Hey, everybody. Back with another chapter.

So, this will deal with the aftermath of the bombing, and will start off with something I'm sure all of us wanted when we actually read Mockingjay.

Let's get to it.

Chapter 24- End of a Tyrant

I slowly feel myself coming to. As I open my eyes and start to raise my head, I hear a woman say, "No, no. Just sit back. Rest." I unconsciously obey her and fall back into unconsciousness.

I'm not sure how much longer it is before I wake up again. As I slowly open my eyes, I see my mom tending to a burn on my left arm. Then, I feel hands on my right arm, and look to my right, and to my shock, I see Prim.

"Prim?" I ask, pleading to any higher power that may exist that I'm not dreaming.

"Yes, Katniss. I'm here. I'm alive," she says. I notice some of her hair is burned off, and she has a burn on her arm, but otherwise, she looks fine.

"How?" I ask.

"Vision. He realized what was happening and flew to protect me. He got to me a fraction of a second before the bombs exploded," she says. She pauses, then says, "You know how Vision can control his density? Well, when he got to me, he wrapped himself around me and increased his density to the point where the explosions didn't even faze him. A bit of the flame got around him and singed my hair a bit and burned my arm a tiny bit, but other than that, I got out alright."

I feel incredible relief flood through me. I simultaneously realize the great debt I now owe to Vision.

Haymitch now starts talking. "The battle was over after they dropped those bombs to defend the palace. Peacekeepers, palace officials, they had kids in there too. The rebels just walked right in," he says.

Right then, I think of something, and it chills me. But, I decide to keep it to myself for now, and speak to Prim about it later. For now, I just lay there and let my mother and Prim tend to my burns.

After my mother and Prim finish tending to my burns, they leave to go tend to other patients. Haymitch hangs around for a minute longer before he walks out too.

I don't know exactly how long I'm there before Effie comes in, once again wearing one of her extravagant dresses and a wig, and tells me I've been discharged.

I follow Effie as we walk out of the field hospital and walk to the mansion. As we approach the mansion, Effie says, "I remember the first time I brought you here. How things have changed since then."

We make our way into the mansion, and Effie takes me to a room where I see some of my things have been brought. The picture of my father. The locket Effie gave Peeta before the Quell. My pearl. And my bow, quiver, and Mockingjay uniform.

Effie leaves me alone, and its not long before I leave the room too. For some reason, I feel the need to keep moving. I feel a little more relaxed as I walk.

I make my way slowly through the mansion, moving from room to room and just taking everything in. I hadn't taken much time to really take in the mansion when I was here at the end of the Victory Tour.

Eventually, I make my way outside behind the mansion. As I walk along the paths across the snow covered lawn, I see something. A second later, I recognize it as a greenhouse. At almost the same time, my nose is hit with the scent of roses. For a split second, I panic, but I quickly calm down, reminding myself that the mutts are all destroyed and Snow is in custody. I then realize that maybe this is the place where Snow grows them.

I slowly make my way towards the greenhouse, which is guarded by two men. As I approach, the men move in front of the door, and one says, "I'm sorry, ma'am, I can't let you pass."

"Let her through." I turn around and see that it's Paylor. She looks at the men and says, "She has a right to anything beyond that door." She then nods to me.

The men open the door and let me into the greenhouse. As soon as I enter, I see that it's full of rose bushes. I look around, and my eyes soon fall on a bush of white roses. I look down at it before reaching down and picking a particularly perfect-looking rose.

"That's a nice one."

I whip around towards the sound of the voice, and see President Snow walking out from behind a row of bushes as he says, "The colors are lovely of course, but nothing says perfection like white." He then sits down on the edge of a cement wall around some of the bushes as he says, "I was hoping you would find your way here. There's so many things we should discuss."

I look back towards the door, and see the soldiers are watching me. I quickly return my gaze to Snow. He seems so at ease here. Perhaps, in more peaceful times, he tended the roses himself.

"But, I have a feeling your visit will be brief, so, first things first," he says. He then has to stop to cough, raising his handkerchief to his mouth to cover it. As he coughs, I can hear his cough is a little rough, as if he's trying to cough up something.

He then lowers the handkerchief after wiping his mouth and says, "I wanted to tell you that I am sorry your sister was almost killed. It was lucky for her that that Vision was there. He is indeed powerful."

Snow pauses, then says, "That whole thing…so wasteful. So unnecessary. Anyone could see the game was over by that point. In fact, I was just about to issue an official surrender when they released those parachutes."

"You released those parachutes," I say, venom in my voice. Even though Prim survived, I can't forgive Snow for the deaths of all those children.

"You really think I gave the order? I mean, we both know I'm not above killing children. But I'm not wasteful. I take life for specific reasons. And there was no reason for me to destroy a pen full of Capitol children. None at all," he says. He then has to cough again. Once he stops, he smiles a bit and says, "I must concede it was a masterful move on Coin's part. The idea that I was bombing our own defenseless children…well, it turned the last of my guards against me. There was no resistance left inside The Capitol or the mansion. DO you know it aired live? There's a particular savvy in that."

