The President's Announcement

The days passed slowly.

Beneath the apparent surface of calm that had spread across some districts, a carefully planned strategy was brewing by Jacob and his team. Aware of the power that lay in constant pressure on the Capitol, Jacob had made the decision to increase aggression in District 12.

Personally, he had ordered the intensification of resistance actions in the district, seeking to increase pressure on the Capitol and push them to the brink of desperation. He knew this would put the inhabitants of District 12 at risk but considered it worthwhile to advance the fight for the freedom of all districts.

Jacob had distributed food to every household in the district, ensuring they had enough to survive. Additionally, hunting in the forest had been organized, yielding an abundant supply of meat that was processed and dried, providing a source of food for months. These strategic measures guaranteed that the district was prepared to withstand the Capitol's punishments, such as mine shutdowns or food shortages.

Although the inhabitants of District 12 faced constant difficulties and challenges, the provision of food and their self-sufficiency greatly mitigated the impact of Capitol's reprisals. It was a silent and powerful form of resistance, demonstrating that the district could stand firm in its struggle while continuing its plans for rebellion.

Jacob understood that actions in District 12 had to be bolder and riskier to increase pressure on the Capitol. He was willing to face the necessary consequences and sacrifices to achieve the freedom of all districts. He knew not everyone would understand his decisions, but he had confidence that his strategic vision and determination would guide them to victory.

Resistance in District 12 grew stronger every day, and Jacob was certain that their courage and fighting spirit would be an inspiring example for the other districts. Meanwhile, he continued to work tirelessly to coordinate and unite the various rebel groups, building a united and prepared force to confront the Capitol at the right moment.

...

"[Master, the wolves in the forest have detected two girls claiming to be from District 8, heading towards District 13, and now the communications are spreading, everyone is believing that District 13 has gone underground as you informed.]"

"That's good..." Jacob pondered for a moment.

...

The days passed amid tense anticipation. The rebellion led by Jacob grew stronger, and districts eleven, eight, and three had fully unified behind their cause. Jacob's voice resonated in the hearts of the citizens, inspiring them to fight for their freedom and resist the Capitol's oppression.

As the rebellion gained strength, changes began to be observed in the districts. Crimes and acts of violence gradually decreased, albeit not abruptly, to avoid arousing suspicions from the Capitol. It was part of Jacob's strategy to maintain an appearance of normalcy while secretly preparing for the final uprising.

The districts had united around a common goal: to overthrow the Capitol and end the Hunger Games. Together, they worked on consolidating the resistance and preparing their forces to confront the Capitol in the near future.

Amidst the rebellion, Jacob and Katniss faced a personal dilemma. Despite their mutual commitment, the situation and responsibilities weighing upon them led them to postpone their engagement. Both understood that the fight for the districts' freedom was a priority, and they needed to focus on that mission before considering their own personal happiness.

The days unfolded with a sense of urgency and anticipation. Jacob's meticulous preparation and hard work were paying off. As the rebellion spread, more districts joined the cause, fueling hope that the oppression of the Capitol could finally be overcome.

The wait grew increasingly intense. The population of the districts, though aware of the risks and dangers they faced, were willing to fight for their freedom. They were prepared for the crucial moment when they would rise up against the Capitol, knowing that the success of their rebellion depended on the unity and determination of all.

Meanwhile, Jacob continued to lead with firmness and determination, coordinating the efforts of the districts and keeping the hope of a better future alive. His strategic vision and bravery inspired those who had been oppressed for so long, and together they were ready to challenge the Capitol and fight for their freedom.

While Katniss now had the idea of starting an uprising, unaware that Jacob was already beyond that, on the verge of initiating a war...

...

And finally, the day arrived, the one that all the districts had been waiting for and the reason they believed in Jacob. He had told them that if his plan and speculations were correct, the Capitol would make a desperate move, and at that moment they should prepare for the beginning of the end of their suffering.

