Disclaimer: I do not own The Hunger Games. They belong to Suzanne Collins.

Note: I have to say, after writing ten chapters of brutality in this story...writing the after-Games stuff is a rather jarring shift! XD But even so, it is fun and satisfying to write. Seeing controversial victory from the point of view of children, the youngest the Games will allow...it's interesting. Maybe you'll all think so too? After this chapter, just one remains, so the end is very much in sight. Until then, enjoy this one! But first, clues to who the next protagonist of The Nameless Chronicles will be! :o

Hint #1: This tribute died during the Cornucopia Bloodbath.

Hint #2: This tribute's face was clearly seen in the first death recap, unlike some who were not shown at all.

Hint #3: This tribute's corpse was shown at the end of the Bloodbath.

I feel like I am floating. Am I in water? It's been so long since I had a good swim. Perhaps I'll go beyond the buoy that most kids do not swim out to. But, why is it so dark? Am I swimming at night?

I open my eyes, looking up at a plain white ceiling. Huh? Where...where am I?

A quick look around confirms one solid fact. I am not in water, neither the sea nor a lake. I'm in a bed in a pretty basic room...where is this place?

I sit up straight, fully taking in my surroundings. What happened?

...I won the 74th Annual Hunger Games. Something no 12 year old has ever done...and, I won with Rue too. But where is she? We were on a hovercraft being taken away from that horrible place, the Arena, and then they said they were putting us to sleep for a bit to check us out for injuries.

That's when I notice I'm not feeling the tiniest bit sore anymore. I'm also no longer in my Arena uniform, but rather a simple set of light blue pyjamas. I look myself over, checking my torso, arms and legs...every injury I had is gone. There's not even a scar. Looking at my feet I can see that even the marking left by a fishing hook when I was 9 is also gone.

I lightly sit myself on the bed. I'm in no danger, but...I have no idea where I am. The Hovercraft? The Capital? Back home in District 4?...Somewhere else? But more importantly, where is Rue?

Is she ok!?

"I hope somebody comes here soon...this is creepy," I murmur. I hold myself a little, trying not to shake. "Why is nobody here?...I've seen this on TV before. Any second somebody will come in and answer my questions...I just need to wait for a few moments.

And so, I do. I just quietly sit and wait, breathing gently. Of course, it seems reality ensues as I end up waiting for about forty minutes. At the end of that time an Avox enters the room. I can't help but avert my eyes for a moment...they always did make me feel a bit uneasy. But inside...maybe they're just like me? Nervous and anxious.

"Um...hello." I say, timidly waving.

The Avox gives a respectful nod in response. He must be at least 40...why he is nodding to me, as though I was his...I hate this word...master?

"Um...how long was I sleeping for?" I continue quietly.

The Avox holds up two fingers.

"Two weeks!?" I squeak in shock. Surely I was not hurt that badly!

The Avox quickly shakes his head. I think he mouthed the word days.

"Oh...that makes more sense," I say, nodding. "Um...is Rue alright?"

The Avox nods, smiling. He nervously glances at the door, and looks back to me. He gives me another nod of respect and raises three fingers...just like me and Rue did for Katniss…

"...Thank you," I mumble.

We both hear footsteps. With a bow, the Avox scurries out of the room hastily. A moment later Finnick walks in. He smiles his usual winning smile as he walks towards me, pulling up a chair and sitting down.

"Great to see you Urchin," he says warmly. "You did great out there. More than any twelve year old could do."

"It hasn't really sunk in yet...what I did, and that I'm safe," I admit. "Does it hurt when it does?"

"...From one Victor to another, I won't lie to you. It does hurt," Finnick says with a sigh. "But, I know how it feels. So does Annie, and Mags, and the other winners. We understand...you need anything, you come see us. You're one of us now...you, and your little girlfriend."

I groan, blushing a bit.

"I just...I couldn't do it, hurt my friend I mean. I had no idea that was going to work...but, now two people can go home. I bet her family will be happy, huh?" I say, starting to smile.

