Vindictive | Chapter 5

Weekdays come by too fast for my liking. Sometimes I hate myself for wasting my two days without school. I mean, I don’t even remember what I did last Saturday. Well, the run I had with Rue is still very fresh in my mind. It’s kind of hard to forget.

I unintentionally slam the door of the passenger seat of Finnick's car, earning myself a glare and muffled shouts of complaints coming from the bronze haired man inside. I sling my backpack over my shoulder, dreading the seven hours of school ahead. I haven’t even reached the doors yet when I hear two familiar voices. One definitely belongs to Clove and the other…I have to turn around to find out. Of course, I know that voice from somewhere. He’s none other than Marvel Weignman.

“Hey, Cato!” Marvel greets rather too enthusiastic.

I flinch; his slightly high-pitched voice rings in my ears. “Hey.” I manage to greet back. I turn my attention to the girl standing beside Marvel and nod at her. “Clove.” I address.

She nods back. I can tell that the encounter we had in the park with Rue last weekend is still there in her head, just like me. Like I said, it’s pretty hard to forget. But somehow, I’m kind of glad it happened because as the event unfolded, I’m slowly tearing my way through Clove's walls. She appears to be less arrogant and cold towards me. Maybe not but…I really hope that’s the case.

“So…” I start in an attempt to make small talk as we usher our way through the crowded halls and to our lockers. It’s funny how I found out last Friday that mine is a locker away from Clove on the left side and Marvel on the right side. “What’s with the screaming?”

“Oh. That?” Clove answers, chuckling. “Marvel was in a crash last Saturday. It’s really not that major because well…if it is, he wouldn’t be with us now, right? Anyway, his car is pretty damaged, I checked it myself, and he asked me if he can carpool since I live just across the street from him.”

I nod. “Then…what’s the yelling for?”

“Well, Marvel wanted to take a detour and grab a hotdog sandwich on the way but I refused because we’re going to be late. Don’t want to scratch my flawless records.” Clove responds, finally reaching our lockers and twisting the knob-like object with perfectly painted numbers around it, to put in our respective codes.

We stop our conversation for a moment to put in and pull out a couple of books and onto our backpacks. In Clove's case, her messenger bag. It kind of fascinates me how she is like one of the richest girls in school but contents herself with a messenger bag. Aren’t girls like her supposed to be sporting Prada bags, strutting down the hallways like they own the place? Well, Clove struts but…she’s not like those girls. She may be a handful with trusting issues mostly with guys, but she’s a lot different if you ask me. She’s filthy rich but unpretentious.

As soon as I am done, I notice Clove and Marvel standing behind me, waiting for me to finish. I didn’t know they are going to wait for me but…oh well. Once I start walking, Clove falls in on my right and Marvel on my left. This whole thing seems weird and awkward and unusual for me so I turn my head to look at Clove. She sees me looking at her and she flashes me a smile.

“What’re looking at?” She asks, a smile still on her face.

“Why are you suddenly so nice to me?” I answer back a question. “I thought you couldn’t stand my presence? Much less my existence?”

Clove's hazel eyes leave mine and decides to focus her vision ahead of her. She shakes her head, laughing. “I don’t know, Cato. I think someone put me under a spell.” She replies jokingly.

Coming from my left, Marvel guffaws, causing for the students in the hallway to look at him. “That’s a good one, Clove.” He comments.

“I don’t think there’s anything funny with what I said.” The hairs on the back of my neck rise up as I feel Clove's warm minty breath tickle my skin. I crane my neck slightly and see her leaning up against me, whispering.

I, too, then start laughing. Soon enough, Clove joins in.

Apparently, there are two things we are laughing about at the moment. Marvel probably thinks we’re laughing at what Clove said, while she and I are snickering because of the idea that Marvel is basically laughing about a completely different thing. I realize at the moment that this is how being a friend to Clove feels like. You don’t get her usual glares and scowls. Instead, you get your daily dose of her genuine smiles and adorable laugh. These are the kind of moments that sometimes I wish would last forever…if not eternally, at least let it happen for a bit longer.

The bell rings and just like that, the moment ends.

* * *

My fourth period classroom isn’t really that far from the cafeteria, and yet, once the bell rings and I made sure I would be the first to leave the room, I still find myself hustling through the crowd. My eyes scan the hallways looking for familiar faces when I realize I don’t have to because unfortunately (though I won’t admit it), Marvel spots me from afar.

