AN: Hi All here is the last chapter...I wanted to give you guys this on my Birthday. Thank you all for all of the support. I hope you enjoy. I will be post the epilogue tomorrow and other stories to celebrate during this week. PS check me out on Tumblr .com
I do not own the hunger games...
Katniss sat up in her bed a semi scream in her mouth. Her breathing was harsh as she opened her eyes, everything was blurry, unfocused. It was dark. She could not tell where she landed initially. Everything around her spun as she pitched forward on the bed, her breath was harsh as she sat up right. Her head once more throbbed. Katniss gripped the side of her head with her hands she painfully tried to control the pain. In the end unwanted tears slipped from her eyes. She could imagine what this might look like to her loved ones to see her in such agony.
Once the pain in her head subsided she lay back for a moment. Katniss wiped her face. Her vision was still not clear. She closed her eyes and laid breathing in and out trying to calm her-self down. She was trying to come to grips with what she was about to attempt. In the silence she formulated her plan. Meticulously she staged each part going over all the mishaps that could occur. Having to travel back in time had been a valuable lesson. Caution was always paramount.
All that time she spent in the district with Peeta she was so cautious with what she said because she knew Snow was listening. Since beginning of this adventure Katniss learned to keep secrets. Except for Haymitch and Beete no one knew about how the transporter actually worked.
In away Katniss was grateful this was the last time she was going to make this jump. Beetee was right if this worked out everything would be different from now on. Everything that seamed familiar in her timeline would be morphed to fit the future she created. It took her getting shot in District Two for her think about how she could really kill the President. Katniss wanted to avoid the war and the massive killing. It was ironic this adventure all began with the intent to kill the man who messed with Peeta.
As her eyesight cleared Katniss, took a good long look around the darkened space wondering where she landed up this time. In the dark her eyes picked up the distinctive contours of the training room. There were only two points in time when she could have ended up here. The first, sometime during her first trip to the Arena. The second one, would be for the Quarter Quell. She hoped it was not the latter.
Standing up, the room swayed as her legs felt like rubber. Katniss swung out her hands to hold on to something. On shaky legs she quickly padded across the floor toward Peeta's room. There was only one way to tell where she landed.
Relief engulfed her tiny body when she spied him lying in bed fast asleep. In the dark she could not tell much. Katniss quickly ran toward the bed. She did not know when she arrived but she hoped she was transported to some point in time before the crowning. Her hand lightly ran along the surface of where his legs were. She found flesh instead of the bionic metal leg he acquired after their first Games. He had not yet lost it.
Katniss expelled her the breath she held in her chest, relived she done it.
She traveled back in time far enough to stop Snow. Her joy however was short lived.
It dawned on Katniss she had to back into the arena. She had to play the Games like the last time and most likely change nothing. Not even Peeta losing his leg. The only one she wanted to somehow save was Rue. Though Katniss admitted to herself, her actions as a result of Rue's death caused a whole nation to revolt. However she was willing to save Rue. Katniss swallowed bracing herself for what she was about to do. At least this time they would go in as a team, she wanted to have Peeta by her side.
She slipped into the bed and slid her arms around his back.
At the slight contact of her hands Peeta woke up. Peeta sleepily did not expect her to be with him, they had just spoken on the roof "Katniss?"
"Kiss me Peeta like you did in the hall at school. I need you." Katniss heard just how desperate she sounded. Momentarily it did not matter.
Peeta knew she was nervous tomorrow they would go into the arena. He had a nightmare earlier, it was the reason he was up on the roof. "Did you have a nightmare?"
"Please" Katniss implored.
Peeta did not understand her desperation. Katniss never acted like this. Normally she was aloof distanced, and even a little cold. However they were facing the arena tomorrow and that normally changed a person. "You have no reason to be scared Katniss"
"Yes I do Peeta. I can not do this if…" Katniss broke down and shook her head trying to clear the static noise in her mind. With a half scowl Katniss forced herself to become composed. She did not understand how she could not come up with a declarative sentence when it came time to speak to Peeta. "I need for us to do this together."
