AELLA FELT DIFFERENT AFTER she walked out of that greenhouse. She didn't know what had been said for it to change, she just felt lighter... better. It was strange. She couldn't quite put her finger on it but there wasn't so much of a heavy weight crushing her anymore.

She wasn't sure if it was knowing Snow was hours away from getting what he deserved or if it was the conversation she'd just had with him, hearing him say all those things to her. Not one part of her ever doubted him either. President Snow was many things but he was not a liar and he had nothing to lose in telling Aella everything. The new clarity it gave her was one that she'd need time to adjust to.

She had walked another lap of the mansion when she knew she needed to go back. If she wanted to be there at Snow's execution—which she definitely did—she'd only have an hour or so before she had to leave. Commander Paylor had given her the details her family had not. Snow would be executed publicly on the Avenues for all of Panem to see and it would be by Katniss Everdeen's hand.

Aella couldn't say she was surprised Katniss was going to be the one to kill Snow. That had been Katniss's one condition all along.

She was on her way back to her suite in the north wing when the woman herself walked out of a set of doors in front of her. Both women halted in shock, looking at each other wordlessly while standing in the deserted hallway.

"What was your vote, Mockingjay?" Aella broke the silence eventually. She didn't ask Paylor about that. She doubted the woman knew.

"Yes." Katniss said, "Haymitch favoured whatever I voted."

Aella scoffed to herself in amusement, "Of course he did. The man put's all his trust into you."

"You were right in what you were saying, you know?" Katniss said and when Aella quirked a brow in question she added, "We don't need revenge. Seeing Snow's execution is enough."

"Then why did you vote yes?" Aella asked curiously.

Katniss reached into the breast pocket of her jacket before opening her palm to show Aella whatever she'd stored inside. Aella leaned forward slightly, looking at the familiar capsule sitting in the palm of Katniss Everdeen's hand. Her brows pulled into a tight frown of confusion and she looked at Katniss questioningly.

"Coin agreed I get to be the one to assassinate Snow." Katniss said, though Aella knew it didn't make any physical sense. Why would Katniss be showing her a Nightlock pill hidden in her jacket pocket if she got to kill Snow with no consequences? There was a bigger picture, Aella just had to find it.

The Nightlock pill was tucked away back into Katniss's pocket and Aella was still racking her brain for the answer to the riddle. She continued to watch Katniss with furrowed brows and narrowed eyes, repeating her words over and over again. Why would Katniss take a Nightlock pill after she had killed Snow? It just didn't make sense. She'd face no repercussion. It wasn't like she was going to kill the Interim President or whatever she was calling herself. The consequences would be much more different then—

It hit her like a fist to the face. Her jaw dropped for a moment as the realisation swept through her. She wasn't sure she was definitely on the right page but honestly she had no idea what other page it could be...

"Katniss," she breathed quietly before she looked left and right for anyone lurking nearby. She didn't find anyone but she still stepped closer to her and said lowly, "What are you thinking!?"

"It needs to stop." Katniss replied. Aella wanted to find irrationality in her tone, she wanted to see uncertainty in her eyes but she didn't. Katniss was as sure as she'd ever been. She knew what she was doing.

Aella was speechless. She fought for minutes to say something, anything, but all she could manage to mutter was, "I..." She couldn't believe it. She took a composing breath before she ran her hands through her hair and said, "You don't have to do this, Katniss, I can end it in an hour, I—"

Katniss shook her head and Aella stopped when she saw determination on her face. Katniss was absolute on this. Nothing would change her stubborn mind and for a minute Aella felt sorry for Finnick, Clio and Daniel for having to try contend with her whenever she was hellbent on doing something.

"She killed my sister," Katniss said, "and Snow killed your brother."

Aella inhaled sharply. She had told Katniss that one day it would become bearable. One day. It was over two years before Aella started to feel a little like herself again but the void in her heart had never filled, not even with Finnick, or Daniel or Clio or anyone else close to her. There was still a big gap where her mother, father and brother had once been.

She understood her need for revenge. Katniss would only ever feel closure from Coin's death....an eye for an eye. Not even Aella had gotten that closure, not yet. Her brothers killer was still alive and even so, his death wouldn't be at her hands. It wouldn't be proper closure. Katniss shared the same love for Prim as Aella did for Josh. She couldn't blame her for wanting justice.