"People...sure are talking about it," Finnick says. His tone seems a little...anxious. I wonder why? "But, you don't have to worry about the Arena or the Games anymore. Just the last interviews and a party, and then it's back home. Looking forward to it?"

"Right now I want nothing more than to see the sea again," I say longingly. "I also never want to see a forest again."

"I'd say that can probably be arranged," Finnick says, chuckling. "Though, the Victory Tour may make it harder. 7 is Lumber, remember."

We're silent for a bit. Finnick puts a hand on my shoulder.

"What's wrong?" Finnick asks. "I mean, specifically, what part of the Games is hurting you the most right now?

I pause. How do I find the words for this? It's hard enough finding the right words for anything else, even mundane things.

"...Glimmer...even after how she tried to kill me multiple times, making a sport out of it...that poor, poor girl," I whisper, my voice haunted. "The way she died...I don't know if I love water as much as I used to...do I even want to see the sea now? That was so horrible..her screams...and before she died, her ranting...she thought she was dead either way. I...don't even know what prostitution means, but...would things have been bad for her if she won? Bad enough she'd be 'dead'…?

Finnick looks very uncomfortable, almost like he is...afraid. But, why?

"There are some things of the Games that, even after being in them...you're too young to understand. I know, I'm the last one who should be saying that, given I was the youngest winner until very recently, but...we're gonna have to be careful alright?" Finnick says after a bit of a pause. "Just follow my lead, can you do that? Just for as long as we're in the Capital, let's be careful."

I nod. I have no reason to say no...Finnick's charm got me sponsors, and sponsors kept me alive in the Arena.

"...Will things ever go back to normal?" I ask after a while.

"It varies from person to person," Finnick says, gently taking my hand. "You're young enough that...you might be able to get back to how things were, mostly. And, just remember, you're going to have a luxury nobody else your age, besides Rue, will have."

"And, what's that?" I ask curiously.

Finnick gives me a big grin.

"No more Reapings to worry about." Finnick says warmly. "You may have nightmares, all winners do, but...you won't need to live in fear anymore. If all goes well and things go as they should, life will go on for you."

I can't help me feel Finnick is kind of hiding something from me. Like I've done something wrong? Well, I did...I did something awful. Murder. But Finnick did in his Games, so I know it's not that. I search my mind and find no answer so I just stay quiet.

"The Avox will bring you some food shortly. Be sure to eat all you can." Finnick suggests. "After that...well, it's only nine in the morning now. We've got the rest of the day to get you and Rue ready for when Caesar interviews you."

I nod. I can't help me wonder if Caesar even remotely thought he would ever interview me again, or Rue for that matter. I'm sure he never thought he'd see us both. Well...the last interview wasn't really that bad. He knows how to guide a Tribute, err, Victor...so, I think for at least today I won't need to worry too much.

"...It'll never end though, truly, right?" I ask timidly. "I'll have to mentor the Tributes now. Some might even be close to me...and if they die, it'll be all my fault..."

Finnick gently gives me a hug.

"You'll do your best, and I'll help with it, I promise," Finnick says gently. "I kept you safe in the Arena...I'll keep you safe outside of it."

I return the hug.

"...Thanks Uncle," I say quietly.

"Anything for my only Nephew. I was so scared I'd lose you," Finnick says as he gets to his feet. "Well, I have an appointment with one of the Capital Elite. I'll try to get it done as quick as I can, and I'll be back. Once you've eaten, head down the hall and turn left. Rue is already out there. She's fine, Seeder is making sure of it."

Finnick rises, but before he leaves he takes something out of his pocket and places it on the bedside table. It's my Starfish tribute token. It may be damaged...but, I guess if it had remained in one piece I would be dead right now.

"You dropped it while you ran from those Mutts," Finnick says. "One of the Game-Makers found it. I was able to, uh, convince them to let you have it back."

"You're a master at negotiation," I say, smiling. "Um, about those Mutts...they looked very, well, off. You were watching them, and not fleeing from them...why did they seem so odd?"