"Together?" Peeta did not quiet understood what she was telling him. He question if Katniss was telling him she needed him and no other.
"No matter what happens out there in the arena, I know you will have my back, even when it might seem as if you don't." Katniss whispered into the dark room. The only illuminating thing in the room was her Boy with the Bread.
Peeta thought about his plan but did not say anything "No matter what Katniss, I will always have your best interest."
"Peeta I just…we can do anything together."
"Together" he said. This word was important to Katniss, but he wondered why.
"Peeta" Katniss whispered to him the very words that he used with her. "We are more than just district twelve tributes. I do not want to be a piece in their games either."
Her statement was solidly delivered with out girlish emotions. It was almost as if she was reciting a resolute law. He looked at her. They were a team and she saw him as this. Peeta could live with this. He understood what she meant now by 'together'.
He gently cupped her face guiding her lips toward his.
It was like coming home to her. They spent most of the night kissing until Katniss fell asleep in the arms of her Boy with the Bread. Katniss woke up however right before she knew she was supposed to get up and snuck upstairs to the roof.
She was contemplating her next move when she heard Haymitch approach.
"Shouldn't you be getting your beauty sleep, Sweetheart?"
Katniss watched him as he walked across toward her.
"Listen Sweetheart, I have been meaning to tell you…about those interviews."
"They were necessary to make me look good." Katniss supplied what he had told her earlier in the evening.
"Yeah but I have a feeling..." Haymitch drifted off as Katniss spoke over him.
Katniss rushed not letting Haymitch finish. "Snow believes my feelings toward Peeta are disingenuous. Believe me they are not."
Haymitch raised an eyebrow at Katniss "Have I ever told you, you have the personality…"
"I know I am not Finnick, but he is a moron…"
Haymitch paused mid sentence his drunken stupor forgotten "What did you say?"
"Finnick is a moron and we especially you have to always remember who my, I mean your enemies are."
Haymitch grabbed Katniss by the arms "When did you hear that?"
"I am part of the rebellion Haymitch and I plan on killing Snow on the day Peeta and I, are crowned Co-Victors but I need help."
Sarcastically Haymitch said. "You are already predicting you and the boy's win?"
"You sell our romance to the Capitol; I will ensure we win in that arena." Katniss stated.
"Really" Haymitch took out his flask and drank.
"Plutarch Heavensbee can help us. He is the next in line to become Head Game Maker over Seneca Crane."
Haymitch became silent. "Go on."
"I need Snow to crown us on his balcony facing the square. Beetee can erect a force field around me and Peeta. I also need some sort of weapon I can use to kill Snow, something he wouldn't suspect."
Haymitch swallowed "Girl…"
"Haymitch, Peeta and I have no chances of living happily after the win. I know what happens to the Victors. If Snow has his way, I can't let something happen to Peeta."
Haymitch watched Katniss compose herself. He then asked "You sure about this Sweetheart?"
"This is a way we can stop him and free the districts. All we need is to incite the rebellion." Katniss plainly spoke.
"You have got this all figured out. What about the Peacekeepers?"
"Physiological warfare, Beetee and his group can control every single lock in this city. We can lock down the Peacekeeping forces in their garrisons and even erect a force field to stop them from using their weapons. Once they see Snow dead, they will realize they are powerless. Cressida can film footage of the districts overcoming and rebelling in all over Panem. Beetee can stream live footage into their garrisons. Make them watch Snow dying and the districts rebelling. Once they see they are trapped, when they realize they are powerless, they will surrender."
Haymitch gave her an impenetrable gaze.
"Look I know that District Eleven will rebel and so will District Eight with Paylor at the helm. District Four is on the cusp as well as Seven. There will be unrest in all of the other districts as a result of our games. If we can broadcast Snow's assassination then they will all fight back. All they need is the spark."
