Epilogue

….

The day after Finnick's broadcast, District Four's Mayor appeared on stage with an announcement for his district that was being televised across Panem. The fighting in District Four had ended. Despite notable losses, the Capitol Guard had been defeated on land and the navy was in full retreat. Their warships were battered, and their crews depleted whilst Four stood strong.

Volunteers had already started to make their way to the Capitol and Four's Mayor presented the option to his people once more. It was a patriotic choice and a noble thing to do and more forces from Four looked likely to join.

But among the fighting, the Mayor promised a new, better and changed District Four. He spoke of a new future in the dawn where they had control over their industry and could create the home they wanted to live in.

In the immediate future, the efforts to rebuild from the Capitol's bombing were in full flow and he encouraged people, regardless of their former role to unite and build back better. They had so much to offer in District Four and their new freedom would allow their home to prosper.

The Mayor's speech turned to their fallen heroes. To Rowan and Song who were lost in the first wave of fighting against the Capitol Guard, to the young people who bravely came to their home's defence and to those killed by the Capitol as their homes and businesses were destroyed. Their sacrifices were noble and would endure in the spirit of those who continued to live in Four.

He promised a home for anyone who wanted it. For those in the urban districts who wanted a change, for the survivors from District Twelve and for anybody in the Capitol who no longer felt at home in the city, District Four would be a fresh start.

The speech went down well, not only in Four but across the country. People recognised a leader in the districts who they could listen to and support. Finnick knew he was going to have to talk to their Mayor about casting his ambitions wider than District Four.

Finnick and his fellow surviving victors were positioning themselves in a new light. They no longer had to be military leaders although Finnick had regained the reigns since he discharged himself from hospital. They were going to live as part of District Four, ordinary people who wanted a break from the past.

Noah was trying to put his anxiety over Ossian to the back of his mind. His victor had gone to the Capitol in the first wave of volunteers, and he had lost contact. Ozzy wanted to destroy his arena in real terms and Noah was not going to stop him. But he was worried.

Finnick was presenting himself in a humbler light. Wheelchair-bound, with Annie at his side, he shook the hands of those departing for the Capitol, thanked the people for their work in District Four and visited the crew of the boat he was stationed on when he was shot. He was invited to speak after their Mayor and was a different man from the one he was whilst leading the rebels.

He remained confident and charming; he was Finnick Odair after all. But underneath everything, he was a man who loved the water and loved District Four and their way of life. It was going to be the start of a new, easier life for him and despite his injuries, he was looking forward to something different.

….

True to Finnick's word, Halley appeared in the rebels' next broadcast to declare that District Three was free. Every peacekeeper or Capitol Guard member left in the district was a prisoner, awaiting justice.

Halley spoke of a vicious final fight as the Capitol Guard descended on Three's university whilst fighter planes heavily bombed their second city. It was clear that Halley was proud of her home and her people but to those closest to her, they knew something was wrong.

The moment the broadcast finished, Poppy connected to her radio and tried to reach her friend.

"Something's wrong, Halley. Tell me."

"I knew I couldn't hold her back. The university was her second home, and she thrived working there. She went with her mother to defend it once we knew the Capitol Guard was headed there. As soon as we realised how fierce the fighting was, Orion and I joined too.

We fought our way to the main hall, and it was awful. I don't know how many people we killed. Orion's pretty bashed up and you know what I look like. We arrived to see a peacekeeper pull a pin from a grenade, so we ran away until we were knocked back and into the air. But Stella and her mother were right near it. We found them under the rubble and brought them home but they're both gone. I've lost my victor. She was my girl and she's not here and her mother has gone with her."

"I'm so sorry. There's not much else I can say."

"She died defending the part of Three she loved the most. And in a way, that grenade turned the tables. People went crazy and now the peacekeepers are either dead or locked up. We've won and that is most important."

"Keep reminding yourself of that. Stella wouldn't want you to dwell on losing her. She would want you to do what you do best and by the looks of it, you're managing. You sounded pretty impressive."

Halley laughed lightly, "I do my best. Of course, I can't compare to Finn. Our Mayor is speaking tomorrow. That's when everyone will know who's been running the show in Three for years."

"I only hope we can follow you soon. The Guard arrived here in full. It seems Six and Seven are bearing the brunt of the last-ditch attempt because they can't be bothered with anywhere else."

"Two as good as told them they would blow up everyone else who tried to arrive. One would bribe them. Eight and Eleven would rout them and they can't be bothered with Five, Nine or Ten."

"We'll get there," Poppy sighed. "Enjoy climbing out of that bunker for good!"

"I'll see you soon, Poppy. I know it."

….

