A.N: I can't believe the story is almost done! This story has been a work in progress for years and the fact people still want to read it amazes me. So thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. I hope you enjoy the final chapters!

Chapter 49

Katniss sat between Finnick and Johanna not remarking when Finnick's hand slid into her own. Quietly she threads her fingers between his own offering him a small smile. They both knew what was going through her mind at this moment. If Katniss took even a sliver of comfort from his touch then that was what Finnick was going to offer her.

Commander Boggs stood up in the middle of the ship about half way through their flight to go over the plan. Pressing a button lifted from his pocket Boggs activated a holographic version of the capital. Pointing to one spot on the map Boggs said, "We will be landing outside the city walls. Beetee will be cutting off their power supply once we reach our destination."

Johanna leaned into the hologram looking at the spot, "You want us to go through the sewers."

If Johanna spotted the slight flinch Katniss couldn't hold back, the victor didn't pay attention on it. Finnick's grip tightened in his wife's hold, "it's a good plan. Keeps us out of the sight from the citizens. The whole damn city is filled with windows."

"Do you have a plan for the sensors?" Katniss spoke up. Boggs turned his attention towards the brunette motioning for her to continue.

"The capital has bloody invisible fences to keep the tributes in around the building. You really think he wouldn't have sensors to track his citizens? Especially if he has people he wants to capture?" Katniss would never admit to anyone that her voice held a tinge of hysteria. She was going into the capital where her husband had found his death the last time around.

Boggs frowned, "Beetee-"

"Beetee is a victor he does not know everything" Johanna snapped, "He would only know what he was allowed to bloody work on."

Finnick frowned, "Snow does have cameras all across the city, it's not a stretch to think about bio-sensors."

Boggs cursed, "I'll comm the team. To ensure the sewers will be free of any sensors."

Katniss let out a silent breath, as she leaned her head against Finnick. He pressed his lips to their enclosed hands. Johanna leaned back with her arms crossed, "we're surrounded by idiots."

Katniss snorted while Finnick grinned over at their friend, "did you just figure that out?"

Johanna grunted, " I just wanted to be free from that underground hell hole" turning around to look at Boggs who had his attention on the phone by his ear she said, "No offense."

The group watched as the serious commander's mouth twitched up a micro inch as Johanna grinned up at him. "No offense taken ."

Johanna muttered quietly as the commander entered a heated discussion. "Is it just me or is Commander Boggs hot?"

Katniss had to jab Finnick in the side as he chortled, "Only you would get the hots for someone who works for people you hate."

"I like a man in uniform" Johanna shrugged.

"I'm not sure the man in uniform could handle you" Finnick muttered back. Johanna opened her mouth to respond when Boggs could be heard hanging up the phone. All the conversations had ceased as he re-entered the center with the hologram.

"The sewers are the only way to evade the sensors" Boggs said. "Beetee has rescanned the surveillance we have on the district. He believes that entering through the sewers is the least riskiest option. However there is no way to know for sure if Snow has any other surveillance until we're on the ground."

Katniss shared a look with her companions before turning to the frowning face of Boggs, "Coin has a worst-case scenario in place does she not?"

Boggs nodded grimly, handing her a very familiar piece of machinery. "The password is night-lock. If you are in danger of being caught and there is no other way out. Or the only way to get the rest of the team out use it. It will self-destruct and take everything near it with it."

Treating the make-shift bomb as fragile as glass Katniss reluctantly puts it into one of the pockets that Cinna insisted that she use. She would murder him herself if he had any idea she would be carrying this fucking bomb again. Finnick wrapped his arm around her, "What do you want us to achieve?" he asked.

"Your job is to get inside the mansion. Once you've reached, your job is to locate the president and capture him. Immediately upon infiltrating the mansion you must alert us. This will allow us to enter the city and back you up. Surround him from the inside out."

"We'd do better without a large group" Finnick muttered, "Too many of us will be hard to manage."

Boggs nodded, "We originally had settled on ten members but one member was put on a different assignment" the commander looked over at Katniss. She bristled at the insinuation that Boggs thought it was because of her that Gale was taken off the team.

Well partially, but according to Haymitch it was because of the presence of the other tributes. Having Cato around changed things. His presence was far too volatile but Gale had proven himself to be someone that could handle Cato, who while not having a large history with District 13 meant that placing him on any team was a risk.