“Cato!” He yells, maneuvering his way through the crowd to catch up to me. I know this even when I’m not looking because of his frequent excuse me’s and sorry’s.

I pretend I don’t hear him and keep my eyes straight ahead. Marvel reaches me, out of breath. I still don’t look at him as this man really, literally, annoys me. He hasn’t done anything to me to make me feel that way towards him but it’s just the vibe. His vibe gets me. To make it simple to understand, his personality is basically one of my pet peeves.

“Hey.” He breathes. “So I was thinking that since we both have chemistry with Ms. Trinket and she has this group project thing, we should be partners. I mean, we’re friends right? We can totally do the project or ditch it to hang out or something.”

I ponder this offer for a moment as we head inside the cafeteria and get into the less populated line. Sure Marvel is smart and all but, like I said earlier, he annoys me in a way. Accepting that offer has an advantage and one disadvantage. The negative side is I hanging out with Marvel will surely only annoy me more. Positive is, he is smart and will probably get me an A.

“So…what do you think?” Marvel asks me again when I fail to give him an answer the first time.

“Think about what?” Suddenly, Katniss joins us in line. It’s her tactic to not have to get back at the end of the line.

“Oh. We have this chemistry project thing and I was asking Cato if he wants to pair up with me.” Marvel answers.

I look over at Katniss when Marvel isn’t looking and I give her a look of helplessness. Lucky for me, she gets the message easily.

“Too bad Marvel, Cato and I already decided we wanted to do the project together.” Katniss blurts out.

I silently thank her.

“But you don’t even have chemistry with Ms. Trinket.”

“Of course, I do.”

“No, you don’t.”

“You don’t know my schedule, Marvel.”

With his butt kicked by a girl, Marvel walks away. He actually forgot that he was in line for lunch so when Katniss and I see him slump down on our usual lunch table, he snatches Clove's lunch and feeds himself with it. I notice Clove trying to stifle a laugh because of how ridiculous Marvel looks at the moment, with his head bow down, shoulders slugging and his lips into a childish pout.

Katniss and I finally grabbed our lunch and together, we walk side by side towards our usual table. I sit between Clove and Annie and across from Marvel. He’s completely trying not to make eye contact with neither Katniss nor I, embarrassed about the recent happenings.

“Okay…what happened you three?” Madge asks.

“Marvel just got his ass kicked by a girl.” I reply.

The whole groups snickers, as Katniss tries to hide her laugh. Anytime soon, she’s going to burst out. Trust me. Someone just has to drop the bomb and on she will go.

“By who?” Madge questions once again.

“Me.” Katniss answers. That’s when she lets out everything she’s trying to hold back for the past couple minutes.

It isn’t long until the whole table starts bursting out as well. We know very much how Marvel doesn’t like his butt getting kicked by a girl. He told us it made him appear weak.

“Shut up, guys.” Marvel mumbles.

“Why? It’s true though.” Peeta says.

“Just shut up.”

The whole group immediately stops laughing but I don’t. When I think of something being funny, the humor has a tendency to stay in my head for a long time. I’m actually one of those kids where everyone already gotten over the joke and I’m still laughing my brains off.

I start snorting once again, which immediately affects everyone like it’s some kind of disease. Soon, we are definitely the loudest group to ever inhabit the cafeteria.

“I said…STOP!” Marvel suddenly yells at the top of his lungs, pushing Clove's lunch back to her and storming out of the room.

We all fall silent after our friend’s unexpected and unusual outburst. Usually, Marvel is the happy-go-lucky of the group. He rarely gets mad so it is kind of alien to us how he just yells like that and walks out. That’s not the Marvel Weignman we know.

“Lesson learned: never mess with the Marvel Weignman especially when he’s mad for such a silly reason as he turns into Hulk when it happens.” Clove says, her voice loud enough as if she’s addressing the whole lunchroom, which grows silent as well just like us.

Tension blankets the atmosphere around us and it’s not hard to tell almost everyone wants to break the ice and turn things back to normal, as if the Marvel incident never happened. There are a few quick and stolen glances from everyone and I can feel Clove's boots hitting my leg accidentally a few times. The ‘kick’ was meant for Glimmer but apparently, her legs are short and couldn’t quite reach the person she’s trying to hit.

I’m about to open my mouth because I just can’t handle it anymore, when Glimmer, who’s silent the whole while, speaks for the first time. The ice is finally broken.

