NINE !
↳ 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖒𝖔𝖈𝖐𝖎𝖓𝖌𝖏𝖆𝖞

LATER THAT DAY KATHRYN WALKED through the dim lit corridors of District 13. Her mind was still fully preoccupied with her visit in District 12.

A cold shiver ran down her spine when she thought back to the horrible destruction that was caused there, because of the Capitol, because of Snow.

The woman wrapped her arms around herself, her thoughts still rushing by as she contiued her way through the district.

Her eyes started to tear up, the woman bit onto her lip, trying to calm herself down until she was in her quarter. But her mind just couldn't seem to stop.

The anger and the sadness started rising in her. All President Snow could, was to create pain and grieve. Torture the people, cause trauma and destroy families.

When the brunette rounded the corner, she collided with a hard chest. The woman stumbled back, confused for a second. She looked up into the face of the man, realizing that it was no other than Finnick.

The man gave her a surprised look, but his face expression changed into one of seriousness when he realized how awful Kathryn looked.

"Woah! Are you alright?", the blond man questioned her worried, placing a hand on the woman's shoulder.

Kathryn forced herself to gaze up into his blue eyes, the tears starting to roll down her face before she shook her head.

"It- was terrible."

Finnick immediately pulled the brunette woman into a tight hug, wanting to protect her from everything bad in this world.

He started to softly stroke her hair, and Kathryn let him while she sobbed into his shirt. "They were all dead. Everyone was dead."

They remained there for a while, just in each other's embrace, but after some time, Finnick lead Kathryn back to her room.

The two then laid in bed, Kathryn in his arms until she fell asleep due to the immens exhaustion.

In that night Kathryn had no dreams, just blank darkness. and she was great full for that. When she awoke, there were no thoughts.

The brunette sat up slowly, realizing that Finnick was already up. There was an empty space right next to her and when she entered the bathroom there was also no one.

The woman assumed that he had already went down into the hall for breakfast. So she quickly got ready and made her way down to the hall.

But when Kathryn looked down the several rows she only spotted Katniss. The brunette made her way down in-between the rows, sitting down besides the Mockingjay, while she gave ther a slight nod.

Katniss quickly handed her a piece of bread and the brunette took it from her hand and thanked the woman before she grabbed herself a glass of water.

A moment later Kathryns family joined the by their table. Her little sibling sitting down besides her, while their mother went to fetch them something to drink.

Kathryn was poking through her food when Finnick suddenly joined them, kissing the top of Kathryn's head before he sat down onto the empty spot on her left. "Morning."

Kathryn turned to face him, her right eyebrow raised, "Where have you been?"

"I was called in for a meeting with Plutarch and Coin", Finnick stated before he grabbed himself a piece of bread. Kathryn gave him a narrowed eyed look before she turned back towards her breakfast.

A silence fell over the group once more and they all stayed silent, until Gale addressed Katniss, "You should try to eat something."

Katniss shook her head in silence before she continued to stare into the distance.

Kathryn watched their exchange in silence before he attention was caught by the monitors that were hanging by the pillars.

The capitol music was playing and their symbol was appearing on the screen.

A moment later, Caesar Flickerman appeared on the screen.

"Hello— good evening. And a big welcome to all in Panem. I'm Caesar Flickerman and whoever you are whatever it is you're doing, if you're working put down your work. If you're having dinner, stop having dinner. Because you are going to want to witness this tonight. There has been rampant speculation about what really happened in the Quarter Quell. And here to shed a little light on the subject for us is a very special guest.— Please welcome— Mr. Peeta Mellark."

Suddenly there was Peeta on the screen. His face was bony and thin and his skin seemed pale against the white suit he was wearing. He looked sick.

"Peeta, a lot of people feel as though they are in the dark."

"Yeah, I know how they feel." Peeta seemed like he was someone else when he spoke.

Kathryn saw how Katniss stood up from her seat and approached the monitor.

Flickerman chuckled before he spoke, "Now, so set the stage for us. Talk us through what really happened on that final and controversial night."

Kathryn eyed Peeta while he spoke, "Well, first off, you have to understand that when you're in the Games you only get one wish. It's very costly."

"It costs your live", Flickerman answered him but Peeta shook his head. "I think it costs more than your life."

The man frowned at Peeta, "How do you mean? What's more than your life?"

"I mean to murder innocent people, that costs everything that you are."

Flickerman nodded slowly, "Ah— yes."