Cecelia and Calico were on the train to the Capitol. Cecelia's eldest son had led a unit immediately after the first call to arms was made and she knew she could not hold him back. He was a capable fighter and an asset to anyone alongside him. She was proud of the man he had become even though she was worried for him. She was always his mother.

She knew Calista would be fine at home with her father and younger brother. They had been forced to operate openly since their latest base was attacked and Calista had decided to return to the Justice Building alongside those who were trying to establish order.

The fighting on the ground had stopped and there was hardly a peacekeeper in sight. But the Capitol continued to bomb them. Parts of Eight's two main cities had been destroyed. It was difficult to know where to start in the rebuilding.

The Capitol continually bombed them because they could. District Eight lacked aerial defences and District Thirteen had diverted some of their forces towards the Capitol and District Six who were struggling against the Capitol Guard. Cecelia could not begrudge that, but she hated that it had left her home exposed.

Cotton had been seriously injured and was lying wounded in a makeshift hospital. Cecelia's husband and Calista visited daily, but it was mostly to ensure she remained sedated because the bombs which fell around her had added more trauma to what she already had to manage.

But Cecelia had to think that her first victor would survive. She had done so well throughout the war and was their connection to so many of the people who wanted to contact Calico.

Now Calico was taking her military leadership to the Capitol where she was expected to lead a unit right into the heart of the Capitol proper. She wore one of her aunt's jackets and headscarves and repeatedly told herself what she knew Kersey Paylor would be saying at this moment. Cecelia could tell she was nervous and had not seen Calico like that before. Her second victor had always been full of confidence and so sure of herself that Cecelia was not sure what had brought this on.

"It's just final now, isn't it? We've as good as won. We have people at home leading the start of reconstruction and hopefully, we'll come back," she laughed. "I'm not afraid of dying. The Capitol has tried to kill me enough times that I know their game. But when it's done, that's it. Kersey's entire life's work. Both of our adult lives and it will be done."

"We'll be fine," Cecelia replied. "If there's anyone who can bulldozer through Capitol defences like it's nothing, it's you. You're a victor. This is just another arena and one you have better odds of surviving. And Heavensbee has given you an updated map of all the bother the Capitol wants to cause. Beetee is watching too."

"I'll be fine," Calico repeated. "And so will you. Going right into the lion's den."

"It's where I'm needed," Cecelia said. "I won't be alone either. Lyme should already be here and Peeta won't be far behind."

Finnick, Halley and Poppy had asked Cecelia to lead their team in negotiations. She understood the Capitol better than most and they had briefed her on District Thirteen. She would get the better of them quickly once she had met them. She had always been excellent with people.

Peeta was joining too, as someone anyone could feel at ease with, even if he were manipulating them. Lyme's no-nonsense approach would hopefully cut through the politicking and gameplay. The only non-victor in the first delegation's arrival to the Capitol was Adrian Goldsmith, an influential businessman from District One and a key figure in the family currently running his district. They were to feedback to their leaders as well as Beetee, Haymitch and Heavensbee to lay the ground for when some of them journeyed to the Capitol.

The aim was to set District Thirteen straight. The twelve districts were united and had played a joint part in their victory. Nobody was to be left out. Thirteen would find any attempt to unilaterally take control fiercely opposed. The districts wanted free and fair elections and there was no doubt that candidates would come forward across the country.

They were to set plans in motion for the Capitol's surrender. The districts' leaders knew well enough that the Capitol would refuse to negotiate with unknown names from the districts, so they filled their negotiating teams with people they had met with before. Only now, the tables were turned and the victors and businessmen from the districts who could previously be outplayed now had the power.

Cecelia was looking forward to the challenge. Her friends trusted her, and she wanted to do right by them and everyone who had worked for the moment that would soon unfold. She would wait for news of Calico's arrival in the centre and then she would know it was done. They were going to be free, across the country and she would be at the centre of the end stage of their work.

….

The rebels had managed to draw the remaining peacekeepers in Ten away from the cities and into the fields in between. Farming had collapsed and so much of the livestock had been caught in the crossfire that there was likely to be a shortage of meats and dairy in the coming years. But that was a problem for the incoming government to face. District Ten had to liberate their home first.

Ten's forces started early in the morning when the peacekeepers were still waking or switching shifts from manning the limited farming operations that had continued. The peacekeepers realised the reality of their situation quickly when they saw the sheer number of Ten's people facing them.

As with so much else in the war, it was over for the peacekeepers before it even started. Large groups of people fought on horseback and short of running their vehicles into the crowd, it made everything far more difficult for the Capitol's forces.

