In her favor

𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐘 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐑

SIX MONTHS. That's how long ago the 72nd games were. Half a year ago, and yet, it still haunted Saleah Barnette.

Most nights were sleepless, filled with nightmares and flashbacks. She couldn't get their faces out of her head. She saw them everywhere.

Bolt, Craig, Eklie, Daphine, Feather, Tanner, Faye, Jessica. They haunted her dreams. She could not stop it. She hated the games, she hated every minute that was spent in the arena. 

Sometimes, she wished she had just died in that arena during the bloodbath. She wished that Feather had just let Greene strangle her until all the air left her lungs. 

In times like that, she'd often feel bad, regretting these thoughts. She had family. She was lucky to be back home with them. Her death would have ruined them all, she was sure of it. They'd lost her mother, and they couldn't afford to loose anyone else.

If they did, Saleah knew they'd be broken forever.

-

"Saleah, dear! It's lovely to see you again!" Laycey tightly embraced the younger female.

Saleah smiled, "Nice to see you too."

"I know it! How are you feeling dear? Ready for your tour?" Laycey questioned.

A grimace appeared on Saleah's face upon the mention of her Victory Tour. She'd wanted nothing to do with the games ever again, but she knew that wasn't possible. She'd be a mentor for the next games, and the games after that, and after that, every year until there was a new victor, or until she died.

"Not really, but there's nothing much I can do."

Laycey frowned, but didn't say anything else.

"Leah?" A voice spoke.

Saleah turned around to see her siblings standing nervously in the corridor, staring at Lacyey.

"Oh, its okay guys, this is Laycey, Laycey these are my siblings, Rue, Raven, Quin, Dahlia, and Kinni."

"Oh wow. Lots of children." Laycey mumbled as she gave a short wave.

"Are you leaving now?" Dahlia asked.

Saleah gave her a sad nod, "But I'll be back soon! " she promised as she gave her siblings each a long, tight hug. "Where's aunt Willow?" She asked.

"Upstairs." Quin answered.

Saleah told Laycey she'd be just a minute before running up the stairs and into her Aunt's bedroom.

"Leaving already?" Willow opened her arms for a hug.

"Yeah, I'll be back soon though. Love you."

"Love you baby, stay safe, okay?"

Saleah kissed her Aunt's head, "I will!" She said as she headed out and back downstairs.

"Bye guys, love you!" She blew a kiss to her siblings, and then she was gone.

She was upset that she couldn't say goodbye to he dad, he was working and wouldn't be home until after dark.

She got into the car with Laycey as they headed to the train. Saleah never got used to the feeling of the cars driving along the bumpy roads of eleven.

When they got to the train, Orna was waiting for them. She gave Saleah a quick hug and they headed into the train.

"Are you ready for this?" Orna asked.

Saleah shook her head, "No, but what else can I do?" She sighed.

"You'll be okay... All you have to do is read cards, the escort, Crystal should be writing speeches for you. She'll meet us in ten."

Saleah nodded and they sat in silence for a few minutes. 

Laycey came in and sat next to Orna, "Well, we should be reaching ten in about an hour or so, come Saleah, let's get you ready."

Saleah got up and followed Laycey.

Laycey got Saleah "camera ready" and by the time they were done, they'd reached ten.

Ten was Jessica's district. Saleah had remembered how the young girl talked about her home. It was a shame she'd never go back to it.

They met Crystal at the Justice Building. She handed Saleah a card with a speech written on it.

"You'll do great okay?" Orna patted Saleah's shoulders and gave her a smile.

Saleah nodded and stepped in front of the big doors right as they opened.

A sea of people stood in front of her, all staring at her. Cameras were pointed to her face, and a screen behind her displayed the footage. Behind the crowd of people, she could see two platforms with the families of the fallen tributes standing there. The fallen's pictures were hung up for everyone to see.

Saleah held her eyes on Jessica's picture for a second, the girl's fiery red hair was a contrast to her dull, and terrified eyes.

Saleah cleared her throat as she stepped up to the mic. "Uhm, hi..I am so honored to be standing here today. As a victor, I can say that I do indeed feel victorious. Though, that does not take away from the sorrow of the losses.. Jessica and Flynn were two great individuals, and it is a shame that they could not be here today with us.. Going into the games we all have a chance to win, to triumph and come out as a victor. As sad as it is, there can only be one who wins. So, I stand here today to tell you all, that no matter who you are, or where you are from.. You too can be victorious. Thank you."

People clapped, but out of fear. The victory tour was horrible and they all knew that, but there was nothing more they could do.

"You did great!" Orna gently smiled.

Saleah just nodded, she didn't have the energy to reply.

-

Over the last few days, Saleah had been standing in front of the people of every district, speaking about their fallen tributes and how "great" and "generous" the Capitol was. She was glad it was over. Well, almost.. Tomorrow she'd be going to the Capitol for a celebration, the end of her Victory Tour.

She was scared, she hadn't talked to Snow in a while, but she knew the next time she saw him it would not be good. She could just feel that something was going to happen, but she didn't know what.

She'd done everything right, she'd been a good Victor. She stayed in her place and did what they told her to do. She didn't even lash out during the tour, not once. She had teared up when she spoke about Feather, but that was it. She couldn't afford to make any mistakes, she had family, and she couldn't risk anything happening to them.

Snow could do anything, and Saleah knew that. He put Orna's daughter in the games because of a mistake Orna had made. He was ruthless. He never killed or harmed the Victor directly, he was sly and shady. Saleah had to be careful.