AN I know this has taken ages, so if you're still reading this, I just want you to know that I love you, it means the world and this chapter is dedicated to you, for being the very best.
Part 11-Our Very Own Sunrise
Madge wakes up early, long before the sun rises and can't fall back asleep.
(not that she wants to)
Everything is about to change, she can feel it, taste it and the anticipation is killing her, digging and wiggling beneath her skin. She looks at Gale, unusually serious as he sleeps and she knows he's dreaming about it, revolt and revolution, the fall of tyrants and the rise of people.
today's the day
The sky starts to lighten, pale streaks stretching out across the ceiling and it's coming, so, so close. She can almost feel it pressing against her fingertips, the end and beginning of Panem. Madge puts a hand on her stomach, over the baby curled up inside.
We'll be okay, she promises.
Gale starts to stir, the sun rises and the day has come.
Rebellion is (almost) here.
The square fills up quickly, everyone crowding in with excitement long before Ambrosia and her retinue arrive.
(who'd have thought Twelve would ever be so excited for a Victory Tour?)
Madge can feel shivers crawl up her back, the energy of the square washing over her and Gale is hard and tense beside her, his fingers fidgeting in hers. Her eyes skip through the crowd, over her neighbours, the peacekeepers, the Hawthornes clustered by Gale's side, the Everdeens huddled by hers.
There's a haunted excitement on Rory's face, a nervous faith in Posy's eyes. Hazelle is steady with the slightest hint of anxiety in the curl of her fingers in her skirt, Mrs Everdeen is almost emotionless, a tiny pinprick of fear in the drawing of her eyebrows and then Prim, all hope and worry in the twitching of her lips.
Madge looks up to the stage, at the Victors sitting all in a row. Haymitch is strangely sober and determined even with his bloodshot eyes and haggard appearance, Katniss' expression is ablaze with frenzy and fire and Peeta's shoulders shake minutely, his chest rising with deep breaths.
Effie Trinket paces nearby, poorly concealed concern flashing in her eyes as they dart to hordes of peacekeepers, bright in white and menacing in heavy armour. There's so many of them, more than Madge has ever seen but it doesn't matter, there's still more of us. Her father completes the picture, looking far more stable than he has in years, less likely to blow away in a breeze. She feels that like strength, flowing up from her toes and even though she can't see it, somehow Madge knows the note cards in his hands are smudged with sweat, can almost hear the stuttered rhythm of his breathing.
almost time
almost almost
The clock on the Justice Building ticks agonizingly slow, each and every heart beating as one and then finally, finally finally finally, they arrive.
The doors of the Justice Building swing open (burns and black marks freshly painted over for television) and a group of peacekeepers march through slowly, followed closely by District Six's escort, a man with sparkling silver hair that curls and curls towards the sky. His eyelashes are long and shimmer blue, his wide face and all his skin painted a shiny white. He greets Effie with a strained smile, bags not quite hidden beneath his eyes, his muscles stretched taut and tight as he shakes Madge's father's hand.
Her father shuffles to the microphone, the escort hovering by Effie's side. Her father's voice wavers just a bit as he gives his customary introduction to the tour and this year's victor, something like hope lacing through his words. No one moves, even seems to breathe and the anticipation in the crowd starts to build, mounting and growing into a fever pitch, like explosives and electricity.
Her father finishes and Madge is fairly certain she didn't catch a word, her heart pounding in her ears. She moves a little closer to Gale and curls an arm around her stomach subconsciously, needs to keep them both near. The escort moves forward, the stars on his shirt glittering in the sunlight but even still, Madge can just make out the stiffness in his shoulders, the jumping muscle in his jaw. His smile is wide but fake as he spreads his arms.
"May I, with the greatest of pleasures, introduce your Victor of the Eighty-First Hunger Games, the deadly, the devious, the delightfully devilish Ambrosia Hartwig!"
His voice rings in the square and there's not a sound, not a breath, months (and years) of waiting chaining them all in place. Here she comes rises in each of them, building with the force of a scream. They have hooked all their hopes on Ambrosia Hartwig, tied their futures to her limbs. She is their symbol, of rebirth, of freedom, of revolution and they crave her like water, like air.
And here she is.
(and they shouldn't, shouldn't pin every dream and hope on her. she's just a girl, one they shouldn't force to carry all their weight.
but Panem is broken, so very, very broken and broken things never do what they should)
Ambrosia's mentors step out on stage and Madge wonders if they can feel it, the boiling over in every citizen of District 12. Orinthia Wheeler sweeps unreadable eyes over the crowd while Alexios Schermer stumbles to her side, face unfocused with morphling.
(don't think of mama, don't)
The crowd is straining against itself, ready to burst and then Ambrosia steps through the doors, takes her place on stage.
(so it begins)
Ambrosia's eyes find Dussie and Thistle's families immediately and never leave, stay fixed upon them. Her hands shake just a little bit and Madge wonders why, wonders just what Ambrosia plans to do. She takes a deep breath and smiles, sad and wry but there's something sharp in the corner, ready to cut someone to pieces.
(and Madge knows that someone is the Capitol)
"Thank you," Ambrosia starts and everyone's listening, all across Panem. "I feel so blessed to be here, standing before you."
Orinthia Wheeler watches with narrowed eyes and the escort hides hostility and fear under a mask of excitement. Madge wonders how much trouble Ambrosia's caused him, how much she'll cause them all.
"You should be so proud of Dussie and Thistle," and there's a heartbroken tenderness in her voice as she says their names. "They were very brave, very kind. They never gave up, never surrendered, even faced with all the horrors of the Games."
Her smile is sad but her eyes are dark, flash with violence and her voice curls over horrors, a thousand condemnations wrapped up in that single word.
(and just like that, Madge knows she was right, knows Ambrosia will burn Panem to the ground)
"They were far more than my allies, they were my friends," Ambrosia says, voice filled with sincerity and something angrier. She pauses, eyes shining slightly and the crowd is restless, waiting to burst.
"But I know, that even though they've died, they won't be forgotten."
There's a stirring in the crowd, because this is it and even the peacekeepers know it, take menacing steps forward. Madge's heart thumps and Ambrosia looks away from Dussie and Thistle's families for the very first time, looks at all of Panem instead.
"They shouldn't have died."
Her voice is fierce and the peacekeepers move closer, loom just behind her, ready to stomp out the fire she's been kindling.
But they're too late.
You can't stop an inferno.
"None of them should have. And it's time we build a new world, one where no one else has to!" she shouts, hands clenched into fists. Gale squeezes Madge's fingers and Ambrosia's voice carries through the square, carries to every home in Panem. The peacekeepers surge forward, armoured gloves clamping down on her arms, her shoulders as they start to drag her back and away.
Ambrosia strains in their grip, legs kicking wildly, an ugly, black fire in her eyes.
"For Dussie, for Thistle, for all the children the Capitol's taken from us!" she shouts and Madge is sure television screens all across Panem have been shut off.
But you can't shut off real life.
A peacekeeper covers her mouth with his hand but it's too late, Twelve has already taken up her call.
