The Price of Champions and Crowns (Hunger Games)

16

I feel insane, but hopeful. 

Hopeful that he's alive and in Four waiting for me. Or perhaps he's on the tour still...which means he'd be in District Two now.

Doesn't matter. Today isn't about shaking a few hands and saying a stupid speech. No! today I'm getting answers. Today...if they don't let me into their house then I'll break in and see Liam's bedroom.

I know what you're thinking. However, I'm not a stalker or insane. Actually, I could be insane. But, Liam's bedroom will be the key to figuring out everything. And its all thanks to Annie Odair. If Liam really is dead then she'll have left it like a shrine. It'll be pristine. 

A place for her to come and grieve. It's Annie Odair, theres no way if he's really dead that his room won't still be there. People like Annie need more than six months to deal with moving on from the death of her son. 

Plus, I know Liam. If he's alive, then like me he would've packed up his shit and gotten as far away from Finnick as he could. Yet, he'd be close enough to still see his mother everyday. He'll have the house next door. And his old childhood room will be empty. 

It will answer everything.

Answer if I'm really alone in the world and crazy to the point of breaking into houses.

Or, It'll prove I'm a genius and all of Panem are liars!.

Yeah...for some reason I have a feeling the odds aren't going to be in my favor this time.

As soon as I stepped off the platform I felt like I was back in the arena. The air had hint of salt and the wind was so warm. I breathed it in before opening my eyes to the tranquility of it all.

District Four.

There was a beach in the distance. White sand with almost glowing like blue waves. I shuddered, I hate water. I hate waves and I hate beaches. 

How many times have I technically died in water?...twice. 

The last time I came too he wasn't there with me. Oh god, I felt someone grip my shoulders tightly and I stared back into the almost bored face of Johanna.

I hadn't even realised I'd been hyperventilating at the sight of the ocean. She sighed. "No ones going to drown here. Not even you".

That's... comforting. I let out a shaky breath and nodded back at her.

Her eyes lingered on me, then she noticed her grip on my shoulders, her face a mix of panicked regret. She let me go instantly like I slapped her before turning to Clement with a pointed look. "We're skipping the tour of the district. The sooner she says her speech and has brunch the better. I don't want to be here any more than what we have to".

It was biting, sharp and straight to the point. She flipped her hair and started walking away. I was pinned to the spot. I blinked trying to comprehend what just happened. Did she just...

Comfort me?.

No, surely not. I gulped. "What was that?".

Clement huffed and turned to me expectently. "What was what?".

"...S-she touched me". It fell from my mouth like a silent confession. One of total disbelief. 

Clement placed a dramtaic hand over his heart. "She did nothing of the sort. To make such accusations...why, she's your own mother".

I nodded. "Exactly!..no wait, I didn't mean like that".

He scoffed. "I think I know what you meant. Just be grateful I was the only one to hear it. Now, lets go before Blight and Johanna arrive without you".