a &as$ion t$ing% Posy' 9ike "ea ing li+stick%8 I say' 8It/s #eant to (e + etty%8 "$is+e s )cta*ia% an! I can see t$e tea s t$ eatening to s+ill o*e $e las$es' Posy consi!e s t$is an! says #atte >o&>&actly% 8I t$ink you/! (e + etty in any colo '8 T$e tiniest o& s#iles &o #s on )cta*ia/s li+s' 8T$ank you'8
B. | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8I& you eally "ant to i#+ ess Posy% you/ll $a*e to !ye you sel& ( ig$t +ink%8 says 7ale% t$u#+ing $is t ay !o"n (esi!e #e' 8T$at/s $e &a*o ite colo '8 Posy giggles an! sli!es (ack !o"n to $e #ot$e ' 7ale no!s at 6la*ius/s (o"l' 8I "oul!n/t let t$at get col!' It !oesn/t i#+ o*e t$e consistency'8 E*e yone gets !o"n to eating' T$e ste" !oesn/t taste (a!% (ut t$e e/s a ce tain sli#iness t$at/s $a ! to get a oun!' 9ike you $a*e to s"allo" e*e y (ite t$ ee ti#es (e&o e it eally goes !o"n' 7ale% "$o/s not usually #uc$ o& a talke !u ing #eals% #akes an e&&o t to kee+ t$e con*e sation going% asking a(out t$e #akeo*e ' I kno" it/s $is atte#+t at s#oot$ing t$ings o*e ' :e a gue! last nig$t a&te $e suggeste! I/! le&t Coin no c$oice (ut to counte #y !e#an! &o t$e *icto s/ sa&ety "it$ one o& $e o"n' 8;atniss% s$e/s unning t$is !ist ict' S$e can/t !o it i& it see#s like s$e/s ca*ing in to you "ill'8

8Cou #ean s$e can/t stan! any !issent% e*en i& it/s &ai %8 I/! counte e!' 8I #ean you +ut $e in a (a! +osition' Making $e gi*e Peeta an! t$e ot$e s i##unity "$en "e !on/t e*en kno" "$at so t o& !a#age t$ey #ig$t cause%8 7ale $a! sai!' 8So I s$oul!/*e just gone "it$ t$e + og a# an! let t$e ot$e t i(utes take t$ei c$ances, <ot t$at it #atte s% (ecause t$at/s "$at "e/ e all !oing any"ayI8 T$at "as "$en I/! sla##e! t$e !oo in $is &ace' I $a!n/t sat "it$ $i# at ( eak&ast% an! "$en Pluta c$ $a! sent $i# !o"n to t aining t$is #o ning% I/! let $i# go "it$out a "o !' I kno" $e only s+oke out o& conce n &o #e% (ut I eally nee! $i# to (e on #y si!e% not Coin/s' Ho" can $e not kno" t$at,

B2 | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

A&te lunc$% 7ale an! I a e sc$e!ule! to go !o"n to S+ecial -e&ense to #eet 1eetee' As "e i!e t$e ele*ato % 7ale &inally says% 8Cou/ e still ang y'8 8An! you/ e still not so y%8 I e+ly' 8I still stan! (y "$at I sai!' -o you "ant #e to lie a(out it,8 $e asks' 8<o% I "ant you to et$ink it an! co#e u+ "it$ t$e ig$t o+inion%8 I tell $i#' 1ut t$is just #akes $i# laug$' I $a*e to let it go' T$e e/s no +oint in t ying to !ictate "$at 7ale t$inks' :$ic$% i& I/# $onest% is one eason I t ust $i#' T$e S+ecial -e&ense le*el is situate! al#ost as &a !o"n as t$e !ungeons "$e e "e &oun! t$e + e+ tea#' It/s a (ee$i*e o& oo#s &ull o& co#+ute s% la(s% esea c$ e4ui+#ent% an! testing anges' :$en "e ask &o 1eetee% "e/ e !i ecte! t$ oug$ t$e #aze until "e eac$ an eno #ous +late>glass "in!o"' Insi!e is t$e &i st (eauti&ul t$ing I/*e seen in t$e -ist ict .5 co#+oun!H a e+lication o& a #ea!o"% &ille! "it$ eal t ees an! &lo"e ing +lants% an! ali*e "it$ $u##ing(i !s' 1eetee sits #otionless in a "$eelc$ai at t$e cente o& t$e #ea!o"% "atc$ing a s+ ing>g een (i ! $o*e in #i!ai as it si+s necta & o# a la ge o ange (losso#' His eyes &ollo" t$e (i ! as it !a ts a"ay% an! $e catc$es sig$t o& us' He gi*es a & ien!ly "a*e &o us to join $i# insi!e'

T$e ai /s cool an! ( eat$a(le% not $u#i! an! #uggy as I/! e3+ecte!' 6 o# all si!es co#es t$e "$i o& tiny "ings% "$ic$ I use! to con&use "it$ t$e soun! o& insects in ou "oo!s at $o#e' I $a*e to "on!e "$at so t o& &luke allo"e! suc$ a +leasing +lace to (e (uilt $e e'

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

1eetee still $as t$e +allo o& so#eone in con*alescence% (ut (e$in! t$ose ill>&itting glasses% $is eyes a e alig$t "it$ e3cite#ent' 8A en/t t$ey #agni&icent, T$i teen $as (een stu!ying t$ei ae o!yna#ics $e e &o yea s' 6o "a ! an! (ack"a ! &lig$t% an! s+ee!s u+ to si3ty #iles +e $ou ' I& only I coul! (uil! you "ings like t$ese% ;atnissI8

8-ou(t I coul! #anage t$e#% 1eetee%8 I laug$' 8He e one secon!% gone t$e ne3t' Can you ( ing a $u##ing(i ! !o"n "it$ an a o",8 $e asks' 8I/*e ne*e t ie!' <ot #uc$ #eat on t$e#%8 I ans"e ' 8<o' An! you/ e not one to kill &o s+o t%8 $e says' 8I (et t$ey/! (e $a ! to s$oot% t$oug$'8 8Cou coul! sna e t$e# #ay(e%8 7ale says' His &ace takes on t$at !istant look it "ea s "$en $e/s "o king so#et$ing out' 8Take a net "it$ a *e y &ine #es$' Enclose an a ea an! lea*e a #out$ o& a cou+le s4ua e &eet' 1ait t$e insi!e "it$ necta &lo"e s' :$ile t$ey/ e &ee!ing% sna+ t$e #out$ s$ut' T$ey/! &ly a"ay & o# t$e noise (ut only encounte t$e &a si!e o& t$e net'8

8:oul! t$at "o k,8 asks 1eetee' 8I !on/t kno"' 0ust an i!ea%8 says 7ale' 8T$ey #ig$t outs#a t it'8 8T$ey #ig$t' 1ut you/ e +laying on t$ei natu al instincts to &lee !ange ' T$inking like you + ey'''t$at/s "$e e you &in! t$ei *ulne a(ilities%8 says 1eetee' I e#e#(e so#et$ing I !on/t like to t$ink a(out' In + e+a ation &o t$e Auell% I sa" a ta+e "$e e 1eetee% "$o "as still a (oy% connecte! t"o "i es t$at
B= | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

elect ocute! a +ack o& ki!s "$o "e e $unting $i#' T$e con*ulsing (o!ies% t$e g otes4ue e3+ essions' 1eetee% in t$e #o#ents t$at le! u+ to $is *icto y in t$ose long>ago Hunge 7a#es% "atc$e! t$e ot$e s !ie' <ot $is &ault' )nly sel&>!e&ense' :e "e e all acting only in sel&>!e&ense'''' Su!!enly% I "ant to lea*e t$e $u##ing(i ! oo# (e&o e so#e(o!y sta ts setting u+ a sna e' 81eetee% Pluta c$ sai! you $a! so#et$ing &o #e'8 8Rig$t' I !o' Cou ne" (o"'8 He + esses a $an! cont ol on t$e a # o& t$e c$ai an! "$eels out o& t$e oo#' As "e &ollo" $i# t$ oug$ t$e t"ists an! tu ns o& S+ecial -e&ense% $e e3+lains a(out t$e c$ai ' 8I can "alk a little no"' It/s just t$at I ti e so 4uickly' It/s easie &o #e to get a oun! t$is "ay' Ho"/s 6innick !oing,8

8He/s'''$e/s $a*ing concent ation + o(le#s%8 I ans"e ' I !on/t "ant to say $e $a! a co#+lete #ental #elt!o"n' 8Concent ation + o(le#s% e$,8 1eetee s#iles g i#ly' 8I& you kne" "$at 6innick/s (een t$ oug$ t$e last &e" yea s% you/! kno" $o" e#a ka(le it is $e/s still "it$ us at all' Tell $i# I/*e (een "o king on a ne" t i!ent &o $i#% t$oug$% "ill you, So#et$ing to !ist act $i# a little'8 -ist action see#s to (e t$e last t$ing 6innick nee!s% (ut I + o#ise to +ass on t$e #essage'

6ou sol!ie s gua ! t$e ent ance to t$e $all #a ke! S+ecial :ea+on y' C$ecking t$e sc$e!ules + inte! on ou &o ea #s is just a + eli#ina y ste+' :e also $a*e &inge + int% etinal% an! -<A scans% an! $a*e to ste+ t$ oug$ s+ecial #etal !etecto s' 1eetee $as to lea*e $is "$eelc$ai outsi!e% alt$oug$ t$ey + o*i!e $i# "it$ anot$e once "e/ e t$ oug$ secu ity' I &in! t$e "$ole t$ing (iza e (ecause I can/t i#agine anyone
B? | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

aise! in -ist ict .5 (eing a t$ eat t$e go*e n#ent "oul! $a*e to gua ! against' Ha*e t$ese + ecautions (een +ut in +lace (ecause o& t$e ecent in&lu3 o& i##ig ants, At t$e !oo o& t$e a #o y% "e encounte a secon! oun! o& i!enti&ication c$ecks>>as i& #y -<A #ig$t $a*e c$ange! in t$e ti#e it took to "alk t"enty ya !s !o"n t$e $all"ay>>an! a e &inally allo"e! to ente t$e "ea+ons collection' I $a*e to a!#it t$e a senal takes #y ( eat$ a"ay' Ro" u+on o" o& &i ea #s% launc$e s% e3+losi*es% a #o e! *e$icles' 8)& cou se% t$e Ai (o ne -i*ision is $ouse! se+a ately%8 1eetee tells us'

8)& cou se%8 I say% as i& t$is "oul! (e sel&>e*i!ent' I !on/t kno" "$e e a si#+le (o" an! a o" coul! +ossi(ly &in! a +lace in all t$is $ig$>tec$ e4ui+#ent% (ut t$en "e co#e u+on a "all o& !ea!ly a c$e y "ea+ons' I/*e +laye! "it$ a lot o& t$e Ca+itol/s "ea+ons in t aining% (ut none !esigne! &o #ilita y co#(at' I &ocus #y attention on a let$al>looking (o" so loa!e! !o"n "it$ sco+es an! ga!get y% I/# ce tain I can/t e*en li&t it% let alone s$oot it'

87ale% #ay(e you/! like to t y out a &e" o& t$ese%8 says 1eetee' 8Se iously,8 7ale asks' 8Cou/ll (e issue! a gun e*entually &o (attle% o& cou se' 1ut i& you a++ea as +a t o& ;atniss/s tea# in t$e + o+os% one o& t$ese "oul! look a little s$o"ie ' I t$oug$t you #ig$t like to &in! one t$at suits you%8 says 1eetee' 8Cea$% I "oul!'8 7ale/s $an!s close a oun! t$e *e y (o" t$at caug$t #y attention a #o#ent ago% an! $e
BB | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

$e&ts it onto $is s$oul!e ' He +oints it a oun! t$e oo#% +ee ing t$ oug$ t$e sco+e' 8T$at !oesn/t see# *e y &ai to t$e !ee %8 I say' 8:oul!n/t (e using it on !ee % "oul! I,8 $e ans"e s' 8I/ll (e ig$t (ack%8 says 1eetee' He + esses a co!e into a +anel% an! a s#all !oo "ay o+ens' I "atc$ until $e/s !isa++ea e! an! t$e !oo /s s$ut' 8So% it/! (e easy &o you, Ksing t$at on +eo+le,8 I ask' 8I !i!n/t say t$at'8 7ale ! o+s t$e (o" to $is si!e' 81ut i& I/! $a! a "ea+on t$at coul!/*e sto++e! "$at I sa" $a++en in T"el*e'''i& I/! $a! a "ea+on t$at coul! $a*e ke+t you out o& t$e a ena'''I/! $a*e use! it'8 8Me% too%8 I a!#it' 1ut I !on/t kno" "$at to tell $i# a(out t$e a&te #at$ o& killing a +e son' A(out $o" t$ey ne*e lea*e you' 1eetee "$eels (ack in "it$ a tall% (lack ectangula case a"k"a !ly +ositione! (et"een $is &oot est an! $is s$oul!e ' He co#es to a $alt an! tilts it to"a ! #e' 86o you'8 I set t$e case &lat on t$e &loo an! un!o t$e latc$es along one si!e' T$e to+ o+ens on silent $inges' Insi!e t$e case% on a (e! o& c us$e! #a oon *el*et% lies a stunning (lack (o"' 8)$%8 I "$is+e in a!#i ation' I li&t it ca e&ully into t$e ai to a!#i e t$e e34uisite (alance% t$e elegant !esign% an! t$e cu *e o& t$e li#(s t$at so#e$o" suggests t$e "ings o& a (i ! e3ten!e! in &lig$t' T$e e/s so#et$ing else' I $a*e to $ol! *e y still to #ake su e I/# not i#agining it' <o% t$e (o" is ali*e in #y $an!s' I + ess it against #y c$eek an! &eel t$e slig$t $u# t a*el t$ oug$ t$e (ones o& #y &ace' 8:$at/s it !oing,8 I ask'

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8Saying $ello%8 e3+lains 1eetee "it$ a g in' 8It $ea ! you *oice'8 8It ecognizes #y *oice,8 I ask' 8)nly you *oice%8 $e tells #e' 8Cou see% t$ey "ante! #e to !esign a (o" (ase! +u ely on looks' As +a t o& you costu#e% you kno", 1ut I ke+t t$inking% :$at a "aste' I #ean% "$at i& you !o nee! it so#eti#e, As #o e t$an a &as$ion accesso y, So I le&t t$e outsi!e si#+le% an! le&t t$e insi!e to #y i#agination' 1est e3+laine! in + actice% t$oug$' :ant to t y t$ose out,8

:e !o' A ta get ange $as al ea!y (een + e+a e! &o us' T$e a o"s t$at 1eetee !esigne! a e no less e#a ka(le t$an t$e (o"' 1et"een t$e t"o% I can s$oot "it$ accu acy o*e one $un! e! ya !s' T$e *a iety o& a o"s>> azo s$a +% incen!ia y% e3+losi*e>> tu n t$e (o" into a #ulti+u +ose "ea+on' Eac$ one is ecogniza(le (y a !istincti*e colo e! s$a&t' I $a*e t$e o+tion o& *oice o*e i!e at any ti#e% (ut $a*e no i!ea "$y I "oul! use it' To !eacti*ate t$e (o"/s s+ecial + o+e ties% I nee! only tell it 87oo! nig$t'8 T$en it goes to slee+ until t$e soun! o& #y *oice "akes it again'

I/# in goo! s+i its (y t$e ti#e I get (ack to t$e + e+ tea#% lea*ing 1eetee an! 7ale (e$in!' I sit +atiently t$ oug$ t$e est o& t$e +aint jo( an! !on #y costu#e% "$ic$ no" inclu!es a (loo!y (an!age o*e t$e sca on #y a # to in!icate I/*e (een in ecent co#(at' 2enia a&&i3es #y #ockingjay +in o*e #y $ea t' I take u+ #y (o" an! t$e s$eat$ o& no #al a o"s t$at 1eetee #a!e% kno"ing t$ey "oul! ne*e let #e "alk a oun! "it$ t$e loa!e! ones' T$en "e/ e out on t$e soun!stage% "$e e I see# to stan! &o $ou s "$ile t$ey a!just #akeu+ an! lig$ting an! s#oke le*els' E*entually% t$e co##an!s co#ing *ia inte co# & o# t$e in*isi(le +eo+le in t$e #yste ious

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

glasse!>in (oot$ (eco#e &e"e an! &e"e ' 6ul*ia an! Pluta c$ s+en! #o e ti#e stu!ying an! less ti#e a!justing #e' 6inally% t$e e/s 4uiet on t$e set' 6o a &ull &i*e #inutes I a# si#+ly consi!e e!' T$en Pluta c$ says% 8I t$ink t$at !oes it'8 I/# (eckone! o*e to a #onito ' T$ey +lay (ack t$e last &e" #inutes o& ta+ing an! I "atc$ t$e "o#an on t$e sc een' He (o!y see#s la ge in statu e% #o e i#+osing t$an #ine' He &ace s#u!ge! (ut se3y' He ( o"s (lack an! ! a"n in an angle o& !e&iance' :is+s o& s#oke>>suggesting s$e $as eit$e just (een e3tinguis$e! o is a(out to (u st into &la#es>> ise & o# $e clot$es' I !o not kno" "$o t$is +e son is'

6innick% "$o/s (een "an!e ing a oun! t$e set &o a &e" $ou s% co#es u+ (e$in! #e an! says "it$ a $int o& $is ol! $u#o % 8T$ey/ll eit$e "ant to kill you% kiss you% o (e you'8 E*e yone/s so e3cite!% so +lease! "it$ t$ei "o k' It/s nea ly ti#e to ( eak &o !inne % (ut t$ey insist "e continue' To#o o" "e/ll &ocus on s+eec$es an! inte *ie"s an! $a*e #e + eten! to (e in e(el (attles' To!ay t$ey "ant just one slogan% just one line t$at t$ey can "o k into a s$o t + o+o to s$o" to Coin' 8Peo+le o& Pane#% "e &ig$t% "e !a e% "e en! ou $unge &o justiceI8 T$at/s t$e line' I can tell (y t$e "ay t$ey + esent it t$at t$ey/*e s+ent #ont$s% #ay(e yea s% "o king it out an! a e eally + ou! o& it' It see#s like a #out$&ul to #e% t$oug$' An! sti&&' I can/t i#agine actually saying it in eal li&e>>unless I "as using a Ca+itol accent an! #aking &un o& it' 9ike "$en 7ale an! I use! to i#itate E&&ie T inket/s 8May t$e o!!s (e e*e in you &a*o I8 1ut 6ul*ia/s ig$t in #y &ace% !esc i(ing a (attle I/*e just (een in% an! $o" #y co# a!es>in>a #s a e all lying !ea! a oun! #e%

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

an! $o"% to ally t$e li*ing% I #ust tu n to t$e ca#e a an! s$out out t$e lineI I/# $ustle! (ack to #y +lace% an! t$e s#oke #ac$ine kicks in' So#eone calls &o 4uiet% t$e ca#e as sta t olling% an! I $ea 8ActionI8 So I $ol! #y (o" o*e #y $ea! an! yell "it$ all t$e ange I can #uste % 8Peo+le o& Pane#% "e &ig$t% "e !a e% "e en! ou $unge &o justiceI8 T$e e/s !ea! silence on t$e set' It goes on' An! on' 6inally% t$e inte co# c ackles an! Hay#itc$/s ace (ic laug$ &ills t$e stu!io' He contains $i#sel& just long enoug$ to say% 8An! t$at% #y & ien!s% is $o" a e*olution !ies'8

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

T$e s$ock o& $ea ing Hay#itc$/s *oice yeste !ay% o& lea ning t$at $e "as not only &unctional (ut $a! so#e #easu e o& cont ol o*e #y li&e again% en age! #e' I le&t t$e stu!io !i ectly an! e&use! to ackno"le!ge $is co##ents & o# t$e (oot$ to!ay' E*en so% I kne" i##e!iately $e "as ig$t a(out #y +e &o #ance'

It took t$e "$ole o& t$is #o ning &o $i# to con*ince t$e ot$e s o& #y li#itations' T$at I can/t +ull it o&&' I can/t stan! in a tele*ision stu!io "ea ing a costu#e an! #akeu+ in a clou! o& &ake s#oke an! ally t$e !ist icts to *icto y' It/s a#azing% eally% $o" long I $a*e su *i*e! t$e ca#e as' T$e c e!it &o t$at% o& cou se% goes to Peeta' Alone% I can/t (e t$e Mockingjay'

:e gat$e a oun! t$e $uge ta(le in Co##an!' Coin an! $e +eo+le' Pluta c$% 6ul*ia% an! #y + e+ tea#' A g ou+ & o# .2 t$at inclu!es Hay#itc$ an! 7ale% (ut also a &e" ot$e s I can/t e3+lain% like 9ee*y an! 7 easy Sae' At t$e last #inute% 6innick "$eels 1eetee in% acco#+anie! (y -alton% t$e cattle e3+e t & o# .D' I su++ose t$at Coin $as asse#(le! t$is st ange asso t#ent o& +eo+le as "itnesses to #y &ailu e'

Ho"e*e % it/s Hay#itc$ "$o "elco#es e*e yone% an! (y $is "o !s I un!e stan! t$at t$ey $a*e co#e at $is +e sonal in*itation' T$is is t$e &i st ti#e "e/*e (een in a oo# toget$e since I cla"e! $i#' I a*oi! looking at $i# !i ectly% (ut I catc$ a gli#+se o& $is e&lection in one o& t$e s$iny cont ol consoles along t$e "all' He looks slig$tly yello" an! $as lost a lot o& "eig$t% gi*ing $i# a s$ unken a++ea ance' 6o a secon!% I/#

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

a& ai! $e/s !ying' I $a*e to e#in! #ysel& t$at I !on/t ca e' T$e &i st t$ing Hay#itc$ !oes is to s$o" t$e &ootage "e/*e just s$ot' I see# to $a*e eac$e! so#e ne" lo" un!e Pluta c$ an! 6ul*ia/s gui!ance' 1ot$ #y *oice an! (o!y $a*e a je ky% !isjointe! 4uality% like a +u++et (eing #ani+ulate! (y unseen &o ces' 8All ig$t%8 Hay#itc$ says "$en it/s o*e ' 8:oul! anyone like to a gue t$at t$is is o& use to us in "inning t$e "a ,8 <o one !oes' 8T$at sa*es ti#e' So% let/s all (e 4uiet &o a #inute' I "ant e*e yone to t$ink o& one inci!ent "$e e ;atniss E*e !een genuinely #o*e! you' <ot "$e e you "e e jealous o& $e $ai style% o $e ! ess "ent u+ in &la#es o s$e #a!e a $al&"ay !ecent s$ot "it$ an a o"' <ot "$e e Peeta "as #aking you like $e ' I "ant to $ea one #o#ent "$e e s$e #a!e you &eel so#et$ing eal'8

Auiet st etc$es out an! I/# (eginning to t$ink it "ill ne*e en!% "$en 9ee*y s+eaks u+' 8:$en s$e *oluntee e! to take P i#/s +lace at t$e ea+ing' 1ecause I/# su e s$e t$oug$t s$e "as going to !ie'8 87oo!' E3cellent e3a#+le%8 says Hay#itc$' He takes a +u +le #a ke an! " ites on a note+a!' 82oluntee e! &o siste at ea+ing'8 Hay#itc$ looks a oun! t$e ta(le' 8So#e(o!y else'8 I/# su + ise! t$at t$e ne3t s+eake is 1oggs% "$o I t$ink o& as a #uscula o(ot t$at !oes Coin/s (i!!ing' 8:$en s$e sang t$e song' :$ile t$e little gi l !ie!'8 So#e"$e e in #y $ea! an i#age su &aces o& 1oggs "it$ a young (oy +e c$e! u+ on $is $i+' In t$e !ining $all% I t$ink' May(e $e/s not a o(ot a&te all' 8:$o !i!n/t get c$oke! u+ at t$at% ig$t,8 says Hay#itc$% " iting it !o"n'
E2 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8I c ie! "$en s$e ! ugge! Peeta so s$e coul! go get $i# #e!icine an! "$en s$e kisse! $i# goo!>(yeI8 (lu ts out )cta*ia' T$en s$e co*e s $e #out$% like s$e/s su e t$is "as a (a! #istake' 1ut Hay#itc$ only no!s' 8)$% yea$' - ugs Peeta to sa*e $is li&e' 2e y nice'8 T$e #o#ents (egin to co#e t$ick an! &ast an! in no +a ticula o !e ' :$en I took Rue on as an ally' E3ten!e! #y $an! to C$a&& on inte *ie" nig$t' T ie! to ca y Mags' An! again an! again "$en I $el! out t$ose (e ies t$at #eant !i&&e ent t$ings to !i&&e ent +eo+le' 9o*e &o Peeta' Re&usal to gi*e in un!e i#+ossi(le o!!s' -e&iance o& t$e Ca+itol/s in$u#anity'

Hay#itc$ $ol!s u+ t$e note+a!' 8So% t$e 4uestion is% "$at !o all o& t$ese $a*e in co##on,8 8T$ey "e e ;atniss/s%8 says 7ale 4uietly' 8<o one tol! $e "$at to !o o say'8 8Knsc i+te!% yesI8 says 1eetee' He eac$es o*e an! +ats #y $an!' 8So "e s$oul! just lea*e you alone% ig$t,8 Peo+le laug$' I e*en s#ile a little' 8:ell% t$at/s all *e y nice (ut not *e y $el+&ul%8 says 6ul*ia +ee*is$ly' 8Kn&o tunately% $e o++o tunities &o (eing "on!e &ul a e at$e li#ite! $e e in T$i teen' So unless you/ e suggesting "e toss $e into t$e #i!!le o& co#(at>>8 8T$at/s e3actly "$at I/# suggesting%8 says Hay#itc$' 8Put $e out in t$e &iel! an! just kee+ t$e ca#e as olling'8
E5 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

81ut +eo+le t$ink s$e/s + egnant%8 7ale +oints out' 8:e/ll s+ ea! t$e "o ! t$at s$e lost t$e (a(y & o# t$e elect ical s$ock in t$e a ena%8 Pluta c$ e+lies' 82e y sa!' 2e y un&o tunate'8 T$e i!ea o& sen!ing #e into co#(at is cont o*e sial' 1ut Hay#itc$ $as a + etty tig$t case' I& I +e &o # "ell only in eal>li&e ci cu#stances% t$en into t$e# I s$oul! go' 8E*e y ti#e "e coac$ $e o gi*e $e lines% t$e (est "e can $o+e &o is okay' It $as to co#e & o# $e ' T$at/s "$at +eo+le a e es+on!ing to'8 8E*en i& "e/ e ca e&ul% "e can/t gua antee $e sa&ety%8 says 1oggs' 8S$e/ll (e a ta get &o e*e y>>8 8I "ant to go%8 I ( eak in' 8I/# no $el+ to t$e e(els $e e'8 8An! i& you/ e kille!,8 asks Coin' 8Make su e you get so#e &ootage' Cou can use t$at% any"ay%8 I ans"e ' 86ine%8 says Coin' 81ut let/s take it one ste+ at a ti#e' 6in! t$e least !ange ous situation t$at can e*oke so#e s+ontaneity in you'8 S$e "alks a oun! Co##an!% stu!ying t$e illu#inate! !ist ict #a+s t$at s$o" t$e ongoing t oo+ +ositions in t$e "a ' 8Take $e into Eig$t t$is a&te noon' T$e e "as $ea*y (o#(ing t$is #o ning% (ut t$e ai! see#s to $a*e un its cou se' I "ant $e a #e! "it$ a s4ua! o& (o!ygua !s' Ca#e a c e" on t$e g oun!' Hay#itc$% you/ll (e ai (o ne an! in contact "it$ $e ' 9et/s see "$at $a++ens t$e e' -oes anyone $a*e any ot$e co##ents,8

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8:as$ $e &ace%8 says -alton' E*e yone tu ns to $i#' 8S$e/s still a gi l an! you #a!e $e look t$i ty>&i*e' 6eels " ong' 9ike so#et$ing t$e Ca+itol "oul! !o'8 As Coin a!jou ns t$e #eeting% Hay#itc$ asks $e i& $e can s+eak to #e + i*ately' T$e ot$e s lea*e e3ce+t &o 7ale% "$o linge s unce tainly (y #y si!e' 8:$at a e you "o ie! a(out,8 Hay#itc$ asks $i#' 8I/# t$e one "$o nee!s t$e (o!ygua !'8 8It/s okay%8 I tell 7ale% an! $e goes' T$en t$e e/s just t$e $u# o& t$e inst u#ents% t$e +u o& t$e *entilation syste#' Hay#itc$ takes t$e seat ac oss & o# #e' 8:e/ e going to $a*e to "o k toget$e again' So% go a$ea!' 0ust say it'8 I t$ink o& t$e sna ling% c uel e3c$ange (ack on t$e $o*e c a&t' T$e (itte ness t$at &ollo"e!' 1ut all I say is 8I can/t (elie*e you !i!n/t escue Peeta'8 8I kno"%8 $e e+lies' T$e e/s a sense o& inco#+leteness' An! not (ecause $e $asn/t a+ologize!' 1ut (ecause "e "e e a tea#' :e $a! a !eal to kee+ Peeta sa&e' A ! unken% un ealistic !eal #a!e in t$e !a k o& nig$t% (ut a !eal just t$e sa#e' An! in #y $ea t o& $ea ts% I kno" "e (ot$ &aile!' 8<o" you say it%8 I tell $i#' 8I can/t (elie*e you let $i# out o& you sig$t t$at nig$t%8 says Hay#itc$' I no!' T$at/s it' 8I +lay it o*e an! o*e in #y $ea!' :$at I coul! $a*e !one to kee+ $i# (y #y si!e
E? | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

"it$out ( eaking t$e alliance' 1ut not$ing co#es to #e'8 8Cou !i!n/t $a*e a c$oice' An! e*en i& I coul!/*e #a!e Pluta c$ stay an! escue $i# t$at nig$t% t$e "$ole $o*e c a&t "oul!/*e gone !o"n' :e (a ely got out as it "as'8 I &inally #eet Hay#itc$/s eyes' Sea# eyes' 7 ay an! !ee+ an! inge! "it$ t$e ci cles o& slee+less nig$ts' 8He/s not !ea! yet% ;atniss'8 8:e/ e still in t$e ga#e'8 I t y to say t$is "it$ o+ti#is#% (ut #y *oice c acks' 8Still in' An! I/# still you #ento '8 Hay#itc$ +oints $is #a ke at #e' 8:$en you/ e on t$e g oun!% e#e#(e I/# ai (o ne' I/ll $a*e t$e (ette *ie"% so !o "$at I tell you'8 8:e/ll see%8 I ans"e ' I etu n to t$e Re#ake Roo# an! "atc$ t$e st eaks o& #akeu+ !isa++ea !o"n t$e ! ain as I sc u( #y &ace clean' T$e +e son in t$e #i o looks agge!% "it$ $e une*en skin an! ti e! eyes% (ut s$e looks like #e' I i+ t$e a #(an! o&&% e*ealing t$e ugly sca & o# t$e t acke ' T$e e' T$at looks like #e% too' Since I/ll (e in a co#(at zone% 1eetee $el+s #e "it$ a #o Cinna !esigne!' A $el#et o& so#e inte "o*en #etal t$at &its close to #y $ea!' T$e #ate ial/s su++le% like &a( ic% an! can (e ! a"n (ack like a $oo! in case I !on/t "ant it u+ &ull>ti#e' A *est to ein&o ce t$e + otection o*e #y *ital o gans' A s#all "$ite ea +iece t$at attac$es to #y colla (y a "i e' 1eetee secu es a #ask to #y (elt t$at I !on/t $a*e to "ea unless t$e e/s a gas attack' 8I& you see anyone ! o++ing &o easons you can/t e3+lain% +ut it on i##e!iately%8 $e says' 6inally% $e st a+s a s$eat$ !i*i!e! into t$ ee cylin!e s o& a o"s to #y (ack'
EB | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

80ust e#e#(e H Rig$t si!e% &i e' 9e&t si!e% e3+losi*e' Cente % egula ' Cou s$oul!n/t nee! t$e#% (ut (ette sa&e t$an so y'8 1oggs s$o"s u+ to esco t #e !o"n to t$e Ai (o ne -i*ision' 0ust as t$e ele*ato a i*es% 6innick a++ea s in a state o& agitation' 8;atniss% t$ey "on/t let #e goI I tol! t$e# I/# &ine% (ut t$ey "on/t e*en let #e i!e in t$e $o*e c a&tI8 I take in 6innick>>$is (a e legs s$o"ing (et"een $is $os+ital go"n an! sli++e s% $is tangle o& $ai % t$e $al&>knotte! o+e t"iste! a oun! $is &inge s% t$e "il! look in $is eyes>>an! kno" any +lea on #y +a t "ill (e useless' E*en I !on/t t$ink it/s a goo! i!ea to ( ing $i#' So I s#ack #y $an! on #y &o e$ea! an! say% 8)$% I &o got' It/s t$is stu+i! concussion' I "as su++ose! to tell you to e+o t to 1eetee in S+ecial :ea+on y' He/s !esigne! a ne" t i!ent &o you'8

At t$e "o ! t i!ent% it/s as i& t$e ol! 6innick su &aces' 8Really, :$at/s it !o,8 8I !on/t kno"' 1ut i& it/s anyt$ing like #y (o" an! a o"s% you/ e going to lo*e it%8 I say' 8Cou/ll nee! to t ain "it$ it% t$oug$'8 8Rig$t' )& cou se' I guess I (ette get !o"n t$e e%8 $e says' 86innick,8 I say' 8May(e so#e +ants,8 He looks !o"n at $is legs as i& noticing $is out&it &o t$e &i st ti#e' T$en $e "$i+s o&& $is $os+ital go"n% lea*ing $i# in just $is un!e "ea ' 8:$y, -o you &in! t$is8>>$e st ikes a i!iculously + o*ocati*e +ose>> 8!ist acting,8

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

I can/t $el+ laug$ing (ecause it/s &unny% an! it/s e3t a &unny (ecause it #akes 1oggs look so unco#&o ta(le% an! I/# $a++y (ecause 6innick actually soun!s like t$e guy I #et at t$e Aua te Auell' 8I/# only $u#an% )!ai '8 I get in (e&o e t$e ele*ato !oo s close' 8So y%8 I say to 1oggs' 8-on/t (e' I t$oug$t you'''$an!le! t$at "ell%8 $e says' 81ette t$an #y $a*ing to a est $i#% any"ay'8 8Cea$%8 I say' I sneak a si!elong glance at $i#' He/s + o(a(ly in $is #i!>&o ties% "it$ close>c o++e! g ay $ai an! (lue eyes' Inc e!i(le +ostu e' He/s s+oken out t"ice to!ay in "ays t$at #ake #e t$ink $e "oul! at$e (e & ien!s t$an ene#ies' May(e I s$oul! gi*e $i# a c$ance' 1ut $e just see#s so in ste+ "it$ Coin''''

T$e e/s a se ies o& lou! clicks' T$e ele*ato co#es to a slig$t +ause an! t$en (egins to #o*e late ally to t$e le&t' 8It goes si!e"ays,8 I ask' 8Ces' T$e e/s a "$ole net"o k o& ele*ato +at$s un!e T$i teen%8 $e ans"e s' 8T$is one lies just a(o*e t$e t ans+o t s+oke to t$e &i&t$ ai li&t +lat&o #' It/s taking us to t$e Hanga '8 T$e Hanga ' T$e !ungeons' S+ecial -e&ense' So#e"$e e &oo! is g o"n' Po"e gene ate!' Ai an! "ate +u i&ie!' 8T$i teen is e*en la ge t$an I t$oug$t'8 8Can/t take c e!it &o #uc$ o& it%8 says 1oggs' 8:e (asically in$e ite! t$e +lace' It/s (een all "e can !o to kee+ it unning'8 T$e clicks esu#e' :e ! o+ !o"n again ( ie&ly>>just a cou+le o& le*els>>an! t$e !oo s o+en on t$e Hanga '
EF | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8)$%8 I let out in*olunta ily at t$e sig$t o& t$e &leet' Ro" a&te o" o& !i&&e ent kin!s o& $o*e c a&t' 8-i! you in$e it t$ese% too,8 8So#e "e #anu&actu e!' So#e "e e +a t o& t$e Ca+itol/s ai &o ce' T$ey/*e (een u+!ate!% o& cou se%8 says 1oggs' I &eel t$at t"inge o& $at e! against .5 again' 8So% you $a! all t$is% an! you le&t t$e est o& t$e !ist icts !e&enseless against t$e Ca+itol'8 8It/s not t$at si#+le%8 $e s$oots (ack' 8:e "e e in no +osition to launc$ a counte attack until ecently' :e coul! (a ely stay ali*e' A&te "e/! o*e t$ o"n an! e3ecute! t$e Ca+itol/s +eo+le% only a $an!&ul o& us e*en kne" $o" to +ilot' :e coul!/*e nuke! t$e# "it$ #issiles% yes' 1ut t$e e/s al"ays t$e la ge 4uestionH I& "e engage in t$at ty+e o& "a "it$ t$e Ca+itol% "oul! t$e e (e any $u#an li&e le&t,8

8T$at soun!s like "$at Peeta sai!' An! you all calle! $i# a t aito %8 I counte ' 81ecause $e calle! &o a cease>&i e%8 says 1oggs' 8Cou/ll notice neit$e si!e $as launc$e! nuclea "ea+ons' :e/ e "o king it out t$e ol!>&as$ione! "ay' )*e $e e% Sol!ie E*e !een'8 He in!icates one o& t$e s#alle $o*e c a&t' I #ount t$e stai s an! &in! it +acke! "it$ t$e tele*ision c e" an! e4ui+#ent' E*e yone else is ! esse! in .5/s !a k g ay #ilita y ju#+suits% e*en Hay#itc$% alt$oug$ $e see#s un$a++y a(out t$e snugness o& $is colla ' 6ul*ia Ca !e" $ustles o*e an! #akes a soun! o& & ust ation "$en s$e sees #y clean &ace' 8All t$at "o k% !o"n t$e ! ain' I/# not (la#ing you% ;atniss'
EG | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

It/s just t$at *e y &e" +eo+le a e (o n "it$ ca#e a> ea!y &aces' 9ike $i#'8 S$e snags 7ale% "$o/s in a con*e sation "it$ Pluta c$% an! s+ins $i# to"a ! us' 8Isn/t $e $an!so#e,8 7ale !oes look st iking in t$e uni&o #% I guess' 1ut t$e 4uestion just e#(a asses us (ot$% gi*en ou $isto y' I/# t ying to t$ink o& a "itty co#e(ack% "$en 1oggs says ( us4uely% 8:ell% !on/t e3+ect us to (e too i#+ esse!' :e just sa" 6innick )!ai in $is un!e "ea '8 I !eci!e to go a$ea! an! like 1oggs' T$e e/s a "a ning o& t$e u+co#ing takeo&& an! I st a+ #ysel& into a seat ne3t to 7ale% &acing o&& "it$ Hay#itc$ an! Pluta c$' :e gli!e t$ oug$ a #aze o& tunnels t$at o+ens out onto a +lat&o #' So#e so t o& ele*ato !e*ice li&ts t$e c a&t slo"ly u+ t$ oug$ t$e le*els' All at once "e/ e outsi!e in a la ge &iel! su oun!e! (y "oo!s% t$en "e ise o&& t$e +lat&o # an! (eco#e " a++e! in clou!s'

<o" t$at t$e &lu y o& acti*ity lea!ing u+ to t$is #ission is o*e % I ealize I $a*e no i!ea "$at I/# &acing on t$is t i+ to -ist ict F' In &act% I kno" *e y little a(out t$e actual state o& t$e "a ' ) "$at it "oul! take to "in it' ) "$at "oul! $a++en i& "e !i!' Pluta c$ t ies to lay it out in si#+le te #s &o #e' 6i st o& all% e*e y !ist ict is cu ently at "a "it$ t$e Ca+itol e3ce+t 2% "$ic$ $as al"ays $a! a &a*o e! elations$i+ "it$ ou ene#ies !es+ite its +a tici+ation in t$e Hunge 7a#es' T$ey get #o e &oo! an! (ette li*ing con!itions' A&te t$e -a k -ays an! t$e su++ose! !est uction o& .5% -ist ict 2 (eca#e t$e Ca+itol/s ne" cente o& !e&ense% alt$oug$ it/s +u(licly + esente! as t$e $o#e o& t$e nation/s stone 4ua ies% in t$e sa#e "ay t$at .5 "as kno"n &o g a+$ite #ining' -ist ict 2 not only #anu&actu es "ea+on y% it t ains an! e*en su++lies Peacekee+e s'
FD | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8Cou #ean'''so#e o& t$e Peacekee+e s a e (o n in T"o,8 I ask' 8I t$oug$t t$ey all ca#e & o# t$e Ca+itol'8 Pluta c$ no!s' 8T$at/s "$at you/ e su++ose! to t$ink' An! so#e !o co#e & o# t$e Ca+itol' 1ut its +o+ulation coul! ne*e sustain a &o ce t$at size' T$en t$e e/s t$e + o(le# o& ec uiting Ca+itol> aise! citizens &o a !ull li&e o& !e+ i*ation in t$e !ist icts' A t"enty>yea co##it#ent to t$e Peacekee+e s% no #a iage% no c$il! en allo"e!' So#e (uy into it &o t$e $ono o& t$e t$ing% ot$e s take it on as an alte nati*e to +unis$#ent' 6o instance% join t$e Peacekee+e s an! you !e(ts a e &o gi*en' Many +eo+le a e s"a#+e! in !e(t in t$e Ca+itol% (ut not all o& t$e# a e &it &o #ilita y !uty' So -ist ict T"o is "$e e "e tu n &o a!!itional t oo+s' It/s a "ay &o t$ei +eo+le to esca+e +o*e ty an! a li&e in t$e 4ua ies' T$ey/ e aise! "it$ a "a io #in!>set' Cou/*e seen $o" eage t$ei c$il! en a e to *oluntee to (e t i(utes'8

Cato an! Clo*e' 1 utus an! Eno(a ia' I/*e seen t$ei eage ness an! t$ei (loo!lust% too' 81ut all t$e ot$e !ist icts a e on ou si!e,8 I ask' 8Ces' )u goal is to take o*e t$e !ist icts one (y one% en!ing "it$ -ist ict T"o% t$us cutting o&& t$e Ca+itol/s su++ly c$ain' T$en% once it/s "eakene!% "e in*a!e t$e Ca+itol itsel&%8 says Pluta c$' 8T$at "ill (e a "$ole ot$e ty+e o& c$allenge' 1ut "e/ll c oss t$at ( i!ge "$en "e co#e to it'8 8I& "e "in% "$o "oul! (e in c$a ge o& t$e go*e n#ent,8 7ale asks' 8E*e yone%8 Pluta c$ tells $i#' 8:e/ e going to &o # a e+u(lic "$e e t$e +eo+le o& eac$ !ist ict an! t$e Ca+itol can elect t$ei o"n e+ esentati*es to (e t$ei
F. | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

*oice in a cent alize! go*e n#ent' -on/t look so sus+icious@ it/s "o ke! (e&o e'8 8In (ooks%8 Hay#itc$ #utte s' 8In $isto y (ooks%8 says Pluta c$' 8An! i& ou ancesto s coul! !o it% t$en "e can% too'8 6 ankly% ou ancesto s !on/t see# #uc$ to ( ag a(out' I #ean% look at t$e state t$ey le&t us in% "it$ t$e "a s an! t$e ( oken +lanet' Clea ly% t$ey !i!n/t ca e a(out "$at "oul! $a++en to t$e +eo+le "$o ca#e a&te t$e#' 1ut t$is e+u(lic i!ea soun!s like an i#+ o*e#ent o*e ou cu ent go*e n#ent' 8An! i& "e lose,8 I ask' 8I& "e lose,8 Pluta c$ looks out at t$e clou!s% an! an i onic s#ile t"ists $is li+s' 8T$en I "oul! e3+ect ne3t yea /s Hunge 7a#es to (e 4uite un&o getta(le' T$at e#in!s #e'8 He takes a *ial & o# $is *est% s$akes a &e" !ee+ *iolet +ills into $is $an!% an! $ol!s t$e# out to us' 8:e na#e! t$e# nig$tlock in you $ono % ;atniss' T$e e(els can/t a&&o ! &o any o& us to (e ca+tu e! no"' 1ut I + o#ise% it "ill (e co#+letely +ainless'8

I take $ol! o& a ca+sule% unsu e o& "$e e to +ut it' Pluta c$ ta+s a s+ot on #y s$oul!e at t$e & ont o& #y le&t slee*e' I e3a#ine it an! &in! a tiny +ocket t$at (ot$ secu es an! conceals t$e +ill' E*en i& #y $an!s "e e tie!% I coul! lean #y $ea! &o "a ! an! (ite it & ee' Cinna% it see#s% $as t$oug$t o& e*e yt$ing'

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

T$e $o*e c a&t #akes a 4uick% s+i al !escent onto a "i!e oa! on t$e outski ts o& F' Al#ost i##e!iately% t$e !oo o+ens% t$e stai s sli!e into +lace% an! "e/ e s+it out onto t$e as+$alt' T$e #o#ent t$e last +e son !ise#(a ks% t$e e4ui+#ent et acts' T$en t$e c a&t li&ts o&& an! *anis$es' I/# le&t "it$ a (o!ygua ! #a!e u+ o& 7ale% 1oggs% an! t"o ot$e sol!ie s' T$e T2 c e" consists o& a +ai o& (u ly Ca+itol ca#e a#en "it$ $ea*y #o(ile ca#e as encasing t$ei (o!ies like insect s$ells% a "o#an !i ecto na#e! C essi!a "$o $as a s$a*e! $ea! tattooe! "it$ g een *ines% an! $e assistant% Messalla% a sli# young #an "it$ se*e al sets o& ea ings' )n ca e&ul o(se *ation% I see $is tongue $as (een +ie ce!% too% an! $e "ea s a stu! "it$ a sil*e (all t$e size o& a #a (le'

1oggs $ustles us o&& t$e oa! to"a ! a o" o& "a e$ouses as a secon! $o*e c a&t co#es in &o a lan!ing' T$is one ( ings c ates o& #e!ical su++lies an! a c e" o& si3 #e!ics>>I can tell (y t$ei !istincti*e "$ite out&its' :e all &ollo" 1oggs !o"n an alley t$at uns (et"een t"o !ull g ay "a e$ouses' )nly t$e occasional access la!!e to t$e oo& inte u+ts t$e sca e! #etal "alls' :$en "e e#e ge onto t$e st eet% it/s like "e/*e ente e! anot$e "o l!'

T$e "oun!e! & o# t$is #o ning/s (o#(ing a e (eing ( oug$t in' )n $o#e#a!e st etc$e s% in "$eel(a o"s% on ca ts% slung ac oss s$oul!e s% an! clenc$e! tig$t in a #s' 1lee!ing% li#(less% unconscious' P o+elle! (y !es+e ate +eo+le to a "a e$ouse "it$ a slo++ily +ainte! H a(o*e t$e !oo "ay' It/s a scene & o# #y ol! kitc$en% "$e e #y #ot$e t eate! t$e !ying% #ulti+lie! (y ten% (y &i&ty%

F5 | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

(y a $un! e!' I $a! e3+ecte! (o#(e!>out (uil!ings an! instea! &in! #ysel& con& onte! "it$ ( oken $u#an (o!ies' T$is is "$e e t$ey +lan on &il#ing #e, I tu n to 1oggs' 8T$is "on/t "o k%8 I say' 8I "on/t (e goo! $e e'8 He #ust see t$e +anic in #y eyes% (ecause $e sto+s a #o#ent an! +laces $is $an!s on #y s$oul!e s' 8Cou "ill' 0ust let t$e# see you' T$at "ill !o #o e &o t$e# t$an any !octo in t$e "o l! coul!'8 A "o#an !i ecting t$e inco#ing +atients catc$es sig$t o& us% !oes a so t o& !ou(le take% an! t$en st i!es o*e ' He !a k ( o"n eyes a e +u&&y "it$ &atigue an! s$e s#ells o& #etal an! s"eat' A (an!age a oun! $e t$ oat nee!e! c$anging a(out t$ ee !ays ago' T$e st a+ o& t$e auto#atic "ea+on slung ac oss $e (ack !igs into $e neck an! s$e s$i&ts $e s$oul!e to e+osition it' :it$ a je k o& $e t$u#(% s$e o !e s t$e #e!ics into t$e "a e$ouse' T$ey co#+ly "it$out 4uestion'

8T$is is Co##an!e Paylo o& Eig$t%8 says 1oggs' 8Co##an!e % Sol!ie ;atniss E*e !een'8 S$e looks young to (e a co##an!e ' Ea ly t$i ties' 1ut t$e e/s an aut$o itati*e tone to $e *oice t$at #akes you &eel $e a++oint#ent "asn/t a (it a y' 1esi!e $e % in #y s+anking>ne" out&it% sc u((e! an! s$iny% I &eel like a ecently $atc$e! c$ick% unteste! an! only just lea ning $o" to na*igate t$e "o l!' 8Cea$% I kno" "$o s$e is%8 says Paylo ' 8Cou/ e ali*e% t$en' :e "e en/t su e'8 A# I " ong o is t$e e a note o& accusation in $e *oice, 8I/# still not su e #ysel&%8 I ans"e '
F= | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

81een in eco*e y'8 1oggs ta+s $is $ea!' 81a! concussion'8 He lo"e s $is *oice a #o#ent' 8Misca iage' 1ut s$e insiste! on co#ing (y to see you "oun!e!'8 8:ell% "e/*e got +lenty o& t$ose%8 says Paylo ' 8Cou t$ink t$is is a goo! i!ea,8 says 7ale% & o"ning at t$e $os+ital' 8Asse#(ling you "oun!e! like t$is,8 I !on/t' Any so t o& contagious !isease "oul! s+ ea! t$ oug$ t$is +lace like "il!&i e' 8I t$ink it/s slig$tly (ette t$an lea*ing t$e# to !ie%8 says Paylo ' 8T$at/s not "$at I #eant%8 7ale tells $e ' 8:ell% cu ently t$at/s #y ot$e o+tion' 1ut i& you co#e u+ "it$ a t$i ! an! get Coin to (ack it% I/# all ea s'8 Paylo "a*es #e to"a ! t$e !oo ' 8Co#e on in% Mockingjay' An! (y all #eans% ( ing you & ien!s'8 I glance (ack at t$e & eak s$o" t$at is #y c e"% steel #ysel&% an! &ollo" $e into t$e $os+ital' So#e so t o& $ea*y% in!ust ial cu tain $angs t$e lengt$ o& t$e (uil!ing% &o #ing a siza(le co i!o ' Co +ses lie si!e (y si!e% cu tain ( us$ing t$ei $ea!s% "$ite clot$s concealing t$ei &aces' 8:e/*e got a #ass g a*e sta te! a &e" (locks "est o& $e e% (ut I can/t s+a e t$e #an+o"e to #o*e t$e# yet%8 says Paylo ' S$e &in!s a slit in t$e cu tain an! o+ens it "i!e'

My &inge s " a+ a oun! 7ale/s " ist' 8-o not lea*e #y si!e%8 I say un!e #y ( eat$' 8I/# ig$t $e e%8 $e ans"e s 4uietly'

F? | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

I ste+ t$ oug$ t$e cu tain an! #y senses a e assaulte!' My &i st i#+ulse is to co*e #y nose to (lock out t$e stenc$ o& soile! linen% +ut e&ying &les$% an! *o#it% all i+ening in t$e $eat o& t$e "a e$ouse' T$ey/*e + o++e! o+en skylig$ts t$at c issc oss t$e $ig$ #etal oo&% (ut any ai t$at/s #anaging to get in can/t #ake a !ent in t$e &og (elo"' T$e t$in s$a&ts o& sunlig$t + o*i!e t$e only illu#ination% an! as #y eyes a!just% I can #ake out o" u+on o" o& "oun!e!% in cots% on +allets% on t$e &loo (ecause t$e e a e so #any to clai# t$e s+ace' T$e ! one o& (lack &lies% t$e #oaning o& +eo+le in +ain% an! t$e so(s o& t$ei atten!ing lo*e! ones $a*e co#(ine! into a " enc$ing c$o us'

:e $a*e no eal $os+itals in t$e !ist icts' :e !ie at $o#e% "$ic$ at t$e #o#ent see#s a &a !esi a(le alte nati*e to "$at lies in & ont o& #e' T$en I e#e#(e t$at #any o& t$ese +eo+le + o(a(ly lost t$ei $o#es in t$e (o#(ings' S"eat (egins to un !o"n #y (ack% &ill #y +al#s' I ( eat$e t$ oug$ #y #out$ in an atte#+t to !i#inis$ t$e s#ell' 1lack s+ots s"i# ac oss #y &iel! o& *ision% an! I t$ink t$e e/s a eally goo! c$ance I coul! &aint' 1ut t$en I catc$ sig$t o& Paylo % "$o/s "atc$ing #e so closely% "aiting to see "$at I a# #a!e o&% an! i& any o& t$e# $a*e (een ig$t to t$ink t$ey can count on #e' So I let go o& 7ale an! &o ce #ysel& to #o*e !ee+e into t$e "a e$ouse% to "alk into t$e na o" st i+ (et"een t"o o"s o& (e!s'

8;atniss,8 a *oice c oaks out & o# #y le&t% ( eaking a+a t & o# t$e gene al !in' 8;atniss,8 A $an! eac$es &o #e out o& t$e $aze' I cling to it &o su++o t' Attac$e! to t$e $an! is a young "o#an "it$ an inju e! leg' 1loo! $as see+e! t$ oug$ t$e $ea*y (an!ages% "$ic$ a e c a"ling "it$ &lies' He &ace e&lects $e +ain% (ut so#et$ing else% too% so#et$ing
FB | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

t$at see#s co#+letely incong uous "it$ $e situation' 8Is it eally you,8 8Cea$% it/s #e%8 I get out' 0oy' T$at/s t$e e3+ ession on $e &ace' At t$e soun! o& #y *oice% it ( ig$tens% e ases t$e su&&e ing #o#enta ily' 8Cou/ e ali*eI :e !i!n/t kno"' Peo+le sai! you "e e% (ut "e !i!n/t kno"I8 s$e says e3cite!ly' 8I got + etty (ange! u+' 1ut I got (ette %8 I say' 80ust like you "ill'8 8I/*e got to tell #y ( ot$e I8 T$e "o#an st uggles to sit u+ an! calls to so#eone a &e" (e!s !o"n' 8E!!yI E!!yI S$e/s $e eI It/s ;atniss E*e !eenI8 A (oy% + o(a(ly a(out t"el*e yea s ol!% tu ns to us' 1an!ages o(scu e $al& o& $is &ace' T$e si!e o& $is #out$ I can see o+ens as i& to utte an e3cla#ation' I go to $i#% +us$ $is !a#+ ( o"n cu ls (ack & o# $is &o e$ea!' Mu #u a g eeting' He can/t s+eak% (ut $is one goo! eye &i3es on #e "it$ suc$ intensity% as i& $e/s t ying to #e#o ize e*e y !etail o& #y &ace'

I $ea #y na#e i++ling t$ oug$ t$e $ot ai % s+ ea!ing out into t$e $os+ital' 8;atnissI ;atniss E*e !eenI8 T$e soun!s o& +ain an! g ie& (egin to ece!e% to (e e+lace! (y "o !s o& antici+ation' 6 o# all si!es% *oices (eckon #e' I (egin to #o*e% clas+ing t$e $an!s e3ten!e! to #e% touc$ing t$e soun! +a ts o& t$ose una(le to #o*e t$ei li#(s% saying $ello% $o" a e you% goo! to #eet you' <ot$ing o& i#+o tance% no a#azing "o !s o& ins+i ation' 1ut it !oesn/t #atte ' 1oggs is ig$t' It/s t$e sig$t o& #e% ali*e% t$at is t$e ins+i ation'

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

Hung y &inge s !e*ou #e% "anting to &eel #y &les$' As a st icken #an clutc$es #y &ace (et"een $is $an!s% I sen! a silent t$ank>you to -alton &o suggesting I "as$ o&& t$e #akeu+' Ho" i!iculous% $o" +e *e se I "oul! &eel + esenting t$at +ainte! Ca+itol #ask to t$ese +eo+le' T$e !a#age% t$e &atigue% t$e i#+e &ections' T$at/s $o" t$ey ecognize #e% "$y I (elong to t$e#'

-es+ite $is cont o*e sial inte *ie" "it$ Caesa % #any ask a(out Peeta% assu e #e t$at t$ey kno" $e "as s+eaking un!e !u ess' I !o #y (est to soun! +ositi*e a(out ou &utu e% (ut +eo+le a e t uly !e*astate! "$en t$ey lea n I/*e lost t$e (a(y' I "ant to co#e clean an! tell one "ee+ing "o#an t$at it "as all a $oa3% a #o*e in t$e ga#e% (ut to + esent Peeta as a lia no" "oul! not $el+ $is i#age' ) #ine' ) t$e cause'

I (egin to &ully un!e stan! t$e lengt$s to "$ic$ +eo+le $a*e gone to + otect #e' :$at I #ean to t$e e(els' My ongoing st uggle against t$e Ca+itol% "$ic$ $as so o&ten &elt like a solita y jou ney% $as not (een un!e taken alone' I $a*e $a! t$ousan!s u+on t$ousan!s o& +eo+le & o# t$e !ist icts at #y si!e' I "as t$ei Mockingjay long (e&o e I acce+te! t$e ole'

A ne" sensation (egins to ge #inate insi!e #e' 1ut it takes until I a# stan!ing on a ta(le% "a*ing #y &inal goo!(yes to t$e $oa se c$anting o& #y na#e% to !e&ine it' Po"e ' I $a*e a kin! o& +o"e I ne*e kne" I +ossesse!' Sno" kne" it% as soon as I $el! out t$ose (e ies' Pluta c$ kne" "$en $e escue! #e & o# t$e a ena' An! Coin kno"s no"' So #uc$ so t$at s$e #ust +u(licly e#in! $e +eo+le t$at I a# not in cont ol'

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

:$en "e/ e outsi!e again% I lean against t$e "a e$ouse% catc$ing #y ( eat$% acce+ting t$e canteen o& "ate & o# 1oggs' 8Cou !i! g eat%8 $e says' :ell% I !i!n/t &aint o t$ o" u+ o un out sc ea#ing' Mostly% I just o!e t$e "a*e o& e#otion olling t$ oug$ t$e +lace' 8:e got so#e nice stu&& in t$e e%8 says C essi!a' I look at t$e insect ca#e a#en% +e s+i ation +ou ing & o# un!e t$ei e4ui+#ent' Messalla sc i((ling notes' I $a! &o gotten t$ey "e e e*en &il#ing #e' 8I !i!n/t !o #uc$% eally%8 I say' 8Cou $a*e to gi*e you sel& so#e c e!it &o "$at you/*e !one in t$e +ast%8 says 1oggs' :$at I/*e !one in t$e +ast, I t$ink o& t$e t ail o& !est uction in #y "ake>>#y knees "eaken an! I sli!e !o"n to a sitting +osition' 8T$at/s a #i3e! (ag'8 8:ell% you/ e not +e &ect (y a long s$ot' 1ut ti#es (eing "$at t$ey a e% you/ll $a*e to !o%8 says 1oggs' 7ale s4uats !o"n (esi!e #e% s$aking $is $ea!' 8I can/t (elie*e you let all t$ose +eo+le touc$ you' I ke+t e3+ecting you to #ake a ( eak &o t$e !oo '8 8S$ut u+%8 I say "it$ a laug$' 8Cou #ot$e /s going to (e *e y + ou! "$en s$e sees t$e &ootage%8 $e says' 8My #ot$e "on/t e*en notice #e' S$e/ll (e too a++alle! (y t$e con!itions in t$e e'8 I tu n to 1oggs an! ask% 8Is it like t$is in e*e y !ist ict,8

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8Ces' Most a e un!e attack' :e/ e t ying to get in ai! "$e e*e "e can% (ut it/s not enoug$'8 He sto+s a #inute% !ist acte! (y so#et$ing in $is ea +iece' I ealize I $a*en/t $ea ! Hay#itc$/s *oice once% an! &i!!le "it$ #ine% "on!e ing i& it/s ( oken' 8:e/ e to get to t$e ai st i+' I##e!iately%8 1oggs says% li&ting #e to #y &eet "it$ one $an!' 8T$e e/s a + o(le#'8

8:$at kin! o& + o(le#,8 asks 7ale' 8Inco#ing (o#(e s%8 says 1oggs' He eac$es (e$in! #y neck an! yanks Cinna/s $el#et u+ onto #y $ea!' 89et/s #o*eI8 Knsu e o& "$at/s going on% I take o&& unning along t$e & ont o& t$e "a e$ouse% $ea!ing &o t$e alley t$at lea!s to t$e ai st i+' 1ut I !on/t sense any i##e!iate t$ eat' T$e sky/s an e#+ty% clou!less (lue' T$e st eet/s clea e3ce+t &o t$e +eo+le $auling t$e "oun!e! to t$e $os+ital' T$e e/s no ene#y% no ala #' T$en t$e si ens (egin to "ail' :it$in secon!s% a lo"> &lying 2>s$a+e! &o #ation o& Ca+itol $o*e +lanes a++ea s a(o*e us% an! t$e (o#(s (egin to &all' I/# (lo"n o&& #y &eet% into t$e & ont "all o& t$e "a e$ouse' T$e e/s a sea ing +ain just a(o*e t$e (ack o& #y ig$t knee' So#et$ing $as st uck #y (ack as "ell% (ut !oesn/t see# to $a*e +enet ate! #y *est' I t y to get u+% (ut 1oggs +us$es #e (ack !o"n% s$iel!ing #y (o!y "it$ $is o"n' T$e g oun! i++les un!e #e as (o#( a&te (o#( ! o+s & o# t$e +lanes an! !etonates'

It/s a $o i&ying sensation (eing +inne! against t$e "all as t$e (o#(s ain !o"n' :$at "as t$at e3+ ession #y &at$e use! &o easy kills, 9ike s$ooting &is$ in a (a el' :e a e t$e &is$% t$e st eet t$e (a el' 8;atnissI8 I/# sta tle! (y Hay#itc$/s *oice in #y ea '
GD | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8:$at, Ces% "$at, I/# $e eI8 I ans"e ' 89isten to #e' :e can/t lan! !u ing t$e (o#(ing% (ut it/s i#+e ati*e you/ e not s+otte!%8 $e says' 8So t$ey !on/t kno" I/# $e e,8 I assu#e!% as usual% it "as #y + esence t$at ( oug$t on +unis$#ent' 8Intelligence t$inks no' T$at t$is ai! "as al ea!y sc$e!ule!%8 says Hay#itc$' <o" Pluta c$/s *oice co#es u+% cal# (ut &o ce&ul' T$e *oice o& a Hea! 7a#e#ake use! to calling t$e s$ots un!e + essu e' 8T$e e/s a lig$t (lue "a e$ouse t$ ee !o"n & o# you' It $as a (unke in t$e &a no t$ co ne ' Can you get t$e e,8 8:e/ll !o ou (est%8 says 1oggs' Pluta c$ #ust (e in e*e yone/s ea % (ecause #y (o!ygua !s an! c e" a e getting u+' My eye instincti*ely sea c$es &o 7ale an! sees $e/s on $is &eet% a++a ently un$a #e!' 8Cou/*e got #ay(e &o ty>&i*e secon!s to t$e ne3t "a*e%8 says Pluta c$' I gi*e a g unt o& +ain as #y ig$t leg takes t$e "eig$t o& #y (o!y% (ut I kee+ #o*ing' <o ti#e to e3a#ine t$e inju y' 1ette not to look no"% any"ay' 6o tunately% I $a*e on s$oes t$at Cinna !esigne!' T$ey g i+ t$e as+$alt on contact an! s+ ing & ee o& it on elease' I/! (e $o+eless in t$at ill>&itting +ai t$at .5 assigne! to #e' 1oggs $as t$e lea!% (ut no one else +asses #e' Instea! t$ey #atc$ #y +ace% + otecting #y si!es% #y (ack' I &o ce #ysel& into a s+ int as t$e secon!s tick a"ay' :e +ass t$e secon! g ay "a e$ouse an! un along a !i t ( o"n (uil!ing' K+ a$ea!% I see a &a!e! (lue &aca!e' Ho#e o& t$e (unke ' :e $a*e just eac$e! anot$e alley% nee! only to c oss it to a i*e at t$e !oo % "$en t$e ne3t

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

"a*e o& (o#(s (egins' I instincti*ely !i*e into t$e alley an! oll to"a ! t$e (lue "all' T$is ti#e it/s 7ale "$o t$ o"s $i#sel& o*e #e to + o*i!e one #o e laye o& + otection & o# t$e (o#(ing' It see#s to go on longe t$is ti#e% (ut "e a e &a t$e a"ay' I s$i&t onto #y si!e an! &in! #ysel& looking !i ectly into 7ale/s eyes' 6o an instant t$e "o l! ece!es an! t$e e is just $is &lus$e! &ace% $is +ulse *isi(le at $is te#+le% $is li+s slig$tly +a te! as $e t ies to catc$ $is ( eat$' 8Cou all ig$t,8 $e asks% $is "o !s nea ly ! o"ne! out (y an e3+losion' 8Cea$' I !on/t t$ink t$ey/*e seen #e%8 I ans"e ' 8I #ean% t$ey/ e not &ollo"ing us'8 8<o% t$ey/*e ta gete! so#et$ing else%8 says 7ale' 8I kno"% (ut t$e e/s not$ing (ack t$e e (ut>>8 T$e ealization $its us at t$e sa#e ti#e' 8T$e $os+ital'8 Instantly% 7ale/s u+ an! s$outing to t$e ot$e s' 8T$ey/ e ta geting t$e $os+italI8 8<ot you + o(le#%8 says Pluta c$ &i #ly' 87et to t$e (unke '8 81ut t$e e/s not$ing t$e e (ut t$e "oun!e!I8 I say' 8;atniss'8 I $ea t$e "a ning note in Hay#itc$/s *oice an! kno" "$at/s co#ing' 8-on/t you e*en t$ink a(out>>I8 I yank t$e ea +iece & ee an! let it $ang & o# its "i e' :it$ t$at !ist action gone% I $ea anot$e soun!' Mac$ine gun &i e co#ing & o# t$e oo& o& t$e !i t ( o"n "a e$ouse ac oss t$e alley' So#eone is etu ning &i e' 1e&o e anyone can sto+ #e% I #ake a

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

!as$ &o an access la!!e an! (egin to scale it' Cli#(ing' )ne o& t$e t$ings I !o (est' 8-on/t sto+I8 I $ea 7ale say (e$in! #e' T$en t$e e/s t$e soun! o& $is (oot on so#eone/s &ace' I& it (elongs to 1oggs% 7ale/s going to +ay &o it !ea ly late on' I #ake t$e oo& an! ! ag #ysel& onto t$e ta ' I sto+ long enoug$ to +ull 7ale u+ (esi!e #e% an! t$en "e take o&& &o t$e o" o& #ac$ine gun nests on t$e st eet si!e o& t$e "a e$ouse' Eac$ looks to (e #anne! (y a &e" e(els' :e ski! into a nest "it$ a +ai o& sol!ie s% $unc$ing !o"n (e$in! t$e (a ie '

81oggs kno" you/ e u+ $e e,8 To #y le&t I see Paylo (e$in! one o& t$e guns% looking at us 4uizzically' I t y to (e e*asi*e "it$out &lat>out lying' 8He kno"s "$e e "e a e% all ig$t'8 Paylo laug$s' 8I (et $e !oes' Cou (een t aine! in t$ese,8 S$e sla+s t$e stock o& $e gun' 8I $a*e' In T$i teen%8 says 7ale' 81ut I/! at$e use #y o"n "ea+ons'8 8Ces% "e/*e got ou (o"s'8 I $ol! #ine u+% t$en ealize $o" !eco ati*e it #ust see#' 8It/s #o e !ea!ly t$an it looks'8 8It "oul! $a*e to (e%8 says Paylo ' 8All ig$t' :e e3+ect at least t$ ee #o e "a*es' T$ey $a*e to ! o+ t$ei sig$t s$iel!s (e&o e t$ey elease t$e (o#(s' T$at/s ou c$ance' Stay lo"I8 I +osition #ysel& to s$oot & o# one knee' 81ette sta t "it$ &i e%8 says 7ale' I no! an! +ull an a o" & o# #y ig$t s$eat$' I& "e #iss ou ta gets% t$ese a o"s "ill lan! so#e"$e e>>
G5 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

+ o(a(ly t$e "a e$ouses ac oss t$e st eet' A &i e can (e +ut out% (ut t$e !a#age an e3+losi*e can !o #ay (e i e+a a(le' Su!!enly% t$ey a++ea in t$e sky% t"o (locks !o"n% #ay(e a $un! e! ya !s a(o*e us' Se*en s#all (o#(e s in a 2 &o #ation' 87eeseI8 I yell at 7ale' He/ll kno" e3actly "$at I #ean' -u ing #ig ation season% "$en "e $unt &o"l% "e/*e !e*elo+e! a syste# o& !i*i!ing t$e (i !s so "e !on/t (ot$ ta get t$e sa#e ones' I get t$e &a si!e o& t$e 2% 7ale takes t$e nea % an! "e alte nate s$ots at t$e & ont (i !' T$e e/s no ti#e &o &u t$e !iscussion' I esti#ate t$e lea! ti#e on t$e $o*e +lanes an! let #y a o" &ly' I catc$ t$e insi!e "ing o& one% causing it to (u st into &la#es' 7ale just #isses t$e +oint +lane' A &i e (loo#s on an e#+ty "a e$ouse oo& ac oss & o# us' He s"ea s un!e $is ( eat$'

T$e $o*e +lane I $it s"e *es out o& &o #ation% (ut still eleases its (o#(s' It !oesn/t !isa++ea % t$oug$' <eit$e !oes one ot$e I assu#e "as $it (y gun&i e' T$e !a#age #ust + e*ent t$e sig$t s$iel! & o# eacti*ating' 87oo! s$ot%8 says 7ale' 8I "asn/t e*en ai#ing &o t$at one%8 I #utte ' I/! set #y sig$ts on t$e +lane in & ont o& it' 8T$ey/ e &aste t$an "e t$ink'8 8PositionsI8 Paylo s$outs' T$e ne3t "a*e o& $o*e +lanes is a++ea ing al ea!y' 86i e/s no goo!%8 7ale says' I no! an! "e (ot$ loa! e3+losi*e>ti++e! a o"s' T$ose "a e$ouses ac oss t$e "ay look !ese te! any"ay'

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

As t$e +lanes s"ee+ silently in% I #ake anot$e !ecision' 8I/# stan!ingI8 I s$out to 7ale% an! ise to #y &eet' T$is is t$e +osition I get t$e (est accu acy & o#' I lea! ea lie an! sco e a !i ect $it on t$e +oint +lane% (lasting a $ole in its (elly' 7ale (lo"s t$e tail o&& a secon!' It &li+s an! c as$es into t$e st eet% setting o&& a se ies o& e3+losions as its ca go goes o&&'

:it$out "a ning% a t$i ! 2 &o #ation un*eils' T$is ti#e% 7ale s4ua ely $its t$e +oint +lane' I take t$e "ing o&& t$e secon! (o#(e % causing it to s+in into t$e one (e$in! it' Toget$e t$ey colli!e into t$e oo& o& t$e "a e$ouse ac oss & o# t$e $os+ital' A &ou t$ goes !o"n & o# gun&i e' 8All ig$t% t$at/s it%8 Paylo says' 6la#es an! $ea*y (lack s#oke & o# t$e " eckage o(scu e ou *ie"' 8-i! t$ey $it t$e $os+ital,8 8Must $a*e%8 s$e says g i#ly' As I $u y to"a ! t$e la!!e s at t$e &a en! o& t$e "a e$ouse% t$e sig$t o& Messalla an! one o& t$e insects e#e ging & o# (e$in! an ai !uct su + ises #e' I t$oug$t t$ey/! still (e $unke e! !o"n in t$e alley' 8T$ey/ e g o"ing on #e%8 says 7ale' I sc a#(le !o"n a la!!e ' :$en #y &eet $it t$e g oun!% I &in! a (o!ygua !% C essi!a% an! t$e ot$e insect "aiting' I e3+ect esistance% (ut C essi!a just "a*es #e to"a ! t$e $os+ital' S$e/s yelling% 8I !on/t ca e% Pluta c$I 0ust gi*e #e &i*e #o e #inutesI8 <ot one to 4uestion a & ee +ass% I take o&& into t$e st eet' 8)$% no%8 I "$is+e as I catc$ sig$t o& t$e $os+ital' :$at use! to (e t$e $os+ital' I #o*e +ast t$e
G? | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

"oun!e!% +ast t$e (u ning +lane " ecks% &i3ate! on t$e !isaste a$ea! o& #e' Peo+le sc ea#ing% unning a(out & antically% (ut una(le to $el+' T$e (o#(s $a*e colla+se! t$e $os+ital oo& an! set t$e (uil!ing on &i e% e&&ecti*ely t a++ing t$e +atients "it$in' A g ou+ o& escue s $as asse#(le!% t ying to clea a +at$ to t$e insi!e' 1ut I al ea!y kno" "$at t$ey "ill &in!' I& t$e c us$ing !e( is an! t$e &la#es !i!n/t get t$e#% t$e s#oke !i!'