"For Dussie! For Thistle!" sounds from all sides, arms and fists thrown up in the air. But then the chant starts to swell, not just for Dussie and for Thistle but
"For Lanna!"
"For Parry!"
"For Hammil!"
"For Ven!"
"For Anthra!"
and still more, rising from every corner of the square, of the district, of Panem. Names, rising up like ocean waves,
For Merylla, For Rue, For Phox, For Marvel
For Maysilee, For Vick, For Peony
For all of them, eighty one years of murdered children.
Ambrosia is gone, locked away behind Justice Building walls but it doesn't matter.
She has lit the match.
And now Twelve will burn.
"We need to get out of here," Gale says but they're already moving, even as chaos unfolds around them.
It's like last time but worse, louder, angrier and Madge grabs onto Gale and Prim, won't lose them in this sea of insanity.
(and she can see it, in the tenseness of Gale's jaw, in the set of Rory's shoulders, they want to stay, want to fight)
(Madge can feel it, beating in her chest, because she wants to stay too, wants to fight)
(but she has something more important to do)
Gale's hand is sweaty in hers as he fights his way through the crowd, most people heading towards the madness instead of away. He has Posy's hand held tight in his other one and she struggles to keep up with his long legs and big strides. Rory and Hazelle link their arms and follow after, Mrs Everdeen dragged along by Prim. They move as a unit, the crowd breaking over them like waves.
Madge cannot hear herself think, not over the screams and breaking glass, the gun shots making her flinch. People are dying and Madge can only pray it'll be worth it, that this will change things, will make their deaths mean something.
(but she knows, really, no matter what changes, it'll never be worth it)
She keeps expecting something horrible to happen, keeps expecting to get separated but they reach the edge of the square without incident and now all they need to do is run home, is get as far away from here as they can.
(she wants to say they have to go somewhere safe, but there isn't anywhere, not in Panem)
Worry settles over each of them because the Everdeens live in the opposite direction of where the rest of them are going, but splitting up is terrifying. There's no telling when the riot will spill out into the streets, no telling what they might run into on their way home. Madge can see Gale thinking, knows he's trying to figure out what to do.
"I'll go with them," Rory offers and Hazelle frowns, Posy freezing.
"Rory..." Gale starts but Rory shakes his head.
"Look, it's too dangerous for the two of them on their own, we all know that. Someone should go with them, but Posy's too young, Madge's pregnant, Ma's too old and you need to stay with Madge and the baby." Rory's face is set and it's clear he won't back down.
(Madge wonders if he's trying to save them to make up for all the people he couldn't save)
It makes sense of course and Madge isn't really worried about them on the way to the Everdeens', she's worried about Rory making his way home alone.
"I'll be fine," he says to all of them but she can tell no one really believes it. He turns to Prim and Mrs Everdeen, tries to give them a reassuring smile. Madge feels her heart squeeze, wishes there was some other way.
They're just about to leave when Posy lets go of Gale and grabs Rory's arm, face determined.
"I'm coming too," she insists, all her brothers' stubbornness running through her words. Madge's blood turns cold, Hazelle's eyes widen and something like horror washes over Rory's face.
"Posy, no-" he starts, sounds entirely appalled but Posy's face is set, brokers no argument.
"We don't have time to fight about this. We'll be safer together, so I'm coming." Posy stares at Rory, eyes serious and Madge has never seen her like this, has never realised just how much she's grown up.
"Alright," Gale says, sounds pained. "But be quick, the sooner we're all home, the better." Posy nods and she and Gale share a look, one that says a thousand things.
"Be safe," she orders and Gale tries to smile.
"You too."
Posy holds onto Rory, grabs onto Prim and then the four of them are hurrying away and Madge watches them, eyes fixed on their backs until they're swallowed by the crowd. She looks up at Gale, determination and worry clashing in his eyes. He's so scared for them, wishes desperately he was with them and Madge gives his hand a squeeze, because she knows this is killing him. He pulls her a little closer and she reaches for Hazelle, prays for everyone's safety.
They're not the only ones fleeing home, terrified people flooding the streets and somehow, no matter how far they get from the square, the sounds of pain and death only seem to get louder. They reach Hazelle's house, share tight hugs and unspoken words and then Gale and Madge are off, nearly meld together their bodies are pushed so close.
They're just turning onto their street when they run into another frightened pair and Madge nearly leaps out of her skin until she realizes it's their neighbour Nelly Malleefowl and her son Collis. The panic on Nelly's face melts when she recognizes them, releases her crushing grip on Collis' shoulders to give Madge a squeezing hug. Madge returns it, so relieved to see a familiar face has made it out safe.
"Where's Burnet and Janah?" Gale asks, eyes sweeping up and down the street. Nelly swallows and Madge realises he's right, Nelly's daughter and husband are nowhere to be seen.
"Janah wanted to stay behind, was determined to be a part of that...mess. We tried to stop her but she wouldn't listen and I had to get Collis home, he's only eleven. But we couldn't leave Janah behind either, so...Burnet stayed, to try and get her to come home." Nelly's voice breaks a little and Madge can only imagined how scared she must be. She wants to say something reassuring but it would just be empty words so she grips Nelly's hands instead, hopes she can give her at least a little comfort.
"We need to get inside," Gale tells them and Madge nods, Nelly wiping roughly at her eyes. The four of them stay together until they've reached Madge and Gale's front door, but they don't go inside until Nelly and Collis enter their own home, lock the door behind them. Madge and Gale do the same, hearts pounding in their ears. They head to their bedroom, in the back corner of the house and sit together on the bed, try and hold each other through the fear.
"We'll be alright," Madge whispers, to Gale, to their baby, to herself.
We'll be alright
Madge can't tell you how long it's been, maybe minutes, maybe a lifetime but then the rioting starts to flow through the streets, Peacekeepers chasing people home and windows breaking, houses catching fire. She pushes her face into Gale's chest, thinks with all her strength.
Prim, Rory, Posy, Hazelle, Katniss, Peeta, Mrs Everdeen, Daddy, Merrie, the Sparrowsaws, you're okay, you're okay, you're okay
The screaming grows louder and then Gale tenses, all his muscles going taut.
"No," he whispers and Madge can feel it, the fear so tight around her neck she can barely breathe. She wants to ask but doesn't, is afraid of what he's seen. But she forces her eyes up, looks out their window and Oh God, no, please no.
It's Janah Malleefowl, just seventeen and her father Burnet, boxed in by peacekeepers and Madge knows how this ends.
No!
She can hear them shouting, but not the words, drowned out by distant disasters.
A peacekeeper reaches for Janah but Burnet leaps between them, is shoved roughly at the ground. Janah shrinks back, eyes wide with terror and one peacekeeper heaves Burnet to his feet while the other sinks his fist deep into Burnet's gut. Janah shrieks and huddles inward, fingers digging into her hair, her head shaking rapidly.
Gale and Madge flinch together.
Madge knows what Gale wants to do even before he suggests it.
