Future's Rebirth

by Titanic X

The Apocalypse led to the downfall of many nations. Nuclear fire destroyed others, and no one was left unaffected. Panem now controls North America, and Europe is starting to rebuild. But in Asia, a confederation born from the past is about to reclaim the future for the world's remnants... or everything will be lost in the darkness. Companion fic to "Haus der Toten" by BamItsTyler.

11. My Immortal

Seph sits at the table in Air Force One, his eye fixed on the monitors in front of him. His hands are tented in front of his face as he observes the scene with the cool, calculating gaze he is known for, and his optic flickers in contemplation. The GMs of the 2nd Mobile Armored Division have completed the objective and captured the enemy stronghold, but Wei has retreated to parts unknown. So he has to be on high alert in case Wei tries something again. He watches as the last of the Panemian Peacekeepers march off towards their landing craft for the journey back to their homeland, and he feels a huge sense of relief.

Pok's forces meanwhile have left a few days before, leaving behind shattered remnants of buildings and decaying bodies. He grimaces to himself as he remembers the brutal, emotionless fighting that Pok's human drones have carried out. They just... the way he can only describe it as machinelike, like they are no longer flesh and blood in origin. He snorts to himself before turning his gaze back to the muttation corpses that are being burned by the Panemian forces as they leave. "No sense in letting us get that information..." he muses, although a small smirk crosses his face.

He knows that the Panemian mutts have failed, and that the nutcases who created them will be punished. His eye softens though as he wonders about their children, and if they will be reaped because of their failures. His smirk fades as he looks down at the flag on his left shoulder, and he slowly touches it, remembering the very ideals that once made America so great. If anything, he wants answers at this stage of the game. More specifically... why?

That is the one question that's been bothering him for months now, even before he took office as President.

Why?

What led them to this point?

Why?

What made them forget that children were to be protected, and not punished in such a barbaric fashion?

Why?

Why distort children's minds... Why? Why?

Why?

"Why...?" he murmurs. "Why...?"

---

(The scene shows a small flame before darkness snuffs it out. But a small ember burns...)

Hikari ga tsudzuku... ! (The ember is blown away, becoming one of many as the sun begins to rise beyond a war-torn town.)

Hikari ga tsudzuku... ! (The light from the sun overcomes the camera and it fills the screen before fading to show the skyline of Sydney and the name of the series.)

Yami ga sono tochi o shuchō suru kamo shirenai (The image flares before it shows two people trapped in a ruined structure in what was once Shanghai. They are both shaking and are wounded from shrapnel.)

Shikashi, kibō wa enjo no te o kasu (A pair of explosions rocks the area and they huddle and whimper before someone lifts the debris off the two of them. It is a group of Australian soldiers.)

Sekai ga kawaru to (The soldiers help the two children to their feet before one of them grabs a grenade and throws it at some bandits coming to pillage. The grenade explodes before the debris falls away, exposing the ruins of Europe, Marshal Sergei Kudryavtsev's image over the continent, King Lawrence III opposing him over Europe as well.)

Furui risō wa moe tsudzukeru (The scene is engulfed in a bright flash as it shows Korean soldiers storming through city ruins in what was once Seoul, South Korea, carrying Panemian weaponry as rebels fight back desperately. Above them is Ahn Sun Pok, her face twisted into a sneer as she holds her hands upwards, as if mocking the world's helplessness. Behind her is the Panemian Vice President while President Kane is off to the side, gazing at the sky.)

Kieru hikarinonakade (With a wave of her hand, she commands the forces to open fire on rebel positions. Missiles rain down, the black smoke engulfing the area before it is blown aside by a hoverplane.)

Kurayami ga hirogaru ni tsurete (The hoverplane is painted in Arabian colors, and on top of the imposing palace is Muthasim V, the sultan. He looks back as it fades to a map, showing the Egyptian Union breaking away from them. But then it shows the country turning a bluish green as it fades to show a new figure in the shadows.)

Watashitachi no kibō wa tsudzukudeshou (The figure holds up its right arm before it lunges out, coming into the light to reveal Seph Matthews as he swings his beam saber mounted onto his right arm, cutting through a bandit before spinning and cleaving another's gun in two, following up with a left hook leaving him dazed. He turns, his left optics lens flaring red as it engulfs the screen.)

Watashitachi ga mada ikite iru kagiri (The light fades to show three other members, all of them gathered around in front of the Meldney Complex. To the left is Japanese Empress Yuki Minaguma. To the right is Filipino President Gueo Largina. And in the middle is Taiwanese President Chae Yang Un. Behind them the flag of the Australian Confederation flutters before the camera zooms in on it, only for it to fall away.)

Un, hikari ga tsudzuku! (The image of Sydney is revealed, above it Seph and his fellow leaders side by side with the sun behind them, the Australian Confederation flag above them all as the series name appears below them.)

---

Chapter 10: My Immortal

Location: Meldney Complex, Australia

Time: 1200 hours

Date: Monday, 12 June, 0139 AF (2158 AD)

It's been a full week since the operation came to an end, and Seph is just relieved to be back home. He watches as the familiar six-legged structure comes into view as the helicopter blasts through the air at full throttle, its rotors beating at the sky to stay aloft. To see the scorch mark left by the nuclear warhead all those years ago is surprisingly a calming sight, given what caused the Apocalypse to begin with. His gaze roves over the buildings underneath, taking in the trees and windows glimmering in the light from the sun as it inches past the structure. The whole complex is bustling, he knows, and he smiles as the aircraft ascends to one of the landing pads surrounding the complex's 'dish'.

The pilot touches down shortly after and as the rotors spool down, Seph leaps from the door, his hair being ruffled by the rotor wash. He turns and gives the pilot a thumbs up. The man returns it and within minutes the helicopter is airborne, beating a path back to base.

Once the aircraft is gone, Seph turns and makes his way into one of the many elevators leading into the complex. The doors open and he steps inside, crossing his arms as he leans against the wall. "Floor Omega," he says. The system is voice activated, so there's no need for buttons. He closes his eye as he feels the elevator start its descent towards the floor his office is on. (Contrary to popular belief, the Meldney Complex floors are named after the Greek alphabet, so as to make it somewhat unique and to offset how much Australia values the past and long forgotten ideals.)

It doesn't take very long, and once the elevator has reached the target floor, Seph wanders the hallways, greeting soldiers and government workers alike on his way to the office. It only takes him half an hour to reach it in the central building.

He finally enters the office and shuts the door, dumping his bag on the floor and removing the coat he is wearing. He hangs it back up and makes his way to the desk, sitting down and placing his head in his hands. "Dammit..." he mutters. "That was exhausting... emotionally exhausting..."

He rubs his face for a moment before he leans back in his chair.

The door slides open behind him, and judging from the number of footsteps, he knows who it is.

Seph turns in his seat to be greeted by the faces of his best friends, his wife, and his three fellow leaders.

Empress Yuki Minaguma. Taiwanese President Chae Yang Un. Filipino President Gueo Largina. Vice President Martha Preston. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Hunter Jenkins. First Lady Tina Hendricks-Matthews.

With them is also Sister Nina Aleksandrov, the Christian missionary.

"Good to see you back, mate," Hunter remarks with a smirk.

Seph smiles as he gets out of his chair. "Glad to be back, mates," he says, gripping Hunter's hand before the others gather around. His wife gives him a kiss on his cheek and Martha grasps his hand in a firm handshake. Presidents Un and Largina nod while Empress Minaguma gives him a pat on the back and Sister Aleksandrov flitters over to embrace him in a hug.

He feels relieved and at ease around them, as they have been with him since he first started out in this job, and even before then.

He gestures for them to take a seat in the chairs and couches around the office in front of the desk. They slowly take their seats as he sits back down.

"So, the op went as planned?" Hunter asks once all are seated.

Seph nods. "Yeah. We got the territory, and we learned a bit about how Pok's forces fight, as well as about the mutts Panem used." He holds out a data drive and sets it down on the desk. "The elephant mutts are basically susceptible to poison gas from even before the Apocalypse. That means that if we have some hidden away, we can use it. The tiger mutts were easy to wipe out from a distance because their hides can't deflect bullets. And those gorilla ones, while tough physically and able to deflect bullets to their bodies, their heads are vulnerable to anyone with a good enough gun and a sniper scope," he begins.

Hunter frowns as he purses his lips, eyeing the data drive. "And what of Pok's forces? How do they fight?"

The President's optic flares bright red. "That's it. They don't fight. They just do. Whatever they're ordered to do, they do it. It's like they're fleshy drones at this point. None of them have any idea on how to actually think like we do. It's like they're no longer human up here..." He taps his temple with a finger. "...where it counts."

Martha frowns. "That's like programming them..." she muses. "Makes me wonder what we really know about Pok's regime and her training system..."

Seph lowers his hand. "The good news though is that we managed to give Panem and the UDPRK a big shocker with our new GMs," he continues. "But something tells me that we've also exposed them to new technology they could use to their advantage."

Un snorts. "Of course. As I have said before, a picture speaks a thousand words."

The President nods in agreement. "I remember those very words, mate."

Largina shifts a bit in his seat. "What of Wei?" he asks in his raspy voice. "Did you get him?"

"Bloke escaped before we could catch him," Seph grumbles. "That guy is sneakier than a snake."

The Empress nods. "I seem to remember him escaping my forces last time we encountered him. But one of the soldiers did manage to take one of his eyes as a reminder of what we can do."

Seph grins. "I remember that one. The bloke still has that old eyeball, doesn't he?"

Tina rolls her eyes as she snorts in amusement. "I don't even see the point in that," she says. "And aren't we straying from the point of this meeting?"

The others all realize she's right and the topic is returned to the meeting at hand. "That aside, we did manage to learn quite a bit. But the most disturbing thing is the fact that mutts were even deployed to this fight," Seph muses. "And based on what we learned, we can safely say we have new information with which to counter them. Bad news though..." His eye narrows and his optic flares. "...they may develop new mutts that we have no counter for, especially after our spy ops were compromised."

"They will be returned though, yes?" Sister Nina asks.

Seph looks at her with a worried expression. "Somehow I doubt they'll be all right, even if they are all returned alive. Panem is not one to underestimate."

The priestess nods. "I am well aware. And I have reason to fear that after your bold and rather risky move to expose the Hunger Games to the world, the Panemians may mount a retaliatory strike at our radar facility."

Empress Minaguma gapes in shock, as do the others. "A nuclear strike?!" she breathes.

Seph grits his teeth. "Dammit...! That's the last thing we need!" he hisses.