He then pauses for a moment before he says, "I'm sure she wasn't gunning for your sister, but…these things happen in war. My failure was being so slow to grasp Coin's plan. She let The Capitol and the districts destroy one another, then she stepped in to take power with 13's arsenal. Make no mistake, she intends to take my place now. But, I've been watching you, and you've been watching me. I'm afraid we've both been played for fools."

I feel the realization of what Snow is saying growing, and a sense of denial. I shake my head and say, "I don't believe you."

"Oh, my dear Miss Everdeen. I thought we had agreed never to lie to each other," Snow says. He then smiles and adds, "You have no idea who Coin really is."

I stand there for a few moments longer before I turn and hurry out of the greenhouse.

As I make my way back to the mansion, I see two welcome faces up ahead. Robert and Vision.

I run up to them and tightly embrace Vision. "Thank you for saving my sister," I say, my voice full of emotion.

"Of course, Katniss. But I must say, I am surprised she was out in the field to begin with," Vision says.

That brings what Snow said back to my mind, and more of me begins to wonder if Snow was telling the truth. I make a mental note to ask Prim about it later, then push it to the back of my mind.

I then look at Robert, looking at him for answers. Robert knows what I'm specifically wanting to know, and he says, "Johanna didn't disappoint. She beat Grim Reaper and Crossbones single handedly."

I nod, never having doubted Johanna. But, something comes to mind, and I look at Robert curiously. "What about Taskmaster? Did you guys find him?"

Robert sighs. "No. We didn't. As a matter of fact, we learned from Snow himself that Taskmaster disappeared from The Capitol a few days before the invasion began. Nobody in The Capitol has any idea where is, and nobody outside The Capitol has spotted him. And we have no idea why he disappeared," he says.

I feel concern rise. "So, we haven't beaten the Cabal," I say.

"Not necessarily. For all we know, Taskmaster could have given up on The Capitol. We have no idea what made him disappear. But, what is clear is that we need to try and find him," Robert says.

"Agreed," I say.

Robert nods, then says, "Why don't you head back to your quarters and get some rest? Tomorrow, we'll talk with the rest of the team about tracking down Taskmaster."

I want to protest, but I feel fatigue coming on and decide to listen to Robert and go back to my assigned room to rest.

(The next day)

I slowly twirl one of my arrows among my fingers as I sit in an armchair in my room. Today is supposed to be an important day, but all I can think about is the bombing of the children. I keep thinking about what Snow said, and what he said about Coin, and wondering if any of that was true.

Right then, the door into the room opens and Gale walks in. I look up at him as he stops and looks at me. After a few seconds, he says, "Coin wants to see you."

I look at him for a moment before asking, "Was it us? Was it our bomb? The delayed explosion?"

He stands there for a moment before he says, "I don't know. All I know is that I was supposed to protect your family, and Prim almost died."

I look down at the ground before looking back up at Gale. "I will continue to work with you, Gale, because I have to. But our relationship can never be the same again. I don't want it to be like this Gale, but from now on, I'll connect you with that bombing. I will be able to get past it, but not for a while."

Gale just nods before he turns and walks back out. I sit there for another minute before I turn and walk out of the room. An attendant is waiting for me, and escorts me through the halls of the mansion to where Coin is waiting for me.

When I reach the room and walk through the doors, which attendants shut behind me, I see that its not just Coin in the room. Peeta, Annie, Finnick, Johanna, Beetee, Enobaria, Lyme, and Haymitch are all in the room as well.

"What's this?" I ask.

"The remaining Victors. Won't you join us?" Coin replies.

I walk around to where Haymitch is standing and take a seat. Everyone else follows suit and takes their seat.

Coin looks around at all of us before saying, "I have called for all here for several reasons. But first off, I have an announcement. I have taken the burden and the honor of declaring myself interim President of Panem."

I feel doubt rising in me. More doubt about Coin, and feeling like Snow was right. All of us are quiet for a moment before Haymitch gives a mix between a scoff and a chuckle and asks, "Interim? And, exactly how long is that interim?"

"We have no way of knowing for certain. But it's clear that people are far too emotional right now to make a rational decision. We'll plan an election when the time is right," Coin says. She then leans back and says, "But I have called you all here for a far more important vote. A symbolic vote. This afternoon, we will execute Snow. Hundreds of his accomplices have been tried and also await their deaths. Torturers, Peacekeepers, Gamemakes. But the danger is, once we begin, the rebels will not stop calling for retribution. Thirst for blood can be a difficult urge to satisfy. Therefore, I propose an alternative. Majority of five will approve, no one may abstain. The proposal is this."

She pauses, then says, "In lieu of these barbaric executions…we hold a symbolic Hunger Games."

Everyone around the table is silent for several moments before Johanna begins to laugh and says, "You want to have another Hunger Games with The Capitol's children?"

