Author's Note: The second part of this week's two-parter. I think you can guess what the focus of this chapter will be.

….

Honour

Haymitch was standing at the sink, drinking straight from a bottle of whisky whilst simultaneously pouring the contents of another down the sink.

"What are you doing?" Katniss asked.

"Giving up," Haymitch said.

"We all know you aren't giving up the drinking. And you're not giving up either."

"Mags is dead."

"I know, Haymitch. I'm sorry. But what are you doing?"

"Told you, giving up."

"You're going nowhere, Haymitch. You won't stop drinking and you'll only end up mad at me for letting you throw away good whisky," Katniss said whilst wrestling the bottle out of his hands.

"You're meant to look out for me now," Haymitch smirked.

"And I am doing. If you're cutting down on drinking, I won't stop you and you know Peeta will be happy. He'll be calling Effie to get you those self-help books she's always talking about."

"I'm not having those-"

"I know, Haymitch. So be pleased it's me here and not Peeta. But if you're cutting down, you're doing it properly. Going cold turkey is dangerous. Poppy told me."

"Ah, so you do still listen to Poppy!"

"She makes sense."

"You mean she's nicer to you than I am."

"That too."

"There are worse influences in the Capitol. I guess I can't complain too much."

"Me and Peeta still have ourselves together, which is more than can be said for you."

"You've always gotta rub salt in the wounds, haven't you, sweetheart. I'm grieving."

"I know. But if you want someone to be nicer to you, ask Peeta. But if you're going to pull yourself together to honour Mags' last wish to you or whatever this is, I'll help you."

"Should talk to your mum. Can't have me dying too."

"Will do. Won't be giving Snow the satisfaction."

"Nice to know how much I mean to you."

"Peeta will tell you that. Like I said, if you want someone to be nice to you, call him round."

"You love him for it. You like having someone be that nice to you," Haymitch teased, laughing further when he noticed Katniss blushing. "We all knew you'd come around eventually. You've done a poor job of hiding it too. I told Mags when she was here, so she could have something about Twelve to be happy about. Not much else around here, anyway."

Katniss laughed awkwardly, "Well I'm glad everyone knew about it before I did."

"I've told you, sweetheart, you're a terrible actress."

….

Lyme was reading the tributes the other victors had made for Mags after the news of her passing broke. Petran, as leader of the Village had released a statement on behalf of them all. But it wasn't what Lyme would have said, it wasn't enough. But they would understand in Four.

She could hardly speak on the same terms as Pluto, Maria and Seeder, known to be close friends of Mags or share her utter devastation as they had done in Four. But Lyme felt totally bereft, for reasons none of the other victors in Two did and she could not let on to them just how upset she was.

Brutus had given her space and time to be alone. He knew how much Lyme openly admired Mags, even if he only understood half of the reasons why. But it had given her time to make a discrete, covert call to Commander Hadrian in Four.

"Sorry I couldn't get word to you before it was announced. Finn ran here in the night to let me know."

"Nothing you can do about that, H," Lyme said. "How are they doing?"

"Not great. I was there not long after, so I saw them at their worst. Her children are distraught. I think her son feels guilty, he was saying something about not being there enough. Of course, her girls have always been there, but I think Mags understood."

"Shai? Chloe?"

"Shai wouldn't speak. He was sitting and staring. Rowan was trying to help him, but Shai wouldn't respond. Chloe and Coral have been crying. Finn is pretty shaken too; you know how much he relied on her."

"She was his family. Well, all their family, you know that. You've seen them together. She held them together."

"But they'll manage. Noah and Song were talking about it. Annie is doing surprisingly well too. How about you?"

Lyme sighed, "You know how I feel about Mags. She's the greatest of us victors. Held us together, kept us in line, kind yet commanding respect in a way the rest of us just can't. What she has managed to achieve, all her work."