7ale/s at #y s$oul!e ' T$e &act t$at $e !oes not$ing only con&i #s #y sus+icions' Mine s !on/t a(an!on an acci!ent until it/s $o+eless' 8Co#e on% ;atniss' Hay#itc$ says t$ey can get a $o*e c a&t in &o us no"%8 $e tells #e' 1ut I can/t see# to #o*e' 8:$y "oul! t$ey !o t$at, :$y "oul! t$ey ta get +eo+le "$o "e e al ea!y !ying,8 I ask $i#' 8Sca e ot$e s o&&' P e*ent t$e "oun!e! & o# seeking $el+%8 says 7ale' 8T$ose +eo+le you #et% t$ey "e e e3+en!a(le' To Sno"% any"ay' I& t$e Ca+itol "ins% "$at "ill it !o "it$ a (unc$ o& !a#age! sla*es,8 I e#e#(e all t$ose yea s in t$e "oo!s% listening to 7ale ant against t$e Ca+itol' Me% not +aying close attention' :on!e ing "$y $e e*en (ot$e e! to !issect its #oti*es' :$y t$inking like ou ene#y "oul! e*e #atte ' Clea ly% it coul! $a*e #atte e! to!ay' :$en 7ale 4uestione! t$e e3istence o& t$e $os+ital% $e "as not t$inking o& !isease% (ut t$is' 1ecause $e ne*e un!e esti#ates t$e c uelty o& t$ose "e &ace'

I slo"ly tu n #y (ack to t$e $os+ital an! &in! C essi!a% &lanke! (y t$e insects% stan!ing a cou+le o& ya !s in & ont o& #e' He #anne /s un attle!' Cool e*en' 8;atniss%8 s$e says% 8P esi!ent Sno" just $a!
GB | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

t$e# ai t$e (o#(ing li*e' T$en $e #a!e an a++ea ance to say t$at t$is "as $is "ay o& sen!ing a #essage to t$e e(els' :$at a(out you, :oul! you like to tell t$e e(els anyt$ing,8 8Ces%8 I "$is+e ' T$e e! (linking lig$t on one o& t$e ca#e as catc$es #y eye' I kno" I/# (eing eco !e!' 8Ces%8 I say #o e &o ce&ully' E*e yone is ! a"ing a"ay & o# #e>>7ale% C essi!a% t$e insects>>gi*ing #e t$e stage' 1ut I stay &ocuse! on t$e e! lig$t' 8I "ant to tell t$e e(els t$at I a# ali*e' T$at I/# ig$t $e e in -ist ict Eig$t% "$e e t$e Ca+itol $as just (o#(e! a $os+ital &ull o& una #e! #en% "o#en% an! c$il! en' T$e e "ill (e no su *i*o s'8 T$e s$ock I/*e (een &eeling (egins to gi*e "ay to &u y' 8I "ant to tell +eo+le t$at i& you t$ink &o one secon! t$e Ca+itol "ill t eat us &ai ly i& t$e e/s a cease>&i e% you/ e !elu!ing you sel&' 1ecause you kno" "$o t$ey a e an! "$at t$ey !o'8 My $an!s go out auto#atically% as i& to in!icate t$e "$ole $o o a oun! #e' 8T$is is "$at t$ey !oI An! "e #ust &ig$t (ackI8

I/# #o*ing in to"a ! t$e ca#e a no"% ca ie! &o "a ! (y #y age' 8P esi!ent Sno" says $e/s sen!ing us a #essage, :ell% I $a*e one &o $i#' Cou can to tu e us an! (o#( us an! (u n ou !ist icts to t$e g oun!% (ut !o you see t$at,8 )ne o& t$e ca#e as &ollo"s as I +oint to t$e +lanes (u ning on t$e oo& o& t$e "a e$ouse ac oss & o# us' T$e Ca+itol seal on a "ing glo"s clea ly t$ oug$ t$e &la#es' 86i e is catc$ingI8 I a# s$outing no"% !ete #ine! t$at $e "ill not #iss a "o !' 8An! i& "e (u n% you (u n "it$ usI8

My last "o !s $ang in t$e ai ' I &eel sus+en!e! in ti#e' Hel! alo&t in a clou! o& $eat t$at gene ates not & o# #y su oun!ings% (ut & o# #y o"n (eing'

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8CutI8 C essi!a/s *oice sna+s #e (ack to eality% e3tinguis$es #e' S$e gi*es #e a no! o& a++ o*al' 8T$at/s a " a+'8

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

1oggs a++ea s an! gets a &i # lock on #y a #% (ut I/# not +lanning on unning no"' I look o*e at t$e $os+ital>>just in ti#e to see t$e est o& t$e st uctu e gi*e "ay>>an! t$e &ig$t goes out o& #e' All t$ose +eo+le% t$e $un! e!s o& "oun!e!% t$e elati*es% t$e #e!ics & o# .5% a e no #o e' I tu n (ack to 1oggs% see t$e s"elling on $is &ace le&t (y 7ale/s (oot' I/# no e3+e t% (ut I/# + etty su e $is nose is ( oken' His *oice is #o e esigne! t$an ang y% t$oug$' 81ack to t$e lan!ing st i+'8 I o(e!iently take a ste+ &o "a ! an! "ince as I (eco#e a"a e o& t$e +ain (e$in! #y ig$t knee' T$e a! enaline us$ t$at o*e o!e t$e sensation $as +asse! an! #y (o!y +a ts join in a c$o us o& co#+laints' I/# (ange! u+ an! (loo!y an! so#eone see#s to (e $a##e ing on #y le&t te#+le & o# insi!e #y skull' 1oggs 4uickly e3a#ines #y &ace% t$en scoo+s #e u+ an! jogs &o t$e un"ay' Hal&"ay t$e e% I +uke on $is (ullet+ oo& *est' It/s $a ! to tell (ecause $e/s s$o t o& ( eat$% (ut I t$ink $e sig$s'

A s#all $o*e c a&t% !i&&e ent & o# t$e one t$at t ans+o te! us $e e% "aits on t$e un"ay' T$e secon! #y tea#/s on (oa !% "e take o&&' <o co#&y seats an! "in!o"s t$is ti#e' :e see# to (e in so#e so t o& ca go c a&t' 1oggs !oes e#e gency &i st ai! on +eo+le to $ol! t$e# until "e get (ack to .5' I "ant to take o&& #y *est% since I got a &ai a#ount o& *o#it on it as "ell% (ut it/s too col! to t$ink a(out it' I lie on t$e &loo "it$ #y $ea! in 7ale/s la+' T$e last t$ing I e#e#(e is 1oggs s+ ea!ing a cou+le o& (u la+ sacks o*e #e'

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

:$en I "ake u+% I/# "a # an! +atc$e! u+ in #y ol! (e! in t$e $os+ital' My #ot$e /s t$e e% c$ecking #y *ital signs' 8Ho" !o you &eel,8 8A little (eat>u+% (ut all ig$t%8 I say' 8<o one e*en tol! us you "e e going until you "e e gone%8 s$e says' I &eel a +ang o& guilt' :$en you &a#ily/s $a! to sen! you o&& t"ice to t$e Hunge 7a#es% t$is isn/t t$e kin! o& !etail you s$oul! o*e look' 8I/# so y' T$ey "e en/t e3+ecting t$e attack' I "as just su++ose! to (e *isiting t$e +atients%8 I e3+lain' 8<e3t ti#e% I/ll $a*e t$e# clea it "it$ you'8 8;atniss% no one clea s anyt$ing "it$ #e%8 s$e says' It/s t ue' E*en I !on/t' <ot since #y &at$e !ie!' :$y + eten!, 8:ell% I/ll $a*e t$e#'''noti&y you any"ay'8 )n t$e (e!si!e ta(le is a +iece o& s$ a+nel t$ey e#o*e! & o# #y leg' T$e !octo s a e #o e conce ne! "it$ t$e !a#age #y ( ain #ig$t $a*e su&&e e! & o# t$e e3+losions% since #y concussion $a!n/t &ully $eale! to (egin "it$' 1ut I !on/t $a*e !ou(le *ision o anyt$ing an! I can t$ink clea ly enoug$' I/*e sle+t ig$t t$ oug$ t$e late a&te noon an! nig$t% an! I/# sta *ing' My ( eak&ast is !isa++ointingly s#all' 0ust a &e" cu(es o& ( ea! soaking in "a # #ilk' I/*e (een calle! !o"n to an ea ly #o ning #eeting at Co##an!' I sta t to get u+ an! t$en ealize t$ey +lan to oll #y $os+ital (e! !i ectly t$e e' I "ant to "alk% (ut t$at/s out% so I negotiate #y "ay into a "$eelc$ai ' I &eel &ine% eally' E3ce+t &o #y $ea!% an! #y leg% an! t$e so eness & o# t$e ( uises% an! t$e nausea t$at $it a cou+le #inutes a&te I ate' May(e t$e "$eelc$ai /s a goo! i!ea'

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

As t$ey "$eel #e !o"n% I (egin to get uneasy a(out "$at I "ill &ace' 7ale an! I !i ectly !iso(eye! o !e s yeste !ay% an! 1oggs $as t$e inju y to + o*e it' Su ely% t$e e "ill (e e+e cussions% (ut "ill t$ey go so &a as Coin annulling ou ag ee#ent &o t$e *icto s/ i##unity, Ha*e I st i++e! Peeta o& "$at little + otection I coul! gi*e $i#,

:$en I get to Co##an!% t$e only ones "$o/*e a i*e! a e C essi!a% Messalla% an! t$e insects' Messalla (ea#s an! says% 8T$e e/s ou little sta I8 an! t$e ot$e s a e s#iling so genuinely t$at I can/t $el+ (ut s#ile in etu n' T$ey i#+ esse! #e in F% &ollo"ing #e onto t$e oo& !u ing t$e (o#(ing% #aking Pluta c$ (ack o&& so t$ey coul! get t$e &ootage t$ey "ante!' T$ey #o e t$an !o t$ei "o k% t$ey take + i!e in it' 9ike Cinna'

I $a*e a st ange t$oug$t t$at i& "e "e e in t$e a ena toget$e % I "oul! +ick t$e# as allies' C essi!a% Messalla% an!>>an!>>8I $a*e to sto+ calling you /t$e insects%/8 I (lu t out to t$e ca#e a#en' I e3+lain $o" I !i!n/t kno" t$ei na#es% (ut t$ei suits suggeste! t$e s$elle! c eatu es' T$e co#+a ison !oesn/t see# to (ot$e t$e#' E*en "it$out t$e ca#e a s$ells% t$ey st ongly ese#(le eac$ ot$e ' Sa#e san!y $ai % e! (ea !s% an! (lue eyes' T$e one "it$ close>(itten nails int o!uces $i#sel& as Casto an! t$e ot$e % "$o/s $is ( ot$e % as Pollu3' I "ait &o Pollu3 to say $ello% (ut $e just no!s' At &i st I t$ink $e/s s$y o a #an o& &e" "o !s' 1ut so#et$ing tugs on #e>>t$e +osition o& $is li+s% t$e e3t a e&&o t $e takes to s"allo">>an! I kno" (e&o e Casto tells #e' Pollu3 is an A*o3' T$ey $a*e cut out $is tongue an! $e "ill ne*e s+eak again' An! I no longe $a*e to "on!e "$at #a!e $i# isk e*e yt$ing to $el+ ( ing !o"n t$e Ca+itol'

As t$e oo# &ills% I ( ace #ysel& &o a less congenial ece+tion' 1ut t$e only +eo+le "$o egiste any kin!
.D. | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

o& negati*ity a e Hay#itc$% "$o/s al"ays out o& so ts% an! a sou >&ace! 6ul*ia Ca !e"' 1oggs "ea s a &les$> colo e! +lastic #ask & o# $is u++e li+ to $is ( o">>I "as ig$t a(out t$e ( oken nose>>so $is e3+ ession/s $a ! to ea!' Coin an! 7ale a e in t$e #i!st o& so#e e3c$ange t$at see#s +ositi*ely c$u##y' :$en 7ale sli!es into t$e seat ne3t to #y "$eelc$ai % I say% 8Making ne" & ien!s,8 His eyes &licke to t$e + esi!ent an! (ack' 8:ell% one o& us $as to (e accessi(le'8 He touc$es #y te#+le gently' 8Ho" !o you &eel,8 T$ey #ust $a*e se *e! ste"e! ga lic an! s4uas$ &o t$e ( eak&ast *egeta(le' T$e #o e +eo+le "$o gat$e % t$e st onge t$e &u#es a e' My sto#ac$ tu ns an! t$e lig$ts su!!enly see# too ( ig$t' 8;in! o& ocky%8 I say' 8Ho" a e you,8 86ine' T$ey !ug out a cou+le o& +ieces o& s$ a+nel' <o (ig !eal%8 $e says' Coin calls t$e #eeting to o !e ' 8)u Ai ti#e Assault $as o&&icially launc$e!' 6o any o& you "$o #isse! yeste !ay/s t"enty>$un! e! ( oa!cast o& ou &i st + o+o>>o t$e se*enteen e uns 1eetee $as #anage! to ai since>>"e "ill (egin (y e+laying it'8 Re+laying it, So t$ey not only got usa(le &ootage% t$ey/*e al ea!y sla++e! toget$e a + o+o an! ai e! it e+eate!ly' My +al#s g o" #oist in antici+ation o& seeing #ysel& on tele*ision' :$at i& I/# still a"&ul, :$at i& I/# as sti&& an! +ointless as I "as in t$e stu!io an! t$ey/*e just gi*en u+ on getting anyt$ing (ette , In!i*i!ual sc eens sli!e u+ & o# t$e ta(le% t$e lig$ts !i# slig$tly% an! a $us$ &alls o*e t$e oo#'

At &i st% #y sc een is (lack' T$en a tiny s+a k &licke s in t$e cente ' It (losso#s% s+ ea!s% silently eating u+
.D2 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

t$e (lackness until t$e enti e & a#e is a(laze "it$ a &i e so eal an! intense% I i#agine I &eel t$e $eat e#anating & o# it' T$e i#age o& #y #ockingjay +in e#e ges% glo"ing e!>gol!' T$e !ee+% esonant *oice t$at $aunts #y ! ea#s (egins to s+eak' Clau!ius Te#+les#it$% t$e o&&icial announce o& t$e Hunge 7a#es% says% 8;atniss E*e !een% t$e gi l "$o "as on &i e% (u ns on'8

Su!!enly% t$e e I a#% e+lacing t$e #ockingjay% stan!ing (e&o e t$e eal &la#es an! s#oke o& -ist ict F' 8I "ant to tell t$e e(els t$at I a# ali*e' T$at I/# ig$t $e e in -ist ict Eig$t% "$e e t$e Ca+itol $as just (o#(e! a $os+ital &ull o& una #e! #en% "o#en% an! c$il! en' T$e e "ill (e no su *i*o s'8 Cut to t$e $os+ital colla+sing in on itsel&% t$e !es+e ation o& t$e onlooke s as I continue in *oice>o*e ' 8I "ant to tell +eo+le t$at i& you t$ink &o one secon! t$e Ca+itol "ill t eat us &ai ly i& t$e e/s a cease>&i e% you/ e !elu!ing you sel&' 1ecause you kno" "$o t$ey a e an! "$at t$ey !o'8 1ack to #e no"% #y $an!s li&ting u+ to in!icate t$e out age a oun! #e' 8T$is is "$at t$ey !oI An! "e #ust &ig$t (ackI8 <o" co#es a t uly &antastic #ontage o& t$e (attle' T$e initial (o#(s &alling% us unning% (eing (lo"n to t$e g oun!>>a close>u+ o& #y "oun!% "$ic$ looks goo! an! (loo!y>> scaling t$e oo&% !i*ing into t$e nests% an! t$en so#e a#azing s$ots o& t$e e(els% 7ale% an! #ostly #e% #e% #e knocking t$ose +lanes out o& t$e sky' S#as$>cut (ack to #e #o*ing in on t$e ca#e a' 8P esi!ent Sno" says $e/s sen!ing us a #essage, :ell% I $a*e one &o $i#' Cou can to tu e us an! (o#( us an! (u n ou !ist icts to t$e g oun!% (ut !o you see t$at,8 :e/ e "it$ t$e ca#e a% t acking to t$e +lanes (u ning on t$e oo& o& t$e "a e$ouse' Tig$t on t$e Ca+itol seal on a "ing% "$ic$ #elts (ack into t$e i#age o& #y &ace% s$outing at t$e + esi!ent' 86i e is catc$ingI An! i& "e (u n% you (u n "it$ usI8 6la#es engul& t$e sc een

.D5 | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

again' Su+e i#+ose! on t$e# in (lack% soli! lette s a e t$e "o !sH I6 :E 1KR< C)K 1KR< :ITH KS T$e "o !s catc$ &i e an! t$e "$ole sc een (u ns to (lackness' T$e e/s a #o#ent o& silent elis$% t$en a++lause &ollo"e! (y !e#an!s to see it again' Coin in!ulgently $its t$e e+lay (utton% an! t$is ti#e% since I kno" "$at "ill $a++en% I t y to + eten! t$at I/# "atc$ing t$is on #y tele*ision at $o#e in t$e Sea#' An anti> Ca+itol state#ent' T$e e/s ne*e (een anyt$ing like it on tele*ision' <ot in #y li&eti#e% any"ay'

1y t$e ti#e t$e sc een (u ns to (lack a secon! ti#e% I nee! to kno" #o e' 8-i! it +lay all o*e Pane#, -i! t$ey see it in t$e Ca+itol,8 8<ot in t$e Ca+itol%8 says Pluta c$' 8:e coul!n/t o*e i!e t$ei syste#% alt$oug$ 1eetee/s "o king on it' 1ut in all t$e !ist icts' :e e*en got it on in T"o% "$ic$ #ay (e #o e *alua(le t$an t$e Ca+itol at t$is +oint in t$e ga#e'8 8Is Clau!ius Te#+les#it$ "it$ us,8 I ask' T$is gi*es Pluta c$ a goo! laug$' 8)nly $is *oice' 1ut t$at/s ou s &o t$e taking' :e !i!n/t e*en $a*e to !o any s+ecial e!iting' He sai! t$at actual line in you &i st 7a#es'8 He sla+s $is $an! on t$e ta(le' 8:$at say "e gi*e anot$e oun! o& a++lause to C essi!a% $e a#azing tea#% an!% o& cou se% ou on>ca#e a talentI8

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

I cla+% too% until I ealize I/# t$e on>ca#e a talent an! #ay(e it/s o(no3ious t$at I/# a++lau!ing &o #ysel&% (ut no one/s +aying attention' I can/t $el+ noticing t$e st ain on 6ul*ia/s &ace% t$oug$' I t$ink $o" $a ! t$is #ust (e &o $e % "atc$ing Hay#itc$/s i!ea succee! un!e C essi!a/s !i ection% "$en 6ul*ia/s stu!io a++ oac$ "as suc$ a &lo+'

Coin see#s to $a*e eac$e! t$e en! o& $e tole ance &o sel&>cong atulation' 8Ces% "ell !ese *e!' T$e esult is #o e t$an "e $a! $o+e! &o ' 1ut I !o $a*e to 4uestion t$e "i!e #a gin o& isk t$at you "e e "illing to o+e ate "it$in' I kno" t$e ai! "as un&o eseen' Ho"e*e % gi*en t$e ci cu#stances% I t$ink "e s$oul! !iscuss t$e !ecision to sen! ;atniss into actual co#(at'8

T$e !ecision, To sen! #e into co#(at, T$en s$e !oesn/t kno" t$at I &lag antly !is ega !e! o !e s% i++e! out #y ea +iece% an! ga*e #y (o!ygua !s t$e sli+, :$at else $a*e t$ey ke+t & o# $e , 8It "as a toug$ call%8 says Pluta c$% &u o"ing $is ( o"' 81ut t$e gene al consensus "as t$at "e "e en/t going to get anyt$ing "o t$ using i& "e locke! $e in a (unke so#e"$e e e*e y ti#e a gun "ent o&&'8 8An! you/ e all ig$t "it$ t$at,8 asks t$e + esi!ent' 7ale $as to kick #e un!e t$e ta(le (e&o e I ealize t$at s$e/s talking to #e' 8)$I Cea$% I/# co#+letely all ig$t "it$ t$at' It &elt goo!' -oing so#et$ing &o a c$ange'8 8:ell% let/s (e just a little #o e ju!icious "it$ $e e3+osu e' Es+ecially no" t$at t$e Ca+itol kno"s "$at s$e can !o%8 says Coin' T$e e/s a u#(le o& assent & o# a oun! t$e ta(le'
.D? | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

<o one $as atte! out 7ale an! #e' <ot Pluta c$% "$ose aut$o ity "e igno e!' <ot 1oggs "it$ $is ( oken nose' <ot t$e insects "e le! into &i e' <ot Hay#itc$>>no% "ait a #inute' Hay#itc$ is gi*ing #e a !ea!ly s#ile an! saying s"eetly% 8Cea$% "e "oul!n/t "ant to lose ou little Mockingjay "$en s$e/s &inally (egun to sing'8 I #ake a note to #ysel& not to en! u+ alone in a oo# "it$ $i#% (ecause $e/s clea ly $a*ing *enge&ul t$oug$ts o*e t$at stu+i! ea +iece'

8So% "$at else !o you $a*e +lanne!,8 asks t$e + esi!ent' Pluta c$ no!s to C essi!a% "$o consults a cli+(oa !' 8:e $a*e so#e te i&ic &ootage o& ;atniss at t$e $os+ital in Eig$t' T$e e s$oul! (e anot$e + o+o in t$at "it$ t$e t$e#e /1ecause you kno" "$o t$ey a e an! "$at t$ey !o'/ :e/ll &ocus on ;atniss inte acting "it$ t$e +atients% +a ticula ly t$e c$il! en% t$e (o#(ing o& t$e $os+ital% an! t$e " eckage' Messalla/s cutting t$at toget$e ' :e/ e also t$inking a(out a Mockingjay +iece' Hig$lig$t so#e o& ;atniss/s (est #o#ents inte cut "it$ scenes o& e(el u+ isings an! "a &ootage' :e call t$at one /6i e is catc$ing'/ An! t$en 6ul*ia ca#e u+ "it$ a eally ( illiant i!ea'8

6ul*ia/s #out$&ul>o&>sou >g a+es e3+ ession is sta tle! ig$t o&& $e &ace% (ut s$e eco*e s' 8:ell% I !on/t kno" $o" ( illiant it is% (ut I "as t$inking "e coul! !o a se ies o& + o+os calle! :e Re#e#(e ' In eac$ one% "e "oul! &eatu e one o& t$e !ea! t i(utes' 9ittle Rue & o# Ele*en o ol! Mags & o# 6ou ' T$e i!ea (eing t$at "e coul! ta get eac$ !ist ict "it$ a *e y +e sonal +iece'8

8A t i(ute to you t i(utes% as it "e e%8 says Pluta c$' 8T$at is ( illiant% 6ul*ia%8 I say since ely' 8It/s t$e +e &ect "ay to e#in! +eo+le "$y t$ey/ e &ig$ting'8
.DB | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8I t$ink it coul! "o k%8 s$e says' 8I t$oug$t "e #ig$t use 6innick to int o an! na ate t$e s+ots' I& t$e e "as inte est in t$e#'8 86 ankly% I !on/t see $o" "e coul! $a*e too #any :e Re#e#(e + o+os%8 says Coin' 8Can you sta t + o!ucing t$e# to!ay,8 8)& cou se%8 says 6ul*ia% o(*iously #olli&ie! (y t$e es+onse to $e i!ea' C essi!a $as s#oot$e! e*e yt$ing o*e in t$e c eati*e !e+a t#ent "it$ $e gestu e' P aise! 6ul*ia &o "$at is% in &act% a eally goo! i!ea% an! clea e! t$e "ay to continue $e o"n on>ai !e+iction o& t$e Mockingjay' :$at/s inte esting is t$at Pluta c$ see#s to $a*e no nee! to s$a e in t$e c e!it' All $e "ants is &o t$e Ai ti#e Assault to "o k' I e#e#(e t$at Pluta c$ is a Hea! 7a#e#ake % not a #e#(e o& t$e c e"' <ot a +iece in t$e 7a#es' T$e e&o e% $is "o t$ is not !e&ine! (y a single ele#ent% (ut (y t$e o*e all success o& t$e + o!uction' I& "e "in t$e "a % t$at/s "$en Pluta c$ "ill take $is (o"' An! e3+ect $is e"a !'

T$e + esi!ent sen!s e*e yone o&& to get to "o k% so 7ale "$eels #e (ack to t$e $os+ital' :e laug$ a little a(out t$e co*e >u+' 7ale says no one "ante! to look (a! (y a!#itting t$ey coul!n/t cont ol us' I/# kin!e % saying t$ey + o(a(ly !i!n/t "ant to jeo+a !ize t$e c$ance o& taking us out again no" t$at t$ey/*e gotten so#e !ecent &ootage' 1ot$ t$ings a e + o(a(ly t ue' 7ale $as to go #eet 1eetee !o"n in S+ecial :ea+on y% so I !oze o&&'

It see#s like I/*e only s$ut #y eyes &o a &e" #inutes% (ut "$en I o+en t$e#% I &linc$ at t$e sig$t o& Hay#itc$ sitting a cou+le o& &eet & o# #y (e!' :aiting' Possi(ly &o se*e al $ou s i& t$e clock is
.DE | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

ig$t' I t$ink a(out $olle ing &o a "itness% (ut I/# going to $a*e to &ace $i# soone o late ' Hay#itc$ leans &o "a ! an! !angles so#et$ing on a t$in "$ite "i e in & ont o& #y nose' It/s $a ! to &ocus on% (ut I/# + etty su e "$at it is' He ! o+s it to t$e s$eets' 8T$at is you ea +iece' I "ill gi*e you e3actly one #o e c$ance to "ea it' I& you e#o*e it & o# you ea again% I/ll $a*e you &itte! "it$ t$is'8 He $ol!s u+ so#e so t o& #etal $ea!gea t$at I instantly na#e t$e $ea! s$ackle' 8It/s an alte nati*e au!io unit t$at locks a oun! you skull an! un!e you c$in until it/s o+ene! "it$ a key' An! I/ll $a*e t$e only key' I& &o so#e eason you/ e cle*e enoug$ to !isa(le it8>> Hay#itc$ !u#+s t$e $ea! s$ackle on t$e (e! an! "$i+s out a tiny sil*e c$i+>>8I/ll aut$o ize t$e# to su gically i#+lant t$is t ans#itte into you ea so t$at I #ay s+eak to you t"enty>&ou $ou s a !ay'8

Hay#itc$ in #y $ea! &ull>ti#e' Ho i&ying' 8I/ll kee+ t$e ea +iece in%8 I #utte ' 8E3cuse #e,8 $e says' 8I/ll kee+ t$e ea +iece inI8 I say% lou! enoug$ to "ake u+ $al& t$e $os+ital' 8Cou su e, 1ecause I/# e4ually $a++y "it$ any o& t$e t$ ee o+tions%8 $e tells #e' 8I/# su e%8 I say' I sc unc$ u+ t$e ea +iece "i e + otecti*ely in #y &ist an! &ling t$e $ea! s$ackle (ack in $is &ace "it$ #y & ee $an!% (ut $e catc$es it easily' P o(a(ly "as e3+ecting #e to t$ o" it' 8Anyt$ing else,8 Hay#itc$ ises to go' 8:$ile I "as "aiting'''I ate you lunc$'8
.DF | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

My eyes take in t$e e#+ty ste" (o"l an! t ay on #y (e! ta(le' 8I/# going to e+o t you%8 I #u#(le into #y +illo"' 8Cou !o t$at% s"eet$ea t'8 He goes out% sa&e in t$e kno"le!ge t$at I/# not t$e e+o ting kin!' I "ant to go (ack to slee+% (ut I/# estless' I#ages & o# yeste !ay (egin to &loo! into t$e + esent' T$e (o#(ing% t$e &ie y +lane c as$es% t$e &aces o& t$e "oun!e! "$o no longe e3ist' I i#agine !eat$ & o# all si!es' T$e last #o#ent (e&o e seeing a s$ell $it t$e g oun!% &eeling t$e "ing (lo"n & o# #y +lane an! t$e !izzying nose!i*e into o(li*ion% t$e "a e$ouse oo& &alling !o"n at #e "$ile I/# +inne! $el+lessly to #y cot' T$ings I sa"% in +e son o on t$e ta+e' T$ings I cause! "it$ a +ull o& #y (o"st ing' T$ings I "ill ne*e (e a(le to e ase & o# #y #e#o y'

At !inne % 6innick ( ings $is t ay to #y (e! so "e can "atc$ t$e ne"est + o+o toget$e on tele*ision' He "as assigne! 4ua te s on #y ol! &loo % (ut $e $as so #any #ental ela+ses% $e still (asically li*es in t$e $os+ital' T$e e(els ai t$e 81ecause you kno" "$o t$ey a e an! "$at t$ey !o8 + o+o t$at Messalla e!ite!' T$e &ootage is inte cut "it$ s$o t stu!io cli+s o& 7ale% 1oggs% an! C essi!a !esc i(ing t$e inci!ent' It/s $a ! to "atc$ #y ece+tion in t$e $os+ital in F since I kno" "$at/s co#ing' :$en t$e (o#(s ain !o"n on t$e oo&% I (u y #y &ace in #y +illo"% looking u+ again at a ( ie& cli+ o& #e at t$e en!% a&te all t$e *icti#s a e !ea!'

At least 6innick !oesn/t a++lau! o act all $a++y "$en it/s !one' He just says% 8Peo+le s$oul! kno" t$at $a++ene!' An! no" t$ey !o'8 89et/s tu n it o&&% 6innick% (e&o e t$ey un it again%8 I u ge $i#' 1ut as 6innick/s $an! #o*es to"a ! t$e
.DG | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

e#ote cont ol% I c y% 8:aitI8 T$e Ca+itol is int o!ucing a s+ecial seg#ent an! so#et$ing a(out it looks &a#ilia ' Ces% it/s Caesa 6licke #an' An! I can guess "$o $is guest "ill (e' Peeta/s +$ysical t ans&o #ation s$ocks #e' T$e $ealt$y% clea >eye! (oy I sa" a &e" !ays ago $as lost at least &i&teen +oun!s an! !e*elo+e! a ne *ous t e#o in $is $an!s' T$ey/*e still got $i# g oo#e!' 1ut un!e neat$ t$e +aint t$at cannot co*e t$e (ags un!e $is eyes% an! t$e &ine clot$es t$at cannot conceal t$e +ain $e &eels "$en $e #o*es% is a +e son (a!ly !a#age!'

My #in! eels% t ying to #ake sense o& it' I just sa" $i#I 6ou >>no% &i*e>>I t$ink it "as &i*e !ays ago' Ho" $as $e !ete io ate! so a+i!ly, :$at coul! t$ey +ossi(ly $a*e !one to $i# in suc$ a s$o t ti#e, T$en it $its #e' I e+lay in #y #in! as #uc$ as I can o& $is &i st inte *ie" "it$ Caesa % sea c$ing &o anyt$ing t$at "oul! +lace it in ti#e' T$e e is not$ing' T$ey coul! $a*e ta+e! t$at inte *ie" a !ay o t"o a&te I (le" u+ t$e a ena% t$en !one "$ate*e t$ey "ante! to !o to $i# e*e since' 8)$% Peeta'''8 I "$is+e '

Caesa an! Peeta $a*e a &e" e#+ty e3c$anges (e&o e Caesa asks $i# a(out u#o s t$at I/# ta+ing + o+os &o t$e !ist icts' 8T$ey/ e using $e % o(*iously%8 says Peeta' 8To "$i+ u+ t$e e(els' I !ou(t s$e e*en eally kno"s "$at/s going on in t$e "a ' :$at/s at stake'8 8Is t$e e anyt$ing you/! like to tell $e ,8 asks Caesa ' 8T$e e is%8 says Peeta' He looks !i ectly into t$e ca#e a% ig$t into #y eyes' 8-on/t (e a &ool% ;atniss' T$ink &o you sel&' T$ey/*e tu ne! you into a "ea+on t$at coul! (e inst u#ental in t$e !est uction o& $u#anity' I& you/*e got any eal in&luence% use it to +ut t$e ( akes on t$is t$ing' Kse it to sto+ t$e "a
..D | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

(e&o e it/s too late' Ask you sel&% !o you eally t ust t$e +eo+le you/ e "o king "it$, -o you eally kno" "$at/s going on, An! i& you !on/t'''&in! out'8 1lack sc een' Seal o& Pane#' S$o" o*e ' 6innick + esses t$e (utton on t$e e#ote t$at kills t$e +o"e ' In a #inute% +eo+le "ill (e $e e to !o !a#age cont ol on Peeta/s con!ition an! t$e "o !s t$at ca#e out o& $is #out$' I "ill nee! to e+u!iate t$e#' 1ut t$e t ut$ is% I !on/t t ust t$e e(els o Pluta c$ o Coin' I/# not con&i!ent t$at t$ey tell #e t$e t ut$' I "on/t (e a(le to conceal t$is' 6ootste+s a e a++ oac$ing'

6innick g i+s #e $a ! (y t$e a #s' 8:e !i!n/t see it'8 8:$at,8 I ask' 8:e !i!n/t see Peeta' )nly t$e + o+o on Eig$t' T$en "e tu ne! t$e set o&& (ecause t$e i#ages u+set you' 7ot it,8 $e asks' I no!' 86inis$ you !inne '8 I +ull #ysel& toget$e enoug$ so t$at "$en Pluta c$ an! 6ul*ia ente % I $a*e a #out$&ul o& ( ea! an! ca((age' 6innick is talking a(out $o" "ell 7ale ca#e ac oss on ca#e a' :e cong atulate t$e# on t$e + o+o' Make it clea it "as so +o"e &ul% "e tune! out ig$t a&te "a !' T$ey look elie*e!' T$ey (elie*e us'

<o one #entions Peeta'

... | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

I sto+ t ying to slee+ a&te #y &i st &e" atte#+ts a e inte u+te! (y uns+eaka(le nig$t#a es' A&te t$at% I just lie still an! !o &ake ( eat$ing "$ene*e so#eone c$ecks on #e' In t$e #o ning% I/# elease! & o# t$e $os+ital an! inst ucte! to take it easy' C essi!a asks #e to eco ! a &e" lines &o a ne" Mockingjay + o+o' At lunc$% I kee+ "aiting &o +eo+le to ( ing u+ Peeta/s a++ea ance% (ut no one !oes' So#eone #ust $a*e seen it (esi!es 6innick an! #e'

I $a*e t aining% (ut 7ale/s sc$e!ule! to "o k "it$ 1eetee on "ea+ons o so#et$ing% so I get +e #ission to take 6innick to t$e "oo!s' :e "an!e a oun! a"$ile an! t$en !itc$ ou co##unicato s un!e a (us$' :$en "e/ e a sa&e !istance a"ay% "e sit an! !iscuss Peeta/s ( oa!cast' 8I $a*en/t $ea ! one "o ! a(out it' <o one/s tol! you anyt$ing,8 6innick says' I s$ake #y $ea!' He +auses (e&o e $e asks% 8<ot e*en 7ale,8 I/# clinging to a s$ e! o& $o+e t$at 7ale $onestly kno"s not$ing a(out Peeta/s #essage' 1ut I $a*e a (a! &eeling $e !oes' 8May(e $e/s t ying to &in! a ti#e to tell you + i*ately'8

8May(e%8 I say' :e stay silent so long t$at a (uck "an!e s into ange' I take it !o"n "it$ an a o"' 6innick $auls it (ack to t$e &ence' 6o !inne % t$e e/s #ince! *enison in t$e ste"' 7ale "alks #e (ack to Co#+a t#ent E a&te "e eat' :$en I ask $i# "$at/s (een going on% again t$e e/s no
..2 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

#ention o& Peeta' As soon as #y #ot$e an! siste a e aslee+% I sli+ t$e +ea l & o# t$e ! a"e an! s+en! a secon! slee+less nig$t clutc$ing it in #y $an!% e+laying Peeta/s "o !s in #y $ea!' 8Ask you sel&% !o you eally t ust t$e +eo+le you/ e "o king "it$, -o you eally kno" "$at/s going on, An! i& you !on/t'''&in! out'8 6in! out' :$at, 6 o# "$o, An! $o" can Peeta kno" anyt$ing e3ce+t "$at t$e Ca+itol tells $i#, It/s just a Ca+itol + o+o' Mo e noise' 1ut i& Pluta c$ t$inks it/s just t$e Ca+itol line% "$y !i!n/t $e tell #e a(out it, :$y $asn/t anyone let #e o 6innick kno",

Kn!e t$is !e(ate lies t$e eal sou ce o& #y !ist essH Peeta' :$at $a*e t$ey !one to $i#, An! "$at a e t$ey !oing to $i# ig$t no", Clea ly% Sno" !i! not (uy t$e sto y t$at Peeta an! I kne" not$ing a(out t$e e(ellion' An! $is sus+icions $a*e (een ein&o ce!% no" t$at I $a*e co#e out as t$e Mockingjay' Peeta can only guess a(out t$e e(el tactics o #ake u+ t$ings to tell $is to tu e s' 9ies% once !isco*e e!% "oul! (e se*e ely +unis$e!' Ho" a(an!one! (y #e $e #ust &eel' In $is &i st inte *ie"% $e t ie! to + otect #e & o# t$e Ca+itol an! e(els alike% an! not only $a*e I &aile! to + otect $i#% I/*e ( oug$t !o"n #o e $o o s u+on $i#'

Co#e #o ning% I stick #y &o ea # in t$e "all an! sta e g oggily at t$e !ay/s sc$e!ule' I##e!iately a&te ( eak&ast% I a# slate! &o P o!uction' In t$e !ining $all% as I !o"n #y $ot g ain an! #ilk an! #us$y (eets% I s+ot a co##unicu&& on 7ale/s " ist' 8:$en !i! you get t$at (ack% Sol!ie Ha"t$o ne,8 I ask' 8Ceste !ay' T$ey t$oug$t i& I/# going to (e in t$e &iel! "it$ you% it coul! (e a (acku+ syste# o& co##unication%8 says 7ale'

..5 | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

<o one $as e*e o&&e e! #e a co##unicu&&' I "on!e % i& I aske! &o one% "oul! I get it, 8:ell% I guess one o& us $as to (e accessi(le%8 I say "it$ an e!ge to #y *oice' 8:$at/s t$at #ean,8 $e says' 8<ot$ing' 0ust e+eating "$at you sai!%8 I tell $i#' 8An! I totally ag ee t$at t$e accessi(le one s$oul! (e you' I just $o+e I still $a*e access to you as "ell'8 )u eyes lock% an! I ealize $o" &u ious I a# "it$ 7ale' T$at I !on/t (elie*e &o a secon! t$at $e !i!n/t see Peeta/s + o+o' T$at I &eel co#+letely (et aye! t$at $e !i!n/t tell #e a(out it' :e kno" eac$ ot$e too "ell &o $i# not to ea! #y #oo! an! guess "$at $as cause! it' 8;atniss>>8 $e (egins' Al ea!y t$e a!#ission o& guilt is in $is tone' I g a( #y t ay% c oss to t$e !e+osit a ea% an! sla# t$e !is$es onto t$e ack' 1y t$e ti#e I/# in t$e $all"ay% $e/s caug$t u+ "it$ #e' 8:$y !i!n/t you say so#et$ing,8 $e asks% taking #y a #' 8:$y !i!n/t I,8 I je k #y a # & ee' 8:$y !i!n/t you% 7ale, An! I !i!% (y t$e "ay% "$en I aske! you last nig$t a(out "$at $a! (een going onI8 8I/# so y' All ig$t, I !i!n/t kno" "$at to !o' I "ante! to tell you% (ut e*e yone "as a& ai! t$at seeing Peeta/s + o+o "oul! #ake you sick%8 $e says' 8T$ey "e e ig$t' It !i!' 1ut not 4uite as sick as you lying to #e &o Coin'8 At t$at #o#ent% $is
..= | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

co##unicu&& sta ts (ee+ing' 8T$e e s$e is' 1ette un' Cou $a*e t$ings to tell $e '8 6o a #o#ent% eal $u t egiste s on $is &ace' T$en col! ange e+laces it' He tu ns on $is $eel an! goes' May(e I $a*e (een too s+ite&ul% not gi*en $i# enoug$ ti#e to e3+lain' May(e e*e yone is just t ying to + otect #e (y lying to #e' I !on/t ca e' I/# sick o& +eo+le lying to #e &o #y o"n goo!' 1ecause eally it/s #ostly &o t$ei o"n goo!' 9ie to ;atniss a(out t$e e(ellion so s$e !oesn/t !o anyt$ing c azy' Sen! $e into t$e a ena "it$out a clue so "e can &is$ $e out' -on/t tell $e a(out Peeta/s + o+o (ecause it #ig$t #ake $e sick% an! it/s $a ! enoug$ to get a !ecent +e &o #ance out o& $e as it is'

I !o &eel sick' Hea tsick' An! too ti e! &o a !ay o& + o!uction' 1ut I/# al ea!y at Re#ake% so I go in' To!ay% I !isco*e % "e "ill (e etu ning to -ist ict .2' C essi!a "ants to !o unsc i+te! inte *ie"s "it$ 7ale an! #e t$ o"ing lig$t on ou !e#olis$e! city' 8I& you/ e (ot$ u+ &o t$at%8 says C essi!a% looking closely at #y &ace' 8Count #e in%8 I say' I stan!% unco##unicati*e an! sti&&% a #anne4uin% as #y + e+ tea# ! esses #e% !oes #y $ai % an! !a(s #akeu+ on #y &ace' <ot enoug$ to s$o"% only enoug$ to take t$e e!ge o&& t$e ci cles un!e #y slee+less eyes' 1oggs esco ts #e !o"n to t$e Hanga % (ut "e !on/t talk (eyon! a + eli#ina y g eeting' I/# g ate&ul to (e s+a e! anot$e e3c$ange a(out #y !iso(e!ience in F% es+ecially since $is #ask looks so unco#&o ta(le' At t$e last #o#ent% I e#e#(e to sen! a #essage to #y #ot$e a(out #y lea*ing .5% an! st ess t$at it "on/t (e !ange ous' :e (oa ! a $o*e c a&t &o t$e
..? | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

s$o t i!e to .2 an! I/# !i ecte! to a seat at a ta(le "$e e Pluta c$% 7ale% an! C essi!a a e +o ing o*e a #a+' Pluta c$/s ( i##ing "it$ satis&action as $e s$o"s #e t$e (e&o eJa&te e&&ects o& t$e &i st cou+le o& + o+os' T$e e(els% "$o "e e (a ely #aintaining a &oot$ol! in se*e al !ist icts% $a*e allie!' T$ey $a*e actually taken 5 an! ..>>t$e latte so c ucial since it/s Pane#/s #ain &oo! su++lie >>an! $a*e #a!e in oa!s in se*e al ot$e !ist icts as "ell'

8Ho+e&ul' 2e y $o+e&ul in!ee!%8 says Pluta c$' 86ul*ia/s going to $a*e t$e &i st oun! o& :e Re#e#(e s+ots ea!y tonig$t% so "e can ta get t$e in!i*i!ual !ist icts "it$ t$ei !ea!' 6innick/s a(solutely #a *elous'8 8It/s +ain&ul to "atc$% actually%8 says C essi!a' 8He kne" so #any o& t$e# +e sonally'8 8T$at/s "$at #akes it so e&&ecti*e%8 says Pluta c$' 8St aig$t & o# t$e $ea t' Cou/ e all !oing (eauti&ully' Coin coul! not (e #o e +lease!'8 7ale !i!n/t tell t$e#% t$en' A(out #y + eten!ing not to see Peeta an! #y ange at t$ei co*e >u+' 1ut I guess it/s too little% too late% (ecause I still can/t let it go' It !oesn/t #atte ' He/s not s+eaking to #e% eit$e ' It/s not until "e lan! in t$e Mea!o" t$at I ealize Hay#itc$ isn/t a#ong ou co#+any' :$en I ask Pluta c$ a(out $is a(sence% $e just s$akes $is $ea! an! says% 8He coul!n/t &ace it'8 8Hay#itc$, <ot a(le to &ace so#et$ing, :ante! a !ay o&&% #o e likely%8 I say' 8I t$ink $is actual "o !s "e e /I coul!n/t &ace it "it$out a (ottle%/8 says Pluta c$'
..B | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

I oll #y eyes% long out o& +atience "it$ #y #ento % $is "eakness &o ! ink% an! "$at $e can o can/t con& ont' 1ut a(out &i*e #inutes a&te #y etu n to .2% I/# "is$ing I $a! a (ottle #ysel&' I t$oug$t I/! co#e to te #s "it$ .2/s !e#ise>>$ea ! o& it% seen it & o# t$e ai % an! "an!e e! t$ oug$ its as$es' So "$y !oes e*e yt$ing ( ing on a & es$ +ang o& g ie&, :as I si#+ly too out o& it (e&o e to &ully egiste t$e loss o& #y "o l!, ) is it t$e look on 7ale/s &ace as $e takes in t$e !est uction on &oot t$at #akes t$e at ocity &eel ( an!>ne",

C essi!a !i ects t$e tea# to sta t "it$ #e at #y ol! $ouse' I ask $e "$at s$e "ants #e to !o' 8:$ate*e you &eel like%8 s$e says' Stan!ing (ack in #y kitc$en% I !on/t &eel like !oing anyt$ing' In &act% I &in! #ysel& &ocusing u+ at t$e sky>>t$e only oo& le&t>>(ecause too #any #e#o ies a e ! o"ning #e' A&te a "$ile% C essi!a says% 8T$at/s &ine% ;atniss' 9et/s #o*e on'8

7ale !oesn/t get o&& so easily at $is ol! a!! ess' C essi!a &il#s $i# in silence &o a &e" #inutes% (ut just as $e +ulls t$e one e#nant o& $is + e*ious li&e & o# t$e as$es>>a t"iste! #etal +oke >>s$e sta ts to 4uestion $i# a(out $is &a#ily% $is jo(% li&e in t$e Sea#' S$e #akes $i# go (ack to t$e nig$t o& t$e &i e(o#(ing an! eenact it% sta ting at $is $ouse% "o king $is "ay !o"n ac oss t$e Mea!o" an! t$ oug$ t$e "oo!s to t$e lake' I st aggle (e$in! t$e &il# c e" an! t$e (o!ygua !s% &eeling t$ei + esence to (e a *iolation o& #y (elo*e! "oo!s' T$is is a + i*ate +lace% a sanctua y% al ea!y co u+te! (y t$e Ca+itol/s e*il' E*en a&te "e/*e le&t (e$in! t$e c$a e! stu#+s nea t$e &ence% "e/ e still t i++ing o*e !eco#+osing (o!ies' -o "e $a*e to eco ! it &o e*e yone to see,

1y t$e ti#e "e eac$ t$e lake% 7ale see#s to $a*e lost $is a(ility to s+eak' E*e yone/s ! i++ing in s"eat>
..E | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

>es+ecially Casto an! Pollu3 in t$ei insect s$ells>> an! C essi!a calls &o a ( eak' I scoo+ u+ $an!&uls o& "ate & o# t$e lake% "is$ing I coul! !i*e in an! su &ace alone an! nake! an! uno(se *e!' I "an!e a oun! t$e +e i#ete &o a "$ile' :$en I co#e (ack a oun! to t$e little conc ete $ouse (esi!e t$e lake% I +ause in t$e !oo "ay an! see 7ale + o++ing t$e c ooke! +oke $e sal*age! against t$e "all (y t$e $ea t$' 6o a #o#ent I $a*e an i#age o& a lone st ange % so#eti#e &a in t$e &utu e% "an!e ing lost in t$e "il!e ness an! co#ing u+on t$is s#all +lace o& e&uge% "it$ t$e +ile o& s+lit logs% t$e $ea t$% t$e +oke ' :on!e ing $o" it ca#e to (e' 7ale tu ns an! #eets #y eyes an! I kno" $e/s t$inking a(out ou last #eeting $e e' :$en "e &oug$t o*e "$et$e o not to un a"ay' I& "e $a!% "oul! -ist ict .2 still (e t$e e, I t$ink it "oul!' 1ut t$e Ca+itol "oul! still (e in cont ol o& Pane# as "ell'

C$eese san!"ic$es a e +asse! a oun! an! "e eat t$e# in t$e s$a!e o& t$e t ees' I intentionally sit at t$e &a e!ge o& t$e g ou+% ne3t to Pollu3% so I !on/t $a*e to talk' <o one/s talking #uc$% eally' In t$e elati*e 4uiet% t$e (i !s take (ack t$e "oo!s' I nu!ge Pollu3 "it$ #y el(o" an! +oint out a s#all (lack (i ! "it$ a c o"n' It $o+s to a ne" ( anc$% #o#enta ily o+ening its "ings% s$o"ing o&& its "$ite +atc$es' Pollu3 gestu es to #y +in an! aises $is eye( o"s 4uestioningly' I no!% con&i #ing it/s a #ockingjay' I $ol! u+ one &inge to say :ait% I/ll s$o" you% an! "$istle a (i !call' T$e #ockingjay cocks its $ea! an! "$istles t$e call ig$t (ack at #e' T$en% to #y su + ise% Pollu3 "$istles a &e" notes o& $is o"n' T$e (i ! ans"e s $i# i##e!iately' Pollu3/s &ace ( eaks into an e3+ ession o& !elig$t an! $e $as a se ies o& #elo!ic e3c$anges "it$ t$e #ockingjay' My guess is it/s t$e &i st con*e sation $e/s $a! in yea s' Music ! a"s #ockingjays like (losso#s !o (ees% an! in a s$o t "$ile $e/s got $al& a !ozen o& t$e# +e c$e! in

..F | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

t$e ( anc$es o*e ou $ea!s' He ta+s #e on t$e a # an! uses a t"ig to " ite a "o ! in t$e !i t' SI<7, Ksually% I/! !ecline% (ut it/s kin! o& i#+ossi(le to say no to Pollu3% gi*en t$e ci cu#stances' 1esi!es% t$e #ockingjays/ song *oices a e !i&&e ent & o# t$ei "$istles% an! I/! like $i# to $ea t$e#' So% (e&o e I actually t$ink a(out "$at I/# !oing% I sing Rue/s &ou notes% t$e ones s$e use! to signal t$e en! o& t$e "o k!ay in ..' T$e notes t$at en!e! u+ as t$e (ackg oun! #usic to $e #u !e ' T$e (i !s !on/t kno" t$at' T$ey +ick u+ t$e si#+le +$ ase an! (ounce it (ack an! &o t$ (et"een t$e# in s"eet $a #ony' 0ust as t$ey !i! in t$e Hunge 7a#es (e&o e t$e #uttations ( oke t$ oug$ t$e t ees% c$ase! us onto t$e Co nuco+ia% an! slo"ly gna"e! Cato to a (loo!y +ul+>>

8:ant to $ea t$e# !o a eal song,8 I (u st out' Anyt$ing to sto+ t$ose #e#o ies' I/# on #y &eet% #o*ing (ack into t$e t ees% esting #y $an! on t$e oug$ t unk o& a #a+le "$e e t$e (i !s +e c$' I $a*e not sung 8T$e Hanging T ee8 out lou! &o ten yea s% (ecause it/s &o (i!!en% (ut I e#e#(e e*e y "o !' I (egin so&tly% s"eetly% as #y &at$e !i!'

8A e you% a e you Co#ing to t$e t ee :$e e t$ey st ung u+ a #an t$ey say #u !e e! t$ ee' St ange t$ings !i! $a++en $e e <o st ange "oul! it (e I& "e #et u+ at #i!nig$t in t$e $anging t ee'8 T$e #ockingjays (egin to alte t$ei songs as t$ey (eco#e a"a e o& #y ne" o&&e ing'
..G | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8A e you% a e you Co#ing to t$e t ee :$e e t$e !ea! #an calle! out &o $is lo*e to &lee' St ange t$ings !i! $a++en $e e <o st ange "oul! it (e I& "e #et u+ at #i!nig$t in t$e $anging t ee'8 I $a*e t$e (i !s/ attention no"' In one #o e *e se% su ely t$ey "ill $a*e ca+tu e! t$e #elo!y% as it/s si#+le an! e+eats &ou ti#es "it$ little *a iation' 8A e you% a e you Co#ing to t$e t ee :$e e I tol! you to un% so "e/! (ot$ (e & ee' St ange t$ings !i! $a++en $e e <o st ange "oul! it (e I& "e #et u+ at #i!nig$t in t$e $anging t ee'8 A $us$ in t$e t ees' 0ust t$e ustle o& lea*es in t$e ( eeze' 1ut no (i !s% #ockingjay o ot$e ' Peeta/s ig$t' T$ey !o &all silent "$en I sing' 0ust as t$ey !i! &o #y &at$e ' 8A e you% a e you Co#ing to t$e t ee :ea a necklace o& o+e% si!e (y si!e "it$ #e' St ange t$ings !i! $a++en $e e <o st ange "oul! it (e I& "e #et u+ at #i!nig$t in t$e $anging t ee'8 T$e (i !s a e "aiting &o #e to continue' 1ut t$at/s it' 9ast *e se' In t$e stillness I e#e#(e t$e scene' I "as $o#e & o# a !ay in t$e "oo!s "it$ #y &at$e '
.2D | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

Sitting on t$e &loo "it$ P i#% "$o "as just a to!!le % singing 8T$e Hanging T ee'8 Making us necklaces out o& sc a+s o& ol! o+e like it sai! in t$e song% not kno"ing t$e eal #eaning o& t$e "o !s' T$e tune "as si#+le an! easy to $a #onize to% t$oug$% an! (ack t$en I coul! #e#o ize al#ost anyt$ing set to #usic a&te a oun! o t"o' Su!!enly% #y #ot$e snatc$e! t$e o+e necklaces a"ay an! "as yelling at #y &at$e ' I sta te! to c y (ecause #y #ot$e ne*e yelle!% an! t$en P i# "as "ailing an! I an outsi!e to $i!e' As I $a! e3actly one $i!ing s+ot>>in t$e Mea!o" un!e a $oneysuckle (us$>>#y &at$e &oun! #e i##e!iately' He cal#e! #e !o"n an! tol! #e e*e yt$ing "as &ine% only "e/! (ette not sing t$at song any#o e' My #ot$e just "ante! #e to &o get it' So% o& cou se% e*e y "o ! "as i##e!iately% i e*oca(ly ( an!e! into #y ( ain'

:e !i!n/t sing it any#o e% #y &at$e an! I% o e*en s+eak o& it' A&te $e !ie!% it use! to co#e (ack to #e a lot' 1eing ol!e % I (egan to un!e stan! t$e ly ics' At t$e (eginning% it soun!s like a guy is t ying to get $is gi l& ien! to sec etly #eet u+ "it$ $i# at #i!nig$t' 1ut it/s an o!! +lace &o a t yst% a $anging t ee% "$e e a #an "as $ung &o #u !e ' T$e #u !e e /s lo*e #ust $a*e $a! so#et$ing to !o "it$ t$e killing% o #ay(e t$ey "e e just going to +unis$ $e any"ay% (ecause $is co +se calle! out &o $e to &lee' T$at/s "ei ! o(*iously% t$e talking>co +se (it% (ut it/s not until t$e t$i ! *e se t$at 8T$e Hanging T ee8 (egins to get unne *ing' Cou ealize t$e singe o& t$e song is t$e !ea! #u !e e ' He/s still in t$e $anging t ee' An! e*en t$oug$ $e tol! $is lo*e to &lee% $e kee+s asking i& s$e/s co#ing to #eet $i#' T$e +$ ase :$e e I tol! you to un% so "e/! (ot$ (e & ee is t$e #ost t ou(ling (ecause at &i st you t$ink $e/s talking a(out "$en $e tol! $e to &lee% + esu#a(ly to sa&ety' 1ut t$en you "on!e i& $e #eant &o $e to un to $i#' To !eat$' In t$e &inal stanza% it/s clea t$at t$at/s "$at $e/s "aiting

.2. | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

&o ' His lo*e % "it$ $e o+e necklace% $anging !ea! ne3t to $i# in t$e t ee' I use! to t$ink t$e #u !e e "as t$e c ee+iest guy i#agina(le' <o"% "it$ a cou+le o& t i+s to t$e Hunge 7a#es un!e #y (elt% I !eci!e not to ju!ge $i# "it$out kno"ing #o e !etails' May(e $is lo*e "as al ea!y sentence! to !eat$ an! $e "as t ying to #ake it easie ' To let $e kno" $e/! (e "aiting' ) #ay(e $e t$oug$t t$e +lace $e "as lea*ing $e "as eally "o se t$an !eat$' -i!n/t I "ant to kill Peeta "it$ t$at sy inge to sa*e $i# & o# t$e Ca+itol, :as t$at eally #y only o+tion, P o(a(ly not% (ut I coul!n/t t$ink o& anot$e at t$e ti#e'

I guess #y #ot$e t$oug$t t$e "$ole t$ing "as too t"iste! &o a se*en>yea >ol!% t$oug$' Es+ecially one "$o #a!e $e o"n o+e necklaces' It "asn/t like $anging "as so#et$ing t$at only $a++ene! in a sto y' Plenty o& +eo+le "e e e3ecute! t$at "ay in .2' Cou can (et s$e !i!n/t "ant #e singing it in & ont o& #y #usic class' S$e + o(a(ly "oul!n/t like #e !oing it $e e &o Pollu3 e*en% (ut at least I/# not>>"ait% no% I/# " ong' As I glance si!e"ays% I see Casto $as (een ta+ing #e' E*e yone is "atc$ing #e intently' An! Pollu3 $as tea s unning !o"n $is c$eeks (ecause no !ou(t #y & eaky song $as ! e!ge! u+ so#e te i(le inci!ent in $is li&e' 7 eat' I sig$ an! lean (ack against t$e t unk' T$at/s "$en t$e #ockingjays (egin t$ei en!ition o& 8T$e Hanging T ee'8 In t$ei #out$s% it/s 4uite (eauti&ul' Conscious o& (eing &il#e!% I stan! 4uietly until I $ea C essi!a call% 8CutI8

Pluta c$ c osses to #e% laug$ing' 8:$e e !o you co#e u+ "it$ t$is stu&&, <o one "oul! (elie*e it i& "e #a!e it u+I8 He t$ o"s an a # a oun! #e an! kisses #e on t$e to+ o& #y $ea! "it$ a lou! s#ack' 8Cou/ e gol!enI8
.22 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8I "asn/t !oing it &o t$e ca#e as%8 I say' 89ucky t$ey "e e on% t$en%8 $e says' 8Co#e on% e*e y(o!y% (ack to to"nI8 As "e t u!ge (ack t$ oug$ t$e "oo!s% "e eac$ a (oul!e % an! (ot$ 7ale an! I tu n ou $ea!s in t$e sa#e !i ection% like a +ai o& !ogs catc$ing a scent on t$e "in!' C essi!a notices an! asks "$at lies t$at "ay' :e a!#it% "it$out ackno"le!ging eac$ ot$e % it/s ou ol! $unting en!ez*ous +lace' S$e "ants to see it% e*en a&te "e tell $e it/s not$ing eally'

<ot$ing (ut a +lace "$e e I "as $a++y% I t$ink' )u ock le!ge o*e looking t$e *alley' Pe $a+s a little less g een t$an usual% (ut t$e (lack(e y (us$es $ang $ea*y "it$ & uit' He e (egan countless !ays o& $unting an! sna ing% &is$ing an! gat$e ing% oa#ing toget$e t$ oug$ t$e "oo!s% unloa!ing ou t$oug$ts "$ile "e &ille! ou ga#e (ags' T$is "as t$e !oo "ay to (ot$ sustenance an! sanity' An! "e "e e eac$ ot$e /s key'

T$e e/s no -ist ict .2 to esca+e & o# no"% no Peacekee+e s to t ick% no $ung y #out$s to &ee!' T$e Ca+itol took a"ay all o& t$at% an! I/# on t$e *e ge o& losing 7ale as "ell' T$e glue o& #utual nee! t$at (on!e! us so tig$tly toget$e &o all t$ose yea s is #elting a"ay' -a k +atc$es% not lig$t% s$o" in t$e s+aces (et"een us' Ho" can it (e t$at to!ay% in t$e &ace o& .2/s $o i(le !e#ise% "e a e too ang y to e*en s+eak to eac$ ot$e ,

7ale as goo! as lie! to #e' T$at "as unacce+ta(le% e*en i& $e "as conce ne! a(out #y "ell>(eing' His a+ology see#e! genuine% t$oug$' An! I t$ e" it (ack in $is &ace "it$ an insult to #ake su e it stung' :$at is $a++ening to us, :$y a e "e al"ays at o!!s no",
.25 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

It/s all a #u!!le% (ut I so#e$o" &eel t$at i& I "ent (ack to t$e oot o& ou t ou(les% #y actions "oul! (e at t$e $ea t o& it' -o I eally "ant to ! i*e $i# a"ay, My &inge s enci cle a (lack(e y an! +luck it & o# its ste#' I oll it gently (et"een #y t$u#( an! &o e&inge ' Su!!enly% I tu n to $i# an! toss it in $is !i ection' 8An! #ay t$e o!!s>>8 I say' I t$ o" it $ig$ so $e $as +lenty o& ti#e to !eci!e "$et$e to knock it asi!e o acce+t it' 7ale/s eyes t ain on #e% not t$e (e y% (ut at t$e last #o#ent% $e o+ens $is #out$ an! catc$es it' He c$e"s% s"allo"s% an! t$e e/s a long +ause (e&o e $e says 8>>(e e*e in you &a*o '8 1ut $e !oes say it' C essi!a $as us sit in t$e nook in t$e ocks% "$e e it/s i#+ossi(le not to (e touc$ing% an! coa3es us into talking a(out $unting' :$at ! o*e us out into t$e "oo!s% $o" "e #et% &a*o ite #o#ents' :e t$a"% (egin to laug$ a little% as "e elate #is$a+s "it$ (ees an! "il! !ogs an! skunks' :$en t$e con*e sation tu ns to $o" it &elt to t anslate ou skill "it$ "ea+ons to t$e (o#(ing in F% I sto+ talking' 7ale just says% 89ong o*e !ue'8

1y t$e ti#e "e eac$ t$e to"n s4ua e% a&te noon/s sinking into e*ening' I take C essi!a to t$e u((le o& t$e (ake y an! ask $e to &il# so#et$ing' T$e only e#otion I can #uste is e3$austion' 8Peeta% t$is is you $o#e' <one o& you &a#ily $as (een $ea ! o& since t$e (o#(ing' T"el*e is gone' An! you/ e calling &o a cease>&i e,8 I look ac oss t$e e#+tiness' 8T$e e/s no one le&t to $ea you'8

As "e stan! (e&o e t$e lu#+ o& #etal t$at "as t$e gallo"s% C essi!a asks i& eit$e o& us $as e*e (een to tu e!' In ans"e % 7ale +ulls o&& $is s$i t an! tu ns $is (ack to t$e ca#e a' I sta e at t$e las$ #a ks% an!
.2= | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

again $ea t$e "$istling o& t$e "$i+% see $is (loo!y &igu e $anging unconscious (y $is " ists' 8I/# !one%8 I announce' 8I/ll #eet you at t$e 2icto /s 2illage' So#et$ing &o '''#y #ot$e '8 I guess I "alke! $e e% (ut t$e ne3t t$ing I/# conscious o& is sitting on t$e &loo in & ont o& t$e kitc$en ca(inets o& ou $ouse in t$e 2icto /s 2illage' Meticulously lining ce a#ic ja s an! glass (ottles into a (o3' Placing clean cotton (an!ages (et"een t$e# to + e*ent ( eaking' : a++ing (unc$es o& ! ie! &lo"e s' Su!!enly% I e#e#(e t$e ose on #y ! esse ' :as it eal, I& so% is it still u+ t$e e, I $a*e to esist t$e te#+tation to c$eck' I& it/s t$e e% it "ill only & ig$ten #e all o*e again' I $u y "it$ #y +acking' :$en t$e ca(inets a e e#+ty% I ise to &in! t$at 7ale $as #ate ialize! in #y kitc$en' It/s !istu (ing $o" soun!lessly $e can a++ea ' He/s leaning on t$e ta(le% $is &inge s s+ ea! "i!e against t$e "oo! g ain' I set t$e (o3 (et"een us' 8Re#e#(e ,8 $e asks' 8T$is is "$e e you kisse! #e'8 So t$e $ea*y !ose o& #o +$ling a!#iniste e! a&te t$e "$i++ing "asn/t enoug$ to e ase t$at & o# $is consciousness' 8I !i!n/t t$ink you/! e#e#(e t$at%8 I say' 8Ha*e to (e !ea! to &o get' May(e e*en not t$en%8 $e tells #e' 8May(e I/ll (e like t$at #an in /T$e Hanging T ee'/ Still "aiting &o an ans"e '8 7ale% "$o I $a*e ne*e seen c y% $as tea s in $is eyes' To kee+ t$e# & o# s+illing o*e % I eac$ &o "a ! an! + ess #y li+s against $is' :e taste o& $eat% as$es% an! #ise y' It/s a su + ising &la*o &o suc$ a gentle kiss' He +ulls a"ay &i st an! gi*es #e a " y s#ile' 8I kne" you/! kiss #e'8

.2? | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8Ho",8 I say' 1ecause I !i!n/t kno" #ysel&' 81ecause I/# in +ain%8 $e says' 8T$at/s t$e only "ay I get you attention'8 He +icks u+ t$e (o3' 8-on/t "o y% ;atniss' It/ll +ass'8 He lea*es (e&o e I can ans"e ' I/# too "ea y to "o k t$ oug$ $is latest c$a ge' I s+en! t$e s$o t i!e (ack to .5 cu le! u+ in a seat% t ying to igno e Pluta c$ going on a(out one o& $is &a*o ite su(jects>>"ea+ons #ankin! no longe $as at its !is+osal' Hig$>&lying +lanes% #ilita y satellites% cell !isinteg ato s% ! ones% (iological "ea+ons "it$ e3+i ation !ates' 1 oug$t !o"n (y t$e !est uction o& t$e at#os+$e e o lack o& esou ces o #o al s4uea#is$ness' Cou can $ea t$e eg et o& a Hea! 7a#e#ake "$o can only ! ea# o& suc$ toys% "$o #ust #ake !o "it$ $o*e c a&t an! lan!>to>lan! #issiles an! +lain ol! guns'

A&te ! o++ing o&& #y Mockingjay suit% I go st aig$t to (e! "it$out eating' E*en so% P i# $as to s$ake #e to get #e u+ in t$e #o ning' A&te ( eak&ast% I igno e #y sc$e!ule an! take a na+ in t$e su++ly closet' :$en I co#e to% c a"ling out & o# (et"een t$e (o3es o& c$alk an! +encils% it/s !inne ti#e again' I get an e3t a>la ge +o tion o& +ea sou+ an! a# $ea!e! (ack to Co#+a t#ent E "$en 1oggs inte ce+ts #e'

8T$e e/s a #eeting in Co##an!' -is ega ! you cu ent sc$e!ule%8 $e says' 8-one%8 I say' 8-i! you &ollo" it at all to!ay,8 $e asks in e3as+e ation' 8:$o kno"s, I/# #entally !iso iente!'8 I $ol! u+ #y " ist to s$o" #y #e!ical ( acelet an! ealize it/s gone' 8See, I can/t e*en e#e#(e t$ey took #y
.2B | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

( acelet' :$y !o t$ey "ant #e in Co##an!, -i! I #iss so#et$ing,8 8I t$ink C essi!a "ante! to s$o" you t$e T"el*e + o+os' 1ut I guess you/ll see t$e# "$en t$ey ai %8 $e says' 8T$at/s "$at I nee! a sc$e!ule o&' :$en t$e + o+os ai %8 I say' He s$oots #e a look (ut !oesn/t co##ent &u t$e ' Peo+le $a*e c o"!e! into Co##an!% (ut t$ey/*e sa*e! #e a seat (et"een 6innick an! Pluta c$' T$e sc eens a e al ea!y u+ on t$e ta(le% s$o"ing t$e egula Ca+itol &ee!' 8:$at/s going on, A en/t "e seeing t$e T"el*e + o+os,8 I ask' 8)$% no%8 says Pluta c$' 8I #ean% +ossi(ly' I !on/t kno" e3actly "$at &ootage 1eetee +lans to use'8 81eetee t$inks $e/s &oun! a "ay to ( eak into t$e &ee! nation"i!e%8 says 6innick' 8So t$at ou + o+os "ill ai in t$e Ca+itol% too' He/s !o"n "o king on it in S+ecial -e&ense no"' T$e e/s li*e + og a##ing tonig$t' Sno"/s #aking an a++ea ance o so#et$ing' I t$ink it/s sta ting'8 T$e Ca+itol seal a++ea s% un!e sco e! (y t$e ant$e#' T$en I/# sta ing !i ectly into P esi!ent Sno"/s snake eyes as $e g eets t$e nation' He see#s (a ica!e! (e$in! $is +o!iu#% (ut t$e "$ite ose in $is la+el is in &ull *ie"' T$e ca#e a +ulls (ack to inclu!e Peeta% o&& to one si!e in & ont o& a + ojecte! #a+ o& Pane#' He/s sitting in an ele*ate! c$ai % $is s$oes su++o te! (y a #etal ung' T$e &oot o& $is + ost$etic leg ta+s out a st ange i egula (eat' 1ea!s o& s"eat $a*e ( oken t$ oug$ t$e laye o& +o"!e on $is u++e li+
.2E | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

an! &o e$ea!' 1ut it/s t$e look in $is eyes>>ang y yet un&ocuse!>>t$at & ig$tens #e t$e #ost' 8He/s "o se%8 I "$is+e ' 6innick g as+s #y $an!% to gi*e #e an anc$o % an! I t y to $ang on' Peeta (egins to s+eak in a & ust ate! tone a(out t$e nee! &o t$e cease>&i e' He $ig$lig$ts t$e !a#age !one to key in& ast uctu e in *a ious !ist icts% an! as $e s+eaks% +a ts o& t$e #a+ lig$t u+% s$o"ing i#ages o& t$e !est uction' A ( oken !a# in E' A !e aile! t ain "it$ a +ool o& to3ic "aste s+illing & o# t$e tank ca s' A g ana y colla+sing a&te a &i e' All o& t$ese $e att i(utes to e(el action'

1a#I :it$out "a ning% I/# su!!enly on tele*ision% stan!ing in t$e u((le o& t$e (ake y' Pluta c$ ju#+s to $is &eet' 8He !i! itI 1eetee ( oke inI8 T$e oo#/s (uzzing "it$ eaction "$en Peeta/s (ack% !ist acte!' He $as seen #e on t$e #onito ' He t ies to +ick u+ $is s+eec$ (y #o*ing on to t$e (o#(ing o& a "ate +u i&ication +lant% "$en a cli+ o& 6innick talking a(out Rue e+laces $i#' An! t$en t$e "$ole t$ing ( eaks !o"n into a ( oa!cast (attle% as t$e Ca+itol tec$ #aste s t y to &en! o&& 1eetee/s attack' 1ut t$ey a e un+ e+a e!% an! 1eetee% a++a ently antici+ating $e "oul! not $ol! on to cont ol% $as an a senal o& &i*e> to ten>secon! cli+s to "o k "it$' :e "atc$ t$e o&&icial + esentation !ete io ate as it/s +e++e e! "it$ c$oice s$ots & o# t$e + o+os'

Pluta c$/s in s+as#s o& !elig$t an! #ost e*e y(o!y is c$ee ing 1eetee on% (ut 6innick e#ains still an! s+eec$less (esi!e #e' I #eet Hay#itc$/s eyes & o# ac oss t$e oo# an! see #y o"n ! ea! #i o e!
.2F | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

(ack' T$e ecognition t$at "it$ e*e y c$ee % Peeta sli+s e*en &a t$e & o# ou g as+' T$e Ca+itol seal/s (ack u+% acco#+anie! (y a &lat au!io tone' T$is lasts a(out t"enty secon!s (e&o e Sno" an! Peeta etu n' T$e set is in tu #oil' :e/ e $ea ing & antic e3c$anges & o# t$ei (oot$' Sno" +lo"s &o "a !% saying t$at clea ly t$e e(els a e no" atte#+ting to !is u+t t$e !isse#ination o& in&o #ation t$ey &in! inc i#inating% (ut (ot$ t ut$ an! justice "ill eign' T$e &ull ( oa!cast "ill esu#e "$en secu ity $as (een einstate!' He asks Peeta i&% gi*en tonig$t/s !e#onst ation% $e $as any +a ting t$oug$ts &o ;atniss E*e !een'

At t$e #ention o& #y na#e% Peeta/s &ace conto ts in e&&o t' 8;atniss'''$o" !o you t$ink t$is "ill en!, :$at "ill (e le&t, <o one is sa&e' <ot in t$e Ca+itol' <ot in t$e !ist icts' An! you'''in T$i teen'''8 He in$ales s$a +ly% as i& &ig$ting &o ai @ $is eyes look insane' 8-ea! (y #o ningI8 )&& ca#e a% Sno" o !e s% 8En! itI8 1eetee t$ o"s t$e "$ole t$ing into c$aos (y &las$ing a still s$ot o& #e stan!ing in & ont o& t$e $os+ital at t$ ee>secon! inte *als' 1ut (et"een t$e i#ages% "e a e + i*y to t$e eal>li&e action (eing +laye! out on t$e set' Peeta/s atte#+t to continue s+eaking' T$e ca#e a knocke! !o"n to eco ! t$e "$ite tile! &loo ' T$e scu&&le o& (oots' T$e i#+act o& t$e (lo" t$at/s inse+a a(le & o# Peeta/s c y o& +ain'

An! $is (loo! as it s+latte s t$e tiles'

.2G | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

PART II THE THE ASSK9T

.5D | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

T$e sc ea# (egins in #y lo"e (ack an! "o ks its "ay u+ t$ oug$ #y (o!y only to ja# in #y t$ oat' I a# A*o3 #ute% c$oking on #y g ie&' E*en i& I coul! elease t$e #uscles in #y neck% let t$e soun! tea into s+ace% "oul! anyone notice it, T$e oo#/s in an u+ oa ' Auestions an! !e#an!s ing out as t$ey t y to !eci+$e Peeta/s "o !s' 8An! you'''in T$i teen'''!ea! (y #o ningI8 Cet no one is asking a(out t$e #essenge "$ose (loo! $as (een e+lace! (y static'

A *oice calls t$e ot$e s to attention' 8S$ut u+I8 E*e y +ai o& eyes &alls on Hay#itc$' 8It/s not so#e (ig #yste yI T$e (oy/s telling us "e/ e a(out to (e attacke!' He e' In T$i teen'8 8Ho" "oul! $e $a*e t$at in&o #ation,8 8:$y s$oul! "e t ust $i#,8 8Ho" !o you kno",8 Hay#itc$ gi*es a g o"l o& & ust ation' 8T$ey/ e (eating $i# (loo!y "$ile "e s+eak' :$at #o e !o you nee!, ;atniss% $el+ #e out $e eI8 I $a*e to gi*e #ysel& a s$ake to & ee #y "o !s' 8Hay#itc$/s ig$t' I !on/t kno" "$e e Peeta got t$e in&o #ation' ) i& it/s t ue' 1ut $e (elie*es it is' An! t$ey/ e>>8 I can/t say alou! "$at Sno"/s !oing to $i#' 8Cou !on/t kno" $i#%8 Hay#itc$ says to Coin' 8:e !o' 7et you +eo+le ea!y'8

.5. | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

T$e + esi!ent !oesn/t see# ala #e!% only so#e"$at +e +le3e!% (y t$is tu n in e*ents' S$e #ulls o*e t$e "o !s% ta++ing one &inge lig$tly on t$e i# o& t$e cont ol (oa ! in & ont o& $e ' :$en s$e s+eaks% s$e a!! esses Hay#itc$ in an e*en *oice' 8)& cou se% "e $a*e + e+a e! &o suc$ a scena io' Alt$oug$ "e $a*e !eca!es o& su++o t &o t$e assu#+tion t$at &u t$e !i ect attacks on T$i teen "oul! (e counte + o!ucti*e to t$e Ca+itol/s cause' <uclea #issiles "oul! elease a!iation into t$e at#os+$e e% "it$ incalcula(le en*i on#ental esults' E*en outine (o#(ing coul! (a!ly !a#age ou #ilita y co#+oun!% "$ic$ "e kno" t$ey $o+e to egain' An!% o& cou se% t$ey in*ite a counte st ike' It is concei*a(le t$at% gi*en ou cu ent alliance "it$ t$e e(els% t$ose "oul! (e *ie"e! as acce+ta(le isks'8

8Cou t$ink so,8 says Hay#itc$' It/s a s$a!e too since e% (ut t$e su(tleties o& i ony a e o&ten "aste! in .5' 8I !o' At any ate% "e/ e o*e !ue &o a 9e*el 6i*e secu ity ! ill%8 says Coin' 89et/s + ocee! "it$ t$e lock!o"n'8 S$e (egins to ty+e a+i!ly on $e key(oa !% aut$o izing $e !ecision' T$e #o#ent s$e aises $e $ea!% it (egins' T$e e $a*e (een t"o lo">le*el ! ills since I a i*e! in .5' I !on/t e#e#(e #uc$ a(out t$e &i st' I "as in intensi*e ca e in t$e $os+ital an! I t$ink t$e +atients "e e e3e#+te!% as t$e co#+lications o& e#o*ing us &o a + actice ! ill out"eig$e! t$e (ene&its' I "as *aguely a"a e o& a #ec$anical *oice inst ucting +eo+le to cong egate in yello" zones' -u ing t$e secon!% a 9e*el T"o ! ill #eant &o #ino c ises>>suc$ as a te#+o a y 4ua antine "$ile citizens "e e teste! &o contagion !u ing a &lu out( eak>>"e "e e su++ose! to etu n to ou li*ing 4ua te s' I staye! (e$in! a +i+e in t$e laun! y oo#% igno e! t$e
.52 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

+ulsating (ee+s co#ing o*e t$e au!io syste#% an! "atc$e! a s+i!e const uct a "e(' <eit$e e3+e ience $as + e+a e! #e &o t$e "o !less% ea ! u#>+ie cing% &ea >in!ucing si ens t$at no" +e #eate .5' T$e e "oul! (e no !is ega !ing t$is soun!% "$ic$ see#s !esigne! to t$ o" t$e "$ole +o+ulation into a & enzy' 1ut t$is is .5 an! t$at !oesn/t $a++en'

1oggs gui!es 6innick an! #e out o& Co##an!% along t$e $all to a !oo "ay% an! onto a "i!e stai "ay' St ea#s o& +eo+le a e con*e ging to &o # a i*e t$at &lo"s only !o"n"a !' <o one s$ ieks o t ies to +us$ a$ea!' E*en t$e c$il! en !on/t esist' :e !escen!% &lig$t a&te &lig$t% s+eec$less% (ecause no "o ! coul! (e $ea ! a(o*e t$is soun!' I look &o #y #ot$e an! P i#% (ut it/s i#+ossi(le to see anyone (ut t$ose i##e!iately a oun! #e' T$ey/ e (ot$ "o king in t$e $os+ital tonig$t% t$oug$% so t$e e/s no "ay t$ey can #iss t$e ! ill'

My ea s +o+ an! #y eyes &eel $ea*y' :e a e coal>#ine !ee+' T$e only +lus is t$at t$e &a t$e "e et eat into t$e ea t$% t$e less s$ ill t$e si ens (eco#e' It/s as i& t$ey "e e #eant to +$ysically ! i*e us a"ay & o# t$e su &ace% "$ic$ I su++ose t$ey a e' 7 ou+s o& +eo+le (egin to +eel o&& into #a ke! !oo "ays an! still 1oggs !i ects #e !o"n"a !% until &inally t$e stai s en! at t$e e!ge o& an eno #ous ca*e n' I sta t to "alk st aig$t in an! 1oggs sto+s #e% s$o"s #e t$at I #ust "a*e #y sc$e!ule in & ont o& a scanne so t$at I/# accounte! &o ' <o !ou(t t$e in&o #ation/s going to so#e co#+ute so#e"$e e to #ake su e no one/s gone ast ay'

T$e +lace see#s una(le to !eci!e i& it/s natu al o #an>#a!e' Ce tain a eas o& t$e "alls a e stone% "$ile steel (ea#s an! conc ete $ea*ily ein&o ce ot$e s' Slee+ing (unks a e $e"n ig$t into t$e ock "alls'
.55 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

T$e e/s a kitc$en% (at$ oo#s% a &i st>ai! station' T$is +lace "as !esigne! &o an e3ten!e! stay' :$ite signs "it$ lette s o nu#(e s a e +lace! at inte *als a oun! t$e ca*e n' As 1oggs tells 6innick an! #e to e+o t to t$e a ea t$at #atc$es ou assigne! 4ua te s>>in #y case E &o Co#+a t#ent E>> Pluta c$ st olls u+' 8A$% $e e you a e%8 $e says' Recent e*ents $a*e $a! little e&&ect on Pluta c$/s #oo!' He still $as a $a++y glo" & o# 1eetee/s success on t$e Ai ti#e Assault' Eyes on t$e &o est% not on t$e t ees' <ot on Peeta/s +unis$#ent o .5/s i##inent (lasting' 8;atniss% o(*iously t$is is a (a! #o#ent &o you% "$at "it$ Peeta/s set(ack% (ut you nee! to (e a"a e t$at ot$e s "ill (e "atc$ing you'8

8:$at,8 I say' I can/t (elie*e $e actually just !o"ng a!e! Peeta/s !i e ci cu#stances to a set(ack' 8T$e ot$e +eo+le in t$e (unke % t$ey/ll (e taking t$ei cue on $o" to eact & o# you' I& you/ e cal# an! ( a*e% ot$e s "ill t y to (e as "ell' I& you +anic% it coul! s+ ea! like "il!&i e%8 e3+lains Pluta c$' I just sta e at $i#' 86i e is catc$ing% so to s+eak%8 $e continues% as i& I/# (eing slo" on t$e u+take' 8:$y !on/t I just + eten! I/# on ca#e a% Pluta c$,8 I say' 8CesI Pe &ect' )ne is al"ays #uc$ ( a*e "it$ an au!ience%8 $e says' 89ook at t$e cou age Peeta just !is+laye!I8 It/s all I can !o not to sla+ $i#' 8I/*e got to get (ack to Coin (e&o e lock!o"n' Cou kee+ u+ t$e goo! "o kI8 $e says% an! t$en $ea!s o&&'

.5= | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

I c oss to t$e (ig lette E +oste! on t$e "all' )u s+ace consists o& a t"el*e>(y>t"el*e>&oot s4ua e o& stone &loo !elineate! (y +ainte! lines' Ca *e! into t$e "all a e t"o (unks>>one o& us "ill (e slee+ing on t$e &loo >>an! a g oun!>le*el cu(e s+ace &o sto age' A +iece o& "$ite +a+e % coate! in clea +lastic% ea!s 1K<;ER PR)T)C)9' I sta e &i3e!ly at t$e little (lack s+ecks on t$e s$eet' 6o a "$ile% t$ey/ e o(scu e! (y t$e esi!ual (loo! ! o+lets t$at I can/t see# to "i+e & o# #y *ision' Slo"ly% t$e "o !s co#e into &ocus' T$e &i st section is entitle! 8)n A i*al'8

M.' Make su

e all #e#(e s o& you Co#+a t#ent a e accounte! &o '

My #ot$e an! P i# $a*en/t a i*e!% (ut I "as one o& t$e &i st +eo+le to eac$ t$e (unke ' 1ot$ o& t$e# a e + o(a(ly $el+ing to elocate $os+ital +atients'
M

2' 7o to t$e Su++ly Station an! secu e one +ack &o eac$ #e#(e o& you Co#+a t#ent' Rea!y you 9i*ing A ea' Retu n +ackNsO'

I scan t$e ca*e n until I locate t$e Su++ly Station% a !ee+ oo# set o&& (y a counte ' Peo+le "ait (e$in! it% (ut t$e e/s not a lot o& acti*ity t$e e yet' I "alk o*e % gi*e ou co#+a t#ent lette % an! e4uest t$ ee +acks' A #an c$ecks a s$eet% +ulls t$e s+eci&ie! +acks & o# s$el*ing% an! s"ings t$e# u+ onto t$e counte ' A&te sli!ing one on #y (ack an! getting a g i+ on t$e ot$e t"o "it$ #y $an!s% I tu n to &in! a g ou+ a+i!ly &o #ing (e$in! #e' 8E3cuse #e%8 I say as I ca y #y su++lies t$ oug$ t$e ot$e s' Is it a #atte o& ti#ing, ) is Pluta c$ ig$t, A e t$ese +eo+le #o!eling t$ei (e$a*io on #ine,

1ack at ou s+ace% I o+en one o& t$e +acks to &in! a t$in #att ess% (e!!ing% t"o sets o& g ay clot$ing% a toot$( us$% a co#(% an! a &las$lig$t' )n e3a#ining
.5? | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

t$e contents o& t$e ot$e +acks% I &in! t$e only !isce ni(le !i&&e ence is t$at t$ey contain (ot$ g ay an! "$ite out&its' T$e latte "ill (e &o #y #ot$e an! P i#% in case t$ey $a*e #e!ical !uties' A&te I #ake u+ t$e (e!s% sto e t$e clot$es% an! etu n t$e (ack+acks% I/*e got not$ing to !o (ut o(se *e t$e last ule'

5' A"ait &u t$e inst uctions'

I sit c oss>legge! on t$e &loo to a"ait' A stea!y &lo" o& +eo+le (egins to &ill t$e oo#% clai#ing s+aces% collecting su++lies' It "on/t take long until t$e +lace is &ull u+' I "on!e i& #y #ot$e an! P i# a e going to stay t$e nig$t at "$e e*e t$e $os+ital +atients $a*e (een taken' 1ut% no% I !on/t t$ink so' T$ey "e e on t$e list $e e' I/# sta ting to get an3ious% "$en #y #ot$e a++ea s' I look (e$in! $e into a sea o& st ange s' 8:$e e/s P i#,8 I ask'

8Isn/t s$e $e e,8 s$e e+lies' 8S$e "as su++ose! to co#e st aig$t !o"n & o# t$e $os+ital' S$e le&t ten #inutes (e&o e I !i!' :$e e is s$e, :$e e coul! s$e $a*e gone,8 I s4ueeze #y li!s s$ut tig$t &o a #o#ent% to t ack $e as I "oul! + ey on a $unt' See $e eact to t$e si ens% us$ to $el+ t$e +atients% no! as t$ey gestu e &o $e to !escen! to t$e (unke % an! t$en $esitate "it$ $e on t$e stai s' To n &o a #o#ent' 1ut "$y, My eyes &ly o+en' 8T$e catI S$e "ent (ack &o $i#I8 8)$% no%8 #y #ot$e says' :e (ot$ kno" I/# ig$t' :e/ e +us$ing against t$e inco#ing ti!e% t ying to get out o& t$e (unke ' K+ a$ea!% I can see t$e# + e+a ing to s$ut t$e t$ick #etal !oo s' Slo"ly otating t$e #etal "$eels on eit$e si!e in"a !' So#e$o" I kno" t$at once t$ey $a*e (een seale!%
.5B | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

not$ing in t$e "o l! "ill con*ince t$e sol!ie s to o+en t$e#' Pe $a+s it "ill e*en (e (eyon! t$ei cont ol' I/# in!isc i#inately s$o*ing +eo+le asi!e as I s$out &o t$e# to "ait' T$e s+ace (et"een t$e !oo s s$ inks to a ya !% a &oot@ t$e e a e only a &e" inc$es le&t "$en I ja# #y $an! t$ oug$ t$e c ack' 8)+en itI 9et #e outI8 I c y' Conste nation s$o"s on t$e sol!ie s/ &aces as t$ey e*e se t$e "$eels a (it' <ot enoug$ to let #e +ass% (ut enoug$ to a*oi! c us$ing #y &inge s' I take t$e o++o tunity to "e!ge #y s$oul!e into t$e o+ening' 8P i#I8 I $olle u+ t$e stai s' My #ot$e +lea!s "it$ t$e gua !s as I t y to " iggle #y "ay out' 8P i#I8 T$en I $ea it' T$e &aint soun! o& &ootste+s on t$e stai s' 8:e/ e co#ingI8 I $ea #y siste call' 8Hol! t$e !oo I8 T$at "as 7ale' 8T$ey/ e co#ingI8 I tell t$e gua !s% an! t$ey sli!e t$e !oo s o+en a(out a &oot' 1ut I !on/t !a e #o*e>>a& ai! t$ey/ll lock us all out>>until P i# a++ea s% $e c$eeks &lus$e! "it$ unning% $auling 1utte cu+' I +ull $e insi!e an! 7ale &ollo"s% t"isting an a #loa! o& (aggage si!e"ays to get it into t$e (unke ' T$e !oo s a e close! "it$ a lou! an! &inal clank'

8:$at "e e you t$inking,8 I gi*e P i# an ang y s$ake an! t$en $ug $e % s4uas$ing 1utte cu+ (et"een us' P i#/s e3+lanation is al ea!y on $e li+s' 8I coul!n/t lea*e $i# (e$in!% ;atniss' <ot t"ice' Cou s$oul! $a*e seen $i# +acing t$e oo# an! $o"ling' He/! co#e (ack to + otect us'8 8)kay' )kay'8 I take a &e" ( eat$s to cal# #ysel&% ste+ (ack% an! li&t 1utte cu+ (y t$e sc u&& o& t$e
.5E | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

neck' 8I s$oul!/*e ! o"ne! you "$en I $a! t$e c$ance'8 His ea s &latten an! $e aises a +a"' I $iss (e&o e $e gets a c$ance% "$ic$ see#s to annoy $i# a little% since $e consi!e s $issing $is o"n +e sonal soun! o& conte#+t' In etaliation% $e gi*es a $el+less kitten #e" t$at ( ings #y siste i##e!iately to $is !e&ense'

8)$% ;atniss% !on/t tease $i#%8 s$e says% &ol!ing $i# (ack in $e a #s' 8He/s al ea!y so u+set'8 T$e i!ea t$at I/*e "oun!e! t$e ( ute/s tiny cat &eelings just in*ites &u t$e taunting' 1ut P i#/s genuinely !ist esse! &o $i#' So instea!% I *isualize 1utte cu+/s &u lining a +ai o& glo*es% an i#age t$at $as $el+e! #e !eal "it$ $i# o*e t$e yea s' 8)kay% so y' :e/ e un!e t$e (ig E on t$e "all' 1ette get $i# settle! in (e&o e $e loses it'8 P i# $u ies o&&% an! I &in! #ysel& &ace>to>&ace "it$ 7ale' He/s $ol!ing t$e (o3 o& #e!ical su++lies & o# ou kitc$en in .2' Site o& ou last con*e sation% kiss% &allout% "$ate*e ' My ga#e (ag/s slung ac oss $is s$oul!e '

8I& Peeta/s ig$t% t$ese !i!n/t stan! a c$ance%8 $e says' Peeta' 1loo! like ain! o+s on t$e "in!o"' 9ike "et #u! on (oots' 8T$anks &o '''e*e yt$ing'8 I take ou stu&&' 8:$at "e e you !oing u+ in ou oo#s,8 80ust !ou(le>c$ecking%8 $e says' 8:e/ e in 6o ty> Se*en i& you nee! #e'8 P actically e*e yone "it$! e" to t$ei s+aces "$en t$e !oo s s$ut% so I get to c oss to ou ne" $o#e "it$ at least &i*e $un! e! +eo+le "atc$ing #e' I t y to a++ea e3t a cal# to #ake u+ &o #y & antic c as$ing t$ oug$ t$e c o"!' 9ike t$at/s &ooling anyone' So
.5F | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

#uc$ &o setting an e3a#+le' )$% "$o ca es, T$ey all t$ink I/# nuts any"ay' )ne #an% "$o I t$ink I knocke! to t$e &loo % catc$es #y eye an! u(s $is el(o" esent&ully' I al#ost $iss at $i#% too' P i# $as 1utte cu+ installe! on t$e lo"e (unk% ! a+e! in a (lanket so t$at only $is &ace +okes out' T$is is $o" $e likes to (e "$en t$e e/s t$un!e % t$e one t$ing t$at actually & ig$tens $i#' My #ot$e +uts $e (o3 ca e&ully in t$e cu(e' I c ouc$% #y (ack su++o te! (y t$e "all% to c$eck "$at 7ale #anage! to escue in #y $unting (ag' T$e +lant (ook% t$e $unting jacket% #y +a ents/ "e!!ing +$oto% an! t$e +e sonal contents o& #y ! a"e ' My #ockingjay +in no" li*es "it$ Cinna/s out&it% (ut t$e e/s t$e gol! locket an! t$e sil*e +a ac$ute "it$ t$e s+ile an! Peeta/s +ea l' I knot t$e +ea l into t$e co ne o& t$e +a ac$ute% (u y it !ee+ in t$e ecesses o& t$e (ag% as i& it/s Peeta/s li&e an! no one can take it a"ay as long as I gua ! it'