(Burnet slumps to the ground but the peacekeepers don't stop, keep kicking, kicking, kicking)
"I have to," he whispers and Madge knows he's right, of course he is.
(Nelly's scream joins the chorus outside and she comes spilling down the stairs, throws herself on Burnet's broken body. She's crying, begging, struggling as a peacekeeper tries to drag her away)
She could ask him to stay, beg him not to leave and risk it but that isn't him, isn't her either. Instead she looks in his eyes, hopes hers tell him everything she can feel burning in her chest.
(One peacekeeper continues to fight with Nelly, while the other turns to Janah, backhands her hard across the face)
"Be safe," she murmurs and he nods, gives her one last kiss and then he's gone and Madge turns back to the window.
The peacekeeper grabs Janah by the shoulders and she looks a little insane, hysterical, kicking, scratching, biting. Madge grips the windowsill hard, sucks in a breath as little Collis creeps out the front door, peeks through the railing with terrified eyes.
The peacekeeper shouts, harsh words sounding like a curse and hurls Janah at the ground. She lands heavily, winded and disoriented and Collis' nails dig into the wooden rails, panic painting his cheeks. The peacekeeper pulls out his gun and Madge's heart stops in her chest.
No.
Nelly screams, words Madge can't hear, arms waving as she starts to stand from her fallen husband.
But she'll never make it in time.
Janah backs away, scrabbling on her hands and knees but there's nowhere to go, her back hitting the side of the house. There's dirt smudged up one cheek, blood smeared on the other and her gray eyes are so wide, almost feral with fear.
She's seventeen and Madge is about to watch her die.
And then Gale arrives.
He slams into the peacekeeper, sends them both crashing to the ground. The other peacekeeper shouts, Nelly freezes in surprise and the gun skids towards Janah, face slack with shock. Gale and his peacekeeper struggle together, a mess of limbs and raised voices and Madge squeezes her fingers together, tries to lend him all her strength.
The other peacekeeper advances, pulls out his own gun and Madge can taste the fear on her tongue. Her legs shake but she has to do something, can't just sit by and watch as Gale dies. She places a hand on her stomach, closes her eyes.
I'm sorry
And then the air is rent apart by gunfire, loud and fatal.
Madge's eyes snap open, heart pounding out of her chest.
Gale!
There's a peacekeeper on the ground, a hole burnt through his armour.
Janah Malleefowl holds the smoking gun in her hands, not a tremor to be seen.
Just cold, hard hatred.
Gale and his peacekeeper roll away from each other, hands over heads to shield themselves from bullets.
Madge clutches at the curtain, is fairly certain it's the only thing holding her up. Janah looks with frozen eyes at the other peacekeeper, the only one left alive.
Gale scrambles to his feet, gaze flickering between Janah and the body on the ground, smoke still curling from his chest. Janah moves with purpose and Gale says something, face urgent. The living peacekeeper realizes what's happening, hands tearing at his belt, trying to find a weapon. There's nothing for him to find and Gale takes a step forward, arm outstretched. Janah raises her gun and the peacekeeper barks something, tries to stand.
He never gets the chance.
Janah smiles, sharp and dangerous, eyes dark, dark dark.
And then she pulls the trigger, shoots him straight in the face.
bang
Madge sinks to her knees as the peacekeeper falls backwards, bends over himself until he crumples on the ground. Gale is still, eyes wide and sick. Nelly cradles Burnet's head in her lap, but her tear stained face is on Janah, pain and fear in every line. Collis huddles beside the stairs, hands over his ears as he rocks back and forth.
Janah looks down at the man she's killed, tilts her head is fascination.
She snorts and shakes her head.
Nelly says something, just one word and though Madge can't hear it, she knows what it is, sees Nelly's mouth move in the name.
Janah
Janah spits on the body.
Janah and Gale drag the bodies into the backyard, hide them from view.
They'll bury them eventually, when they have time, but this will have to be enough for now.
Gale helps Nelly get Burnet inside and Janah examines her gun, eyes the same colour as the steel. Collis flinches away from his sister every time she gets too near and Madge wonders if she notices, if she cares.
Gale comes back outside, gaze settling on Janah and his face is something Madge can't read, all hard angles and rigid muscles. Collis starts to cry, the shock starting to wear off and Gale turns, face melting into something softer. He bends down, scoops the little boy into his arms and carries him inside, whispers soothing words Madge wishes she could hear.
Janah is still standing on the lawn when Gale reappears and it's only then that Madge notices the bloodstains in the grass. She can feel her stomach toss and digs her nails into her arms to keep from puking. Gale stops beside Janah, not quite looking at her. He says something and Janah glares at him, venom in her eyes. She answers, her tone harsh. Gale sighs and comes home, looks a thousand years old.
Janah keeps the gun.
Madge is waiting for Gale when he steps into their bedroom and there are no words between them.
They simply fall into each other's arms, hold each other near.
They have no way of knowing if their loved ones have made it home safe, no way of knowing if their family's been taken from them. Instead they curl up together in bed, try and keep hope alive.
Twelve burns, gunshots ring through the night and Madge hugs her stomach, prays the blood in the streets isn't from someone she loves.
(Katniss Everdeen was once the Girl on Fire, took all of Panem by storm)
(Tonight, Katniss Mellark doesn't burn, watches an entire world on fire instead)
They come in the morning, an army of peacekeepers breaking down doors.
They are angry, loud, violent. People are dragged from their homes, thrown into the streets as their houses are ransacked, ripped to pieces. Madge keeps her eyes closed, holds Gale near as the peacekeepers tear through their home, knows they can't afford to get mad.
It'll all be over soon she thinks to herself, imagines reunions with family and friends.
They have to be alright, they have to be and Madge wishes rebellion didn't take so long, wishes it would come and burn all of this away. Instead, she clings to Gale, tries not to choke on the fumes of burning homes.
"Please! Please, no, please!" Acacia Fieldfare begs, tears in her eyes as she watches her life go up in flames. She grabs onto a peacekeeper's arm, voice breaking on every word.
"Please don't, we have nowhere else to go, please-"
He shakes her off, leaves her to sob in the dirt.
(they don't find Janah's gun, somehow, and Madge is both relieved and terrified.
After all, just how long can a secret like that stay a secret?)
Madge and Gale's house is left standing and they retreat inside, black holes growing in their chests.
Because that's what the Capitol never seems to realize.
Violence breeds violence.
The Districts may burn, but the Capitol will burn with them.
New rules come down from on high.
No one is to leave their homes for the duration of the tour, no one is to make contact with anyone else.
They are hemmed in, kept prisoners within their own walls but it won't help.
The Capitol's days are numbered.
And the countdown's begun.
Ambrosia appears well behaved in Districts Eleven, Ten, Nine, Eight, Seven and Five.
(not Six, home districts always saved for last)
She is demure and respectful, speaks tamely of fallen tributes and Capitol glory. She praises Snow, keeps her speeches short and always ends with "Panem Today, Panem Tomorrow, Panem Forever". She is a model Victor, nothing at all to worry about.
