Chapter 10
Two months later, Lilly's P.O.V.
Finally, it was time I will finally get to see Clove again… my Clove! It's time for my victory tour where I would finally meet my Clove. I'm so excited I got up early and decided to go hunting for the first time since I got back to District 12. Since my house in Victor Village is literally right by the fence I could go through the gap there any time. I take Padfoot out with me and we find some good bird inhabited areas where we get some wild turkeys then we go fish and get really good fish. "Well how 'bout that! Turkey and Fish. I also collected some greens from the market today. We can have a good meal with the pack. They said they were coming over again today."
Padfoot sits and scratches behind his ear. I smile at him then look up at the sky. The sun was rising. "Let's go check the snares then head home. I'm hoping for a rabbit or two and maybe a squirrel." I of course got two rabbit on the same snare somehow and three squirrels on the other few snares. Back in my house I prep the food then start to cook it.
By the time Effie and my prep team arrives my friends are all gathered around the table and Wry, who was now healthy do to the medical treatment that I paid for, was telling the story of the time she got caught in one of my snares. "Hey there!" I answer the door with cheeriness that I've never shown before. "How are you!? You all must be hungry from the long ride, I bet you didn't even have breakfast yet! Come on in there's enough room for everyone! You all are early! Not much work to be done on my body as I've been keeping fit, shaved and perfect in just the way you showed me. What do you think of the décor?"
"It's fabulous! Where did you get this sort of decor?" Effie exclaims.
"I made a lot of it myself out of materials from the market but the posters came from Beetee from 3 who had to digitally restore them to new. Technically they are replicas but they are perfect replica's not one mistake or flaw. If you look out the back door you will see the hammock that I made myself. I got it set up then added a little pavilion around it so it doesn't get wet when it rains."
We all eat and where soon joined by Hermes. After eating, my friends were asked to come back later then I got inspected by the prep team who found not a hair out of place then they did my make up before wrapping me in a robe and sending me down to the living room where Hermes was. "Hello." I grin.
"You're in such a good mood it scared Effie who went and told Haymitch who was so scared he called Johanna who I think told Haymitch something about calling Finnick. By the time we leave 12 I think all of Panem will know."
"I can't help it. I'll meet Clove in—" I glance at the watch on my wrist, "7 days, 6 hours, 12 minutes and… 23, 22, 21 seconds."
"You poor lovesick little girl." He shakes his head playfully. "So I decided that for this tour you will be wearing the same style as before but this time there will be no smirking or glaring. You need to show the districts that you are actually sorry for the deaths of their tributes. I decided to go all out and had Beetee make you a new guitar that will be slung over your shoulder. Here's what you will wear today." Same leather and spikes style that Hermes had me wear before but without the fire. "You are not the fire wielder, or the Ice Queen. Show them that you are a member of the wolf Pack. Show them that you're an Alpha."
I stay in 12 for a short speech about Kolton than make the journey to District 11 which is shorter and more lonely than I expected. But once we were in District 11 I realize that I didn't know what lonely was until that moment. I was the last remaining tribute of the 72nd Hunger Games. I wasn't coming to congratulate any other winners because there were no other victors. It was me, just me, the lone victor of the 72nd Hunger games. When I hear myself be introduced I take a shaky breath then allow myself to be escorted to the stage. Looking out at the solemn faces of the people and the mournful faces of the families I felt my panic start to rise.
"I'm not good at speeches so I'm not going to waste your time with me stuttering like an idiot." The words suddenly start falling from my mouth before I could stop and think about what I was saying. "I wasn't allies with Pear and Apple… I didn't even take the time to learn much about them… but from the bit I did learn I know that they were good people. I know most of you still don't like me for coming out instead of them but you've got to know that I wasn't planning on surviving very long. I wanted my brother to live just like you wanted them to win. I will live with the deaths of 23 other people all because I was too selfish to try my best to save one of the other tributes. I would like to give my condolences to the families of the fallen tributes and I wish them good luck and healing. Thank you. Panem Forever." The entire crowd had tears in their eyes as they burst into applause. The families themselves came to give me the large plaque and I give them each a hug.
