THE 69TH HUNGER GAMES - Book 2: Trainer

Chapter 25 - District 8 is the Final Stop

I plop myself onto the plush leather sofa inside the train cabin. A whole bunch of Capitol citizens are at the train station cheering at us and waving us goodbye. Gina waves back at them, while Dean and I sit together on the sofa. Mark has gone to his bedroom to get some rest.

“This is it!” Dean smiles at me, flashing his white teeth, “we’re finally going home!”

“Yeah,” I giggle while cuddling him.

The train suddenly comes to life as it moves slowly out of the train station. Within minutes, we’re out of the train station and heading back to our home of District 8.

“This is such a relief,” I say.

Gina smiles at us, and then heads off to the kitchen compartment of the train. Dean and I cuddle each other as we watch the trees fly past outside of the train. The sunlight shimmers beautifully into the train cabin, illuminating Dean’s face. He looks so young, but also so worn. He looks way too battered for someone so young.

“I love you,” Dean mutters into my ear.

“Me too,” I say.

“You love yourself?” Dean laughs.

I giggle and nudge his shoulder.

“You’re so annoying,” I laugh.

He smiles at me, then slowly presses his lips against mine. I wrap my arms around his neck and allow the embrace. He wraps his strong arms around my waist.

“You are so beautiful, Hyora Coco,” Dean smiles at me.

Dean leans in to kiss me, but at the sudden moment, the train jolts to the right due to a steep turn. Dean and I topple over onto the floor. He falls onto his back and I fall on top of him, landing on his chest.

“Ouch,” Dean smiles, followed by a burst of laughter. 

I laugh along with him. It’s been ages since I’ve felt so carefree. I get off of him, and he stands up.

“We should go get ready for the welcome party back at District 8,” he mutters, trying to sound more serious.

“Right,” I say.

***

I wake up in my bedroom in the train compartment the next morning with a feeling of joy and relief. I stretch every muscle in my body, and then relax.

“Good morning, sunshine,” Dean mutters as he barges into my room.

He walks over to the bed and lies down beside me.

“What do you think you’re doing?”  I ask.

“Well, I think that if we’re going to be together from now on, we should be more comfortable around each other,” Dean mutters.