The news quickly spread throughout the Capitol: in District 4, that haven of indifference, rebels had emerged dressed in the characteristic uniforms of peacekeepers, but their uniforms were soaked in blood. Agitation seized the city as citizens looked at each other with fear and surprise.
Faces filled with horror and bewilderment reflected in every corner of the Capitol. Rumors and speculations filled the air, and unanswered questions multiplied. How had those rebels managed to infiltrate the heart of District 4? How had they obtained the peacekeepers' uniforms? Uncertainty and fear clung to every word and gesture.
Amidst the chaos, President Snow emerged on the scene. His cold and calculating countenance showed no cracks, but his gaze reflected a mixture of anger and concern. Without hesitation, he immediately ordered an aerial attack to eliminate the rebel threat that had emerged in District 4.
However, his closest aides, with calm voices and prudence, reminded him of the need to maintain composure and understand how those rebels had taken control of the hovercrafts. They knew that acting hastily could lead to an even greater disaster and endanger the stability of the Capitol.
President Snow, though furious and anxious to suppress any signs of rebellion, nodded at the advice of his aides. He knew they had to understand the magnitude of the situation and uncover the weaknesses in their own security before counterattacking. It was a dangerous game, but they couldn't afford to make mistakes.
With a firm voice and an icy gaze, President Snow ordered maximum security in the districts considered most important to the Capitol. Every corner, every street, and every home would be closely monitored to prevent any possible uprising. The peacekeeping forces mobilized quickly, spreading their networks of control and oppression.
The Capitol, accustomed to dominating the districts with an iron fist, was now in a state of high alert. Fear spread through the streets, and the shadow of rebellion threatened to overshadow its might. President Snow knew the situation was critical, and he had to find answers before the flame of rebellion spread even further.
In the heart of the Capitol, as preparations for defense were underway, President Snow silently reflected. The rebels had taken a bold step and shaken the foundations of power. It was time to act with caution but also with the unwavering determination that had always characterized the Capitol. The battle had only just begun, and the fate of Panem was at stake.
"We must bomb District Four..."
...
District 13.
Refugees arrived in waves at District 13, desperate and seeking shelter. Chaos mixed with hope as the district leaders struggled to accommodate so many in need. Katniss walked among the crowd, her gaze fixed on tired faces and worn-out bodies. Sadness and suffering hung in the air, and she felt the weight of her powerlessness.
Amidst the hustle and bustle, a little girl approached her with eyes full of wonder. "Katniss, Katniss!" the girl exclaimed excitedly. "Your husband, Jacob, saved me in District Four. He said he would fight for us."
Katniss's heart raced at those words. The connection with Jacob, the man now leading the rebellion, filled her with a mix of excitement and confusion. She wanted to be with him right at this moment.
Looking at the girl with scraped knees, Katniss knelt down and said, "I will soon reunite with him; we will be okay after all this."
"That's what my mother said." The girl said with an innocent smile.
"Yes..."
The need to take action compelled Katniss to seek answers. She couldn't stand idly by while others fought. She approached Alma Coin, the president of District 13, with a determined look in her eyes. "Alma, I need you to send me to the frontlines." Katniss said firmly. "I want to support Jacob and help him in this war."
Alma Coin, a figure of power and wisdom, observed Katniss attentively. "I understand your desire to fight, Katniss," she responded. "But we must carefully consider the strategic plan. We can't risk you without a clear purpose." Her words were measured, attempting to balance Katniss's passion with the need for calculated strategy.
"I'm not doing anything. Jacob is doing everything that I was supposed to do on the front lines. What are we doing here?"
"Katniss, we have a responsibility..."
As they conversed, a transmission from Jacob leaked into District 13. Images of the rebellious districts, freed from the oppression of the Capitol, were projected onto the screens. The faces of defiant and brave people filled the air with hope. Katniss and Alma Coin watched in silence, captivated by the strength and determination of Jacob and his makeshift army.
Alma Coin turned to Katniss with a look reflecting an internal dilemma. "Katniss, in a few days, we will make a decision about your involvement," Alma Coin said seriously. "We need to evaluate all variables and consider the impact your presence would have on the battle." Alma Coin's words resonated in Katniss's heart, leaving a mixture of hope and frustration.
After that conversation, it was evident that the following days would be torturous for Katniss. Each minute of waiting became increasingly unbearable as the war raged on in the districts. District 13 continued to receive refugees and assign them tasks, attempting to provide a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos. Katniss walked among them, feeling the weight of her destiny and the responsibility she carried.
The weight of hope rested on Katniss's shoulders as the future of Panem was forged in the fire of rebellion. She knew her role as a symbol of resistance was crucial, but the desire to personally fight alongside Jacob consumed her.
...
District 4.
"Gather everything necessary, food, water, whatever will be beneficial. Most of you will be sent to District 11 and 12, while the strong children and young ones will be sent directly to District 13 for their safety."
"Don't be scared, board the hovercrafts, and you will be moved safely." said Finnick, who was the most active among them.
The densest forests are in District 11 and 12, so for an aerial bombardment, these places are the most important to preserve for those willing to fight and have the capabilities to do so.
From the beginning, Jacob didn't want to lose people unnecessarily in this war; he wouldn't send attacks where the result would mostly be death, as in the original history.
"Jacob, isn't it too hasty?" Johanna asked upon seeing the last batch being sent. She had heard that District 3 would be invaded, the last one for this day of war.
They had an advantage since the Capitol's hovercrafts weren't attacking them, but Jacob appeared tired, and many of those who had participated in the war were extremely exhausted.
It was true that Jacob replenished his ranks with new inhabitants from various districts they had liberated, who were not tired at all. On the contrary, they were all eager to participate.
"We'll have something to eat before we leave, rest, and send the wounded to District 11!"