Chapter 20- (CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS)
“That isn’t possible and is useless even if it were. The best place to hide troops is under that bunker. It’s been abandoned and nobody even knows it’s there anymore. It’s safe and full of tunnels easy for escape in an emergency,” I pointed out on the map of District 7. “She has a point. People have forgotten all about it, the Capital especially. It probably is the safest place in the entire district” Elroy agreed. Plutarch and Haymitch nodded. “You know the area better than we do. We’ll go with that,” Plutarch agreed.
“Sky,” Finnick called from the door. I turned and greeted him with a smile. He gave me a small, forced smile. Then he gestured me over before turning and disappearing down the hall. I exchanged a look with Elroy who gave me a shrug before turning to the map.
Following Finnick I headed out and down the hall. He was walking slowly so it wasn’t hard to catch up. I walked alongside him in silence for a bit. “You know they say that the possibilities are endless once you stop and think about them,” he didn’t look at me, just glanced at the stretch of space before us. “But they never say that among those possibilities there are always tragic and painful ones waiting as well.” He sighed and chuckled to himself.
I wasn’t sure how to respond but it didn’t matter. I knew he didn’t want a response, just to vent. “You’re probably the strongest of us all,” he mumbled looking down at his feet. My brows furrowed confused and slightly taken back by his comment. He glanced at me from the corner of his eye. “You’re the only one of us that’s managed to stay sane. I-I’m not sure what I’d do without Annie,” he whispered. I bit my lip and thought carefully.
“When I lost Scott I thought the same thing but I promised him I’d keep living regardless. I guess that’s kept me going. Listen to me, Finnick, I promise you that I will find a way to save Annie and Peeta. I won’t let anybody else suffer like I did,” I said gently placing my hand on his shoulder. He looked at me, his eyes had glossed over with a layer of tears. I smiled at him and he wrapped me in a hug.
“You know, I’m not sure how Elroy does it” he smirked deviously as he pulled away. I raised an eyebrow at him. “Does what?” I asked. He chuckled. “Restrain himself”. I looked at him even more confused.
Then I laughed. “I know he’s a pervert but he’s not that stupid” I smiled at him. He laughed harder, a real laugh.
“You’re so oblivious” he said ruffling my hair like I was a kid. I smacked his hand away and chuckled slightly. “What are you talking about?” I asked. Again he laughed at me. I was getting slightly annoyed. “Don’t you two share an apartment here too?” he asked. I nodded slowly. “There wasn’t much space and we didn’t mind sharing.” He nearly fell over laughing.
My patience was running thin. I crossed my arms over my chest and glared at him. “Final question. How old are you now?” he asked. “19” I replied. He smirked and nodded. “Shouldn’t be much longer then” he bit his bottom lip to keep from laughing again. I was going to ask him what the hell he was talking about but didn’t get the chance.
“Skylar, they need you back in the meeting room,” one of the men said. I nodded my head.
We had gathered everybody and sat in the meeting room. I was told not to get Katniss and Finnick wasn’t invited either. It was suspicious but I agreed and decided I’d tell them whatever we discussed afterwards. I had to admit that I didn’t trust anybody in this place except for Elroy and Finnick, and Katniss I suppose but that was still a growing relationship. No matter how I looked at it all the others seemed as if they were only interested in their own personal benefits from the rebellion.
I took my place beside Elroy and sat quietly as the meeting began. “We have managed to break through their transmission and successfully broadcasted a clip of Katniss and the rebellion throughout the Capitol” Beetee informed everybody. “I sense a but coming on” I said raising an eyebrow. Beetee sighed and nodded. The group all stared at him intently. “They may now have access to us. It was a direct line. If they were able to catch on quickly enough they may be able to directly communicate with us” he said.
“I don’t see how that’s a problem” Elroy’s eyebrows scrunched in confusion. “I agree with him” Plutarch said just as confused. “They may send certain messages regarding some they’ve captured that we have chosen to overlook for the time being” Haymitch explained giving the group a look. I didn’t understand the deeper meaning behind the look but I assumed he meant Peeta and probably Annie.
Elroy seemed to fully understand and became stiff. “I can see how that’s a problem,” Elroy nodded thoughtfully.