Except, except that's not quite true.
There's always something in her words, something a little subversive, a little rebellious.
They did their district proud and I know their district will do them proud.
Though I hail from District Six, I am a Victor of Panem and I stand with each of you.
I owe my victory to the Capitol, owe my Hunger Games to President Snow.
There is only ever one winner of the Hunger Games.
(The Capitol, whispers every voice in Panem, because they know)
(there is only one victor and it's never the Districts)
This is the calm before the storm.
Because the next stop on this endless train is District Four.
And Ambrosia Hartwig has played her cards well, has acted perfectly behaved to lull Snow and his peacekeepers.
Tomorrow, she drops the act.
Tomorrow, the end truly begins.
Madge knots her fingers with Gale's, their hearts beating together. There's no real way of knowing that something's going to happen today, but then, they're always hoping for something, that today will be the day.
And today, it will be.
(but there's also the inkling, because District Four was Jamie Neptune's home.
If ever there was the perfect place for Ambrosia to make the Capitol pay, this is it)
Madge's eyes take in all the increased security because the Capitol can sense it too, know tensions will be running higher today than ever before. Madge observes all of District Four's victors as they settle on stage, but the camera never pulls in too close, like they're afraid of what might be found written across each victor's face. Madge doesn't need to see it to know each one is praying for the end. They all are, everyone across Panem.
The mayor makes a introductory speech and then Ambrosia's escort and mentors come out, each one jittery and walking on eggshells. The crowd barely even sees them, is too focused on what comes next.
And here she is, Ambrosia Hartwig, the victor that spells the Capitol's defeat.
Ambrosia steps out on stage, her eyes finding Jamie's father.
He stands alone, looks so much like his son, but older, worn dry and tired and Madge swears she can see tears start to shine in Ambrosia's eyes.
Madge pushes closer to Gale, because she knows what's coming and Ambrosia swallows, forces a smile for everyone in Panem. There's a tenseness in District Four, visible even through the television screen and Madge knows she can't be the only one holding her breath, the only one waiting for the end.
"I am truly blessed to be standing here before you," Ambrosia begins, voice carrying to each of them. "I was faced with fierce competition in the arena, none more so than your very own Seela Hennesey. She was a testament to your district's strength and determination, a true representation of all your District has accomplished over the years, of the spirit and skill we've all come to identity as characteristic of District Four."
She pauses then, takes a breath, eyes focused on Jamie's father and Madge feels anticipation squeezing her so tight she's not sure she could breathe if she tried.
"I have always admired District Four, for your tributes' tenacity, endurance and courage. They have often proved victorious in the Hunger Games and this time should have been no exception. Jamie Neptune," and her voice curls around his name with a broken sort of familiarity that rattles Madge's bones, "was brave and strong and so very, very kind. He was...unbelievable skilled, possessed an iron will and never, ever gave up. If there is anyone District Four should be proud of, it's Jamie. Jamie...who took three underdogs under his wing and tried so hard to bring us all home, Jamie who carried us when we couldn't carry ourselves, Jamie who...who was always courageous and generous, who never lost himself, who...is the only reason I'm standing here before you."
Her voice is all choked up and she stops again, to force words out around the lump in her throat.
"Jamie was a hero, is my hero and always will be. I owe him everything and though he's not...here anymore, I know he will live on, in each of us. He is my inspiration and I promise you, he will not die in vain." Her voice hardens at the end and the peacekeepers snap to alert, because suddenly Ambrosia Hartwig has thrown all of Panem into dangerous waters.
"Jamie died for me and I'm going to make sure that a new Panem comes from his death, one where people like Jamie Neptune never have to die. He deserved better, we all d-"
The screen cuts out but Madge can't stop staring, Gale's hand clenched tight in hers. She wonders what's going on in District Four and even though she can't hear what Ambrosia might be saying, Madge can feel it in her bones.
We deserve better.
Stand with me against Snow, the Capitol, all of them.
It's time we stopped letting the Capitol take from us and started taking back.
No more.
Madge expects them to cancel the rest of the Tour but they don't, chug full steam ahead.
But of course, because Snow is still determined to have Ambrosia put out her own fire, is afraid silencing her will only make the Districts grow louder.
He's right of course, but then he's wrong that Ambrosia can stop this, because this is so much more than just her, has become something no one can stop.
Rebellion is inevitable.
The only question is who wins.
The security in District Three is ludicrous as Ambrosia stumbles on stage, face slack and eyes unfocused. She reads her note cards with mechanical precision, skin pale and even buried under too much make-up, Madge can just make out the bruises the Capitol must have given her as a punishment.
The crowd is straining against itself, wants her to stoke their fires but she barely seems to register their presence, mumbles through her perfectly rehearsed speech instead. Her escort leads her away when it's over and Madge feels her stomach clench, recognizes the vacant look in Ambrosia's eyes, the slurring of her speech.
They've drugged her, to keep her docile and controlled, to force her to smother the flames of revolution.
Madge wants to be angry, sick but she isn't even surprised.
Fuck the Capitol.
It's the same in Districts Two and One, a drugged up Ambrosia spewing out Capitol written speeches but it doesn't quell the tide of anger rushing through the Districts, makes it grow instead.
The Capitol can't get away with this.
They won't.
Ambrosia arrives in the Capitol to great fanfare, all its citizens unaware of how close the whole world is from bursting apart at the seams.
Ambrosia's speech is just the same as the last few she's given, but this time President Snow's smug smile can be seen in the background, smirking as if he's won. But he hasn't.
He won't.
Ambrosia's about to make sure of it.
Just as her speech should be wrapping up, the clouds in her eyes start to clear, the strength in her voice starts to return.
There's death in her eyes, violence in her lips and she may have been drugged in the other districts, but somehow, some way she isn't this time, has been faking it for Snow and his Capitol. She turns to him, his eyes wide and surprised and Madge realizes Ambrosia's won this round.
"It's time this Panem came to an end," she says, voice strong with conviction and then the screen cuts out, leaves Panem desperate for more. Madge can hear her heart pounding but then the screen snaps back on, fuzzy and not quite proper quality but it's there, showing them every moment as chaos unfolds at the Presidential Palace.
People are screaming, the peacekeepers beat Ambrosia to the ground and the screen keeps trying to short out but never quite manages it, someone forcing it to stay on.
(rebels, Madge thinks, rebels are doing this)
(she doesn't know how, but it doesn't matter)
(what matters is that they exist, that they can do this)
Peacekeepers drag Ambrosia away, but she gets one last word in, blood dripping through her teeth as she looks at President Snow.
"You're first," she promises and the screen finally dies for good.
But that's alright, they've seen enough.
Madge and Gale wrap themselves together at night, count each other's heart beats and the end is near, so close they can taste it.
Panem is about to fall and Madge promises herself they won't fall with it. There's a new world on the horizon and they're going to see it.
They're going to live it.