Santiago stood near the front of the group with Rosa alongside him. Charo and Adan were behind, in the first group of fighters on foot. They had been running in and around the action for months, engaging in skirmishes, defending farmers and businesses from destruction and ensuring the frontlines remained supplied. Santiago and Rosa had become confident fighters, at the heart of the biggest confrontations and when Santiago fired his gun into the air, Ten's people charged.

The peacekeepers fought for their survival, but they were outnumbered. Ten's people were injured or killed but there was a constant stream of replacements to take the place of those who had died or were evacuated to safety.

The fighters on horseback were a triumph. They had a view over the chaos and could strike where it would hurt the peacekeepers the most. Rosa witnessed a group charge in the direction of her parents and was able to be at their side in seconds, shooting the peacekeepers before Charo and Adan saw what was coming their way.

It was the end of Ten's fight for freedom and the last stand for the peacekeepers. It ended in Ten's favour. Like the start of the battle, Santiago raised his gun into the air and fired, ordering their people to a halt. He could see what had happened. There was no point in continuing the fight and risking death and injury to their people when the remaining peacekeepers were so heavily outnumbered and outgunned.

They could take their prisoners and move forward. The fighting had made a mess of their district, and they needed to rebuild. There were internal issues to resolve too. Some of the landowning families had supported the peacekeepers but went quiet when it became clear they would be on the losing side.

The peacekeepers had to abandon their enforcement duties on most of the farms and the landowners were unprotected. Many of the farm workers had managed to break free but there were concerning reports of some being held hostage by the most ardent of loyalists.

This would be where Charo and Adan were at their most useful. They were prepared to be at the heart of the reconstruction of their district and ensure that the agricultural land was placed in the hands of the farmers. They had done it with the land they controlled, and they intended to roll it out and redistribute power to Ten's workers. They had no fears about engaging with those on the losing side. They feared losing everything, but Charo and Adan were prepared to be fair and work constructively to ensure Ten found itself in an enduring peace.

….

The following evening's propaganda began with Gloss and Cashmere sitting side by side against a dark backdrop, not revealing their location.

"We couldn't let Finnick be the face of it alone," Gloss started.

"We're not asking you to feel sympathy," Cashmere continued.

"Only that you listen and understand."

"We were so popular, weren't we, Gloss? All of us in District One were. Every victor from our district from Topaz right to Amethyst was loved by the Capitol. Finnick told you what that meant."

"Practically every name Finnick mentioned bought us too. We didn't share every patron, there were enough of us and them to go around. So, we each fulfilled a niche."

"We had to prepare our students for this. Imagine telling a child that if you survived the Hunger Games that part of your prize would be sex trafficking. Because that's what it is and that is what happened to us."

The footage cut to Enobaria sitting against a similar backdrop, bandaged, with a black eye and scrapes across her face.

"You think I wanted these teeth?"

"Yeah, it happened to me too. I got the honour of being the first victor from Two to attract the attention of the Capitol. It happened to Antigone later but by then, I had been through it alone and come out the other side. I still have the teeth. They wouldn't let me change them."

It was District Three's turn next and to everyone's surprise, Beetee was centre stage.

"It wasn't just sex trafficking. The Capitol never wanted me for that. I had to work for them until we got the upper hand. But we had a way forward in Three, a way out that did not depend on the Capitol becoming tired of us.

The Capitol never tired of my brain and that was their mistake.

We suffered in other ways too. My nephew was reaped, and I had to mentor him and watch as he died. It happened to many of the others too. Our relatives' names were strangely likely to be pulled from the reaping bowl."

Finnick had spent hours alongside Noah, but he never realised that his friend had added his piece too.

"You should know by now it wasn't just Finnick in District Four. Rowan, Song, Finn, Ossian, Aquaria and me. We won't tell you what we went through to spare Annie.

It happened to us for years. Every year, every Games. We'd be invited to the Capitol during the Victory Tour as a party favour too.

Don't forget that President Snow introduced this and sanctioned it for years. President Elda was too indifferent to prevent it. He just moved it slightly away from view.

Your leaders sold us to make more money for every passing Hunger Games. Our bodies bought the system we worked to end. Our suffering led to more suffering, and it is only now that we have a chance to end it."

Porter moved into focus, simply swapping seats with Noah, making it clear she was now resident in District Four.

"I am District Five's last surviving victor. I don't expect you to care. We victors are an irrelevance to most of your lives and I hope that's how it stays. I hope none of you ever have to enter an arena or become a victor.

You don't fully recover. The idea of the victor, bathed in riches is just that. We get big houses to suffer in alone. But that doesn't make it better. The money never fully cured my spinal injury. It certainly never stopped Hal from drinking or lifted him from his decades-long depression. That's the reality of surviving the Hunger Games."