Having him watch Cato was simply the most logical decision.

"Whose on the teams now?" Johanna questioned.

"You three, myself, Homes, Leeg 1, Leeg 2, Mitchell."

"Who's the missing person?" Finnick asked.

"Originally Haymitch had decided to join as well but pulled out when Plutarch declared he was needed with him."

Johanna let out a small whistle, "You lot are just lazy mother fuckers aren't you. Leaving the hard work to us."

Boggs narrowed his eyes at her, "we have our freedom. This is your fight is it not?"

"Your government wants the glory" Johanna spat at him, "Yes I get that many want the freedom to finally go outside. But it's your government that's making the plans, the hard choices and they are choosing to send us out to meet our deaths, while you guys get the safest job of being calvary while the poorest of Panem fight for their freedom."

Feeling Finnick's hand in her own, Katniss watched with sick curiosity as Johanna snarled at the man. Boggs raised his hand to stop some of the soldiers from restraining the victor. Katniss watched as a man, she had always viewed as good despite who he worked for, leant forward until he was towering over Johanna.

"You are right to an extent" Boggs murmured, "I never believed in allowing civilians to fight in battles. Snow kept his people untrained, underfed and fearful. Those traits don't make good soldiers. Perhaps this will allow you to survive to ensure those of us from District 13 don't hog all the glory."

"Allow us to go alone" Katniss interfered, "I trust your more than capable but these are your men. You should allow us to handle Snow. We'd be easier to hide with just three."

It was then that the pilot announced their immediate landing. Boggs allowed one last look over at Johanna before turning his attention towards the captain. Johanna waved a hand over herself, "Now that was hot."

"Seriously?" Finnick shook his head.

XX

Since making the decision to follow Gale, and insisting her family take the warnings seriously, Madge had seen a lot of things. She had seen the affection between Gale and Katniss with their siblings. The familial bond between Haymitch and Katniss grow, hell even seen Katniss tease Haymitch about his affections for Effie and lived to tell the tale.

What Madge thought she never would see was a very conscious acting Annie pulling her straight into the Med unit, where Katniss's family worked. The redheads grip was far stronger than the blonde had believed her capable. "Annie" She hissed as her arm was pulled further along, "just what the hell are you planning."

"Katniss is afraid of what Prim will do. We have to ensure that Prim understands the risks" Annie said brightly. Completely undermining the seriousness of the conversation.

"I don't recall her asking us to interfere" Madge yelped as Annie came to a halt right before the doors of the Medic unit as Madge stumbled into her. The redhead turned to look Madge in the eyes, "would you rather Katniss do something stupid in the capital? You've never been there Madge."

Before Madge could reply Annie was back at it, "I know what people say about me. I'm the girl that went mad only allowed out of the arena because Katniss managed to outwit the Gamekeepers. What do you think Katniss would do if she saw Prim in the capital? She will do anything and everything reckless to keep her sister safe."

"Prim is exactly like her sister" Madge warned, "I've known them my entire life. The Everdeen's are full of stubborn women. While Katniss did the protecting, it was Prim that managed to cool any disputes. She stuck to her mother like glue and learned how to be calm without being completely detached. Unlike Katniss who… she loved her father. Trying to tell Prim not to go where she believes she will make the most difference will be like trying to keep Katniss from protecting the younger tributes or yourself."

Annie was silent for a moment before smiling brightly at the former mayor's daughter. "Thank you Madge."

"What for?" Madge asked incredulously as Annie's grip tightened.

"For helping me figure out the best way to convince Prim to stay" Annie beamed at Madge as she stepped right in front of the sensor for the door. As soon as the doors swung open revealing the beginnings of the Medical Unit Annie let go of Madge's hand, and then they were both in the medical wing spying Prim walking in from a back room her arms full of vials humming quietly to herself.

The two intruders were careful of the box of vials stayed silent until Prim had placed it down safely on the counter. Immediately Annie called the younger girl's name before flinging herself into Prim's arms. Prim's eyes widened as she noticed the flash of red coming her way. She relaxed once her mind connected the flash of red to Annie.

"Annie" Prim eyes rose to find Madge's, "Madge? What are you both doing here?"

"I heard a rumor that you were part of the evacuation medic team ordered to join once the fighting is finished" Annie murmured pulling back placing both hands on either side of her face.

