The Hunger Games

Chapter Twenty-Two

Following the games sucked. Home was not my home. We were moved to Victor village and my brother threw himself into training. The victory tour was a mess. I had to read cards about the tributes as try not to cry when I looked up to see my fellow tributes faces. It was torture in every way. I did get to meet some cool people though. The first Victor from a different district was district 12's only Victor. Their district was dark and gloomy and Haymich Alberny reflected that. He smelled high of liquor. He slurred his speech and it seemed like that was the normal. Then there was a boy from 7 his name was Paul Write, He won his games the year before Finnic. He was currency 17 meaning he won his at 15. He had black hair and bright blue eyes. He was something else. At first we hated each other but after a while of sitting down and talking we found there was a lot more we had in common then we didn't. His attitude matched Borris's quite a bit. The same cocky sense of humor. Like Finnick and I, we grew close fairly quickly. After my tour we tried to visit when we could. The only other that I really had a meaningful sit down was District 4 Finnick Odair and Maggs Flanagan. Maggs mad me tea and Finn told me with some copping mechanisms that helped him. He didn't say much being he was a charmer. We grew close quickly. He was also the one to warn me that if Snow came knocking don't say no. He warned when no one was around that his parents died because he refused a job. I shivered at the thought. Now, well now came that time. Snow sat before me at my desk. My work desk. I started teaching at the academy a few months after the tour to try to get back into the swing of things. Try to find normal. My parents were luckily out and Cato was training like normal.

"How have you been, Ms. Hadley?"

"Please, Kit. I have been fine, readjusting that is all. How about you President, sir?"

He chuckled at my nervousness.

"Kit please take a seat, I am not hear you cause you stress."

I took a deep breath and took a seat in one of the chairs set opposite of his. He leaned across the desk with his fingers interlocked.

"You know, my granddaughter won't stop raving about you."

I smiled at this. I am glad that I could bring some good to someone's life.

"For that, I have a job to propose when you do come to the capital. It won't be one where you would get payed and it would be only when you come and visit."

"Please go on, what can I help with."

He smiled at my fake eagerness. I was hoping he didn't see through the lie.

"When you come to the capital, pay a visit to her. It can be simple as picking her up from school, or having dinner."

I smiled. All the victors warned me of the terrible things Snow would ask them to do. This was far from terrible.

"I would be more then happy to do that. I would be happy to take a train up there anytime she wants a visit. I am honored she thinks so highly of me."

Snow smiled at me and rose from his chair.

"If that is situated, I will be seeing you, Kit."

Then he walked out. I would have to see him again but he was out of my personal life. I smiled thinking that I was kind of free from the capital other then my visits which wouldn't be too bad. And mentoring tributes, that would be the hardest. I didn't know how well I would handle having to watch them die. Watch as they fought in conditions similar to mine. Luckily, Ebinora was with me every step of the way. I would go home with her and play with her daughter. She smiled when ever she heard her daughter let out a squeal and giggle. She said it was like seeing the old me come through again. I guess since I came back I was different but when I was with kids, the darkness went away a little. The nightmares were a constant, they never really seemed to go away and every once in a while I would have illusions during the day. The worst is when I am pacing through the training room and I hear a thud from a weapon or a cry of pain. In the general classroom I was fine. Even when we analyzed film but the actually fighting area...I was unsure weather I would ever find a place of peace again. I heard my door open and close with a slam and then Ebinora walked in a look of worry on her face. I was still standing at the doorway facing the door so she didn't have to go far to find me.

"What did Snow want? I just saw him walk out?"

She had clear panic in her voice. I smiled. It was good to have someone care. My parents were distance. Like if they didn't know who I was anymore and Cato was always out training.

"Nothing."

"Nothing?"

I smiled.

"He asked if I would pay visits to Marie."

"Marie, who is Marie?"

I laughed and shook my head, of course she would remember the little girls name.

"His granddaughter. So everything is good, nothing to worry about. When I am in the capital I am to pay her a visit."

She looked at me strangely.

"And that is all, no high demand job, no selling yourself, nothing."

I frowned sadly.

"No, nothing like that. I just visit Marie when I can."

She let out a sigh of relief and came over and engulfed me in a hug."

"Oh Thank the Heavens!"

I laughed and hugged her back.

"So not bad, I will be ok."

She nodded.

"You will be ok."