So we are counting down to the rebellion. All the players are in place, and as we know Jackson went into the layer of the Citizen to send one more message about Gale, even after his cousin warned him. Of course, the Citizen was waiting in the shadows, and Jackson found himself in trouble. Will Jackson survive? Will Jackson team up with the Citizen? How will this affect the rebellion? Does the Citizen know of the rebellion?

I do not own the Hunger Games, thank you all for reviewing and following as the story comes to an end, thank you to Norbertsmom for your friendship and diligence with this story and for all the advice and the wonderful betaing!

PS Trigger Warning Violence ahead

In the bakery, Gale lay on his side watching Delly sleep. He still had two hours until he had to assemble downstairs to take the trek to the meeting point. Gale didn't want to leave Delly's side. He gently brushed her hair away from her face. His heart contracted. He loved her so much. Now that they'd cemented their relationship, it hurt to be separated from Delly after waiting so long to be able to be with her.

He couldn't believe she loved him. Gale couldn't believe he was married to her. He was lucky to have Delly in his life. He shuddered when he thought of what could have happened if Jackson had gotten his hands on her. Delly was duped into thinking her father sold her into a loveless marriage. Had he not found her during the Reaping, she would have pushed him from friend to distant stranger to keep the peace with Jackson.

Gale reached out and pulled a strand of her blond hair away from her face. He recalled how beautiful she looked last night in the dress that hugged all of her hidden curves. But it wasn't just her curves, he remembered. Gale would never forget how her blue eyes sparkled with pure love when she looked at him. What they had was deep and profound, and it humbled Gale to be with such an incredible woman.

When she had pushed him away, it was as if his world had turned dark. Gale learned he would never get over Delly because in hindsight he realized that she was his soulmate. Funnily enough, Delly wasn't all rainbows and puppies. She didn't pull any punches with him and held up a mirror whenever he became unbearable.

Gale had been so nervous the night before. Even though he was experienced, it wasn't like any of those other times. His hands trembled, he wanted her badly, and he felt like his fourteen-year-self trying to act mature but she made him anxious. They made out; he took pleasure in simply kissing, touching, learning her sounds. Delly had insecurities about her body, and it was important to let her discover her own power. For that, he had to put his needs and wants on hold until Delly emerged as a confident woman. She knocked his socks off.

Her eyes opened, and she smiled at him.

"Hi." Gale tenderly placed a kiss on her soft lips.

"Hi, yourself." Delly blushed in return.

"I love you," Gale confessed, not being able to hold back.

Delly sleepily snuggled into his side. She began humming. Her tune became words and Gale listened to her.

Delly sang the words softly:

"Black clouds are behind me, I now can see ahead

Often I wonder why I try hoping for an end

Sorrow weighs my shoulders down

And trouble haunts my mind

But I know the present will not last

And tomorrow will be kinder"

She turned to him, "Momma was right, tomorrow was kinder. I got you."

Gale was moved by her words. "You're my kinder tomorrow too, Dells."

Up in the rafters, Corky watched the human's touch noses. He rolled his eyes. They were like his pet rubbing against the other without their fur.

His kits were hungry, and it was his job to feed them. Ever since the baker stopped baking it was harder for him to gather food. He had to travel elsewhere to find it.

Peeta and Katniss sat in the living room kissing. They were alone and Katniss jumped on Peeta. Having Darius confirm the plans for tonight was a huge reality check for her. They pulled apart. Peeta's face was flush and his lips were plump. His blue eyes were dark. He breathed in and out deeply before his smile disappeared.

She was thinking about tonight and what would happen if they weren't successful. What would happen to her sister and mother if the Capitol got their hands on them? The Capitol blew an entire district into rubble for fighting. What couldn't they do to District Twelve or to the other districts that rebelled? Her hands shook and not from desire but from fear. She balled them to keep it from Peeta.

"Katniss," Peeta sighed. "You're nervous."

Katniss questioned how Peeta could read her so easily. He was right, she was anxious about tonight's operation. In the past, she would have denied being fearful. Back then she was alone, she didn't have anyone to depend on or anyone to talk to. She couldn't share her worries with her sister or mother. Peeta was the one person she trusted, "Yes."

"I am too."

Surprised by his answer her eyes collided with his. "You are."