"I am" Prim stated proudly before her smile turned shy, "I know Katniss wasn't happy about that."

Madge snorted, "Can you tell us why it's so important to you? To be in the capital? It's not exactly going to be an enjoyable experience."

Prim straightened her shoulders looking Annie and Madge in the eye, "Katniss has sacrificed everything for me. She went back into the arena for me. I'm not good at fighting. I've never been good with arrows like her. I've always been small even when we were able to get enough to eat, I've always been on the shy side. But I listened to my mom talk about plants and all its uses. I'm good at healing. It's the only way I know I can help in this fight. A fight Katniss is only in because she wants to fight for our family."

Madge shot Annie a I-told-you-so look but the redhead looked nonplussed carefully nodding her head as the blonde explained. Annie pulled the girl into a softer hug placing her head on the younger girl's shoulder. "I know you want to help, Prim. But when your sister see's you in the capital dealing with the wounded, all her attention is going to be on ensuring YOUR safety."

Prim's eyes widened, "I'm going in after-"

"It won't matter" Madge added thoughtfully giving the girl a warm look. "Your sister's main focus will be on ensuring your safe return to your mom. Impacting both of your performances at a time both of you will need to be at the top of your game."

"I'm twelve. Old enough to be reaped" Prim argued. "She was twelve when she went into the bloody arena."

"You're her little sister. No twelve-year-old's should have to go through what your sister did, that is not a good argument. Especially if you have to give one to your sister."

Prim was silent after that not bothering to look either of the young women in the eye. "We don't wish to order you around, Prim. We just want you to understand that going to the capital might not be the best way for you to help. Especially with your relation to the members of the strike team."

Prim nodded slowly, "I can see now how Katniss would react badly to me being in the capital. She's never felt safe there, she would blow a gasket if she spotted me there."

Annie hummed, "they would transport the worst straight back here once they were triaged. This could be a good place for you. Isn't this where your mother is being stationed? I'm sure she could use the help."

Prim smiled, "I always love working with her. I'd hate to cause Katniss more worry. Okay, I will have a talk with the coordinator" she paused for a minute, "and my mom. She will be able to defuse the commander's bad mood at moving people around at the last minute."

XX

Johanna was a bundle of excitement by the time they landed. Her eyes glanced over the group barely gazing on the members of district 13. It was the victors that gave her the most interest. When they landed on Finnick's he raised a brow at her, "you're particularly hyper."

Johanna scowled, "I am not."

Katniss lifted her gaze up from the entwined hands of hers and her husband smirked at her and said, "you just wanna start hacking at troopers."

Johanna stuck her tongue out at them as the ship quietened as Commander Boggs gave out final orders to the members of district 13 group before moving on to them.

The Commander gave them all at once over, ignoring Johanna's slow appreciative gaze over his form. "Do you all know your objective?" he asked.

"Capture Snow in his ridiculous mansion" The trio droned in unison. Boggs forcibly had to stop himself from shaking his head at their sheer disrespect shown to the seriousness of this mission. Even after being around the victors for as long as he has, it still shocked him at the level of disrespect they showed to anything that resembled authority.

Then again Boggs had never been forced to kill children. He shook his head shaking off that line of thought as he continued, "Here's a map, you will be entering the sewer system through this point. Snow's home is on the other side of the city. Remember use the night lock if absolutely necessary."

After receiving confirmation from the group, Boggs ordered the doors to open allowing the various teams to exist. Most of his team members would be working to capture the exits from the cities while Team Alpha went after President Snow.

Boggs watched as Finnick ensured that both Johanna and Katniss had their gears on, as Johanna smacked him on the arm a friendly glare on her face.

Boggs snorted watching on as Katniss rolled her eyes. He stood slowly corralling them out of the hovercraft, looking out into the city that was suddenly in pitch black darkness. "There is your cover, go now" He ordered.

Katniss looked over at him giving him a small nod, if he didn't know any better he would say that she looked relieved that he would be staying back on the ship to help maneuver the rest of the remaining troops around the city as she suggested. Using the blackout as cover from whatever capital technology they could not shut down.

Katniss could feel Boggs eyes on them until they were safely in the confines of the sewer system. Finnick and held out a copy of the map. The small group of victors looked over it as Finnick pointed out where they were. "Looks like we need to head straight for a while" Finnick suggested as he looked over the map with scrutiny.

