Panem is finally free. Freedom has come at a high cost, as the Rebels have discovered. They are celebrating with cheers and with tears as a new day dawns Gale's life hangs in the balance. Will tomorrow be kinder, for Delly?

I do not own the Hunger Games

Day 3, The Morning

The sun slowly made its way across the frozen landscape. Its rays announced the dawning of a new day. For two days Corky kept his family as close as possible to the warmest part of the house. A terrible snowstorm blanketed the earth and the winds sounded like the howls of predators. In his den, Corky sensed something was new. He could feel it in the air. It was still cold, and the snow was still falling, but something was different.

He stood on his hind legs and sniffed the air.

Swishing his tail back and forth, Corky recalled the events of that fateful night: the tears of the human in that den, the way the scowling one had shot that creature dressed in black. He had seen the way the scowling one's friend was injured.

Humans were strange and they acted differently when stressed. Corky had seen the despair in the humans these past few days. He felt the same despair when Shirley was expecting. All she had craved was a certain kind of bark. He had searched high and low for the bark she craved. He desperately searched trees for bark that wasn't frozen. He dug for the right tender chips. Corky understood despair and the human's tears when the mate was brought in injured.

For days he had curiously watched from his perch as the scene unfolded below him.

Corky was surprised by his human's mother. She did not yell once, she acted abnormally. She looked worried for the human male. Normally, the woman never showed any emotion other than displeasure. Her laughter sounded like a decrepit falling tree. Still, even with the injured human downstairs, there was something different.

Corky ran to the roof toward one of his escapes. The heat inside was battling the cold outside. It was so cold outside, that as he got closer to his escape, his whiskers let him know it was dangerous. He stood, sniffing the cold breeze. Once more he could feel a change in the air. There was a unique quality that was almost tmagical. The heavy snowfall had tapered off. It was light out and the frozen crystals that fell looked like fairies dancing in the willowy morning light.

Sniffing the air, Corky moved a smidge closer. Had he been younger he would have gone outside, but as a family squirrel, he had to be judicious. His instincts told him something was off. True, it could be that he was sensing the extremely hazardous temperatures, but there was something else and it made his tail switch. It was as if a sweet note of distinction mixed with the frigid air.

Corky took a step back when he saw Shirley approaching. He leaped down to her and greeted her, by putting his paws on her shoulders. She placed hers on his. They sniffed each other as they stared into each other's eyes.

Shirley's nose twitched and she turned to face the cold breeze. It seemed his mate also sensed what he sensed as she stood sniffing the air as well.

They turned to each other and she made a little noise letting him know she was going to check on the children. Corky ran down the stairs to the room where the scowling one's friend lay. The furry beast of a cat was nowhere to be found, so Corky slid down to the table across from where he lay. He saw the human's mate grasping his hand, with her cheek lying next to his.

Corky had seen the female's tears that night. Her mate was injured, his breathing was shallow and Corky wished for the life she carried within her that her mate would wake up. Corky had watched the girl with the angelic smile fix the man's wounds. She had hands steadier than his when he was stealing nuts from the baker.

Slowly he sniffed the air again and once more he felt it, the change in the air. Something was different.

The door opened and Corky stood still.

"So, you're the one who's causing Eugene all of the problems," Boudica said.

Corky cocked his head to the side. The woman glared at him. He watched her walk toward him, ready to run if need be. He was surprised when she took a tin and opened it up. Reaching in she took something out.

Boudica smiled. "If you keep it up, I'll give you all of the pecans you'll ever need," she extended her hand.

Corky's nose twitched. Shirley was going to love him. He took the offered nuts, his tail switching, this could be the start of a beautiful relationship.

Boudica patted his head. "You're a cutie."

Corky laughed, then seeing the blonde girl stir, he scurried away.

Boudica watched the little furball scamper away, chortling. It wasn't nice, but her life with Eugene became spicier since that furball came into their lives and she enjoyed seeing her husband all riled up.