Finnick looks highly uncomfortable for a moment, but just then the Avox returns, now holding a tray of warm food. Finnick gives me a smile and leaves the room. I don't know why, but he seems relieved.

I'll think about that later. For now, time to eat. And after that...I just want to give Rue a big hug. A hug where we do not need to worry about a tribute stabbing us.

I thank the Avox and bite into some lovely, soft toast as he leaves. So good…

But as I eat, I can only think of two things. About what Glimmer said...and how bad I feel for her. I don't understand what she was talking about, but...poor girl…

(A little while later…)

It took a while to finish eating, as the Avox bought me seconds. I'm not sure if he was asked to, or if he decided to do it on his own accord, but either way I am thankful. Feeling better than I have ever since the days leading up to my first, and only, Reaping...now, all that I have on my mind if finding Rue. That's why I'm walking to where Finnick told me to go. Sure enough, just as I enter the room there is a cheer of delight and relief, and somebody throws their arms around me, hugging me close. I just smile, closing my eyes in content as I give Rue a big hug. For at least a few moments...all feels right.

"You look better," Rue says with a smile. "No bruises or scars?"

"None. Even the ones from before the Games are gone," I say, nodding. "Are you ok?"

"I think so. I don't hurt anymore," Rue replies. "I'm still in shock we're safe, in a cosy room. I keep thinking that something is going to jump out at us."

"I...know what you mean," I murmur.

Rue's mentor approaches us. I think her name is Seeder. She pats us both on the shoulders.

"It's normal to feel jumpy when you're out of the Arena," she says gently. "Why not sit down and relax on the sofa? Watch TV, take a few deep breaths."

We move to the sofa and sit down. It's soft and comfy, like a cloud of some kind. Seeder walks away down the hall...just like Finnick, something seems off about her. But, what could it be?

"Is it just me, or...do the adults seem a bit strange today?" I ask quietly.

"You've noticed it too?" Rue replies. "Maybe they're just so surprised and relieved that we're both safe that they don't know what to do?"

"...Maybe you're right," I agree. "It'll settle down. We're alive, no reason to be sad."

We're both silent for a moment, thinking the same thing.

"...Those poor twenty two," Rue says quietly.

"The Victory Tour is gonna be rough," I say nervously. "How about...how about while we sit here...we come up with nice things we can say about all of them? Make sure they are remembered, always?"

"I like that idea," Rue says with a smile. She looks distant. "It's...it's hard. Not even two weeks ago all twenty four of us were loaded on that hovercraft...now we're all that's left...I miss them, even the people I never said a word to."

"...And the worst part? Normally, the winner would be even lonelier. Every other year, one of us would be here all alone, the other one dead," I say, looking to the side. "Rammy and Sable were a couple. Imagine if one of them were sitting here now, the other one dead."

"That'd be so sad..." Rue mumbles. "But now...we should try to smile. We can go home, and see our families again. As scary as it's been, we'll have good homes and money...my family will never go hungry ever again."

"And I'll have my own pool, and the Peacekeepers may be a bit more lenient," I say, smiling a little. However, my smile soon vanishes. "...But now Primrose, Katniss' little sister, is without her protector and provider. And, who knows what the families of the other tributes have lost with the deaths of the rest..."

We both exchange a nervous look. Rue holds me closer. It feels nice, but we both remain thinking the same thing.

"Being a winner is harder than I thought," I say anxiously.

"...When I was in my own room, waking up from the sleep they put us both under...I heard Seeder talking to Chaff a little. She said the Games don't end, even when you're out of the Arena," Rue says quietly. "I think there's a lot going on that we do not know about...but, so long as you've got me, I'll have you. I promise."

"Together, or not at all, right?" I say, very gently running a hand through Rue's hair. It's silky.

"Together, no matter what the Interview, the Victory Tour or the Quell bring," Rue says in determination.