"We'll make it work for her. I'm doing my bit here. I know where Four is at. The rest, well she had everything planned. I get what you said when you first introduced me to her."

"It's taken you this long!"

"Well, no. I've known for a long time. But to see it, the loyalty she inspired in Four is something else."

"Let's hope it stays that way. It's Mags' movement even though she's no longer here."

….

"It's going to be different now," Gem sighed.

"You will soon be the oldest. We all know Shai will not manage well without Mags."

"Don't remind me, Topaz. Ageing is not our thing in One."

"You are going to have to make it. Satin won't be that far behind you."

"You know she would kill you if she heard you say that."

"I know. That's why I said it to you and not her."

Gem laughed, "But, seriously, Topaz, we are going to have to plan for when I am not here. Satin cannot fill my shoes. She is far too divisive."

"Just be honest, Gem. Nobody likes her. We would not listen to her."

"I know. That is why you must take charge. Not just at the Academy."

"You would trust me?"

"You are on a journey, Topaz. Your eyes have been opened and I think it could help everyone. We need a healthier way of managing the expectations of us. We have realised this far too late and have had to suffer the consequences. You remain in the Capitol, you are in charge at the Academy, despite what Luxor thinks, and so you are best placed."

Topaz sat in thought for a few minutes, "I guess you are right. Gloss and Cashmere are not in the right place at all. They could step up at the Academy in a few years but taking over your role? Satin would be a disaster as you say, and we cannot let Luxor take over."

"You would not have been so quick to talk Luxor down a while back."

"I have been on a journey, you are right, Gem. Luxor would not join me, and his eyes remain closed. He is wilfully blind to how upset Gloss and Cashmere have been, never mind Aria and we see things differently now. I can work with him, we have found a working relationship for the Academy and yes, sometimes we still see each other, but that has changed too."

Gem laughed, "I never expected you to break off everything with Luxor. That would not be good for the Academy. But we need to be better at looking out for each other. Mags had that right. We will never be District Four, we are far too individualistic, but we should learn from her."

….

Calico knew what was happening when she heard knocking and rattling sounds from her basement. She and Cecelia had taken a leaf from Chaff's book and began a tunnelling project to enable secret access to and egress from the Victors' Village for rebels, supplies and secrets. In District Eight's case, the victors had provided access to relative safety for Kersey Paylor, still in hiding, right under the noses of the peacekeepers who liked to pretend they had the Village under their control.

Cecelia and Calico loved to play the game and pretend they were doing just as the peacekeepers asked. They would remain in the Village if requested, appearing grateful for the peacekeepers protecting them from the ever-persistent rebel threat, all whilst harbouring quite possibly the rebel effort's best secret asset.

The two victors were the brains of most of their operations with Cecelia's husband and eldest son joining in to provide the additional labour required. Cotton, whilst remaining broken from her Games was a quiet rebel and Cecelia knew she would never talk, not least because the peacekeepers dared not approach her house due to the regularity of her screaming.

On this particular day, Cecelia and Calico were inside Calico's home in her office. They were working on the accounts from the youngest victor's most recent collection and collaboration with a rather reluctant Katniss Everdeen. They heard knocking from the basement and laughed quietly to themselves. They knew the news of Mags' passing would draw Kersey out the moment she thought it was safe and the risk of discovery subsided. The Village had been under increased watch since Cecelia had delivered her emotional statement from outside her home on the loss of their friend.

"It's good to see you," Calico whispered to her aunt as the three were reunited.

"I'm sorry," Kersey Paylor said, looking between both victors. "From my little communication with Mags, I could tell she was something."

"A force of nature," Cecelia said. "Deliberately unassuming and quiet but the real drive behind everything."

"So, who now?"

"District leadership remains in Four."

"How about our numbers?"

"We're building again."

"A series of accidents will do that," Paylor sighed.

"Here and in Six."

"Well, they work the children too so it's going to make people angry when they get hurt."