Going to the oven, she added more wood. It was so cold that they needed to keep the ovens going to make sure the house was warm. Glancing at Delly, she tsked.

When Boudica came downstairs she found Delly in the bakery. The poor child had spent another night next to Gale. It didn't matter that Boudica sent Delly upstairs to rest; the child would make her way downstairs in the middle of the night.

Prim was still sleeping upstairs. Martial, one of the young men who assisted Prim in caring for Gale, was passed out on the sofa, the kids had tuckered him out. The other one Mitchell who slept on the floor reminded Boudica of her two boys. They would sleep standing up if there was no other alternative. Sighing, Boudica took the blanket that had fallen off Delly's shoulders and wrapped it around her sleeping form. Even asleep Delly's hands held Gale's. Boudica wanted to wake Delly and guide her upstairs. But Boudica knew the child was so in love that she wasn't going to leave her husband.

There was a time, in the beginning of the relationship she had illusions about Eugene. He had the appearance of a strapping, strong man, but he was weak. He would let his family walk all over him. He never favored her and she became resentful. Things weren't rose-colored, but she still loved him, even after all of this time. The love she felt intensified when he began fighting over those darned nuts. Seeing him stand up to her made him seem manlier. True, when he got stuck inside one of his own traps, it did delight her. Afterward, Eugene was frisky, and she became that giggling bride once more.

The war had surprised her when he left to do his part. Boudica smiled softly. Her husband was a hero. And even though he was going to assist with transporting the wounded, there was a risk that he could be hurt. The old Eugene wouldn't have done that. He would have sat down on his hands, but this Eugene was strong, and despite the fear, she did not have a doubt that he would return to her.

Boudica wondered about the fate of her boys. A ball of trepidation pooled in her stomach when she thought of her boys. Rye and Peeta however were in the thick of the fight.

Boudica took a deep cleansing breath, rubbing her arms. It was her children that she feared for. For the past few days, she thought of nothing else.

Rye and Peeta were involved in the actual battle. Peeta was strong and that girl, her future daughter-in-law, had spirit. Katniss would protect her youngest with her last breath. Rye, however, was alone and had to fend for himself.

Boudica shivered. She took another log and put it inside of the oven. Everything had to be alright. Glancing at Delly, she hoped for the child's sake that Gale would wake up.

Looking around, Boudica decided to start making the morning meal for the children. It was important they had food to eat. She would also have to make sure Delly ate. Her worry for Gale kept her from taking care of herself.

Boudica headed up the stairs to make breakfast for the children. Her heart warmed as she thought of Posey; she was a darling little girl. She hoped one day Katniss would give her a grandbaby. A dancing little girl with long dark hair and eyes so blue they made the sky jealous.

She found Posey awake, her large gray eyes looking at her sleepily. "What are you doing up?"

"I dream I was running outside and the grass was green," Posey said.

Boudica carefully picked up the young child and felt her small arms go around her. Posey was scared that her mother would suffer the same fate as her brother. "Well, when this comes to an end you'll be able to run outside again without a coat."

"Do you think mama will be coming back soon?"

"Yes," Boudica averted. "And she'll be so proud of you. You've been such a good girl."

Posey nodded.

"Now why don't you brush your teeth, and get dressed, then you can help me get the boys up."

"Okay," Posey said.

Boudica watched the young girl amble away. It struck her how she wouldn't have gotten to know this precious child before the families came together.

Once she had gotten all of the children up they all noticed that it stopped snowing outside.

"Mrs. Mellark, does this mean we can go outside?" Vic asked.

Thankfully Mitchell answered. "Unfortunately not yet. The temperature is still too dangerous."

"How do you know?" Rory asked.

"I checked this morning," Mitchell said. "I've been checking the temperatures. It's still too cold outside, even with my suit."

"When…d..do you think we can go?" Andy asked.