"Yes," Peeta nodded. "Tonight, we're going to be fighting against Peacekeepers who have laser-guided, crazy, mechanical machines that can blow us to smithereens. We trained for like a day, but nothing we have compares to that stuff. Not to mention we'll be starting to fight during the worst weather." He exhaled heavily. "I think we have the right to be nervous."

Katniss sighed.

"But, that being said." Peeta took her hands. He stared into her eyes. His blue eyes shined with familiar sincerity and his trademark warmth. "If I had the chance to back out, I wouldn't do it."

"You wouldn't?" Katniss wasn't sure if she could say the same.

"Even with all of their technology, I know we have a chance." Peeta brushed his thumb over her knuckles. "A good chance to be free. I understand if you don't want to fight because you have a lot to lose. Your mother and sister need you."

"Peeta Mellark if you start with that diatribe of no-one-needs-me crap I am going to punch you in the nose!" How could he think he was alone and not wanted? If something happened to him, she was sure life would be colorless.

He put his hands in the air. "I know I'm not alone, and we have each other," Peeta turned pink. "I just understand you have to think about Prim. You have to think about what the consequences are."

Katniss cupped his face. "I am afraid of losing you, and I am afraid of losing my sister. I am afraid of what tonight's going to bring. But I know one thing, there is no one I would rather do this with than you."

"Me too," he grinned, his eyes lighting up with mischief. "I frankly trust you more than Rye. Plus you're better looking, too."

Katniss pushed him, rolling her eyes. "You're a dork."

"I am your dork." He wiggled his eyebrows.

Katniss snuggled closer to him, enjoying her last few minutes of peace with Peeta. All the district loved ones shared one last meal, one last hug, one last embrace. Today was a guarantee, but tomorrow wasn't promised.

As the time came Gale stood in the living area observing Katniss and Peeta as he put his coat on. They were so in sync with each other. They were a team. At one point, Gale thought he and Katniss were a team, but he realized they were not. He was in sync with Delly. He'd gotten up and left Delly sleeping. He couldn't say goodbye to her, couldn't see the worry in her eyes. Gale was trying to keep his emotions in check.

Gale, along with Peeta, Rye, and Katniss prepared themselves to make their trek to the meeting.

"You ready?" Peeta asked Katniss.

Katniss held her bow in her hand. "As I ever will be."

"Would you two stop with the mushy stuff?" Rye asked, slapping the back of Peeta's head.

Katniss growled and scowled at Peeta's brother. Rye flinched and Gale laughed. He couldn't help it. Rye was massive compared to Katniss's diminutive size. Yet even he had to admit, Katniss was a force to be reckoned with when angered. Rye had no chance of beating her, not when she was holding her bow.

A slight movement in the hallway caught Gale's attention. Delly came out of the bedroom. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

"Dells," Gale whispered when he saw her standing there in his shirt.

"I'm coming." She lifted her chin in the air. Gale knew that stubborn tilt of her head meant no matter what he said he was not going to win this argument.

Gale sighed. "I'm guessing that I can't persuade you to stay at home?"

"No."

It never occurred to him that his gentle Delly would want to fight. "Dells, it will be dangerous, and you can get hurt."

"I can say the same of you, Gale Hawthorne, but if I can't stop you, what makes you think that you'll be able to stop me?"

Gale sighed, he knew it was true. Delly was stubborn, and she'd find a way to get into the middle of the fight.

"Delly you're not trained to fight," Katniss said, glancing at Gale before returning her look to Delly. "There is a job you can do that is vital. If you are willing to accept it?"

Gale was grateful for Katniss's intervention.

"What do you mean?" Delly asked.

"We need you to get my mom, Prim, and Gale's mother ready for casualties," Katniss said.

"All of the injured are going to be brought to the Apothecary next door. It was my job to get my mom to help, but if you can help get them ready to heal then that would help us save time."

"I can do that."

"Get dressed, and wear warm clothing." Katniss gave Gale a small nod.

Gale was grateful for Katniss's quick thinking.

"Just give me a few moments to get dressed." Delly quickly rushed into the bedroom.

Another door opened and all four of them shared a look. Gale was surprised when he saw Mr. Mellark dressed in black.

"Dad, where are you going?"

"With you guys," Eugene said.

"But," Rye said confused. "You're not part of this."

"Aren't I, Rye. When I was a young man, I stood by Katniss' father, ready to fight against the Capitol. I still hold fast that a free Panem is one that is free from its oppressors. Now I know I'm not a sharpshooter like Katniss and I don't have the strength or agility you boys have, but I can transport the injured to the Apothecary."