Unsurprisingly, Poppy appeared on camera next.

"The Capitol kept Max ill. Nobody should have to suffer their entire life from a condition the Capitol can cure. The Capitol got Claudia addicted to morphling and only encouraged Levi's addiction. Then they reaped their son, shot their daughter and years later, killed them.

The Capitol tried to dehumanise Cameron and make him into a monster. They were bored by the time Bram came home but they did not care that he was only fifteen and much too young for the victors' life.

Me? I haven't slept for more than four hours straight in forty-four years. So, I've seen a lot."

Poppy's image was replaced by Linden, Blight and Johanna sitting in a row.

"You should have figured out by now that my entire family didn't die in an accident. I said no the first time, so my entire family died. The guy the next year came at me with a knife, so I turned it on him in self-defence. My friends had all been shot by the time I returned home.

These two stuck up for me. Poppy, who you've just seen, did too. Blight lost his cousin; Linden lost his father, and Poppy lost her best friend who left behind a little girl. You can imagine how long I blamed myself."

Blight picked up the baton from Johanna, "I made it so they couldn't sell me. Broke my leg for my Tour so I was in a cast and barely mobile. Drove an axe into my hand on the morning of the next Reaping and gave myself food poisoning the year after. By that time, Seven wasn't meeting the lumber targets and that, combined with my audacity meant that the Capitol tested a manufactured sickness on the district. Hundreds of people died, and thousands were sick."

It was a story Linden knew well, "My mother used her time after I came home to train as a medic, unpaid of course, so she could be surplus to our strictly controlled quota. She treated the sick, caught the illness and died. So, the Capitol killed both of my parents. Like their methods killed my brothers too.

I grew up an only child, but I was the third son of my parents. Their eldest child was born sick, something that would have been picked up had we had proper medical care. Their middle boy didn't make it through the first year. He died from a vaccine-preventable illness. It's personal, for all of us in Seven, just like we know it is for you."

The film diverted from district order to go straight to District Nine where an exhausted Barric and Maizey were shown on screen.

"We always lived quietly. Hoping it would get us through. But the Capitol caught up with us after time. They sold Maizey and Ryan, controlled Ryan's image and never let Sandy breathe. Now Ryan and Sandy are dead, and we've had enough. One minute you need the districts to provide for you, the next you're killing us. Surrender now and stop the fighting."

Charo and Adan were next, holding hands and leaning into each other.

"The Capitol sold me too," Charo started. "Until Adan came along, and they couldn't traffic half of their favourite couple. Our daughter came to us because a mother in Ten knew she could not provide for her baby in the way she deserved, and we knew we had to protect her. To honour her mother's love and sacrifice. Rosa facing our fate was our worst nightmare."

Cecelia replied directly to Charo and Adan.

"My worst nightmare came true. I was reaped, survived the Games and then sold. Then I watched as my daughter was reaped, survived the Games and was sold. Sometimes to the same people who bought me."

Calico jumped in after letting the audience dwell on Cecelia's remarks, "As if anyone with the Paylor name would get an easy ride. I was sold but I began to work my way out of it. But then the businessman I worked with was found out and he died. But by that point, there were other, younger victors who weren't Paylors to show off around the Capitol."

Chaff and Marshall had both been on the front line in Eleven. Chaff's stump was bandaged, and Marshall had bandages across his head.

"I survived the year after Topaz, so you can guess why I always kept this," Chaff said, waving his stump. "Keep looking at it in the Capitol. I know it disgusts you, but it's part of me and it's your fault!"

Marshall picked up from his mentor, "You saw what happened to Seeder. They shot me too that day. The Capitol killed Orchard in Seventy Five, and Woof in Eight just days later, before turning on Six's victors. I guess you can say they've always had it in for us."

The video finished with Peeta, who spoke directly to the districts in the way he did best.

"It's a good job Katniss and I really do love each other. We've spent years with our family's lives held over our heads. Haymitch was made an example of, so we knew what the consequences would be if we stepped out of line.

It's just too bad that the Capitol has been dysfunctional enough for so long they never really caught on to how out of line we've all been. And now it's too late.

Be under no illusions that we've won and to everyone in the districts, know that our time has come. Not for revenge, not to continue meeting each other with weapons and a closed fist. But to move forward together.

You've heard our stories, but you all have your own. You all have your reasons for fighting and now you know ours. Hold onto your reasons and keep them close as we make one final push, for a better future, together."

….

The new future arrived suddenly in District Six. Their fight had been long and fraught with losses. Their makeshift weapons had seen brutal success but also unintended consequences that left Poppy wracked with guilt and questioning her decisions.

