Through the Eyes. (The Hunger Games fanfiction)

Chapter 15

Present

I stare out into the city, watching the people stroll along the street from the rooftop of the training center. I remember standing here with Elian and Asher.

I let my dress flow by my legs and I lean over, putting my weight on my elbows.

"Beautiful night, isn't it?" Omar says behind me. I turn and see him standing by the elevator.

"It is." I answer.

"You can take it in later. They want to interview you now." He says. I sigh and join him in the elevator.

"They'll ask you a few questions about your second alliance and even about Asher. Just try to stay focused and seem strong." He says and I nod. The elevator releases us and we walk to backstage. I check my dress in a mirror for the last time and then follow Omar behind the curtain, where I can hear the crowd cheering.

I decided to wear the necklace that Trachea gave me, along with the one my father gave me. They didn't seem to cause problems in the games, and I felt good that they were there. I feel like if I wore them now, it would represent my District.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, may I introduce to you, the Victor of the 29th Annual Hunger Games, Ariston Mallow!" Loan introduces me and I walk out on stage. The cheering is even louder than it was the first time I was here. I meet Loan in the middle and I sit down in the chair.

"Good evening Miss Mallow, how are you holding up?" He asks once the crowd settles down.

"I'm fine, thank you." I answer.

"Alright Ariston, we're going to get right to it. I stand with the entire half of Panem when I ask, what exactly was going on with you and you're allies? You had more than one?" He asks.

I nod my head. "Yes, I had agreed to protect the boy from Seven by keeping him away from the careers." I say. The crowd "awes".

"But you didn't do a very good job?" He says. I don't answer. It's kinda offensive.

"Okay then, next question. Tell us what happened with you and Elian Rove from Five."

"We just started to like each other, that was it." I say, not wanting to get emotional. Talking about Elian is a touchy subject that I try to avoid.

"We were all very confused when he revealed his betrayal. What exactly was going through your head?"

"Nothing. I wasn't thinking. I was just so angry, I had to kill him." I answer. Behind me, the clip of the finale is playing. The crowd is ignoring it, but I can't help but watch. I look terrible.

"Ariston? Are you alright?" Loan asks me. I realize I'm crying when a tear drops on my hand. I wipe my eyes and look at him with a slight smile.

"I'm fine. It's just hard settling with all of this." I answer. The crowd awes in sympathy.

"Speaking of that, your close friend, Asher Tristan, was with you until the very end.. He was the only one who knew about the second alliance, and even said he would protect Elian. When things didn't work out, he was still always there for you. Do you think there could have been a romance if things had lasted a bit longer?"

"I don't know, maybe." I answer honestly. "Some things were mentioned between me and him in the beginning, but nothing too serious. I was too wrapped up with Elian."

"Would you rather have Elian or Asher in the end?" Caesar asks.

"Um," I stutter. I don't even know the answer to that one.

"I'm not comfortable with that question." I wince.

"Oh, I'm sorry." He says and I nod.

"Okay then. I know how it was to lose everyone like that." He says and I feel another tear escape my eye.

"Uh, can we be finished?" I ask shakily.

"Of course, Ariston. Anything for you. Ariston Mallow everybody!" Loan says and the crowd cheers loudly. I run off stage and straight into Omar's arms.

"It's alright, kid. You did good." He says and strokes my hair. I just want Asher here, holding me, rubbing my back. I want Tayla to lay with me. I want my dad to let me cry into his lap, like I did when I was a kid.

I wish I never had volunteered, so I won't have to live with the fact that I have killed so many people. Snatched them from their families so they could never be with them again. It's hard dealing with that and I don't want to. I just want to go home.