Hunter growls as he clenches his fists on his lap. "Blasted arrogant pissies!" he snarls. "What are they even thinking?!"

Tina raises her hands. "Now calm down! We have no evidence to suggest that is even an option for them! For all we know, they may have considered it, but Kane may have shot it down. Truth is, we have no idea as to what they're planning, but we can safely assume that after the Apocalypse, no one is willing to risk a fourth world war," she says. "Kane is the most sensible leader they've got right now, so we have to, as much as I have to say it, put our faith in him if the option for a nuclear strike is on the table there. If no nukes are detected within a few weeks, then we can safely assume that he shot down the proposal."

Minaguma narrows her eyes, but realizes that Tina has a point. She sighs. "Fine. But only because we don't want a fourth war."

Un frowns as he tents his fingers in front of his face. "Hm. That may be the case, but we cannot fully rely upon him. We may have to take action if they do launch a retaliatory strike against the facility in question," he says.

"Like what?" Martha asks as she looks at him. "We can't attack Panem for fear of another war!"

"I know that!" the Taiwanese President shoots back. "I was thinking of doing something that could show we mean business, but not affect Panem directly! You remember that ethno-state in West Africa?"

"Oh, bloody hell no! I don't want to risk war over that!" Seph shouts.

"Just hear me out!" Un pleads. Seph is shocked by the sudden change in his attitude, but he relents and relaxes in his seat.

"Okay. What's your suggestion then, mate?" he asks.

Un begins to explain his plan. Seph notes in mild surprise that it's not as militant as he feared, but is rather more geared towards economic assistance to those who are being terrorized by Van de Kaamp. In short, a discreet effort to show the world tolerance, not hatred and bigotry.

"So that's your plan..." Seph muses, a smirk crossing his face. "Economic assistance to those who need it, and to showcase that we're not above tolerating others. A bit of the past coming back to light."

Minaguma is rather impressed by the plan, as are the others. Even Sister Nina is appreciative. "Nicely done, Un," she congratulates. "It's subtle, but it does show that we are stronger than they are in terms of humanity."

The Taiwanese President nods before he sits back in his seat. He is clearly starting to become exhausted, and Seph notes this swiftly. "Well, we may as well get to the next part."

"Next part?" Hunter asks. "What next part?"

"Have you all been wondering about the circumstances that led to the creation of the Hunger Games?" Seph asks suddenly.

That question throws them all for a loop briefly. "What brought this on, mate?" Martha asks.

"It's been crossing my mind ever since we've started getting intel on them," Seph admits. His eye softens and his optic flickers a bit. "Why? That's the question I want to know. Why do it? Why ignore that children are to be the future? Why ignore the fact that they are not responsible for the adults' crimes? Why make them murder one another?" He finally grits his teeth as his eye hardens into an emerald. "Those are the questions that have been floating around in my mind for some time now."

He looks at each one of them, seeing that they too are confused, and just as curious in their postures and eyes. "And I want answers to them. But mostly why? So... I am going to ask that you all be present when I make the call to Kane... or DeWynter." He is silent for a moment. "Because you all deserve the answers as well. And to show that we're as one with this. Not just because we despise the Games, but because we have a belief in a better future... a future we feel needs to come about, even if it takes another war - but without nukes."

His fellow leaders and cabinet members are silent for a moment before they nod. "You're right, mate," Hunter says. "We all do deserve the answers to that. And I have been curious about that from the beginning."

Sister Nina is silent before she nods. "I agree. I wish to know why they sacrifice children in the name of those who claim to be human, but are agents of the devil." Her blue eyes are hard like sapphires. "Because children are sacred and precious. To do what they are doing goes against everything we are as human beings. Those who carry out the Games... are they human, or are they merely puppets carrying out the will of the Snow Dynasty and those who came before HIM?" Her emphasis on the word "him" indicates the man who forced much of Panem into poverty.

Martha purses her lips. "You got a point, Sister. We do need to know."

The other three leaders of the Confederation affirm their agreement.

"All right." Seph presses the comm button for a secure link to the office of the Panem President.

The others gather around him as the screen flickers before it comes online.

As Seph waits, he only wonders who will answer. Some small part of him hopes it's DeWynter so he can hear from the mouth of the snake the truth. The other part hopes it's Kane, so he can hear the story from the man with sense. The Panem seal appears on the screen before flickering to give way to show the visage of Kane, and alongside him is DeWynter, the fag. She has in her arms a small baby, and Seph feels a sense of pity for the child. No child deserves to be raised by that bitch.

"Ah. President Matthews. To what do I owe the pleasure?" Viondra purrs.

"Shut it, fag!" Seph spits out. "I don't want to hear your pleasantries! I'm only calling because I feel that it's time we have one major question answered. And it concerns the Hunger Games."

"What? Don't you know enough about our sport?" DeWynter purrs as she bounces the baby on her hip.

"We know too much about how it works," Seph says, cutting her off before she can speak again. "What I want - no, what we - " Here he gestures to his fellow leaders and cabinet members. " - want to know is... why?"

"Why what?" Kane asks.

"No. Why?" Seph clarifies. "Why? Why go against the fundamental fact that children need to be protected? But more importantly, why take children and make them kill one another in a barbaric fashion that the world doesn't need?!" He slams his hands down on the desk as he stands up. "Why do it?! Why destroy childhood in those children?! Why didn't the sickos who created the Games use adult rebels, and spare the children?!"

The questions hang in the air.

"Ah... you seek the reasoning behind the Games," DeWynter murmurs in a sweet tone. "Well, I'll tell you the reasoning... if you can handle it..."

"You see, Mister Matthews, ours is an elegant system – based on self-sufficiency and the necessity for everyone to do their part. Every Panemian has a duty and every duty has a Panemian ready to perform it. Ever since the conclusion of the apocalypse, this is what we have followed to a tee. Sure, many people at the time – still clinging to their conservative beliefs that led them to all this in the first place – felt a little 'at odds' with this model of governance, although eventually most of them would fall in line after being browbeaten by those with their eyes open enough to see the bigger picture.

"What's that bigger picture, you inquire? Well, what I just said about duty. To have made the progress Panem has for more than a century, Panemians were and are encouraged to shed selfish desires of the individual and instead diverting them to the collective – that being Panem." Viondra's face twists into a sickeningly sweet sneer as she says this.

Seph's optic flares and his eye narrows. "That doesn't answer the question of why use children!" he growls.

"Yes. You claim to be respectful of children, and yet you urge them to kill one another in an arena," Sister Nina interjects. "You are hypocrites in every sense of the word when it comes to that. And other things as well." Her eyes harden into shards of glacial ice. "You claim to be strong, but you steal resources from the weak, those that need them. You do nothing to go green, to save the only world we have. You cut out tongues of people who wish to speak their piece."

"It is necessary-" Viondra is cut off by Empress Minaguma.

"Necessary to cut out a person's tongue?! It's a savage practice that should have been left back in the Middle Ages!" she spits. "THAT is a punishment that marks you as fools!"

"She's right, cunt," Seph sneers. "We're not like you. We may punish dissenters, but we keep them in check through a harsh prison system without resorting to barbarities."

Viondra is shocked at the names she is being called, but she calms herself.

"Touché, then again someone has to manage it all? Regardless I'm not privy, nor do I want to be to the opinions of foreigners. From what I see and what you see given our current 'spat', our ideology is working," she says.

"Only because you barbarian pissies have squashed any idea of freedom!" Hunter growls out. "People back during the Revolution wanted to encourage what you're stripping away from them! A country that bows to the will of the people like America used to, and like we do! Our government is not perfect, but at least we take the concerns of our citizens into consideration! We've learned from the past, and yet we still embrace it, not ignore it!"

Tina is silent, but then she flips the bird at Viondra. "Can you say that you truly represent the will of the people?" she asks.

"..." Kane is silent as he ponders their words. But Viondra snorts. "Will? What will? The government is the only will that matters."

"Like Adolf Hilter," Seph rumbles. "Or like Joseph Stalin. Or Mao Zedong... or Pok."

"We take those lessons and apply them to our people... so we can keep our nation growing," Viondra says. "Of course, every fledging nation has its share of 'rabble-rousers'. After decades of steady growth and constitutional reforms, there still was a vocal few who didn't fall in line – District 13 among others – who still held on to the selfish belief of individuality and 'self-determination'…the very same aspects that led to our ruin over a century ago. They would coerce those who would listen with their beliefs, convincing them that wrestling control from the Capitol for those beliefs would be beneficial. And so, The Dark Days occurred. Thirteen Districts rose up against the hand that fed them and protected them. Unlike so many 'nations' outside our borders who didn't even have two pennies to rub together, you'd think that they'd be thankful the remnants of our governments come together to forge something as grand as our Capitol. But no, it wasn't spontaneous – our uprisings - there have been a series of events leading up to this terrible conflict…Assassinations…Bombings…Strikes and other civil strife…It's things like these that If they were allowed to persist, there wouldn't be a nation in which we would have a semblance to the one that came before it. We would be like all the rest of you."

"Only because you blokes never bothered to poke outside your own borders! Contrary to your popular beliefs, a lot of us did survive! Japan and Australia were two of those that were spared nuclear devastation! We still had resources and currency! We survived the Apocalypse almost intact!" Seph snarls. "And what really led to the Apocalypse was greed! Gluttony and selfishness! Individuality and self determination did play a part, but it was minor compared to what you think!" He sits back down in his seat. "But that still doesn't answer the big question: why use children?!"

"Well…It wasn't always about the children…Vi, Pax, maybe you two could shine a light on why you settled on youths instead. You did aid in the Games' birth after all…"

Viondra looks back to the images of two young children as they appear out of thin air. Seph narrows his eye a bit at the sight. 'Vi and Pax...' he muses to himself.

"Madam Vice President, are you sure you want to divulge such information t-"

"Please, enlighten our adversaries!" the woman orders.

Vi nods. "Right, very well then."

"Throughout the course of the First Rebellion, my colleagues and I at the time put many rebel leaders through various experiments, be they physical, emotional or psychological," Pax begins.

"What I really enjoyed out of all the experimentation we under took was the 'Hunger' experiment – which took all three attributes of our captives and depleted them to their lowest of levels," Vi adds.

"Imagine being confined like an animal, deprived of food and water, hours upon hours of torture from a jabberjay chirping out anguished cries of your loved ones…It was quite the spectacle, wouldn't you say, Vi?" Pax asks.

"Oh yes, quite. The 'Hunger' experiment was quite useful in garnering intelligence…but then we thought, 'would someone in this condition kill their fellow rebels just to escape it'?" Vi intones.

