Everyone Waits
Jacob immersed himself under the cold water of the shower, allowing the icy liquid to calm his racing mind. He mentally calculated everything he had observed and heard during his speech in District Eleven. The mixed reactions from the crowd, the looks of discontent, and the spark of rebellion in the eyes of those who believed in his cause. He knew that his intelligent assistant's intervention had been a success.
As the cold water hit his body, Jacob made a clear and decisive decision. He ordered his intelligent assistant to work tirelessly, reaching out to the small communities, families, and farms of District Eleven. They needed to inform them about the rebellion's unity and make it clear that it was only a matter of time and patience.
Jacob understood the importance of reaching every corner, every person who was ready to join the fight against the Capitol. His tireless and efficient intelligent assistant would be the means to deliver the message of hope and resistance to those who were waiting for the right moment to act.
While the water continued to flow over his body, Jacob envisioned in his mind the small communities, the united families, and the courageous and fearless farms. He imagined how the news would spread, how the flame of rebellion would ignite in every heart willing to fight for their freedom.
With firm steps and conviction in his actions, Jacob stepped out of the shower and prepared to face the upcoming challenges. He knew that the road would not be easy, that the fight would be tough, and that the Capitol would not surrender easily. But he was willing to lead the revolution, to unite the districts, and to fight for a better future.
With his intelligent assistant by his side, Jacob moved towards the next step of his plan, confident that the word would spread and that the rebellion would take shape in every corner of Panem. It was a matter of time and patience, but he was sure that the day of freedom was near.
...
Portia approached Jacob with a suit in dark and gloomy tones, aware of the importance of highlighting the pale tone of his skin. The chosen outfit was an impeccable combination of muted colors, evoking shadows and melancholy.
The stylist carefully selected each garment and accessory to achieve the desired effect. The suit consisted of a fitted black jacket with dark gray details, combined with a silvery-gray silk shirt and elegant black trousers.
Portia added subtle touches of contrast through strategically placed accessories. A silver-toned silk handkerchief discreetly peeked out from the jacket pocket, while a black tie with subtle shadow patterns adorned his neck.
The stylist made sure that every detail of the suit accentuated Jacob's pale skin, creating a striking visual effect. The ensemble conveyed a sense of seriousness and solemnity, reflecting the importance of the situation they were in.
Once the attire was finished, Portia observed her work with satisfaction and approached Jacob to adjust the final details. With skillful and precise hands, she ensured that the suit fit him perfectly, enhancing his demeanor and confidence.
Jacob, now dressed in the dark suit, reflected an imposing and enigmatic presence. The contrast between his pale skin and the somber tones of the outfit created a visual impact that did not go unnoticed.
Portia, pleased with her work, smiled proudly at seeing Jacob dressed in that manner. She knew that the choice of the suit not only highlighted his appearance but also conveyed a message of determination and seriousness in his fight against the Capitol.
With the suit on and his carefully crafted appearance, Jacob joined the others. The preparation team, in the meantime, seemed oblivious to the events of the day. Everyone was excited about the dinner.
In the districts, they were important enough to attend, while in the Capitol, they rarely received invitations to prestigious parties. While they tried to predict what dishes would be served, Jacob couldn't help but think of a strategy to ignite a rebellion in this place.
As we all gathered to go down for dinner, Jacob realized that Effie knew nothing. It was clear that Haymitch hadn't told her what happened in the square. Neither had Portia; they all seemed indifferent to this, and it was evident that there were excluded ones in the bad news.
However, it didn't take long to hear about the problem. Effie glanced at the evening schedule, then tossed it aside. "And then, thankfully, we can board that train and get out of here."
"Is something wrong, Effie?" Cinna asked.
"I don't like how we've been treated. Loaded into vans and kept away from the platform. And then, about an hour ago, I decided to take a look around the Justice Building. I'm sort of an expert in architectural design, you know." Said Effie Trinket.
"Oh, yes, I've heard." Portia says before the pause becomes too long.
"[Microphones detected, proceed with caution, Master!]"
Effie looks so disgusted that Katniss spontaneously embraces her.
"That's horrible, Effie. Maybe we shouldn't go to dinner after all. At least not until they apologize." Both Katniss and Jacob know she'll never agree to that, but it considerably uplifts her to hear such a suggestion, validating her complaint.
"No, I'll endure it. Dealing with ups and downs is part of my job. And we can't let you two miss dinner. But thank you for the offer, Katniss."
Effie orders us into formation for her entrance. First the prep teams, then her, the stylists, Haymitch. Jacob and Katniss, of course, bring up the rear.
Somewhere below them, musicians start playing. As the first wave of our small procession begins to descend the stairs, Jacob and Katniss hold hands.
"I know I owe you an apology for somewhat blaming you for what happened earlier. Acting on impulse is something I've done myself." Jacob said in a much calmer and composed tone, as if everything that had happened before was in the past.
"I think I broke a few things myself after that interview."
"Did your hands get cut?"
"The training paid off, I guess."
Katniss approached Jacob and asked, "Was it worth it?"
"It made me feel better." Jacob responded.
He stood at the top of the stairs, giving Haymitch a fifteen-step advantage as Effie instructed.
"I really don't care what decision you make in your life. I worked to solve my own problems." Jacob wanted to convey to Katniss that he didn't care about her relationship with Katniss, he wasn't so low as to dwell on it.
"I know." Katniss replied, knowing that Jacob asserted himself even in the most inconvenient moments.
They descended the stairs and were absorbed into what became an indistinguishable round of dinners, ceremonies, and train rides. Every day was the same, at least for Katniss. Wake up. Get dressed. Drive through cheering crowds. Listen to the speech in their honor. Give a thank-you speech in response, but only the one given by the Capitol, now with no personal additions.
But for Jacob, it was different. He sent his intelligent assistant to the detected rebel groups, communicated with them, and shared the way to create a sophisticated system of communication between districts. There were better results in some places than others, but at the end of the day, it was only a matter of joining for an indefinite period of time.
Sometimes a brief tour: a glimpse of the sea in one district, tall forests in another, ugly factories, wheat fields, smelly refineries. Dressing up in evening attire. Attending the dinner. Train.
Jacob took advantage of all those moments to send subtle hidden messages, intervening in the speeches that were broadcasted in the homes of different residents who stayed behind. Private speeches filled with words of encouragement for people who remained scared. Others eager to stay active, joining rebel groups more easily.
But if there was something that united them all, it was something very special: waiting and remaining silent. Not breaking rules, not attacking peacekeepers, and all staying silent.
During the ceremonies, we are solemn and respectful but always united, holding hands, linking arms. At dinners, he and Katniss teeter on the brink of delirium due to their mutual love. They share subtle kisses, dance, get caught trying to sneak away to be alone. On the train, they silently feel miserable as they try to assess the effect they were having.
All of this was necessary to stay alive, at least in the early stages of the rebellion.