They had ploughed through entire barracks, destroyed peacekeeper infrastructure and tore the Capitol Guard apart. District Six struck unexpectedly early, so they saw a great weight of the Capitol's energy and reinforcements as they tried to keep hold of their transport.

Six hijacked and derailed trains, sabotaged hovercrafts and turned old cars into weapons. It was messy, the district was in ruins, but they had won.

The worst moment saw rebel-made equipment rip through a gas pipe at the largest peacekeeper barracks, causing a huge gas explosion that consumed almost everyone in the vicinity and left survivors with horrendous injuries.

The peacekeepers retaliated and set fire to the Community Home where Poppy grew up. She raced to the scene along with Cameron and Katniss and did what they could to rescue whoever they could. Children had borne the brunt of the Capitol's retaliation, and it tipped Six over the edge into their final fightback.

Poppy had spent days with her burnt arms in cold water or wrapped up to prevent infection. She had been the cause of so many deaths but had saved lives too and it was a lot to comprehend, even after decades of planning and rebel activity.

But then it was over quickly. District Six, in its anger, overwhelmed the peacekeepers, tore down their border fences and charged into the open in a sign of their freedom. One day they were fighting, the next they were victorious, and any surviving peacekeepers had been taken prisoner.

Poppy found herself in sudden preparations to go to the Capitol. Forces on the ground were advancing rapidly despite heavy losses and very few people were willing to fight for the Capitol.

Cameron would accompany her out of Six and Katniss and Haymitch would join the leadership ranks of the forces on the ground. It was the culmination of Poppy's work and whilst she had only been part of Six's final fight by firing shots from a distance given her burns, she would be at the heart of the final negotiations.

Bram would stay in Six as part of the district's medical team and Poppy knew he would manage. Cameron's mother was staying at home, and she would look out for him. They no longer thought Bram's family posed any risk, but Poppy knew who she trusted the most.

It was time for Six to transition to civilian leadership and for a new phase to begin. Poppy officially handed over command to the woman chosen from an adjacent rebel cell to be their initial peacetime leader and knew she was leaving her home in safe hands.

…

The fight for District Seven was almost over. They too had seen reinforcements and had endured a battle with a weakened Capitol Guard that simply refused to surrender. It was a pointless final fight which cost lives on both sides and now only small skirmishes remained.

Unfortunately for Seven's victors, they were caught in the heart of one of those skirmishes. They had regrouped as a final unit of peacekeepers charged them and their associates days after the main fighting had ended.

The victors were outnumbered but they fought on. Linden desperately tried to seek reinforcements but until they arrived, it was their group versus a peacekeeper unit.

They held their own, but Seven's fighters surrounding the victors died. The five of them were a unit, covering each other and attacking together. But the peacekeepers knew where to target to get a reaction.

They turned on Birch and his left side was riddled with bullets. Johanna threw herself in his direction, pulled her victor to the ground and shielded him, taking bullets to her shoulder in the process.

Fern could see what was about to happen and she knew she had to stop it in its tracks. She had lost her entire family due to her brother's stupidity and she was not going to lose the family she had fought to find. The victors were what she had, and she was determined to hold them together.

On seeing peacekeepers attack Johanna, Blight tried to launch himself in her direction, but Fern hauled him in the other direction and with all her strength turned to force Johanna and Birch's bleeding bodies under shelter whilst she screamed for Linden to cover her.

Somehow, Birch was still alive, and Fern could hear him whimper whilst those closest to him tried to stem the bleeding with whatever they could find. Linden's reinforcements were needed urgently if they were to save him.

The gunfight continued until both sides started to run out of bullets. But Seven's victors had survived as long as they had for a reason and wherever they were, their axes would be too. A half-dazed Johanna had regained consciousness and with her good arm, launched an axe in the direction of a peacekeeper whose armour had loosened. Fern followed suit and after taking a moment to breathe, Linden and Blight leapt into action again.

Eventually, they could hear their reinforcements. They had guns and targeted the peacekeepers from behind. It was up to Fern to scream at her peers again to avoid the crossfire and to stay down until it was clear.

The noise and fighting finally subsided and one of their friends shouted to the victors that the coast was clear.

"Linden! Don't make me rescue you like that again. That was some mess you found yourself in."

The victors' friends had come to them in their time of need just as they had helped their district for years. Seven fought together and they won together.

They were safe and the victors scrambled to save Birch.

…..

Just as the war started in Eleven, its last battle took place in Eleven. But this time, there weren't any peacekeepers involved.

The last, quiet group of loyalists remained in the district, and they were angry. Their lives had been taken from them and their world had fallen apart. They had lost everything, and they knew who to blame.

