Happy Holidays! This is the final chapter of Second Start to the Right. I do have one more chapter after this an Epilouge I might post by Christmas. I wanted to thank you for following and reviewing. It kept me from stopping this story all together. Thank you for the support.
PS I do not own the Hunger Games or Peter Pan
Ch14
Once again the shores of Never Island were still. Its currents did not flow, the wind did not blow. The Island held its baited breath hoping for a miracle, but knowing there wouldn't be one. The hull of the Skulls Majesty jutted out of the water. A silent testimony to the war fought between the Lost Boys and the pirates. Seagulls circled above it but did not make a noise. On the beach, the boys were lined up by the shoreline. All of the Never creatures gradually gathered to bid farewell. The pirates nervously shifted from one foot to the other as they saw a giant pair of eyes peering at them through the dense foliage.
The Island was mad at them. They could feel the eyes of the Never Beast on their as they stood on the beach. A growl was heard in the air as if they were being weighed and measured. Prior sins were not, as of yet forgiven, and they felt the weight of this upon their shoulders.
The new Pan boldly stood on a branch dressed in a green tunic. His face held the very essence of youth, a mix childish wonder and mischief. Gale the Pan was respected, he was feared, and he was beloved. Katniss was correct in choosing Gale when she left.
It was an excellent war. Snow was destroyed. In the battle, his supporters were also dragged to their underwater graves as other crocodiles surfaced for a mid-day meal. There was now, an even amount of boys to pirates. Yet despite the victory neither side paid much attention to it.
All eyes were focused on the weeping girl who wanted save the Island's tiniest of creatures. Her compassion and empathy moved even the most hardened hearts.
A sharp northerly wind whipped by. Mockingjays, Jabberjays, and Mockingbirds who helped in the skirmish landed on the branches witnessing the events below. The Lost Boys stood like silent guardians of the Island. They faced the pirates silently watching Katniss as she leaned over the Fairy. Cashmere's light was nearly vanquished.
Tears fell from Katniss face.
Cashmere was dying.
"You can live, I believe in you," Katniss whispered.
"I believe in you too," Primrose spoke, her large pale blue eyes focused in on Cashmere. After the fighting was done Primrose finally awoke. Her small blue eyes took in all of the sights in wonder. But the gravity of the situation put a somber shadow on Prim's marvel. She looked to her Uncle Peeta, for reassurance.
Peeta gathered Prim in his arms closer side. His smile was not quite as bright, it was saddened knowing the end was nigh for Cashmere. Prim and Peeta's blond hair shone like gold in the fading sunlight. Peeta was glad to see that his niece was well. His concern was not just for the Fairy but for Katniss. She felt responsible for the death of the small Fairy. Katniss was the type of person who took the death of others personally. Peeta squeezed Katniss hand reassuringly, Katniss looked into his eyes. Gently he spoke, "I believe in you too, Cashmere."
The Fairy's inner light flickered as she tried to gain the energy to respond. Snow tried to kill her before being dragged down by Coin. Cashmere's smile failed to fill her tiny face. "I feel your purity Katniss and your kindness Peeta." She glanced toward Primrose. "I know you believe Primrose."
Katniss glanced up to find Jo. She sat on Gale's shoulder, "Will she live?"
Jo shook her head no.
Crushed Katniss sat back. "This is my fault."
"No Katniss this isn't your fault." Peeta let go of Prim to take Katniss by the arms.
Katniss stared blankly at him.
"All of the deaths, the death of the Native Tribesmen, Brutus, Gloss, even Cashmere, it's not your fault. All of them were pieces in Snow's game. Their deaths mean something greater, they did not die in vain. Snow's gone and we'll never have to fear again. He'll never come after anyone that you love again."
His voice somehow reached hers. Her facial expressions changed and she tenderly looked at him. "You're right he'll never go after us or anyone else again."
Peeta embraced her and she held out her arms to Prim. They were a family that took care of each other. When they pulled apart Peeta spoke, "Thank you, for helping me save my niece and Katniss. It is an honor to have known you."
Cashmere did not speak her light blinked and it looked as if the moment that her light would diminish was quickly approaching. Stillness shook the Island once more. Tiny points of light began to appear combined with the sound of thousands of bells. The twinkling chimes filled the air.
"The Guild!" Jo stood up looking around. "The last time the Guild left their security was when the Native Tribes Men needed to be protected."
A bright light began to glow it grew exponentially even as the sun dipped into the horizon.
The leaders of the Fairy Guild appeared. They surrounded Cashmere, fading form.
Cashmere, said "Gala?"
"Hello sister."
A defining hush grew amongst those collected on that beach.
"You had such great promise," Gala brokenly answered.
"I had to make my own mistakes." Cashmere sighed, her pink light turned off briefly before it flickered back on. "I understand why you did what you did. You were right, that power is far too dangerous for anyone Fairy."
Gala did not say anything. "We are here to send you away."
"But I'm not worthy," Cashmere whispered.
Gala looked to Jo who flew to kneel by Cashmere. "I've spoken on your behalf Cashmere. We all have agreed you have earned the right."
Cashmere was far too weak to contest the decision.
Jo continued speaking, "Your light will live on in all of us. We have choices in life, second chances, second starts; it is what we do with those opportunities that help define our legacy. You sacrificed yourself and helped us get rid of the cancer that plagued our Island for years. You will live on in my heart and in the hearts of those gathered here today."