“That’s the biggest problem” Plutarch said. “What else is there?” Gale interrupted. “We’ve lost over all about 175 lives only yesterday” Elroy said. My heart dropped. “Aside from that how are war plans and weaponry moving along?” Plutarch asked Gale and Beetee. “We’re still working on developing a sturdy plan with a strong weapon to match but we’ve managed to get plenty of amazing weapons along the way. Skylar, we have a knife for you and we have a sword for you, Elroy” Gale smiled. “Can’t wait to check them out then” I smiled.
The meeting was boring after that; just numbers, plans and statistics. When it was finally over Beetee approached me. “I have your knife if you’d like it” he offered. I nodded happily and he gestured for me to follow him.
Elroy’s POV-
I watched as Skylar walked out, the large metal doors closing behind her. I turned back with a sigh, everyone’s eyes on me. “I’m not sure we should have her around for our meetings anymore. I fear she may not really be on our side” Haymitch said. I ran my hand through my hair. “Skylar is loyal. I know what you’re thinking but it’ll be fine” I assured them.
“Why not? We already keep things from her. If she knew how many people were dying and she’d turn against us just as Katniss would. That’s why we need to keep them detached. We must be careful from now” Plutarch sighed.
I took a deep breath. If Skylar knew everything she would be devastated. I couldn’t tell her. I nodded slowly, regretfully even.
Skylar’s POV-
“Need a hand?” I asked placing my hand on Prim’s shoulder. She turned and smiled up at me. I helped her bandage up a couple of soldiers and conversed with her a little. She was so sweet and kind. I couldn’t help but feel protective of her. “Sky!” I turned to face Kalla as she ran up to us. I smiled as she threw her arms around me.
It had been 3 years since my games but I had kept my promise to Kalla. I cared for her and protected her not only because I owed it to Kurt but because she had grown on me. I told Elroy I refused to come to District 13 without her and we took her along. In the meantime she’d grown close to Prim and had finally come to trust me as well. She had grown to resemble Kurt a lot more than I’d have ever expected.
“Are you feeling better?” I asked putting my hand on her forehead. She smiled up at me and nodded. “Yep. No more fever,” even her smile was so much like Kurt’s. I grinned and moved her bangs from her face. “Good. I’m glad” I gave her a grin. “Prim, your mom was looking for you” Kalla said. “I guess we’ll see you later” Prim smiled. I nodded. I waved to the two girls as they walked off.
I heard a low whistle. Elroy stood behind me. An eyebrow raised and a smirk on his face. His hands were in his pockets. “Do you know what tomorrow is?” he asked. I thought then smiled. “Thursday?” I asked. He rolled his eyes. “It’s a bit more special than that.” I shook my head.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about” I teased him walking out of the crowded room and down the long hallway towards our apartment.
He quickly caught up behind me. “You’re kidding right?” he asked slightly concerned. I shrugged and gave him a bored expression. “Is it something special? A holiday?” I asked. He brightened up slightly. “You’re getting closer” he said. I unlocked the door to our apartment and threw it open, walking in. “Christmas?” I asked walking towards the dresser. “That was 4 months ago.”
I glanced over my shoulder to see that he was clearly annoyed. His arms were crossed over his chest and he wasn’t happy. “How should I know?” I asked pulling out my leather jacket. He sighed deeply and collapsed onto the couch. “SKY!” he whined throwing his arm over his face. He groaned and I tried not to laugh as I pulled my sweater off.
Elroy’s POV-
I lowered my arm and peeked out at her slightly. She stood in her tank top, pulling her jacket on. She tucked her hand under her hair and pulled it out over her jacket.
Watching her all I could think about was how beautiful she was. The way she smiled. Her dark hair that fell over her shoulders. Her bright, mesmerizing eyes. Every curve and crevice of her body from her small waist to her tall figure. Her smarts and quick wit. That sharp tongue and sarcasm. Her kind and loving nature.