"And so, under the guise of being pardoned for their crimes and clemency for their families we offered them a way out via the same spectacle that has been played out for nearly a century." Here Pax's face is crossed by a sinister grin.

"Although, adults wouldn't make for a good reminder…So children of the rebels, then the population at large would make for a perfect guinea pig." Vi adopts the same grin, and Seph instantly grasps what has happened. His optic flares and his eye widens as he stands up, placing his hands on the desk in a fury.

"If people just had the bare minimum, cut off from their relatives in outlying Districts, their children taken away from them, they would have no willpower to resist. Some Districts became wise and began besting the others, breeding descent," Pax purrs.

"No will, no spirit –" Vi murmurs.

"No unity, the hand of big government dominating your every need –" Pax replies.

"It all makes for the perfect tool," both say as one.

"Not anymore. Things are improving and in due time, the Games will be phased out. For once we can focus on building our nation upward instead of focusing on this 'pageant' ninety-nine percent of our lives." Kane's words cut them off, and Seph narrows his green eye.

"I think that's all they deserve in terms of explanation. I'd love to stay and chat, but protocol states that I can't stay near Agesilaus …we have to keep the succession line functional and all. I hope you have all the pilfered materials you desired, Mister Matthews. Because after a little while this conversation and that is all you'll ever have." With that, Viondra leaves the room, exiting the screen.

Kane is left alone with the group at last as the two holographic children vanish into thin air.

"I'm sorry you had to deal with her," he apologizes. "Frankly... I only fear that if things continue as they are... There will be a war in which there is no return..."

"We get the idea, mate," Seph says to him. "Because we only want for the world to heal, not go backwards."

"Viondra... I hate to admit it... but the corruption of Snow..." Here Kane seems to be weighed down by his responsibilities.

"The Snow Dynasty were the earthly incarnation of the Devil," Sister Nina replies. "And those who served under them are nothing but agents of the Devil. Those who also came up with such a barbarity..." Her eyes are now pure glacial ice. "...were the Devil incarnate as well."

Here Kane is silent. "..."

Un looks at the Panemian. "Your heart and mind are in the right place, President Kane. It is those like that biǎo zi DeWynter that are the poison that weakens the spirit. As someone once said, their souls are weighed down by Earth's gravity." He pauses to let the words sink in. "In other words, their sins have weighed their souls down."

Largina coughs a bit to clear the slats in his facemask. "You wish for a better Panem. Then make it so. And if necessary... do what must be done to remove the poison of your nation's spirit."

The comm goes dark as Kane reaches over and presses the button.

There is nothing but silence in the room for a moment. Then, Hunter looks at the others. "Adults not being used... they chose children because it was a means to break their will..." he murmurs, feeling sick. "Cutting off families..."

Sister Nina snorts. "True agents of the Devil, those two..." She turns to face the President, who has his head bowed and he buries his face in his hands.

"Sick... Just sickening..." he murmurs. "How far did they even...?" He grits his teeth and, although he's never shown his feelings before in front of his fellow leaders and friends and family, a few tears escape his eye and he starts sobbing.

To break the will of the people in such a fashion makes him weep.

The truth has now struck home to all of them.

America is truly gone.

There is no hope of its return.

"Seph...?" Sister Nina looks to him. "Are you okay?"

The man doesn't respond.

Tina is surprised as he continues to sob. She finally realizes what has happened.

Seph resolve and will has finally been broken.

Martha and Hunter look at one another before looking to Un, Largina, and Minaguma. The group slips out of the office and into the hallway.

"Man... Seph's really taken it hard..." Hunter murmurs.

"Yes. I fear his will and spirit have been broken," Nina says softly. "The truth that they chose children to break the will of the people and cutting off families... She shakes her head. "Even I am appalled."

"We... Is there anything we can do to help him?" Minaguma asks softly, her eyes filled with worry. "Because we'll be needing him sooner or later to lead us through the upcoming raid and its aftermath..."

"Best bet I can think of is we get some help," Martha admits. She leans against the wall. "But... I just don't know what to do..."

Everyone is silent for a moment as they try to think. Sister Nina looks at the cross around her neck before her hand drifts up to the headband she wears. She slowly removes it and holds it in her hands, studying the twin V-fins in contemplation. As she stares at them, her commset suddenly beeps and she looks at it. The priestess pulls it out, pressing the screen. "Hello?"

"The will is not the only legacy..."

The eyes of everyone gathered widen at the feminine voice that issues from the speaker. There is silence before Nina tries again. "Hello?"

"...that remains of America."

"Who is this?" Nina demands.

"To advance... to move on... to embrace tolerance... and the future..."

Hunter suddenly grabs her commset. "Who the bloody hell is this and what's with the messages?!" he barks.

"America does not die. It only adapts. America still lives on in new nations, those that embrace the past, and seek a future for all. Panem is not God. God exists in all. Trust in hope, embrace the future and learn from the past. The future... is in the hands of all on this Earth. Cooperation is key. The Nations of a world United still exist. But encourage the history. Learn from it. Do not forget the past, nor forget the lessons learned."

"WHO ARE YOU!?" Hunter screams.

"..." The voice is silent.

"Dammit..." he mutters, tossing the commset back to Nina. "So much for-"

"The moon. Answers exist there. Meet with them on the Moon. They will see..."

The commset falls silent and a dial tone fills the air.

'Who's voice was that...?' is the only thought on their minds.

There is only silence.

Martha is the first to speak. "What do we do now?" she asks. "I mean..."

Nina looks at the group silently. Her mind is awhirl with different thoughts and ideas, as well as sources for the voice. But one theory lingers in her mind. It's also the same one that has given them the first two Messages. Her eyes widen as realization strikes home.

"That message... it is the same as the other two...!" she whispers. "It's a Message!"

"Huh?" The group is surprised.

"A Message?" Tina asks. "Like the first two?"

The priestess nods. "Yes." She looks at the others. "I cannot grasp the meaning behind this one, but I do know that it centers around the moon."

"But what about Seph?" Tina blurts. "How do we help him?"

Here Sister Nina is silent. She merely looks down.

For a moment the others fear that she has no ideas. But when she looks up, her eyes are hard and there is a clear resolve in them. "There is something else the Message said. It said 'others embrace the past and who seek a future'." She casts her gaze around at each of the Confederation leaders. "It means those who have seen the light. Our allies."

She proceeds to outline her plan, which is a brilliant one. The good news is that it can be accomplished by comms, which is going to be crucial as they cannot get their allies' leaders to come on such short notice.

Hunter nods. "All right. We'll get everyone on the comm and see what happens."

"However, we must inform them of the reasoning behind the Games using children," Nina adds grimly. "So this way we can be sure we are all on the same page."

Martha nods. "Leave it to me," she says.

Hunter nods as well. "Count me in, too!" she exclaims.

Tina slowly heads back into the office as the others begin their plans. Her part, she has concluded, is to try and talk to Seph until the rest of the plan can begin. Maybe she can help him somehow... even if it is just a minor thing.

---

Location: Buckingham Palace, London, England

Time: 0530 hours

Date: Monday, 5 June, 2158 AD (0139 AF)

The last thing King Lawrence III expects is to get a comms message as he is getting ready for his morning schedule. The old monarch shifts in his seat as the terminal on his desk chimes repeatedly. A groan escapes him as he turns it on, grumbling under his breath. "Damn better not be those barbarians..." he mutters.

He activates the hologram projector next to the computer. But much to his surprise, it's not Panem contacting him, but his country's former dominion turned powerhouse. Or at least one of the leaders. He remembers that the woman on screen is the Vice President. Her eyes are filled with worry, but then a smile crosses her face. "Your Majesty!" she exclaims.

"Ms. Preston? Why are you calling at this bloody goddamn hour?" the king asks.

Here she pauses, but then she sighs. "Long story short, mate... we got a situation..."

King Lawrence listens in silent horror as she outlines the discussion with Viondra and the holographic AIs of Vi and Pax. As he listens, he finds he has to struggle to keep the tears from coming, but it does little to quell the fury he is feeling. He grits his teeth and slams his hands down on the desk. "That's outrageous!" he shouts. "Why...?"

Martha grimaces. "I think I can get an idea as to why, mate..." Her voice is soft. "Because children... have a power that they fear. A power to simply..." Her voice cracks. "They have the ability to force is to focus on their well being and their futures. By stealing them away, they break the will of the people to resist... because then they know that their children are punished for something that the adults did to secure them a better future..." She breaks down crying. "It's sickening..."

"Bloody Hell of God..." Lawrence is now disgusted beyond belief. To force children to murder one another all for what they say is to maintain the peace... And at the same time condition them into subservience for their children's safety... It is the utmost horrific fate. It is a fate worse than Death itself. He sighs. "But you didn't call just to tell me this, did you?" he asks.

Martha shakes her head, but she is still crying. He is actually impressed that despite her sadness and hatred, she is still focusing. "T-Truthfully, Your Majesty... we have a situation. And it concerns Seph..."

---

Location: Cairo, Egyptian Union

Time: 0430 hours

Date: Monday, 5 June, 0139 AF (2158 AD)

At the same time, Hunter is informing President Aali Wasi El-Ghazzawy of the situation. His eyes are hard as he leans forward on his desk, his simple T-shirt and boxers doing little to hide his somewhat muscular build.

"So that's it, then... they chose children to break the will of the people, because then they'd know that it was their children that would suffer for their decisions. A sinister reverse psychology experiment that conditioned them..." His face is marred by a frown. "I applaud their genius... even if it is disgusting. It is a means that is truly a fate worse than anything. A sadistic means to keep potential rebels in check."

Hunter is shocked by El-Ghazzawy's statement. "How can you even think of applauding such a hideous outcome?!" he blurts.

But the Egyptian doesn't back down. "I'm only saying it from a politician's perspective. But I do hate what the country has come to... especially following the arrival of Iblis himself in human flesh."

The Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman purses his lips as his ally continues. "It's a rather clever, even if hideous, method to suppress rebellion. My country suffered it for a time prior to the Apocalypse, so speaking from a culture with experience in that matter, it's a personal reason for me to say that it only reaffirms our alliance with you. That creature... Viondra... she is an agent of Iblis... the Devil himself." He pauses. "As are those who created the Games. But it seems they have cheated death... and have now taken residence as AIs within the heart."

Hunter nods. "Yeah. Un called people like her a poison that weakens the spirit. And Largina has said that to remove the poison is the only way to properly move forward..." His eyes soften as he seems to deflate. "And we have another issue... It's Seph."

