Why Can't There Be Another Way

Chapter 13

Athena

Unfortunately, it's hard to avoid the population of District 12. They stand out so obviously among the people of District 13. And unfortunately, her 'cousin' has the same training time as me. At first, he didn't recognize me, but that didn't last long. Good thing we were doing drills when he noticed, otherwise I might be in the hospital.

As soon as Gale Hawthorne realized who I was, he shouted something along the lines of, "What is she doing here," and tackled me to the ground. Luckily for me, I was bracing for that retaliation, so when he came barreling towards me, I forced him to the ground, pinning his shoulders with my knees as I watched him struggle beneath me. Wasn't Katniss in a similar position to this with Clove?

"Going to kill me, Career?" he spits. I wonder when he'll realize I'm supposed to be dead.

Two soldiers are hoisting me up as another two grab Hawthorne. He struggles some more, trying to kill me most likely. Eventually, he gives up, but hatred shines on his face. Honestly, it's like I killed someone dear to him. Well, maybe I did. I was the one to kill both of District 12's tributes two years ago.

"How are you alive?" he says with venom in his voice. Finally, a sensible question. "Aren't you supposed to be rotting in the grounds of District 2?"

Sneering at him is not the best course of action, but I couldn't care less. It enrages him further. I'm reminded of a child throwing a tantrum. Anyways, antagonizing Hawthorne is probably not wise, since he's friends with the Mockingjay, but I will not have him disrespect me like that. Besides, if it comes down to it, I can beat him easily.

"Careful," I taunt. It's second nature at this point. "Is it so wise to fight a dead person?"

"You are not dead!" he spits.

"An acute observation," I continue. I begin to regain the familiar feeling of taunting my opponent. It fills me with a sense of nostalgia. "Indeed, I am very much alive. My brain is functioning and my heart is still beating."

"Not for long."

"Oh please, if you are anything like Katniss Everdeen, I can easily defeat you. After all, the only way I'm alive and in District 13 is because I escaped the arena."

He narrows his eyes at me. The soldiers holding me have long let go while Hawthorne's soldiers are still holding on to him. I suppose I should be thankful I was pushed to making some friends around here.

"You'll just have to accept that," I continue. "You cannot kill me, and don't even try. We both want the same thing. Take down President Snow. This isn't like in the Districts where we all hate each other. We have to work together, or at least cooperate." I make sure to speak in the way adults speak to children. "Besides, if you try to kill me, I'll just activate all the bombs here to turn this place to rubble, killing everyone, including Everdeen's family."

"You wouldn't dare."

I smirk sadistically. Everything I was when I was in the arena comes back to me. "I escaped the arena, did I not?"

"Soldier Cadoret," the trainer says before things can get worse.

"I know. It was only a cheap threat." I reply. Still, I can tell Hawthorne does not believe me, and words will spread to Coin. I guess I have to act on my threat. And it's not such a bad idea. With The Mockingjay, Coin will easily throw me to the wolves if I do anything to rupture her cause.

In the afternoon, when I'm off in the weaponry, I steal some stuff here and there. I eat dinner with Anitta and her friends. I suppose it's a good thing I've started to socialize more. I'll have some people behind my back if things get divided in District 13.