Author's Note: A little break from new victors. This chapter could probably go in either story, they're linked and run together after all. But both chapters this week are two parts of a whole, marking the end of an era for the victors and us getting further removed from canon.

….

Interlude One

"I was lucky enough to stay removed from it all. But the rest of you weren't. You had to replay the Games every year for the chance at a victor."

"We had to do it, Annie," Peeta said. "Not as if we had a choice. In the final years, I'd say Haymitch could have stayed back but he had more fun in the Capitol. We were nearly always busy, and I like to think that we tried to provide some comfort to the kids in their last days, especially the younger ones. Katniss and I had a lot of those and being from Twelve it was very rarely about getting a victor."

"Thankfully we didn't have many younger ones. But I wanted my own victor for years," Noah said.

"You were very different to Finnick."

"You know as well as I do Annie that Finnick could not have cared less about getting a victor. He was having too much fun playing with the sponsors and doing Finnick things. The tributes were boring, mentoring was boring, and the Mentors' Centre was tiring. Even when he had to fade, people still loved him and hung onto his every word. That's where he had his fun."

"But it wasn't the same for you?"

"Well, I was never Finnick!" Noah laughed. "But no, I took mentoring seriously, all of it. I never found it boring. It wasn't something I wanted because of a sense of duty or expectation, or even out of loyalty to Four, although a victor obviously meant we brought a kid home. It just felt like what I was meant to do at that time. Particularly after we couldn't get off the ground in Seventy-Five, I needed something else."

"We each had our roles, didn't we? Only mine was never in the Capitol."

"But you played your part brilliantly."

"It's always the people you don't suspect," Peeta laughed. "Who would have thought you were listening in the entire time when the Capitols holidayed here?"

"They made it easy for me," Annie laughed. "Playing them at their own game was so satisfying."

"That's what I liked the most about being a victor. When Ozzy came home, of course, we were playing into the Capitol's hands a little, training the kids does that, but we had another person to use against them. Another piece of our puzzle to end the whole thing and because I was so ready for him, it worked out well. He was my responsibility, and he was able to find his way."

"You make it sound so easy, Noah."

"Well, we aren't all District Twelve, Peeta. We don't all have to do things the hard way!"

"It wasn't entirely smooth at first, was it? It never is in those first few years. I think we all remember that Twelve or not."

"Especially with his damn arena being the Capitol. He wouldn't want to know how many people remember it; he couldn't live it down. The shoes were one thing on the Tour. Took me ages to persuade him it didn't matter, but he was embarrassed. Fainting during the Parade, however, was not ideal no matter how you try to spin it."

"He was sitting inside his arena," Annie reminded him.

"I know. I was trying to hide how nervous I was about it all too. A year on and being faced with a carbon copy of his arena was never going to be easy. He worked through it eventually, but it did make things tricky. Thankfully most of you were understanding."

"We get it," Peeta said. "Very few of us were happy to be reminded of our arenas, never mind having to go back every year."

"It was a sight though, wasn't it?" Noah laughed. "Poor Ozzy on the floor, me and Finn trying to bring him back round. Song hoping she could magic water out of thin air. Lyme and Brutus were good though, they managed to keep the other Twos standing up to try to block out what was happening. But you could all see from behind."

"The Sevens faked an argument to try to cause a distraction. Johanna slapped Blight and started swearing at Linden."

"All whilst Chloe and Coral sat there with rictus grins on their faces pretending that it wasn't happening."

"Mags would have probably handled it differently."

"But Ozzy got better," Peeta said.

"Of course he did. He got gradually better every year. By the time we were ready, he was eager to go to the Capitol to destroy as much of it as he could."

"We all liked him in Twelve from the first time we met him."

"The Tour went well, until the Capitol at least, so I'm not surprised. He spent the days in the districts as the main attraction and the evenings playing second fiddle to Mags, so he had it easier than most."

….

The day of Ossian's Victory Tour arrived, and he was doing the usual interview and promotional material with Noah. But in the background, unbeknownst to anyone in the Capitol (until it was too late), Mags was boarding the train with Chloe in tow.

Diana Treasure, unfortunately still their escort, could not be made aware because she would make a fuss. Whilst she was distracted, Chloe loaded the bags and Mags casually walked into shot on the train and smiled in the direction of the cameras before making herself scarce. It was a message to the other victors and everyone else was too distracted by Ossian and Noah to truly realise what Mags had meant.

….

They soon realised in District Twelve.

