Storm: A Hunger Games Story {Book One of the Storm Trilogy}

PART TWO: The Tour (Fourteen)

"I don't want to go. I can't do this." I cried in my mother's arms. Today is the day I leave for the tour. I've been dreading it for months now.

"I know love. It'll be over really soon. You can do it. You're so strong." she replied.

"Everyone! We are leaving in five!" Anastasia shouted. I said my goodbyes to my family, which I never wanted to do again. At least this time they know I'll be coming home.

"Just do what they tell you to do, okay?" Mason whispers as he hugs me. I nod.

"I wouldn't disobey them. Not after last week." Last week, when Wes and I announced our relationship. Nothing has happened yet. I'm afraid that if Snow is going to do anything, he'll do it while we're on the tour. While I'm far away and can do nothing to protect my family.

"I know you wouldn't. Just, please be careful."

"I will. You look after Mom and Dad, and yourself. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if something happened to you." I told Mason with tears in my eyes.

"Nothing is going to happen. Just focus on getting through this tour, okay? I love you."

"Okay. I love you so much Mason." I hugged him one last time, and followed Anastasia, Wes, and Cecelia to the train station.

As soon as we got on the train, Anastasia began explaining our schedule.

"Alright! Twelve districts and the Capitol. I will give you a speech to read for each district. The only thing you need to do is read it, go to a few dinners with important members of the district, and then get back on the train!" I rolled my eyes. This was not something I wanted to do.

Wes and I went to the back of the train and watched the world go by. Being on the train only reminded me of the games.

I would force myself to be okay for every district except my own. I will allow myself to mourn him. To show Snow what he took from me. To show him what he took from his family.

"So tomorrow morning we'll be in District Twelve?" I ask Wes. He nods in reply.

"You might get to meet the dashing Haymitch Abernathy." he replies sarcastically. I snort.

"This should be fun."

———————

The train made a complete stop at the District Twelve train station. I stepped off the train with my team, and the peacekeepers led us to the Justice Building. Inside the building, I pass by posters with my picture on it, saying "VICTORY TOUR: 68TH HUNGER GAMES" with my name, and underneath it claiming I was the hidden gem of District Eight. I remember this photoshoot. I was dressed in an emerald green dress once again.

I am introduced to their mayor, Mayor Undersee, and the district's sole victor, Haymitch Abernathy. The stench of alcohol followed him everywhere he turned. On his breath, his clothes, it probably oozed out of his skin.

"It's nice to meet you, Haymitch." I said, holding out my hand. He looked at my outstretched hand, snickered, and walked away, stumbling as he went.

"Yeah, that's Haymitch." Cecelia told me.

"He seemed nice." I joked. I tried to make light of the situation, even though I shouldn't.

Anastasia came scurrying over to me with my speech.

"Don't stray from the script. Just say what's on the card." Wes told me.

"I will. I'm not putting my family in danger." I told him. My prep team came and made finishing touches to my hair and makeup. I clutched the cards in my shaking hands, and braced myself for the crowd.