Sunshine - A Hunger Games Story

23| Sins

As the minutes till the closing ceremony countdown, I fidget with my new hand to calm my nerves. It amazes me how much the prosthesis can move and how it can move in the first place. The fingers act like real fingers, for the most part.

Just before we are about to be raised onto the stage, Minnie, my capital escort, makes her way next to me and puts an arm around my shoulder. It makes me uncomfortable. Her sequined dress sleeve scratches at my skin as we are raised onto the stage.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, give a round of applause for the victor of the 69th Hunger Games, Ayesha Santana. And her Wonderful crew."

The bright lights from the stage temporarily blind me as the platform we are on lifts up.

"First ones here should be two familiar faces. That's right folks, we have our two victors of district 9 and our dear Ayesha's mentors: Elouise Makenzie and Humphrey Stewart!"

The two of them step in front of me and wave to the crowd. Humphrey bows and Elouise gives a curtsy before they make their way off the stage and into the front row of the audience.

"Next we have district 9's ever so talented prep team and designer. Give it up for Jasmine, Jannet, Jane, and Joojoo!"

My prep team, all in matching fluorescent pink and blue outfits, wave to the crowd and make their way to the seats next to Elouise.

"Next we have district 9's capital escort: everyone give it up for Minnie!" Minnie removes her arm from my shoulder and makes her way to Caesar, placing her hand in his waiting one. He leans down and kisses her hand. "Such a beautiful dress too!" He spins her around once before she makes her way into the audience. "And the one you have all been waiting for, this year's victor of the 68th Hunger Games!"

Unlike what he had done for everyone else, this time he walks over to me, taking my hand and leading me to two chairs positioned at the center of the stage. I sit in the one on the left and Caesar sits on my right.

"Well, Ayesha. I have to congratulate you on your victory. It was a very interesting game; A long one at that."

"Thank you Caesar," I give him a smile but the smile doesn't quite reach my eyes.

"Did you know that you are now the victor of the longest Hunger Games in history?"

"I did."

"Yes, well at 27 days, 17 hours, and 26 minutes, you now hold the record of the longest Hunger Games. Congratulations, dear." I nod my head at him, not wanting to risk my voice faltering. "Do you mind sharing to us your strategy that you used to win?"

I take a deep breath, trying to think of what my strategy would have been and if I had one at all. "I'd say I was just trying to make it as long as I could. Trying to get either Henri or myself to the end." A lump forms in my throat and I take another deep breath.

"Yes, and Henri was the young boy from district 8, Ayesha's ally, if you don't recall." My eyes scan the crowd, remembering that they are all here and watching me. I think of what Jasmine told me as I glance over at her. 'Remember: these are the same people that have been watching you for the past month. You have nothing to be nervous of.' "Speaking of allies, do you have anything to say about your allies in the games?"

"Well," I clench my fist by my side to distract my emotions. "I needed their help as much as they needed mine. I won't forget their help and friendship. I just wish I could have helped them more."

"Well that's very kind of them. But, I do have to ask, was there anything more going on between you and any of the tributes?"

"Um, well throughout my time in the arena I did become good friends with some of my allies, if that's what you mean."