“Hey guys, have I told you about what my dad got me for my birthday?” She asks.

“It was your birthday?” I question. “Why didn’t you say so? Happy birth—”

“My birthday’s last week, Cato. It was before you came.” She interrupts me.

“Still, happy birthday.” I say.

She smiles at me. “Well, thank you very much.” Glimmer turns to the whole group. “Anyway, remember that massive empty vacant room in my house?”

Only Clove nods.

“My dad finally gave the room to me. At first, I was rambling on about what I should do with the room and then realized that I don’t have to because...” she pauses to stimulate suspense, “my dad turned it into a combat room!”

“A combat room?” I ask.

Glimmer nods. “Yeah. You know, the room filled with different kinds of training stuff. More like a gym but…you get what I’m trying to say here?” She asks all of us.

“Why would he give you a combat room?” Peeta asks.

“As a kid, I’ve always wanted to be like Lara Croft or something. Whenever we go to shopping malls, I always go to this particular toy store. I wouldn’t look at Barbie dolls, I look for weapon toys.” Glimmer explains. “So…my dad finally came to his senses that I would never be that type of girl, and got me a room full of things I love.”

I think about this for a while. For the past few weeks, Thresh, Finnick and I had been having a hard time plotting our revenge. We’re still on the part where we study our enemy and learn how they fight or how their teams work. But since I’m growing impatient with the slow progress we’re making, I decide to take the whole thing to the next level. If Richard and James won’t do it yet, I will.

“Hey Glimmer.” I call. “Is it okay if I come home with you after school and check out the room?”

“Today? After school?” She asks. “Sure, but…there’s just one problem.”

“What?”

“My dad is very strict about boys because I’m his only daughter. He doesn’t like it when I bring someone home with me, so what I was thinking is that we should have someone tag along with us so he won’t get suspicious.” She stops but then quickly adds, “It’s not like we’re dating or anything, if you get what I mean.”

I nod. “Yeah, I do know what you’re trying to imply.” I look around the table, seeing if anyone is a candidate to come with Glimmer and I after school. “Who wants to come and check out the combat room with us?”

“Can’t.” Clove mutters, her fingers rapidly typing away on her phone’s keypad.

“Homework.” Annie says.

“I have some club meeting after school.” Peeta excuses.

“I already made plans. Sorry.” Madge reasons.

“Katniss?” I turn to her, she being the only one without an excuse yet.

Her expression as she glances around the table tells me that she has no choice but to agree to come. Katniss's eyes finally lands on mine, grinning. “I guess I’ll be going after all.”

* * *

Glimmer Belvill is a wealthy English girl residing in Panem.

When she parks her car on the driveway, the three of us unloads and Katniss and I couldn’t hide our gasps. Glimmer's house structure is really something you won’t see frequently. There’s a huge rectangular stonewall in the middle as if it’s supporting the two pairs of unevenly stacked squares on each side. Glass windows seem to be the popular trend these days as I’m seeing a lot of them lately, especially on Thresh's neighborhood. Her lawn is mowed to perfection and is unmistakably very green. There are only a meager amount of flowers, mostly red roses and orange tulips. I take a wild guess those are Glimmer's favorites. A flight of stairs leads to the massive French doors that are also made up of—you guessed it, glass. Not entirely though as the upper part is glass and the lower is made of an expensive wood that I can’t quite identify what.

Glimmer glances back at the two of us and I notice the girl beside me examining the entire exterior of the house. Maybe a better word to describe it is mansion.

The blonde push the doors open and we follow inside.

If even possible, the interior is more classy-looking than the exterior. And I’m only talking about the living room, not the entire house. On the left side of the room are large sets of shelves with the television (Friends marathon is on) placed on the middle shelf with the biggest space. Loads of DVDs are alphabetically arranged on the shelf below and the player sits on the very bottom of the shelf. Right side of the shelf is where the books are. Surprisingly, Glimmer is a bookworm. Next to the shelves is an opening that leads to a hallway with walls made of stone unevenly stacked creating a jagged pattern. Looking straight ahead from where I stand in the doorway is a giant wall made up of glass, like the outside, separated only by a couple inches of wood. The lower glass part are sliding doors that leads to the backyard with a massive swimming pool and a Jacuzzi, and the upper part acts as windows. On the farthest right is another glass door that leads to the backyard. A short polished rectangular wood is resting against the wall with a couple artistic figurines thoughtfully chosen, as if the person who decorated it took his or her time to know which pieces would go perfectly with it. A huge thousand-dollar worth of a painting hangs above the table. To complete the whole look of the living room, in the middle are peculiar looking set of monochrome furniture, and the floors made up of shiny marble.