"What about him?" El-Ghazzawy asks, concern flooding his features. "Is he all right?"

The Australian sighs. "Physically yes... but mentally and emotionally... he's broken." Those two words are all it takes.

"They broke his spirit?" the Egyptian whispers in shock.

Hunter nods. "Yeah. So... we need your help, mate..."

---

Location: Madrid, Spain

Time: 0430 hours

Date: Monday, 5 June, 0139 AF (2158 AD)

The Spanish prince, Teófilo Oleastro, is silent as he clasps his hands under his chin. The radio he is using to communicate with Empress Yuki Minaguma is an older model, so the conversation is a bit static-ridden, but he is able to get the whole conversation. "Such bárbaros... They seek to use force to keep the populace in line... but..." He grimaces and fiddles with the necklace of his family line.

"Yes... it is... deous in many ways, Prince Oleastro," the Empress explains. Her voice fizzles with static. "But... fear that it may be... ars before Panem recovers what was lost."

"Hm." The prince narrows his eyes. "Emperatriz Minaguma, I wish to ask you something. If they choose to punish the adults by using children in a murder-fest... is it not a hypocritical statement?"

Here her voice is distorted a bit from static, but it still comes through clearly. "Yes. It is. But they chose to do so to break their will to fight. Because children have a special ability to force us to focus on a better future. By stripping that future away from them... they are telling people there is no hope. And by dividing people... it only means one thing." She is silent, and only the faint hum of a generator in the background is heard. "They fear it."

Oleastro perks up. "Fear what?"

"It." Empress Minaguma coughs before continuing. "Unity. Spirit. Will. Three things that made America so strong. The will of America. The spirit of hope. And the unity that came from it. They feared... and still do... the power of the human soul." She pauses. "At least I think so. I'm not an expert on the matter."

"The human soul..." The prince bows his head in thought. "I see. So... by breaking them, they broke their human spirit."

"Yes... and they have done the same to Seph." The Empress's voice is colored with concern and worry as she says this, and the Spanish prince jolts upright in his seat.

"Say what?!" he blurts.

"They broke his will and spirit. He... I can only fear the worst if something is not done..." Minaguma says softly. "So... we need your help..."

---

Location: Brasilia, Brazil - South American Protectorate

Time: 0230 hours

Date: Monday, 5 June, 0139 AF (2158 AD)

Director Rubens Belo is serious as he listens in. His eye is hard like bronze and his face is contorted with rage. "Those... creatures...!" he growls. " So they sought to break the will of the people by using children as those who would pay. A hideous tactic much like those of old Before the Fall dictators would use... only much, much worse."

"Not just that, but we fear it may get worse if Viondra and her ilk continue to lurk in power," President Chae Yang Un explains. "It is her kind that is a poison to the heart and spirit."

"A poison that must be purged," Belo muses. "But there is another proverb of your people, is there not, that describes how the world was before this whole mess?"

Un nods. "Yes. Water keeps the boat afloat, but can also sink it. Basically people who elected officials could also remove them from power. As it should be. People have a choice. But without choice, what are we but mere shells? It is free will that makes us decide our futures. Not big government. That is conservative. Liberals are different. We want freedom. Not constant surveillance." Un narrows his eyes. "Like that Orwellian fiction, 1984, Panem has its nose in everyone's lives. No privacy, no refuge from prying eyes and ears. It is a state where no one is free to think or say what they wish."

"But to use children... barbaric in every sense of the word..." Belo growls. "My country only knows through bugging landlines along the border, so... we have no need for satellites like you do."

The Taiwanese leader sighs. "True... but it helped us bring their national barbarian fest to light in the world's eyes. We need to awaken the world to what is happening so we can bring about another future." Un is serious as he leans forward, close to the screen. "The old generations have long since died. Those that led us to this point in time are dead. We need to bring about a new future. Father's debt, son to give back. We have inherited a debt of inhumanity, but it is now up to the future generations to make this world a better place."

Belo nods before he runs a hand down his face. "I know that proverb well. So, let me ask you this. Why do you think they claim the liberals of the resistance were conservative?"

"To no doubt convince them of the futility of self determination and free will," Un says immediately. "They are proponents of big government. Liberalism was a key cornerstone of what got us of the Confederation to our current strength and power. Panem has no such credit to itself. Big government... is the enemy here."

Here Belo notes the Taiwanese President is tense. "And it is this enemy that has attacked and broken a man who has served his country for many years."

The words throw the Director for a loop. "What?" His eye widens. "President Matthews... was broken?"

Un is silent, but the glimmer of worry and fear is enough to confirm the South American's words. "God..."

"So, we need your assistance on this matter... We ask you to help us show him what matters..."

---

Location: Paris, Kingdom of France

Time: 0630 hours

Date: Monday, 5 June, 2158 AD (0139 AF)

In the aftermath of the Apocalypse, with many nations either vanishing or rebuilding, governments changed and altered, some of them becoming rather despotic and bigoted while others returned to their original roots, but maintained ties to the past. Some countries reverted back to monarchies while others clung to their pre-Apocalypse forms before dying off. (To say that the Kingdom of France was one of those that died off is an understatement.)

The current Queen, Sasha la Fleur, is the fourth in the la Fleur family line, a noble family that came into power after the Apocalypse wiped out the current French government.

Her great-grandmother, Queen Annabelle la Fleur, had established the family line after marrying a young soldier and giving birth to a daughter, whom she named heir upon her birth. The la Fleur line prospered and united the shattered country of France under a strong monarchy, ensuring that the bandits and savages of the Apocalypse aftermath would not get to the people. Many people in France had protested the return of the monarchy, but after a hundred and thirty nine years of it, the family had become very well entrenched in French society, and upheld the values of the old French republic, making them the words of their House. Other noble families came into power during the recovery years, but none of them ever became as well established or well known as Maison de la Fleur.

The recovery years led to much prosperity for the kingdom, with people coming to the country to seek refuge from neo-Germanic tribes now wandering Germany's wastelands. The la Fleur matriarch at the time, Monique la Fleur, went out onto the front line and united the peoples coming in with the people that still remained in France at the time, and together they drove back the neo-Germanic tribes, becoming a national heroine and cementing her family's position in power for centuries to come. After the repelled Germanics came together and launched another attack, the Queen went back out to the front lines and died in fierce one-on-one combat with the tribal chief of all the tribes, leaving behind her heir, Vivianne la Fleur, along with her consort, Jacques la Fleur, to take the throne.

Vivianne led the country into a new era of healing and prosperity, becoming more advanced and making contact with Britain once again, becoming close allies once more. After learning of the Confederation's existence from the British monarch at the time, the country entered an alliance with the Pacific powerhouse, keeping in contact with them from time to time. After the near success of the Second Revolution in Panem, the Australian Confederation sought closer ties with the rest of the globe, becoming a United States to Panem's North Korea/Nazi Germany alongside Great Britain.

Annabelle took the throne after her mother stepped down, citing health problems.

Now, as the fourth Queen of the la Fleur line, she governs with wisdom and a cool head. Many people are drawn to her for her charisma and leadership skills, but also due to the fact she mingles with the populace and soldiers on a semi-regular basis. Even President Matthews has said he admires her strength.

At forty years of age, she is far from old, but not young, either. Her blonde hair is starting to grey, and her green eyes, once sharp as glass, are starting to dull, but her body is far from old and decrepit. She is toned from activity with the soldiers, and she is dressed in a looser, less formal style of royal clothing to show she is more open to mingling with the commoners, unlike some of the other noble families under her House.

She is currently sitting in a chair at her desk, observing the terminal screen with a troubled gaze.

Filipino President Gueo Largina is serious as he finishes his explanation. "Now do you see why?" he asks.

The queen looks down. "I see. Such an atrocity..." she murmurs. "And to think it is all to break the will of the people..."

"Yes. But it is the Orwellian aspect that is most disturbing and sinister." His facemask does a good job of concealing his features, but his eyes are filled with nothing but hatred. "And speaking of disturbing... this revelation has rocked our leader to his core... and we fear he may have had his will and resolve broken by it."

"So... you are telling me this because...?" Queen la Fleur lets her voice trail off.

"We are asking you if you could help us in showing him that America has not died off as he fears." That is all he says. But to hear that request throws her for a loop.

"Why can you not do it yourselves?" she asks.

"Because it has to come from allies and country alike," Largina says. "Please. We need him... just as he needs us."

---

Location: Sydney, Australia

Time: 1545 hours

Date: Monday, 5 June, 0139 AF (2158 AD)

While the rest of the Confederation leadership is busy with affairs abroad, Sister Nina Aleksandrov is focusing on matters closer to home.

As she is a well-known celebrity, she is recognizable across the Confederation, and a good number of her flock are situated within Sydney itself. A good 400,000 people live there, and it is they whom she calls.

Word spreads rapidly, and soon almost the whole group turns out within the city bay, gathering close to the Sydney Opera House, and standing atop its pier. They are all gathering, and Sister Nina is at the front of the flock. She wears a small headset with her headband, and a few of her parishioners have brought their musical instruments to the impromptu concert. She can see a few electric guitars and amps, a drum set, a few violins, an electric piano, and a few tubas, flutes, and trombones. She nods to the group as they set up at the front as well. A few bystanders take note of this and start to record it, posting it to AussieNet's largest media website, .

She turns to address her flock.

"I cannot thank you enough for coming. As you are all aware, the Hunger Games have lasted for over ninety years, and will soon reach one hundred years in five years' time. But right now, we have another reason to be here. A reason that harkens back to the founders of the Games."

Her eyes harden. "After the failure of the First Revolution, the Capitol, or Big Brother, as we shall call them, issued an arrest for all resistance soldiers and prisoners. Then they subjected them to inhumane and unimaginable torture, in the guise of... experiments. One of the most hideous was the Hunger experiment, in which they subjected rebels to torture, starvation, and emotional abuse, all while keeping them confined like animals." She pauses for a moment. "And in the duration of that... they pondered whether or not people would turn on one another just to escape it. And they were right, much to our horror. But what really frightened me, and sickened all of us, was the fact that they chose to punish the adults by making their children fight one another. In a way..." She shudders.

"In a way, it is both terrifyingly effective and sadistic as one. It breaks the will of the people... and on top of it, they cut off people from their families and loved ones. They pit District against District in order to divide and conquer. They do not want unity." Sister Nina pauses to take in the varied responses of her flock. Many are truly disturbed, and many look sick to their stomachs. "And their Government is involved in everything they do. Big Brother at its finest."