"You're joking," Peeta says.

"Not in the slightest," Coin says.

Haymitch scoffs slightly and asks, "Is this Plutarch's idea?"

"It was mine. It balances the thirst for blood with the least loss of human life," Coin says. She then looks around at all of us and says, "You may cast your votes."

"No. No, absolutely not. This is crazy," Peeta says.

"Well, I think it's more than fair. Snow's got a granddaughter. I say yes," Johanna says.

"So do I. Let them have a taste of it," Enobaria says.

"I agree," Lyme adds.

"I vote no, with Peeta," Annie says.

"So do I," Finnick says.

Beetee looks at Coin and says, "No. We need to stop viewing each other as enemies."

"It's down to Katniss and Haymitch," Coin says.

I look at Coin for several moments, believing more and more that Coin is not who she seems. Finally, deciding that playing alone is the best option, I say, "I get to kill Snow."

"I expected no less of you," Coin says.

"Then I vote yes," I say.

"Haymitch," Coin says.

Haymitch looks over at me. We look each other in the eyes, and he knows what I'm thinking. So, he says, "I'm with the Mockingjay."

"That carries the vote. We'll announce the Games tonight," Coin says. She looks around at us and says, "You're dismissed."

We all get up and begin to file out. As we start to leave, Enobaria stops me.

"Robert started the procedure. I've already started showing my healing powers, and I can summon my claws. They're gonna start the next phase later today," she says. She then smirks and says, "I saw footage of you in your fights with the Cabal. You're alright."

I look back at her before saying, "If you don't give me reason to hate you, then I think we'll eventually get along." I then turn and walk out.

I immediately go looking for Prim, needing to know something. I make my way outside the mansion and head back to the field hospital. It only takes me a few minutes.

When I reach the field hospital, I make my way through it until I finally find Prim coming out of one of the tents. I run up to her and grab her by the shoulders, asking with urgency in my voice, "Prim, why did you come to The Capitol? Who authorized you to come here?"

Prim, looking a little alarmed at the urgency in my voice, says, "It was President Coin. She knew how fast I was progressing in my training, so she decided some field work would be good for me, and sent me out with the medical brigades."

I stand there for a moment before I just nod. "Okay. I just needed to know," I say before I turn and walk away.

As I walk back to the mansion, my mind is racing through that. Maybe Snow was right after all.

"Katniss."

I turn to the sound of the voice, and see Vision floating down towards me.

"Yes, Vision?" I ask.

"Katniss, I must speak to you. I have had concerns for some time about President Coin. I have read some of her thoughts using the Mind Stone. I must tell you…she is not who you think she is," he says.

(That afternoon)

I slowly walk out of that arch onto the Avenue of the Tributes, as dozens of men and women beat drums that line the street. I'm wearing my Mockingjay suit, and holding my ancestor's bow. As I march down the avenue, the rebels that line the street begin to form up behind me and follow me down the street.

I march in silence down the street. As I reach the end, I see the other eight remaining victors all standing before the post that Snow is tied to. The rest of the Avengers stand behind them, all watching as I approach.

I walk forward until I'm standing in between the eight remaining victors. Behind me, the drummers stop drumming, and Coin, standing on the platform on the Training Center that overlooks the circle, begins to speak, "Welcome to the new Panem! Today, on the Avenue of the Tributes, all of Panem, a free Panem, will watch more than a mere spectacle. We are gathered to witness an historic moment of justice. Today, the greatest friend to the revolution will fire the shot to end all wars. May her arrow signify the end of tyranny and the beginning of a new era."

She then pauses, and addresses me directly, saying, "Mockingjay, may your aim be as true as your heart is pure."

I stare at Snow for a moment before reaching back, drawing an arrow from my quiver and aiming it at Snow. I stare at him, and he stares back at me. I can almost hear his voice in my head.

My dear Miss Everdeen. I thought we had agreed never to lie to each other.

We had, and if Vision is right, then…

I shift the tip of my arrow up, and let if fly. And it hits President Coin right in the chest.

Everyone around me starts shouting and running towards me. I feel several hands grab me and start pulling me away as a crowd of people surrounds Snow.

Meanwhile, up at the platform, Vision floats down beside Coin, looking down at her. As she looks up at the sky, and her last breath flows from her mouth, she says two hoarse words.

"Hail HYDRA."

And, I'll end there.

Boom! Yes, in this universe, President Coin was part of HYDRA. I thought that could make her desperation for power more believable, and add a nice little twist.

Also, I hope you notice, as I pointed out in Katniss' question to Robert, that Taskmaster is still out there. I actually plan on another short story showing them tracking down and fighting Taskmaster, and another threat (possibly HYDRA), and I may even have Taskmaster join the Avengers.

Now, this story is not yet over. There is one last battle before this story can end, and I've already hinted at it in a previous chapter.

Well, next chapter will be up soon. Until then, please leave a review, and stay tuned!