"Okay," Rye shrugged. "How did you know?"

"The same way I knew Katniss has been stalking your brother at night ever since she was a kid."

"I am not a stalker," Katniss protested.

"Yeah you are," Rye said, though he lost his grin when Katniss narrowed her gaze at him.

Peeta put his arm around her. "Don't worry you can stalk me anytime."

"What about mom?" Rye moved on to another more pressing subject.

"Don't worry about your maw. I gave her a sedative that will knock her out until the morning." He winked.

Gale was amazed. Delly came out of the room right toward him and leaned up on tiptoe and kissed him soundly on the lips. "I'll round up the ladies."

"Delly, I love you."

Delly gave him the sweetest of smiles. "What are you waiting for? The sooner you go, the sooner you come back to me."

They all departed for the Apothecary.

Thom let them in and they were led to where Madge stood. Tonight, it was a hive of activity as the time flew by quickly.

They were given black uniforms, with helmets that had night vision visors. Katniss was one of the smallest members, but she looked terrifying in her garb and her bow with sheaths of arrows. There was a glint in her eyes that caused Gale to take a minute to really assess the girl he'd grown up with. She was fearsome and the energy she projected caused others to stare at her with awe.

Madge came toward them, and Darius followed her. "I can't believe what Darius told me about the Citizen. He said something about a squirrel?" Madge looked confused.

"My brother has this squirrel for a pet."

"His name is Corky," Peeta clarified.

"Fine," Rye rolled his eyes, "The squirrel's name is Corky. He is the one who managed to find the message the Citizen sent to the Capitol about the Hob. We think Corky found a way into the lair without the Citizen knowing it."

Madge nodded. "So what do we do?"

"After this is over we can follow the squirrel, sorry Corky," Darius amended at Peeta's look, "and get rid of the Citizen."

"Listen up, in less than forty-seven minutes, the dam in District Five is going to be blown up," Cressida shouted.

Madge looked around the room. "Let's go over the plan, people."

Gale stood at attention.

"Team one," Madge shouted.

"We take out the lookout," Purina said.

"Team two," Madge called out.

"We disable the HVAC," Rye said.

"Team three."

"We support the HVAC team," Thom said.

"Team four."

"Takedown anyone who might sound the alarm," Darius said. His small group, which Katniss was part of, were the sharpshooters.

"Team Five."

"We're auxiliary, in case it gets serious," Leevy said. She was leading a group of miners that included Leevy's uncle who was in the mines the day Katniss' father died.

"Team Six."

"We take care of any injuries," Eugene answered. Katniss' mother, sister Prim, and Hazelle Hawthorne were soon to arrive.

"Everything begins at midnight. Remember, once we are out of our hiding positions the suits will protect you for up to an hour. Make sure you put your counters on. We are on radio frequency 4 tonight."

"Good luck, and remember who the enemy is," Haymitch shouted.

The small groups began assembling to leave. Team two left first since they had the difficult job of taking down the HVAC. Rye hit Peeta on the arm and affectionately ruffled his hair. Eugene hugged Rye before saying goodbye. Team three was next, they stole into the silent night. Team one was up next and Peeta's was with Purina's group. He was excellent at hand to hand combat, better than Rye. It's why he was chosen to be on this team. It was a dangerous assignment because they had to take down the guard gate and any patrolling Peacekeepers. Seeing them assembled, waiting for the signal to go caused Katniss to leave Darius' side.

"Peeta," Katniss grabbed him. All of her pent up fears came roaring back. She embraced him tightly, she could lose him tonight.

"You still worried?" Peeta gave her a gentle smile once they separated.

Katniss gave the barest of nods. She wasn't one to cry or show her emotions outwardly. She was sure she looked crazy to him with her tear-filled eyes and menacing face.

"It's going to be okay Katniss." His hands gently cupped her face. His fingers traced her nose, lips, and her lashes, calming her down while also committing her face to memory. "Tomorrow will bring a new day, one that will be free from Snow's oppression."

"What if I don't see you tomorrow?"

Peeta gave her a determined look. "I am going to see you tomorrow. We'll see each other when the sun comes up and every day after that."

"I love you," she rasped.

He tugged her close until he was able to wrap his arms around her. "I love you, too."

Peeta kissed her lips and she stood on tiptoe to kiss him back.