(Katniss and Peeta don't say much, they can't, not with Snow listening in)
(but that's okay, they don't need to)
(the plan's going perfectly and Snow is about to lose it all)
(soon, they'll be able to say whatever they want)
(they hold each other close, let their heart beats do all the talking)
(soon, soon)
All of Panem waits, eager to see what happens next.
It's Snow's move, but no matter what he does, the outcome'll be the same.
Ambrosia and the Rebels have played their hand perfectly and now, the only option Snow has left is defeat.
Panem can't wait.
(Ambrosia Hartwig is purple, black and red but she doesn't care, barely feels the harshness of Capitol punishment.
She thinks of Thistle, kind and brave, always always trying to be helpful. I promise you Thistle, we'll have a new world, one where boys like you can be carefree and happy, won't ever get hurt.
She thinks of Dussie, sweet and so strong, caring so, so much. I promise you Dussie, Panem's going to be better, somewhere you'd be safe, wouldn't ever have to be afraid.
She thinks of Jamie, her Jamie, made of courage and warmth. I'm sorry Jamie, I wish you could've been here, wish you'd been the one to save the world, like you saved me. Sometimes I wish you hadn't been so good, hadn't been such a hero. Then you'd be here, wouldn't have died for me. I'm not worth it, not worth your life.
She can almost hear him answer, of course you are. I promised I'd never let anything hurt you.
She wonders if he knows that this is what hurts the most, being the reason he's not here anymore, waking every morning knowing he's dead, dead for her.
I promise you Jamie, Panem is going to change. We're going to make it better, you and me. It'll be a new world, one where you could swim for as long as you wanted, where you could build that house on the beach you dreamed of, one where we wouldn't have to die for each other. It's going to be a world where love doesn't hurt, where we could've...
Ambrosia breathes in deeply, feels stray tears on her cheeks and thinks of all of them, the three most important people in her life and knows she'll be seeing them again soon.
There are some things Snow won't let her get away with, lines she isn't allowed to cross. She knows her time is running out, but that's okay, she believes in the people of Panem, knows they'll make her dreams come true)
(i love you)
There is an accident, a horrible, tragic accident.
The train carrying Ambrosia Hartwig home to District Six derails, kills everyone aboard.
No one cares or thinks of the train workers, conductors and engineers and cooks. No one spares a thought for her escort, with his hair full of stars. No one mourns Orinthia Wheeler or Alexios Schermer, mentors whose glory has long been forgotten.
But then the Capitol doesn't care either, sacrifices them all to silence one lone girl.
Ambrosia Hartwig dies in chaos and fire.
But rebellion doesn't die with her.
(Ambrosia Hartwig spends a lifetime believing she's nothing special, knowing no one cares about her, would miss her if she died)
(she's never been more wrong)
Maybe, once upon a time, losing Ambrosia, losing their symbol would have been enough to quell revolution, to put an end to insurrection.
But things are different now and martyrs can be just as powerful.
Ambrosia Hartwig lit the fire and now all of Panem will carry her torch.
(District Six lights up like a firework, bright and fierce, ready to avenge their fallen daughter.
They may not be very big or rich or strong, but they have something the Capitol never will)
(a hero)
There is yet another complete shutdown of the district following the news, not a single person allowed outside their homes. It's because the Capitol is afraid, afraid of how people will react, of what they'll do.
Madge figures that Snow hopes to keep them isolated and penned in until their rage dies down, until despair or hopelessness settles in.
But unfortunately for Snow, that's never going to happen.
Prisoners in their own homes, their rage just simmers, grows to a boil, is ready to spill out and cover all of Panem. This rebellion can't be smothered, repressed or doused. No, this rebellion has come, is ready to burst out into a war.
Snow can't stop this.
No one can.
(President Snow sits in his poison throne, tries to hold up his crumbling walls.
He has played so many games, won so many rounds, can't even fathom losing this one. Children cannot beat him, hysteric masses cannot conquer the kingdom he has built)
(if it's a war they want, it's a war they'll get)
The first thing Madge and Gale do when they're allowed out in the streets again is run straight to the Hawthornes' house. They meet them halfway, the Hawthornes having the same idea and they stand there in the middle of the street, hugging and crying.
"Thank God you're alright," Hazelle murmurs, pulls Madge close.
"We're fine, we're all fine," she replies, voice watery with tears. Gale grabs Posy and Rory, clutches them near and Madge pulls away reluctantly from Hazelle, wipes pointlessly at her eyes.
And it's a miracle, she thinks, looking at her family like this, because they are all fine. They've made it through the fire (at least this time) and then Posy flings her arms around Madge, laughing with tears on her cheeks and how did we get so lucky?
(at least this time)
(we haven't always been lucky)
Madge wraps her own arms around Posy, her stomach wedged between them and then both girls jump in surprise. They look down at Madge's stomach then back up at each other, eyes wide.
"What is it?" Gale asks, tries to keep the alarm from his voice. Posy starts to giggle and Madge feels her mouth turn up in a smile, happy tears filling her eyes.
"The baby kicked!" she exclaims, something warm spreading through her limbs. Hazelle beams, Posy claps excitedly and Rory looks stunned, but Madge only has eyes for Gale. He's surprised but then he starts to grin, that perfect Gale grin, excitement burning in his eyes.
He rests a hand on her stomach, face nervous but sweet and then the baby kicks again, leaves Gale in awe. Madge covers his hand with her own and they share a smile, one filled with so many dreams of tomorrow.
Maybe it's luck or maybe it's not, but it doesn't matter.
Days like today, they really are miracles.
The air in Victor's Village is somber and heavy, just like always, but Madge hardly notices, too determined to make sure Katniss an Peeta are okay. Peacekeepers watch her from every direction and she can feel their gaze creeping over her like spiders but she ignores it, needs to check on them, needs both of them to be perfectly alright.
She knocks on their door, jittery and hard, wishes Gale could be here with her. But the Capitol needs their coal, cracks that whip and it's back down to the darkness for him, no chance to know if his loved ones are safe.
(damn them)
The wait feels like a lifetime, seconds passing in agonizing slowness. When the door finally does open, Madge practically flings herself at Peeta, engulfs him in her arms as best she can. He's startled and surprised, a bit caught off guard but Madge just clings a little tighter, so relieved he's okay.
"Hello to you too," he jokes, returns her hug. She laughs a little, gives him another squeeze and then lets go, follows him into the house. Katniss is sitting in the living room and Madge feels relief crash over her, is nearly bowled over by it. Katniss stands and Madge hurries over, grabs her best friend and tugs her close.
Katniss is a bit stiff in her arms, gingerly returns the hug and Madge pulls back in confusion, means to ask what's wrong. She gets one look at Katniss' face and knows, sees the way her eyes hover over Madge's stomach. She feels a knot tighten in her gut, doesn't know what to say, how exactly to make this better.
(then again, she can't even be sure what it is Katniss is upset about)
(it's happening more and more, the deeper Katniss sinks into her lies, the farther she gets from everyone else)
But then Katniss smiles, a real smile and Madge smiles back and maybe it doesn't matter, what secrets they keep. They're best friends, nothing changes that.
Nothing ever could.
