The hovercraft lands softly in the hanger and I get out as quickly as I can. Gale stays back to tend to the hovercraft, but I head straight for my living quarters.

Prim's face glows when she hears the meow from my game bag.

"Buttercup!"

I take the beast out and immediately it's in Prim's arms. Darn cat.

"I don't know what they'll do if they find it here." says my mom, but she has a wistful smile on her face. I'm guessing she's glad to be reunited with some of her herbs and medicines.

I smile faintly as my family enjoys a moment of happiness, but in the back of my mind lurks the image of the skull and the smell of blood.