Peeta avoided to look into the camera while he spoke, "So you hold on to that one wish. And that night my wish was to save Katniss."

"Yes."

"You know, I should've just run off with her earlier in the day like she'd wanted." Peeta stated which made Kathryn look over at Katniss. She had suspected that the two had planed something that night.

"But you didn't."

"No."

"Why? Were you caught up in Beetee's plan?", Flickerman questioned him with a raised eyebrow.

Peeta shock his head, "No, I was caught up trying to play allies. And then they separated us and that's when I lost her."

Kathryn couldn't help but feel like she was somehow responsible for Peeta being held by the capitol right now. She was one of the people who had separated them from each other.

"And then the lightning hit and uh, the whole force field around the arena just blew out." Peeta explained calmly.

"Yes— but, Peeta, Katniss is the one who blew it out", Flickerman told the blond man on his opposite.

"No—", Peeta shook his head.

"You saw the footage." Flickerman reminded him calmly. But Peeta still shook his head, "No, she didn't know what she was doing. Neither of us knew there was a bigger plan going on. We had no idea."

Flickerman seemed sceptical, "You had no idea?"

"No."

"All right, well, Peeta, there are many who find this suspicious to say the least. It seems as though she was part of a rebel plan." Flickerman suggested while he held up his hand in defense.

"Do you think it was part of her plan to be almost killed by Johanna? Or part of the plan to be paralyzed by lightning? No, we were not part of any rebel plan. We had no idea what was going on", Peeta explained to Flickerman, his voice was rising and he seemed desperate to make clear that he wasn't part of any conspiracy against the capitol.

Flickerman held up his hands to calm the young  man down, "All right, I believe you, Peeta Mellark. Thank you."

Peeta nodded at him in silence.

"I was going to ask you to speak about the unrest but I think you might be too upset."

"No, I can." Peeta answered him calmly before he exhaled deeply and looked right into the camera.

Kathryn met Peeta's eyes while she listened. "I want every who's watching to stop and to think about what a civil war could mean. We almost went extinct once before. And now our numbers are even fewer."

Kathryn could hear how everyone in the room started mumbling to each other.

"Is that really what we wanna do? Kill ourselves off? Killing is not the answer. Everyone needs to lay down their weapons immediately."

The people got up from their seats and were enraged when they started screaming, "He's a traitor! He's not one of us!"

Flickerman gave Peeta a questioning look, "Are you calling for a ceasefire?"

Peeta nodded slowly, still looking at the camera, "Yeah, I am. I want everyone to stop the senseless violence. This is not the path to change."

The people screamed while they looked at Peeta's face and Kathryn watched how Katniss ran out of the room.

Kathryn released a deep breath before she slowly followed Katniss out of the room.

She wandered down the dim lit corridor until she found the dark haired woman, cowering on a chair in a room down the hallway.

"Hey—"

Katniss looked up from the floor, not answering her. Kathryn slowly sat down on Katniss opposite, only then Katniss spoke, "There can't be a ceasefire. Not after everything Snow's done."

Kathryn eyed the woman closely while she spoke, "He could have done a lot of damage tonight— in a lot of districts the people are still too afraid to join. They need the courage."

Katniss seemed confused by Peeta's behavior, "Why do you think he said that?"

Kathryn sighed before she made eye contact with Katniss, "I don't know— maybe he was forced. He didn't look at bad—", she stated and Katniss stared into the distance.

"Maybe he made some kind of deal to protect you", she suggested another option and she saw the worry in Katniss eyes. "He's still playing the game."

Her gaze was seeming like she was absent once more and Kathryn did something she didn't think she would ever do. She slowly placed her hand onto Katniss hand and gave it a small squeeze. "Tell me what's going on inside your head."

Katniss had a look on her face like she still considering of she should tell her. Kathryn gave her a small smile, "I'm good a keeping secrets."

Katniss remained silent but after a moment she spoke. "No one hates the Capitol more than me. And I wanna help but I just keep thinking, even if we win this war, what happens to Peeta? I know he's not safe there, but he's definitely not safe here."

Kathryn let her words sink in before she let go of her hand and leaned back into her seat,"I don't think you know how important you are to them. If you want something, you just have to ask. I think you could demand almost anything and they'd have to agree to it."

"We should talk more often like this", Katniss then suddenly smiled at her and Kathryn chuckled slightly.

A LITTLE LATER in the day Katniss had asked for a meeting with Plutarch and President Coin, which meant that Plutarch dragged Kathryn with him to the meeting.

