Authors note: I unfortunately do not own any of The Hunger Games trilogy or any of the characters. They belong to Suzanne Collins
I had done it. I had won the Hunger Games, not bad for someone from District 7. Who was I kidding, yes I was glad I was alive but I could never forget the faces of those who I had slayed with my axe. I had just finished my interview and now President Snow was pulling me aside. "Young Johanna, you looked beautiful out there." he's giving me a compliment but it chills my heart. "Thank you." I reply. "You're very popular right now and I could help you earn more money by selling you to the Capitol citizens." he says. I had heard rumours of this kind of thing happening to the more desirable victors but in no way would I do that. I shake my head "No I could never do that." I tell him. He looks angry then "If you don't there will be dire consequences for you." he threatens. I worry some at what he says but it still wouldn't make me change my mind. "I'm not changing my mind." I say. "Suit yourself but remember that you will always be responsible for what happens next." he warns then leaves the room. I wonder what he means by that.
A few days go by and now I'm on the tribute train home. I can't wait to see my mother and father again. Finally we can move out of our small wooden shack and into one of the bigger houses made especially for the victors. I hoped they would be waiting for me at the station. When the train stops I run out desperate to see my parents except they weren't there. My childhood friend Mary is there instead, looking sad. The look on her face worries me and I begin to dread that something bad has happened. I walk over to her, her eyes are wet and glassy. "Johanna I don't know how to tell you this but your mother and father are..." she trails off. This can't be happening, my parents can't be dead, they just can't be. "No it's not true, you're lying, you're lying." I say and begin to hit out at her, tears streaming down my face. Mary steps backward to avoid me and I crumble to the ground crying. My parents were dead and I now understood what Snow had meant by dire consequences and how I would be responsible. If I'd only taken up his offer then I'd still have my parents. This was all my fault and nothing could ever change that.