Soon enough we ask an Avox for some notepads and pens. We write in them the second we get them, writing things about the fallen tributes, good things that they can be remembered for. But as I write the list, managing to come up with something for every tribute, a thought is nagging at me...one that makes me feel like my gut is tightening on itself very uncomfortably.

I had once wished to be in the Games and become the youngest Victor that there ever was. Well, it seems like I have gotten my wish...but now I have a new wish. I wish for things to go back to how they once were.

I have no doubt that it won't be granted swiftly.

(Several hours later)

There may be no danger to my life anymore, but it's not been a slow day. Rather, it's been full of prepping for this last interview. My prep team first tried to tame my curls only to give up just as they did before the Games. After that, I had to endure my stylist Baleni putting me into cloths that...I just can't like. I mean, sure, I bet I look nice...but a suit and tie just isn't me. But, she's smiling...she doesn't mean me any harm, so I just go along with it, trying to be nice. But the way that she looks at my curly hair...well, I'm just glad she doesn't have any scissors, you know?

And now, I stand backstage. Or, should it be understage? It's like every year where Caesar interviews the winner. First the prep team goes up, then the stylists, then the mentor and lastly the winner. But this year there are double the people on the stage, so extra raising podiums had to be installed. They've been set into a mirror of each other, with all my team on the right, and Rue's team on the left. Apparently the symmetry looks good on TV...but, I don't truly understand that sort of thing. All I know is that, in her bottle green dress, Rue looks wonderful. A true Victor, Games or not.

It's still ten minutes until it all starts, so right now Caesar is just warming the crowd up. No doubt he'll be doing a good job...wouldn't be Caesar without a lot of hype, would it? As we're all ready and with a few minutes to spare, Finnick has steered me away from the others and into a small, empty room, most likely used for storage of various utilities and such.

"So, ready for the interview? Feeling nervous?" he asks me, smiling.

"I think I can handle it," I reply. "Already done this once, right? After the Games, well...I feel I can overcome a bit more than I ever thought I could."

Finnick pats me on the shoulder, smiling. However, his expression turns serious.

"We don't have much time Urchin, so I'll make this quick." Finnick says. That look is back in his eyes...what does it mean? "You'll be asked a lot of questions about the Games. Some you have to answer, some are for Rue...but, whatever you do, do not bring up the stunt with that double sided dagger or what your tribute token did to the boy from 1."

I am silent for a moment.

"...Why not? What's wrong?" I ask uncertainty. "I didn't know the Starfish was poisonous. Shouldn't the Examination Board or Game-Makers have caught that? And, why can't I mention the dagger? I...I just didn't want my best friend to die, that's it. I couldn't lose another friend, not like I lost Katniss and Cinder. I was just trying to save my best friend..."

"You know that...and I know that," Finnick says, nodding in understanding. "But, whether they know it or not, Snow and his circle are not going to care. By just trying to be the good guy and help your friend, you really showed them up...you've gotten people talking...there were riots, because of what you did. This is rebellion, Urchin."

I gasp. I am sure my face is paler now.

"W-w-what?! But I wasn't trying to rebel! I was only doing what any friend would do!" I insist shakily.

"...You're the first friend to ever try that in seventy four years," Finnick says, carefully. "...On one hand, a 12 year old outwitting the Capital is, I won't lie, pretty hilarious and I fully approve. But...Urchin, it's dangerous too. Just be cute, and harmless...just act like you always did pre-games. No fuel on the fire."

I may be imagining this, but for a second there I thought Finnick said something like 'not yet'. I do not understand a lot of what he is telling me...but he's my Uncle, and he won these Games before. I can trust him, just like Rue or my parents...or Ula.

"Did you tell Rue all this?" I ask, wringing my hands a little.

"No, but Seeder and Chaff did," Finnick replies. "Well...lets get going. We can't deprive the Capital of their 'Littlest Winners' can we? Oh, but I am tempted, I am tempted."

As he walk side by side back to where everybody else is Finnick mimes passing me something. What was he doing?