Aella nodded once, it was a small nod but Katniss saw it. Aella swallowed deeply and asked, "What about Snow?"

Katniss shrugged, "You always deserved to kill him, not me."

Strong emotions stormed through Aella and she fought to keep control of them all. She took a few deep breaths before asking, "You're sure about this?" When Katniss nodded Aella said, "If you change your mind—"

"I won't." She said, "Snow is yours Aella, just be ready to take the shot."

Aella's lips pulled into a pressed smile when she nodded and said, "I'm always ready."

Katniss nodded and for a brief second the two women looked at each other knowing it would most likely be the last time they spoke. At the same time they both moved in and their arms wrapped around each other in an embrace.

"I hope you and Finnick have a long and happy life together." Katniss wished.

Aella nodded and responded by saying, "And I hope you find your peace."

•     •     •

With each passing minute that brought them closer to Snow's execution the air over the city grew thicker and thicker with anticipation. This was their first step into that new world but Aella couldn't help but think about how they all had no idea their world was about to change again.

She thought she'd be apprehensive about this but if anything she was the polar opposite. That lethal calmness washed over her like it used to and she welcomed it with open arms. She was quiet while a prep team she'd never met helped her get ready.

She watched them through the mirror as they did her makeup exactly how she liked it. Her signature cat eye look returned, enhancing her already sharp features of her face. They smoked the black liner out with eyeshadow and coated her lashes in thick layers of mascara before lining her lips with a deep burgundy and painting them blood red at her request.

Clio was there the entire time, acting as a buffer between Aella and the prep team she'd never met before. She had picked at her nails for the most part of it, thinking about Cayenne and Flax and knowing that she was about to avenge their deaths.

The team had scraped Aella's long onyx hair back into a sleek ponytail at the crown of her head, parted down the middle. Her usual unruly waves had been straightened out and shone under the light. It hadn't taken them long to get her ready and they left as quick as they arrived. Then Clio had emerged with a suit carrier and hung it on the back of the door.

"What's that?" Aella asked her curiously.

"One of Palex's designs." Clio replied as she unzipped the carrier and exposed the clothing inside.

Aella couldn't make out much at first apart from sleek black but the second she had them on and saw herself in the mirror she remembered seeing the design in the sketchbook Clio had given her back in District Thirteen the day before she was captured by the Capitol in District Eight.

She wore a long sleeved black trench coat over short black leather shorts and a simple white bodysuit with a plunging neckline that reached the waistband of her shorts. To finish the outfit were a pair of six inch black stiletto heels. Aella's feet were aching just after two minutes in them but she couldn't deny that they brought the whole outfit together. It suited her down to the last detail. It was so very her but she expected nothing less from Palex.

When it came to them leaving Aella faked a final bathroom break and told Clio to wait for her out in the entry room. She didn't even question her, she just told her to make it quick in her escort voice and left the bedroom.

Aella didn't even have to look for the set of short daggers in her room. She'd hidden them well underneath a secret latch in the bottom drawer of the dresser. The two blades glistened under the sun when she pulled the lid of the box off and saw them along with two arm holsters. She quickly fitted the holsters around her forearms and sheathed the two knifes, making sure she could access them quickly and discreetly in her coat. When she felt both blades fall into her hands she nodded to herself and re-sheathed them before taking a deep breath.

She exited her bedroom into her front room less than two minutes later to find Clio waiting with both Finnick and Daniel. She gave them a confirming nod to indicate she was ready before walking over to them. Four rebel soldiers were already waiting by the door to guide them to the Avenues for the execution.

Aella didn't say anything as she reached Finnick's side. He waited for her while Clio and Daniel walked ahead and when she looked up at him he swallowed deeply and said, "You look stunning, Ella."

She gave him a small nod, "Thank you."

She hadn't decided if she was still angry with them for keeping her in the dark but at that moment in time she had bigger things to think about than a small grudge. With every passing second her heart was picking up its pace when she needed it to stay level. The anticipation was starting to get to her though she knew as soon as she was standing there, about to make the killing blow she'd be okay.

But Finnick saw the distant look on her face and mistook it for anger. He frowned at her and took her hand apologetically, saying, "Ella, I'm sorry. We should never have voted for something like that. We should never of made that decision for you."

