I placed fodder in each feedbox for each cattle. The water trough was refilled and the muck was cleaned out. When I swung the barn doors opened, eleven bulls and cows made their way into their shelter. I ran through their names in my head. Cadence, Celeste, Ormond, Paddy, Caramel, Sparkle, Fancy, Paidin, Jacks, Rarity, and Tank. They all ran to their fodder as Philomena waddled her way towards the barn.
"Hurry up or Paddy will eat your food, silly." I coax the pregnant cow to come faster. Her bell jingled as she nuzzled my body. "Hurry, girl." I moved out of the way so she can get inside. When she entered, I closed the barn door, allowing them to eat in peace and fall asleep. The stars shown brightly for being only seven thirty at night. I jump the fence and make it to the hen house.
I fed the chickens and moved to the horse shed. We have just got a new mare, named Diamond Dancer. Her raven coat shimmered in the night, making her look like dull diamonds. I said goodnight to each of our horses, Touch of Class, Juniper, and Cherry Jubilee, saving Locomotion for last. I kissed his nose and ran my fingers through his mane. He nuzzled my face and nudged me towards the bridles and saddles.
"No, no." I say, knowing what he wants. "You know the rules. I can't leave my property after eight o'clock."
He snorted, almost saying We've done it before! Can we do it again?
"That was years ago and before I was a victor." I answer. "I'll ride you in the morning, Loco." I kiss his nose again and walk out of the shed.
I looked at the night sky. The full moon shone brightly and proud, lighting up the night. I wonder if Quaid was looking at the moon. I haven't seen him in five months and two weeks. Just two more weeks before the Victory Tour and I get to see him again. I missed his golden hair and emerald eyes. I told myself that Philomena's baby will be named after him, depending its gender.
A crack of thunder roared overhead. Clouds covered the moon, leaving me in darkness. The wind picked up, making the trees sway from side to side. The lights in my house were my only light source to make it to the house before the rain came down. Lightning flashed in the clouds and I counted. 1…2…3…4…5… Thunder cracked overhead.
Rain started to drizzle as I made my way to the door. When I opened the door, a barking noise filled the house. Here comes Clyde. Clyde is a puppy I found wondering the streets of the Town. He was a tiny puppy, only about the size of my palm, and he was skinnier than Hadley. So I brought him home. The surplus of money I have earned from the Hunger Games covered his food expense. His ribs disappeared and his is now bigger than a loaf of bread.
Clyde jumped on my feet and barked at me. Jace ran over, chasing the little puppy. Jetta followed him, tripping over her own feet. When I brought Clyde home, they immediately took a liking to the puppy. Jace wanted it to be his, but my mother said that it was the family dog. He didn't complain; he just started to play with him.
"How are the animals?" my mother asked, walking out of the kitchen. She was wearing a simple sundress with cherries all over it. She looked like a typical farmer, even with her blond hair in a high ponytail.
"Fine." I reply, ruffling Jace's hair as thunder cracked. "Locomotion wanted to take a rain ride, but I told him no."
"How do you talk to animals?" Jetta asked as I walked to the couch. "I can't talk to Clyde or Diamond Dancer."
"I just study their body movements." I reply, being completely honest. My father walks in from the kitchen and turns on the T.V we just bought. There are good things coming from winning the Hunger Games. Money, fame, and new furniture are a few I can think of.
The seal of Panem was on screen, and a normal looking woman was in front of everyone. With the new T.V we purchased, we got the channels that other citizens don't receive. Like, Capitol News. The only other family I can think of getting this channel would be Mayor Underbaker's family. Well, Annabelle and Dane have them too. I don't think they watch them.
As Dusk Shine introduced the woman named Juno, I noticed the woman in front of a screen with my face and Quaid's face on it. She spoke in her thick Capitol accent. "Thank you, Dusk. As you all know, in two weeks the Victory Tour will be held. This year's victors are quite a pair. One resides in District One while the other resides in District Ten. They fell in deep love in the arena, and lived at the request of the Capitol citizens."
"Yes. They were my favorite tributes so far. So, what is going on for the Tour in a few weeks?" Dusk asks.
"The Tour will begin with the furthest district from the Capitol. This is where it gets interesting." Juno begins, and the screenshot changes. "As you all know, three districts were under construction for five years. We kept this from every other district, unsure about how they will take it. We lived one hundred years without the coal supply from District Twelve. Well, Twelve has been built up once again for our coal needs." My mouth hits the floor. District 12, the starting place of the Second Rebellion, is back?
"But, that's not all." Of course. "District Thirteen has been lifted from the rubble and is in working condition again. But, instead of nuclear weapons being provided, Thirteen will provide scientific research."
"When will the Capitol learn?" My mother blurts out. "District Thirteen was the starting place for both rebellions. Why bring them back?"
"Larissa, shush." My father warns her as Juno continues on.
"And, the last district to be finished with construction is…District Fourteen!" Juno says excitedly. "District Fourteen will provide medication and health research."
"Now, Juno, what does this have to do with our victors?" Dusk asks. I believe we are all asking this question at this point.
"Well, the first stop on the Victory Tour is always furthest away from the Capitol and skipping over their home district. Our victors will start their Tour at District Fourteen!"