She takes in a breath and lets it out. "Why they chose children... it's simple in my eyes. Children have a power... a power many do not realize, but we do. The power to think. The power to believe in what they wish. The power to speak their voices as they grow. The power to see into the future. Maybe not in the sense of a diviner, but in the sense that they want change. The ability to think and adapt. But it is the power to force us to focus on their futures that makes them so powerful." Sister Nina looks up, her eyes hard as glacial sapphires.

"That is the kind of thing only agents of the Devil, Lucifer himself, would encourage. But it is worse than that. Pax and Vi... they are the Devil incarnate, and therefore have cheated Death by having their likenesses crafted into AIs. And their agents, the Snow Dynasty, and the DeWynter line... they are just as bad, if not worse, than the Devil incarnate," the priestess says. "They have subjugated the nation for far too long and made them suffer for far too long. It is true that Kane wants to end it, but President Un, a powerful ally amongst us, has said that Viondra and her fellow agents are the poison that weakens Panem's spirit. If they continue to exist within the halls of the government, they will continue to distort and poison the hearts and minds of all young children and adults in that nation."

She looks over the assembled parish. "But it has also shaken us to our very core. Our leader... is in a crisis. He has had his will and resolve nearly broken by this revelation. But it is the fear that America cannot be revived that has shaken him so. We need to show him that the third Message does not lie."

At this her flock are shocked. Many whispers start to float around, and she holds up a hand. "Yes, there was a third Message. And it has given us a goal. To strive for the Moon. To meet Panem there, and show that free will can be good for a country. So... I ask you... help me show President Joseph Matthews that the Message does not lie, and that America does still exist, even if in a different form!"

The assembled parishioners all cheer as they raise their hands to show their support. They all grasp their choir books and open them as she does the same with hers. She holds it up to show them the song she has first chosen. They all turn their books to the right song and she gives the go ahead to the band.

She grasps the mike in her hands and begins to sing...

---

Location: Meldney Complex, Australia

Time: 1600 hours

Date: Monday, 5 June, 0139 AF (2158 AD)

"Seph... why can't you understand?" Tina asks her husband.

"What does it matter? You heard what the bastards said!" Seph hisses. "There is no hope! America is gone, Tina! Face it! There's no coming back for them! Everything we've fought for..."

His optic flickers as he looks at his right hand. "All for naught."

Time, is going by, so much faster than I,

Tina purses her lips as she shakes her head. "No, Seph. It wasn't for nothing. We've still got something that Panem lacks, and that their Big Brother government hates."

"As if..." Seph mutters, burrowing his face in his hands.

And I'm starting to regret not spending all of it with you.

Tina is silent. She can only comfort him, placing a hand on his metallic shoulder, a worrying sensation filling her heart and soul. Where are the others? Have they succeeded in getting in contact with the rest of their allies, including Britain and the Kingdom of France? Has Sister Nina managed to rally those of her congregation within Sydney?

She bites her lower lip before she hears the commset on his desk beeping.

Now I'm, wondering why, I've kept this bottled inside,

Seph slowly reaches for it and grabs it, activating it. "Yeah? What is it?" he asks somberly.

"Seph, it's Hunter. Just... calls will be coming in soon. Be ready to receive them. And also be sure to check out Atube." Hunter's words are cryptic, and Seph is confused. He just nods.

"Sure... whatever, mate..." he whispers.

So I'm starting to regret not telling all of it to you.

The terminal beeps repeatedly and Seph closes down the commset line and presses the button with his free hand. He looks up and blinks his eye in confusion when he sees several familiar faces appearing on the monitor. "Whu... What?" He looks at Tina, who has to squash a smile of relief. But deep inside she is overjoyed. They have succeeded in their tasks.

The leaders of all their allies are shown on the monitor, starting with Spain's Prince Oleastro and Queen la Fleur of France. Surprisingly the entire Directorate of the South American Protectorate is on the line as well, followed up by the Egyptian Union's leadership. Great Britain's King Lawrence is also on the screen. Adding to the numbers are Largina, Minaguma, and Un, along with Hunter and Martha.

So if I haven't yet, I've gotta let you know

"President Matthews..." The Queen is a bit shocked at his expression of defeat. Oleastro is also concerned.

"Dios mío..." the prince whispers. "Senor Matthews... You have been better."

Seph just snorts. "What do you blokes want?" he asks.

You're never gonna be alone!

Tina fiddles with a second window on the monitor and up comes the AussieNet. She activates Atube, and within minutes he can hear a familiar voice singing. His gaze shoots to the second window, this time showing a live screening of Sister Nina as she is singing with a small number of her flock. Well, if 400,000 can even be considered small.

His eye widens as he looks in confusion at Tina.

From this moment on, if you ever feel like letting go,

"Senor Matthews, we have been informed of the truth behind the decision to use children... as well as the Big Brother that governs them. So... this only reaffirms our alliance with you," Oleastro says, stunning the Australian.

"What?" Seph is not surprised. But what the prince says next stuns him.

"And we know, senor. We know about the truth. What the agents of the Devil - Viondra, Vi, and Pax - fear most of all, and why they have taken such barbaric measures to suppress and eradicate it."

I won't let you fall,

Seph looks at him directly. "You... know about the truth?" he whispers.

Oleastro nods. "Yes. And as I have said before... we are with you. They may call us puppets, but we are not. We are a sovereign nation. And we shall prove it." His gaze is fixed with fierce determination as he continues. "And I can safely say that once this gets out to my people... everyone will rally behind you. Many have feared the worst, and after what we have witnessed on what few TVs we still possess... we are even more sickened that before. So, as the Prince of Spain, my line is willing to serve you as an ally."

You're never gonna be alone!

He turns to look at King Lawrence. The old monarch's face is grim. "America has fallen far down in its ideals. What used to be a beacon of hope no longer exists, that much is true." His eyes are soft though as he looks at Seph. "But... in some way, the country itself has not died out." He purses his lips as he pauses, becoming thoughtful. "Seph, let me ask you something. What is it that you fight for?"

"What I fought for, sir..." Seph mutters darkly. "What is there to fight for now?"

"Plenty."

I'll hold you 'till the hurt is gone.

The Australian is confused as he looks up. "Plenty? What are you getting at, sir?"

Lawrence looks to the screens of the other allies and members. "Look around you. Ever since that revelation... there has been a surge in people urging for more drastic measures to cancel the Games. Hell..." Here he chuckles. "My countrymen have been urging me to launch a strike on Panem's Capitol to remove those barbarian Devils!" He gestures to outside his office, where Seph can barely see people holding signs depicting phrases such as "Children are the future, not murderers!" and "Down with the Games! Down with Victors!", even one that says "Washington weeps in his grave!" showing an image of a weeping George Washington beneath the words. One notable sign is wandering around, and it makes its way towards the front of the crowd. The phrase on it reads "Dictators deny! Democracy defies!" The image on that sign shows a harsh, shadowy and wispy human hand being crushed by a strong mechanical one, a bright light radiating from the hand itself.

And now, as long as I can, I'm holding on with both hands,

Seph is shocked by the image on that one sign, as well as the words.

The king sees his reaction and chuckles. "Yes, that sign was made by one of my envoys to your country. He knew about your little mecha projects, so he made that one." Then he becomes serious. "But you do see what that sign says, right? Dictatorships deny. Democracy defies. That is what the world needs to do: defy the dictatorships that are threatening to destroy our world with their greed and gluttony."

Cause forever I believe that there's nothing I could need but you,

"Plus, Monsieur Matthews, as Lawrence has said, zere is still plenty to fight for, oui?" Queen la Fleur says. She shifts in her seat and tents her fingers. "Zat is why we are continuing to fight ourselves, no? Zere is still much zat we can do to heal this world of ours. But in order to do so, we must first start to purge ze rest of the dictators allied with Panem."

"What does that have to do with having plenty to fight for?" Seph asks, his eye narrowing.

So if I haven't yet, I've gotta let you know

The queen smiles. "You have said it yourself before, oui? We fight for the future, a world zat is not dominated by greed, gluttony, and first come, first serve in terms of resources. Isn't zat why you have zose... nanobuilders... to restore greenery to areas Panem and zeir 'allies' have stripped?" she asks.

Seph stammers a bit. "Well. yes... but..."

She cuts him off. "No buts. Panem's reasoning may be hideous and incorrect, but I also understand zat there was a new Message, no?" she inquires.

You're never gonna be alone!

"Wait... what?" Seph is confused. "A new Message?"

Queen la Fleur nods. "Yes. The Message that they have informed me of."

Seph is baffled. He's never heard of a third Message at all!

From this moment on, if you ever feel like letting go,

The queen nods at his expression. "Yes. I have heard it, and I must admit, while vague, it does give an idea of what you need to hear and do." She brings up the Message's contents, written in Old French to hide it from Panem's possible observation systems.

Tina smirks as she reads it. She has studied Old French, so she knows what it says, and she rewrites it into English for Seph to read. She hands it to him and he reads it, handing it back with a solemn look on his features.

I won't let you fall,

"I don't know how that can be of help..." he murmurs, looking at the desk.

"That Message... it talks of hope. In short, we are standing by your side, Monsieur Matthews," the queen says resolutely.

Director Belo nods. "Yes. And do not think I am alone in this," he says, waving his arms around to showcase the entire Directorate.

When all hope is gone

"Mr. Matthews. It has become clear to us that there is a graver threat than we realize to our countries. Your confederation has thus far managed to keep Panemian influence at bay, but if they learn they have broken you, you will lose much of your power and influence," one of the other members of the Diectorate says. "Your resolve cannot be weakened at a time like this, especially after the conclusion of the 95th Hunger Games."

"So what? Not like there's anything I can do to convince them to change their damn bloody minds about children being used as an experiment..." Seph mutters.

"Ah. But there is still hope, yes?" a second member of the South American Protectorate Directorate asks, her eyes glinting.

I know that you can carry on

"What hope?! America is dead!" Seph shouts.

"If it were dead, then would there be any hope left?!" Belo insists. "Look around you, dammit! People are standing up against this atrocity! Britain... France... us, Egypt, etc... all those that remain... that have memories of the past inscribed within their very genes..."

"We still carry on the traditions of old," El-Ghazzawy says gently. "We have carried on thus far on our own, but together... we know of your ambitions, Seph."

We're gonna take the world on

"What ambitions?" Seph asks glumly as he buries his head in his hands. "I can't even... why should we strive to beat them? They've beaten us..."

