"All citizens of District Three are hereby confined to their buildings for the time being. Employers are not allowed to issue backpay to workers for this time." Wiress and Wendy sat on their parents' bed listening to the Peacekeepers announcing the rules over loudspeakers as they drove through the streets. "All houses will be closely monitored for any suspicious activity. Regular production and activities will resume only when the Capitol determines the district is stable." They curled up against their parents' embrace.
"Daddy, did twenty people really die in the square?" Wiress asked thinking about the rumors that had spread through the apartment building in the hours following the attempted uprising started by the Teslas in the town square.
"I don't know, honey." Mr. Carpenter said quietly not wanting to talk about the uprising in case their house was being monitored. "But right now, we need to focus on helping our neighbors. Can you girls go down the hallway and see if everyone has enough food?" Wendy and Wiress nodded.
"Does this mean we can't go outside?" Wiress asked sadly.
"Yes, honey. And we can't go to work." Mrs. Carpenter explained. She smiled. "But you can work on your little machine now."
Wendy and Wiress went down the hallway giving cans of soup to their neighbors that were running low on food. They returned to their apartment and curled up in their blankets too numb to do much else.
The district-wide house arrest lasted a week and was lifted just before Beetee's final interview was broadcast. Wiress and Wendy joined the other kids in the apartment complex chasing each other around the block in a large game of tag before their parents called them inside to watch the broadcast.
Wendy bit her lip to keep from laughing whenever Wiress squeaked or jumped while watching the recaps. She would squeak or react in some way every time Beetee was in danger. They both cried as they watched Beetee nearly killed himself before receiving his rolls. Wiress and Wendy closed their eyes as they showed the entire fight sequence at the end of the Games. "So, Mr. Tesla, here you are." Caesar said smiling. "How does it feel to be victor?"
"Well - I'm alive and - I'm grateful, but I - I'm still numb." Beetee said choosing his words carefully.
"You certainly had your district rooting for you." Caesar said. "Unfortunately, a riot broke out in the town square." Beetee nodded. "Mr. Tesla, I'm very sorry to inform you that your parents were caught in the thick of it and - and they will not be able to welcome you home."
"I - " Tears leaked out of Beetee's eyes as the news sank in. "I still have - people - I can come home to."
"Yes, you do." Caesar said. "I am sorry for your loss, Mr. Tesla." Wiress caught a glimpse of Beetee's grief-stricken face before sobbing into Wendy's clothing. Wendy patted her on her back. Their parents had tears running down their cheeks at seeing the pain of the young victor. The two girls didn't hear much else of the interview. They clapped when Beetee was crowned victor and shook hands with President Snow.
"He's coming home now." Wendy said grinning. "He'll be home tomorrow." Wiress smiled.
"Get to the front, nerdling!" Wendy laughed prodding a very red-faced Wiress the next day at the train station.
"WENDY STOP!" Wiress shrieked covering her face with her hands. Wendy and Wiress were standing with a small group of people from the Engineering Academy to welcome Beetee home at the District Three train station. Wiress was hiding behind several tall academy instructors.
"Are you little Wiress Carpenter?" One of the instructors asked smiling. Wiress blushed. "I saw your project at the science fair last year with Beetee. Though you probably remember him more than me." Wiress blushed deepened even more. "He'll be so happy you're here." He smiled. "Come on - your sister can wait with you in front of us, ok?"
"Thank you." Wendy said smiling.
"W - Wendy - I - I - think - I'm blushing." Wiress squeaked. Wendy burst out laughing at dark maroon face of her little sister.
"Yes. You are." Wendy said. The train pulled into the station. Wiress covered her face before Wendy took her hands and held them to her side. "He can't see you smiling when you do that, nerdling." Wendy sang teasingly into her ear.
"W - Wendy -" Wiress stammered. She gulped as the door opened. The district escort Eustacia exited the train to polite applause. She helped Curie out of the door and they both reached in for Beetee's hands. He was wearing a simple navy blue suit, cream colored shirt, and black tie. The Victor's Crown was a simple gold band set on his head. It glinted in the sunlight. "Beetee - it's him!" Wendy laughed. Wiress squeaked as Beetee approached them.
"Hi, Wiress." Beetee said softly. Wiress looked into his dark eyes behind his glasses that still reflected sadness and pain.
"H - Hi - my - my - Beetee -" Wiress stammered. Beetee smiled as they shook hands.
"And this must be your sister." Beetee said.
"Wendy Carpenter." Wendy said shaking his hand. "Did you see this one's interview?" She asked patting Wiress' shoulder.
"Yes." Beetee said. "Thank you both for using The Force." Wiress squeaked and blushed even more. "Oh, Wiress," He said as he reached into his pocket. "I still have this." He said pulling out the small wire model of the gear Wiress had made for him. "Do you want it back?"
"It's yours now." Wiress said softly. Beetee smiled. "I - I'm glad - you're home - and - you can invent now." A true smile broke out on Beetee's face.
"That I can, little lady." He said smiling. "That I can." While he chatted with his instructors. Wendy and Wiress walked home. Wendy laughed to herself knowing she would tease Wiress about this moment possibly for the rest of their lives. She was glad he was home, and she hoped that life after the Games would go well for the young victor. No matter what, Wendy knew her little sister would be cheering him on all the way.