Peaceful Forever [Book 1]

Chapter 14

-Amily's POV-

I've been in this stupid place for 3 weeks now. I know they said it's to make sure I'm better but I don't think I'll ever be better. The games have truly broken me which is ironic considering I barely even remember the games at all. My brain did a wonderful job of deleting it from my memory, however, the doctors here want me to start remembering it as part of the healing process.

"Good morning Ms. Tides," stated the nurse with blue hair. I can't be bothered to learn their names. "Today we have a very busy schedule! We are starting off with breakfast, followed by a session with Dr. Trix..." Dr. Trix wasn't a horrible therapist, you just hated therapy. "...then after lunch we will have exercise time, then we are starting your reflection sessions." The nurse leaves you with some plates of food and exits the room. Avoxes keep an eye on you as you eat. Apparently you aren't allowed any alone time until you are better.

You were terrified for "reflection" time. It was supposed to help you remember the games so that your brain could process and heal from them but you didn't want to remember any of it.

Entering a white room, the nurses strapped you down to a table so that you lay facing the ceiling. The screen on the ceiling was turned on, with clips of your games playing. You knew it was your games because you were in the footage but it felt like watching someone else's experiences. You felt a cold liquid flowing through your IV and your body relaxed, succumbing to the session.

Three hours later you were brought back to your room. At least they didn't make you talk about what you watched, but you knew your therapist would ask you in the morning. Whatever they put in your system was making you sleepy so you passed out immediately after dinner.

-Finnick's POV-

Mags and I were sat in a room waiting for the doctor to give us the five week update on Amily's progress. Mags had made good progress and we had both been learning sign language to help us communicate. She will be ready to return to 4 when we can take Amily home.

Dr. Holms enters the room, looking happier than normal.

"Thank you for meeting with me," she says as she addresses the two victors. "Amily has made quite good progress since we last spoke two weeks ago."

Two weeks ago they decided to try reflection therapy on Amily as she wasn't making any progress. I'm not sure exactly what reflection therapy was but I know it involves watching her games.

"We were nervous about trying reflection therapy, since it is such a new practice here in the capital, but Amily has made significant improvements. She has been able to watch through her games and talk about her experiences with her therapist. We also were able to get photos from her father to show her and she has been talking about her childhood with her therapist as well."

This is honestly way better news than either Mags or I was expecting.

"We think she'll be ready to go home at the end of the week," finished Dr. Holms.

*Can we see her?* signed Mags. Dr. Holms knew sign language from working with Avoxes.

"Yes," she stated. "I believe Ms. Tides is well enough for visitors."

A nurse with blue hair brought Mags and I to Amily's room. Upon entering, I noticed the small girl looked a lot more alive than the last time I saw her. Her face lit up when she saw Mags, and she looked happy to see me which was a surprise.

"Hi Amily," I cautiously stated as I walked closer to her bed with Mags. Amily signed something to Mags and Mags's face lit up. Apparently Amily had asked the Avoxes to teach her sign language when she had learned of Mags' stroke.

Amily looked up at me and smiled.
*Hi Finnick* she signed. The nurse had also mentioned earlier that she sometimes preferred nonverbal communication due to her trauma but they were hoping she would be more verbal as she healed.

"How are you?" I asked.

*I am ok,* she signed. *A bit tired from my meds.* I didn't realize they had her on medication still but I guess that makes sense.

*You can come home with us next week,* signed Mags. Amily's face lit up.

"Annie," she whispered.

"Yes you will see Annie in 4 next week," I replied. "And you will get your new house next to Mags' and get to meet the other victors."

She looked slightly disappointed.
*Annie coming too?* she asked.

*I will have someone call Annie to let her know you would like her to live with you at your new house. Is that what you want?* Mags signed.

Amily nodded her head enthusiastically and the nurse entered the room to take Amily to her therapy session.

*See you later this week,* Mags signed as we exited the room.

The phone rang twice before Johanna picked up.
"Hey Fishsticks how's Amily doing?"

"She's good," I reply. "They're letting her come home at the end of the week."

"Dude that's great!" exclaimed Johanna. "Does she actually seem better?"

"Yeah," I start. "Mags and I got to see her this morning. She's surprisingly doing really well."

"Glad to hear it," replied Johanna. "I'll give Blight the update."

"Thanks Jo, I'll call you again later this week."

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AN: yay more Finnick and Amily interaction! Next chapter out soon.