"It's a case of deciding who is simply angry and who has it in them to act on it."

"And not everyone is there yet, I get it. We've been here before."

"We're rebuilding, Kersey."

"I know. It's just slow, especially when you're hiding in some cotton field," Paylor said before continuing, "Any news from the east?"

Calico snorted, "We'd be so lucky. Completely gone to ground. Even after Four relayed the news on Snow's ill health."

"Snow's on his way out and they're just going to let someone else swoop in? Why not take advantage of their weakness?"

"They don't think enough of us are ready. Two will never turn at the moment. Ten's too quiet. I don't think we could convince Five or Nine yet either."

"And what do you think?"

"It would be a risk," Cecelia said.

"And it wasn't before? And you're not risking your lives harbouring me?"

"It would be so much more than our lives. If we had control of the power that would change things."

"So, we focus on Five?"

"That's our plan. Find out whose there and where their important people stand."

"Their victors?"

"A lost cause."

"They wouldn't listen to Mags? After years of sitting next to the Fours?"

"It's been painful to watch," Cecelia said. "All of the Fours have tried. But Hal cannot stand Finnick or Noah. Luna and Porter get on with Chloe and Coral, but they shut down as soon as the conversation turns."

"They need someone to liven things up," Paylor said.

"They do. I'm looking for the right tribute. I think Mags was too but our youngest victors are far more likely to try to engineer a victor than Mags."

"You just need someone who will talk, Cecelia, Calico. Don't try too hard. They don't need to be perfect."

"The Fours will work with anyone who talks. Mags taught them well."

….

The sun was setting in District Four as the tide came rushing in towards the outermost cliffs of the district. They had first moved Mags that morning, as the sun was rising but before the fishing crews set out to work.

Mags' children, Dora, and the victors carried her body in a procession from the Village to her daughters' bar where she lay in rest for the people of Four to pay their final respects. Commander Hadrian led the procession to ensure their safe passage through the streets to their destination. He was one of the first to pay his respects and whisper his thanks on behalf of Lyme.

Between Mags' three children and the victors, they took turns to guard her as people filed through to say their final goodbyes to a woman they had long respected. In the more public setting, Dora stood back as she could not risk those who were unaware of her identity asking questions about her connection to Mags. She was embedded in Four now, but with Mags gone, some of her best protection had also left and she needed to remain on guard.

The students at the Centre, led by Song and Noah arrived together and bid farewell to the woman they knew to be their leader. Even though others were officially in charge, it was clear where the balance of power lay in the Victors' Village, and she was the one they always wanted to impress.

As Finnick stood guard, he noticed a woman with a scarf covering her face and she passed by without meeting the eyes of anyone around her. She cast a solitary figure and it attracted Finnick's attention. When she passed him, however, she looked up, met Finnick's eyes and smiled softly in his direction.

It was Halley who had disguised herself among the crowds. As he met her eyes, he tried not to laugh. Of course, she would be the one to attempt interdistrict travel when the eyes of the Capitol were on District Four.

As the light started to fade and the fishing crews had left the shores, Mags' children along with the victors moved Mags into the water for the start of their burial rituals. They bathed Mags in the waters and dressed her in her burial clothes before preparing themselves to move through the streets once more to Mags' final resting place.

They buried Mags on the open land at the top of the highest cliff point in Four, looking out towards the sea and where the waters lapped up against the rocks. She was safely away from the edge, the cliffs protecting her final resting place. But she had pride of place, watching over their waters, their guard for the coming years and the conflict they knew would come again.

Mags had ensured they were ready and would continue to be so. With her continuing to watch them and look over the district's natural defences, the victors, Dora and her children were not going to let her down.

She was at rest and everyone who loved Mags hoped that she was at peace. She had loved Four and done everything in her power to make life better for her people and she was loved and admired in return.

