The Harvest
The reaping day is warm and muggy. The population of District 12 waits, sweating and silent, in the square, with peacekeepers standing by their side, holding weapons in hand.
Jacob was in a pen to the right of Katniss, next to Haymitch. The reaping only takes a minute. Effie, shining in a metallic gold wig, lacks her usual enthusiasm. She has to search through the girls' reaping ball for a while to grab the one slip of paper that everyone already knows has Katniss' name written on it.
"Katniss Everdeen!"
Then Jacob's name is announced, and he looks at everyone with a warm smile, spreading his determination and confidence in these games.
They are immediately taken to the Justice Building to find Chief Peacekeeper Thread waiting for them.
"New procedure!" He says with a smile. They are led through a backdoor to a car and taken to the train station. There are no cameras on the platform, no crowd to send us off. Haymitch and Effie appear, escorted by guards. Peacekeepers hurry them to get on the train and close the door. The wheels start turning. And Jacob watches through the window as District 12 disappears, his gaze still firm for what is to come.
Jacob remains silent like everyone else on the train, and after seeing Katniss devastated, he says to her in a more energetic tone, "Write letters, Katniss. It will be better, anyway. Haymitch will deliver them for us if... they need to be delivered."
Jacob returns to his room, feeling exhausted but with a clear mind. He knew he had to make important decisions and act with determination. Without wasting time, he headed to the bathroom and turned on the shower, letting the cold water fall on his body.
As the water ran over his skin, his mind immersed itself in a sea of strategic thoughts. He envisioned every move, every possible scenario. He knew time was crucial, and every decision he made would have significant consequences.
Once he felt refreshed and energized, he stepped out of the shower and quickly got dressed. Heading to his desk, he activated his intelligent assistant and instructed it to send an urgent message to District 13.
"District 13, the time has come to act with or without you. Once the games begin, we will play the songs of a strategic uprising. We need your support, your weaponry, and your willingness to unite in this battle for freedom. I'm counting on you, and I know that together we can change the course of history. I await your prompt response."
Upon sending the message, Jacob felt a mix of anxiety and excitement. He knew that District 13, hidden and in resistance, had the resources and strength needed to make a difference in this fight. His hope was that they would hear his call and join the rebellion, strengthening the cause and increasing the chances of success.
With his message sent and the strategy in motion, Jacob prepared to face the challenges that lay ahead. He knew the path would be arduous and filled with dangers, but he was willing to confront them with courage and determination.
War was approaching, and every move was crucial. Jacob was determined to lead the districts toward freedom, knowing that the fate of all depended on his bravery and leadership.
Jacob sat at the dinner table, surrounded by Effie and Haymitch, who truly understood what was to come. He tried to maintain a light atmosphere and distract everyone, at least for a moment, from the burden of the impending war.
"Effie, I must say your hair looks absolutely splendid tonight." Jacob commented, trying to divert attention to something more trivial. "You always know how to maintain your style in any circumstance."
Effie smiled, grateful for the compliment. "Oh, Jacob, always so kind. No matter what is happening, it's always important to keep up a flawless appearance, don't you think?"
The conversation continued with jokes and light-hearted remarks, even making fun of Haymitch and his sudden change of habits in drinking less frequently. Everyone tried to find some relief in humor, even if only momentarily.
However, as the dinner progressed, an uncomfortable silence began to envelop the table. The faces of those present reflected the tension felt in the air. Jacob could sense the worry and fear in the eyes of his fellow rebels.
The weight of the situation was evident. Everyone knew they were on the brink of a confrontation that could forever change their lives and the lives of those they loved. There was no room for frivolity at that moment, neither in conversation nor in their thoughts.
The silence persisted, and although Jacob wished he could offer words of encouragement and hope, he knew that reality was grimmer. War was about to break out, and no one could deny the gravity of the situation.
At that moment, Jacob understood that there were times when silence was more powerful than any words. It was a silent reminder of the struggle ahead and the importance of their mission. Each of them knew what was at stake and what they were willing to risk for freedom.
With his gaze fixed on the empty plate in front of him, Jacob mentally prepared himself for what lay ahead. He knew he could no longer afford distractions or evasions. It was time to face reality and fight for what they believed in.
The silence persisted at the table, but in the eyes of every rebel, determination was reflected. The situation was critical, but they were willing to face it together, with bravery and sacrifice.
No one wanted to speak because words couldn't change the reality looming over them. The only thing that mattered was the course of action they would take next, and they all knew their destiny was at stake.
War was approaching, and it was time to show the Capitol and the world that the districts were united and ready to fight for their freedom, regardless of the consequences.