"H…" Haymitch meant to ask, how she knew this was going to occur.
"I have my sources so are you going to help me?"
Haymitch then laughed "I knew I had gotten a pair of fighters but I didn't know I had gotten a pair that could lead a rebellion."
"Alert the Victors that are with us. Tell them to start taking out the Peacekeepers a little at a time, say when they are out on patrol until their numbers are diminished. They will need to take out the train lines. I know once Snow is dead his followers will disband. From what I understand Snow doesn't have many supporters."
"No he does not."
"So will you help me?"
"Let me see what I can do. In the mean time go back downstairs and get some sleep, your games start in a few hours."
Katniss nodded and went back downstairs waiting for the moment to be plucked from obscurity to infamy.
Just like before, when she played the Games, Katniss gave the Capitol the same exact reactions as she did the first time around. She did not change anything keeping the timeline the same. The hardest part once more was when Rue died. This time Katniss tried to get there before Marvel could kill her. Katniss failed. She tried but could not save her ally.
Her tears were even bitterer than the last time, because she could not change this one act even though she tried. Katniss understood her actions with Rue helped ignite the smoldering fires. It was going to get the districts to revolt, but Rue's death caused her unimaginable pain. Carefully she placed flowers around her small body. Her tears did not end nor did her hands stop from shaking as she gave Rue and her district the three finger salute.
As she listened to Claudius make the change in the rules Katniss hoped Haymitch was doing his part. It was critically important to get to Snow, to innocently invoke a revolution. By this point in the game she needed to see Peeta. When she found him she wanted to kiss him yet she held off knowing what she was about to face.
Her favorite moments came when she relived the time in the cave with Peeta. This time when Peeta kissed her she did not pull away as fast. When she fell asleep in his arms she slept fitfully. Katniss was able to see now how her actions from before were not an act. The last time she was too caught up in the idea of survival to comprehend that she was falling for Peeta. Katniss wanted kiss him for longer explore this pivotal moment in time. However she could not.
Katniss reminded herself, to show the Capitol how she fell in love with Peeta. At the end of the Games Katniss was emotionally wrung. She was so delirious when they separated her from Peeta that when she pounded on the partition between herself and Peeta she blacked out for moment. The next thing she recalled, was waking up in the room where they were patching her up. Katniss behaved in the same matter as before.
It was midmorning on the day of the coronation when she was released from the hospital. Katniss knew the time had come to kill Snow. Like before with a moment of hesitation and confusion Katniss raced down the hallway toward the door where she knew her people were waiting. Effie exclaimed loudly at the sight of her and Katniss was glad to see her. At the sight of Cinna, wonderful beautiful Cinna, Katniss nearly lost it. Her Prep Team surrounded her and hugged her all at once and Katniss did not mind.
Haymitch also joined in. Except when it was his individual turn he whispered into her ear "Rooftop" followed by "Good job Sweetheart" several times each time becoming louder in her ear so that the Capitol would not suspect anything. Immediately the Prep Team began to work on her.
When lunch time came they went up to the penthouse to eat. Katniss took that moment to slip away from eating, using the excuse to use the bathroom.
Katniss was nervously waiting for Haymitch as she gazed at the Capitol skyline. She did not have to wait long.
"Are you ready Sweetheart?"
"Does Peeta know?" Katniss gripped the railing of the rooftop garden.
"He knows you are up to something but he does not know the full extent of it. He is being watched. You are going to have to tell him as the day goes on."
"Thank you."
"Beetee made sure you will have your bubbles ready. The rest of us will take over the Palace. We have people within the districts waiting for your action. Also the crowns…"
"Of course they are my best bet for a weapon."
Katniss knew that from this point on everything rested on her shoulders.
Haymitch nodded. "You can break it in half and use it as a weapon. Paylor also sent you a message."