They were all sitting in the room watching how Katniss was nervously fiddling with a piece of paper I. Her hands, "Thank you for agreeing to meet with me— I've decided I'll be your Mockingjay. But I have some conditions."

Katniss looked down onto the paper in her hands. "Peeta and the other Tributes, Johanna Mason and Annie Cresta, will be rescued at the earliest opportunity. If and when Peeta is liberated, he will receive a full and unconditional pardon. No punishment will be inflicted. And the same goes for the other Tributes."

Katniss then pushed the paper back into the pocket of her jeans.

There was silence in the room and Kathryn glanced over at President Coin,
who watched Katniss closely. "No."

Kathryn could see how Katniss was trying to contian her rage, "It's not their fault you abandoned them in the arena. They're doing and saying whatever they can to survive."

President Coin shook her head and smiled at her sweetly, "Individuals don't make demands in 13. There will be a tribunal and a fair judgement. Thank you."

Katniss stared at Coin down while she leaned down onto the table infront of them, "The Victors will be granted immunity. And you will announce that infront of the entire population of 13. You will hold yourself and your government responsible or you will find another Mockingjay."

"That's it— that's her— right there", Plutarch suddenly stated while he pointed at Katniss. His gaze then moved to Coin, who sat beside him, "Isn't that who I promised you? She wears the costume. The gunfire in the background and a hung of smoke. — Our Mockingjay."

He then turned towards the grey haired woman besides him, "Madam President, we're losing ground, because the people are losing heart. This is worth the risk. She's worth the risk. Pardons, tribunals. Power of the people. It can all be the bedrock of the new Panem, but, in wartime I think even the nobel of causes can be bent a little bit. Right?"

Coin seemed a little annoyed while she raised an eyebrow at the brunette woman, "Do you have any other conditions?"

Katniss glanced down the the paper in her hands, "My sister gets to keep her cat."

Kathryn smirked to herself while she gave Katniss a reassuring nodd.

At last, Coin agreed to all of Katniss conditions and the brunette left the room followed by Kathryn and Plutarch.

When Kathryn made it back to her quarters, she was greeted by Finnick, who sat on her bed when she entered the room.

A small smile appeared on Finnick's lips when he saw her, "What were you up to?"

"Plutarch dragged me to a meeting with Coin and Katniss", Kathryn told him while she sat down besides him.

Kathryn then met Finnick's eyes, "She agreed to be their Mockingjay."

She couldn't really tell what he was thinking when he slowly nodded this head in silence.

"Why does he need you to be ther", Finnick them suddenly questioned her.

Kathryn slowly placed her head on his shoulder while she started at the floor, "They want me to be her friend— someone she trusts. She needs someone who leads her in the right direction."

Finnick sighed deeply while he pulled her hand and intertwined their fingers with each other.

Their moment was ut short by a voice that informed everyone that President Coin was about to make an announcement so they all gathered in the giant hall.

Kathryn noticed that the room was filled with all of District 13. Everyone was gathered there to listen to Coin.

The woman stood on one of the balconies high above them, "Good afternoon — thank you for interrupting your schedules. They have already been adjusted to compensate for the delay. Please, check with your supervisor when you resume work. I have an announcement for the citizens of 13. And our welcome guests form 12. Katniss Everdeen has consented to be the face of our cause to help unite the districts against the Capitol. In exchange, I have promised several concessions."

Kathryn let her eyes wander over the crowd until she found Katniss, who was also staring up at the President. "First, we'll assess all opportunities for the extraction of the Victors held hostage in the Capitol. Peeta Mellark—"

As soon as the woman had mentioned his name, the crowd went wild. Some where screaming that he was a traitor and that he should be treated as such. Other's remained silent.

"Johanna Mason— and Annie Cresta. Once freed, they will all be granted full pardon for any and all crimes committed against the rebel cause."

The crowd went wild once more.

"That's good", Finnick stated from besides Kathryn and slowly interlaced their fingers with each other.

The President looked down on them, a stone cold expression on her face while she ended her speech, "If Katniss Everdeen fails to fulfill her duties the deal will be off. Thank you for your attention. Please, resume your daily schedules."

There was a lot of anger that spread through the crowd and people loudly voiced the opinions on the matter. But Kathryn remained silent while she made her way back to her quarters.

A couple of minutes later Finnick joined her and the two went to bed.

Kathryn burried her face in his chest and his calm breathing felt soothing for her.