T$e &aint soun! o& t$e si ens cuts o&& s$a +ly' Coin/s *oice co#es o*e t$e !ist ict au!io syste#% t$anking us all &o an e3e#+la y e*acuation o& t$e u++e le*els' S$e st esses t$at t$is is not a ! ill% as Peeta Mella k% t$e -ist ict .2 *icto % $as +ossi(ly #a!e a tele*ise! e&e ence to an attack on .5 tonig$t' T$at/s "$en t$e &i st (o#( $its' T$e e/s an initial sense o& i#+act &ollo"e! (y an e3+losion t$at esonates in #y inne #ost +a ts% t$e lining o& #y intestines% t$e #a o" o& #y (ones% t$e oots o& #y teet$' :e/ e all going to !ie% I t$ink' My eyes tu n u+"a !% e3+ecting to see giant c acks ace ac oss t$e ceiling% #assi*e c$unks o& stone aining !o"n on us% (ut t$e (unke itsel& gi*es only a slig$t s$u!!e ' T$e lig$ts go out an! I e3+e ience t$e !iso ientation o& total !a kness' S+eec$less $u#an soun!s>> s+ontaneous s$ ieks% agge! ( eat$s% (a(y "$i#+e s%
.5G | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

one #usical (it o& insane laug$te >>!ance a oun! in t$e c$a ge! ai ' T$en t$e e/s a $u# o& a gene ato % an! a !i# "a*e ing glo" e+laces t$e sta k lig$ting t$at is t$e no # in .5' It/s close to "$at "e $a! in ou $o#es in .2% "$en t$e can!les an! &i e (u ne! lo" on a "inte /s nig$t' I eac$ &o P i# in t$e t"ilig$t% cla#+ #y $an! on $e leg% an! +ull #ysel& o*e to $e ' He *oice e#ains stea!y as s$e c oons to 1utte cu+' 8It/s all ig$t% (a(y% it/s all ig$t' :e/ll (e okay !o"n $e e'8 My #ot$e " a+s $e a #s a oun! us' I allo" #ysel& to &eel young &o a #o#ent an! est #y $ea! on $e s$oul!e ' 8T$at "as not$ing like t$e (o#(s in Eig$t%8 I say' 8P o(a(ly a (unke #issile%8 says P i#% kee+ing $e *oice soot$ing &o t$e cat/s sake' 8:e lea ne! a(out t$e# !u ing t$e o ientation &o ne" citizens' T$ey/ e !esigne! to +enet ate !ee+ in t$e g oun! (e&o e t$ey go o&&' 1ecause t$e e/s no +oint in (o#(ing T$i teen on t$e su &ace any#o e'8 8<uclea ,8 I ask% &eeling a c$ill un t$ oug$ #e' 8<ot necessa ily%8 says P i#' 8So#e just $a*e a lot o& e3+losi*es in t$e#' 1ut'''it coul! (e eit$e kin!% I guess'8 T$e gloo# #akes it $a ! to see t$e $ea*y #etal !oo s at t$e en! o& t$e (unke ' :oul! t$ey (e any + otection against a nuclea attack, An! e*en i& t$ey "e e one $un! e! +e cent e&&ecti*e at sealing out t$e a!iation% "$ic$ is eally unlikely% "oul! "e e*e (e a(le to lea*e t$is +lace, T$e t$oug$t o& s+en!ing "$ate*e e#ains o& #y li&e in t$is stone *ault $o i&ies #e' I "ant to un #a!ly &o t$e !oo an! !e#an! to (e elease! into "$ate*e lies a(o*e' It/s
.=D | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

+ointless' T$ey "oul! ne*e let #e out% an! I #ig$t sta t so#e kin! o& sta#+e!e' 8:e/ e so &a !o"n% I/# su e "e/ e sa&e%8 says #y #ot$e "anly' Is s$e t$inking o& #y &at$e /s (eing (lo"n to not$ingness in t$e #ines, 8It "as a close call% t$oug$' T$ank goo!ness Peeta $a! t$e "$e e"it$al to "a n us'8 T$e "$e e"it$al' A gene al te # t$at so#e$o" inclu!es e*e yt$ing t$at "as nee!e! &o $i# to soun! t$e ala #' T$e kno"le!ge% t$e o++o tunity% t$e cou age' An! so#et$ing else I can/t !e&ine' Peeta see#e! to $a*e (een "aging a so t o& (attle in $is #in!% &ig$ting to get t$e #essage out' :$y, T$e ease "it$ "$ic$ $e #ani+ulates "o !s is $is g eatest talent' :as $is !i&&iculty a esult o& $is to tu e, So#et$ing #o e, 9ike #a!ness,

Coin/s *oice% +e $a+s a s$a!e g i##e % &ills t$e (unke % t$e *olu#e le*el &licke ing "it$ t$e lig$ts' 8A++a ently% Peeta Mella k/s in&o #ation "as soun! an! "e o"e $i# a g eat !e(t o& g atitu!e' Senso s in!icate t$e &i st #issile "as not nuclea % (ut *e y +o"e &ul' :e e3+ect #o e "ill &ollo"' 6o t$e !u ation o& t$e attack% citizens a e to stay in t$ei assigne! a eas unless ot$e "ise noti&ie!'8

A sol!ie ale ts #y #ot$e t$at s$e/s nee!e! in t$e &i st>ai! station' S$e/s eluctant to lea*e us% e*en t$oug$ s$e/ll only (e t$i ty ya !s a"ay' 8:e/ll (e &ine% eally%8 I tell $e ' 8-o you t$ink anyt$ing coul! get +ast $i#,8 I +oint to 1utte cu+% "$o gi*es #e suc$ a $al&$ea te! $iss% "e all $a*e to laug$ a little' E*en I &eel so y &o $i#' A&te #y #ot$e goes% I suggest% 8:$y !on/t you cli#( in "it$ $i#% P i#,8

.=. | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8I kno" it/s silly'''(ut I/# a& ai! t$e (unk #ig$t colla+se on us !u ing t$e attack%8 s$e says' I& t$e (unks colla+se% t$e "$ole (unke "ill $a*e gi*en "ay an! (u ie! us% (ut I !eci!e t$is kin! o& logic "on/t actually (e $el+&ul' Instea!% I clean out t$e sto age cu(e an! #ake 1utte cu+ a (e! insi!e' T$en I +ull a #att ess in & ont o& it &o #y siste an! #e to s$a e' :e/ e gi*en clea ance in s#all g ou+s to use t$e (at$ oo# an! ( us$ ou teet$% alt$oug$ s$o"e ing $as (een cancele! &o t$e !ay' I cu l u+ "it$ P i# on t$e #att ess% !ou(le laye ing t$e (lankets (ecause t$e ca*e n e#its a !ank c$ill' 1utte cu+% #ise a(le e*en "it$ P i#/s constant attention% $u!!les in t$e cu(e an! e3$ales cat ( eat$ in #y &ace'

-es+ite t$e !isag eea(le con!itions% I/# gla! to $a*e ti#e "it$ #y siste ' My e3t e#e + eoccu+ation since I ca#e $e e>>no% since t$e &i st 7a#es% eally>>$as le&t little attention &o $e ' I $a*en/t (een "atc$ing o*e $e t$e "ay I s$oul!% t$e "ay I use! to' A&te all% it "as 7ale "$o c$ecke! ou co#+a t#ent% not #e' So#et$ing to #ake u+ &o '

I ealize I/*e ne*e e*en (ot$e e! to ask $e a(out $o" s$e/s $an!ling t$e s$ock o& co#ing $e e' 8So% $o" a e you liking T$i teen% P i#,8 I o&&e ' 8Rig$t no",8 s$e asks' :e (ot$ laug$' 8I #iss $o#e (a!ly so#eti#es' 1ut t$en I e#e#(e t$e e/s not$ing le&t to #iss any#o e' I &eel sa&e $e e' :e !on/t $a*e to "o y a(out you' :ell% not t$e sa#e "ay'8 S$e +auses% an! t$en a s$y s#ile c osses $e li+s' 8I t$ink t$ey/ e going to t ain #e to (e a !octo '8 It/s t$e &i st I/*e $ea ! o& it' 8:ell% o& cou se% t$ey a e' T$ey/! (e stu+i! not to'8
.=2 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8T$ey/*e (een "atc$ing #e "$en I $el+ out in t$e $os+ital' I/# al ea!y taking t$e #e!ic cou ses' It/s just (eginne /s stu&&' I kno" a lot o& it & o# $o#e' Still% t$e e/s +lenty to lea n%8 s$e tells #e' 8T$at/s g eat%8 I say' P i# a !octo ' S$e coul!n/t e*en ! ea# o& it in .2' So#et$ing s#all an! 4uiet% like a #atc$ (eing st uck% lig$ts u+ t$e gloo# insi!e #e' T$is is t$e so t o& &utu e a e(ellion coul! ( ing' 8:$at a(out you% ;atniss, Ho" a e you #anaging,8 He &inge ti+ #o*es in s$o t% gentle st okes (et"een 1utte cu+/s eyes' 8An! !on/t say you/ e &ine'8 It/s t ue' :$ate*e t$e o++osite o& &ine is% t$at/s "$at I a#' So I go a$ea! an! tell $e a(out Peeta% $is !ete io ation on>sc een% an! $o" I t$ink t$ey #ust (e killing $i# at t$is *e y #o#ent' 1utte cu+ $as to ely on $i#sel& &o a "$ile% (ecause no" P i# tu ns $e attention to #e' Pulling #e close % ( us$ing t$e $ai (ack (e$in! #y ea s "it$ $e &inge s' I/*e sto++e! talking (ecause t$e e/s eally not$ing le&t to say an! t$e e/s t$is +ie cing so t o& +ain "$e e #y $ea t is' May(e I/# e*en $a*ing a $ea t attack% (ut it !oesn/t see# "o t$ #entioning'

8;atniss% I !on/t t$ink P esi!ent Sno" "ill kill Peeta%8 s$e says' )& cou se% s$e says t$is@ it/s "$at s$e t$inks "ill cal# #e' 1ut $e ne3t "o !s co#e as a su + ise' 8I& $e !oes% $e "on/t $a*e anyone le&t you "ant' He "on/t $a*e any "ay to $u t you'8 Su!!enly% I a# e#in!e! o& anot$e gi l% one "$o $a! seen all t$e e*il t$e Ca+itol $a! to o&&e ' 0o$anna Mason% t$e t i(ute & o# -ist ict E% in t$e last a ena' I "as t ying to + e*ent $e & o# going into t$e jungle "$e e t$e ja((e jays #i#icke! t$e *oices o& lo*e! ones (eing to tu e!% (ut s$e ( us$e! #e o&&% saying%

.=5 | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8T$ey can/t $u t #e' I/# not like t$e est o& you' T$e e/s no one le&t I lo*e'8 T$en I kno" P i# is ig$t% t$at Sno" cannot a&&o ! to "aste Peeta/s li&e% es+ecially no"% "$ile t$e Mockingjay causes so #uc$ $a*oc' He/s kille! Cinna al ea!y' -est oye! #y $o#e' My &a#ily% 7ale% an! e*en Hay#itc$ a e out o& $is eac$' Peeta/s all $e $as le&t' 8So% "$at !o you t$ink t$ey/ll !o to $i#,8 I ask' P i# soun!s a(out a t$ousan! yea s ol! "$en s$e s+eaks' 8:$ate*e it takes to ( eak you'8

.== | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

:$at "ill ( eak #e, T$is is t$e 4uestion t$at consu#es #e o*e t$e ne3t t$ ee !ays as "e "ait to (e elease! & o# ou + ison o& sa&ety' :$at "ill ( eak #e into a #illion +ieces so t$at I a# (eyon! e+ai % (eyon! use&ulness, I #ention it to no one% (ut it !e*ou s #y "aking $ou s an! "ea*es itsel& t$ oug$out #y nig$t#a es' 6ou #o e (unke #issiles &all o*e t$is +e io!% all #assi*e% all *e y !a#aging% (ut t$e e/s no u gency to t$e attack' T$e (o#(s a e s+ ea! out o*e t$e long $ou s so t$at just "$en you t$ink t$e ai! is o*e % anot$e (last sen!s s$ock "a*es t$ oug$ you guts' It &eels #o e !esigne! to kee+ us in lock!o"n t$an to !eci#ate .5' C i++le t$e !ist ict% yes' 7i*e t$e +eo+le +lenty to !o to get t$e +lace unning again' 1ut !est oy it, <o' Coin "as ig$t on t$at +oint' Cou !on/t !est oy "$at you "ant to ac4ui e in t$e &utu e' I assu#e "$at t$ey eally "ant% in t$e s$o t te #% is to sto+ t$e Ai ti#e Assaults an! kee+ #e o&& t$e tele*isions o& Pane#'

:e ecei*e ne3t to no in&o #ation a(out "$at is $a++ening' )u sc eens ne*e co#e on% an! "e get only ( ie& au!io u+!ates & o# Coin a(out t$e natu e o& t$e (o#(s' Ce tainly% t$e "a is still (eing "age!% (ut as to its status% "e/ e in t$e !a k' Insi!e t$e (unke % coo+e ation is t$e o !e o& t$e !ay' :e a!$e e to a st ict sc$e!ule &o #eals an! (at$ing% e3e cise an! slee+' S#all +e io!s o& socialization a e g ante! to alle*iate t$e te!iu#' )u s+ace (eco#es *e y +o+ula (ecause (ot$ c$il! en an! a!ults $a*e a
.=? | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

&ascination "it$ 1utte cu+' He attains cele( ity status "it$ $is e*ening ga#e o& C azy Cat' I c eate! t$is (y acci!ent a &e" yea s ago% !u ing a "inte (lackout' Cou si#+ly "iggle a &las$lig$t (ea# a oun! on t$e &loo % an! 1utte cu+ t ies to catc$ it' I/# +etty enoug$ to enjoy it (ecause I t$ink it #akes $i# look stu+i!' Ine3+lica(ly% e*e yone $e e t$inks $e/s cle*e an! !elig$t&ul' I/# e*en issue! a s+ecial set o& (atte ies>>an eno #ous "aste>>to (e use! &o t$is +u +ose' T$e citizens o& .5 a e t uly sta *e! &o ente tain#ent'

It/s on t$e t$i ! nig$t% !u ing ou ga#e% t$at I ans"e t$e 4uestion eating a"ay at #e' C azy Cat (eco#es a #eta+$o &o #y situation' I a# 1utte cu+' Peeta% t$e t$ing I "ant so (a!ly to secu e% is t$e lig$t' As long as 1utte cu+ &eels $e $as t$e c$ance o& catc$ing t$e elusi*e lig$t un!e $is +a"s% $e/s ( istling "it$ agg ession' NT$at/s $o" I/*e (een since I le&t t$e a ena% "it$ Peeta ali*e'O :$en t$e lig$t goes out co#+letely% 1utte cu+/s te#+o a ily !ist aug$t an! con&use!% (ut $e eco*e s an! #o*es on to ot$e t$ings' NT$at/s "$at "oul! $a++en i& Peeta !ie!'O 1ut t$e one t$ing t$at sen!s 1utte cu+ into a tails+in is "$en I lea*e t$e lig$t on (ut +ut it $o+elessly out o& $is eac$% $ig$ on t$e "all% (eyon! e*en $is ju#+ing skills' He +aces (elo" t$e "all% "ails% an! can/t (e co#&o te! o !ist acte!' He/s useless until I s$ut t$e lig$t o&&' NT$at/s "$at Sno" is t ying to !o to #e no"% only I !on/t kno" "$at &o # $is ga#e takes'O

May(e t$is ealization on #y +a t is all Sno" nee!s' T$inking t$at Peeta "as in $is +ossession an! (eing to tu e! &o e(el in&o #ation "as (a!' 1ut t$inking t$at $e/s (eing to tu e! s+eci&ically to inca+acitate #e is unen!u a(le' An! it/s un!e t$e "eig$t o& t$is e*elation t$at I t uly (egin to ( eak'

.=B | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

A&te C azy Cat% "e/ e !i ecte! to (e!' T$e +o"e /s (een co#ing an! going@ so#eti#es t$e la#+s (u n at &ull ( ig$tness% ot$e ti#es "e s4uint at one anot$e in t$e ( o"nouts' At (e!ti#e t$ey tu n t$e la#+s to nea !a kness an! acti*ate sa&ety lig$ts in eac$ s+ace' P i#% "$o/s !eci!e! t$e "alls "ill $ol! u+% snuggles "it$ 1utte cu+ on t$e lo"e (unk' My #ot$e /s on t$e u++e ' I o&&e to take a (unk% (ut t$ey #ake #e kee+ to t$e &loo #att ess since I &lail a oun! so #uc$ "$en I/# slee+ing'

I/# not &lailing no"% as #y #uscles a e igi! "it$ t$e tension o& $ol!ing #ysel& toget$e ' T$e +ain o*e #y $ea t etu ns% an! & o# it I i#agine tiny &issu es s+ ea!ing out into #y (o!y' T$ oug$ #y to so% !o"n #y a #s an! legs% o*e #y &ace% lea*ing it c issc osse! "it$ c acks' )ne goo! jolt o& a (unke #issile an! I coul! s$atte into st ange% azo >s$a + s$a !s'

:$en t$e estless% "iggling #ajo ity $as settle! into slee+% I ca e&ully e3t icate #ysel& & o# #y (lanket an! ti+toe t$ oug$ t$e ca*e n until I &in! 6innick% &eeling &o so#e uns+eci&ie! eason t$at $e "ill un!e stan!' He sits un!e t$e sa&ety lig$t in $is s+ace% knotting $is o+e% not e*en + eten!ing to est' As I "$is+e #y !isco*e y o& Sno"/s +lan to ( eak #e% it !a"ns on #e' T$is st ategy is *e y ol! ne"s to 6innick' It/s "$at ( oke $i#'

8T$is is "$at t$ey/ e !oing to you "it$ Annie% isn/t it,8 I ask' 8:ell% t$ey !i!n/t a est $e (ecause t$ey t$oug$t s$e/! (e a "ealt$ o& e(el in&o #ation%8 $e says' 8T$ey kno" I/! ne*e $a*e iske! telling $e anyt$ing like t$at' 6o $e o"n + otection'8 8)$% 6innick' I/# so so y%8 I say'
.=E | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8<o% I/# so y' T$at I !i!n/t "a n you so#e$o"%8 $e tells #e' Su!!enly% a #e#o y su &aces' I/# st a++e! to #y (e!% #a! "it$ age an! g ie& a&te t$e escue' 6innick is t ying to console #e a(out Peeta' 8T$ey/ll &igu e out $e !oesn/t kno" anyt$ing + etty &ast' An! t$ey "on/t kill $i# i& t$ey t$ink t$ey can use $i# against you'8 8Cou !i! "a n #e% t$oug$' )n t$e $o*e c a&t' )nly "$en you sai! t$ey/! use Peeta against #e% I t$oug$t you #eant like (ait' To lu e #e into t$e Ca+itol so#e$o"%8 I say' 8I s$oul!n/t $a*e sai! e*en t$at' It "as too late &o it to (e o& any $el+ to you' Since I $a!n/t "a ne! you (e&o e t$e Aua te Auell% I s$oul!/*e s$ut u+ a(out $o" Sno" o+e ates'8 6innick yanks on t$e en! o& $is o+e% an! an int icate knot (eco#es a st aig$t line again' 8It/s just t$at I !i!n/t un!e stan! "$en I #et you' A&te you &i st 7a#es% I t$oug$t t$e "$ole o#ance "as an act on you +a t' :e all e3+ecte! you/! continue t$at st ategy' 1ut it "asn/t until Peeta $it t$e &o ce &iel! an! nea ly !ie! t$at I>>8 6innick $esitates'

I t$ink (ack to t$e a ena' Ho" I so((e! "$en 6innick e*i*e! Peeta' T$e 4uizzical look on 6innick/s &ace' T$e "ay $e e3cuse! #y (e$a*io % (la#ing it on #y + eten! + egnancy' 8T$at you "$at,8 8T$at I kne" I/! #isju!ge! you' T$at you !o lo*e $i#' I/# not saying in "$at "ay' May(e you !on/t kno" you sel&' 1ut anyone +aying attention coul! see $o" #uc$ you ca e a(out $i#%8 $e says gently' Anyone, )n Sno"/s *isit (e&o e t$e 2icto y Tou % $e c$allenge! #e to e ase any !ou(ts o& #y lo*e &o Peeta' 8Con*ince #e%8 Sno" sai!' It see#s% un!e t$at
.=F | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

$ot +ink sky "it$ Peeta/s li&e in li#(o% I &inally !i!' An! in !oing so% I ga*e $i# t$e "ea+on $e nee!e! to ( eak #e' 6innick an! I sit &o a long ti#e in silence% "atc$ing t$e knots (loo# an! *anis$% (e&o e I can ask% 8Ho" !o you (ea it,8 6innick looks at #e in !is(elie&' 8I !on/t% ;atnissI )(*iously% I !on/t' I ! ag #ysel& out o& nig$t#a es eac$ #o ning an! &in! t$e e/s no elie& in "aking'8 So#et$ing in #y e3+ ession sto+s $i#' 81ette not to gi*e in to it' It takes ten ti#es as long to +ut you sel& (ack toget$e as it !oes to &all a+a t'8 :ell% $e #ust kno"' I take a !ee+ ( eat$% &o cing #ysel& (ack into one +iece' 8T$e #o e you can !ist act you sel&% t$e (ette %8 $e says' 86i st t$ing to#o o"% "e/ll get you you o"n o+e' Kntil t$en% take #ine'8 I s+en! t$e est o& t$e nig$t on #y #att ess o(sessi*ely #aking knots% $ol!ing t$e# u+ &o 1utte cu+/s ins+ection' I& one looks sus+icious% $e s"i+es it out o& t$e ai an! (ites it a &e" ti#es to #ake su e it/s !ea!' 1y #o ning% #y &inge s a e so e% (ut I/# still $ol!ing on' :it$ t"enty>&ou $ou s o& 4uiet (e$in! us% Coin &inally announces "e can lea*e t$e (unke ' )u ol! 4ua te s $a*e (een !est oye! (y t$e (o#(ings' E*e yone #ust &ollo" e3act !i ections to t$ei ne" co#+a t#ents' :e clean ou s+aces% as !i ecte!% an! &ile o(e!iently to"a ! t$e !oo ' 1e&o e I/# $al&"ay t$e e% 1oggs a++ea s an! +ulls #e & o# t$e line' He signals &o 7ale an! 6innick to join us' Peo+le #o*e asi!e to let us (y' So#e e*en s#ile at
.=G | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

#e since t$e C azy Cat ga#e see#s to $a*e #a!e #e #o e lo*a(le' )ut t$e !oo % u+ t$e stai s% !o"n t$e $all to one o& t$ose #ulti!i ectional ele*ato s% an! &inally "e a i*e at S+ecial -e&ense' <ot$ing along ou oute $as (een !a#age!% (ut "e a e still *e y !ee+' 1oggs us$e s us into a oo# *i tually i!entical to Co##an!' Coin% Pluta c$% Hay#itc$% C essi!a% an! e*e y(o!y else a oun! t$e ta(le looks e3$auste!' So#eone $as &inally ( oken out t$e co&&ee>>alt$oug$ I/# su e it/s *ie"e! only as an e#e gency sti#ulant>> an! Pluta c$ $as (ot$ $an!s " a++e! tig$tly a oun! $is cu+ as i& at any #o#ent it #ig$t (e taken a"ay'

T$e e/s no s#all talk' 8:e nee! all &ou o& you suite! u+ an! a(o*eg oun!%8 says t$e + esi!ent' 8Cou $a*e t"o $ou s to get &ootage s$o"ing t$e !a#age & o# t$e (o#(ing% esta(lis$ t$at T$i teen/s #ilita y unit e#ains not only &unctional (ut !o#inant% an!% #ost i#+o tant% t$at t$e Mockingjay is still ali*e' Any 4uestions,8

8Can "e $a*e a co&&ee,8 asks 6innick' Stea#ing cu+s a e $an!e! out' I sta e !istaste&ully at t$e s$iny (lack li4ui!% ne*e $a*ing (een #uc$ o& a &an o& t$e stu&&% (ut t$inking it #ig$t $el+ #e stay on #y &eet' 6innick slos$es so#e c ea# in #y cu+ an! eac$es into t$e suga (o"l' 8:ant a suga cu(e,8 $e asks in $is ol! se!ucti*e *oice' T$at/s $o" "e #et% "it$ 6innick o&&e ing #e suga ' Su oun!e! (y $o ses an! c$a iots% costu#e! an! +ainte! &o t$e c o"!s% (e&o e "e "e e allies' 1e&o e I $a! any i!ea "$at #a!e $i# tick' T$e #e#o y actually coa3es a s#ile out o& #e' 8He e% it i#+ o*es t$e taste%8 $e says in $is eal *oice% +lunking t$ ee cu(es in #y cu+'

As I tu n to go suit u+ as t$e Mockingjay% I catc$ 7ale "atc$ing #e an! 6innick un$a++ily' :$at no", -oes
.?D | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

$e actually t$ink so#et$ing/s going on (et"een us, May(e $e sa" #e go to 6innick/s last nig$t' I "oul!/*e +asse! t$e Ha"t$o nes/ s+ace to get t$e e' I guess t$at + o(a(ly u((e! $i# t$e " ong "ay' Me seeking out 6innick/s co#+any instea! o& $is' :ell% &ine' I/*e got o+e (u n on #y &inge s% I can (a ely $ol! #y eyes o+en% an! a ca#e a c e"/s "aiting &o #e to !o so#et$ing ( illiant' An! Sno"/s got Peeta' 7ale can t$ink "$ate*e $e "ants'

In #y ne" Re#ake Roo# in S+ecial -e&ense% #y + e+ tea# sla+s #e into #y Mockingjay suit% a anges #y $ai % an! a++lies #ini#al #akeu+ (e&o e #y co&&ee/s e*en coole!' In ten #inutes% t$e cast an! c e" o& t$e ne3t + o+os a e #aking t$e ci cuitous t ek to t$e outsi!e' I slu + #y co&&ee as "e t a*el% &in!ing t$at t$e c ea# an! suga g eatly en$ance its &la*o ' As I knock (ack t$e ! egs t$at $a*e settle! to t$e (otto# o& t$e cu+% I &eel a slig$t (uzz sta t to un t$ oug$ #y *eins'

A&te cli#(ing a &inal la!!e % 1oggs $its a le*e t$at o+ens a t a+!oo ' 6 es$ ai us$es in' I take (ig gul+s an! &o t$e &i st ti#e allo" #ysel& to &eel $o" #uc$ I $ate! t$e (unke ' :e e#e ge into t$e "oo!s% an! #y $an!s un t$ oug$ t$e lea*es o*e $ea!' So#e a e just sta ting to tu n' 8:$at !ay is it,8 I ask no one in +a ticula ' 1oggs tells #e Se+te#(e (egins ne3t "eek'

Se+te#(e ' T$at #eans Sno" $as $a! Peeta in $is clutc$es &o &i*e% #ay(e si3 "eeks' I e3a#ine a lea& on #y +al# an! see I/# s$aking' I can/t "ill #ysel& to sto+' I (la#e t$e co&&ee an! t y to &ocus on slo"ing #y ( eat$ing% "$ic$ is &a too a+i! &o #y +ace' -e( is (egins to litte t$e &o est &loo ' :e co#e to ou &i st c ate % t$i ty ya !s "i!e an! I can/t tell $o" !ee+' 2e y' 1oggs says anyone on t$e &i st ten le*els
.?. | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

"oul! likely $a*e (een kille!' :e ski t t$e +it an! continue on' 8Can you e(uil! it,8 7ale asks' 8<ot anyti#e soon' T$at one !i!n/t get #uc$' A &e" (acku+ gene ato s an! a +oult y &a #%8 says 1oggs' 8:e/ll just seal it o&&'8 T$e t ees !isa++ea as "e ente t$e a ea insi!e t$e &ence' T$e c ate s a e inge! "it$ a #i3tu e o& ol! an! ne" u((le' 1e&o e t$e (o#(ing% *e y little o& t$e cu ent .5 "as a(o*eg oun!' A &e" gua ! stations' T$e t aining a ea' A(out a &oot o& t$e to+ &loo o& ou (uil!ing>>"$e e 1utte cu+/s "in!o" jutte! out>>"it$ se*e al &eet o& steel on to+ o& it' E*en t$at "as ne*e #eant to "it$stan! #o e t$an a su+e &icial attack'

8Ho" #uc$ o& an e!ge !i! t$e (oy/s "a ning gi*e you,8 asks Hay#itc$' 8A(out ten #inutes (e&o e ou o"n syste#s "oul!/*e !etecte! t$e #issiles%8 says 1oggs' 81ut it !i! $el+% ig$t,8 I ask' I can/t (ea it i& $e says no' 8A(solutely%8 1oggs e+lies' 8Ci*ilian e*acuation "as co#+lete!' Secon!s count "$en you/ e un!e attack' Ten #inutes #eant li*es sa*e!'8 P i#% I t$ink' An! 7ale' T$ey "e e in t$e (unke only a cou+le o& #inutes (e&o e t$e &i st #issile $it' Peeta #ig$t $a*e sa*e! t$e#' A!! t$ei na#es to t$e list o& t$ings I can ne*e sto+ o"ing $i# &o ' C essi!a $as t$e i!ea to &il# #e in & ont o& t$e uins o& t$e ol! 0ustice 1uil!ing% "$ic$ is so#et$ing o& a joke since t$e Ca+itol/s (een using it as a (ack! o+
.?2 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

&o &ake ne"s ( oa!casts &o yea s% to s$o" t$at t$e !ist ict no longe e3iste!' <o"% "it$ t$e ecent attack% t$e 0ustice 1uil!ing sits a(out ten ya !s a"ay & o# t$e e!ge o& a ne" c ate ' As "e a++ oac$ "$at use! to (e t$e g an! ent ance% 7ale +oints out so#et$ing an! t$e "$ole +a ty slo"s !o"n' I !on/t kno" "$at t$e + o(le# is at &i st an! t$en I see t$e g oun! st e"n "it$ & es$ +ink an! e! oses' 8-on/t touc$ t$e#I8 I yell' 8T$ey/ e &o #eI8 T$e sickeningly s"eet s#ell $its #y nose% an! #y $ea t (egins to $a##e against #y c$est' So I !i!n/t i#agine it' T$e ose on #y ! esse ' 1e&o e #e lies Sno"/s secon! !eli*e y' 9ong>ste##e! +ink an! e! (eauties% t$e *e y &lo"e s t$at !eco ate! t$e set "$e e Peeta an! I +e &o #e! ou +ost>*icto y inte *ie"' 6lo"e s not #eant &o one% (ut &o a +ai o& lo*e s'

I e3+lain to t$e ot$e s as (est I can' K+on ins+ection% t$ey a++ea to (e $a #less% i& genetically en$ance!% &lo"e s' T"o !ozen oses' Slig$tly "ilte!' Most likely ! o++e! a&te t$e last (o#(ing' A c e" in s+ecial suits collects t$e# an! ca ts t$e# a"ay' I &eel ce tain t$ey "ill &in! not$ing e3t ao !ina y in t$e#% t$oug$' Sno" kno"s e3actly "$at $e/s !oing to #e' It/s like $a*ing Cinna (eaten to a +ul+ "$ile I "atc$ & o# #y t i(ute tu(e' -esigne! to un$inge #e'

9ike t$en% I t y to ally an! &ig$t (ack' 1ut as C essi!a gets Casto an! Pollu3 in +lace% I &eel #y an3iety (uil!ing' I/# so ti e!% so "i e!% an! so una(le to kee+ #y #in! on anyt$ing (ut Peeta since I/*e seen t$e oses' T$e co&&ee "as a $uge #istake' :$at I !i!n/t nee! "as a sti#ulant' My (o!y *isi(ly s$akes an! I can/t see# to catc$ #y ( eat$' A&te !ays in t$e (unke % I/# s4uinting no #atte "$at !i ection I tu n%

.?5 | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

an! t$e lig$t $u ts' E*en in t$e cool ( eeze% s"eat t ickles !o"n #y &ace' 8So% "$at e3actly !o you nee! & o# #e again,8 I ask' 80ust a &e" 4uick lines t$at s$o" you/ e ali*e an! still &ig$ting%8 says C essi!a' 8)kay'8 I take #y +osition an! t$en I/# sta ing into t$e e! lig$t' Sta ing' Sta ing' 8I/# so y% I/*e got not$ing'8 C essi!a "alks u+ to #e' 8Cou &eeling okay,8 I no!' S$e +ulls a s#all clot$ & o# $e +ocket an! (lots #y &ace' 8Ho" a(out "e !o t$e ol! A>an!>A t$ing,8 8Cea$' T$at "oul! $el+% I t$ink'8 I c oss #y a #s to $i!e t$e s$aking' 7lance at 6innick% "$o gi*es #e a t$u#(s>u+' 1ut $e/s looking + etty s$aky $i#sel&' C essi!a/s (ack in +osition no"' 8So% ;atniss' Cou/*e su *i*e! t$e Ca+itol (o#(ing o& T$i teen' Ho" !i! it co#+a e "it$ "$at you e3+e ience! on t$e g oun! in Eig$t,8 8:e "e e so &a un!e g oun! t$is ti#e% t$e e "as no eal !ange ' T$i teen/s ali*e an! "ell an! so a#>>8 My *oice cuts o&& in a ! y% s4ueaking soun!' 8T y t$e line again%8 says C essi!a' 8/T$i teen/s ali*e an! "ell an! so a# I'/8 I take a ( eat$% t ying to &o ce ai !o"n into #y !ia+$ ag#' 8T$i teen/s ali*e an! so>>8 <o% t$at/s " ong' I s"ea I can still s#ell t$ose oses'

.?= | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8;atniss% just t$is one line an! you/ e !one to!ay' I + o#ise%8 says C essi!a' 8/T$i teen/s ali*e an! "ell an! so a# I'/8 I s"ing #y a #s to loosen #ysel& u+' Place #y &ists on #y $i+s' T$en ! o+ t$e# to #y si!es' Sali*a/s &illing #y #out$ at a i!iculous ate an! I &eel *o#it at t$e (ack o& #y t$ oat' I s"allo" $a ! an! o+en #y li+s so I can get t$e stu+i! line out an! go $i!e in t$e "oo!s an!>>t$at/s "$en I sta t c ying' It/s i#+ossi(le to (e t$e Mockingjay' I#+ossi(le to co#+lete e*en t$is one sentence' 1ecause no" I kno" t$at e*e yt$ing I say "ill (e !i ectly taken out on Peeta' Result in $is to tu e' 1ut not $is !eat$% no% not$ing so #e ci&ul as t$at' Sno" "ill ensu e t$at $is li&e is #uc$ "o se t$an !eat$' 8Cut%8 I $ea C essi!a say 4uietly' 8:$at/s " ong "it$ $e ,8 Pluta c$ says un!e $is ( eat$' 8S$e/s &igu e! out $o" Sno"/s using Peeta%8 says 6innick' T$e e/s so#et$ing like a collecti*e sig$ o& eg et & o# t$e se#ici cle o& +eo+le s+ ea! out (e&o e #e' 1ecause I kno" t$is no"' 1ecause t$e e "ill ne*e (e a "ay &o #e to not kno" t$is again' 1ecause% (eyon! t$e #ilita y !isa!*antage losing a Mockingjay entails% I a# ( oken' Se*e al sets o& a #s "oul! e#( ace #e' 1ut in t$e en!% t$e only +e son I t uly "ant to co#&o t #e is Hay#itc$% (ecause $e lo*es Peeta% too' I eac$ out &o $i# an! say so#et$ing like $is na#e an! $e/s t$e e% $ol!ing #e an! +atting #y (ack' 8It/s okay' It/ll (e okay% s"eet$ea t'8 He sits #e on a lengt$ o& ( oken
.?? | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

#a (le +illa an! kee+s an a # a oun! #e "$ile I so(' 8I can/t !o t$is any#o e%8 I say' 8I kno"%8 $e says' 8All I can t$ink o& is>>"$at $e/s going to !o to Peeta>> (ecause I/# t$e MockingjayI8 I get out' 8I kno"'8 Hay#itc$/s a # tig$tens a oun! #e' 8-i! you see, Ho" "ei ! $e acte!, :$at a e t$ey>> !oing to $i#,8 I/# gas+ing &o ai (et"een so(s% (ut I #anage one last +$ ase' 8It/s #y &aultI8 An! t$en I c oss so#e line into $yste ia an! t$e e/s a nee!le in #y a # an! t$e "o l! sli+s a"ay' It #ust (e st ong% "$ate*e t$ey s$ot into #e% (ecause it/s a &ull !ay (e&o e I co#e to' My slee+ "asn/t +eace&ul% t$oug$' I $a*e t$e sense o& e#e ging & o# a "o l! o& !a k% $aunte! +laces "$e e I t a*ele! alone' Hay#itc$ sits in t$e c$ai (y #y (e!% $is skin "a3en% $is eyes (loo!s$ot' I e#e#(e a(out Peeta an! sta t to t e#(le again'

Hay#itc$ eac$es out an! s4ueezes #y s$oul!e ' 8It/s all ig$t' :e/ e going to t y to get Peeta out'8 8:$at,8 T$at #akes no sense' 8Pluta c$/s sen!ing in a escue tea#' He $as +eo+le on t$e insi!e' He t$inks "e can get Peeta (ack ali*e%8 $e says' 8:$y !i!n/t "e (e&o e,8 I say' 81ecause it/s costly' 1ut e*e yone ag ees t$is is t$e t$ing to !o' It/s t$e sa#e c$oice "e #a!e in t$e
.?B | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

a ena' To !o "$ate*e it takes to kee+ you going' :e can/t lose t$e Mockingjay no"' An! you can/t +e &o # unless you kno" Sno" can/t take it out on Peeta'8 Hay#itc$ o&&e s #e a cu+' 8He e% ! ink so#et$ing'8 I slo"ly sit u+ an! take a si+ o& "ate ' 8:$at !o you #ean% costly,8 He s$ ugs' 8Co*e s "ill (e (lo"n' Peo+le #ay !ie' 1ut kee+ in #in! t$at t$ey/ e !ying e*e y !ay' An! it/s not just Peeta@ "e/ e getting Annie out &o 6innick% too'8 8:$e e is $e,8 I ask' 81e$in! t$at sc een% slee+ing $is se!ati*e o&&' He lost it ig$t a&te "e knocke! you out%8 says Hay#itc$' I s#ile a little% &eel a (it less "eak' 8Cea$% it "as a eally e3cellent s$oot' Cou t"o c acke! u+ an! 1oggs le&t to a ange t$e #ission to get Peeta' :e/ e o&&icially in e uns'8 8:ell% i& 1oggs is lea!ing it% t$at/s a +lus%8 I say' 8)$% $e/s on to+ o& it' It "as *oluntee only% (ut $e + eten!e! not to notice #e "a*ing #y $an! in t$e ai %8 says Hay#itc$' 8See, He/s al ea!y !e#onst ate! goo! ju!g#ent'8 So#et$ing/s " ong' Hay#itc$/s t ying a little too $a ! to c$ee #e u+' It/s not eally $is style' 8So "$o else *oluntee e!,8 8I t$ink t$e e "e e se*en altoget$e %8 $e says e*asi*ely' I get a (a! &eeling in t$e +it o& #y sto#ac$' 8:$o else% Hay#itc$,8 I insist'

.?E | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

Hay#itc$ &inally ! o+s t$e goo!>natu e! act' 8Cou kno" "$o else% ;atniss' Cou kno" "$o ste++e! u+ &i st'8 )& cou se I !o' 7ale'

.?F | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

To!ay I #ig$t lose (ot$ o& t$e#' I t y to i#agine a "o l! "$e e (ot$ 7ale/s an! Peeta/s *oices $a*e cease!' Han!s stille!' Eyes un(linking' I/# stan!ing o*e t$ei (o!ies% $a*ing a last look% lea*ing t$e oo# "$e e t$ey lie' 1ut "$en I o+en t$e !oo to ste+ out into t$e "o l!% t$e e/s only a t e#en!ous *oi!' A +ale g ay not$ingness t$at is all #y &utu e $ol!s'

8-o you "ant #e to $a*e t$e# se!ate you until it/s o*e ,8 asks Hay#itc$' He/s not joking' T$is is a #an "$o s+ent $is a!ult li&e at t$e (otto# o& a (ottle% t ying to anest$etize $i#sel& against t$e Ca+itol/s c i#es' T$e si3teen>yea >ol! (oy "$o "on t$e secon! Aua te Auell #ust $a*e $a! +eo+le $e lo*e!>>&a#ily% & ien!s% a s"eet$ea t #ay(e>>t$at $e &oug$t to get (ack to' :$e e a e t$ey no", Ho" is it t$at until Peeta an! I "e e t$ ust u+on $i#% t$e e "as no one at all in $is li&e, :$at !i! Sno" !o to t$e#,

8<o%8 I say' 8I "ant to go to t$e Ca+itol' I "ant to (e +a t o& t$e escue #ission'8 8T$ey/ e gone%8 says Hay#itc$' 8Ho" long ago !i! t$ey lea*e, I coul! catc$ u+' I coul!>>8 :$at, :$at coul! I !o, Hay#itc$ s$akes $is $ea!' 8It/ll ne*e $a++en' Cou/ e too *alua(le an! too *ulne a(le' T$e e "as talk o& sen!ing you to anot$e !ist ict to !i*e t t$e Ca+itol/s attention "$ile t$e escue takes +lace' 1ut no one &elt you coul! $an!le it'8
.?G | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8Please% Hay#itc$I8 I/# (egging no"' 8I $a*e to !o so#et$ing' I can/t just sit $e e "aiting to $ea i& t$ey !ie!' T$e e #ust (e so#et$ing I can !oI8 8All ig$t' 9et #e talk to Pluta c$' Cou stay +ut'8 1ut I can/t' Hay#itc$/s &ootste+s a e still ec$oing in t$e oute $all "$en I &u#(le #y "ay t$ oug$ t$e slit in t$e !i*i!ing cu tain to &in! 6innick s+ a"le! out on $is sto#ac$% $is $an!s t"iste! in $is +illo"case' Alt$oug$ it/s co"a !ly>>c uel e*en>>to ouse $i# & o# t$e s$a!o"y% #ute! ! ug lan! to sta k eality% I go a$ea! an! !o it (ecause I can/t stan! to &ace t$is (y #ysel&'

As I e3+lain ou situation% $is initial agitation #yste iously e((s' 8-on/t you see% ;atniss% t$is "ill !eci!e t$ings' )ne "ay o t$e ot$e ' 1y t$e en! o& t$e !ay% t$ey/ll eit$e (e !ea! o "it$ us' It/s'''it/s #o e t$an "e coul! $o+e &o I8 :ell% t$at/s a sunny *ie" o& ou situation' An! yet t$e e/s so#et$ing cal#ing a(out t$e i!ea t$at t$is to #ent coul! co#e to an en!' T$e cu tain yanks (ack an! t$e e/s Hay#itc$' He $as a jo( &o us% i& "e can +ull it toget$e ' T$ey still nee! +ost>(o#(ing &ootage o& .5' 8I& "e can get it in t$e ne3t &e" $ou s% 1eetee can ai it lea!ing u+ to t$e escue% an! #ay(e kee+ t$e Ca+itol/s attention else"$e e'8 8Ces% a !ist action%8 says 6innick' 8A !ecoy o& so ts'8 8:$at "e eally nee! is so#et$ing so i*eting t$at e*en P esi!ent Sno" "on/t (e a(le to tea $i#sel& a"ay' 7ot anyt$ing like t$at,8 asks Hay#itc$' Ha*ing a jo( t$at #ig$t $el+ t$e #ission sna+s #e into &ocus' :$ile I knock !o"n ( eak&ast an! get
.BD | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

+ e++e!% I t y to t$ink o& "$at I #ig$t say' P esi!ent Sno" #ust (e "on!e ing $o" t$at (loo!>s+latte e! &loo an! $is oses a e a&&ecting #e' I& $e "ants #e ( oken% t$en I "ill $a*e to (e "$ole' 1ut I !on/t t$ink I "ill con*ince $i# o& anyt$ing (y s$outing a cou+le o& !e&iant lines at t$e ca#e a' 1esi!es% t$at "on/t (uy t$e escue tea# any ti#e' )ut(u sts a e s$o t' It/s sto ies t$at take ti#e'

I !on/t kno" i& it "ill "o k% (ut "$en t$e tele*ision c e"/s all asse#(le! a(o*eg oun!% I ask C essi!a i& s$e coul! sta t out (y asking #e a(out Peeta' I take a seat on t$e &allen #a (le +illa "$e e I $a! #y ( eak!o"n% "ait &o t$e e! lig$t an! C essi!a/s 4uestion' 8Ho" !i! you #eet Peeta,8 s$e asks' An! t$en I !o t$e t$ing t$at Hay#itc$ $as "ante! since #y &i st inte *ie"' I o+en u+' 8:$en I #et Peeta% I "as ele*en yea s ol!% an! I "as al#ost !ea!'8 I talk a(out t$at a"&ul !ay "$en I t ie! to sell t$e (a(y clot$es in t$e ain% $o" Peeta/s #ot$e c$ase! #e & o# t$e (ake y !oo % an! $o" $e took a (eating to ( ing #e t$e loa*es o& ( ea! t$at sa*e! ou li*es' 8:e $a! ne*e e*en s+oken' T$e &i st ti#e I e*e talke! to Peeta "as on t$e t ain to t$e 7a#es'8

81ut $e "as al ea!y in lo*e "it$ you%8 says C essi!a' 8I guess so'8 I allo" #ysel& a s#all s#ile' 8Ho" a e you !oing "it$ t$e se+a ation,8 s$e asks' 8<ot "ell' I kno" at any #o#ent Sno" coul! kill $i#' Es+ecially since $e "a ne! T$i teen a(out t$e (o#(ing' It/s a te i(le t$ing to li*e "it$%8 I say' 81ut (ecause o& "$at t$ey/ e +utting $i# t$ oug$% I !on/t $a*e any ese *ations any#o e' A(out !oing "$ate*e
.B. | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

it takes to !est oy t$e Ca+itol' I/# &inally & ee'8 I tu n #y gaze sky"a ! an! "atc$ t$e &lig$t o& a $a"k ac oss t$e sky' 8P esi!ent Sno" once a!#itte! to #e t$at t$e Ca+itol "as & agile' At t$e ti#e% I !i!n/t kno" "$at $e #eant' It "as $a ! to see clea ly (ecause I "as so a& ai!' <o" I/# not' T$e Ca+itol/s & agile (ecause it !e+en!s on t$e !ist icts &o e*e yt$ing' 6oo!% ene gy% e*en t$e Peacekee+e s t$at +olice us' I& "e !ecla e ou & ee!o#% t$e Ca+itol colla+ses' P esi!ent Sno"% t$anks to you% I/# o&&icially !ecla ing #ine to!ay'8

I/*e (een su&&icient% i& not !azzling' E*e yone lo*es t$e ( ea! sto y' 1ut it/s #y #essage to P esi!ent Sno" t$at gets t$e "$eels s+inning in Pluta c$/s ( ain' He $astily calls 6innick an! Hay#itc$ o*e an! t$ey $a*e a ( ie& (ut intense con*e sation t$at I can see Hay#itc$ isn/t $a++y "it$' Pluta c$ see#s to "in>> 6innick/s +ale (ut no!!ing $is $ea! (y t$e en! o& it'

As 6innick #o*es to take #y seat (e&o e t$e ca#e a% Hay#itc$ tells $i#% 8Cou !on/t $a*e to !o t$is'8 8Ces% I !o' I& it "ill $el+ $e '8 6innick (alls u+ $is o+e in $is $an!' 8I/# ea!y'8 I !on/t kno" "$at to e3+ect' A lo*e sto y a(out Annie, An account o& t$e a(uses in -ist ict =, 1ut 6innick )!ai takes a co#+letely !i&&e ent tack' 8P esi!ent Sno" use! to'''sell #e'''#y (o!y% t$at is%8 6innick (egins in a &lat% e#o*e! tone' 8I "asn/t t$e only one' I& a *icto is consi!e e! !esi a(le% t$e + esi!ent gi*es t$e# as a e"a ! o allo"s +eo+le to (uy t$e# &o an e3o (itant a#ount o& #oney' I& you e&use% $e kills so#eone you lo*e' So you !o it'8 T$at e3+lains it% t$en' 6innick/s +a a!e o& lo*e s in t$e Ca+itol' T$ey "e e ne*e eal lo*e s' 0ust +eo+le
.B2 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

like ou ol! Hea! Peacekee+e % C ay% "$o (oug$t !es+e ate gi ls to !e*ou an! !isca ! (ecause $e coul!' I "ant to inte u+t t$e ta+ing an! (eg 6innick/s &o gi*eness &o e*e y &alse t$oug$t I/*e e*e $a! a(out $i#' 1ut "e $a*e a jo( to !o% an! I sense 6innick/s ole "ill (e &a #o e e&&ecti*e t$an #ine' 8I "asn/t t$e only one% (ut I "as t$e #ost +o+ula %8 $e says' 8An! +e $a+s t$e #ost !e&enseless% (ecause t$e +eo+le I lo*e! "e e so !e&enseless' To #ake t$e#sel*es &eel (ette % #y +at ons "oul! #ake + esents o& #oney o je"el y% (ut I &oun! a #uc$ #o e *alua(le &o # o& +ay#ent'8 Sec ets% I t$ink' T$at/s "$at 6innick tol! #e $is lo*e s +ai! $i# in% only I t$oug$t t$e "$ole a ange#ent "as (y $is c$oice' 8Sec ets%8 $e says% ec$oing #y t$oug$ts' 8An! t$is is "$e e you/ e going to "ant to stay tune!% P esi!ent Sno"% (ecause so *e y #any o& t$e# "e e a(out you' 1ut let/s (egin "it$ so#e o& t$e ot$e s'8 6innick (egins to "ea*e a ta+est y so ic$ in !etail t$at you can/t !ou(t its aut$enticity' Tales o& st ange se3ual a++etites% (et ayals o& t$e $ea t% (otto#less g ee!% an! (loo!y +o"e +lays' - unken sec ets "$is+e e! o*e !a#+ +illo">cases in t$e !ea! o& nig$t' 6innick "as so#eone (oug$t an! sol!' A !ist ict sla*e' A $an!so#e one% ce tainly% (ut in eality% $a #less' :$o "oul! $e tell, An! "$o "oul! (elie*e $i# i& $e !i!, 1ut so#e sec ets a e too !elicious not to s$a e' I !on/t kno" t$e +eo+le 6innick na#es>>all see# to (e + o#inent Ca+itol citizens>>(ut I kno"% & o# listening to t$e c$atte o& #y + e+ tea#% t$e attention t$e #ost #il! sli+ in ju!g#ent can ! a"' I& a (a! $ai cut can lea! to $ou s o& gossi+% "$at "ill c$a ges o& incest% (ack>sta((ing% (lack#ail% an! a son + o!uce, E*en as t$e "a*es o&

.B5 | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

s$ock an! ec i#ination oll o*e t$e Ca+itol% t$e +eo+le t$e e "ill (e "aiting% as I a# no"% to $ea a(out t$e + esi!ent' 8An! no"% on to ou goo! P esi!ent Co iolanus Sno"%8 says 6innick' 8Suc$ a young #an "$en $e ose to +o"e ' Suc$ a cle*e one to kee+ it' Ho"% you #ust ask you sel&% !i! $e !o it, )ne "o !' T$at/s all you eally nee! to kno"' Poison'8 6innick goes (ack to Sno"/s +olitical ascension% "$ic$ I kno" not$ing o&% an! "o ks $is "ay u+ to t$e + esent% +ointing out case a&te case o& t$e #yste ious !eat$s o& Sno"/s a!*e sa ies o % e*en "o se% $is allies "$o $a! t$e +otential to (eco#e t$ eats' Peo+le ! o++ing !ea! at a &east o slo"ly% ine3+lica(ly !eclining into s$a!o"s o*e a +e io! o& #ont$s' 1la#e! on (a! s$ell&is$% elusi*e *i uses% o an o*e looke! "eakness in t$e ao ta' Sno" ! inking & o# t$e +oisone! cu+ $i#sel& to !e&lect sus+icion' 1ut anti!otes !on/t al"ays "o k' T$ey say t$at/s "$y $e "ea s t$e oses t$at eek o& +e &u#e' T$ey say it/s to co*e t$e scent o& (loo! & o# t$e #out$ so es t$at "ill ne*e $eal' T$ey say% t$ey say% t$ey say'''Sno" $as a list an! no one kno"s "$o "ill (e ne3t'

Poison' T$e +e &ect "ea+on &o a snake' Since #y o+inion o& t$e Ca+itol an! its no(le + esi!ent a e al ea!y so lo"% I can/t say 6innick/s allegations s$ock #e' T$ey see# to $a*e &a #o e e&&ect on t$e !is+lace! Ca+itol e(els like #y c e" an! 6ul*ia>>e*en Pluta c$ occasionally eacts in su + ise% #ay(e "on!e ing $o" a s+eci&ic ti!(it +asse! $i# (y' :$en 6innick &inis$es% t$ey just kee+ t$e ca#e as olling until &inally $e $as to (e t$e one to say 8Cut'8

T$e c e" $u ies insi!e to e!it t$e #ate ial% an! Pluta c$ lea!s 6innick o&& &o a c$at% + o(a(ly to see
.B= | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

i& $e $as any #o e sto ies' I/# le&t "it$ Hay#itc$ in t$e u((le% "on!e ing i& 6innick/s &ate "oul! $a*e one !ay (een #ine' :$y not, Sno" coul! $a*e gotten a eally goo! + ice &o t$e gi l on &i e' 8Is t$at "$at $a++ene! to you,8 I ask Hay#itc$' 8<o' My #ot$e an! younge ( ot$e ' My gi l' T$ey "e e all !ea! t"o "eeks a&te I "as c o"ne! *icto ' 1ecause o& t$at stunt I +ulle! "it$ t$e &o ce &iel!%8 $e ans"e s' 8Sno" $a! no one to use against #e'8 8I/# su + ise! $e !i!n/t just kill you%8 I say' 8)$% no' I "as t$e e3a#+le' T$e +e son to $ol! u+ to t$e young 6innicks an! 0o$annas an! Cas$#e es' )& "$at coul! $a++en to a *icto "$o cause! + o(le#s%8 says Hay#itc$' 81ut $e kne" $e $a! no le*e age against #e'8 8Kntil Peeta an! I ca#e along%8 I say so&tly' I !on/t e*en get a s$ ug in etu n' :it$ ou jo( !one% t$e e/s not$ing le&t &o 6innick an! #e to !o (ut "ait' :e t y to &ill t$e ! agging #inutes in S+ecial -e&ense' Tie knots' Pus$ ou lunc$ a oun! ou (o"ls' 1lo" t$ings u+ on t$e s$ooting ange' 1ecause o& t$e !ange o& !etection% no co##unication co#es & o# t$e escue tea#' At .?HDD% t$e !esignate! $ou % "e stan! tense an! silent in t$e (ack o& a oo# &ull o& sc eens an! co#+ute s an! "atc$ 1eetee an! $is tea# t y to !o#inate t$e ai "a*es' His usual &i!gety !ist action is e+lace! "it$ a !ete #ination I $a*e ne*e seen' Most o& #y inte *ie" !oesn/t #ake t$e cut% just enoug$ to s$o" I a# ali*e an! still !e&iant' It is 6innick/s salacious an! go y account o& t$e Ca+itol t$at takes t$e !ay' Is 1eetee/s skill i#+ o*ing, ) a e $is counte +a ts in t$e Ca+itol a little too &ascinate! to "ant to tune

.B? | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

6innick out, 6o t$e ne3t si3ty #inutes% t$e Ca+itol &ee! alte nates (et"een t$e stan!a ! a&te noon ne"scast% 6innick% an! atte#+ts to (lack it all out' 1ut t$e e(el tec$no tea# #anages to o*e i!e e*en t$e latte an!% in a eal cou+% kee+s cont ol &o al#ost t$e enti e attack on Sno"' 89et it goI8 says 1eetee% t$ o"ing u+ $is $an!s% elin4uis$ing t$e ( oa!cast (ack to t$e Ca+itol' He #o+s $is &ace "it$ a clot$' 8I& t$ey/ e not out o& t$e e (y no"% t$ey/ e all !ea!'8 He s+ins in $is c$ai to see 6innick an! #e eacting to $is "o !s' 8It "as a goo! +lan% t$oug$' -i! Pluta c$ s$o" it to you,8 )& cou se not' 1eetee takes us to anot$e oo# an! s$o"s us $o" t$e tea#% "it$ t$e $el+ o& e(el insi!e s% "ill atte#+t>>$as atte#+te!>>to & ee t$e *icto s & o# an un!e g oun! + ison' It see#s to $a*e in*ol*e! knockout gas !ist i(ute! (y t$e *entilation syste#% a +o"e &ailu e% t$e !etonation o& a (o#( in a go*e n#ent (uil!ing se*e al #iles & o# t$e + ison% an! no" t$e !is u+tion o& t$e ( oa!cast' 1eetee/s gla! "e &in! t$e +lan $a ! to &ollo"% (ecause t$en ou ene#ies "ill% too'

89ike you elect icity t a+ in t$e a ena,8 I ask' 8E3actly' An! see $o" "ell t$at "o ke! out,8 says 1eetee' :ell'''not eally% I t$ink' 6innick an! I t y to station ou sel*es in Co##an!% "$e e su ely &i st "o ! o& t$e escue "ill co#e% (ut "e a e (a e! (ecause se ious "a (usiness is (eing ca ie! out' :e e&use to lea*e S+ecial -e&ense an! en! u+ "aiting in t$e $u##ing(i ! oo# &o ne"s'

.BB | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

Making knots' Making knots' <o "o !' Making knots' Tick>tock' T$is is a clock' -o not t$ink o& 7ale' -o not t$ink o& Peeta' Making knots' :e !o not "ant !inne ' 6inge s a" an! (lee!ing' 6innick &inally gi*es u+ an! assu#es t$e $unc$e! +osition $e took in t$e a ena "$en t$e ja((e jays attacke!' I +e &ect #y #iniatu e noose' T$e "o !s o& 8T$e Hanging T ee8 e+lay in #y $ea!' 7ale an! Peeta' Peeta an! 7ale'

8-i! you lo*e Annie ig$t a"ay% 6innick,8 I ask' 8<o'8 A long ti#e +asses (e&o e $e a!!s% 8S$e c e+t u+ on #e'8 I sea c$ #y $ea t% (ut at t$e #o#ent t$e only +e son I can &eel c ee+ing u+ on #e is Sno"' It #ust (e #i!nig$t% it #ust (e to#o o" "$en Hay#itc$ +us$es o+en t$e !oo ' 8T$ey/ e (ack' :e/ e "ante! in t$e $os+ital'8 My #out$ o+ens "it$ a &loo! o& 4uestions t$at $e cuts o&& "it$ 8T$at/s all I kno"'8 I "ant to un% (ut 6innick/s acting so st ange% as i& $e/s lost t$e a(ility to #o*e% so I take $is $an! an! lea! $i# like a s#all c$il!' T$ oug$ S+ecial -e&ense% into t$e ele*ato t$at goes t$is "ay an! t$at% an! on to t$e $os+ital "ing' T$e +lace is in an u+ oa % "it$ !octo s s$outing o !e s an! t$e "oun!e! (eing "$eele! t$ oug$ t$e $alls in t$ei (e!s'

:e/ e si!es"i+e! (y a gu ney (ea ing an unconscious% e#aciate! young "o#an "it$ a s$a*e! $ea!' He &les$ s$o"s ( uises an! oozing sca(s' 0o$anna Mason' :$o actually kne" e(el sec ets' At least t$e one a(out #e' An! t$is is $o" s$e $as +ai! &o it' T$ oug$ a !oo "ay% I catc$ a gli#+se o& 7ale% st i++e! to t$e "aist% +e s+i ation st ea#ing !o"n $is
.BE | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

&ace as a !octo e#o*es so#et$ing & o# un!e $is s$oul!e (la!e "it$ a long +ai o& t"eeze s' :oun!e!% (ut ali*e' I call $is na#e% sta t to"a ! $i# until a nu se +us$es #e (ack an! s$uts #e out' 86innickI8 So#et$ing (et"een a s$ iek an! a c y o& joy' A lo*ely i& so#e"$at (e! aggle! young "o#an>> !a k tangle! $ai % sea g een eyes>> uns to"a ! us in not$ing (ut a s$eet' 86innickI8 An! su!!enly% it/s as i& t$e e/s no one in t$e "o l! (ut t$ese t"o% c as$ing t$ oug$ s+ace to eac$ eac$ ot$e ' T$ey colli!e% en&ol!% lose t$ei (alance% an! sla# against a "all% "$e e t$ey stay' Clinging into one (eing' In!i*isi(le'

A +ang o& jealousy $its #e' <ot &o eit$e 6innick o Annie (ut &o t$ei ce tainty' <o one seeing t$e# coul! !ou(t t$ei lo*e' 1oggs% looking a little "o se &o "ea (ut uninju e!% &in!s Hay#itc$ an! #e' 8:e got t$e# all out' E3ce+t Eno(a ia' 1ut since s$e/s & o# T"o% "e !ou(t s$e/s (eing $el! any"ay' Peeta/s at t$e en! o& t$e $all' T$e e&&ects o& t$e gas a e just "ea ing o&&' Cou s$oul! (e t$e e "$en $e "akes'8 Peeta' Ali*e an! "ell>>#ay(e not "ell (ut ali*e an! $e e' A"ay & o# Sno"' Sa&e' He e' :it$ #e' In a #inute I can touc$ $i#' See $is s#ile' Hea $is laug$' Hay#itc$/s g inning at #e' 8Co#e on% t$en%8 $e says' I/# lig$t>$ea!e! "it$ gi!!iness' :$at "ill I say, )$% "$o ca es "$at I say, Peeta "ill (e ecstatic no #atte "$at I !o' He/ll + o(a(ly (e kissing #e any"ay' I "on!e i& it "ill &eel like t$ose last kisses on t$e (eac$ in t$e a ena% t$e ones I $a*en/t !a e! let #ysel& consi!e until t$is #o#ent'
.BF | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

Peeta/s a"ake al ea!y% sitting on t$e si!e o& t$e (e!% looking (e"il!e e! as a t io o& !octo s eassu e $i#% &las$ lig$ts in $is eyes% c$eck $is +ulse' I/# !isa++ointe! t$at #ine "as not t$e &i st &ace $e sa" "$en $e "oke% (ut $e sees it no"' His &eatu es egiste !is(elie& an! so#et$ing #o e intense t$at I can/t 4uite +lace' -esi e, -es+e ation, Su ely (ot$% &o $e s"ee+s t$e !octo s asi!e% lea+s to $is &eet% an! #o*es to"a ! #e' I un to #eet $i#% #y a #s e3ten!e! to e#( ace $i#' His $an!s a e eac$ing &o #e% too% to ca ess #y &ace% I t$ink'

My li+s a e just &o #ing $is na#e "$en $is &inge s lock a oun! #y t$ oat'

.BG | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

T$e col! colla c$a&es #y neck an! #akes t$e s$i*e ing e*en $a !e to cont ol' At least I a# no longe in t$e claust o+$o(ic tu(e% "$ile t$e #ac$ines click an! "$i a oun! #e% listening to a !ise#(o!ie! *oice telling #e to $ol! still "$ile I t y to con*ince #ysel& I can still ( eat$e' E*en no"% "$en I/*e (een assu e! t$e e "ill (e no +e #anent !a#age% I $unge &o ai '

T$e #e!ical tea#/s #ain conce ns>>!a#age to #y s+inal co !% ai "ay% *eins% an! a te ies>>$a*e (een allaye!' 1 uising% $oa seness% t$e so e la yn3% t$is st ange little coug$>>not to (e "o ie! a(out' It "ill all (e &ine' T$e Mockingjay "ill not lose $e *oice' :$e e% I "ant to ask% is t$e !octo "$o !ete #ines i& I a# losing #y #in!, )nly I/# not su++ose! to talk ig$t no"' I can/t e*en t$ank 1oggs "$en $e co#es to c$eck on #e' To look #e o*e an! tell #e $e/s seen a lot "o se inju ies a#ong t$e sol!ie s "$en t$ey teac$ c$oke $ol!s in t aining'

It "as 1oggs "$o knocke! out Peeta "it$ one (lo" (e&o e any +e #anent !a#age coul! (e !one' I kno" Hay#itc$ "oul! $a*e co#e to #y !e&ense i& $e $a!n/t (een utte ly un+ e+a e!' To catc$ (ot$ Hay#itc$ an! #ysel& o&& gua ! is a a e t$ing' 1ut "e $a*e (een so consu#e! "it$ sa*ing Peeta% so to tu e! (y $a*ing $i# in t$e Ca+itol/s $an!s% t$at t$e elation at $a*ing $i# (ack (lin!e! us' I& I/! $a! a + i*ate eunion "it$ Peeta% $e "oul! $a*e kille! #e' <o" t$at $e/s !e ange!'

<o% not !e ange!% I e#in! #ysel&' Hijacke!' T$at/s t$e "o ! I $ea ! +ass (et"een Pluta c$ an!
.ED | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

Hay#itc$ as I "as "$eele! +ast t$e# in t$e $all"ay' Hijacke!' I !on/t kno" "$at it #eans' P i#% "$o a++ea e! #o#ents a&te t$e attack an! $as staye! as close to #e as +ossi(le e*e since% s+ ea!s anot$e (lanket o*e #e' 8I t$ink t$ey/ll take t$e colla o&& soon% ;atniss' Cou "on/t (e so col! t$en'8 My #ot$e % "$o/s (een assisting in a co#+licate! su ge y% $as still not (een in&o #e! o& Peeta/s assault' P i# takes one o& #y $an!s% "$ic$ is clutc$e! in a &ist% an! #assages it until it o+ens an! (loo! (egins to &lo" t$ oug$ #y &inge s again' S$e/s sta ting on t$e secon! &ist "$en t$e !octo s s$o" u+% e#o*e t$e colla % an! gi*e #e a s$ot o& so#et$ing &o +ain an! s"elling' I lie% as inst ucte!% "it$ #y $ea! still% not agg a*ating t$e inju ies to #y neck'

Pluta c$% Hay#itc$% an! 1eetee $a*e (een "aiting in t$e $all &o t$e !octo s to gi*e t$e# clea ance to see #e' I !on/t kno" i& t$ey/*e tol! 7ale% (ut since $e/s not $e e% I assu#e t$ey $a*en/t' Pluta c$ us$e s t$e !octo s out an! t ies to o !e P i# to go as "ell% (ut s$e says% 8<o' I& you &o ce #e to lea*e% I/ll go !i ectly to su ge y an! tell #y #ot$e e*e yt$ing t$at/s $a++ene!' An! I "a n you% s$e !oesn/t t$ink #uc$ o& a 7a#e#ake calling t$e s$ots on ;atniss/s li&e' Es+ecially "$en you/*e taken suc$ +oo ca e o& $e '8

Pluta c$ looks o&&en!e!% (ut Hay#itc$ c$uckles' 8I/! let it go% Pluta c$%8 $e says' P i# stays' 8So% ;atniss% Peeta/s con!ition $as co#e as a s$ock to all o& us%8 says Pluta c$' 8:e coul!n/t $el+ (ut notice $is !ete io ation in t$e last t"o inte *ie"s' )(*iously% $e/! (een a(use!% an! "e +ut $is +syc$ological state !o"n to t$at' <o" "e (elie*e so#et$ing #o e "as going on' T$at t$e Ca+itol $as (een su(jecting $i# to a at$e unco##on tec$ni4ue kno"n as $ijacking' 1eetee,8
.E. | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8I/# so y%8 1eetee says% 8(ut I can/t tell you all t$e s+eci&ics o& it% ;atniss' T$e Ca+itol/s *e y sec eti*e a(out t$is &o # o& to tu e% an! I (elie*e t$e esults a e inconsistent' T$is "e !o kno"' It/s a ty+e o& &ea con!itioning' T$e te # $ijack co#es & o# an ol! Englis$ "o ! t$at #eans /to ca+tu e%/ o e*en (ette % /seize'/ :e (elie*e it "as c$osen (ecause t$e tec$ni4ue in*ol*es t$e use o& t acke jacke *eno#% an! t$e jack suggeste! $ijack' Cou "e e stung in you &i st Hunge 7a#es% so unlike #ost o& us% you $a*e &i st$an! kno"le!ge o& t$e e&&ects o& t$e *eno#'8

Te o ' Hallucinations' <ig$t#a is$ *isions o& losing t$ose I lo*e' 1ecause t$e *eno# ta gets t$e +a t o& t$e ( ain t$at $ouses &ea ' 8I/# su e you e#e#(e $o" & ig$tening it "as' -i! you also su&&e #ental con&usion in t$e a&te #at$,8 asks 1eetee' 8A sense o& (eing una(le to ju!ge "$at "as t ue an! "$at "as &alse, Most +eo+le "$o $a*e (een stung an! li*e! to tell a(out it e+o t so#et$ing o& t$e kin!'8 Ces' T$at encounte "it$ Peeta' E*en a&te I "as clea $ea!e!% I "asn/t su e i& $e $a! sa*e! #y li&e (y taking on Cato o i& I/! i#agine! it' 8Recall is #a!e #o e !i&&icult (ecause #e#o ies can (e c$ange!'8 1eetee ta+s $is &o e$ea!' 81 oug$t to t$e &o e& ont o& you #in!% alte e!% an! sa*e! again in t$e e*ise! &o #' <o" i#agine t$at I ask you to e#e#(e so#et$ing>>eit$e "it$ a *e (al suggestion o (y #aking you "atc$ a ta+e o& t$e e*ent>>an! "$ile t$at e3+e ience is e& es$e!% I gi*e you a !ose o& t acke jacke *eno#' <ot enoug$ to in!uce a t$ ee> !ay (lackout' 0ust enoug$ to in&use t$e #e#o y "it$ &ea an! !ou(t' An! t$at/s "$at you ( ain +uts in long>te # sto age'8

.E2 | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

I sta t to &eel sick' P i# asks t$e 4uestion t$at/s in #y #in!' 8Is t$at "$at t$ey/*e !one to Peeta, Taken $is #e#o ies o& ;atniss an! !isto te! t$e# so t$ey/ e sca y,8 1eetee no!s' 8So sca y t$at $e/! see $e as li&e> t$ eatening' T$at $e #ig$t t y to kill $e ' Ces% t$at/s ou cu ent t$eo y'8 I co*e #y &ace "it$ #y a #s (ecause t$is isn/t $a++ening' It isn/t +ossi(le' 6o so#eone to #ake Peeta &o get $e lo*es #e'''no one coul! !o t$at' 81ut you can e*e se it% ig$t,8 asks P i#' 8K#'''*e y little !ata on t$at%8 says Pluta c$' 8<one% eally' I& $ijacking e$a(ilitation $as (een atte#+te! (e&o e% "e $a*e no access to t$ose eco !s'8 8:ell% you/ e going to t y% a en/t you,8 P i# +e sists' 8Cou/ e not just going to lock $i# u+ in so#e +a!!e! oo# an! lea*e $i# to su&&e ,8 8)& cou se% "e/ll t y% P i#%8 says 1eetee' 8It/s just% "e !on/t kno" to "$at !eg ee "e/ll succee!' I& any' My guess is t$at &ea &ul e*ents a e t$e $a !est to oot out' T$ey/ e t$e ones "e natu ally e#e#(e t$e (est% a&te all'8 8An! a+a t & o# $is #e#o ies o& ;atniss% "e !on/t yet kno" "$at else $as (een ta#+e e! "it$%8 says Pluta c$' 8:e/ e +utting toget$e a tea# o& #ental $ealt$ an! #ilita y + o&essionals to co#e u+ "it$ a counte attack' I% +e sonally% &eel o+ti#istic t$at $e/ll #ake a &ull eco*e y'8 8-o you,8 asks P i# caustically' 8An! "$at !o you t$ink% Hay#itc$,8
.E5 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

I s$i&t #y a #s slig$tly so I can see $is e3+ ession t$ oug$ t$e c ack' He/s e3$auste! an! !iscou age! as $e a!#its% 8I t$ink Peeta #ig$t get so#e"$at (ette ' 1ut'''I !on/t t$ink $e/ll e*e (e t$e sa#e'8 I sna+ #y a #s (ack toget$e % closing t$e c ack% s$utting t$e# all out' 8At least $e/s ali*e%8 says Pluta c$% as i& $e/s losing +atience "it$ t$e lot o& us' 8Sno" e3ecute! Peeta/s stylist an! $is + e+ tea# on li*e tele*ision tonig$t' :e/*e no i!ea "$at $a++ene! to E&&ie T inket' Peeta/s !a#age!% (ut $e/s $e e' :it$ us' An! t$at/s a !e&inite i#+ o*e#ent o*e $is situation t"el*e $ou s ago' 9et/s kee+ t$at in #in!% all ig$t,8

Pluta c$/s atte#+t to c$ee #e u+>>lace! "it$ t$e ne"s o& anot$e &ou % +ossi(ly &i*e% #u !e s>> so#e$o" (ack&i es' Po tia' Peeta/s + e+ tea#' E&&ie' T$e e&&o t to &ig$t (ack tea s #akes #y t$ oat t$ o( until I/# gas+ing again' E*entually% t$ey $a*e no c$oice (ut to se!ate #e' :$en I "ake% I "on!e i& t$is "ill (e t$e only "ay I slee+ no"% "it$ ! ugs s$ot into #y a #' I/# gla! I/# not su++ose! to talk &o t$e ne3t &e" !ays% (ecause t$e e/s not$ing I "ant to say' ) !o' In &act% I/# a #o!el +atient% #y let$a gy taken &o est aint% o(e!ience to t$e !octo s/ o !e s' I no longe &eel like c ying' In &act% I can only #anage to $ol! on to one si#+le t$oug$tH an i#age o& Sno"/s &ace acco#+anie! (y t$e "$is+e in #y $ea!' I "ill kill you'

My #ot$e an! P i# take tu ns nu sing #e% coa3ing #e to s"allo" (ites o& so&t &oo!' Peo+le co#e in +e io!ically to gi*e #e u+!ates on Peeta/s con!ition' T$e $ig$ le*els o& t acke jacke *eno# a e "o king t$ei "ay out o& $is (o!y' He/s (eing t eate! only (y st ange s% nati*es o& .5>>no one & o# $o#e o t$e Ca+itol $as (een allo"e! to see $i#>>to kee+ any
.E= | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

!ange ous #e#o ies & o# t igge ing' A tea# o& s+ecialists "o ks long $ou s !esigning a st ategy &o $is eco*e y' 7ale/s not su++ose! to *isit #e% as $e/s con&ine! to (e! "it$ so#e kin! o& s$oul!e "oun!' 1ut on t$e t$i ! nig$t% a&te I/*e (een #e!icate! an! t$e lig$ts tu ne! !o"n lo" &o (e!ti#e% $e sli+s silently into #y oo#' He !oesn/t s+eak% just uns $is &inge s o*e t$e ( uises on #y neck "it$ a touc$ as lig$t as #ot$ "ings% +lants a kiss (et"een #y eyes% an! !isa++ea s'

T$e ne3t #o ning% I/# !isc$a ge! & o# t$e $os+ital "it$ inst uctions to #o*e 4uietly an! s+eak only "$en necessa y' I/# not i#+ inte! "it$ a sc$e!ule% so I "an!e a oun! ai#lessly until P i#/s e3cuse! & o# $e $os+ital !uties to take #e to ou &a#ily/s latest co#+a t#ent' 22.2' I!entical to t$e last one% (ut "it$ no "in!o"'

1utte cu+ $as no" (een issue! a !aily &oo! allo"ance an! a +an o& san! t$at/s ke+t un!e t$e (at$ oo# sink' As P i# tucks #e into (e!% $e $o+s u+ on #y +illo"% *ying &o $e attention' S$e c a!les $i# (ut stays &ocuse! on #e' 8;atniss% I kno" t$is "$ole t$ing "it$ Peeta is te i(le &o you' 1ut e#e#(e % Sno" "o ke! on $i# &o "eeks% an! "e/*e only $a! $i# &o a &e" !ays' T$e e/s a c$ance t$at t$e ol! Peeta% t$e one "$o lo*es you% is still insi!e' T ying to get (ack to you' -on/t gi*e u+ on $i#'8

I look at #y little siste an! t$ink $o" s$e $as in$e ite! t$e (est 4ualities ou &a#ily $as to o&&e H #y #ot$e /s $ealing $an!s% #y &at$e /s le*el $ea!% an! #y &ig$t' T$e e/s so#et$ing else t$e e as "ell% so#et$ing enti ely $e o"n' An a(ility to look into t$e con&using #ess o& li&e an! see t$ings &o "$at t$ey

.E? | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

a e' Is it +ossi(le s$e coul! (e ig$t, T$at Peeta coul! etu n to #e, 8I $a*e to get (ack to t$e $os+ital%8 P i# says% +lacing 1utte cu+ on t$e (e! (esi!e #e' 8Cou t"o kee+ eac$ ot$e co#+any% okay,8 1utte cu+ s+ ings o&& t$e (e! an! &ollo"s $e to t$e !oo % co#+laining lou!ly "$en $e/s le&t (e$in!' :e/ e a(out as #uc$ co#+any &o eac$ ot$e as !i t' A&te #ay(e t$i ty secon!s% I kno" I can/t stan! (eing con&ine! in t$e su(te anean cell% an! lea*e 1utte cu+ to $is o"n !e*ices' I get lost se*e al ti#es% (ut e*entually I #ake #y "ay !o"n to S+ecial -e&ense' E*e yone I +ass sta es at t$e ( uises% an! I can/t $el+ &eeling sel&>conscious to t$e +oint t$at I tug #y colla u+ to #y ea s'

7ale #ust $a*e (een elease! & o# t$e $os+ital t$is #o ning as "ell% (ecause I &in! $i# in one o& t$e esea c$ oo#s "it$ 1eetee' T$ey/ e i##e se!% $ea!s (ent o*e a ! a"ing% taking a #easu e#ent' 2e sions o& t$e +ictu e litte t$e ta(le an! &loo ' Tacke! on t$e co k(oa ! "alls an! occu+ying se*e al co#+ute sc eens a e ot$e !esigns o& so#e so t' In t$e oug$ lines o& one% I ecognize 7ale/s t"itc$>u+ sna e' 8:$at a e t$ese,8 I ask $oa sely% +ulling t$ei attention & o# t$e s$eet'

8A$% ;atniss% you/*e &oun! us out%8 says 1eetee c$ee &ully' 8:$at, Is t$is a sec et,8 I kno" 7ale/s (een !o"n $e e "o king "it$ 1eetee a lot% (ut I assu#e! t$ey "e e #essing a oun! "it$ (o"s an! guns' 8<ot eally' 1ut I/*e &elt a little guilty a(out it' Stealing 7ale a"ay & o# you so #uc$%8 1eetee a!#its'
.EB | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

Since I/*e s+ent #ost o& #y ti#e in .5 !iso iente!% "o ie!% ang y% (eing e#a!e% o $os+italize!% I can/t say 7ale/s a(sences $a*e incon*enience! #e' T$ings $a*en/t (een e3actly $a #onious (et"een us% eit$e ' 1ut I let 1eetee t$ink $e o"es #e' 8I $o+e you/*e (een +utting $is ti#e to goo! use'8 8Co#e an! see%8 $e says% "a*ing #e o*e to a co#+ute sc een' T$is is "$at t$ey/*e (een !oing' Taking t$e &un!a#ental i!eas (e$in! 7ale/s t a+s an! a!a+ting t$e# into "ea+ons against $u#ans' 1o#(s #ostly' It/s less a(out t$e #ec$anics o& t$e t a+s t$an t$e +syc$ology (e$in! t$e#' 1oo(y>t a++ing an a ea t$at + o*i!es so#et$ing essential to su *i*al' A "ate o &oo! su++ly' 6 ig$tening + ey so t$at a la ge nu#(e &lee into a g eate !est uction' En!ange ing o&&>s+ ing in o !e to ! a" in t$e actual !esi e! ta get% t$e +a ent' 9u ing t$e *icti# into "$at a++ea s to (e a sa&e $a*en>>"$e e !eat$ a"aits it' At so#e +oint% 7ale an! 1eetee le&t t$e "il!e ness (e$in! an! &ocuse! on #o e $u#an i#+ulses' 9ike co#+assion' A (o#( e3+lo!es' Ti#e is allo"e! &o +eo+le to us$ to t$e ai! o& t$e "oun!e!' T$en a secon!% #o e +o"e &ul (o#( kills t$e# as "ell'

8T$at see#s to (e c ossing so#e kin! o& line%8 I say' 8So anyt$ing goes,8 T$ey (ot$ sta e at #e>>1eetee "it$ !ou(t% 7ale "it$ $ostility' 8I guess t$e e isn/t a ule (ook &o "$at #ig$t (e unacce+ta(le to !o to anot$e $u#an (eing'8 8Su e t$e e is' 1eetee an! I $a*e (een &ollo"ing t$e sa#e ule (ook P esi!ent Sno" use! "$en $e $ijacke! Peeta%8 says 7ale' C uel% (ut to t$e +oint' I lea*e "it$out &u t$e co##ent' I &eel i& I !on/t get outsi!e i##e!iately% I/ll
.EE | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

just go (allistic% (ut I/# still in S+ecial -e&ense "$en I/# "aylai! (y Hay#itc$' 8Co#e on%8 $e says' 8:e nee! you (ack u+ at t$e $os+ital'8 8:$at &o ,8 I ask' 8T$ey/ e going to t y so#et$ing on Peeta%8 $e ans"e s' 8Sen! in t$e #ost innocuous +e son & o# T"el*e t$ey can co#e u+ "it$' 6in! so#eone Peeta #ig$t s$a e c$il!$oo! #e#o ies "it$% (ut not$ing too close to you' T$ey/ e sc eening +eo+le no"'8 I kno" t$is "ill (e a !i&&icult task% since anyone Peeta s$a es c$il!$oo! #e#o ies "it$ "oul! #ost likely (e & o# to"n% an! al#ost none o& t$ose +eo+le esca+e! t$e &la#es' 1ut "$en "e eac$ t$e $os+ital oo# t$at $as (een tu ne! into a "o k s+ace &o Peeta/s eco*e y tea#% t$e e s$e sits c$atting "it$ Pluta c$' -elly Ca t" ig$t' As al"ays% s$e gi*es #e a s#ile t$at suggests I/# $e (est & ien! in t$e "o l!' S$e gi*es t$is s#ile to e*e yone' 8;atnissI8 s$e calls out'

8Hey% -elly%8 I say' I/! $ea ! s$e an! $e younge ( ot$e $a! su *i*e!' He +a ents% "$o an t$e s$oe s$o+ in to"n% "e en/t as lucky' S$e looks ol!e % "ea ing t$e ! a( .5 clot$es t$at &latte no one% "it$ $e long yello" $ai in a + actical ( ai! instea! o& cu ls' -elly/s a (it t$inne t$an I e#e#(e % (ut s$e "as one o& t$e &e" ki!s in -ist ict .2 "it$ a cou+le o& +oun!s to s+a e' T$e !iet $e e% t$e st ess% t$e g ie& o& losing $e +a ents $a*e all% no !ou(t% cont i(ute!' 8Ho" a e you !oing,8 I ask'

8)$% it/s (een a lot o& c$anges all at once'8 He eyes &ill "it$ tea s' 81ut e*e yone/s eally nice $e e in T$i teen% !on/t you t$ink,8