This happens in each district after my short heartfelt speeches each different. I was actually liked by the people in the districts. In District 8 I stand with my father behind me and to my right while my mother was back and to my left. "First may I start off by saying that this is a beautiful place and Kolton would have loved it here!" This comment is mostly directed at my mother and father.
After another calming breath I begin "I would like to apologize for the deaths of Weft and Paige. In our short time training we became friends and I know that had I grown up here we would have been raised together… and gone to school together… and been best friends. They told me about how they live right outside of victor's village over their parents' shops. They told me how they would always go spend the day with my mom to help her get over her flashbacks… that they spent hours just talking to her to get her out of that negative train of memories. I am forever grateful for what they did for my family and I wish they could be here so all of Panem could see how kind and generous and all around nice people they were."
I see the tears in the eyes of my mother at remembering them then I realized it was getting hard for me to talk about them and I lean away from the microphone to clear my throat. "It's hard for me to think about my fellow tributes without feeling guilty and alone. They should be here because they deserve it. I wish the families good fortune and hope that they can forgive me for not sending at least one of their tributes home. Thank you. Panem forever." After I receive the plaque from here I am taken straight to the train and sent off so that I can be kept on schedule which means District 7 is my last stop of the day before I can sleep. After giving my speech I'm allowed to stay the night with Johanna. I am now only four days from seeing Clove. This is going to be a long four days.
Day four of the victory tour I visited district 6 then District 5. On Day five was Districts 4 and 3. Now it was Day 6 of the tour and the capitol had me go to district 1 then go to District 2 tomorrow. "I swear their trying to kill me, dad." I find myself saying as we approach district 1 "This separation is hurting me so much. I just want to be with her. I mean we just sped right past District 2 to get to District 1."
"I know, I know. But your mom said she's coming back to live with me and the wolf packs are all going to district 2 for their training which includes Johanna who is in the Wolf pack in 7. so you're gonna be living there soon enough and I'm gonna be with my wife and I'll even give up drinking."
"No you wouldn't." I laugh at him.
"I would too! Not all at once but a little each day until I'm completely over it. I would do anything for her. I'll do anything for you. I've only had ten drinks this morning instead of the twenty three I had yesterday."
"It's still early." I snicker before sighing. "But I get what you're saying. I believe you. Thank you for trying to distract me."
"What? No, I was telling you that I'm trying to get your mother back. Weren't you listening?" but the small smile was enough of a, you're welcome, for me. "Do you think I can clean up my act enough to get her back?"
"Well, I've not had much experience with drunks gone sober but I'm sure I can help. Also we have got to get you into shape. Not only for her but for all of Panem. What if there was a threat and District 12 needed you to be able to fight? They won't want to depend on an old guy with a beer-belly."
"What threat?"
"I don't know… escaped mutts finding their way in through the fence? I just want to be prepared for anything."
"That's the scared tribute in you still stuck in the arena… but I agree. I'll try."
"You aren't giving up drinking completely until she comes back are you?"
"Nope." That is as far as the conversation got because just then we arrived at District 1.
Once again I am shut in the justice building anxiously waiting until I am announced. When I hear the mayor getting ready to announce me I stand up and start pacing nervously until it was time for me to take the stage.
I nervously step up to the microphone. "Hello." All is quiet for a moment as they all stare at me. "I've never made friends with anyone in such a short period of time. But with the career pack it was different. Domitia, Ryker, Shimmer and Shine where all good friends to me until the end which is why standing here in front of Shimmer and Shine's family I feel ashamed and guilty. I probably don't have a right to feel anything especially when it comes to Shimmer and Shine—especially after what I did to them but I ask you to understand that they were hurt and didn't feel like living. I did everything I could to let them know they still had each other and they still had someone who cares about them but they just couldn't go on."