“Combat room’s this way, guys.” Glimmer says, breaking Katniss and I from our awestruck trance at the moment.

She leads us towards the hallway where the walls are stones. At the end of the hall is a normal looking door. Huh, I thought it would be more special than this. Her fingers gently taps something on the wall and a vague outline of a keyboard with only numbers on it appears out of nowhere. I can’t exactly figure out what numbers she’s punching in, as the keypad is only a faint projection, mostly like a ghost. The door swings open and we step in, only to see a metallic door. Once again, Glimmer makes the keypad reappear and punches another set of numbers as the pass code.

After three more metallic doors and ghostly keypads, we finally make it inside the combat room that Glimmer had been bragging on and on during lunch a while ago.

The moment I enter the room, the first thing I notice is another hallway. Although short, both walls are lined up with different kinds of body armor. I recognize some of them: fencing armor, wrestling helmets, just to name a few. Past the hallway comes a very large, spacious high ceiling gymnasium. Not as huge as most gyms are but, too large for my liking.

“This is where the climbing stations are.” Glimmer says as she leads us to the left side of the gym. On the walls are different kinds of climbing practices, like a wall for rock climbing, or if you are not trained enough, you can go and take a practice on the wall climbing. The middle of the station is a table containing the necessary safety equipments.

“In the middle is where my dad decided to put all my training stuff. Like for example, I do gymnastics so I have to have these bars. When I don’t have them because I only take it during the weekends, I do basic exercises to keep myself fit, that’s why these treadmills and elliptical are here.” Glimmer explains. “Also, we decided to put the wrestling mats on this section as well because my brother does wrestling. Every time he visits from college, he always spends his time doing it to maintain his shape, that’s why it’s here too.”

Katniss and I nod in understanding. Ever since we came in, we find ourselves lacking the ability of verbal communication.

“And this,” Glimmer says, pointing at the right side of the gym, “is my most favorite section. The shooting ranges.”

As expected and what I have been waiting to see since we came, almost the entire area is lined up with weapons, guns specifically. From pistols to A-Ks to rifles, and other types of guns anyone is legally permitted to own.

Aside from the closed rooms that are the shooting range, the fencing area is also located on the right side of the gym. I’m not really someone who goes gaga over the sport, but I find it interesting that Glimmer does it in her spare time.

“You fence?” I ask, motioning on the small arena.

Glimmer nods. “I just started a week ago. I used to do it outside in the backyard before I got this gym.”

“How many times do you do it in a week?” This time, it is Katniss who questions.

“Oh, I only do it for fun. But what I do most is gymnastics and the shooting ranges.”

“Can I try the shooting range?” I ask hopefully.

Glimmer's face lights up. “Oh, of course you can! Wanna go against each other?” She challenges. “Whoever shoots closer to the bulls eye gets fifty bucks.”

I’m pretty confident that I’m going to win this challenge because when Ryan Liv was still alive, he works as a stunt manager and he’s kind of obsessed with guns as well so he takes me to his own range and teaches me a few basics. I accept the challenge and Glimmer hands me the safety equipments.

Katniss stays outside as Glimmer and I steps in the range. We’re both using pistols and she insists we wear different colored gears. Of course, she gets the pink glittered earmuffs with the letter G on it while I get the red one.

I take my position and glance at Glimmer, seeing she’s at the position as well. “Ready?” I ask, yelling since the plastic separating us circumscribes our hearing ability. Also, the earmuffs we’re adorning.

“Bring it on, Cato.” She answers back.

With my feet shoulder width apart and my shoulders relaxed; I align my gun with the target and get prepared to shoot. On the count of three, I hear Glimmer taking her fire and I take mine a second after. We lower our guns the same time and glance at each other. We signal Katniss to come in, as she volunteered to be the judge. She reasoned that Glimmer or I might cheat when deciding who’s the winner.

We step back as we watch Katniss inspecting both our targets. Her toothy grin suggests she’s already picked a winner. She makes her way to our spot.

“So…?” Glimmer starts.

“Cato wins.” Katniss declares.

“What?” The blonde beside me bellows.

“What can I say?” I turn to her, holding my palm open, waiting for my fifty bucks. “I’m trained.”