And despite the anticipation bubbling up inside her she couldn't ignore his apology. She felt his every word. She saw the pain and regret in his eyes and nodded, "It's okay, Fin," She told him, "I know it came from a place of love, just... don't do it again."

He shook his head, "I wouldn't ever."

She gave him a brief smile that made butterflies erupt in his stomach and said, "Good."

"Good." He repeated, pressing a kiss to her forehead before he guided them to follow Clio and Daniel by their intwined hands.

They walked out to a car that was waiting to take them to the Avenues. There were eight cars in total, one for each Victor and a shared one for Finnick and Aella, that were lined in succession. Only when they were all seated and ready did they leave, driving through the streets and past the rebels that lined the sidewalks. They cheered when the cars passed and Aella looked at them through the blacked out windows.

They lined the streets for miles and when they arrived to the Avenues where the Tribute Parades were held every year each Victor walked the path. The stands were full of rebels and they even stood, waiting to watch Coriolanus Snow meet his demise.

Aella and Finnick were last to make the walk and the rebels gathered erupted into cheers of applause when they both got out of their car. A lump formed in Aella's throat when she both heard and saw the support. Fourteen days ago a small minority of these people had watched army medics rush Finnick off the back of a medial truck a breath away from death with Aella clutching his hand tightly, now they supported them as they walked down the Avenue.

What President Snow had said to Aella had been right. Plutarch was right. Commander Paylor was right. For some reason, completely unbeknownst to Aella, these people looked up to her.

The sheer support took Aella by surprise and when she felt Finnick squeeze her hand she looked up at him to see him already looking down at her with a proud smile on his face. That proud smile stretched into the smirk she knew belonged to the Capitol Darling and he thrust their hands up in the air together in celebration. The crowd roared at his action and Aella drank it all in with a bewildered smile on her face.

She had never realised how special she was until that moment and the feeling was good. She felt important. She felt like she was worth something.

When they reached the top of the Avenue they were guided to join the row of Victors. They were separated off, fifty feet or so from the post that had been erected for Snow's execution. Aella stood on the end, Finnick in between she and Johanna, the Deadly Trio back together once again. Daniel and Annie stood on their row too while Enobaria, Peeta, Haymitch and Beetee stood on the other. Clio was safe off to the side with Effie, Sal, Sam, Natalia and a few others.

Up on what was once Snow's stage Plutarch stood with the rest of Coin's officials and the woman herself. Aella met her gaze fleetingly, icy fire igniting in her cobalt blue eyes before she was distracted by Snow being led out. An ominous feeling swept through the air when he was guided out. Two guards stood in front of him, two behind and five around all in formation. The man was in no condition to make any form of escape, nine guards to protect him seemed like a bit of an overkill, Aella thought.

Snow was led to the post and forced to stand up against it and one single restraint was fastened across his chest. He wore mourning black with a white rose fastened to the left side of his coat, right over his heart. When Aella saw it her lips curved slightly into a barely concealable smirk. The cool press of her blades against her skin reminded her of what was about to become of him.

Heavy drums began, echoing through the city for all to hear. The loud drum pounded in Aella's heart and she turned her head back to watch as Katniss emerged out from the darkness of the holding centre. She was a mere dot miles away but as she walked the rebels gathered at the sides of the Avenues swept in, walking behind her. She walked at a purposefully slow speed, causing anticipation to build and spread through the hundreds of thousands of people who had gathered to witness Snow's execution.

Katniss wore a suit of black armour, beautifully designed and made. Aella spied the Mockingjay pin fastened to her shirt just above her chest plate. Her quiver of arrows were strapped across her back and she carried a sleek looking black bow. Her hair was tied back in a braid that fell over her shoulders and her makeup was smokey and dark, much like Aella's.

The rebels that followed her stopped behind the barricade of District Thirteen soldiers while Katniss progressed onward. She caught Aella's eyes for a fraction of a second as she walked and gave her a discreet nod of her head in signal, yes, she was still going to ahead with the plan. Aella's heart thrummed in a mixture of excitement and anticipation and she lifted her chin before turning back to face Coin and Snow. Katniss passed through them, coming to a stop opposite Snow.