There's a broken window in the living room and Madge can't help staring at it when she visits her father. She doesn't know exactly what happened, but it couldn't have been good. What if her father had gotten hurt?
The thought terrifies her and his proximity to the Justice Building and Peacekeepers makes her sick with worry. District Twelve is dangerous and her father's right in the middle of all of it.
Someone broke his window, maybe on purpose, maybe by accident, but either way, he isn't safe, lives right in the epicentre of the chaos blowing through District Twelve. Come live with me, she wants to beg but she knows he never will.
She holds his hand instead, prays and prays he'll be okay.
She's already lost one parent, she can't lose the other.
She can't.
Madge stops by to visit Leevy, feels the need to be with someone who understands just how she feels.
"The baby started kicking," she says, voice soft and Leevy smiles, dampened slightly by the worry neither of them can shake. "I was nervous, because of how stressed I was, that something might go wrong, but...feeling the baby kick, I was so relieved."
"I think we're all too stressed," Leevy murmurs, shadows in her eyes. "The way things are now, I'm scared something's...I'm afraid something bad'll happen to the baby," Leevy admits, tightens her hands on the edge of her chair and Madge knows the feeling, the constant terror beating in her blood. If only the new world had already come, if only Panem wasn't teetering on the edge.
Leevy breathes in and splays her hands over her stomach, looks down at the baby she's soon to meet.
"I just...want them to be healthy. Healthy and strong."
Madge can taste her fear, has been living with the same one. She reaches forward and grabs Leevy's hand, offers her steadiest smile.
"They will be."
They have to be.
Katniss comes over on Saturday afternoon, secrets smouldering like embers in her eyes.
Madge lets her in, tries to smile casually, tries not to do anything to arouse the suspicion of the peacekeepers positioned at either end of the street. She locks the door behind them and follows Katniss to the couch. Katniss looks around nervously, as if expecting peacekeepers or Snow to jump out from behind kitchen chairs. She finally settles her eyes on Madge, makes all her nerves tingle with anticipation.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you this sooner, but I didn't believe it at first. I couldn't. But now, well, I'm sure." Madge is confused and Katniss inhales before continuing.
"Thirteen still exists."
Madge feels her eyes go wide, the whole world turning over in her head.
"Thirteen?" she whispers, can barely comprehend what Katniss is telling her. "Thirteen but...they were destroyed, in the war..."
Katniss shakes her head. "No, that's just what Snow wants us to believe. They're out there, the Capitol didn't wipe out them out all those years ago."
Madge feels like her head is spinning, because this feels so unreal. She's grown up on stories of Thirteen's destruction, the ultimate show of the Capitol's might. The last time Panem tried to rebel the Capitol obliterated an entire district.
Except they didn't.
The threat of that happening again, it's all a lie, another Capitol deception. Something to keep them scared, terrified of being the next district wiped off the map.
"We're going to start spreading the word, letting everyone know that there are thirteen districts and only one Capitol," Katniss says, voice determined. "This time, the odds really are in our favour."
There's a steely look in Katniss' eyes, a pounding in Madge's chest and Thirteen! Thirteen is alive!
The Capitol doesn't stand a chance.
Leevy gives birth to a boy, a tiny, tiny boy.
"He'll be alright," Prim says, voice firm.
Leevy blinks at him with tired, wet eyes and Thom's face is slack with awe, lips trembling slightly.
"He'll be alright," Prim repeats and they all nod.
He'll be alright.
It starts on a Sunday.
She's grading papers when it drifts through their open window, the distant sounds of shouting. Madge furrows her brow and looks at Gale, the colour starting to drain from his face. Madge is about to ask him what he thinks it is when breaking glass and gun shots join the screaming, turn her blood cold.
Oh
They both hurry to the window, see the night sky lit by fires and curling smoke. The terror grows louder and louder, drawing nearer and Madge wonders what started this, what prompted this riot to break out. Before she can even try to guess, screaming comes from the opposite direction, flames rising from the other side of the district and this isn't one riot, but riots, springing up all over Twelve.
Janah Malleefowl comes tearing out of her house, a flash of silver in her hand and Madge wants to go running after her, drag her back home. But Janah hurries off, melds into the crowd of people rushing towards the chaos, determined to join the fray. Madge looks up at Gale, his clenched jaw and knows he's warring with himself, the urge to go, the urge to stay. She hugs her stomach, wonders if he sometimes wishes he hadn't married her, wishes he was free to fight like he wants to, didn't have to worry about her and the baby.
She'd fight beside him if she could, stand with him against Snow, his Capitol, his army of peacekeepers. She can't though, needs to keep her baby safe and she knows Gale feels the same.
"I'm sorry," Madge whispers and Gale tightens his arm around her, kisses the top of her head.
"Don't be, I wouldn't trade this for the world," he whispers back, face lit up orange and gold. Madge nods and they stand side by side at their little window, watch Twelve go to war.
Home fires burning, Madge thinks, just not at all the way you'd have imagined.
(there are riots nearly every night after this, never quite as big, but still, violence comes with sundown, turns Twelve into a battleground)
(people disappear, homes crumble and smoke curls against the sky, a message to the world)
(we're not afraid anymore)
Madge snuggles deeper into Gale's arms, keeps him safe in her embrace.
"I'd like a big garden," she whispers in the dark, "with all kinds of flowers and trees." Gale nods, hands drawing patterns on her back.
"A great big yard," he adds, "one where our kids could play."
"Maybe a treehouse?" she asks, thinks that might be fun and Gale nods again.
"Yeah. We should build it somewhere near the woods, I'd love to be able to see it from our window."
"Near water, for swimming."
They continue to plan their dream house, their dream life, the future they have to believe they'll have. It's a conversation for late nights and quiet voices, a conversation built entirely from fragile hopes.
"A swing set," Madge suggests and the baby kicks.
"I guess baby agrees," Gale grins and Madge laughs a little, wishes this moment never had to end.
They're happy, they're safe, they're together.
She just hopes they always will be.
Madge gathers her things at the end of the day, makes to leave her classroom when Mr Naysmith arrives, sweeps his eyes over her stomach, his mouth pressed into a thin line.
"A word, if you please?" he asks and she nods, feels her nerves tighten.
"You understand, Mrs Hawthorne," he begins (and he's finally started using her married name, disdain dripping from his tongue), "that unfortunately, once you've had your baby, we'll have to find someone else to fill your position here."
Madge nods until his words start to settle and she realizes what he's really saying. She'll have to take time off when the baby comes and when they replace her, it won't be temporary. Once she leaves, she can't come back.
She clenches her hands, bites her tongue and forces a smile.
"Of course, Mr Naysmith," she agrees and he gives her one last glance, turns on his heel and leaves. Madge deflates once he's gone, feels like she might cry.
This isn't fair.
She doesn't tell Gale about it, doesn't want to worry him and there has to be something she can do.
She loves her job, they need her job and Mr Naysmith can't just take it from her, she won't let him.
But how is she supposed to stop him? She's having this baby, will need time off and her position can't remain vacant, the students need someone to teach them.