“Well, I am too!” She defends as she slams the money onto my palm, removing her gear and storming out of the room.

“She doesn’t like losing that’s why she hates competition.” Katniss informs me as I remove my earmuffs as well.

“Huh.” I chuckle. “Kind of reminds me of Marvel.”

“That’s why they clicked.”

When I step out of the shooting ranges, my phone suddenly rings. I pull it out of my pocket while Katniss offers to put back my equipment to where it belongs. As I press the phone against my ear, I see Glimmer in the middle section of the gym, trying to take her anger out on the poor punching bag. She looks so vicious and strong even when wearing leather pants and high heels.

“Cato, where are you? You need to come home now. It’s urgent.” I hear Finnick's voice from the other end of the line.

“Okay. I’ll be there in five.” I reply.

I stuff my phone back in my pocket, glancing around in search for Katniss. Since Glimmer is busy with her punching bag and she’s still mad at me, Katniss is my second option. I see her inspecting the body armors by the small hallway.

I run up to her. “Katniss!” I call out.

She quickly turns to me and a small smile appears on her features. “Cato.” She utters.

“Listen, Glimmer is still upset with me and I really need to go. Can you tell her I’m sorry and thank you for showing me her combat room? I really need to leave, it’s urgent.” I explain.

“Why? Is something wrong?”

“Can’t talk about it right now, but…can you please do it for me?”

“Yeah, sure. No problem.”

“Thanks. Bye, Katniss.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

* * *

When I park the car on the driveway, I feel like adrenaline had taken over my system because I’m outside the front door, opening it all in a matter of seconds. I don’t know what to expect when I come home. Is someone hurt? Did someone break into the house and stole some things? Did the police finally found out my whereabouts? Not that I’m a fugitive or anything, but I’m still considered as a missing person in District 2. I don’t know why Thresh's not taking care of that. I should really remind him some time.

“Thresh! Finnick! Rue!” I call them out one by one, as if I’m doing a roll call.

Rue comes running down the stairs, never caring about the fact that one little slip could do so much harm. “How many times do we have to remind you not to run down the stairs?” I scold.

She places her hands on her hips. “And how many times do I have to tell you that it’s never going to happen?”

I sigh. I know I can’t win the argument, especially when my opponent is Rue Okineyi. Instead of thinking of a witty comeback, I roll my eyes at her. “Where’s your brother?”

“He’s in his office with his other friend. I don’t remember his name but I think it’s something like Finn? Finnish? Fickle? Fish—”

“Okay, now you’re just stating random names.” Clearly not interested with the exchange between us anymore, I interrupt. “It’s Finnick.”

“Yeah. That’s it. How did you know?”

“Long story, not enough time.”

“Oh, come on. I have lots of time.”

I ignore her as I make my way to the basement. Unfortunately, she follows. I open Thresh's office door and once he eyes Julia behind me, his eyes widen and immediately yells: “Close the door! Close the door! Quick! Just close the goddamn door!”

Finnick being the closest to it, reacts too late causing for Rue to slip in before he can even close it. Thresh and I face palm in disappointment.

“Sorry.” Rue apologizes.

“Life lesson one-oh-one: don’t try to outrun Rue Okineyi because trust me, you can’t.” Rue says proudly.

“Rue, you need to leave. Immediately.” Thresh warns.

“Why? Am I not ‘big enough’ for your games?” She mocks.

“Rue, just leave. Please.”

Instead of obeying her big brother, Rue walks around Thresh's desk and leans down to take a good look at his laptop. “Operation: Brutus Revenge?” She reads, scoffing. “How lame.”

Thresh quickly shuts his laptop and swivels his chair to face his sister. “Leave.” He warns, his voice as cold and commanding as I’ve ever heard before. It was this one time when I needed something from him and I came down to his office and heard him scolding one of his co-tracking agents.

Rue, hardheaded as she is, pretends she didn’t hear her brother as she widens her eyes and her mouth forming an O. “You’re planning a revenge? On who?” She questions as she saunters her way to me.

“It’s private information.” I answer, seeing Thresh shaking his head behind her.

“Please. I’m fourteen next month. It means I’m not a kid anymore I’m a teenager. I think I can already handle whatever it is that you guys are plotting behind my back.” Rue pleads.