The drums finished and all eyes turned to Coin as she stood atop the dais and lifted her arms out to her sides, "Welcome, to the new Panem," she spoke, her voice booming across the Avenue with an echo through the microphones, "Today, on the Avenue of the Tribues, all of Panem... a free Panem will watch more than a mere spectacle."

Spectacle indeed, Aella thought. She kept her breaths even and her focus razor sharp with her hands clasped behind her back to stop Finnick from attempting to reach for her hand.

"We are gathered to witness a historic moment of justice," Coin continued, "Today, the greatest friend to the revolution will fire the shot to end all wars... May her arrow signify the end of tyranny and the beginning of a new era."

Aella glanced around quickly spying Cressida and Pollux stood nearby filming them. Her heart clenched in her chest knowing Castor and Messalla should've been there with them. Then she thought of everyone else who should've been with them to witness this event.

She thought about her parents, her mother who would be stood by Sal's side just happy to see her daughter free and safe. Her father who would be watching with nothing but satisfaction for the justice being served. She thought about her brother who no doubt would be stood with Sam with a smug smile on his face, how he would've fought through and with the front lines to aid the cause. She thought about Palex who would've been stood with Clio, looking at Aella in pride. She thought about Cayenne and Flax standing with him, true rebels.

She thought about all the Victors who had risked their lives to join the rebellion when it was a mere idea. She thought about those who had died to the Purge. She thought about all those who had been killed in District riots, or bombings. She thought about the rebels and soldiers who had lost their lives for this better world they were about to embark in.

But then she saw them. Castor and Messalla were standing with Cressida and Pollux, filming. Her mother and father were standing with Sal, her fathers arm wrapped around her mother's shoulder as they watched on. Her brother was standing right there next to Sam, his head held high as he looked at Snow in hate. Palex was there with Cayenne and Flax, all three of them admiring Aella in her outfit, calling her a goddess.

They were all there; Mags, Blight, Cecelia, Woof, Seeder, Chaff, Wiress, the Morphlings...

All in spirit... like they always would be.

"Mockingjay," Coin spoke directly to Katniss, pulling Aella back into focus, "may your aim be as true as your heart is pure."

Katniss reached back for her arrow slowly before drawing it. Her bow string groaned as she pulled it taught and rose to aim it directly at Snow. She held it there, unmoving for seconds.

Aella released a breath through her lips as that familiar killing calmness washed over her. The icy flame danced in her irises as Death arrived at the Huntress's shoulder, waiting patiently to take her next victim. She relaxed her arms to her side casually and released her blades discreetly. They slid down her arms, falling right into the palms of her hands and she held them, careful not to let the end of the dagger shine past the sleeves of her coat.

She kept her body relaxed and adjusted her posture accordingly, assuming her stance by pulling her shoulders back and lifting her chin. She calculated her aim and the angle she'd have to throw from while keeping one eye on Katniss for the signal.

The Mockingjay took her time, aiming her arrow at Snow for a solid thirty seconds but when Aella saw her posture change and her bow rise she knew it was time.

Before anyone had the time to react she released the daggers fully, catching them by the handles and with lightning speed she drew back and threw.

Her dagger flew at the exact time Katniss's arrow released and in unison they hit home.

Aella's dagger pierced through the white rose Snow had pinned to his chest and went straight into his heart. Above him, Katniss's arrow pierced Coin's heart and she fell forward off the dais and on to the stone wall beneath her.

Snow's eyes widened, in what Aella didn't care to know, but he met her gaze slowly and she saw shock there. Shock from her dagger piercing his heart. It brought her beautiful satisfaction and her lips curved upward into a feline smirk.

She let the realisation that she was the one to deliver his killing blow register in Snow's mind for a brief second while she twirled the second dagger in her fingers with expert skill. He coughed viciously, blood splattering on to the ground and dribbling down his chin. He gasped for breath in short, pained, spurts and met her gaze one final time to see her throw her second dagger.

The sleek black weapon flew through the air with expert aim and it hit it's intended target once more, only reiterating Aella's skill and precision.

Coriolanus Snow's body fell limp as the second dagger embedded itself between the mans eyes. Both her daggers were right on mark from where they'd landed when she first threatened to assassinate him back in her individual assessment.

Shocked gasps echoed over the Avenue. No one knew where to look... at their dead former President or their dead Interim President but Aella's eyes never left Snow's dead body.

