Justice, the 4th hunger games book, the story after mockingjay

Chapter Six

Chapter six

Katniss POV

We had been woken by Plutarch early the next morning his excuse being that he needed to be there before the others arrived which meant that we would need to come with him.

The room where this meeting was large, undecorated and just boring, nothing to distract you from the conversations that would be taking place in a matter of minutes. The main feature of the room was the large oak table which would be able to occupy fourteen people seated this I knew from the fourteen chairs spaced out around it. Plutarch was sat at the top of the table with Peeta directly to his left on the top chair on that side. I was sat next to him with my head resting on the table, I really didn’t want to be here and Peeta knew it, he was rubbing his hand up in soothing circles on my back. I must have fallen asleep as next thing I know Plutarch is calling for everyone to quieten down so President Paylor can begin the meeting.

I unwillingly open my eyes and catch a glimpse of who is sat on my other side, my heart sinks slightly, Gale. I sigh and pick my head up off the table to survey the now full room, every seat was now occupied; most of these faces I knew though there were a few I couldn’t place. Sat to Paylors right and opposite Peeta was Enobaia, no one had heard from here since the rebellion and by the look on her face she didn’t want to be here in the slightest, I don’t think anyone around this table can even be bothered to tolerate her. Next to her sat a very worried looking Annie Odiar she looked much the same as when I last saw her though her hair was now littered with gray and she had many more wrinkles especially round her eyes, most probably from lack of sleep. Beetee was next to her with a strangely sober Haymitch, he must know what’s happening already and preparing to help. Next to him was a very tanned strange looking man who’s features didn’t seem so match, he had short brown hair and electric green eyes and looked like he hadn’t slept in a couple of days. Sat opposite him at the end of our side of the table were another two men I didn’t recognise, beside them on the other side of Gale was Johanna Mason, she was the only one of us who hasn’t changed, she still had her short spiky hair, she was one of the only victors I had stayed in contact with from the other districts but I still hadn’t seen her since the children were born. I caught her eye and she smiled, I smiled in return but I have a feeling it came out as more of a grimace.

“I have brought you all here to inform you of a very special event which will be happening in a couple of months.” Paylor begins. “But first I would like to explain why you twelve have been selected. Well, Peeta, Katniss, Johanna, Haymitch, Annie, Beetee and Enobaia you are the seven surviving victors of the hunger games.” As she said our names she nodded to acknowledge us. “Gale, you were a key factor of us taking down the Capitol, as were you Rhys, Laurence and Luke.” These were the three I didn’t know, at least I could now put a name to their faces for future reference. “I am unsure if you all are aware of the crime levels throughout Panem since the rebellion.” She paused and looked around some were shaking their heads, others nodding and a few, like Peeta and I sat there choosing not to acknowledge her. “Well, for those of you who don’t know, the levels of crime have steadily increased over these past ten years and are now getting out of control, with no visible peacekeepers on the streets to punish and discourage the numbers have skyrocketed and it is time the Capitol does something about it. I had a meeting with Katniss here a couple of years ago about this matter and-“

“I would rather you didn’t disclose that Paylor.” I cut in. “You know as well as I do that you provoked me to give you that response.” I noticed Plutarch give me a look for me to stop but to be honest, I know what she’s got planned for me and Peeta, there’s no point in being polite. Sensing my feelings Peeta takes hold of my hand and gives it a reassuring squeeze telling me he’s with me.