"What was that?" I ask. I try not to sound shaky, but what Finnick has said has made me nervous...and I know for sure no that, even after that, I still do not know much about what has been going on. Far from it…

"That was me passing on the torch of the Youngest Winner. Make a fire with it, someday," Finnick winks. "If you get nervous, look at me...or your girlfriend."

I blush and groan...but then we're both laughing, just like we did before the Games. It's a good way to relax before what might be a hard show.

But, at least it'll be easier than the Cornucopia Bloodbath was. I can't get out of my head what would have happened if Cato had not been looking the other way…

(A few minutes later…)

And so it is, just a few precious minutes later, that we are all under the stage. I can hear the bombastic music of Caesar's show up above and he is saying something I can't make out, probably hyping us all up. Hmm...it only occurs to me now just how catchy that music up there is. Makes me want to dance, almost.

First our prep teams go up, then our stylists and finally our mentors. The cheering for them is very loud...I guess they deserve that. Finnick and Seeder most of all. But now, our podiums are moving upwards. I look at Rue, and she looks at me. We share a meaningful nod; whatever is about we happen, we'll face it together. Co-winners and co-interviewees, right?

Just before we come out on stage Caesar begins to introduce us, probably timing it so as soon as he finishes speaking we will rise upon the stage.

"And now, the moment you have all been waiting for...the two people you've all fallen in love with and cheered for over the past several days...the two people who never had the odds in their favour, but showed that odds and size and age do not always confirm or deny a victory...I give you Urchin Hook and Rue Applebee, the Tiny Two from Districts 4 and 11!" Cesar announces grandly.

And just like that, the two of us rise onto the stage and into the bright lights and sea of applause. All of the colourful audience, wearing the silliest outfits I have ever seen...is purple skin even possible...are applauding for us. They stand up, clapping cheering and whistling, like they love us and are happy to see us. If they really liked us, they'd not have put us in the Arena. I bet if our deaths were exciting enough they'd cheer just as loudly.

...But, I know I cannot say that.

We both shyly wave to the crowd, the people who bet on us living or dying as though we were horses in a race, and take our seats. Normally it's just one seat for the winner to sit on as they talk to Caesar, but because of the fact we're both still alive a plush sofa has been set up for us. We sit on it and Caesar shakes our hands.

"Welcome back, Urchin and Rue," Caesar says grandly. "It's wonderful to see you both here safe and sound."

"I bet you didn't expect to see us here again, did you?" Rue asks cheekily.

"I'll confess, I did not," Caesar says honestly. "But, I'm happy to have been proven wrong. You are both very deserving Victors, let me tell you!"

I know Caesar is trying to be nice to us, but...does that mean he thought the other twenty two did not deserve to live? That does not describe Katniss or Cinder at all…

"Now, before we get onto the recap footage of the Games, it has occurred to me that you have both set some records with your Victory," Caesar says, smiling charmingly. "Now, I'm not talking about being the first Co-Victors in the history of Panem, but rather some records that are unique to you as individuals."

Cesar looks at Rue with what almost looks like a smile of…admiration?

"You, my little lady, went from a Tribute to a Victor without killing a single person. I am sure your family are very proud of you for that!" Caesar remarks grandly. On cue, the audience cheers.

Wait, I thought the audience liked people committing murder? Why aren't they booing? I'll never get the Capital…

"I just wanted to...play the Games as myself," Rue says, putting on that cute, shy appearance she often makes. The audience loves it.

"And indeed you did. A grand, safe game well played!" Caesar says, clapping.

Then he turns to me. I try to smile, a relaxed look on my face...but, I'm not sure how effective it is. I cross my legs, relaxing back...Cato did so and got much applause, so maybe, just maybe, it'll work for me too?

"You, young man, did something possibly even more impressive, oh yes! You're officially our youngest ever winner!" Caesar exclaims, firmly shaking my hand. "Tell me...how does that feel, exactly?"

I pause for a moment. But...if I waste time thinking, it may make things awkward. I'll just see what I come out with.