"Mags is coming. We'll need to make sure she's comfortable."

"She's not coming here then," Katniss retorted.

"I never said she should! She'll be going to yours, sweetheart whilst Ossian and Noah do the usual."

"I'll let my mum know and tell Prim to come home early so they can meet. Mags said before that she would have liked to meet Prim."

"Good. We just need to look after her. Can't have anything happening to her out here. It can't be a good thing her making this trip."

"What do you mean?" Peeta asked.

"It means she doesn't think she'll be going back to the Capitol. It was a lot for her last year, I could tell. District One's drama wouldn't have helped that. Not that it was Aria's fault. But they just have to make everything about themselves."

"I'm not saying that's not true, but you might want to be a bit kinder next time you see them."

"I know who to be kind to, boy. Anyway, we don't have to see them for another six months. Mags is the priority now."

"Should I bake something?"

"May as well. I reckon Chloe will be joining too and she'll want something to eat. She'd never let Mags go alone. But something Mags can pick at if she's hungry. I don't think she's eating very much though; she wasn't in the Capitol."

….

On the train, Diana Treasure was having a fit of epic proportions.

"You've never had any regard for proper procedure! None of you! The standards are clear. The new victor is to be accompanied by their mentor only! Now I have to deal with a crowd of you and I haven't made any preparations!"

"Your failure to do your job properly isn't a reflection on us," Noah chided as Chloe smacked him across the arm in jest.

"I should not have to put up with this. I had hoped for better with District Four but you're all just the same. District people!"

"You need a new insult. We've heard that one before."

"Well, if you had all learnt some manners you would not have had to!"

"Enough, Treasure," Noah snapped. "We'd have never had any of this if Dora was still in charge."

"Well, poor Dora let you get away with too much. She forgot who you all really were."

With that Noah, turned and stood over their escort and began to back her into the wall of the compartment. Chloe stepped in immediately before the situation could escalate and Mags was right behind her.

"Enough. Both of you. Noah, calm down. Treasure, you stick to your job. I will look after Mags; you'll barely know we're here. You introduce Ossian whilst we stay on the train, we won't be near the stage for the speech or go on the walk around any of the districts. We'll be out of your way. Mags has dresses for the dinner and the other victors will have figured out Mags was coming too. The fact that you were too blind to notice is on you but luckily, we've got it all covered."

….

Chloe and Mags remained true to their word. Mags slept through their arrival into Twelve and only left the train once Noah had finished his speech. They never did a walk through the district in Twelve so by the time Noah and Ossian left to get ready for the dinner, Haymitch had collected Chloe and Mags and borrowed the Mayor's car to take them to the Village.

"Should you be driving?" Chloe asked.

"I've only had one. You should be more bothered about whether I have a license."

Mags sat in the back laughing.

"I couldn't make you walk, could I? And the Mayor knows he'll get the car back because we'll need it to get back for the dinner."

They were soon greeted inside by Katniss' mother who directed both of her guests into her living room where Peeta and Katniss were already sitting. Lunch had been prepared and true to his word, Peeta had been baking. He understood Mags' role and that Chloe had stepped into her shoes, and he wanted to impress in the way he knew best.

Not before long, Prim had arrived home, and Mags was delighted to meet the girl who first captured their attention six years previously. By now, she had become a strong young woman and soon settled into conversation with the victors.

When she knew that Mags was fully engaged in the conversation, Chloe slipped out into the kitchen to find Katniss' mother.

"I've never seen Haymitch like this," Twelve's woman started.

"He dotes on her. Completely adores her, as we all do. Mags has stood by him since his Games."

"He's needed a friend. I'm pleased he had someone when there was nobody here."

"Mags has us all whipped into shape. He'd do anything she asked of him," Chloe said before pausing and looking back into the living room where Mags was still focused on everything Prim was telling her. "I'm worried about her."

"Is she unwell? Beyond the aftermath of the stroke?"

"We're here because she doesn't think she'll make it to the next Games. It's her farewell to all the victors. But I'm worried this will take it out of her."

"You seem to be taking good care of her. She's had a little bit to eat here and she's drinking still."

"Is there anything you can give her?"

"You don't want to lose her," Mrs Everdeen said.

"I can't lose her," Chloe whispered.

"I'm the last person you want advice on loss from. Katniss can tell you that. I can't work magic either. Not after she's had a stroke."

"She's had two."

"You're lucky she's still with us. But I can give you something to help if she has any pain and to keep her comfortable. There are things I have which can help circulation too. They won't cure her or turn back time, but it's better than nothing."

