Cade Valentine, Owner of Club Valentino's
Train Heading to Twelve
Julia Aquilla's Victory Tour: Day 1

"The victor is here, and you choose to spend your day off here with me?"

I ask Lincoln this because he sits at my desk just looking over notes and whatnot, his smile on his face never fading at reading it. He looks back and just shrugs before going back to reading. I just shake my head from my bed and just think about how I'm going to work on this victor stories as well as following Julia Aquilla around for the next two weeks.

My newfound friendship with Lincoln is odd, it's like I've known him for so long even though he only came into my life maybe a good six months now. He was there when Ashe Barrow trashed my club and he was there to help me tidy it all up, but I still can't figure out what he really wants from me. I can't help but feel like he wants something from me, maybe he doesn't but there's still that feeling rising in the pit of my stomach.

Is it company? Relationship?

Lincoln is as much of an enigma as the next couple of victors. Speaking of, Lincoln had gotten up from his position and have sat beside me, peering into the laptop screen and I trying to hide it from his sights. He goes to grab the electronic, but I just take it away further from him and I could not get the sight of his pouting face out of my head as I begin to laugh.

"What?" He looks at me with a genuine confused face.

"No peeking!"

"You're just mean and cruel," He says with a laugh. "So, can you at least give me a hint on what's going on in the next couple of chapters?"

"Well, like I said, this guy ends up befriending Arlo and then the next victor too."

"Interesting, is this the first of its kind?"

"Sort of."

There's nothing much to say as we stay in comfortable silence. With Lincoln going back to reading whatever he had in his hand. We had just picked up Julia Aquilla, victor of the Eighty-First Hunger Games. We're heading to Twelve right now, but we didn't even interact that much, she was very professional about the meeting but then I was whisked away back into my own room. I feel like I'm under house arrest.

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow I'll attempt to go and speak with Julia. I might as well do my fake job as Vincent Cait and record the whole Victory Tour. This could be a set of interesting visits to the districts for sure. With Julia being the first Career since Orion Atomos have won the Games. For some reason, I have a feeling that this will kickstart the victor's race again, the Career districts are sure going to start with their training of potential victors once more.

I, for one, cannot wait for that.

Rooster McCoy, Victor of the 13th Hunger Games
District Four
Victory Tour

The Victory Tour is going well, that's what his stylist as well as his escort: Amrit Espinosa and Pedro Gruger respectively, are telling him anyway. There's something restrictive about the entire process, how the cameras portray him as someone that's strong and in control when, in actuality, his own escort is telling him things to say and his stylist is showing him how to dress. His free time dictated with back to back interviews within the lounge carriage of the train, no breaks in between.

Capitol people ask him questions in real time and he answers whatever comes to his head at the time. His favourite colour being dusty brown, how he likes his eggs, his hobbies including helping out in his parent's farm. Almost every question answered was followed by a smile, as instructed by both Pedro and Amrit. There's never enough time for himself to reflect or to even think.

The stylist and the escort are too much to handle but he bites his tongue and leaves it be. Not that he didn't like the two, but they can be quite tiring when you're spending day in and day out with them every single day. The first eight districts went by as such a blur that he couldn't even tell you what he said or what he wore. He watched replies of it all, for future tips and pointers, and is surprised at what he saw.

"You look tired kid," he looks up to see Equss Walker, his rebel mentor, with a glass of whiskey in hand, standing by the doorway. "Take a rest before we get off the train."

"There's no time!" Amrit seemingly appear out of nowhere, barging his way through followed by Pedro. "We need to get you dressed and ready."

"The kid needs at least an hour or so to rest." Equss fights back and stands in front of Rooster. "Give him that much at least, you're working him to death, I'll be surprised if he even sees the Capitol again."

"Fine." Amrit says after a long uncomfortable silence and leaves in a huff.

"One hour," Pedro smiles and then follows the angry stylist.

There's finally some peace as Equss sits beside Rooster on the comfortable brown plush sofa. The train had technically stopped at the station, but it's too early in the morning to really do anything. The crew had left to organise the square for the arrival of the newest victor. They had their cameras and posters ready to hand out to the citizens of Four.