"Part of me doesn't want to be here, regrets getting caught up in this fight. But another part of me understands how important this is and how we will not have another chance at rebelling." Peeta put his forehead against hers. "I wish we were still in the bakery, sneaking around."

Katniss laughed. "Like when you and your brother threw me in the pantry?"

"You know, I think my dad knew you were there."

"You think?"

"He kept on insisting I provide you with food. Why would he have done that if he didn't think you were in the bakery hiding?"

"Your father is pretty smart, Peeta. Though, he has a fascination with his nuts, why, I shall never know." It was true Mr. Mellark was constantly fussing over his nuts, especially his almonds.

Peeta's eyes shut and his shoulders shook. "He does have an unnatural fascination with his nuts."

"You two need to stop speaking of my stash of pralines and pecans," Eugene said, walking up to them.

"I know it was that squirrel, the one you've named Corky."

"He's the reason we got together dad. So that squirrel can eat all of the nuts he wants." Peeta grinned.

"Fine," Eugene muttered. Then he affectionately put his arms around them both. "I need both of you to stay safe."

Peeta rolled his eyes, stepping back. "Fine dad, now if I could just have five minutes to say goodbye to my fiancé privately."

Eugene winked before he walked away.

"I'm ready, are you?"

Katniss sniffed, stood up on tiptoe, and sniffed his neck. He smelled of cinnamon, vanilla, dill, and of home. "Stay safe."

"You too, stay safe." Peeta kissed her once more before pushing back.

Katniss removed the leather strip that bound her hair. She wrapped it around his arm. "This way I can keep track of you."

He grinned lopsidedly. "See you tomorrow."

Katniss nodded and got choked up when he put on his black helmet. At least now she could distinguish her boy with the bread.

"Thank you for putting that band on his arm," Eugene said.

"It's the only way to keep him safe," Katniss said.

Eugene nodded. "I have to go make sure your mother and Hazelle are ready." Eugene left.

"Hey girly," Haymitch said to Katniss.

Katniss scowled at the old Victor.

"I thought you might need these." He handed her arrows with interesting features. "Beetee made these for you. He said the ones with the red nocks are explosive and the blue ones are electrified when you activate them."

Katniss nodded, taking the extra arrows. "Thank you."

Gale frowned. "Why don't I get arrows like that? I'm a sharpshooter too."

"She's a better shot than you kid," Haymitch said.

Gale shook his head in disbelief. "I'm never going to live this down."

"Well, most people don't know what a great trapper you are. I can't replicate your snares," Katniss said, watching the old Victor leave.

Gale took consolation in her words, but it still hurt.

Finally, it was time for them to leave. As they slipped out of the Apothecary Gale saw the squirrel running toward the wall. He found it strange and he had a sneaky suspicion Corky, as Peeta called it, was going somewhere specific. "Katniss, the squirrel."

"Gale now is not the time."

"It's Corky," he pointed.

Katniss looked down at her watch. They had less than a half-hour before the attack began. "Darius, Gale thinks Corky is headed to the Citizen's lair."

Darius checked his watch, "You have fifteen minutes if you don't see anything you come back, you hear."

Gale nodded.

"Come on, Everdeen it's you and me," Darius said.

Gale watched them leave. He went after Corky, following the squirrel as he jumped from tree to tree. He came to the wall. Gale stood there transfixed as the squirrel looked around the wall, his tail swishing. Gale was amazed to see the squirrel push a rock on the wall and see the wall open. "Holy crap," Gale muttered.

Cognizant that he was exposed and out in the open, in front of the lair of the person who was a spy for the Capitol, Gale quickly jumped into a snowbank and radioed central command. As he did so he did not notice the shadowy figure approaching the wall.

The Citizen had come to the lair as soon as the alarm was tripped off. Cautiously they approached the opened the door and saw the interloper sitting at their desk. Filled with rage, they unsheathed their knife and walked up behind the intruder. The Citizen grabbled the interloper by the shoulder and threw them onto the floor. They took pleasure in the way their eyes widened.

"Please," Jackson said when he saw the knife. "Please don't, I'm a patriot like you."

The Citizen shook their head.

"No…" Jackson shrieked.

It was too late for him, the Citizen plunged their knife into his chest. Jackson's mouth went slack as death quickly came for him.

The Citizen sensed a movement over their shoulder. On pure instinct, they pulled the knife from the dead body on the floor and threw it. The knife sliced through the air and landed squarely in the chest of Gale Hawthorne.