Olive was at the centre of it all and Marshall had received a tip-off that something was being planned. He and Chaff followed her to a quiet, disused hall and hid outside, listening in through the shutters.

Their youngest victor was hosting a meeting and from what Chaff and Marshall could hear, was blaming them for the evils of rebellion and the demise of law and order in District Eleven. She planned to attack their factory, stifle their chances of continuing their business as the country rebuilt, and take out as many supporters as possible before turning on Chaff as the key rebel figure. Marshall would side with Chaff and would be dealt with appropriately. It no longer mattered that he was Olive's mentor.

The plan had support and the aim was to attack quickly, taking the victors and their workers and allies by surprise. Unfortunately for them, Chaff and Marshall heard the entire plot and would have their workers prepared before they managed to strike. Olive and her peers were always several steps behind and had never understood quite how much influence and freedom the rebels held in Eleven.

Chaff and Marshall had to hide as the final loyalists poured out from the old hall and moved to organise themselves. Marshall wore his body camera and filmed those leaving from his hiding place so everyone would know who to look out for.

Olive was still inside, talking to a friend that both victors recognised. She launched into another diatribe about Chaff and the older victor shook his head and laughed as they waited for her to emerge.

"She's obsessed with me!"

"It's unhealthy, Chaff. It needs to stop."

They listened as Olive continued, complaining about how Chaff had made her life miserable and how he showed her no respect as his superior. Both he and Marshall were nothing but field hands who worked for the likes of her family. The old order should never have been allowed to collapse. She should never have had to associate on a level with Chaff, Marshall and Seeder and they should not be allowed to upend her social status.

By the time Olive's comments had progressed to Marshall and his mother, he had had enough. Marshall was not going to let her insult his mother. She had tried to be civil with Olive unless she insulted Marshall to her face and tried to make amends and build bridges. But Olive threw that back in her face and disparaged her work at the factory, the friends she had made and the people she had influenced.

Marshall knew Olive would be distracted by her conversation and he lifted his gun into a gap in between the shutters as he continued to listen in. Chaff's eyes widened in shock, and he looked at his victor in confusion.

"Enough is enough," Marshall whispered. "She is planning to attack us."

"Are you sure?"

"Since when have you hesitated?"

"Since my boy is about to kill his own victor."

"Because she's hellbent on killing you."

"If you're sure," Chaff shrugged.

"Aren't you?"

"I'd have done it ages ago, boy."

Marshall took his mentor's words as his cue to focus. He peered through the gap in the shutters, aimed his gun and exhaled. He had brought Olive home but that no longer meant anything. He was sure killing his victor was a cardinal sin in the District Four playbook, but they were District Eleven and Olive was a prominent loyalist.

He made sure his aim was right and fired. He shot Olive twice to make sure she was down and turned the gun on her friend too so nobody could turn on them. It was done. Olive was dead and they hoped they had stopped the loyalist plan in its tracks.

When the loyalists did arrive at the victors' factory, they were met with a surprise. The workers were ready and were prepared to fight. Chaff and Marshall stood at the centre of the group, asking the loyalists to come closer.

It became a standoff and there was a dawning realisation on the faces of the loyalists that the game was over. In frustration, some of them charged forward but were put down quickly by the rebels. Any further attack had been halted in its tracks.

Chaff ordered them to go home. At first, nobody moved, so Chaff continued.

"I won't sully Olive's name. She didn't lead you here to be trapped whilst staying away. We knew you were onto us, and we prepared. Olive wasn't prepared and now she's dead. It's over, go home. We're not here to kill you unless you want to kill us. Then we'll kill you."

It was done and Chaff and Marshall watched as the final loyalists trudged home defeated. They were safe and Eleven was free.

….

"It was strange, being at the heart of negotiations," Peeta started. "At first it was us and representatives from Thirteen. We knew we had to agree on what would happen next so we would be united and not collapse into fighting when it was over."

"And to have Thirteen right where you needed them," Noah said.

"We made sure they knew they were our equals."

"That's why you were at the negotiating table and not me. Always more diplomatic," Noah laughed.

"When you know what's important to someone you can meet them at their level. Thirteen were straightforward. They wanted power and we told them how to get it."

"What do you mean?"

"We were clear that we would not back down on free and fair elections. Anybody they tried to impose would be heavily opposed and it would not end well for them. Twelve districts outvote the thirteenth every time. But once they understood we were equally clear they could run as many candidates as they liked in the election, they were happy. We wouldn't oppose that."

"And why would you? They split the vote between five candidates from Thirteen and we unite around one."