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

-elly #eans it' S$e genuinely likes +eo+le' All +eo+le% not just a select &e" s$e/s s+ent yea s #aking u+ $e #in! a(out' 8T$ey/*e #a!e an e&&o t to #ake us &eel "elco#e%8 I say' I t$ink t$at/s a &ai state#ent "it$out going o*e (oa !' 8A e you t$e one t$ey/*e +icke! to see Peeta,8 8I guess so' Poo Peeta' Poo you' I/ll ne*e un!e stan! t$e Ca+itol%8 s$e says' 81ette not to% #ay(e%8 I tell $e ' 8-elly/s kno"n Peeta &o a long ti#e%8 says Pluta c$' 8)$% yesI8 -elly/s &ace ( ig$tens' 8:e +laye! toget$e & o# "$en "e "e e little' I use! to tell +eo+le $e "as #y ( ot$e '8 8:$at !o you t$ink,8 Hay#itc$ asks #e' 8Anyt$ing t$at #ig$t t igge #e#o ies o& you,8 8:e "e e all in t$e sa#e class' 1ut "e ne*e o*e la++e! #uc$%8 I say' 8;atniss "as al"ays so a#azing% I ne*e ! ea#e! s$e "oul! notice #e%8 says -elly' 8T$e "ay s$e coul! $unt an! go in t$e Ho( an! e*e yt$ing' E*e yone a!#i e! $e so'8 Hay#itc$ an! I (ot$ $a*e to take a $a ! look at $e &ace to !ou(le>c$eck i& s$e/s joking' To $ea -elly !esc i(e it% I $a! ne3t to no & ien!s (ecause I inti#i!ate! +eo+le (y (eing so e3ce+tional' <ot t ue' I $a! ne3t to no & ien!s (ecause I "asn/t & ien!ly' 9ea*e it to -elly to s+in #e into so#et$ing "on!e &ul'

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8-elly al"ays t$inks t$e (est o& e*e yone%8 I e3+lain' 8I !on/t t$ink Peeta coul! $a*e (a! #e#o ies associate! "it$ $e '8 T$en I e#e#(e ' 8:ait' In t$e Ca+itol' :$en I lie! a(out ecognizing t$e A*o3 gi l' Peeta co*e e! &o #e an! sai! s$e looke! like -elly'8 8I e#e#(e %8 says Hay#itc$' 81ut I !on/t kno"' It "asn/t t ue' -elly "asn/t actually t$e e' I !on/t t$ink it can co#+ete "it$ yea s o& c$il!$oo! #e#o ies'8 8Es+ecially "it$ suc$ a +leasant co#+anion as -elly%8 says Pluta c$' 89et/s gi*e it a s$ot'8 Pluta c$% Hay#itc$% an! I go to t$e o(se *ation oo# ne3t to "$e e Peeta/s con&ine!' It/s c o"!e! "it$ ten #e#(e s o& $is eco*e y tea# a #e! "it$ +ens an! cli+(oa !s' T$e one>"ay glass an! au!io setu+ allo" us to "atc$ Peeta sec etly' He lies on t$e (e!% $is a #s st a++e! !o"n' He !oesn/t &ig$t t$e est aints% (ut $is $an!s &i!get continuously' His e3+ ession see#s #o e luci! t$an "$en $e t ie! to st angle #e% (ut it/s still not one t$at (elongs to $i#'

:$en t$e !oo 4uietly o+ens% $is eyes "i!en in ala #% t$en (eco#e con&use!' -elly c osses t$e oo# tentati*ely% (ut as s$e nea s $i# s$e natu ally ( eaks into a s#ile' 8Peeta, It/s -elly' 6 o# $o#e'8 8-elly,8 So#e o& t$e clou!s see# to clea ' 8-elly' It/s you'8 8CesI8 s$e says "it$ o(*ious elie&' 8Ho" !o you &eel,8 8A"&ul' :$e e a e "e, :$at/s $a++ene!,8 asks Peeta' 8He e "e go%8 says Hay#itc$'

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8I tol! $e to stee clea o& any #ention o& ;atniss o t$e Ca+itol%8 says Pluta c$' 80ust see $o" #uc$ o& $o#e s$e coul! conju e u+'8 8:ell'''"e/ e in -ist ict T$i teen' :e li*e $e e no"%8 says -elly' 8T$at/s "$at t$ose +eo+le $a*e (een saying' 1ut it #akes no sense' :$y a en/t "e $o#e,8 asks Peeta' -elly (ites $e li+' 8T$e e "as'''an acci!ent' I #iss $o#e (a!ly% too' I "as only just t$inking a(out t$ose c$alk ! a"ings "e use! to !o on t$e +a*ing stones' Cou s "e e so "on!e &ul' Re#e#(e "$en you #a!e eac$ one a !i&&e ent ani#al,8 8Cea$' Pigs an! cats an! t$ings%8 says Peeta' 8Cou sai!'''a(out an acci!ent,8 I can see t$e s$een o& s"eat on -elly/s &o e$ea! as s$e t ies to "o k a oun! t$e 4uestion' 8It "as (a!' <o one'''coul! stay%8 s$e says $altingly' 8Hang in t$e e% gi l%8 says Hay#itc$' 81ut I kno" you/ e going to like it $e e% Peeta' T$e +eo+le $a*e (een eally nice to us' T$e e/s al"ays &oo! an! clean clot$es% an! sc$ool/s #uc$ #o e inte esting%8 says -elly' 8:$y $asn/t #y &a#ily co#e to see #e,8 Peeta asks' 8T$ey can/t'8 -elly/s tea ing u+ again' 8A lot o& +eo+le !i!n/t get out o& T"el*e' So "e/ll nee! to #ake a ne" li&e $e e' I/# su e t$ey coul! use a goo! (ake ' -o you e#e#(e "$en you &at$e use! to let us #ake !oug$ gi ls an! (oys,8 8T$e e "as a &i e%8 Peeta says su!!enly'
.F. | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8Ces%8 s$e "$is+e s' 8T"el*e (u ne! !o"n% !i!n/t it, 1ecause o& $e %8 says Peeta ang ily' 81ecause o& ;atnissI8 He (egins to +ull on t$e est aints' 8)$% no% Peeta' It "asn/t $e &ault%8 says -elly' 8-i! s$e tell you t$at,8 $e $isses at $e ' 87et $e out o& t$e e%8 says Pluta c$' T$e !oo o+ens i##e!iately an! -elly (egins to (ack to"a ! it slo"ly' 8S$e !i!n/t $a*e to' I "as>>8 -elly (egins' 81ecause s$e/s lyingI S$e/s a lia I Cou can/t (elie*e anyt$ing s$e saysI S$e/s so#e kin! o& #utt t$e Ca+itol c eate! to use against t$e est o& usI8 Peeta s$outs' 8<o% Peeta' S$e/s not a>>8 -elly t ies again' 8-on/t t ust $e % -elly%8 says Peeta in a & antic *oice' 8I !i!% an! s$e t ie! to kill #e' S$e kille! #y & ien!s' My &a#ily' -on/t e*en go nea $e I S$e/s a #uttI8 A $an! eac$es t$ oug$ t$e !oo "ay% +ulls -elly out% an! t$e !oo s"ings s$ut' 1ut Peeta kee+s yelling' 8A #uttI S$e/s a stinking #uttI8 <ot only !oes $e $ate #e an! "ant to kill #e% $e no longe (elie*es I/# $u#an' It "as less +ain&ul (eing st angle!' A oun! #e t$e eco*e y tea# #e#(e s sc i((le like c azy% taking !o"n e*e y "o !' Hay#itc$ an! Pluta c$ g a( #y a #s an! + o+el #e out o& t$e oo#' T$ey lean #e u+ against a "all in t$e silent
.F2 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

$all"ay' 1ut I kno" Peeta continues to sc ea# (e$in! t$e !oo an! t$e glass' P i# "as " ong' Peeta is i et ie*a(le' 8I can/t stay $e e any#o e%8 I say nu#(ly' 8I& you "ant #e to (e t$e Mockingjay% you/ll $a*e to sen! #e a"ay'8 8:$e e !o you "ant to go,8 asks Hay#itc$' 8T$e Ca+itol'8 It/s t$e only +lace I can t$ink o& "$e e I $a*e a jo( to !o' 8Can/t !o it%8 Pluta c$ says' 8<ot until all t$e !ist icts a e secu e' 7oo! ne"s is% t$e &ig$ting/s al#ost o*e in all o& t$e# (ut T"o' It/s a toug$ nut to c ack% t$oug$'8 T$at/s ig$t' 6i st t$e !ist icts' <e3t t$e Ca+itol' An! t$en I $unt !o"n Sno"' 86ine%8 I say' 8Sen! #e to T"o'8

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

-ist ict 2 is a la ge !ist ict% as one #ig$t e3+ect% co#+ose! o& a se ies o& *illages s+ ea! ac oss t$e #ountains' Eac$ "as o iginally associate! "it$ a #ine o 4ua y% alt$oug$ no"% #any a e !e*ote! to t$e $ousing an! t aining o& Peacekee+e s' <one o& t$is "oul! + esent #uc$ o& a c$allenge% since t$e e(els $a*e .5/s ai +o"e on t$ei si!e% e3ce+t &o one t$ingH At t$e cente o& t$e !ist ict is a *i tually i#+enet a(le #ountain t$at $ouses t$e $ea t o& t$e Ca+itol/s #ilita y'

:e/*e nickna#e! t$e #ountain t$e <ut since I elaye! Pluta c$/s 8toug$ nut to c ack8 co##ent to t$e "ea y an! !iscou age! e(el lea!e s $e e' T$e <ut "as esta(lis$e! !i ectly a&te t$e -a k -ays% "$en t$e Ca+itol $a! lost .5 an! "as !es+e ate &o a ne" un!e g oun! st ong$ol!' T$ey $a! so#e o& t$ei #ilita y esou ces situate! on t$e outski ts o& t$e Ca+itol itsel&>>nuclea #issiles% ai c a&t% t oo+s>>(ut a signi&icant c$unk o& t$ei +o"e "as no" un!e an ene#y/s cont ol' )& cou se% t$e e "as no "ay t$ey coul! $o+e to e+licate .5% "$ic$ "as t$e "o k o& centu ies' Ho"e*e % in t$e ol! #ines o& nea (y -ist ict 2% t$ey sa" o++o tunity' 6 o# t$e ai % t$e <ut a++ea e! to (e just anot$e #ountain "it$ a &e" ent ances on its &aces' 1ut insi!e "e e *ast ca*e nous s+aces "$e e sla(s o& stones $a! (een cut% $aule! to t$e su &ace% an! t ans+o te! !o"n sli++e y na o" oa!s to #ake !istant (uil!ings' T$e e "as e*en a t ain syste# to &acilitate t ans+o ting t$e #ine s & o# t$e <ut to t$e *e y cente o& t$e #ain to"n in -ist ict 2' It an ig$t to t$e s4ua e t$at Peeta an! I *isite! !u ing t$e 2icto y Tou % stan!ing on t$e "i!e #a (le ste+s o& t$e 0ustice 1uil!ing% t ying not to look too

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

closely at Cato/s an! Clo*e/s g ie*ing &a#ilies asse#(le! (elo" us' It "as not t$e #ost i!eal te ain% +lague! as it "as (y #u!sli!es% &loo!s% an! a*alanc$es' 1ut t$e a!*antages out"eig$e! t$e conce ns' As t$ey/! cut !ee+ into t$e #ountain% t$e #ine s $a! le&t la ge +illa s an! "alls o& stone to su++o t t$e in& ast uctu e' T$e Ca+itol ein&o ce! t$ese an! set a(out #aking t$e #ountain t$ei ne" #ilita y (ase' 6illing it "it$ co#+ute (anks an! #eeting oo#s% (a acks an! a senals' :i!ening ent ances to allo" t$e e3it o& $o*e c a&t & o# t$e $anga % installing #issile launc$e s' 1ut on t$e "$ole% lea*ing t$e e3te io o& t$e #ountain la gely unc$ange!' A oug$% ocky tangle o& t ees an! "il!li&e' A natu al &o t ess to + otect t$e# & o# t$ei ene#ies'

1y t$e ot$e !ist icts/ stan!a !s% t$e Ca+itol (a(ie! t$e in$a(itants $e e' 0ust (y looking at t$e -ist ict 2 e(els% you can tell t$ey "e e !ecently &e! an! ca e! &o in c$il!$oo!' So#e !i! en! u+ as 4ua y an! #ine "o ke s' )t$e s "e e e!ucate! &o jo(s in t$e <ut o &unnele! into t$e anks o& Peacekee+e s' T aine! young an! $a ! &o co#(at' T$e Hunge 7a#es "e e an o++o tunity &o "ealt$ an! a kin! o& glo y not seen else"$e e' )& cou se% t$e +eo+le o& 2 s"allo"e! t$e Ca+itol/s + o+agan!a #o e easily t$an t$e est o& us' E#( ace! t$ei "ays' 1ut &o all t$at% at t$e en! o& t$e !ay% t$ey "e e still sla*es' An! i& t$at "as lost on t$e citizens "$o (eca#e Peacekee+e s o "o ke! in t$e <ut% it "as not lost on t$e stonecutte s "$o &o #e! t$e (ack(one o& t$e esistance $e e'

T$ings stan! as t$ey !i! "$en I a i*e! t"o "eeks ago' T$e oute *illages a e in e(el $an!s% t$e to"n !i*i!e!% an! t$e <ut is as untouc$a(le as e*e ' Its &e" ent ances $ea*ily &o ti&ie!% its $ea t sa&ely en&ol!e! in t$e #ountain' :$ile e*e y ot$e !ist ict
.F? | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

$as no" " este! cont ol & o# t$e Ca+itol% 2 e#ains in its +ocket' Eac$ !ay% I !o "$ate*e I can to $el+' 2isit t$e "oun!e!' Ta+e s$o t + o+os "it$ #y ca#e a c e"' I/# not allo"e! in actual co#(at% (ut t$ey in*ite #e to t$e #eetings on t$e status o& t$e "a % "$ic$ is a lot #o e t$an t$ey !i! in .5' It/s #uc$ (ette $e e' 6 ee % no sc$e!ules on #y a #% &e"e !e#an!s on #y ti#e' I li*e a(o*eg oun! in t$e e(el *illages o su oun!ing ca*es' 6o sa&ety/s sake% I/# elocate! o&ten' -u ing t$e !ay% I/*e (een gi*en clea ance to $unt as long as I take a gua ! along an! !on/t st ay too &a ' In t$e t$in% col! #ountain ai % I &eel so#e +$ysical st engt$ etu ning% #y #in! clea ing a"ay t$e est o& t$e &ogginess' 1ut "it$ t$is #ental cla ity co#es an e*en s$a +e a"a eness o& "$at $as (een !one to Peeta'

Sno" $as stolen $i# & o# #e% t"iste! $i# (eyon! ecognition% an! #a!e #e a + esent o& $i#' 1oggs% "$o ca#e to 2 "$en I !i!% tol! #e t$at e*en "it$ all t$e +lotting% it "as a little too easy to escue Peeta' He (elie*es i& .5 $a!n/t #a!e t$e e&&o t% Peeta "oul!/*e (een !eli*e e! to #e any"ay' - o++e! o&& in an acti*ely "a ing !ist ict o +e $a+s .5 itsel&' Tie! u+ "it$ i((ons an! tagge! "it$ #y na#e' P og a##e! to #u !e #e'

It/s only no" t$at $e/s (een co u+te! t$at I can &ully a++ eciate t$e eal Peeta' E*en #o e t$an I "oul!/*e i& $e/! !ie!' T$e kin!ness% t$e stea!iness% t$e "a #t$ t$at $a! an une3+ecte! $eat (e$in! it' )utsi!e o& P i#% #y #ot$e % an! 7ale% $o" #any +eo+le in t$e "o l! lo*e #e uncon!itionally, I t$ink in #y case% t$e ans"e #ay no" (e none' So#eti#es "$en I/# alone% I take t$e +ea l & o# "$e e it li*es in #y +ocket an! t y to e#e#(e t$e (oy "it$ t$e ( ea!% t$e st ong a #s t$at "a !e! o&& nig$t#a es on t$e t ain% t$e
.FB | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

kisses in t$e a ena' To #ake #ysel& +ut a na#e to t$e t$ing I/*e lost' 1ut "$at/s t$e use, It/s gone' He/s gone' :$ate*e e3iste! (et"een us is gone' All t$at/s le&t is #y + o#ise to kill Sno"' I tell #ysel& t$is ten ti#es a !ay' 1ack in .5% Peeta/s e$a(ilitation continues' E*en t$oug$ I !on/t ask% Pluta c$ gi*es #e c$ee &ul u+!ates on t$e +$one like 87oo! ne"s% ;atnissI I t$ink "e/*e al#ost got $i# con*ince! you/ e not a #uttI8 ) 8To!ay $e "as allo"e! to &ee! $i#sel& +u!!ingI8 :$en Hay#itc$ gets on a&te % $e a!#its Peeta/s no (ette ' T$e only !u(ious ay o& $o+e $as co#e & o# #y siste ' 8P i# ca#e u+ "it$ t$e i!ea o& t ying to $ijack $i# (ack%8 Hay#itc$ tells #e' 81 ing u+ t$e !isto te! #e#o ies o& you an! t$en gi*e $i# a (ig !ose o& a cal#ing ! ug% like #o +$ling' :e/*e only t ie! it on one #e#o y' T$e ta+e o& t$e t"o o& you in t$e ca*e% "$en you tol! $i# t$at sto y a(out getting P i# t$e goat'8

8Any i#+ o*e#ent,8 I ask' 8:ell% i& e3t e#e con&usion is an i#+ o*e#ent o*e e3t e#e te o % t$en yes%8 says Hay#itc$' 81ut I/# not su e it is' He lost t$e a(ility to s+eak &o se*e al $ou s' :ent into so#e so t o& stu+o ' :$en $e ca#e out% t$e only t$ing $e aske! a(out "as t$e goat'8 8Rig$t%8 I say' 8Ho"/s it out t$e e,8 $e asks' 8<o &o "a ! #otion%8 I tell $i#'

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8:e/ e sen!ing out a tea# to $el+ "it$ t$e #ountain' 1eetee an! so#e o& t$e ot$e s%8 $e says' 8Cou kno"% t$e ( ains'8 :$en t$e ( ains a e selecte!% I/# not su + ise! to see 7ale/s na#e on t$e list' I t$oug$t 1eetee "oul! ( ing $i#% not &o $is tec$nological e3+e tise% (ut in t$e $o+es t$at $e coul! so#e$o" t$ink o& a "ay to ensna e a #ountain' ) iginally% 7ale o&&e e! to co#e "it$ #e to 2% (ut I coul! see I "as tea ing $i# a"ay & o# $is "o k "it$ 1eetee' I tol! $i# to sit tig$t an! stay "$e e $e "as #ost nee!e!' I !i!n/t tell $i# $is + esence "oul! #ake it e*en #o e !i&&icult &o #e to #ou n Peeta'

7ale &in!s #e "$en t$ey a i*e late one a&te noon' I/# sitting on a log at t$e e!ge o& #y cu ent *illage% +lucking a goose' A !ozen o so o& t$e (i !s a e +ile! at #y &eet' 7 eat &locks o& t$e# $a*e (een #ig ating t$ oug$ $e e since I/*e a i*e!% an! t$e +ickings a e easy' :it$out a "o !% 7ale settles (esi!e #e an! (egins to elie*e a (i ! o& its &eat$e s' :e/ e t$ oug$ a(out $al& "$en $e says% 8Any c$ance "e/ll get to eat t$ese,8

8Cea$' Most go to t$e ca#+ kitc$en% (ut t$ey e3+ect #e to gi*e a cou+le to "$oe*e I/# staying "it$ tonig$t%8 I say' 86o kee+ing #e'8 8Isn/t t$e $ono o& t$e t$ing enoug$,8 $e says' 8Cou/! t$ink%8 I e+ly' 81ut "o !/s gotten out t$at #ockingjays a e $aza !ous to you $ealt$'8 :e +luck in silence &o a "$ile longe ' T$en $e says% 8I sa" Peeta yeste !ay' T$ oug$ t$e glass'8 8:$at/! you t$ink,8 I ask'
.FF | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8So#et$ing sel&is$%8 says 7ale' 8T$at you !on/t $a*e to (e jealous o& $i# any#o e,8 My &inge s gi*e a yank% an! a clou! o& &eat$e s &loats !o"n a oun! us' 8<o' 0ust t$e o++osite'8 7ale +ulls a &eat$e out o& #y $ai ' 8I t$oug$t'''I/ll ne*e co#+ete "it$ t$at' <o #atte $o" #uc$ +ain I/# in'8 He s+ins t$e &eat$e (et"een $is t$u#( an! &o e&inge ' 8I !on/t stan! a c$ance i& $e !oesn/t get (ette ' Cou/ll ne*e (e a(le to let $i# go' Cou/ll al"ays &eel " ong a(out (eing "it$ #e'8

8T$e "ay I al"ays &elt " ong kissing $i# (ecause o& you%8 I say' 7ale $ol!s #y gaze' 8I& I t$oug$t t$at "as t ue% I coul! al#ost li*e "it$ t$e est o& it'8 8It is t ue%8 I a!#it' 81ut so is "$at you sai! a(out Peeta'8 7ale #akes a soun! o& e3as+e ation' <onet$eless% a&te "e/*e ! o++e! o&& t$e (i !s an! *oluntee e! to go (ack to t$e "oo!s to gat$e kin!ling &o t$e e*ening &i e% I &in! #ysel& " a++e! in $is a #s' His li+s ( us$ing t$e &a!e! ( uises on #y neck% "o king t$ei "ay to #y #out$' -es+ite "$at I &eel &o Peeta% t$is is "$en I acce+t !ee+ !o"n t$at $e/ll ne*e co#e (ack to #e' ) I/ll ne*e go (ack to $i#' I/ll stay in 2 until it &alls% go to t$e Ca+itol an! kill Sno"% an! t$en !ie &o #y t ou(le' An! $e/ll !ie insane an! $ating #e' So in t$e &a!ing lig$t I s$ut #y eyes an! kiss 7ale to #ake u+ &o all t$e kisses I/*e "it$$el!% an! (ecause it !oesn/t #atte any#o e% an! (ecause I/# so !es+e ately lonely I can/t stan! it'

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

7ale/s touc$ an! taste an! $eat e#in! #e t$at at least #y (o!y/s still ali*e% an! &o t$e #o#ent it/s a "elco#e &eeling' I e#+ty #y #in! an! let t$e sensations un t$ oug$ #y &les$% $a++y to lose #ysel&' :$en 7ale +ulls a"ay slig$tly% I #o*e &o "a ! to close t$e ga+% (ut I &eel $is $an! un!e #y c$in' 8;atniss%8 $e says' T$e instant I o+en #y eyes% t$e "o l! see#s !isjointe!' T$is is not ou "oo!s o ou #ountains o ou "ay' My $an! auto#atically goes to t$e sca on #y le&t te#+le% "$ic$ I associate "it$ con&usion' 8<o" kiss #e'8 1e"il!e e!% un(linking% I stan! t$e e "$ile $e leans in an! + esses $is li+s to #ine ( ie&ly' He e3a#ines #y &ace closely' 8:$at/s going on in you $ea!,8

8I !on/t kno"%8 I "$is+e (ack' 8T$en it/s like kissing so#eone "$o/s ! unk' It !oesn/t count%8 $e says "it$ a "eak atte#+t at a laug$' He scoo+s u+ a +ile o& kin!ling an! ! o+s it in #y e#+ty a #s% etu ning #e to #ysel&' 8Ho" !o you kno",8 I say% #ostly to co*e #y e#(a ass#ent' 8Ha*e you kisse! so#eone "$o/s ! unk,8 I guess 7ale coul!/*e (een kissing gi ls ig$t an! le&t (ack in .2' He ce tainly $a! enoug$ take s' I ne*e t$oug$t a(out it #uc$ (e&o e' He just s$akes $is $ea!' 8<o' 1ut it/s not $a ! to i#agine'8 8So% you ne*e kisse! any ot$e gi ls,8 I ask' 8I !i!n/t say t$at' Cou kno"% you "e e only t"el*e "$en "e #et' An! a eal +ain (esi!es' I !i! $a*e a li&e outsi!e o& $unting "it$ you%8 $e says% loa!ing u+ "it$ &i e"oo!'

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

Su!!enly% I/# genuinely cu ious' 8:$o !i! you kiss, An! "$e e,8 8Too #any to e#e#(e ' 1e$in! t$e sc$ool% on t$e slag $ea+% you na#e it%8 $e says' I oll #y eyes' 8So "$en !i! I (eco#e so s+ecial, :$en t$ey ca te! #e o&& to t$e Ca+itol,8 8<o' A(out si3 #ont$s (e&o e t$at' Rig$t a&te <e" Cea /s' :e "e e in t$e Ho(% eating so#e slo+ o& 7 easy Sae/s' An! -a ius "as teasing you a(out t a!ing a a((it &o one o& $is kisses' An! I ealize!'''I #in!e!%8 $e tells #e' I e#e#(e t$at !ay' 1itte col! an! !a k (y &ou in t$e a&te noon' :e/! (een $unting% (ut a $ea*y sno" $a! ! i*en us (ack into to"n' T$e Ho( "as c o"!e! "it$ +eo+le looking &o e&uge & o# t$e "eat$e ' 7 easy Sae/s sou+% #a!e "it$ stock & o# t$e (ones o& a "il! !og "e/! s$ot a "eek ea lie % "as (elo" $e usual stan!a !s' Still% it "as $ot% an! I "as sta *ing as I scoo+e! it u+% sitting c oss>legge! on $e counte ' -a ius "as leaning on t$e +ost o& t$e stall% tickling #y c$eek "it$ t$e en! o& #y ( ai!% "$ile I s#acke! $is $an! a"ay' He "as e3+laining "$y one o& $is kisses #e ite! a a((it% o +ossi(ly t"o% since e*e yone kno"s e!$ea!e! #en a e t$e #ost *i ile' An! 7 easy Sae an! I "e e laug$ing (ecause $e "as so i!iculous an! +e sistent an! ke+t +ointing out "o#en a oun! t$e Ho( "$o $e sai! $a! +ai! &a #o e t$an a a((it to enjoy $is li+s' 8See, T$e one in t$e g een #u&&le , 7o a$ea! an! ask $e ' I& you nee! a e&e ence'8

A #illion #iles & o# $e e% a (illion !ays ago% t$is $a++ene!' 8-a ius "as just joking a oun!%8 I say'

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8P o(a(ly' Alt$oug$ you/! (e t$e last to &igu e out i& $e "asn/t%8 7ale tells #e' 8Take Peeta' Take #e' ) e*en 6innick' I "as sta ting to "o y $e $a! $is eye on you% (ut $e see#s (ack on t ack no"'8 8Cou !on/t kno" 6innick i& you t$ink $e/! lo*e #e%8 I say' 7ale s$ ugs' 8I kno" $e "as !es+e ate' T$at #akes +eo+le !o all kin!s o& c azy t$ings'8 I can/t $el+ t$inking t$at/s !i ecte! at #e' 1 ig$t an! ea ly t$e ne3t #o ning% t$e ( ains asse#(le to take on t$e + o(le# o& t$e <ut' I/# aske! to t$e #eeting% alt$oug$ I !on/t $a*e #uc$ to cont i(ute' I a*oi! t$e con&e ence ta(le an! +e c$ in t$e "i!e "in!o"sill t$at $as a *ie" o& t$e #ountain in 4uestion' T$e co##an!e & o# 2% a #i!!le>age! "o#an na#e! 9y#e% takes us on a *i tual tou o& t$e <ut% its inte io an! &o ti&ications% an! ecounts t$e &aile! atte#+ts to seize it' I/*e c osse! +at$s "it$ $e ( ie&ly a cou+le o& ti#es since #y a i*al% an! "as !ogge! (y t$e &eeling I/! #et $e (e&o e' S$e/s #e#o a(le enoug$% stan!ing o*e si3 &eet tall an! $ea*ily #uscle!' 1ut it/s only "$en I see a cli+ o& $e in t$e &iel!% lea!ing a ai! on t$e #ain ent ance o& t$e <ut% t$at so#et$ing clicks an! I ealize I/# in t$e + esence o& anot$e *icto ' 9y#e% t$e t i(ute & o# -ist ict 2% "$o "on $e Hunge 7a#es o*e a gene ation ago' E&&ie sent us $e ta+e% a#ong ot$e s% to + e+a e &o t$e Aua te Auell' I/*e + o(a(ly caug$t gli#+ses o& $e !u ing t$e 7a#es o*e t$e yea s% (ut s$e/s ke+t a lo" + o&ile' :it$ #y ne"&oun! kno"le!ge o& Hay#itc$/s an! 6innick/s t eat#ent% all I can t$ink isH :$at !i! t$e Ca+itol !o to $e a&te s$e "on,

:$en 9y#e &inis$es t$e + esentation% t$e 4uestions & o# t$e ( ains (egin' Hou s +ass% an! lunc$ co#es
.G2 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

an! goes% as t$ey t y to co#e u+ "it$ a ealistic +lan &o taking t$e <ut' 1ut "$ile 1eetee t$inks $e #ig$t (e a(le to o*e i!e ce tain co#+ute syste#s% an! t$e e/s so#e !iscussion o& +utting t$e $an!&ul o& inte nal s+ies to use% no one $as any eally inno*ati*e t$oug$ts' As t$e a&te noon "ea s on% talk kee+s etu ning to a st ategy t$at $as (een t ie! e+eate!ly> >t$e sto #ing o& t$e ent ances' I can see 9y#e/s & ust ation (uil!ing (ecause so #any *a iations o& t$is +lan $a*e al ea!y &aile!% so #any o& $e sol!ie s $a*e (een lost' 6inally% s$e (u sts out% 8T$e ne3t +e son "$o suggests "e take t$e ent ances (ette $a*e a ( illiant "ay to !o it% (ecause you/ e going to (e t$e one lea!ing t$at #issionI8

7ale% "$o is too estless to sit at t$e ta(le &o #o e t$an a &e" $ou s% $as (een alte nating (et"een +acing an! s$a ing #y "in!o"sill' Ea ly on% $e see#e! to acce+t 9y#e/s asse tion t$at t$e ent ances coul!n/t (e taken% an! ! o++e! out o& t$e con*e sation enti ely' 6o t$e last $ou o so% $e/s sat 4uietly% $is ( o" knitte! in concent ation% sta ing at t$e <ut t$ oug$ t$e "in!o" glass' In t$e silence t$at &ollo"s 9y#e/s ulti#atu#% $e s+eaks u+' 8Is it eally so necessa y t$at "e take t$e <ut, ) "oul! it (e enoug$ to !isa(le it,8

8T$at "oul! (e a ste+ in t$e ig$t !i ection%8 says 1eetee' 8:$at !o you $a*e in #in!,8 8T$ink o& it as a "il! !og !en%8 7ale continues' 8Cou/ e not going to &ig$t you "ay in' So you $a*e t"o c$oices' T a+ t$e !ogs insi!e o &lus$ t$e# out'8 8:e/*e t ie! (o#(ing t$e ent ances%8 says 9y#e' 8T$ey/ e set too &a insi!e t$e stone &o any eal !a#age to (e !one'8

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8I "asn/t t$inking o& t$at%8 says 7ale' 8I "as t$inking o& using t$e #ountain'8 1eetee ises an! joins 7ale at t$e "in!o"% +ee ing t$ oug$ $is ill>&itting glasses' 8See, Running !o"n t$e si!es,8 8A*alanc$e +at$s%8 says 1eetee un!e $is ( eat$' 8It/! (e t icky' :e/! $a*e to !esign t$e !etonation se4uence "it$ g eat ca e% an! once it/s in #otion% "e coul!n/t $o+e to cont ol it'8 8:e !on/t nee! to cont ol it i& "e gi*e u+ t$e i!ea t$at "e $a*e to +ossess t$e <ut%8 says 7ale' 8)nly s$ut it !o"n'8 8So you/ e suggesting "e sta t a*alanc$es an! (lock t$e ent ances,8 asks 9y#e' 8T$at/s it%8 says 7ale' 8T a+ t$e ene#y insi!e% cut o&& & o# su++lies' Make it i#+ossi(le &o t$e# to sen! out t$ei $o*e c a&t'8 :$ile e*e yone consi!e s t$e +lan% 1oggs &li+s t$ oug$ a stack o& (lue+ ints o& t$e <ut an! & o"ns' 8Cou isk killing e*e yone insi!e' 9ook at t$e *entilation syste#' It/s u!i#enta y at (est' <ot$ing like "$at "e $a*e in T$i teen' It !e+en!s enti ely on +u#+ing in ai & o# t$e #ountainsi!es' 1lock t$ose *ents an! you/ll su&&ocate "$oe*e is t a++e!'8

8T$ey coul! still esca+e t$ oug$ t$e t ain tunnel to t$e s4ua e%8 says 1eetee' 8<ot i& "e (lo" it u+%8 says 7ale ( us4uely' His intent% $is &ull intent% (eco#es clea ' 7ale $as no inte est in + ese *ing t$e li*es o& t$ose in t$e <ut' <o inte est in caging t$e + ey &o late use' T$is is one o& $is !eat$ t a+s'
.G= | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

T$e i#+lications o& "$at 7ale is suggesting settle 4uietly a oun! t$e oo#' Cou can see t$e eaction +laying out on +eo+le/s &aces' T$e e3+ essions ange & o# +leasu e to !ist ess% & o# so o" to satis&action' 8T$e #ajo ity o& t$e "o ke s a e citizens & o# T"o%8 says 1eetee neut ally' 8So "$at,8 says 7ale' 8:e/ll ne*e (e a(le to t ust t$e# again'8 8T$ey s$oul! at least $a*e a c$ance to su en!e %8 says 9y#e' 8:ell% t$at/s a lu3u y "e "e en/t gi*en "$en t$ey &i e> (o#(e! T"el*e% (ut you/ e all so #uc$ cozie "it$ t$e Ca+itol $e e%8 says 7ale' 1y t$e look on 9y#e/s &ace% I t$ink s$e #ig$t s$oot $i#% o at least take a s"ing' S$e/! + o(a(ly $a*e t$e u++e $an!% too% "it$ all $e t aining' 1ut $e ange only see#s to in&u iate $i# an! $e yells% 8:e "atc$e! c$il! en (u n to !eat$ an! t$e e "as not$ing "e coul! !oI8

I $a*e to close #y eyes a #inute% as t$e i#age i+s t$ oug$ #e' It $as t$e !esi e! e&&ect' I "ant e*e yone in t$at #ountain !ea!' A# a(out to say so' 1ut t$en'''I/# also a gi l & o# -ist ict .2' <ot P esi!ent Sno"' I can/t $el+ it' I can/t con!e#n so#eone to t$e !eat$ $e/s suggesting' 87ale%8 I say% taking $is a # an! t ying to s+eak in a easona(le tone' 8T$e <ut/s an ol! #ine' It/! (e like causing a #assi*e coal #ining acci!ent'8 Su ely t$e "o !s a e enoug$ to #ake anyone & o# .2 t$ink t"ice a(out t$e +lan'

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81ut not so 4uick as t$e one t$at kille! ou &at$e s%8 $e eto ts' 8Is t$at e*e yone/s + o(le#, T$at ou ene#ies #ig$t $a*e a &e" $ou s to e&lect on t$e &act t$at t$ey/ e !ying% instea! o& just (eing (lo"n to (its,8 1ack in t$e ol! !ays% "$en "e "e e not$ing #o e t$an a cou+le o& ki!s $unting outsi!e o& .2% 7ale sai! t$ings like t$is an! "o se' 1ut t$en t$ey "e e just "o !s' He e% +ut into + actice% t$ey (eco#e !ee!s t$at can ne*e (e e*e se!' 8Cou !on/t kno" $o" t$ose -ist ict T"o +eo+le en!e! u+ in t$e <ut%8 I say' 8T$ey #ay $a*e (een coe ce!' T$ey #ay (e $el! against t$ei "ill' So#e a e ou o"n s+ies' :ill you kill t$e#% too,8 8I "oul! sac i&ice a &e"% yes% to take out t$e est o& t$e#%8 $e e+lies' 8An! i& I "e e a s+y in t$e e% I/! say% /1 ing on t$e a*alanc$esI/8 I kno" $e/s telling t$e t ut$' T$at 7ale "oul! sac i&ice $is li&e in t$is "ay &o t$e cause>>no one !ou(ts it' Pe $a+s "e/! all !o t$e sa#e i& "e "e e t$e s+ies an! gi*en t$e c$oice' I guess I "oul!' 1ut it/s a col!$ea te! !ecision to #ake &o ot$e +eo+le an! t$ose "$o lo*e t$e#' 8Cou sai! "e $a! t"o c$oices%8 1oggs tells $i#' 8To t a+ t$e# o to &lus$ t$e# out' I say "e t y to a*alanc$e t$e #ountain (ut lea*e t$e t ain tunnel alone' Peo+le can esca+e into t$e s4ua e% "$e e "e/ll (e "aiting &o t$e#'8 8Hea*ily a #e!% I $o+e%8 says 7ale' 8Cou can (e su e t$ey/ll (e'8 8Hea*ily a #e!' :e/ll take t$e# + isone %8 ag ees 1oggs'
.GB | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

89et/s ( ing T$i teen into t$e loo+ no"%8 1eetee suggests' 89et P esi!ent Coin "eig$ in'8 8S$e/ll "ant to (lock t$e tunnel%8 says 7ale "it$ con*iction' 8Ces% #ost likely' 1ut you kno"% Peeta !i! $a*e a +oint in $is + o+os' A(out t$e !ange s o& killing ou sel*es o&&' I/*e (een +laying "it$ so#e nu#(e s' 6acto ing in t$e casualties an! t$e "oun!e! an!'''I t$ink it/s at least "o t$ a con*e sation%8 says 1eetee' )nly a $an!&ul o& +eo+le a e in*ite! to (e +a t o& t$at con*e sation' 7ale an! I a e elease! "it$ t$e est' I take $i# $unting so $e can (lo" o&& so#e stea#% (ut $e/s not talking a(out it' P o(a(ly too ang y "it$ #e &o counte ing $i#' T$e call !oes $a++en% a !ecision is #a!e% an! (y e*ening I/# suite! u+ in #y Mockingjay out&it% "it$ #y (o" slung o*e #y s$oul!e an! an ea +iece t$at connects #e to Hay#itc$ in .5>>just in case a goo! o++o tunity &o a + o+o a ises' :e "ait on t$e oo& o& t$e 0ustice 1uil!ing "it$ a clea *ie" o& ou ta get' )u $o*e +lanes a e initially igno e! (y t$e co##an!e s in t$e <ut% (ecause in t$e +ast t$ey/*e (een little #o e t ou(le t$an &lies (uzzing a oun! a $oney+ot' 1ut a&te t"o oun!s o& (o#(ings in t$e $ig$e ele*ations o& t$e #ountain% t$e +lanes $a*e t$ei attention' 1y t$e ti#e t$e Ca+itol/s antiai c a&t "ea+ons (egin to &i e% it/s al ea!y too late'

7ale/s +lan e3cee!s anyone/s e3+ectations' 1eetee "as ig$t a(out (eing una(le to cont ol t$e a*alanc$es once t$ey/! (een set in #otion' T$e #ountainsi!es a e natu ally unsta(le% (ut "eakene! (y t$e e3+losions% t$ey see# al#ost &lui!' :$ole sections o& t$e <ut colla+se (e&o e ou eyes%
.GE | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

o(lite ating any sign t$at $u#an (eings $a*e e*e set &oot on t$e +lace' :e stan! s+eec$less% tiny an! insigni&icant% as "a*es o& stone t$un!e !o"n t$e #ountain' 1u ying t$e ent ances un!e tons o& ock' Raising a clou! o& !i t an! !e( is t$at (lackens t$e sky' Tu ning t$e <ut into a to#(' I i#agine t$e $ell insi!e t$e #ountain' Si ens "ailing' 9ig$ts &licke ing into !a kness' Stone !ust c$oking t$e ai ' T$e s$ ieks o& +anicke!% t a++e! (eings stu#(ling #a!ly &o a "ay out% only to &in! t$e ent ances% t$e launc$+a!% t$e *entilation s$a&ts t$e#sel*es clogge! "it$ ea t$ an! ock t ying to &o ce its "ay in' 9i*e "i es &lung & ee% &i es ( eaking out% u((le #aking a &a#ilia +at$ a #aze' Peo+le sla##ing% s$o*ing% sc a#(ling like ants as t$e $ill + esses in% t$ eatening to c us$ t$ei & agile s$ells'

8;atniss,8 Hay#itc$/s *oice is in #y ea +iece' I t y to ans"e (ack an! &in! (ot$ o& #y $an!s a e cla#+e! tig$tly o*e #y #out$' 8;atnissI8 )n t$e !ay #y &at$e !ie!% t$e si ens "ent o&& !u ing #y sc$ool lunc$' <o one "aite! &o !is#issal% o "as e3+ecte! to' T$e es+onse to a #ine acci!ent "as so#et$ing outsi!e t$e cont ol o& e*en t$e Ca+itol' I an to P i#/s class' I still e#e#(e $e % tiny at se*en% *e y +ale% (ut sitting st aig$t u+ "it$ $e $an!s &ol!e! on $e !esk' :aiting &o #e to collect $e as I/! + o#ise! I "oul! i& t$e si ens e*e soun!e!' S$e s+ ang out o& $e seat% g a((e! #y coat slee*e% an! "e "o*e t$ oug$ t$e st ea#s o& +eo+le +ou ing out onto t$e st eets to +ool at t$e #ain ent ance o& t$e #ine' :e &oun! ou #ot$e clenc$ing t$e o+e t$at $a! (een $astily st ung to kee+ t$e c o"! (ack' In et os+ect% I guess I s$oul! $a*e kno"n t$e e "as a + o(le# ig$t t$en' 1ecause "$y "e e "e looking &o $e % "$en t$e e*e se s$oul! $a*e (een t ue,

.GF | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

T$e ele*ato s "e e sc eec$ing% (u ning u+ an! !o"n t$ei ca(les as t$ey *o#ite! s#oke>(lackene! #ine s into t$e lig$t o& !ay' :it$ eac$ g ou+ ca#e c ies o& elie&% elati*es !i*ing un!e t$e o+e to lea! o&& t$ei $us(an!s% "i*es% c$il! en% +a ents% si(lings' :e stoo! in t$e & eezing ai as t$e a&te noon tu ne! o*e cast% a lig$t sno" !uste! t$e ea t$' T$e ele*ato s #o*e! #o e slo"ly no" an! !isgo ge! &e"e (eings' I knelt on t$e g oun! an! + esse! #y $an!s into t$e cin!e s% "anting so (a!ly to +ull #y &at$e & ee' I& t$e e/s a #o e $el+less &eeling t$an t ying to eac$ so#eone you lo*e "$o/s t a++e! un!e g oun!% I !on/t kno" it' T$e "oun!e!' T$e (o!ies' T$e "aiting t$ oug$ t$e nig$t' 1lankets +ut a oun! you s$oul!e s (y st ange s' A #ug o& so#et$ing $ot t$at you !on/t ! ink' An! t$en &inally% at !a"n% t$e g ie*e! e3+ ession on t$e &ace o& t$e #ine ca+tain t$at coul! only #ean one t$ing'

:$at !i! "e just !o, 8;atnissI A e you t$e e,8 Hay#itc$ is + o(a(ly #aking +lans to $a*e #e &itte! &o a $ea! s$ackle at t$is *e y #o#ent' I ! o+ #y $an!s' 8Ces'8 87et insi!e' 0ust in case t$e Ca+itol t ies to etaliate "it$ "$at/s le&t o& its ai &o ce%8 $e inst ucts' 8Ces%8 I e+eat' E*e yone on t$e oo&% e3ce+t &o t$e sol!ie s #anning t$e #ac$ine guns% (egin to #ake t$ei "ay insi!e' As I !escen! t$e stai s% I can/t $el+ ( us$ing #y &inge s along t$e un(le#is$e! "$ite #a (le "alls' So col! an! (eauti&ul' E*en in t$e Ca+itol% t$e e/s not$ing to #atc$ t$e #agni&icence o& t$is ol! (uil!ing' 1ut t$e e is no gi*e to t$e su &ace>> only #y &les$ yiel!s% #y "a #t$ taken' Stone con4ue s +eo+le e*e y ti#e'
.GG | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

I sit at t$e (ase o& one o& t$e gigantic +illa s in t$e g eat ent ance $all' T$ oug$ t$e !oo s I can see t$e "$ite e3+anse o& #a (le t$at lea!s to t$e ste+s on t$e s4ua e' I e#e#(e $o" sick I "as t$e !ay Peeta an! I acce+te! cong atulations t$e e &o "inning t$e 7a#es' :o n !o"n (y t$e 2icto y Tou % &ailing in #y atte#+t to cal# t$e !ist icts% &acing t$e #e#o ies o& Clo*e an! Cato% +a ticula ly Cato/s g ueso#e% slo" !eat$ (y #utts'

1oggs c ouc$es !o"n (esi!e #e% $is skin +ale in t$e s$a!o"s' 8:e !i!n/t (o#( t$e t ain tunnel% you kno"' So#e o& t$e# "ill + o(a(ly get out'8 8An! t$en "e/ll s$oot t$e# "$en t$ey s$o" t$ei &aces,8 I ask' 8)nly i& "e $a*e to%8 $e ans"e s' 8:e coul! sen! in t ains ou sel*es' Hel+ e*acuate t$e "oun!e!%8 I say' 8<o' It "as !eci!e! to lea*e t$e tunnel in t$ei $an!s' T$at "ay t$ey can use all t$e t acks to ( ing +eo+le out%8 says 1oggs' 81esi!es% it "ill gi*e us ti#e to get t$e est o& ou sol!ie s to t$e s4ua e'8 A &e" $ou s ago% t$e s4ua e "as a no>#an/s>lan!% t$e & ont line o& t$e &ig$t (et"een t$e e(els an! t$e Peacekee+e s' :$en Coin ga*e a++ o*al &o 7ale/s +lan% t$e e(els launc$e! a $eate! attack an! ! o*e t$e Ca+itol &o ces (ack se*e al (locks so t$at "e "oul! cont ol t$e t ain station in t$e e*ent t$at t$e <ut &ell' :ell% it/s &allen' T$e eality $as sunk in' Any su *i*o s "ill esca+e to t$e s4ua e' I can $ea t$e gun&i e sta ting again% as t$e Peacekee+e s a e no !ou(t t ying to &ig$t t$ei "ay in to escue t$ei co# a!es' )u o"n sol!ie s a e (eing ( oug$t in to counte t$is'
2DD | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8Cou/ e col!%8 says 1oggs' 8I/ll see i& I can &in! a (lanket'8 He goes (e&o e I can + otest' I !on/t "ant a (lanket% e*en i& t$e #a (le continues to leec$ #y (o!y $eat' 8;atniss%8 says Hay#itc$ in #y ea ' 8Still $e e%8 I ans"e ' 8Inte esting tu n o& e*ents "it$ Peeta t$is a&te noon' T$oug$t you/! "ant to kno"%8 $e says' Inte esting isn/t goo!' It isn/t (ette ' 1ut I !on/t eally $a*e any c$oice (ut to listen' 8:e s$o"e! $i# t$at cli+ o& you singing /T$e Hanging T ee'/ It "as ne*e ai e!% so t$e Ca+itol coul!n/t use it "$en $e "as (eing $ijacke!' He says $e ecognize! t$e song'8

6o a #o#ent% #y $ea t ski+s a (eat' T$en I ealize it/s just #o e t acke jacke se u# con&usion' 8He coul!n/t% Hay#itc$' He ne*e $ea ! #e sing t$at song'8 8<ot you' Cou &at$e ' He $ea ! $i# singing it one !ay "$en $e ca#e to t a!e at t$e (ake y' Peeta "as s#all% + o(a(ly si3 o se*en% (ut $e e#e#(e e! it (ecause $e "as s+ecially listening to see i& t$e (i !s sto++e! singing%8 says Hay#itc$' 87uess t$ey !i!'8 Si3 o se*en' T$at "oul! $a*e (een (e&o e #y #ot$e (anne! t$e song' May(e e*en ig$t a oun! t$e ti#e I "as lea ning it' 8:as I t$e e% too,8 8-on/t t$ink so' <o #ention o& you any"ay' 1ut it/s t$e &i st connection to you t$at $asn/t t igge e! so#e #ental #elt!o"n%8 says Hay#itc$' 8It/s so#et$ing% at least% ;atniss'8 My &at$e ' He see#s to (e e*e y"$e e to!ay' -ying in t$e #ine' Singing $is "ay into Peeta/s #u!!le!
2D. | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

consciousness' 6licke ing in t$e look 1oggs gi*es #e as $e + otecti*ely " a+s t$e (lanket a oun! #y s$oul!e s' I #iss $i# so (a!ly it $u ts' T$e gun&i e/s eally +icking u+ outsi!e' 7ale $u ies (y "it$ a g ou+ o& e(els% eage ly $ea!e! &o t$e (attle' I !on/t +etition to join t$e &ig$te s% not t$at t$ey "oul! let #e' I $a*e no sto#ac$ &o it any"ay% no $eat in #y (loo!' I "is$ Peeta "as $e e>>t$e ol! Peeta>>(ecause $e "oul! (e a(le to a ticulate "$y it is so " ong to (e e3c$anging &i e "$en +eo+le% any +eo+le% a e t ying to cla" t$ei "ay out o& t$e #ountain' ) is #y o"n $isto y #aking #e too sensiti*e, A en/t "e at "a , Isn/t t$is just anot$e "ay to kill ou ene#ies,

<ig$t &alls 4uickly' Huge% ( ig$t s+otlig$ts a e tu ne! on% illu#inating t$e s4ua e' E*e y (ul( #ust (e (u ning at &ull "attage insi!e t$e t ain station as "ell' E*en & o# #y +osition ac oss t$e s4ua e% I can see clea ly t$ oug$ t$e +late>glass & ont o& t$e long% na o" (uil!ing' It "oul! (e i#+ossi(le to #iss t$e a i*al o& a t ain% o e*en a single +e son' 1ut $ou s +ass an! no one co#es' :it$ eac$ #inute% it (eco#es $a !e to i#agine t$at anyone su *i*e! t$e assault on t$e <ut'

It/s "ell a&te #i!nig$t "$en C essi!a co#es to attac$ a s+ecial #ic o+$one to #y costu#e' 8:$at/s t$is &o ,8 I ask' Hay#itc$/s *oice co#es on to e3+lain' 8I kno" you/ e not going to like t$is% (ut "e nee! you to #ake a s+eec$'8 8A s+eec$,8 I say% i##e!iately &eeling 4ueasy' 8I/ll &ee! it to you% line (y line%8 $e assu es #e' 8Cou/ll just $a*e to e+eat "$at I say' 9ook% t$e e/s no sign o&
2D2 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

li&e & o# t$at #ountain' :e/*e "on% (ut t$e &ig$ting/s continuing' So "e t$oug$t i& you "ent out on t$e ste+s o& t$e 0ustice 1uil!ing an! lai! it out>>tol! e*e y(o!y t$at t$e <ut/s !e&eate!% t$at t$e Ca+itol/s + esence in -ist ict T"o is &inis$e!>>you #ig$t (e a(le to get t$e est o& t$ei &o ces to su en!e '8 I +ee at t$e !a kness (eyon! t$e s4ua e' 8I can/t e*en see t$ei &o ces'8 8T$at/s "$at t$e #ike/s &o %8 $e says' 8Cou/ll (e ( oa!cast% (ot$ you *oice t$ oug$ t$ei e#e gency au!io syste#% an! you i#age "$e e*e +eo+le $a*e access to a sc een'8 I kno" t$e e a e a cou+le o& $uge sc eens $e e on t$e s4ua e' I sa" t$e# on t$e 2icto y Tou ' It #ig$t "o k% i& I "e e goo! at t$is so t o& t$ing' :$ic$ I/# not' T$ey t ie! to &ee! #e lines in t$ose ea ly e3+e i#ents "it$ t$e + o+os% too% an! it "as a &lo+' 8Cou coul! sa*e a lot o& li*es% ;atniss%8 Hay#itc$ says &inally' 8All ig$t' I/ll gi*e it a t y%8 I tell $i#' It/s st ange stan!ing outsi!e at t$e to+ o& t$e stai s% &ully costu#e!% ( ig$tly lit% (ut "it$ no *isi(le au!ience to !eli*e #y s+eec$ to' 9ike I/# !oing a s$o" &o t$e #oon' 89et/s #ake t$is 4uick%8 says Hay#itc$' 8Cou/ e too e3+ose!'8 My tele*ision c e"% +ositione! out in t$e s4ua e "it$ s+ecial ca#e as% in!icates t$at t$ey/ e ea!y' I tell Hay#itc$ to go a$ea!% t$en click on #y #ike an! listen ca e&ully to $i# !ictate t$e &i st line o& t$e s+eec$' A $uge i#age o& #e lig$ts u+ one o& t$e
2D5 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

sc eens o*e t$e s4ua e as I (egin' 8Peo+le o& -ist ict T"o% t$is is ;atniss E*e !een s+eaking to you & o# t$e ste+s o& you 0ustice 1uil!ing% "$e e>>8 T$e +ai o& t ains co#es sc eec$ing into t$e t ain station si!e (y si!e' As t$e !oo s sli!e o+en% +eo+le tu#(le out in a clou! o& s#oke t$ey/*e ( oug$t & o# t$e <ut' T$ey #ust $a*e $a! at least an inkling o& "$at "oul! a"ait t$e# at t$e s4ua e% (ecause you can see t$e# t ying to act e*asi*ely' Most o& t$e# &latten on t$e &loo % an! a s+ ay o& (ullets insi!e t$e station takes out t$e lig$ts' T$ey/*e co#e a #e!% as 7ale + e!icte!% (ut t$ey/*e co#e "oun!e! as "ell' T$e #oans can (e $ea ! in t$e ot$e "ise silent nig$t ai '

So#eone kills t$e lig$ts on t$e stai s% lea*ing #e in t$e + otection o& s$a!o"' A &la#e (loo#s insi!e t$e station>>one o& t$e t ains #ust actually (e on &i e>> an! a t$ick% (lack s#oke (illo"s against t$e "in!o"s' 9e&t "it$ no c$oice% t$e +eo+le (egin to +us$ out into t$e s4ua e% c$oking (ut !e&iantly "a*ing t$ei guns' My eyes !a t a oun! t$e oo&to+s t$at ing t$e s4ua e' E*e y one o& t$e# $as (een &o ti&ie! "it$ e(el>#anne! #ac$ine gun nests' Moonlig$t glints o&& oile! (a els'

A young #an stagge s out & o# t$e station% one $an! + esse! against a (loo!y clot$ at $is c$eek% t$e ot$e ! agging a gun' :$en $e t i+s an! &alls to $is &ace% I see t$e sco c$ #a ks !o"n t$e (ack o& $is s$i t% t$e e! &les$ (eneat$' An! su!!enly% $e/s just anot$e (u n *icti# & o# a #ine acci!ent' My &eet &ly !o"n t$e ste+s an! I take o&& unning &o $i#' 8Sto+I8 I yell at t$e e(els' 8Hol! you &i eI8 T$e "o !s ec$o a oun! t$e s4ua e an! (eyon! as t$e #ike a#+li&ies #y *oice' 8Sto+I8 I/# nea ing t$e young #an% eac$ing !o"n to $el+ $i#% "$en $e
2D= | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

! ags $i#sel& u+ to $is knees an! t ains $is gun on #y $ea!' I instincti*ely (ack u+ a &e" ste+s% aise #y (o" o*e #y $ea! to s$o" #y intention "as $a #less' <o" t$at $e $as (ot$ $an!s on $is gun% I notice t$e agge! $ole in $is c$eek "$e e so#et$ing>>&alling stone #ay(e>>+unctu e! t$e &les$' He s#ells o& (u ning t$ings% $ai an! #eat an! &uel' His eyes a e c aze! "it$ +ain an! &ea '

86 eeze%8 Hay#itc$/s *oice "$is+e s in #y ea ' I &ollo" $is o !e % ealizing t$at t$is is "$at all o& -ist ict 2% all o& Pane# #ay(e% #ust (e seeing at t$e #o#ent' T$e Mockingjay at t$e #e cy o& a #an "it$ not$ing to lose' His ga (le! s+eec$ is (a ely co#+ e$ensi(le' 87i*e #e one eason I s$oul!n/t s$oot you'8 T$e est o& t$e "o l! ece!es' T$e e/s only #e looking into t$e " etc$e! eyes o& t$e #an & o# t$e <ut "$o asks &o one eason' Su ely I s$oul! (e a(le to co#e u+ "it$ t$ousan!s' 1ut t$e "o !s t$at #ake it to #y li+s a e 8I can/t'8 9ogically% t$e ne3t t$ing t$at s$oul! $a++en is t$e #an +ulling t$e t igge ' 1ut $e/s +e +le3e!% t ying to #ake sense o& #y "o !s' I e3+e ience #y o"n con&usion as I ealize "$at I/*e sai! is enti ely t ue% an! t$e no(le i#+ulse t$at ca ie! #e ac oss t$e s4ua e is e+lace! (y !es+ai ' 8I can/t' T$at/s t$e + o(le#% isn/t it,8 I lo"e #y (o"' 8:e (le" u+ you #ine' Cou (u ne! #y !ist ict to t$e g oun!' :e/*e got e*e y eason to kill eac$ ot$e ' So !o it' Make t$e Ca+itol $a++y' I/# !one killing t$ei sla*es &o t$e#'8 I ! o+ #y (o" on t$e g oun! an! gi*e it a nu!ge "it$ #y (oot' It sli!es ac oss t$e stone an! co#es to est at $is knees'

2D? | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8I/# not t$ei sla*e%8 t$e #an #utte s' 8I a#%8 I say' 8T$at/s "$y I kille! Cato'''an! $e kille! T$ es$'''an! $e kille! Clo*e'''an! s$e t ie! to kill #e' It just goes a oun! an! a oun!% an! "$o "ins, <ot us' <ot t$e !ist icts' Al"ays t$e Ca+itol' 1ut I/# ti e! o& (eing a +iece in t$ei 7a#es'8 Peeta' )n t$e oo&to+ t$e nig$t (e&o e ou &i st Hunge 7a#es' He un!e stoo! it all (e&o e "e/! e*en set &oot in t$e a ena' I $o+e $e/s "atc$ing no"% t$at $e e#e#(e s t$at nig$t as it $a++ene!% an! #ay(e &o gi*es #e "$en I !ie' 8;ee+ talking' Tell t$e# a(out "atc$ing t$e #ountain go !o"n%8 Hay#itc$ insists' 8:$en I sa" t$at #ountain &all tonig$t% I t$oug$t'''t$ey/*e !one it again' 7ot #e to kill you>>t$e +eo+le in t$e !ist icts' 1ut "$y !i! I !o it, -ist ict T"el*e an! -ist ict T"o $a*e no &ig$t e3ce+t t$e one t$e Ca+itol ga*e us'8 T$e young #an (links at #e unco#+ e$en!ingly' I sink on #y knees (e&o e $i#% #y *oice lo" an! u gent' 8An! "$y a e you &ig$ting "it$ t$e e(els on t$e oo&to+s, :it$ 9y#e% "$o "as you *icto , :it$ +eo+le "$o "e e you neig$(o s% #ay(e e*en you &a#ily,8

8I !on/t kno"%8 says t$e #an' 1ut $e !oesn/t take $is gun o&& #e' I ise an! tu n slo"ly in a ci cle% a!! essing t$e #ac$ine guns' 8An! you u+ t$e e, I co#e & o# a #ining to"n' Since "$en !o #ine s con!e#n ot$e #ine s to t$at kin! o& !eat$% an! t$en stan! (y to kill "$oe*e #anages to c a"l & o# t$e u((le,8 8:$o is t$e ene#y,8 "$is+e s Hay#itc$'
2DB | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8T$ese +eo+le8>>I in!icate t$e "oun!e! (o!ies on t$e s4ua e>>8a e not you ene#yI8 I "$i+ (ack a oun! to t$e t ain station' 8T$e e(els a e not you ene#yI :e all $a*e one ene#y% an! it/s t$e Ca+itolI T$is is ou c$ance to +ut an en! to t$ei +o"e % (ut "e nee! e*e y !ist ict +e son to !o itI8 T$e ca#e as a e tig$t on #e as I eac$ out #y $an!s to t$e #an% to t$e "oun!e!% to t$e eluctant e(els ac oss Pane#' 8PleaseI 0oin usI8 My "o !s $ang in t$e ai ' I look to t$e sc een% $o+ing to see t$e# eco !ing so#e "a*e o& econciliation going t$ oug$ t$e c o"!' Instea! I "atc$ #ysel& get s$ot on tele*ision'

2DE | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8Al"ays'8 In t$e t"ilig$t o& #o +$ling% Peeta "$is+e s t$e "o ! an! I go sea c$ing &o $i#' It/s a gauzy% *iolet>tinte! "o l!% "it$ no $a ! e!ges% an! #any +laces to $i!e' I +us$ t$ oug$ clou! (anks% &ollo" &aint t acks% catc$ t$e scent o& cinna#on% o& !ill' )nce I &eel $is $an! on #y c$eek an! t y to t a+ it% (ut it !issol*es like #ist t$ oug$ #y &inge s'

:$en I &inally (egin to su &ace into t$e ste ile $os+ital oo# in .5% I e#e#(e ' I "as un!e t$e in&luence o& slee+ sy u+' My $eel $a! (een inju e! a&te I/! cli#(e! out on a ( anc$ o*e t$e elect ic &ence an! ! o++e! (ack into .2' Peeta $a! +ut #e to (e! an! I $a! aske! $i# to stay "it$ #e as I "as ! i&ting o&&' He $a! "$is+e e! so#et$ing I coul!n/t 4uite catc$' 1ut so#e +a t o& #y ( ain $a! t a++e! $is single "o ! o& e+ly an! let it s"i# u+ t$ oug$ #y ! ea#s to taunt #e no"' 8Al"ays'8

Mo +$ling !ulls t$e e3t e#es o& all e#otions% so instea! o& a sta( o& so o"% I #e ely &eel e#+tiness' A $ollo" o& !ea! ( us$ "$e e &lo"e s use! to (loo#' Kn&o tunately% t$e e/s not enoug$ o& t$e ! ug le&t in #y *eins &o #e to igno e t$e +ain in t$e le&t si!e o& #y (o!y' T$at/s "$e e t$e (ullet $it' My $an!s &u#(le o*e t$e t$ick (an!ages encasing #y i(s an! I "on!e "$at I/# still !oing $e e'

It "asn/t $i#% t$e #an kneeling (e&o e #e on t$e s4ua e% t$e (u ne! one & o# t$e <ut' He !i!n/t +ull t$e t igge ' It "as so#eone &a t$e (ack in t$e c o"!' T$e e "as less a sense o& +enet ation t$an t$e &eeling
2DF | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

t$at I/! (een st uck "it$ a sle!ge$a##e ' E*e yt$ing a&te t$e #o#ent o& i#+act is con&usion i!!le! "it$ gun&i e' I t y to sit u+% (ut t$e only t$ing I #anage is a #oan' T$e "$ite cu tain t$at !i*i!es #y (e! & o# t$e ne3t +atient/s "$i+s (ack% an! 0o$anna Mason sta es !o"n at #e' At &i st I &eel t$ eatene!% (ecause s$e attacke! #e in t$e a ena' I $a*e to e#in! #ysel& t$at s$e !i! it to sa*e #y li&e' It "as +a t o& t$e e(el +lot' 1ut still% t$at !oesn/t #ean s$e !oesn/t !es+ise #e' May(e $e t eat#ent o& #e "as all an act &o t$e Ca+itol,

8I/# ali*e%8 I say ustily' 8<o ki!!ing% ( ainless'8 0o$anna "alks o*e an! +lunks !o"n on #y (e!% sen!ing s+ikes o& +ain s$ooting ac oss #y c$est' :$en s$e g ins at #y !isco#&o t% I kno" "e/ e not in &o so#e "a # eunion scene' 8Still a little so e,8 :it$ an e3+e t $an!% s$e 4uickly !etac$es t$e #o +$ling ! i+ & o# #y a # an! +lugs it into a socket ta+e! into t$e c ook o& $e o"n' 8T$ey sta te! cutting (ack #y su++ly a &e" !ays ago' A& ai! I/# going to tu n into one o& t$ose & eaks & o# Si3' I/*e $a! to (o o" & o# you "$en t$e coast "as clea ' -i!n/t t$ink you/! #in!'8

Min!, Ho" can I #in! "$en s$e "as al#ost to tu e! to !eat$ (y Sno" a&te t$e Aua te Auell, I $a*e no ig$t to #in!% an! s$e kno"s it' 0o$anna sig$s as t$e #o +$ling ente s $e (loo!st ea#' 8May(e t$ey "e e onto so#et$ing in Si3' - ug you sel& out an! +aint &lo"e s on you (o!y' <ot suc$ a (a! li&e' See#e! $a++ie t$an t$e est o& us% any"ay'8

2DG | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

In t$e "eeks since I le&t .5% s$e/s gaine! so#e "eig$t (ack' A so&t !o"n o& $ai $as s+ oute! on $e s$a*e! $ea!% $el+ing to $i!e so#e o& t$e sca s' 1ut i& s$e/s si+$oning o&& #y #o +$ling% s$e/s st uggling' 8T$ey/*e got t$is $ea! !octo "$o co#es a oun! e*e y !ay' Su++ose! to (e $el+ing #e eco*e ' 9ike so#e guy "$o/s s+ent $is li&e in t$is a((it "a en/s going to &i3 #e u+' Co#+lete i!iot' At least t"enty ti#es a session $e e#in!s #e t$at I/# totally sa&e'8 I #anage a s#ile' It/s a t uly stu+i! t$ing to say% es+ecially to a *icto ' As i& suc$ a state o& (eing e*e e3iste!% any"$e e% &o anyone' 8Ho" a(out you% Mockingjay, Cou &eel totally sa&e,8

8)$% yea$' Rig$t u+ until I got s$ot%8 I say' 8Please' T$at (ullet ne*e e*en touc$e! you' Cinna sa" to t$at%8 s$e says' I t$ink o& t$e laye s o& + otecti*e a #o in #y Mockingjay out&it' 1ut t$e +ain ca#e & o# so#e"$e e' 81 oken i(s,8 8<ot e*en' 1 uise! + etty goo!' T$e i#+act u+tu e! you s+leen' T$ey coul!n/t e+ai it'8 S$e gi*es a !is#issi*e "a*e o& $e $an!' 8-on/t "o y% you !on/t nee! one' An! i& you !i!% t$ey/! &in! you one% "oul!n/t t$ey, It/s e*e y(o!y/s jo( to kee+ you ali*e'8 8Is t$at "$y you $ate #e,8 I ask' 8Pa tly%8 s$e a!#its' 80ealousy is ce tainly in*ol*e!' I also t$ink you/ e a little $a ! to s"allo"' :it$ you tacky o#antic ! a#a an! you !e&en!e >o&>t$e> $el+less act' )nly it isn/t an act% "$ic$ #akes you #o e un(ea a(le' Please &eel & ee to take t$is +e sonally'8

2.D | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8Cou s$oul! $a*e (een t$e Mockingjay' <o one "oul!/*e $a! to &ee! you lines%8 I say' 8T ue' 1ut no one likes #e%8 s$e tells #e' 8T$ey t uste! you% t$oug$' To get #e out%8 I e#in! $e ' 8An! t$ey/ e a& ai! o& you'8 8He e% #ay(e' In t$e Ca+itol% you/ e t$e one t$ey/ e sca e! o& no"'8 7ale a++ea s in t$e !oo "ay% an! 0o$anna neatly un$ooks $e sel& an! eattac$es #e to t$e #o +$ling ! i+' 8Cou cousin/s not a& ai! o& #e%8 s$e says con&i!entially' S$e scoots o&& #y (e! an! c osses to t$e !oo % nu!ging 7ale/s leg "it$ $e $i+ as s$e +asses $i#' 8A e you% go geous,8 :e can $ea $e laug$te as s$e !isa++ea s !o"n t$e $all'

I aise #y eye( o"s at $i# as $e takes #y $an!' 8Te i&ie!%8 $e #out$s' I laug$% (ut it tu ns into a "ince' 8Easy'8 He st okes #y &ace as t$e +ain e((s' 8Cou/*e got to sto+ unning st aig$t into t ou(le'8 8I kno"' 1ut so#eone (le" u+ a #ountain%8 I ans"e ' Instea! o& +ulling (ack% $e leans in close % sea c$ing #y &ace' 8Cou t$ink I/# $ea tless'8 8I kno" you/ e not' 1ut I "on/t tell you it/s okay%8 I say' <o" $e ! a"s (ack% al#ost i#+atiently' 8;atniss% "$at !i&&e ence is t$e e% eally% (et"een c us$ing ou ene#y in a #ine o (lo"ing t$e# out o& t$e sky "it$ one o& 1eetee/s a o"s, T$e esult is t$e sa#e'8 8I !on/t kno"' :e "e e un!e attack in Eig$t% &o one t$ing' T$e $os+ital "as un!e attack%8 I say'

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8Ces% an! t$ose $o*e +lanes ca#e & o# -ist ict T"o%8 $e says' 8So% (y taking t$e# out% "e + e*ente! &u t$e attacks'8 81ut t$at kin! o& t$inking'''you coul! tu n it into an a gu#ent &o killing anyone at any ti#e' Cou coul! justi&y sen!ing ki!s into t$e Hunge 7a#es to + e*ent t$e !ist icts & o# getting out o& line%8 I say' 8I !on/t (uy t$at%8 $e tells #e' 8I !o%8 I e+ly' 8It #ust (e t$ose t i+s to t$e a ena'8 86ine' :e kno" $o" to !isag ee%8 $e says' 8:e al"ays $a*e' May(e it/s goo!' 1et"een you an! #e% "e/*e got -ist ict T"o no"'8 8Really,8 6o a #o#ent a &eeling o& t iu#+$ &la es u+ insi!e #e' T$en I t$ink a(out t$e +eo+le on t$e s4ua e' 8:as t$e e &ig$ting a&te I "as s$ot,8 8<ot #uc$' T$e "o ke s & o# t$e <ut tu ne! on t$e Ca+itol sol!ie s' T$e e(els just sat (y an! "atc$e!%8 $e says' 8Actually% t$e "$ole count y just sat (y an! "atc$e!'8 8:ell% t$at/s "$at t$ey !o (est%8 I say' Cou/! t$ink t$at losing a #ajo o gan "oul! entitle you to lie a oun! a &e" "eeks% (ut &o so#e eason% #y !octo s "ant #e u+ an! #o*ing al#ost i##e!iately' E*en "it$ t$e #o +$ling% t$e inte nal +ain/s se*e e t$e &i st &e" !ays% (ut t$en it slacks o&& consi!e a(ly' T$e so eness & o# t$e ( uise! i(s% $o"e*e % + o#ises to $ang on &o a "$ile' I (egin to esent 0o$anna !i++ing into #y #o +$ling su++ly% (ut I still let $e take "$ate*e s$e likes'

2.2 | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

Ru#o s o& #y !eat$ $a*e (een unning a#+ant% so t$ey sen! in t$e tea# to &il# #e in #y $os+ital (e!' I s$o" o&& #y stitc$es an! i#+ essi*e ( uising an! cong atulate t$e !ist icts on t$ei success&ul (attle &o unity' T$en I "a n t$e Ca+itol to e3+ect us soon' As +a t o& #y e$a(ilitation% I take s$o t "alks a(o*eg oun! eac$ !ay' )ne a&te noon% Pluta c$ joins #e an! gi*es #e an u+!ate on ou cu ent situation' <o" t$at -ist ict 2 $as allie! "it$ us% t$e e(els a e taking a ( eat$e & o# t$e "a to eg ou+' 6o ti&ying su++ly lines% seeing to t$e "oun!e!% eo ganizing t$ei t oo+s' T$e Ca+itol% like .5 !u ing t$e -a k -ays% &in!s itsel& co#+letely cut o&& & o# outsi!e $el+ as it $ol!s t$e t$ eat o& nuclea attack o*e its ene#ies' Knlike .5% t$e Ca+itol is not in a +osition to ein*ent itsel& an! (eco#e sel&>su&&icient'

8)$% t$e city #ig$t (e a(le to sc a+e along &o a "$ile%8 says Pluta c$' 8Ce tainly% t$e e a e e#e gency su++lies stock+ile!' 1ut t$e signi&icant !i&&e ence (et"een T$i teen an! t$e Ca+itol a e t$e e3+ectations o& t$e +o+ulace' T$i teen "as use! to $a !s$i+% "$e eas in t$e Ca+itol% all t$ey/*e kno"n is Pane# et Ci censes'8

8:$at/s t$at,8 I ecognize Pane#% o& cou se% (ut t$e est is nonsense' 8It/s a saying & o# t$ousan!s o& yea s ago% " itten in a language calle! 9atin a(out a +lace calle! Ro#e%8 $e e3+lains' 8Pane# et Ci censes t anslates into /1 ea! an! Ci cuses'/ T$e " ite "as saying t$at in etu n &o &ull (ellies an! ente tain#ent% $is +eo+le $a! gi*en u+ t$ei +olitical es+onsi(ilities an! t$e e&o e t$ei +o"e '8

I t$ink a(out t$e Ca+itol' T$e e3cess o& &oo!' An! t$e ulti#ate ente tain#ent' T$e Hunge 7a#es' 8So
2.5 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

t$at/s "$at t$e !ist icts a e &o ' To + o*i!e t$e ( ea! an! ci cuses'8 8Ces' An! as long as t$at ke+t olling in% t$e Ca+itol coul! cont ol its little e#+i e' Rig$t no"% it can + o*i!e neit$e % at least at t$e stan!a ! t$e +eo+le a e accusto#e! to%8 says Pluta c$' 8:e $a*e t$e &oo! an! I/# a(out to o c$est ate an ente tain#ent + o+o t$at/s su e to (e +o+ula ' A&te all% e*e y(o!y lo*es a "e!!ing'8

I & eeze in #y t acks% sick at t$e i!ea o& "$at $e/s suggesting' So#e$o" staging so#e +e *e se "e!!ing (et"een Peeta an! #e' I $a*en/t (een a(le to &ace t$at one>"ay glass since I/*e (een (ack an!% at #y o"n e4uest% only get u+!ates a(out Peeta/s con!ition & o# Hay#itc$' He s+eaks *e y little a(out it' -i&&e ent tec$ni4ues a e (eing t ie!' T$e e "ill ne*e t uly (e a "ay to cu e $i#' An! no" t$ey "ant #e to #a y Peeta &o a + o+o,

Pluta c$ us$es to eassu e #e' 8)$% no% ;atniss' <ot you "e!!ing' 6innick an! Annie/s' All you nee! to !o is s$o" u+ an! + eten! to (e $a++y &o t$e#'8 8T$at/s one o& t$e &e" t$ings I "on/t $a*e to + eten!% Pluta c$%8 I tell $i#' T$e ne3t &e" !ays ( ing a &lu y o& acti*ity as t$e e*ent is +lanne!' T$e !i&&e ences (et"een t$e Ca+itol an! .5 a e t$ o"n into s$a + elie& (y t$e e*ent' :$en Coin says 8"e!!ing%8 s$e #eans t"o +eo+le signing a +iece o& +a+e an! (eing assigne! a ne" co#+a t#ent' Pluta c$ #eans $un! e!s o& +eo+le ! esse! in &ine y at a t$ ee>!ay cele( ation' It/s a#using to "atc$ t$e# $aggle o*e t$e !etails' Pluta c$ $as to &ig$t &o e*e y guest% e*e y #usical note' A&te Coin *etoes a !inne % ente tain#ent% an!

2.= | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

alco$ol% Pluta c$ yells% 8:$at/s t$e +oint o& t$e + o+o i& no one/s $a*ing any &unI8 It/s $a ! to +ut a 7a#e#ake on a (u!get' 1ut e*en a 4uiet cele( ation causes a sti in .5% "$e e t$ey see# to $a*e no $oli!ays at all' :$en it/s announce! t$at c$il! en a e "ante! to sing -ist ict =/s "e!!ing song% + actically e*e y ki! s$o"s u+' T$e e/s no s$o tage o& *oluntee s to $el+ #ake !eco ations' In t$e !ining $all% +eo+le c$at e3cite!ly a(out t$e e*ent'

May(e it/s #o e t$an t$e &esti*ities' May(e it/s t$at "e a e all so sta *e! &o so#et$ing goo! to $a++en t$at "e "ant to (e +a t o& it' It "oul! e3+lain "$y>> "$en Pluta c$ $as a &it o*e "$at t$e ( i!e "ill "ea > >I *oluntee to take Annie (ack to #y $ouse in .2% "$e e Cinna le&t a *a iety o& e*ening clot$es in a (ig sto age closet !o"nstai s' All o& t$e "e!!ing go"ns $e !esigne! &o #e "ent (ack to t$e Ca+itol% (ut t$e e a e so#e ! esses I "o e on t$e 2icto y Tou ' I/# a little lee y a(out (eing "it$ Annie since all I eally kno" a(out $e is t$at 6innick lo*es $e an! e*e y(o!y t$inks s$e/s #a!' )n t$e $o*e c a&t i!e% I !eci!e s$e/s less #a! t$an unsta(le' S$e laug$s at o!! +laces in t$e con*e sation o ! o+s out o& it !ist acte!ly' T$ose g een eyes &i3ate on a +oint "it$ suc$ intensity t$at you &in! you sel& t ying to #ake out "$at s$e sees in t$e e#+ty ai ' So#eti#es% &o no eason% s$e + esses (ot$ $e $an!s o*e $e ea s as i& to (lock out a +ain&ul soun!' All ig$t% s$e/s st ange% (ut i& 6innick lo*es $e % t$at/s goo! enoug$ &o #e'

I got +e #ission &o #y + e+ tea# to co#e along% so I/# elie*e! o& $a*ing to #ake any &as$ion !ecisions' :$en I o+en t$e closet% "e all &all silent (ecause Cinna/s + esence is so st ong in t$e &lo" o& t$e &a( ics' T$en )cta*ia ! o+s to $e knees% u(s t$e $e# o& a ski t against $e c$eek% an! (u sts into

2.? | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

tea s' 8It/s (een so long%8 s$e gas+s% 8since I/*e seen anyt$ing + etty'8 -es+ite ese *ations on Coin/s si!e t$at it/s too e3t a*agant% an! on Pluta c$/s si!e t$at it/s too ! a(% t$e "e!!ing is a s#as$ $it' T$e t$ ee $un! e! lucky guests culle! & o# .5 an! t$e #any e&ugees "ea t$ei e*e y!ay clot$es% t$e !eco ations a e #a!e & o# autu#n &oliage% t$e #usic is + o*i!e! (y a c$oi o& c$il! en acco#+anie! (y t$e lone &i!!le "$o #a!e it out o& .2 "it$ $is inst u#ent' So it/s si#+le% & ugal (y t$e Ca+itol/s stan!a !s' It !oesn/t #atte (ecause not$ing can co#+ete "it$ t$e (eauty o& t$e cou+le' It isn/t a(out t$ei (o o"e! &ine y>>Annie "ea s a g een silk ! ess I "o e in ?% 6innick one o& Peeta/s suits t$at t$ey alte e!>>alt$oug$ t$e clot$es a e st iking' :$o can look +ast t$e a!iant &aces o& t"o +eo+le &o "$o# t$is !ay "as once a *i tual i#+ossi(ility, -alton% t$e cattle guy & o# .D% con!ucts t$e ce e#ony% since it/s si#ila to t$e one use! in $is !ist ict' 1ut t$e e a e uni4ue touc$es o& -ist ict =' A net "o*en & o# long g ass t$at co*e s t$e cou+le !u ing t$ei *o"s% t$e touc$ing o& eac$ ot$e /s li+s "it$ salt "ate % an! t$e ancient "e!!ing song% "$ic$ likens #a iage to a sea *oyage'

<o% I !on/t $a*e to + eten! to (e $a++y &o t$e#' A&te t$e kiss t$at seals t$e union% t$e c$ee s% an! a toast "it$ a++le ci!e % t$e &i!!le st ikes u+ a tune t$at tu ns e*e y $ea! & o# .2' :e #ay $a*e (een t$e s#allest% +oo est !ist ict in Pane#% (ut "e kno" $o" to !ance' <ot$ing $as (een o&&icially sc$e!ule! at t$is +oint% (ut Pluta c$% "$o/s calling t$e + o+o & o# t$e cont ol oo#% #ust $a*e $is &inge s c osse!' Su e enoug$% 7 easy Sae g a(s 7ale (y t$e $an! an! +ulls $i# into t$e cente o& t$e &loo an! &aces o&& "it$ $i#' Peo+le +ou in to join t$e#% &o #ing t"o long lines' An! t$e !ancing (egins'
2.B | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

I/# stan!ing o&& to t$e si!e% cla++ing to t$e $yt$#% "$en a (ony $an! +inc$es #e a(o*e t$e el(o"' 0o$anna sco"ls at #e' 8A e you going to #iss t$e c$ance to let Sno" see you !ancing,8 S$e/s ig$t' :$at coul! s+ell *icto y lou!e t$an a $a++y Mockingjay t"i ling a oun! to #usic, I &in! P i# in t$e c o"!' Since "inte e*enings ga*e us a lot o& ti#e to + actice% "e/ e actually + etty goo! +a tne s' I ( us$ o&& $e conce ns a(out #y i(s% an! "e take ou +laces in t$e line' It $u ts% (ut t$e satis&action o& $a*ing Sno" "atc$ #e !ance "it$ #y little siste e!uces ot$e &eelings to !ust'

-ancing t ans&o #s us' :e teac$ t$e ste+s to t$e -ist ict .5 guests' Insist on a s+ecial nu#(e &o t$e ( i!e an! g oo#' 0oin $an!s an! #ake a giant% s+inning ci cle "$e e +eo+le s$o" o&& t$ei &oot"o k' <ot$ing silly% joy&ul% o &un $as $a++ene! in so long' T$is coul! go on all nig$t i& not &o t$e last e*ent +lanne! in Pluta c$/s + o+o' )ne I $a!n/t $ea ! a(out% (ut t$en it "as #eant to (e a su + ise'

6ou +eo+le "$eel out a $uge "e!!ing cake & o# a si!e oo#' Most o& t$e guests (ack u+% #aking "ay &o t$is a ity% t$is !azzling c eation "it$ (lue>g een% "$ite>ti++e! icing "a*es s"i##ing "it$ &is$ an! sail(oats% seals an! sea &lo"e s' 1ut I +us$ #y "ay t$ oug$ t$e c o"! to con&i # "$at I kne" at &i st sig$t' As su ely as t$e e#( oi!e y stitc$es in Annie/s go"n "e e !one (y Cinna/s $an!% t$e & oste! &lo"e s on t$e cake "e e !one (y Peeta/s'

T$is #ay see# like a s#all t$ing% (ut it s+eaks *olu#es' Hay#itc$ $as (een kee+ing a g eat !eal & o# #e' T$e (oy I last sa"% sc ea#ing $is $ea! o&&% t ying to tea & ee o& $is est aints% coul! ne*e $a*e #a!e t$is' <e*e $a*e $a! t$e &ocus% ke+t $is $an!s stea!y% !esigne! so#et$ing so +e &ect &o 6innick an!