As they gather around the television at seven-thirty, Jacob accompanied Katniss' family and quietly sat down in an armchair.

Apparently, there's Caesar Flickerman, speaking to an appreciative standing crowd in front of the Training Center about my upcoming wedding. He introduces Cinna, who became an overnight star with his outfits for me in the Games, and after a minute of friendly chat, they direct us to pay attention to a giant screen.

Now they see how they were able to photograph me yesterday and present the special tonight. Initially, Cinna designed two dozen wedding dresses. Since then, there has been a process of narrowing down the number of designs, creating the dresses, and choosing the accessories.

Apparently, in the Capitol, there have been opportunities to vote for your favorite at each stage. All of this culminates in images of me in the final six dresses, which I'm sure took no time to insert into the show. Each image is accompanied by an immense reaction from the crowd. People screaming and cheering for their favorites, booing the ones they don't like. Having voted and probably bet on the winner, people are heavily invested in my wedding dress.

For Katniss, it's strange to see this when she thinks that she didn't even bother trying on any of them before the cameras arrived.

Caesar announces that the interested parties must give their final vote by noon the next day.

"Let's take Katniss Everdeen to her wedding in style!" He shouts to the crowd.

Jacob mocks sarcastically, looks at Katniss, and whispers to her that the public loves her, she is the queen, but his response is a blank stare.

But then Caesar says to stay tuned for the other big event of the afternoon. "That's right, this year marks the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Hunger Games, and that means it's time for our third Quarter Quell!"

"What will they do?" Prim asks. "There are still months left."

"They changed the rules of the games..." Jacob murmurs these words for everyone to hear.

Katniss and her sister look at their mother, whose expression is solemn and distant, as if she is remembering something.

It must be the reading of the card. The anthem plays, and a knot of revulsion forms in Katniss' throat as President Snow takes the stage. He is followed by a small child dressed in a white suit and holding a simple wooden box.

The anthem ends, and President Snow begins to speak, reminding us all of the Dark Days from which the Hunger Games were born. When the Games' laws were established, they decreed that every twenty-five years, the anniversary would be marked by a Quarter Quell. It would take a glorified version of the Games to refresh the memory of those who died in the districts' rebellion.

Those words couldn't be more fitting, as several people suspect that several districts are currently rebelling.

The President goes on to tell us what happened in the previous Quarter Quells. "On the twenty-fifth anniversary, as a reminder to the rebels that their children died because of their decision to initiate violence, each district was forced to hold elections and vote for the tributes who would represent them."

"On the fiftieth anniversary." The President continues, "As a reminder that two rebels died for every citizen of the Capitol, each district was required to send twice the number of tributes."

Jacob can't imagine facing forty-eight instead of twenty-four in the arena. Worse odds, less hope, and ultimately more dead kids.

That was the year Haymitch won...

"I had a friend who was in that year," Katniss' mother says quietly. "Maysilee Donner. Her parents owned the candy store. After that, they gave me her mockingjay. A canary."

Prim and Katniss exchange a look. It's the first time they've heard about Maysilee Donner. Perhaps because their mother knew we would want to know how she died.

"And now we honor our third Quarter Quell," says the President. The child in white takes a step forward, raising the box while lifting the lid. We can see the neat vertical rows of yellowed envelopes. Whoever conceived the Quarter Quell system was prepared for centuries of Hunger Games.

The President takes out an envelope clearly marked with a 75. He runs his finger over the flap and pulls out a small square of paper. Without hesitation, he reads, "On the seventy-fifth anniversary, as a reminder to the rebels that even the strongest among them cannot overcome the power of the Capitol, the male and female tributes will be reaped from their existing pool of victors."

"No!" Katniss' mother lets out a weak cry, and Prim buries her face in her hands.

"They really did it!" Jacob was filled with fury.

"What?" Katniss was confused.

Existing pool of victors?

Then she realizes what it means. At least, for her. District 12 has only three existing victors to choose from. Two men. One woman. Katniss is going back into the arena.