Those Who Rise Shall Fall (Hunger Games fan fiction)

Victory

Chapter Twenty Three: Victory 

As soon as the cameras shut off, Peacekeeper's led the four victors off of the stage. Caesar followed behind and when they were backstage he paused for a moment and looked at them. He looked like he so desperately wanted to say something, but something forbade him to say it. So instead he put on a brave face and smiled. 

"Congratulations, all of you." Caesar breathed. 

"Thank you," Lucy bravely spoke up as the others didn't know quite what to say. They didn't know whether to decide if Caesar was being nice or that he was making them fall into some kind of trap. 

He nodded once and advanced towards his dressing room and turned back just for a moment, just to say one last sentence to them. "May the odds be ever in your favour." 

His dressing room door slammed shut behind him and Lucy wondered as to whether he was going to have a mental breakdown. But then again, Lucy thought he couldn't say too much as he would probably get executed for being a traitor or being on their side...

But what harm could that do? He was only supporting the tributes that had become Victors...was there something serious going on or about to happen? 

A Capitol lady and Haymitch, a District 12 victor, rounded the corner and then began talking to Katniss and Peeta, congratulating them as they walked off, readying themselves for when they would be crowned Victors. Then it made Lucy think about Gloss, she hadn't seen him in ages and really wanted to see the person who had mentored her in these games. 

"Congratulations," an unfamiliar voice said and both Lucy and Marvel turned around to see a blond haired lady who seemed to be related to Gloss. Lucy then realised it was Cashmere. "Congratulations, both of you." 

"Where's Gloss." Marvel demanded, he wasn't questioning he was demanding. It was as though he was angry at Cashmere for taking Gloss' place. 

"Somethings come up, he couldn't come today." Cashmere replied simply, not hurt at all by the anger in Marvel's voice. 

"Don't be silly, Gloss would have been one of the first people to come and see us when we'd one. So I shall ask again: Where's Gloss?" 

"Back in District 1, it was urgent. He couldn't come today." 

"So it was so urgent he couldn't come and see his two tributes who'd made it out of the games?" 

"Marvel," Lucy said, placing a hand on his arm. "It's OK, I think it's very kind of Cashmere to come and see us." 

"But where's Kathleen? Has everyone gone missing?" Marvel demanded just as Kathleen rounded the corner, as if on cue, and squealed. 

"Oh! Oh! Oh! You're alive! I can't believe it!" Kathleen grinned as she ran over to the two of them and managed to pull Lucy — and Marvel — into a hug. 

"We can't believe it either..." Marvel grumbled and Lucy giggled. 

"You're about to be crowned Victors of the 74th Hunger Games! Isn't it exciting? I knew you could win!" 

"Oh, Kathleen, I've missed your upbeat attitude so much I might convince my parents if we can have a holiday in the Capitol." Lucy smiled but Kathleen frowned. 

"You can't do that, transport into the Capitol and the Districts is forbidden." 

"Don't frown, it causes wrinkles." 

"You're right...I should have known that..." Kathleen stopped frowning and touched her face worriedly. "We better get you up to President Snow's balcony, otherwise you won't be crowned Victors! Oh my! Quickly, now!"