2.E | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

Annie' As i& antici+ating #y eaction% Hay#itc$ is at #y si!e' 89et/s you an! #e $a*e a talk%8 $e says' )ut in t$e $all% a"ay & o# t$e ca#e as% I ask% 8:$at/s $a++ening to $i#,8 Hay#itc$ s$akes $is $ea!' 8I !on/t kno"' <one o& us kno"s' So#eti#es $e/s al#ost ational% an! t$en% &o no eason% $e goes o&& again' -oing t$e cake "as a kin! o& t$e a+y' He/s (een "o king on it &o !ays' :atc$ing $i#'''$e see#e! al#ost like (e&o e'8 8So% $e/s got t$e un o& t$e +lace,8 I ask' T$e i!ea #akes #e ne *ous on a(out &i*e !i&&e ent le*els' 8)$% no' He & oste! un!e $ea*y gua !' He/s still un!e lock an! key' 1ut I/*e talke! to $i#%8 Hay#itc$ says' 86ace>to>&ace,8 I ask' 8An! $e !i!n/t go nuts,8 8<o' P etty ang y "it$ #e% (ut &o all t$e ig$t easons' <ot telling $i# a(out t$e e(el +lot an! "$atnot'8 Hay#itc$ +auses a #o#ent% as i& !eci!ing so#et$ing' 8He says $e/! like to see you'8 I/# on a & osting sail(oat% tosse! a oun! (y (lue> g een "a*es% t$e !eck s$i&ting (eneat$ #y &eet' My +al#s + ess into t$e "all to stea!y #ysel&' T$is "asn/t +a t o& t$e +lan' I " ote Peeta o&& in 2' T$en I "as to go to t$e Ca+itol% kill Sno"% an! get taken out #ysel&' T$e guns$ot "as only a te#+o a y set(ack' <e*e "as I su++ose! to $ea t$e "o !s He says $e/! like to see you' 1ut no" t$at I $a*e% t$e e/s no "ay to e&use'

2.F | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

At #i!nig$t% I/# stan!ing outsi!e t$e !oo to $is cell' Hos+ital oo#' :e $a! to "ait &o Pluta c$ to &inis$ getting $is "e!!ing &ootage% "$ic$% !es+ite t$e lack o& "$at $e calls azzle>!azzle% $e/s +lease! "it$' 8T$e (est t$ing a(out t$e Ca+itol (asically igno ing T"el*e all t$ese yea s is t$at you +eo+le still $a*e a little s+ontaneity' T$e au!ience eats t$at u+' 9ike "$en Peeta announce! $e "as in lo*e "it$ you o you !i! t$e t ick "it$ t$e (e ies' Makes &o goo! tele*ision'8

I "is$ I coul! #eet "it$ Peeta + i*ately' 1ut t$e au!ience o& !octo s $as asse#(le! (e$in! t$e one> "ay glass% cli+(oa !s ea!y% +ens +oise!' :$en Hay#itc$ gi*es #e t$e okay in #y ea +iece% I slo"ly o+en t$e !oo ' T$ose (lue eyes lock on #e instantly' He/s got t$ ee est aints on eac$ a #% an! a tu(e t$at can !is+ense a knockout ! ug just in case $e loses cont ol' He !oesn/t &ig$t to & ee $i#sel&% t$oug$% only o(se *es #e "it$ t$e "a y look o& so#eone "$o still $asn/t ule! out t$at $e/s in t$e + esence o& a #utt' I "alk o*e until I/# stan!ing a(out a ya ! & o# t$e (e!' T$e e/s not$ing to !o "it$ #y $an!s% so I c oss #y a #s + otecti*ely o*e #y i(s (e&o e I s+eak' 8Hey'8

8Hey%8 $e es+on!s' It/s like $is *oice% al#ost $is *oice% e3ce+t t$e e/s so#et$ing ne" in it' An e!ge o& sus+icion an! e+ oac$' 8Hay#itc$ sai! you "ante! to talk to #e%8 I say' 89ook at you% &o sta te s'8 It/s like $e/s "aiting &o #e to t ans&o # into a $y( i! ! ooling "ol& ig$t (e&o e $is eyes' He sta es so long I &in! #ysel& casting &u ti*e glances at t$e one>"ay glass% $o+ing &o so#e !i ection & o# Hay#itc$% (ut #y ea +iece stays silent' 8Cou/ e not *e y (ig% a e you, ) +a ticula ly + etty,8

2.G | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

I kno" $e/s (een t$ oug$ $ell an! (ack% an! yet so#e$o" t$e o(se *ation u(s #e t$e " ong "ay' 8:ell% you/*e looke! (ette '8 Hay#itc$/s a!*ice to (ack o&& gets #u&&le! (y Peeta/s laug$te ' 8An! not e*en e#otely nice' To say t$at to #e a&te all I/*e (een t$ oug$'8 8Cea$' :e/*e all (een t$ oug$ a lot' An! you/ e t$e one "$o "as kno"n &o (eing nice' <ot #e'8 I/# !oing e*e yt$ing " ong' I !on/t kno" "$y I &eel so !e&ensi*e' He/s (een to tu e!I He/s (een $ijacke!I :$at/s " ong "it$ #e, Su!!enly% I t$ink I #ig$t sta t sc ea#ing at $i#>>I/# not e*en su e a(out "$at>>so I !eci!e to get out o& t$e e' 89ook% I !on/t &eel so "ell' May(e I/ll ! o+ (y to#o o"'8

I/*e just eac$e! t$e !oo "$en $is *oice sto+s #e' 8;atniss' I e#e#(e a(out t$e ( ea!'8 T$e ( ea!' )u one #o#ent o& eal connection (e&o e t$e Hunge 7a#es' 8T$ey s$o"e! you t$e ta+e o& #e talking a(out it%8 I say' 8<o' Is t$e e a ta+e o& you talking a(out it, :$y !i!n/t t$e Ca+itol use it against #e,8 $e asks' 8I #a!e it t$e !ay you "e e escue!%8 I ans"e ' T$e +ain in #y c$est " a+s a oun! #y i(s like a *ise' T$e !ancing "as a #istake' 8So "$at !o you e#e#(e ,8 8Cou' In t$e ain%8 $e says so&tly' 8-igging in ou t as$ (ins' 1u ning t$e ( ea!' My #ot$e $itting #e' Taking t$e ( ea! out &o t$e +ig (ut t$en gi*ing it to you instea!'8
22D | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8T$at/s it' T$at/s "$at $a++ene!%8 I say' 8T$e ne3t !ay% a&te sc$ool% I "ante! to t$ank you' 1ut I !i!n/t kno" $o"'8 8:e "e e outsi!e at t$e en! o& t$e !ay' I t ie! to catc$ you eye' Cou looke! a"ay' An! t$en'''&o so#e eason% I t$ink you +icke! a !an!elion'8 I no!' He !oes e#e#(e ' I $a*e ne*e s+oken a(out t$at #o#ent alou!' 8I #ust $a*e lo*e! you a lot'8 8Cou !i!'8 My *oice catc$es an! I + eten! to coug$' 8An! !i! you lo*e #e,8 $e asks' I kee+ #y eyes on t$e tile! &loo ' 8E*e yone says I !i!' E*e yone says t$at/s "$y Sno" $a! you to tu e!' To ( eak #e'8 8T$at/s not an ans"e %8 $e tells #e' 8I !on/t kno" "$at to t$ink "$en t$ey s$o" #e so#e o& t$e ta+es' In t$at &i st a ena% it looke! like you t ie! to kill #e "it$ t$ose t acke jacke s'8 8I "as t ying to kill all o& you%8 I say' 8Cou $a! #e t ee!'8 89ate % t$e e/s a lot o& kissing' -i!n/t see# *e y genuine on you +a t' -i! you like kissing #e,8 $e asks' 8So#eti#es%8 I a!#it' 8Cou kno" +eo+le a e "atc$ing us no",8 8I kno"' :$at a(out 7ale,8 $e continues' My ange /s etu ning' I !on/t ca e a(out $is eco*e y>> t$is isn/t t$e (usiness o& t$e +eo+le (e$in! t$e glass' 8He/s not a (a! kisse eit$e %8 I say s$o tly'
22. | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8An! it "as okay "it$ (ot$ o& us, Cou kissing t$e ot$e ,8 $e asks' 8<o' It "asn/t okay "it$ eit$e o& you' 1ut I "asn/t asking you +e #ission%8 I tell $i#' Peeta laug$s again% col!ly% !is#issi*ely' 8:ell% you/ e a +iece o& "o k% a en/t you,8 Hay#itc$ !oesn/t + otest "$en I "alk out' -o"n t$e $all' T$ oug$ t$e (ee$i*e o& co#+a t#ents' 6in! a "a # +i+e to $i!e (e$in! in a laun! y oo#' It takes a long ti#e (e&o e I get to t$e (otto# o& "$y I/# so u+set' :$en I !o% it/s al#ost too #o ti&ying to a!#it' All t$ose #ont$s o& taking it &o g ante! t$at Peeta t$oug$t I "as "on!e &ul a e o*e ' 6inally% $e can see #e &o "$o I eally a#' 2iolent' -ist ust&ul' Mani+ulati*e' -ea!ly'

An! I $ate $i# &o it'

222 | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

1lin!si!e!' T$at/s $o" I &eel "$en Hay#itc$ tells #e in t$e $os+ital' I &ly !o"n t$e ste+s to Co##an!% #in! acing a #ile a #inute% an! (u st ig$t into a "a #eeting' 8:$at !o you #ean% I/# not going to t$e Ca+itol, I $a*e to goI I/# t$e MockingjayI8 I say' Coin (a ely looks u+ & o# $e sc een' 8An! as t$e Mockingjay% you + i#a y goal o& uni&ying t$e !ist icts against t$e Ca+itol $as (een ac$ie*e!' -on/t "o y>>i& it goes "ell% "e/ll &ly you in &o t$e su en!e '8 T$e su en!e , 8T$at/ll (e too lateI I/ll #iss all t$e &ig$ting' Cou nee! #e>>I/# t$e (est s$ot you/*e gotI8 I s$out' I !on/t usually ( ag a(out t$is% (ut it/s got to (e at least close to t ue' 87ale/s going'8 87ale $as s$o"n u+ &o t aining e*e y !ay unless occu+ie! "it$ ot$e a++ o*e! !uties' :e &eel con&i!ent $e can #anage $i#sel& in t$e &iel!%8 says Coin' 8Ho" #any t aining sessions !o you esti#ate you/*e atten!e!,8 <one' T$at/s $o" #any' 8:ell% so#eti#es I "as $unting' An!'''I t aine! "it$ 1eetee !o"n in S+ecial :ea+on y'8 8It/s not t$e sa#e% ;atniss%8 says 1oggs' 8:e all kno" you/ e s#a t an! ( a*e an! a goo! s$ot' 1ut "e nee! sol!ie s in t$e &iel!' Cou !on/t kno" t$e &i st t$ing
225 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

a(out e3ecuting o !e s% an! you/ e not e3actly at you +$ysical +eak'8 8T$at !i!n/t (ot$e you "$en I "as in Eig$t' ) T"o% &o t$at #atte %8 I counte ' 8Cou "e en/t o iginally aut$o ize! &o co#(at in eit$e case%8 says Pluta c$% s$ooting #e a look t$at signals I/# a(out to e*eal too #uc$' <o% t$e (o#(e (attle in F an! #y inte *ention in 2 "e e s+ontaneous% as$% an! !e&initely unaut$o ize!' 8An! (ot$ esulte! in you inju y%8 1oggs e#in!s #e' Su!!enly% I see #ysel& t$ oug$ $is eyes' A s#allis$ se*enteen>yea >ol! gi l "$o can/t 4uite catc$ $e ( eat$ since $e i(s $a*en/t &ully $eale!' -is$e*ele!' Kn!isci+line!' Recu+e ating' <ot a sol!ie % (ut so#eone "$o nee!s to (e looke! a&te ' 81ut I $a*e to go%8 I say' 8:$y,8 asks Coin' I can/t *e y "ell say it/s so I can ca y out #y o"n +e sonal *en!etta against Sno"' ) t$at t$e i!ea o& e#aining $e e in .5 "it$ t$e latest *e sion o& Peeta "$ile 7ale goes o&& to &ig$t is un(ea a(le' 1ut I $a*e no s$o tage o& easons to "ant to &ig$t in t$e Ca+itol' 81ecause o& T"el*e' 1ecause t$ey !est oye! #y !ist ict'8

T$e + esi!ent t$inks a(out t$is a #o#ent' Consi!e s #e' 8:ell% you $a*e t$ ee "eeks' It/s not long% (ut you can (egin t aining' I& t$e Assign#ent 1oa ! !ee#s you &it% +ossi(ly you case "ill (e e*ie"e!'8 T$at/s it' T$at/s t$e #ost I can $o+e &o ' I guess it/s #y o"n &ault' I !i! (lo" o&& #y sc$e!ule e*e y single
22= | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

!ay unless so#et$ing suite! #e' It !i!n/t see# like #uc$ o& a + io ity% jogging a oun! a &iel! "it$ a gun "it$ so #any ot$e t$ings going on' An! no" I/# +aying &o #y negligence' 1ack in t$e $os+ital% I &in! 0o$anna in t$e sa#e ci cu#stance an! s+itting #a!' I tell $e a(out "$at Coin sai!' 8May(e you can t ain% too'8 86ine' I/ll t ain' 1ut I/# going to t$e stinking Ca+itol i& I $a*e to kill a c e" an! &ly t$e e #ysel&%8 says 0o$anna' 8P o(a(ly (est not to ( ing t$at u+ in t aining%8 I say' 81ut it/s nice to kno" I/ll $a*e a i!e'8 0o$anna g ins% an! I &eel a slig$t (ut signi&icant s$i&t in ou elations$i+' I !on/t kno" t$at "e/ e actually & ien!s% (ut +ossi(ly t$e "o ! allies "oul! (e accu ate' T$at/s goo!' I/# going to nee! an ally' T$e ne3t #o ning% "$en "e e+o t &o t aining at EH5D% eality sla+s #e in t$e &ace' :e/*e (een &unnele! into a class o& elati*e (eginne s% &ou teen> o &i&teen> yea >ol!s% "$ic$ see#s a little insulting until it/s o(*ious t$at t$ey/ e in &a (ette con!ition t$an "e a e' 7ale an! t$e ot$e +eo+le al ea!y c$osen to go to t$e Ca+itol a e in a !i&&e ent% accele ate! +$ase o& t aining' A&te "e st etc$>>"$ic$ $u ts>>t$e e/s a cou+le o& $ou s o& st engt$ening e3e cises>>"$ic$ $u t>>an! a &i*e>#ile un>>"$ic$ kills' E*en "it$ 0o$anna/s #oti*ational insults ! i*ing #e on% I $a*e to ! o+ out a&te a #ile'

8It/s #y i(s%8 I e3+lain to t$e t aine % a no>nonsense #i!!le>age! "o#an "e/ e su++ose! to a!! ess as Sol!ie Co k' 8T$ey/ e still ( uise!'8

22? | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8:ell% I/ll tell you% Sol!ie E*e !een% t$ose a e going to take at least anot$e #ont$ to $eal u+ on t$ei o"n%8 s$e says' I s$ake #y $ea!' 8I !on/t $a*e a #ont$'8 S$e looks #e u+ an! !o"n' 8T$e !octo s $a*en/t o&&e e! you any t eat#ent,8 8Is t$e e a t eat#ent,8 I ask' 8T$ey sai! t$ey $a! to #en! natu ally'8 8T$at/s "$at t$ey say' 1ut t$ey coul! s+ee! u+ t$e + ocess i& I eco##en! it' I "a n you% t$oug$% it isn/t any &un%8 s$e tells #e' 8Please' I/*e got to get to t$e Ca+itol%8 I say' Sol!ie Co k !oesn/t 4uestion t$is' S$e sc i((les so#et$ing on a +a! an! sen!s #e !i ectly (ack to t$e $os+ital' I $esitate' I !on/t "ant to #iss any #o e t aining' 8I/ll (e (ack &o t$e a&te noon session%8 I + o#ise' S$e just +u ses $e li+s' T"enty>&ou nee!le ja(s to #y i( cage late % I/# &lattene! out on #y $os+ital (e!% g itting #y teet$ to kee+ & o# (egging t$e# to ( ing (ack #y #o +$ling ! i+' It/s (een (y #y (e! so I can take a $it as nee!e!' I $a*en/t use! it lately% (ut I ke+t it &o 0o$anna/s sake' To!ay t$ey teste! #y (loo! to #ake su e it "as clean o& t$e +ainkille % as t$e #i3tu e o& t$e t"o ! ugs>>t$e #o +$ling an! "$ate*e /s set #y i(s on &i e>>$as !ange ous si!e e&&ects' T$ey #a!e it clea I "oul! $a*e a !i&&icult cou+le o& !ays' 1ut I tol! t$e# to go a$ea!'

It/s a (a! nig$t in ou oo#' Slee+/s out o& t$e 4uestion' I t$ink I can actually s#ell t$e ing o& &les$ a oun! #y c$est (u ning% an! 0o$anna/s &ig$ting o&&
22B | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

"it$! a"al sy#+to#s' Ea ly on% "$en I a+ologize a(out cutting o&& $e #o +$ling su++ly% s$e "a*es it o&&% saying it $a! to $a++en any"ay' 1ut (y t$ ee in t$e #o ning% I/# t$e ta get o& e*e y colo &ul (it o& + o&anity -ist ict E $as to o&&e ' At !a"n% s$e ! ags #e out o& (e!% !ete #ine! to get to t aining' 8I !on/t t$ink I can !o it%8 I con&ess' 8Cou can !o it' :e (ot$ can' :e/ e *icto s% e#e#(e , :e/ e t$e ones "$o can su *i*e anyt$ing t$ey t$ o" at us%8 s$e sna ls at #e' S$e/s a sick g eenis$ colo % s$aking like a lea&' I get ! esse!' :e #ust (e *icto s to #ake it t$ oug$ t$e #o ning' I t$ink I/# going to lose 0o$anna "$en "e ealize it/s +ou ing outsi!e' He &ace tu ns as$en an! s$e see#s to $a*e cease! ( eat$ing' 8It/s just "ate ' It "on/t kill us%8 I say' S$e clenc$es $e ja" an! sto#+s out into t$e #u!' Rain ! enc$es us as "e "o k ou (o!ies an! t$en slog a oun! t$e unning cou se' I (ail a&te a #ile again% an! I $a*e to esist t$e te#+tation to take o&& #y s$i t so t$e col! "ate can sizzle o&& #y i(s' I &o ce !o"n #y &iel! lunc$ o& soggy &is$ an! (eet ste"' 0o$anna gets $al&"ay t$ oug$ $e (o"l (e&o e it co#es (ack u+' In t$e a&te noon% "e lea n to asse#(le ou guns' I #anage it% (ut 0o$anna can/t $ol! $e $an!s stea!y enoug$ to &it t$e +a ts toget$e ' :$en Co k/s (ack is tu ne!% I $el+ $e out' E*en t$oug$ t$e ain continues% t$e a&te noon/s an i#+ o*e#ent (ecause "e/ e on t$e s$ooting ange' At last% so#et$ing I/# goo! at' It takes so#e a!justing & o# a (o" to a gun% (ut (y t$e en! o& t$e !ay% I/*e got t$e (est sco e in #y class'

22E | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

:e/ e just insi!e t$e $os+ital !oo s "$en 0o$anna !ecla es% 8T$is $as to sto+' Ks li*ing in t$e $os+ital' E*e yone *ie"s us as +atients'8 It/s not a + o(le# &o #e' I can #o*e into ou &a#ily co#+a t#ent% (ut 0o$anna/s ne*e (een assigne! one' :$en s$e t ies to get !isc$a ge! & o# t$e $os+ital% t$ey "on/t ag ee to let $e li*e alone% e*en i& s$e co#es in &o !aily talks "it$ t$e $ea! !octo ' I t$ink t$ey #ay $a*e +ut t"o an! t"o toget$e a(out t$e #o +$ling an! t$is only a!!s to t$ei *ie" t$at s$e/s unsta(le' 8S$e "on/t (e alone' I/# going to oo# "it$ $e %8 I announce' T$e e/s so#e !issent% (ut Hay#itc$ takes ou +a t% an! (y (e!ti#e% "e $a*e a co#+a t#ent ac oss & o# P i# an! #y #ot$e % "$o ag ees to kee+ an eye on us'

A&te I take a s$o"e % an! 0o$anna so t o& "i+es $e sel& !o"n "it$ a !a#+ clot$% s$e #akes a cu so y ins+ection o& t$e +lace' :$en s$e o+ens t$e ! a"e t$at $ol!s #y &e" +ossessions% s$e s$uts it 4uickly' 8So y'8 I t$ink $o" t$e e/s not$ing in 0o$anna/s ! a"e (ut $e go*e n#ent>issue! clot$es' T$at s$e !oesn/t $a*e one t$ing in t$e "o l! to call $e o"n' 8It/s okay' Cou can look at #y stu&& i& you "ant'8 0o$anna unlatc$es #y locket% stu!ying t$e +ictu es o& 7ale% P i#% an! #y #ot$e ' S$e o+ens t$e sil*e +a ac$ute an! +ulls out t$e s+ile an! sli+s it onto $e +inkie' 8Makes #e t$i sty just looking at it'8 T$en s$e &in!s t$e +ea l Peeta ga*e #e' 8Is t$is>>,8 8Cea$%8 I say' 8Ma!e it t$ oug$ so#e$o"'8 I !on/t "ant to talk a(out Peeta' )ne o& t$e (est t$ings a(out t aining is% it kee+s #e & o# t$inking o& $i#' 8Hay#itc$ says $e/s getting (ette %8 s$e says'
22F | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8May(e' 1ut $e/s c$ange!%8 I say' 8So $a*e you' So $a*e I' An! 6innick an! Hay#itc$ an! 1eetee' -on/t get #e sta te! on Annie C esta' T$e a ena #esse! us all u+ + etty goo!% !on/t you t$ink, ) !o you still &eel like t$e gi l "$o *oluntee e! &o you siste ,8 s$e asks #e' 8<o%8 I ans"e ' 8T$at/s t$e one t$ing I t$ink #y $ea! !octo #ig$t (e ig$t a(out' T$e e/s no going (ack' So "e #ig$t as "ell get on "it$ t$ings'8 S$e neatly etu ns #y kee+sakes to t$e ! a"e an! cli#(s into t$e (e! ac oss & o# #e just as t$e lig$ts go out' 8Cou/ e not a& ai! I/ll kill you tonig$t,8 89ike I coul!n/t take you%8 I ans"e ' T$en "e laug$% since (ot$ ou (o!ies a e so " ecke!% it "ill (e a #i acle i& "e can get u+ t$e ne3t !ay' 1ut "e !o' Eac$ #o ning% "e !o' An! (y t$e en! o& t$e "eek% #y i(s &eel al#ost like ne"% an! 0o$anna can asse#(le $e i&le "it$out $el+' Sol!ie Co k gi*es t$e +ai o& us an a++ o*ing no! as "e knock o&& &o t$e !ay' 86ine jo(% Sol!ie s'8 :$en "e #o*e out o& $ea ing% 0o$anna #utte s% 8I t$ink "inning t$e 7a#es "as easie '8 1ut t$e look on $e &ace says s$e/s +lease!' In &act% "e/ e al#ost in goo! s+i its "$en "e go to t$e !ining $all% "$e e 7ale/s "aiting to eat "it$ #e' Recei*ing a giant se *ing o& (ee& ste" !oesn/t $u t #y #oo! eit$e ' 86i st s$i+#ents o& &oo! a i*e! t$is #o ning%8 7 easy Sae tells #e' 8T$at/s eal (ee&% & o# -ist ict Ten' <ot any o& you "il! !og'8

22G | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8-on/t e#e#(e you tu ning it !o"n%8 7ale tosses (ack' :e join a g ou+ t$at inclu!es -elly% Annie% an! 6innick' It/s so#et$ing to see 6innick/s t ans&o #ation since $is #a iage' His ea lie inca nations>>t$e !eca!ent Ca+itol $ea tt$ o( I #et (e&o e t$e Auell% t$e enig#atic ally in t$e a ena% t$e ( oken young #an "$o t ie! to $el+ #e $ol! it toget$e >>t$ese $a*e (een e+lace! (y so#eone "$o a!iates li&e' 6innick/s eal c$a #s o& sel&>e&&acing $u#o an! an easygoing natu e a e on !is+lay &o t$e &i st ti#e' He ne*e lets go o& Annie/s $an!' <ot "$en t$ey "alk% not "$en t$ey eat' I !ou(t $e e*e +lans to' S$e/s lost in so#e !aze o& $a++iness' T$e e a e still #o#ents "$en you can tell so#et$ing sli+s in $e ( ain an! anot$e "o l! (lin!s $e to us' 1ut a &e" "o !s & o# 6innick call $e (ack'

-elly% "$o I/*e kno"n since I "as little (ut ne*e ga*e #uc$ t$oug$t to% $as g o"n in #y esti#ation' S$e "as tol! "$at Peeta sai! to #e t$at nig$t a&te t$e "e!!ing% (ut s$e/s not a gossi+' Hay#itc$ says s$e/s t$e (est !e&en!e I $a*e "$en Peeta goes o&& on so#e kin! o& tea a(out #e' Al"ays taking #y si!e% (la#ing $is negati*e +e ce+tions on t$e Ca+itol/s to tu e' S$e $as #o e in&luence on $i# t$an any o& t$e ot$e s !o% (ecause $e eally !oes kno" $e ' Any"ay% e*en i& s$e/s suga coating #y goo! +oints% I a++ eciate it' 6 ankly% I coul! use a little suga coating'

I/# sta *ing an! t$e ste" is so !elicious>>(ee&% +otatoes% tu ni+s% an! onions in a t$ick g a*y>>t$at I $a*e to &o ce #ysel& to slo" !o"n' All a oun! t$e !ining $all% you can &eel t$e eju*enating e&&ect t$at a goo! #eal can ( ing on' T$e "ay it can #ake +eo+le kin!e % &unnie % #o e o+ti#istic% an! e#in! t$e# it/s not a #istake to go on li*ing' It/s (ette t$an any
25D | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

#e!icine' So I t y to #ake it last an! join in t$e con*e sation' So+ u+ t$e g a*y on #y ( ea! an! ni((le on it as I listen to 6innick telling so#e i!iculous sto y a(out a sea tu tle s"i##ing o&& "it$ $is $at' 9aug$ (e&o e I ealize $e/s stan!ing t$e e' -i ectly ac oss t$e ta(le% (e$in! t$e e#+ty seat ne3t to 0o$anna' :atc$ing #e' I c$oke #o#enta ily as t$e g a*y ( ea! sticks in #y t$ oat'

8PeetaI8 says -elly' 8It/s so nice to see you out'''an! a(out'8 T"o la ge gua !s stan! (e$in! $i#' He $ol!s $is t ay a"k"a !ly% (alance! on $is &inge ti+s since $is " ists a e s$ackle! "it$ a s$o t c$ain (et"een t$e#' 8:$at/s "it$ t$e &ancy ( acelets,8 asks 0o$anna' 8I/# not 4uite t ust"o t$y yet%8 says Peeta' 8I can/t e*en sit $e e "it$out you +e #ission'8 He in!icates t$e gua !s "it$ $is $ea!' 8Su e $e can sit $e e' :e/ e ol! & ien!s%8 says 0o$anna% +atting t$e s+ace (esi!e $e ' T$e gua !s no! an! Peeta takes a seat' 8Peeta an! I $a! a!joining cells in t$e Ca+itol' :e/ e *e y &a#ilia "it$ eac$ ot$e /s sc ea#s'8 Annie% "$o/s on 0o$anna/s ot$e si!e% !oes t$at t$ing "$e e s$e co*e s $e ea s an! e3its eality' 6innick s$oots 0o$anna an ang y look as $is a # enci cles Annie' 8:$at, My $ea! !octo says I/# not su++ose! to censo #y t$oug$ts' It/s +a t o& #y t$e a+y%8 e+lies 0o$anna' T$e li&e $as gone out o& ou little +a ty' 6innick #u #u s t$ings to Annie until s$e slo"ly e#o*es
25. | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

$e $an!s' T$en t$e e/s a long silence "$ile +eo+le + eten! to eat' 8Annie%8 says -elly ( ig$tly% 8!i! you kno" it "as Peeta "$o !eco ate! you "e!!ing cake, 1ack $o#e% $is &a#ily an t$e (ake y an! $e !i! all t$e icing'8 Annie cautiously looks ac oss 0o$anna' 8T$ank you% Peeta' It "as (eauti&ul'8 8My +leasu e% Annie%8 says Peeta% an! I $ea t$at ol! note o& gentleness in $is *oice t$at I t$oug$t "as gone &o e*e ' <ot t$at it/s !i ecte! at #e' 1ut still' 8I& "e/ e going to &it in t$at "alk% "e (ette go%8 6innick tells $e ' He a anges (ot$ o& t$ei t ays so $e can ca y t$e# in one $an! "$ile $ol!ing tig$tly to $e "it$ t$e ot$e ' 87oo! seeing you% Peeta'8 8Cou (e nice to $e % 6innick' ) I #ig$t t y an! take $e a"ay & o# you'8 It coul! (e a joke% i& t$e tone "asn/t so col!' E*e yt$ing it con*eys is " ong' T$e o+en !ist ust o& 6innick% t$e i#+lication t$at Peeta $as $is eye on Annie% t$at Annie coul! !ese t 6innick% t$at I !o not e*en e3ist' 8)$% Peeta%8 says 6innick lig$tly' 8-on/t #ake #e so y I esta te! you $ea t'8 He lea!s Annie a"ay a&te gi*ing #e a conce ne! glance' :$en t$ey/ e gone% -elly says in a e+ oac$&ul *oice% 8He !i! sa*e you li&e% Peeta' Mo e t$an once'8 86o $e '8 He gi*es #e a ( ie& no!' 86o t$e e(ellion' <ot &o #e' I !on/t o"e $i# anyt$ing'8 I s$oul!n/t ise to t$e (ait% (ut I !o' 8May(e not' 1ut Mags is !ea! an! you/ e still $e e' T$at s$oul! count &o so#et$ing'8
252 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8Cea$% a lot o& t$ings s$oul! count &o so#et$ing t$at !on/t see# to% ;atniss' I/*e got so#e #e#o ies I can/t #ake sense o&% an! I !on/t t$ink t$e Ca+itol touc$e! t$e#' A lot o& nig$ts on t$e t ain% &o instance%8 $e says' Again t$e i#+lications' T$at #o e $a++ene! on t$e t ain t$an !i!' T$at "$at !i! $a++en>>t$ose nig$ts I only ke+t #y sanity (ecause $is a #s "e e a oun! #e>>no longe #atte s' E*e yt$ing a lie% e*e yt$ing a "ay o& #isusing $i#' Peeta #akes a little gestu e "it$ $is s+oon% connecting 7ale an! #e' 8So% a e you t"o o&&icially a cou+le no"% o a e t$ey still ! agging out t$e sta > c osse! lo*e t$ing,8 8Still ! agging%8 says 0o$anna' S+as#s cause Peeta/s $an!s to tig$ten into &ists% t$en s+lay out in a (iza e &as$ion' Is it all $e can !o to kee+ t$e# & o# #y neck, I can &eel t$e tension in 7ale/s #uscles ne3t to #e% &ea an alte cation' 1ut 7ale si#+ly says% 8I "oul!n/t $a*e (elie*e! it i& I $a!n/t seen it #ysel&'8 8:$at/s t$at,8 asks Peeta' 8Cou%8 7ale ans"e s' 8Cou/ll $a*e to (e a little #o e s+eci&ic%8 says Peeta' 8:$at a(out #e,8 8T$at t$ey/*e e+lace! you "it$ t$e e*il>#utt *e sion o& you sel&%8 says 0o$anna' 7ale &inis$es $is #ilk' 8Cou !one,8 $e asks #e' I ise an! "e c oss to ! o+ o&& ou t ays' At t$e !oo % an ol! #an sto+s #e (ecause I/# still clutc$ing t$e est o&
255 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

#y g a*y ( ea! in #y $an!' So#et$ing in #y e3+ ession% o #ay(e t$e &act t$at I/*e #a!e no atte#+t to conceal it% #akes $i# go easy on #e' He lets #e stu&& t$e ( ea! in #y #out$ an! #o*e on' 7ale an! I a e al#ost to #y co#+a t#ent "$en $e s+eaks again' 8I !i!n/t e3+ect t$at'8 8I tol! you $e $ate! #e%8 I say' 8It/s t$e "ay $e $ates you' It/s so'''&a#ilia ' I use! to &eel like t$at%8 $e a!#its' 8:$en I/! "atc$ you kissing $i# on t$e sc een' )nly I kne" I "asn/t (eing enti ely &ai ' He can/t see t$at'8 :e eac$ #y !oo ' 8May(e $e just sees #e as I eally a#' I $a*e to get so#e slee+'8 7ale catc$es #y a # (e&o e I can !isa++ea ' 8So t$at/s "$at you/ e t$inking no",8 I s$ ug' 8;atniss% as you ol!est & ien!% (elie*e #e "$en I say $e/s not seeing you as you eally a e'8 He kisses #y c$eek an! goes' I sit on #y (e!% t ying to stu&& in&o #ation & o# #y Milita y Tactics (ooks into #y $ea! "$ile #e#o ies o& #y nig$ts "it$ Peeta on t$e t ain !ist act #e' A&te a(out t"enty #inutes% 0o$anna co#es in an! t$ o"s $e sel& ac oss t$e &oot o& #y (e!' 8Cou #isse! t$e (est +a t' -elly lost $e te#+e at Peeta o*e $o" $e t eate! you' S$e got *e y s4ueaky' It "as like so#eone sta((ing a #ouse "it$ a &o k e+eate!ly' T$e "$ole !ining $all "as i*ete!'8

8:$at/! Peeta !o,8 I ask' 8He sta te! a guing "it$ $i#sel& like $e "as t"o +eo+le' T$e gua !s $a! to take $i# a"ay' )n t$e goo! si!e% no one see#e! to notice I &inis$e! $is ste"'8 0o$anna u(s $e $an! o*e $e + ot u!ing
25= | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

(elly' I look at t$e laye o& g i#e un!e $e &inge nails' :on!e i& t$e +eo+le in E e*e (at$e' :e s+en! a cou+le o& $ou s 4uizzing eac$ ot$e on #ilita y te #s' I *isit #y #ot$e an! P i# &o a "$ile' :$en I/# (ack in #y co#+a t#ent% s$o"e e!% sta ing into t$e !a kness% I &inally ask% 80o$anna% coul! you eally $ea $i# sc ea#ing,8 8T$at "as +a t o& it%8 s$e says' 89ike t$e ja((e jays in t$e a ena' )nly it "as eal' An! it !i!n/t sto+ a&te an $ou ' Tick% tock'8 8Tick% tock%8 I "$is+e (ack' Roses' :ol& #utts' T i(utes' 6 oste! !ol+$ins' 6 ien!s' Mockingjays' Stylists' Me' E*e yt$ing sc ea#s in #y ! ea#s tonig$t'

25? | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

I t$ o" #ysel& into t aining "it$ a *engeance' Eat% li*e% an! ( eat$e t$e "o kouts% ! ills% "ea+ons + actice% lectu es on tactics' A $an!&ul o& us a e #o*e! into an a!!itional class t$at gi*es #e $o+e I #ay (e a conten!e &o t$e actual "a ' T$e sol!ie s si#+ly call it t$e 1lock% (ut t$e tattoo on #y a # lists it as S'S'C'% s$o t &o Si#ulate! St eet Co#(at' -ee+ in .5% t$ey/*e (uilt an a ti&icial Ca+itol city (lock' T$e inst ucto ( eaks us into s4ua!s o& eig$t an! "e atte#+t to ca y out #issions>>gaining a +osition% !est oying a ta get% sea c$ing a $o#e>>as i& "e "e e eally &ig$ting ou "ay t$ oug$ t$e Ca+itol' T$e t$ing/s igge! so t$at e*e yt$ing t$at can go " ong &o you !oes' A &alse ste+ t igge s a lan! #ine% a sni+e a++ea s on a oo&to+% you gun ja#s% a c ying c$il! lea!s you into an a#(us$% you s4ua! on lea!e >> "$o/s just a *oice on t$e + og a#>>gets $it (y a #o ta an! you $a*e to &igu e out "$at to !o "it$out o !e s' Pa t o& you kno"s it/s &ake an! t$at t$ey/ e not going to kill you' I& you set o&& a lan! #ine% you $ea t$e e3+losion an! $a*e to + eten! to &all o*e !ea!' 1ut in ot$e "ays% it &eels + etty eal in t$e e>> t$e ene#y sol!ie s ! esse! in Peacekee+e s/ uni&o #s% t$e con&usion o& a s#oke (o#(' T$ey e*en gas us' 0o$anna an! I a e t$e only ones "$o get ou #asks on in ti#e' T$e est o& ou s4ua! gets knocke! out &o ten #inutes' An! t$e su++ose!ly $a #less gas I took a &e" lung&uls o& gi*es #e a "icke! $ea!ac$e &o t$e est o& t$e !ay'

C essi!a an! $e c e" ta+e 0o$anna an! #e on t$e &i ing ange' I kno" 7ale an! 6innick a e (eing &il#e! as "ell' It/s +a t o& a ne" + o+os se ies to s$o" t$e e(els + e+a ing &o t$e Ca+itol in*asion' )n t$e "$ole% t$ings a e going + etty "ell'
25B | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

T$en Peeta sta ts s$o"ing u+ &o ou #o ning "o kouts' T$e #anacles a e o&&% (ut $e/s still constantly acco#+anie! (y a +ai o& gua !s' A&te lunc$% I see $i# ac oss t$e &iel!% ! illing "it$ a g ou+ o& (eginne s' I !on/t kno" "$at t$ey/ e t$inking' I& a s+at "it$ -elly can e!uce $i# to a guing "it$ $i#sel&% $e/s got no (usiness lea ning $o" to asse#(le a gun'

:$en I con& ont Pluta c$% $e assu es #e t$at it/s all &o t$e ca#e a' T$ey/*e got &ootage o& Annie getting #a ie! an! 0o$anna $itting ta gets% (ut all o& Pane# is "on!e ing a(out Peeta' T$ey nee! to see $e/s &ig$ting &o t$e e(els% not &o Sno"' An! #ay(e i& t$ey coul! just get a cou+le o& s$ots o& t$e t"o o& us% not kissing necessa ily% just looking $a++y to (e (ack toget$e >>

I "alk a"ay & o# t$e con*e sation ig$t t$en' T$at is not going to $a++en' In #y a e #o#ents o& !o"nti#e% I an3iously "atc$ t$e + e+a ations &o t$e in*asions' See e4ui+#ent an! + o*isions ea!ie!% !i*isions asse#(le!' Cou can tell "$en so#eone/s ecei*e! o !e s (ecause t$ey/ e gi*en a *e y s$o t $ai cut% t$e #a k o& a +e son going into (attle' T$e e is #uc$ talk o& t$e o+ening o&&ensi*e% "$ic$ "ill (e to secu e t$e t ain tunnels t$at &ee! u+ into t$e Ca+itol'

0ust a &e" !ays (e&o e t$e &i st t oo+s a e to #o*e out% Co k une3+ecte!ly tells 0o$anna an! #e s$e/s eco##en!e! us &o t$e e3a#% an! "e/ e to e+o t i##e!iately' T$e e a e &ou +a tsH an o(stacle cou se t$at assesses you +$ysical con!ition% a " itten tactics e3a#% a test o& "ea+ons + o&iciency% an! a si#ulate! co#(at situation in t$e 1lock' I !on/t e*en $a*e ti#e to get ne *ous &o t$e &i st t$ ee an! !o "ell% (ut t$e e/s a (acklog at t$e 1lock' So#e kin! o&
25E | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

tec$nical (ug t$ey/ e "o king out' A g ou+ o& us e3c$anges in&o #ation' T$is #uc$ see#s t ue' Cou go t$ oug$ alone' T$e e/s no + e!icting "$at situation you/ll (e t$ o"n into' )ne (oy says% un!e $is ( eat$% t$at $e/s $ea ! it/s !esigne! to ta get eac$ in!i*i!ual/s "eaknesses' My "eaknesses, T$at/s a !oo I !on/t e*en "ant to o+en' 1ut I &in! a 4uiet s+ot an! t y to assess "$at t$ey #ig$t (e' T$e lengt$ o& t$e list !e+ esses #e' 9ack o& +$ysical ( ute &o ce' A (a e #ini#u# o& t aining' An! so#e$o" #y stan!>out status as t$e Mockingjay !oesn/t see# to (e an a!*antage in a situation "$e e t$ey/ e t ying to get us to (len! into a +ack' T$ey coul! nail #e to t$e "all on any nu#(e o& t$ings'

0o$anna/s calle! t$ ee a$ea! o& #e% an! I gi*e $e a no! o& encou age#ent' I "is$ I $a! (een at t$e to+ o& t$e list (ecause no" I/# eally o*e t$inking t$e "$ole t$ing' 1y t$e ti#e #y na#e/s calle!% I !on/t kno" "$at #y st ategy s$oul! (e' 6o tunately% once I/# in t$e 1lock% a ce tain a#ount o& t aining !oes kick in' It/s an a#(us$ situation' Peacekee+e s a++ea al#ost instantly an! I $a*e to #ake #y "ay to a en!ez*ous +oint to #eet u+ "it$ #y scatte e! s4ua!' I slo"ly na*igate t$e st eet% taking out Peacekee+e s as I go' T"o on t$e oo&to+ to #y le&t% anot$e in t$e !oo "ay u+ a$ea!' It/s c$allenging% (ut not as $a ! as I "as e3+ecting' T$e e/s a nagging &eeling t$at i& it/s too si#+le% I #ust (e #issing t$e +oint' I/# "it$in a cou+le o& (uil!ings & o# #y goal "$en t$ings (egin to $eat u+' A $al& !ozen Peacekee+e s co#e c$a ging a oun! t$e co ne ' T$ey "ill outgun #e% (ut I notice so#et$ing' A ! u# o& gasoline lying ca elessly in t$e gutte ' T$is is it' My test' To +e cei*e t$at (lo"ing u+ t$e ! u# "ill (e t$e only "ay to ac$ie*e #y #ission' 0ust as I ste+ out to !o it% #y s4ua! on lea!e % "$o/s (een &ai ly useless u+ to t$is +oint% 4uietly o !e s #e

25F | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

to $it t$e g oun!' E*e y instinct I $a*e sc ea#s &o #e to igno e t$e *oice% to +ull t$e t igge % to (lo" t$e Peacekee+e s sky>$ig$' An! su!!enly% I ealize "$at t$e #ilita y "ill t$ink #y (iggest "eakness is' 6 o# #y &i st #o#ent in t$e 7a#es% "$en I an &o t$at o ange (ack+ack% to t$e &i e&ig$t in F% to #y i#+ulsi*e ace ac oss t$e s4ua e in 2' I cannot take o !e s'

I s#ack into t$e g oun! so $a ! an! &ast% I/ll (e +icking g a*el out o& #y c$in &o a "eek' So#eone else (lo"s t$e gas tank' T$e Peacekee+e s !ie' I #ake #y en!ez*ous +oint' :$en I e3it t$e 1lock on t$e &a si!e% a sol!ie cong atulates #e% sta#+s #y $an! "it$ s4ua! nu#(e =?.% an! tells #e to e+o t to Co##an!' Al#ost gi!!y "it$ success% I un t$ oug$ t$e $alls% ski!!ing a oun! co ne s% (oun!ing !o"n t$e ste+s (ecause t$e ele*ato /s too slo"' I (ang into t$e oo# (e&o e t$e o!!ity o& t$e situation !a"ns on #e' I s$oul!n/t (e in Co##an!@ I s$oul! (e getting #y $ai (uzze!' T$e +eo+le a oun! t$e ta(le a en/t & es$ly #inte! sol!ie s (ut t$e ones calling t$e s$ots'

1oggs s#iles an! s$akes $is $ea! "$en $e sees #e' 89et/s see it'8 Knsu e no"% I $ol! out #y sta#+e! $an!' 8Cou/ e "it$ #e' It/s a s+ecial unit o& s$a +s$oote s' 0oin you s4ua!'8 He no!s o*e at a g ou+ lining t$e "all' 7ale' 6innick' 6i*e ot$e s I !on/t kno"' My s4ua!' I/# not only in% I get to "o k un!e 1oggs' :it$ #y & ien!s' I &o ce #ysel& to take cal#% sol!ie ly ste+s to join t$e#% instea! o& ju#+ing u+ an! !o"n'

:e #ust (e i#+o tant% too% (ecause "e/ e in Co##an!% an! it $as not$ing to !o "it$ a ce tain Mockingjay' Pluta c$ stan!s o*e a "i!e% &lat +anel in t$e cente o& t$e ta(le' He/s e3+laining so#et$ing a(out t$e natu e o& "$at "e "ill encounte in t$e Ca+itol' I/# t$inking t$is is a te i(le + esentation>> (ecause e*en on ti+toe I can/t see "$at/s on t$e
25G | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

+anel>>until $e $its a (utton' A $olog a+$ic i#age o& a (lock o& t$e Ca+itol + ojects into t$e ai ' 8T$is% &o e3a#+le% is t$e a ea su oun!ing one o& t$e Peacekee+e s/ (a acks' <ot uni#+o tant% (ut not t$e #ost c ucial o& ta gets% an! yet look'8 Pluta c$ ente s so#e so t o& co!e on a key(oa !% an! lig$ts (egin to &las$' T$ey/ e in an asso t#ent o& colo s an! (link at !i&&e ent s+ee!s' 8Eac$ lig$t is calle! a +o!' It e+ esents a !i&&e ent o(stacle% t$e natu e o& "$ic$ coul! (e anyt$ing & o# a (o#( to a (an! o& #utts' Make no #istake% "$ate*e it contains is !esigne! to eit$e t a+ o kill you' So#e $a*e (een in +lace since t$e -a k -ays% ot$e s !e*elo+e! o*e t$e yea s' To (e $onest% I c eate! a &ai nu#(e #ysel&' T$is + og a#% "$ic$ one o& ou +eo+le a(scon!e! "it$ "$en "e le&t t$e Ca+itol% is ou #ost ecent in&o #ation' T$ey !on/t kno" "e $a*e it' 1ut e*en so% it/s likely t$at ne" +o!s $a*e (een acti*ate! in t$e last &e" #ont$s' T$is is "$at you "ill &ace'8

I/# una"a e t$at #y &eet a e #o*ing to t$e ta(le until I/# inc$es & o# t$e $olog a+$' My $an! eac$es in an! cu+s a a+i!ly (linking g een lig$t' So#eone joins #e% $is (o!y tense' 6innick% o& cou se' 1ecause only a *icto "oul! see "$at I see so i##e!iately' T$e a ena' 9ace! "it$ +o!s cont olle! (y 7a#e#ake s' 6innick/s &inge s ca ess a stea!y e! glo" o*e a !oo "ay' 89a!ies an! gentle#en'''8 His *oice is 4uiet% (ut #ine ings t$ oug$ t$e oo#' 89et t$e Se*enty>si3t$ Hunge 7a#es (eginI8 I laug$' Auickly' 1e&o e anyone $as ti#e to egiste "$at lies (eneat$ t$e "o !s I $a*e just utte e!' 1e&o e eye( o"s a e aise!% o(jections a e utte e!% t"o an! t"o a e +ut toget$e % an! t$e solution is t$at I s$oul! (e ke+t as &a a"ay & o# t$e Ca+itol as
2=D | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

+ossi(le' 1ecause an ang y% in!e+en!ently t$inking *icto "it$ a laye o& +syc$ological sca tissue too t$ick to +enet ate is #ay(e t$e last +e son you "ant on you s4ua!' 8I !on/t e*en kno" "$y you (ot$e e! to +ut 6innick an! #e t$ oug$ t aining% Pluta c$%8 I say' 8Cea$% "e/ e al ea!y t$e t"o (est>e4ui++e! sol!ie s you $a*e%8 6innick a!!s cockily' 8-o not t$ink t$at &act esca+es #e%8 $e says "it$ an i#+atient "a*e' 8<o" (ack in line% Sol!ie s )!ai an! E*e !een' I $a*e a + esentation to &inis$'8 :e et eat to ou +laces% igno ing t$e 4uestioning looks t$ o"n ou "ay' I a!o+t an attitu!e o& e3t e#e concent ation as Pluta c$ continues% no!!ing #y $ea! $e e an! t$e e% s$i&ting #y +osition to get a (ette *ie"% all t$e "$ile telling #ysel& to $ang on until I can get to t$e "oo!s an! sc ea#' ) cu se' ) c y' ) #ay(e all t$ ee at once'

I& t$is "as a test% 6innick an! I (ot$ +ass it' :$en Pluta c$ &inis$es an! t$e #eeting/s a!jou ne!% I $a*e a (a! #o#ent "$en I lea n t$e e/s a s+ecial o !e &o #e' 1ut it/s #e ely t$at I ski+ t$e #ilita y $ai cut (ecause t$ey "oul! like t$e Mockingjay to look as #uc$ like t$e gi l in t$e a ena as +ossi(le at t$e antici+ate! su en!e ' 6o t$e ca#e as% you kno"' I s$ ug to co##unicate t$at #y $ai lengt$/s a #atte o& co#+lete in!i&&e ence to #e' T$ey !is#iss #e "it$out &u t$e co##ent'

6innick an! I g a*itate to"a ! eac$ ot$e in t$e $all"ay' 8:$at "ill I tell Annie,8 $e says un!e $is ( eat$'

2=. | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8<ot$ing%8 I ans"e ' 8T$at/s "$at #y #ot$e an! siste "ill (e $ea ing & o# #e'8 1a! enoug$ t$at "e kno" "e/ e $ea!ing (ack into a &ully e4ui++e! a ena' <o use ! o++ing it on ou lo*e! ones' 8I& s$e sees t$at $olog a+$>>8 $e (egins' 8S$e "on/t' It/s classi&ie! in&o #ation' It #ust (e%8 I say' 8Any"ay% it/s not like an actual 7a#es' Any nu#(e o& +eo+le "ill su *i*e' :e/ e just o*e eacting (ecause>>"ell% you kno" "$y' Cou still "ant to go% !on/t you,8 8)& cou se' I "ant to !est oy Sno" as #uc$ as you !o%8 $e says' 8It "on/t (e like t$e ot$e s%8 I say &i #ly% t ying to con*ince #ysel& as "ell' T$en t$e eal (eauty o& t$e situation !a"ns on #e' 8T$is ti#e Sno" "ill (e a +laye % too'8 1e&o e "e can continue% Hay#itc$ a++ea s' He "asn/t at t$e #eeting% isn/t t$inking o& a enas (ut so#et$ing else' 80o$anna/s (ack in t$e $os+ital'8 I assu#e! 0o$anna "as &ine% $a! +asse! $e e3a#% (ut si#+ly "asn/t assigne! to a s$a +s$oote s/ unit' S$e/s "icke! t$ o"ing an a3 (ut a(out a*e age "it$ a gun' 8Is s$e $u t, :$at $a++ene!,8 8It "as "$ile s$e "as on t$e 1lock' T$ey t y to &e et out a sol!ie /s +otential "eaknesses' So t$ey &loo!e! t$e st eet%8 says Hay#itc$' T$is !oesn/t $el+' 0o$anna can s"i#' At least% I see# to e#e#(e $e s"i##ing a oun! so#e in t$e Aua te Auell' <ot like 6innick% o& cou se% (ut none o& us a e like 6innick' 8So,8
2=2 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8T$at/s $o" t$ey to tu e! $e in t$e Ca+itol' Soake! $e an! t$en use! elect ic s$ocks%8 says Hay#itc$' 8In t$e 1lock s$e $a! so#e kin! o& &las$(ack' Panicke!% !i!n/t kno" "$e e s$e "as' S$e/s (ack un!e se!ation'8 6innick an! I just stan! t$e e% as i& "e/*e lost t$e a(ility to es+on!' I t$ink o& t$e "ay 0o$anna ne*e s$o"e s' Ho" s$e &o ce! $e sel& into t$e ain like it "as aci! t$at !ay' I $a! att i(ute! $e #ise y to t$e #o +$ling "it$! a"al'

8Cou t"o s$oul! go see $e ' Cou/ e as close to & ien!s as s$e/s got%8 says Hay#itc$' T$at #akes t$e "$ole t$ing "o se' I !on/t eally kno" "$at/s (et"een 0o$anna an! 6innick' 1ut I $a !ly kno" $e ' <o &a#ily' <o & ien!s' <ot so #uc$ as a token & o# E to set (esi!e $e egulation clot$es in $e anony#ous ! a"e ' <ot$ing' 8I (ette go tell Pluta c$' He "on/t (e $a++y%8 Hay#itc$ continues' 8He "ants as #any *icto s as +ossi(le &o t$e ca#e as to &ollo" in t$e Ca+itol' T$inks it #akes &o (ette tele*ision'8 8A e you an! 1eetee going,8 I ask' 8As #any young an! att acti*e *icto s as +ossi(le%8 Hay#itc$ co ects $i#sel&' 8So% no' :e/ll (e $e e'8 6innick goes !i ectly !o"n to see 0o$anna% (ut I linge outsi!e a &e" #inutes until 1oggs co#es out' He/s #y co##an!e no"% so I guess $e/s t$e one to ask &o any s+ecial &a*o s' :$en I tell $i# "$at I "ant to !o% $e " ites #e a +ass so t$at I can go to t$e "oo!s !u ing Re&lection% + o*i!e! I stay "it$in sig$t o& t$e gua !s' I un to #y co#+a t#ent% t$inking to use t$e +a ac$ute% (ut it/s so &ull o& ugly #e#o ies' Instea!% I go ac oss t$e $all an! take one o& t$e "$ite

2=5 | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

cotton (an!ages I ( oug$t & o# .2' S4ua e' Stu !y' 0ust t$e t$ing' In t$e "oo!s% I &in! a +ine t ee an! st i+ $an!&uls o& & ag ant nee!les & o# t$e (oug$s' A&te #aking a neat +ile in t$e #i!!le o& t$e (an!age% I gat$e u+ t$e si!es% gi*e t$e# a t"ist% an! tie t$e# tig$tly "it$ a lengt$ o& *ine% #aking an a++le>size! (un!le' At t$e $os+ital oo# !oo % I "atc$ 0o$anna &o a #o#ent% ealize t$at #ost o& $e &e ocity is in $e a( asi*e attitu!e' St i++e! o& t$at% as s$e is no"% t$e e/s only a slig$t young "o#an% $e "i!e>set eyes &ig$ting to stay a"ake against t$e +o"e o& t$e ! ugs' Te i&ie! o& "$at slee+ "ill ( ing' I c oss to $e an! $ol! out t$e (un!le'

8:$at/s t$at,8 s$e says $oa sely' -a#+ e!ges o& $e $ai &o # little s+ikes o*e $e &o e$ea!' 8I #a!e it &o you' So#et$ing to +ut in you ! a"e '8 I +lace it in $e $an!s' 8S#ell it'8 S$e li&ts t$e (un!le to $e nose an! takes a tentati*e sni&&' 8S#ells like $o#e'8 Tea s &loo! $e eyes' 8T$at/s "$at I "as $o+ing' Cou (eing & o# Se*en an! all%8 I say' 8Re#e#(e "$en "e #et, Cou "e e a t ee' :ell% ( ie&ly'8 Su!!enly% s$e $as #y " ist in an i on g i+' 8Cou $a*e to kill $i#% ;atniss'8 8-on/t "o y'8 I esist t$e te#+tation to " enc$ #y a # & ee' 8S"ea it' )n so#et$ing you ca e a(out%8 s$e $isses'

2== | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8I s"ea it' )n #y li&e'8 1ut s$e !oesn/t let go o& #y a #' 8)n you &a#ily/s li&e%8 s$e insists' 8)n #y &a#ily/s li&e%8 I e+eat' I guess #y conce n &o #y o"n su *i*al isn/t co#+elling enoug$' S$e lets go an! I u( #y " ist' 8:$y !o you t$ink I/# going% any"ay% ( ainless,8 T$at #akes $e s#ile a little' 8I just nee!e! to $ea it'8 S$e + esses t$e (un!le o& +ine nee!les to $e nose an! closes $e eyes' T$e e#aining !ays go (y in a "$i l' A&te a ( ie& "o kout eac$ #o ning% #y s4ua!/s on t$e s$ooting ange &ull>ti#e in t aining' I + actice #ostly "it$ a gun% (ut t$ey ese *e an $ou a !ay &o s+ecialty "ea+ons% "$ic$ #eans I get to use #y Mockingjay (o"% 7ale $is $ea*y #ilita ize! one' T$e t i!ent 1eetee !esigne! &o 6innick $as a lot o& s+ecial &eatu es% (ut t$e #ost e#a ka(le is t$at $e can t$ o" it% + ess a (utton on a #etal cu&& on $is " ist% an! etu n it to $is $an! "it$out c$asing it !o"n'

So#eti#es "e s$oot at Peacekee+e !u##ies to (eco#e &a#ilia "it$ t$e "eaknesses in t$ei + otecti*e gea ' T$e c$inks in t$e a #o % so to s+eak' I& you $it &les$% you/ e e"a !e! "it$ a (u st o& &ake (loo!' )u !u##ies a e soake! in e!' It/s eassu ing to see just $o" $ig$ t$e o*e all le*el o& accu acy is in ou g ou+' Along "it$ 6innick an! 7ale% t$e s4ua! inclu!es &i*e sol!ie s & o# .5' 0ackson% a #i!!le>age! "o#an "$o/s 1oggs/s secon! in co##an!% looks kin! o& sluggis$ (ut can $it t$ings t$e est o& us can/t e*en see "it$out a sco+e' 6a sig$te!% s$e says' T$e e/s a +ai o& siste s in t$ei t"enties na#e! 9eeg>>"e call t$e# 9eeg . an! 9eeg 2
2=? | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

&o cla ity>>"$o a e so si#ila in uni&o #% I can/t tell t$e# a+a t until I notice 9eeg . $as "ei ! yello" &lecks in $e eyes' T"o ol!e guys% Mitc$ell an! Ho#es% ne*e say #uc$ (ut can s$oot t$e !ust o&& you (oots at &i&ty ya !s' I see ot$e s4ua!s t$at a e also 4uite goo!% (ut I !on/t &ully un!e stan! ou status until t$e #o ning Pluta c$ joins us'

8S4ua! 6ou >6i*e>)ne% you $a*e (een selecte! &o a s+ecial #ission%8 $e (egins' I (ite t$e insi!e o& #y li+% $o+ing against $o+e t$at it/s to assassinate Sno"' 8:e $a*e nu#e ous s$a +s$oote s% (ut at$e a !ea t$ o& ca#e a c e"s' T$e e&o e% "e/*e $an!+icke! t$e eig$t o& you to (e "$at "e call ou /Sta S4ua!'/ Cou "ill (e t$e on>sc een &aces o& t$e in*asion'8

-isa++oint#ent% s$ock% t$en ange un t$ oug$ t$e g ou+' 8:$at you/ e saying is% "e "on/t (e in actual co#(at%8 sna+s 7ale' 8Cou "ill (e in co#(at% (ut +e $a+s not al"ays on t$e & ont line' I& one can e*en isolate a & ont line in t$is ty+e o& "a %8 says Pluta c$' 8<one o& us "ants t$at'8 6innick/s e#a k is &ollo"e! (y a gene al u#(le o& assent% (ut I stay silent' 8:e/ e going to &ig$t'8 8Cou/ e going to (e as use&ul to t$e "a e&&o t as +ossi(le%8 Pluta c$ says' 8An! it/s (een !eci!e! t$at you a e o& #ost *alue on tele*ision' 0ust look at t$e e&&ect ;atniss $a! unning a oun! in t$at Mockingjay suit' Tu ne! t$e "$ole e(ellion a oun!' -o you notice $o" s$e/s t$e only one not co#+laining, It/s (ecause s$e un!e stan!s t$e +o"e o& t$at sc een'8

Actually% ;atniss isn/t co#+laining (ecause s$e $as no intention o& staying "it$ t$e 8Sta S4ua!%8 (ut s$e ecognizes t$e necessity o& getting to t$e Ca+itol
2=B | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

(e&o e ca ying out any +lan' Still% to (e too co#+liant #ay a ouse sus+icion as "ell' 81ut it/s not all + eten!% is it,8 I ask' 8T$at/! (e a "aste o& talent'8 8-on/t "o y%8 Pluta c$ tells #e' 8Cou/ll $a*e +lenty o& eal ta gets to $it' 1ut !on/t get (lo"n u+' I/*e got enoug$ on #y +late "it$out $a*ing to e+lace you' <o" get to t$e Ca+itol an! +ut on a goo! s$o"'8 T$e #o ning "e s$i+ out% I say goo!>(ye to #y &a#ily' I $a*en/t tol! t$e# $o" #uc$ t$e Ca+itol/s !e&enses #i o t$e "ea+ons in t$e a ena% (ut #y going o&& to "a is a"&ul enoug$ on its o"n' My #ot$e $ol!s #e tig$tly &o a long ti#e' I &eel tea s on $e c$eek% so#et$ing s$e su++ esse! "$en I "as slate! &o t$e 7a#es' 8-on/t "o y' I/ll (e +e &ectly sa&e' I/# not e*en a eal sol!ie ' 0ust one o& Pluta c$/s tele*ise! +u++ets%8 I eassu e $e '

P i# "alks #e as &a as t$e $os+ital !oo s' 8Ho" !o you &eel,8 81ette % kno"ing you/ e so#e"$e e Sno" can/t eac$ you%8 I say' 8<e3t ti#e "e see eac$ ot$e % "e/ll (e & ee o& $i#%8 says P i# &i #ly' T$en s$e t$ o"s $e a #s a oun! #y neck' 81e ca e&ul'8 I consi!e saying a &inal goo!>(ye to Peeta% !eci!e it "oul! only (e (a! &o (ot$ o& us' 1ut I !o sli+ t$e +ea l into t$e +ocket o& #y uni&o #' A token o& t$e (oy "it$ t$e ( ea!' A $o*e c a&t takes us to% o& all +laces% .2% "$e e a #akes$i&t t ans+o tation a ea $as (een set u+ outsi!e t$e &i e zone' <o lu3u y t ains t$is ti#e% (ut a
2=E | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

ca go ca +acke! to t$e li#it "it$ sol!ie s in t$ei !a k g ay uni&o #s% slee+ing "it$ t$ei $ea!s on t$ei +acks' A&te a cou+le o& !ays/ t a*el% "e !ise#(a k insi!e one o& t$e #ountain tunnels lea!ing to t$e Ca+itol% an! #ake t$e est o& t$e si3>$ou t ek on &oot% taking ca e to ste+ only on a glo"ing g een +aint line t$at #a ks sa&e +assage to t$e ai a(o*e'

:e co#e out in t$e e(el enca#+#ent% a ten>(lock st etc$ outsi!e t$e t ain station "$e e Peeta an! I #a!e ou + e*ious a i*als' It/s al ea!y c a"ling "it$ sol!ie s' S4ua! =?. is assigne! a s+ot to +itc$ its tents' T$is a ea $as (een secu e! &o o*e a "eek' Re(els +us$e! out t$e Peacekee+e s% losing $un! e!s o& li*es in t$e + ocess' T$e Ca+itol &o ces &ell (ack an! $a*e eg ou+e! &a t$e into t$e city' 1et"een us lie t$e (oo(y>t a++e! st eets% e#+ty an! in*iting' Eac$ one "ill nee! to (e s"e+t o& +o!s (e&o e "e can a!*ance'

Mitc$ell asks a(out $o*e +lane (o#(ings>>"e !o &eel *e y nake! +itc$e! out in t$e o+en>>(ut 1oggs says it/s not an issue' Most o& t$e Ca+itol/s ai &leet "as !est oye! in 2 o !u ing t$e in*asion' I& it $as any c a&t le&t% it/s $ol!ing on to t$e#' P o(a(ly so Sno" an! $is inne ci cle can #ake a last>#inute esca+e to so#e + esi!ential (unke so#e"$e e i& nee!e!' )u o"n $o*e +lanes "e e g oun!e! a&te t$e Ca+itol/s antiai c a&t #issiles !eci#ate! t$e &i st &e" "a*es' T$is "a "ill (e (attle! out on t$e st eets "it$% $o+e&ully% only su+e &icial !a#age to t$e in& ast uctu e an! a #ini#u# o& $u#an casualties' T$e e(els "ant t$e Ca+itol% just as t$e Ca+itol "ante! .5'

A&te t$ ee !ays% #uc$ o& S4ua! =?. isks !ese ting out o& (o e!o#' C essi!a an! $e tea# take s$ots o& us &i ing' T$ey tell us "e/ e +a t o& t$e !isin&o #ation tea#' I& t$e e(els only s$oot Pluta c$/s +o!s% it "ill
2=F | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

take t$e Ca+itol a(out t"o #inutes to ealize "e $a*e t$e $olog a+$' So t$e e/s a lot o& ti#e s+ent s$atte ing t$ings t$at !on/t #atte % to t$ o" t$e# o&& t$e scent' Mostly "e just a!! to t$e +iles o& ain(o" glass t$at/s (een (lo"n o&& t$e e3te io s o& t$e can!y> colo e! (uil!ings' I sus+ect t$ey a e inte cutting t$is &ootage "it$ t$e !est uction o& signi&icant Ca+itol ta gets' )nce in a "$ile it see#s a eal s$a +s$oote /s se *ices a e nee!e!' Eig$t $an!s go u+% (ut 7ale% 6innick% an! I a e ne*e c$osen'

8It/s you o"n &ault &o (eing so ca#e a> ea!y%8 I tell 7ale' I& looks coul! kill' I !on/t t$ink t$ey 4uite kno" "$at to !o "it$ t$e t$ ee o& us% +a ticula ly #e' I $a*e #y Mockingjay out&it "it$ #e% (ut I/*e only (een ta+e! in #y uni&o #' So#eti#es I use a gun% so#eti#es t$ey ask #e to s$oot "it$ #y (o" an! a o"s' It/s as i& t$ey !on/t "ant to enti ely lose t$e Mockingjay% (ut t$ey "ant to !o"ng a!e #y ole to &oot sol!ie ' Since I !on/t ca e% it/s a#using at$e t$an u+setting to i#agine t$e a gu#ents going on (ack in .5'

:$ile I out"a !ly e3+ ess !iscontent a(out ou lack o& any eal +a tici+ation% I/# (usy "it$ #y o"n agen!a' Eac$ o& us $as a +a+e #a+ o& t$e Ca+itol' T$e city &o #s an al#ost +e &ect s4ua e' 9ines !i*i!e t$e #a+ into s#alle s4ua es% "it$ lette s along t$e to+ an! nu#(e s !o"n t$e si!e to &o # a g i!' I consu#e t$is% noting e*e y inte section an! si!e st eet% (ut it/s e#e!ial stu&&' T$e co##an!e s $e e a e "o king o&& Pluta c$/s $olog a+$' Eac$ $as a $an!$el! cont a+tion calle! a Holo t$at + o!uces i#ages like I sa" in Co##an!' T$ey can zoo# into any a ea o& t$e g i! an! see "$at +o!s a"ait t$e#' T$e Holo/s an in!e+en!ent unit% a glo i&ie! #a+ eally% since it can neit$e sen! no ecei*e signals' 1ut it/s &a su+e io to #y +a+e *e sion'

2=G | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

A Holo is acti*ate! (y a s+eci&ic co##an!e /s *oice gi*ing $is o $e na#e' )nce it/s "o king% it es+on!s to t$e ot$e *oices in t$e s4ua! on so i&% say% 1oggs "e e kille! o se*e ely !isa(le!% so#eone coul! take o*e ' I& anyone in t$e s4ua! e+eats 8nig$tlock8 t$ ee ti#es in a o"% t$e Holo "ill e3+lo!e% (lo"ing e*e yt$ing in a &i*e>ya ! a!ius sky>$ig$' T$is is &o secu ity easons in t$e e*ent o& ca+tu e' It/s un!e stoo! t$at "e "oul! all !o t$is "it$out $esitation'

So "$at I nee! to !o is steal 1oggs/s acti*ate! Holo an! clea out (e&o e $e notices' I t$ink it "oul! (e easie to steal $is teet$' )n t$e &ou t$ #o ning% Sol!ie 9eeg 2 $its a #isla(ele! +o!' It !oesn/t unleas$ a s"a # o& #uttation gnats% "$ic$ t$e e(els a e + e+a e! &o % (ut s$oots out a sun(u st o& #etal !a ts' )ne &in!s $e ( ain' S$e/s gone (e&o e t$e #e!ics can eac$ $e ' Pluta c$ + o#ises a s+ee!y e+lace#ent' T$e &ollo"ing e*ening% t$e ne"est #e#(e o& ou s4ua! a i*es' :it$ no #anacles' <o gua !s' St olling out o& t$e t ain station "it$ $is gun s"inging & o# t$e st a+ o*e $is s$oul!e ' T$e e/s s$ock% con&usion% esistance% (ut =?. is sta#+e! on t$e (ack o& Peeta/s $an! in & es$ ink' 1oggs elie*es $i# o& $is "ea+on an! goes to #ake a call'

8It "on/t #atte %8 Peeta tells t$e est o& us' 8T$e + esi!ent assigne! #e $e sel&' S$e !eci!e! t$e + o+os nee!e! so#e $eating u+'8 May(e t$ey !o' 1ut i& Coin sent Peeta $e e% s$e/s !eci!e! so#et$ing else as "ell' T$at I/# o& #o e use to $e !ea! t$an ali*e'

2?D | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

PART III THE ASSASSI<

2?. | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

I/*e ne*e eally seen 1oggs ang y (e&o e' <ot "$en I/*e !iso(eye! $is o !e s o +uke! on $i#% not e*en "$en 7ale ( oke $is nose' 1ut $e/s ang y "$en $e etu ns & o# $is +$one call "it$ t$e + esi!ent' T$e &i st t$ing $e !oes is inst uct Sol!ie 0ackson% $is secon! in co##an!% to set u+ a t"o>+e son% oun!> t$e>clock gua ! on Peeta' T$en $e takes #e on a "alk% "ea*ing t$ oug$ t$e s+ a"ling tent enca#+#ent until ou s4ua! is &a (e$in! us'

8He/ll t y an! kill #e any"ay%8 I say' 8Es+ecially $e e' :$e e t$e e a e so #any (a! #e#o ies to set $i# o&&'8 8I/ll kee+ $i# containe!% ;atniss%8 says 1oggs' 8:$y !oes Coin "ant #e !ea! no",8 I ask' 8S$e !enies s$e !oes%8 $e ans"e s' 81ut "e kno" it/s t ue%8 I say' 8An! you #ust at least $a*e a t$eo y'8 1oggs gi*es #e a long% $a ! look (e&o e $e ans"e s' 8He e/s as #uc$ as I kno"' T$e + esi!ent !oesn/t like you' S$e ne*e !i!' It "as Peeta s$e "ante! escue! & o# t$e a ena% (ut no one else ag ee!' It #a!e #atte s "o se "$en you &o ce! $e to gi*e t$e ot$e *icto s i##unity' 1ut e*en t$at coul! (e o*e looke! in *ie" o& $o" "ell you/*e +e &o #e!'8

8T$en "$at is it,8 I insist' 8So#eti#e in t$e nea &utu e% t$is "a "ill (e esol*e!' A ne" lea!e "ill (e c$osen%8 says 1oggs'
2?2 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

I oll #y eyes' 81oggs% no one t$inks I/# going to (e t$e lea!e '8 8<o' T$ey !on/t%8 $e ag ees' 81ut you/ll t$ o" su++o t to so#eone' :oul! it (e P esi!ent Coin, ) so#eone else,8 8I !on/t kno"' I/*e ne*e t$oug$t a(out it%8 I say' 8I& you i##e!iate ans"e isn/t Coin% t$en you/ e a t$ eat' Cou/ e t$e &ace o& t$e e(ellion' Cou #ay $a*e #o e in&luence t$an any ot$e single +e son%8 says 1oggs' 8)ut"a !ly% t$e #ost you/*e e*e !one is tole ate! $e '8 8So s$e/ll kill #e to s$ut #e u+'8 T$e #inute I say t$e "o !s% I kno" t$ey/ e t ue' 8S$e !oesn/t nee! you as a allying +oint no"' As s$e sai!% you + i#a y o(jecti*e% to unite t$e !ist icts% $as succee!e!%8 1oggs e#in!s #e' 8T$ese cu ent + o+os coul! (e !one "it$out you' T$e e/s only one last t$ing you coul! !o to a!! &i e to t$e e(ellion'8 8-ie%8 I say 4uietly' 8Ces' 7i*e us a #a ty to &ig$t &o %8 says 1oggs' 81ut t$at/s not going to $a++en un!e #y "atc$% Sol!ie E*e !een' I/# +lanning &o you to $a*e a long li&e'8 8:$y,8 T$is kin! o& t$inking "ill only ( ing $i# t ou(le' 8Cou !on/t o"e #e anyt$ing'8 81ecause you/*e ea ne! it%8 $e says' 8<o" get (ack to you s4ua!'8 I kno" I s$oul! &eel a++ eciati*e o& 1oggs sticking $is neck out &o #e% (ut eally I/# just & ust ate!' I #ean% $o" can I steal $is Holo an! !ese t no", 1et aying
2?5 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

$i# "as co#+licate! enoug$ "it$out t$is "$ole ne" laye o& !e(t' I al ea!y o"e $i# &o sa*ing #y li&e' Seeing t$e cause o& #y cu ent !ile##a cal#ly +itc$ing $is tent (ack at ou site #akes #e &u ious' 8:$at ti#e is #y "atc$,8 I ask 0ackson' S$e s4uints at #e in !ou(t% o #ay(e s$e/s just t ying to get #y &ace in &ocus' 8I !i!n/t +ut you in t$e otation'8 8:$y not,8 I ask' 8I/# not su e you coul! eally s$oot Peeta% i& it ca#e to it%8 s$e says' I s+eak u+ so t$e "$ole s4ua! can $ea #e clea ly' 8I "oul!n/t (e s$ooting Peeta' He/s gone' 0o$anna/s ig$t' It/! (e just like s$ooting anot$e o& t$e Ca+itol/s #utts'8 It &eels goo! to say so#et$ing $o i(le a(out $i#% out lou!% in +u(lic% a&te all t$e $u#iliation I/*e &elt since $is etu n' 8:ell% t$at so t o& co##ent isn/t eco##en!ing you eit$e %8 says 0ackson' 8Put $e in t$e otation%8 I $ea 1oggs say (e$in! #e' 0ackson s$akes $e $ea! an! #akes a note' 8Mi!nig$t to &ou ' Cou/ e on "it$ #e'8 T$e !inne "$istle soun!s% an! 7ale an! I line u+ at t$e canteen' 8-o you "ant #e to kill $i#,8 $e asks (luntly' 8T$at/ll get us (ot$ sent (ack &o su e%8 I say' 1ut e*en t$oug$ I/# &u ious% t$e ( utality o& t$e o&&e attles #e' 8I can !eal "it$ $i#'8
2?= | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8Cou #ean until you take o&&, Cou an! you +a+e #a+ an! +ossi(ly a Holo i& you can get you $an!s on it,8 So 7ale $as not #isse! #y + e+a ations' I $o+e t$ey $a*en/t (een so o(*ious to t$e ot$e s' <one o& t$e# kno" #y #in! like $e !oes% t$oug$' 8Cou/ e not +lanning on lea*ing #e (e$in!% a e you,8 $e asks' K+ until t$is +oint% I "as' 1ut $a*ing #y $unting +a tne to "atc$ #y (ack !oesn/t soun! like a (a! i!ea' 8As you &ello" sol!ie % I $a*e to st ongly eco##en! you stay "it$ you s4ua!' 1ut I can/t sto+ you & o# co#ing% can I,8 He g ins' 8<o' <ot unless you "ant #e to ale t t$e est o& t$e a #y'8 S4ua! =?. an! t$e tele*ision c e" collect !inne & o# t$e canteen an! gat$e in a tense ci cle to eat' At &i st I t$ink t$at Peeta is t$e cause o& t$e unease% (ut (y t$e en! o& t$e #eal% I ealize #o e t$an a &e" un& ien!ly looks $a*e (een !i ecte! #y "ay' T$is is a 4uick tu na oun!% since I/# + etty su e "$en Peeta a++ea e! t$e "$ole tea# "as conce ne! a(out $o" !ange ous $e #ig$t (e% es+ecially to #e' 1ut it/s not until I get a +$one call t$ oug$ to Hay#itc$ t$at I un!e stan!'

