Return of the Mockingjay

Chapter 1

I look into his pleading eyes, Peeta knows I'll always be there for him no matter what, that he can always depend on me. We also know that when the war's over we can return to a normal life here in 12 as a succession plan for the presidency is already in place. When the time comes Ellie will replace Peeta when we achieve victory, that's why she's always at his side. But if I can speed that process up by returning as the Mockingjay then we'll be one step closer to our dream.

"I'll do it" I say quietly.

Peeta picks up Rue and stands facing me holding his arm out for me to go to him. I walk over and let him put his arm around me and we both huddle around Rue.

"Thanks Mockingjay" he says smiling.

"How can I turn down the president" I reply smiling back at him.

"Ahem" says Plutarch pretending to clear his throat. We pull apart and face him.

"Peeta, I can't see any reason why you can't spend a few days here with your family. You've been in 13 for over a month now and I think you could use a break, spend some time with Katniss and Rue"

"But what about the propo shoot?" says Peeta

"Ah yes, I completely forgot"

"What's this?" I ask

"Well I brought Ceasar and a film crew with me. Plutarch thought it'd be a good idea to film a new District 12 propo, moving on from the one before our wedding and the pregnancy shoot. The country knows about Rue but their desperate for pictures of us and the baby" Peeta explains.

"Okay, but on one condition" I say.

Peeta gives me a casual sideways glance no doubt half expecting some ultimatum that I'm going to fire at Plutarch.
"I want Megan to go back to 13, she's been here since Rue was born and I think it's only fair that she gets to spend some time with Gale"
Plutarch smiles in relief.

"Sure I can't see why not as long as that's okay with Megan" he says glancing at her.

"Only if Katniss can do without me, I don't want her to struggle on her own"

"I'll be fine Megan. Besides, I've got Peeta to help me" I say chuckling as Peeta rolls his eyes at me.
Everyone finishes their tea and makes their way back outside to the drop ship. Outside waiting in the autumn sunshine is Cressida, Pollux, Caesar and his eldest daughter Stephanie. Caesar has his hair coloured a bright green this year with a matching pale green suit. Steph on the other hand couldn't be any more different, dressed in a black dress that reaches just above the knee. She's of a similar age and height to me with blue eyes and light brown hair that reaches the middle of her back. Pretty, slim and athletic she could have the pick of any guy in 13, but when we've spoken before I get the impression that she's waiting for someone. Caesar steps forward toward Peeta who still has Rue in his arms.
"Peeta, can I hold her?" says Caesar enthusiastically.
"Sure" he says as he hands her over.
Caesar's over excited persona is immediately picked up by Rue and she starts to cry. Caesar try's to calm her but he only makes matters worse.

"Honestly Dad, you're hopeless" says Steph rescuing Rue from his arms. Rue immediately calms down gazing at Steph's face as she pulls silly faces at her and says soothing words.
Plutarch, Ellie and Megan say their goodbyes and board the drop ship. We move away whilst it takes off.

For the rest of the morning Pollux films us doing things around the house, playing with Rue, putting her down to sleep etc. In the afternoon Cressida asks us to take Rue out on a trip to town. Peeta dresses Rue in a Tiny pink romper suit with a matching knitted bobble hat. She looks so cute all wrapped up in her baby carriage. We walk to town with Pollux filming Caesar whilst he asks Peeta questions about his plans for Panem. Steph and I walk together with me pushing the baby carriage.
"So what are your plans Steph, are you gonna carry on helping your Dad with his media stuff?"

"I don't know really, I don't think so? Oh, I don't know what to do really. I'm just confused and a little bored I guess"

"Why don't you talk to Plutarch, maybe he could use you for something" I say trying to be encouraging.

"No, I need something that's makes me feel like I'm making a difference"
"Sounds to me like you want to join up" I say smiling
"Mmm, that could be an option, I'd only do it if I could fight alongside you though"

"Oh I don't know what I'll be doing yet, Peeta and Plutarch have asked me to return as the Mockingjay but I'll need to get in shape for that. But I think they're thinking I'll only be used as a symbol to rally the new recruits. But if I did end up in a squad, sure, you could fight with me"
She nods and we walk on in silence. This conversation has got me thinking, maybe that's what's really needed. for me to set up a squad, hand picked by me and used for both battle and propaganda. Maybe I'll talk to Peeta about it and see what he thinks.