The Fairy's began to conglomerate into a circle. They sparkled brighter than a star. They formed into a circle and began to fly, slowly at first then faster and faster. The created a sphere of light and it looked like they were in the middle of the sun.
"Katniss can you sing me a song. I heard you can sing." Cashmere requested.
Katniss began to sing, "Deep in the Meadow, under a willow-"
As Katniss sang the Mockingjays began to sing with her. Her voice shocked everyone present. Her pure melodic tone caused the pirates to cry. Cashmere eyes looked heavenward. She began to transform into a translucent pink beam. Her essence floated above everyone's head like a carpet, leaving behind a pink trail of stardust. It fell on the shores and on the heads of all of those congregated. The laughter that created her could be heard above the trees and lifted into the heavens. It coated all with awe and wonder.
Hope was a powerful tool, it bonded even the least likely of people. With the threat of Snow gone, the Fairies opened up an crack in time, it became bigger, showing the place where the Tribesmen were hidden. The Tribesmen were joyous to return to the shores of Never Island. They stepped through, greeting Katniss and welcoming Gale as the Pan. The ship was lifted out of the waters by the Fairies and was in the midst of being repaired.
Gala stood on a branch alongside Jo listening as Katniss, Peeta, Gale and Mr. Flickerman came to an agreement.
"Do you think the peace will stick?" Jo looked to Gala.
"Humans are fickle beings." Gala looked to Jo. "Maybe, I don't know."
Jo looked to Katniss and Peeta. Her girl looked radiant when she was with Peeta. "I hope so." '
"You know you can come and rejoin the Guild, Jo."
Jo grinned. "Thanks, but I feel I'm needed here."
"The Guild will always be open to you Jo."
Jo was glad, but she knew the talks were coming to an end. "I better go it looks like I'm going to be making a trip to the mainland." Jo flew to where Gale stood and sat on his shoulders. She listened intently as the four of them hashed out the agreement.
"Now we must agree upon these points. The Island must be respected, no one must ever try to conquer it. The Fairies will be allowed to live in peace. No one must harm the Tribesman, ever. No more Wars, they lead to death." Katniss leveled a look towards Mr. Flickerman and Gale.
Peeta sad, "This is a place of miracles and opportunities to begin again. Mr. Flickerman you have the opportunity to be an excellent peaceful Captain. Gale, you have the opportunity to be the Pan of legends. Do we all agree on the stipulations stated by Katniss?"
"We promise no more death, it is an enemy that is cruel and unpredictable." Mr. Flickerman wore a long red coat with gold piping and black wig.
"We promise adventure and fun." Gale spit in his hand and stuck his hand out to Mr. Flickerman who shook it.
"Good now I must see to the repairs of the ship. I think I'm going to change the name to the Jolly something or other, not quite sure, yet."
Gale laughed. "The Tribesman can help you fix the boat, they are experts with wood."
Katniss leaned up against Peeta's warm solid chest. Primrose's laughter came through the thick foliage before her happy round face appeared as she ran toward them. The Lost Boys behind them. "Uncle Peeta, Never Land is wondrous!"
Prim leaped up into Peeta's arms. Her happy voice chirped. "Thom and Finnick showed me the mermaids. I climbed a tree!"
"She's great!" Thom said laughing alongside the boys.
"Primrose I am glad you got to see some of what I've told you about in my stories. Though, we have to go home now, back to England."
"Is Katniss coming with us?" Primrose asked.
"Yes and so is Finnick and Annie," Peeta said.
Annie who was silent all this time, "Maybe one day we'll come back."
"Can I Uncle Peeta!" Prim excitement was contagious.
"Of course," Peeta said.
"I cannot wait to get home and tell grandpa. He'll be so happy to hear my stories." Primrose said.
It was time to go and they knew it. Katniss could see the look in the boys look.
"If ever want to grow up, Jo knows the way. She'll bring you to me." Katniss said as the boys launched themselves at her hugging her.
"Catnip," Gale grinned.
"Goodbye Gale," Katniss said.
Finnick and Annie gathered around Katniss, Peeta, and Primrose.
"Jo," Katniss smiled. She looked to the Lost Boys once again as Jo sprinkled them with dust. They slowly lifted up into the air. Primrose laughed as Jo flew circles around her. The Lost Boys, Pirates, and Tribesmen waved from the beach.
"Bye," Katniss whispered. Peeta took her hand and she knew this was her second start. They flew all night straight until morning. The dawn hadn't come yet upon Peeta's home. Primrose tired by the trip was held by Peeta. Finnick and Annie stayed upstairs in the attic. Peeta laid Primrose in her bed and shut the window.
He and Katniss made their way to his bedroom. No sooner had the door closed than Katniss jumped on him kissing him on the lips. He chuckled as he easily carried her to the bed. They held each other with the blankets safely cocooning them. "You know come the morning you'll be living in another house and we're going to have to sneak around."
Katniss nodded. "Don't worry Peeta Mellark, I'll find a way to kiss you. It'll be a fine game to play."
"I like that game very much."
After a pause Katniss asked, "Peeta, will we be okay?"
"Yes, we will be. I promise I have a plan. Mags will adopt you. I'll tell her you and Finnick are siblings, Annie is a girl that came with you. Mags doesn't like the orphanages. She knows they are like workhouses. She also is a very lonely woman who needs someone like you to love. Mags will love you I promise." Peeta placed a kiss on her forehead.
Katniss nodded and fell asleep. This was where she wanted to be in the arms of the boy she loved. He was her second start at life.