Shouting and chaos erupted as rebels fought past the barricade of District Thirteen soldiers to swarm Snow's body. He disappeared from her view as Johanna's loud, amused, laughter pounded through Aella's ears but she didn't look at her friend. Instead, she looked upward to the dais where Coin had once stood and she met the gaze of Plutarch Heavensbee.

His lips curved into a faint, all knowing, smile as he looked at her and he nodded his head once.

Aella held his gaze, nodding in reciprocation, her smirk broad.

A firm hand on her arm didn't even startle her. All she felt was pure power running through her veins.

Finally justice had been served and it was sweet. Panem could finally move on in this next step, free from all tyranny the two deceased Presidents had caused. Aella felt nothing but satisfaction and it reflected in her face and oozed from her body.

Finnick shook her wildly, his eyes wide with shock as he tried to pull her away from the unrest that was occurring around them. People were still fighting to get to Snow's deceased body like an angry mob.

"Aella what did you do?" He yelled with wide eyes.

Aella didn't share his confusion. She didn't feel the fear that reflected in his eyes. Instead she merely said, "What I promised him."

A hand clapped on Aella's shoulder and pulled her back somewhat. Johanna appeared next to Finnick, a satisfied grin on her face as she continued to laugh and she said, "You did it," her tone was almost disbelieving and she sighed in amusement before shaking her best friends shoulder and saying, "oh, god.... You fucking killed him."

Aella barely met her gaze before Daniel appeared between Finnick and Johanna, a mixture of both their expressions on his face as he looked at Aella. He held her gaze and hissed, "What have you done?"

But Aella saw nothing wrong with her actions. Snow was a dead man anyway, what did it matter if she killed him instead of Katniss? It didn't. She killed a man who was already set to be executed. They couldn't touch her and she knew it. Plutarch Heavensbee would have her out of whatever cell they threw her into before the sun went down.

And when she saw the District Thirteen soldiers approaching her through the crowd she merely met their gazes and smirked, raising her arms in mocking surrender. Finnick, Johanna and Daniel all turned to look at the two men that approached her. Finnick and Daniel attempted to talk her way out of it while Aella merely looked lazily at Johanna and met her best friends smile with a wicked grin of her own.

"Aella Barnes, you're under arrest." The man cautioned her, a pair of handcuffs hanging from his hands.

She merely eyed the cuffs and looked back at him with an arched brow, a warning glare shining in her eyes as if daring him to even try. Wisely he backed down, the cuffs disappearing back into his pocket. He reached for her upper arm instead, holding her with a firm grip and she allowed him to pull her forward.

He led her to a truck that was already waiting, the voices of Finnick and Daniel bleeding into the uproar of rebels in her ears. The crowd parted for her as she was led away and rebels cheered her on as if she had just won them the war.

Yes, she thought to herself as she passed through them all, Leader of the Rebellion, indeed.

•    •    •

Aella knew she was in no trouble judging by the room the soldiers guided her to when she arrived back to the mansion. They took her to the west wing, close by to where Snow used to host his parties, and left her in a drawing room of sorts. It was large and spacious, extravagant gold sofas spread around a round glass table. A rich, cream rug decorated the pine wood floor.

Large windows showed the setting sun outside, the sky bleeding a mix of burnt oranges, pinks, purples, and blacks. Gold floor length drapes decorated the windows and a large crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling, illuminating the room. Over by the left side of the room was an all glass drinks cabinet and Aella had helped herself to some of the Capitol's finest aged whiskey poured out into a crystal glass.

She settled into the sofa with a satisfied smile and took a sip of the liquor. The familiar burn was soothing as it glided down her throat and she released a content sigh as she swirled the amber liquid in the crystal glass.

The double doors opened ahead, two soldiers stepping in and holding them open for the new arrival to pass through. They nodded in thanks to the two men before the doors were closed and Aella was reminded that there were two armed guards stationed at her door.

But she couldn't fight the lazy smirk that stretched across her lips when she draped her arm across the back of the sofa and said, "Plutarch Heavensbee, to what do I owe this pleasure?"

Plutarch wore a similar expression on his face. An amused grin of sorts. He bowed his head in greeting to Aella and said, "Huntress."

She rolled her eyes in amusement while scoffing into her glass. She took a generous sip of the expensive liquor before she said, "I can't say I'm surprised to see you here. Why is that?"