Johanna pointed to one the turns nearby "look at this one it cuts through most of the downtown area but there are less turns to get towards Snow's mansion."

"We could cut our time in half" Finnick said eagerly.

"It's also filled with traps. It leads directly to our destination I doubt Snow doesn't have mutts surrounding that area" Katniss argued.

"We do have a time limit. It might be worth the risk" Johanna snapped back, "They are only going to be able to keep the power down for so long. It's our best shot to get straight there without being spotted or having to go above ground."

A familiar feeling of dread filled her as Katniss took a moment to look at Finnick. His mouth was locked in a tense line, he could logically see both reasons. Yet the pleading in his eyes showed that her husband was leaning towards Johanna's argument more . Katniss tried to remind herself that they would not need to go above ground, after all they had managed to avoid the above ground part of the mission before .

District 13 had also managed to find and shut down the power and get them underground without entering the bloody city. "I want it on the record that I object to this entire fiasco" Katniss hissed as Finnick brought his lips to her forehead.

She leaned away glaring at him, "don't you dare think you are getting laid after this."

Johanna barked out loud as she led the way into the agreed upon tunnel. "Looks like Fishboy is whipped."

"At least the object of my affection knows I exist" Finnick teased quietly as the trio walked down the sewer.

Katniss bit her lip as the small group fell silent as they followed the glow of Finnick's map. They had maybe walked about a mile when a sound reached their ears. Finnick now in the lead paused in his steps as they listened as the sound got closer.

Flashes of screams echoed in her ear. She didn't need to wait to find out what the bloody sound was she knew. Taking both of their hands Katniss ran forward hissing to look for a dead end. The sounds became clearer as a wolfish growl could be heard coming up from behind.

"Mutts?" Johanna whispered in outrage. "How the hell did they know?"

"Either the power outage has been fixed or one of the bloody tributes I saved found a way to reach the capital. Or" Katniss huffed as they continued to ran.

"Or?" Johanna growled in a huff as she shouted out "There the dead end is there."

A Hyena's laugh could be heard just meters from them now. As the mutts sensed the chase was on. Once inside of the dead end the mutts could be heard rounding the corner. Looking up Johana said "We got to climb" as Finnick pulled down the ladder.

The two girls quickly climbed up and Finnick climbed onto the ladder just as the mutts ran into the room. Katniss screamed, "CLIMB FINNICK, FUCKING CLIMB" as she reached down to pull him up with one hand.

The other grabbed the bomb from her pocket, looking down she whispered "Night Lock" three times before throwing it into room as Finnick pulled her up the ladder as the device went off.

XX

As night fell President Snow watched the governess quietly lifted his granddaughter into her arms as the girl's bedtime finally arrived. Snow had spent a pleasant night with his family, one of the rarer nights the man was not stuck in the past.

Either thinking about the deaths he was responsible for or the victor that disappeared without a trace. He felt the familiar anger at her. She whose mere memory still managed to rile him up despite all the years that passed. The aging man's thoughts drifted to the newest bane of his existence.

Katniss Everdeen.

"Goodnight Grandpa" His granddaughter whispered from the shoulder of the governess. The woman quietly walked out as thoughts from his past consumed him.

Even her name brought up an even older memory. Katniss a mere slip of a girl whose name bore witness to a long dead part of himself, who hailed from the same district of a girl who he could never forget. A victor who angered him so much, Snow was thankful that his teacher had the thought to erase her from the country's memory.

While those who knew her personally would always remember, not even her beloved district would know her name outside those who had known her from before. It has been generations and dozens of annual games since, with District Twelve losing almost all of them. The country forgot she ever existed. He was lost in thought when the room was suddenly blanketed in darkness.

The door could be heard opening, "Sir."

"What's happening? Where are the back-up generators?" Snow questioned the man. He knew his words were formed like orders. That was what a leader was after all the person on top who pushed things into motion with a wave of a finger. It was something he was good at because Snow understood what people wanted from him.

They didn't want democracy or choice. They wanted to make sure food was on the table, children had full bellies. The citizens didn't question as long as their needs were met. If others had to do without then they were willing to overlook it, not even think about it if it meant they stayed sheltered.

He gave them the freedom from having to think or to place the blame on themselves.