"The Capitol has given us nothing since we brought her home."

"Chloe, from what I can see, you have looked after her so well. She trusts you with everything. If she's saying goodbye, I think she knows everything is in safe hands. She won't need anything from the Capitol, just what you can all give her."

That night, they ate together in the Mayor's House. Peeta got to know Ossian and Haymitch continued to focus on Mags and Chloe, not wanting the moment to come where he had to say goodbye.

But when the time came, a tearful Haymitch held Mags close and kept hold of her hands as he thanked her for her endless support. He leant down to her as she cupped his face, kissed him on the cheek and told him to look after himself.

Mags looked squarely at Katniss and Peeta and told them to take care of Haymitch before focusing solely on Peeta and resting her hands on his shoulders, "You're ready."

Later that night, after they had arrived back home, Peeta asked Haymitch what Mags meant by her words to him.

"She means that when the time comes again, she has faith in you. And it will be you, boy."

"Haymitch," Peeta sighed.

"I might be dead, the girl is too impulsive and Hawthorne will get us blown up. Undersee Junior is surrounded by peacekeepers and bugs I'm not sure she knows about. Ashton might be alright, but he lacks the connections we have."

….

The mood was the same in Districts Ten and Eleven. They all knew that Mags had arrived to say goodbye. In both districts, it was unseasonably warm too. So, Mags and Chloe did not venture far.

On his return from accompanying Ossian and Noah from their walk around Eleven's central market, Chaff and Seeder ordered Marshall to find fans to position near Mags and keep her comfortable with cold drinks. District Eleven was not the place to require urgent medical care.

In District Ten, Adan drove all the victors to his and Charo's new business venture. They had done what they had been planning and taken over a struggling restaurant in their main city square, buying out the previous owners so they could have a comfortable retirement and saving the jobs of their employees.

Some of the other victors had given them money towards their investment, eager to see the pair from Ten make the best of their idea. Mags had of course been delighted to contribute and loved seeing the fruits of Charo and Adan's efforts.

District Ten's victors were equally proud of the successful start they had made and were quietly pleased for the publicity the Tour would bring them. Noah and Ossian looked at ease in the restaurant which made for some good photographs, and they were keen to get some images of Mags happy and relaxed too so they would have a final memory before she left.

The victors in both districts were distraught when Mags said farewell and the train departed. They knew it was the end of an era.

….

Four's victors were surprised by the similarities in Eight and Nine. Both sets of victors showed up to their respective Justice Buildings and set up tea and cake. Mags expected it of Cecelia and was delighted that she brought her husband along so she could see him one final time. Cecelia was good at messaging, there was no doubt that she would understand. Calico was on form too, and Mags knew that Eight would be safe with them at the helm.

The Nines, however, were usually resistant to messaging and discrete communications between the victors. But they understood Mags' intentions just as well as the others and made an effort to spend their final time with her.

"We're different, we know that. There are lots of things we don't get about the Four way, and I imagine there's lots you don't understand about our way. But we respect what you've done, Mags," Mona said.

"You've given them a good show," Barley echoed. "And we're not all that bad here, we didn't want you to have the wrong impression of us. Not with your new kid too."

"I'm sure Barric and Maizey are taking good care of him," Chloe said. "We don't think you're bad either, just so you know. You just do things your way."

….

The Sevens were distinctly calmer during dinner so as not to tire Mags out. They wanted to spend time with her, and Liev wanted to spend time with Chloe too. But that did not stop Blight and Johanna from leading the other victors into another room in the Mayor's house to carry on drinking once they were able.

Mags and Chloe were left in the dining room with Liev and Sawyer, the noise coming from the others echoing back towards them.

"We can't have Ozzy coming here and Blight and Johanna not getting him drunk," Sawyer laughed. "Augustus kept Theodore on a tight leash last year and Calico was holding her nerve."

"Sorry if we're a bad influence," Liev said.

Chloe and Mags both laughed, "We trust Noah with him and anyway, Linden can be a voice of reason."

"He can't control Johanna."

"He just needs to guide her, firmly," Chloe said. "When it's time."

"He's got some time before that comes around yet, Chlo. I know we're not giving in for a while, you and me."

"Always on the same page."

"We need to keep that, Four and Seven," Sawyer added.

"We will do."

"Johanna, Finn," Mags said.

"We have other contingencies too," Chloe laughed. "Not that we don't trust Johanna. It's not all on them either. But their friendship is important."