I see many of the faces starting to get angry and I try to back pedal. "Okay let me ask you how many of you know what Shine's token was?" one little girl standing with Shimmer and Shines family. It was their younger sister. "It was a photo of his soulmate right?" she nods. "And his soulmate died in the games a few years back. The only thing keeping him alive was Shimmer. When Fort Nox died then she couldn't go on. She wanted Shine to win like I wanted my brother to win. Once she was gone he had no hope or motivation. I was trying to help them reunite with their loved ones." All is silent. Emotionless faces stare at me. And then, starting with Shimmer and Shines father, there was clapping that soon spread across the sea of faces. I smile at them and thank them before accepting the plaque before leaving.
The train stops in a field between Districts 1 and 2 for the rest of the day and I took a wooden stool and my new guitar and spent the afternoon trying to think of something special I could to for all of the fallen tributes once I reach the capitol for one more interview with Caesar. "Hey, Kiddo. The peacekeepers want you back on the train in one hour for dinner. Effie was worried when you skipped lunch." My father stumbles over.
"I wasn't hungry… but I'll be there for dinner."
"Whatcha doin'?" I could tell he was drunk again but it didn't really bother me.
"I'm trying to remember a song that I heard that I can sing for the fallen tributes. It's the least I could do for them."
"Also trying to keep your mind off of that girl from 2?"
"Dad… Shut up." He laughs then I go back to what I was doing. We then spend the last half hour watching the sunset. "I wish I could live in an open place like this. Where I can see the stars and there's nobody around to annoy me. Just me, Johanna, Clove, and our land. Doing whatever we want there with no penalties. Little America."
"Maybe one day."
"Maybe one day." I look up when the train whistle goes off. "We better go before we get arrested." I stand up and he grabs the stool and we head back to the train.
I didn't sleep well that night and in the morning I woke up Anxious and excited. When Effie and Haymitch wake up they sit down and talk to me while my prep team did my hair and makeup. "Remember you are to greet her at the station and she will accompany you to the justice building but she will stay inside while you make your speech. Once done you and I will go with her to meet her family and to see where they live then we will come back to the train."
"We cannot stay because we must get to the capitol by tomorrow. While giving your speech you must not mention Clove you must not smile as if you are happy and you must be respectful because in District 2 Respect is everything."
"I know. I have been nothing but respectful in each District. I did not mention Clove once in any of the other speeches because I wasn't there to tell them about her I was there to say I was sorry for their losses."
"Okay." Effie says and they smile at me. "In that case enjoy your time with Clove."
When the train stops I step onto the platform and look around at everyone before my eyes see a familiar scene. Clove being held back by her parents with her brother… what was his name? Cato? With Cato standing to the left of their father. I feel my father place a hand on my shoulder, partly to stop me from running to her and partly to hold his drunken-self up. I walk calmly over, dragging my dad with me. When I was close enough Cloves parents let her go but instead of immediately embracing we stare into each other's eyes silently and somehow I felt as if I learned everything about her in that one instant.
"I've waited my entire life for this moment." I say softly. She reaches out and takes my hand then lets out a sigh of relief.
"I wasn't sure this if this was another dream or not." I pull her into a hug and felt that if I let her go this would all disappear and I would wake up a home. I look over her shoulder at her peacekeeper parents and her big brother.
"I think I'm being rude by not properly introducing myself."
"It doesn't matter. My family is going to be heading home right now to prepare for guests. You can properly introduce yourself then." As if on cue the three members of Clove's family turn and struggle through the crowd. I close my eyes and sigh before pulling out of the hug and leading her, my father and Effie to the car that will take us to the justice building. "Clove, this is my father, Haymitch. He's a lot of work but he's family. And this is my escort Effie. Haymitch, Effie, this is Clove." They shake hands then Haymitch turns to Effie and shakes her hand too. "Dad, you already know Effie, stop shaking her hand."
"I though' Effie was on da train!" He exclaims drunkenly.
"She can't escort us if she's on the train."
"Why dus she needs to export us 'cross da' train? Das 'tupid. I Don' Wanna learn ta fly!"
