Through the Struggle (Through the Eyes Sequel)

Chapter 1

It's been a year. Next month, the reapings will occur again, and another poor boy and girl will think that they're ready for what's to come, but they're not.

I sit in the middle of the shower with the water pouring over my skin. Sounds from the final moments in the games erupt in my ears. Scream, cannons, the sound of metal striking metal. It's like this every time I get in the shower. I don't know what triggers it, but it starts as soon as the water does, and I can't help but to shrivel down and try my hardest to block out the noises.

I turn off the water and the screams stop almost immediately. I stand and wrap a towel around my body and walk into my room.

After the games, I raided Asher's house for things that would help me handle with being without him. I grabbed almost all of his pajamas, his training clothes, his cologne, and one picture of him standing in front of the City Hall. He looked innocent and healthy, just like he was when I first met him.

Trachea had brought me his bracelet that she made him like she made my necklace, and I never take it off. I have a tan line from where it sits on my wrist. I never take of my necklaces either. The tree one, and the one Trachea made. Their my small reminders of how my life really is, instead of the sorrow that I'm drowning in now.

I pull on one of Asher's t-shirts a long pair of his pajama pants. I lay down on my bed and wrap myself in the blanket, my usual routine. I bring the collar of my shirt into my nose and engulf his smell. It still remains on all of his clothes, and I'm grateful for that.

My dad comes into the room a few minutes later with lunch. He knows not to try and talk to me. He never gets a response. But I knew today would be different. Omar and Trachea are coming to 2 to get me ready for mentor training. They should be here by now, and they probably already are.

"Hey, kid." He says and sits on the side of the bed. I turn my head so I can look up at him.

"Omar and Trachea are downstairs waiting. They have some important things to talk to you about." He says and I sigh and roll back over.

"Alrighty then." He mumbles to himself and stands. He leaves the room but doesn't bother to close the door behind him.

I sigh again and roll out of bed. I walk down the hallway and slowly head down the stairs. In the living room, Fletcher and Adonis are sitting on the couch. My dad is standing with them, talking quietly to Omar and Trachea and my beauty team, who's backs are all turned to me. Once my dad sees me, he stops talking.

"Ah, Ariston!" He says and they all turn to look at me. Trachea hasn't changed a bit, but Omar has begun to grow a beard. It doesn't fit him.

I get to the bottom stair and walk up to them.

"Oh darling, how I've missed you!" Trachea says and hugs me. I hug her back and she pulls away, looking at my necklaces. She smiles gently and a tear slips down her cheek.

"I know, I miss him too." She says and steps away, sniffling. Omar hugs me and smiles.

"You look....different." He says and looks me up and down. Trachea punches him in the arm and he grunts.

"Ariston, we have important things to talk about." Omar says and sits me down on the couch.

"Listen, sweetie. You're going to be going away for a while." Dad says and pats my leg.

"Where?" I ask, my voice hoarse. I can't remember that last time I've said something. It's probably been weeks.

"The capital wants more of you and your story. So they decided to move the Games up a month. But they decided to cut the Districts some slack, and let only Victors compete." Omar explains.