The posters made for his tour, the primary features showcasing his tall stature, the white jacket that every tribute had worn, as well as stained red whenever they were stabbed wearing it. He could remember the last time he saw that blood red colour on the otherwise pristine white coat. He was standing on a cliff edge, the same one that the boy from Nine fell into when Ajax Craik had plunged a sword straight through. Instead of it being a lush green, it was covered in snow.

The arena, the same one used two Hunger Games ago, was now a tundra. Trees had lost their leaves, debris from the year's Hunger Games were gone and instead covered in a white pile of crystallised water, soft yet crunchy under their boots; much like the bones Rooster had heard whenever the Twos or the Ones had encountered a tribute. The season drastically changed to winter, the Capitol flaunting their technological brilliance in front of the whole Panem.

Rooster tend to not think about his arena as he tears his eyes away from the poster on the wall. He was wearing his pyjamas still, one that's specifically suited for him and his tall stature. He sighed as he closes his eyes, rubbing what little sleep he had gathered in his eye sockets. This is going to be a long day, he could tell already.

District Four was quiet in the morning, a lot quieter than Ten is in the morning. The sounds of animals and machinery could be heard before even the sun had risen and would continue to be noisy until the sun had said 'goodnight'.

A noise that the victor now dearly missed as he has been away for nearly a week now.

"How do you feel?" Equss asked him, taking a swig of the light brown alcohol.

"Heavy hearted. Scared. Nervous." He listed out anything and everything he could feel to the man.

Equss Walker had admitted to him, just before they arrived in the district, that he was originally from Four. His family moving right before the start of the war and the Dark Days. Although that didn't really stop him from fighting in the war and instigating rebellion in Ten along with the Ramone family. He could tell that the man was hiding his sorrow at returning to his birthplace, the fact that the man was drinking this early was a dead giveaway; he normally waited until after lunchtime.

"Just read whatever that Pedro had written for you and you should be grand." He says before leaving the carriage, probably in search of some more alcohol.

Rooster did read everything that was written, even though he disagreed with almost every word on the placards. His heart and stomach simultaneously twist into knots when there's something he didn't particularly want to read; the way he feels the vomit burning his throat. His look of nervousness obvious to the crowds he was speaking to.

He felt that way the first time when he spoke of the Twelve boy, how it was written that his sacrifice was for the greater good. How grateful his family should feel that his son had helped him win. The day after that visit ended, Rooster had locked himself in his room ignoring the shouting from both Pedro and Amrit. He just wanted to close his eyes and think of home.

Now here he is, probably going to read about the sacrifices of both Four tributes. He's scared, first of all, that the whole district is going to hate him. Their shot at another victory stolen by some farm boy from Ten. He had to suck it up, there's only three more districts after this one and then he's nearly free. Although he doesn't really know how free he was now that the next Hunger Games are starting after his Victory Tour. He sighed as he goes to where Amrit was to finally get dressed and get this speech over and done with.

It could only go up from here.

"What do you mean maintenance!?" Amrit practically screams when they get back to the train station a Peacekeeper was standing there telling the stylist about the emergency maintenance.

"There was a malfunction on one of the engines, sir." He tells them, no apologies or anything given. "It would take a day or so to fix but feel free to board the train and wait there."

The stylist sighs and boarded the train, Pedro thanked the Peacekeeper and followed suit. Equss was already inside and Rooster stood there, underneath the clear roof of the station. The sun bathing him in a warm light. He's essentially stuck in Four for a day. Tide was there too; his smile never seems to fade as he taps the boy's shoulder. Rooster turned around and sighed.

"Come and stay at my house," he said. "Even for a little while."

"I might as well," he replies. "Better than staying with those two plus Equss."

Tide seemed to chuckle at that and he led him towards the district, the stage in the square was being torn apart already; getting rid of decorations and general mess. His posters litter the ground, a solemn look on his face within each and every one. He stepped on a couple as he follows the older victor into a streets of market stalls and then streets of fancy looking houses before ending closer to the edge of the district, surrounded by tall block fences, made of limestone or something like that, green vines climbing certain areas.