Everything was beautiful and perfect. I knew that I loved her but I wasn’t sure she’d ever love me. We’ve gotten so much closer maybe I have a chance but I still don’t believe that I deserve somebody so amazing. She turned and stared at me with her arms folded over her chest. “Elroy” she called. “Hmm?” I mumbled. She walked over to me and kneeled on the side of the couch. She stuck her head in front of me and lowered my arms. God, she was beautiful. “Stop being a baby. Come on” she said grabbing my hand and tugging on it slightly. I got to my feet and stared at her.
She looked up at me with a small smile before diverting her eyes to the ground. She suddenly wrapped her arms around my waist and hugged me tightly, resting her head on my chest. She used to do this in the first few weeks after the games. It was her way of telling me she needed comfort. I didn’t mind the random hugs but they always made me worry and even now I feared something was wrong.
I slowly raised my arms, hugging her too and squeezing her tightly to me. I closed my eyes and buried my face in her soft hair. She pulled away slowly and smiled at me. “That’s all you get for your birthday.” The smirk on her face was very teasing. “Wait what?” I asked. She giggled and turned away. I grabbed her forearm and dragged her back. “If that’s my only gift then it needs to last a bit longer” I smiled and pulled her to me again. I gave her a huge bear hug. “Elroy, you’re killing me” she mumbled into my chest. “Shhh” I told her with a slight laugh as she groaned.
I relented and released her. She gave me a dirty look and punched my arm. “Hey! No hitting the birthday boy” he said. “It’s not your birthday. You don’t turn 23 until tomorrow. That means I can hit you all I want today” she smiled and headed to the door. My eyes caught on that bird carving around her neck and I sighed.
There was no way I’d ever have her. She still loves only Scott.
Skylar’s POV-
“How are you feeling?” I asked Katniss. “Horrible” she mumbled. “Yeah Id expect that after getting shot” I chuckled a little. She cracked a small smile. We sat in silence. “Have you seen Prim lately?” she asked. I nodded. “She’s been spending a lot of time with Kalla” I told her. “How is she?”
With a smile I told her “She’s well. Very dedicated to helping people.” Katniss laughed. “That’s Prim for you.” I nodded. More silence. “Im sorry I wasn’t there to protect you from that gunshot” I mumbled to her. She shrugged. “Its not your fault.”
I ran my hand through my hair with a sigh. “I just want you to promise me something” Katniss said before I could speak. I dropped my hand to my side then nodded slowly. “You’ll be on my side” she said almost nervously. I couldn’t blame her for asking that. Everything was so mixed up around here. There were so many secrets and I knew they were hiding something from us. I gave her a grin and raised my hand up. I showed her my pinky. She hesitated, looking at me slightly confused or surprised, I didn’t know what. She raised her hand up and hooked her pinky with mine finally.
I grinned. “I promise.”
As I walked down the hall I thought I might as well stop by the meeting room. I was done with the secrets. I knew they were definitely hiding something from Katniss and me. I just needed to find out what. I fingered the dagger at my hip. I pulled it out and turned it over in my hand as I walked. I had to admit that Beetee had outdone himself. The silver and black handle was elegant and slim, easy to hold and very beautiful. The blade itself was also thin and very sharp. There were beautiful inscriptions on both sides of the blade. One side of the blade said, “Fight today” and the other said “For a better tomorrow” in cursive.
Yet the most amazing feature of the blade was that I didn’t need another. Beetee had also given me a silver ring, which I now had on the middle finger of my right hand. As long as I had the ring on I could call the dagger back to me after it had been thrown. It was an amazing feature to say the least.
In my daze I had failed to realize I was already outside the meeting room. The large metal doors were closed as always. I tapped into the keypad besides the door and stood up straight as they started to open. Much of the room turned to look at me as I stepped in. Some people even looked slightly annoyed but most had their attention glued on a large screen in the center of the room. Elroy glanced over his shoulder at me and I made my way over to him, standing at his side.
On the screen was a message from the Capitol that seemed to be coming to a close. Looks like Id missed quite a bit. I glanced around the room at all the thoughtful faces only to have my attention snapped back by the mention of my name. I looked out at the screen and there he was, President Snow. “I assume you are well. Slightly more bitter and not as pacifistic though as I’ve witnessed” he chuckled. The whole room turned, eyes glued to me. I maintained my composure.