"Oh, hell no they haven't!" Oleastro snarls. "If you let them get to you like this, then they will have won! Think about this! Why was it you asked us to even become allies?! Was it to let them win? Hell no! We are a country that is proud of its history and heritage, and Panem does not think to let its 'allies' even have any say in the alliance when they are asked to join! They are given no choice!"

"He's right, my friend," Lawrence says. "We have been establishing our own governments in countries without Panemian influence to keep them from getting those countries... and their resources."

I'll hold you 'till the hurt is gone

"Seph-sama... do not think yourself to be alone in this. We all are horrified at this truth," Empress Minaguma says gently. "We want only a future that is free from this first come first serve mentality. A future like it was supposed to be before the Apocalypse. A world where we were more tolerant and respectful, and a world where children were respected... not forced to be used a guinea pigs in some sick experiment that's lasted almost a hundred years!" Here her eyes harden into bright blue sapphires tinged with icy cold that seems to come from the depths of space.

"And face it. Even if Kane does end the Games... there will be those that will want them to continue. And those same people only will want to wipe out everyone else to get resources for themselves. In a sense, these two things are linked. And it all comes back to your initial objective: to beat them back to that spot!" she adds.

Oh,

"No. There's no way..." Seph begins, but he is cut off by someone else. One of the Directorate members, a man named Ruben Addens, frowns.

"There is always a way, Mr. Matthews," he says. "That is why you must remember what it is you fight for. No..." Here he shakes his head. "What it is we fight for."

"But that's just it!" Seph shouts. "There is nothing left worth fighting for! America is dead, dammit!"

"Is it? Or is it just the defeatist in you talking?" Addens asks calmly. He tents his fingers as he sits back in his desk.

You've gotta live every single day,

Seph blinks at that. He looks up, confused and insulted. "You calling me a coward, mate?!" he hisses.

"You're acting like one." Addens smirks.

"Well, I'm not!" the Australian growls as he stands up. "I'm just saying-"

Like it's the only one, what if tomorrow never comes?

"That it's hopeless? I think not. If anything, we've all learned something from this: that America may be gone in Panem, but..."

Belo looks to his Director of Suriname and grins. "...its ideals still live on."

Those five words get Seph's attention. He jerks visibly, his eye filling with anger as his optic flickers.

Don't let it slip away,

"I know that!" he blurts.

"Then why give up?" Oleastro asks. "Don't you wish to see the ideals of America live on, and wish to see a better future?"

"Well... yes... but..." Seph is confused now. He raises a hand to his head. "I just... What am I supposed to do now?"

Could be our only one, you know it's only just begun

"The world is in turmoil..." Un says softly. "Father's debt... son to give back. We must correct this debt. We must work to end this corruptive mindset. The future depends on it."

"But what is the future?!" Seph shrieks. "After all that's happened... and now that America's gone..."

Un's eyes harden, but his features soften.

Every single day,

"Seph, we became allies because we sought protection from Chinese warlords and Korean intrusions. But along the way... our countries discovered much more than a mere commonality for the defense of our borders. Your predecessors sought to do what no one else was willing to do: defend. Defend the ideals of democracy, of decency, tolerance, and respect," he says. "My predecessors sought to return China to her people: her true people, those of us on Taiwan. Largina's predecessors sought to solidify their presence and defend their people. Minaguma's ancestors sought to defend their lands against encroaching Chinese and Korean opportunists. All of us sought to do one thing: defend what mattered most to us. We all discovered that our lands have one common goal: to bring old ideals back from the dead, and to restore the world to what it once was."

"That's right. Our countries have become closer because of it," Largina rasps. "We of the Philippines have been in danger ever since America abandoned us in the aftermath of the Apocalypse. So we had to resort to becoming a threat by using older and reliable warships we could salvage. It wasn't easy... but we did it. When our country reconnected with Japan and Taiwan, we were fearful we would be only three, but then your country came in and gave us assistance with driving off Chinese warlord ships. Ever since then, we have been as one alliance." His eyes soften for a moment.

May be our only one, what if tomorrow never comes?

"And now we have allies across the world," Martha finally replies. "Allies who share the same dream as us... and allies who have seen the light. Many have said that those without much power are nothing but puppets. But we say no. We of the Confederation... No... We of PAST, have made a stand against this new world order, an order many have feared in the past. So now..."

Tina blinks in confusion. "Wait. Past?" she asks.

Hunter's image looks at Martha. "You didn't tell them?!" he blurts.

Tomorrow never comes

Martha looks at her boyfriend. "I thought you were going to!" she protests, but is cut off by Un.

"Not past, Martha," he clarifies. "PAST. Or... the Pacific Alliance Security Treaty." He smirks. "An alliance of all those against Panem. As the name implies, it is a security treaty that says, as the North Atlantic Charter once said, we will be there for our allies as they will be there for us. If one is attacked, then all are attacked. And... as the name implies in the first four letters of each word, we are an alliance that is dedicated to restoring what the world has lost: hope, decency, respect for our planet, and the respect for children as the future." His eyes light up as he sits back in his seat.

Time, is going by, so much faster than I,

"You blokes came up with this without me?" Seph asks. "Then... why do you need me to lead you?"

"Because it was you who showed our allies the reason for this alliance to begin with!" Minaguma snarls, startling the Australian. Her eyes are hard as she sits back in her seat. "Frankly, as it stands, we need you because it was you who allowed us to become much closer with others that are struggling and are recovering more effectively. Spain we saved from Panem, Egypt joined us because they sought better military protection, and the South American Protectorate became an ally because they know their locale better than anyone else. But we... the original four, came together for one common goal: defense."

"So?" Seph mopes.

And I'm starting to regret not telling all of this to you.

"In short, Seph, it was you who got us together," Oleastro says calmly. "And it was you who showed us the reason for this alliance. But most of all, we all seek to defend the ideals that many say are archaic, but in reality made the world a better place. Big Brother..." He shakes his head. "That makes me sick."

"How can we even hope to fight against that kind of governmental surveillance?" Seph asks.

Oleastro shrugs. "I can't say."

You're never gonna be alone!

"But that only means one thing," Martha says. "We can't give up. Or more specifically, you can't give up. You got us to this point. Your predecessors did the same thing. So... don't quit now, mate!"

"She's bloody right!" Hunter chimes in. "We're all in this together, and that includes you!"

Tina places a hand on her husband's cheek. "Seph... we're all behind you. So don't think you need to endure this horror alone."

From this moment on, if you ever feel like letting go,

"But..." Seph is cut off as she looks him in the eye and optic.

"We're all horrified and scarred too. But we haven't given up. You gave, and still do, give it your all to bring back the ideals of the past. To return to old 21st century ideals. Isn't that why you became President to begin with?" she asks.

"No... I... I ran because I thought I could make a difference in this world... to try and show the world just what really mattered..." he whispers.

I won't let you fall,

"And that's why you can't give up. You already have made a difference in this world," Tina says gently. "You showed the rest of our allies and their peoples the truth of the Hunger Games, and that also gave Panem a message: that we're not going to sit back any longer. And remember... we got another ace up our sleeve."

Seph just shakes his head. "I don't see how that's gonna show those blokes anything..." he murmurs.

When all hope is gone

"It'll show them that we chose to beat them there!" Tina insists. "And that self determination and individuality can, and do, have a place in this world! We're already far ahead of them in terms of technology when it comes to power sources. So... let's stay focused and reach for the stars."

The President is unsure, but as he looks at his friends and allies, he can see that they too share the same resolve as he used to. Their eyes are not broken, nor are they filled with the greed or arrogance that Panemian leaders have. Their eyes are clear, focused, and driven. Determination resonates in each of their facial expressions, and despite the haggard and weary looks, their faces are still filled with hope.

A hope that still exists despite America's apparent demise.

I know that you can carry on

Tina smiles as she looks at her husband. "We're all with you in this. We all wish to see Panem's sick experiment with children end. The Hunger experiment showed how far they've fallen. But others... others have risen up to show the world a different future. Britain may be one of the Old Nations, but new powers have risen to fill the gap."

"To be blunt, we are the new powers," Belo replies as he smirks. "And Panem will see that. There is no place for such greed and gluttony, nor such disrespect. Big Brother is a thing of dictators and other like-minded despots. Not a democracy. We do not have that here. And they will see that it can be a good thing to be an individual and choose your own futures." His grin grows wider. "So do not think it's over."

We're gonna take the world on

"Even if we have to take ze world on to show you zat the ideals of the past can endure, we will," Queen la Fleur remarks. "I hope it doesn't come down to it, but if it does happen... we'll fight to show zat Panem is wrong in all ways."

For once, Seph is shocked. He has not expected his allies to stand together with him, despite everything they've learned. If anything, it's only solidified the bond between them. And as he looks at their faces, a realization strikes him.

I'll hold you 'till the hurt is gone

A realization about the Message.

He turns to watch Sistsr Nina's singing, and as he looks at her face, she seems to sense his gaze and she smiles, holding up her hands as if to show her congregation.

I'm gonna be there all the way,

The words of her song reach out, and slowly, Seph stands and walks towards the window, his gaze fixing on the sky above as the sun begins to set. He can see the light from the rays touching the distant sky, and somewhere out there is Sydney.

His home.

I won't be missing one more day,

The home where he grew up, and the place he retreats to. The city that has defied the odds to remain as it is, and has become more than just a city. With its green energy power grid, the iconic landmarks that have gone green, and the buildings that still stand tall, it's a place that has withstood the ravages of Planet Earth. The very same world that all nations share, regardless of what they feel.

The city has become a beacon.

I'm gonna be there always,

A beacon that is glimmering, a beacon that resists all the dystopian air around the world. A symbol... no. A mark of hope. A future that is on the horizon. A representation of what the world could and should've been.

I won't be missing one more day.

The very city is a vision. A vision that stands out amongst the ruins of the past. A vision...

of hope.

---

Location: Sydney, Australia

Time: 1615 hours

Date: Monday, 5 June, 0139 AF (2158 AD)

Sister Nina clasps her hands as she brings the song to a close. Already a large crowd is gathering, word having been picked up via Atube and word of mouth. She wishes to address them, but she feels her messages will be enough.

She gestures for her flock to open to the next song in the Lord's Choir Book. Once they have done so, she clears her throat and the female members of the congregation start the song.

Ooh, baby, do you know what that's worth?

The song reaches out across the pier to the location closest to the city, the Sydney Harbor Bridge. As she sings, people begin to join in of their own accord. And it's not just the people that she has reached.

Ooh, heaven is a place on earth

A news crew from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation has heard of the concert and has arrived to see it in person.