"I have a feeling the temperatures will have to stabilize, even with the suit on. It may take weeks but," Mitchell said at the crestfallen faces. "When we do get out, we'll be in a new world."

"A free world," Andy said.

"Hopefully," Rory said.

"No. We'll be free," Andy said.

"How do you know," Vic said.

"It feels diff…rent," Andy said.

Boudica smiled at Andy's optimism. She looked up and saw the squirrel run from one side of the room to the other.

In the rafters, Corky couldn't believe his pet's parent had given him the nuts. He swished his tail watching his family eat them. This could work to his advantage. He rubbed his paws as he went up to the top of the house. He could see the snow had indeed stopped. It seemed father winter was releasing his hold on the land.

All around the district people were waking up, snuggled next to their loved ones, hoping the cold snap had finally broken.

Back at the bakery, Delly sat by Gale's inert body. She gently brushed his hair from his face. She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. Tears gathered in her eyes as she backed away to allow Prim to check on Gale.

Buttercup was lazily bathing. He stopped to watch Primrose. His muddy yellow eyes turned to Delly, assessing if Delly was a danger to Primrose.

Delly tore her eyes from the protective cat.

"Well," Delly asked.

She wanted to touch Gale again, but couldn't, not until Prim finished examining him. She'd fallen asleep by his side, not wanting to leave him.

Prim patiently checked his forehead. She then took a thermometer and put it in his mouth. She held a pocket watch, waiting while keeping his lips together.

Delly watched Prim take the thermometer out of Gale's mouth and read the temperature.

Prim then picked up his hand, placed her fingers on his wrist, and once more held her watch. Delly knew Prim was checking his pulse rate. She watched Prim lean over her husband's large chest to listen to his heartbeat. "His fever is gone," Prim said. "His breathing is stable."

Delly expelled the breath she held in her chest. Last night she'd been so worried. Fevers were never good, they meant infections, and infections could lead to blood poisoning, and that would lead to death. Closing her eyes, she couldn't think about him dying. "But he hasn't woken up."

"No."

"Do people normally wake up…after losing so much blood?"

"No, not really," Prim said, as gently as she could.

"Oh," Delly said, turning away from Primrose. She didn't want to face the idea that Gale would not wake up.

"Delly," Prim said.

"Sorry," Delly said angrily.

"It's okay I know you're angry," Prim said.

Delly wiped her face as she turned to Primrose. "I'm just angry at all of this. At the inability…I feel so useless. I can't stop people, the people that I love. I can't keep them from dying."

"Here," Prim said, handing Delly a dish towel.

Delly blew her nose as she cried.

"We all feel like that." Prim's face crumbled. "I have no idea if my mom or my sister are alive. And what if we didn't win, and the Capitol is still in control. Do you know what will happen to everyone who took part in the fight? They will all be executed."

Delly looked up. Katniss's little sister was a child, but she was forced to act like an adult. Another casualty of this horrid country's view on children. "Oh Prim, they have to be okay. Katniss is strong. She is the essence of our District."

"The essence?"

"Do you know how the Capitol, heck the other districts perceive us?"

"They see us as the outlying district because we're so separated."

Delly chuckled dryly. "They see us as the backwater, cousin-kissing district."

"Really?"

"But it doesn't matter what they think about us."

Prim looked curious.

"Because we are resilient. We've got gumption as my mama used to say."

Prim smiled, her face bloomed with hope and promise of youth.

"Your paw died and everyone was silently waiting for your family to die of hunger. But Katniss- she didn't go down without a fight. My parents used to talk about how she sold everything not nailed down to keep you and your mama alive. When no one bought the baby clothes they thought your family was as good as dead. They were surprised when she came a week later with game meat."

Prim's face showed awe and surprise. "I remember my dad dying. I remember Katniss pulling out the plant book and telling me to get a basket. We went outside and collected edible berries, wild greens, and dandelions. We dined on fresh bread and nature's bounty."