"Precisely. And they were also open to do some soul searching and truly think about the best candidate for all Panem and maybe somebody from beyond Thirteen would vote for them."

"I'm glad they were sensible."

"Me too. The Capitol were not."

At this point, Annie re-entered the conversation with a sigh, "I remember those days. I was only around to help Finnick, but it was so frustrating."

"The fighting continued whilst we advanced, and they fought about who would talk to us."

"We were at the last stretch by the time I arrived with Finn, Halley and Poppy. You'd worked on the terms, and they refused to sit down."

"It was pathetic. We knew those at the very top were not about to meet us. They'd have been arrested before they got to the table. It was all about which junior ministers and civil servants would be the face of their capitulation because nobody known to the public wanted to be seen anymore."

"Funny that," Noah smirked.

"They didn't even like each other by the time we got to talking. Thanks to Finnick, they knew where each other had been and what their society was built on. Nobody liked it very much."

"Shame they didn't do anything about that earlier. Would have saved us a lot of trouble."

"Wouldn't it just. But we got them there. They picked a very junior minister and a group of reluctant civil servants to meet us. Of course, they were arrogant enough to demand that they only spoke to us, as district figures already known to the Capitol."

"Even to the end, they never gave it up."

"No. But it was their only chance to save face. The situation was desperate, and our terms were strict but reasonable. Cecelia had the measure of them quickly and Lyme was having none of it. The only thing we had to relent on was getting the ladies to stop the killing."

Throughout the war, Aria continued to steal jewellery and precious, valuable items to order and as she wished. She was assisted by Antigone, Amethyst and Aquaria. They got to keep whatever they liked most and could work through their kill list as they pleased. Their targets became more high profile as the fighting continued and the situation deteriorated in the Capitol. Senior figures being murdered in their beds only contributed to the disaster they were facing.

Cabinet ministers, prolific bankers and business figures they disliked, gang leaders and Gamemakers were all targeted. The worst of those who had brought the victors were picked off with ease and whilst the Capitol never found out the identity of the assassins, their activities had to stop for the peace talks to continue.

"Once they found out they were the key to getting the Capitol to surrender, they agreed to stop. I think they enjoyed that they had become so infamous and feared."

"They would!" Annie said. "I love Aquaria, but together with Antigone and Amethyst, she's a nightmare. They all are. But I'm glad they enjoyed themselves and they have started to calm down since."

"Lyme wouldn't have it any other way and Cecelia can be formidable when given the chance. Goldsmith was shocked when he realised who they were, but he kept quiet, and the talks continued without assassinations in the background."

"You got there in the end."

"It was tiring, Noah, but we did. Our forces were at the gates by the time they agreed to put pen to paper and sign the surrender."

….

It was a proud day for Finnick. He had arrived in the Capitol the week before to a hero's welcome by their waiting troops. Wheelchair-bound, he made his way through the groups, shook people's hands, thanked them for their efforts and wished them luck for the final advance. Halley and Poppy were at his side and they too received a warm reception.

The waiting troops were used to Lyme's presence as she visited daily in between rounds of negotiations. But they still gathered around Two's victor as they knew cameras were present and it would look good as they stepped ever closer to victory. It helped that the four of them had fought too and not simply remained hidden whilst handing down orders.

But on that day, Finnick signed the surrender accords to the shouts of the rebels at the gates of the Presidential Mansion. It was over. His was the first name below the terms, outlining the Capitol's unconditional surrender, the cessation of all fighting across the nation and the pursuit of justice for all those wronged on both sides. His name was followed by Halley's, Poppy's and Lyme's before a representative from each district and the Capitol signed the accords.

They also documented the termination of the Hunger Games, and a separate document had been drawn up to be signed by the victors present and families who lost children to the Games. The call was put out for bereaved relatives and a handful of those fighting in the Capitol answered and found themselves in the middle of the Presidential Mansion at the heart of a momentous day. It was all over for the Capitol.

….

The war was over and Panem had entered a new era of peace. Four's elected Mayor was elected President of Panem and Adrian Goldsmith from One was appointed his First Minister. District Thirteen found prominent roles for their key figures and the surviving victors had started to find what they wanted too.

Plutarch Heavensbee was surprised when he found out that Finnick, Halley and Poppy wanted nothing to do with governance and that Lyme's leadership of Two would only last until a new, younger leader was elected. They kept that quiet during negotiations with Thirteen to keep them guessing until they eventually took the wind from their sails and supported other, more suitable candidates.

The victors knew constant conflict and leadership during the hard times. They had to learn peace and government was not the place for that. Rebellion had come later than so many of them wanted so they chose to live out their remaining years quietly.

