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The clinking of crystal glasses beat in rhythm with my heartbeat, eager to return to the fold and the love of family. Now that I was away from the spotlight, I could let off steam and not hide my desire to go home. The living room of the train was empty except for Mags and my presence, so I could proudly display that silly grin that stuck to my lips.In the comfort of my green silk pants and loafers, I no longer looked like a Capitol Hill doll despite the heavy makeup from the coronation ceremony. What a ceremony... I thought there was nothing more terrifying than participating in the Hunger Games, but I was wrong. Getting up close and personal with President Snow was even scarier.A grizzly bear body with a reptile head. I had felt that any minute Snow's hypocritical smile would have given way to an open mouth from which venomous fangs would have come to greet me. It gave me the creeps. The further I got from the Capitol, the better I felt."Are you okay?". The cloth napkin had just been transformed into the shape of a bird whose wings carried this silent question. I honestly had no idea. If I could get past the headache or the sore muscles, I was very excited to get home to my loved ones.
- I can't wait to get back to our District. To put all this aside.
♚➳ . ✯♛
A round of applause erupted as the doors to City Hall opened, the people of District 4 shouting my name with such fervor that it took my breath away. A hand slid down my back to support me or was it to push me forward? I didn't know, but Finnick's confident smile finally convinced me to approach the railing.It was just as confusing to be cheered at home as it was to be cheered by the people on Capitol Hill, but there was a slight difference: their faces didn't look the same. It looked like they were relieved that one of their own had been spared. This thought warmed my heart.In the thick crowd, I managed to make out a familiar blonde hair: my brother's. His messy hair stood out from the crowd. His messy hair was flying in all directions, and my eyes went down to his face to see that Newt was smiling at me. I couldn't wait to get out of City Hall and into his arms, into my parents' arms.
- On a scale of 1 to 10, how excited are you to be reunited with your parents?- Eleven!
My former mentor's suave laughter eased my frustration at not being able to climb the damn railing to make the reunion happen right away, at least Finnick could understand what it felt like to return home after barely saving his own skin. Would my parents understand the actions I had to take to survive?
♚➳ . ✯♛
A sledgehammer slammed into me, taking my breath away momentarily before pairs of arms squeezed me tighter. It was the most pleasant pain I had ever felt before. My parents could continue to smother me in their arms, I never thought I would miss it so much.