"Haymitch, take a nap." Effie snaps while Clove does her best not to laugh.
"No Nap! I'll Die! No Nap!" Haymitch panics and I realize it's a flashback. He then tries to bite Effie and I slap him across the face. He jerks back and sits up straight. "Wha' happened?"
"You had a flashback and tried to bite Effie's face off." I explain before bursting into laughter which sets Clove off. By the time we calmed down Haymitch had already passed out and we were now pulling up to the large justice building. "Clove, before I do this I need to know if your family blames me." I say as we walk into the side door of the building.
"It wasn't your fault. Dom died saving you because she respected you that much. When you sang to her it showed how much you respected her. You said goodbye with a solute only common in the culture of District 12 which to our District means you saw her as one of your district members which, even when it's a low income district like 12, is still the highest respect you could have given her. The only people you might have to worry about blaming you are the ones close to Ryker but you weren't the one who killed him so I doubt it."
"Okay." We sit together and wait. I'm so comfortable with my hand in Clove's and my head on her shoulder I didn't even realize that I fell asleep until I'm being woken by Effie who quickly fixes my hair and makeup.
"Wait until he calls your name."
"I know, Effie."
"It would make me a horrible parent to give you a shot of alcohol to wake you so have a large drink of coffee instead." I decline knowing that coffee would not work and instead accept a glass of water from Clove.
"Lilly, it's time for us to go on."
I look up at Effie feeling a little sick to my stomach. "Okay." I turn and give Clove another hug before turning and walking onto the stage with Effie and Haymitch on either side of me. With a sigh I step up to the microphone. "Hello, citizens of District 2. I am Lilly Abernarthy. Before I say anything else in my probably awkward speech I would like to start by saying that I respect all of you. Back in District 12 respect is something that is earned and we all usually keep rather distant from each other unless we have respect for each other. From what I am told respect here in District 2 is held in even higher regards than it is in District 12. Here Respect is required and I will respectfully honor these customs." I glance at Haymitch who nods his head a little to show that I'm doing good.
"Domitia and Ryker were two of the toughest most respectable people I have ever met. I would have been honored to have known them both longer than I did. They were more than my allies they were my friends. Domitia was there to tell me to stop feeling sorry for myself and for my brother and to actually try. She was not afraid to insult me or to point out my flaws. In the short amount of time I knew her she was the best friend anyone could ask for. And Ryker was awesome. He was strong, fast, vigilant, and just… the perfect candidate to win. I'm sure had the circumstances been different he would have won." I take a calming breath to prepare for this next part.
"I am so, so, sorry to say that his death was my fault. If I had left the matches when I went to look for Kolton I'm positive that he would have won. I respected him and if it came down to me or him I would be honored to die if it meant falling to a great warrior like Ryker Mason. I would have also been honored to have died for Domitia Brick. Both of them were great… far too great to have died because of a small twelve year old girl from District 12. I am not worthy to be standing here talking about them but because I am I ask for your forgiveness even though I'm not worth it. I am deeply sorry for your loss. Thank you for taking the time to listen to what I had to say. Panem forever."
I bow out of respect and am surprised to see everyone else respect me the same way. I can't help it as tears well in my eyes. I try to avoid looking at the cameras as tears and mascara streaks under my eyes. I pull the bandana from my back pocket and wipe away the tears and the running makeup before putting it back and turning to accept the plaque from, surprisingly, Clove. I grab her hand and allow her to pull me off the stage and back into the Justice building.
Once the city square was mostly clear we all go get back into the car and I lay my head on Clove's shoulder again but keep myself from sleeping. Her arm goes around me and her head lays on mine. Next thing I know, I hear Effie say both our names. "Lilly, Clove, wake up." I had fallen asleep again and this time she did too.
"You okay, Lilly? Tha' da' secon' time ya fell asleep." Haymitch slurs.
"M' fine. Just haven't been sleepin' well."