8:$at a e you t ying to !o, P o*oke $i# into an attack,8 $e asks #e' 8)& cou se not' I just "ant $i# to lea*e #e alone%8 I say' 8:ell% $e can/t' <ot a&te "$at t$e Ca+itol +ut $i# t$ oug$%8 says Hay#itc$' 89ook% Coin #ay $a*e sent $i# t$e e $o+ing $e/! kill you% (ut Peeta !oesn/t kno" t$at' He !oesn/t un!e stan! "$at/s $a++ene! to $i#' So you can/t (la#e $i#>>8

2?? | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8I !on/tI8 I say' 8Cou !oI Cou/ e +unis$ing $i# o*e an! o*e &o t$ings t$at a e out o& $is cont ol' <o"% I/# not saying you s$oul!n/t $a*e a &ully loa!e! "ea+on ne3t to you oun! t$e clock' 1ut I t$ink it/s ti#e you &li++e! t$is little scena io a oun! in you $ea!' I& you/! (een taken (y t$e Ca+itol% an! $ijacke!% an! t$en t ie! to kill Peeta% is t$is t$e "ay $e "oul! (e t eating you,8 !e#an!s Hay#itc$'

I &all silent' It isn/t' It isn/t $o" $e "oul! (e t eating #e at all' He "oul! (e t ying to get #e (ack at any cost' <ot s$utting #e out% a(an!oning #e% g eeting #e "it$ $ostility at e*e y tu n' 8Cou an! #e% "e #a!e a !eal to t y an! sa*e $i#' Re#e#(e ,8 Hay#itc$ says' :$en I !on/t es+on!% $e !isconnects a&te a cu t 8T y an! e#e#(e '8 T$e autu#n !ay tu ns & o# ( isk to col!' Most o& t$e s4ua! $unke !o"n in t$ei slee+ing (ags' So#e slee+ un!e t$e o+en sky% close to t$e $eate in t$e cente o& ou ca#+% "$ile ot$e s et eat to t$ei tents' 9eeg . $as &inally ( oken !o"n o*e $e siste /s !eat$% an! $e #u&&le! so(s eac$ us t$ oug$ t$e can*as' I $u!!le in #y tent% t$inking o*e Hay#itc$/s "o !s' Realizing "it$ s$a#e t$at #y &i3ation "it$ assassinating Sno" $as allo"e! #e to igno e a #uc$ #o e !i&&icult + o(le#' T ying to escue Peeta & o# t$e s$a!o"y "o l! t$e $ijacking $as st an!e! $i# in' I !on/t kno" $o" to &in! $i#% let alone lea! $i# out' I can/t e*en concei*e o& a +lan' It #akes t$e task o& c ossing a loa!e! a ena% locating Sno"% an! +utting a (ullet t$ oug$ $is $ea! look like c$il!/s +lay'

At #i!nig$t% I c a"l out o& #y tent an! +osition #ysel& on a ca#+ stool nea t$e $eate to take #y "atc$ "it$ 0ackson' 1oggs tol! Peeta to slee+ out in
2?B | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

&ull *ie" "$e e t$e est o& us coul! kee+ an eye on $i#' He isn/t slee+ing% t$oug$' Instea!% $e sits "it$ $is (ag +ulle! u+ to $is c$est% clu#sily t ying to #ake knots in a s$o t lengt$ o& o+e' I kno" it "ell' It/s t$e one 6innick lent #e t$at nig$t in t$e (unke ' Seeing it in $is $an!s% it/s like 6innick/s ec$oing "$at Hay#itc$ just sai!% t$at I/*e cast o&& Peeta' <o" #ig$t (e a goo! ti#e to (egin to e#e!y t$at' I& I coul! t$ink o& so#et$ing to say' 1ut I can/t' So I !on/t' I just let t$e soun!s o& sol!ie s/ ( eat$ing &ill t$e nig$t'

A&te a(out an $ou % Peeta s+eaks u+' 8T$ese last cou+le o& yea s #ust $a*e (een e3$austing &o you' T ying to !eci!e "$et$e to kill #e o not' 1ack an! &o t$' 1ack an! &o t$'8 T$at see#s g ossly un&ai % an! #y &i st i#+ulse is to say so#et$ing cutting' 1ut I e*isit #y con*e sation "it$ Hay#itc$ an! t y to take t$e &i st tentati*e ste+ in Peeta/s !i ection' 8I ne*e "ante! to kill you' E3ce+t "$en I t$oug$t you "e e $el+ing t$e Ca ee s kill #e' A&te t$at% I al"ays t$oug$t o& you as'''an ally'8 T$at/s a goo! sa&e "o !' E#+ty o& any e#otional o(ligation% (ut nont$ eatening'

8Ally'8 Peeta says t$e "o ! slo"ly% tasting it' 86 ien!' 9o*e ' 2icto ' Ene#y' 6iancee' Ta get' Mutt' <eig$(o ' Hunte ' T i(ute' Ally' I/ll a!! it to t$e list o& "o !s I use to t y to &igu e you out'8 He "ea*es t$e o+e in an! out o& $is &inge s' 8T$e + o(le# is% I can/t tell "$at/s eal any#o e% an! "$at/s #a!e u+'8 T$e cessation o& $yt$#ic ( eat$ing suggests t$at eit$e +eo+le $a*e "oken o $a*e ne*e eally (een aslee+ at all' I sus+ect t$e latte ' 6innick/s *oice ises & o# a (un!le in t$e s$a!o"s' 8T$en you s$oul! ask% Peeta' T$at/s "$at Annie !oes'8
2?E | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8Ask "$o,8 Peeta says' 8:$o can I t ust,8 8:ell% us &o sta te s' :e/ e you s4ua!%8 says 0ackson' 8Cou/ e #y gua !s%8 $e +oints out' 8T$at% too%8 s$e says' 81ut you sa*e! a lot o& li*es in T$i teen' It/s not t$e kin! o& t$ing "e &o get'8 In t$e 4uiet t$at &ollo"s% I t y to i#agine not (eing a(le to tell illusion & o# eality' <ot kno"ing i& P i# o #y #ot$e lo*e! #e' I& Sno" "as #y ene#y' I& t$e +e son ac oss t$e $eate sa*e! o sac i&ice! #e' :it$ *e y little e&&o t% #y li&e a+i!ly #o +$s into a nig$t#a e' I su!!enly "ant to tell Peeta e*e yt$ing a(out "$o $e is% an! "$o I a#% an! $o" "e en!e! u+ $e e' 1ut I !on/t kno" $o" to sta t' :o t$less' I/# "o t$less'

At a &e" #inutes (e&o e &ou % Peeta tu ns to #e again' 8Cou &a*o ite colo '''it/s g een,8 8T$at/s ig$t'8 T$en I t$ink o& so#et$ing to a!!' 8An! you s is o ange'8 8) ange,8 He see#s uncon*ince!' 8<ot ( ig$t o ange' 1ut so&t' 9ike t$e sunset%8 I say' 8At least% t$at/s "$at you tol! #e once'8 8)$'8 He closes $is eyes ( ie&ly% #ay(e t ying to conju e u+ t$at sunset% t$en no!s $is $ea!' 8T$ank you'8 1ut #o e "o !s tu#(le out' 8Cou/ e a +ainte ' Cou/ e a (ake ' Cou like to slee+ "it$ t$e "in!o"s o+en' Cou ne*e take suga in you tea' An! you al"ays !ou(le> knot you s$oelaces'8
2?F | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

T$en I !i*e into #y tent (e&o e I !o so#et$ing stu+i! like c y' In t$e #o ning% 7ale% 6innick% an! I go out to s$oot so#e glass o&& t$e (uil!ings &o t$e ca#e a c e"' :$en "e get (ack to ca#+% Peeta/s sitting in a ci cle "it$ t$e sol!ie s & o# .5% "$o a e a #e! (ut talking o+enly "it$ $i#' 0ackson $as !e*ise! a ga#e calle! 8Real o <ot Real8 to $el+ Peeta' He #entions so#et$ing $e t$inks $a++ene!% an! t$ey tell $i# i& it/s t ue o i#agine!% usually &ollo"e! (y a ( ie& e3+lanation'

8Most o& t$e +eo+le & o# T"el*e "e e kille! in t$e &i e'8 8Real' 9ess t$an nine $un! e! o& you #a!e it to T$i teen ali*e'8 8T$e &i e "as #y &ault'8 8<ot eal' P esi!ent Sno" !est oye! T"el*e t$e "ay $e !i! T$i teen% to sen! a #essage to t$e e(els'8 T$is see#s like a goo! i!ea until I ealize t$at I/ll (e t$e only one "$o can con&i # o !eny #ost o& "$at "eig$s on $i#' 0ackson ( eaks us u+ into "atc$es' S$e #atc$es u+ 6innick% 7ale% an! #e eac$ "it$ a sol!ie & o# .5' T$is "ay Peeta "ill al"ays $a*e access to so#eone "$o kno"s $i# #o e +e sonally' It/s not a stea!y con*e sation' Peeta s+en!s a long ti#e consi!e ing e*en s#all +ieces o& in&o #ation% like "$e e +eo+le (oug$t t$ei soa+ (ack $o#e' 7ale &ills $i# in on a lot o& stu&& a(out .2@ 6innick is t$e e3+e t on (ot$ o& Peeta/s 7a#es% as $e "as a #ento in t$e &i st an! a t i(ute in t$e secon!' 1ut since Peeta/s g eatest con&usion cente s a oun! #e>>an! not e*e yt$ing can (e e3+laine! si#+ly>>ou e3c$anges a e +ain&ul an! loa!e!% e*en t$oug$ "e touc$ on only

2?G | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

t$e #ost su+e &icial o& !etails' T$e colo o& #y ! ess in E' My + e&e ence &o c$eese (uns' T$e na#e o& ou #at$ teac$e "$en "e "e e little' Reconst ucting $is #e#o y o& #e is e3c uciating' Pe $a+s it isn/t e*en +ossi(le a&te "$at Sno" !i! to $i#' 1ut it !oes &eel ig$t to $el+ $i# t y' T$e ne3t a&te noon% "e/ e noti&ie! t$at t$e "$ole s4ua! is nee!e! to stage a &ai ly co#+licate! + o+o' Peeta/s (een ig$t a(out one t$ingH Coin an! Pluta c$ a e un$a++y "it$ t$e 4uality o& &ootage t$ey/ e getting & o# t$e Sta S4ua!' 2e y !ull' 2e y unins+i ing' T$e o(*ious es+onse is t$at t$ey ne*e let us !o anyt$ing (ut +layact "it$ ou guns' Ho"e*e % t$is is not a(out !e&en!ing ou sel*es% it/s a(out co#ing u+ "it$ a usa(le + o!uct' So to!ay% a s+ecial (lock $as (een set asi!e &o &il#ing' It e*en $as a cou+le o& acti*e +o!s on it' )ne unleas$es a s+ ay o& gun&i e' T$e ot$e nets t$e in*a!e an! t a+s t$e# &o eit$e inte ogation o e3ecution% !e+en!ing on t$e ca+to s/ + e&e ence' 1ut it/s still an uni#+o tant esi!ential (lock "it$ not$ing o& st ategic conse4uence'

T$e tele*ision c e" #eans to + o*i!e a sense o& $eig$tene! jeo+a !y (y eleasing s#oke (o#(s an! a!!ing gun&i e soun! e&&ects' :e suit u+ in $ea*y + otecti*e gea % e*en t$e c e"% as i& "e/ e $ea!ing into t$e $ea t o& (attle' T$ose o& us "it$ s+ecialty "ea+ons a e allo"e! to take t$e# along "it$ ou guns' 1oggs gi*es Peeta (ack $is gun% too% alt$oug$ $e #akes su e to tell $i# in a lou! *oice t$at it/s only loa!e! "it$ (lanks'

Peeta just s$ ugs' 8I/# not #uc$ o& a s$ot any"ay'8 He see#s + eoccu+ie! "it$ "atc$ing Pollu3% to t$e +oint "$e e it/s getting a little "o iso#e% "$en $e &inally +uzzles it out an! (egins to s+eak "it$ agitation' 8Cou/ e an A*o3% a en/t you, I can tell (y t$e "ay you s"allo"' T$e e "e e t"o A*o3es "it$ #e in
2BD | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

+ ison' -a ius an! 9a*inia% (ut t$e gua !s #ostly calle! t$e# t$e e!$ea!s' T$ey/! (een ou se *ants in t$e T aining Cente % so t$ey a este! t$e#% too' I "atc$e! t$e# (eing to tu e! to !eat$' S$e "as lucky' T$ey use! too #uc$ *oltage an! $e $ea t sto++e! ig$t o&&' It took !ays to &inis$ $i# o&&' 1eating% cutting o&& +a ts' T$ey ke+t asking $i# 4uestions% (ut $e coul!n/t s+eak% $e just #a!e t$ese $o i(le ani#al soun!s' T$ey !i!n/t "ant in&o #ation% you kno", T$ey "ante! #e to see it'8

Peeta looks a oun! at ou stunne! &aces% as i& "aiting &o a e+ly' :$en none is &o t$co#ing% $e asks% 8Real o not eal,8 T$e lack o& es+onse u+sets $i# #o e' 8Real o not eal,I8 $e !e#an!s' 8Real%8 says 1oggs' 8At least% to t$e (est o& #y kno"le!ge''' eal'8 Peeta sags' 8I t$oug$t so' T$e e "as not$ing'''s$iny a(out it'8 He "an!e s a"ay & o# t$e g ou+% #utte ing so#et$ing a(out &inge s an! toes' I #o*e to 7ale% + ess #y &o e$ea! into t$e (o!y a #o "$e e $is c$est s$oul! (e% &eel $is a # tig$ten a oun! #e' :e &inally kno" t$e na#e o& t$e gi l "$o "e "atc$e! t$e Ca+itol a(!uct & o# t$e "oo!s o& .2% t$e &ate o& t$e Peacekee+e & ien! "$o t ie! to kee+ 7ale ali*e' T$is is no ti#e to call u+ $a++y #o#ents o& e#e#( ance' T$ey lost t$ei li*es (ecause o& #e' I a!! t$e# to #y +e sonal list o& kills t$at (egan in t$e a ena an! no" inclu!es t$ousan!s' :$en I look u+% I see it $as taken 7ale !i&&e ently' His e3+ ession says t$at t$e e a e not enoug$ #ountains to c us$% enoug$ cities to !est oy' It + o#ises !eat$'

:it$ Peeta/s g isly account & es$ in ou #in!s% "e c unc$ t$ oug$ t$e st eets o& ( oken glass until "e eac$ ou ta get% t$e (lock "e a e to take' It is a eal%
2B. | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

i& s#all% goal to acco#+lis$' :e gat$e a oun! 1oggs to e3a#ine t$e Holo + ojection o& t$e st eet' T$e gun&i e +o! is +ositione! a(out a t$i ! o& t$e "ay !o"n% just a(o*e an a+a t#ent a"ning' :e s$oul! (e a(le to t igge it "it$ (ullets' T$e net +o! is at t$e &a en!% al#ost t$e ne3t co ne ' T$is "ill e4ui e so#eone to set o&& t$e (o!y senso #ec$anis#' E*e yone *oluntee s e3ce+t Peeta% "$o !oesn/t see# to kno" 4uite "$at/s going on' I !on/t get +icke!' I get sent to Messalla% "$o !a(s so#e #akeu+ on #y &ace &o t$e antici+ate! close>u+s'

T$e s4ua! +ositions itsel& un!e 1oggs/s !i ection% an! t$en "e $a*e to "ait &o C essi!a to get t$e ca#e a#en in +lace as "ell' T$ey/ e (ot$ to ou le&t% "it$ Casto to"a ! t$e & ont an! Pollu3 ( inging u+ t$e ea so t$ey/ll (e su e not to eco ! eac$ ot$e ' Messalla sets o&& a cou+le o& s#oke c$a ges &o at#os+$e e' Since t$is is (ot$ a #ission an! a s$oot% I/# a(out to ask "$o/s in c$a ge% #y co##an!e o #y !i ecto % "$en C essi!a calls% 8ActionI8

:e slo"ly + ocee! !o"n t$e $azy st eet% just like one o& ou e3e cises in t$e 1lock' E*e yone $as at least one section o& "in!o"s to (lo" out% (ut 7ale/s assigne! t$e eal ta get' :$en $e $its t$e +o!% "e take co*e >>!ucking into !oo "ays o &lattening onto t$e + etty% lig$t o ange an! +ink +a*ing stones>>as a $ail o& (ullets s"ee+s (ack an! &o t$ o*e ou $ea!s' A&te a "$ile% 1oggs o !e s us &o "a !'

C essi!a sto+s us (e&o e "e can ise% since s$e nee!s so#e close>u+ s$ots' :e take tu ns eenacting ou es+onses' 6alling to t$e g oun!% g i#acing% !i*ing into alco*es' :e kno" it/s su++ose! to (e se ious (usiness% (ut t$e "$ole t$ing &eels a little i!iculous' Es+ecially "$en it tu ns out t$at I/# not t$e "o st acto in t$e s4ua!' <ot (y a long s$ot' :e/ e all laug$ing so $a ! at Mitc$ell/s atte#+t to + oject $is
2B2 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

i!ea o& !es+e ation% "$ic$ in*ol*es teet$ g in!ing an! nost ils &la ing% t$at 1oggs $as to e+ i#an! us' 8Pull it toget$e % 6ou >6i*e>)ne%8 $e says &i #ly' 1ut you can see $i# su++ essing a s#ile as $e/s !ou(le> c$ecking t$e ne3t +o!' Positioning t$e Holo to &in! t$e (est lig$t in t$e s#oky ai ' Still &acing us as $is le&t &oot ste+s (ack onto t$e o ange +a*ing stone' T igge ing t$e (o#( t$at (lo"s o&& $is legs'

2B5 | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

It/s as i& in an instant% a +ainte! "in!o" s$atte s% e*ealing t$e ugly "o l! (e$in! it' 9aug$te c$anges to sc ea#s% (loo! stains +astel stones% eal s#oke !a kens t$e s+ecial e&&ect stu&& #a!e &o tele*ision' A secon! e3+losion see#s to s+lit t$e ai an! lea*es #y ea s inging' 1ut I can/t #ake out "$e e it ca#e & o#' I eac$ 1oggs &i st% t y to #ake sense o& t$e to n &les$% #issing li#(s% to &in! so#et$ing to ste# t$e e! &lo" & o# $is (o!y' Ho#es +us$es #e asi!e% " enc$ing o+en a &i st>ai! kit' 1oggs clutc$es #y " ist' His &ace% g ay "it$ !ying an! as$% see#s to (e ece!ing' 1ut $is ne3t "o !s a e an o !e ' 8T$e Holo'8 T$e Holo' I sc a#(le a oun!% !igging t$ oug$ c$unks o& tile slick "it$ (loo!% s$u!!e ing "$en I encounte (its o& "a # &les$' 6in! it a##e! into a stai "ell "it$ one o& 1oggs/s (oots' Ret ie*e it% "i+ing it clean "it$ (a e $an!s as I etu n it to #y co##an!e ' Ho#es $as t$e stu#+ o& 1oggs/s le&t t$ig$ cu++e! (y so#e so t o& co#+ ession (an!age% (ut it/s al ea!y soake! t$ oug$' He/s t ying to tou ni4uet t$e ot$e a(o*e t$e e3isting knee' T$e est o& t$e s4ua! $as gat$e e! in a + otecti*e &o #ation a oun! t$e c e" an! us' 6innick/s atte#+ting to e*i*e Messalla% "$o "as t$ o"n into a "all (y t$e e3+losion' 0ackson/s (a king into a &iel! co##unicato % t ying unsuccess&ully to ale t t$e ca#+ to sen! #e!ics% (ut I kno" it/s too late' As a c$il!% "atc$ing #y #ot$e "o k% I lea ne! t$at once a +ool o& (loo! $as eac$e! a ce tain size% t$e e/s no going (ack'

2B= | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

I kneel (esi!e 1oggs% + e+a e! to e+eat t$e ole I +laye! "it$ Rue% "it$ t$e #o +$ling & o# B% gi*ing $i# so#eone to $ol! on to as $e/s elease! & o# li&e' 1ut 1oggs $as (ot$ $an!s "o king t$e Holo' He/s ty+ing in a co##an!% + essing $is t$u#( to t$e sc een &o + int ecognition% s+eaking a st ing o& lette s an! nu#(e s in es+onse to a + o#+t' A g een s$a&t o& lig$t (u sts out o& t$e Holo an! illu#inates $is &ace' He says% 8Kn&it &o co##an!' T ans&e o& + i#e secu ity clea ance to S4ua! 6ou >6i*e>)ne Sol!ie ;atniss E*e !een'8 It/s all $e can !o to tu n t$e Holo to"a ! #y &ace' 8Say you na#e'8

8;atniss E*e !een%8 I say into t$e g een s$a&t' Su!!enly% it $as #e t a++e! in its lig$t' I can/t #o*e o e*en (link as i#ages &licke a+i!ly (e&o e #e' Scanning #e, Reco !ing #e, 1lin!ing #e, It *anis$es% an! I s$ake #y $ea! to clea it' 8:$at !i! you !o,8 8P e+a e to et eatI8 0ackson $olle s' 6innick/s yelling so#et$ing (ack% gestu ing to t$e en! o& t$e (lock "$e e "e ente e!' 1lack% oily #atte s+outs like a geyse & o# t$e st eet% (illo"ing (et"een t$e (uil!ings% c eating an i#+enet a(le "all o& !a kness' It see#s to (e neit$e li4ui! no gas% #ec$anical no natu al' Su ely it/s let$al' T$e e/s no $ea!ing (ack t$e "ay "e ca#e'

-ea&ening gun&i e as 7ale an! 9eeg . (egin to (last a +at$ ac oss t$e stones to"a ! t$e &a en! o& t$e (lock' I !on/t kno" "$at t$ey/ e !oing until anot$e (o#(% ten ya !s a"ay% !etonates% o+ening a $ole in t$e st eet' T$en I ealize t$is is a u!i#enta y atte#+t at #ines"ee+ing' Ho#es an! I latc$ on to 1oggs an! (egin to ! ag $i# a&te 7ale' Agony takes o*e an! $e/s c ying out in +ain an! I "ant to sto+% to

2B? | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

&in! a (ette "ay% (ut t$e (lackness is ising a(o*e t$e (uil!ings% s"elling% olling at us like a "a*e' I/# yanke! (ack"a !% lose #y g i+ on 1oggs% sla# into t$e stones' Peeta looks !o"n at #e% gone% #a!% &las$ing (ack into t$e lan! o& t$e $ijacke!% $is gun aise! o*e #e% !escen!ing to c us$ #y skull' I oll% $ea t$e (utt sla# into t$e st eet% catc$ t$e tu#(le o& (o!ies out o& t$e co ne o& #y eye as Mitc$ell tackles Peeta an! +ins $i# to t$e g oun!' 1ut Peeta% al"ays so +o"e &ul an! no" &uele! (y t acke jacke insanity% gets $is &eet un!e Mitc$ell/s (elly an! launc$es $i# &a t$e !o"n t$e (lock'

T$e e/s a lou! sna+ o& a t a+ as t$e +o! t igge s' 6ou ca(les% attac$e! to t acks on t$e (uil!ings% ( eak t$ oug$ t$e stones% ! agging u+ t$e net t$at encases Mitc$ell' It #akes no sense>>$o" instantly (loo!ie! $e is>>until "e see t$e (a (s sticking & o# t$e "i e t$at encases $i#' I kno" it i##e!iately' It !eco ate! t$e to+ o& t$e &ence a oun! .2' As I call to $i# not to #o*e% I gag on t$e s#ell o& t$e (lackness% t$ick% ta like' T$e "a*e $as c este! an! (egun to &all'

7ale an! 9eeg . s$oot t$ oug$ t$e & ont !oo lock o& t$e co ne (uil!ing% t$en (egin to &i e at t$e ca(les $ol!ing Mitc$ell/s net' )t$e s a e est aining Peeta no"' I lunge (ack to 1oggs% an! Ho#es an! I ! ag $i# insi!e t$e a+a t#ent% t$ oug$ so#eone/s +ink an! "$ite *el*et li*ing oo#% !o"n a $all"ay $ung "it$ &a#ily +$otos% onto t$e #a (le &loo o& a kitc$en% "$e e "e colla+se' Casto an! Pollu3 ca y in a " it$ing Peeta (et"een t$e#' So#e$o" 0ackson gets cu&&s on $i#% (ut it only #akes $i# "il!e an! t$ey/ e &o ce! to lock $i# in a closet'

In t$e li*ing oo#% t$e & ont !oo sla#s% +eo+le s$out' T$en &ootste+s +oun! !o"n t$e $all as t$e (lack "a*e oa s +ast t$e (uil!ing' 6 o# t$e kitc$en% "e
2BB | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

can $ea t$e "in!o"s g oan% s$atte ' T$e no3ious ta s#ell +e #eates t$e ai ' 6innick ca ies in Messalla' 9eeg . an! C essi!a stu#(le into t$e oo# a&te t$e#% coug$ing' 87aleI8 I s$ iek' He/s t$e e% sla##ing t$e kitc$en !oo s$ut (e$in! $i#% c$oking out one "o !' 86u#esI8 Casto an! Pollu3 g a( to"els% a+ ons to stu&& in t$e c acks as 7ale etc$es into a ( ig$t yello" sink' 8Mitc$ell,8 asks Ho#es' 9eeg . just s$akes $e $ea!' 1oggs &o ces t$e Holo into #y $an!' His li+s a e #o*ing% (ut I can/t #ake out "$at $e/s saying' I lean #y ea !o"n to $is #out$ to catc$ $is $a s$ "$is+e ' 8-on/t t ust t$e#' -on/t go (ack' ;ill Peeta' -o "$at you ca#e to !o'8 I ! a" (ack so I can see $is &ace' 8:$at, 1oggs, 1oggs,8 His eyes a e still o+en% (ut !ea!' P esse! in #y $an!% glue! to it (y $is (loo!% is t$e Holo' Peeta/s &eet sla##ing into t$e closet !oo ( eak u+ t$e agge! ( eat$ing o& t$e ot$e s' 1ut e*en as "e listen% $is ene gy see#s to e((' T$e kicks !i#inis$ to an i egula ! u##ing' T$en not$ing' I "on!e i& $e% too% is !ea!' 8He/s gone,8 6innick asks% looking !o"n at 1oggs' I no!' 8:e nee! to get out o& $e e' <o"' :e just set o&& a st eet&ul o& +o!s' Cou can (et t$ey/*e got us on su *eillance ta+es'8 8Count on it%8 says Casto ' 8All t$e st eets a e co*e e! (y su *eillance ca#e as' I (et t$ey set o&& t$e (lack "a*e #anually "$en t$ey sa" us ta+ing t$e + o+o'8
2BE | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8)u a!io co##unicato s "ent !ea! al#ost i##e!iately' P o(a(ly an elect o#agnetic +ulse !e*ice' 1ut I/ll get us (ack to ca#+' 7i*e #e t$e Holo'8 0ackson eac$es &o t$e unit% (ut I clutc$ it to #y c$est' 8<o' 1oggs ga*e it to #e%8 I say' 8-on/t (e i!iculous%8 s$e sna+s' )& cou se% s$e t$inks it/s $e s' S$e/s secon! in co##an!' 8It/s t ue%8 says Ho#es' 8He t ans&e e! t$e + i#e secu ity clea ance to $e "$ile $e "as !ying' I sa" it'8 8:$y "oul! $e !o t$at,8 !e#an!s 0ackson' :$y in!ee!, My $ea!/s eeling & o# t$e g$astly e*ents o& t$e last &i*e #inutes>>1oggs #utilate!% !ying% !ea!% Peeta/s $o#ici!al age% Mitc$ell (loo!y an! nette! an! s"allo"e! (y t$at &oul (lack "a*e' I tu n to 1oggs% *e y (a!ly nee!ing $i# ali*e' Su!!enly su e t$at $e% an! #ay(e $e alone% is co#+letely on #y si!e' I t$ink o& $is last o !e s''''

8-on/t t ust t$e#' -on/t go (ack' ;ill Peeta' -o "$at you ca#e to !o'8 :$at !i! $e #ean, -on/t t ust "$o, T$e e(els, Coin, T$e +eo+le looking at #e ig$t no", I "on/t go (ack% (ut $e #ust kno" I can/t just &i e a (ullet t$ oug$ Peeta/s $ea!' Can I, S$oul! I, -i! 1oggs guess t$at "$at I eally ca#e to !o is !ese t an! kill Sno" on #y o"n, I can/t "o k all o& t$is out no"% so I just !eci!e to ca y out t$e &i st t"o o !e sH to not t ust anyone an! to #o*e !ee+e into t$e Ca+itol' 1ut $o" can I justi&y t$is, Make t$e# let #e kee+ t$e Holo,
2BF | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

81ecause I/# on a s+ecial #ission &o P esi!ent Coin' I t$ink 1oggs "as t$e only one "$o kne" a(out it'8 T$is in no "ay con*inces 0ackson' 8To !o "$at,8 :$y not tell t$e# t$e t ut$, It/s as +lausi(le as anyt$ing I/ll co#e u+ "it$' 1ut it #ust see# like a eal #ission% not e*enge' 8To assassinate P esi!ent Sno" (e&o e t$e loss o& li&e & o# t$is "a #akes ou +o+ulation unsustaina(le'8 8I !on/t (elie*e you%8 says 0ackson' 8As you cu ent co##an!e % I o !e you to t ans&e t$e + i#e secu ity clea ance o*e to #e'8 8<o%8 I say' 8T$at "oul! (e in !i ect *iolation o& P esi!ent Coin/s o !e s'8 7uns a e +ointe!' Hal& t$e s4ua! at 0ackson% $al& at #e' So#eone/s a(out to !ie% "$en C essi!a s+eaks u+' 8It/s t ue' T$at/s "$y "e/ e $e e' Pluta c$ "ants it tele*ise!' He t$inks i& "e can &il# t$e Mockingjay assassinating Sno"% it "ill en! t$e "a '8 T$is gi*es e*en 0ackson +ause' T$en s$e gestu es "it$ $e gun to"a ! t$e closet' 8An! "$y is $e $e e,8 T$e e s$e $as #e' I can t$ink o& no sane eason t$at Coin "oul! sen! an unsta(le (oy% + og a##e! to kill #e% along on suc$ a key assign#ent' It eally "eakens #y sto y' C essi!a co#es to #y ai! again' 81ecause t$e t"o +ost>7a#es inte *ie"s "it$ Caesa 6licke #an "e e s$ot in P esi!ent Sno"/s +e sonal 4ua te s' Pluta c$ t$inks Peeta #ay (e o& so#e use as a gui!e in a location "e $a*e little kno"le!ge o&'8

I "ant to ask C essi!a "$y s$e/s lying &o #e% "$y s$e/s &ig$ting &o us to go on "it$ #y sel&>a++ointe! #ission' <o"/s not t$e ti#e'
2BG | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8:e $a*e to goI8 says 7ale' 8I/# &ollo"ing ;atniss' I& you !on/t "ant to% $ea! (ack to ca#+' 1ut let/s #o*eI8 Ho#es unlocks t$e closet an! $ea*es an unconscious Peeta o*e $is s$oul!e ' 8Rea!y'8 81oggs,8 says 9eeg .' 8:e can/t take $i#' He/! un!e stan!%8 says 6innick' He & ees 1oggs/s gun & o# $is s$oul!e an! slings t$e st a+ o*e $is o"n' 89ea! on% Sol!ie E*e !een'8 I !on/t kno" $o" to lea! on' I look at t$e Holo &o !i ection' It/s still acti*ate!% (ut it #ig$t as "ell (e !ea! &o all t$e goo! t$at !oes #e' T$e e/s no ti#e &o &i!!ling a oun! "it$ t$e (uttons% t ying to &igu e out $o" to "o k it' 8I !on/t kno" $o" to use t$is' 1oggs sai! you "oul! $el+ #e%8 I tell 0ackson' 8He sai! I coul! count on you'8

0ackson sco"ls% snatc$es t$e Holo & o# #e% an! ta+s in a co##an!' An inte section co#es u+' 8I& "e go out t$e kitc$en !oo % t$e e/s a s#all cou tya !% t$en t$e (ack si!e o& anot$e co ne a+a t#ent unit' :e/ e looking at an o*e *ie" o& t$e &ou st eets t$at #eet at t$e inte section'8 I t y to get #y (ea ings as I sta e at t$e c oss section o& t$e #a+ (linking "it$ +o!s in e*e y !i ection' An! t$ose a e only t$e +o!s Pluta c$ kno"s a(out' T$e Holo !i!n/t in!icate t$at t$e (lock "e just le&t "as #ine!% $a! t$e (lack geyse % o t$at t$e net "as #a!e & o# (a (e! "i e' 1esi!es t$at% t$e e #ay (e Peacekee+e s to !eal "it$% no" t$at t$ey kno" ou +osition' I (ite t$e insi!e o& #y li+% &eeling e*e yone/s eyes on #e' 8Put on you #asks' :e/ e going out t$e "ay "e ca#e in'8

2ED | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

Instant o(jections' I aise #y *oice o*e t$e#' 8I& t$e "a*e "as t$at +o"e &ul% t$en it #ay $a*e t igge e! an! a(so (e! ot$e +o!s in ou +at$'8 Peo+le sto+ to consi!e t$is' Pollu3 #akes a &e" 4uick signs to $is ( ot$e ' 8It #ay $a*e !isa(le! t$e ca#e as as "ell%8 Casto t anslates' 8Coate! t$e lenses'8 7ale + o+s one o& $is (oots on t$e counte an! e3a#ines t$e s+latte o& (lack on t$e toe' Sc a+es it "it$ a kitc$en kni&e & o# a (lock on t$e counte ' 8It/s not co osi*e' I t$ink it "as #eant to eit$e su&&ocate o +oison us'8 8P o(a(ly ou (est s$ot%8 says 9eeg .' Masks go on' 6innick a!justs Peeta/s #ask o*e $is li&eless &ace' C essi!a an! 9eeg . + o+ u+ a "oozy Messalla (et"een t$e#' I/# "aiting &o so#eone to take t$e +oint +osition "$en I e#e#(e t$at/s #y jo( no"' I +us$ on t$e kitc$en !oo an! #eet "it$ no esistance' A $al&>inc$ laye o& t$e (lack goo $as s+ ea! & o# t$e li*ing oo# a(out t$ ee>4ua te s o& t$e "ay !o"n t$e $all' :$en I ginge ly test it "it$ t$e toe o& #y (oot% I &in! it $as t$e consistency o& a gel' I li&t #y &oot an! a&te st etc$ing slig$tly% it s+ ings (ack into +lace' I take t$ ee ste+s into t$e gel an! look (ack' <o &oot+ ints' It/s t$e &i st goo! t$ing t$at/s $a++ene! to!ay' T$e gel (eco#es slig$tly t$icke as I c oss t$e li*ing oo#' I ease o+en t$e & ont !oo % e3+ecting gallons o& t$e stu&& to +ou in% (ut it $ol!s its &o #'

T$e +ink an! o ange (lock see#s to $a*e (een !i++e! in glossy (lack +aint an! set out to ! y' Pa*ing stones% (uil!ings% e*en t$e oo&to+s a e coate! in t$e gel' A la ge tea ! o+ $angs a(o*e t$e st eet' T"o
2E. | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

s$a+es + oject & o# it' A gun (a el an! a $u#an $an!' Mitc$ell' I "ait on t$e si!e"alk% sta ing u+ at $i# until t$e enti e g ou+ $as joine! #e' 8I& anyone nee!s to go (ack% &o "$ate*e eason% no" is t$e ti#e%8 I say' 8<o 4uestions aske!% no $a ! &eelings'8 <o one see#s incline! to et eat' So I sta t #o*ing into t$e Ca+itol% kno"ing "e !on/t $a*e #uc$ ti#e' T$e gel/s !ee+e $e e% &ou to si3 inc$es% an! #akes a sucking soun! eac$ ti#e you +ick u+ you &oot% (ut it still co*e s ou t acks'

T$e "a*e #ust $a*e (een eno #ous% "it$ t e#en!ous +o"e (e$in! it% as it/s a&&ecte! se*e al (locks t$at lie a$ea!' An! t$oug$ I t ea! "it$ ca e% I t$ink #y instinct "as ig$t a(out its t igge ing ot$e +o!s' )ne (lock is s+ inkle! "it$ t$e gol!en (o!ies o& t acke jacke s' T$ey #ust $a*e (een set & ee only to succu#( to t$e &u#es' A little &a t$e along% an enti e a+a t#ent (uil!ing $as colla+se! an! lies in a #oun! un!e t$e gel' I s+ int ac oss t$e inte sections% $ol!ing u+ a $an! &o t$e ot$e s to "ait "$ile I look &o t ou(le% (ut t$e "a*e see#s to $a*e !is#antle! t$e +o!s &a (ette t$an any s4ua! o& e(els coul!'

)n t$e &i&t$ (lock% I can tell t$at "e/*e eac$e! t$e +oint "$e e t$e "a*e (egan to +ete out' T$e gel/s only an inc$ !ee+% an! I can see (a(y (lue oo&to+s +eeking out ac oss t$e ne3t inte section' T$e a&te noon lig$t $as &a!e!% an! "e (a!ly nee! to get un!e co*e an! &o # a +lan' I c$oose an a+a t#ent t"o>t$i !s o& t$e "ay !o"n t$e (lock' Ho#es ji##ies t$e lock% an! I o !e t$e ot$e s insi!e' I stay on t$e st eet &o just a #inute% "atc$ing t$e last o& ou &oot+ ints &a!e a"ay% t$en close t$e !oo (e$in! #e'

6las$lig$ts (uilt into ou guns illu#inate a la ge li*ing oo# "it$ #i o e! "alls t$at t$ o" ou &aces (ack at us at e*e y tu n' 7ale c$ecks t$e "in!o"s%
2E2 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

"$ic$ s$o" no !a#age% an! e#o*es $is #ask' 8It/s all ig$t' Cou can s#ell it% (ut it/s not too st ong'8 T$e a+a t#ent see#s to (e lai! out e3actly like t$e &i st one "e took e&uge in' T$e gel (lacks out any natu al !aylig$t in t$e & ont% (ut so#e lig$t still sli+s t$ oug$ t$e s$utte s in t$e kitc$en' Along t$e $all"ay a e t"o (e! oo#s "it$ (at$s' A s+i al stai case in t$e li*ing oo# lea!s u+ to an o+en s+ace t$at co#+oses #uc$ o& t$e secon! &loo ' T$e e a e no "in!o"s u+stai s% (ut t$e lig$ts $a*e (een le&t on% + o(a(ly (y so#eone $astily e*acuating' A $uge tele*ision sc een% (lank (ut glo"ing so&tly% occu+ies one "all' Plus$ c$ai s an! so&as a e st e"n a oun! t$e oo#' T$is is "$e e "e cong egate% slu#+ into u+$olste y% t y to catc$ ou ( eat$'

0ackson $as $e gun t aine! on Peeta e*en t$oug$ $e/s still cu&&e! an! unconscious% ! a+e! ac oss a !ee+>(lue so&a "$e e Ho#es !e+osite! $i#' :$at on ea t$ a# I going to !o "it$ $i#, :it$ t$e c e", :it$ e*e y(o!y% & ankly% (esi!es 7ale an! 6innick, 1ecause I/! at$e t ack !o"n Sno" "it$ t$ose t"o t$an "it$out t$e#' 1ut I can/t lea! ten +eo+le t$ oug$ t$e Ca+itol on a + eten! #ission% e*en i& I coul! ea! t$e Holo' S$oul! I% coul! I $a*e sent t$e# (ack "$en I $a! a c$ance, ) "as it too !ange ous, 1ot$ to t$e# +e sonally an! to #y #ission, May(e I s$oul!n/t $a*e listene! to 1oggs% (ecause $e #ig$t $a*e (een in so#e !elusional !eat$ state' May(e I s$oul! just co#e clean% (ut t$en 0ackson "oul! take o*e an! "e/! en! u+ (ack at ca#+' :$e e I/! $a*e Coin to ans"e to'

0ust as t$e co#+le3ity o& t$e #ess I/*e ! agge! e*e y(o!y into (egins to o*e loa! #y ( ain% a !istant c$ain o& e3+losions sen!s a t e#o t$ oug$ t$e oo#'

2E5 | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8It "asn/t close%8 0ackson assu es us' 8A goo! &ou o &i*e (locks a"ay'8 8:$e e "e le&t 1oggs%8 says 9eeg .' Alt$oug$ no one $as #a!e a #o*e to"a ! it% t$e tele*ision &la es to li&e% e#itting a $ig$>+itc$e! (ee+ing soun!% ( inging $al& ou +a ty to its &eet' 8It/s all ig$tI8 calls C essi!a' 8It/s just an e#e gency ( oa!cast' E*e y Ca+itol tele*ision is auto#atically acti*ate! &o it'8 T$e e "e a e on>sc een% just a&te t$e (o#( took out 1oggs' A *oice>o*e tells t$e au!ience "$at t$ey a e *ie"ing as "e t y to eg ou+% eact to t$e (lack gel s$ooting & o# t$e st eet% lose cont ol o& t$e situation' :e "atc$ t$e c$aos t$at &ollo"s until t$e "a*e (lots out t$e ca#e as' T$e last t$ing "e see is 7ale% alone on t$e st eet% t ying to s$oot t$ oug$ t$e ca(les t$at $ol! Mitc$ell alo&t'

T$e e+o te i!enti&ies 7ale% 6innick% 1oggs% Peeta% C essi!a% an! #e (y na#e' 8T$e e/s no ae ial &ootage' 1oggs #ust $a*e (een ig$t a(out t$ei $o*e c a&t ca+acity%8 says Casto ' I !i!n/t notice t$is% (ut I guess it/s t$e kin! o& t$ing a ca#e a#an +icks u+ on' Co*e age continues & o# t$e cou tya ! (e$in! t$e a+a t#ent "$e e "e took s$elte ' Peacekee+e s line t$e oo& ac oss & o# ou &o #e $i!eout' S$ells a e launc$e! into t$e o" o& a+a t#ents% setting o&& t$e c$ain o& e3+losions "e $ea !% an! t$e (uil!ing colla+ses into u((le an! !ust' <o" "e cut to a li*e &ee!' A e+o te stan!s on t$e oo& "it$ t$e Peacekee+e s' 1e$in! $e % t$e
2E= | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

a+a t#ent (lock (u ns' 6i e&ig$te s t y to cont ol t$e (laze "it$ "ate $oses' :e a e + onounce! !ea!' 86inally% a (it o& luck%8 says Ho#es' I guess $e/s ig$t' Ce tainly it/s (ette t$an $a*ing t$e Ca+itol in +u suit o& us' 1ut I just kee+ i#agining $o" t$is "ill (e +laying (ack in .5' :$e e #y #ot$e an! P i#% Hazelle an! t$e ki!s% Annie% Hay#itc$% an! a "$ole lot o& +eo+le & o# .5 t$ink t$at t$ey $a*e just seen us !ie' 8My &at$e ' He just lost #y siste an! no"'''8 says 9eeg .' :e "atc$ as t$ey +lay t$e &ootage o*e an! o*e ' Re*el in t$ei *icto y% es+ecially o*e #e' 1 eak a"ay to !o a #ontage o& t$e Mockingjay/s ise to e(el +o"e >>I t$ink t$ey/*e $a! t$is +a t + e+a e! &o a "$ile% (ecause it see#s + etty +olis$e!>>an! t$en go li*e so a cou+le o& e+o te s can !iscuss #y "ell> !ese *e! *iolent en!' 9ate % t$ey + o#ise% Sno" "ill #ake an o&&icial state#ent' T$e sc een &a!es (ack to a glo"'

T$e e(els #a!e no atte#+t to ( eak in !u ing t$e ( oa!cast% "$ic$ lea!s #e to (elie*e t$ey t$ink it/s t ue' I& t$at/s so% "e eally a e on ou o"n' 8So% no" t$at "e/ e !ea!% "$at/s ou ne3t #o*e,8 asks 7ale' 8Isn/t it o(*ious,8 <o one e*en kne" Peeta $a! egaine! consciousness' I !on/t kno" $o" long $e/s (een "atc$ing% (ut (y t$e look o& #ise y on $is &ace% long enoug$ to see "$at $a++ene! on t$e st eet' Ho" $e "ent #a!% t ie! to (as$ #y $ea! in% an! $u le! Mitc$ell into t$e +o!' He +ain&ully +us$es $i#sel& u+ to a sitting +osition an! !i ects $is "o !s to 7ale'
2E? | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8)u ne3t #o*e'''is to kill #e'8

2EB | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

T$at #akes t"o e4uests &o Peeta/s !eat$ in less t$an an $ou ' 8-on/t (e i!iculous%8 says 0ackson' 8I just #u !e e! a #e#(e o& ou s4ua!I8 s$outs Peeta' 8Cou +us$e! $i# o&& you' Cou coul!n/t $a*e kno"n $e "oul! t igge t$e net at t$at e3act s+ot%8 says 6innick% t ying to cal# $i#' 8:$o ca es, He/s !ea!% isn/t $e,8 Tea s (egin to un !o"n Peeta/s &ace' 8I !i!n/t kno"' I/*e ne*e seen #ysel& like t$at (e&o e' ;atniss is ig$t' I/# t$e #onste ' I/# t$e #utt' I/# t$e one Sno" $as tu ne! into a "ea+onI8 8It/s not you &ault% Peeta%8 says 6innick' 8Cou can/t take #e "it$ you' It/s only a #atte o& ti#e (e&o e I kill so#eone else'8 Peeta looks a oun! at ou con&licte! &aces' 8May(e you t$ink it/s kin!e to just !u#+ #e so#e"$e e' 9et #e take #y c$ances' 1ut t$at/s t$e sa#e t$ing as $an!ing #e o*e to t$e Ca+itol' -o you t$ink you/! (e !oing #e a &a*o (y sen!ing #e (ack to Sno",8

Peeta' 1ack in Sno"/s $an!s' To tu e! an! to #ente! until no (its o& $is &o #e sel& "ill e*e e#e ge again' 6o so#e eason% t$e last stanza to 8T$e Hanging T ee8 sta ts unning t$ oug$ #y $ea!' T$e one "$e e

2EE | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

t$e #an "ants $is lo*e !ea! at$e t$an $a*e $e &ace t$e e*il t$at a"aits $e in t$e "o l!' A e you% a e you Co#ing to t$e t ee :ea a necklace o& o+e% si!e (y si!e "it$ #e' St ange t$ings !i! $a++en $e e <o st ange "oul! it (e I& "e #et u+ at #i!nig$t in t$e $anging t ee' 8I/ll kill you (e&o e t$at $a++ens%8 says 7ale' 8I + o#ise'8 Peeta $esitates% as i& consi!e ing t$e elia(ility o& t$is o&&e % an! t$en s$akes $is $ea!' 8It/s no goo!' :$at i& you/ e not t$e e to !o it, I "ant one o& t$ose +oison +ills like t$e est o& you $a*e'8 <ig$tlock' T$e e/s one +ill (ack at ca#+% in its s+ecial slot on t$e slee*e o& #y Mockingjay suit' 1ut t$e e/s anot$e in t$e ( east +ocket o& #y uni&o #' Inte esting t$at t$ey !i!n/t issue one to Peeta' Pe $a+s Coin t$oug$t $e #ig$t take it (e&o e $e $a! t$e o++o tunity to kill #e' It/s unclea i& Peeta #eans $e/! &inis$ $i#sel& o&& no"% to s+a e us $a*ing to #u !e $i#% o only i& t$e Ca+itol took $i# + isone again' In t$e state $e/s in% I e3+ect it "oul! (e soone at$e t$an late ' It "oul! ce tainly #ake t$ings easie on t$e est o& us' <ot to $a*e to s$oot $i#' It "oul! ce tainly si#+li&y t$e + o(le# o& !ealing "it$ $is $o#ici!al e+iso!es'

I !on/t kno" i& it/s t$e +o!s% o t$e &ea % o "atc$ing 1oggs !ie% (ut I &eel t$e a ena all a oun! #e' It/s as i& I/*e ne*e le&t% eally' )nce again I/# (attling not only &o #y o"n su *i*al (ut &o Peeta/s as "ell' Ho" satis&ying% $o" ente taining it "oul! (e &o Sno" to
2EF | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

$a*e #e kill $i#' To $a*e Peeta/s !eat$ on #y conscience &o "$ate*e is le&t o& #y li&e' 8It/s not a(out you%8 I say' 8:e/ e on a #ission' An! you/ e necessa y to it'8 I look to t$e est o& t$e g ou+' 8T$ink "e #ig$t &in! so#e &oo! $e e,8 1esi!es t$e #e!ical kit an! ca#e as% "e $a*e not$ing (ut ou uni&o #s an! ou "ea+ons' Hal& o& us stay to gua ! Peeta o kee+ an eye out &o Sno"/s ( oa!cast% "$ile t$e ot$e s $unt &o so#et$ing to eat' Messalla + o*es #ost *alua(le (ecause $e li*e! in a nea e+lica o& t$is a+a t#ent an! kno"s "$e e +eo+le "oul! (e #ost likely to stas$ &oo!' 9ike $o" t$e e/s a sto age s+ace conceale! (y a #i o e! +anel in t$e (e! oo#% o $o" easy it is to +o+ out t$e *entilation sc een in t$e $all"ay' So e*en t$oug$ t$e kitc$en cu+(oa !s a e (a e% "e &in! o*e t$i ty canne! goo!s an! se*e al (o3es o& cookies'

T$e $oa !ing !isgusts t$e sol!ie s aise! in .5' 8Isn/t t$is illegal,8 says 9eeg .' 8)n t$e cont a y% in t$e Ca+itol you/! (e consi!e e! stu+i! not to !o it%8 says Messalla' 8E*en (e&o e t$e Aua te Auell% +eo+le "e e sta ting to stock u+ on sca ce su++lies'8 8:$ile ot$e s "ent "it$out%8 says 9eeg .' 8Rig$t%8 says Messalla' 8T$at/s $o" it "o ks $e e'8 86o tunately% o "e "oul!n/t $a*e !inne %8 says 7ale' 8E*e y(o!y g a( a can'8 So#e o& ou co#+any see# eluctant to !o t$is% (ut it/s as goo! a #et$o! as any' I/# eally not in t$e
2EG | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

#oo! to !i**y u+ e*e yt$ing into ele*en e4ual +a ts% &acto ing in age% (o!y "eig$t% an! +$ysical out+ut' I +oke a oun! in t$e +ile% a(out to settle on so#e co! c$o"!e % "$en Peeta $ol!s out a can to #e' 8He e'8 I take it% not kno"ing "$at to e3+ect' T$e la(el ea!s 9a#( Ste"' I + ess #y li+s toget$e at t$e #e#o ies o& ain ! i++ing t$ oug$ stones% #y ine+t atte#+ts at &li ting% an! t$e a o#a o& #y &a*o ite Ca+itol !is$ in t$e c$illy ai ' So so#e +a t o& it #ust still (e in $is $ea!% too' Ho" $a++y% $o" $ung y% $o" close "e "e e "$en t$at +icnic (asket a i*e! outsi!e ou ca*e' 8T$anks'8 I +o+ o+en t$e to+' 8It e*en $as ! ie! +lu#s'8 I (en! t$e li! an! use it as a #akes$i&t s+oon% scoo+ing a (it into #y #out$' <o" t$is +lace tastes like t$e a ena% too'

:e/ e +assing a oun! a (o3 o& &ancy c ea#>&ille! cookies "$en t$e (ee+ing sta ts again' T$e seal o& Pane# lig$ts u+ on t$e sc een an! e#ains t$e e "$ile t$e ant$e# +lays' An! t$en t$ey (egin to s$o" i#ages o& t$e !ea!% just as t$ey !i! "it$ t$e t i(utes in t$e a ena' T$ey sta t "it$ t$e &ou &aces o& ou T2 c e"% &ollo"e! (y 1oggs% 7ale% 6innick% Peeta% an! #e' E3ce+t &o 1oggs% t$ey !on/t (ot$e "it$ t$e sol!ie s & o# .5% eit$e (ecause t$ey $a*e no i!ea "$o t$ey a e o (ecause t$ey kno" t$ey "on/t #ean anyt$ing to t$e au!ience' T$en t$e #an $i#sel& a++ea s% seate! at $is !esk% a &lag ! a+e! (e$in! $i#% t$e & es$ "$ite ose glea#ing in $is la+el' I t$ink $e #ig$t $a*e ecently $a! #o e "o k !one% (ecause $is li+s a e +u&&ie t$an usual' An! $is + e+ tea# eally nee!s to use a lig$te $an! "it$ $is (lus$'

Sno" cong atulates t$e Peacekee+e s on a #aste &ul jo(% $ono s t$e# &o i!!ing t$e count y o& t$e #enace calle! t$e Mockingjay' :it$ #y !eat$% $e
2FD | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

+ e!icts a tu ning o& t$e ti!e in t$e "a % since t$e !e#o alize! e(els $a*e no one le&t to &ollo"' An! "$at "as I% eally, A +oo % unsta(le gi l "it$ a s#all talent "it$ a (o" an! a o"' <ot a g eat t$inke % not t$e #aste #in! o& t$e e(ellion% #e ely a &ace +lucke! & o# t$e a((le (ecause I $a! caug$t t$e nation/s attention "it$ #y antics in t$e 7a#es' 1ut necessa y% so *e y necessa y% (ecause t$e e(els $a*e no eal lea!e a#ong t$e#'

So#e"$e e in -ist ict .5% 1eetee $its a s"itc$% (ecause no" it/s not P esi!ent Sno" (ut P esi!ent Coin "$o/s looking at us' S$e int o!uces $e sel& to Pane#% i!enti&ies $e sel& as t$e $ea! o& t$e e(ellion% an! t$en gi*es #y eulogy' P aise &o t$e gi l "$o su *i*e! t$e Sea# an! t$e Hunge 7a#es% t$en tu ne! a count y o& sla*es into an a #y o& & ee!o# &ig$te s' 8-ea! o ali*e% ;atniss E*e !een "ill e#ain t$e &ace o& t$is e(ellion' I& e*e you "a*e in you esol*e% t$ink o& t$e Mockingjay% an! in $e you "ill &in! t$e st engt$ you nee! to i! Pane# o& its o++ esso s'8

8I $a! no i!ea $o" #uc$ I #eant to $e %8 I say% "$ic$ ( ings a laug$ & o# 7ale an! 4uestioning looks & o# t$e ot$e s' K+ co#es a $ea*ily !octo e! +$oto o& #e looking (eauti&ul an! &ie ce "it$ a (unc$ o& &la#es &licke ing (e$in! #e' <o "o !s' <o slogan' My &ace is all t$ey nee! no"' 1eetee gi*es t$e eins (ack to a *e y cont olle! Sno"' I $a*e t$e &eeling t$e + esi!ent t$oug$t t$e e#e gency c$annel "as i#+enet a(le% an! so#eone "ill en! u+ !ea! tonig$t (ecause it "as ( eac$e!' 8To#o o" #o ning% "$en "e +ull ;atniss E*e !een/s (o!y & o# t$e as$es% "e "ill see e3actly "$o t$e

2F. | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay is' A !ea! gi l "$o coul! sa*e no one% not e*en $e sel&'8 Seal% ant$e#% an! out' 8E3ce+t t$at you "on/t &in! $e %8 says 6innick to t$e e#+ty sc een% *oicing "$at "e/ e all + o(a(ly t$inking' T$e g ace +e io! "ill (e ( ie&' )nce t$ey !ig t$ oug$ t$ose as$es an! co#e u+ #issing ele*en (o!ies% t$ey/ll kno" "e esca+e!' 8:e can get a $ea! sta t on t$e# at least%8 I say' Su!!enly% I/# so ti e!' All I "ant is to lie !o"n on a nea (y g een +lus$ so&a an! go to slee+' To cocoon #ysel& in a co#&o te #a!e o& a((it &u an! goose !o"n' Instea!% I +ull out t$e Holo an! insist t$at 0ackson talk #e t$ oug$ t$e #ost (asic co##an!s>> "$ic$ a e eally a(out ente ing t$e coo !inates o& t$e nea est #a+ g i! inte section>>so t$at I can at least (egin to o+e ate t$e t$ing #ysel&' As t$e Holo + ojects ou su oun!ings% I &eel #y $ea t sink e*en &u t$e ' :e #ust (e #o*ing close to c ucial ta gets% (ecause t$e nu#(e o& +o!s $as noticea(ly inc ease!' Ho" can "e +ossi(ly #o*e &o "a ! into t$is (ou4uet o& (linking lig$ts "it$out !etection, :e can/t' An! i& "e can/t% "e a e t a++e! like (i !s in a net' I !eci!e it/s (est not to a!o+t so#e so t o& su+e io attitu!e "$en I/# "it$ t$ese +eo+le' Es+ecially "$en #y eyes kee+ ! i&ting to t$at g een so&a' So I say% 8Any i!eas,8

8:$y !on/t "e sta t (y uling out +ossi(ilities%8 says 6innick' 8T$e st eet is not a +ossi(ility'8 8T$e oo&to+s a e just as (a! as t$e st eet%8 says 9eeg .' 8:e still #ig$t $a*e a c$ance to "it$! a"% go (ack t$e "ay "e ca#e%8 says Ho#es' 81ut t$at "oul! #ean a &aile! #ission'8

2F2 | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

A +ang o& guilt $its #e since I/*e &a( icate! sai! #ission' 8It "as ne*e inten!e! &o all o& us to go &o "a !' Cou just $a! t$e #is&o tune to (e "it$ #e'8 8:ell% t$at/s a #oot +oint' :e/ e "it$ you no"%8 says 0ackson' 8So% "e can/t stay +ut' :e can/t #o*e u+' :e can/t #o*e late ally' I t$ink t$at just lea*es one o+tion'8 8Kn!e g oun!%8 says 7ale' Kn!e g oun!' :$ic$ I $ate' 9ike #ines an! tunnels an! .5' Kn!e g oun!% "$e e I ! ea! !ying% "$ic$ is stu+i! (ecause e*en i& I !ie a(o*eg oun!% t$e ne3t t$ing t$ey/ll !o is (u y #e un!e g oun! any"ay' T$e Holo can s$o" su(te anean as "ell as st eet> le*el +o!s' I see t$at "$en "e go un!e g oun! t$e clean% !e+en!a(le lines o& t$e st eet +lan a e inte lace! "it$ a t"isting% tu ning #ess o& tunnels' T$e +o!s look less nu#e ous% t$oug$' T"o !oo s !o"n% a *e tical tu(e connects ou o" o& a+a t#ents to t$e tunnels' To eac$ t$e tu(e a+a t#ent% "e "ill nee! to s4ueeze t$ oug$ a #aintenance s$a&t t$at uns t$e lengt$ o& t$e (uil!ing' :e can ente t$e s$a&t t$ oug$ t$e (ack o& a closet s+ace on t$e u++e &loo ' 8)kay% t$en' 9et/s #ake it look like "e/*e ne*e (een $e e%8 I say' :e e ase all signs o& ou stay' Sen! t$e e#+ty cans !o"n a t as$ c$ute% +ocket t$e &ull ones &o late % &li+ so&a cus$ions s#ea e! "it$ (loo!% "i+e t aces o& gel & o# t$e tiles' T$e e/s no &i3ing t$e latc$ on t$e & ont !oo % (ut "e lock a secon! (olt% "$ic$ "ill at least kee+ t$e !oo & o# s"inging o+en on contact'

2F5 | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

6inally% t$e e/s only Peeta to conten! "it$' He +lants $i#sel& on t$e (lue so&a% e&using to (u!ge' 8I/# not going' I/ll eit$e !isclose you +osition o $u t so#eone else'8 8Sno"/s +eo+le "ill &in! you%8 says 6innick' 8T$en lea*e #e a +ill' I/ll only take it i& I $a*e to%8 says Peeta' 8T$at/s not an o+tion' Co#e along%8 says 0ackson' 8) you/ll "$at, S$oot #e,8 asks Peeta' 8:e/ll knock you out an! ! ag you "it$ us%8 says Ho#es' 8:$ic$ "ill (ot$ slo" us !o"n an! en!ange us'8 8Sto+ (eing no(leI I !on/t ca e i& I !ieI8 He tu ns to #e% +lea!ing no"' 8;atniss% +lease' -on/t you see% I "ant to (e out o& t$is,8 T$e t ou(le is% I !o see' :$y can/t I just let $i# go, Sli+ $i# a +ill% +ull t$e t igge , Is it (ecause I ca e too #uc$ a(out Peeta o too #uc$ a(out letting Sno" "in, Ha*e I tu ne! $i# into a +iece in #y + i*ate 7a#es, T$at/s !es+ica(le% (ut I/# not su e it/s (eneat$ #e' I& it/s t ue% it "oul! (e kin!est to kill Peeta $e e an! no"' 1ut &o (ette o "o se% I a# not #oti*ate! (y kin!ness' 8:e/ e "asting ti#e' A e you co#ing *olunta ily o !o "e knock you out,8

Peeta (u ies $is &ace in $is $an!s &o a &e" #o#ents% t$en ises to join us' 8S$oul! "e & ee $is $an!s,8 asks 9eeg .' 8<oI8 Peeta g o"ls at $e % ! a"ing $is cu&&s in close to $is (o!y'
2F= | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8<o%8 I ec$o' 81ut I "ant t$e key'8 0ackson +asses it o*e "it$out a "o !' I sli+ it into #y +ants +ocket% "$e e it clicks against t$e +ea l' :$en Ho#es + ies o+en t$e s#all #etal !oo to t$e #aintenance s$a&t% "e encounte anot$e + o(le#' T$e e/s no "ay t$e insect s$ells "ill (e a(le to &it t$ oug$ t$e na o" +assage' Casto an! Pollu3 e#o*e t$e# an! !etac$ e#e gency (acku+ ca#e as' Eac$ is t$e size o& a s$oe (o3 an! + o(a(ly "o ks a(out as "ell' Messalla can/t t$ink o& any"$e e (ette to $i!e t$e (ulky s$ells% so "e en! u+ !u#+ing t$e# in t$e closet' 9ea*ing suc$ an easy t ail to &ollo" & ust ates #e% (ut "$at else can "e !o,

E*en going single &ile% $ol!ing ou +acks an! gea out to t$e si!e% it/s a tig$t &it' :e si!este+ ou "ay +ast t$e &i st a+a t#ent% an! ( eak into t$e secon!' In t$is a+a t#ent% one o& t$e (e! oo#s $as a !oo #a ke! utility instea! o& a (at$ oo#' 1e$in! t$e !oo is t$e oo# "it$ t$e ent ance to t$e tu(e' Messalla & o"ns at t$e "i!e ci cula co*e % &o a #o#ent etu ning to $is o"n &ussy "o l!' 8It/s "$y no one e*e "ants t$e cente unit' :o k#en co#ing an! going "$ene*e an! no secon! (at$' 1ut t$e ent/s consi!e a(ly c$ea+e '8 T$en $e notices 6innick/s a#use! e3+ ession an! a!!s% 8<e*e #in!'8 T$e tu(e co*e /s si#+le to unlatc$' A "i!e la!!e "it$ u((e t ea!s on t$e ste+s allo"s &o a s"i&t% easy !escent into t$e (o"els o& t$e city' :e gat$e at t$e &oot o& t$e la!!e % "aiting &o ou eyes to a!just to t$e !i# st i+s o& lig$ts% ( eat$ing in t$e #i3tu e o& c$e#icals% #il!e"% an! se"age' Pollu3% +ale an! s"eaty% eac$es out an! latc$es on to Casto /s " ist' 9ike $e #ig$t &all o*e i& t$e e isn/t so#eone to stea!y $i#'
2F? | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8My ( ot$e "o ke! !o"n $e e a&te $e (eca#e an A*o3%8 says Casto ' )& cou se' :$o else "oul! t$ey get to #aintain t$ese !ank% e*il>s#elling +assages #ine! "it$ +o!s, 8Took &i*e yea s (e&o e "e "e e a(le to (uy $is "ay u+ to g oun! le*el' -i!n/t see t$e sun once'8 Kn!e (ette con!itions% on a !ay "it$ &e"e $o o s an! #o e est% so#eone "oul! su ely kno" "$at to say' Instea! "e all stan! t$e e &o a long ti#e t ying to &o #ulate a es+onse' 6inally% Peeta tu ns to Pollu3' 8:ell% t$en you just (eca#e ou #ost *alua(le asset'8 Casto laug$s an! Pollu3 #anages a s#ile' :e/ e $al&"ay !o"n t$e &i st tunnel "$en I ealize "$at "as so e#a ka(le a(out t$e e3c$ange' Peeta soun!e! like $is ol! sel&% t$e one "$o coul! al"ays t$ink o& t$e ig$t t$ing to say "$en no(o!y else coul!' I onic% encou aging% a little &unny% (ut not at anyone/s e3+ense' I glance (ack at $i# as $e t u!ges along un!e $is gua !s% 7ale an! 0ackson% $is eyes &i3e! on t$e g oun!% $is s$oul!e s $unc$e! &o "a !' So !is+i ite!' 1ut &o a #o#ent% $e "as eally $e e'

Peeta calle! it ig$t' Pollu3 tu ns out to (e "o t$ ten Holos' T$e e is a si#+le net"o k o& "i!e tunnels t$at !i ectly co es+on!s to t$e #ain st eet +lan a(o*e% un!e lying t$e #ajo a*enues an! c oss st eets' It/s calle! t$e T ans&e % since s#all t ucks use it to !eli*e goo!s a oun! t$e city' -u ing t$e !ay% its #any +o!s a e !eacti*ate!% (ut at nig$t it/s a #ine&iel!' Ho"e*e % $un! e!s o& a!!itional +assages% utility s$a&ts% t ain t acks% an! ! ainage tu(es &o # a #ultile*el #aze' Pollu3 kno"s !etails t$at "oul! lea! to !isaste &o a ne"co#e % like "$ic$ o&&s$oots #ig$t e4ui e gas #asks o $a*e li*e "i es o ats t$e size o& (ea*e s' He ale ts us to t$e gus$ o& "ate t$at s"ee+s

2FB | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

t$ oug$ t$e se"e s +e io!ically% antici+ates t$e ti#e t$e A*o3es "ill (e c$anging s$i&ts% lea!s us into !a#+% o(scu e +i+es to !o!ge t$e nea ly silent +assage o& ca go t ains' Most i#+o tant% $e $as kno"le!ge o& t$e ca#e as' T$e e a en/t #any !o"n in t$is gloo#y% #isty +lace% e3ce+t in t$e T ans&e ' 1ut "e kee+ "ell out o& t$ei "ay'

Kn!e Pollu3/s gui!ance "e #ake goo! ti#e>> e#a ka(le ti#e% i& you co#+a e it to ou a(o*eg oun! t a*el' A&te a(out si3 $ou s% &atigue takes o*e ' It/s t$ ee in t$e #o ning% so I &igu e "e still $a*e a &e" $ou s (e&o e ou (o!ies a e !isco*e e! #issing% t$ey sea c$ t$ oug$ t$e u((le o& t$e "$ole (lock o& a+a t#ents in case "e t ie! to esca+e t$ oug$ t$e s$a&ts% an! t$e $unt (egins'

:$en I suggest "e est% no one o(jects' Pollu3 &in!s a s#all% "a # oo# $u##ing "it$ #ac$ines loa!e! "it$ le*e s an! !ials' He $ol!s u+ $is &inge s to in!icate "e #ust (e gone in &ou $ou s' 0ackson "o ks out a gua ! sc$e!ule% an!% since I/# not on t$e &i st s$i&t% I "e!ge #ysel& in t$e tig$t s+ace (et"een 7ale an! 9eeg . an! go ig$t to slee+'

It see#s like only #inutes late "$en 0ackson s$akes #e a"ake% tells #e I/# on "atc$' It/s si3 o/clock% an! in one $ou "e #ust (e on ou "ay' 0ackson tells #e to eat a can o& &oo! an! kee+ an eye on Pollu3% "$o/s insiste! on (eing on gua ! t$e enti e nig$t' 8He can/t slee+ !o"n $e e'8 I ! ag #ysel& into a state o& elati*e ale tness% eat a can o& +otato an! (ean ste"% an! sit against t$e "all &acing t$e !oo ' Pollu3 see#s "i!e a"ake' He/s + o(a(ly (een eli*ing t$ose &i*e yea s o& i#+ ison#ent all nig$t' I get out t$e Holo an! #anage to in+ut ou g i! coo !inates an! scan t$e tunnels' As e3+ecte!% #o e +o!s a e egiste ing t$e close "e #o*e to"a ! t$e cente o& t$e Ca+itol' 6o a "$ile% Pollu3 an! I click a oun! on t$e Holo% seeing

2FE | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

"$at t a+s lie "$e e' :$en #y $ea! (egins to s+in% I $an! it o*e to $i# an! lean (ack against t$e "all' I look !o"n at t$e slee+ing sol!ie s% c e"% an! & ien!s% an! I "on!e $o" #any o& us "ill e*e see t$e sun again' :$en #y eyes &all on Peeta% "$ose $ea! ests ig$t (y #y &eet% I see $e/s a"ake' I "is$ I coul! ea! "$at/s going on in $is #in!% t$at I coul! go in an! untangle t$e #ess o& lies' T$en I settle &o so#et$ing I can acco#+lis$' 8Ha*e you eaten,8 I ask' A slig$t s$ake o& $is $ea! in!icates $e $asn/t' I o+en a can o& c$icken an! ice sou+ an! $an! it to $i#% kee+ing t$e li! in case $e t ies to slit $is " ists "it$ it o so#et$ing' He sits u+ an! tilts t$e can% c$ugging (ack t$e sou+ "it$out eally (ot$e ing to c$e" it' T$e (otto# o& t$e can e&lects t$e lig$ts & o# t$e #ac$ines% an! I e#e#(e so#et$ing t$at/s (een itc$ing at t$e (ack o& #y #in! since yeste !ay' 8Peeta% "$en you aske! a(out "$at $a++ene! to -a ius an! 9a*inia% an! 1oggs tol! you it "as eal% you sai! you t$oug$t so' 1ecause t$e e "as not$ing s$iny a(out it' :$at !i! you #ean,8

8)$' I !on/t kno" e3actly $o" to e3+lain it%8 $e tells #e' 8In t$e (eginning% e*e yt$ing "as just co#+lete con&usion' <o" I can so t ce tain t$ings out' I t$ink t$e e/s a +atte n e#e ging' T$e #e#o ies t$ey alte e! "it$ t$e t acke jacke *eno# $a*e t$is st ange 4uality a(out t$e#' 9ike t$ey/ e too intense o t$e i#ages a en/t sta(le' Cou e#e#(e "$at it "as like "$en "e "e e stung,8

8T ees s$atte e!' T$e e "e e giant colo e! (utte &lies' I &ell in a +it o& o ange (u((les'8 I t$ink a(out it' 8S$iny o ange (u((les'8

2FF | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8Rig$t' 1ut not$ing a(out -a ius o 9a*inia "as like t$at' I !on/t t$ink t$ey/! gi*en #e any *eno# yet%8 $e says' 8:ell% t$at/s goo!% isn/t it,8 I ask' 8I& you can se+a ate t$e t"o% t$en you can &igu e out "$at/s t ue'8 8Ces' An! i& I coul! g o" "ings% I coul! &ly' )nly +eo+le can/t g o" "ings%8 $e says' 8Real o not eal,8 8Real%8 I say' 81ut +eo+le !on/t nee! "ings to su *i*e'8 8Mockingjays !o'8 He &inis$es t$e sou+ an! etu ns t$e can to #e' In t$e &luo escent lig$t% t$e ci cles un!e $is eyes look like ( uises' 8T$e e/s still ti#e' Cou s$oul! slee+'8 Kn esisting% $e lies (ack !o"n% (ut just sta es at t$e nee!le on one o& t$e !ials as it t"itc$es & o# si!e to si!e' Slo"ly% as I "oul! "it$ a "oun!e! ani#al% #y $an! st etc$es out an! ( us$es a "a*e o& $ai & o# $is &o e$ea!' He & eezes at #y touc$% (ut !oesn/t ecoil' So I continue to gently s#oot$ (ack $is $ai ' It/s t$e &i st ti#e I $a*e *olunta ily touc$e! $i# since t$e last a ena'

8Cou/ e still t ying to + otect #e' Real o not eal%8 $e "$is+e s' 8Real%8 I ans"e ' It see#s to e4ui e #o e e3+lanation' 81ecause t$at/s "$at you an! I !o' P otect eac$ ot$e '8 A&te a #inute o so% $e ! i&ts o&& to slee+' S$o tly (e&o e se*en% Pollu3 an! I #o*e a#ong t$e ot$e s% ousing t$e#' T$e e a e t$e usual ya"ns an! sig$s t$at acco#+any "aking' 1ut #y ea s a e +icking u+ so#et$ing else% too' Al#ost like a $issing'
2FG | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

Pe $a+s it/s only stea# esca+ing a +i+e o t$e &a >o&& "$oos$ o& one o& t$e t ains'''' I $us$ t$e g ou+ to get a (ette ea! on it' T$e e/s a $issing% yes% (ut it/s not one e3ten!e! soun!' Mo e like #ulti+le e3$alations t$at &o # "o !s' A single "o !' Ec$oing t$ oug$out t$e tunnels' )ne "o !' )ne na#e' Re+eate! o*e an! o*e again' 8;atniss'8

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

T$e g ace +e io! $as en!e!' Pe $a+s Sno" $a! t$e# !igging t$ oug$ t$e nig$t' As soon as t$e &i e !ie! !o"n% any"ay' T$ey &oun! 1oggs/s e#ains% ( ie&ly &elt eassu e!% an! t$en% as t$e $ou s "ent (y "it$out &u t$e t o+$ies% (egan to sus+ect' At so#e +oint% t$ey ealize! t$at t$ey $a! (een t icke!' An! P esi!ent Sno" can/t tole ate (eing #a!e to look like a &ool' It !oesn/t #atte "$et$e t$ey t acke! us to t$e secon! a+a t#ent o assu#e! "e "ent !i ectly un!e g oun!' T$ey kno" "e a e !o"n $e e no" an! t$ey/*e unleas$e! so#et$ing% a +ack o& #utts + o(a(ly% (ent on &in!ing #e'

8;atniss'8 I ju#+ at t$e + o3i#ity o& t$e soun!' 9ook & antically &o its sou ce% (o" loa!e!% seeking a ta get to $it' 8;atniss'8 Peeta/s li+s a e (a ely #o*ing% (ut t$e e/s no !ou(t% t$e na#e ca#e out o& $i#' 0ust "$en I t$oug$t $e see#e! a little (ette % "$en I t$oug$t $e #ig$t (e inc$ing $is "ay (ack to #e% $e e is + oo& o& $o" !ee+ Sno"/s +oison "ent' 8;atniss'8 Peeta/s + og a##e! to es+on! to t$e $issing c$o us% to join in t$e $unt' He/s (eginning to sti ' T$e e/s no c$oice' I +osition #y a o" to +enet ate $is ( ain' He/ll (a ely &eel a t$ing' Su!!enly% $e/s sitting u+% eyes "i!e in ala #% s$o t o& ( eat$' 8;atnissI8 He "$i+s $is $ea! to"a ! #e (ut !oesn/t see# to notice #y (o"% t$e "aiting a o"' 8;atnissI 7et out o& $e eI8

I $esitate' His *oice is ala #e!% (ut not insane' 8:$y, :$at/s #aking t$at soun!,8 8I !on/t kno"' )nly t$at it $as to kill you%8 says Peeta' 8RunI 7et outI 7oI8

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

A&te #y o"n #o#ent o& con&usion% I conclu!e I !o not $a*e to s$oot $i#' Rela3 #y (o"st ing' Take in t$e an3ious &aces a oun! #e' 8:$ate*e it is% it/s a&te #e' It #ig$t (e a goo! ti#e to s+lit u+'8 81ut "e/ e you gua !%8 says 0ackson' 8An! you c e"%8 a!!s C essi!a' 8I/# not lea*ing you%8 7ale says' I look at t$e c e"% a #e! "it$ not$ing (ut ca#e as an! cli+(oa !s' An! t$e e/s 6innick "it$ t"o guns an! a t i!ent' I suggest t$at $e gi*e one o& $is guns to Casto ' Eject t$e (lank ca t i!ge & o# Peeta/s% loa! it "it$ a eal one% an! a # Pollu3' Since 7ale an! I $a*e ou (o"s% "e $an! ou guns o*e to Messalla an! C essi!a' T$e e/s no ti#e to s$o" t$e# anyt$ing (ut $o" to +oint an! +ull t$e t igge % (ut in close 4ua te s% t$at #ig$t (e enoug$' It/s (ette t$an (eing !e&enseless' <o" t$e only one "it$out a "ea+on is Peeta% (ut anyone "$is+e ing #y na#e "it$ a (unc$ o& #utts !oesn/t nee! one any"ay'

:e lea*e t$e oo# & ee o& e*e yt$ing (ut ou scent' T$e e/s no "ay to e ase t$at at t$e #o#ent' I/# guessing t$at/s $o" t$e $issing t$ings a e t acking us% (ecause "e $a*en/t le&t #uc$ o& a +$ysical t ail' T$e #utts/ noses "ill (e a(no #ally keen% (ut +ossi(ly t$e ti#e "e s+ent slogging t$ oug$ "ate in ! ain+i+es "ill $el+ t$ o" t$e#'

)utsi!e t$e $u# o& t$e oo#% t$e $issing (eco#es #o e !istinct' 1ut it/s also +ossi(le to get a (ette sense o& t$e #utts/ location' T$ey/ e (e$in! us% still a &ai !istance' Sno" + o(a(ly $a! t$e# elease! un!e g oun! nea t$e +lace "$e e $e &oun! 1oggs/s (o!y' T$eo etically% "e s$oul! $a*e a goo! lea! on t$e#% alt$oug$ t$ey/ e ce tain to (e #uc$ &aste t$an
2G2 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

"e a e' My #in! "an!e s to t$e "ol&like c eatu es in t$e &i st a ena% t$e #onkeys in t$e Aua te Auell% t$e #onst osities I/*e "itnesse! on tele*ision o*e t$e yea s% an! I "on!e "$at &o # t$ese #utts "ill take' :$ate*e Sno" t$inks "ill sca e #e t$e #ost' Pollu3 an! I $a*e "o ke! out a +lan &o t$e ne3t leg o& ou jou ney% an! since it $ea!s a"ay & o# t$e $issing% I see no eason to alte it' I& "e #o*e s"i&tly% #ay(e "e can eac$ Sno"/s #ansion (e&o e t$e #utts eac$ us' 1ut t$e e/s a slo++iness t$at co#es "it$ s+ee!H t$e +oo ly +lace! (oot t$at esults in a s+las$% t$e acci!ental clang o& a gun against a +i+e% e*en #y o"n co##an!s% issue! too lou!ly &o !isc etion'

:e/*e co*e e! a(out t$ ee #o e (locks *ia an o*e &lo" +i+e an! a section o& neglecte! t ain t ack "$en t$e sc ea#s (egin' T$ick% guttu al' 1ouncing o&& t$e tunnel "alls' 8A*o3es%8 says Peeta i##e!iately' 8T$at/s "$at -a ius soun!e! like "$en t$ey to tu e! $i#'8 8T$e #utts #ust $a*e &oun! t$e#%8 says C essi!a' 8So t$ey/ e not just a&te ;atniss%8 says 9eeg .' 8T$ey/ll + o(a(ly kill anyone' It/s just t$at t$ey "on/t sto+ until t$ey get to $e %8 says 7ale' A&te $is $ou s stu!ying "it$ 1eetee% $e is #ost likely ig$t' An! $e e I a# again' :it$ +eo+le !ying (ecause o& #e' 6 ien!s% allies% co#+lete st ange s% losing t$ei li*es &o t$e Mockingjay' 89et #e go on alone' 9ea! t$e# o&&' I/ll t ans&e t$e Holo to 0ackson' T$e est o& you can &inis$ t$e #ission'8

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8<o one/s going to ag ee to t$atI8 says 0ackson in e3as+e ation' 8:e/ e "asting ti#eI8 says 6innick' 89isten%8 Peeta "$is+e s' T$e sc ea#s $a*e sto++e!% an! in t$ei a(sence #y na#e $as e(oun!e!% sta tling in its + o3i#ity' It/s (elo" as "ell as (e$in! us no"' 8;atniss'8 I nu!ge Pollu3 on t$e s$oul!e an! "e sta t to un' T ou(le is% "e $a! +lanne! to !escen! to a lo"e le*el% (ut t$at/s out no"' :$en "e co#e to t$e ste+s lea!ing !o"n% Pollu3 an! I a e scanning &o a +ossi(le alte nati*e on t$e Holo "$en I sta t gagging' 8Masks onI8 o !e s 0ackson' T$e e/s no nee! &o #asks' E*e yone is ( eat$ing t$e sa#e ai ' I/# t$e only one losing #y ste" (ecause I/# t$e only one eacting to t$e o!o ' - i&ting u+ & o# t$e stai "ell' Cutting t$ oug$ t$e se"age' Roses' I (egin to t e#(le' I s"e *e a"ay & o# t$e s#ell an! stu#(le ig$t out onto t$e T ans&e ' S#oot$% +astel>colo e! tile! st eets% just like t$e ones a(o*e% (ut (o !e e! (y "$ite ( ick "alls instea! o& $o#es' A oa!"ay "$e e !eli*e y *e$icles can ! i*e "it$ ease% "it$out t$e congestion o& t$e Ca+itol' E#+ty no"% o& e*e yt$ing (ut us' I s"ing u+ #y (o" an! (lo" u+ t$e &i st +o! "it$ an e3+losi*e a o"% "$ic$ kills t$e nest o& &les$> eating ats insi!e' T$en I s+ int &o t$e ne3t inte section% "$e e I kno" one &alse ste+ "ill cause t$e g oun! (eneat$ ou &eet to !isinteg ate% &ee!ing us into so#et$ing la(ele! Meat 7 in!e ' I s$out a "a ning to t$e ot$e s to stay "it$ #e' I +lan &o us to

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

ski t a oun! t$e co ne an! t$en !etonate t$e Meat 7 in!e % (ut anot$e un#a ke! +o! lies in "ait' It $a++ens silently' I "oul! #iss it enti ely i& 6innick !i!n/t +ull #e to a sto+' 8;atnissI8 I "$i+ (ack a oun!% a o" +oise! &o &lig$t% (ut "$at can (e !one, T"o o& 7ale/s a o"s al ea!y lie useless (esi!e t$e "i!e s$a&t o& gol!en lig$t t$at a!iates & o# ceiling to &loo ' Insi!e% Messalla is as still as a statue% +oise! u+ on t$e (all o& one &oot% $ea! tilte! (ack% $el! ca+ti*e (y t$e (ea#' I can/t tell i& $e/s yelling% alt$oug$ $is #out$ is st etc$e! "i!e' :e "atc$% utte ly $el+less% as t$e &les$ #elts o&& $is (o!y like can!le "a3'

8Can/t $el+ $i#I8 Peeta sta ts s$o*ing +eo+le &o "a !' 8Can/tI8 A#azingly% $e/s t$e only one still &unctional enoug$ to get us #o*ing' I !on/t kno" "$y $e/s in cont ol% "$en $e s$oul! (e &li++ing out an! (as$ing #y ( ains in% (ut t$at coul! $a++en any secon!' At t$e + essu e o& $is $an! against #y s$oul!e % I tu n a"ay & o# t$e g isly t$ing t$at "as Messalla@ I #ake #y &eet go &o "a !% &ast% so &ast t$at I can (a ely ski! to a sto+ (e&o e t$e ne3t inte section'

A s+ ay o& gun&i e ( ings !o"n a s$o"e o& +laste ' I je k #y $ea! & o# si!e to si!e% looking &o t$e +o!% (e&o e I tu n an! see t$e s4ua! o& Peacekee+e s +oun!ing !o"n t$e T ans&e to"a ! us' :it$ t$e Meat 7 in!e +o! (locking ou "ay% t$e e/s not$ing to !o (ut &i e (ack' T$ey outnu#(e us t"o to one% (ut "e/*e still got si3 o iginal #e#(e s o& t$e Sta S4ua!% "$o a en/t t ying to un an! s$oot at t$e sa#e ti#e'

6is$ in a (a el% I t$ink% as (losso#s o& e! stain t$ei "$ite uni&o #s' T$ ee>4ua te s o& t$e# a e !o"n an! !ea! "$en #o e (egin to +ou in & o# t$e si!e o& t$e
2G? | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

tunnel% t$e sa#e one I &lung #ysel& t$ oug$ to get a"ay & o# t$e s#ell% & o# t$e>> T$ose a en/t Peacekee+e s' T$ey a e "$ite% &ou >li#(e!% a(out t$e size o& a &ull> g o"n $u#an% (ut t$at/s "$e e t$e co#+a isons sto+' <ake!% "it$ long e+tilian tails% a c$e! (acks% an! $ea!s t$at jut &o "a !' T$ey s"a # o*e t$e Peacekee+e s% li*ing an! !ea!% cla#+ on to t$ei necks "it$ t$ei #out$s an! i+ o&& t$e $el#ete! $ea!s' A++a ently% $a*ing a Ca+itol +e!ig ee is as useless $e e as it "as in .5' It see#s to take only secon!s (e&o e t$e Peacekee+e s a e !eca+itate!' T$e #utts &all to t$ei (ellies an! skitte to"a ! us on all &ou s'

8T$is "ayI8 I s$out% $ugging t$e "all an! #aking a s$a + ig$t tu n to a*oi! t$e +o!' :$en e*e yone/s joine! #e% I &i e into t$e inte section% an! t$e Meat 7 in!e acti*ates' Huge #ec$anical teet$ (u st t$ oug$ t$e st eet an! c$e" t$e tile to !ust' T$at s$oul! #ake it i#+ossi(le &o t$e #utts to &ollo" us% (ut I !on/t kno"' T$e "ol& an! #onkey #utts I/*e encounte e! coul! lea+ un(elie*a(ly &a '

T$e $issing (u ns #y ea s% an! t$e eek o& oses #akes t$e "alls s+in' I g a( Pollu3/s a #' 86o get t$e #ission' :$at/s t$e 4uickest "ay a(o*eg oun!,8 T$e e/s no ti#e &o c$ecking t$e Holo' :e &ollo" Pollu3 &o a(out ten ya !s along t$e T ans&e an! go t$ oug$ a !oo "ay' I/# a"a e o& tile c$anging to conc ete% o& c a"ling t$ oug$ a tig$t% stinking +i+e onto a le!ge a(out a &oot "i!e' :e/ e in t$e #ain se"e ' A ya ! (elo"% a +oisonous ( e" o& $u#an "aste% ga (age% an! c$e#ical uno&& (u((les (y us'
2GB | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

Pa ts o& t$e su &ace a e on &i e% ot$e s e#it e*il> looking clou!s o& *a+o ' )ne look tells you t$at i& you &all in% you/ e ne*e co#ing out' Mo*ing as 4uickly as "e !a e on t$e sli++e y le!ge% "e #ake ou "ay to a na o" ( i!ge an! c oss it' In an alco*e at t$e &a si!e% Pollu3 s#acks a la!!e "it$ $is $an! an! +oints u+ t$e s$a&t' T$is is it' )u "ay out'

A 4uick glance at ou +a ty tells #e so#et$ing/s o&&' 8:aitI :$e e a e 0ackson an! 9eeg )ne,8 8T$ey staye! at t$e 7 in!e to $ol! t$e #utts (ack%8 says Ho#es' 8:$at,8 I/# lunging (ack &o t$e ( i!ge% "illing to lea*e no one to t$ose #onste s% "$en $e yanks #e (ack' 8-on/t "aste t$ei li*es% ;atniss' It/s too late &o t$e#' 9ookI8 Ho#es no!s to t$e +i+e% "$e e t$e #utts a e slit$e ing onto t$e le!ge' 8Stan! (ackI8 7ale s$outs' :it$ $is e3+losi*e>ti++e! a o"s% $e i+s t$e &a si!e o& t$e ( i!ge & o# its &oun!ation' T$e est sinks into t$e (u((les% just as t$e #utts eac$ it' 6o t$e &i st ti#e% I get a goo! look at t$e#' A #i3 o& $u#an an! liza ! an! "$o kno"s "$at else' :$ite% tig$t e+tilian skin s#ea e! "it$ go e% cla"e! $an!s an! &eet% t$ei &aces a #ess o& con&licting &eatu es' Hissing% s$ ieking #y na#e no"% as t$ei (o!ies conto t in age' 9as$ing out "it$ tails an! cla"s% taking $uge c$unks o& one anot$e o t$ei o"n (o!ies "it$ "i!e% lat$e e! #out$s% ! i*en #a! (y t$ei nee! to !est oy #e' My scent #ust (e as e*ocati*e to t$e# as t$ei s is to #e' Mo e so% (ecause !es+ite its to3icity% t$e #utts (egin to t$ o" t$e#sel*es into t$e &oul se"e '
2GE | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

Along ou (ank% e*e yone o+ens &i e' I c$oose #y a o"s "it$out !isc etion% sen!ing a o"$ea!s% &i e% e3+losi*es into t$e #utts/ (o!ies' T$ey/ e #o tal% (ut only just' <o natu al t$ing coul! kee+ co#ing "it$ t"o !ozen (ullets in it' Ces% "e can e*entually kill t$e#% only t$e e a e so #any% an en!less su++ly +ou ing & o# t$e +i+e% not e*en $esitating to take to t$e se"age'

