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Estella leaned her head gently against the cold glass of the train window, watching as the landscape blurred past in streaks of color—green fields melting into grey cities, shadowed woods folding into golden plains. Each passing second took her closer to District 5, to home, to normalcy.
And yet, despite the comforting hum of the train and the rhythmic clatter of its wheels on the track, her heart felt displaced, as if it had been left behind somewhere between the arena and this polished luxury cart. Her reflection stared back at her—tired, beautiful, but troubled. She didn't feel like a victor. Not really. The battles were over, but something inside her remained unsettled. Wary.
Beside her, the air was far less heavy. Aries lounged comfortably, beer in hand, grinning lazily at something Dennis had said. The two were engrossed in a carefree conversation, shoulders brushing as they shared another round of drinks. Estella gave a side glance, her eyes tracing the curve of Aries's smirk, the way his scarred hands gestured as he spoke, animated and alive.
Even with the arena carved into his bones, he laughed like a man untouched. Her gaze lingered longer than it should have, a soft pang twisting in her chest. He shouldn't have had to grow up like this. None of them should.
She placed her journal on the polished wooden table in front of her, the worn leather cover closing with a faint thud. Quietly, she slid closer to the boys, her knee brushing against Aries's. He noticed her immediately, his eyes flicking to hers with a crooked smile already forming. Without missing a beat, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her snug against him. It wasn't dramatic, not overly romantic—but there was a warmth in the way he did it, a familiarity that said you're safe here.
Then, with a teasing sparkle in his eye, he held out his beer to her. "Go on, darling. After everything we've been through, a little rebellion won't hurt you."
She rolled her eyes, but there was no real irritation in her expression. Taking the bottle from him, she brought it to her lips for a cautious sip. The bitter taste hit her tongue instantly and she scrunched her face, coughing lightly.
Aries burst into laughter, the sound so contagious that even Dennis chuckled. Estella set the bottle down with a mock glare. "I think I'd rather face another mutt than drink that again," she muttered, snuggling deeper into his side. Aries smirked proudly, his fingers absently toying with a lock of her hair. She didn't stop him.
The train barreled forward, speeding at over eighty miles an hour, but to Estella, time felt slow. The world outside moved in a blur, yet the moment inside this train felt frozen. She could hear Dennis and Aries continuing their conversation, but her mind drifted between their voices and the steady thrum of the wheels. Aries's fingers twirled around her hair with almost boyish distraction, and Estella hummed softly at the sensation.
She couldn't tell if he realized how much comfort he gave her—or if he needed it just as badly.
Dennis glanced over at them, watching the easy way they leaned into each other, the soft smiles that passed between them when they thought no one was looking. He took a swig of his drink and shook his head with a smirk. "You know, it's funny," he said. "Thinking back to the first time you two showed up at my doorstep. I don't think I've ever had a worse first impression."
Estella cracked one eye open, her lips quirking. "You mean when we threatened to break your nose?" / "Ah, yes." Aries laughed, pointing a finger at Dennis. "You looked like you were ready to retire right then and there."
"Still might." Dennis rolled his eyes but his voice was fond. "Didn't expect to get attached. Didn't think I'd be sad to see you go." The laughter between them faded into a soft silence, one filled with something heavier.
Estella opened her eyes, meeting Aries's gaze. They didn't need to say anything. Both of them felt it—that strange itch in their bones that told them this wasn't the end. That they'd be back. Maybe not as tributes, but for something. Something bigger. They broke eye contact at the same time, as if afraid of what the other might say if they held it any longer. Dennis noticed the shift and narrowed his eyes thoughtfully.
Aries drained the last of his beer and placed the empty bottle down with a thud. "...We'll be around," he said, his voice lower than before, more certain. Estella nodded, her hand raising slightly as if echoing his vow.
Aries stood, offering his hand to her with a little smirk. "Come on, love," he said, the pet name slipping out too easily now. She took his hand without hesitation, and he pulled her to her feet with one smooth motion. The train let out a deep, mechanical groan as the brakes kicked in, signaling their arrival.
Cheers and applause could already be heard echoing from outside the train. The three of them moved toward the rear door, Dennis trailing behind as Estella and Aries stepped forward hand-in-hand.
Iphigenia waited for them there, dressed in her usual pristine Capitol attire, her smile tinged with melancholy. Estella let go of Aries only to wrap her arms around the older woman, holding her tightly as Iphigenia wept openly. "I'll miss you, Estella," she whispered. Estella gave her a gentle smile, hiding the ache in her chest. "I'll miss you too."
Wiping her tears quickly, Iphigenia took a step back and began fixing their clothes, smoothing Estella's red sweater dress and straightening Aries's matching black jacket. "No more tears now! There'll be cameras everywhere. You need to look flawless."
"And she's back to her Capitol nonsense," Aries muttered with a theatrical groan. Iphigenia swatted his arm in response, gasping in mock offense. Dennis snorted while Estella giggled behind her hand. "You're impossible," Iphigenia said with a shake of her head.
"Guilty," Aries replied, raising his hands in surrender. Then he turned to Estella again, offering his hand once more. Their fingers met in a silent promise.
The two of them were dressed perfectly—coordinated, polished, ready. Her soft crimson dress swayed just slightly at her knees, her black jacket tailored and regal. Aries matched her effortlessly, tall and striking beside her in matching colors, their boots tapping in unison on the steel floor. Iphigenia's eyes gleamed with pride.
"Let's go."
Dennis moved ahead and opened the cart door. The station outside exploded with noise—District 5's citizens roared with excitement, camera flashes flickered like lightning. The crowd was larger than either of them expected, their faces a blur of smiles, tears, and hands stretched out in admiration.
Aries stepped onto the back platform first, followed by Estella, their hands raised in a wave like seasoned politicians. He scanned the sea of faces, recognizing both supporters and betrayers—those who cheered now but once hoped for his name in the reaping. The falseness clung to the air like smoke, and it made his stomach twist.
"I'm starting to think staying in the arena might've been less exhausting," he murmured through a tight smile.
Estella leaned in close, her voice barely audible over the noise. "At least someone isn't pretending," she said, pointing toward a familiar group. The Williams and Susan stood near the barricades, eyes red but joyful.
"They're waiting for you," Iphigenia said behind them. Turning back one last time, Estella embraced Iphigenia and Dennis together, lingering like a child before taking her first step away from the nest. Then she grabbed Aries's hand, holding it firmly. "We promised to stay with each other, remember?"
He pulled her into a hug, holding her close enough to feel her heartbeat. "We'll always be together."
"Together," she echoed.
From inside the cart, Dennis watched them step into the light, hand in hand, the noise swallowing them. Iphigenia slipped beside him, dabbing her tears once again. "They won't be gone long," she said. "We'll still need to protect them."
Dennis nodded slowly, eyes never leaving the pair. "...I know. I know."