"She's just Johanna."

Mags was gesturing rapidly towards Chloe at Sawyer's comment, looking to her victor for her to understand.

"Mags said that she's good for Finn and Finn is for her. You and me, Liev, are good for each other too."

"You've taught me a lot, Chlo."

"And you have me."

"This is becoming far too sincere for my liking."

"We'll be ruining your reputation for hosting the liveliest night of the Tour, Sawyer!"

"Not from the sounds of the others so I wouldn't worry about that."

When it was time for the train to leave, Seven's other victors did return to say their farewells to Mags. Four's oldest victor spent the most time with Johanna, gesturing to her and speaking through Chloe where she needed to remind the younger woman that she needed to stick by Finnick and to sometimes do as she's told. Blight did have her interests at heart after all.

….

After leaving both Six and Five, Mags was worried. In Six, Max looked ill once more, and she did not want to think of Poppy being alone in the Village without a young victor to mentor. Chloe had mentioned getting her to step up in her role to give her a new purpose and Mags quickly agreed. Poppy was calm and competent, and they could not risk her losing sight of their ambitions in a bout of loneliness.

Five remained Five. Hal did speak to Mags and Chloe but ignored Noah and Ossian. Luna and Porter willingly spent more time with Mags at the Justice Building, but they remained set in their ways. They were friendly company but their work for their district drove them in completely the opposite direction to the way Four's victors' service to their home did. It was a divide they struggled to bridge, and Chloe resolved to get Finnick to think further about how he was going to address this problem. She knew she had to leave Mags with the understanding that everything would fall into place with District Five.

….

District Three was predictably District Five's opposite, much to Mags and Chloe's relief. Ossian received the same treatment most new victors did in Three when they suspected rebel tendencies. He caught on quickly, offering the right answers and asking similar, probing questions. It proved a useful information exchange right under the noses of the Capitols in their company.

Once the group were distracted by Wiress and Halley fussing over Ossian, Mags stood up to go for some fresh air. She told Chloe not to join and nodded towards Beetee and Pluto, who slipped out to join Mags once everyone else was distracted and Chloe pretended not to notice.

"How long are you thinking, dear?" Pluto asked.

Mags shrugged.

"Before the Eighty-First, it's why you're here isn't it?" Beetee asked.

Mags nodded and Pluto moved closer to hug her.

"It's okay," she said.

"You know we have things under control here. We're in charge."

"I'll look out for Coral and Chloe. You know Halley will take care of Finnick," Beetee said.

"Three and Four will stick together. Whenever your Chlo or Finn says go, you know we will."

"And we all want to say thank you. For pulling us all together, for believing in Pluto's ideals, for letting me run free and taking care of Wire. It won't be the same."

Mags smiled and shook her head, "You'll manage."

"It will be different, Mags," Pluto said. "I will go to the Capitol this year. Just to make sure everyone is in check. I'm not you, dear Mags but I can do my best."

….

"If I told you that you can't go, would you stay?"

"Lyme, I've already said that to her," Chloe replied.

Mags shook her head at both women.

"I suppose you aren't immortal, Mags. For everything you have been able to do, not dying is one thing none of us can manage!"

"You're okay."

"I'll keep on keeping on, Mags. I have a plan."

"You know we trust you."

"I know, Chloe."

Their conversation was interrupted by Brutus, "Damn shame this, Mags. But I've got to admire the gall to just get on the train, rules be damned."

"I don't think you care about the rules in your eighties."

"Never have," Mags said, and the group laughed.

"Well, you're the best," Brutus said. "The first proper mentor, four victors and you stop the Mentors' Centre from descending into chaos."

"You've got the Quell, Brutus. Mags said that puts you in the lead."

"I can take second place, for now. Especially to Mags. But one more win and I won't have any of you Fours arguing."

"You won't see us arguing," Chloe laughed. "And I doubt even Noah has the energy or want for four victors. I don't think he'll stop at Ozzy though. Song is going out for another win too."

"She's coming back properly then?"

"Of course. Finn's heart isn't in it."

"Ah, Finnick and his ways. But it works for you, so I can't complain too much."

"We'll still give you a run for your money," Chloe said.

"I'd be disappointed if you didn't, and I know this one would be too."

Mags nodded and leaned forward, trying to take hold of Brutus' arms. Two's victor followed and pulled the woman into his chest.

"Won't be the same," he said.

Mags sighed, "You're fine. You, her, together."

"I don't think matchmaking's your thing, Mags," Lyme laughed.