"Well...I guess it's in my blood, you know? I can only hoe that, now that I'm here, Finnick won't be getting jealous. Can you imagine that, being jealous of his tiny, curly haired nephew?" I say, trying to force on a laugh and not make it sound obviously cringey.

"Wouldn't that be something!" Caesar says with a loud laugh. "How about some applause for our little record breakers, folks?"

The audience stands and applauds. It all makes me feel dizzy...they're applauding me for being a young murderer, aren't they? But I have little time to dwell on this as Caesar announces it's time for the highlights. And in just a few seconds the lights in the studio have dimmed, and the footage begins to play. Besides the dread of watching what I just went through...I'm kind of curious how they are going to put ten days of bloodshed and pain into three hours. Rue takes my hand, looking at me anxiously. I nod and give her hand a squeeze. I have no plans to let go.

They start by showing the camera panning around the Cornucopia at the start. The countdown begins and the camera gives all twenty four of us some screentime. But...it seems like it's focusing on myself and Rue more. As soon as the Games begin, I can see myself running to the Cornucopia while Rue flees into the forest. Rue holds my hand tighter as we watch the bloodshed start, all the stabs and screams. I can see myself, hiding within the Cornucopia with wide and terrified eyes. The Careers fighting, and everybody else who does not get killed fleeing for their lives with supplies, or in some cases nothing at all. Then I watch myself flee, barely making it.

And so it goes on for the next three hours. Certainly better than watching all...uh...I think two hundred and forty hours of footage...but watching this hurts, seeing everybody die. And when they die, the audience gasps and lightly applauds. How!?

As we watch, I can see things happen that I never witnessed before. Clove sobbing over Cato's death, yelling in despair...Peeta laying in agony by the river overnight with a bleeding leg...Rammy having an episode and axing many trees due to the pain of losing Sable becoming too much…me feeling awful when Cinder got caught by the blast...

And then, Katniss. They play the whole thing in slow motion, first when I pull Rue out of the way and then...when Katniss dies The footage focuses on Rue and myself sobbing, not letting her go out alone, not knowing how much we loved her.

...They don't even show us laying flowers and making that nice hand signal. They just show us leaving. How dare they! I can tell Rue is very upset too, but we remain holding hands.

The recap footage continues, showing myself and Rue surviving, Lacey being...Lacey, Glimmer getting more and more insane. And then, after showing Gimmer flee from Weldar midway through their battle with her Feast bag and two arrows in her left shoulder... we see the finale that, really, feels like it happened only a few moments ago. We see every second of it.

Weldar having us both at bow-gun point.

The mutts arriving and Weldar killing one of them as we flee.

The screen then splits in two, showing Glimmer running from her point far across the Arena while the rest of us run towards the lake.

Weldar is torn apart screaming in agony as we escape, while Glimmer breaks the neck of the one Mutt that comes close to her. I know something is off about those things, but curious as I am...I don't want to know what it is…

And then, it plays every second of the final battle. Everything except for Glimmer's rant and breakdown...but it plays her death in slowmotion, to make sure it lasts as long as possible. I hold back my vomit...that poor girl from 1 deserved better than that…

And then, it skips to me and Rue hugging as the hovercraft descends.

The footage is over and the crowd stands, applauding loudly and wildly. Applause aimed at me has never made me feel more sick in my life.

"What a Game we have had this year, right everybody?" Caesar says grandly, gently beckoning for quiet. "But, a Hunger Games is only ever as good as its victor, or victors I should say. What do you think, do you think we've got some good Victors this year?!"

The cheering gets even louder. I just want these people to stop. No...they're things. People do not cheer at other people dying painfully. I want to go home, to be back in my room with my family in good old District 4…

But it's not over, not yet. The footage may have ended, but now the actual interview begins. Exact times vary between years, as some Victors simply do more than others in the Arena...but it's never over in just five minutes.

As the applause starts to die down Caesar looks at us, ready to start things off. But before he starts, he gives us a very small nod. To some it seems just like as cue that we're starting, but...it almost seems like he is reassuring us.