Katniss blinked not knowing what to expect from the leader she most trusted. "What?"
"She said it is about dam time the districts took the initiative. She was tired of waiting for Thirteen to act." Haymitch looked at this child "They are ready to follow you Sweetheart."
Katniss swallowed "I wish I could tell her that I do not want to disappoint her."
"Whatever happens today, kid, I just want to tell you I am proud to be your mentor."
These words were uncommon for Haymitch, but Katniss kept her mouth shut.
"Let's go downstairs before they find us missing."
Katniss was about to walk away when she paused and said "Haymitch I need to speak to Peeta. I know they fixed his leg. But I need him. I can not do this without him."
Haymitch saw the vulnerable sixteen year old girl who captured the nation. "You really love him."
"I do" Katniss nodded. "He is the reason I am doing this."
"Alright girl I will get word to the boy. What do you want me to tell him?"
"Tell him that I love him. Tell him together and always."
"I will do my best" Haymitch promised.
Katniss swallowed as she walked downstairs. Mentally she braced herself for the day. The highlight of her day was when she was reunited with Peeta on Cesar's show. When she saw Peeta she raced into his arms forgetting that the audience was there. She kissed him just like in the past but this time with meaning. When they were pushed apart Katniss took a look at her environment she recognized Plutarch's flare for the dramatic. Plutarch immediately became Head Game Maker as a result of Seneca Crane's untimely death.
Slowly everything began to take shape.
Unlike the past when Snow appeared and they were crowned on the stage with Caesar, Plutarch convinced Snow to do it on the balcony in front of the City Circle where the Tribute Parade took place. They charged the citizens an exorbitant amount to view the spectacle from their seats. The 74th Hunger Games was the most highly watch Games in the history of the Hunger Games. Plutarch convinced Snow of the marketability and money they could make at the event. Everyone wanted a piece of Katniss and Peeta.
Peeta and Katniss were on their way to the Palace, Effie was in front of them in all of her colorific splendor. Katniss held on to Peeta's hand as they were escorted.
Peeta knew something was going on. Haymitch's message for him while he was in the hospital was clear. Then he approached him in the tunnel under the stage giving him he message Katniss sent. Peeta was certain Katniss was going to do something dangerous. Peeta waited until they made there way to the coronation he leaned in and kissed Katniss on the side of neck next to whisper in her ear "What is going on?"
Katniss turned to him and before she kissed him she breathed into his mouth "Rebelling against Snow."
To the outside world, it looked as they were a couple of crazy young kids simply engaging in public displays of affection. Peeta kissed her cheek then trailed his lips back to her ear. "Katniss, we are Victors."
It was easy to get lost in his kisses. She breathed out "Victors are never winners. Snow threatened us. The berries, he is angry. We have to kill him."
Peeta gripped her arm slightly giving her his most arduous gaze as he looked at her in the face understanding why she would do something like this. They had the perfect example before them. Peeta often questioned if wining the Games was such a glorious thing then why was their mentor a lonely alcoholic.
"Together" Katniss whispered meaning that she hoped he would be ready.
"Always" Peeta whispered back as he placed a kiss on her lips letting her know he was willing to do whatever necessary. Katniss mouth opened and he slid his tongue along the ridge of her bottom lip before slipping it inside. He heard her whimper. Peeta twisted his head to deepen the kiss.
"Come along children we must keep on schedule." Effie spoke right before she turned around. She gasped then scolded "You are going to need a touch up. This will certainly make us late."
Peeta grinned and winked at Katniss, she was clearly flustered. He grinned before he addressed Effie. "Sorry Effie, we have been separated for so long it is hard to keep our hands to ourselves. I promise to try harder."
Effie smiled "So romantic."
Katniss blushed heavily looking down. Unlike the last time she did not have the pressure to put on a show. She truly loved Peeta. Katniss had to remind herself to act like as if she had never been to the Palace.