Her mind was still with Katniss demands when her eyes fell shut and in the morning, Plutarch knocked on her door, letting her know that they needed her in the meeting that would take place this afternoon.

When Kathryn entered the room, there were a couple of people sitting around the large table.

There was Haymitch, Effie Trincket, Beetee, Boggs, Plutarch, Katniss and Coin.

As soon as Kathryn sat down on her chair, a video appeared on the board.

"People of Panem, we fight! We dare! We end this hunger for justice!", Katniss screamed while she stood up and held a flag with a mockingjay symbol on it.

The video disappeared and there was complete silence until Haymitch cleared his throat. "Uh, Madam President—"

The man slowly got onto his feet, "Indulge me for a moment, if you would. Let's everybody think of one incident where Katniss Everdeen genuinely moved you. Not where you were jealous of her hairstyle or her dress went up in flames or she made a halfway decent shot with an arrow. And not when Peeta made you like her. No, I'd like you all to think of one moment where she made you feel something real."

"Oh—", Effie Trincket immediately held up her hand. "When she volunteered for her sister at the Reaping."

Haymitch nodded at her, "Excellent example." He turned and started to write onto the board. He then turned to face them again, "Good, what else?"

Effie's hand immediately shot up once more, "Uh— when she sang that song for little Rue."

"Oh, yeah, who didn't get choked up at that?" Haymitch agreed with her. "You know, I like you better, Effie, without all that makeup."

Effie smiled at him, "Well, I like you better sober."

"When she chose Rue as an ally, as well", Kathryn suddenly stated, making everyone look at her.

Haymitch nodded in agreement, "Mmm— yes." He then looked at everyone of them, "Now, what do all these have in common?"

"No one told her what to do", Gale drew the conclusion quickly.

"Unscripted, yes. So, maybe we should just leave her alone", Beetee suggested while he exchange a look with the other's.

"And wash her face. She's still a girl, you made her look 35", Boggs stated while he smiled at Katniss, who smiled back at him.

"The opportunities for spontaneity are obviously lacking below ground. So what's you're suggesting is we toss her into combat?", Putarch questioned Haymitch sceptical.

Coin immediately shook her head, "I can't sanction putting an untrained civilian in battle just for effect. This is not the Capitol."

"This is exactly what I'm suggesting — put her in the field", Haymitch stated while he stood infront of the President.

"No, we can't protect her. It has to come from her. That's what people respond to. You want a symbol for the revolution? She cannot be coached into it. Trust me, I know."

"Maybe there's someplace that's less dangerous", Plutarch suggested.

"District eight— they reported heavy bombing last week. There are no military targets left", Beetee explained quickly.

"We can't guarantee her safety", Coin argued with them. "You'll never be able to guarantee my safety ", Katniss shot back at her immediately. "I wanna go."

"And if you're killed?", the president asked her. "Make sure you get it on Camera", Katniss stated, making Plutarch scoff loudly in amusement.

There was a light silence in the room before Coin gave them her go for the operation and instructed Beetee to show them to their weapon arsenal.

Kathryn was chosen to accompany Katniss and her propo team to district eight.

So she also followed Beetee, who lead them down to their storage room.

The man opened the door for them and was the first to enter the room. "I've made you some surprises. Maybe you wanna try one out", Beetee stated while he rolled over to the table where all his knew gadget's were stocked.

"If you're gonna be a part of Katniss propo team, you may as well look the part", he said to Gale and Kathryn.

Gale grabbed the crossbow and shot at the target at the end of the hall, who burst into flames at the impact.

Kathryn slowly approached the table where a variation of knives was spread out.

"And this one is for you", Beetee caught their attention when he motioned for Katniss to take the bow and the arrows from the tabel next to the knives.

Beetee watched how Katniss grabbed the bow and examined it closely. "Plutarch wanted you to have a weapon for the sake of the propo but I couldn't just make you a fashion accessory."

Katniss interrupted him, her eyes now meeting his, a small smile playing on her lips, "It's beautiful—"

"And look here", he pointed at the arrows behind her before he rolled towards them and grabbed one of them. "Regular. Incendiary. Explosive arrows. All color-coded."

He the turned and wheeled away from them. "And tell Finnick that I've got a Trident for him when he's ready might just cheer him up." His eyes met Kathryns and the brunette gave him a small nod.

Katniss then silently positioned herself, held up her bow and arrow, but Beetee quickly stopped her from shooting. "Let's not fire the red ones in here."