Author's Note: And so we reach the final chapter of the story. It's been really fun, guys. I've got a couple things to say before we press on:
a) Thank you all so much, anyone who's taking the time to read this, and especially those who took the time to review. Special recognition must go out to Obiwanlivesforever and RueofDistrict11, two faithful friends who have honestly and helpfully reviewed nearly every single chapter.
b) This story might have a sequel. The sequel might be an SYOT. The possible existence of this SYOT is up to you-would you be interested, dear readers? It would probably be another one of the "mockingjay" games (you'll see what I mean in a second); possibly the fiftieth, maybe another one. Let me know what you think.
Parting is such sweet sorrow,
Amata
The 25th Annual Hunger Games were never broadcast on television again. But the damage was already done. Fifty years before the rebellion officially started, the districts had chosen their sides.
Josef Swan was killed in a tragic accident on his way home from the Capitol. His speeding train ran over a large construction block, knocking it off-track and sending it off a cliff. His escort, Orsina Dee, and everyone else on the train was killed. Woof Edelglass was currently still in the Capitol, undergoing some official business with President Candlewick. He returned to District Eight six months later, and made the Victory Tour as Josef's proxy. He pinned the young victor's death as nothing more than an unfortunate accident. But he said it through gritted teeth.
More Peacekeepers were sent to the border of Districts Seven and Eight, the electric fences charged once more. The rebellion, or the Mockingjay Society as it was often called, still managed to meet via their mentors, though they had to be extremely careful to get around President Candlewick, who resigned from office in A.D.D. 30.
The next Mockingjay attempt came during the 50th Annual Hunger Games, with twice the number of tributes. The Everdeen-Abernathy family was committed to the cause, and certain double-agent Peacekeepers managed to slip certain names into certain reaping bowls. The goal was to protect the new Mockingjay: a sixteen-year-old girl from District Twelve by the name of Maysilee Donner, guarded by her strongest district partner and ally, Haymitch Abernathy. However, they underestimated the new president-Coriolanus Snow-and his ability to sense rebellion activity from the slightest suggestion. Maysilee Donner was killed, but Haymitch Abernathy used his cunning to survive. If he was not the intended Mockingjay, he certainly caused a stir.
Mockingjay projects were started up more frequently, and they actually began producing some victors: Cecelia Beauregard of Eight, Lyme Churchhill of Two, Finnick Odair of Four. But none of their sparks were allowed to catch; they were either quelled by Coriolanus Snow or by their own inhibiting thoughts.
The Mockingjay Project was launched once again for the 74th Annual Hunger Games. Katniss Everdeen, a descendent of early rebels, was located and deemed perfect, with Peeta Mellark as her fiercely devoted protector. And then you all know what happened. The fire caught. The flames spead. The mockingjays flew.
Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark never saw the 25th Annual Hunger Games. But the threads were there to pick up. In a sense, it was just one tragic war of love and loss. And in the end, Josef and Alais won.
"After this kill, I will be the victor. Are you ready to see me crowned?"
We've been waiting for far too long.