"That's the essence of the district, that's your sister, District Twelve strong. No matter what, your sister is a survivor. She'll make it back to you...us. "

Delly stood up to give Prim a hug, but Buttercup jumped between them.

"Buttercup, are you jealous?" Prim asked.

"MRRRROOOOWWWWW," Buttercup responded.

"Silly, sweet kitty," Prim said with a very high-pitched tone.

Delly noticed how Buttercup transformed into a kitten before Prim with big huge heart eyes.

Delly wished secretly to have a little girl like Prim. But with Gale's gray eyes.

Prim gave Delly a brilliant smile before launching herself at her. "Thank you."

Buttercup grumbled as he slipped between their legs. Delly ignored the grumpy cat, and instead concentrated on the badly needed hug.

"No problem, Prim."

At that moment Delly's stomach growled.

"You should eat something."

"But, I'm not hungry."

"Your stomach says differently. You haven't left Gate's side. You need to eat and keep your strength."

"Fine." Delly sighed.

"I'll get you some bread and cheese," Prim said.

Delly nodded.

Prim left the bakery kitchen. Buttercup followed her gracefully, leaping to the second step.

Delly sighed as she once more sat down next to Gale.

Her mind recalled the last day her mother was alive. Delly had helped bathe her mother and was settling her into bed. She remembered the entire conversation. That night she'd been thinking about the next day, of maybe seeing Gale.

"Delly," her mother whispered before she was out of the room.

"Yes, mama." Delly turned around and walked back to her mother.

"Don't be so scared," her mother said softly, taking her hand.

"Mama?" Delly wasn't sure what her mother was saying.

"Don't be scared, you're gonna feel the world is caving in around you," her mother whispered.

Delly had been busily wrapping a wrap around her mother's fragile shoulder. "Mama, what are you talking about?"

"Hush, I know you're scared of being alone, but trust me, the dark clouds that we see today won't be there tomorrow. It'll be a kinder day tomorrow, just like in the song. Can you sing it for me Delly, my sunshine?"

Delly began to sing it softly, and she noted the peace that washed over her mother's face. When she was done, Delly squeezed her mother's hand.

"Thank you, my love," her mother smiled. The harsh creases on her face smoothed and her eyes sparkled.

Delly smiled softly, she had been thinking of the song from the dark days when she had given her mother a bath and put on her prettiest nightgown. She braided her pale blond hair and added a ribbon. Her mother always sang that song to Delly growing up. Now Delly sang it to her mother, and one day Delly would sing it to her children.

The next day was Christmas and Delly had wanted her mom to look pretty, and she wanted her to rest. "Time for sleep mama."

"Promise me you'll keep smiling."

"I promise, momma."

"Good," her mother smiled. "You'll live for your children. They can't wait to meet you," she whispered before she drifted off to sleep.

The tears fell from Delly's eyes as she recalled what her mother had said. In her broken voice, she sang her mother's favorite song. The last part caused her voice to wobble. "Today I've cried a many tear, and pain is in my heart. Around me lies a somber scene. I don't know where to start but I feel warmth on my skin…"

The lyrics ran true. She was tired of crying, but the idea of losing Gale when she just finally had him sent searing pain through her body. Everything seemed so bleak, yet her optimism wouldn't let her fall down that slippery slope. Her mother always had a funny saying. It was her mother's family motto. "It ain't over until the Mockingjay sings."

It wasn't over as the lines of the song washed over her. She sang the refrain, "Tomorrow will be kinder. It's true, I've seen it before. A brighter day is coming my way, and tomorrow will be kinder."

As she sang, an uninvited thought came to her head that caused her entire being to sparkle with zest and verve. Delly pressed her hand to her womb. There could be a chance she was with child; they hadn't used any of the prophylactics Mrs. Everdeen had provided for them.