“Who could blame you? You have lost everything after all. Yet I wonder how you are doing? Are you well? Have you gotten over it?” he questioned with an amused smirk on his face. “You’re strong, my dear. And smart. In fact you may be the real brains behind this operation. Although if you were I’d be at my demise by now” he chuckled. My fists clenched and my jaw locked.
“Am I annoying you? I bet you’re thinking ‘what does he know? He knows nothing about me’. Am I right?” again he chuckled.
I was done with this. I scoffed and turned on my heels to leave. “But I do know one thing for sure, my dear.” The door seemed ages away for some reason but I pushed forward.
“I know that you do not believe in happy endings anymore. You know that a rebellion is pointless because in the end there still will be no peace. You know what the risk of this is. When the Capitol wins the games will only get worse as your punishment.” I ignored him although I hated to admit he was somewhat right. More laughter. I didn’t stop. Why did the door seem so far away?
“Being the kind President I am I‘ll restore your hope in happy endings.” I felt as if Id made no progress. The door still felt too far away. I knew all eyes were on me. “Do you think of Scott often?” Snow asked and I stopped dead in my tracks but didn’t turn back, my eyes stuck on the metal frame of the doors. “He thinks of you all the time as well” Snow’s voice was mocking. My heart started to thump more loudly. “How do I know that?” he asked. The whole room was silent but somehow awkward and fearful. I could sense as much.
“How would you like that happy ending? I could give it to you in just 3 words,” my heart grew louder by the second. Snow chuckled. “Scott is alive.” And my heart stopped before racing in my chest until it was the only sound I heard in my ears. “Being the way you are, you probably don’t even believe me” he still laughed. “I’ll make you a deal right now, Skylar. I know you are close to the Mockingjay. There is no doubt in my mind. I give you my word now and here that Scott will be yours once more. If you do not believe me than look for yourself” he said.
I heard the clattering of chains almost as if they were scrapping across the ground followed by struggling and a groan of pain. My eyes widened and I knew I was afraid to turn. Fighting every instinct I had to run I closed my eyes and slowly turned back to the screen. With a deep breath I opened them slowly.
On the screen was a man, tall and very built. Several strands of his short hair fell over his forehead. Blood dripped from his temple and he struggled against the chains that bound him. He had a bit of stubble along his jawline. He looked exhausted and weak, the color drained from his face and he struggled. One of the guards grabbed him by his hair and forced him to look straight at the camera. One look at his eyes and my heart sank into my stomach. Tears filled my eyes and my knees grew weak.
“He’s yours, Skylar. All you have to do is kill the Mockingjay,” Snow said calmly. “No, Sky! Don’t listen to him!” His voice was huskier and more horse. It was enough to bring more tears to my eyes. The dull thump of my heart rang in my ears as a guard punched him in the stomach. My heart jerked from my chest. “You have my word. The choice is yours, Mother Nature,” Snow smiled.
“Listen to me, Skylar! Don’t! No matter what don’t do it. Forget about me. Forget my name, my face. Leave me behind entirely, as if I never existed!” Scott yelled at me earning another punch. It felt as if someone was stabbing me in the heart. “I’ll give you time to think about it. In the meantime Scott has to go back to work. Elroy will give you the details. Choose wisely” Snow chuckled and the screen went black. Silence. Gale got to his feet, ready to approach me but Haymitch caught his arm.
I was still frozen unable to think properly. “Sky” Elroy reached out for me taking my hand in his. I jerked away from him. “You knew?” I asked looking him in the eye. He looked at me sadly. “Skylar” he whispered reaching for me again. I took a step back, away from him. “You knew?” I asked. He sighed but finally nodded his head slowly. “You all knew” I stated more than asked, glancing around the room. Everyone looked away.
“It was Scott’s plan from the beginning. He was determined to have you return unharmed. After their games many winners become sex slaves for the Capitol because of their fame. In order to prevent that Scott made a deal with Snow. He would just nearly kill himself so that they could revive him and he would take your place so that you didn’t have to suffer that” Elroy explained. His eyes begged me to let him reach out to me.
I turned and made my way to the door. I paused in front of it and without turning around I said “I hate you, Elroy.” Tears fell down my cheeks. Scott was alive.