Her baby kicks and Madge rests a hand over it, closes her eyes.
I'll figure something out, I promise.
The trains stop running between districts, all communication, no matter how minimal, is cut off and they must survive on their own, no help from anyone else.
Except they've always done that, have had to rely on themselves, have had to scrape by without aid. Snow wants to isolate them, stomp down any united front but it's not train lines or telephones that keep them connected, it's anger and pain, a lifetime of oppression, a great burning hope for better days.
Unlike Snow, the people of Panem are never alone.
They have each other, he's made sure of that.
Madge stops by Thom and Leevy's, always feels better after a moment spent with their son. They've called him Kolton, after Leevy's father and he's so small, so perfectly adorable.
Leevy answers the door with a tired smile, Kolton nestled in her arms and Madge feels her own exhaustion start to melt, pleasant warmth flooding her blood. She follows Leevy inside, is more than happy to hold a sleepy Kolton, can't stop staring at his little face. She's going to have one of these soon, her very own tiny baby and it' so amazing, so completely overwhelming.
"He's beautiful," Madge murmurs, probably for the millionth time and Leevy sinks into the couch, love shining from her eyes.
"Yeah, he is."
Motherhood has always been frightening, but looking down at Kolton Oakfield, Madge thinks she could brave anything.
I love you, she tells the baby inside of her, I can't wait to meet you.
I really can't.
"There's talk of striking, down in the mines," Gale murmurs as he sits down heavily on the edge of their bed. Madge reaches for his hand.
"How serious?" she asks, not quite sure what she wants the answer to be.
"Pretty serious," he answers, sounds exhausted. "There's always been whispers, but they never meant much, just wishful thinking, but this time...this time I think they really mean it." Madge wraps his hand in both of hers and pulls him closer. He comes willingly, arms going around her, chin resting on her head.
She doesn't know what to say, isn't quite sure how to feel so she kisses his shoulder instead, lays her cheek on the rough material of his shirt.
Whatever happens, we'll be okay.
It's a promise she's determined to keep.
"Can I tell you a secret?" Posy whispers, leans towards Madge with excitement in her eyes. Madge nods eagerly, leans a bit closer too. Posy bites her lip and looks around, makes sure no one else is listening.
"So there's this boy," she begins and Madge grins. "He's really cute, and tall," Posy continues, cheeks turning faintly pink.
"And what's his name?" Madge asks, bumps Posy's shoulder with her own.
Posy giggles, cheeks a little darker. "Hale, Hale Hornbeam."
"Well, that's a stupid sounding name," Gale interrupts, clearly knows just what they were talking about. He settles beside Posy with a less than pleased look on his face, big brother mode fully activated. Posy pouts and Madge can't help but smirk.
"Says the man named 'Gale'," she points out, a hint of laughter in her voice. Gale frowns and shoots her an unimpressed look.
"I dunno, seems a bit weird, liking a guy whose name's only one letter away from being your brother's," Rory says from Madge's other side, leaning against the couch. Posy scrunches up her nose.
"Ew Rory, don't say stuff like that, cause then it is weird." Rory shrugs, Gale nods and Posy swings narrowed eyes to him.
"And speaking of names, you know what Madge told me? You guys haven't picked out a single baby name yet!"
"We've got a few ideas," Gale tries to defend himself, but Posy shakes her head and grabs his arm, begins marching him to the kitchen.
"Ma will be appalled, we've already come up with tons of ideas. Honestly Gale, what would you do without us?"
Madge laughs as Gale rolls his eyes and Rory sits down beside her, a thoughtful look on his face.
"I don't think I'll have kids," he begins, voice soft, "but if I did, I think...I think Vick and Peony would be nice names."
Madge feels her heart squeeze, takes a hold of Rory's hand.
"I think those are lovely names."
They share a sad smile and she decides right now, it doesn't matter how many sons she and Gale have, Vick belongs to Rory.
You'd make a wonderful Dad, she thinks, knows he isn't ready to hear it yet.
He's still struggling with himself, the failures haunting his dreams but Madge has hope for someday, for the day Rory can feel proud to be himself again.
She doesn't know if that future has a Vick or Peony Hawthorne, doesn't know if Rory will ever get married or have children, but that doesn't matter. What matters is Rory and the strength he shows every day, the courage in his heart.
You'll be okay, she thinks and unlike all the empty promises she's made to herself over the years, she knows this one's true.
You'll be okay.
They settle on Cirrus for a boy, after Gale's father and she thinks of naming a girl after her mother, but realizes that wouldn't be right. Her mother wouldn't want a granddaughter named after herself, she'd want it named after the sister she could never forget. If she really wants to honour her mother, she'll name her daughter Maysilee, just like she would have wanted.
Cirrus Hawthorne.
Maysilee Hawthorne.
They both sound amazing.
The way to work is like walking through a ghost town, empty homes and houses with broken windows. There are doors that creak and swing in the wind, faded burn marks painted up walls and scattered pieces of someone's life, abandoned on dusty grass.
Some of the people who should live here have moved in with relatives, but some, some have disappeared, taken away by peacekeepers and Madge is sure they'll never be seen again. Criminals the peacekeepers have branded them, dangers to society but Madge knows that isn't true.
This is a show of force, an attempt to cow the populace with fear. It's the same old trick as always and no one's fooled anymore.
Snow is losing.
(maybe he's already lost)
There are words, angry, rebellious words painted on the sides of buildings, ugly, garish and revolutionary.
Madge doesn't know how they got there, how someone managed to do it without being caught but everyone gets to read them, every Down With the Capitol and Death to Snow and the odds are never in our favour.
The district buzzes with each one, heedless of the peacekeepers' banning the subject and Madge stays on one in particular, likes it better than the rest.
Divided We Fall, Together We Stand
(and so they will)
Madge waddles to work, attracting stares as she shuffles down the streets.
It's nearly time, her baby nearly due and she knows she should probably be taking it easier, but she can't, needs to hold onto her job for as long as she can.
We'll be fine, right baby?
The baby kicks in response and Madge smiles, even though every part of her feels swollen and bloated. She turns a corner and takes a break, leans against the side of someone's house.
"Mrs Hawthorne!" someone calls and Madge looks up in surprise, eyes landing on the elderly Mrs Darrow. Madge pushes off the wall just as Mrs Darrow reaches her side, a kind smile on her lips.
"I'm so glad I caught you," she starts and Madge smiles, curiosity in her eyes. "I heard you were pregnant and clearly the baby's due any day now."
Madge nods and Mrs Darrow takes her hands.
"Well, I know how Mr Naysmith is, so I would like to fill in for you, while you're away with the baby." Madge is flabbergasted, her mouth dropping open.
"But-but Mrs Darrow, you're retired!" she splutters and Mrs Darrow smiles.
"Yes, but I wouldn't mind coming out of retirement for something like this. Mr Naysmith always does this and it's not right. You're about to start a family, you'll need the money. And from what I've heard, you're brilliant at your job, it wouldn't be fair, for you or the children, to take you away."