"It seems sir that we were hacked" The assistant gulped even in the dark Snow could tell the man was sweating bullets.

"Hacked? Pray tell, do you at least know who is responsible?" It wasn't a question. The president already knew who was responsible. His hands clenched into fists knowing that somewhere in his city that they were coming for him.

The rebellion has been causing him headaches for weeks now. It's been at least two months since the end of the last games. He had watched as they threw the wedding of the century in his face. How his supply lines had been cut off, and not just for a tiny amount of time. They had done real damage. The amount of resources Snow deployed still rankled him.

"Yes Sir, the intruders left a Mockingjay."

"The rebellion" Snow turned towards the window where he saw just as he suspected all the buildings around him were unlit. The maggots had managed to get into the electrical grid and black out the entire city.

"It is their calling card of sorts, Sir."

Snow remained quiet not caring that his servant was practically salivating to get out of the room. If the man valued his life he would stay. In the end they always valued their lives. Snow allowed his thoughts to race if the rebellion had done this to the city- the capital would be under siege soon. Most likely their strongest fighters would be entering the city soon if not already. That meant only one thing.

"Katniss Everdeen is here."

"Sir?" The servant asked wincing at the icy blue of his presidents gaze fell onto him.

"Make an announcement to the citizens of the capital. We are under attack. Tell them that I will open my homes doors to the children of the city."

"Right away, sir" The man stammered out as he walked backwards praying that he hit none of the outrageously breakable items in the room. He ignored the deep pit in his stomach as he raced through the darkened halls towards the communications department. Opening the door without knocking he stated the presidents orders.

Within the seconds the presidents words were being typed up and presented to the people within minutes. If the people quickly making the calls to the stations shared nervous glances, the assistant ignored them. He was far too busy ignoring the pit in his own stomach at the thought of all the children of Panem being sent to be what broke down to as shields for the President.

XX

Gale paled as he exited Coin's office from his meeting with the leaders of the military. After his conversations with both Katniss and Madge the young man from District 12 had enough. He was tired of defending himself, tired of the nagging doubt in his mind. Initially he went to Beetee about what the rebellion would do with his design.

When Beetee told him that they merely designed the technology how they would be used was not up to them. "Doesn't that seem I don't know wrong? Shouldn't we be in control of how the things we created are being used?"

"Gale you sound like a General or a Political leader. I've never been interested in leading myself. It is true as creators of such destruction we should be wary of how it is used" Beetee concluded. "if we wish to win freedom then we must be willing to get our hands dirty."

"That doesn't mean we can't verify how they wish to use it!" Gale exclaimed.

Beetee grinned, "I thought you'd think so. I've managed to arrange a meeting with the military generals about our technology. Perhaps you should take the lead."

Continuing his long walk back towards the strips where District 13's hovercrafts awaited Gale made a left to where the command center would be located. His job would be effectively to babysit. Despite having passed all the training, earning Commander Boggs at least semi-respect Gale Hawthorne would be relegated to babysitting a tribute that didn't even want to be here.

Did the boy honestly think he was fooling anyone? Perhaps his former tribute partner, but from the wary glances the girl sent Cato's way its obvious even she knew something was not right. Gale tried not to be upset at least this way Madge would be less likely to reject his proposal outright if she believed he wouldn't act "recklessly" in the future. Her words.

Once updated on the progress of the mission, Gale had Cato working on helping Mrs. Everdeen with the first aid distribution packets. Ensuring that all the aid packages had everything they needed. Each nurse would be carrying one. It was a rather simple job that allowed Cato to move around but under constant surveillance. Mrs. Everdeen thought with so many packages being distributed something like an assembly line would be needed. Cato's job was simply to collect the item which have been grouped together to the next stop of the line.

That was when Gale noticed how Cato would take the packages doing exactly what he was told to the letter. It took hours of constant watching for Gale to see the pattern Cato was making. He spent more time delivering the items to the last table of the line, refilling them with the actual boxes the nurses would be carrying around and he would attempt to look at the table a few feet over to the left.

The table in which all of their emergency plans were, at least for the medics.

XXX

Only two chapters left! Can you believe that! Thank you all for the reviews and support over the years of finishing this story. I started this story originally in 2016 can you believe that? I've uploaded it multiple times and now its finally going to be finished!