They say in heaven, love comes first

One of the news crew, a woman named Siofra Donaghue, grabs her commset and puts it on as she runs out of the truck with her cameraman right behind her. SHe turns to face him as he brings the device online. Her green hair is a mess and her red eyes are alight as she holds up a hand. "All right! We're set!" she says.

The cameraman, Douglas Barnes, nods. "Okay! We're live in five..." He holds up five fingers and counts down as she adjusts her shirt before standing up.

We'll make heaven a place on earth

As soon as the camera light flicks on, she begins speaking.

"This is Siofra Donaghue of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. We're currently live here at the Sydney Opera House where Sister Nina Aleksandrov is conducting an impromptu concert. There has been no real word of this, but thanks to the brilliant people who have put up the video on Atube, the word's spread rapidly and now, as you can see, there is a huge crowd beginning to form," she says. "But why is this happening now? That is what we're here to find out."

Ooh, heaven is a place on earth

Siofra turns back to the crowd and the two make their way towards the very outskirts of it. She taps on the shoulder of one of the men, and he turns to look at her. His eyes widen in mild surprise at seeing one of the news anchors for the ABC out and about. "Excuse me. I'm Siofra Donaghue with ABC. Mind me asking you a few questions?" she asks.

The man blinks, but nods. "Not at all," he says.

When the night falls down

"I understand that Sister Nina has brought about this impromptu concert. Mind me asking what brought this about?" Siofra asks.

The man shrugs. "Your guess is as good as mine, Ms. Donaghue," he admits. "But from the looks of things, I'll bet you five dollars that it has to do with the Games and President Matthews."

"And what do you think of that?" Siofra asks as she adjusts her commset so the mike is aimed at him.

I wait for you and you come around

"Personally, I think that whatever happened, it really rattled the President, and Sister Nina is really doing her best to rally people so he knows that we're behind him," the man admits. "But I'm just guessing."

Siofra nods. "Thank you for your time," she says.

And the world's alive with the sound

She makes her way across the crowd, spotting another news reporter from Ten Eyewitness News, and one of her former college buddies. The man spots her as well, making his way back towards her. "Siofra?" he asks.

"Narinder? Is that you?" Siofra asks, her eyes lighting up as a smile crosses her face.

Of kids on the street outside

Narinder Jain grins widely. "Bloody hell... it is you!" he cries, embracing her. "I wasn't sure if it was really you or not!"

The Indian-Australian reporter is in his late thirties, and he has bright yellow hair with purple eyes, a contrast that goes rather nicely with her own green hair and red eyes. He pulls away. "What are you doing here?" he asks.

When you walk into the room

"The same thing you are," Siofra says. "Reporting on this concert."

"Well... it's a good thing then," Narinder says seriously. "Because I know why this is happening. I read it on Atube."

You pull me close and we start to move

Siofra blinks her eyes. "What's the reason then?" she asks.

"Basically, mate... it's Panem. They told President Matthews about the reasoning behind the Games and they may have broken his resolve," Narinder admits. His purple eyes harden into amethysts. "That's why Sister Nina called this concert. So she can show Matthews that America hasn't died yet."

And we're spinning with the stars above

The Irish-Australian woman is shocked as she hears those words. "You mean...?" Her voice trails off.

Her old friend nods. "You got it, mate. The poor bloke thinks there's no hope... but not true. So... I have an idea..."

And you lift me up in a wave of love

He outlines his scheme, which is actually very ingenious. She has to admit, it does make sense. It's not only to ask people questions, but to ask them what they feel the Confederation as a whole stands for. Brilliant and subtle, but also direct.

"All right. Let's get to it, then!" Siofra remarks. Narinda nods as he grins.

"C'mon!" He waves with his arm and they make their way deeper into the crowd.

Ooh, baby, do you know what that's worth?

They find a small number of parishioners off to the side, holding their copies of the Lord's Choir Book open to the song, and are singing amongst themselves. The two reporters draw closer to them, getting their attention.

"Excuse us!" Siofra cries. "Would you mind us asking for a few moments of your time for an interview?"

The parishioners look up, their singing fading into the background as it dies off; the majority of the group continues to sing the song in question.

Ooh, heaven is a place on earth

"Not at all," one of the men says as he closes his book. "What would you like to know?"

"We just heard that President Matthews is in crisis. Care to explain what that means?" Narinder asks, playing dumb.

The man sighs. "Sister Nina has told us. That the Devil incarnate has performed sick experiments on brave resistance soldiers during the so-called Dark Days, and that their desire to continue this experiment led to the creation of the Hunger Games... using children as guinea pigs." He clenches his fists. "And that news has drastically shaken our leader's resolve, but... if anything, that has only made us even more determined to show that their decision is morally incorrect."

They say in heaven love comes first

"I see. So, in your opinion, he is having a conflict of faith, right?" Siofra asks, catching on.

"Yes. It's our duty as members of the congregation to Sister Nina to show him that our stance is the right one," the man says. "And that the Lord has indeed blessed us to carry out such a mission."

We'll make heaven a place on earth

"Now let me ask you a personal question. What do you feel the Confederation stands for as a whole after learning the truth about the Hunger Games' creation?" Narinder asks.

The man smiles. "Honestly, I feel that our position and our stance is correct. That the decisions of our founding leaders have allowed us to remain as we are, and to prevent greed and gluttony from consuming our very souls." His face becomes somber as he remembers recent news events. "And as for the Devil... His very flesh and blood will be expelled from Panem's heart and spirit once these barbaric Games come to an end. The Lord will see to that."

Ooh, heaven is a place on earth

They thank the man and move on to another member of the crowd. A young woman with her children is sitting off to the side, holding them close, tears streaming down her face. It's clear she's a recent mother, and the very fact that her children could be stripped from her if not for the Confederation's protection has shaken her. She is an immigrant, having come from Panem during the Second Revolution as a babe. And she is horrified at the truth of the Games' creation.

The two reporters stop close to her, and they hesitate. They do not wish to disturb her, but when she looks up and sees them, she doesn't drive them off. Instead, she beckons and they come to her side.

When I feel alone, I reach for you

"Sorry..." she whispers, "...I know you have other stories to cover, but..." Her voice trembles as she speaks; her Panemian accent is heavily diluted by the prominent Australian accent. "I... I feel it's time that our stories have been told..."

"You're an immigrant?" Siofra asks. suddenly feeling like she insulted the woman by asking that.

The woman nods, but she's not insulted, as her gaze clearly tells: it's more or less filled with hope and resolve.

And you bring me home

"My family came here when I was a baby..." the woman mutters. "We were fleeing the fighting... we came from the area of District Seven. We... We barely escaped with our lives..." She shudders. "My parents told me the story of our escapade, and of how we fled in fishing boats from the District borders to the safety of international waters. They said it was horrible... the way that the Government stamped out any hope... Destroying their own resources to teach us a lesson..."

Narinder sits down beside her and places a hand on her shoulder. "I can understand how that must feel, mate," he says gently. "It's only a mark of their Government's hypocrisy if they do that. They need resources, but then they go ahead and steal them despite having an abundance in their own borders. Nothing but greedy little shits over there in power."

When I'm lost at sea I hear your voice

"I... My parents just wanted a better future... to keep me from suffering such a fate... being thrown into those barbaric Games..." The woman places a hand on her son's and daughter's heads. "And then prostituted..." She shivers and tears streak down her pretty features. "That's why we came here. Because it represented a better future for me... and my brother, had he not been detained at his school by Peacekeepers..."

It's clear to the two that her brother was left behind, and no doubt either Avoxed or thrown into the Games.

Siofra doesn't want to sound insensitive, so she thinks before speaking.

And it carries me

"W...I don't want to bring up bad memories... but I have to know. Was your brother older than you?" she asks, feeling a pang of sadness and guilt in her chest.

The woman nods. "Yes... He was only eight when we left..." Her shoulders shake as she breaks down. "He... He d-didn't stand a ch-ch-chance... when t-they threw him into the a-a-arena four years l-l-later..."

"I'm sorry..." Siofra says gently as she places a hand on the woman shoulder, allowing her to embrace the reporter. "I'm so... so... sorry..."

In this world we're just beginning

They sit there for a few moments before the woman pulls back, her chest heaving as she tries to regain her composure. Narinder takes his chance to ask the next question. "Ma'am, since you've come from Panem, what does the Confederation mean to you from a personal experience?"

The woman looks around, her eyes taking in the sights before resolve fills her broken features. She curls her arms around her two children again and holds them close as they inch towards her, sensing her sadness. The two year old girl and four year old boy hug their mother as close as they can.

"I... To me... The Australian Confederation represents the best hope the world has... and in more ways than one," she explains. "It represents a world where children can be children, not murderers of others. That sickening experiment has lasted for far too long... And it must end! Maybe... just maybe... after this does come to an end... we can showcase to the world every single damn Game that's been recorded."

To understand the miracle of living

"You feel Panem has to be punished for their actions against the next generation?" Siofra asks.

The woman nods resolutely. "Yes. In a way that will show they are far from superior." She looks down at her two kids. "And that will also show them that this world is all we have... and that we can't destroy it like in the years prior to the Apocalypse. Otherwise... it's over for everyone."

Baby, I was afraid before

The two reporters nod and stand up, thanking the woman for her time and again offering their condolences for her brother's death. They make their way across the crowd to a man who's got his head bowed as if in prayer. He is dressed immaculately, like a lawyer is, and he has his briefcase clasped in one hand.

"Excuse me!" Siofra calls to him. The man looks up, his shock of greying red hair falling about his somewhat youthful features.

"Oh!" he exclaims. "I'm sorry. I was busy praying."

But I'm not afraid anymore

"That's all right. Most people are in this day and age," the Irish-Australian replies. She looks him in the eyes. "Do you mind granting us a few minutes of your time for an interview?"

He shakes his head. "Not at all." He gestures to the curb beside him. "Please."

Ooh, baby, do you know what that's worth?

The group sits down, the two cameramen still recording. "Now, what can I do for you?" he asks.

"Well, first off, can you tell us your name?" Siofra asks.

The man nods. "I am Viktor Seidel," he introduces himself. He holds out a hand. "I'm a law professor at the University of Sydney."

"Pleasure to meet you," Narinder says as he shakes the man's hand. He is impressed by his strong grip.

Ooh, heaven is a place on earth.

The professor nods as he grins. "So, what do you wish to ask of me?"

"We'd like to know what your honest opinion is regarding the truth of the Games' creation in the aftermath of the First Revolution's failure," the Indian-Australian says. He holds out his commset with the mike extended.

