Kapitel 154: The smoke of war

"What the hell happened?"

"Don't let go of each other's hands, you're safe now!" Katniss, who was helping to evacuate the children, learned of the explosion late, and chaos took hold of the people.

However, with her presence, everyone soon managed to calm down and eventually boarded the hovercrafts. There were no peacekeepers because President Snow was so confident that he would be destroyed, but unexpectedly, Jacob had a powerful tool that could intercept those attacks.

Katniss, who knew that something bad must have happened for such an expression of magnitude to be generated, calmed down and focused on her assistance to make the evacuation more pleasant.

"The children will be taken to a safe place, don't worry about their safety. They will be fed and taken care of from any harm that may happen to them in their daily lives."

"Stay in line and don't get nervous. Keeping calm will get us all out of trouble!"

Johanna stood by Katniss, somehow supporting each other in the things they had to accomplish to fulfill Jacob's plans.

"It was nothing, there are no more Capitol people in the streets!"

Undoubtedly, this was just beginning at this moment.

...

Jacob Barber observed the panorama from the top of a building in District 10. His gaze directed towards the horizon, where signs of an imminent battle could be seen. The assault on District 9 and District 8 was about to begin, and it was crucial for District 10 to prepare properly for an imminent Capitol attack like other districts that were currently in the hands of the rebels.

"[Master, the strategic points have been selected!]"

Gathering his most reliable allies, Jacob began to strategically distribute his forces at key points around District 10. He knew every corner of this place thanks to his intelligent assistant, every street, every building. He had studied the blueprints meticulously and knew how to take advantage of the geographical features to withstand the enemy's onslaught.

Indeed, all of this is thanks to his intelligent assistant, a support tool he is undoubtedly very happy to have chosen.

Jacob's heart beat calmly as he pointed out strategic sites to station turrets and deploy defense equipment. With each move, he tried to ensure maximum protection for his people while maintaining an offensive position. He knew the Capitol's attack would be relentless, and they had to be prepared to repel it with all their might.

"These points may be too difficult to take if the Capitol initiates a counterattack with peacekeepers, of course," Jacob murmured after seeing the board with his own eyes.

Amidst the planning, a lingering concern persisted in Jacob's mind: the safety of the most vulnerable, the children. He couldn't allow them to be exposed to danger. With a firm voice, he instructed his collaborators to send the children to District 13, where they would be sheltered and protected. It was a difficult decision but necessary to ensure their well-being.

This time he couldn't send adult villagers to District 13; he didn't know the capabilities of that place, but he definitely didn't want to overcrowd the underground shelters of District 13.

While the hustle and bustle of military preparation filled the air, Jacob couldn't help but feel a knot in his stomach. He knew that every step he took, every decision he made, affected the lives of his fellow rebels. The responsibility weighed on his shoulders, but he also felt the strength and courage that propelled him forward.

If he ordered an attack, there would be hundreds of deaths from those who just want to be free.

As the sun began to set on the horizon, District 10 fell into a tense silence. The calm before the storm. Jacob paused for a moment to contemplate the panorama. He knew the battle was about to come, and the fate of his district was at stake.

But he also knew he wasn't alone. By his side, there were brave men and women willing to fight for freedom. With determination in their eyes, Jacob lifted his gaze and addressed his team.

"Friends, today we face a difficult test, but we must not forget our purpose. We are here to defend our freedom, to resist the oppression of the Capitol. Our enemy is powerful, but so are we. Let us stay united and firm in our determination. We will protect this district with our lives. Let's fight!"

The echo of his words faded in the air, but the spirit of struggle and bravery that accompanied them remained in the hearts of every rebel present. The battle was imminent, and Jacob and his people were ready to face it with courage and determination.

The hovercraft engines started, the defense teams prepared, and hearts beat to the rhythm of adrenaline. District 10 was ready to withstand the Capitol's assault and protect what they loved most.

The fate of Panem hung by a thread, and amidst the darkness of the night, the lights of District 10's resistance shone brightly, ready to challenge those who believed they could control them. It was time to fight, to defend their home and forge a new and free future for all.

...

"Help, over here!"

Bang! Bang! Bang!

"Please, let me live!"

"For District 7, fight!"

Boom!

Just a few hours ago, when Jacob thought he had everything under control, District 7 launched an uprising on their own, leading Jacob to initiate an emergency attack while things stabilized in District 9 and 8.

In the midst of the fight, he had to divide his forces to the point of being able to support District 7 in the massive uprising they had just initiated.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

This time the hovercrafts destroyed the peacekeepers regardless of how many rebels were nearby.

"Eliminate them all, take their weapons, and support the wounded!" Jacob's expression upon arriving in District 7 was filled with coldness; there was a great number of casualties, and the worst part was that they had been shown to the public, causing agitation among everyone in District 7.

"Kill them all, leave none alive!" Jacob raised his weapon, looked at the peacekeeper without an arm, and shot him in the right eye.

Bang!

Blood mixed with part of his brain stained the ground, giving Jacob mere indifference, and he continued eliminating enemies without stopping. Moments after killing that peacekeeper, a District 7 resident took that weapon and started running towards the justice building.

"Destroy them all!"

"Understood, master!"

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Boom!

Smoke had engulfed the foundations of District 7, filling every corner with screams of pain and an unbearable fury. Johanna, who had accompanied Jacob, joined the battle for her district and the future.