Maybe we can get through this?

"So, it's been ten days full of excitement for you both. I daresay more than most kids your age tend to get," Cesar begins, dramatic as he always is. "How do you feel though, now that it has all come to an end?"

"Well...it feels like waking up from a dream," I say honestly. Though, I don't mention the fact the kind of dream I mean is a nightmare.

"For all the Games, it was like...nothing existed outside that Arena. I'm still thinking we'll both wake up, next to each other underneath that tree," Rue says.

"Ah, yes, that is quite a common feeling among Victors right after they're out of the Arena," Caesar says, nodding. "But I assure you, you're not dreaming. Though, I suppose your winnings will let you live the dream! You kids can buy anything you want now. Anything you might have your eyes on?"

No more Games…

"My own fishing boat," I say, trying to put on a winning smile.

"A nice doll," Rue says shyly.

And so it goes on like this, with back and forth questioning and a little banter. The audience gasps, awwwws and laughs here and there while we answer the questions as best as we can. Every now and then though I can see a tiny amount of what seems to be anxiousness in Caesar's eyes before we speak. Why though? Aren't we meant to be the ones feeling anxious?

People are hiding something from us…

"So, how did you feel, Rue, when even after losing Katniss...you always had Urchin by your side?" Caesar asks lightly, but with great interest.

"...Well, it made me feel like I was never alone...and never in true danger," Rue says, smiling sweetly. "He went to that dangerous Feast...just for me. He saved my life."

"Well, you saved me too. I mean, you were the one who put my sponsor medicine on my tracker-jacker strings," I reply, making sure she knows just how grateful I am.

The crowd all awww at this, seeming happy. I just feel insulted, like they think it's just a TV show where the actors are never in danger. But, I have to keep smiling. No anger until I'm back home.

I wonder what it'll be like...being home.

And on it goes, until eventually it's time to wrap things up. Caesar says we're almost out of time for the year, and asks if the audience want him to ask one more question. Of course, they do, and so Caesar turns to us, smiling his pearly white smile.

"So, do you kids have a favourite Victor?" he asks.

"Seeder," Rue says promptly. "I think her mentoring really helped!"

"And how about you, Urchin? Your Uncle Finnick, I assume?" Caesar says, trying to be charming.

That would have been my first answer before all of this happened, but now...now there is only one person I can think of mentioning.

"Annie," I say as I look Cesar in the eye. "She overcame an awful experience, and...never wanted to hurt anybody. She only drowned those who came at her to kill her first. She won through self-defence and trying to be nice."

Caesar nods, telling some kind of story about Annie. But I don't pay attention to that. I just pay attention to the fact it's all over.

"Let's give it up one last time, for the winners of the 74th Annual Hunger Games!" Caesar yells dramatically. "The Tiny Two who overcame the odds that were against them, Urchin Hook and Rue Applebee!"

The crowd goes wild and we both wave, smiling like sunshine.

Our smiles are anything but real.

(One Hour Later…)

I was wrong, it's not over yet. Before the crowning tomorrow, we have to attend a party at President Snow's mansion. This is never televised, so I guess it just slipped my mind that I'd be attending. Before we entered the door I thought it might be alright. I've attended birthday parties of my friends back in District 4, with cake and sandcastles, so how different could it be?

Way too different!

It's loud, the colours make my head spin, people come over and pat me on the head and comment on how 'impressive' I was...it all just makes me miss my home even more. Maybe the Capital has no Games to worry about and have the best of everything, especially in medicine, but...it's nothing to the shores of 4.

...At least the food is good.

As attendance is mandatory for Victors, my original plan had been to just hang back off to the side until it was over, but...Finnick told me that each Victor must take part in a dance. Apparently it's the highlight of the evening.

I mean, I can dance and pretty well at that, but never in front of people...well, people older than me. But, as I have no choice...a few more cups of soda, and I'll let things happen as Panem intends them to.