Six months on, they found themselves in District Four. Every victor was present, with the notable exception of Luxor who had imposed isolation and house arrest upon himself. They arrived for Finnick and Annie's wedding but on their first night were surprised by Noah and Dora also getting married.

Aria had stolen the mythical 'District Four pearl' for Noah. She recognised it on Dora's ring finger as an engagement ring. Noah and Dora wanted a quick, relatively quiet wedding with their friends present before the main event began. Dora had long forgotten the traditions of the Capitol and wanted their celebration to be in keeping with the relaxed nature of District Four.

Annie was also sporting stolen jewellery, courtesy of Aria. Finnick had asked for Four's aquamarine diamond and Aria had delivered. It was their day and Finnick wanted everything to be as it should.

But war had left its mark on Finnick and the victors. Rowan and Song were dead, and Ossian had only just returned from the Capitol, having been missing and presumed dead for months. Noah had been in pieces and Ozzy's arrival had shocked him. Finnick was still injured, his face forever marked, but he could live with that. One of the bullets had exited through his back and had left him with long-lasting injuries but he was determined to stand throughout the ceremony, even if Halley and Noah had to support him as he waited for Annie.

Annie arrived, alongside Dora and Aquaria and the atmosphere was one of celebration. Despite their losses and late victory, they had still won. Finnick had continued Mags' and Chloe's work, helped unite the victors and in turn the districts and led them to finally overcoming the Capitol.

Now it was their time to live and rebuild their lives. For so many of them, it was a second chance. Linden and Poppy had married quietly, in both Six and Seven to have their relationship recognised in both of their homes whilst the government was still figuring out the unification of the districts. Cashmere, her husband and daughter lived openly and confidently without the fear of the Games hurting them once more and Gloss relaxed into his life as Violet's favourite uncle.

Some of the victors had been unable to stay away from government. Beetee had needed to explain how he had access to their entire network and promised to help rebuild a secure system before spending his final years in retirement. He was the oldest victor and had no intention of living his life beholden to any government and was determined to set that example to his younger peers.

Lyme's time in Two's leadership had ended and she lived quietly with Brutus. They had never felt the need to end their arrangement, especially now there was a housing shortage. They were both feeling the effects of war and needed a friend as they managed the many facets of ageing against their wishes.

Porter had found herself a reluctant advisor in reconnecting power plants and expanding their work beyond District Five. She had returned home for victory and political events but was now resident in Four, still not feeling welcome in her old home. Charo and Adan were also advising on the plans to transfer land into district hands given they had managed so successfully in Ten. Rosa was at the heart of rebuilding their restaurant business and was due to take over leadership when her parents wanted to retire. Their lives' work was almost complete and Rosa could have the best future they could have given her.

It would not be easy for everyone. Twelve's victors were still living in Six, only visiting the remains of their home when they were needed to help with the reconstruction efforts. There was nowhere permanent to live with the necessary connections and supplies so they would remain stranded until their home could be prioritised.

It was an uphill battle for Birch. He had survived against the odds but had lost his left arm, his knees were shattered and would still need further surgeries to fix his broken body. But he persevered with Johanna at his side, not letting her victor to give up.

Barric and Maizey lived in a daze and Halley had to frequently pull herself out of grief and guilt over Stella's death. Marshall had confirmed to his fellow victors that he had killed Olive, but he found no judgement or animosity from them. They knew he did what he had to end the fighting in Eleven.

Eight was in similar dire straits to Chaff and Marshall's home. A complete overhaul of both districts would be required but Panem was trying to pick itself up from decades of Capitol rule and the sheer scale of the damage inflicted. Calico was planning to run for national office and was attempting to convince Peeta and Marshall to do the same.

Their time in Four was a time away from their daily lives and concerns. They shared in Finnick and Annie's happiness and saw it as another shared victory. Even though they may be more broken than they were before, they were experiencing freedom for the first time and it had to mean something as they put their lives back together without the shadow of the Hunger Games and the dangers of the Capitol.

They would find that a quiet life, away from the spotlight suited them all and they could fade peacefully into the background and look forward to whatever remained. War was over, they had won, and it was time to discover what being a victor really meant.

The End

It's done. Two simultaneous, connected stories.

Thank you to everyone who has stuck with both stories. It has been a labour of love and a huge stretch given how busy work has become. Now it's time for another extended break before I return with Halley's story back in the canon universe. It's been fun living in this AU where Finnick is alive and glorious, Adan didn't meet his grizzly end and Lyme converted Brutus to the rebel cause. I've also enjoyed creating an entire generation of new victors and linking their stories with my canon characters.

I hope you've all enjoyed these stories and I'm looking forward to a break and coming back later (tbh likely in 2025).