❝ THE FALL ◐ the hunger games.

❝ CHAPTER FOUR .

The tributes can feel the train slow down, and that can only mean one thing: they've arrived at the Capitol.

The loud cheering from outside the windows is a dead giveaway, even more so than the train's decrease in speed, but it still serves as a sharp reminder that they've reached their destination.

Kade pulls away from the window, clearly not wanting to be seen by the crowd of Capitol citizens who have gathered at the train station. It's only a matter of time until they spot him—the man they all see as a traitor. He won't deny it. He wears the title like a badge of honor because he knows he made the right choice, despite the rebellion's failure. But deep inside, there's a bitter pang of regret—a regret he'll never admit to anyone, least of all himself.

Alina and Viktor have already made their appearances, showing themselves to the crowd, and the cheers grow even louder. Their names are shouted with enthusiasm, and it's clear that they're Capitol favorites. The two of them drink in the attention, smiling like it's their rightful due, and Denari can't help but wonder if they even understand the weight of what's about to happen.

Denari stays seated on the plush velvet sofa that wraps around the opposite side of the train, out of sight of the frenzied crowd waiting for the tributes to step out. She can't stomach their excitement—excitement for the spectacle of people forced to kill each other. The thought of it makes her skin crawl.

When the train finally comes to a halt, Claudius enters their compartment, as if on cue. He flashes that same bright, toothy grin—one that has been an unwelcome fixture for the past 24 hours.

"Alright, friends, let's get a move on! Your stylists are waiting—tick-tock, tick-tock!" Alina stiffens at his words, her body going rigid as her eyes flick to a clock hanging behind him. Denari hears her muttering the words "tick-tock" under her breath, almost like a mantra, and it confuses her.

The door slides open, and Denari gets her first real look at the crowd gathered outside. She wasn't prepared for how massive it is. Viktor and Alina lead the way, and Claudius takes the front, guiding them through a narrow path carved out by the crowd. The people part for them, but it's like they're moving through a sea of hungry eyes, ready to feast on the tributes' misery.

To Denari's surprise, she hears her name being shouted in the crowd—though the cheers for Alina and Viktor are far louder. It's easy to ignore the calls for her.

"Miss Karma!"
"She's a doll! Denari!"
"Denari! Denari!" The mispronunciation stings, but she forces herself to let it go.
"Oh my gosh, wasn't her brother a tribute? They look identical. Precious as a petal, I tell you."
"Hopefully she has better luck... She seems promising."

The mention of Dexter makes her stomach turn, a wave of nausea flooding her chest. She'd managed to push down the memory of her brother going through the exact same thing she's facing now—until now. The floodgates open, and she can't stop the rush of painful memories from overwhelming her.

"And our male tribute is... Dexter Karma!" The words feel like they echo through Denari's mind, reverberating in her skull. Dexter steps out from the back of the boys' crowd, and it's like the air leaves Denari's lungs. He moves slowly, almost reluctantly, toward the stage. Just as he's about to climb the steps, Denari breaks free from the crowd of girls, almost stumbling as she rushes toward him.

"Dexter!" Her voice cracks, barely a whisper, but he hears it. His heart clenches at the sight of his younger sister, tears streaming down her face. Dexter sees the Peacekeepers closing in, but he doesn't hesitate. He runs up to Denari, pulling her into an embrace, as if this might be the last time he can.