Viktor sighs heavily as he bows his head. "In all honesty, it goes against every single thing that we as humans know to be the law. They did inhumane treatment of resistance fighters, and then applied it to the children in a sickening experiment they call the Hunger Games." He opens his eyes and they are a hard topaz color. "It's beyond sickening... It's twisted and sociopathic."

They say in heaven love comes first

The professor pauses before he continues. "It goes against the Geneva Conventions... in every single way. As you know, the conventions were established during key points in the Before the Fall era, and although most of the text has long since been forgotten, the legacy and key points remain." He holds up a hand and counts them off. "They breached the conventions by carrying out the following: willful killing, torture or inhumane treatment, including biological experiments; willfully causing great suffering or serious injury to body or health; compelling a protected person to serve in the armed forces of a hostile power; willfully depriving a protected person of the right to a fair trial if accused of a war crime; taking of hostages; extensive destruction and appropriation of property not justified by military necessity and carried out unlawfully and wantonly; unlawful deportation, transfer, or confinement."

He lowers his hand. "There are several that they have to make amends for, the biggest being that they carried out torture and inhumane treatment of resistance fighters. They also wantonly took them hostage and are willingly causing serious injury to the bodies and health of otherwise innocent people: children. So, in effect, they are no better than lawless barbarians at this stage of the game, no pun intended."

We'll make heaven a place on earth

The two reporters nod, knowing what he's referring to. "So, in your opinion, what do you feel the Confederation stands for as a whole, with that knowledge in mind?" Siofra asks him.

Viktor grins. "I feel that our country - no, the alliance as a whole - is not a relic of the past, but a beacon of hope, where lawful justice can be dispensed once again. A future where children are protected and where the Geneva Conventions are respected and adhered to." Then he becomes serious. "Because this whole thing has gone on for far too long. Over a century of greed and gluttony has led us to this point in time. So we must use all we have to end it: politically, militarily, economically, and scientifically."

Ooh, heaven is a place on earth

The reporters nod and thank him for his time as they stand up. They finally head on over to the next cluster of people who are waving Australian Confederation flags, along with a new one someone has crafted. This new flag throws the reporters for a loop, as it is an eye catcher.

The new flag possesses on it what appears to be an image of the sun, and in front of that image is a picture of Earth as it is today, and above the image are two hands clasping. The words Council of Nations stand out, and they note that this flag also has a pair of doves holding a tree branch behind the world's image.

In this world we're just beginning

Narinder spots the flag and makes his way over to the group. The leader of this small cluster, a young teenager, spots him and waves him over. Her friends all smile as they wave and cheer.

The two reporters approach the cluster of teenagers as they stop waving their flags. "Excuse me, but I couldn't help but notice this flag you were carrying," Narinder says. "Do you mind if we interview you kids?"

"Not at all, mate," the teen says. "My name's Abigale Lincoln, and these are my friends."

"Nice to meet you," Siofra says as she shakes her hand.

To understand the miracle of living

"So, what's up with this flag? Care to explain what it means?" Narinder asks the girl.

Abigale nods. "Sure." She pulls it closer and holds it out. "As you can see, we've gone above and beyond what the old United Nations flag stood for. We did keep the idea of the planet, but we added a few things to show that this is our world, a world for everyone." She points to the hands. "The hands represent the idea that we can compromise." She moves her finger to the doves and tree branch. "The doves show that peace can be achieved, but what the tree branch represents is the whole of the world. This shows that it's our duty to heal the environment, not exploit it to the extent that Panem does."

"The image of the sun... that represents something, doesn't it?" Siofra inquires.

Baby, I was afraid before

"Yes," Abigale nods. "The sun represents the light of decency and hope. Panem may think of us as the bad guys in some cases, but we're not. We're just trying to get some sense back in this world." She drops her hand. "I just hope that this becomes a clear message for us all."

Narinder takes the flag and looks it over. "I see. Nicely done and good design." He hands it back to her.

But I'm not afraid anymore

"What I don't understand is why they call us savages..." the teen murmurs. "We... We aren't savages! We've got more than they do in terms of freedom and whatnot! We have-"

She is cut off as three of her friends grab her and calm her down. Siofra looks upset, but then speaks softly. "Hey, it's okay, mate. They think they're superior and morally right, but we're good too. We're not the bad guys or savages, despite what they think. We're just trying to save the only world we have left."

Ooh, baby, do you know what that's worth?

"By going to extremes?" Abigale asks finally. "War... Nuclear war did this. What's to say it won't happen again? I know we're against Panem because of the Hunger Games, but... Surely there is another way..."

Narinder nods. "There always is. What Panem's leadership, mostly those who seek resources for greed, don't get is that we can cooperate. We just need to get them to see what is missing. Decency and hope," he says to her. "And that is what your generation still looks for. A better future." He smiles. "Who knows? Maybe one day, you and your friends will become the next leaders and seek a peaceful solution to all this greed and gluttony."

Ooh, heaven is a place on earth

The teenager smiles as she wipes her eyes. "Warfare has scarred our planet too much. We must heal it. And that is what we will do one day."

The reporters nod. "So, Abigale, what do you feel the Confederation stands for as a whole?"

They say in heaven love comes first

She answers instantly. "The Confederation stands for human rights. Children's rights. Environmental conservation. Civil rights. Compromise. And working together, along with carrying out trade, not stealing like barbarians." Her eyes are resolute as she holds up her flag. "And that is what the Council of Nations encourages. But Panem's atrocities must stop in order for this to work. There is no other option."

Siofra nods. "And we are in agreement with you," she says.

We'll make heaven a place on earth

The two thank the teens for their time and finally make their way back to the front of the crowd.

Siofra holds her commset up as she begins to speak. "As you can see, many people of different professions and faiths, ages and origins, have taken a stand with the ideals of our former ally at heart. The idea that children deserve to behave and live as children, not murderers. And to show that we can work together and come to a compromise."

Ooh, heaven is a place on earth

She looks back as Sister Nina continues singing. "People across the alliance... no, those who have the same feelings across this world... are taking a stand against Panem's barbaric Hunger Games, and to show that this world is far from broken. That there is hope for the future."

Siofra turns back to the camera as her face becomes resolute. "The reasoning behind the creation of the Games may be horrendous, and it may be twisted and inhumane, but as we come upon the final Games, there is no doubt going to be massive changes and upheavals across the world. We are far from stupid, and we are far from naïve. Mistakes of the past... must be learned from."

Ooh, heaven is a place on earth

"So this message goes out to you, President Matthews. Know this: that our decision to stay free and democratic has left us with a burden, yes, but also a hope unlike any other. For the Message that has been received is correct and true: America has not died out. At least abroad. That legacy has not been forgotten by old allies and new friends alike. For as we speak, many others are willing to fight for what's right. Our forces continue to fight and resist the gluttonous actions of the Chinese warlords, as well as Panem." Siofra's eyes are filled with determination as she sweeps her arm across the crowd as they sing as one.

"You can see it for yourself, sir. We're all behind you. Every single one of us," she says.

Ooh, heaven is a place on earth

"This world may be filled with the scars of the Apocalypse, but it is those who came after that can change this world for the better," she continues. "The old generations have died out, and a new generation must take charge, leading the world to a future we have fought for. And that future... is all around us."

Narinder joins his fellow reporter and places a hand on her. "Narinder Jain reporting live from the concert of Sister Nina, alongside Siofra Donaghue."

Ooh, heaven is a place on earth

The two reporters then hold onto one commset. "America still lives on, sir. So do not forget that. Their ideals... have become ours. And we shall continue the legacy of a once great nation!" they say as one.

Behind them the concertgoers cheer as Sister Nina throws out her hands and the whole group finishes the last of the lyrics.

Ooh, heaven is a place on earth

---

Location: Meldney Complex, Australia

Time: 1630 hours

Date: Monday, 5 June, 0139 AF (2158 AD)

Seph stares in shock at the screen of his terminal, surprised at the images.

He honestly is surprised by this. He has not expected Sister Nina to try and rally her congregation to reach out to him. His eye is wide as he hears the message from the reporters, and everyone else.

"..." He is shocked speechless.

"You see, Seph?" Tina asks, catching his attention. He turns to look at her, shock still present on his face.

"There's something that someone once said about America. That it was a land of hope, of leadership, and of choice," she continues. Tina places a hand on his mechanical one. "But now... Now we are that land. We have a chance, mate. We have a chance. To show the world that America's ideals have not died out, despite what others say. And..." She smirks as she looks up at the ceiling. "I want you to remember this."

Seph is confused before she looks him in his eye and optic. "Take a look, Seph. Everyone we know, both abroad and at home, are living out their dreams, and are struggling to overcome the New World Order mentality that has taken hold. If our allies are any indication, then we can do this. We can triumph over this way of thinking! We can win! We just have to stay true to what matters: the ideals that once made America so great. Because unlike Panem, we are a nation of laws, not men! Not like them at all. We are better than that."

Seph's eye widens as he is struck with the truth.

Tina, his friends, Sister Nina, and his allies are right.

America has not died out. Not in the way that he thought. Rather... that Third Message is right. America still lives on in its former allies. As long as they remain true and free...

Then America will remain in existence.

That is the greatest legacy of all. The influence of the once great nation even exists after its demise. And that is something that Panem will soon learn, Seph resolves as he stands up. He turns to look at everyone on the screen and smiles. "Guys... Honestly... I don't know what I did to deserve such allies and friends..."

"We're just looking out for a compadre, no?" Oleastro grins.

El-Ghazzawy nods. "Yes. We are friends, and allies. And if Panem tries to convince us otherwise... this alone has confirmed our decision to be correct." A smile crosses his face. "That it was right to align ourselves with the new superpower of the world."

Seph is shocked.

Tina looks on in shock as well. "Wait... What did you call us, mate?" she asks in disbelief.

"You heard me. It was right to align ourselves with the new superpower of the world. You," the Egyptian replies. "You have more than earned that rank with your actions and resolve. Just promise us one thing."

"What?" Seph asks, wary now.

In response, Director Belo smirks. "You don't let those demonios get to you again. After all, as your friend said, they are the poison that taints the heart, or something like that, yes?"

The Australian chuckles at that. "That is true, mate," he says. "I'll be ready."

The group smiles on screen before slowly they go dark.

Seph turns back to look out the window of his office, feeling a sense of relief filling his being. He looks up, his gaze fixed on the sky above the main complex 'dish'. "We'll be ready for sure..." he murmurs, his eye hardening in resolve for his next big project...