When they arrived they were separated so that she could be retouched. As Cinna and her Prep Team flustered about her Katniss was nervous.
"Are you ready Girl on Fire" Cinna questioned he and others were ready to follow this girl. This was their only chance at freedom. No other Victors could do this but Katniss and Peeta.
Katniss nodded knowing he too was part of the rebellion. He was one of the countless casualties that would be spared. This number included Madge, sweet Madge who should not have died each time. She smiled at Cinna and brokenly smiled.
Cinna put the pin on her dress "I am still betting on you."
Katniss could not let her nerves get the better of her.
"Come, come dears we must not be late." Effie interrupted the moment.
Katniss was once more led through the same procession as when they came to the Palace for their Dinner, except they were going to go to the balcony at one point to be crowned. Every once and a while she would sneak a peek at Peeta and became instantly calm with the assurance the Capitol would never change him. She quietly bided her time making sure she did not change her demeanor. She knew everything had to be timed out perfectly.
Katniss looked to Peeta out of the corner of her eyes. He was just as handsome in today as he was in her memory. The moment arrived and they were escorted to the balcony. Katniss waited. It was as Snow placed crown on Peeta's head that she knew the time had come, she readied herself. She looked to Peeta out of her peripheral and at that moment his blue eyes were connected with hers.
Peeta knew whatever Katniss was going to do she was going to do it now. He mentally prepared himself for action. She told him rebellion which meant she was going to attempt for freedom. He learned from his experiences with her, Katniss was a woman of action. Peeta himself was the opposite he knew how to wait and then react when the time was right.
Katniss looked at the man who terrorized his citizens and bartered with their very souls for his entertainment. He asked her about her pin and she gave him the same cryptic reply it was as he stepped away that Katniss took her chance. She whipped off her crown broke it in half just as it was designed to do.
Peeta watched as Katniss with her lighting like reflexes shove Snow around and jam the pointy edge of the crown into Snows' eye and straight into his brain.
There was a moment when the man registered shock. Disbelief poured through him that this scared sixteen year old girl could do such a thing. Snow gurgled in surprise as blood spewed from his mouth. His body became limp right before it twitched and slipped to the floor. He died instantly from the wound.
The whole nation stood still incredulously.
Peeta flew into action he had to get rid of the guards that surrounded them. They were a team and as Katniss told them they could do anything together including getting rid of a dictator.
Despite his cane and his one good leg Peeta used his brute strength. Peeta picked up and threw one Peacekeeper over the balcony just as the force field Beetee erected encapsulated them. He grabbed the other man and snapped his neck just like he had seen Cato do in the Games. The other Peacekeepers could do nothing to get to them. It was then he saw Finnick O'dair rushing forward slashing through with his trident. An axe flew out of the room hitting a Peacekeeper in the chest. Katniss knew Johanna Mason was not far behind. Fighting broke out all around them as the victors led the rebellion in the capital and within the palace walls.
The regiments of guards were paralyzed in their stations unable to do anything as Beetee masterfully made them useless.
"Peeta" Katniss cried looking at her hands with the tainted blood of the man she just killed.
Peeta rushed forward and wrapped her up in his arms and kissed her hard. The cameras captured everything. Many who were fighting would not see the footage until afterwards, those who were hiding in their homes were captivated by the way the two co-Victors seemed to find purchase with each other. They had killed but their faces showed no arrogance only love and deep emotion as tears ran down their cheeks.
"We are free Peeta, we are free." Katniss whispered over and over again. "We can go home Peeta, together."
Peeta hushed her understanding that she did everything for him, for them. "I know, together."
Katniss cried in his arms as he soothed her back. She hoped that this would spare the lives of so many people. When it was all said and done the Capital fell in a matter of hours. At the sight of the footage, Beetee transmitted without interruption, the districts simultaneously rebelled. Peacekeepers could not keep the people in check with out Snow or some form of government backing. There were too many people to quell down. By the end of the night Panem was free. Losses were minimal.