"Tha's okay, kid." He yawns "I fell asleep too." I look at Clove but she's watching the houses.
"That one there is Domitia's family's home. And that's where Ryker's family is. And this one is my family's home." It's a grey building identical to the ones next to it except for the number on a sign on the front gate. Number 325. "It looks better on the inside."
"I… like it."
"You're a horrible liar, you know."
"Do you like it?"
"No, it's ugly, but its home."
"Well, since you don't like it I feel no shame in saying it's rather horrible to look at. Good structure though. Perfectly built and well kept."
"You're into architecture?"
"No. I just can tell the difference between a nicely built house and one that looks like one wind gust will knock it down. If you somehow ever get to come to District 12 I'll show you around. It's awful, rundown and depressing but it's home. Shall we go in?"
"Yes. " Clove climbs out and waits for me to climb out all while never letting my hand go. We wait for Effie, Haymitch and our Peacekeeper escorts. Instead of knocking Clove opens the door. "Mother, Father, Cato, we are here!" she calls as she leads Me, Haymitch and Effie into the house.
The three of them come into the hall with a camera tailing them. Of course because the five tailing me wasn't enough, right? "Clove." Her mother pulls her into a hug and then turns to us. "Hello, welcome to our home I am Lieutenant Amelia Stone." I shake her hand.
"I'm Lilly Abernarthy, It's a pleasure to meet you, Lieutenant."
"I'm Captain Victor Stone." I shake his hand.
"Lilly Abernarthy, it's a pleasure to meet you, Captain."
Cato then walks over and throws an arm across my shoulders "So you're the one my sister has been dreaming about since she was born, eh?"
"Cato!" Clove growls.
"What I'm just asking! No harm done! Right, Lils?"
"Yeah, no harm. But let me ask you something. You care about your family a lot right?" he nods "So let's say they gave you a nickname that you never let anyone else use then I come along and call you that name. you wouldn't be too happy."
"What's your point, Lils?"
"My point is that the nickname Lils was used by Kolton and I don't want you calling me that if you don't mind."
"Oh… sorry… Lilly."
"It's alright… like you said, no harm done."
"Come on, Lilly, let me show you my room." Clove pulls me in the direction of the stairs while glaring at Cato.
"Alright, alright I'm done. Have fun, sis."
"Shut up, Cato."
"I wasn't actually talking to you this time, Clove." I turn and see Cato smiling at me and I smile back before I follow Clove upstairs. As soon as I see the room I laugh.
"What?"
"You decorations are a lot like mine."
"So it would look good in your house?"
"Why do you ask?"
"I want to move to 12 with you."
"No." I state.
"What?"
"You can't move to twelve."
"Why not."
"Because soon I'll be moving here to be with you. I can't live with you here in 2 if you are in 12."
The look on her face was one of surprise and joy. "Really! But why? How? What about your father?"
"I said soon. I hear that the enforcer's training facility is almost done so as soon as it is and the wolf packs come to train Jo and I will both be here."
"What about your father?"
"My mother is moving back in with Haymitch so I don't need to worry about him and once I make my permanent transfer I'll have an actual house to live in instead of a room in the facility."
"But District 2 is huge what if you get a house far from here?" we both sit on her bed.
"I was thinking about that and—"
"Girls?" we look up to see Clove's mother. "Dinner is ready."
"Thank you, Lieutenant Stone."
"You may call me Amelia as I am not on duty."
"Okay… Amelia." Clove and I follow her down and sit at the table next to each other silent as the food is placed on the table by a pair of Avox's "This food looks amazing." I say with a smile to Amelia.
"Yes well, I wanted to make a good first impression. I cooked it all myself if you're wondering. I borrowed these Avox's from a friend to help serve and clean." We eat for a bit in silence with me only looking up to glance at Clove every few minutes.
Finally after almost 30 minutes of silent clanking of silverware on dishes Captain Stone clears his throat. "So, Lilly, have you and Clove discussed living arrangements?"
"Yes, we have, Captain—"
"Please call me Victor when I'm not in uniform."