"We all know the pair of you are onto a winner here with what you're doing. Mags wants you to stick at it and stick together."

"I think I can make sure of that," Lyme said, winking in Mags' direction.

As the train left Two later that night, Lyme rushed to say goodbye to Mags, "Thank you, for everything. You know I've got this. When it happens, B will be here. We won't let you down."

Lyme stepped back and raised her fist to her chest, beating towards her heart twice. Mags repeated the gesture, knowing its significance to Two's victors and their Institute.

"Twos," Chloe laughed as the train rolled away. "More subtle than the Twelve salute at least."

….

The atmosphere in District One was mixed. Theodore was keen to properly meet his successor and Augustus was only too happy to promote the celebratory atmosphere. But whilst they were showing Ossian and Noah around their city centre, Gem pulled Mags and Chloe aside.

"Status update, so you are prepared for tonight."

"How bad?" Chloe asked.

"Gloss is still married to Ermine, but I think he is considering divorce if the Capitol will let him. Topaz and Luxor aren't speaking, unless they're screaming at each other. But Topaz has been great with Aria actually, she's joined in our rotation. Aria's never alone."

"How is she?" Mags asked.

"Still not good. She hasn't tried anything again, thank goodness. Cashmere is incredibly protective. After initially pushing Goldsmith away, she has accepted his help, and they are properly together. I think that will work out. He has taken on helping Aria too and we are all grateful. Aria spends half her days at my Ruby's hiding away from the Village, which I do not blame her for."

"Tonight?"

"We can sit with her, Mags. She might appreciate your presence. Noah and Ossian can go next to Theodore. Gus will be there of course but Noah knows what he is like."

"Gem, don't worry. We can manage. Noah is easy going and Ozzy is trying to take after that. Me and Mags can try with Aria."

When the dinner did come around, Mags aimed straight for Aria, sat next to her and took her hand under the table, "Let us help," she said.

Cashmere visibly relaxed when she saw Mags next to her victor, alongside Chloe and Gem. She mouthed her thanks to the three women and tried to relax into conversation with Gloss who was enjoying an evening free from his wife who had been told she was prohibited from attending.

Alongside Gem, Mags encouraged Aria to eat and take part in the conversation. She was a District One victor and was not going to be afforded the protections Annie had been. One's victors did not go that far to protect each other. Mags knew that Aria would be back in the Capitol before long and she had to begin to find coping mechanisms.

Once it was quieter, Mags and Chloe managed to take Aria to one side to try to speak to her without the company of everyone else. Topaz offered to join, hoping to allow Cashmere and Gem a few moments of relative normality as the Tour stopped through their district.

"You're a victor, Aria," Chloe started. "I know you don't like that, and you hate what comes with it, but you need to take the help on offer. Gem and Cashmere are doing everything they can, and you know you can rely on them to look out for you."

"I've got you too," Topaz said. "I have been doing a lot of learning."

"You need to find her, Aria. The victor who brought you home because she will get you through this. We all saw you in that arena. We know how strong you are and what you are capable of."

"They are not saying you should do a Johanna and kill them. Please do not do that. But you can be fierce and take control just like we have seen you do before. Like I saw for years at the Academy."

"I'm not her anymore."

"She's still there. It doesn't leave you," Chloe said. "I won the Twenty-Third Games, Mags the Eleventh. Now physically, we're not the same, but I know that girl is still there. I've just made her into something more, and that's what you need to do."

"A purpose," Mags added.

"Find something you enjoy and do it. Take some enjoyment from each day. One has so much to offer. Then when it comes to it, find a way to give you the edge, a feeling of control. It's what all of ours do, what Noah has been telling Ozzy."

The conversation continued until it was time for the Fours to leave and Mags to say goodbye. Gem had joined them, eager to spend the final moments she could with Mags. She knew that after Mags passed on, it would just be her. The last surviving original volunteer of the career trifecta, the last of the women to create dynasties of victors in their districts. She felt a responsibility to ensure their continuity and to rescue Aria from the darker side of what their system had produced.

"We'll sort this out, Mags," Gem said.

"I know," Mags said before looking at Chloe.

"We can help, you know that."

"Take something," Mags added.

"Finn does. He takes their secrets, you're good at that too, Gem, in your way. Get Aria to take something from them and make it into something for her."

"I'll come up with something," Gem laughed. "Don't you worry, Mags. We can keep on scheming."

….