But after the service was over, it was only those closest to Mags who remained and walked together back to the Village to her house for one final time. Her home had been the life and heart of the Victors' Village. Her children had grown up there, Shai, Chloe and Coral had spent almost every momentous occasion in their lives there and it was the place where so much of Four's rebel effort was planned. For Dora, it was one of the first places in District Four where she felt truly at home.

Now everything was going to change and as night fell, the reality dawned on everyone. Chloe had been their leader for a while now, but the reigns had been truly cut. There was no longer the reassurance of Mags' presence, and she could no longer seek her approval over the most difficult decisions.

Leadership was also something which beckoned for Finnick, and he sat outside in the dark with Annie at his side, waiting in the quiet of the night.

He knew Halley would arrive when she could. He remained outside with Annie, talking quietly to her whilst he looked for sight of his friend. As a light flashed at the start of the pavement towards the Village, Finnick knew it was her. The light gradually came closer and Finnick had to laugh once more when he realised that she had managed to get Commander Hadrian to escort her to them in safety. Finnick admired her ingenuity and sheer confidence and with the weight of his future responsibilities dawning on him, Finnick knew that he needed Halley alongside him.

As Halley reached him, Finnick pulled her into a firm hug and Halley held on tight. She greeted Annie, complimented her on how well she looked and congratulated her on keeping her secret. The victor of the Seventieth Games was now one of the most well-adjusted victors alive. Halley knew that the safety and comfort of Four and her fellow victors had been just what the young woman needed.

"You're nuts, you know that," Finnick laughed.

"That's Wire, not me. Besides, she's perfectly sane if you ask me."

"And that's part of the problem! But Wiress isn't here. You are. And only you, Halley. The Capitol is watching District Four and here you are!"

"They were watching the funeral, not me."

"You were at the funeral."

"I know. I kept my face hidden. Anyway, they would be far more concerned at revelling in your upset and how many people turned up."

"And how would you rate our performance?"

"You're all genuinely upset. And that's fine, totally normal. She's Mags after all. But they know you'll be back in the Capitol in a few months, Ossian in tow. As for the number of people, Snow will be royally pissed off."

"Good," Finnick laughed. "Mags wanted a good send-off."

"She had one. Anyway, how are you holding up?"

"I'm managing," Finnick said, offering a sad smile.

"We'll be okay though," Annie confirmed. "I've got him."

"I know you have. And when he's away, you know I look after him, Annie."

Their quiet conversation had attracted attention from Mags' house and Noah left to speak to Halley as soon as he had realised who it was standing alongside Finnick and Annie.

"You're nuts, Halley!"

"I've told her the same," Finnick said.

"The others at home know you're here?"

"Of course. I didn't take off without telling them. They'll be at home waiting for the news of my execution no doubt," Halley laughed.

"It is a bit risky."

"And none of us have done anything risky before? I rather hoped you would help smuggle me back out in that bandit outfit of yours, Noah!"

"You just might be able to convince me."

"Didn't think it would be difficult."

"You've been spending too much time with Finn."

….

Later that night when Annie was sleeping, Finnick went outside to join Halley.

"I think I like Four," Halley said.

"I can try to show you around tomorrow, quietly of course. Can't have you being discovered."

"That would be nice."

"Do you think I'd like Three?"

"No. There's an ease and a peace about Four that just isn't there in Three. It's not you. Not much water around either, lots of grey."

"Well, I'd like to see you sometime."

"I'm sure we can find a way, Finn."

Finnick moved closer to Halley and rested his head against her shoulder, "When it does come around and it's my turn, you'll be with me?"

"Always," Halley said. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Three and Four go together. That means you and me. You're stuck with me."

"I guess that means you're stuck with me too."

"It does. And I trust you entirely. You're going to be okay Finnick. You'll do a good job. Chloe won't step down until she knows you're ready. Mags wouldn't have lined you up for this if she didn't already know you'll be fine. You won't let her down."

"You sound confident."

"I am. Because Mags was and I know you. You're her boy."