"Okay, Victor. We were talking about that right before Amelia came to get us. I'm going to be coming to the Enforcer training facility soon so I'll be here not too long after the building and Barracks are done. Then I want to do an official transfer and get one of the bigger houses. Clove and I are too young to live together alone so I wanted to invite all four of you to move in once I buy the house. Of course I'll have to go back to District 12 on reaping day but I'm sure it's not going to be too bad."
"Where about in two do you plan on living at?"
"Some place near the Enforcer building. As lovely as these houses are I was hoping to have more room that this so that I can decorate it and it's not really convenient for my job."
"These houses are ugly, dear; you don't have to sugarcoat that."
"Honestly the word I would use is bland at the worst. Trust me you haven't seen ugly until you've seen the houses at District 12. Anyway I saw these lovely big houses that are perfect I just have to decide which one to buy."
"You can't afford that!" Haymitch slurs.
"I can too I'm a victor remember? I'll buy the house and begin training at the facility. That's as far as I've planned. I didn't want to plan any farther than that without you because that would be inconsiderate and rude."
"So you're going to buy my family a house for free?"
"To be honest my intentions are primarily selfish."
"How so?"
"I'm doing it so I can be happy seeing you every day. And I'll be living there too."
"In district 2 we are all about respect." Victor states. "We feel it's disrespectful to have you waste your money on us."
"Well how about 200 dollars a month and we call it even? This food is amazing!"
Amelia laughs and says "Victor and I shall consider your offer later then we shall send you a letter."
"I'll leave my address and I'll accept letters any time." I glance at Effie who was now looking at the time. "I hate to rush things but we have a schedule to keep. Thank you for having us."
"Can't you stay for dessert?" Amelia asks. I glance at Effie who checks the time and then nods.
"Yes, we can, but then we really have to go."
After an amazing dessert we say goodbye and I give Clove an extra-long hug and whisper in her ear. "I know we're too young for anyone to believe it but I love you. I thought you should know."
"I love you too. "
Two months later
Finally my parents got back together. It took a month to get trip permits to district 8 then when we got there we had to pack all of her things and have the boxes loaded onto the train. She says her goodbyes to family and friends then we leave. Now that she's living there the place is clean and actually feels like home. We all leave Kolton's room alone though.
Today I'm moving to District 2 with the rest of the pack. We pack some things and load onto the train. I bring Padfoot with me on a leash and I pack some things he'll need also. being on the train makes him nervous but I'm able to keep him calm.
When we pull into District 2 we're met by six peacekeepers with a large truck in which we load in and are taken to the new facility. "Welcome to your new home." our main instructor says. "while you are here you will all train together. Meals will be held in the dining hall and any problems will be handled in a boxing match. Since you are District 12 you're on the 12th floor. The pack from the capitol is above you and everyone else are on the floors below. You can visit each other on your free time and during lunch hour but not during training hours. Tomorrow the Capitol Pack will arrive then training starts the day after so let's get you into your rooms then you can explore freely."
Since Ash and I are the Alpha's we got larger rooms then the others. A second cot has been put in mine so Padfoot can have his own bed as well. "Come on, Padfoot." I grin "Let's go find Johanna."
Down on the 7th floor I find someone to direct me to Johanna's room and I find Clove in there talking with her. "Well this is perfect." I say as I open the door. "You're not allergic to wolves are you?" I ask jokingly as Padfoot runs in and starts sniffing each girl. "Down, Padfoot." Padfoot lays at their feet while I come in and close the door. "Not to sound like a parent, Clover, but aren't you supposed to be in school?"
"I had a transfer."
"To where?"
"To here!" She says excitedly "I'm going to be an Enforcer also!"
"Awesome!" I grin. "I can't wait to get started."
A/N: aahahahahahahaha—*cough cough* sorry. So I re-wrote this. It's still along the same lines but not as much. So for the sequel you'll see Katniss and Peeta go in. I can either have Clove go in or Lilly can go in again. Let me know what you think.