And there she is. Rue walks towards me, smiling. We're out of our interview outfits and are now into what I think counts as 'party cloths on morphling' I think I look so silly...but Rue looks lovely. The flowery, sunset yellow dress looks magnificent on her. Perhaps nicer than a sunset over the sea…

I avert my gaze for a moment, looking at my cup as a brief way out, and then I look back at Rue trying to smile.

"...I feel so nervous in this place," I whisper.

"Mm, same," Rue agrees. "But, at least we're safe. You know, I've been to harvest parties back in 11...even when everybody gets excited, it's nothing like this."

"Yeah...they don't even have any cake," I agree, trying to be funny.

"You're terrible," Rue says, giggling.

"Terribly good, you mean?" I say, also giggling.

We share a good laugh together. For just a few moments...it feels like we're normal kids again.

"So, where were you?" I ask. I haven't seen Rue since the party began, so I must wonder…

"Oh, I was talking to Rhonda," Rue replied. "She's President Snow's granddaughter."

I tense for a brief moment.

"Was she...nice?" I ask anxiously.

"She was. She said she was rooting for us because it's about time somebody her age won. She told me she spent a month of her allowance on giving to our sponsors funds," Rue says, smiling. "I think she thinks we'd be a good couple. She kept pointing you out and asking what I thought of your curls."

I chuckle nervously, trying not to blush. That'd make this even more awkward.

"She...sounds alright," I say after a pause.

"Yeah, but...she also said she was glad none of the others won, because she liked us best," Rue says, an odd look on her face. "She doesn't see it like we do..."

A nasty thought crosses my mind.

"She might be President one day, when we're much older," I whisper nervously. "Do you think...she'd keep the Games going, do what Snow does…we might have our own families one day, and they'd be at her mercy..."

We are both silent, very scared looks on our faces. Rue glances away, and I see she is looking at Rhonda. We then look back at each other. Could that girl become very dangerous…?

"...She won't do anything if we talk to her first...if we become her friends, right?" Rue says, looking confident. "C'mon Urchin, wanna go meet our new friend?"

I'm about to refuse, if only due to how sick the idea of making Snow's granddaughter Anti-Games right under his nose makes me feel, when all goes silent.

"Your attention please," says a powerful, but soft voice. "It is time for the Victor's Dance. Will our...co-Victors please make their way to the dance floor? Thank you."

We don't even have to look in his direction to know that President Snow was looking in our direction as he said that. A chill just went up my back…

Nevertheless, I managed to smile and turn to Rue. I hold out my hand.

"...May I have this dance?" I ask shyly, smiling regardless.

"Can you dance?" Rue asks, giggling.

"Want me to show you, not tell you?" I offer.

Rue nods, taking my hand and almost pulling me onto the dance floor.

And so we dance.

And dance.

And dance.

We gently dance in a slow, wavy movement. The crowd watches, chattering quietly and smiling. I think some are taking pictures. I try to ignore them though, and just dance with my best friend. After this entire nightmare...'waking up' to something like this, well, it doesn't make everything worth it , but...it makes things hurt less.

I do not know what the adults are talking about. I do not know what is going to happen tomorrow. I do not know if I can be a good Mentor. I don't even know if I am really safe yet.

But, one thing I do know is that, right now, in this very moment, as I look into Rue's eyes...I feel happy, and cannot stop a smile from appearing on my face. I can tell that Rue feels the same way.

Holding hands, Rue swings me around as we both laugh. I spin her under my arm and dip her. If I had dropped me I have no idea what would have happened, but it goes off flawlessly.

"You really can dance," Rue says, beaming.

"Oh, and you're surprised?"I say in mock offensive. "Would I lie to you?"

We laugh and resume dancing. For a brief second or two I see a girl who must be Rhonda talking to President Snow. She gives us a wave and a smile, and he gives a slow nod. Even though he is smiling...somehow, I get the feeling his thoughts are less sweet than those of his granddaughter.

What did we do wrong?...Live?

...Sorry, not sorry. Me and Rue...we're a team, a package deal...best friends.

Both in the Arena and out.