137 The prelude to war

In districts 10, 9, and 8, the inhabitants found themselves amidst palpable tension. The peacekeepers, under the orders of the Capitol, had imposed a curfew, forcing everyone to return to their homes until further notice. Indignation and confusion took hold of the people, who voiced their complaints, questioning why they were not allowed to work and carry out their daily activities.

"We haven't done anything wrong!" Protested a man in district 10. "Why are they treating us as if we were criminals? We need to work to support our families; we've never caused any trouble!"

The streets filled with voices of discontent, words laden with frustration and desperation. The inhabitants couldn't understand why they were being deprived of their freedom and their right to earn an honest living.

However, in the Capitol, the situation was completely different. Chaos reigned among the higher ranks. No one could comprehend how the rebels had managed to infiltrate district 11 and successfully destroy more than ten Hovercrafts in just a few hours. The Hovercrafts, considered the Capitol's most lethal weapon to deter the rebels, had been neutralized with astonishing precision and efficiency.

Reports reached the Capitol's headquarters, causing confusion and concern among its leaders. How was it possible that a seemingly resourceless group of rebels had carried out such a devastating attack? Answers were scarce, and uncertainty spread like a shadow over the central power.

The Capitol's high command found themselves at a crossroads. They had to make quick and strategic decisions to counter the rebel advances and prevent the situation from spiraling further out of control. The pressure was overwhelming, and the need to find answers and solutions grew increasingly urgent.

Meanwhile, in districts 10, 9, and 8, the inhabitants remained confined to their homes, amidst uncertainty and the feeling of being victims of a situation beyond their control. They couldn't grasp the magnitude of what was happening or the extent of the struggle unfolding in the farthest corners of the country.

Amidst the tension and confusion, the inhabitants waited, longing for normalcy to return soon and yearning for a future where they could live without fear and with the hope of real change. However, they were unaware of the challenge the rebels and the Capitol were facing, a battle that would alter the course of their lives and the country forever.

But if there was one thing they were eagerly waiting for, it was support—support to completely eliminate their enemies.

...

Katniss woke up in an unfamiliar room, dazed and confused. She didn't recognize her surroundings and wasted no time in calling out for help.

"Hello! Is anyone here?" She asked with a trembling voice.

At that precise moment, the door opened, and a man entered whom she instantly recognized: it was Haymitch, her mentor and friend.

"Haymitch, what the hell is going on?" Exclaimed Katniss, trying to make sense of her situation.

Haymitch approached her calmly and asked her to calm down. He sat down beside her and began to tell her what had happened in her absence.

"Katniss, what I'm about to tell you may be overwhelming, but you need to listen to it calmly," Haymitch said seriously. "Jacob, now known as the rebel leader, has been secretly working to unite the rebels from all districts. He has established clandestine communication and has been preparing people for a mass rebellion, all planned to be effective with the fewest possible casualties."

Katniss was stunned by Haymitch's words. She couldn't believe that Jacob was leading such a large and audacious rebel movement. She had heard whispers about it from others, but she never thought it would come to this.

"Jacob? Leading a rebellion? Why didn't he tell me?" Katniss questioned, feeling betrayed.

Haymitch sighed and explained, "Jacob knew that the Capitol was closely monitoring the rebels. He wanted to keep us safe and prevent it from being discovered too soon. His strategy was to gain strength silently and then unleash the uprising during the Hunger Games, just as it happened. Right now, there is a massive uprising taking place in district 11 that will be essential for the future of the war."

Katniss was astonished by the revelation. While she had always suspected that Jacob had bigger plans in mind, she never imagined he would be leading a rebellion on such a scale.

"Where is Jacob now?" Katniss asked, with the need to reunite with him and join the fight.

Haymitch replied, "I don't know his exact location at the moment, but I know he is coordinating the rebellion from the shadows. It's important that you stay safe and trust that he has a plan."

In this situation, Haymitch didn't want to tell Katniss that Jacob was in District 11; it wouldn't serve much purpose if he did.

Katniss assimilated the information, feeling a mix of excitement, determination, and concern. She knew she had to find Jacob and join the fight, but she also understood the risks and consequences it entailed.

"I understand." Said Katniss with determination. "I will do everything in my power to help. You know I already had ideas of creating an uprising."

Haymitch nodded approvingly. "It's not what you think. This is much bigger and bloodier than you can imagine. But that's why you need to act with intelligence; don't let your emotions control you."

The rebellion was underway, and she would be at the center of the storm, ready to fight for the freedom and justice she longed for in her beloved nation.

But at that moment, Katniss burned with the desire to directly join the fight, but Haymitch stopped her and reminded her that Jacob had a special plan for her. He explained that her role was to serve as the symbol of the rebellion, and there was a strategic reason behind it.

However, Katniss didn't care at that moment. "How the hell can I leave Jacob to his fate right in the war we should all be participating in?"

Feeling great anger and frustration, she began to curse Haymitch, questioning his loyalty and decision.

"You shouldn't lose patience like that, Katniss."

But right at that moment, a voice resonated in the room, and the door opened. President Alma Coin made her entrance, interrupting the heated conversation. Her imposing presence filled the space, and Katniss fell silent instantly.

Alma Coin approached Katniss with a serious yet understanding expression. "You're now in District 13. There are many more things for you to do than you can imagine."

"Who are you?" Katniss asked, genuinely confused.

"She is President Alma Coin, leader of District 13, and the one supporting the uprising," Haymitch intervened, introducing Alma Coin.

"Just call me Alma." She smiled and explained that Jacob was safe and that it was crucial for Katniss to speak with her family before embarking on any further action.

"Katniss!"

At that moment, Prim and Katniss's mother entered the room, and a whirlwind of emotions invaded Katniss as she saw her loved ones.

"Prim! Is it really you, Prim?"

The embrace between the sisters and their mother was filled with relief and love. Katniss felt momentarily comforted by their presence, but her determination still burned within her.

"What is the Capitol's reaction?" Haymitch, seizing the opportunity, asked Alma Coin directly about the situation in the districts. With a steady gaze, Alma Coin responded somberly, "District 11 has been cleared, the rebels have won."

"The casualties?"

"Hundreds, maybe thousands dead... It's chaos; we can't have a clear response."

Katniss's heart contracted with sadness and anger. District 11, where she had met Rue and shared her story with the world, was now in the hands of the Capitol. A wave of determination and a fierce desire for justice swept over her.

Though confused by Jacob's plan and the need to be the symbol of the rebellion, Katniss understood the importance of taking strategic measures and trusting her leader. She silently accepted Alma Coin's suggestion to talk to her family first, but her mind was already plotting how to join the fight and do everything possible to free the districts from the oppression of the Capitol.

The war was in full swing, and Katniss Everdeen was ready to fight with all her might. She knew the path ahead would be dangerous and filled with sacrifices, but she was prepared to face it with courage and determination, in honor of those who had lost their lives in the pursuit of freedom.

...

District 11.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The remaining peacekeepers were being eliminated much more quickly now. At this moment, hundreds of people were armed and ready to move forward until their legs could no longer carry them, but everything had a rhythm.

"How are you, Jacob?" Johanna asked, looking at Jacob's bleeding arm.

"I'm fine, maybe the adrenaline makes it hurt," Jacob said, standing in front of the justice building engulfed in flames. It was just a minor bullet wound, it didn't penetrate or cause much damage.