1ut it/s not t$ei nu#(e s t$at #ake #y $an!s s$ake so' <o #utt is goo!' All a e #eant to !a#age you' So#e take you li&e% like t$e #onkeys' )t$e s you eason% like t$e t acke jacke s' Ho"e*e % t$e t ue at ocities% t$e #ost & ig$tening% inco +o ate a +e *e se +syc$ological t"ist !esigne! to te i&y t$e *icti#' T$e sig$t o& t$e "ol& #utts "it$ t$e !ea! t i(utes/ eyes' T$e soun! o& t$e ja((e jays e+licating P i#/s to tu e! sc ea#s' T$e s#ell o& Sno"/s oses #i3e! "it$ t$e *icti#s/ (loo!' Ca ie! ac oss t$e se"e ' Cutting t$ oug$ e*en t$is &oulness' Making #y $ea t un "il!% #y skin tu n to ice% #y lungs una(le to suck ai ' It/s as i& Sno"/s ( eat$ing ig$t in #y &ace% telling #e it/s ti#e to !ie'

T$e ot$e s a e s$outing at #e% (ut I can/t see# to es+on!' St ong a #s li&t #e as I (last t$e $ea! o&& a #utt "$ose cla"s $a*e just g aze! #y ankle' I/# sla##e! into t$e la!!e ' Han!s s$o*e! against t$e ungs' ) !e e! to cli#(' My "oo!en% +u++et li#(s o(ey' Mo*e#ent slo"ly ( ings #e (ack to #y senses' I !etect one +e son a(o*e #e' Pollu3' Peeta an! C essi!a a e (elo"' :e eac$ a +lat&o #' S"itc$ to a secon! la!!e ' Rungs slick "it$ s"eat an! #il!e"' At t$e ne3t +lat&o #% #y $ea! $as clea e! an! t$e eality o& "$at/s $a++ene! $its #e' I (egin & antically +ulling +eo+le u+ o&& t$e la!!e ' Peeta' C essi!a' T$at/s it'

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Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

:$at $a*e I !one, :$at $a*e I a(an!one! t$e ot$e s to, I/# sc a#(ling (ack !o"n t$e la!!e "$en one o& #y (oots kicks so#eone' 8Cli#(I8 7ale (a ks at #e' I/# (ack u+% $auling $i# in% +ee ing into t$e gloo# &o #o e' 8<o'8 7ale tu ns #y &ace to $i# an! s$akes $is $ea!' Kni&o # s$ e!!e!' 7a+ing "oun! in t$e si!e o& $is neck' T$e e/s a $u#an c y & o# (elo"' 8So#eone/s still ali*e%8 I +lea!' 8<o% ;atniss' T$ey/ e not co#ing%8 says 7ale' 8)nly t$e #utts a e'8 Kna(le to acce+t it% I s$ine t$e lig$t & o# C essi!a/s gun !o"n t$e s$a&t' 6a (elo"% I can just #ake out 6innick% st uggling to $ang on as t$ ee #utts tea at $i#' As one yanks (ack $is $ea! to take t$e !eat$ (ite% so#et$ing (iza e $a++ens' It/s as i& I/# 6innick% "atc$ing i#ages o& #y li&e &las$ (y' T$e #ast o& a (oat% a sil*e +a ac$ute% Mags laug$ing% a +ink sky% 1eetee/s t i!ent% Annie in $e "e!!ing ! ess% "a*es ( eaking o*e ocks' T$en it/s o*e '

I sli!e t$e Holo & o# #y (elt an! c$oke out 8nig$tlock% nig$tlock% nig$tlock'8 Release it' Hunc$ against t$e "all "it$ t$e ot$e s as t$e e3+losion ocks t$e +lat&o # an! (its o& #utt an! $u#an &les$ s$oot out o& t$e +i+e an! s$o"e us' T$e e/s a clank as Pollu3 sla#s a co*e o*e t$e +i+e an! locks it in +lace' Pollu3% 7ale% C essi!a% Peeta% an! #e' :e/ e all t$at/s le&t' 9ate % t$e $u#an &eelings "ill co#e' <o" I/# conscious only o& an ani#al nee! to kee+ t$e e#nants o& ou (an! ali*e' 8:e can/t sto+ $e e'8

2GG | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

So#eone co#es u+ "it$ a (an!age' :e tie it a oun! 7ale/s neck' 7et $i# to $is &eet' )nly one &igu e stays $u!!le! against t$e "all' 8Peeta%8 I say' T$e e/s no es+onse' Has $e (lacke! out, I c ouc$ in & ont o& $i#% +ulling $is cu&&e! $an!s & o# $is &ace' 8Peeta,8 His eyes a e like (lack +ools% t$e +u+ils !ilate! so t$at t$e (lue i ises $a*e all (ut *anis$e!' T$e #uscles in $is " ists a e $a ! as #etal'

89ea*e #e%8 $e "$is+e s' 8I can/t $ang on'8 8Ces' Cou canI8 I tell $i#' Peeta s$akes $is $ea!' 8I/# losing it' I/ll go #a!' 9ike t$e#'8 9ike t$e #utts' 9ike a a(i! (east (ent on i++ing #y t$ oat out' An! $e e% &inally $e e in t$is +lace% in t$ese ci cu#stances% I "ill eally $a*e to kill $i#' An! Sno" "ill "in' Hot% (itte $at e! cou ses t$ oug$ #e' Sno" $as "on too #uc$ al ea!y to!ay' It/s a long s$ot% it/s suici!e #ay(e% (ut I !o t$e only t$ing I can t$ink o&' I lean in an! kiss Peeta &ull on t$e #out$' His "$ole (o!y sta ts s$u!!e ing% (ut I kee+ #y li+s + esse! to $is until I $a*e to co#e u+ &o ai ' My $an!s sli!e u+ $is " ists to clas+ $is' 8-on/t let $i# take you & o# #e'8 Peeta/s +anting $a ! as $e &ig$ts t$e nig$t#a es aging in $is $ea!' 8<o' I !on/t "ant to'''8 I clenc$ $is $an!s to t$e +oint o& +ain' 8Stay "it$ #e'8 His +u+ils cont act to +in+oints% !ilate again a+i!ly% an! t$en etu n to so#et$ing ese#(ling no #alcy' 8Al"ays%8 $e #u #u s'
5DD | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

I $el+ Peeta u+ an! a!! ess Pollu3' 8Ho" &a to t$e st eet,8 He in!icates it/s just a(o*e us' I cli#( t$e last la!!e an! +us$ o+en t$e li! to so#eone/s utility oo#' I/# ising to #y &eet "$en a "o#an t$ o"s o+en t$e !oo ' S$e "ea s a ( ig$t tu 4uoise silk o(e e#( oi!e e! "it$ e3otic (i !s' He #agenta $ai /s &lu&&e! u+ like a clou! an! !eco ate! "it$ gil!e! (utte &lies' 7 ease & o# t$e $al&>eaten sausage s$e/s $ol!ing s#ea s $e li+stick' T$e e3+ ession on $e &ace says s$e ecognizes #e' S$e o+ens $e #out$ to call &o $el+'

:it$out $esitation% I s$oot $e t$ oug$ t$e $ea t'

5D. | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

:$o t$e "o#an "as calling to e#ains a #yste y% (ecause a&te sea c$ing t$e a+a t#ent% "e &in! s$e "as alone' Pe $a+s $e c y "as #eant &o a nea (y neig$(o % o "as si#+ly an e3+ ession o& &ea ' At any ate% t$e e/s no one else to $ea $e ' T$is a+a t#ent "oul! (e a classy +lace to $ole u+ in &o a "$ile% (ut t$at/s a lu3u y "e can/t a&&o !' 8Ho" long !o you t$ink "e $a*e (e&o e t$ey &igu e out so#e o& us coul!/*e su *i*e!,8 I ask' 8I t$ink t$ey coul! (e $e e anyti#e%8 7ale ans"e s' 8T$ey kne" "e "e e $ea!ing &o t$e st eets' P o(a(ly t$e e3+losion "ill t$ o" t$e# &o a &e" #inutes% t$en t$ey/ll sta t looking &o ou e3it +oint'8 I go to a "in!o" t$at o*e looks t$e st eet% an! "$en I +eek t$ oug$ t$e (lin!s% I/# not &ace! "it$ Peacekee+e s (ut "it$ a (un!le! c o"! o& +eo+le going a(out t$ei (usiness' -u ing ou un!e g oun! jou ney% "e $a*e le&t t$e e*acuate! zones &a (e$in! an! su &ace! in a (usy section o& t$e Ca+itol' T$is c o"! o&&e s ou only c$ance o& esca+e' I !on/t $a*e a Holo% (ut I $a*e C essi!a' S$e joins #e at t$e "in!o"% con&i #s s$e kno"s ou location% an! gi*es #e t$e goo! ne"s t$at "e a en/t #any (locks & o# t$e + esi!ent/s #ansion'

)ne glance at #y co#+anions tells #e t$is is no ti#e &o a stealt$ attack on Sno"' 7ale/s still losing (loo! & o# t$e neck "oun!% "$ic$ "e $a*en/t e*en cleane!' Peeta/s sitting on a *el*et so&a "it$ $is teet$ cla#+e! !o"n on a +illo"% eit$e &ig$ting o&& #a!ness o containing a sc ea#' Pollu3 "ee+s against t$e #antel o& an o nate &i e+lace' C essi!a stan!s !ete #ine!ly
5D2 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

at #y si!e% (ut s$e/s so +ale $e li+s a e (loo!less' I/# unning on $ate' :$en t$e ene gy &o t$at e((s% I/ll (e "o t$less' 89et/s c$eck $e closets%8 I say' In one (e! oo# "e &in! $un! e!s o& t$e "o#an/s out&its% coats% +ai s o& s$oes% a ain(o" o& "igs% enoug$ #akeu+ to +aint a $ouse' In a (e! oo# ac oss t$e $all% t$e e/s a si#ila selection &o #en' Pe $a+s t$ey (elong to $e $us(an!' Pe $a+s to a lo*e "$o $a! t$e goo! luck to (e out t$is #o ning' I call t$e ot$e s to ! ess' At t$e sig$t o& Peeta/s (loo!y " ists% I !ig in #y +ocket &o t$e $an!cu&& key% (ut $e je ks a"ay & o# #e' 8<o%8 $e says' 8-on/t' T$ey $el+ $ol! #e toget$e '8 8Cou #ig$t nee! you $an!s%8 says 7ale' 8:$en I &eel #ysel& sli++ing% I !ig #y " ists into t$e#% an! t$e +ain $el+s #e &ocus%8 says Peeta' I let t$e# (e' 6o tunately% it/s col! out% so "e can conceal #ost o& ou uni&o #s an! "ea+ons un!e &lo"ing coats an! cloaks' :e $ang ou (oots a oun! ou necks (y t$ei laces an! $i!e t$e#% +ull on silly s$oes to e+lace t$e#' T$e eal c$allenge% o& cou se% is ou &aces' C essi!a an! Pollu3 un t$e isk o& (eing ecognize! (y ac4uaintances% 7ale coul! (e &a#ilia & o# t$e + o+os an! ne"s% an! Peeta an! I a e kno"n (y e*e y citizen o& Pane#' :e $astily $el+ one anot$e a++ly t$ick laye s o& #akeu+% +ull on "igs an! sunglasses' C essi!a " a+s sca *es o*e Peeta/s an! #y #out$s an! noses'

5D5 | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

I can &eel t$e clock ticking a"ay% (ut sto+ &o just a &e" #o#ents to stu&& +ockets "it$ &oo! an! &i st>ai! su++lies' 8Stay toget$e %8 I say at t$e & ont !oo ' T$en "e #a c$ ig$t into t$e st eet' Sno" &lu ies $a*e (egun to &all' Agitate! +eo+le s"i l a oun! us% s+eaking o& e(els an! $unge an! #e in t$ei a&&ecte! Ca+itol accents' :e c oss t$e st eet% +ass a &e" #o e a+a t#ents' 0ust as "e tu n t$e co ne % t$ ee !ozen Peacekee+e s s"ee+ +ast us' :e $o+ out o& t$ei "ay% as t$e eal citizens !o% "ait until t$e c o"! etu ns to its no #al &lo"% an! kee+ #o*ing' 8C essi!a%8 I "$is+e ' 8Can you t$ink o& any"$e e,8

8I/# t ying%8 s$e says' :e co*e anot$e (lock% an! t$e si ens (egin' T$ oug$ an a+a t#ent "in!o"% I see an e#e gency e+o t an! +ictu es o& ou &aces &las$ing' T$ey $a*en/t i!enti&ie! "$o in ou +a ty !ie! yet% (ecause I see Casto an! 6innick a#ong t$e +$otos' Soon e*e y +asse (y "ill (e as !ange ous as a Peacekee+e ' 8C essi!a,8

8T$e e/s one +lace' It/s not i!eal' 1ut "e can t y it%8 s$e says' :e &ollo" $e a &e" #o e (locks an! tu n t$ oug$ a gate into "$at looks like a + i*ate esi!ence' It/s so#e kin! o& s$o tcut% t$oug$% (ecause a&te "alking t$ oug$ a #anicu e! ga !en% "e co#e out o& anot$e gate onto a s#all (ack st eet t$at connects t"o #ain a*enues' T$e e a e a &e" +oky sto es>>one t$at (uys use! goo!s% anot$e t$at sells &ake je"el y' )nly a cou+le o& +eo+le a e a oun!% an! t$ey +ay no attention to us' C essi!a (egins to (a((le in a $ig$>+itc$e! *oice a(out &u un!e ga #ents% $o" essential t$ey a e !u ing t$e col! #ont$s' 8:ait until you see t$e + icesI 1elie*e #e% it/s $al& "$at you +ay on t$e a*enuesI8

5D= | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

:e sto+ (e&o e a g i#y sto e& ont &ille! "it$ #anne4uins in &u y un!e "ea ' T$e +lace !oesn/t e*en look o+en% (ut C essi!a +us$es t$ oug$ t$e & ont !oo % setting o&& a !issonant c$i#ing' Insi!e t$e !i#% na o" s$o+ line! "it$ acks o& #e c$an!ise% t$e s#ell o& +elts &ills #y nose' 1usiness #ust (e slo"% since "e/ e t$e only custo#e s' C essi!a $ea!s st aig$t &o a $unc$e! &igu e sitting in t$e (ack' I &ollo"% t ailing #y &inge s t$ oug$ t$e so&t ga #ents as "e go'

1e$in! a counte sits t$e st angest +e son I/*e e*e seen' S$e/s an e3t e#e e3a#+le o& su gical en$ance#ent gone " ong% &o su ely not e*en in t$e Ca+itol coul! t$ey &in! t$is &ace att acti*e' T$e skin $as (een +ulle! (ack tig$tly an! tattooe! "it$ (lack an! gol! st i+es' T$e nose $as (een &lattene! until it (a ely e3ists' I/*e seen cat "$iske s on +eo+le in t$e Ca+itol (e&o e% (ut none so long' T$e esult is a g otes4ue% se#i>&eline #ask% "$ic$ no" s4uints at us !ist ust&ully'

C essi!a takes o&& $e "ig% e*ealing $e *ines' 8Tig is%8 s$e says' 8:e nee! $el+'8 Tig is' -ee+ in #y ( ain% t$e na#e ings a (ell' S$e "as a &i3tu e>>a younge % less !istu (ing *e sion o& $e sel&>>in t$e ea liest Hunge 7a#es I can e#e#(e ' A stylist% I t$ink' I !on/t e#e#(e &o "$ic$ !ist ict' <ot .2' T$en s$e #ust $a*e $a! one o+e ation too #any an! c osse! t$e line into e+ellence'

So t$is is "$e e stylists go "$en t$ey/*e outli*e! t$ei use' To sa! t$e#e un!e "ea s$o+s "$e e t$ey "ait &o !eat$' )ut o& t$e +u(lic eye' I sta e at $e &ace% "on!e ing i& $e +a ents actually na#e! $e Tig is% ins+i ing $e #utilation% o i& s$e
5D? | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

c$ose t$e style an! c$ange! $e na#e to #atc$ $e st i+es' 8Pluta c$ sai! you coul! (e t uste!%8 a!!s C essi!a' 7 eat% s$e/s one o& Pluta c$/s +eo+le' So i& $e &i st #o*e isn/t to tu n us in to t$e Ca+itol% it "ill (e to noti&y Pluta c$% an! (y e3tension Coin% o& ou "$e ea(outs' <o% Tig is/s s$o+ is not i!eal% (ut it/s all "e $a*e at t$e #o#ent' I& s$e/ll e*en $el+ us' S$e/s +ee ing (et"een an ol! tele*ision on $e counte an! us% as i& t ying to +lace us' To $el+ $e % I +ull !o"n #y sca &% e#o*e #y "ig% an! ste+ close so t$at t$e lig$t o& t$e sc een &alls on #y &ace'

Tig is gi*es a lo" g o"l% not unlike one 1utte cu+ #ig$t g eet #e "it$' S$e slinks !o"n o&& $e stool an! !isa++ea s (e$in! a ack o& &u >line! leggings' T$e e/s a soun! o& sli!ing% an! t$en $e $an! e#e ges an! "a*es us &o "a !' C essi!a looks at #e% as i& to ask A e you su e, 1ut "$at c$oice !o "e $a*e, Retu ning to t$e st eets un!e t$ese con!itions gua antees ou ca+tu e o !eat$' I +us$ a oun! t$e &u s an! &in! Tig is $as sli! (ack a +anel at t$e (ase o& t$e "all' 1e$in! it see#s to (e t$e to+ o& a stee+ stone stai "ay' S$e gestu es &o #e to ente '

E*e yt$ing a(out t$e situation sc ea#s t a+' I $a*e a #o#ent o& +anic an! &in! #ysel& tu ning to Tig is% sea c$ing t$ose ta"ny eyes' :$y is s$e !oing t$is, S$e/s no Cinna% so#eone "illing to sac i&ice $e sel& &o ot$e s' T$is "o#an "as t$e e#(o!i#ent o& Ca+itol s$allo"ness' S$e "as one o& t$e sta s o& t$e Hunge 7a#es until'''until s$e "asn/t' So is t$at it% t$en, 1itte ness, Hat e!, Re*enge, Actually% I/# co#&o te! (y t$e i!ea' A nee! &o e*enge can (u n long an! $ot' Es+ecially i& e*e y glance in a #i o ein&o ces it'

5DB | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8-i! Sno" (an you & o# t$e 7a#es,8 I ask' S$e just sta es (ack at #e' So#e"$e e $e tige tail &licks "it$ !is+leasu e' 81ecause I/# going to kill $i#% you kno"'8 He #out$ s+ ea!s into "$at I take &o a s#ile' Reassu e! t$at t$is isn/t co#+lete #a!ness% I c a"l t$ oug$ t$e s+ace' A(out $al&"ay !o"n t$e ste+s% #y &ace uns into a $anging c$ain an! I +ull it% illu#inating t$e $i!eout "it$ a &licke ing &luo escent (ul(' It/s a s#all cella "it$ no !oo s o "in!o"s' S$allo" an! "i!e' P o(a(ly just a st i+ (et"een t"o eal (ase#ents' A +lace "$ose e3istence coul! go unnotice! unless you $a! a *e y keen eye &o !i#ensions' It/s col! an! !ank% "it$ +iles o& +elts t$at I/# guessing $a*en/t seen t$e lig$t o& !ay in yea s' Knless Tig is gi*es us u+% I !on/t (elie*e anyone "ill &in! us $e e' 1y t$e ti#e I eac$ t$e conc ete &loo % #y co#+anions a e on t$e ste+s' T$e +anel sli!es (ack in +lace' I $ea t$e un!e "ea ack (eing a!juste! on s4ueaky "$eels' Tig is +a!!ing (ack to $e stool' :e $a*e (een s"allo"e! u+ (y $e sto e'

0ust in ti#e% too% (ecause 7ale looks on t$e *e ge o& colla+se' :e #ake a (e! o& +elts% st i+ o&& $is laye s o& "ea+ons% an! $el+ $i# onto $is (ack' At t$e en! o& t$e cella % t$e e/s a &aucet a(out a &oot & o# t$e &loo "it$ a ! ain un!e it' I tu n t$e ta+ an!% a&te #uc$ s+utte ing an! a lot o& ust% clea "ate (egins to &lo"' :e clean 7ale/s neck "oun! an! I ealize (an!ages "on/t (e enoug$' He/s going to nee! a &e" stitc$es' T$e e/s a nee!le an! ste ile t$ ea! in t$e &i st>ai! su++lies% (ut "$at "e lack is a $eale ' It c osses #y #in! to enlist Tig is' As a stylist% s$e #ust kno" $o" to "o k a nee!le' 1ut t$at "oul! lea*e no one #anning t$e s$o+% an! s$e/s !oing enoug$ al ea!y' I acce+t t$at I/# + o(a(ly t$e #ost 4uali&ie! &o t$e jo(% g it #y teet$% an! +ut in a o" o& jagge! sutu es' It/s not + etty (ut it/s &unctional' I

5DE | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

s#ea it "it$ #e!icine an! " a+ it u+' 7i*e $i# so#e +ainkille s' 8Cou can est no"' It/s sa&e $e e%8 I tell $i#' He goes out like a lig$t' :$ile C essi!a an! Pollu3 #ake &u nests &o eac$ o& us% I atten! to Peeta/s " ists' 7ently insing a"ay t$e (loo!% +utting on an antise+tic% an! (an!aging t$e# (eneat$ t$e cu&&s' 8Cou/*e got to kee+ t$e# clean% ot$e "ise t$e in&ection coul! s+ ea! an!>>8 8I kno" "$at (loo! +oisoning is% ;atniss%8 says Peeta' 8E*en i& #y #ot$e isn/t a $eale '8 I/# jolte! (ack in ti#e% to anot$e "oun!% anot$e set o& (an!ages' 8Cou sai! t$at sa#e t$ing to #e in t$e &i st Hunge 7a#es' Real o not eal,8 8Real%8 $e says' 8An! you iske! you li&e getting t$e #e!icine t$at sa*e! #e,8 8Real'8 I s$ ug' 8Cou "e e t$e eason I "as ali*e to !o it'8 8:as I,8 T$e co##ent t$ o"s $i# into con&usion' So#e s$iny #e#o y #ust (e &ig$ting &o $is attention% (ecause $is (o!y tenses an! $is ne"ly (an!age! " ists st ain against t$e #etal cu&&s' T$en all t$e ene gy sa+s & o# $is (o!y' 8I/# so ti e!% ;atniss'8 87o to slee+%8 I say' He "on/t until I/*e ea ange! $is $an!cu&&s an! s$ackle! $i# to one o& t$e stai su++o ts' It can/t (e co#&o ta(le% lying t$e e "it$ $is a #s a(o*e $is $ea!' 1ut in a &e" #inutes% $e ! i&ts o&&% too' C essi!a an! Pollu3 $a*e #a!e (e!s &o us% a ange! ou &oo! an! #e!ical su++lies% an! no" ask "$at I "ant to !o a(out setting u+ a gua !' I look at 7ale/s
5DF | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

+allo % Peeta/s est aints' Pollu3 $asn/t sle+t &o !ays% an! C essi!a an! I only na++e! &o a &e" $ou s' I& a t oo+ o& Peacekee+e s "e e to co#e t$ oug$ t$at !oo % "e/! (e t a++e! like ats' :e a e co#+letely at t$e #e cy o& a !ec e+it tige >"o#an "it$ "$at I can only $o+e is an all>consu#ing +assion &o Sno"/s !eat$'

8I !on/t $onestly t$ink t$e e/s any +oint in setting u+ a gua !' 9et/s just t y to get so#e slee+%8 I say' T$ey no! nu#(ly% an! "e all (u o" into ou +elts' T$e &i e insi!e #e $as &licke e! out% an! "it$ it #y st engt$' I su en!e to t$e so&t% #usty &u an! o(li*ion' I $a*e only one ! ea# I e#e#(e ' A long an! "ea ying t$ing in "$ic$ I/# t ying to get to -ist ict .2' T$e $o#e I/# seeking is intact% t$e +eo+le ali*e' E&&ie T inket% cons+icuous in a ( ig$t +ink "ig an! tailo e! out&it% t a*els "it$ #e' I kee+ t ying to !itc$ $e in +laces% (ut s$e ine3+lica(ly ea++ea s at #y si!e% insisting t$at as #y esco t s$e/s es+onsi(le &o #y staying on sc$e!ule' )nly t$e sc$e!ule is constantly s$i&ting% !e aile! (y ou lack o& a sta#+ & o# an o&&icial o !elaye! "$en E&&ie ( eaks one o& $e $ig$ $eels' :e ca#+ &o !ays on a (enc$ in a g ay station in -ist ict E% a"aiting a t ain t$at ne*e co#es' :$en I "ake% so#e$o" I &eel e*en #o e ! aine! (y t$is t$an #y usual nig$tti#e &o ays into (loo! an! te o '

C essi!a% t$e only +e son a"ake% tells #e it/s late a&te noon' I eat a can o& (ee& ste" an! "as$ it !o"n "it$ a lot o& "ate ' T$en I lean against t$e cella "all% et acing t$e e*ents o& t$e last !ay' Mo*ing !eat$ (y !eat$' Counting t$e# u+ on #y &inge s' )ne% t"o>> Mitc$ell an! 1oggs lost on t$e (lock' T$ ee>>Messalla #elte! (y t$e +o!' 6ou % &i*e>>9eeg . an! 0ackson sac i&icing t$e#sel*es at t$e Meat 7 in!e ' Si3% se*en%
5DG | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

eig$t>>Casto % Ho#es% an! 6innick (eing !eca+itate! (y t$e ose>scente! liza ! #utts' Eig$t !ea! in t"enty>&ou $ou s' I kno" it $a++ene!% an! yet it !oesn/t see# eal' Su ely% Casto is aslee+ un!e t$at +ile o& &u s% 6innick "ill co#e (oun!ing !o"n t$e ste+s in a #inute% 1oggs "ill tell #e $is +lan &o ou esca+e'

To (elie*e t$e# !ea! is to acce+t I kille! t$e#' )kay% #ay(e not Mitc$ell an! 1oggs>>t$ey !ie! on an actual assign#ent' 1ut t$e ot$e s lost t$ei li*es !e&en!ing #e on a #ission I &a( icate!' My +lot to assassinate Sno" see#s so stu+i! no"' So stu+i! as I sit s$i*e ing $e e in t$is cella % tallying u+ ou losses% &inge ing t$e tassels on t$e sil*e knee>$ig$ (oots I stole & o# t$e "o#an/s $o#e' )$% yea$>>I &o got a(out t$at' I kille! $e % too' I/# taking out una #e! citizens no"'

I t$ink it/s ti#e I gi*e #ysel& u+' :$en e*e yone &inally a"akens% I con&ess' Ho" I lie! a(out t$e #ission% $o" I jeo+a !ize! e*e yone in +u suit o& e*enge' T$e e/s a long silence a&te I &inis$' T$en 7ale says% 8;atniss% "e all kne" you "e e lying a(out Coin sen!ing you to assassinate Sno"'8 8Cou kne"% #ay(e' T$e sol!ie s & o# T$i teen !i!n/t%8 I e+ly' 8-o you eally t$ink 0ackson (elie*e! you $a! o !e s & o# Coin,8 C essi!a asks' 8)& cou se s$e !i!n/t' 1ut s$e t uste! 1oggs% an! $e/! clea ly "ante! you to go on'8 8I ne*e e*en tol! 1oggs "$at I +lanne! to !o%8 I say'

5.D | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8Cou tol! e*e yone in Co##an!I8 7ale says' 8It "as one o& you con!itions &o (eing t$e Mockingjay' /I kill Sno"'/8 T$ose see# like t"o !isconnecte! t$ings' <egotiating "it$ Coin &o t$e + i*ilege o& e3ecuting Sno" a&te t$e "a an! t$is unaut$o ize! &lig$t t$ oug$ t$e Ca+itol' 81ut not like t$is%8 I say' 8It/s (een a co#+lete !isaste '8 8I t$ink it "oul! (e consi!e e! a $ig$ly success&ul #ission%8 says 7ale' 8:e/*e in&ilt ate! t$e ene#y ca#+% s$o"ing t$at t$e Ca+itol/s !e&enses can (e ( eac$e!' :e/*e #anage! to get &ootage o& ou sel*es all o*e t$e Ca+itol/s ne"s' :e/*e t$ o"n t$e "$ole city into c$aos t ying to &in! us'8 8T ust #e% Pluta c$/s t$ ille!%8 C essi!a a!!s' 8T$at/s (ecause Pluta c$ !oesn/t ca e "$o !ies%8 I say' 8<ot as long as $is 7a#es a e a success'8 C essi!a an! 7ale go oun! an! oun! t ying to con*ince #e' Pollu3 no!s at t$ei "o !s to (ack t$e# u+' )nly Peeta !oesn/t o&&e an o+inion' 8:$at !o you t$ink% Peeta,8 I &inally ask $i#' 8I t$ink'''you still $a*e no i!ea' T$e e&&ect you can $a*e'8 He sli!es $is cu&&s u+ t$e su++o t an! +us$es $i#sel& to a sitting +osition' 8<one o& t$e +eo+le "e lost "e e i!iots' T$ey kne" "$at t$ey "e e !oing' T$ey &ollo"e! you (ecause t$ey (elie*e! you eally coul! kill Sno"'8 I !on/t kno" "$y $is *oice eac$es #e "$en no one else/s can' 1ut i& $e/s ig$t% an! I t$ink $e is% I o"e t$e ot$e s a !e(t t$at can only (e e+ai! in one "ay' I +ull #y +a+e #a+ & o# a +ocket in #y uni&o # an!
5.. | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

s+ ea! it out on t$e &loo "it$ ne" esol*e' 8:$e e a e "e% C essi!a,8 Tig is/s s$o+ sits a(out &i*e (locks & o# t$e City Ci cle an! Sno"/s #ansion' :e/ e in easy "alking !istance t$ oug$ a zone in "$ic$ t$e +o!s a e !eacti*ate! &o t$e esi!ents/ sa&ety' :e $a*e !isguises t$at% +e $a+s "it$ so#e e#(ellis$#ents & o# Tig is/s &u y stock% coul! get us sa&ely t$e e' 1ut t$en "$at, T$e #ansion/s su e to (e $ea*ily gua !e!% un!e oun!>t$e>clock ca#e a su *eillance% an! lace! "it$ +o!s t$at coul! (eco#e li*e at t$e &lick o& a s"itc$'

8:$at "e nee! is to get $i# out in t$e o+en%8 7ale says to #e' 8T$en one o& us coul! +ick $i# o&&'8 8-oes $e e*e a++ea in +u(lic any#o e,8 asks Peeta' 8I !on/t t$ink so%8 says C essi!a' 8At least in all t$e ecent s+eec$es I/*e seen% $e/s (een in t$e #ansion' E*en (e&o e t$e e(els got $e e' I i#agine $e (eca#e #o e *igilant a&te 6innick ai e! $is c i#es'8 T$at/s ig$t' It/s not just t$e Tig ises o& t$e Ca+itol "$o $ate Sno" no"% (ut a "e( o& +eo+le "$o kno" "$at $e !i! to t$ei & ien!s an! &a#ilies' It "oul! $a*e to (e so#et$ing (o !e ing on #i aculous to lu e $i# out' So#et$ing like''' 8I (et $e/! co#e out &o #e%8 I say' 8I& I "e e ca+tu e!' He/! "ant t$at as +u(lic as +ossi(le' He/! "ant #y e3ecution on $is & ont ste+s'8 I let t$is sink in' 8T$en 7ale coul! s$oot $i# & o# t$e au!ience'8 8<o'8 Peeta s$akes $is $ea!' 8T$e e a e too #any alte nati*e en!ings to t$at +lan' Sno" #ig$t !eci!e to kee+ you an! to tu e in&o #ation out o& you' ) $a*e you e3ecute! +u(licly "it$out (eing + esent' ) kill
5.2 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

you insi!e t$e #ansion an! !is+lay you (o!y out & ont'8 87ale,8 I say' 8It see#s like an e3t e#e solution to ju#+ to i##e!iately%8 $e says' 8May(e i& all else &ails' 9et/s kee+ t$inking'8 In t$e 4uiet t$at &ollo"s% "e $ea Tig is/s so&t &oot&all o*e $ea!' It #ust (e closing ti#e' S$e/s locking u+% &astening t$e s$utte s #ay(e' A &e" #inutes late % t$e +anel at t$e to+ o& t$e stai s sli!es o+en' 8Co#e u+%8 says a g a*elly *oice' 8I $a*e so#e &oo! &o you'8 It/s t$e &i st ti#e s$e/s talke! since "e a i*e!' :$et$e it/s natu al o & o# yea s o& + actice% I !on/t kno"% (ut t$e e/s so#et$ing in $e #anne o& s+eaking t$at suggests a cat/s +u ' As "e cli#( t$e stai s% C essi!a asks% 8-i! you contact Pluta c$% Tig is,8 8<o "ay to'8 Tig is s$ ugs' 8He/ll &igu e out you/ e in a sa&e $ouse' -on/t "o y'8 :o y, I &eel i##ensely elie*e! (y t$e ne"s t$at I "on/t (e gi*en>>an! $a*e to igno e>>!i ect o !e s & o# .5' ) #ake u+ so#e *ia(le !e&ense &o t$e !ecisions I/*e #a!e o*e t$e last cou+le o& !ays' In t$e s$o+% t$e counte $ol!s so#e stale $unks o& ( ea!% a "e!ge o& #ol!y c$eese% an! $al& a (ottle o& #usta !' It e#in!s #e t$at not e*e yone in t$e Ca+itol $as &ull sto#ac$s t$ese !ays' I &eel o(lige! to tell Tig is a(out ou e#aining &oo! su++lies% (ut s$e "a*es #y o(jections a"ay' 8I eat ne3t to not$ing%8 s$e says' 8An! t$en% only a" #eat'8 T$is see#s a little too in c$a acte % (ut I !on/t 4uestion it' I just sc a+e
5.5 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

t$e #ol! o&& t$e c$eese an! !i*i!e u+ t$e &oo! a#ong t$e est o& us' :$ile "e eat% "e "atc$ t$e latest Ca+itol ne"s co*e age' T$e go*e n#ent $as t$e e(el su *i*o s na o"e! !o"n to t$e &i*e o& us' Huge (ounties a e o&&e e! &o in&o #ation lea!ing to ou ca+tu e' T$ey e#+$asize $o" !ange ous "e a e' S$o" us e3c$anging gun&i e "it$ t$e Peacekee+e s% alt$oug$ not t$e #utts i++ing o&& t$ei $ea!s' -o a t agic t i(ute to t$e "o#an lying "$e e "e le&t $e % "it$ #y a o" still in $e $ea t' So#eone $as e!one $e #akeu+ &o t$e ca#e as'

T$e e(els let t$e Ca+itol ( oa!cast un on uninte u+te!' 8Ha*e t$e e(els #a!e a state#ent to!ay,8 I ask Tig is' S$e s$akes $e $ea!' 8I !ou(t Coin kno"s "$at to !o "it$ #e no" t$at I/# still ali*e'8 Tig is gi*es a t$ oaty cackle' 8<o one kno"s "$at to !o "it$ you% gi lie'8 T$en s$e #akes #e take a +ai o& t$e &u leggings e*en t$oug$ I can/t +ay $e &o t$e#' It/s t$e kin! o& gi&t you $a*e to acce+t' An! any"ay% it/s col! in t$at cella ' -o"nstai s a&te su++e % "e continue to ack ou ( ains &o a +lan' <ot$ing goo! co#es u+% (ut "e !o ag ee t$at "e can no longe go out as a g ou+ o& &i*e an! t$at "e s$oul! t y to in&ilt ate t$e + esi!ent/s #ansion (e&o e I tu n #ysel& into (ait' I consent to t$at secon! +oint to a*oi! &u t$e a gu#ent' I& I !o !eci!e to gi*e #ysel& u+% it "on/t e4ui e anyone else/s +e #ission o +a tici+ation'

:e c$ange (an!ages% $an!cu&& Peeta (ack to $is su++o t% an! settle !o"n to slee+' A &e" $ou s late % I sli+ (ack into consciousness an! (eco#e a"a e o& a
5.= | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

4uiet con*e sation' Peeta an! 7ale' I can/t sto+ #ysel& & o# ea*es! o++ing' 8T$anks &o t$e "ate %8 Peeta says' 8<o + o(le#%8 7ale e+lies' 8I "ake u+ ten ti#es a nig$t any"ay'8 8To #ake su e ;atniss is still $e e,8 asks Peeta' 8So#et$ing like t$at%8 7ale a!#its' T$e e/s a long +ause (e&o e Peeta s+eaks again' 8T$at "as &unny% "$at Tig is sai!' A(out no one kno"ing "$at to !o "it$ $e '8 8:ell% "e ne*e $a*e%8 7ale says' T$ey (ot$ laug$' It/s so st ange to $ea t$e# talking like t$is' Al#ost like & ien!s' :$ic$ t$ey/ e not' <e*e $a*e (een' Alt$oug$ t$ey/ e not e3actly ene#ies' 8S$e lo*es you% you kno"%8 says Peeta' 8S$e as goo! as tol! #e a&te t$ey "$i++e! you'8 8-on/t (elie*e it%8 7ale ans"e s' 8T$e "ay s$e kisse! you in t$e Aua te Auell'''"ell% s$e ne*e kisse! #e like t$at'8 8It "as just +a t o& t$e s$o"%8 Peeta tells $i#% alt$oug$ t$e e/s an e!ge o& !ou(t in $is *oice' 8<o% you "on $e o*e ' 7a*e u+ e*e yt$ing &o $e ' May(e t$at/s t$e only "ay to con*ince $e you lo*e $e '8 T$e e/s a long +ause' 8I s$oul! $a*e *oluntee e! to take you +lace in t$e &i st 7a#es' P otecte! $e t$en'8

5.? | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8Cou coul!n/t%8 says Peeta' 8S$e/! ne*e $a*e &o gi*en you' Cou $a! to take ca e o& $e &a#ily' T$ey #atte #o e to $e t$an $e li&e'8 8:ell% it "on/t (e an issue #uc$ longe ' I t$ink it/s unlikely all t$ ee o& us "ill (e ali*e at t$e en! o& t$e "a ' An! i& "e a e% I guess it/s ;atniss/s + o(le#' :$o to c$oose'8 7ale ya"ns' 8:e s$oul! get so#e slee+'8 8Cea$'8 I $ea Peeta/s $an!cu&&s sli!e !o"n t$e su++o t as $e settles in' 8I "on!e $o" s$e/ll #ake u+ $e #in!'8 8)$% t$at I !o kno"'8 I can just catc$ 7ale/s last "o !s t$ oug$ t$e laye o& &u ' 8;atniss "ill +ick "$oe*e s$e t$inks s$e can/t su *i*e "it$out'8

5.B | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

A c$ill uns t$ oug$ #e' A# I eally t$at col! an! calculating, 7ale !i!n/t say% 8;atniss "ill +ick "$oe*e it "ill ( eak $e $ea t to gi*e u+%8 o e*en 8"$oe*e s$e can/t li*e "it$out'8 T$ose "oul! $a*e i#+lie! I "as #oti*ate! (y a kin! o& +assion' 1ut #y (est & ien! + e!icts I "ill c$oose t$e +e son "$o I t$ink I 8can/t su *i*e "it$out'8 T$e e/s not t$e least in!ication t$at lo*e% o !esi e% o e*en co#+ati(ility "ill s"ay #e' I/ll just con!uct an un&eeling assess#ent o& "$at #y +otential #ates can o&&e #e' As i& in t$e en!% it "ill (e t$e 4uestion o& "$et$e a (ake o a $unte "ill e3ten! #y longe*ity t$e #ost' It/s a $o i(le t$ing &o 7ale to say% &o Peeta not to e&ute' Es+ecially "$en e*e y e#otion I $a*e $as (een taken an! e3+loite! (y t$e Ca+itol o t$e e(els' At t$e #o#ent% t$e c$oice "oul! (e si#+le' I can su *i*e just &ine "it$out eit$e o& t$e#'

In t$e #o ning% I $a*e no ti#e o ene gy to nu se "oun!e! &eelings' -u ing a + e!a"n ( eak&ast o& li*e +ate an! &ig cookies% "e gat$e a oun! Tig is/s tele*ision &o one o& 1eetee/s ( eak>ins' T$e e/s (een a ne" !e*elo+#ent in t$e "a ' A++a ently ins+i e! (y t$e (lack "a*e% so#e ente + ising e(el co##an!e ca#e u+ "it$ t$e i!ea o& con&iscating +eo+le/s a(an!one! auto#o(iles an! sen!ing t$e# un#anne! !o"n t$e st eets' T$e ca s !on/t t igge e*e y +o!% (ut t$ey ce tainly get t$e #ajo ity' At a oun! &ou in t$e #o ning% t$e e(els (egan ca *ing t$ ee se+a ate +at$s>>si#+ly e&e e! to as t$e A% 1% an! C lines>>to t$e Ca+itol/s $ea t' As a esult% t$ey/*e secu e! (lock a&te (lock "it$ *e y &e" casualties'

5.E | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8T$is can/t last%8 says 7ale' 8In &act I/# su + ise! t$ey/*e ke+t it going so long' T$e Ca+itol "ill a!just (y !eacti*ating s+eci&ic +o!s an! t$en #anually t igge ing t$e# "$en t$ei ta gets co#e in ange'8 Al#ost "it$in #inutes o& $is + e!iction% "e see t$is *e y t$ing $a++en on>sc een' A s4ua! sen!s a ca !o"n a (lock% setting o&& &ou +o!s' All see#s "ell' T$ ee scouts &ollo" an! #ake it sa&ely to t$e en! o& t$e st eet' 1ut "$en a g ou+ o& t"enty e(el sol!ie s &ollo" t$e#% t$ey/ e (lo"n to (its (y a o" o& +otte! ose(us$es in & ont o& a &lo"e s$o+'

8I (et it/s killing Pluta c$ not to (e in t$e cont ol oo# on t$is one%8 says Peeta' 1eetee gi*es t$e ( oa!cast (ack to t$e Ca+itol% "$e e a g i#>&ace! e+o te announces t$e (locks t$at ci*ilians a e to e*acuate' 1et"een $e u+!ate an! t$e + e*ious sto y% I a# a(le to #a k #y +a+e #a+ to s$o" t$e elati*e +ositions o& t$e o++osing a #ies' I $ea scu&&ling out on t$e st eet% #o*e to t$e "in!o"s% an! +eek out a c ack in t$e s$utte s' In t$e ea ly #o ning lig$t% I see a (iza e s+ectacle' Re&ugees & o# t$e no" occu+ie! (locks a e st ea#ing to"a ! t$e Ca+itol/s cente ' T$e #ost +anicke! a e "ea ing not$ing (ut nig$tgo"ns an! sli++e s% "$ile t$e #o e + e+a e! a e $ea*ily (un!le! in laye s o& clot$es' T$ey ca y e*e yt$ing & o# la+!ogs to je"el y (o3es to +otte! +lants' )ne #an in a &lu&&y o(e $ol!s only an o*e i+e (anana' Con&use!% slee+y c$il! en stu#(le along a&te t$ei +a ents% #ost eit$e too stunne! o too (a&&le! to c y' 1its o& t$e# &las$ (y #y line o& *ision' A +ai o& "i!e ( o"n eyes' An a # clutc$ing a &a*o ite !oll' A +ai o& (a e &eet% (luis$ in t$e col!% catc$ing on t$e une*en +a*ing stones o& t$e alley' Seeing t$e# e#in!s #e o& t$e c$il! en o& .2 "$o !ie! &leeing t$e &i e(o#(s' I lea*e t$e "in!o"'

5.F | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

Tig is o&&e s to (e ou s+y &o t$e !ay since s$e/s t$e only one o& us "it$out a (ounty on $e $ea!' A&te secu ing us !o"nstai s% s$e goes out into t$e Ca+itol to +ick u+ any $el+&ul in&o #ation' -o"n in t$e cella I +ace (ack an! &o t$% ! i*ing t$e ot$e s c azy' So#et$ing tells #e t$at not taking a!*antage o& t$e &loo! o& e&ugees is a #istake' :$at (ette co*e coul! "e $a*e, )n t$e ot$e $an!% e*e y !is+lace! +e son #illing a(out on t$e st eets #eans anot$e +ai o& eyes looking &o t$e &i*e e(els on t$e loose' T$en again% "$at !o "e gain (y staying $e e, All "e/ e eally !oing is !e+leting ou s#all cac$e o& &oo! an! "aiting &o '''"$at, T$e e(els to take t$e Ca+itol, It coul! (e "eeks (e&o e t$at $a++ens% an! I/# not so su e "$at I/! !o i& t$ey !i!' <ot un out an! g eet t$e#' Coin "oul! $a*e #e "$iske! (ack to .5 (e&o e I coul! say 8nig$tlock% nig$tlock% nig$tlock'8 I !i! not co#e all t$is "ay% an! lose all t$ose +eo+le% to tu n #ysel& o*e to t$at "o#an' I kill Sno"' 1esi!es% t$e e "oul! (e an a"&ul lot o& t$ings I coul!n/t easily e3+lain a(out t$e last &e" !ays' Se*e al o& "$ic$% i& t$ey ca#e to lig$t% "oul! + o(a(ly (lo" #y !eal &o t$e *icto s/ i##unity ig$t out o& t$e "ate ' An! &o get a(out #e% I/*e got a &eeling so#e o& t$e ot$e s a e going to nee! it' 9ike Peeta' :$o% no #atte $o" you s+in it% can (e seen on ta+e tossing Mitc$ell into t$at net +o!' I can i#agine "$at Coin/s "a t i(unal "ill !o "it$ t$at'

1y late a&te noon% "e/ e (eginning to get uneasy a(out Tig is/s long a(sence' Talk tu ns to t$e +ossi(ilities t$at s$e $as (een a++ e$en!e! an! a este!% tu ne! us in *olunta ily% o si#+ly (een inju e! in t$e "a*e o& e&ugees' 1ut a oun! si3 o/clock "e $ea $e etu n' T$e e/s so#e s$u&&ling a oun! u+stai s% t$en s$e o+ens t$e +anel' T$e "on!e &ul s#ell o& & ying #eat &ills t$e ai ' Tig is $as + e+a e! us a $as$ o& c$o++e! $a# an! +otatoes' It/s
5.G | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

t$e &i st $ot &oo! "e/*e $a! in !ays% an! as I "ait &o $e to &ill #y +late% I/# in !ange o& actually ! ooling' As I c$e"% I t y to +ay attention to Tig is telling us $o" s$e ac4ui e! it% (ut t$e #ain t$ing I a(so ( is t$at &u un!e "ea is a *alua(le t a!ing ite# at t$e #o#ent' Es+ecially &o +eo+le "$o le&t t$ei $o#es un!e ! esse!' Many a e still out on t$e st eet% t ying to &in! s$elte &o t$e nig$t' T$ose "$o li*e in t$e c$oice a+a t#ents o& t$e inne city $a*e not &lung o+en t$ei !oo s to $ouse t$e !is+lace!' )n t$e cont a y% #ost o& t$e# (olte! t$ei locks% ! e" t$ei s$utte s% an! + eten!e! to (e out' <o" t$e City Ci cle/s +acke! "it$ e&ugees% an! t$e Peacekee+e s a e going !oo to !oo % ( eaking into +laces i& t$ey $a*e to% to assign $ouseguests'

)n t$e tele*ision% "e "atc$ a te se Hea! Peacekee+e lay out s+eci&ic ules ega !ing $o" #any +eo+le +e s4ua e &oot eac$ esi!ent "ill (e e3+ecte! to take in' He e#in!s t$e citizens o& t$e Ca+itol t$at te#+e atu es "ill ! o+ "ell (elo" & eezing tonig$t an! "a ns t$e# t$at t$ei + esi!ent e3+ects t$e# to (e not only "illing (ut ent$usiastic $osts in t$is ti#e o& c isis' T$en t$ey s$o" so#e *e y stage!>looking s$ots o& conce ne! citizens "elco#ing g ate&ul e&ugees into t$ei $o#es' T$e Hea! Peacekee+e says t$e + esi!ent $i#sel& $as o !e e! +a t o& $is #ansion ea!ie! to ecei*e citizens to#o o"' He a!!s t$at s$o+kee+e s s$oul! also (e + e+a e! to len! t$ei &loo s+ace i& e4ueste!'

8Tig is% t$at coul! (e you%8 says Peeta' I ealize $e/s ig$t' T$at e*en t$is na o" $all"ay o& a s$o+ coul! (e a++ o+ iate! as t$e nu#(e s s"ell' T$en "e/ll (e t uly t a++e! in t$e cella % in constant !ange o& !isco*e y' Ho" #any !ays !o "e $a*e, )ne, May(e t"o,

52D | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

T$e Hea! Peacekee+e co#es (ack "it$ #o e inst uctions &o t$e +o+ulation' It see#s t$at t$is e*ening t$e e "as an un&o tunate inci!ent "$e e a c o"! (eat to !eat$ a young #an "$o ese#(le! Peeta' Hence&o t$% all e(el sig$tings a e to (e e+o te! i##e!iately to aut$o ities% "$o "ill !eal "it$ t$e i!enti&ication an! a est o& t$e sus+ect' T$ey s$o" a +$oto o& t$e *icti#' A+a t & o# so#e o(*iously (leac$e! cu ls% $e looks a(out as #uc$ like Peeta as I !o'

8Peo+le $a*e gone "il!%8 C essi!a #u #u s' :e "atc$ a ( ie& e(el u+!ate in "$ic$ "e lea n t$at se*e al #o e (locks $a*e (een taken to!ay' I #ake note o& t$e inte sections on #y #a+ an! stu!y it' 89ine C is only &ou (locks & o# $e e%8 I announce' So#e$o" t$at &ills #e "it$ #o e an3iety t$an t$e i!ea o& Peacekee+e s looking &o $ousing' I (eco#e *e y $el+&ul' 89et #e "as$ t$e !is$es'8

8I/ll gi*e you a $an!'8 7ale collects t$e +lates' I &eel Peeta/s eyes &ollo" us out o& t$e oo#' In t$e c a#+e! kitc$en at t$e (ack o& Tig is/s s$o+% I &ill t$e sink "it$ $ot "ate an! su!s' 8-o you t$ink it/s t ue,8 I ask' 8T$at Sno" "ill let e&ugees into t$e #ansion,8 8I t$ink $e $as to no"% at least &o t$e ca#e as%8 says 7ale' 8I/# lea*ing in t$e #o ning%8 I say' 8I/# going "it$ you%8 7ale says' 8:$at s$oul! "e !o "it$ t$e ot$e s,8

52. | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8Pollu3 an! C essi!a coul! (e use&ul' T$ey/ e goo! gui!es%8 I say' Pollu3 an! C essi!a a en/t actually t$e + o(le#' 81ut Peeta/s too'''8 8Kn+ e!icta(le%8 &inis$es 7ale' 8-o you t$ink $e/! still let us lea*e $i# (e$in!,8 8:e can #ake t$e a gu#ent t$at $e/ll en!ange us%8 I say' 8He #ig$t stay $e e% i& "e/ e con*incing'8 Peeta/s &ai ly ational a(out ou suggestion' He ea!ily ag ees t$at $is co#+any coul! +ut t$e ot$e &ou o& us at isk' I/# t$inking t$is #ay all "o k out% t$at $e can just sit out t$e "a in Tig is/s cella % "$en $e announces $e/s going out on $is o"n' 8To !o "$at,8 asks C essi!a' 8I/# not su e e3actly' T$e one t$ing t$at I #ig$t still (e use&ul at is causing a !i*e sion' Cou sa" "$at $a++ene! to t$at #an "$o looke! like #e%8 $e says' 8:$at i& you'''lose cont ol,8 I say' 8Cou #ean'''go #utt, :ell% i& I &eel t$at co#ing on% I/ll t y to get (ack $e e%8 $e assu es #e' 8An! i& Sno" gets you again,8 asks 7ale' 8Cou !on/t e*en $a*e a gun'8 8I/ll just $a*e to take #y c$ances%8 says Peeta' 89ike t$e est o& you'8 T$e t"o e3c$ange a long look% an! t$en 7ale eac$es into $is ( east +ocket' He +laces $is nig$tlock ta(let in Peeta/s $an!' Peeta lets it lie on $is o+en +al#% neit$e ejecting no acce+ting it' 8:$at a(out you,8 8-on/t "o y' 1eetee s$o"e! #e $o" to !etonate #y e3+losi*e a o"s (y $an!' I& t$at &ails% I/*e got #y
522 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

kni&e' An! I/ll $a*e ;atniss%8 says 7ale "it$ a s#ile' 8S$e "on/t gi*e t$e# t$e satis&action o& taking #e ali*e'8 T$e t$oug$t o& Peacekee+e s ! agging 7ale a"ay sta ts t$e tune +laying in #y $ea! again'''' A e you% a e you Co#ing to t$e t ee 8Take it% Peeta%8 I say in a st aine! *oice' I eac$ out an! close $is &inge s o*e t$e +ill' 8<o one "ill (e t$e e to $el+ you'8 :e s+en! a &it&ul nig$t% "oken (y one anot$e /s nig$t#a es% #in!s (uzzing "it$ t$e ne3t !ay/s +lans' I/# elie*e! "$en &i*e o/clock olls a oun! an! "e can (egin "$ate*e t$is !ay $ol!s &o us' :e eat a #is$#as$ o& ou e#aining &oo!>>canne! +eac$es% c acke s% an! snails>>lea*ing one can o& sal#on &o Tig is as #eage t$anks &o all s$e/s !one' T$e gestu e see#s to touc$ $e in so#e "ay' He &ace conto ts in an o!! e3+ ession an! s$e &lies into action' S$e s+en!s t$e ne3t $ou e#aking t$e &i*e o& us' S$e e! esses us so egula clot$es $i!e ou uni&o #s (e&o e "e e*en !on ou coats an! cloaks' Co*e s ou #ilita y (oots "it$ so#e so t o& &u y sli++e s' Secu es ou "igs "it$ +ins' Cleans o&& t$e ga is$ e#ains o& t$e +aint "e so $astily a++lie! to ou &aces an! #akes us u+ again' - a+es ou oute "ea to conceal ou "ea+ons' T$en gi*es us $an!(ags an! (un!les o& knickknacks to ca y' In t$e en!% "e look e3actly like t$e e&ugees &leeing t$e e(els'

8<e*e un!e esti#ate t$e +o"e o& a ( illiant stylist%8 says Peeta' It/s $a ! to tell% (ut I t$ink Tig is #ig$t actually (lus$ un!e $e st i+es'
525 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

T$e e a e no $el+&ul u+!ates on t$e tele*ision% (ut t$e alley see#s as t$ick "it$ e&ugees as t$e + e*ious #o ning' )u +lan is to sli+ into t$e c o"! in t$ ee g ou+s' 6i st C essi!a an! Pollu3% "$o "ill act as gui!es "$ile kee+ing a sa&e lea! on us' T$en 7ale an! #ysel&% "$o inten! to +osition ou sel*es a#ong t$e e&ugees assigne! to t$e #ansion to!ay' T$en Peeta% "$o "ill t ail (e$in! us% ea!y to c eate a !istu (ance as nee!e!'

Tig is "atc$es t$ oug$ t$e s$utte s &o t$e ig$t #o#ent% un(olts t$e !oo % an! no!s to C essi!a an! Pollu3' 8Take ca e%8 C essi!a says% an! t$ey a e gone' :e/ll (e &ollo"ing in a #inute' I get out t$e key% unlock Peeta/s cu&&s% an! stu&& t$e# in #y +ocket' He u(s $is " ists' 6le3es t$e#' I &eel a kin! o& !es+e ation ising u+ in #e' It/s like I/# (ack in t$e Aua te Auell% "it$ 1eetee gi*ing 0o$anna an! #e t$at coil o& "i e' 89isten%8 I say' 8-on/t !o anyt$ing &oolis$'8 8<o' It/s last> eso t stu&&' Co#+letely%8 $e says' I " a+ #y a #s a oun! $is neck% &eel $is a #s $esitate (e&o e t$ey e#( ace #e' <ot as stea!y as t$ey once "e e% (ut still "a # an! st ong' A t$ousan! #o#ents su ge t$ oug$ #e' All t$e ti#es t$ese a #s "e e #y only e&uge & o# t$e "o l!' Pe $a+s not &ully a++ eciate! t$en% (ut so s"eet in #y #e#o y% an! no" gone &o e*e ' 8All ig$t% t$en'8 I elease $i#'

8It/s ti#e%8 says Tig is' I kiss $e c$eek% &asten #y e! $oo!e! cloak% +ull #y sca & u+ o*e #y nose% an! &ollo" 7ale out into t$e & igi! ai '

52= | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

S$a +% icy sno"&lakes (ite #y e3+ose! skin' T$e ising sun/s t ying to ( eak t$ oug$ t$e gloo# "it$out #uc$ success' T$e e/s enoug$ lig$t to see t$e (un!le! &o #s closest to you an! little #o e' Pe &ect con!itions% eally% e3ce+t t$at I can/t locate C essi!a an! Pollu3' 7ale an! I ! o+ ou $ea!s an! s$u&&le along "it$ t$e e&ugees' I can $ea "$at I #isse! +eeking t$ oug$ t$e s$utte s yeste !ay' C ying% #oaning% la(o e! ( eat$ing' An!% not too &a a"ay% gun&i e'

8:$e e a e "e going% Kncle,8 a s$i*e ing little (oy asks a #an "eig$e! !o"n "it$ a s#all sa&e' 8To t$e + esi!ent/s #ansion' T$ey/ll assign us a ne" +lace to li*e%8 +u&&s t$e #an' :e tu n o&& t$e alley an! s+ill out onto one o& t$e #ain a*enues' 8Stay to t$e ig$tI8 a *oice o !e s% an! I see t$e Peacekee+e s inte s+e se! t$ oug$out t$e c o"!% !i ecting t$e &lo" o& $u#an t a&&ic' Sca e! &aces +ee out o& t$e +late>glass "in!o"s o& t$e s$o+s% "$ic$ a e al ea!y (eco#ing o*e un "it$ e&ugees' At t$is ate% Tig is #ay $a*e ne" $ouseguests (y lunc$' It "as goo! &o e*e y(o!y t$at "e got out "$en "e !i!'

It/s ( ig$te no"% e*en "it$ t$e sno" +icking u+' I catc$ sig$t o& C essi!a an! Pollu3 a(out t$i ty ya !s a$ea! o& us% +lo!!ing along "it$ t$e c o"!' I c ane #y $ea! a oun! to see i& I can locate Peeta' I can/t% (ut I/*e caug$t t$e eye o& an in4uisiti*e>looking little gi l in a le#on yello" coat' I nu!ge 7ale an! slo" #y +ace e*e so slig$tly% to allo" a "all o& +eo+le to &o # (et"een us'

8:e #ig$t nee! to s+lit u+%8 I say un!e #y ( eat$' 8T$e e/s a gi l>>8
52? | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

7un&i e i+s t$ oug$ t$e c o"!% an! se*e al +eo+le nea #e slu#+ to t$e g oun!' Sc ea#s +ie ce t$e ai as a secon! oun! #o"s !o"n anot$e g ou+ (e$in! us' 7ale an! I ! o+ to t$e st eet% scuttle t$e ten ya !s to t$e s$o+s% an! take co*e (e$in! a !is+lay o& s+ike>$eele! (oots outsi!e a s$oe selle /s' A o" o& &eat$e y &oot"ea (locks 7ale/s *ie"' 8:$o is it, Can you see,8 $e asks #e' :$at I can see% (et"een alte nating +ai s o& la*en!e an! #int g een leat$e (oots% is a st eet &ull o& (o!ies' T$e little gi l "$o "as "atc$ing #e kneels (esi!e a #otionless "o#an% sc eec$ing an! t ying to ouse $e ' Anot$e "a*e o& (ullets slices ac oss t$e c$est o& $e yello" coat% staining it "it$ e!% knocking t$e gi l onto $e (ack' 6o a #o#ent% looking at $e tiny c u#+le! &o #% I lose #y a(ility to &o # "o !s' 7ale + o!s #e "it$ $is el(o"' 8;atniss,8

8T$ey/ e s$ooting & o# t$e oo& a(o*e us%8 I tell 7ale' I "atc$ a &e" #o e oun!s% see t$e "$ite uni&o #s ! o++ing into t$e sno"y st eets' 8T ying to take out t$e Peacekee+e s% (ut t$ey/ e not e3actly c ack s$ots' It #ust (e t$e e(els'8 I !on/t &eel a us$ o& joy% alt$oug$ t$eo etically #y allies $a*e ( oken t$ oug$' I a# t ans&i3e! (y t$at le#on yello" coat'

8I& "e sta t s$ooting% t$at/s it%8 7ale says' 8T$e "$ole "o l! "ill kno" it/s us'8 It/s t ue' :e/ e a #e! only "it$ ou &a(ulous (o"s' To elease an a o" "oul! (e like announcing to (ot$ si!es t$at "e/ e $e e' 8<o%8 I say &o ce&ully' 8:e/*e got to get to Sno"'8 8T$en "e (ette sta t #o*ing (e&o e t$e "$ole (lock goes u+%8 says 7ale' Hugging t$e "all% "e continue along t$e st eet' )nly t$e "all is #ostly
52B | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

s$o+"in!o"s' A +atte n o& s"eaty +al#s an! ga+ing &aces + esses against t$e glass' I yank #y sca & u+ $ig$e o*e #y c$eek(ones as "e !a t (et"een out!oo !is+lays' 1e$in! a ack o& & a#e! +$otos o& Sno"% "e encounte a "oun!e! Peacekee+e + o++e! against a st i+ o& ( ick "all' He asks us &o $el+' 7ale knees $i# in t$e si!e o& t$e $ea! an! takes $is gun' At t$e inte section% $e s$oots a secon! Peacekee+e an! "e (ot$ $a*e &i ea #s'

8So "$o a e "e su++ose! to (e no",8 I ask' 8-es+e ate citizens o& t$e Ca+itol%8 says 7ale' 8T$e Peacekee+e s "ill t$ink "e/ e on t$ei si!e% an! $o+e&ully t$e e(els $a*e #o e inte esting ta gets'8 I/# #ulling o*e t$e "is!o# o& t$is latest ole as "e s+ int ac oss t$e inte section% (ut (y t$e ti#e "e eac$ t$e ne3t (lock% it no longe #atte s "$o "e a e' :$o anyone is' 1ecause no one is looking at &aces' T$e e(els a e $e e% all ig$t' Pou ing onto t$e a*enue% taking co*e in !oo "ays% (e$in! *e$icles% guns (lazing% $oa se *oices s$outing co##an!s as t$ey + e+a e to #eet an a #y o& Peacekee+e s #a c$ing to"a ! us' Caug$t in t$e c oss &i e a e t$e e&ugees% una #e!% !iso iente!% #any "oun!e!'

A +o!/s acti*ate! a$ea! o& us% eleasing a gus$ o& stea# t$at +a (oils e*e yone in its +at$% lea*ing t$e *icti#s intestine>+ink an! *e y !ea!' A&te t$at% "$at little sense o& o !e t$e e "as un a*els' As t$e e#aining cu licues o& stea# inte t"ine "it$ t$e sno"% *isi(ility e3ten!s just to t$e en! o& #y (a el' Peacekee+e % e(el% citizen% "$o kno"s, E*e yt$ing t$at #o*es is a ta get' Peo+le s$oot e&le3i*ely% an! I/# no e3ce+tion' Hea t +oun!ing% a! enaline (u ning t$ oug$ #e% e*e yone is #y ene#y' E3ce+t 7ale' My $unting +a tne % t$e one +e son "$o $as #y (ack' T$e e/s not$ing to !o (ut #o*e &o "a !% killing
52E | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

"$oe*e co#es into ou +at$' Sc ea#ing +eo+le% (lee!ing +eo+le% !ea! +eo+le e*e y"$e e' As "e eac$ t$e ne3t co ne % t$e enti e (lock a$ea! o& us lig$ts u+ "it$ a ic$ +u +le glo"' :e (ack+e!al% $unke !o"n in a stai "ell% an! s4uint into t$e lig$t' So#et$ing/s $a++ening to t$ose illu#inate! (y it' T$ey/ e assaulte! (y'''"$at, A soun!, A "a*e, A lase , :ea+ons &all & o# t$ei $an!s% &inge s clutc$ t$ei &aces% as (loo! s+ ays & o# all *isi(le o i&ices>>eyes% noses% #out$s% ea s' In less t$an a #inute% e*e yone/s !ea! an! t$e glo" *anis$es' I g it #y teet$ an! un% lea+ing o*e t$e (o!ies% &eet sli++ing in t$e go e' T$e "in! "$i+s t$e sno" into (lin!ing s"i ls (ut !oesn/t (lock out t$e soun! o& anot$e "a*e o& (oots $ea!e! ou "ay'

87et !o"nI8 I $iss at 7ale' :e ! o+ "$e e "e a e' My &ace lan!s in a still>"a # +ool o& so#eone/s (loo!% (ut I +lay !ea!% e#ain #otionless as t$e (oots #a c$ o*e us' So#e a*oi! t$e (o!ies' )t$e s g in! into #y $an!% #y (ack% kick #y $ea! in +assing' As t$e (oots ece!e% I o+en #y eyes an! no! to 7ale' )n t$e ne3t (lock% "e encounte #o e te i&ie! e&ugees% (ut &e" sol!ie s' 0ust "$en it see#s "e #ig$t $a*e caug$t a ( eak% t$e e/s a c acking soun!% like an egg $itting t$e si!e o& a (o"l (ut #agni&ie! a t$ousan! ti#es' :e sto+% look a oun! &o t$e +o!' T$e e/s not$ing' T$en I &eel t$e ti+s o& #y (oots (eginning to tilt e*e so slig$tly' 8RunI8 I c y to 7ale' T$e e/s no ti#e to e3+lain% (ut in a &e" secon!s t$e natu e o& t$e +o! (eco#es clea to e*e yone' A sea# $as o+ene! u+ !o"n t$e cente o& t$e (lock' T$e t"o si!es o& t$e tile! st eet a e &ol!ing !o"n like &la+s% slo"ly e#+tying t$e +eo+le into "$ate*e lies (eneat$'

I/# to n (et"een #aking a (eeline &o t$e ne3t inte section an! t ying to get to t$e !oo s t$at line
52F | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

t$e st eet an! ( eak #y "ay into a (uil!ing' As a esult% I en! u+ #o*ing at a slig$t !iagonal' As t$e &la+ continues to ! o+% I &in! #y &eet sc a#(ling% $a !e an! $a !e % to &in! +u c$ase on t$e sli++e y tiles' It/s like unning along t$e si!e o& an icy $ill t$at gets stee+e at e*e y ste+' 1ot$ o& #y !estinations>> t$e inte section an! t$e (uil!ings>>a e a &e" &eet a"ay "$en I &eel t$e &la+ going' T$e e/s not$ing to !o (ut use #y last secon!s o& connection to t$e tiles to +us$ o&& &o t$e inte section' As #y $an!s latc$ on to t$e si!e% I ealize t$e &la+s $a*e s"ung st aig$t !o"n' My &eet !angle in t$e ai % no &oot$ol! any"$e e' 6 o# &i&ty &eet (elo"% a *ile stenc$ $its #y nose% like otte! co +ses in t$e su##e $eat' 1lack &o #s c a"l a oun! in t$e s$a!o"s% silencing "$oe*e su *i*es t$e &all'

A st angle! c y co#es & o# #y t$ oat' <o one is co#ing to $el+ #e' I/# losing #y g i+ on t$e icy le!ge% "$en I see I/# only a(out si3 &eet & o# t$e co ne o& t$e +o!' I inc$ #y $an!s along t$e le!ge% t ying to (lock out t$e te i&ying soun!s & o# (elo"' :$en #y $an!s st a!!le t$e co ne % I s"ing #y ig$t (oot u+ o*e t$e si!e' It catc$es on so#et$ing an! I +ainstakingly ! ag #ysel& u+ to st eet le*el' Panting% t e#(ling% I c a"l out an! " a+ #y a # a oun! a la#++ost &o an anc$o % alt$oug$ t$e g oun!/s +e &ectly &lat'

87ale,8 I call into t$e a(yss% $ee!less o& (eing ecognize!' 87ale,8 8)*e $e eI8 I look in (e"il!e #ent to #y le&t' T$e &la+ $el! u+ e*e yt$ing to t$e *e y (ase o& t$e (uil!ings' A !ozen o so +eo+le #a!e it t$at &a an! no" $ang & o# "$ate*e + o*i!es a $an!$ol!' -oo kno(s% knocke s% #ail slots' T$ ee !oo s !o"n & o# #e% 7ale clings to t$e !eco ati*e i on g ating a oun! an a+a t#ent !oo ' He coul! easily get insi!e i& it "as
52G | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

o+en' 1ut !es+ite e+eate! kicks to t$e !oo % no one co#es to $is ai!' 8Co*e you sel&I8 I li&t #y gun' He tu ns a"ay an! I ! ill t$e lock until t$e !oo &lies in"a !' 7ale s"ings into t$e !oo "ay% lan!ing in a $ea+ on t$e &loo ' 6o a #o#ent% I e3+e ience t$e elation o& $is escue' T$en t$e "$ite>glo*e! $an!s cla#+ !o"n on $i#' 7ale #eets #y eyes% #out$s so#et$ing at #e I can/t #ake out' I !on/t kno" "$at to !o' I can/t lea*e $i#% (ut I can/t eac$ $i# eit$e ' His li+s #o*e again' I s$ake #y $ea! to in!icate #y con&usion' At any #inute% t$ey/ll ealize "$o t$ey/*e ca+tu e!' T$e Peacekee+e s a e $auling $i# insi!e no"' 87oI8 I $ea $i# yell'

I tu n an! un a"ay & o# t$e +o!' All alone no"' 7ale a + isone ' C essi!a an! Pollu3 coul! (e !ea! ten ti#es o*e ' An! Peeta, I $a*en/t lai! eyes on $i# since "e le&t Tig is/s' I $ol! on to t$e i!ea t$at $e #ay $a*e gone (ack' 6elt an attack co#ing an! et eate! to t$e cella "$ile $e still $a! cont ol' Realize! t$e e "as no nee! &o a !i*e sion "$en t$e Ca+itol $as + o*i!e! so #any' <o nee! to (e (ait an! $a*e to take t$e nig$tlock>>t$e nig$tlockI 7ale !oesn/t $a*e any' An! as &o all t$at talk o& !etonating $is a o"s (y $an!% $e/ll ne*e get t$e c$ance' T$e &i st t$ing t$e Peacekee+e s "ill !o is to st i+ $i# o& $is "ea+ons'

I &all into a !oo "ay% tea s stinging #y eyes' S$oot #e' T$at/s "$at $e "as #out$ing' I "as su++ose! to s$oot $i#I T$at "as #y jo(' T$at "as ou uns+oken + o#ise% all o& us% to one anot$e ' An! I !i!n/t !o it an! no" t$e Ca+itol "ill kill $i# o to tu e $i# o $ijack $i# o >>t$e c acks (egin o+ening insi!e #e% t$ eatening to ( eak #e into +ieces' I $a*e only one $o+e' T$at t$e Ca+itol &alls% lays !o"n its a #s% an!

55D | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

gi*es u+ its + isone s (e&o e t$ey $u t 7ale' 1ut I can/t see t$at $a++ening "$ile Sno"/s ali*e' A +ai o& Peacekee+e s uns (y% (a ely glancing at t$e "$i#+e ing Ca+itol gi l $u!!le! in a !oo "ay' I c$oke !o"n #y tea s% "i+e t$e e3isting ones o&& #y &ace (e&o e t$ey can & eeze% an! +ull #ysel& (ack toget$e ' )kay% I/# still an anony#ous e&ugee' ) !i! t$e Peacekee+e s "$o caug$t 7ale get a gli#+se o& #e as I &le!, I e#o*e #y cloak an! tu n it insi!e out% letting t$e (lack lining s$o" instea! o& t$e e! e3te io ' A ange t$e $oo! so it conceals #y &ace' 7 as+ing #y gun close to #y c$est% I su *ey t$e (lock' T$e e/s only a $an!&ul o& !aze!>looking st aggle s' I t ail close (e$in! a +ai o& ol! #en "$o take no notice o& #e' <o one "ill e3+ect #e to (e "it$ ol! #en' :$en "e eac$ t$e en! o& t$e ne3t inte section% t$ey sto+ an! I al#ost (u#+ into t$e#' It/s t$e City Ci cle' Ac oss t$e "i!e e3+anse inge! (y g an! (uil!ings sits t$e + esi!ent/s #ansion'

T$e Ci cle/s &ull o& +eo+le #illing a oun!% "ailing% o just sitting an! letting t$e sno" +ile u+ a oun! t$e#' I &it ig$t in' I (egin to "ea*e #y "ay ac oss to t$e #ansion% t i++ing o*e a(an!one! t easu es an! sno">& oste! li#(s' A(out $al&"ay t$e e% I (eco#e a"a e o& t$e conc ete (a ica!e' It/s a(out &ou &eet $ig$ an! e3ten!s in a la ge ectangle in & ont o& t$e #ansion' Cou "oul! t$ink it "oul! (e e#+ty% (ut it/s +acke! "it$ e&ugees' May(e t$is is t$e g ou+ t$at/s (een c$osen to (e s$elte e! at t$e #ansion, 1ut as I ! a" close % I notice so#et$ing else' E*e yone insi!e t$e (a ica!e is a c$il!' To!!le s to teenage s' Sca e! an! & ost(itten' Hu!!le! in g ou+s o ocking nu#(ly on t$e g oun!' T$ey a en/t (eing le! into t$e #ansion' T$ey/ e +enne! in% gua !e! on all si!es (y Peacekee+e s' I kno" i##e!iately it/s not &o t$ei + otection' I& t$e Ca+itol "ante! to sa&egua ! t$e#% t$ey/! (e !o"n in a (unke so#e"$e e' T$is is &o

55. | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

Sno"/s + otection' T$e c$il! en &o # $is $u#an s$iel!' T$e e/s a co##otion an! t$e c o"! su ges to t$e le&t' I/# caug$t u+ (y la ge (o!ies% (o ne si!e"ays% ca ie! o&& cou se' I $ea s$outs o& 8T$e e(elsI T$e e(elsI8 an! kno" t$ey #ust/*e ( oken t$ oug$' T$e #o#entu# sla#s #e into a &lag+ole an! I cling to it' Ksing t$e o+e t$at $angs & o# t$e to+% I +ull #ysel& u+ out o& t$e c us$ o& (o!ies' Ces% I can see t$e e(el a #y +ou ing into t$e Ci cle% ! i*ing t$e e&ugees (ack onto t$e a*enues' I scan t$e a ea &o t$e +o!s t$at "ill su ely (e !etonating' 1ut t$at !oesn/t $a++en' T$is is "$at $a++ensH

A $o*e c a&t #a ke! "it$ t$e Ca+itol/s seal #ate ializes !i ectly o*e t$e (a ica!e! c$il! en' Sco es o& sil*e +a ac$utes ain !o"n on t$e#' E*en in t$is c$aos% t$e c$il! en kno" "$at sil*e +a ac$utes contain' 6oo!' Me!icine' 7i&ts' T$ey eage ly scoo+ t$e# u+% & ozen &inge s st uggling "it$ t$e st ings' T$e $o*e c a&t *anis$es% &i*e secon!s +ass% an! t$en a(out t"enty +a ac$utes si#ultaneously e3+lo!e'

A "ail ises & o# t$e c o"!' T$e sno"/s e! an! litte e! "it$ un!e size! (o!y +a ts' Many o& t$e c$il! en !ie i##e!iately% (ut ot$e s lie in agony on t$e g oun!' So#e stagge a oun! #utely% sta ing at t$e e#aining sil*e +a ac$utes in t$ei $an!s% as i& t$ey still #ig$t $a*e so#et$ing + ecious insi!e' I can tell t$e Peacekee+e s !i!n/t kno" t$is "as co#ing (y t$e "ay t$ey a e yanking a"ay t$e (a ica!es% #aking a +at$ to t$e c$il! en' Anot$e &lock o& "$ite uni&o #s s"ee+s into t$e o+ening' 1ut t$ese a en/t Peacekee+e s' T$ey/ e #e!ics' Re(el #e!ics' I/! kno" t$e uni&o #s any"$e e' T$ey s"a # in a#ong t$e c$il! en% "iel!ing #e!ical kits'

552 | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

6i st I get a gli#+se o& t$e (lon! ( ai! !o"n $e (ack' T$en% as s$e yanks o&& $e coat to co*e a "ailing c$il!% I notice t$e !uck tail &o #e! (y $e untucke! s$i t' I $a*e t$e sa#e eaction I !i! t$e !ay E&&ie T inket calle! $e na#e at t$e ea+ing' At least% I #ust go li#+% (ecause I &in! #ysel& at t$e (ase o& t$e &lag+ole% una(le to account &o t$e last &e" secon!s' T$en I a# +us$ing t$ oug$ t$e c o"!% just as I !i! (e&o e' T ying to s$out $e na#e a(o*e t$e oa ' I/# al#ost t$e e% al#ost to t$e (a ica!e% "$en I t$ink s$e $ea s #e' 1ecause &o just a #o#ent% s$e catc$es sig$t o& #e% $e li+s &o # #y na#e'

An! t$at/s "$en t$e est o& t$e +a ac$utes go o&&'

555 | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

Real o not eal, I a# on &i e' T$e (alls o& &la#e t$at e u+te! & o# t$e +a ac$utes s$ot o*e t$e (a ica!es% t$ oug$ t$e sno"y ai % an! lan!e! in t$e c o"!' I "as just tu ning a"ay "$en one caug$t #e% an its tongue u+ t$e (ack o& #y (o!y% an! t ans&o #e! #e into so#et$ing ne"' A c eatu e as un4uenc$a(le as t$e sun'

A &i e #utt kno"s only a single sensationH agony' <o sig$t% no soun!% no &eeling e3ce+t t$e un elenting (u ning o& &les$' Pe $a+s t$e e a e +e io!s o& unconsciousness% (ut "$at can it #atte i& I can/t &in! e&uge in t$e#, I a# Cinna/s (i !% ignite!% &lying & antically to esca+e so#et$ing inesca+a(le' T$e &eat$e s o& &la#e t$at g o" & o# #y (o!y' 1eating #y "ings only &ans t$e (laze' I consu#e #ysel&% (ut to no en!'