Katniss stood by the entrance of the Rose Garden contemplating the events of her life. She knew she changed history and the future she knew was no more. A low whistle alerted her that there was some one else in the room. She looked to her right to see Finnick O'dair grinning at her lazily.
"You are one brave, but crazy girl." He popped a sugar cube into his mouth.
Katniss raised her eyebrow but she did not say anything. Finnick always had an affinity for sugar; it was treat he believed he had to eat while he still could.
"How did you even come up with this?"
"We needed to be free and I know that being a Victor does not guarantee a life of ease. Snow was cautious but too arrogant think we would ever do something like that in such a public space." Katniss thought about what Johanna had told her back in Thirteen, she would kill Snow in the beginning. Katniss understood the beginning of their lives as Victors came the moment they were crowned by Snow. It was the perfect opportunity.
Finnick looked at the young girl soberly. Her games were the most watched in the nation. Even he was caught up in watching them. Katniss was one of those rare finds, a true leader even if she was unconventional. "What do we do now?"
"We set up our own government. Then contact District Thirteen and tell them we don't need them. Alma Coin and the rest of District Thirteen have spent the past seventy four years sitting on a bunch of weapons. Weapons they could have used to help the districts gain freedom. Coin and the others who came before her did nothing as the Districts suffered and innocent children spilled their blood in the arenas."
"Whoa, you know about Coin." Finnick never thought about the secretive woman that led the people of that district in that manner.
"Let's just say I am no dumb girl from District Twelve."
"I can see that."
"Finnick whatever happens do not trust that woman, she reminds me of Snow; secretive, cold and willing to anything to stay in power." Katniss shivered as she spoke coming into the room.
Finnick understood clearly what Katniss was saying he had gotten the same impression. Though how the girl knew this was beyond him. Only a few select members had met Coin. "How do you know this?"
"I think her father was part of the rebellion." Peeta said as he came into the room using his cane.
Katniss face brightened up the moment Peeta stepped into the room. It was a lie, Katniss did not know if her father was part of the rebellion but she was not going to say anything as she began moving toward Peeta.
Finnick observed the pair as Peeta embraced Katniss. He thought their relationship was all a rouse until this very moment when he saw Katniss transformed into a girl in love. They were a surprise to him. The gentle boy who even with a bad leg could easily snap a man in half was the rock this crazy girl. It was then he saw the sixteen year old girl that won the hearts of a nation. "So what do we do, to set up this nation of ours?"
"We hold elections" Peeta suggested. "We elect district liaisons who can help branch the gap between us and the Capital."
From within Peeta's arms Katniss spoke "I think I know a good woman for the job."
Finnick expected her to say herself.
"Paylor from District Eight, she led the rebellion there. From what I heard she is a tough but fair leader who is dedicated to the people."
"What about you, what do you want?" Finnick was curious.
"I just want to go home with my Boy with the Bread."
Finnick understood her whispered sentiment, he had someone back home. Now that he was free he would marry Annie the woman he loved and was willing to trade himself for. "Well I will leave you both."
Katniss placed her head on his chest listening to his heartbeat loving the feel of being within Peeta's arms, arms that were strong, arms that kept her safe and kept her warm. "I love you."
A slow smile traveled from Peeta's eyes to his mouth. He had no doubt. "When did I become your Boy with the Bread?"
"The day you gave me the bread, you saved my life and the life of my family. You gave me hope to live on. That day with the dandelion made me see I could hunt and gather food for my sister and mother." Katniss looked to him her face blushing heavily as she confessed her long bond with him. "From that point on you became my Boy with the Bread."
Peeta smiled "I like it and it is better than Bread Boy. That is what Johanna Mason has started to call me."
Katniss laughed and hugged Peeta fiercely. She was finally free and she could not wait to go home and really begin her life with her Boy with the Bread.