Madge can feel tears burn her eyes, something that seems to happen all the time nowadays, and squeezes Mrs Darrow's hands.
"Thank you," she says sincerely, wishes she knew some way to express how much this means.
"My pleasure, after all, you taking over for me let me retire a bit earlier than planned when I got sick, it's only fair that I help you out when you need it too."
Madge cries a bit more, Mrs Darrow gives her a hug and even in a place like Panem, there is kindness to be found.
It's Prim who tells her, in hushed whispers at Madge's latest check up.
"People have been attacking peacekeepers in the streets."
Madge's eyes go wide, shock and disbelief pouring through her system and Prim continues, voice barely audible.
"The first was last Thursday. A few people just...ganged up on a lone peacekeeper, left him pretty beaten up. It's been happening ever since, one or two peacekeepers every day."
"Did they catch anyone who did it?" Madge asks, not sure she really wants to know. Prim shakes her head.
"No and it's got the peacekeepers even more on edge than usual. They're not used to being the victims."
No, Madge thinks, they wouldn't be.
How the tables have turned.
The winds of change blow through Twelve, through Panem and Madge can't help but dream every night, see revolution and fire and a better tomorrow.
(sometimes though, she can't help but see a worse tomorrow, a world where rebellion comes and fails, leaves things worse than ever before)
Madge wakes in the middle of the night, a sharp, insistent pain coming over her in waves. The bed sheets are wet and she knows what that means.
"Gale," she says through clenching teeth. "Gale," she repeats, urgency in every breath. She shakes him awake and he blinks, mumbling to himself. She's already sitting, arms around her stomach.
"Madge?" he questions, groggy and half-asleep.
"The baby's coming."
Madge has never known pain like this, has never screamed her voice quite so raw. She is feverish and sweaty, her entire body feeling like it wants to tear itself apart.
Gale holds one hand, Hazelle the other and she can't hear their soothing words, just the encouragement in their tone. Prim and Mrs Everdeen coach her through and she tries her best to listen, even as she grows lightheaded and blurry eyed.
"Almost!" someone says, "You can do it!" from someone else.
"Push!" and she does, pushes pushes pushes, wonders if this is how it feels to die and then comes the screaming cry, high pitched and absolutely beautiful.
"It's a girl!"
Hazelle squeezes her hand and Gale kisses her head, again and again. Words tumble from his lips into her ear, i love you, you did it, you're so amazing, i love you.
Madge collapses back into her pillows, feels boneless and exhausted. She closes her eyes and tries to steady her breathing, lulled by Gale's voice.
"Would you like to say hello?" Prim asks and Madge struggles her eyes open, feels her heart swell and glow at the sight of her baby girl. She smiles, feels tears start to gather in her eyes and reaches out, her arms stronger than they've ever been.
Prim nestles the baby close and Madge cannot look away. She's so tiny, so fragile, so absolutely perfect. Gale puts an arm around her and leans in close, wonder rolling off of him in waves.
"She's beautiful," he murmurs, voice a mixture of awe and love. Madge nods, has never ever felt so happy.
"Hello, Maysilee," she whispers, words watery.
And if she had to pick only one moment to describe joy, she'd pick this one, this perfect, perfect moment.
Hello Maysilee
Their friends and family come to visit, crowd around Madge's bed and the miracle in her arms.
There are tears and hugs and rebellion, war, it couldn't seem more far off, a million miles away from their happy home.
"She's so...small," Rory whispers, sounds breathless and surprised. Posy squeezes his arm, smile wide.
"That's our niece," she points out, excitement lacing every word.
"Oh, Madge," Peeta breathes, hasn't taken his eyes off Maysilee once, "she's beautiful."
Gale nods, full of pride and introduces her to the room. "Maysilee Hawthorne," he announces, happiness swelling in his voice. Madge glances over at her father and his reaction, sees the surprise on his face. He blinks a few times before the shock melts into a tender smile and he kisses the side of Madge's head, eyes misty.
"Your mother would have loved it," he murmurs and Madge nods, feels her own tears start to fall again. "I'm so proud of you, we both are."
Madge doesn't know what to say, leans into him instead and catches sight of Katniss hovering in the corner. Their eyes meet and there's something a little like fear in Katniss' gaze, keeping her at bay. Madge offers her a reassuring smile, tries to beckon her forward with her eyes and Katniss chews on her lips, slowly starts to creep forward, trepidation in every step. She stops by Peeta's side, fingers digging into his shoulder and peers down at Maysilee, filled with nerves and poorly hidden wonder.
"So, what do you think?" Gale asks, slings an arm over Katniss' shoulders. His grin's still huge, has only gotten bigger every second since Maysilee's birth and his enthusiasm seems contagious, a tiny smile blooming on Katniss' face.
"She's...," Katniss swallows, tries again. "She's...amazing, really."
Gale gives her a squeeze, Madge beams and this is every happily ever after come true.
(but Panem's still getting closer to the end, a country of storm clouds ready to burst)
(soon)
Madge looks down at Maysilee's sleeping face, sweet and soft and small.
There is a feeling in her chest, spreading out through her body, touching every limb and strand of hair. It feels like sunshine and starlight, like warmth and good dreams. It is more than love, more than anything Madge has ever felt before. It peels away her layers, sheds shadows, pain and hate. It is peace and bliss and faith, a promise of the future.
"I love you," Madge whispers but the words are not enough.
There is a kind of hope living in this room with them, a candle Madge will carry through her life.
I love you
(of course, love may not be enough)
Madge watches Gale rock Maysilee to sleep, falls in love with him all over again. Her heart wants to burst with love for these two, her perfect, perfect two. Gale holds Maysilee a little closer, eyes never straying from her face.
"The rumours are getting worse," he whispers, doesn't want to disturb Maysilee's sleep.
"About a strike at the mines?"
Gale nods, "Yeah, I really think they're, we're, gunna do it."
Madge closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, worry like spikes in her veins. She moves quietly to Gale's side, slips around behind his chair and wraps her arms around his shoulders, presses her face to the back of his neck.
"Come home to us," she breathes into his skin because she would never ask him not to go, never want him not to fight for what's right.
"I'm going to keep you safe Madge, you and Maysilee, I promise. No matter what." His voice is firm and Madge nods, tightens her hold on him.
"I know you will. And I will too. I'll never let anything happen to you, either of you."
we'll keep each other safe
(and finally, finally, that countdown, the one ticking closer and closer to Panem's final fight, hits zero)
It feels like any other morning.
Madge wakes up just a few moments before Gale, has no idea that anything at all is going to happen today.
(but oh, it will)
They go about their morning routine with practised ease and Gale kisses her and Maysilee goodbye, goes off to his final day in the mines.
(not that either of them know that yet)
Madge and Maysilee head back inside, get ready for their day and this is it, the end they've all been waiting for.
(but really, who'd have imagined the world would end on a Tuesday?)
It feels like any other morning.
It isn't.
(the end is near)
(no, the end is here)
(because today, rebellion ends)
(and war begins)