The Price of Champions and Crowns (Hunger Games)

10

Six Months Later- Present Day 

I sighed in longing as I watched the trees slowly fade. Until the scenary had changed to open fields. Goodbye District Seven, hello District Twelve.

To say I'm dreading this tour is an understatement. But I think I'm dreading District Twelve the most. It would be so much easier if the tour started in say District Nine, where Liam and I killed no one. But it just has to be Twelve, where the three victors are close friends of my mother and hate me because I killed Terrance. 

Might as well get used to saying the names of my victim's out loud, everyones going to be saying them. There's also the fact that the victory tour is used to keep the horrors of the games alive in peoples minds. However, I've killed the children of their victors. I could imagine the outrage from Seven if I was killed. Hell, I know they're pissed off about Trent even though I came back. We're treated like their symbols of hope and prosperity. Now, that's been stolen from them by me.

I'd be lying if I said I have no idea who Terrance Mellark was. The oldest twin of Peeta and Katniss. Skilled in archery just as much as he was in the kitchen, baking next to his father. But, I always had a suspicion that it was Terrance who took after Katniss personality wise. Poppy on the otherhand, I think was kind like Peeta. At least thats the impression she gave me. She was warm and welcoming while her twin came across as cold and calculating. 

Didn't matter in the end I suppose. They both aimed at us, both wanting to go home. But we had the head start. He was very famous too. Probably just under myself.  But not as popular as Liam was, though I doubt anyone else but Finnick himself comes close to the fame of Liam Odair. 

Lets add District Four to the list of places I'm dreading. Actually, the only district worse than Twelve is Four. Where I'll have to stare into the eyes of Finnick and Annie and beg them for forgivness. Or maybe I'll tell them how much I love...loved their son. That the sun doesn't shine anymore because he's no longer in the world. 

I suppose they already know that though. I could tell Annie that when the camera's weren't on us, Liam told me how much he loved her. I nodded to myself, I'll tell her just how much she meant to him. I owe him at least that.

I sniffed, whipping a tear and jumped when a hand clamped my shoulder. 

I gulped and looked up into red bloodshot eyes. He exhaled. "It feels bad, huh?".

I felt my head tip in confusion. "What does?".

Blight indicated to myself dramtically. "Winning. It always feels bad".

I let out a sob, suddenly not caring who saw me cry. I don't really care anymore. Besides its, only Blight and myself in this compartment. "They're going to hate me".

He tusked and sat beside me with a grunt. "Yep."

I sniffed again before wiping away tears that refused to let up. I indicated to the bottle in his hand. "Does that really help?".

He sighed and I saw his eyebrows crease in frustration. "To tell you the truth kid, I think it makes it worse. It's worse but it hurts less. Does that make sense?"

I giggled through a sob. "Not at all".

He shrugged in a 'what are you gonna do' kind of way before he huffed. "Bet you wish Trent was here, huh?. Kid always knew what to say".

I nodded. "I miss him."

Blight coughed and then stared at me with pained eyes. "I'll never forget it, you know?. What you did for him in the arena. T-that you never stopped looking for him. I know what she told you in the arena a-and...you have no idea how greateful I am Vicks".

And then Blight was sobbing. Hysterically and wailing. I bit my lip and awkwardly patted his back. Theres a hundred things I need right now to feel sane. And let me tell you, comforting a sixty something man over his dead son is not it. Especially when I know said dead son hated his guts. 

When the train finally stopped the next day I was a nervous wreck. I haven't seen Johanna since she left my house. I know Blight is a mess, more so than usual and Clement won't leave me alone.

I tugged my arm out of his grip and gave him a pointed look. "I'm not a child Clement theres no need to man-handle me".

A snigger behind me had me instantly on edge. "Then stop acting like one".

Johanna stepped off the train in a black flowy dress and she paid me no notice as she put on a pair of black sunglasses. She looks...amazing. It pains me to say that.

Clement huffed and clapped as if he needed the attention of the three of us souly on  him. Theres no need for it when he's dressed from head to toe in lime yellow. "Now, we're on a tight schedule team. Its the speech, followed by a brunch with the mayor and victors of Twevle. Then we're right back on the train for District Ele-"

I blacnhed. "Why do we have to go to brunch?".

I can't think of anything worse than brunch with Katniss and Peeta Mellark. Johanna scoffed. "Moral and good sportsmanship. You've got to respect the districts. Not just say a stupid speech and leave, Victoria".

I definitely think my own mother thinks I'm a spoiled rich kid. I turned to her and frowned. "I don't want to spend time with Mellark's". I then turned to Clement. "I killed their son! What if they poison the food?!?".

Clement dramtically flipped his hair and placed a hand on his heart. "Its an honour to eat with any victor and the mayor of a district. Besides its traditon. You'll eat a meal with every district's mayor and victors".

I gulped. "Even District Four?".

Johanna lowered her glasses so her eyes pierced mine while she winked in pure joy. "Especially District Four, I'm sure Finnick is oh so looking forward to it."

I paled as Johanna smirked before she strutted towards the district. 

The thought of sending a meal with a physco like Finnick sent chills down my spine. And the thought of eating with Katniss and Peeta makes me feel physically sick. 

Welcome to the Victory Tour, Victoria...It might just kill you.