6inally% #y "ings (egin to &alte % I lose $eig$t% an! g a*ity +ulls #e into a &oa#y sea t$e colo o& 6innick/s eyes' I &loat on #y (ack% "$ic$ continues to (u n (eneat$ t$e "ate % (ut t$e agony 4uiets to +ain' :$en I a# a! i&t an! una(le to na*igate% t$at/s "$en t$ey co#e' T$e !ea!' T$e ones I lo*e! &ly as (i !s in t$e o+en sky a(o*e #e' Soa ing% "ea*ing% calling to #e to join t$e#' I "ant so (a!ly to &ollo" t$e#% (ut t$e sea"ate satu ates #y "ings% #aking it i#+ossi(le to li&t t$e#' T$e ones I $ate! $a*e taken to t$e "ate % $o i(le scale! t$ings t$at tea #y salty &les$ "it$ nee!le teet$' 1iting again an! again' - agging #e (eneat$ t$e su &ace'

55= | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

T$e s#all "$ite (i ! tinge! in +ink !i*es !o"n% (u ies $e cla"s in #y c$est% an! t ies to kee+ #e a&loat' 8<o% ;atnissI <oI Cou can/t goI8 1ut t$e ones I $ate! a e "inning% an! i& s$e clings to #e% s$e/ll (e lost as "ell' 8P i#% let goI8 An! &inally s$e !oes' -ee+ in t$e "ate % I/# !ese te! (y all' T$e e/s only t$e soun! o& #y ( eat$ing% t$e eno #ous e&&o t it takes to ! a" t$e "ate in% +us$ it out o& #y lungs' I "ant to sto+% I t y to $ol! #y ( eat$% (ut t$e sea &o ces its "ay in an! out against #y "ill' 89et #e !ie' 9et #e &ollo" t$e ot$e s%8 I (eg "$ate*e $ol!s #e $e e' T$e e/s no es+onse'

T a++e! &o !ays% yea s% centu ies #ay(e' -ea!% (ut not allo"e! to !ie' Ali*e% (ut as goo! as !ea!' So alone t$at anyone% anyt$ing no #atte $o" loat$so#e "oul! (e "elco#e' 1ut "$en I &inally $a*e a *isito % it/s s"eet' Mo +$ling' Cou sing t$ oug$ #y *eins% easing t$e +ain% lig$tening #y (o!y so t$at it ises (ack to"a ! t$e ai an! ests again on t$e &oa#'

6oa#' I eally a# &loating on &oa#' I can &eel it (eneat$ t$e ti+s o& #y &inge s% c a!ling +a ts o& #y nake! (o!y' T$e e/s #uc$ +ain (ut t$e e/s also so#et$ing like eality' T$e san!+a+e o& #y t$ oat' T$e s#ell o& (u n #e!icine & o# t$e &i st a ena' T$e soun! o& #y #ot$e /s *oice' T$ese t$ings & ig$ten #e% an! I t y to etu n to t$e !ee+ to #ake sense o& t$e#' 1ut t$e e/s no going (ack' 7 a!ually% I/# &o ce! to acce+t "$o I a#' A (a!ly (u ne! gi l "it$ no "ings' :it$ no &i e' An! no siste '

In t$e !azzling "$ite Ca+itol $os+ital% t$e !octo s "o k t$ei #agic on #e' - a+ing #y a"ness in ne" s$eets o& skin' Coa3ing t$e cells into t$inking t$ey a e #y o"n' Mani+ulating #y (o!y +a ts% (en!ing
55? | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

an! st etc$ing t$e li#(s to assu e a goo! &it' I $ea o*e an! o*e again $o" lucky I a#' My eyes "e e s+a e!' Most o& #y &ace "as s+a e!' My lungs a e es+on!ing to t eat#ent' I "ill (e as goo! as ne"' :$en #y ten!e skin $as toug$ene! enoug$ to "it$stan! t$e + essu e o& s$eets% #o e *isito s a i*e' T$e #o +$ling o+ens t$e !oo to t$e !ea! an! ali*e alike' Hay#itc$% yello" an! uns#iling' Cinna% stitc$ing a ne" "e!!ing ! ess' -elly% + attling on a(out t$e niceness o& +eo+le' My &at$e sings all &ou stanzas o& 8T$e Hanging T ee8 an! e#in!s #e t$at #y #ot$e >>"$o slee+s in a c$ai (et"een s$i&ts>> isn/t to kno" a(out it'

)ne !ay I a"ake to e3+ectations an! kno" I "ill not (e allo"e! to li*e in #y ! ea#lan!' I #ust take &oo! (y #out$' Mo*e #y o"n #uscles' Make #y "ay to t$e (at$ oo#' A ( ie& a++ea ance (y P esi!ent Coin clinc$es it' 8-on/t "o y%8 s$e says' 8I/*e sa*e! $i# &o you'8 T$e !octo s/ +uzzle#ent g o"s o*e "$y I/# una(le to s+eak' Many tests a e !one% an! "$ile t$e e/s !a#age to #y *ocal co !s% it !oesn/t account &o it' 6inally% - ' Au elius% a $ea! !octo % co#es u+ "it$ t$e t$eo y t$at I/*e (eco#e a #ental% at$e t$an +$ysical% A*o3' T$at #y silence $as (een ( oug$t on (y e#otional t au#a' Alt$oug$ $e/s + esente! "it$ a $un! e! + o+ose! e#e!ies% $e tells t$e# to lea*e #e alone' So I !on/t ask a(out anyone o anyt$ing% (ut +eo+le ( ing #e a stea!y st ea# o& in&o #ation' )n t$e "a H T$e Ca+itol &ell t$e !ay t$e +a ac$utes "ent o&&% P esi!ent Coin lea!s Pane# no"% an! t oo+s $a*e (een sent out to +ut !o"n t$e s#all e#aining +ockets o& Ca+itol esistance' )n P esi!ent Sno"H He/s (eing $el! + isone % a"aiting t ial an! #ost ce tain e3ecution' )n #y assassination tea#H

55B | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

C essi!a an! Pollu3 $a*e (een sent out into t$e !ist icts to co*e t$e " eckage o& t$e "a ' 7ale% "$o took t"o (ullets in an esca+e atte#+t% is #o++ing u+ Peacekee+e s in 2' Peeta/s still in t$e (u n unit' He #a!e it to t$e City Ci cle a&te all' )n #y &a#ilyH My #ot$e (u ies $e g ie& in $e "o k' Ha*ing no "o k% g ie& (u ies #e' All t$at kee+s #e going is Coin/s + o#ise' T$at I can kill Sno"' An! "$en t$at/s !one% not$ing "ill (e le&t' E*entually% I/# elease! & o# t$e $os+ital an! gi*en a oo# in t$e + esi!ent/s #ansion to s$a e "it$ #y #ot$e ' S$e/s al#ost ne*e t$e e% taking $e #eals an! slee+ing at "o k' It &alls to Hay#itc$ to c$eck on #e% #ake su e I/# eating an! using #y #e!icines' It/s not an easy jo(' I take to #y ol! $a(its & o# -ist ict .5' :an!e ing unaut$o ize! t$ oug$ t$e #ansion' Into (e! oo#s an! o&&ices% (all oo#s an! (at$s' Seeking st ange little $i!ing s+aces' A closet o& &u s' A ca(inet in t$e li( a y' A long>&o gotten (at$tu( in a oo# o& !isca !e! &u nitu e' My +laces a e !i# an! 4uiet an! i#+ossi(le to &in!' I cu l u+% #ake #ysel& s#alle % t y to !isa++ea enti ely' : a++e! in silence% I sli!e #y ( acelet t$at ea!s #entally !iso iente! a oun! an! a oun! #y " ist'

My na#e is ;atniss E*e !een' I a# se*enteen yea s ol!' My $o#e is -ist ict .2' T$e e is no -ist ict .2' I a# t$e Mockingjay' I ( oug$t !o"n t$e Ca+itol' P esi!ent Sno" $ates #e' He kille! #y siste ' <o" I "ill kill $i#' An! t$en t$e Hunge 7a#es "ill (e o*e '''' Pe io!ically% I &in! #ysel& (ack in #y oo#% unsu e "$et$e I "as ! i*en (y a nee! &o #o +$ling o i& Hay#itc$ &e ete! #e out' I eat t$e &oo!% take t$e #e!icine% an! a# e4ui e! to (at$e' It/s not t$e "ate I #in!% (ut t$e #i o t$at e&lects #y nake! &i e>
55E | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

#utt (o!y' T$e skin g a&ts still etain a ne"(o n>(a(y +inkness' T$e skin !ee#e! !a#age! (ut sal*agea(le looks e!% $ot% an! #elte! in +laces' Patc$es o& #y &o #e sel& glea# "$ite an! +ale' I/# like a (iza e +atc$"o k 4uilt o& skin' Pa ts o& #y $ai "e e singe! o&& co#+letely@ t$e est $as (een c$o++e! o&& at o!! lengt$s' ;atniss E*e !een% t$e gi l "$o "as on &i e' I "oul!n/t #uc$ ca e e3ce+t t$e sig$t o& #y (o!y ( ings (ack t$e #e#o y o& t$e +ain' An! "$y I "as in +ain' An! "$at $a++ene! just (e&o e t$e +ain sta te!' An! $o" I "atc$e! #y little siste (eco#e a $u#an to c$'

Closing #y eyes !oesn/t $el+' 6i e (u ns ( ig$te in t$e !a kness' - ' Au elius s$o"s u+ so#eti#es' I like $i# (ecause $e !oesn/t say stu+i! t$ings like $o" I/# totally sa&e% o t$at $e kno"s I can/t see it (ut I/ll (e $a++y again one !ay% o e*en t$at t$ings "ill (e (ette in Pane# no"' He just asks i& I &eel like talking% an! "$en I !on/t ans"e % $e &alls aslee+ in $is c$ai ' In &act% I t$ink $is *isits a e la gely #oti*ate! (y $is nee! &o a na+' T$e a ange#ent "o ks &o (ot$ o& us'

T$e ti#e ! a"s nea % alt$oug$ I coul! not gi*e you e3act $ou s an! #inutes' P esi!ent Sno" $as (een t ie! an! &oun! guilty% sentence! to e3ecution' Hay#itc$ tells #e% I $ea talk o& it as I ! i&t +ast t$e gua !s in t$e $all"ays' My Mockingjay suit a i*es in #y oo#' Also #y (o"% looking no "o se &o "ea % (ut no s$eat$ o& a o"s' Eit$e (ecause t$ey "e e !a#age! o #o e likely (ecause I s$oul!n/t $a*e "ea+ons' I *aguely "on!e i& I s$oul! (e + e+a ing &o t$e e*ent in so#e "ay% (ut not$ing co#es to #in!'

9ate one a&te noon% a&te a long +e io! in a cus$ione! "in!o" seat (e$in! a +ainte! sc een% I e#e ge an! tu n le&t instea! o& ig$t' I &in! #ysel& in a st ange
55F | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

+a t o& t$e #ansion% an! i##e!iately lose #y (ea ings' Knlike t$e a ea "$e e I/# 4ua te e!% t$e e see#s to (e no one a oun! to ask' I like it% t$oug$' :is$ I/! &oun! it soone ' It/s so 4uiet% "it$ t$e t$ick ca +ets an! $ea*y ta+est ies soaking u+ t$e soun!' So&tly lit' Mute! colo s' Peace&ul' Kntil I s#ell t$e oses' I !i*e (e$in! so#e cu tains% s$aking too $a ! to un% "$ile I a"ait t$e #utts' 6inally% I ealize t$e e a e no #utts co#ing' So% "$at !o I s#ell, Real oses, Coul! it (e t$at I a# nea t$e ga !en "$e e t$e e*il t$ings g o",

As I c ee+ !o"n t$e $all% t$e o!o (eco#es o*e +o"e ing' Pe $a+s not as st ong as t$e actual #utts% (ut +u e % (ecause it/s not co#+eting "it$ se"age an! e3+losi*es' I tu n a co ne an! &in! #ysel& sta ing at t"o su + ise! gua !s' <ot Peacekee+e s% o& cou se' T$e e a e no #o e Peacekee+e s' 1ut not t$e t i#% g ay>uni&o #e! sol!ie s & o# .5 eit$e ' T$ese t"o% a #an an! a "o#an% "ea t$e tatte e!% t$ o"n>toget$e clot$es o& actual e(els' Still (an!age! an! gaunt% t$ey a e no" kee+ing "atc$ o*e t$e !oo "ay to t$e oses' :$en I #o*e to ente % t$ei guns &o # an P in & ont o& #e'

8Cou can/t go in% #iss%8 says t$e #an' 8Sol!ie %8 t$e "o#an co ects $i#' 8Cou can/t go in% Sol!ie E*e !een' P esi!ent/s o !e s'8 I just stan! t$e e +atiently "aiting &o t$e# to lo"e t$ei guns% &o t$e# to un!e stan!% "it$out #y telling t$e#% t$at (e$in! t$ose !oo s is so#et$ing I nee!' 0ust a ose' A single (loo#' To +lace in Sno"/s la+el (e&o e I s$oot $i#' My + esence see#s to "o y t$e gua !s' T$ey/ e !iscussing calling Hay#itc$% "$en a "o#an s+eaks u+ (e$in! #e' 89et $e go in'8

55G | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

I kno" t$e *oice (ut can/t i##e!iately +lace it' <ot Sea#% not .5% !e&initely not Ca+itol' I tu n #y $ea! an! &in! #ysel& &ace>to>&ace "it$ Paylo % t$e co##an!e & o# F' S$e looks e*en #o e (eat u+ t$an s$e !i! at t$e $os+ital% (ut "$o !oesn/t, 8)n #y aut$o ity%8 says Paylo ' 8S$e $as a ig$t to anyt$ing (e$in! t$at !oo '8 T$ese a e $e sol!ie s% not Coin/s' T$ey ! o+ t$ei "ea+ons "it$out 4uestion an! let #e +ass' At t$e en! o& a s$o t $all"ay% I +us$ a+a t t$e glass !oo s an! ste+ insi!e' 1y no" t$e s#ell/s so st ong t$at it (egins to &latten out% as i& t$e e/s no #o e #y nose can a(so (' T$e !a#+% #il! ai &eels goo! on #y $ot skin' An! t$e oses a e glo ious' Ro" a&te o" o& su#+tuous (loo#s% in lus$ +ink% sunset o ange% an! e*en +ale (lue' I "an!e t$ oug$ t$e aisles o& ca e&ully + une! +lants% looking (ut not touc$ing% (ecause I $a*e lea ne! t$e $a ! "ay $o" !ea!ly t$ese (eauties can (e' I kno" "$en I &in! it% c o"ning t$e to+ o& a slen!e (us$' A #agni&icent "$ite (u! just (eginning to o+en' I +ull #y le&t slee*e o*e #y $an! so t$at #y skin "on/t actually $a*e to touc$ it% take u+ a +ai o& + uning s$ea s% an! $a*e just +ositione! t$e# on t$e ste# "$en $e s+eaks'

8T$at/s a nice one'8 My $an! je ks% t$e s$ea s sna+ s$ut% se*e ing t$e ste#' 8T$e colo s a e lo*ely% o& cou se% (ut not$ing says +e &ection like "$ite'8 I still can/t see $i#% (ut $is *oice see#s to ise u+ & o# an a!jacent (e! o& e! oses' -elicately +inc$ing t$e ste# o& t$e (u! t$ oug$ t$e &a( ic o& #y slee*e% I #o*e slo"ly a oun! t$e co ne an! &in! $i# sitting
5=D | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

on a stool against t$e "all' He/s as "ell g oo#e! an! &inely ! esse! as e*e % (ut "eig$te! !o"n "it$ #anacles% ankle s$ackles% t acking !e*ices' In t$e ( ig$t lig$t% $is skin/s a +ale% sickly g een' He $ol!s a "$ite $an!ke c$ie& s+otte! "it$ & es$ (loo!' E*en in $is !ete io ate! state% $is snake eyes s$ine ( ig$t an! col!' 8I "as $o+ing you/! &in! you "ay to #y 4ua te s'8

His 4ua te s' I $a*e t es+asse! into $is $o#e% t$e "ay $e slit$e e! into #ine last yea % $issing t$ eats "it$ $is (loo!y% osy ( eat$' T$is g een$ouse is one o& $is oo#s% +e $a+s $is &a*o ite@ +e $a+s in (ette ti#es $e ten!e! t$e +lants $i#sel&' 1ut no" it/s +a t o& $is + ison' T$at/s "$y t$e gua !s $alte! #e' An! t$at/s "$y Paylo let #e in'

I/! su++ose! $e "oul! (e secu e! in t$e !ee+est !ungeon t$at t$e Ca+itol $a! to o&&e % not c a!le! in t$e la+ o& lu3u y' Cet Coin le&t $i# $e e' To set a + ece!ent% I guess' So t$at i& in t$e &utu e s$e e*e &ell & o# g ace% it "oul! (e un!e stoo! t$at + esi!ents>>e*en t$e #ost !es+ica(le>>get s+ecial t eat#ent' :$o kno"s% a&te all% "$en $e o"n +o"e #ig$t &a!e,

8T$e e a e so #any t$ings "e s$oul! !iscuss% (ut I $a*e a &eeling you *isit "ill (e ( ie&' So% &i st t$ings &i st'8 He (egins to coug$% an! "$en $e e#o*es t$e $an!ke c$ie& & o# $is #out$% it/s e!!e ' 8I "ante! to tell you $o" *e y so y I a# a(out you siste '8 E*en in #y !ea!ene!% ! ugge! con!ition% t$is sen!s a sta( o& +ain t$ oug$ #e' Re#in!ing #e t$at t$e e a e no li#its to $is c uelty' An! $o" $e "ill go to $is g a*e t ying to !est oy #e' 8So "aste&ul% so unnecessa y' Anyone coul! see t$e ga#e "as o*e (y t$at +oint' In &act% I "as just a(out
5=. | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

to issue an o&&icial su en!e "$en t$ey elease! t$ose +a ac$utes'8 His eyes a e glue! on #e% un(linking% so as not to #iss a secon! o& #y eaction' 1ut "$at $e/s sai! #akes no sense' :$en t$ey elease! t$e +a ac$utes, 8:ell% you eally !i!n/t t$ink I ga*e t$e o !e % !i! you, 6o get t$e o(*ious &act t$at i& I/! $a! a "o king $o*e c a&t at #y !is+osal% I/! $a*e (een using it to #ake an esca+e' 1ut t$at asi!e% "$at +u +ose coul! it $a*e se *e!, :e (ot$ kno" I/# not a(o*e killing c$il! en% (ut I/# not "aste&ul' I take li&e &o *e y s+eci&ic easons' An! t$e e "as no eason &o #e to !est oy a +en &ull o& Ca+itol c$il! en' <one at all'8

I "on!e i& t$e ne3t &it o& coug$ing is stage! so t$at I can $a*e ti#e to a(so ( $is "o !s' He/s lying' )& cou se% $e/s lying' 1ut t$e e/s so#et$ing st uggling to & ee itsel& & o# t$e lie as "ell' 8Ho"e*e % I #ust conce!e it "as a #aste &ul #o*e on Coin/s +a t' T$e i!ea t$at I "as (o#(ing ou o"n $el+less c$il! en instantly sna++e! "$ate*e & ail allegiance #y +eo+le still &elt to #e' T$e e "as no eal esistance a&te t$at' -i! you kno" it ai e! li*e, Cou can see Pluta c$/s $an! t$e e' An! in t$e +a ac$utes' :ell% it/s t$at so t o& t$inking t$at you look &o in a Hea! 7a#e#ake % isn/t it,8 Sno" !a(s t$e co ne s o& $is #out$' 8I/# su e $e "asn/t gunning &o you siste % (ut t$ese t$ings $a++en'8

I/# not "it$ Sno" no"' I/# in S+ecial :ea+on y (ack in .5 "it$ 7ale an! 1eetee' 9ooking at t$e !esigns (ase! on 7ale/s t a+s' T$at +laye! on $u#an sy#+at$ies' T$e &i st (o#( kille! t$e *icti#s' T$e secon!% t$e escue s' Re#e#(e ing 7ale/s "o !s' 81eetee an! I $a*e (een &ollo"ing t$e sa#e ule (ook P esi!ent Sno" use! "$en $e $ijacke! Peeta'8
5=2 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8My &ailu e%8 says Sno"% 8"as (eing so slo" to g as+ Coin/s +lan' To let t$e Ca+itol an! !ist icts !est oy one anot$e % an! t$en ste+ in to take +o"e "it$ T$i teen (a ely sc atc$e!' Make no #istake% s$e "as inten!ing to take #y +lace ig$t & o# t$e (eginning' I s$oul!n/t (e su + ise!' A&te all% it "as T$i teen t$at sta te! t$e e(ellion t$at le! to t$e -a k -ays% an! t$en a(an!one! t$e est o& t$e !ist icts "$en t$e ti!e tu ne! against it' 1ut I "asn/t "atc$ing Coin' I "as "atc$ing you% Mockingjay' An! you "e e "atc$ing #e' I/# a& ai! "e $a*e (ot$ (een +laye! &o &ools'8

I e&use &o t$is to (e t ue' So#e t$ings e*en I can/t su *i*e' I utte #y &i st "o !s since #y siste /s !eat$' 8I !on/t (elie*e you'8 Sno" s$akes $is $ea! in #ock !isa++oint#ent' 8)$% #y !ea Miss E*e !een' I t$oug$t "e $a! ag ee! not to lie to eac$ ot$e '8

5=5 | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

)ut in t$e $all% I &in! Paylo stan!ing in e3actly t$e sa#e s+ot' 8-i! you &in! "$at you "e e looking &o ,8 s$e asks' I $ol! u+ t$e "$ite (u! in ans"e an! t$en stu#(le +ast $e ' I #ust $a*e #a!e it (ack to #y oo#% (ecause t$e ne3t t$ing I kno"% I/# &illing a glass "it$ "ate & o# t$e (at$ oo# &aucet an! sticking t$e ose in it' I sink to #y knees on t$e col! tile an! s4uint at t$e &lo"e % as t$e "$iteness see#s $a ! to &ocus on in t$e sta k &luo escent lig$t' My &inge catc$es t$e insi!e o& #y ( acelet% t"isting it like a tou ni4uet% $u ting #y " ist' I/# $o+ing t$e +ain "ill $el+ #e $ang on to eality t$e "ay it !i! &o Peeta' I #ust $ang on' I #ust kno" t$e t ut$ a(out "$at $as $a++ene!'

T$e e a e t"o +ossi(ilities% alt$oug$ t$e !etails associate! "it$ t$e# #ay *a y' 6i st% as I/*e (elie*e!% t$at t$e Ca+itol sent in t$at $o*e c a&t% ! o++e! t$e +a ac$utes% an! sac i&ice! its c$il! en/s li*es% kno"ing t$e ecently a i*e! e(els "oul! go to t$ei ai!' T$e e/s e*i!ence to su++o t t$is' T$e Ca+itol/s seal on t$e $o*e c a&t% t$e lack o& any atte#+t to (lo" t$e ene#y out o& t$e sky% an! t$ei long $isto y o& using c$il! en as +a"ns in t$ei (attle against t$e !ist icts' T$en t$e e/s Sno"/s account' T$at a Ca+itol $o*e c a&t #anne! (y e(els (o#(e! t$e c$il! en to ( ing a s+ee!y en! to t$e "a ' 1ut i& t$is "as t$e case% "$y !i!n/t t$e Ca+itol &i e on t$e ene#y, -i! t$e ele#ent o& su + ise t$ o" t$e#, Ha! t$ey no !e&enses le&t, C$il! en a e + ecious to .5% o so it $as al"ays see#e!' :ell% not #e% #ay(e' )nce I $a! outli*e! #y use&ulness% I "as e3+en!a(le' Alt$oug$ I

5== | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

t$ink it/s (een a long ti#e since I/*e (een consi!e e! a c$il! in t$is "a ' An! "$y "oul! t$ey !o it kno"ing t$ei o"n #e!ics "oul! likely es+on! an! (e taken out (y t$e secon! (last, T$ey "oul!n/t' T$ey coul!n/t' Sno"/s lying' Mani+ulating #e as $e al"ays $as' Ho+ing to tu n #e against t$e e(els an! +ossi(ly !est oy t$e#' Ces' )& cou se'

T$en "$at/s nagging at #e, T$ose !ou(le>e3+lo!ing (o#(s% &o one' It/s not t$at t$e Ca+itol coul!n/t $a*e t$e sa#e "ea+on% it/s just t$at I/# su e t$e e(els !i!' 7ale an! 1eetee/s ( ainc$il!' T$en t$e e/s t$e &act t$at Sno" #a!e no esca+e atte#+t% "$en I kno" $i# to (e t$e consu##ate su *i*o ' It see#s $a ! to (elie*e $e !i!n/t $a*e a et eat so#e"$e e% so#e (unke stocke! "it$ + o*isions "$e e $e coul! li*e out t$e est o& $is snaky little li&e' An! &inally% t$e e/s $is assess#ent o& Coin' :$at/s i e&uta(le is t$at s$e/s !one e3actly "$at $e sai!' 9et t$e Ca+itol an! t$e !ist icts un one anot$e into t$e g oun! an! t$en saunte e! in to take +o"e ' E*en i& t$at "as $e +lan% it !oesn/t #ean s$e ! o++e! t$ose +a ac$utes' 2icto y "as al ea!y in $e g as+' E*e yt$ing "as in $e g as+'

E3ce+t #e' I ecall 1oggs/s es+onse "$en I a!#itte! I $a!n/t +ut #uc$ t$oug$t into Sno"/s successo ' 8I& you i##e!iate ans"e isn/t Coin% t$en you/ e a t$ eat' Cou/ e t$e &ace o& t$e e(ellion' Cou #ay $a*e #o e in&luence t$an any ot$e single +e son' )ut"a !ly% t$e #ost you/*e e*e !one is tole ate! $e '8 Su!!enly% I/# t$inking o& P i#% "$o "as not yet &ou teen% not yet ol! enoug$ to (e g ante! t$e title o& sol!ie % (ut so#e$o" "o king on t$e & ont lines' Ho" !i! suc$ a t$ing $a++en, T$at #y siste "oul! $a*e "ante! to (e t$e e% I $a*e no !ou(t' T$at s$e "oul!
5=? | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

(e #o e ca+a(le t$an #any ol!e t$an s$e is a gi*en' 1ut &o all t$at% so#eone *e y $ig$ u+ "oul! $a*e $a! to a++ o*e +utting a t$i teen>yea >ol! in co#(at' -i! Coin !o it% $o+ing t$at losing P i# "oul! +us$ #e co#+letely o*e t$e e!ge, ) % at least% &i #ly on $e si!e, I "oul!n/t e*en $a*e $a! to "itness it in +e son' <u#e ous ca#e as "oul! (e co*e ing t$e City Ci cle' Ca+tu ing t$e #o#ent &o e*e '

<o% no" I a# going c azy% sli++ing into so#e state o& +a anoia' Too #any +eo+le "oul! kno" o& t$e #ission' :o ! "oul! get out' ) "oul! it, :$o "oul! $a*e to kno" (esi!es Coin% Pluta c$% an! a s#all% loyal o easily !is+osa(le c e", I (a!ly nee! $el+ "o king t$is out% only e*e yone I t ust is !ea!' Cinna' 1oggs' 6innick' P i#' T$e e/s Peeta% (ut $e coul!n/t !o any #o e t$an s+eculate% an! "$o kno"s "$at state $is #in!/s in% any"ay' An! t$at lea*es only 7ale' He/s &a a"ay% (ut e*en i& $e "e e (esi!e #e% coul! I con&i!e in $i#, :$at coul! I say% $o" coul! I +$ ase it% "it$out i#+lying t$at it "as $is (o#( t$at kille! P i#, T$e i#+ossi(ility o& t$at i!ea% #o e t$an any% is "$y Sno" #ust (e lying'

Klti#ately% t$e e/s only one +e son to tu n to "$o #ig$t kno" "$at $a++ene! an! #ig$t still (e on #y si!e' To ( oac$ t$e su(ject at all "ill (e a isk' 1ut "$ile I t$ink Hay#itc$ #ig$t ga#(le "it$ #y li&e in t$e a ena% I !on/t t$ink $e/! at #e out to Coin' :$ate*e + o(le#s "e #ay $a*e "it$ eac$ ot$e % "e + e&e esol*ing ou !i&&e ences one>on>one'

I sc a#(le o&& t$e tiles% out t$e !oo % an! ac oss t$e $all to $is oo#' :$en t$e e/s no es+onse to #y knock% I +us$ insi!e' Kg$' It/s a#azing $o" 4uickly $e can !e&ile a s+ace' Hal&>eaten +lates o& &oo!% s$atte e! li4uo (ottles% an! +ieces o& ( oken
5=B | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

&u nitu e & o# a ! unken a#+age scatte $is 4ua te s' He lies% unke#+t an! un"as$e!% in a tangle o& s$eets on t$e (e!% +asse! out' 8Hay#itc$%8 I say% s$aking $is leg' )& cou se% t$at/s insu&&icient' 1ut I gi*e it a &e" #o e t ies (e&o e I !u#+ t$e +itc$e o& "ate in $is &ace' He co#es to "it$ a gas+% slas$ing (lin!ly "it$ $is kni&e' A++a ently% t$e en! o& Sno"/s eign !i!n/t e4ual t$e en! o& $is te o ' 8)$' Cou%8 $e says' I can tell (y $is *oice t$at $e/s still loa!e!' 8Hay#itc$%8 I (egin' 89isten to t$at' T$e Mockingjay &oun! $e *oice'8 He laug$s' 8:ell% Pluta c$/s going to (e $a++y'8 He takes a s"ig & o# a (ottle' 8:$y a# I soaking "et,8 I la#ely ! o+ t$e +itc$e (e$in! #e into a +ile o& !i ty clot$es' 8I nee! you $el+%8 I say' Hay#itc$ (elc$es% &illing t$e ai "it$ "$ite li4uo &u#es' 8:$at is it% s"eet$ea t, Mo e (oy t ou(le,8 I !on/t kno" "$y% (ut t$is $u ts #e in a "ay Hay#itc$ a ely can' It #ust s$o" on #y &ace% (ecause e*en in $is ! unken state% $e t ies to take it (ack' 8)kay% not &unny'8 I/# al ea!y at t$e !oo ' 8<ot &unnyI Co#e (ackI8 1y t$e t$u! o& $is (o!y $itting t$e &loo % I assu#e $e t ie! to &ollo" #e% (ut t$e e/s no +oint'

I zigzag t$ oug$ t$e #ansion an! !isa++ea into a "a ! o(e &ull o& silken t$ings' I yank t$e# & o# $ange s until I $a*e a +ile an! t$en (u o" into it' In t$e lining o& #y +ocket% I &in! a st ay #o +$ling ta(let an! s"allo" it ! y% $ea!ing o&& #y ising $yste ia' It/s not enoug$ to ig$t t$ings% t$oug$' I $ea Hay#itc$ calling #e in t$e !istance% (ut $e "on/t &in! #e in $is
5=E | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

con!ition' Es+ecially not in t$is ne" s+ot' S"at$e! in silk% I &eel like a cate +illa in a cocoon a"aiting #eta#o +$osis' I al"ays su++ose! t$at to (e a +eace&ul con!ition' At &i st it is' 1ut as I jou ney into nig$t% I &eel #o e an! #o e t a++e!% su&&ocate! (y t$e sli++e y (in!ings% una(le to e#e ge until I $a*e t ans&o #e! into so#et$ing o& (eauty' I s4ui #% t ying to s$e! #y uine! (o!y an! unlock t$e sec et to g o"ing &la"less "ings' -es+ite eno #ous e&&o t% I e#ain a $i!eous c eatu e% &i e! into #y cu ent &o # (y t$e (last & o# t$e (o#(s'

T$e encounte "it$ Sno" o+ens t$e !oo to #y ol! e+e toi e o& nig$t#a es' It/s like (eing stung (y t acke jacke s again' A "a*e o& $o i&ying i#ages "it$ a ( ie& es+ite I con&use "it$ "aking>>only to &in! anot$e "a*e knocking #e (ack' :$en t$e gua !s &inally locate #e% I/# sitting on t$e &loo o& t$e "a ! o(e% tangle! in silk% sc ea#ing #y $ea! o&&' I &ig$t t$e# at &i st% until t$ey con*ince #e t$ey/ e t ying to $el+% +eel a"ay t$e c$oking ga #ents% an! esco t #e (ack to #y oo#' )n t$e "ay% "e +ass a "in!o" an! I see a g ay% sno"y !a"n s+ ea!ing ac oss t$e Ca+itol'

A *e y $ungo*e Hay#itc$ "aits "it$ a $an!&ul o& +ills an! a t ay o& &oo! t$at neit$e o& us $as t$e sto#ac$ &o ' He #akes a &ee(le atte#+t to get #e to talk again (ut% seeing it/s +ointless% sen!s #e to a (at$ so#eone $as ! a"n' T$e tu(/s !ee+% "it$ t$ ee ste+s to t$e (otto#' I ease !o"n into t$e "a # "ate an! sit% u+ to #y neck in su!s% $o+ing t$e #e!icines kick in soon' My eyes &ocus on t$e ose t$at $as s+ ea! its +etals o*e nig$t% &illing t$e stea#y ai "it$ its st ong +e &u#e' I ise an! eac$ &o a to"el to s#ot$e it% "$en t$e e/s a tentati*e knock an! t$e (at$ oo# !oo o+ens% e*ealing t$ ee &a#ilia &aces' T$ey t y to s#ile at #e% (ut e*en 2enia can/t conceal $e s$ock at #y a*age! #utt (o!y' 8Su + iseI8

5=F | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

)cta*ia s4ueaks% an! t$en (u sts into tea s' I/# +uzzling o*e t$ei ea++ea ance "$en I ealize t$at t$is #ust (e it% t$e !ay o& t$e e3ecution' T$ey/*e co#e to + e+ #e &o t$e ca#e as' Re#ake #e to 1eauty 1ase Le o' <o "on!e )cta*ia/s c ying' It/s an i#+ossi(le task' T$ey can (a ely touc$ #y +atc$"o k o& skin &o &ea o& $u ting #e% so I inse an! ! y o&& #ysel&' I tell t$e# I $a !ly notice t$e +ain any#o e% (ut 6la*ius still "inces as $e ! a+es a o(e a oun! #e' In t$e (e! oo#% I &in! anot$e su + ise' Sitting u+ ig$t in a c$ai ' Polis$e! & o# $e #etallic gol! "ig to $e +atent leat$e $ig$ $eels% g i++ing a cli+(oa !' Re#a ka(ly unc$ange! e3ce+t &o t$e *acant look in $e eyes'

8E&&ie%8 I say' 8Hello% ;atniss'8 S$e stan!s an! kisses #e on t$e c$eek as i& not$ing $as occu e! since ou last #eeting% t$e nig$t (e&o e t$e Aua te Auell' 8:ell% it looks like "e/*e got anot$e (ig% (ig% (ig !ay a$ea! o& us' So "$y !on/t you sta t you + e+ an! I/ll just +o+ o*e an! c$eck on t$e a ange#ents'8 8)kay%8 I say to $e (ack' 8T$ey say Pluta c$ an! Hay#itc$ $a! a $a ! ti#e kee+ing $e ali*e%8 co##ents 2enia un!e $e ( eat$' 8S$e "as i#+ isone! a&te you esca+e% so t$at $el+s'8 It/s 4uite a st etc$' E&&ie T inket% e(el' 1ut I !on/t "ant Coin killing $e % so I #ake a #ental note to + esent $e t$at "ay i& aske!' 8I guess it/s goo! Pluta c$ ki!na++e! you t$ ee a&te all'8

5=G | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8:e/ e t$e only + e+ tea# still ali*e' An! all t$e stylists & o# t$e Aua te Auell a e !ea!%8 says 2enia' S$e !oesn/t say "$o s+eci&ically kille! t$e#' I/# (eginning to "on!e i& it #atte s' S$e ginge ly takes one o& #y sca e! $an!s an! $ol!s it out &o ins+ection' 8<o"% "$at !o you t$ink &o t$e nails, Re! o #ay(e a jet (lack,8

6la*ius +e &o #s so#e (eauty #i acle on #y $ai % #anaging to e*en out t$e & ont "$ile getting so#e o& t$e longe locks to $i!e t$e (al! s+ots in t$e (ack' My &ace% since it "as s+a e! & o# t$e &la#es% + esents no #o e t$an t$e usual c$allenges' )nce I/# in Cinna/s Mockingjay suit% t$e only sca s *isi(le a e on #y neck% &o ea #s% an! $an!s' )cta*ia secu es #y Mockingjay +in o*e #y $ea t an! "e ste+ (ack to look in t$e #i o ' I can/t (elie*e $o" no #al t$ey/*e #a!e #e look on t$e outsi!e "$en in"a !ly I/# suc$ a "astelan!'

T$e e/s a ta+ at t$e !oo an! 7ale ste+s in' 8Can I $a*e a #inute,8 $e asks' In t$e #i o % I "atc$ #y + e+ tea#' Knsu e o& "$e e to go% t$ey (u#+ into one anot$e a &e" ti#es an! t$en closet t$e#sel*es in t$e (at$ oo#' 7ale co#es u+ (e$in! #e an! "e e3a#ine eac$ ot$e /s e&lection' I/# sea c$ing &o so#et$ing to $ang on to% so#e sign o& t$e gi l an! (oy "$o #et (y c$ance in t$e "oo!s &i*e yea s ago an! (eca#e inse+a a(le' I/# "on!e ing "$at "oul! $a*e $a++ene! to t$e# i& t$e Hunge 7a#es $a! not ea+e! t$e gi l' I& s$e "oul! $a*e &allen in lo*e "it$ t$e (oy% #a ie! $i# e*en' An! so#eti#e in t$e &utu e% "$en t$e ( ot$e s an! siste s $a! (een aise! u+% esca+e! "it$ $i# into t$e "oo!s an! le&t .2 (e$in! &o e*e ' :oul! t$ey $a*e (een $a++y% out in t$e "il!% o "oul! t$e !a k% t"iste! sa!ness (et"een t$e# $a*e g o"n u+ e*en "it$out t$e Ca+itol/s $el+,

5?D | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8I ( oug$t you t$is'8 7ale $ol!s u+ a s$eat$' :$en I take it% I notice it $ol!s a single% o !ina y a o"' 8It/s su++ose! to (e sy#(olic' Cou &i ing t$e last s$ot o& t$e "a '8 8:$at i& I #iss,8 I say' 8-oes Coin et ie*e it an! ( ing it (ack to #e, ) just s$oot Sno" t$ oug$ t$e $ea! $e sel&,8 8Cou "on/t #iss'8 7ale a!justs t$e s$eat$ on #y s$oul!e ' :e stan! t$e e% &ace>to>&ace% not #eeting eac$ ot$e /s eyes' 8Cou !i!n/t co#e see #e in t$e $os+ital'8 He !oesn/t ans"e % so &inally I just say it' 8:as it you (o#(,8 8I !on/t kno"' <eit$e !oes 1eetee%8 $e says' 8-oes it #atte , Cou/ll al"ays (e t$inking a(out it'8 He "aits &o #e to !eny it@ I "ant to !eny it% (ut it/s t ue' E*en no" I can see t$e &las$ t$at ignites $e % &eel t$e $eat o& t$e &la#es' An! I "ill ne*e (e a(le to se+a ate t$at #o#ent & o# 7ale' My silence is #y ans"e ' 8T$at "as t$e one t$ing I $a! going &o #e' Taking ca e o& you &a#ily%8 $e says' 8S$oot st aig$t% okay,8 He touc$es #y c$eek an! lea*es' I "ant to call $i# (ack an! tell $i# t$at I "as " ong' T$at I/ll &igu e out a "ay to #ake +eace "it$ t$is' To e#e#(e t$e ci cu#stances un!e "$ic$ $e c eate! t$e (o#(' Take into account #y o"n ine3cusa(le c i#es' -ig u+ t$e t ut$ a(out "$o ! o++e! t$e +a ac$utes' P o*e it "asn/t t$e e(els' 6o gi*e $i#' 1ut since I can/t% I/ll just $a*e to !eal "it$ t$e +ain'

E&&ie co#es in to us$e #e to so#e kin! o& #eeting' I collect #y (o" an! at t$e last #inute e#e#(e t$e
5?. | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

ose% glistening in its glass o& "ate ' :$en I o+en t$e !oo to t$e (at$ oo#% I &in! #y + e+ tea# sitting in a o" on t$e e!ge o& t$e tu(% $unc$e! an! !e&eate!' I e#e#(e I/# not t$e only one "$ose "o l! $as (een st i++e! a"ay' 8Co#e on%8 I tell t$e#' 8:e/*e got an au!ience "aiting'8 I/# e3+ecting a + o!uction #eeting in "$ic$ Pluta c$ inst ucts #e "$e e to stan! an! gi*es #e #y cue &o s$ooting Sno"' Instea!% I &in! #ysel& sent into a oo# "$e e si3 +eo+le sit a oun! a ta(le' Peeta% 0o$anna% 1eetee% Hay#itc$% Annie% an! Eno(a ia' T$ey all "ea t$e g ay e(el uni&o #s & o# .5' <o one looks +a ticula ly "ell' 8:$at/s t$is,8 I say'

8:e/ e not su e%8 Hay#itc$ ans"e s' 8It a++ea s to (e a gat$e ing o& t$e e#aining *icto s'8 8:e/ e all t$at/s le&t,8 I ask' 8T$e + ice o& cele( ity%8 says 1eetee' 8:e "e e ta gete! & o# (ot$ si!es' T$e Ca+itol kille! t$e *icto s t$ey sus+ecte! o& (eing e(els' T$e e(els kille! t$ose t$oug$t to (e allie! "it$ t$e Ca+itol'8 0o$anna sco"ls at Eno(a ia' 8So "$at/s s$e !oing $e e,8 8S$e is + otecte! un!e "$at "e call t$e Mockingjay -eal%8 says Coin as s$e ente s (e$in! #e' 8:$e ein ;atniss E*e !een ag ee! to su++o t t$e e(els in e3c$ange &o ca+tu e! *icto s/ i##unity' ;atniss $as u+$el! $e si!e o& t$e (a gain% an! so s$all "e'8 Eno(a ia s#iles at 0o$anna' 8-on/t look so s#ug%8 says 0o$anna' 8:e/ll kill you any"ay'8 8Sit !o"n% +lease% ;atniss%8 says Coin% closing t$e !oo ' I take a seat (et"een Annie an! 1eetee%
5?2 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

ca e&ully +lacing Sno"/s ose on t$e ta(le' As usual% Coin gets ig$t to t$e +oint' 8I/*e aske! you $e e to settle a !e(ate' To!ay "e "ill e3ecute Sno"' In t$e + e*ious "eeks% $un! e!s o& $is acco#+lices in t$e o++ ession o& Pane# $a*e (een t ie! an! no" a"ait t$ei o"n !eat$s' Ho"e*e % t$e su&&e ing in t$e !ist icts $as (een so e3t e#e t$at t$ese #easu es a++ea insu&&icient to t$e *icti#s' In &act% #any a e calling &o a co#+lete anni$ilation o& t$ose "$o $el! Ca+itol citizens$i+' Ho"e*e % in t$e inte est o& #aintaining a sustaina(le +o+ulation% "e cannot a&&o ! t$is'8

T$ oug$ t$e "ate in t$e glass% I see a !isto te! i#age o& one o& Peeta/s $an!s' T$e (u n #a ks' :e a e (ot$ &i e #utts no"' My eyes t a*el u+ to "$e e t$e &la#es licke! ac oss $is &o e$ea!% singeing a"ay $is ( o"s (ut just #issing $is eyes' T$ose sa#e (lue eyes t$at use! to #eet #ine an! t$en &lit a"ay at sc$ool' 0ust as t$ey !o no"'

8So% an alte nati*e $as (een +lace! on t$e ta(le' Since #y colleagues an! I can co#e to no consensus% it $as (een ag ee! t$at "e "ill let t$e *icto s !eci!e' A #ajo ity o& &ou "ill a++ o*e t$e +lan' <o one #ay a(stain & o# t$e *ote%8 says Coin' 8:$at $as (een + o+ose! is t$at in lieu o& eli#inating t$e enti e Ca+itol +o+ulation% "e $a*e a &inal% sy#(olic Hunge 7a#es% using t$e c$il! en !i ectly elate! to t$ose "$o $el! t$e #ost +o"e '8

All se*en o& us tu n to $e ' 8:$at,8 says 0o$anna' 8:e $ol! anot$e Hunge 7a#es using Ca+itol c$il! en%8 says Coin' 8A e you joking,8 asks Peeta'

5?5 | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8<o' I s$oul! also tell you t$at i& "e !o $ol! t$e 7a#es% it "ill (e kno"n it "as !one "it$ you a++ o*al% alt$oug$ t$e in!i*i!ual ( eak!o"n o& you *otes "ill (e ke+t sec et &o you o"n secu ity%8 Coin tells us' 8:as t$is Pluta c$/s i!ea,8 asks Hay#itc$' 8It "as #ine%8 says Coin' 8It see#e! to (alance t$e nee! &o *engeance "it$ t$e least loss o& li&e' Cou #ay cast you *otes'8 8<oI8 (u sts out Peeta' 8I *ote no% o& cou seI :e can/t $a*e anot$e Hunge 7a#esI8 8:$y not,8 0o$anna eto ts' 8It see#s *e y &ai to #e' Sno" e*en $as a g an!!aug$te ' I *ote yes'8 8So !o I%8 says Eno(a ia% al#ost in!i&&e ently' 89et t$e# $a*e a taste o& t$ei o"n #e!icine'8 8T$is is "$y "e e(elle!I Re#e#(e ,8 Peeta looks at t$e est o& us' 8Annie,8 8I *ote no "it$ Peeta%8 s$e says' 8So "oul! 6innick i& $e "e e $e e'8 81ut $e isn/t% (ecause Sno"/s #utts kille! $i#%8 0o$anna e#in!s $e ' 8<o%8 says 1eetee' 8It "oul! set a (a! + ece!ent' :e $a*e to sto+ *ie"ing one anot$e as ene#ies' At t$is +oint% unity is essential &o ou su *i*al' <o'8 8:e/ e !o"n to ;atniss an! Hay#itc$%8 says Coin' :as it like t$is t$en, Se*enty>&i*e yea s o so ago, -i! a g ou+ o& +eo+le sit a oun! an! cast t$ei *otes on initiating t$e Hunge 7a#es, :as t$e e !issent,
5?= | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

-i! so#eone #ake a case &o #e cy t$at "as (eaten !o"n (y t$e calls &o t$e !eat$s o& t$e !ist icts/ c$il! en, T$e scent o& Sno"/s ose cu ls u+ into #y nose% !o"n into #y t$ oat% s4ueezing it tig$t "it$ !es+ai ' All t$ose +eo+le I lo*e!% !ea!% an! "e a e !iscussing t$e ne3t Hunge 7a#es in an atte#+t to a*oi! "asting li&e' <ot$ing $as c$ange!' <ot$ing "ill e*e c$ange no"'

I "eig$ #y o+tions ca e&ully% t$ink e*e yt$ing t$ oug$' ;ee+ing #y eyes on t$e ose% I say% 8I *ote yes'''&o P i#'8 8Hay#itc$% it/s u+ to you%8 says Coin' A &u ious Peeta $a##e s Hay#itc$ "it$ t$e at ocity $e coul! (eco#e +a ty to% (ut I can &eel Hay#itc$ "atc$ing #e' T$is is t$e #o#ent% t$en' :$en "e &in! out e3actly just $o" alike "e a e% an! $o" #uc$ $e t uly un!e stan!s #e' 8I/# "it$ t$e Mockingjay%8 $e says' 8E3cellent' T$at ca ies t$e *ote%8 says Coin' 8<o" "e eally #ust take ou +laces &o t$e e3ecution'8 As s$e +asses #e% I $ol! u+ t$e glass "it$ t$e ose' 8Can you see t$at Sno"/s "ea ing t$is, 0ust o*e $is $ea t,8 Coin s#iles' 8)& cou se' An! I/ll #ake su e $e kno"s a(out t$e 7a#es'8 8T$ank you%8 I say' Peo+le s"ee+ into t$e oo#% su oun! #e' T$e last touc$ o& +o"!e % t$e inst uctions & o# Pluta c$ as I/# gui!e! to t$e & ont !oo s o& t$e #ansion' T$e City Ci cle uns o*e % s+ills +eo+le !o"n t$e si!e st eets'
5?? | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

T$e ot$e s take t$ei +laces outsi!e' 7ua !s' )&&icials' Re(el lea!e s' 2icto s' I $ea t$e c$ee s t$at in!icate Coin $as a++ea e! on t$e (alcony' T$en E&&ie ta+s #y s$oul!e % an! I ste+ out into t$e col! "inte sunlig$t' :alk to #y +osition% acco#+anie! (y t$e !ea&ening oa o& t$e c o"!' As !i ecte!% I tu n so t$ey see #e in + o&ile% an! "ait' :$en t$ey #a c$ Sno" out t$e !oo % t$e au!ience goes insane' T$ey secu e $is $an!s (e$in! a +ost% "$ic$ is unnecessa y' He/s not going any"$e e' T$e e/s no"$e e to go' T$is is not t$e oo#y stage (e&o e t$e T aining Cente (ut t$e na o" te ace in & ont o& t$e + esi!ent/s #ansion' <o "on!e no one (ot$e e! to $a*e #e + actice' He/s ten ya !s a"ay'

I &eel t$e (o" +u ing in #y $an!' Reac$ (ack an! g as+ t$e a o"' Position it% ai# at t$e ose% (ut "atc$ $is &ace' He coug$s an! a (loo!y ! i((le uns !o"n $is c$in' His tongue &licks o*e $is +u&&y li+s' I sea c$ $is eyes &o t$e slig$test sign o& anyt$ing% &ea % e#o se% ange ' 1ut t$e e/s only t$e sa#e look o& a#use#ent t$at en!e! ou last con*e sation' It/s as i& $e/s s+eaking t$e "o !s again' 8)$% #y !ea Miss E*e !een' I t$oug$t "e $a! ag ee! not to lie to eac$ ot$e '8

He/s ig$t' :e !i!' T$e +oint o& #y a o" s$i&ts u+"a !' I elease t$e st ing' An! P esi!ent Coin colla+ses o*e t$e si!e o& t$e (alcony an! +lunges to t$e g oun!' -ea!'

5?B | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

In t$e stunne! eaction t$at &ollo"s% I/# a"a e o& one soun!' Sno"/s laug$te ' An a"&ul gu gling cackle acco#+anie! (y an e u+tion o& &oa#y (loo! "$en t$e coug$ing (egins' I see $i# (en! &o "a !% s+e"ing out $is li&e% until t$e gua !s (lock $i# & o# #y sig$t' As t$e g ay uni&o #s (egin to con*e ge on #e% I t$ink o& "$at #y ( ie& &utu e as t$e assassin o& Pane#/s ne" + esi!ent $ol!s' T$e inte ogation% + o(a(le to tu e% ce tain +u(lic e3ecution' Ha*ing% yet again% to say #y &inal goo!(yes to t$e $an!&ul o& +eo+le "$o still #aintain a $ol! on #y $ea t' T$e + os+ect o& &acing #y #ot$e % "$o "ill no" (e enti ely alone in t$e "o l!% !eci!es it'

87oo! nig$t%8 I "$is+e to t$e (o" in #y $an! an! &eel it go still' I aise #y le&t a # an! t"ist #y neck !o"n to i+ o&& t$e +ill on #y slee*e' Instea! #y teet$ sink into &les$' I yank #y $ea! (ack in con&usion to &in! #ysel& looking into Peeta/s eyes% only no" t$ey $ol! #y gaze' 1loo! uns & o# t$e teet$ #a ks on t$e $an! $e cla#+e! o*e #y nig$tlock' 89et #e goI8 I sna l at $i#% t ying to " est #y a # & o# $is g as+'

8I can/t%8 $e says' As t$ey +ull #e a"ay & o# $i#% I &eel t$e +ocket i++e! & o# #y slee*e% see t$e !ee+ *iolet +ill &all to t$e g oun!% "atc$ Cinna/s last gi&t get c unc$e! un!e a gua !/s (oot' I t ans&o # into a "il! ani#al% kicking% cla"ing% (iting% !oing "$ate*e I can to & ee #ysel& & o# t$is "e( o& $an!s as t$e c o"! +us$es in' T$e gua !s li&t #e u+ a(o*e t$e & ay% "$e e I continue to t$ as$ as I/# con*eye! o*e t$e c us$ o& +eo+le' I sta t sc ea#ing &o 7ale' I can/t &in! $i# in t$e t$ ong% (ut $e "ill kno" "$at I "ant'

5?E | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

A goo! clean s$ot to en! it all' )nly t$e e/s no a o"% no (ullet' Is it +ossi(le $e can/t see #e, <o' A(o*e us% on t$e giant sc eens +lace! a oun! t$e City Ci cle% e*e yone can "atc$ t$e "$ole t$ing (eing +laye! out' He sees% $e kno"s% (ut $e !oesn/t &ollo" t$ oug$' 0ust as I !i!n/t "$en $e "as ca+tu e!' So y e3cuses &o $unte s an! & ien!s' 1ot$ o& us'

I/# on #y o"n' In t$e #ansion% t$ey $an!cu&& an! (lin!&ol! #e' I/# $al& ! agge!% $al& ca ie! !o"n long +assages% u+ an! !o"n ele*ato s% an! !e+osite! on a ca +ete! &loo ' T$e cu&&s a e e#o*e! an! a !oo sla#s close! (e$in! #e' :$en I +us$ t$e (lin!&ol! u+% I &in! I/# in #y ol! oo# at t$e T aining Cente ' T$e one "$e e I li*e! !u ing t$ose last + ecious !ays (e&o e #y &i st Hunge 7a#es an! t$e Aua te Auell' T$e (e!/s st i++e! to t$e #att ess% t$e closet ga+es o+en% s$o"ing t$e e#+tiness insi!e% (ut I/! kno" t$is oo# any"$e e'

It/s a st uggle to get to #y &eet an! +eel o&& #y Mockingjay suit' I/# (a!ly ( uise! an! #ig$t $a*e a ( oken &inge o t"o% (ut it/s #y skin t$at/s +ai! #ost !ea ly &o #y st uggle "it$ t$e gua !s' T$e ne" +ink stu&& $as s$ e!!e! like tissue +a+e an! (loo! see+s t$ oug$ t$e la(o ato y>g o"n cells' <o #e!ics s$o" u+% t$oug$% an! as I/# too &a gone to ca e% I c a"l u+ onto t$e #att ess% e3+ecting to (lee! to !eat$'

<o suc$ luck' 1y e*ening% t$e (loo! clots% lea*ing #e sti&& an! so e an! sticky (ut ali*e' I li#+ into t$e s$o"e an! + og a# in t$e gentlest cycle I can e#e#(e % & ee o& any soa+s an! $ai + o!ucts% an! s4uat un!e t$e "a # s+ ay% el(o"s on #y knees% $ea! in #y $an!s'

5?F | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

My na#e is ;atniss E*e !een' :$y a# I not !ea!, I s$oul! (e !ea!' It "oul! (e (est &o e*e yone i& I "e e !ea!'''' :$en I ste+ out on t$e #at% t$e $ot ai (akes #y !a#age! skin ! y' T$e e/s not$ing clean to +ut on' <ot e*en a to"el to " a+ a oun! #e' 1ack in t$e oo#% I &in! t$e Mockingjay suit $as !isa++ea e!' In its +lace is a +a+e o(e' A #eal $as (een sent u+ & o# t$e #yste ious kitc$en "it$ a containe o& #y #e!ications &o !esse t' I go a$ea! an! eat t$e &oo!% take t$e +ills% u( t$e sal*e on #y skin' I nee! to &ocus no" on t$e #anne o& #y suici!e'

I cu l (ack u+ on t$e (loo!staine! #att ess% not col! (ut &eeling so nake! "it$ just t$e +a+e to co*e #y ten!e &les$' 0u#+ing to #y !eat$/s not an o+tion>> t$e "in!o" glass #ust (e a &oot t$ick' I can #ake an e3cellent noose% (ut t$e e/s not$ing to $ang #ysel& & o#' It/s +ossi(le I coul! $oa ! #y +ills an! t$en knock #ysel& o&& "it$ a let$al !ose% e3ce+t t$at I/# su e I/# (eing "atc$e! oun! t$e clock' 6o all I kno"% I/# on li*e tele*ision at t$is *e y #o#ent "$ile co##entato s t y to analyze "$at coul! +ossi(ly $a*e #oti*ate! #e to kill Coin' T$e su *eillance #akes al#ost any suici!e atte#+t i#+ossi(le' Taking #y li&e is t$e Ca+itol/s + i*ilege' Again'

:$at I can !o is gi*e u+' I esol*e to lie on t$e (e! "it$out eating% ! inking% o taking #y #e!ications' I coul! !o it% too' 0ust !ie' I& it "e en/t &o t$e #o +$ling "it$! a"al' <ot (it (y (it like in t$e $os+ital in .5% (ut col! tu key' I #ust $a*e (een on a &ai ly la ge !ose (ecause "$en t$e c a*ing &o it $its% acco#+anie! (y t e#o s% an! s$ooting +ains% an! un(ea a(le col!% #y esol*e/s c us$e! like an eggs$ell' I/# on #y knees% aking t$e ca +et "it$ #y &inge nails to &in! t$ose + ecious +ills I &lung a"ay in a st onge #o#ent' I e*ise #y suici!e +lan to slo"
5?G | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

!eat$ (y #o +$ling' I "ill (eco#e a yello">skinne! (ag o& (ones% "it$ eno #ous eyes' I/# a cou+le o& !ays into t$e +lan% #aking goo! + og ess% "$en so#et$ing une3+ecte! $a++ens' I (egin to sing' At t$e "in!o"% in t$e s$o"e % in #y slee+' Hou a&te $ou o& (alla!s% lo*e songs% #ountain ai s' All t$e songs #y &at$e taug$t #e (e&o e $e !ie!% &o ce tainly t$e e $as (een *e y little #usic in #y li&e since' :$at/s a#azing is $o" clea ly I e#e#(e t$e#' T$e tunes% t$e ly ics' My *oice% at &i st oug$ an! ( eaking on t$e $ig$ notes% "a #s u+ into so#et$ing s+len!i!' A *oice t$at "oul! #ake t$e #ockingjays &all silent an! t$en tu#(le o*e t$e#sel*es to join in' -ays +ass% "eeks' I "atc$ t$e sno"s &all on t$e le!ge outsi!e #y "in!o"' An! in all t$at ti#e% #ine is t$e only *oice I $ea '

:$at a e t$ey !oing% any"ay, :$at/s t$e $ol!u+ out t$e e, Ho" !i&&icult can it (e to a ange t$e e3ecution o& one #u !e ous gi l, I continue "it$ #y o"n anni$ilation' My (o!y/s t$inne t$an it/s e*e (een an! #y (attle against $unge is so &ie ce t$at so#eti#es t$e ani#al +a t o& #e gi*es in to t$e te#+tation o& (utte e! ( ea! o oaste! #eat' 1ut still% I/# "inning' 6o a &e" !ays I &eel 4uite un"ell an! t$ink I #ay &inally (e t a*eling out o& t$is li&e% "$en I ealize #y #o +$ling ta(lets a e s$ inking' T$ey a e t ying to slo"ly "ean #e o&& t$e stu&&' 1ut "$y, Su ely a ! ugge! Mockingjay "ill (e easie to !is+ose o& in & ont o& a c o"!' An! t$en a te i(le t$oug$t $its #eH :$at i& t$ey/ e not going to kill #e, :$at i& t$ey $a*e #o e +lans &o #e, A ne" "ay to e#ake% t ain% an! use #e,

I "on/t !o it' I& I can/t kill #ysel& in t$is oo#% I "ill take t$e &i st o++o tunity outsi!e o& it to &inis$ t$e jo(' T$ey can &atten #e u+' T$ey can gi*e #e a &ull (o!y +olis$% ! ess #e u+% an! #ake #e (eauti&ul
5BD | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

again' T$ey can !esign ! ea# "ea+ons t$at co#e to li&e in #y $an!s% (ut t$ey "ill ne*e again ( ain"as$ #e into t$e necessity o& using t$e#' I no longe &eel any allegiance to t$ese #onste s calle! $u#an (eings% !es+ise (eing one #ysel&' I t$ink t$at Peeta "as onto so#et$ing a(out us !est oying one anot$e an! letting so#e !ecent s+ecies take o*e ' 1ecause so#et$ing is signi&icantly " ong "it$ a c eatu e t$at sac i&ices its c$il! en/s li*es to settle its !i&&e ences' Cou can s+in it any "ay you like' Sno" t$oug$t t$e Hunge 7a#es "e e an e&&icient #eans o& cont ol' Coin t$oug$t t$e +a ac$utes "oul! e3+e!ite t$e "a ' 1ut in t$e en!% "$o !oes it (ene&it, <o one' T$e t ut$ is% it (ene&its no one to li*e in a "o l! "$e e t$ese t$ings $a++en'

A&te t"o !ays o& #y lying on #y #att ess "it$ no atte#+t to eat% ! ink% o e*en take a #o +$ling ta(let% t$e !oo to #y oo# o+ens' So#eone c osses a oun! t$e (e! into #y &iel! o& *ision' Hay#itc$' 8Cou t ial/s o*e %8 $e says' 8Co#e on' :e/ e going $o#e'8 Ho#e, :$at/s $e talking a(out, My $o#e/s gone' An! e*en i& it "e e +ossi(le to go to t$is i#agina y +lace% I a# too "eak to #o*e' St ange s a++ea ' Re$y! ate an! &ee! #e' 1at$e an! clot$e #e' )ne li&ts #e like a ag !oll an! ca ies #e u+ to t$e oo&% onto a $o*e c a&t% an! &astens #e into a seat' Hay#itc$ an! Pluta c$ sit ac oss & o# #e' In a &e" #o#ents% "e/ e ai (o ne'

I/*e ne*e seen Pluta c$ in suc$ a goo! #oo!' He/s +ositi*ely glo"ing' 8Cou #ust $a*e a #illion 4uestionsI8 :$en I !on/t es+on!% $e ans"e s t$e# any"ay' A&te I s$ot Coin% t$e e "as +an!e#oniu#' :$en t$e uckus !ie! !o"n% t$ey !isco*e e! Sno"/s (o!y% still tet$e e! to t$e +ost' )+inions !i&&e on "$et$e $e
5B. | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

c$oke! to !eat$ "$ile laug$ing o "as c us$e! (y t$e c o"!' <o one eally ca es' An e#e gency election "as t$ o"n toget$e an! Paylo "as *ote! in as + esi!ent' Pluta c$ "as a++ointe! sec eta y o& co##unications% "$ic$ #eans $e sets t$e + og a##ing &o t$e ai "a*es' T$e &i st (ig tele*ise! e*ent "as #y t ial% in "$ic$ $e "as also a sta "itness' In #y !e&ense% o& cou se' Alt$oug$ #ost o& t$e c e!it &o #y e3one ation #ust (e gi*en to - ' Au elius% "$o a++a ently ea ne! $is na+s (y + esenting #e as a $o+eless% s$ell>s$ocke! lunatic' )ne con!ition &o #y elease is t$at I/ll continue un!e $is ca e% alt$oug$ it "ill $a*e to (e (y +$one (ecause $e/! ne*e li*e in a &o saken +lace like .2% an! I/# con&ine! t$e e until &u t$e notice' T$e t ut$ is% no one 4uite kno"s "$at to !o "it$ #e no" t$at t$e "a /s o*e % alt$oug$ i& anot$e one s$oul! s+ ing u+% Pluta c$/s su e t$ey coul! &in! a ole &o #e' T$en Pluta c$ $as a goo! laug$' It ne*e see#s to (ot$e $i# "$en no one else a++ eciates $is jokes'

8A e you + e+a ing &o anot$e "a % Pluta c$,8 I ask' 8)$% not no"' <o" "e/ e in t$at s"eet +e io! "$e e e*e yone ag ees t$at ou ecent $o o s s$oul! ne*e (e e+eate!%8 $e says' 81ut collecti*e t$inking is usually s$o t>li*e!' :e/ e &ickle% stu+i! (eings "it$ +oo #e#o ies an! a g eat gi&t &o sel&>!est uction' Alt$oug$ "$o kno"s, May(e t$is "ill (e it% ;atniss'8 8:$at,8 I ask' 8T$e ti#e it sticks' May(e "e a e "itnessing t$e e*olution o& t$e $u#an ace' T$ink a(out t$at'8 An! t$en $e asks #e i& I/! like to +e &o # on a ne" singing + og a# $e/s launc$ing in a &e" "eeks' So#et$ing u+(eat "oul! (e goo!' He/ll sen! t$e c e" to #y $ouse'

5B2 | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

:e lan! ( ie&ly in -ist ict 5 to ! o+ o&& Pluta c$' He/s #eeting "it$ 1eetee to u+!ate t$e tec$nology on t$e ( oa!cast syste#' His +a ting "o !s to #e a e 8-on/t (e a st ange '8 :$en "e/ e (ack a#ong t$e clou!s% I look at Hay#itc$' 8So "$y a e you going (ack to T"el*e,8 8T$ey can/t see# to &in! a +lace &o #e in t$e Ca+itol eit$e %8 $e says' At &i st% I !on/t 4uestion t$is' 1ut !ou(ts (egin to c ee+ in' Hay#itc$ $asn/t assassinate! anyone' He coul! go any"$e e' I& $e/s co#ing (ack to .2% it/s (ecause $e/s (een o !e e! to' 8Cou $a*e to look a&te #e% !on/t you, As #y #ento ,8 He s$ ugs' T$en I ealize "$at it #eans' 8My #ot$e /s not co#ing (ack'8 8<o%8 $e says' He +ulls an en*elo+e & o# $is jacket +ocket an! $an!s it to #e' I e3a#ine t$e !elicate% +e &ectly &o #e! " iting' 8S$e/s $el+ing to sta t u+ a $os+ital in -ist ict 6ou ' S$e "ants you to call as soon as "e get in'8 My &inge t aces t$e g ace&ul s"oo+ o& t$e lette s' 8Cou kno" "$y s$e can/t co#e (ack'8 Ces% I kno" "$y' 1ecause (et"een #y &at$e an! P i# an! t$e as$es% t$e +lace is too +ain&ul to (ea ' 1ut a++a ently not &o #e' 8-o you "ant to kno" "$o else "on/t (e t$e e,8

8<o%8 I say' 8I "ant to (e su + ise!'8 9ike a goo! #ento % Hay#itc$ #akes #e eat a san!"ic$ an! t$en + eten!s $e (elie*es I/# aslee+ &o t$e est o& t$e t i+' He (usies $i#sel& going t$ oug$ e*e y co#+a t#ent on t$e $o*e c a&t% &in!ing t$e li4uo % an! sto"ing it in $is (ag' It/s nig$t "$en "e lan! on t$e g een o& t$e 2icto /s 2illage' Hal& o& t$e $ouses $a*e lig$ts in t$e "in!o"s% inclu!ing Hay#itc$/s an! #ine' <ot Peeta/s' So#eone $as (uilt
5B5 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

a &i e in #y kitc$en' I sit in t$e ocke (e&o e it% clutc$ing #y #ot$e /s lette ' 8:ell% see you to#o o"%8 says Hay#itc$' As t$e clinking o& $is (ag o& li4uo (ottles &a!es a"ay% I "$is+e % 8I !ou(t it'8 I a# una(le to #o*e & o# t$e c$ai ' T$e est o& t$e $ouse loo#s col! an! e#+ty an! !a k' I +ull an ol! s$a"l o*e #y (o!y an! "atc$ t$e &la#es' I guess I slee+% (ecause t$e ne3t t$ing I kno"% it/s #o ning an! 7 easy Sae/s (anging a oun! at t$e sto*e' S$e #akes #e eggs an! toast an! sits t$e e until I/*e eaten it all' :e !on/t talk #uc$' He little g an!!aug$te % t$e one "$o li*es in $e o"n "o l!% takes a ( ig$t (lue (all o& ya n & o# #y #ot$e /s knitting (asket' 7 easy Sae tells $e to +ut it (ack% (ut I say s$e can $a*e it' <o one in t$is $ouse can knit any#o e' A&te ( eak&ast% 7 easy Sae !oes t$e !is$es an! lea*es% (ut s$e co#es (ack u+ at !inne ti#e to #ake #e eat again' I !on/t kno" i& s$e/s just (eing neig$(o ly o i& s$e/s on t$e go*e n#ent/s +ay oll% (ut s$e s$o"s u+ t"ice e*e y !ay' S$e cooks% I consu#e' I t y to &igu e out #y ne3t #o*e' T$e e/s no o(stacle no" to taking #y li&e' 1ut I see# to (e "aiting &o so#et$ing'

So#eti#es t$e +$one ings an! ings an! ings% (ut I !on/t +ick it u+' Hay#itc$ ne*e *isits' May(e $e c$ange! $is #in! an! le&t% alt$oug$ I sus+ect $e/s just ! unk' <o one co#es (ut 7 easy Sae an! $e g an!!aug$te ' A&te #ont$s o& solita y con&ine#ent% t$ey see# like a c o"!' 8S+ ing/s in t$e ai to!ay' Cou oug$t to get out%8 s$e says' 87o $unting'8 I $a*en/t le&t t$e $ouse' I $a*en/t e*en le&t t$e kitc$en e3ce+t to go to t$e s#all (at$ oo# a &e" ste+s o&& o&
5B= | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

it' I/# in t$e sa#e clot$es I le&t t$e Ca+itol in' :$at I !o is sit (y t$e &i e' Sta e at t$e uno+ene! lette s +iling u+ on t$e #antel' 8I !on/t $a*e a (o"'8 8C$eck !o"n t$e $all%8 s$e says' A&te s$e lea*es% I consi!e a t i+ !o"n t$e $all' Rule it out' 1ut a&te se*e al $ou s% I go any"ay% "alking in silent sock &eet% so as not to a"aken t$e g$osts' In t$e stu!y% "$e e I $a! #y tea "it$ P esi!ent Sno"% I &in! a (o3 "it$ #y &at$e /s $unting jacket% ou +lant (ook% #y +a ents/ "e!!ing +$oto% t$e s+ile Hay#itc$ sent in% an! t$e locket Peeta ga*e #e in t$e clock a ena' T$e t"o (o"s an! a s$eat$ o& a o"s 7ale escue! on t$e nig$t o& t$e &i e(o#(ing lie on t$e !esk' I +ut on t$e $unting jacket an! lea*e t$e est o& t$e stu&& untouc$e!' I &all aslee+ on t$e so&a in t$e &o #al li*ing oo#' A te i(le nig$t#a e &ollo"s% "$e e I/# lying at t$e (otto# o& a !ee+ g a*e% an! e*e y !ea! +e son I kno" (y na#e co#es (y an! t$ o"s a s$o*el &ull o& as$es on #e' It/s 4uite a long ! ea#% consi!e ing t$e list o& +eo+le% an! t$e !ee+e I/# (u ie!% t$e $a !e it is to ( eat$e' I t y to call out% (egging t$e# to sto+% (ut t$e as$es &ill #y #out$ an! nose an! I can/t #ake any soun!' Still t$e s$o*el sc a+es on an! on an! on''''

I "ake "it$ a sta t' Pale #o ning lig$t co#es a oun! t$e e!ges o& t$e s$utte s' T$e sc a+ing o& t$e s$o*el continues' Still $al& in t$e nig$t#a e% I un !o"n t$e $all% out t$e & ont !oo % an! a oun! t$e si!e o& t$e $ouse% (ecause no" I/# + etty su e I can sc ea# at t$e !ea!' :$en I see $i#% I +ull u+ s$o t' His &ace is &lus$e! & o# !igging u+ t$e g oun! un!e t$e "in!o"s' In a "$eel(a o" a e &i*e sc aggly (us$es'

8Cou/ e (ack%8 I say'

5B? | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

8- ' Au elius "oul!n/t let #e lea*e t$e Ca+itol until yeste !ay%8 Peeta says' 81y t$e "ay% $e sai! to tell you $e can/t kee+ + eten!ing $e/s t eating you &o e*e ' Cou $a*e to +ick u+ t$e +$one'8 He looks "ell' T$in an! co*e e! "it$ (u n sca s like #e% (ut $is eyes $a*e lost t$at clou!e!% to tu e! look' He/s & o"ning slig$tly% t$oug$% as $e takes #e in' I #ake a $al&$ea te! e&&o t to +us$ #y $ai out o& #y eyes an! ealize it/s #atte! into clu#+s' I &eel !e&ensi*e' 8:$at a e you !oing,8 8I "ent to t$e "oo!s t$is #o ning an! !ug t$ese u+' 6o $e %8 $e says' 8I t$oug$t "e coul! +lant t$e# along t$e si!e o& t$e $ouse'8 I look at t$e (us$es% t$e clo!s o& !i t $anging & o# t$ei oots% an! catc$ #y ( eat$ as t$e "o ! ose egiste s' I/# a(out to yell *icious t$ings at Peeta "$en t$e &ull na#e co#es to #e' <ot +lain ose (ut e*ening + i# ose' T$e &lo"e #y siste "as na#e! &o ' I gi*e Peeta a no! o& assent an! $u y (ack into t$e $ouse% locking t$e !oo (e$in! #e' 1ut t$e e*il t$ing is insi!e% not out' T e#(ling "it$ "eakness an! an3iety% I un u+ t$e stai s' My &oot catc$es on t$e last ste+ an! I c as$ onto t$e &loo ' I &o ce #ysel& to ise an! ente #y oo#' T$e s#ell/s *e y &aint (ut still laces t$e ai ' It/s t$e e' T$e "$ite ose a#ong t$e ! ie! &lo"e s in t$e *ase' S$ i*ele! an! & agile% (ut $ol!ing on to t$at unnatu al +e &ection culti*ate! in Sno"/s g een$ouse' I g a( t$e *ase% stu#(le !o"n to t$e kitc$en% an! t$ o" its contents into t$e e#(e s' As t$e &lo"e s &la e u+% a (u st o& (lue &la#e en*elo+s t$e ose an! !e*ou s it' 6i e (eats oses again' I s#as$ t$e *ase on t$e &loo &o goo! #easu e'

1ack u+stai s% I t$ o" o+en t$e (e! oo# "in!o"s to clea out t$e est o& Sno"/s stenc$' 1ut it still linge s% on #y clot$es an! in #y +o es' I st i+% an! &lakes o&
5BB | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

skin t$e size o& +laying ca !s cling to t$e ga #ents' A*oi!ing t$e #i o % I ste+ into t$e s$o"e an! sc u( t$e oses & o# #y $ai % #y (o!y% #y #out$' 1 ig$t +ink an! tingling% I &in! so#et$ing clean to "ea ' It takes $al& an $ou to co#( out #y $ai ' 7 easy Sae unlocks t$e & ont !oo ' :$ile s$e #akes ( eak&ast% I &ee! t$e clot$es I $a! s$e! to t$e &i e' At $e suggestion% I +a e o&& #y nails "it$ a kni&e'

)*e t$e eggs% I ask $e % 8:$e e !i! 7ale go,8 8-ist ict T"o' 7ot so#e &ancy jo( t$e e' I see $i# no" an! again on t$e tele*ision%8 s$e says' I !ig a oun! insi!e #ysel&% t ying to egiste ange % $at e!% longing' I &in! only elie&' 8I/# going $unting to!ay%8 I say' 8:ell% I "oul!n/t #in! so#e & es$ ga#e at t$at%8 s$e ans"e s' I a # #ysel& "it$ a (o" an! a o"s an! $ea! out% inten!ing to e3it .2 t$ oug$ t$e Mea!o"' <ea t$e s4ua e a e tea#s o& #aske! an! glo*e! +eo+le "it$ $o se>! a"n ca ts' Si&ting t$ oug$ "$at lay un!e t$e sno" t$is "inte ' 7at$e ing e#ains' A ca t/s +a ke! in & ont o& t$e #ayo /s $ouse' I ecognize T$o#% 7ale/s ol! c e"#ate% +ausing a #o#ent to "i+e t$e s"eat & o# $is &ace "it$ a ag' I e#e#(e seeing $i# in .5% (ut $e #ust $a*e co#e (ack' His g eeting gi*es #e t$e cou age to ask% 8-i! t$ey &in! anyone in t$e e,8

8:$ole &a#ily' An! t$e t"o +eo+le "$o "o ke! &o t$e#%8 T$o# tells #e' Ma!ge' Auiet an! kin! an! ( a*e' T$e gi l "$o ga*e #e t$e +in t$at ga*e #e a na#e' I s"allo" $a !'
5BE | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

:on!e i& s$e/ll (e joining t$e cast o& #y nig$t#a es tonig$t' S$o*eling t$e as$es into #y #out$' 8I t$oug$t #ay(e% since $e "as t$e #ayo '''8 8I !on/t t$ink (eing t$e #ayo o& T"el*e +ut t$e o!!s in $is &a*o %8 says T$o#' I no! an! kee+ #o*ing% ca e&ul not to look in t$e (ack o& t$e ca t' All t$ oug$ t$e to"n an! t$e Sea#% it/s t$e sa#e' T$e ea+ing o& t$e !ea!' As I nea t$e uins o& #y ol! $ouse% t$e oa! (eco#es t$ick "it$ ca ts' T$e Mea!o"/s gone% o at least ! a#atically alte e!' A !ee+ +it $as (een !ug% an! t$ey/ e lining it "it$ (ones% a #ass g a*e &o #y +eo+le' I ski t a oun! t$e $ole an! ente t$e "oo!s at #y usual +lace' It !oesn/t #atte % t$oug$' T$e &ence isn/t c$a ge! any#o e an! $as (een + o++e! u+ "it$ long ( anc$es to kee+ out t$e + e!ato s' 1ut ol! $a(its !ie $a !' I t$ink a(out going to t$e lake% (ut I/# so "eak t$at I (a ely #ake it to #y #eeting +lace "it$ 7ale' I sit on t$e ock "$e e C essi!a &il#e! us% (ut it/s too "i!e "it$out $is (o!y (esi!e #e' Se*e al ti#es I close #y eyes an! count to ten% t$inking t$at "$en I o+en t$e#% $e "ill $a*e #ate ialize! "it$out a soun! as $e so o&ten !i!' I $a*e to e#in! #ysel& t$at 7ale/s in 2 "it$ a &ancy jo(% + o(a(ly kissing anot$e +ai o& li+s'

It is t$e ol! ;atniss/s &a*o ite kin! o& !ay' Ea ly s+ ing' T$e "oo!s a"akening a&te t$e long "inte ' 1ut t$e s+u t o& ene gy t$at (egan "it$ t$e + i# oses &a!es a"ay' 1y t$e ti#e I #ake it (ack to t$e &ence% I/# so sick an! !izzy% T$o# $as to gi*e #e a i!e $o#e in t$e !ea! +eo+le/s ca t' Hel+ #e to t$e so&a in t$e li*ing oo#% "$e e I "atc$ t$e !ust #otes s+in in t$e t$in s$a&ts o& a&te noon lig$t'

My $ea! sna+s a oun! at t$e $iss% (ut it takes a"$ile to (elie*e $e/s eal' Ho" coul! $e $a*e gotten $e e, I take in t$e cla" #a ks & o# so#e "il! ani#al% t$e
5BF | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

(ack +a" $e $ol!s slig$tly a(o*e t$e g oun!% t$e + o#inent (ones in $is &ace' He/s co#e on &oot% t$en% all t$e "ay & o# .5' May(e t$ey kicke! $i# out o #ay(e $e just coul!n/t stan! it t$e e "it$out $e % so $e ca#e looking' 8It "as t$e "aste o& a t i+' S$e/s not $e e%8 I tell $i#' 1utte cu+ $isses again' 8S$e/s not $e e' Cou can $iss all you like' Cou "on/t &in! P i#'8 At $e na#e% $e +e ks u+' Raises $is &lattene! ea s' 1egins to #eo" $o+e&ully' 87et outI8 He !o!ges t$e +illo" I t$ o" at $i#' 87o a"ayI T$e e/s not$ing le&t &o you $e eI8 I sta t to s$ake% &u ious "it$ $i#' 8S$e/s not co#ing (ackI S$e/s ne*e e*e co#ing (ack $e e againI8 I g a( anot$e +illo" an! get to #y &eet to i#+ o*e #y ai#' )ut o& no"$e e% t$e tea s (egin to +ou !o"n #y c$eeks' 8S$e/s !ea!'8 I clutc$ #y #i!!le to !ull t$e +ain' Sink !o"n on #y $eels% ocking t$e +illo"% c ying' 8S$e/s !ea!% you stu+i! cat' S$e/s !ea!'8 A ne" soun!% +a t c ying% +a t singing% co#es out o& #y (o!y% gi*ing *oice to #y !es+ai ' 1utte cu+ (egins to "ail as "ell' <o #atte "$at I !o% $e "on/t go' He ci cles #e% just out o& eac$% as "a*e a&te "a*e o& so(s acks #y (o!y% until e*entually I &all unconscious' 1ut $e #ust un!e stan!' He #ust kno" t$at t$e unt$inka(le $as $a++ene! an! to su *i*e "ill e4ui e + e*iously unt$inka(le acts' 1ecause $ou s late % "$en I co#e to in #y (e!% $e/s t$e e in t$e #oonlig$t' C ouc$e! (esi!e #e% yello" eyes ale t% gua !ing #e & o# t$e nig$t'

In t$e #o ning% $e sits stoically as I clean t$e cuts% (ut !igging t$e t$o n & o# $is +a" ( ings on a oun! o& t$ose kitten #e"s' :e (ot$ en! u+ c ying again% only t$is ti#e "e co#&o t eac$ ot$e ' )n t$e st engt$ o& t$is% I o+en t$e lette Hay#itc$ ga*e #e & o# #y #ot$e % !ial t$e +$one nu#(e % an! "ee+ "it$ $e as "ell' Peeta% (ea ing a "a # loa& o& ( ea!% s$o"s u+

5BG | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

"it$ 7 easy Sae' S$e #akes us ( eak&ast an! I &ee! all #y (acon to 1utte cu+' Slo"ly% "it$ #any lost !ays% I co#e (ack to li&e' I t y to &ollo" - ' Au elius/s a!*ice% just going t$ oug$ t$e #otions% a#aze! "$en one &inally $as #eaning again' I tell $i# #y i!ea a(out t$e (ook% an! a la ge (o3 o& +a c$#ent s$eets a i*es on t$e ne3t t ain & o# t$e Ca+itol' I got t$e i!ea & o# ou &a#ily/s +lant (ook' T$e +lace "$e e "e eco !e! t$ose t$ings you cannot t ust to #e#o y' T$e +age (egins "it$ t$e +e son/s +ictu e' A +$oto i& "e can &in! it' I& not% a sketc$ o +ainting (y Peeta' T$en% in #y #ost ca e&ul $an!" iting% co#e all t$e !etails it "oul! (e a c i#e to &o get' 9a!y licking P i#/s c$eek' My &at$e /s laug$' Peeta/s &at$e "it$ t$e cookies' T$e colo o& 6innick/s eyes' :$at Cinna coul! !o "it$ a lengt$ o& silk' 1oggs e+ og a##ing t$e Holo' Rue +oise! on $e toes% a #s slig$tly e3ten!e!% like a (i ! a(out to take &lig$t' )n an! on' :e seal t$e +ages "it$ salt "ate an! + o#ises to li*e "ell to #ake t$ei !eat$s count' Hay#itc$ &inally joins us% cont i(uting t"enty>t$ ee yea s o& t i(utes $e "as &o ce! to #ento ' A!!itions (eco#e s#alle ' An ol! #e#o y t$at su &aces' A late + i# ose + ese *e! (et"een t$e +ages' St ange (its o& $a++iness% like t$e +$oto o& 6innick an! Annie/s ne"(o n son'

:e lea n to kee+ (usy again' Peeta (akes' I $unt' Hay#itc$ ! inks until t$e li4uo uns out% an! t$en aises geese until t$e ne3t t ain a i*es' 6o tunately% t$e geese can take + etty goo! ca e o& t$e#sel*es' :e/ e not alone' A &e" $un! e! ot$e s etu n (ecause% "$ate*e $as $a++ene!% t$is is ou $o#e' :it$ t$e #ines close!% t$ey +lo" t$e as$es into t$e ea t$ an! +lant &oo!' Mac$ines & o# t$e Ca+itol ( eak g oun! &o a ne" &acto y "$e e "e "ill #ake
5ED | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

#e!icines' Alt$oug$ no one see!s it% t$e Mea!o" tu ns g een again' Peeta an! I g o" (ack toget$e ' T$e e a e still #o#ents "$en $e clutc$es t$e (ack o& a c$ai an! $angs on until t$e &las$(acks a e o*e ' I "ake sc ea#ing & o# nig$t#a es o& #utts an! lost c$il! en' 1ut $is a #s a e t$e e to co#&o t #e' An! e*entually $is li+s' )n t$e nig$t I &eel t$at t$ing again% t$e $unge t$at o*e took #e on t$e (eac$% I kno" t$is "oul! $a*e $a++ene! any"ay' T$at "$at I nee! to su *i*e is not 7ale/s &i e% kin!le! "it$ age an! $at e!' I $a*e +lenty o& &i e #ysel&' :$at I nee! is t$e !an!elion in t$e s+ ing' T$e ( ig$t yello" t$at #eans e(i t$ instea! o& !est uction' T$e + o#ise t$at li&e can go on% no #atte $o" (a! ou losses' T$at it can (e goo! again' An! only Peeta can gi*e #e t$at'

So a&te % "$en $e "$is+e s% 8Cou lo*e #e' Real o not eal,8 I tell $i#% 8Real'8

5E. | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

T$ey +lay in t$e Mea!o"' T$e !ancing gi l "it$ t$e !a k $ai an! (lue eyes' T$e (oy "it$ (lon! cu ls an! g ay eyes% st uggling to kee+ u+ "it$ $e on $is c$u((y to!!le legs' It took &i*e% ten% &i&teen yea s &o #e to ag ee' 1ut Peeta "ante! t$e# so (a!ly' :$en I &i st &elt $e sti ing insi!e o& #e% I "as consu#e! "it$ a te o t$at &elt as ol! as li&e itsel&' )nly t$e joy o& $ol!ing $e in #y a #s coul! ta#e it' Ca ying $i# "as a little easie % (ut not #uc$'

T$e 4uestions a e just (eginning' T$e a enas $a*e (een co#+letely !est oye!% t$e #e#o ials (uilt% t$e e a e no #o e Hunge 7a#es' 1ut t$ey teac$ a(out t$e# at sc$ool% an! t$e gi l kno"s "e +laye! a ole in t$e#' T$e (oy "ill kno" in a &e" yea s' Ho" can I tell t$e# a(out t$at "o l! "it$out & ig$tening t$e# to !eat$, My c$il! en% "$o take t$e "o !s o& t$e song &o g ante!H

-ee+ in t$e #ea!o"% un!e t$e "illo" A (e! o& g ass% a so&t g een +illo" 9ay !o"n you $ea!% an! close you slee+y eyes An! "$en again t$ey o+en% t$e sun "ill ise' He e it/s sa&e% $e e it/s "a # He e t$e !aisies gua ! you & o# e*e y $a # He e you ! ea#s a e s"eet an! to#o o" ( ings t$e# t ue He e is t$e +lace "$e e I lo*e you' My c$il! en% "$o !on/t kno" t$ey +lay on a g a*eya !'
5E2 | P a g e Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

Peeta says it "ill (e okay' :e $a*e eac$ ot$e ' An! t$e (ook' :e can #ake t$e# un!e stan! in a "ay t$at "ill #ake t$e# ( a*e ' 1ut one !ay I/ll $a*e to e3+lain a(out #y nig$t#a es' :$y t$ey ca#e' :$y t$ey "on/t e*e eally go a"ay' I/ll tell t$e# $o" I su *i*e it' I/ll tell t$e# t$at on (a! #o nings% it &eels i#+ossi(le to take +leasu e in anyt$ing (ecause I/# a& ai! it coul! (e taken a"ay' T$at/s "$en I #ake a list in #y $ea! o& e*e y act o& goo!ness I/*e seen so#eone !o' It/s like a ga#e' Re+etiti*e' E*en a little te!ious a&te #o e t$an t"enty yea s'

1ut t$e e a e #uc$ "o se ga#es to +lay'

5E5 | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins

THE E<-

5E= | P a g e

Mockingjay Suzanne Collins