I look into her eyes and I feel like it’s speaking to me. It’s like she’s sending me a message that her tongue can’t. I tear my gaze from hers and look at Thresh with pleading eyes. Hearing him sigh and nodding his head in defeat, I smile at Rue and explain everything to her starting from the very beginning. From my parents’ death, to how Thresh found me. I told her how long we’ve been trying to find Brutus and when we found him, I told her how we’re using Clove as a threat to him.

“I can help.” Rue offers as soon as I finish the story.

“Rue—” Thresh starts.

“Yes, I can!” Her figure twists to face her brother. “Like I said, I’m old enough for this. Besides, I’m fast and you guys desperately need someone like me. I mean, look at you. Do you think any of you can sneak around without making any noises? I bet you guys are heavy footed.”

“Hey!” Finnick suddenly chirps in.

“Please Thresh, let me help you.” She begs. “It’s the least I can do to pay you back.”

“You don’t owe me anything.”

“Yes I do.” Rue looks down at her shoes. “Remember the incident two years ago? I never had the chance to tell you this but…I’m thankful that it happened. I mean, I was eager to get rid of that guy but I just don’t know how.”

“But—”

“When you started yelling at me,” Rue interrupts, “I took that as an opportunity to show him who I really am when I’m angry and when he left, I felt like I should continue the act since he might just be standing outside the door.”

“I thought you liked him?”

Rue scrunches her face in disgust as she waves her hand dismissively. “Nah. He’s a dickhead—”

“Language.” Thresh warns in his big brotherly tone.

“Whatever.” Rue rolls her eyes. “So, am I in or not?”

“I say she’s a good addition.” Finnick comments. “We never know but we may be doing a lot of sneaking around at some point.”

“Yeah.” I agree.

Thresh sighs, still completely doubtful about letting his own little sister in the team. “Fine.” But he agrees anyway.

“Yes!” Rue celebrates. “Thank you so much, guys. This is awesome!”

“Anyway,” Thresh says, “we have a slight problem.”

“What?” I ask.

“You see, I have this strategy already planned out perfectly but, when I went to try and sneak out a few weapons we could use—”

“Whoa. Hold up. Weapons? Are we killing anyone?” Rue interrupts.

“We’re not killing anyone, Rue. We’re going to be using it for protection only.” Finnick answers.

Rue mouths Oh, nodding.

“As I was saying, I couldn’t sneak out a few and now…I’m trying to revise our plan without using any but there’s just no way around it. One way or another, we really need to use them.” Thresh says.

Suddenly, something clicks.

“I know where we can get our weapons.” I notify them.

“And where is that?” Finnick asks.

“I have this friend in school. She owns a combat room and…I was just there this afternoon actually. She has this certain section in her gym that is dedicated for firing guns. She has shooting ranges and she owns a variety.” I respond.

“Who says we’re using guns?” Finnick questions.

“What do you exactly have in mind, Finnick? A baseball bat, a stick?” Rue asks. I truly admire this girl.

“Well…” He grows uncomfortable from his seat. “Are there any other suggestions?”

Rue and I snicker and we give each other a high-five.

“We don’t have any other options, Finnick. Guns are my first choice and that’s what I’m trying to sneak out a while ago in the base camp.” Thresh utters from behind his worktable.

“So…are we going to be using her weapons or what?” Rue asks, obviously getting impatient with the meeting.

“I guess we can borrow it.” Thresh shrugs.

“Oh, I forgot to mention. She doesn’t let anyone know about that room and…borrowing it from her means revealing our plan.” I reply.

“Then I guess we have some stealing to do.” Thresh grins and so did Rue and Finnick. I soon find myself grinning as well.

“But,” I add. “She has at least five burglar free doors before we can get to the actual room. And every door has its own pass code.”

I see Thresh holding up a finger as he picks up his phone from the table. He browses through his contacts first before finally finding the number he is looking for. My eyebrows furrow as he presses the device against his ear.

“Who are you calling?” I ask.

“Someone who can help us with that problem.”

* * *

We are all in the living room; impatiently waiting for the person Thresh called a while ago. He told us she is a great help especially since her expertise revolves around breaking codes.

“What time did she say she’s going to be here again?” Finnick questions.

As if on cue, the doorbell rings and we all get to our feet eagerly for two reasons. Out of shock being the first and the second, she’s finally here.

Thresh opens the door and a girl with ginger hair and slim figure walks in. Already she’s smiling at us all.

“Cato, this is Finch Fox and she’s here to save your sorry ass by hacking through your friend’s security system.”