As they finally reached the Capitol, Mags knew her scheming was coming to an end. The Capitol did not know what to do with her. The attention was on Ossian and Noah, as she wanted, and she and Chloe were positioned in the corner.

Plutarch Heavensbee found them before too long, "Hopefully the District Four theming is to your taste, my friends."

"Delightful," Chloe said, rolling her eyes.

"Stereotypical, shallow, I know, I know. It wasn't my idea."

"Because your party would have had so much more taste, Plutarch."

"You know it would. Mags would enjoy herself. And you could keep your boys in sight."

"We're here," Mags said.

"And they're dressed as sexy pirates," Chloe snapped.

"Original," Plutarch laughed. "Bringing Finnick here to make a spectacle of himself whilst telling him to fade. You can tell our esteemed President is confused."

"There's mental decline?" Chloe asked, her voice picking up noticeably.

"Of course. He's forgetful, making poor decisions, not that that is anything new. But it's even the little things now."

"Who?" Mags asked.

"Anyone who can get his ear. It will be chaos."

Mags and Chloe looked at each other in delight.

"A way in," Mags said.

"And I have inherited a good ship."

"Recruitment is moving apace I can see. Noah's boy will do just fine. Finnick will find a way. I just need to position myself properly."

"Still Head Gamemaker?"

"Possibly. But Mags knows we've had a little word about this before. Do you think it's the right time, my dear?"

"Go."

"Understood. You know I'll follow you, Mags."

Mags smiled and turned her head to Chloe.

"And of course, Chloe. I'll follow you too. So do I have your permission?"

"You've made the decision together, it seems. You don't need my permission and I rarely question Mags."

"I will make sure to time it right. Mags, Chloe, how does Minister for Scientific and Technological Innovation sound?"

"Appropriately boring," Chloe laughed. "But trust you to have the confidence to make a new position for yourself!"

Plutarch moved in closer, "It keeps Three's cover. I can bring more money to Four, probably more Capitols too, but you can keep that in hand. It might help Six."

"Do it," Mags said.

"Decision made."

"You trust me, Chloe?"

"Mags trusts you. So, I trust you."

"Make your own mind up. Do you trust me?"

Chloe sighed, "You haven't steered us wrong. I trust you. But you keep me informed. I don't want any surprises."

"Understood, Captain."

When Mags and Chloe were alone, surrounded by the noise of the Presidential Party, the older victor turned to her charge.

"Trust."

"I know," Chloe sighed. "But he's him."

Mags laughed and watched as a waiter placed drinks in front of them.

"He's ours."

"He's yours', Mags. I can't inspire the level of loyalty you have. I've seen it this whole Tour. They are devoted to you. This has all been you."

"You're my girl."

"Will that be enough?"

Mags nodded as she took the glass in front of Chloe and moved it closer to her.

"You know. Him too," Mags said, turning towards President Snow who was watching the two victors from the balcony. Mags raised the glass towards him and watched as Snow did the same. She placed the glass down, without drinking anything.

"He's just tried to poison us," Chloe said as she poured the contents of both glasses into the hedgerow they were sat closest to before turning back to Mags.

"The game continues," Chloe sighed. "He might think he's got something over you. But he isn't outliving me. He thinks he knows what we're doing, Mags. But he doesn't know the half of it."

Mags looked directly at Chloe, took hold of both of her hands and smiled at her, "You're my girl. You'll win."

….

"I know it meant a lot to so many of us that Mags joined Ozzy's Tour."

"It meant a lot to her too, Peeta," Noah added. "It was her goodbye and her final information gathering around Panem."

"She was always dedicated, right to the end," Annie said.

"We could see that. She had an effect on Haymitch, and her words did on me too. I never really thought of myself as a rebel leader. I'm a painter and a baker but Mags knew."

"Mags knew everything. She was perceptive in a way so few of us are. Finn rivals her in his way, but she took in everything."

"She was right. It did fall on me and I'll never understand how she carried the responsibility she did for so long."

"It was a lot for Finnick," Annie said.

"But Mags chose him wisely. In the same way, she knew I would be the right choice for Twelve. Katniss and Gale could fight like nobody else, but they always carried an air of danger and had other pressures that I didn't."

"She watched you like she watched us all. You came on well in those first few years in the Capitol."

"I think a lot of that was Haymitch. He was rude and unconventional, but Katniss and I always managed, somehow. And like you both, I think I have Mags to thank too, she taught Haymitch how to mentor."

"She kept everybody going," Noah said. "Then we had to figure out what to do next."