74th - part 11
johanna’s pov
I don’t know why they did it.
That’s what I tell Katniss over and over again as she paces through the mentors’ viewing room. Seriously, I don’t know what they were thinking. I didn’t tell them to do it, and Blight certainly didn’t. And it doesn’t really seem like the kind of thing that they’d choose to do, but I guess I don’t know them all that well.
So basically, when the molotov arrived, all four of our tributes went to the mouth of the cave and opened it. They saw what it was, read my note on how to use it, and then Lance suggested using it now, in the night. At first, the others protested, but he eventually convinced them by explaining that the Careers were probably spending the night at the supply pile. Even if they weren’t, it still would’ve destroyed the supplies.
Anyways, whatever. They did it, and it was perfect. The whole pile lit up like a bonfire. I have to wonder if there was some Gamemaker influence involved, because one molotov probably shouldn’t have been so effective. But the real kicker was that the Careers were sleeping on the edge of the pile, and only one managed to escape alive.
Even though none of that matters because afterwards, Lance stepped forward, placed three fingers to his lips, saluted, and whistled the four note tune that Katniss and Rue used. Holly did the same, then Santhe and Cole.
Katniss flipped out. I mean, I was pissed, but she was livid. First, she turned on me, demanding to know if I told them to do that. Then she accused Blight and Haymitch, which I had to convince her was ridiculous. Haymitch, maybe I could see. But Blight?
“It puts them all at risk.” Katniss hasn’t stopped pacing and it’s been probably 15 minutes. Plus, she just keeps repeating the same argument. “How can’t they see that?”
“I told you, I don’t think they care,” I mutter.
“Why wouldn’t they care?”
Haymitch bursts through the door with Blight trailing after him. It’s 8:22, so I don’t know why they’re just now coming in, but whatever. Blight and I exchange a nervous glance as Haymitch approaches Katniss.
“Did you tell—”
“Of course not,” he barks. He lowers his voice to a whisper and says, “In case you haven’t noticed, we’ve all been busting our asses trying to keep them alive.”
“Then why would they do that?” demands Katniss.
Haymitch’s lips tighten in a frustrated smile. “Think about it, sweetheart.”
We can’t talk about this here. Or, at least, they can’t. Everyone in the room keeps looking at us, muttering to each other and trying not to make eye contact with me. Snow’s gonna want blood for this and everyone knows it. The question is whose blood will satisfy him
“Does it matter why?” I say, earning a scathing look from Katniss, “It’s over. They did it. Nothing we can do now but keep trying to help them stay alive.” Honestly, I have no idea if it’s even worth trying anymore, but I keep that to myself.
Haymitch nods. “Exactly.” Glaring at Katniss, he growls, “So instead of standing here yelling at me, get to bed. Your shift’s finished. Come back in the morning ready to go.”
Katniss looks like she wants to argue, but instead she storms out, moving so quickly that I almost have to jog to keep up with her. She whacks the button to call the elevator so aggressively that I feel like maybe I should wait and take a different one.
“Why are you so pissed about it? It’s not like—”
“Are you serious?”
“It’s not like it’s your fault! They chose—”
“Don’t tell—”
“Interrupt me again and I’ll throw you through this glass,” I spit at her. Seriously, I’m so irritated I could hit her. Katniss opens her mouth like she’s about to speak, but I cut her off. “It’s not your fault. Sure, they used your symbol or whatever. But that was their choice, and trust me, they know you wouldn’t have wanted them to do it.”
I think it gets through to her, because she stops glaring at me and looks down at the floor of the elevator. Neither of us speak until we reach my floor, when she finally asks, “Do you think he’ll kill them?” as I step out into the hallway.
I shrug. “Either them or their families.”
And for a second, I wish I hadn’t said it, because the genuine pain on her face sends a chill through my spine.