Through the Struggle (Through the Eyes Sequel)

Chapter 4

"Welcome, Ariston. Please come in." He says and I slowly enter, closing the door behind me.

I sit in the chair across from him, my senses ready if anything is going to happen.

"Ariston, we noticed your sudden....change in heart." He says and smacks his lips.

"What do you mean?" I ask slowly.

"The Gamemakers saw you during training, making alliances with outer districts. Here, that is a form of rebellion."

"What? I'm not rebelling, I swear!" I say, raising my voice.

"I don't care about what you say you're doing or not. There was already a punishment."

My face goes pale. "W-What is it?"

"The Victor's Village in District 2 was bombed."

"No.." I shriek and sink to my knees. I can picture my house bursting into pieces. Adonis, Flethcher.....and dad. Tears run down my face and I'm shaking with anger. The president stands and lightly pats my back.

"Maybe that will put you in your place." He says and walks out. I wait until he's left the apartment to let out a loud scream.

"Ariston!" Omar yells and they all come rushing into the room. Omar gets there first and pulls me into him. I sob into his shirt and feel Trachea's hand running circles on my back.

"What did he do?" Omar asks and pulls me back so I can look at him in the face.

"My family.... they're gone." I sob and everyone goes quiet. "The entire Victor's Village is gone."

Hummer whimpers and slowly sits on the bed, staring at the floor.

"What did he say?" Trachea asks and I wipe my tears and sniffle.

"He said that our alliances were an act of rebellion."

"How? It was a play for the game!" Tayla yells and I can see the veins pulsing in her arms. I lay my hand over hers to try to calm her down.

"Maybe your families got out. They probably heard the sirens and left. It will be okay." Trachea says and strokes my head and nods at Hummer.

"I'm not changing my alliance." I say firmly and stand up. Everyone turns to look at me.

"President Snow can do whatever he wants to me. It's about time someone stood up to him." I exclaim.

"Ariston, you need to be careful." Tayla says.

"I'm not going to do anything bad. I'm not going to back down because of him either."

"I agree," Hummer says and stands up.

"Alright then. That means you two have to double your training to make sure you're ready. If one of you dies in that arena, the hope that you would have built up will be shot down." Omar explains and Hummer and I both nod.

"Now, let's eat!" Trachea says and they all begin to make our way to the kitchen. Tayla grabs my wrist and pulls me behind.

"Promise me that you'll be careful." She says quietly. "I don't want to lose my best friend."

"I have to do this," I answer. "I'll be okay." I assure her, and mainly myself.

******
After dinner I decide to introduce Hummer to my secret spot. I take him to the roof and once we get there, we stand quietly and take in the scenery and fresh air.

"Are you scared?" I ask him after and while of silence.

"Hm?" He says, being pulled out of his trance.