A large metal gate opens in the middle, the arch had the letters 'Victor's Village' on it. His eyes widen at each of the houses or rather villas. All were painted white, reflecting sunlight. In the middle of the district was a fountain, angel statues littered the fountain all playing in the water that's sprouting from the very top. The footpath to each of the villas were gravel as their shoes crunch with every step.

"My house is on the left there." Tide points. "Arlo is opposite mines."

He looked at Tide's house first, a quaint front garden, white picket fence. It's almost too perfect and then he looked towards Arlo's, brand new and still pristine. There's nothing that stands out too much from it, granted it has only been a year since the victor had won.

"Come one, we can talk more inside my house."

As they walk closer to Tide's home, he can see the house clearer. Stone houses that look elegant painted white. The fence swings outwards as Tide walked in. The gravel path lead to the house, grass on either side as well as flowers and other bushes that the victor must have planted. The inside of the house was very different to his own back in Ten. The ranch-like Victor's Village had rustic houses, more like ranch houses as opposed to villa looking ones. Several cliché wild west memorabilia littered his house. Cow-print rug and wooden floors were present.

Tide's house is entirely white, and cooler. The floors were marble or limestone. The walls decorated with pictures of the district and beaches. There's a fireplace with a spear on top pinned to the wall. He recognised immediately that it was the same one that the victor had used in his Games.

"Can't get rid of it." He tells him as he walked into the kitchen. "I've tried several times but it keeps coming back."

Rooster only nodded as he followed suit, Tide was pouring a glass of water then handing it to him. He takes a slow drink, Tide was unbuttoning the top button of his shirt and taking off his tie. He sighed heavily and drank some of the water too. An uncomfortable silence settles, and that's when Rooster thinks about the other victor.

"Will Arlo be joining us?" He asked Tide, but all the victor could do was smile.

"You hungry?" He asked, seemingly ignoring his question. "I'm afraid I can't compete with Capitol food, but fish is on the menu tonight."

"Yeah, sounds good." He replied. "I'll cook for you the next time you're in Ten."

"That, my friend, is a deal." He said as he began to work on the food.

Rooster then excused himself, he wanted to smoke badly ever since finishing the speech earlier. He just didn't want to say anything as he followed the victor through the busy markets and streets of Four. He didn't want to bother the people with his smoke either. He gets the all clear and he steps outside the front door. The air felt fresh as he takes out his pack of cigarettes and his lighter from his trouser pockets.

He was about to light the cigarette when he sees Arlo Venilia standing outside the fences. He looked angry, Rooster scans his body language, the way the glare from his hazel eyes pierce through his own blue ones. His hand balled up into fists and looking mad as if it's squeezing the life out of something, he tried to ignore his head saying that it was his own neck. The victor just stared back, but just as quick as the anger seem to flash, the boy deflates quickly and then he leaves.

Rooster forgot about the cigarette that is yet to be lit and followed the other victor. His beige suede shoes crunching on the gravel pathway that cuts from the house to the fence. He watched Arlo flee quickly, Rooster struggling to open the gate of the fence as he saw where he went.

The gravel path runs past the fountain, past several other empty houses and down a path, all the way at the other end of the village. A secret sort of path that ramps down onto a secluded beach. The waves lap by slowly and calmly, the sand already burrowing itself into his shoes, he didn't mind as this is the first time he has ever stepped on a beach, ever.

He's seen them before, obviously, on his way to the Capitol when he was reaped, and then back out once he had won. Then again when he made his way to Four for the Victory Tour. The bitter air was cold though as it nipped at his face, ruffling whatever style of hair Amrit had given him this morning. He lights a cigarette, takes a couple of drags from it as he begins to walk towards the beachfront.

"Why did you follow me?" Arlo said as Rooster made his way to stand beside him, hand in his pocket. "Why didn't you just leave me alone?"

He just shrugged his shoulders as he takes another long drag of the cigarette, blows the smoke away from the both of them and then proceed to flick the used stick onto the sandy beach, the water seemingly try to reach it before it gave up and retreats into the ocean.

Arlo picks up the cigarette butt and pockets it, "Don't litter."

Rooster gives a hearty laugh. Arlo eyes him suspiciously and tries to stop the boy from walking closer to the water but he just ignored him and walked closer and closer. His shoes, already sandy, begins to get wet but it feels so nice and so different.

