The Price of Champions and Crowns (Hunger Games)

13

I'm not saying we got kicked out of District Twelve, but they'd made it abundantly clear that brunch was over.

Thus, we were escorted straight to the train no questions asked. I don't even think Johanna got to say goodbye to her precious friend Katniss.

I think I asked Johanna a stream of a thousand questions when we entered the train. All linked from the posters to what Katniss said.  She ignored me, until she whipped around and screamed in my face before locking herself in her room.

I would say I'm surprised but I'm not. I'm only surprised I just took it and didn't scream right back at her like I used to when I was a child.  Even now, sitting in the dining cart I'm tempted to do it. Just to rial her up a bit. Maybe it'll even be fun and oddly therapeutic.

With a nod to myself I got off the couch, ignored whatever it was Clement asked me and marched with determination towards Johanna's room.

I exhaled and let my palm touch the door. Its locked...I felt my forehead rest there for a moment or two. I don't why. Maybe I felt like its the closest thing to a hug. As a child, I'd spend hours infront of her door. Some nights I even slept against it. It was familiar.

I exhaled in the memories of my broken childhood before taking a small step back. With a big intake of air, I let it out. One all mighty angry scream. I stood, tense with my fists clenched and screamed my heart out. I hoped she might've screamed back but she didn't. 

When I stopped screaming the hallway was filled with a pant, my pant and a cackle.

I turned to Johanna. 

Alone at the end of the corridor. Body causally leaning against the wall with a sly smirk. Glass of something alcoholic in hand.

For once she wasn't behind that damn door. 

She eyed me for a long time. The two of us stood and stared at eachother for what felt like an eternity. Realistically, it could've been anything from 5-30 minutes.

She then rose an eyebrow to which I frowned. "Did that make you feel good?".

Confusion washed over me but I answered anyways. "Depends. Did you hear it?".

If she was insulted or angry at my obvious hate for her then she didn't show it. Instead, she indicated behind her to the hallway. "I had to call off the peacekeepers because you scream louder then I do".

There....hidden amoungst all the malice I saw it, pride.

I smirked. "Then yeah, it felt good".

And for once, if not only for a second. Johanna and I called a truce. 

District Eleven was awkward but not intimidating, nothing like Twelve was. A few snide comments from Chaff but apart from that, it was fine and passed in a blur. So did District Ten and Nine. 

They were more than fine, I hadn't killed any of them. Plus, thanks to Twelve I always double check my pockets before walking on stage.

The train is luxturious. My room is beautiful like the one back home in my mansion. Meals are all catered for, I don't actually write my speech. District Four is ages away. I'm not saying I'm enjoying the tour...but its not bad compared to the games. Well, its a chill ride if you excuse the pun.

So I wasn't upset when the train stopped in what I assumed to be District Eight. Not bothered as my prep team made me look even more beautiful. Not at all alarmed at the fact that I'd have to face Cecelia today.

No. What alarmed me was that when I stepped off the train with a hop in my step I was met with Clement.

Just. Clement.

He was covered from head to toe in red today and gave me a tense smile. "There you are. Ready to go?".

I gulped and looked behind me at two peacekeepers only. No drunk man and manic woman in sight. I stared back at Clement while feeling my palms start to sweat in slight fear. "Where's Johanna and Blight?".

Clement waved his hand as if their absence wasn't concerning at all. "Oh, I wouldn't worry. They just wanted to go home early. They'll finish the rest of the tour with us and we'll meet them in District Seven tomorrow".

I scoffed. Those fuckers left me on the victory tour to face Cecelia alone!?!. "So they left me alone with only you to help me?".

Dread washed over me. All my calmness dissipated. They hide me in a crowd. Johanna snaps at everyone to the point most (if they're not Katniss) don't bother asking me tough questions. I need them here with me. I can't stand the pair of them, but they're my family. They should be here!.

Clement doubled over in a dramtic Capitol fashion. "You wound me child, I've planned this whole tour. You. Need. Me. Now, let's go. District Eight awaits!".

I groaned out my frustration, ignoring the look Clement gave me and followed sombrely after him. 

This is gonna suck.