Her voice began to get stronger at the thought of a baby, Gale's baby growing within her womb. "The stars have all aligned. The wind has blown but now I know…"

Hope bloomed within her like a delicate bud pushing up from the ground, looking for the warmth of the sun. She would have a piece of him. It would be the greatest gift, having Gale's baby. A little girl with gray eyes and her father's courage and heart.

Taking his hand in hers she squeezed and lovingly looked at him. It wasn't over until the Mockingjay sang. "Oh Gale, all of our tomorrows can be kinder…better…," Delly whispered.

Delly wanted Gale to wake up to see that future with her. To experience being a father. Gale's only wish in life was to be a family man and she wanted to fulfill that dream of his.

Pressing a chaste kiss against his cheek she whispered, "Gale please stay with me. My mama promised me that we'd have children. I want a big family too, so please wake up."

As she sat there she felt a small little hand touch her leg. Looking down, she saw a squirrel. It lifted a nut to her. Delly laughed, taking the offered nut. "What are you doing here? If Buttercup sees you, he will catch you."

The squirrel winked at her before scampering away.

"Is he making a move on you?"

Gale's rough voice caught Delly unaware and she screamed. Gale was alive!

"No need to scream," Gale said.

"Gale," Delly gasped. She could not believe he was awake. She jumped out of the chair and her hands gently landed on his warm chest. She searched his beloved face. His eyes twinkled with the vibrancy of life. His lips widened into a gentle smile, and his pale cheeks had two splotches of color on them as if his body was reanimating himself.

"Miss me?"

"Yes," Delly whispered as tears of joy fell from her eyes.

Gale gave her a crooked smile that made her stomach swoop.

"Then give me a proper kiss," Gale asked.

Delly stood and placed dozens of kisses on his face before she placed a gentle kiss on his lips. Pulling away she asked, "Am I dreaming?"

"No Dells, the black clouds are behind us," Gale said.

Delly laughed through her tears. "Yeah, they are."

"DELLY!" Prim screeched running down the stairs, Buttercup right on her heels.

Delly looked up to see Prim looking flushed with her eyes blown wide. "The television," Prim said, pointing to the screen that had the seal of Panem. Buttercup jumped down on the landing gracefully.

The hairs at the back of Delly's neck when the television suddenly began counting down from ten.

"Oh my, Gale!" Prim exclaimed, rushing forward to examine Gale.

"Hey, Prim," Gale said.

"Let's get you some water, I'm pretty sure you're dehydrated," Prim said.

Delly gripped Gale's hand as she looked at the screen. "Gale, look!'

The screen showed an image of Finnick Odair with his feet propped up on Snow's presidential desk with a sign that read, "We're Free."

"Delly," Gale whispered.

The glass of water Prim held fell inside the sink with a thud. Buttercup sat by her looking at her with worry.

Afterward, the television screen was filled with images of people celebrating from all of the districts. Upstairs, they could hear the kids jumping and yelling for happiness. Then everything got quiet as the image of district twelve celebrating came on screen. The final pictures were frames of footage of Katniss leaping into Peeta's arms. Their faces were radiant with inexplicable joy before Katniss kissed Peeta. It was followed with the caption, "Act of Freedom."

"My sister is alive," Prim said.

"That's my hunting partner," Gale said proudly.

Up in the rafters, Corky's tail switched happily. His pet was alive and now his future was secured. As was the future of all of Panem. Now he just had to work on getting all of these humans out of his home.

Am I redeemed un poquito por sarlarle la vida a Gale? I'll translate am I saved a little for saving Gale's life?

Sorry, I didn't update last week, I was writing or rather finishing up a story that I had written for KIKA Prompts in Panem. Next week it's the last chapter. Then there will be an epilogue and a corky outtake, inspired by some artwork winegirl65 left in my inbox. So I cannot believe this is coming to an end and I still can't believe my beta norbertsmom hasn't shot me or something. That there is a true and blue friend.