Conquered (previously known as Veni Vidi Vici)

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

    Everyone was up early the next morning. Ali and Gage were excited for their first and, probably, only trip out of their district, Mr. and Mrs. Everdeen were excited to see the amazing amphitheater that housed the Victor’s Ceremony, and Terrence and Aspyn were excited for their “adventure” to be over. After they picked up Mr. and Mrs. Valen, everyone boarded the train bound for the Capitol.

    The train had the same luxuries as it did the first time Terrence rode, but it had a completely different atmosphere. Before, it had been solemn and silent. Now, it was full of chatter and excitement. Terrence and Aspyn went to a different car to be alone.

    “Was this how it was like for you?” asked Terrence.

    “What do you mean?”

    “The train, was it the same?

    “If you’re talking about looks and luxuries, yes, but if you’re talking about people, then no.”

    “I would actually enjoy this if we didn’t have to…” Terrence trailed off.

    “… Do a job,” Aspyn finished, “You don’t have to think of this as a bad thing. Tell you what, how about we think of it as a pre celebration. It means things will be fine.”

Terrence and Aspyn heard old music playing.

    “Well, Rebecky must have picked it.” Terrence explained, “If you couldn’t tell, she’s kind of an old fashioned person.”

    “I noticed. She’s not like the other Capitol people is she?” asked Aspyn.

    “No. That’s why she looks normal, unlike you.”

    “Do think I want to look like this?”

    “No, but I do think that it’s going to take forever to get all that dye and makeup off.”

    “The hair’s a wig. I told Leif about my little dilemma and he said that this would be easier. The makeup comes off easily, too.”

    “That’s cool, I guess.”

    “Want to dance?” Aspyn asked.

    “Who dances to this music anymore?”

    “Rebecky, apparently. Dance helps me get my mind off of things. Come on.”

Aspyn and Terrence just got up when Ali burst in the room.

    “Dance with me Ashley!” she shouted.

    “Okay, only if you tone it down a little.”

    “Okay.”

Terrence was grateful for an escape. He didn’t like to dance much, but watching his two favorite girls dancing was fun. They were spinning around hand in hand and it was making Terrence a little dizzy, but he stayed. Aspyn was right. Dancing does take your mind off what’s ahead.

    “Look out the window! It’s the Capitol!” Gage shouted.

Ali bolted to the window to get a look at a place that wasn’t District Twelve. She was too short so she was jumping up and down.

    “Here, let me help.” said Terrence as he scooped her up.

    “Oh wow!” Ali exclaimed as buildings rushed past her. She was amazed by the strange, colorful People that surrounded the train. There was lots of waving and shouting. Terrence and Ali waved back.

    “They like you.” Terrence said.

    “Really?” asked Ali.

    “Yeah, they think you’re cute.”

Ali liked it when people liked her so she kept waving shyly and the people loved it. When they finally go to the place where Terrence stayed before the Hunger Games, it still looked exactly the same.

    “Wow. This is where you lived?” asked Gage.

    “Yup. Cool huh?”

Ali was already running all over. She loved the Capitol.

    “I don’t want to leave.” She said.

    “You’ll have to.” Mrs. Everdeen told her, “What about your friends?”

    “They can come too!”

Everyone laughed, which made Ali frown. She had no idea what was so funny.

    “Why don’t we eat?” suggested Leif.

    “Sounds good.” said Mr. Everdeen.

Everybody rushed to the table and found it almost over flowing with food. Gage was the first one to dig in, and soon, everyone was eating. There was hardly time for conversation. After dinner, Gage and Ali went to bed.

    “Aspyn, are you ready for this?” asked Mrs. Valen.

    “I think so.” said Aspyn.

    “I know so.” said Terrence clutching her hand.

    “Looks like Ali’s prediction that you two would get married is coming true.” said Mr. Everdeen with a wink.

Aspyn and Terrence quickly separated. After talking for a while, they all went to bed hoping that tomorrow would go well.