"You know," he started, hands in both pockets as he looked towards the watery horizon. "I've never seen so much water in my life."

"I guess it's all just mountains and plains back in your district."

"Yeah…" It was a solemn agreement; the mention of home makes him feel lonely as he looks down to his now wet shoes.

With a heavy sigh, the victor from Ten sits down on the sand. The charcoal grey suit covered in sand now. He didn't really care, Amrit can shout at him for the rest of the tour for all he likes, he wants to make this moment last. Arlo sit beside him, both of them looking at the horizon. It reminded him of the same horizon from his moment of victory in the Games. After killing the boy from Four with his spear.

"I'm sorry," he says out of the blue. "I…I don't even know what to say."

"It's okay," Arlo says. "I felt the same."

They sit together in silence, comfortable silence. A smile on both their faces but it was soon cut short when someone shouts Rooster's name. They both look back to see that Pedro and Amrit are standing close to the steps leading back to the village. Tide was with them looking on apologetically.

"Well I guess they fixed the train fast," Rooster says standing up, Arlo following soon after. "I swear this isn't the last time you'll see me, I'll come back for this beautiful beach too."

Rooster McCoy, Victor of the 13th Hunger Games
Capitol, Club Valentino's
14th Hunger Games

There's nothing more tiring than looking for sponsors. The bar was bustling with potential targets for sponsors, but Rooster was too tired. He just wants the day to end, his tributes have a fair shot at the Games, both coming from somewhat strong backgrounds. He has eyed the other tributes too from the replays and he can tell that their only real opposition was the Two tributes. The way both of his tributes hung on to every word he said spurred his willingness to help them further.

Just then he felt a strong smell of aftershave attack his nostrils, but he couldn't help but smile as Arlo sits beside him on the bar stool, promptly orders a whiskey, neat, and gulps it all the way down. He slams the glass on the dark marble counter top earning a few stares. He ignored those stares as he begins to speak.

"Fuck, Ajax." He cursed as he looked to his friend. "The damn buffoon stole my sponsors."

"Well, hello to you too my good friend."

It's true that they ended up being good friends, there's more to their story after their brief encounter in that beach back in Four. Arlo ended up visiting Ten along with Tide. Rooster, or 'Hoss' as what he told them to call him from now on, had cooked, or rather his mother did, up a whole meal fit enough for a big family.

They met his family, Rooster's mother and father; his older brothers and then his younger sisters, who all lived in his ranch like home in the Victor's Village of Ten. It was a delight to meet them, everyone was welcoming and soon enough both the Four victors felt like they were home instead of being outsiders.

The smirk that appears in Rooster's face only seemed to foul his friend's mood as he gulped the whiskey that Rooster was nursing too. No complaints were given as he just laughed his very hearty laugh. He ordered another drink for the both of them.

"Sorry," he apologised and wraps an arm around his shoulder to say hello. "Any luck on your end?"

"Not much." He takes a sip of his whiskey feeling it burn down his throat.

"I think you have a real shot." Arlo said as he takes a sip of his own drink.

Little Pablo from Four, Arlo's own tribute, may not be a clean-cut winner but the victor is trying his best to convince sponsors, he gets the believers and ones that likes sad stories but the others not so much. People invest more with their money if they know they have a chance of winning, that's what Rooster is finding out.

"I hope so."

They drink in silence, comfortable with each other. The bustling crowd leave them be as the two of the newest victors drink their alcoholic beverages. They'll try again in a short while just before tributes go out for their interviews. For now, they'll leave the escorts to their jobs of trying to impress potential sponsors with their tributes.

One year later...

The bar was bustling again, a year has passed since their talk with each other. Arlo and Rooster have been given yet another chance to gather sponsors but joined by another: Gideon Clerwood of Seven, who seemed less likely to drink but enjoy their company none the same. No love was lost as during his own Games, Gideon had killed both the Ten tributes, who Rooster believed had a great shot of coming home.

He had to do what he could to survive, much like what Rooster had done when he killed Arlo's tributes. Little did they know, is that a little girl from Ten would outsmart the whole system of the Games through unconventional means that it set a precedent for future Games to follow.

A/N - Amended 4/2/19