Poisoned Flower (The Hunger Games)

Five: The Boy in the Square

Diantha sat at the back of the train watching the scenery go by as they sped through the outskirts of Panem. Her arms were resting on the windowsill crossed which her head resting on them. She watched as rivers, fields and forests flashed past her. After only having the Capital's skyline to look at for several years, it was nice to see something different; something more natural. She wished she could stay on the train forever. It was like her own personal bubble where no-one told her what she could and couldn't do. The train was her haven away from the watchful eye of the President as well as her new spotlight from his people. Alas, she knew that it would have to end.

The past week had been spend visiting a couple of the districts. Each time the train stopped she didn't know where she was until she stepped off onto the platform. However, it wasn't only a surprise to her, but the District's people as well. Just like everything else, it was all a part of her father's plan to maintain control.

The morning after her televised interview, the mayors of each District received a letter informing them that she would possibly be making a visit. She hadn't visited every District, but the unpredictability of where she would turn up next kept them all alert. She could turn up at any point, or not at all. On the first day of her so-called 'tour', she went to District 1 and the following day she went to its neighbour; District 2. Both had welcomed her with open arms. They had enthusiastically taken her on tours and offered her feasts. This was something she had expected from these two due to their close relationship to the Capital. Two days later she had arrived at District 5, who's Mayor was already waiting at the platform. Presumably they had seen the train coming in the distance and came to the conclusion that it was her. Trains weren't particularly common so it was the only reason why one would turn up out of the blue. Still, he had been nervous when she greeted him. That visit had been a quieter affair. She simply sat and talked in the Mayor's home. Not that she minded. She didn't like to be around large crowds. The only common event in each of her visits was that she would take the Mayor aside and give them a warning from her father about the rebellion and what would happen if they weren't able to keep it under control. It had been pre-written by the President himself and Diantha had memorised it soon after.

"My father is into question your loyalties towards himself and the Capital when it comes to your attitudes towards the so-called rebels. They are criminals who will be punished for betraying those who have so graciously provided them with protection and a place to live. I would like to remind you that failure to control this will result in him having no choice but to charge you for conspiring against the Capital. Personally, I suggest you do what you can do it doesn't get to this point".

In the evening she would leave after they had convinced her that they would do their best and that they would quell any idea of unrest. The train would then pull out of the station and head to the next destination where she would have to do it all over again. Her last visit had been three days ago, so she concluded that she was heading for one of the outer districts. This wasn't how she wanted to spend her time, but at least she was getting to see the world. As far as she could remember, she hadn't seen actual nature before. In the times when she was alone, she tried to remain optimistic and would tell herself that she was doing a good job.

Eventually she felt the train start to slow and she watched as the carriage went dark as they entered a tunnel. Just before they went into it she managed to catch a glimpse of the symbol. Even though it was only for a split second, she knew exactly where they were going.

District 12.

Of course. Her father wouldn't send her on this 'tour or peace' without having her pay a visit to the root of his problem. He had sent her to ensure that they were staying in line. One of the workers on the train poked his head in the doorway of her carriage to inform her that whey would soon be arriving. She stood up form her seat and stretched her arms. One thing she did miss whilst on the train was fresh air.