Plutarch walked to the sofa opposite her and sat down, making himself comfortable while saying, "Perhaps it's because you knew this would happen."

"Well," she said brazenly, "what's the point in threatening people if I don't follow through? You know me, Heavensbee, I'm a woman of my word."

"Hmm," Heavensbee hummed, "that you are."

Aella studied him through her lashes before she lifted her chin and said, "What are you really doing here?"

He released a steady breath, crossing one leg over the other, "Panem is in shock. You and Katniss really took everyone by surprise."

Aella nodded and arched her brow, "But not you."

The man shook his head once, pressing his lips together, "Part of me was hoping you'd figure something out."

"Well I suggested the less violent option of ruining her reputation in the run up to the election but Katniss wanted the swift kill. Partially so she couldn't give the people the idea of the Games she was planning but more importantly because she killed her sister." Aella said to him before adding, "I can't say she didn't deserve it."

"So she told you?" Plutarch asked nonchalantly.

Aella pulled a face of contemplation before saying, "Not in direct words, no. Katniss merely hinted it and I figured the rest out for myself."

Plutarch nodded and said, "No one knows what to do with her."

"She's the Mockingjay," Aella replied, "as unpredictable as she is, she had her reasons. Panem will realise that once they find out what Alma Coin was really like."

Plutarch's brow arched, "You're still going to tell them?"

"Of course I am." Aella replied, "She doesn't deserve to be mourned after everything she's done."

"The problem is, Aella," Plutarch said, "Katniss just killed the President and you just killed Snow."

Aella shrugged, "I don't see how that's a problem."

"Coin's government see it as a conspiracy between the two of you," he told her, "how else would you know to kill Snow at the same time Katniss was going to fire her killing blow at Coin?"

Aella rolled her eyes heavily, "They want to charge me with murder?" She asked him before scoffing, "Let them."

Plutarch shook his head, "Conspiracy," he replied, "but I'm already working on a plea deal for Katniss on the grounds of insanity."

"And me?" She asked him, "Are you going to tell everyone I'm mentally insane...because I kind of am, you know?"

A small smile curved on his lips. His eyes shone in amusement as he looked at her and said, "You're untouchable, Aella, and you know it."

"Damn fucking right, I do." She nodded, a valiant smirk twisting her lips, "No one has fought harder for this revolution than I have and I'm not even done, either."

That was the answer he wanted. Realistically they both knew she couldn't be charged for this. She killed a man who was already sentenced to death.... And if anything, she was the one who deserved to kill him. All of Panem knew that, perhaps aside from Coin's ignorantly, sheltered, government officials. But Plutarch had sway with all of them. He was adept in influencing people into making the decisions he wanted, much like Aella was. She knew he'd ensure she faced no backlash from this.

The man merely nodded in response, happy with her answer, and silence followed between them. Aella finished her drink with a big gulp and leaned forward to place the crystal glass down on the glass table. She sat back with a sigh and asked, "So what now?"

Plutarch shrugged, "You live." He said to her.

Her brow arched and she repeated, "Live?"

He nodded, "Go, have that life you've dreamed of with Finnick. Enjoy it. You deserve it after all."

Aella contemplated his words before she swallowed and looked away to the side, "I don't know how to live."

"None of us do." Plutarch said as he rose to his feet and dusted off his trousers, "But we'll figure it out eventually."

Aella nodded, watching him walk toward the door until he stopped mid walk and turned back to her as if he remembered something he had to tell her, "Oh, almost forgot, your family? They're furious you didn't tell them. Just a heads up."

"Yeah?" Aella asked with a returning smirk, "Now they know how it feels."

Plutarch shook his head with an amused chuckle and said, "Goodbye, Miss. Barnes."

"Goodbye, Plutarch." She responded softly.

He turned on his heel and she watched him walk out, never to be seen again, leaving her a free woman for the first time in her life.

•    •    •

A/N; I have had this moment planned from the very start of this book!!! I'm so glad I finally got to write this chapter. The opportunity was right there and I couldn't not take it. Aella deserved it more than anyone.

The last chapter will be posted Monday and I'm really struggling to write it, not going to lie. It will be followed by two epilogues on Wednesday and Friday and then Ethereal will be officially finished. Lots of happy endings are coming! I hope you're ready..