THE 69TH HUNGER GAMES - Book 2: Trainer

Chapter 19 - Reflection

What has happened to me? I used to be Hyora Coco, the fierce warrior, but all I am now is a coward.

I lie on my back as I watch the ceiling fan in my bedroom spin round and round. It never ends.

It has been about an entire week since I’ve arrived back at District 8, and not once have I watched the Hunger Games. I guess the last time I watched the games was when Dean decided to head to the feast, but I turned the TV off at that point. I couldn’t even think about what would happen to him.

I get up and decide to slip into a nice warm coat. The weather outside has been incredibly crazy. I head out the door and allow the freezing cold air to surround me. It’s almost refreshing to feel such a huge contrast in temperature.

I walk down my driveway and out into the glossy street of the Victor’s Village. I head down the path and towards the town square, where I’ll hopefully see Ms Twill again. I’ve been hanging out with her most of the time.  

As I reach the town square, I notice that the entire area is silent. Not a single sound is heard, except for the cool breeze and the faint sounds of trains passing by the station.

I notice the local pub, hidden away in a tight alleyway behind the grocery market. I decide to go there in the hopes of finding entertainment.

I push open the rickety wooden doors and enter the musky pub, which reeks of alcohol and sweat. There are only three customers sitting on the bar stools, which face the old television. The bartender is in the corner, preparing a drink, while two of the customers are literally almost passed out. I walk over to the third customer and sit beside him. He seems to be about twenty years old and kind of tired looking. I notice the two empty glasses in front of him and realise that he might still be quite drunk. Not too drunk to be passed out, but drunk enough to have terrible judgement.

“What can I get you?” the bartender grunts rudely.

“Oh, nothing,” I murmur. “I’m just here to watch the Hunger Games.”

“Alright,” the bartender scoffs. “Our Dean is doing pretty well. It’s down to three people now.”

Three? I think. I didn’t even think the amount of tributes in the arena could decrease so dramatically within the space of a week.

“Who are the remaining three tributes?” I gasp; suddenly curious about the games.

“Oh, it’s now Dean, that Phoebe girl from 4, and some kid named Farro Barley from District 9,” the bartender mutters uncaringly.

The determination I once had for Dean’s victory has suddenly returned. I finally have hope, after a whole week of wallowing in sorrow. This time, I promise to do whatever it takes to save Dean. He is the main priority.

I get up and leave the bar; now full of hope and determination. I walk across the quiet square and up the stairs towards the train station platform. I head to the old station seats and wait for the next train to the capitol. I sit myself down, not bothering to get my stuff from my house. I feel way too determined to even think about getting my belongings. As I wait, it suddenly occurs to me that a lot can happen during my train trip to the Capitol. Paranoia and fear washes over me as I realise this. There has to be an easier way to get back to the Capitol, such as going there by hovercraft, except the hovercraft I used to get back to District 8 is long gone. I’ll just have to contact Gina and Mark once I get on the train. Hopefully they’ll allow me to take some control over Dean’s fate while I'm on the train.